Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Troy Cassar-Daley Previews New Album With “Let’s Ride” Single

You always know you’re in such good hands when Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Troy Cassar-Daley drops new music. In May he’ll release his 12th studio album Between The Fires, but he’s giving us an early taste with the release of a new single “Let’s Ride.” Featuring guest vocals from Kasey Chambers, it celebrates Troy’s love of cars and the freedom the open road provides. Like the other songs from Between The Fires, Troy wrote this song after the loss of his parents, when he found himself as a personal and professional crossroads.

“The new album was recorded at my late mum’s old place at Halfway Creek and is incredibly special on many levels. It’s the place I moved to when my Nan Daley died in 1979 and where I lived for many years,” Troy explained. “The reason I wanted to record there was that after losing Mum and going back with a very heavy heart, I started to write songs. I started to feel that this was the centre of my musical universe again, just like it was growing up. I came to realise that I still have music in me. All I had to do was return to the well and that record collection in our old house on beautiful Gumbaynggirr country which soothed me during my sorry business. I want this album to reflect that there isn’t a more powerful place in the world than a childhood home. To know Mum was there in spirit to help guide this record was a true gift.”

Between The Fires is slated for release on May 10. Troy’s got a couple of festival appearances coming up before its release, when he’ll embark on a national tour.

16 – 18 February 2024 – Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Bibbulmun Country/Boyup Brook
16 April 2024 – QMF Outback Trails, Kunja Country/Cunnamulla
30 May 2024 – RSM Club, Djanangmum/Casino
31 May 2024 – Twin Towns, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
6 June 2024 – Country Club, Dunghutti Country/South West Rocks
7 June 2024 – CEX, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
8 June 2024 – Yamba Bowls, Yaegl Country/Yamba
9 June 2024 – Coronation Hall, Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl Country/Coutts Crossing
13 June 2024 – Gulgong Bowling Club, Wiradjuri Country/Gulgong
14 June 2024 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
15 June 2024 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
28 June 2024 – Boab Festival, Nyiginka Country/Derby
29 June 2024 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Rubibi/Broome
12 July 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 July 2024 – Old Mill, Bukartilla/Hahndorf
14 July 2024 – Big Easy Radio, Kaurna Country/Aldinga Beach
19 July 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
2 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
3 August 2024 – The Factory, Eora/Sydney
9 August 2024 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
10 August 2024 – Milton Theatre, Yuin Country/Milton
16 August 2024 – Commercial Club, Bungambrawatha/Albury
17 August 2024 – Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
11 – 13 October 2024 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
18 October 2024 – The River Hotel, Wooditup/Margaret River
19 October 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
20 October 2024 – Bridgetown Pottery, Geegelup/Bridgetown
8 November 2024 – Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 November 2024 – Butter Factory, Bunurong Country/Kingston
10 November 2024 – The Dag Pub, Turrbal, Garumngar and Jinibara Country/D’aguilar
21 November 2024 – Bairnsdale RSL, Gunaikurnai Country/Bairnsdale
22 November 2024 – Noojee Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Noojee
23 November 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
24 November 2024 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Anglesea

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Harrison Releases Inspiring New Single, “Start Again”

There are few things I enjoy better than listening to really great folk music. You know the type, with well-crafted lyrics and gentle instrumentation. There’s always an acoustic guitar, but if you get lucky and there’s some strings and a piano in the mix, heaven. So you can bet I’ve fallen hard for Tom Harrison’s latest single, “Start Again.”

Starting again is something Tom knows about all too well, as he decided to branch out from his band Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers, build a home studio, and revisit a long-shelved concept album about a year-long road trip across North America. Travelling with his wife, Tom lived in a Chevy van and explored Canada and the United States.

“If my first song ‘How Long’ was about reflecting on this overseas trip I took and how I spent my time, ‘Start Again’ is very much about the start of the journey and telling myself that there’s so much out there to explore and create or recreate in myself. Seize the day!” Tom enthused.

“Start Again” comes from Tom’s debut EP Old Growth, which should land in the first half of this year. You can see him playing the single and others from that release at Little Big Fest at Dunder in Meeanjin/Brisbane on March 9.

Image used with permission from Tom Harrison

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers & LULLANAS Team Up For “Wilder”

Our own Pierce Brothers have teamed up with another sibling duo, Philadelphia-based LULLANAS, for their latest single “Wilder.”

“’Wilder’ is a track that I have been so excited about for such a long time. I knew we could make something special with it! It’s a song about the passing of time while looking in the eyes of your child, and I wanted the vibe and energy to build up to the very best of what Pierce Brothers can do,” said Jack Pierce. “Taking the song from a quiet, thoughtful place to a rambunctious and raucous indie folk explosion was always the plan, but bringing in LULLANAS was an absolute game changer! Their spectacular vocals really added something that I didn’t know I was missing! They’ve been the best to work with!”

“Being able to collaborate with The Pierce Brothers all the way from Pennsylvania felt like crossing oceans without actually crossing them, making this collaboration extra special,” LULLANAS added. “We were so excited when Pierce Brothers invited us to collaborate on this track! Working with another twin duo was a unique experience. Hearing their voices blend seamlessly, and adding our layers to it, was truly cool. We adore the infectious energy and uplifting vibes of this song. The combo of upbeat melodies and positive tones really makes us want to hop in the car and drive for miles!”

“Wilder” is the fourth release from Pierce Brothers’ upcoming studio album Everything is Bigger Than Me, and it’s certainly ramping up the anticipation. The brothers recorded and co-produced the release (with Phil Threlfall) at Jack’s home studio, a process which provided some real perks.

“Being able to bring the team out to us and set up shop for a month without having to do setups each day or even really travelling to the studio was so freeing!” said Pat. “We were really able to dig into so many cool ideas and then sit with them over dinner, then get back into the studio to break them down and tear them apart! It was the best way for us to explore what we wanted to share!”

Everything is Bigger Than Me drops on March 28. Pierce Brothers will embark on a massive eight-month national tour with headlining shows and festival appearances to celebrate its release.

2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
3 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
14 March 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston
15 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 March 2024 – Hobart Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
30-31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
11 April 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
12 April 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
13 April 2024 – Riverview Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Tarwin Lower
14 April 2024 – Live in the Glen, Brayakaulung Country/Glengarry (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“RECKLESS” – Arig

Arig is one of those special talents that refuses to be pigeonholed. She showcases the full breadth of her artistry with the release of RECKLESS today, the long-awaited follow-up to her 2018 debut EP, Attrition.

I loved Attrition, an EP which explored Arig’s feelings about growing up with her mum in government housing in Australia after the pair fled conflict-ridden Eritrea, so I was keen to wrap my ears around this release. So I was a bit taken aback by the opening tracks, “His Nation” and “Pop Off”. They’re real party jams, with unashamedly swaggy lyrics, a real departure from the introspective music on the first EP.

But by the third track, “Lambos in Logan”, I was warming to this reinvented Arig. With its deep bass groove and confident lyrics, it makes a strong statement that Arig is a real force. “Intoxicated” is a more stripped back, like an old-school slow jam. Arig picks up the tempo again for “Goodness Gracious,” an infectious R’n’B bop with some powerful lyrics about loving someone who’s hurt you deeply.

While I appreciated Arig’s evolution, in my opinion she saves the best for last. From the moment you hear the opening acoustic notes of “Freedom.” A beautifully simple folk song, it’s simultaneously emotionally vulnerable and strong. This is such an intimate recording, one that lets you hear every movement of the guitarist’s hands and every break in Arig’s voice. I was determined to write a review of this EP based on the strength of this song alone. It’s that good.

While Arig played with genres with her first release, she seems even more determined to take risks here. A self-described “messy chameleon,” it’s hard to believe that the artist who bared her soul in “Freedom” is the same one fronting in “His Nation.” Some songs I fell for instantly while others took me a little longer, but I appreciate that she’s showing us all sides of herself and taking risks. It’s so diverse that you might not love the entire RECKLESS EP, but you certainly won’t forget it.

RECKLESS is out now. Arig’s got EP launch dates in the works, but until then people in her new hometown of Eora/Sydney can see her play an intimate free show at The Dock on February 18.

Main photo credit: James Kenny

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zara Haines Releases Girl Power Anthem, “the blonde”

Zara Haines has just released her new pop-rock anthem, “the blonde,” and I know it’s going to strike a chord with anyone who’s relished moving on after a bad relationship. At a time when Australia isn’t producing nearly enough great pop music, this one feels like a breath of fresh air.

“I wanted ‘the blonde’ to feel like a crime scene, telling the story of the demise of a relationship and the fiery revenge stage we all feel,” Zara explained. “It’s a song that allows you to let out all those pent-up emotions and just have a good time.”

If you love this track, you’re in luck. Zara tells me you’ll be hearing a lot more from here in 2024. Follow her socials to make sure you hear all about those new releases first.

Image used with permission from Zara Haines

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucinda Poy Drops Fantastic Debut, “Just Fine”

Lucinda Poy proves she’s a talent to watch with the release of her debut indie rock single “Just Fine.” There just aren’t enough women playing in this space at the moment, so I’m pretty excited by this track!

“‘Just Fine’ is about piecing yourself together after facing challenges. People I’ve depended on have left without warning, built up my hopes too high… and I was crushed, so I had great material to work with!” she admitted. “I wanted to reassure the listener that it would all be okay, that the facade of being ‘Just Fine’ would eventually turn true. “

Lucinda grew up in Meeanjin/Brisbane, but moved to Boorloo/Perth to study the Advanced Music Artist course at the acclaimed WAAPA. She’s built a big following in both cities, winning the best original song at the 2022 Wynnum Fringe Festival, providing pre-game entertainment at The Gabba, and performing on the famous Perth Telethon. I think it’s about time the rest of the country discovered how good she is, don’t you?

Lucinda will launch “Just Fine” at her adopted hometown’s Indian Ocean Hotel on February 25.

Photo credit: Phoebe Faye

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Buoys Release Fantastic New Single, “Guard My Heart”

Eora/Sydney-based indie-rockers The Buoys have just dropped their emotional new single “Guard My Heart.” With its raw, relatable lyrics and infectious melody, I know you’re going to love this one.

“I think my favourite thing about ‘Guard My Heart’ is how it has shape shifted over time to have several meanings to me personally,” said lead vocalist Zoe Catterall. “Originally written to guide me through my first ever break-up in 2016, over time it became an anthem for the heart-wrenching best friend break-up for me, and the more I listen to it, the more I realise it’s a biiiig hug for when you have to let someone go for better or for worse, to protect your own heart and maybe even theirs too.”

“To me, it’s about reckoning with how to get on with your life in spite of everything feeling irrevocably different post-break-up,” added lead guitarist Hilary Geddes. “We hope it offers comfort and catharsis – there’s space in this song to feel both utterly liberated AND fit in a little cry in the chorus at the same time.”

The Buoys have got stacks of cool gigs on the horizons, including headlining shows and choice festival slots, so make sure you get out and see them when they’re visiting your city.

8 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka Country/Carrick
10 February 2024 – Laneway Festival @ St Jerome’s Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
11 February 2024 – Victoria’s Pride Street Parade, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2024 – Great Southern Nights @ Albion Hotel, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
23 March 2024 – Chilled Out ‘N’ Fired Up Festival @ Caltowie Memorial Oval, Ngadjuri and Kaurna Country/Caltowie

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Miller-Heidke @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 6 February 2024

Avoca Beach Theatre has a way of encouraging me to see those Australian artists I’ve always intended to see. Who can resist when these talents play in such a charming, intimate venue so close to home in front of such respectful, enthusiastic audiences? A night at Avoca Beach Theatre is always a real treat. So much so that I’m almost loathe to tell you, because I don’t want it to get so popular that I can no longer get tickets! It’s the risk I take though; it’s such a special place. And it was the perfect place to see Kate Miller-Heidke on her Catching Diamonds tour.

While I was looking forward to Kate’s set, I was honestly less enthusiastic about seeing Georgia Mooney’s support slot. I’d loved her work in All Our Exes Live in Texas, but her solo album wasn’t for me. The vocals were pretty, but the music just didn’t quite grab me. In the live arena though, I was captivated. Her voice is so unique and special. She’s such a giving performer, keen to share a joke and the stories behind her music. The songs were a little more stripped back than on the recording, with just Georgia and her guitarist Marcus Hamblett bringing them to life. Honestly, I think they were better for it. I also think getting to experience the songs like this, with no other distractions, was key. Georgia’s music doesn’t make the best workday soundtrack. Her songs are slow burners, with a beauty that you might miss if you’re not paying attention. I’ll have to revisit them.

Kate also stripped things back, playing the show with her husband Keir Nuttall on acoustic guitar rather than a big band. Honestly, I’m glad this was the way I got to experience my first full-length Kate Miller-Heidke show. Minimal instrumentation ensured those once-in-a-lifetime vocals could really shine. It was also a joy watching Kate watching her husband. She beamed with admiration as he relished his guitar solos, and I smiled right along with her.

The set was a beautiful celebration of all that is Kate, from her breakthrough single “Words” to music from her forthcoming album. There were songs from her latest musical theatre effort Bananaland, the stunning version of “Paint it Black” that kick=started her Masked Singer journey, and even a delightfully operatic take on Talking Heads’ “Psycho Killer” to close the show. There were too many highlights to mention, but one of the most special was when she brought 13-year-old local talent Erin up to sing “Caught in the Crowd”. This beautiful song had extra gravitas coming from the mouth of a teen still in high school and likely caught up in the kind of politics the song references. And what a brilliant singer Erin is! I didn’t have half the courage she did at her age. Watching Kate’s face full of admiration as she graciously took backing vocals was really something special. But honestly, the whole show was.

The Catching Diamonds tour has only just kicked off, so most of the country still has the opportunity to see one of these magical shows. Many dates have sold out though, so get tickets anywhere you can.

7 February 2024 – The Art House Wyong, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
9 February 2024 – The Pavillion Performing Arts Centre, Dharawal Country/Sutherland (SOLD OUT)
10 February 2024 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Oryang-Ora Country/Springwood (SOLD OUT)
11 February 2024 – Glen Street Theatre, Gadigal Land/Belrose (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2024 – Goulburn Performing Arts Centre, Gundungurra Country/Goulburn
14 February 2024 – Tallagandra Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
29 February 2024 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandjoogoordap/Mandurah
1 March 2024 – Margaret River HEART, Wooditup/Margaret River
8 March 2024 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 March 2024 – Logan Entertainment Centre, Yugambeh Country/Logan
10 & 11 March 2024 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy
13 March 2024 – Star Court Theatre, Tchukarmboli/Lismore (SOLD OUT)
26 April 2024 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Biripi Country/Taree
27 April 2024 – Long Point Vineyard, Guruk/Port Macquarie
28 April 2024 – Jetty Memorial Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (SOLD OUT)
2 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
3 May 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff (SOLD OUT)
10 May 2024 – Bunjil Place, Boonwurrung Country/Narre Warren
11 May 2024 – The Round, Wurundjeri Country/Nunawading
25 May 2024 – Riverside Theatre, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
26 May 2024 – The Joan, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
30 August 2024 – Karralyka Theatre, Wurundjeri Country/Ringwood
31 August 2024 – Wendouree Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
1 September 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (SOLD OUT)
7 September 2024 – Caloundra Events Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
11 September 2024 – The J Theatre, Noothera/Noosa
14 September 2024 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
20 September 2024 – Frankston Performing Arts Centre, Kulin Country/Frankston
21 September 2024 – Burrinja Theatre, Wurundjeri and Bunurrong Country/Upwey
27 September 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 September 2024 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Griffith
11 October 2024 – Geelong Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

FISHER’S OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL Set to Bring the Heat This May

The summer months tend to be stacked with shows, but our calendars look a little bare once the mercury dips. However, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast-raised international superstar DJ FISHER thinks any time of year is right for a beach party, so he’s launching FISHER’S OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL this May.

Curated and headlined by FISHER, the show will also see Brazil-based DJ Vintage Culture, Flight Facilities, Little Fritter, and Shimmy entertaining the crowds til late.

“Guys, I’m coming down under! Are you kidding? We’re on the beach, we’re going mad, get your tickets and get ready to rock & roll. See you on the dance floor!” FISHER promised.

The party happens on Coolangatta Beach on May 4. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, February 9. All tickets include access to a free shuttle which will take you to and from the event, which access points at Broadbeach Light Rail Station, Varsity Lakes Railway Station, Cavanbah/Byron Bay and Durring/Brunswick Heads.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kita Alexander and LAUREL Join Forces for “All Night”

Our own Kita Alexander has teamed up with UK pop starlet LAUREL for “All Night,” a feelgood track that’s bound to put a smile on your face. If there was ever a perfect pop song, this might be it.

“I honestly feel so privileged that LAUREL wanted to come into the studio with me on one of her only days off during her Aussie tour,” Kita enthused. “We’ve always been fans of each other’s music, so to meet for the first time while writing together was really cute. This song is about having that one friend who is always there for you and can pull you out of dark places. We really play on this sentiment as we alternate line for line in the chorus. On the first listen back we realised our voices actually have a really similar tone, but if you focus you can definitely differentiate us as we tag team the lyrics.”

“I have been a huge fan of Kita for a long time so it is such a dream to collaborate,” LAUREL added. “This track is so summery and playful, it’s actually my first duet. The chorus gives me a real Spice Girls vibe as we’re singing about leaning on our friends. It came about really naturally when I popped into one of Kita’s sessions, in the middle of my Australian tour. We only had four hours but the song kind of fell out of us really quickly! They’re always the best ones.”

“All Night” comes from Kita’s debut album Young in Love, which will hit the streaming services on March 22. To celebrate its release, Kita will hit the road with Jem Cassar-Daley and San Joseph. Talk about a stacked lineup! That’s in addition to a bunch of festival appearances in the lead up to those headlining shows. Here are those all-important dates!

10 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka Country/Carrick
9 March 2024 – Play on the Plains, Wamba Wamba and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin
10 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Stuart Park, Woolyungah/Wollongong
16 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ M.O. Moran Park, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
17 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Victoria Park, Ballaarat/Ballarat
20 March 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
23 March 2024 – Summersalt Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Sandstone Point
24 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Seppeltsfield Wines, Peramangk Country/Seppeltsfield
12 April 2024 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
13 April 2024 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 April 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
26 April 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
27 April 2024 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Tsarina Merrin