If you’re a fan of old-school hip hop as I am, Talib Kweli needs no introduction. Coming out of Brooklyn, he formed Black Star with Mos Def in the late ‘90s. Both artists carved out massive solo careers and Talib formed his own record label Javotti Media. In recent years he’s collaborated with the likes of Anderson .Paak, Q-Tip, and Winston Surfshirt. And away from the music scene, he’s been a fierce campaigner against racial inequality and police brutality. In short, he’s one of the most influential people in the hip hop scene, and he’s coming to Australia this November.
Not only is Talib coming, but he’s coming to some tiny venues. Insanely small considering his stature in the hip hop world. So tickets will not last long people. You have been warned. They’re on sale now from the links below.
Memphis hard rock act Sleep Theory burst onto the music scene in 2019, and then COVID-19 happened. Any plans for world domination got put on hold, until now. With one album and a couple of EPs under their belts, they’re finally heading our way, and they’re bringing fellow American band RIVALS along for the ride.
I must admit, while I was aware of Sleep Theory I wasn’t across their music before this announcement. But that’s taken me down a bit of a rabbit hole. The hard rock tag doesn’t really do them justice because their music really blurs genre lines. It’s so melodic and hooky, with pop and R&B influences that really set them apart.
They’re going to tear the roof off the venues they’re playing next February. Many venues have already been upgraded, but I still can’t see tickets lasting into the New Year. Get them while you can music lovers!
I’ll admit, I don’t cover a lot of music from metalcore acts like Windwaker because they typically rock just a little hard for my taste. However, I always make a point of listening because I never know when something outside my preferred genres will spark joy. I’m so glad I stay open-minded, because if I didn’t I’d miss gems like their latest single “closer.” It comes from Windwaker’s forthcoming third album, smile, you’re on camera, which they say is their best record yet.
“smile, you’re on camera is undeniably our best and most focused collection of songs to date,” Windwaker enthused. “We learned so much making this record together, and we’re incredibly proud of what it’s become. It opens the door to who we are, and offers a glimpse into our world through the highs and the lows. It’s the most personal and honest Windwaker has ever been.”
smile, you’re on camera drops on October 23 and you can preorder a vinyl or CD copy right now. To celebrate its release, Windwaker will travel around the country playing some massive shows with US band The Pretty Wild and local up-and-comers RinRin and DREGG. Then they’ll fly overseas for more gigs in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Tickets for all those shows are on sale now from the links below.
Twenty-eight years ago, Bachelor Girl released their debut album Waiting for the Day. It was a monster hit, spawning beloved singles like “Permission to Shine,” “Treat Me Good,” and “Buses and Trains.” And now, Bachelor Girl and some of their famous friends are revisiting that release with Waiting for the Day: Artist Sessions.
This album is absolutely stacked with talent. I’m talking Jessica Mauboy, Guy Sebastian, Darren Hayes, Delta Goodrem, S-tier Aussie acts. They help breathe new life into these songs, adding artistic flair that transforms them into something brand new. I appreciate the creativity and intent, even if I don’t always like the results. As a massive fan of the original album, some of the ultra-pop renditions fall a little flat for me. But when this album gets it right, it gets it so right. The rock edge of Suze DeMarchi on “Don’t Hold Back” and Jon Stevens on “This Must Be Love” play perfectly with Tania Doko’s iconic vocals. Michael Paynter proves why he’s one of the nation’s most in-demand singers when he joins Tania on “I Don’t Believe You.”
While the star power will encourage people to press play, it’s the core elements that made this album great the first time around that inspire repeat listens. Decades have passed, but the songs on Waiting for the Day are still so good. Tania Doko and James Roche created something so special with this album, and that legacy is celebrated here. It’s so fitting that Tania and James are the ones to deliver the title track and final number. While the star cameos are fun, the founding members of Bachelor Girl still shine so brightly without them.
Whether you look back on this album with nostalgia like I do or you’re new to the songs and lured by the stars, Waiting for the Day: Artist Sessions is an exciting release. It’s not as flawless as the original, but there are some real moments of brilliance here.
Waiting for the Day: Artist Sessions is out today. Bachelor Girl will support its release with the following shows:
I am always a big believer in finding the right song at the right time. For most people, Alex Lahey’s rerecorded version of “Lets Go Out” featuring Slowly Slowly would just make them long for the weekend. But Wednesday is my pub trivia night, so this one will definitely soundtrack my day! Even if you’re not looking forward to a few bevvies this evening, I know you’ll appreciate the way Slowly Slowly complement Alex on this track.
“When I asked Slowly Slowly to be a part of the rerecording of ‘Let’s Go Out’, I told them I wanted ‘the full Slowly treatment,’ Alex said. “And, boy, did they deliver! I think Slowly are one of the greatest Australian bands of all time and it’s such an honour to have them involved in this recording produced by none other than Ben Stewart himself.”
Ben was equally effusive in his praise of Alex, noting “Working with Alex was a breeze – it was like we had always been in a band together or something! I loved being a part of the effortless recreations of these sentimental and adored songs – the hardest part was trying to honour the originals, but I think we got to a place where they hold their own in a new light.” This new version of “Lets Go Out” features on B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), a reimagining of Alex’s breakthrough EP. She’s hitting all the major capitals to promote it, so get your tickets now.
The release of Toy, by Eora/Sydney punk act Dear Seattle, was one of my musical highlights of 2025. Dear Seattle’s recent announcement of a regional Australian tour with America’s Seahaven encouraged me to press play again, and it still sounds every bit as good.
While Dear Seattle are an old favourite, I’m new to Seahaven’s music. It’s pretty fantastic though, moody and atmospheric with a cinematic quality that’s so compelling. This alternative rock act has been making music for two decades so I’m not sure what rock I’ve been hiding under, but better late to discover them than never!
And if the lineup wasn’t already stacked enough, Late 90s, Lucky, and Bad Neighbour will also join the bill for selected shows. All dates are for adults only except for the Tommaghan/Tomakin gig. Tickets are on sale now for Dear Seattle’s massive regional rock shows from the links below:
Casey Barnes celebrates the love of his life, his wife Michelle, with his latest single “SHE DOES.” It’s an upbeat country-pop anthem sure to resonate with anyone who’s found their special someone.
“‘SHE DOES’ isn’t just another cliché country song… it’s really about something much deeper,” Casey said. “It’s about the person who still believes in you when you’re doubting yourself, who holds your world together when life gets chaotic, and who loves you even when you give them every reason not to. I think that’s something a lot of people will connect with.”
Casey co-wrote “this song”SHE DOES” in Nashville with acclaimed songwriters Jordan Dozzi, known for his work with Morgan Wallen and Post Malone, and Kyle Sturrock, who’s worked with Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley. But don’t think Casey’s forgetting his roots. He’ll release his new album MADE FOR THIS on August 7, the same day he embarks on his largest national headline tour. There are more dates to come, but for now you can put these in your calendar!
Buoyed by its appearance on the final episode of Packed to the Rafters, “Rock and Roll” by Eric Hutchinson hit number one on the ARIA charts in April 2009. And since then, most of us haven’t thought about him. He hasn’t just faded away though. He’s released seven full-length studio albums and an EP and toured the States with Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Lawrence, Rachel Platten, and heaps more. And he’s coming back to Australia for the first time in 16 years this November.
“I honestly have no idea why I never came back to Australia, other than the fact that it’s super far away from New York City, where I live,” Eric admitted. “I’ve had so many folks reach out over the years and ask me to come play, but the timing never worked out until now. I can’t wait to reconnect with all the listeners after so many years. It’s gonna be special.”
The tour announcement prompted me to dig deep into Eric’s back catalogue, and I’m wondering why I never got into him sooner. He’s got a similar positive soul sensibility to some of my favourites like Allen Stone and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. It takes a lot to get me to a standing-room gig and I’m already seeing two shows that same week, but this tour’s intimate venues and acoustic sets is seriously tempting me. Then there’s the addition of Australian Idol winner Marshall Hamburger as support. Seriously tempted. If you are too, click the links below for some tickets.
Jessica Mauboy has just released a timely reminder of just what a firecracker she is on stage. Her latest digital EP Live at Mighty Hoopla Sydney features performances of four fan favourites captured at the massive LGBTQIA+ festival earlier this year.
“Mighty Hoopla was honestly one of the most fun and uplifting crowds I’ve ever played to,” Jessica said. “There was just so much love, freedom and happiness in the air, everyone completely letting go and living in the moment through music. We recorded the performance, and listening back afterwards, I kept feeling that same energy and connection. I really wanted to release this EP to capture that feeling and bottle up that moment so fans could experience it with me too.”
Jessica will be back on stages soon on her Story of Me tour. These intimate shows see Jess reflecting on her career through music and candid stories. These shows offer a much more personal experience than your typical gigs, so make sure you don’t miss them.
Noughties R&B icon Ashanti is heading back to Australia this November. If you caught her on her 2022 tour, you know these shows shouldn’t be missed.
Ashanti is one of those artists with a body of work that’s much larger than you think. I’ve got down a bit of a Spotify rabbit hole and been surprised to realise just how many of her songs I know. “Always on Time,” “What’s Luv?” and “Foolish” are just three reasons these shows will go off.
“Australia and New Zealand has always shown me so much love, and I’m so excited to be coming back this coming fall for my ‘Rock Wit U’ tour!” Ashanti enthused. “The energy, the fans, the memories — it’s always so amazing. I can’t wait to Rock with you all! Australia and New Zealand get ready… we’re going to have a blast together!”
Tickets for Ashanti’s upcoming Aussie shows are on sale now from the links below:
