Tag: Australian tour

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“people just do good things sometimes” – Pinkish Blu

In the darkest times, music can lift us up. Today was supposed to be the last day of the Greater Sydney lockdown, but as that date approached I think most of us knew we were headed for more of the same. For me, knowing that Adelaide band Pinkish Blu were dropping their sophomore EP people just do good things sometimes, was the silver lining. I’ve been listening to an advance copy for the last couple of weeks and I’m thrilled that now everyone gets the opportunity, perhaps when they need it most.

I raved about the singles “Backward” and “Start a Band” on their release, so I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around more of Pinkish Blu’s music. Opening track “Old Blue” starts like a modern lullaby, gently drawing us in until the beat drops. It’s such a clever song, with its contrasting movements taking us on enough twists and turns to remind us that Pinkish Blu are no ordinary indie-pop band. Their synth-heavy sound reminds me of international bands like LANY, The 1975, and The Band CAMINO, but there’s a special something that sets them apart.

The remaining songs go down easy. I was reminded just how much I love the singles, yet impressed that the unreleased tracks are every bit as strong. The twists and turns continue as we move from the upbeat banger, “Backward” to the more intimate ballad “Over Me.” Initially “Cop Cars” seemed like a strange choice a closing track, but the more I listened to this subtle ballad, the more it won my heart. And besides, more often than not I find myself hitting play and starting this EP all over again.

Pinkish Blu make the kind of happy-sad songs that I want to hear right now. Their lyrics explore some tough themes but they’re wrapped up in these perfect pop sounds that balance the darkness with light. people just do good things sometimes is out now. The band will play the following shows this October to support its release.

1 October 2021 – The Leadbeater, Melbourne
2 October 2021 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 October 2021 – The Lab, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Beehive PR: feature image credit Noah Sutherland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Drop Shiny New Single, “Red Light”

The VANNS have reminded me just how much I love their music with the release of their latest single “Red Light.” Their debut album Through the Walls was my favourite release of 2019, and if this new track is any indication, I’m going to lap up the next one. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For now, hit play and let this killer rock track wash over you.

The South Coast band recorded “Red Light” in Byron Bay, and I can definitely hear the influence of that town in this track. There’s a relaxed cool to the vocals and guitars, although it never threatens the song’s intensity.

“We recorded ‘Red Light’ in an insanely nice studio just outside of Byron Bay called The Music Farm. We did a few days there and recorded a couple of tunes with producer/all-round legend Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Ruby Fields). The process was pretty stress-free, and we recorded live with all of us in the same room which I’d like to think translates on the recording,” explained lead guitarist Cameron Little.

“I view ‘Red Light’ as a story of a “lack of control” state of being. Not everything is as it may seem, jumping to reactions may cause more harm than good,” added the band’s drummer, Andrew Banovich. “For myself, this single was the first of many written with myself involved and shows a move towards a sound that is influenced a lot more on groove and feel.”

The clip saw the band travel to Broken Hill. The outback city provided a stunning backdrop, but it wasn’t without its challenges.

“It was hot, we were severely dehydrated and we are running in RM William boots, not the best combo but damn we had a ball,” admitted frontman Jimmy Vann. “We headed out to Broken Hill with our best mate and videographer Todd Hardingham (Senor Friday) to shoot a clip and try to capture as much red outback dirt as possible. We had no real plan, we were more in it for the journey and just being a bunch of young lads keen for a road trip but I’m stoked with how it turned out!”

With live music back on the agenda, The VANNS are hitting the road this winter. Catch them at the following venues around the country.

10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem Drops Banging “Billionaire” Single Ahead of Album, Rescheduled Tour

Delta Goodrem has really surprised me with the latest track from her Bridge Over Troubled Dreams album. Billionaire sounds like it could come from the soundtrack of a classic Western. It’s like nothing we’ve heard from her before. While it’s sonically very different, the deeply personal lyrics are a Delta trademark. She wrote and produced this one, so its creation has clearly been a labour of love.

“‘Billionaire’ is one of my favourite songs on the record. It’s gritty, unfiltered girl power,” she explained. “I’ve always been about leading with my heart and soul, and this song is about flipping social constructs on their head and saying, ‘I’m going to stand on my own two feet. I’m going to make things happen for myself.’”

Bridge Over Troubled Dreams will drop on May 14. That gives fans plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the songs, as Delta’s moved dates for the album tour from April and May to September and October. If you got tickets already, they’re valid for the rescheduled shows. However, there are still good seats available if you haven’t secured yours yet.

24 September 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
25 September 2021 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
30 September 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
2 October 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
6 October 2021 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville
8 October 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
9 October 2021 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
13 October 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
15 October 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
16 October 2021 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
21 October 2021 – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
22 October 2021 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
23 October 2021 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Spreads Good Vibes With “Only Thing Missing”

Guy Sebastian delivers another pop masterclass with the release of his latest single “Only Thing Missing.” Lifted from last year’s number one album T.R.U.T.H., it’s an effortlessly cool blend of pop and R’n’B, with a laidback funky groove and upbeat vibes. Just try listening to this one without a smile on your face.

“I wrote ‘Only Thing Missing’ on a songwriting camp in the thick of lockdown. It was one of the first virtual songwriting camps I had been a part of so it was a new way to write, which was actually exciting,” Guy explained. “For this session, I was in my home studio in Sydney and streaming online with Trevor and Zaire of The Orphanage, who were in LA. We started by building the track which was really fun, and we were loving the vibe and verses, but the chorus was taking time to come.”

Add the track to your Spotify or Apple Music library and you could win a signed Guy Sebastian puzzle. Guy will tour his T.R.U.T.H. album later this year. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows:

4 November 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
5 November 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
6 November 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast
10 November 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
12 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
13 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
14 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
17 November 2021 – Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo
19 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
20 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
21 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
22 November 2021 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
24 November 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
26 November 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
30 November 2021 – Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns
1 December 2020 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baby Animals Celebrate 30 Years Since First Album With Aussie Tour

It’s been 30 years since Baby Animals burst onto our scene with their iconic eight-times platinum ARIA Award-winning self-titled debut album. I was just 11 years old when it dropped, and I was sure Suze DeMarchi was the coolest woman on the planet. I hit play on that album again today and all the admiration I had for the band came flooding back from those first chords of “Rush You.” How has this album remained timeless through three decades? If you haven’t listened for a while, do yourself a favour. Then buy yourself some tickets for the band’s 30th Anniversary tour.

These shows promise all your favourite cuts from that killer debut, including “Early Warning,” Painless,” and “One Word.” I’ve seen the band play a few times over the past few years, and rest assured they’ve still got it. These shows will be epic.

Baby Animals will hit the road with Kingswood and stop at several capitals and major regional centres this winter. Check them out at the following shows.

25 June 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane,
16 July 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 July 2021 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
24 July 2021 – Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast
6 August 2021 – The Corner, Richmond
7 August 2021 – The Croxton, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thelma Plum Returns For Homecoming Queen Tour

In case you missed it, Thelma Plum is hitting some of Australia’s most beloved venues mid-year to cap off a bumper 12 months. During that time she released her acclaimed debut album Better in Blak, placed second in the triple j album of the year poll, because the highest fan-voted Indigenous artist in the Hottest 100’s history, and earned nominations for the Australian Music Prize Album of the Year, ARIAs, and APRA Song of the Year. She’ll cap it off with the Homecoming Queen tour, which borrows its name from one of her album’s more poignant moments.

“The last year has been pretty crazy for me since people started to hear Better in Blak, both the song and the album, and it’s been amazing to have the stories which were inside my head resonate with so many people,” Thelma explained. “It’s given me the opportunity to do some travelling and touring overseas, but it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t celebrate where we are going, but more importantly where we have been, I cannot wait to return and take my little band family and the wonderful Kira Puru on the road for the Homecoming Queen Tour.”

With the superb Kira Piru coming along for the ride, these shows are sure to be stellar. Tickets are on sale for Thelma’s headlining Homecoming Queen shows and festival appearances.

28 May 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
29 May 2020 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
30 May 2020 – Big Pineapple Festival, Sunshine Coast
5 June 2020 – The Metro, Sydney
6 June 2020 – UC Refectory, Canberra
7 June 2020 – Deadly Hearts, Adelaide
11 June 2020 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
12 June 2020 – Astor Theatre, Perth
13 June 2020 – The River, Margaret River,
19 June 2020 – Forum, Melbourne
20 June 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
26 June 2020 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
27 June 2020 – NEX, Newcastle
3 July 2020 – Gilligan’s, Cairns
4 July 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24-26 July 2020 – Splendour in the Grass 2020, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

WAAX Announces Big Tour For “Big Grief”

WAAX has had a massive 2019, playing shows from Melbourne to New York, including Aussie shows that sold out weeks in advance, and earning an Australian Music Prize nomination for their rocking album Big Grief. The Brisbane band is continuing its momentum with its biggest national tour to date kicking off next month.

Remember those Aussie shows sold out last time, so you don’t want to procrastinate and be disappointed. With Bugs filling the supporting duties, you shouldn’t expect anything different this time around. Get your tickets now to the following shows.

28 March 2020 – Rock River, Fremantle (18+)
29 March 2020 – Mojo’s, Fremantle (18+)
3 April 2020 – The Metro, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
4 April 2020 – Northern Beaches PCYC, Dee Why (All Ages Drug- and Alcohol-Free Event)
9 April 2020 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights (18+)
10 April 2020 – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong (18+)
11 April 2020 – Croxton Bandroom, Thornbury (18+)
16 April 2020 – Solbar, Maroochydore (18+)
17 April 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (18+)
18 April 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff (18+)
1 May 2020 – Uni Bar, Hobart (18+)
7 May 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (18+)

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Judith Owen Announces Aussie Sideshows

Welsh singer-songwriter-pianist Judith Owen will make the most of her time in Australia after announcing sideshows to complement her set at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. While she’s best known for her original music, which has earned the praise of musical heavy-hitters including Bryan Ferry and Jackson Browne, Judith is currently making waves with the release of her new album redisCOVERed.

This album has only just hit my radar today and I’m already a bit obsessed. Judith puts her stamp on some surprising material a world away from her usual fare. Think Soundgarden, Donna Summer, and Drake, all with that unmistakeable Judith Owen flair.

Expect Judith to play some of those clever covers and her own original material at the following shows:

7 & 8 March 2020 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
14 March 2020 – Utzon Room @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney
21 March 2020 – Fyrefly, St Kilda

Images used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Drop Alternate Version of “Jules Said” Ahead of Red Eye Tour

I loved The Vanns’ Through the Walls so much that I named it my favourite album of the year. Several months after its release, I still have it on regular rotation. I love the big rock numbers, but I have a special spot in my heart for one of the more reflective songs, “Jules Said.” Perhaps it’s because The Vanns first hit my radar when Jules showed off the tattoo he got celebrating the band on The Bachelorette. Maybe it’s just because it’s beautiful to hear a softer side to their music. At any rate, it’s a top song and I’m so thrilled to see it released as a single. Not content to rest on their laurels, the single is a brand new version of “Jules Said” recorded with Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning producer Adrian Breakspear (Gang of Youths, Pharrell Williams).

“Jim (Vann) and I wrote ‘Jules Said’ in my bedroom in under an hour. It was the first song we finished writing for Through The Walls. We were doing a lot of writing on Logic and trying to come up with ‘cool sounds’ for a while, and then we went out to lunch and were like, ‘When we get back, let’s just try and write something with two guitars and no computer,’” explained guitarist Cameron Little.

A new single release is as good a reason as any to gig, so The Vanns have also announced their Red Eye tour. Catch them at the following venues this autumn.

19 March 2020 – Altar Bar, Hobart
20 March 2020 – Howler, Melbourne
21 March 2020 – Unibar, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
28 March 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
3 April 2020 – Unibar, Wollongong
4 April 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2020 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Brother Brothers Ready for First Aussie Shows

Summer is festival time, a time for welcoming some big international talents to our shores and discovering some brand new artists. The Brother Brothers fall into the latter category, but they’ve quickly become a favourite of mine with their beautiful folky music and the sort of sublime harmonies that only come when siblings join forces. Their debut album Some People I Know dropped in 2018, but the American identical twins are only just making it to our part of the world.

David Moss plays cello and guitar while his brother Adam plays the five-string fiddle. They both write and sing with an uncomplicated style that is such a welcome throwback. Take a listen to their song “Colorado” and just see if it doesn’t give you chills.

The Brother Brothers will play selected festivals and headlining shows over the next few weeks, starting with Woodford later this month. Catch them at all the following venues!

29 December 2019 – 1 January 2020 – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford
3 January 2020 – Old Museum, Brisbane
4 January 2020 – Dorrigo Gazette Theatre, Dorrigo
5 January 2020 – Live n Cookin’ @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle
7 January 2020 – The Vanguard, Sydney
8 January 2020 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
9 January 2020 – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne
10-12 January 2020 – Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet
14 January 2020 – Salamanca Arts Centre, Hobart
15 January 2020 – Adventure Bay Hall, Adventure Bay
16 January 2020 – Mountain Mojo, Sheffield
17-19 January 2020 – Illawarra Folk Festival NSW, Illawarra