American post-hardcore/emo outfit Rain City Drive will play their first headlining shows in Australia next March. I must admit, I wasn’t familiar with their music before the tour announcement but it’s really good stuff. If you love your music a little heavier, make sure you’re across it before their visit.
Rain City Drive will be ably supported by hot alternative act TX2 and local metalcore outfit Melrose Avenue on all dates. You can almost guarantee the venues will be bigger next time around, so get on it!
As you might have noticed, I see a lot of concerts. I adore them, but typically they come and go and I start looking forward to the next one. They rarely leave the sort of lasting impression that has me buzzing several days later. But most concerts are not like the shows Lenny Kravitz has been putting on around Australia. My thoughts are still a little scattered, and even though I consider myself a bit of a wordsmith I’m not sure I have the vocabulary to tell you just how good the Meeanjin/Brisbane show was. But you know I’m going to try.
Although I see a lot of shows, Friday night was my first time seeing Jet. When they were announced as supporting artists I wasn’t sure they’d be the right fit, but I’ll happily eat my words. Their straight-down-the-line brand of rock music was the ideal complement to Lenny’s own rock edge. I don’t think I realised just how many hits they had until they were strung back-to-back. While their discography is rich, a killer version of AC/DC’s “Long Way to the Top” had us all singing along. I couldn’t help thinking about AC/DC’s decision to remove it from their sets as Brian Johnson knew he could never measure up to Bon Scott’s vocals. If Acca Dacca are ever in the market for a new frontman, Nic Cester has the goods. Although I can’t imagine him ever slotting into someone else’s band when he’s created magic with his brother Chris and longtime pals Cameron Muncey and Mark Wilson. There’s such chemistry when they perform and a passion for their craft which shines through.
I just wish my photos did them justice. On arriving in Meeanjin/Brisbane I received an email stating personal cameras wouldn’t be permitted, although phone cameras would be fine. What a frustrating policy that really disadvantages anyone who isn’t close to the stage. The photos my pal Lisa has snapped are a lot better than the ones my Samsung takes, but nowhere near as good as I could have captured with my camera. On the plus side, it did ensure that I really took this show in and lived in the moment.
While I enjoyed Jet, Lenny took this show to a whole other level. One that I honestly wasn’t prepared for. He sent such a strong message with his opener “Bring It On,” from the album It Is Time For a Love Revolution. We weren’t just preparing for the love revolution; it was here with Lenny our leader. I didn’t think it was possible for someone to have so much swagger. In his purple snakeskin pants, denim jacket, and signature dreadlocks, he was every inch the rock star and far cooler than any 61-year-old has the right to be. He was also backed by one of the strongest bands I’ve ever heard. Longtime collaborators like guitarist Craig Ross have come together seamlessly with newer talents like bassist Wolf and drummer Jas Kayser.
Lenny delivered a set for all kinds of fans, the faithful who had waited patiently for his return and the casual listeners who appreciated the radio tunes. I was on my biggest Lenny kick in the early 2000s, so I was thrilled to hear underrated gems of the period like “Dig In” and “Stillness of Heart.” Although this tour was technically meant to promote Lenny’s new album, Blue Electric Light, he was humble enough to ask whether he could play some of the new material. I’d enjoyed the album, but it hadn’t stuck with me like many of his earlier releases. However, watching Lenny perform tracks like “TK421” and “Paralyzed” has given me a new appreciation for them.
Honestly though, Lenny could have sung the phone book and I would have been happy. His voice is so strong. He handled everything, from the hushed words of “Believe” to the falsetto notes of “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over,” with so much ease. He’s got serious musical chops, whether he’s on his signature electric guitar, bass, or keys. And then there’s that swagger. I have never witnessed such a sexy performance. His power is undeniable. I am so glad I saw Lenny with my best gal pal instead of my husband, because I knew she was getting just as much out of this performance as I was. He had us squirming in our seats, and loving every single second, when we weren’t on our feet.
I experienced plenty of lust, but also plenty of love. Lenny’s songs celebrate it while encouraging that love revolution. With Lenny out front leading us all in song, you start to believe it’s possible. That spirit of love culminated in the epic encore song, “Let Love Rule.” It’s ironic that it was in this magic moment that a “fan” decided to rip dreadlocks from Lenny’s head. Seriously girl, what were you thinking?! That behaviour is deplorable. It also shows Lenny’s consummate professionalism that I didn’t even realise it happened until I watched his reels the next day. What I saw in that moment was a man who wanted to connect with his audience taking a lap around the perimeter of the auditorium so he could get as close to as many people as possible. He took his time, saying hello, shaking hands, and encouraging us all to sing those three important words: Let Love Rule. It was beautiful, a lasting memory that capped off one of the greatest concerts I have ever attended.
Lenny assured us he’ll be back soon. I already can’t wait. Before that though, he’s got just three shows remaining on this Aussie tour. Trust me, you will want to catch him if you can.
For a generation of TV fans, Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele are better known as Chris Keller and Mia Catalano. However, since One Tree Hill wrapped they’ve both been making some incredible music. They’ll celebrate where their careers began when they head Down Under for a string of intimate shows next March.
Tyler visited our shores earlier this year, so it might seem like a return visit has come quickly. However, he’s just released his latest album Well Well Well with One Tree Hill alum Bethany Joy Lenz. Their cover of Ryan Adams’ “When the Stars Go Blue,” which they originally performed together in season two, is a real treat. Meanwhile Kate recently released the album Impatient for the Dream with another One Tree Hill favourite, Mike Grubbs. Recording under the moniker Yor Future Ghost, their music is creative and incredibly cool. However, if you’ve followed Mike’s career as Wakey! Wakey! that’s no surprise.
Tyler and Kate are currently playing their Celebrating the Music of One Tree Hill shows overseas and selling out gigs all over the place. Aussie shows are following suit, so grab the limited tickets available while you can!
One of Australia’s hardest working bands, Bootleg Rascal are back with a brand new EP and tour. Street Shark is a genre-bending seven-track collection of songs featuring Sounds of Oz favourites “Stepping,”“From the Very Start,” and “Drip Your Love.” With so many twists and turns, I know you’ll find some tunes to vibe with on this one.
It seems like Bootleg Rascal are always on the road, so they weren’t going to miss the opportunity to play for you all to support Street Shark’s release. After wrapping up their Western Australian shows last weekend, they’ve got their sights set on the East Coast and Aotearoa/New Zealand. Catch Bootleg Rascal at one of the following shows:
After wowing crowds on their first Australian tour in late 2024, New York sibling quartet Infinity Song are preparing for a return visit. They’ll touch down for a string of intimate shows, including their first in Boorloo/Perth, early next year.
If you’re not already across Infinity Song, let me get you up to speed. They started out busking around New York City before Jay-Z signed them to his Roc Nation label. Their music is a beautiful retro throwback with sublime harmonies that have seen them compared to acts like the Mamas and the Papas and the Fifth Dimension. It’s like nothing people are making now, yet it’s seen them take stages at festivals like Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo.
While their Aussie venues are slightly bigger this time around, they’re still intimate enough for you to appreciate the special music this four-piece creates. If you missed out last time, don’t make the same mistake this tour. Tickets are on sale now for all Infinity Song’s upcoming Aussie shows:
When people heard that I was heading to the Mayday Parade, Jack’s Mannequin, and Home Team show the day after returning from Japan they said I was crazy. But I’ve always believed you can sleep when you’re dead. And considering I love Jack’s Mannequin so much that I’m heading to the United States to see them on the Holiday from Real cruise in February, there was no way on earth I’d miss seeing them so close to home!
Running on pure adrenaline, I was psyched for this incredible triple bill. I wasn’t really familiar with The Home Team, but they quickly won me over with their energy and genre-bending sound. They’ve definitely got pop-punk at their core, but they know how to rock hard and bring some dance-funk into the mix. It’s such an unusual blend, but I was definitely here for it. Brian Butcher is one of the most charismatic frontmen I’ve ever seen. I could barely take my eyes off him, which is saying something considering the moves that guitarist John Baran and bassist Ryne Olson delivered. All without missing a note! Formed in 2013, The Home Team are one of the newer acts on the pop-punk scene. Brian seemed in awe of the moment, marvelling that their music has taken them to Australia and noting that their gigs back home are much smaller. They’ve definitely got the goods to play those big stages though. Their 10-song set was more generous than most afforded to opening acts, but I was entranced from start to finish. I’d see them again in a heartbeat.
Seeing how much time The Home Team had only made me more psyched for Jack’s Mannequin. It’s always a gamble to attend a show when you love the support act more than the headliner. You can easily be shortchanged. But I was treated to an hour of fantastic music from this band that means so much to me. I wasn’t there when Jack’s Mannequin had their time in the sun. Andrew McMahon’s music was a pandemic discovery for me, one that brought a rainbow of colour during a really dark time. So this was my first opportunity to see him in full-band mode and I relished it.
It was a totally different show than the stripped-back Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness one I saw in February 2023. While Andrew excels behind a piano, I loved watching him prowl around the stage and move into the audience to feed off their energy (no photographic evidence because he moves fast!). Seeing his connection with his bandmates filled my heart. The set list was also fire, featuring personal favourites including “Bruised,” “Dark Blue,” and one of the songs that hit me hardest during the pandemic, “Swim.” I know I’m biased when it comes to this band, but my friend Lisa, who is far less familiar with their music, leaned over to me during the set and said, “They’re fantastic!” Yes, they are. If it were possible, I’m even more excited about my US trip after Saturday’s set.
Understanding my love for Jack’s Mannequin and the travel fatigue I was fighting, Lisa asked me whether I wanted to stay for Mayday Parade. But I never considered leaving. Not for a second. While most of the crowd here no doubt discovered these bands in their adolescence, I’ve been on a bit of a pop-punk/emo kick in recent years that’s seen me diving into a lot of the fabulous music that wasn’t quite mainstream in this country including this band’s back catalogue. It’s a bold move for any act celebrating their 20-year anniversary to open up with a 2025 single, but the rapturous response to “By The Way” showed this crowd was up for anything. And that’s what they gave us, a set that took twists and turns as it celebrated all that makes Mayday Parade such a fantastic act. I was thrilled to hear my personal favourite “Jersey” come out early. As it wasn’t released as a single, I didn’t expect them to play it, but I lost my mind when they did. Along with the deep cuts, Mayday Parade also made sure to celebrate favourites like “Oh Well, Oh Well” and “Anywhere But Here.”
High-energy moments were contrasted with stunning emo ballads like “Miserable at Best” and “Terrible Things.” While they sounded beautiful, I wish they didn’t see lead singer Derek Sanders move to the back corner of the stage to play piano. He was totally obscured by the speakers from my seats on the left. And while I know it’s not very punk to sit at a rock show, I can’t recall another show where the lead singer spent any considerable time hidden away near the back of the stage.
When we did see Derek, he was incredible. I loved watching him jump around with such feeling, vocals never faltering despite his high-octane performance. He also seemed overcome with the emotion of the occasion, noting that Australian cities are among the band’s top markets for new material. I felt privileged to be amongst this crowd who continue to support this band. “Jamie All Over” was the predictable closer, but even though I knew it was coming I had such fun rocking out to it.
I came out of Saturday’s concert without the small shred of voice that I had been hanging on to. It still has not returned. I crashed out in record time once my head hit the hotel pillow. When people said I was insane to even contemplate going to the gig so soon after my overseas adventures, they were probably right. But I would do it all again, because it was incredible. Mayday Parade, Jack’s Mannequin, and The Home Team have just two shows left in Australia. If you’re on the fence, trust me: buy the tickets.
I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy listening to new material from John Butler. His latest single “King of California” celebrates his 25-year partnership with his wife, muse, and regular collaborator Mama Kin. If you love love, I know you’ll fall for this one as hard as me.
“My partner and I have been on a pretty big ride together, constantly evolving and working out what it means to be life partners,” he said. “With every new phase of living comes a new season of self-reflection and reassessment. We’re here to ground and uplift each other, never to minimise or restrict.”
“King of California” comes from John’s new studio album PRISM, which drops on September 5. You can preorder the vinyl, CD, or merch bundles now. He’ll play shows all around the country, across the ditch, and in the UK and Europe to support its release. Tickets are selling fast though, so get on it!
I’m a sucker for a good folk duo, so I’ve fallen pretty quickly for Ocie Elliott, who are making their way to Australia this summer. They’re far from a household name here, but in their native Canada they’ve been nominated for JUNO Awards and earned widespread acclaim for their studio albums We Fall In and In That Room. They’ve toured extensively through North America and Europe, and they’re excited to make a return visit to our shores.
“Australia, after nearly three years away, we finally get to return!” they gushed. “We are more than excited to perform in your beautiful country again and enjoy your delicious coffee, beaches and açai bowls. And of course, to be back in the same space as all of you. See you in summer 2026.“
Since they haven’t blown up here, we get to see them at intimate venues which are honestly perfect for their gentle folk music. Prepare to be entranced when Ocie Elliott grace local stages next year.
When I hear someone is touring Australia and I’m not familiar with their work, I love taking a deep dive and discovering what they’re all about. My latest discovery is Cordovas, a Nashville band that produces what the press release calls cosmic Americana. It’s a pretty off-the-wall description, but once you listen, it all makes sense. It’s a little Southern rock, but these guys push the envelope too much for it to sit neatly in that box. It’s incredibly cool.
Take a listen to their four albums and get yourself across their music, if you aren’t already. Cordovas have built a devoted fanbase in the US and Europe for their outstanding live shows, and they’re bound to do the same in Australia. If there’s any justice, they’ll be moving on to bigger venues next time, so see them up close and personal while you can!
I’ve always joked to my family that I might be a more religious person if we had gospel churches in Australia. I can take or leave the Hillsong style of worship music, but soulful songs of praise get me going. I hadn’t come across the music of Kirk Franklin before, but I started listening when the press release for his upcoming Aussie tour came across my desk. I am hooked! Whether you’re true believer or a heathen like me, it’s really good stuff.
What I love most about Kirk’s music is the way he brings gospel into the 21st century. The roots are there, but he blends it with R&B, funk, hip-hop, and pop elements. It’s fabulous. Fans can experience the magic live when he visits Australia for the first time this December.
