Patrick James Announces Album Tour

Patrick James is currently keeping company with The Paper Kites, but it won’t be too long before we see him headlining his own shows around the country. It’s all in support of Outlier, Patrick’s brand new LP which features the fantastic singles “California Song” and “Bugs.”

This tour will be James’ first largescale headline tour in almost two years, so it’s a real must-see for fans. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

19 February 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
25 February 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
26 February 2016 – Howler, Melbourne
27 February 2016 – Anita’s  Theatre, Wollongong
4 March 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
5 March 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
12 March 2016 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
18 March 2016 – Pirie & Co Social Club, Adelaide
19 March 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth

Allday Should Be Making New Album, Touring Instead

You’ve got to admire Allday’s honesty. He’s had massive success with his debut album Startup Cult, but that came out last July so we’re all starting to wonder how he’ll follow it up. Well, the new release probably isn’t going to come any time soon.

Allday has started working on album number two, but he’s taking a break to go on his I Should Be Working on my Album But I’m Doing a Tour tour. Nice.

Allday will be joined on his procrastinatory adventure by recent collaborator Asta and soul singer Gill Bates. Tickets are available now from Oztix.

29 May 2015 – HQ, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
30 May 2015 – Metropolis, Fremantle (Under 18s)
31 May 2015 – Metropolis, Fremantle (18+)
4 June 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (Under 18s)
5 June 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (18+)
6 June 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (Under 18s)
7 June 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+)
13 June 2015 – The Roundhouse, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)

Image used with permission from We Are Unified

Reece Mastin Releases Single Sneak Peek

When I heard that Reece Mastin had signed a deal with independent Social Family Records, I was pretty excited. I really enjoyed his musical instincts on The X Factor, but I felt like his individuality kind of got beaten out of him by people who wanted him to become the next pinup boy.

Judging by this snippet of his new single “Rebel and the Reason,” the title track from his new EP (released May 1), he’s now on the right track. This is by far the most substantial song he’s released. It’s got that rock edge that I always enjoyed about him, and a real honesty in the vocals.

Reece is going to bring his new music to the masses with a string of shows in capital cities and key regional centres this June.

“I know it seems like it’s been a long time coming but hopefully the fans will agree it was worth the wait,” he said in a press release. “I can definitely say that this is completely 100 percent me and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out. I’m in a really good place and can’t wait to share the new songs with everyone.”

Reece promises fans will hear his new songs as well as their old favourites at the following gigs. All shows are all ages, although parents or guardians must accompany under 18s at the Wollongong gig.

12 June 2015 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville
13 June 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
14 June 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
20 June 2015 – Prince Bandroom, St Kilda
21 June 2015 – Esso BHP Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
26 June 2015 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Brisbane
27 June 2015 – Sunshine Coast Function Centre, Caloundra
28 June 2015 – Church Theatre, Toowoomba

YouTube Sensation BriBry Announces Aussie Tour

I must admit, I’m a little out of the YouTube loop. I’m fascinated by the fact that people can become celebrities and amass thousands of followers because they post amateur videos, but I couldn’t tell you the handles of any of them. So when I discovered that Irish YouTube sensation BriBry was planning to tour the country, I figured I’d check him out. Apparently he’s been here twice before when he sold out shows, so it seems I might be one of the last ones to discover his genius.

I intended to watch just one video to get a taste of what he does, but I think I’ve watched around 10 clips now: original songs, cover version, and candid clips where he speaks to his future child and shows viewers his apartment. I’m thoroughly charmed, both by his music and his personality. Knowing that he donates all his YouTube revenue to charity just makes him that much sweeter. He actually founded his own non-profit #CutCakeNotWrists to help young people dealing with depression. Could he be any more wonderful?

BriBry will tour Australia with his equally talented fiancé Candice and fellow YouTube sensation Dodie Clark. Here are all the places you can see him play.

26 June 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
27 June 2015 – Old Museum, Brisbane
28 June 2015 – The Lair @ Metro Theatre, Sydney
29 June 2015 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Thundamentals Continue the Party with Brand New Tour

Twelve months after the release of their third LP So We Can Remember, Thundamentals show no signs of slowing down. They already wowed crowds at Falls and Groovin, sold out their own headline shows, and supported the Hilltop Hoods all around the country, and now they figure it’s time for another headlining gig.

If you want proof of just how good these guys are live, check them out guesting on the Hilltop Hoods’ “Cosby Sweater” with a host of other hip hop stars for Triple J’s Beat the Drum. If that doesn’t put you in a party mood, nothing will.

The following Thundamentals shows are already starting to sell out, so I wouldn’t wait too long before grabbing your tickets.

5 March 2015 – Manning Bar, Sydney
6 March 2015 – Katoomba RSL, Katoomba
10 April 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
11 April 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
18 April 2015 – Autumn Sounds Festival, Bundaberg
22 April 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
23 April 2015 – Star Bar, Bendigo
24 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 April 2015 – The Corner, Melbourne
1 May 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
2 May 2015 – Capitol Theatre, Perth
3 May 2015 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
7 May 2015 – The Jack, Cairns
8 May 2015 – Base Backpackers, Magnetic Island

Hellions Rock Me with “Nottingham”

Sometimes a song just hits you like a bolt from the blue. On paper it’s not what you’re into, but there’s just something about it. “Nottingham,” the latest single from Sydney hardcore act Hellions is one of those songs.

I generally struggle with the hardcore thing. I typically like my vocals a little prettier and my music a shade more mellow. But there’s such passion in this number and I can’t ignore it. The honesty, grit, and angst has completely won me over.

“Nottingham is about comparative thinking and jealousy within a relationship,” explained Hellions’ guitarist Matt Gravolin. “The unearthing of the erstwhile in cardiac landfill after incessant inquiry, begetting a mutual resentment.”

“Nottingham” is the latest track lifted from Hellions’ recently released album Indian Summer. To celebrate the album’s release, the band will play the following shows this March.

6 March 2015 – The Lab, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 March 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
8 March 2015 – YAC, Byron Bay (ALL AGES)
11 March 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
12 March 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (LICENSED ALL AGES)
13 March 2015 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (18+)
14 March 2015 – Towradgi SLSC, Wollongong (LICENSED ALL AGES)
15 March 2015 – Masonic Hall, Blacktown (ALL AGES)
18 March 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
19 March 2015 – Last Night, Perth (18+)
20 March 2015 – Black Market, Adelaide (18+)
21 March 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
22 March 2015 – Phoenix YC, Melbourne (ALL AGES)

Phia Announces First Aussie Tour

After wowing crowds across Europe for many years, talented expat Phia is finally coming home for her very first Australian tour. You might remember seeing Phia and her kalimba challenging the contestants on Spicks and Specks last year. Or perhaps you’re a super Sounds of Oz fan and you remember me interviewing her way back in 2012. Or perhaps you’ve never heard of Phia at all, but you want to experience the kind of music that will blow your mind. Either way, get yourself to one of these very rare shows!

30 January 2015 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
7 February 2015 – High Tea @ Glebe Town Hall, Sydney
12 February 2015 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
13 February 2015 – Babushka Bar, Ballarat
26 February 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Jakubi Come Home for Summer

Fresh from selling out shows across the United States last month, cooler-than-cool Melbourne act Jakubi are ready to delight local audiences with their Life’s a Beach tour. The funky five-piece will play shows up and down the East Coast throughout summer, including plenty of free shows.

The tour caps off a monster year for Jakubi which saw them signed up to 7s Management in the US and Coda Agency in the UK. Everyone from Perez Hilton to HillyDilly was raving about “Couch Potato,” which really deserves another spin.

And done. Jakubi are going to be back to in the US before we know it, so make sure you catch this local success story while you can.

11 December 2014 – Moonshine Cider & Rum Bar, Manly (FREE)
12 December 2014 – Vic On The Park Hotel, Sydney (FREE)
26 December 2014 – Rad, Wollongong
27 December 2014 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi Beach (FREE)
28 December 2014 – Cambridge Hotel (Warehouse), Newcastle
29 December 2014 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
30 December 2014 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
31 December 2014 – NYE On The Hill, Kernot
2 January 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
3 January 2015 – Solbar, Maroochydore
4 January 2015 – Sounds Of Sunday @ Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast (FREE)
30 January to 1 February 2015 – Cool Summer Festival, Mt Hotham

British Folk Star John Smith Embarks on First Aussie Tour

The Brits have largely kept John Smith a bit of a national secret, until now. The revered singer-songwriter is set to make his first visit to Australia to play some headlining shows and slots at the Woodford and Cygnet Folk Festivals.

He’s here to promote his fourth studio album Great Lakes, which features the beautiful title track amongst other gems. This is really special music. While the Brits have to see him in big venues like Shepherd’s Bush Empire, we get gorgeous intimate pubs and clubs. These are going to be outstanding shows.

27 December 2014 to 1 January 2015 – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford
3 January 2015 – The Junk Bar, Brisbane
7 January 2015 – The Melbourne Folk Club @ Bella Union, Melbourne
8 January 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney
9-11 January 2015 – Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet

Paul Kelly Gets Soulful

If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, either for your nearest and dearest or for yourself as a reward for all that time spent shopping, then consider some Paul Kelly swag. He’s about to release The Merri Soul Sessions, a soul and gospel album which sees Paul performing with some of his best friends in the business including Dan Sultan, Vika and Linda Bull, Kira Puru, and Clairy Browne. It’s something new for Paul, who’s better known for his folkier leanings, but with such talent on board you can’t go wrong.

The Merri Soul Sessions, Paul’s 20th studio release, is currently available for pre-order through his website, ahead of its December 12 release. However, if you really want to get something special I suggest heading to the PledgeMusic site where you can secure a 7” vinyl box set or 12” vinyl deluxe box set.

If you feel like buying a good night out, then why not grab some tickets for Paul’s national tour, happening this January? They’re on sale now.

9 January 2015 – Opening Party of Sydney Festival, Parramatta
10 January 2015 – Summer of Soul Festival, Mossvale
16 January 2015 – MONA FOMA @ Princes Wharf, Hobart
17 January 2015 – Sundown Sessions @ Scarborough Park, Scarborough
21 January 2015 – Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre, Tamworth
22 January 2015 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (seated)
23 January 2015 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (standing)
31 January 2015 – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
6 February 2015 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney NSW
7 February 2015 – Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne VIC
10 & 11 February 2015 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin