John Butler – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 21/08/202517/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Releases Romantic New Single, “King of California”

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!

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on 01/02/2019 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio’s New Single Another Reason to Catch Live Show

The hits keep coming from John Butler Trio’s critically acclaimed new album Home. I don’t mean hits in a commercial sense, because for some reason the singles aren’t climbing the charts any more, but hit in terms of hitting the target. With a fantastic sound and heartfelt lyrics and vocals, single number three “Miss Your Love” is another fantastic folk-rock number from one of the country’s most enduring acts.

“Certain relationship themes solidified into songs over the course of time” John Butler explained, “the boy walking around in the man’s body seemed to be the recurring archetype that I had been unpacking and exploring and ‘Miss Your Love’ was my way of processing my own journey.”

Last year with a big one for John Butler Trio, who sold out shows around the United States and Europe. But they were just warm ups. After Home hit the top spot on the ARIA charts last year, the current Aussie gigs really are the main event. There are just a handful of tickets left for the remaining dates, so if you want them stop procrastinating! Otherwise you just might miss out!

1 & 2 February 2019 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth (with Missy Higgins & Stella Donnelly)
7 February 2019 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne (with Missy Higgins, Dan Sultan, & Stella Donnelly)
9 February 2019 – A Day On The Green, All Saints Estate, Rutherglen (with Missy Higgins, Dan Sultan, & Stella Donnelly)
10 February 2019 – Stage 88, Canberra (with Missy Higgins, The Waifs, & Stella Donnelly)
14 & 15 February 2019 – Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney (with Missy Higgins & Stella Donnelly)
16 February 2019 – A Day On The Green, Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley (with Missy Higgins, Dan Sultan)
17 February 2019 – Park Beach Reserve, Coffs Harbour (with Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers, & Stella Donnelly)
20 February 2019 – Moncrieff Ent. Centre Bundaberg (with Stella Donnelly)
21 February 2019 – The Great Western, Rockhampton (with Stella Donnelly)
22 February 2019 – Riverstage, Brisbane (with The Teskey Brothers & Stella Donnelly)
23 February 2019 – Tolosa Park, Hobart (with Baker Boy & Stella Donnelly)

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on 19/08/2012 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Takes Tin Shed Tales to Queensland

John Butler will take his acclaimed solo and acoustic Tin Shed Tales to North Queensland through September and October.

The new dates follow on from the Tin Shed Tales shows John Butler played around Australia earlier this year. They saw John recreating his own tin shed in intimate venues, complete with vintage skateboards and guitars and other sources of inspiration. In this personal setting, John shared personal anecdotes and songs from his vast back catalogue.

Queensland fans can look forward to the same special treatment at their long awaited shows.

“Unfortunately I couldn’t bring the Tin Shed to Queensland on the last run,” John explained. “It felt weird like we had forgotten to invite dear friends to a party. So I am stoked to be bringing the solo show over and completing the circle. Queensland family have always held a special place in my heart. They’re always so passionate and giving as an audience. I can’t wait.”

And as an extra special treat, Mia Dyson will serve as support act. These shows will act as a warm-up for some summer festival slots, which are also printed below. Tickets for the solo Queensland gigs go on sale tomorrow.

30 September 2012 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
1 October 2012 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Townsville
3 October 2012 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Bundaberg
28 October 2012 – Rock It Festival, Perth
31 December 2012 – Peats Ridge Festival, Peats Ridge NSW

Image used with permission from Jones PR, credit: Leon Morris

Posted on 16/08/201213/08/2012 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Gives Away Oceans

The epic track “Ocean” has long been a highlight of any John Butler set. The acclaimed Aussie singer-songwriter has actually been performing the epic guitar instrumental since 1998 when he’d busk at Fremantle markets to earn a living. John Butler is giving back to all the fans he’s made since those early days by releasing the first studio recording of “Ocean” in 12 years as a free download.

“’Ocean’ is a very interesting aspect of my life. It is part of my DNA. It conveys all things I can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As I evolve so too does ‘Ocean’,” John explained. “I’d like to thank you for your continued support over all these years; it means so much to me. I would like to thank you by offering this first studio recording of “Ocean” in over a decade as a free download.”

The track was captured at John Butler’s own studio, dubbed The Compound in February. You can grab the MP3 that accompanies this YouTube video by visiting the John Butler Trio website.

Posted on 11/05/201211/05/2012 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Releases Live Double Acoustic CD

If you missed John Butler stripped back and acoustic at his recent Tin Shed Tales shows, or you simply want to relive the magic, you’re in luck. A double CD of songs from these rare solo shows hits music stores today.

The discs don’t simply capture John Butler’s musical prowess but also his relaxed on stage demeanour. Listening to the discs you feel like you’re witnessing someone simply having a jam session with a bunch of mates. The songs are interspersed with personal anecdotes which make the tunes even richer. Those numbers touch on his entire back catalogue. Listeners will enjoy new songs, reworked versions of old songs, and of course plenty of favourites.

The Tin Shed Tales recording is available digitally from iTunes, but with a sexy digipack hitting stores I reckon it’s much smarter to enjoy the hard copy. It’s sure to become a collector’s item!

Posted on 10/08/201109/08/2011 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler & Mama Kin Record “Losing You” for The Kimberley Region

John Butler and his missus Mama Kin have teamed up for this gorgeous duet, “Losing You.” Sales of the digital release of the single will help the Broome Community No Gas campaign continue to fight the clearing of land at James Price Point in Western Australia’s Kimberley region.

The track was recorded in John’s Fremantle studio, while the clip sees the loved up couple sitting on the banks of the Hudson River. I always love an acoustic tune, and this one is up there with the best.

I always knew the preservation of the Kimberley region was a cause John Butler felt strongly about, but it wasn’t until I saw him live last year that it really hit home to me. Listening to him speak about this part of the world that he’s so passionate about, that is one of Australia’s last remaining paradises, is infectious. The power of his words hasn’t left me, so I’ll definitely be adding the track to my iTunes. You can too by clicking this link.

Posted on 24/03/200902/11/2023 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Splits with Trio

John Butler has ditched the rest of his trio. The Aussie singer-songwriter has split from drummer Michael Barker and bass player Shannon Birchall for “artistic reasons.”

“Michael and Shannon have been by far the best line up I have performed with in The John Butler Trio to date. They have been a pleasure to live, love, learn, record and tour with. Their professionalism, musicianship, and commitment have been unwavering and for that and a whole lot more I am truly thankful,” he said.

But clearly not so thankful that he’d keep the lads, who’ve been playing with him for six years, in the band.

Catch Michael and Shannon at their final John Butler Trio performances in April.

9 April 2009 – Fire and Floor Benefit Gig @ The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
10 April 2009 – Chill City, Melbourne
12 April 2009 – East Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Byron Bay
18 April 2009 – West Coast Blues and Roots Festival, Fremantle

Image source: Marty Philbey/John Butler Trio press page

Posted on 19/01/200827/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler’s Seed Helps Aussie Artists

If you’re an aspiring young artist, you could get a leg up in the industry courtesy of John Butler. The John Butler Seed project offers cash grants to help young artists make their ideas happen.

The 2008 categories are indigenous recording, professional and skills development, social activism through the arts, management workshop initiative, and the Jacqui McCoy Trust (for disadvantaged artists).

If you think you might fit the bill, head to the John Butler Seed website or MySpace page for more information.

Image source: monkeyleader @ Wikimedia Commons