Tag: Reasons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Flips the Script With “Reasons”

After all this time following them, I thought I knew what to expect from Bootleg Rascal. But they’re really shaken things up with their latest song “Reasons,” taking their tongues out of their proverbial cheeks and delivering a touching heartbreak anthem.

“‘Reasons’ was a co-write we did with our mate Matt Collins from Wharves,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “He had a demo of the song and wasn’t totally sure where to go with it. We saw something in it and decided to give it a crack. It also features the always exquisite production skills of our mate Caleb Tasker, and we’re all pretty stoked with how it turned out in the end. On face value, ‘Reasons’ could easily be passed off as another break-up/heartbreak song. Those themes are in there for sure, but I think bubbling under the surface, the song also touches on broader elements of human connection. The commonality of emotions that we as people all share at some point in our lives, no matter our race, sex or background.”

“Reasons” comes from Bootleg Rascal’s self-titled album, released in October. They’re bringing songs from that record and all your old favourites to venues across the country in the New Year. Tickets are available now through the links.

10 January 2026 – Hair of the Dog @ The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 January 2026 – Six Strings Brewing, Darkinjung Country/Erina
16 January 2026 – Ruby’s Upstairs @ Bank Hotel, Mulubinba/East Maitland
17 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Company, Dharug Country/Brookvale
22 January 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
23 January 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 January 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 January 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
31 January 2026 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
7 February 2026 – Railway Sports & Social Club, Larrakia/Darwin
12 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 February 2026 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2026 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
21 February 2026 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast

Image used with permission from Bootleg Rascal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gareth Leach & the Narratives of Hope Take On John Farnham

My heart is heavy as Eora/Sydney deals with the aftermath of Sunday’s attack on the Jewish community. I can’t understand the mentality of hating what you imagine of people so much that you fail to see their humanity. It feels so out of step with the Australia I know and love.

I can’t find the “right” song for today. I’m not sure it exists. But it didn’t feel right to go quiet either. So instead I’m going to post something that will hopefully make you smile. Because I think we all need all of that. And if anything will help you block out the darkness for just a few moments, I think it might be Gareth Leach & the Narratives of Hope’s version of John Farnham’s “Reasons.” If you’d ever wondered how this Farnsy classic might sound as a bluegrass song, this one’s for you.

“This is a song that we have been playing live and is a crowd favourite, so it only feels right to release it for our fans,” Gareth Leach said. “Doing a bluegrass cover of a song can be a pretty tricky thing to pull off without being super cheesy, so we were very cautious to not cross into that territory. This song, in particular, is so much fun for us to play and it was important for us to capture that whilst also staying faithful in tipping our caps to the great man, John Farnham.”

“Reasons” is the first track lifted from Gareth Leach & the Narratives of Hope’s upcoming EP Blues, Grass & Gospel, which we’ll hear early next year. They’ll also play the Echuca Country Music Festival at Echuca Racecourse on March 28.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brittany Maggs On the Up With “Reasons”

After seeing Brittany Maggs strut her stuff supporting Dami Im last week, I’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for this Sydney songstress. She’s got such an angelic voice and a fresh sound reminiscent of current pop darlings like Ariana Grande and Bebe Rexha. If you like those artists, I think Brittany’s latest track “Reasons” will be right up your alley.

“Reasons” is a beautiful ballad about the collapse of a relationship. It’s one of the songs that really struck me in Brittany’s set. She co-wrote the song with members of Darling Brando and you can hear she’s really put her heart into it.

If you’ve got tickets to one of Dami Im’s upcoming shows, make sure you arrive early enough for Brittany’s set. She’s definitely an act on the rise.