Category: music

Zac Brown Band gets on board to help ‘Furry Friends’

Posted on by Madelaine Walsh


Three time Grammy award winning band, Zac Brown Band have partnered with Best Friends Animal Society to help animals in need following Hurricane Dorian last month.

The recently released music video for the bands hit, ‘Leaving Love Behind’, will make you laugh and cry with the compilation of furry friends, showing how pets can make you smile even in the difficult times.

“Whether it’s funny things they do or the fact that they comfort us when we need them, we wanted to highlight how pets can make us smile even when we think we can’t,” the band’s front man Zac Brown said.

Having sold more than 30 million singles and 9 million albums, the track is off their sixth studio album, ‘The Owl’, and is the band’s most personal to date. Currently available for preorder, it is set to be released on September 20th and will be available on CD, vinyl and across all streaming platforms.

To watch the video for ‘Leaving Love Behind’, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rb4WA_fUtY0.

For more information and to donate visit http://bit.ly/ZBBDorianHelp.

John Butler heads home for jam-packed national tour

Posted on by Madelaine Walsh


Australia’s highest selling independent artist, John Butler, is coming home following the success of his seventh studio album, ‘Home’, which was released on September 28th.

His latest album which debuted at number 1 on the Aria charts entered into new territory for the Western Australian with the experimentation of different genres while still remaining true to the John Butler sound that over 1.8 million Australians have come to know and love.

Following the success of his most recent studio album, Butler embarked on a 15 date ‘Coming Home’ tour featuring Missy Higgins and Stella Donnelly to sellout crowds at outdoor arenas around the country, including 2 sold out performances at Sydney’s iconic Opera House Forecourt.


Source: johnbutlertrio.com


Butler will embark on a handful of festival appearances this November and December before returning to the Mainstage at Bluesfest in April to wrap up his biggest year on record. This saw him perform in festivals across the UK, Belgium, Netherlands, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and North America while also releasing his own podcast series.

For details on his upcoming tour and to purchase tickets, head to the links below.

Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival
Friday 8 November – Ullumbarra Theatre, Bendigo, VIC
Tickets

Handpicked Festival
Saturday 9 November – Langhorne Creek, SA
With Amy Shark, Missy Higgins, The Teskey Brothers & More
www.handpickedfestival.com

Airlie Beach Festival of Music
Sunday 10 November – Airlie Beach, QLD
www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au

Sydney Coliseum Theatre
Friday 20 December – Sydney, NSW
Tickets

Bluesfest 2020
Sunday 12 April – Byron Bay, NSW
With Crowded House, Dave Matthews Band, Patti Smith & more
www.bluesfest.com.au

Didirri returns with his most captivating tune yet, ‘Blue Mood Rising’

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon


After recording with renowned producer Dann Hume (Amy Shark, Matt Corby, Tash Sultana, Troye Sivan), Didirri returns with one of his most captivating and moving tunes yet – ‘Blue Mood Rising‘.

Holding true to his mission to make music for ‘Lovers & Overthinkers’, Didirri’s latest song-writing echoes charm and raw power. Not only is it captivating, but it magnifies important issues and motivates crowds to feel, move, think and heal.

After releasing his debut EP “Measurements”, Didirri has been inundated with success and support from all angles. From a collective 30 million streams, to playing Splendour In The Grass, to having 4x singles added to triple j rotation, and holding a US and UK tour, Didirri has exploded globally.

The achievements are impressive and humbling, and ultimately highlight
the universal language of music and its power to resonate with any audience.

His lyrics are set apart from the average singer-songwriter and usher you into his mind, ultimately connecting you with his inner psyche. It’s modern music with a classic twist.

“I have always been wary of being led down the garden path. However, it is a beautiful path to tread. It is a colourful and engaging life to lead but only when walked by you. Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself and thought that you were different back then? Has your confidence changed? Are you easily shaken now? But, how can your feet be swept away if you have them firmly on the ground by your own decision?,” says Didirri.

“Blue Mood Rising” is a thunderstorm of deep lyrics, lush guitar tones, elevating percussion and smooth backing vocals. As the tune plays, you can’t help but self-reflect and become immersed in the dynamics and uniqueness that is Didirri.

“Remember who you do this for. Whatever ‘this’ is. There will be others that help you down the path but remember where your core is. Your self-worth should be based on your own choices. If there is ever a crack to appear in your footing, you’ll feel it.

You’ll feel a blue mood rising before it appears.” – Didirri

Written by Didirri Peters and George Taylor, and produced by Dann Hume and Hayden Calnin, “Blue Mood Rising” is now available on all digital platforms!

Didirri will be playing The Riverstage in Brisbane with City & Colour for Bris Fest later this month before This That Festival in Newcastle November 9th, headlining Loch Hart Music Festival in Princetown November 15th-17th, as well as joining Middle Kids on their national album tour!




September 28th – Riverstage – Brisbane, QLD (w/ City & Colour)

November 7th – Astor Theatre – Perth, WA (w/ Middle Kids)

November 9th – This That Festival – Newcastle, NSW

November 14th – Enmore Theatre – Sydney, NSW (w/ Middle Kids)

November 15th-17th – Loch Hart Music Festival – Princetown, VIC

November 17th – The Forum – Melbourne, VIC (w/ Middle Kids)

November 21st – The Tivoli – Brisbane, QLD (w/ Middle Kids)

Rumours unveil brand new release ‘Incredulous’ alongside nation-wide tour

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon


Since the release of their electrifying new-year release, “Paralyse”, Melbourne-based rockers Rumours have been knuckling down in the studio working on a new style of music. This new style comes in the form of “Incredulous” – a fast-paced alternative-rock tune reminiscent of early Linkin Park.

“Incredulous” was released on September 13th and with the release came the announcement of a headline tour which will begin this Thursday 19th, September, that will take the single to audiences in Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne.

“Incredulous” builds on the hype that “Paralysed” earned Rumours, with over 138,000 streams on Spotify since March, plays on Triple J’s Home & Hosed and Short. Fast. Loud. and rotation on Triple J Unearthed radio.

Produced, mixed, and mastered by Chris Lalic, “Incredulous” begins with a deep sound before delving into its traditional grungy edge. Before too long, the tune soars into a unique chorus full of heavy sonic elements and dynamic vocals.

Vocalist Jackson Bentley explains that “the song is basically about if you were to find yourself in another world surrounded by alien life, or a different form of living being, how many people would still disbelieve in what stood before them?”

The single comes complete with a music video, produced and directed by videographer, Colin Jeffs (Windwaker, Dealer, The Brave, The Beautiful Monument). The video’s chaotic bursts of colour and dark components compliment the band’s edgy and unique timbre, producing a visual that is both creative and synonymous with the band’s identity.

Bentley says that the band wanted the film clip to be captivating, so in turn, the video became “a celebration of music, dance, abstract art, makeup and colour. And it all combines into this 4-minute film, for what I think is the coolest video we have made!“

In celebration of the release of “Incredulous”, Rumours will head out on a headline tour with Sydney’s Inertia to play Newcastle’s Hamilton Station Hotel on Thursday September 19 alongside PSTCRDS and Everleigh, Sydney’s Oxford Art Gallery on Friday September 20 with Artisan and Kaskeid, Canberra’s The Basement on Saturday September 21 with Hostel and Strones Throw and finally Melbourne’s Workers Club with To Octavia, Vatic and Days Like These.

“Incredulous” is out now on all digital platforms and streaming outlets. 
Tickets for the “Incredulous” tour can be purchased from https://linktr.ee/rumours_au!

15th Anniversary of Australian Music Prize brings new opportunity for budding musicians

Posted on by Free Vreman


The first release of 2019 nominees confirms an updated look and judging system in deciding which Australian musician deserves the win and $30,000 cash prize.

As one of the world’s most respected music awards, the Australian Music Prize has shifted its focus to shining a light on upcoming artists that may not otherwise have the resources or support to have their music heard.

This new system offers opportunity for lesser known artists to have an equal chance at winning the reputable award as renown nominees such as local acts Alex Lahey, Cub Sport and Thelma Plum. 

Australian Music Prize coordinator Scott Murphy shares his support for the update.

“The Australian Music Prize has never been more vital in our music ecosystem, so it is important for us to show the evolution of the prize with a refreshing new look and an expansion,” Mr Murphy says. 

“This year’s judges have already listened to over 250 albums, which is an unbelievable nod to the amazing body of work being produced by Australian musicians every year.”

The judging panel is made up of over 30 music industry professionals who will critique the nominees on artistic merit alone.

The winner of the prestigious award and $30,000 prize will be selected in March next year. 

Greta Stanley keeps on evolving with new EP, ‘Sun In My Eyes’

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon

Known for her heartfelt songs tackling themes bound to the human spirit, 23-year-old Greta Stanley has continued her reign as far north Queensland’s wunderkind with her new EP, ‘Sun In My Eyes’.

Weaving together pop, folk, rock and electronica, Stanley‘s newest release exhibits her confessional lyricism and raw themes, solidifying her reputation as an artist that is both relatable and mesmerising.

Before ‘Sun In My Eyes‘, Greta Stanley‘s ‘Bedroom City’ and album ‘Full Grown’ combined evocative storytelling with a gorgeous indie-folk palette to create a sound which gained her plenty of support from radio stations and listeners.

Now, on her new EP ‘Sun In My Eyes’, Stanley has taken a bold sonic leap forward, blending folk with pop and rock, and other genres. The lyrical vulnerability remains the same, but her artistic horizons have broadened dramatically, while her voice continues to entice. Altogether, ‘Sun In My Eyes’ creates a rich tapestry that’s hard to define, but easy to listen to.

Stanley says of the EP:

“This is a collection of songs from a long list of memories. From Melbourne to Mena Creek to Cairns, to things I’ve dreamt up in my head that never landed anywhere at all. I wanted to share both the outward real things and the inward mess of thoughts – in the hope that others find comfort or connection in that.

It’s a collection of songs about dealing with the lows, about putting your heart on the line but knowing your worth and when to say no, about day to day things that drag, about crying in your room (and probably a lot of other places), about beautiful memories but the sadness that comes from not being able to have the moment again and again – and questioning everything. But despite the brushes on depression and mental health, it’s about maintaining hope, about getting up from the floor and remembering that time heals – friends rule – there’s lessons in everything and to never stop loving, even when it gets hard to.”

‘Sun In My Eyes‘ saw longtime producer Mark Myers and Tristan Barton (The Middle East, Emma Louise) assist Stanley in creating an EP that is cinematic, nuanced and immaculate. Known for its mesmerising soundscapes, the EP features popular singles ‘Kick’, ‘Come Undone’ and ‘Follow Suit’.

‘Sun in My Eyes’ is out now on all digital streaming platforms via Double Drummer/AWAL.

BIGSOUND announces major keynotes to 2019 lineup

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon

Australia’s leading new music festival and industry gathering, BIGSOUND, has announced another major addition to its 2019 speaker lineup.

Joining the bill is Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino, music writer and industry figure Vivien Goldman, Frontier Touring’s Sahara Herald and acclaimed artist Mojo Juju.

Apart from writing some of the best indie anthems of the past decade, Best Coast’s Bethany Cosentino has become a key figure in the feminist movement, speaking out against sexism and sexual assault, on top of being a voice for those battling addiction.

Vivien Goldman is another figure who has helped evolve the industry through her work as a journalist in the UK on publications such as NME, Sounds and Melody Maker and pirate radio. On top of such feats is her work as a publicist for Bob Marley, becoming an artist as part of 80s new-wave duo Chantage and receiving acclaim through her latest book ‘Revenge of the She-Punks’.

Sahara Herald has been a staple of the live music industry for decades, co-ordinating Big Day Out for eighteen years before moving to Mushroom Group’s Frontier Touring where she was appointed Tour Director in 2018.

Mojo Juju is an ARIA-nominated Australian musician, best-known for her breakthrough album Native Tongue. Her storytelling through music and musical journey has led her to become an important artist voice in the industry, giving us insights few other artists can provide.

BIGSOUND has also announced their party program, which comprises of no less than 16 official events. The BIGSOUND Virgin Australia ‘HOME’ Welcome Party will feature music from Electric Fields, DRMGNOW, Deline Briscoe and Mambali and the Women in Music lunch. The bill will also see music from Milan Ring, Kobie Dee, Stevan and Dulcie, Nettwerk Music Showcase (featuring Riley Pearce, Jaguar Jonze, Hayden Calnin and Harrison Storm), the Unified Showcase (with Tones And I, Jack Botts, Stellie and RINI), Music Industry College Bacon & Bangers and the famous Bloody Mary Brunch.

For more information about BIGSOUND and ticketing options, click here.


BLESSED provides the goods with, “Memoirs of the Melancholy”

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon


For the past two years, BLESSED has been nurturing his talent as a musician, producer and songwriter to bring forth a style that’s not often seen or heard in Australia’s music scene.

Combining his influences of Kid Cudi, Jimi Hendrix and Kanye West, BLESSED‘s sublime talent has seen him bridge the gap of punk and hip-hop to create a unique and textured sound, full of colourful melodies and grungy layers.

His singles, “Sorrows“, “My World” and “Superfly“ have soared into the realm of online streaming, racking up millions of plays and has led to him to receive nods from Triple J, Pigeons & Planes, NYLON, Noisey, i-D Magazine, and Clash Mag.

Weaving together stories and life experiences with his passion for art and music, BLESSED is an artist that is hard to put your finger on. But as time goes on, his sonic deliverances allow us to step into the world that is BLESSED. And the result is just as commanding as it is enchanting.

With his latest single “Memoirs of the Melancholy”, you get a little more of the picture –

“You built your walls on my back, Then told me I can’t come inside”

Stream “Memoirs of the Melancholy” – HERE.

To learn more about BLESSED, visit his Facebook page here, https://www.facebook.com/blessedtunes/.

Swanny announces debut single, ‘Sweat Baby Sweat’

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon


Before Royal Blood electrified the globe with their thunderous, hard rock tunes, they were but an ominous duo rumbling local bars and recording demos along the east coast of Australia and Great Britain.

As they blemished the walls of pubs and clubs with their sonic grit and broadcasted their brash and bluesy tunes, bassist, Mike Kerr and drummer, Matt Swan found themselves thrusted into the musical spotlight, earning comparisons to early Muse and Led Zeppelin.

It was only after the release of their debut single, “Come On Over” (previously “Leaving”), which saw Matt Swan depart the blues rock duo to embark on his own sonic endeavours. Fast forward to July 2019 and Swanny (Matt Swan) has released his debut single – an absolute hip-swinger of a single entitled, “Sweat Baby Sweat”.

Swanny has said, “Sweat Baby Sweat is simply about letting the good times roll live life to the max – life is one big party. It was written after a long hot Summer’s night of no sleep in Byron Bay in 2018. I had just got home in the early hours of the morning after playing drums at one of Byron Bay’s crazy warehouse parties – I picked up the guitar, cracked another beer and the main riff quickly came to me. I then laid down some drums and Sweat Baby Sweat was born.”

Swanny‘s “Sweat Baby Sweat” drips with his signature tribal and thunderous drumming, while his raw vocals provide a sensory experience reminiscent of Led Zeppelin and Kram (Spiderbait). Now that we can grasp what Swanny is like on his lonesome, we can truly hear how he has shaped the sound we know as Royal Blood and how his drumming has effectively helped revive a new era of Rock n Roll.

If you’re a fan of Royal Blood, Kram, Led Zeppelin, Torrential Thrill and everything in between, be sure to get around this tasty jam, it’s definitely worth a listen.

The single saw the light of day on all digital outlets and streaming platforms on Friday July 5th.




Brisbane is getting a brand new summer music festival!

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon

The teams who brought Australian audiences Beyond The Valley and Origin Fields have joined forces to deliver a show-stopping one-day festival this December in Brisbane.

Premiering at Brisbane Shows this December 28th, Wildlands will see a plethora of artists converge to bring a showcase of exciting dance, electronic and hip-hop performances to our sun-soaked doorstep.

The prestigious RUFUS DU SOL has already been announced as the first act, which is soon to be followed by a line-up of prolific talents from around the world.

The teams behind Beyond the Valley and Origin Fields have been the forerunners of Australia’s live music scene for a number of years now, bringing international acts like The Kooks, Chance The Rapper, Jamie XX, Stormzy, Mura Masa, Cardi B and more, to stages down under. 

Now, after much preparation and dedication, they are set to push the boundaries of creative line-ups once more, this time with their eyes on the sunshine state.

“Brisbane is such a beautiful city, filled with music lovers of all genres.
Beyond The Valley & Origin host so much amazing talent touring the country over New Years, that often don’t visit Brisbane. Each festival has grown so much over the past years, carving their own unique festival experience & collectively we thought it’s time Brisbane gets their own taste of our flair too. We’re really excited to create something just for Brisbane that will be totally different to anything currently on offer, bringing the best of the East and West Coast together for one very special day.”

– Michael Cristidis, Beyond The Valley

“The thing I love about Brisbane is that it’s so musically and culturally diverse. Being able to curate a broader musical programme with our partners at BTV has been one of the most enjoyable booking experiences I’ve personally have ever had. With the strengths of the two festivals, I feel, that we will be able to create an event that is unique to Brisbane as beyond the valley is unique to Melbourne and Origin is to perth.” 

– Saran Bajaj, Origin Fields