Thursday November 14, 2024
KATHLEEN HALLORAN ‘Free With Me’ (Single out November 29)
After a relentless three years of live touring and studio recordings as one of Australia’s most sought-after lead guitarists, Melbourne-based Kathleen Halloran is stepping into the solo spotlight with the release of her highly-anticipated debut single, “Free With Me”, on 29 November. Kathleen will launch the single with a show on December 11 at the Gasometer Hotel featuring supports acts Anatasia Comarin and Zevon Lee. Tickets via kathleenhalloran.com
This fresh new single delivers on the promise of Halloran’s mesmerising performances with some of Australian music’s greatest names, including multi-platinum-selling artists such as Kate Ceberano, Jon Stevens, Katie Noonan and Felix Riebl (The Cat Empire) to name a few. As a session musician, Halloran’s guitar playing has been heard on countless recordings, in many major musical theatre productions and on major festival stages all around the country. She has been described as an artist who “wholeheartedly delivers with conviction so strong you’re lost in each moment”.
With hundreds of thousands of Australians having admired her work, Halloran now commences her journey from virtuosic side-woman to solo artist. Her self-penned debut song, “Free With Me”, is an infectious record, with soaring melodies and youthful innocence, while evoking the best traditions of Australian pop-rock. This single not only showcases Halloran’s signature blues-drenched guitar, but also reveals her exquisite singing voice: something her audiences have not yet had the privilege to discover. It emerges as the unexpected treasure in this release.
“Free With Me” has been produced by Ross Irwin (Bamboos, The Cat Empire, Paul Kelly) and engineered by Ben Edgar (Gotye, Angus and Julia Stone, Matt Corby) – one of the most sought-after production teams in Australia today. “Free with Me” is the next major step in Kathleen Halloran’s impressive career, and is expected to begin to establish her as one of Australia’s brightest new musical stars in her own right.
https://www.kathleenhalloran.com/
SPACE&AGES ‘Puzzle Piece’ and B-side ‘Bittersweet’ (Single)
Brisbane’s 4-piece indie rock band SPACE&AGES has been taking the city by storm with their spacey indie-rock jams, and now they’re back again with undiluted indie perfection in the package of ‘Puzzle Piece’ and its B-side ‘Bittersweet’, out now
SPACE&AGES are becoming adored for their reflection of Australia’s restless youth and have the rabid fans to prove it. With first plays supported by Triple J Unearthed, single launch concerts sold out, wins in lineup comps like Passport to Airlie, Indieopia and Frothy Fest, and an East Coast tour under their belts, they have an impressive list of accomplishments following their debut in October 2023.
This release is indie at its most recognisable. ‘Puzzle Piece’ is a toe-tapping indie rock anthem, made up of a thick Aussie accent complimenting gorgeous, emotive vocals, boppy guitar, uptempo drums and playful bass riffs.
This song is a young love at sunset, pushing past the feeling of hopelessness and falling into love. Lead singer Phin Spence’s vocals are a showstopper, packed to the brim with emotions and bursting with the energy of vivid daydream. The lyrics are real and raw and hopeful, focusing on staying with a partner even when things get tough.
Its B-side ‘Bittersweet’ is the other side to the coin. This indie-folk song is true to its name, countering ‘Puzzle Piece’ in a softer and sadder song that’s stripped down to acoustic guitar and breathtakingly earnest vocals, a tragic song with thumping drums and melancholic piano when the song builds. It’s a delicate, heartfelt song that echoes the struggle of moving on.
Follow SPACE&AGES Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
THE CAT EMPIRE ‘Doing Fine’ (Single)
The Cat Empire have returned with vibrant, self-affirming new single – ‘Doing Fine’ is out today via BMG Australia. Lead singer Felix comments, “Doing Fine is one of the edgiest and most dynamic tracks on the Bird In Paradise album. Lyrically it’s raw – grief, rage, reckless joy – brought together in the furnace of The Cat Empire’s very live performance.”
LISTEN TO ‘DOING FINE’ HERE
The third single off their forthcoming tenth studio album Bird In Paradise out March 7, 2025 via BMG Australia almost didn’t make the cut. The band’s musical director Ross Irwin explains, “Doing Fine went on quite a journey as a song. It was one that we weren’t sure was even going to make it onto the album, and as we headed into the studio it was 50/50 as to whether we would even pursue it. But once we started recording it and developing it during the tracking sessions, it transformed into a really exciting musical journey that has become a favourite track amongst the musicians and engineers who worked on the record. It has fire, it has drama, and it has a healthy dose of heart and lyrical honesty.”
To accompany the new track, the band have offered up their latest video, an explosion of flamenco dance interspersed with Felix’s heavy-hitting boxing moves. Felix states, “The boxing / flamenco dance collision brought to life in the video clip seem to provide the right intent. It hits hard and it calls for something beautiful in the chaos.”
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
Previous releases ‘La Gracia’ and ‘Blood On The Stage’ have given fans a taste of what to expect from their forthcoming album, featuring a vibrant tapestry of global influences. The two singles were added to Double J, plus landed at #1 on the AMRAP Metro Charts and picked up playlisting across Spotify’s New Music Friday AU/NZ and Release Radar, and Apple Music’s New Music Daily.
On the new album, Felix Riebl comments “Musically speaking, Bird in Paradise is an Australian-Flamenco, Afro-Cuban project. We’ve drawn from the themes of contemporary flamenco and Cuban music, and combined it with the grit, and toughness of Aussie rock history. Add Ollie’s Jazz influence and you have a sound only The Cat Empire can create. These influences are shaped by undercurrents of urban and outback Australia, adding an undeniably Aussie edge to international sounds.”
The band recently completed a sold-out run of orchestra shows in Sydney, Hobart, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, selling over 25,000 tickets across the country. They have just shared their live version of ‘Blood On The Stage’ at the Sydney Opera House – watch here
An Australian Summer wouldn’t be the same without seeing The Cat Empire on a festival line-up – the band are gearing up for performances at Ocean Sounds Festival, Over The Ditch Festival, and Bluesfest.
THE CAT EMPIRE TOUR DATES
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Thu 05 December 2024 | Perth Concert Hall – Perth, WA – SOLD OUT
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Fri 06 December 2024 | Perth Concert Hall – Perth, WA – SOLD OUT
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Sat 07 December 2024 | Perth Concert Hall – Perth, WA – SELLING FAST
West Australian Symphony Orchestra
Sat 11 January 2025 | Ocean Sounds Festival – Churchill Island, VIC
Sat 22 February 2025 | Over The Ditch Festival – Newcastle, NSW
Tue April 29 2025 | Bluesfest – Byron Bay, NSW
Sat 23 August 2025 | Mundi Mundi Bash – Broken Hill, NSW
GET SOCIAL WITH THE CAT EMPIRE WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIK TOK | TWITTER
TENZIN CHOEGYAL, MATT CORBY, AND ROHIN JONES ‘Snow Flower’ (Single)
Tenzin Choegyal, the Grammy-nominated Tibetan singer, musician, and composer, has today released the first track “Snow Flower” from his forthcoming album, a collaboration with multi-instrumentalists Matt Corby and Rohin Jones (The Middle East), and songwriter Alex Henriksson.
“Snow Flower”, is a poignant exploration of life’s impermanence, beautifully rendered in Tibetan and played on the dranyen, a traditional Tibetan lute-guitar. The track features minimalistic, yet powerful lyrics sung by Choegyal with a textured richness, while Corby provides harmonious backing vocals.
The single is the title track from the forthcoming collaborative album, set for release on April 4. The album Snow Flower is an unprecedented musical fusion from Grammy-nominated Tibetan singer, musician and composer Tenzin Choegyal, multi-instrumentalists Matt Corby and Rohin Jones (The Middle East), and songwriter Alex Henriksson.
A profoundly auditory experience providing a sanctuary of sound amidst the bustle of modern life, Snow Flower is a work of free-flowing innovation and rejuvenating enchantment, an album that is more than music; it is a meditative journey.
From the first strum of Choegyal’s dranyen lute, Jones’s acoustic and electronic stylings and the last echo of Corby’s Moog One synth, Snow Flower explores the therapeutic properties of 432Hz—a frequency known for reducing anxiety and lowering the heart rate.
On the new album Tenzin Choegyal said: “Matt and Alex welcomed me into the warm embrace of the Rainbow Valley Records family, handing me a blank musical canvas to craft a collaborative record, infused with my Tibetan nomadic lineage and wisdom.
“Alongside Rohin Jones from the Middle East, we have created Snow Flower, a vibrant celebration of sound, spirit, and meditation, drawing from diverse genres that intertwine. This collaboration captures the rhythm of our shared journey and the deep passion that unites us through music.”
On the new project, Matt Corby said: “Tenzin is one in a billion. He walks a different path to the rest of us.”
“Working on this record was one of the great experiences of my creative life.
The motivation behind what Tenzin creates goes beyond modern music and its societal reasoning. “This album is as functional as it is beautiful. A guide to our every day but also a score to unearth true and purelife moments.”
Recorded at Rainbow Valley Studios on Bundjalung country in north eastern New South Wales and produced by Corby and Henriksson, Snow Flower is a sonic tapestry that weaves together the key tenets of Tibetan Buddhism—compassion, truth-seeking, and loving-kindness—with mantras, vocalese, and skillful instrumentation.
Each track is carefully constructed to transport the listener into a state of deep relaxation and contemplation, supported by mantras and minimalistic lyrics that highlight key Tibetan Buddhist tenets of compassion and loving-kindness.
https://www.tenzinchoegyal.com/
GORDI ‘Lunch At Dune’ (EP)
Following the release of ‘Lunch At Dune’ with Irish artist SOAK, singer, songwriter and producer Gordi (aka Sophie Payten) expands on the world of ‘Lunch At Dune’ with a new EP of the same name.
Alongside its title track, the new Lunch At Dune EP also includes a new B-side original ‘Reverie’, in addition to ‘Apple’ (Gordi’s rework of Charli XCX’s popular 2024 single) and two alternate versions of the track – ‘Lowboy Version’ – a slinky detuned re-pitched edition – and a cathartic live take, ‘Castle At Bohermeen Version’. Similar to the original, both alternate ‘Lunch At Dune’ versions are also collaborations with SOAK.
“This record came together between Melbourne, Dublin, London and Los Angeles, and a few airports. I flew to Dublin to meet SOAK and we recorded the live version of ‘Lunch At Dune’ in the cavernous kitchen of my Airbnb, about an hour’s drive out of the city, using 2 tiny synthesizers and a couple microphones I’d packed in my suitcase. When I got home from that trip, I was playing around with the stems of the title track and found that slowing and pitching everything down, and stripping the song down, laid bare these beautiful harmonics in the layers of vocals and synths that I wanted to share on the record.”
The accompanying video to the aforementioned ‘Lunch At Dune (Castle At Bohermeen Version)’ was also filmed in that very same kitchen in Dublin, where the pair finally met after many moons of being (internet) pen pals. Gordi had long been a fan of SOAK’s, after seeing them perform in New York years ago. They were introduced online through mutual friends and eventually came to record ‘Lunch At Dune’ together.
WATCH: Gordi x SOAK – ‘Lunch At Dune’ (Castle At Bohermeen Version)
“I recently flew to Dublin to meet Bridie, and we spent a good part of the weekend wandering around Dublin where I learned how to split the G of a Guinness and concluded that the Leprechaun Museum is criminally underrated. I ate an Irish Spice Bag for the first time, highly rated,” Gordi reflects.
Gordi’s new EP marks the beginning of her third album campaign, and recently saw her perform four intimate, sold-out shows in her home country of Australia. Her stunning Sydney shows, held at Phoenix Central Park’s The Church saw the largest ballot sign-up for the venue ever, with the two sittings outstripping audience demand.
Next week, Gordi will perform similarly intimate fan-first shows in Dublin, London (now sold out) and Berlin. She has also shared new dates for fans in the US, with pop-up performances at Public Records Brooklyn last night and Bob Baker puppet house this Sunday in Los Angeles. These special shows will see Sophie road-testing new material in stripped back form, along with old favourites.
GORDI TOUR DATES
See www.gordimusic.com for ticketing details
UK/EU
Thursday 21 November | Workman’s Cellar | Dublin, IRELAND
Friday 22 November | The Old Church | London, UK [SOLD OUT]
Sunday 24 November | Michelberger | Berlin, GERMANY
USA
Tuesday 12 November | Public Records | NYC, USA
Sunday 17 November | Bob Baker | Los Angeles, USA
RUNNING TOUCH ‘I Can’t Wait All Night’ (Single/Tour announce)
Enigmatic, fiercely versatile, and one of Australia’s hottest exports; singer, songwriter, music producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Running Touch returns with another electronic hit, the moody and infectious, ‘I Can’t Wait All Night’. The single is a follow up to the deep, expansive, dance-pop cut ‘Lost’ and second taste of new music since his album release in 2022.
‘I Can’t Wait All Night’ builds on from where ‘Lost’ left off, telling the story of cutting ties with an elusive lover; someone who’s a source of excitement, but not comfort. Running Touch says,” it’s about being at war with yourself. In moments where everything feels like it’s on top of you, wanting that better part of yourself to come through and be rational and save yourself. I went through many of these moments in 2021/2022 and it really left an imprint. I was collaborating with and listening to a lot of Durante at the time of making this. That world was a large influence on the soundscape, and it definitely comes out in the finished product.”
Best listened to on a warm summer night, cruising with the windows down at sunset, or late at night, Running Touch’s signature soulful vocals, clattering percussion, murky pads and plaintive keys cast a chill, dark and sexy atmosphere, but propulsive and elegant arrangements keep the track firmly rooted to the dancefloor and hooked from the start.The official video clip is directed by The AV Club Melbourne-based Director and long-time Running Touch visual collaborator, Cian Marangos, who directed ‘Lost’, and follows the creative energy and themes from the ‘Lost’ video shoot along with cameo appearances from friends and band mates including Ocean Grove and Adult Art Club.
Speaking about the creative concept and themes for the video clip Running Touch shares, “the video consists of three main themes – the first being heavy music. I come from the heavy music scene and wanted to capture that energy, the live crew energy, the friendship. The second is some form of physical art. This was focused on fashion in the form of clothing from my favourite Melbourne clothing maker Gab Cole whose clothing is handmade and one of one. Thirdly I wanted friends in it. The video has friends new and old, my cousin and school friends and my counterparts in Ocean Grove, historically many of my videos as Running Touch have included friends and act as stamps of moments in time. Cian Marangos and I have done a number of creative projects together now and his injection of genius is what makes these videos really come to life.”
Watch the Official Music Video Clip ‘I Can’t Wait All Night’
Running Touch returns to stages this summer for a coastal run to set the scene for the summery warm vibes of ‘I Can’t Wait All Night’.
‘I Can’t Wait All Night’ Summer Coastal Tour
Saturday 30 November – Clovelly Beach Hotel, Sydney (DJ Set)
Sunday 1 December – Riviera Beach Club, Melbourne (DJ Set)
Friday 20 December – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (DJ Set)
Saturday 21 December – Old Soul, Sunshine Coast (DJ Set)
Friday 3 January – The Pavilion, Kiama (Live)
Saturday 4 January – Marlin Hotel, Ulladulla (Live)
MORE DATES TO BE ADDED
TICKETS ON SALE NEXT WEEK
Sign up here for access: https://laylo.com/running_touch/ICWANtour
RUNNING TOUCH NEW SINGLE ‘I CAN’T WAIT ALL NIGHT’ OUT NOW LISTEN + STREAM NOW
SNARSKI vs SNARSKI ‘Waiting For The Bell’ (Album)
If that surname sounds familiar, let me explain. Rob Snarski is possibly better known as the singer of The Blackeyed Susans and SnarskiCircusLindyBand and Mark Snarski was the singer-songwriter of The Jackson Code. The brothers considered by those in the know to possess the richest voices since Scott Walker wandered into the recording studio and sang “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore”. In fact when their old pal Dave McComb [lead singer of The Triffids] saw their first band Chad’s Tree perform, he berated the brothers with these kind words – “I hate you guys, your band sounds like Television and you sing like The Walker Brothers!”.
Surprisingly, Waiting For The Bell is the first release recorded under the moniker Snarski vs Snarski. Here Mark sings Rob and Rob sings Mark’s songs ~ from Chad’s Tree to The Jackson Code, Snarski & Luscombe, Nearly Brothers, So-Called Friends and their collected solo works. Included is a version of “Bring Yourself Home To Me”, which was originally recorded by The Jackson Code for The Things You Need and famously covered by Jimmy Little on The Messenger.
Waiting For The Bell creates an all-encompassing atmosphere, one of shadowy beauty, raining pleasures and ragged glories – as the brothers re-visit songs from their early work together in Chad’s Tree, re-imagine each other’s solo works and write together for the first time in decades.
The album was produced by Shane O’Mara at Yikesville and is available now in three format options ~ black 130gm vinyl, CD and a digital download which is only available on BANDCAMP at Waiting For The Bell | Snarski vs Snarski
Since The Jackson Code’s demise Mark has resided in Spain, wandered The Camino and released several solo records. Rob has been busy writing for his solo releases and with Lindy Morrison for SnarskiCircusLindyBand. 2025 will see Mark return for another bout of Snarski vs Snarski live ~ with the brothers both delving deep into their back catalogues as well as presenting some new material and the songs from Waiting For The Bell.
Snarski vs Snarski 2025 – coming to a drive-in near you.
ADELAIDE | WHEATSHEAF HOTEL ~ SUNDAY, FEB 2 ~ 4PM
MELBOURNE | GEORGE LANE ~ FRI + SAT FEB 7 ~ 7PM
SYDNEY | DJANGO BAR ~ FRI + SAT FEB 14 & 15~ 7PM
PERTH | LYRIC’S UNDERGROUND ~ FRI + SAT FEB 21 & 22 ~ 7PM
MELBOURNE | WESLEY ANNE ~ SAT MARCH 1 [matinee & evening shows]
Order CD or LP here
BANDCAMP – https://robsnarski.bandcamp.com/album/waiting-for-the-bell
TIFFANY ECKHARDT ‘Deep Midwinter’ (Single)
“I wrote this song as a 20 year anniversary present for my long-time partner, musical co-conspirator and soul mate, Dave Steel. It’s about us falling in love and singing and playing together… and walking arm in arm through hills and towns….as we do. It’s about hanging in there over time, even when it’s not always perfect, and embracing all the seasons of love.” – Tiffany Eckhardt
In March 2022, singer songwriter Tiffany Eckhardt recorded her most recent release, Starry Stuff. Its 4 years since she released her last album ‘Found’ which was recorded in Southern Tasmania in 2018. Starry Stuff was produced by Tiffany Eckhardt and recorded live over 2 days by musician/ technician Jed Pickett, at the Rolling on the River Studio in the Huon Valley, Tasmania. The band on the album consists of some of Tassie’s finest including… Dave Steel (guitars), Ross Smithard (violin and mandolin), Matt Boden (piano), Louis Gill (bass) and Jeremy Marcotte (drums).
The songs pick up on themes of motherhood, change and star gazing… Tiffany describes it as… “An album about life changes and how to cope with them… both my kids left home over the past couple of years …. and we’re getting older…and the world’s issues are getting crazier…I think my favourite track is the last one… Milky Way… it just makes me feel good to sing it”.
With a sound inspired by albums such as Neil Young’s Comes a Time and Lucinda Williams Wrecking Ball, it is 11 heart melting gems reflecting influences of folk, jazz, and blues.
Starry Stuff CDs and downloads are available at www.tiffanyeckhardt.com.au
RUEBEN RASMUSSEN ‘Inner’ (Album out November 23)
Recent musical exploration has brought Rasmussen’s new solo repertoire to a prolific point. Designed like an A/B sided record, “Inner” follows a journey of exposing true introspection of the heart and mind. The arc of sound embarks with the outer most layer; a funky Jazz-Pop driven energy to life. As the layers of self unravel, heart pours out through intimate Folk and Soul, and the finale culminating all of the stylistic elements together. Despite moving around the world with multiple bedroom studio setups, a consistent sonic aura has developed with his independently recorded projects.
After spiking ears with lead singles “Rolling the Dice” featuring Naarm/Melbourne based rapper NXVELL, and “like I’m feelin’ you” featuring vocalist Kayla Bryant, “Inner” is set to share 11 tracks at a 48 minute runtime. Widening his artistic expression, Rasmussen has uniquely developed a grainy yet vibrant visual aesthetic surrounding the album. Sasha Kaiser, a Catalan/Australian artist unified the audio-visual direction for “Inner” creating the album cover art, alongside singles Butterflies, Wide World, and Breathe. Other notable collaborations include Italian dancer Alice Pieri, contributing improvised live movement in the Breathe music video
Multi-instrumentalist, composer, and performer Reuben Rasmussen has been traversing the musical terrain, blending infusions of Jazz, Funk, and Pop into a contemporary landscape of his own. Originally based out of Naarm/Melbourne, Australia, Rasmussen navigated headline shows with his band The Platinum Project, though he has recently found footing in a second base; Birmingham (UK). There, he’s spread his wings around friends, artists and performers, contributing to local Jazz nights, guest performances and most notably; a set amongst the ValeFest lineup. Since learning violin at age 5, his musicality has been fuelled by mentor and prolific artist Geoffrey Williams, who inspired Rasmussen’s individuality and critical listening as a songwriter and artist. Rasmussen’s explorative approach to composition can be attributed to the soulful touch of Dijon and Lianne La Havas while grooving off wave-makers like D’Angelo and Jacob Collier.
Instagram: @Reubenrasmussen
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ @ReubenRasmussen
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/ 3CKmEentUmgxeq2T2B67Dd? si=VO2oDHMLQjOJu2ckPaLhmg
Bandcamp: https:// reubenrasmussen.bandcamp.com/
U.S. MUSICIAN AND ACTOR TYLER HILTON ANNOUNCES LONG-AWAITED AUSTRALIAN RETURN IN 2025
Set to bring his beloved catalogue of music, including this year’s NO MAN’S LAND EP, American singer-songwriter and actor Tyler Hilton will be back in Australia this summer. Touring for the first time since 2017, Hilton’s Australian return is long-anticipated, as much as it is an excellent opportunity for new waves of fans to connect with the artist through his acclaimed live show. Performing music from across his entire catalogue, including favourites featured in the iconic One Tree Hill series, Hilton is coming back to Australia packed with all the goods.
Releasing No Man’s Land in July, Hilton has been revelling in a new creative chapter of his career. In the years that have passed since his last Australian visit, Hilton has been kept busy with a variety of projects across music and film – including composition work for the Margot Robbie-produced film My Old Ass and writing his first children’s book, Daddy Live In Concert, due for release in 2025.
The release of No Man’s Land signalled a return to rich sonic form for Hilton and from it, the excitement for Hilton’s eventual return to stages soon followed. For Australian fans, this tour is a way for Hilton to reconnect with his “favourite place on Earth”.
“I have been DYING to get back to Oz since I came for the first time ever in ‘17. Meant to get right back then the pandemic happened and it took a sec for me to get everything back on track. I had no concept of Australia before I came. No real idea of the culture or what the cities looked like.. it just hadn’t really spent much time in my brain. I landed in Sydney, hit Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth and my life was changed. I was like, “What is this magical place??”
The food! The people! The beaches! The coffee! I still drink flat whites as my daily drink to this day after that trip. I bought an acoustic guitar there from a local luthier to help commemorate my time there. I wanted to hold onto it so badly. Anyway, the point is, I’m BEYOND excited to be returning and so thankful to still have a fan base there to justify the trip!!” TYLER HILTON
Regarding his return to music via the No Man’s Land project, Hilton is open about how creating this record reignited a passion for his artistry and importantly, his connection to the performance aspect of the craft.Re-emerging from the period of pandemic-induced downtime, as well as time spent on other projects and simply enjoying family life, Hilton has a hunger for being in front of audiences sharing in music together once more. “I remembered how important playing live was to my soul and my artistry, and how hard it was to replicate anything close to that musically in a studio setting. Not to mention reconnecting with the fans.. who I missed so much during the pandemic!
Once I started I didn’t want to stop and figured I should let that energy carry me around the world for the first time in a long time to reconnect, sing old songs, and share some new ones. This is truly a tour unlike any other I’ve ever done. I’ve never missed the fans more or appreciated them more fully.” TYLER HILTON
For a whole generation of fans, Hilton’s notoriety is timeless – his role as Chris Keller on the iconic teen sports drama One Tree Hill enshrined his position within the legacy of 2000s US television; while his accolades as a performer have continued to grow.
Whether it was portraying a young Elvis Presley in the Academy Award winning film Walk The Line (a film Hilton also featured on the soundtrack of); appearing in Taylor Swift’s iconic ‘Teardrops On My Guitar’ music video; or going on to achieve two Top 40 Billboard Singles and touring with the likes of Swift, Keith Urban, John Mayer and more, Tyler Hilton has maintained a strong following and presence between the worlds of film and music.
Tyler’s tour marks the first shows in Australia for the leading independent concert and entertainment production company MRG LIVE which is based in Canada. The MRG Group has offices and venues in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Victoria and New York; operates 9 venues and 10 hospitality properties. The company produces over 500 concerts a year with a wide range performers and is expanding its activity to Australia under the leadership of Josh Lane who had previously been an agent in Australia for over 10 years and is now based in Toronto working MRG on developing an Australian-North American talent pipeline for the company.
TYLER HILTON AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Tickets via www.mrglive.com
MRG Presale: 9am AEDT, Wednesday 13 November
General Onsale: 9am AEDT, Thursday 14 November
Thursday 6 February Lefty’s Music Hall Brisbane Tickets
Friday 7 February Mary’s Underground Sydney Tickets
Saturday 8 February Northcote Social Club Melbourne Tickets
TYLER HILTON: Official Website | Facebook | X | TikTok | Instagram | YouTube
MAYA IXCHELL ‘Hurricane’ (Single)
In her newest charming folk-pop song, Maya Ixchell dives into heartbreak and grapples with impulsive thoughts of breaking away and starting a new life. On November 8th, she’ll let her thoughts out into the world in the form of ‘Hurricane’.
This Perth-based artist pulls from her real lived experiences to write heart-wrenching, breathtaking lyrics that stick with listeners. She’s opened for iconic performers like Hoodoo Gurus, Jon Stevens, Baby Animals, Mark Seymour, Fieldsy, Joan & The Giants, and Mitchell Martin. Her live shows have captured the hearts of the audiences at festivals like Nannup Music Festival, Out of the Woods Festival and Country Sounds Festival and at her West Coast Tour from Perth to Broome.
Her newest single, ‘Hurricane’, is a slow, emotive tune with shimmery guitar and sweet vocals that let her lyrical prowess shine. The sad melody is imbued with a gentle passion, the drums adding gravity to her vocals to let the undiluted feelings build up. With faint echoing vocals in the background, this is a beautifully moody story told through song.
The lyrics are heartbroken prose that fights with the internal urge to give everything up and run away to start fresh across the globe– written at a crossroads in Maya Ixchell’s life, this song details the destruction she could have had on her loved ones if she took the leap to leave it all behind.
Consider what might have been with Maya Ixchell’s ‘Hurricane’ when it drops on Friday, November 8.
Follow Maya Ixchell Linktree | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Facebook | Instagram
CLOVR feat Amela ‘Friends’ (Single)
Meanjin/Brisbane-based dance/electronic act Clovr has unveiled his vibrant single ‘Friends’ feat. Amela – produced by the artist himself and mixed/mastered by Liam Quinn (Ruel, Peach PRC, Ūla).
‘Friends’ bursts into a kaleidoscope of colour, weaving intricate electronic textures, atmospheric pads, and glitching sound design. The track conjures a sense of wonder with crisp percussion that melds effortlessly alongside Amela’s rich vocals.
Clovr talks about the inspiration behind ‘Friends’ feat. Amela:
“The idea behind the song is the irony of the saying ‘we can still be friends’ after retiring a toxic long-term relationship. It also represents empowerment, taking back control, regaining confidence and overcoming the hurdle of shame. Treading the fine line between letting go to keep the peace and making people accountable for their actions. You don’t have to be silent just because they told you to be… “
Clovr has previously shared the stage with acts such as Lime Cordiale, Go Jo, Bag Raiders, Luude, Wongo, Example, Hermitude and appeared on multiple festival lineups such as Be Social Fest, Sugar Drop and Rhythm and The Reef. Taking cues from luminaires Flume, Daniel Allan and Mura Masa, Clovr shares that he first found his connection with music when, “Mum had the Fleetwood Mac concert tapes on VHS and that made me obsessed with music. I got into electronic music from listening to a lot of hardstyle back in 2009 but only started tinkering with free trial DAWs after being inspired by the Flumestep in 2011/12.”
‘Friends’ feat. Amela is available worldwide now
FOLLOW CLOVR
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | TWITTER | TIKTOK | TRIPLE J UNEARTHED
SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | AMAZON MUSIC | SOUNDCLOUD | YOUTUBE BANDCAMP
GRENTPEREZ ‘2DK’ (TWO DRUNK KIDS) (Single/video)
22-year-old Australian musician grentperez is unapologetically a Gen-Z artist with an old soul. Having first found his audience on YouTube strumming guitar, singing covers and original songs, he’s blossomed into an unlikely star: an unassuming and unpretentious artist inspired on the music played at family karaoke parties (“Filipino people love karaoke,” he explains with a laugh,“There are some uncles out there with hidden-ass talent”) as well as vintage bossa nova and modern R&B.
Breakout artist grentperez follows his successful kickoff single ‘Fuzzy Feeling‘ with a brand new single ‘2DK‘ – watch it HERE. The new music follows on from a run of shows supporting GRAMMY Award Winning Icelandic-Chinese artist Laufey on her Australian tour, and lands ahead of grentperez joining Wallows as main support on their upcoming AU tour in December.
The single, being released via Fast Friends and AWAL, taps into an edgy and playful version of grentperez, with high synths and an electronic melody blending beautifully with his signature form of catchy hooks. The music video draws a sense of nostalgia, where a camcorder lens glosses the screen throughout.
grentperez says of the single, “’2DK’ is another track where I wanted to explore different genres and sounds, trying something a little more moody for a change. The track came about through a fit of experimentation, when working with Gianluca he played some synth stuff that sounded way different to what I usually write. I was skeptical at first, pretty hesitant to even hum a tune, eventually I whispered out the words ‘two drunk kids turning up for the night”’ and he liked it. I questioned it like… ‘really?! Are you sure?’ Anyways, I ended up really liking the track and I think this showcases another side of grentperez”.
The single comes off the heels of his recently released single and music video ‘Fuzzy Feeling‘, met with acclaim from press and fans alike. Known for his beloved catalog (‘When We Were Younger‘, ‘Demo(s) About Love‘) and international sensation ‘Cherry Wine‘, there have been hints of a new aesthetic being teased for some time now. Catching wind of a new wave with ‘Fuzzy Feeling‘ wasn’t by chance as ‘2DK’ proves all speculation, this new grentperez era is here to stay.
WATCH :: GRENTPEREZ ‘2DK’ OFFICIAL VIDEO CLIP
UPCOMING TOUR DATES – TICKET LINK
*supporting Wallows
5 December – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth, WA*
7 December – Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide, SA*
9 December – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, VIC*
12 December – The Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW*
14 December – Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD*
‘2DK’ GRENTPEREZ OUT NOW EVERYWHERE VIA FAST FRIENDS & AWAL
LISTEN // WATCH // DOWNLOAD WAV
MORE INFO: WEBSITE
SOUTH SUMMIT ‘The Bliss’ (Album)
The rise of West Australian indie outfit South Summit has been difficult to ignore over the last few years. Bursting onto the scene in 2021, The group’s emergence out of the West Coast breathed fresh air into the Australian indie circuit. Offering unique perspectives and observations on life, South Summit represents an exciting shift in Australian songwriting. In 2024, the band have arrived at an important juncture with the arrival of their debut album ‘The Bliss’; 12 tracks of Reggae-infused indie rock that perfectly encapsulates the band’s wide-ranging influences and air-tight song writing abilities.
With ‘The Bliss’ being South Summit’s first studio record, the impact of this album as being a statement of intent from the group was not lost on the band. From album opener ‘Take Me Down’, to the pop-flecked standout ‘Catacombs’ and decadent moments of pure jamming in ’Holy Cascade’ & ‘We Are Lions’, this is an album that is unafraid to level up and take South Summit outside their comfort zone.
The focus track for the album ‘Exceptional’ is one of many standouts on the album – blending genres perfectly as the band continue to expand their sonic palette. “A massive inspiration for this chorus was Outkast, the little twang they use. They were a massive inspiration for this song and when we went into the studio, we had that in mind; experimenting with different things. They experimented so much with a lot of their tunes too, so we took that when we went into this. Josh and I made the first recording, the demo; it was cool to dive into different inspirations and then different characters for this song. It was cool.” SOUTH SUMMIT
The intricacies found in their lyricism chart their journey as a young group in Perth, experiencing a whirlwind career rise over the course of three years. It has taken South Summit on multiple laps of Australia, as well as to New Zealand for the first time; yet their core ethos and messaging has never changed. Stories that come from the heart, that aren’t afraid to show vulnerability, ‘The Bliss’ is the perfect culmination of the ride to date.
“Being our first album and putting everything on the table, the meaning behind The Bliss…it’s the diamond in the rough, It’s a story narrating how far we have come; we’re trying to bring that to the table and show everyone our musicianship, while having fun with it.” NEMO REUBEN, SOUTH SUMMIT
The album was recorded at Perth’s Blackbird Sound Studio, with producer Dave Parkin (Spacey Jane) and mastering engineer Brian Lucey (Post Malone, The Black Keys). Unsurprisingly, the production on the album is incredibly slick – capturing the dynamic energy and musical synergy of the band flawlessly.
“We’ve been collaborating with Dave since the early days of our careers, starting all the way back with River days (2021), and consider him the 6th member of the band. His input starts early on from the demo stages, through to the final product, helping shape and evolve our sound to what you hear on the album” JOSH TRINDALL, SOUTH SUMMIT
South Summit have become a mainstay on the Australian live circuit in recent years; completing their triple j-backed debut national tour at the tail-end of 2023; establishing themselves as festival favourites with appearances at Falls Festival, Groovin The Moo, Party In The Paddock, SXSW Sydney and Out Of the Woods Festival; and hitting the road on tour with the likes of Coterie, Beddy Rays, and recently tour with the Cat Empire across Europe.
The engaging nature of South Summit’s music has earned them industry, media and radio acclaim, with triple j and Triple J Unearthed coming on as early champions of the group, nominating South Summit as Unearthed Artist Of The Year at the 2023 J Awards. The band have since hit rotation on the national youth broadcaster on multiple occasions, with an add for ‘Sidelines’ in 2023, as well as ‘The Bliss’ singles ‘Givin’ It Up‘ & ‘Ottoway’.
To celebrate the release of ‘The Bliss’, the band have an Australian and New Zealand headline tour set for February; hitting stages in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Newcastle, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth
“We’re super excited for our AUS/NZ Album Tour next February/March! These are by far the biggest headline shows we’ve ever played, and we can’t wait to get out there and see everyone again. These shows feel a little extra special though, it’s been a while since we’ve toured the whole country, and showcasing our debut album is something we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. We’ve got a brand new live show for you guys, and plenty more treats for ya! See you guys on the road.” SOUTH SUMMIT’
SOUTH SUMMIT TOUR DATES
Friday 14th February San Fran Wellington, NZ
Saturday 15th February Double Whammy Auckland, NZ
Sunday 16th February Loons Christchurch, NZ
Friday 21st February Brightside Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 22nd February Oxford Art Factory Sydney, NSW
Sunday 23rd February Over The Ditch Festival Newcastle, NSW
Friday 28th February Corner Hotel Richmond, VIC
Saturday 1st March Jive Bar Adelaide, SA
Saturday 8th March The Rechabite Perth, WA
‘The Bliss’ is out now
South Summit: Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed | Website | TikTok
GARFUNKEL & GARFUNKEL ‘Father and Son’ (Album)
Art Garfunkel & Art Garfunkel Jr. are thrilled to release their hugely anticipated first-ever collaborative album, Father And Son. The stunning cover album, released today via TELAMO/BMG, features a dozen timeless hits and standards spanning almost an entire century. It’s an extremely personal selection, an essential set of longtime favourites that Garfunkel & Garfunkel have been listening to for as long as they can remember. The result is a beautiful testament to the unique bond between “father and son”, and a lavishly arranged musical journey through different genres.
“We were going for a real modern orchestral vibe, with lots of strings,” Garfunkel & Garfunkel say about the new project’s lush and lavish sound. Incorporating a series of stunning, truly cinematic string arrangements, the duo brings iconic songs from various eras into the present. In the studio, they enlisted three international greats to capture the unique father-son dynamic: Trusted hit producer Felix Gauder (Pet Shop Boys, Jimmy Somerville) was joined by renowned Italian string arranger Davide Rossi (Coldplay, Alicia Keys) and famed UK studio wizard Ash Howes (Kylie Minogue, Ellie Goulding).
“This one is truly a father-son project, it’s all about this unique connection,” Garfunkel Jr. says of the album. “We recorded about a dozen of our most cherished songs. I brought more of the 80s influences into the project, and my father brought more of the Great American Songbook – wonderful songs from the 1940s and so on. These two influences came together in a pretty exciting way. Overall, it’s definitely an expression of our bond.”
“It felt like a dream. It was simply quite wonderful. I love working with him,” adds NYC hitmaking veteran Art Garfunkel, who was born in 1941 and launched his career with Simon & Garfunkel in the late 1950s. “I like to say my son is a better singer than I am. I mean, I’m pretty good… but he is better,” he adds, raving about his son’s characteristic falsetto.
The album sees Garfunkel & Garfunkel’s two voices complement each other beautifully as father and son take turns on the mic, adding their unique twists to a wide range of personal favourites. Highlights selected by Garfunkel Sr. include “Let It Be Me” (“That’s a duet we’ve done on stage many times. We’ve been singing it for years. Oh, how I love singing that with my son. I stole it from The Everly Brothers,” jokes the elder) and a series of timeless jazz standards including “Nature Boy”, Jo Stafford’s “You Belong To Me”, 1930s classic “Once In A While”, and the beautiful “Blue Moon” which opens the album. Another stand-out includes Don McLean’s homage to Van Gogh, “Vincent”.
“That one is McCartney at his best,” says Garfunkel Sr. about the Beatles’ J.S. Bach-inspired “Blackbird”, a classic his son also grew up with: “We just knew it had to be on the record,” he adds, “and I knew that we could sing it beautifully together.” Father And Son also features “Old Friends”, originally recorded by the elder Garfunkel. “There is a degree of sadness in the song, but also, it’s quite thought-provoking. It’s one of my favourite Simon & Garfunkel tunes,” says Jr. “And we are old friends now, we’ve known each other for over three decades,” he adds with a smile.
Although born in the early 90s, classic 80s tunes were a huge influence on Art Garfunkel Jr., who is fluent in German. “I’m clearly the guy who loves 80s music, so those were definitely my suggestions,” he says, referring to the lavish interpretations of “Here Comes The Rain Again” (Eurythmics), Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time” and Ph.D.’s 1981 hit “I Won’t Let You Down”.
Finally, the album title obviously nods to Cat Stevens’ timeless anthem “Father And Son” from 1970: “My dad gives me little pearls of wisdom and advice towards my career. It happens rarely, but when he gives them, they have great meaning,” says Garfunkel Jr. when asked about parallels between the song’s lyrics and his own path towards independence as an artist.
Art Garfunkel Jr. was born in Manhattan in 1990, the first child of Kathryn and Art Garfunkel. Spending most of his childhood and youth in the United States, he often accompanied his father on tour, even as a child. After moving to Berlin as a teenager, he began tracing his grandparents’ German roots and developed a love for German pop music. Touring extensively with his father in 2018 and 2019, he subsequently released his German-language solo debut “Wie Du” (2021) which became a sensational Top-10 success in Germany and remained in the Top-100 for nearly 30 weeks in 2022. In the following year, his sophomore album “Evergreen” reached the Top-15, seeing Art Garfunkel Jr. follow in his father’s footsteps while also carving his own path.
Easily regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of pop music, Art Garfunkel boasts eight Grammy wins, thirteen nominations and countless gold/platinum awards, all of which paved the way for his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He launched his career in 1957 as one-half of the famed US folk-rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, which he founded together with songwriter Paul Simon. Global hit singles such as “Sound of Silence”, “Scarborough Fair”, “Mrs. Robinson”, “The Boxer” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water” have since become part of the canon of Western Pop History. After the duo split up in 1970, Garfunkel not only landed massive solo hits (e.g. “Bright Eyes”), but also acted in various Hollywood films. Having shared stages with Paul Simon occasionally over the last decades (their 1981 Central Park performance in front of a 500k+ audience comes to mind), he’s recently been performing with his son, Art Garfunkel Jr. With this latest chapter, Garfunkel & Garfunkel celebrate their unique connection.
Father And Son by Garfunkel & Garfunkel is available now.
PACIFIC AVENUE ‘Lucy’ (Single)
Australian rock darlings Pacific Avenue have just returned with their memorable single, ‘Lucy’ – produced and mixed by Doug Boehm (Powderfinger, The Vines), with co-production from Thomas Porter.
‘Lucy’ radiates with vibrant, sun-soaked energy, propelled by lively guitar riffs and soulful vocals. Its rhythmic groove strikes a harmonious balance between lightness and a laid-back vibe, offering moments that are both uplifting and introspective.
Pacific Avenue talks about the inspiration and process behind ‘Lucy’: “The concept of Lucy represents the idea that everyone has their own version of ‘Lucy’ — someone or something they hold dear. Love takes many forms, and beauty is ultimately defined by the one who sees it. This song was recorded at a studio in Highland Park, Los Angeles and is called ‘The Hobby Shop’ it’s a little hole in the wall studio that has some really beautiful gear. It was our first time recording overseas and something we’ve all dreamed of since we started the band.”
They’ve previously supported the likes of Post Malone, Dom Dolla, 5 Seconds of Summer, DMA’S, Louis Tomlinson (UK), The Wombats (UK), Tash Sultana, Ocean Alley, Lime Cordiale and San Cisco, and played Australian festivals Spilt Milk, Lost Paradise, Party in the Paddock, This That, Spaced Out, Great Escape Festival and Yours & Owls. This comes off the back of shows across the UK and a national Australian ‘Flowers’ tour that saw them sell out most shows.
Following the release of their debut album ‘Flowers’ in 2023, Pacific Avenue received two ARIA Nominations for ‘Best Rock Album’ and ‘Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist’. The band have garnered widespread praise from NME, The Guardian, Clash Magazine (UK), Atwood Magazine (USA) and Wonderland Magazine (UK), and their songs have also received extensive playlist support from Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Manchester United, BBC One and BT Sport.
Their singles ‘Spin Me Like Your Records’, ‘Leaving For London’, ‘Give It Up For Yourself’ and ‘Easy Love’ were added to full rotation on national broadcaster triple j. They also received radio love from Triple M, iHeart Australia, triple j Unearthed and LiSTNR, and their music videos have been added to ABC’s rage.
‘Lucy’ is available worldwide now via BMG
PACIFIC AVENUE UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
Tickets available via www.pacificavenue.com.au
SUN 24 NOV | THE VINE HOTEL, PANGERANG/NORTH WANGARATTA VIC*
SUN 15 DEC | CHANGING TIDES FESTIVAL, KIAMA SHOWGROUNDS NSW
MON 30 DEC | YOU & ME FEST, GOOMBURRUP/BUNBURY WA
TUE 31 DEC | YOU & ME FEST, GOOMBURRUP/BUNBURY WA
SAT 4 JAN | GOOD GUMNUTS FESTIVAL, PATAWAY/BURNIE TAS
FOLLOW PACIFIC AVENUE
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | AMAZON MUSIC | SOUNDCLOUD | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE
DEAR SEATTLE ‘Say What You Want’ (Single/Video)
Sydney alt-rockers Dear Seattle have unleashed an open-vein ode to vulnerable moments, releasing their brand new single Say What You Want.
A raw confessional anthem also taken from the band’s forthcoming third studio album TOY, due out on January 17 in 2025 via Domestic La La, Say What You Want joins the band’s earlier endearing singles Evergreen, idc, Nothing’s Stopping Me Now and Sungazer, with a special Album Launch Party Tour also locked in this December and January, offering fans an exclusive chance to celebrate TOY in an intimate setting.
Speaking on Say What You Want, Dear Seattle share: “It’s about overcoming the fear of expressing yourself and how you feel. Whether you’re head over heels for someone and dying to hear that they feel the same, or so content with your life you don’t want a single thing to change. Say it. Scream it. Tell your friends you love them. Live your life and try not to shut down the feelings that make it real.”
Love, loss, addiction, nostalgia, and every salient moment of life in between beats at the insatiable core of TOY. Showcasing Dear Seattle both brandishing their trademark infectious craftsmanship while also showcasing their palpable creative growth over the past few years, TOY is an emphatic collection of relatable anthems to belt at the top of your lungs; an album that feels instantly familiar yet fresh in one exhilarating sweep that unfurls across the space of 12 tracks.
With a distinctive Aussie tinge to their emotive and propulsive wares, Dear Seattle first emerged onto the scene back in 2013, releasing their debut EP Words Are Often Useless that same year. Following a second EP release, 2017’s self-titled Dear Seattle, the Northern Beaches-hailing group solidified their presence with their first ever full-length album Don’t Let Go in 2019, also securing the group a #10 spot on the ARIA Australian Album Charts.
Unleashing their powerful sophomore album Someday in 2022, Dear Seattle expanded their legacy to even greater heights, with Someday debuting at #4 on the ARIA Australian Album Charts, a Spotlight Album feature on triple j, and Rolling Stone declaring that “Dear Seattle is born again”.
Continuously honing their modern take on old school pop punk and alt-rock over the years, Dear Seattle have previously performed alongside the likes of Hockey Dad, Trophy Eyes and Dune Rats, with multiple headline tours and appearances at Splendour In The Grass, UNIFY Gathering, Party In The Paddock and more in their wake.
Whether charming Missy Higgins herself with their 2019 triple j Like A Version cover of The Special Two, launching their own beer, burning up the charts and airwaves, or penning melodic, heartfelt delights that’ll have you equally singing along and banging your head, Dear Seattle are a band who build unforgettable moments around authenticity and charming execution – and the upcoming 2025 album TOY is undeniably yet another home run from the Sydney quartet.
Dear Seattle will embark around the country starting this December for a special Album Launch Party Tour, with the shows offering fans an exclusive and rare opportunity to witness TOY in intimate settings. Kicking off in Hobart on December 12, Dear Seattle will head to Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast in December, before heading to Canberra, Wollongong, Sydney and Newcastle in January 2025, with only 100 tickets available per show. Do not miss your chance to drink in the full live Dear Seattle experience up close and personal, and watch this space for more live show news in the not-too-distant future.
SAY WHAT YOU WANT – OUT NOW https://dearseattle.lnk.to/toy
TOY – OUT JANUARY 17 https://24hundred.net/collections/dear-seattle
DEAR SEATTLE ALBUM LAUNCH PARTY TOUR
THURSDAY 12 DECEMBER – THE GRAND POOBAH, HOBART
FRIDAY 13 DECEMBER – THE OLD BAR, MELBOURNE
SATURDAY 14 DECEMBER – FOUR 5 NINE, PERTH
SUNDAY 15 DECEMBER – CROWN & ANCHOR, ADELAIDE
FRIDAY 20 DECEMBER – TOMCAT, BRISBANE
SATURDAY 21 DECEMBER – OLD SOUL, SUNSHINE COAST
THURSDAY 16 JANUARY 2025 – THE BASO (ABYSS), CANBERRA
FRIDAY 17 JANUARY 2025 – LA LA LA’S, WOLLONGONG
SATURDAY 18 JANUARY – CROWBAR, SYDNEY
SUNDAY 19 DECEMBER – HAMILTON STATION HOTEL, NEWCASTLE
Tickets on sale now. Tickets from https://tix.to/dearseattle
JETT BLYTON ‘Double Vision (EP)
Jett Blyton, the 18-year-old fast-rising indie-pop sensation from Australia, has just released his highly anticipated new EP, ‘Double Vision (Vol. 1)’, offering fans a fresh sonic journey that highlights his standout talent for infectious melodies, lush production, and introspective storytelling. The EP includes previously released acclaimed tracks ‘Borderline’, ’44:44” and new single “Speed Dial”.
Double Vision (Vol. 1) is the first instalment of a double EP pop project about perspective and vision, how two people can see the same thing completely differently. A double entendre for the early weekend mornings when you’re a bit cross-eyed, with themes of party culture to be explored in Volume 2 to follow in the new year. You can also expect a huge remix project to tie up the two versions, full Brat-style. This project for Jett ultimately comes from his unconditional love for pop music.
Jett explains more, “Volume 1 and Volume 2 of Double Vision are obviously sister projects, but I really wanted to make sure they stood firmly on their own and developed their own identities. Ultimately, this project is my love letter to pop music and the way it has shaped my life. Volume 1 is the lighter side of the coin, with fun and easy tracks, sprinkled in with a little bit of R&B. Volume 2 is sonically heavier for sure, with inspiration from the likes of Lorde and 2010’s dark pop. Thematically, Volume 2 grapples with party culture and losing identity. I can’t wait to peel back more of the curtain over the next few months and let people hear the rest of Double Vision”.
The goal set from Jett was to make this project as collaborative as possible, and worked with many exciting producers including Thomas Porter, Aria Wood and Taka Perry who shares, “It’s not too often I meet an artist that has such a strong vision and identity at such a young age, but Jett is definitely one of them! It was a pleasure working on ‘Borderline’ and ‘Speed Dial’ with him in the studio – both tracks came together so effortlessly, which I think is always a sign of a great song.”
Jett released his debut EP “Sleep On The Altar” last year, the Canberra teen singer landed himself in the Triple J Unearthed High Yearbook for 2023 and 2024, nominated for the Music ACT Music Awards (MAMAs), and garnered the national and international attention of alt-pop music lovers, in music described as wonk, zany & attention grabbing, and for his incredibly low bass voice. Since Jett has received shoutouts from popstars Sabrina Carpenter and Tove Lo, along with a “If You Like Troye Sivan” feature on Triple J Unearthed.
Double Vision (Vol. 1) is distributed by newly formed Anti-Dismal Music with founder Ixara Dorizac expressing, “Anti-Dismal are so excited and keen to get Jett’s music out and heard by the world! It’s a pleasure to be able to work with someone with such drive and passion for their artistic project.”
FOLLOW JETT BLYTON: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Website
MEG MAC ‘Home’ (Single)
Acclaimed Sydney singer-songwriter Meg Mac today releases her stunning cover of Good Neighbours’ track, “Home.” First performed as a cover on YouTube, Meg performed “Home” live during her set supporting Teddy Swims on his Australia/New Zealand tour in July. The track features Meg’s sister, Hannah, on backing vocals—a powerful collaboration that resonated deeply with fans.
The enthusiastic response to the live rendition inspired Meg to formally release “Home” with Hannah. Their reimagining of the track seamlessly blends Meg’s soulful vocals with a modern edge, highlighting the special connection between the two sisters. The result is a new and intimate take on the song, with lush harmonies perfectly capturing the magic of shared artistry and family.
Before the Teddy Swims tour, Meg released an intimate piano performance of “Home” on YouTube, offering fans a raw, stripped-back version of the song. The video, which features the sisters performing in a home studio setting, showcases their bond and highlights the emotion at the heart of the track.
WATCH THE ‘HOME’ PIANO PERFORMANCE HERE
Meg Mac’s cover of “Home” follows her recent collaboration with Matt Corby on the single “Bricks”, described by The Music as “a single we needed.” This new release is another step in Meg’s evolution as an artist, building on the success of her 2022 album Matter of Time, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA charts and earned her a nomination for Best Solo Artist at the 2023 ARIA Awards.
In 2023, Meg completed a sold-out Australian headline tour and also toured alongside global superstar Sam Smith on their “Gloria” arena tour, cementing her reputation as one of the most compelling live performers in Australia.
With eight appearances in the Triple J Hottest 100 and two appearances in the Like A Version Hottest 100 across her career, Meg Mac continues to be a standout figure in the Australian music scene—her emotive voice and songwriting striking a chord with fans.
MEG MAC – ‘HOME’ (GOOD NEIGHBOURS COVER) – OUT NOW
THE MARY TYLER WHORES ‘Savage World’ (Single out Nov 22)
Brace yourself: The Mary Tyler Whores are ready to erupt onto the scene with their explosive new single, ‘Savage World,’ releasing on November 22 via Golden Robot Records. This blistering track marks the third single from their highly anticipated debut album, As Filthy As We Wanna Be, set for release in April 2025 and produced by legendary punk rocker Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks/Bad Religion).
‘Savage World’ dives into the chaos and intensity of everyday life, hitting with break-neck rhythms and pounding drums like bombs bursting through the speakers. “This is the epitome of a melodic punk rock anthem,” shares lead vocalist Frankie “Crime” Cassara. “Savage World reflects the struggles we all face until we die, regardless of our differences. It’s a brutal reminder that no one is immune to life’s savage blows.”
Pre-save ‘Savage World’ HERE
In true punk fashion, ‘Savage World’ pulls no punches. Tackling heavy themes like homelessness, drug addiction, mental health struggles, and the horrors of a fractured society, the song is a rallying cry for those who feel trapped in the relentless grind of modern existence. With intense, visceral vocals that cut like shrapnel, Cassara and The Mary Tyler Whores drive home their raw perspective: this world is unforgiving, and even the humblest soul can be consumed by the darkness of humanity’s skeletons.
Alongside the single, the band will unveil a captivating music video that pays homage to classic sci-fi horror with a punk twist. Imagine a retro fever dream where soldiers battle colossal, pin-up model housewives, and wounded soldiers morph into skeletal warriors. Picture “Attack of the 50ft Woman” meets “Army of Darkness” – all while The Mary Tyler Whores thrash inside an army bunker. It’s a cinematic journey blending vintage horror with raw punk energy, bound to be a cult classic.
AMANDUH ‘Eye To Eye’ (Single)
Amanduh is keeping the party going with her second addictive single of 2024, ‘Eye To Eye’, out now. Known for her nostalgic tunes, warm voice, and delicate lyrics, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Amanduh is definitely worth keeping an eye on. Weaving intricate tales through layers of sound, her songs are perfect for reading into like a story or just snapping along to the beat.
‘Eye To Eye’ seems like it should be a sad song– after all, it’s about the end of the relationship, but as the lyrics weave between sad and raw and hopeful and energetic, it becomes clear that this is a brighter look on the post-breakup haze. The relationship ended simply because it had to end. It’s not a negative thing, it’s just that they don’t see ‘Eye To Eye’. Amanduh herself puts it best:
“It’s a reflection of everything that didn’t align, not for better, not for worse, just is what it is. A lot of break up songs latch onto the idea of really deep sadness, or anger, but I wanted to recall on all the little intricacies that just don’t align when dating and there’s no bad blood when it doesn’t work out. Sometimes things just don’t work out and it’s ok”
The echoing piano, sparkling electronics, and Amanduh’s warm voice combine together for an overwhelmingly positive song for the subject matter. It’s a fun song that would feel at home at a house party, with bright drum machines and electric beats perfect for tapping along to.
Cut loose with Amanduh’s latest single ‘Eye To Eye’ when it comes out on Friday, November 8. Then catch her live at Naarm’s The Gaso Upstairs for the single launch and last show of the year.
‘Eye To Eye’ Single Launch
Thursday, December 5 – The Gaso Upstairs, Naarm (Melbourne) | Tickets
with Georgia Dabbous and Nick Keogh
Follow Amanduh Website | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube Facebook | Instagram
CHIMERS ‘Through Today’ (Album)
Chimers brilliant new album, recorded and mixed by Jonathan Boulet of Party Dozen, is out now on Poison City (Australia/Europe) and 12XU (North America)
Through Today is out now. Chimers’ second long player, the new album is ten tracks of raw honest aggression capturing the band at their zeitgeist: right here and right now, as melody and power merge seamlessly into one. Recorded and mixed by Jonathan Boulet of Party Dozen, Through Today is a significant leap forward from Chimers’ self-released and self-titled 2021 debut. An album that started as a whisper and turned into a roar, regularly re-pressed as the band played shows across the country as the support act of choice to such luminaries as Mudhoney, Built To Spill, R.V.G, The Mark Of Cain, Scientists, Body Type, Victims, Screamfeeder, Civic and Cable Ties.
Traces of late-eighties post-hardcore and alterna-sounds (Fugazi, Sonic Youth, Hüsker Dü) seep in and out of the new album, but with Chimers’ direct and no-unnecessary-fills approach, the sound is always uniquely theirs. Special guests on Through Today include the brilliant Kirsty Tickle from Party Dozen and Jordan Ireland from ARIA-award nominated and AMP winners, The Middle East.
Chimers hit the road in support of Through Today starting tonight, with an album launch at the Old Bar in Melbourne. They are also set to play a number of shows with The Saints ’73-’78 including sold out shows in Perth and Brisbane. They have dates in in Melbourne, Geelong, Fremantle, Perth, Brisbane, Thirroul, Sydney and Wollongong with more to be announced. Don’t miss the chance to see Chimers, live in 2024.
Order the album via Poison City E-Store / Bandcamp or 12XU Records in North America.
DATES
Wed Nov 20 – Freo Social, Fremantle with The Saints ’73-’78 Tickets
Thur Nov 21 – Old Habits, Perth with Spacerhead, Lounge Tourist + Ten Cent Tiger (Album Launch) Tickets
Sat Nov 23 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane with The Saints ’73-’78 SOLD OUT
Sun Nov 24 (afternoon) – Sonic Sherpa in-store with Kellie Lloyd (solo)
Sun Nov 24 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane with The Saints ’73-’78 SOLD OUT
Mon Nov 25 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane with The Saints ’73-’78 Tickets
Fri Nov 29 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul with The Saints ’73-’78 Tickets
Sat Dec7 – Trocadero Room, Sydney with Antenna + Cammy Cautious & the Wrestlers + The Sevilles (Album Launch) Limited Earlybird Tickets
Sun Dec 15 – The Tote, Melbourne Poison City End of Year Boogie Tickets
Fri Jan 31 – La La La’s, Wollongong (Album launch) + special guests Limited Earlybird Tickets
ROBBIE MORTIMER ‘Good Times & Tan Lines’ (Single)
Hot on the heels of his debut performance at the sun-soaked Groundwater Country Music Festival, Robbie Mortimer releases his scorching new single ‘Good Times & Tan Lines’.
The feel-good anthem was born out of an unforgettable festival experience. “I was at a country music festival on the beach in Florida,” he recalls. “Everybody was smiling, loving their life and all gathered for the same thing, which was the love of country music.” That was the moment inspiration struck. “I saw a sign that said ‘Good times & Tan Lines’… I took a photo of it and thought, I’m going to write a song about this exact feeling.”
The result, a summertime soundtrack that makes you want to relive nights like those. The song practically leaps from the speakers thanks to Jared Adlam’s expert production. “I have a close working relationship with him, as we co-wrote my first release ‘Blow the Speakers” together. Jared and I have worked tirelessly on who I am as an artist and the sound I want to deliver.”
That debut single only arrived in March this year, but the powerhouse singers rocked-up, feel-good music has quickly garnered attention. Robbie has received over 1.1 million artist streams since bursting onto the scene, while his previous single, ‘You Got That Love’, peaked at #8 on the AIR charts and #12 on the CountryTown Hot 50 airplay charts.
The 2023 Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist has supported major acts like The Beach Boys and The Temptations and brought down the house at recent festival Groundwater Country Music Festival, and was the headline act on the 2024 PBR National Tour. Next year he’s slated to perform at Country Sounds CMF, Meatstock, A Night in Nashville and The Man From Snowy River Festival.
However, this November he gears up for one his most personally significant performances yet. “I am doing my biggest ever headline show in Orange at the Orange Civic Theatre Nov 29.” Since portraying the straw-brained scarecrow in his primary school production of The Wizard of Oz at that same theatre, he’s always vowed to return. “I promised myself one day I would perform on that stage again, selling it out with my own music.”
Robbie Mortimer is quickly establishing himself as one to watch in Australian country music. With a stadium-worthy voice and an outlook sunnier than Australia’s brightest beaches, his feel-good songwriting is irresistible. ‘Good Times & Tan Lines’ is no exception to the rule – the vibrant summer anthem is another triumph for this exciting new artist.
Show Dates:
Saturday 23rd November – Monte Music Muster – Brisbane, QLD
Friday 29th November – Orange Civic Theatre – Orange, NSW
Saturday 22nd February – Country Sounds Country Music Festival – Parkes, NSW
Friday 7th March – Meatstock – Toowoomba, QLD
Saturday 15th March – A Night in Nashville – Orange, NSW
Friday 11th April – The Man from Snowy River Festival – Corryong, VIC
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIK TOK | WEBSITE
EVIE IRIE ‘Laila’ (Single)
One of the country’s most dynamic voices in pop music, Evie Irie is returning with a collection of music inspired by her unfiltered diary entries. Leaning back into her story-teller singer-songwriter roots, Irie’s first release for 2024 is ‘Laila’, a gorgeous pop lullaby; a letter of love and admiration for her best friend – Laila. The track is out as of Wednesday November 13th via Melbourne-based indie tastemaker label Class Action Records.
Recorded in Sydney, ‘Laila’ has seen Evie team up with GRAMMY and ARIA winning acclaimed producer Eric J. Dubowsky (Flume, St. Vincent) – the end result is warm and vibrant, with its nerve-tingling falsettos, breathtaking production, and ethereal chorus builds; truly a testament to Evie’s sophisticated and sharp talent for handling pop melodies. On the beginnings of the new release, Evie explained;
“I originally wrote ‘Laila’ during the COVID-19 pandemic when I was back in Australia after leaving my life in LA. Being away from my best friend, Laila, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. She is my rock and soulmate, and she’s been there for me through every dark moment. Not being able to be with her during that time was unbelievably difficult. It was her 18th birthday, and I struggled to find a present that could truly show my love. Since I couldn’t fly to see her, I ended up writing and gifting her this song. It’s a piece of my heart, a love song, that binds best friends together.” EVIE IRIE
The new release from Evie is an exciting step forward for the artist, who has been taking huge strides with her material since making her debut in 2019 with the 5 Weeks In LA EP. Her journey has taken her from the Central Coast to Los Angeles and Nashville, where Evie has been able to cut her teeth and develop her musical identity within some of music’s most thriving environments.
At just 21 years old, she has packed a lot of career experience in, after a two year break away from music, the journey is only just ramping up for Evie Irie. Signing her first major record and publishing deals on her 16th birthday with Republic Records and Downtown Publishing, Evie secured management with Troy Carter (Lady Gaga, Megan Trainor), before going on to sell out shows throughout LA, New York and Sydney off the back of a number of successful projects and releases pre-pandemic. Performing at a variety of venues in North America and Australia as a headliner, while also supporting global names including Bastille, Sigrid and Amy Shark, Evie Irie developed her own style and presence – and has been reaping the rewards ever since.
Her music has been featured on a variety of TV shows including Love Life (HBO Max), The Bold Type (Freeform), The Block (Channel 9), The Rookie (ABC America) and The Hills (MTV); while her song ‘Hello World’ serves as the title track for the Netflix animated film, Back To The Outback.
With over 25 million plays on Spotify and 11.7 million plays on Apple Music, it’s evident that the Evie Irie effect is real. The release of ‘Laila’ only points to the maturity of this young artist, whose career trajectory has no ceiling.
EVIE IRIE: Official Website | Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok
LENNY PEARCE ANNOUNCES FAMILY-FRIENDLY REEF RAVE TOUR WITH SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS THIS SUMMER
Unless you’ve been living in a pineapple under the sea, multi-Platinum and ARIA-nominated DJ and producer Lenny Pearce will need zero introduction. One of the fastest-rising stars in the electronic music scene, Pearce has cemented a global reputation as the trailblazing architect of Toddler Techno and Baby Raves, also working internationally with a star-studded who’s who of beloved kids’ characters and companies. And who better to celebrate the 25th anniversary of everybody’s favourite undersea sensation SpongeBob SquarePants, with Pearce today announcing the Reef Rave tour, jumping on the road this summer to officially commemorate SpongeBob’s quarter of a century milestone.
Kicking off in SA at Adelaide’s Hindley St Music Hall on 21 December, the Reef Rave will then paddle through NSW, WA and VIC, before finishing up in QLD at Toowoomba’s Regent Theatre on 9 March.
Tickets for the Reef Rave tour go onsale to the general public on Friday 15 November at 9am local time from teamwrktouring.com/tours/lenny-pearce-reef-rave, and fans can register for presale tickets now, with the 24 hour presale kicking off on Thursday 14 November at 9am local time.
$1 from every ticket will be donated to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. This is a foundation that funds cutting-edge equipment, vital research and on-the-ground support for kids with all illnesses, injuries and conditions, throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The underwater inspired, fun-filled family day out will include an array of roving performers, face painting, singing, dancing, and of course, Pearce’s famous Toddler Techno Show, with special appearances by Pearce’s favourite friend Kuma The Monkey live, as well as some special surprise guests in store, all in honour of Bikini Bottom’s favourite fry cook, SpongeBob SquarePants. “My Reef Rave is the ultimate day out for the modern family, from newborns through to grandparents – I’ve seen them all from the last tour,” shares Pearce. “It’s an interactive show for the kids, and fun music for both kids AND parents. Families always dress up at my shows, so I’m excited to see how the outfits look at an underwater themed event.”
Honouring a quarter of a century since Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants first leapt onto screens back in 1999, the Reef Rave tour ultimately evolved from Pearce’s viral reworking of another children’s fave; and in news set to delight both the young and the young at heart, chances are high that attendees may very well be able to meet the sponge of the hour when Pearce takes to the stage across the summer. “Earlier this year I remixed a few theme songs like the Paw Patrol theme song. It went viral on social media, which opened the doors to working much more closely with Nickelodeon,” shares Pearce. “SpongeBob is turning 25 this year, so we thought it would be good to celebrate his birthday together! We’re planning on having him attend some shows, take photos with the little ones, maybe even sing happy birthday at each show. SpongeBob played a huge role in everyone’s childhood so we’re going to involve him as much as we can in each city. It’s really exciting!”
The renowned pioneer of Toddler Techno, Lenny Pearce is at heart a dad and a DJ, with the talented artist specialising in remixing songs that toddlers know, and that parents can vibe to. A multi-generational sensation, Lenny Pearce is also beloved for his creative talents witnessed as a member of Justice Crew, the Australian dance-pop collective that stormed their way to taking out the crown of Australia’s Got Talent in 2010. Also the brother of fellow Justice Crew member and current Purple Wiggle John Pearce, Lenny Pearce is a born creative, with his recent rise to stardom coming in the wake of 12 months of high octane activations, including a #1 ARIA accredited techno album with The Wiggles, viral renditions of Wheels On The Bus and Macerena, and his infectious YouTube videos that are entertaining children and parents alike, all over the world.
Back in 1999, the landscape of animated TV was changed forever with the advent of a yellow sponge stealing hearts and primetime instantly. SpongeBob SquarePants has gone on to delight generations of viewers, with the show’s whimsical setting, humour and heart amassing a legacy that also extends to video games, merchandise and theme park attractions. Now celebrating 25 years since the world was introduced to SpongeBob himself, his loveable neighbour Patrick, the money-loving Mr. Crabs, the maniacal schemes of Plankton, and the colourful setting of Bikini Bottom as a whole, it’s little wonder why SpongeBob’s joy and laughter has led to it becoming one of the most loved cartoons in history.
Cool off this summer and submerge the family in Lenny Pearce’s Reef Rave tour, an engaging and inclusive fun filled activity for the entire family.
Tickets for Lenny Pearce’s Reef Rave tour are available Friday 15 November from teamwrktouring.com/tours/lenny-pearce-reef-rave.
LENNY PEARCE – REEF RAVE TOUR
Tickets from teamwrktouring.com/tours/lenny-pearce-reef-rave
SAT 21 DEC | HINDLEY ST MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE, SA | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
THU 16 JAN | THE CUBE, CAMPBELLTOWN, NSW | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
FRI 17 JAN | NORTHS, CAMMERAY, NSW | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 18 JAN | EVERGLADES, WOY WOY, NSW | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
THU 23 JAN | REHCABITE HALL, PERTH, WA | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
FRI 24 JAN | REHCABITE HALL, PERTH, WA | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 1 FEB | CHELSEA HEIGHTS HOTEL, CHELSEA HEIGHTS, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SUN 2 FEB | SHOPPINGTOWN HOTEL, DONCASTER, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 15 FEB | 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 1 MAR | HELLO SUNSHINE FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE, VIC | AA
Tickets available HERE
SUN 2 MAR | GEELONG ARTS CENTRE, GEELONG, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 8 MAR | HELLO SUNSHINE FESTIVAL, GOLD COAST, QLD | AA
Tickets available HERE
SUN 9 MAR | ARMITAGE CENTRE – REGENT THEATRE, TOOWOOMBA, QLD | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com