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Australian indie-folk duo The Dreggs, comprised of Paddy Macrae and Zane Harris, are riding a wave of critical acclaim and overwhelming fan support following the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, “The Art of Uncommon Practice,” which dropped on Friday, July 25, 2025. The album arrives on the heels of a massively successful Australian tour, which saw the duo captivate sold-out audiences across the country. With their latest musical offering making waves, The Dreggs are now set to embark on extensive tours of the USA and Canada in September, followed by a European and UK leg in October.
Hailing from Australia’s thriving indie-folk scene, The Dreggs have rapidly become one of the country’s most exciting live acts, renowned for their high-energy shows where crowds sing along from start to finish. What began seven years ago as a local cover act on the Sunshine Coast, playing pubs and cafes between surf sessions, has blossomed into a global phenomenon commanding sold-out crowds.
The duo’s impressive trajectory is highlighted by their remarkable growth in recent years. In 2024 alone, The Dreggs performed to over 50,000 fans across Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Europe, a testament to their rapidly expanding international demand. Their 2023 Australian tours saw them sell over 15,000 tickets, delivering their biggest headline and regional tours to date. Their electric live presence was undeniable at Spilt Milk and Yours and Owls Festival, drawing crowds of approximately 10,000 to their sets. The intense demand for their music is further highlighted by the fact that tickets for their recent album release week shows sold out within 48 hours of a single Instagram post.
“The Art of Uncommon Practice” follows their critically acclaimed debut album, “Caught in a Reverie,” which debuted at an impressive #29 on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart. Their breakout single, “Give Myself To You,” has been certified Platinum in Australia, cementing their status as a powerhouse in the indie-folk world.
As The Dreggs continue to make significant waves internationally, their momentum shows no signs of slowing. Fans worldwide can look forward to experiencing “The Art of Uncommon Practice” live, as the band prepares for their upcoming tours.
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You’ve gone from Miss Universe Netherlands to playing festivals like SXM Festival in St. Maarten and Hï Ibiza. Did you ever picture your life unfolding this way? How has that journey shaped who you are now?
SHARE: Music started as a hobby, just me and my friends playing together back in Rotterdam. I’ve been DJing for over 11 years now, but I could have never imagined that it would turn into my full-time career, taking me to places like SXM Festival in St. Maarten and Hï Ibiza.
Being Miss Universe Netherlands was something I did with a greater purpose in mind, spreading awareness about single-use plastics. The experience shaped me in ways that still help me today, especially when it comes to confidence, public speaking or speaking on camera, and understanding how to use a platform meaningfully.
Now, with music, I get to channel that same energy into something that comes straight from the heart. It’s not just about playing tracks, it’s about creating emotional journeys, sharing messages, and connecting with people. I truly believe music can be a powerful tool for change, and I’m so grateful for where this path has taken me.
Your music feels raw and emotional, but also really polished. When you’re creating a track, do you usually start with a specific sound, a feeling, or even a visual in your head?
SHARE: For me, it always starts with a feeling. Music is the sound of emotion, it’s how I express what I’m feeling on a deeper level. That emotional connection is what drives the whole creative process. I’m especially drawn to the more spiritual side of music, and I think that’s what shapes the atmosphere and energy of my tracks. Sometimes the feeling isn’t immediately clear, because I don’t know what I feel, but as the sounds start to flow, the feeling follows naturally.
What I really love is to create high atmospheric sounds and hypnotic sounds. So I’m just sitting with a big smile while creating music. I’m actually getting naturally high behind my computer from making music!
You’ve performed all over the world — is there one show that caught you off guard emotionally or left a deeper mark than you expected?
SHARE: Absolutely. Every show is different, carrying its own emotional wave. Some leave you feeling like I can conquer the world, making me feel more secure and like, yeah I’m ready for anything!
Then other shows turn out to be more humbling, when something is just off, and I start to doubt myself. Sometimes it depends on the energy of the crowd, and sometimes it’s your own energy. It’s not always predictable, and that keeps it real. In those cases I go back to digging for new music.
One recent show that truly left a deeper mark on me was earlier this July at Woomoon at Cova Santa in Ibiza. I was in such a good flow, everything just aligned. The music, the crowd, the energy… it all clicked in a way that felt incredibly emotional. After the set, I could feel how deeply it resonated. Not just with me, but with everyone in the room.
That night reminded me why I do this. It’s those moments of pure connection that keep me inspired and grateful for this journey.
You’ve been outspoken about sustainability, especially reducing plastic use in the music scene. How do you keep those values front and center while navigating the demands of a global touring schedule?
SHARE: It’s always felt natural to me, I’ve had a strong sense of responsibility to care for our planet for as long as I can remember. As I mentioned earlier my time as Miss Universe Netherlands was dedicated to raising awareness about single-use plastics.
Now, as a touring artist, I stay committed by working with initiatives like Bye-Bye-Plastic, the charity by BLONDISH I’ve supported for over five years now. Their eco rider is such a simple yet powerful tool; it lets artists request things like no single-use plastics and only glass bottles in the booth.
Including this in my hospitality rider not only aligns with my values, but also encourages promoters and venues to think more consciously. It’s a small step that creates real change, and I’m proud to be part of this growing movement in our industry.
When people walk away from one of your sets, what do you hope they’re thinking or feeling? What kind of experience are you trying to give them?
SHARE: When people walk away from one of my sets, I hope they’re glowing, with a big smile on their face and a heart full of love. I want them to feel euphoric, like they can conquer the world and just smile at everyone they pass.
That’s the energy I try to channel through my music: moments of joy, connection, and celebration. For me, it’s all about sharing happiness, dancing together, and celebrating life to the fullest.
Your track “Avatar” debuted at an Abracadabra showcase tied to the Bye Bye Plastic movement. What was that moment like for you — musically and personally?
SHARE: “Avatar” was my very first release, picked up by BLONDISH’s label Abracadabra, so it holds a really special place in my heart. Not only did I debut it during the ADE Abracadabra showcase in support of Bye-Bye-Plastic, it was also included on the Bye-Bye-Plastic compilation album.
Something unique about this album, is that it was released on the very first bio-degradable vinyl record ever produced!
The track itself is about our connection to Mother Nature, so to have it tied to a label and charity with such a meaningful environmental mission made the message even more powerful. Musically and personally, it felt like the perfect start to my production journey.
Now that you’re based in Ibiza, surrounded by so much music culture, do you find inspiration in the scene itself or do you intentionally carve out space to stay grounded in your own style?
SHARE: I think Ibiza’s scene is always a very good example for how dance music is developing and how you can create a dance movement in a club. It’s very inspirational and you can definitely hear a lot of Ibiza vibes in my sets.
But honestly, finding the balance comes naturally as it’s very important to create my own style. Luckily, I travel so much, so I find myself in different scenes and grab inspiration from everywhere.
You’ve released music on labels like Crosstown Rebels and Abracadabra. What do you look for in collaborators or labels before saying yes?
SHARE: Both Crosstown Rebels and Abracadabra are led by incredible artists, Damian Lazarus and BLOND:ISH. Besides having a strong presence in the music industry, they are also genuinely kind and inspiring people.
That energy really shapes the culture of their labels. It’s more than just music; it feels like being part of a family. And what makes it even more meaningful is the mission behind each label. These are the things that really make me want to be a part of a label.
You’ve blended pageantry, activism, and music in such a unique way. Was there a moment where it all started to feel aligned — where the pieces came together and made sense?
SHARE: Honestly, I think I’m still in the process. Activism is now becoming more present in the music industry, it’s still a relatively new thing. So I’m really still in the process of creating interesting things for the future. The paths are still being carved out and I’m glad to be a part of that.
Your sound has already evolved so much, but what’s next? Is there a new direction, message, or part of yourself you’re excited to bring into the music?
SHARE: What’s next for me is really continuing to share the core message that’s always been at the heart of my music: no matter how deep or emotional the journey gets, you always come back to the light. My sound might keep evolving, but that feeling of sharing joy and celebrating life, that message to protect nature, will always stay the same.
Queenscliff Music Festival continues to expand its 2025 lineup as it reveals its third artist announcement, shining a spotlight on a stunning suite of rising Australian and local talent set to take over the Victorian seaside township from 28–30 November.
Long known as a place where music lovers uncover their next favourite act, Queenscliff Music Festival’s third artist announcement brings together a fresh collection of genre-spanning artists that are quickly gathering loyal followers and critical acclaim.
Whether it’s the genre-bending folk of Ally Row, the moody catharsis of Kit Genesis , the blues-infused fire of Otis Namrell Band, the politically charged punk of Public Figures, or the Spanish Australian contemporary soul of Emilia Fol, today’s announcement is stacked with over 15 of your new favourite Australian artists.
Also joining the lineup are Future Folk artists Ruby McKenna and Kook Joey, as part of an exciting partnership between Queenscliff Music Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival. This collaboration champions the next generation of regional Victorian talent and acts as avessel for both Festivals to share the incredible music of emerging artists on the Festival stage.
They will join an already massive lineup featuring The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum, Donavon Frankenreiter (USA), The Waifs, KingStingray, Cosmic Psychos, Little Birdy,Pierce Brothers, Didirri + Rowena Wise, and many more.
In true Queenscliff Music Festival spirit, the music doesn’t just live on stages but seeps into every corner of the town, from the heritage-listed Uniting Church to the newly renovated Bellarine Hotel, the Vue Grand Dining Room, and the beloved Maritime Museum Boatshed, the 2025 program is set to introduce a brand-new floating festival venue, the Princess Peninsula Ferry.
In partnership with Searoad Ferries, Queenscliff Music Festival will host six intimate performances across Saturday and Sunday on a ferry-turned-floating music stage, as it cruises the bay. With sweeping views and stripped-back sets, these 40-minute musical cruises promise an experience like no other at the festival.
“Queenscliff Music Festival has always been about musical discovery and unexpected connection,” said Festival Director Claire Stickland.
“Whether it’s a breakthrough artist you’ve never heard before or watching a set unfold on a boat in the middle of the bay, these are the moments that stay with people, and they are the unforgettable moments that makes Queenscliff a truly extraordinary Festival
Joining the 2025 lineup is the next wave of artists you’ll soon be obsessed with:
Ally Row – Gippsland-based folk-rock/alt-country duo known for their genre-hopping instrumentation and foot-stomping harmonies.
Alex Kosenko – A one-man blues-rock machine from Brisbane delivering electrifying, roots-driven performances.
Chris Cavill – Indie-folk storyteller with a soaring voice and powerful, intimate songs about resilience and family.
Emilia Fol – A Spanish-Australian singer-songwriter fusing Spanish folk heritage with contemporary soul.
Get Behind The Mule – Bellarine-based duo reviving the blues with raw acoustic-electric grit and joy.
Grace Robinson – Melbourne solo powerhouse, blending indie rock, vulnerability, and unfiltered humour.
Kit Genesis – Alt-folk artist exploring queer identity through moody, gripping songwriting.
Kook Joey – Nostalgic and cinematic folk grounded in raw emotional honesty and natural imagery.
Matt Davis – The songwriter and frontman of Paris-based The Wonder, known for his work with Gersey and Bombazine Black.
Munroe – Coming-of-age alt-rockers from Melbourne known for their emotional punch and endearing awkwardness.
Norwood – Melbourne alt-folk duo crafting tender Americana with raw harmonies and honesty.
Otis Namrell Band – Young blues-southern rock guns with a scorching live show and a killer rhythm section.
Public Figures – Fierce, politically charged punk from Melbourne with a mission and unstoppable live energy.
Ruby McKenna – The 19-year-old Blends a selection of funk, folk and rock, as her songs pulse, soar, and Traversing the highs and lows of life.
Sweethearts – Australia’s soul/funk institution bringing their all-female band back from a 7th European tour.
Victoriana Gaye Trio – Surf Coast indie-folk blending whimsy, romance, and rock with flair.
They join the already announced 2025 Queenscliff Music Festival lineup:
(Alphabetical Order)
The Badloves I Bones & Jones | The Cat Empire |Cool Out Sun | Cosmic Psychos | Dom Turner & The Rural Blues Project |Didirri + Rowena Wise |Donavon Frankenreiter | Ella Hooper | Fenn Wilson & The Weather | King Stingray | Lewis Love | Little Birdy | Madeline Cope | Mama Kin Spender | Minor Gold | The Mojo Corner | Opelousas | Pierce Brothers | The Preatures | Riley Catherall | Romanie | Ruby Mae | Sex On Toast | Skyscraper Stan & the Commission Flats | The Smith & Western Jury | Squid Nebula | SUNEDEN | Tex Perkins & Matt Walker | Thelma Plum | Velvet Trip | The Waifs Plus, for Kids: Teeny Tiny Stevies | Peter Coombe
2025 FIRST RELEASE TICKETS ON SALE NOW
All Prices inclusive of booking fees
3 Day Adult – $299
3 Day Accompanied Youth 14-17 – $149
Children 1-13 – $32 (sold in conjunction with an Adult ticket)
Queenscliff Music Festival Camping – $30 for 3 nights (per person), children camp free
Rent A Tent – from $460 for 3 nights
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It’s been over a decade since you last played in Australia. What made now the right time to come back —and how does it feel to return after all this time?
Yes. Too long. I’m excited to be back and explore new parts of Australia like Perth and Adelaide. So much has happened in our lives since then. There’s so much to catch up on —now is always the right time, isn’t it?
You’re jumping on Bloc Party’s 20th anniversary tour — how did that connection happen, and what drew you to the idea of joining them?
We’ve always been fans of Bloc Party. Silent Alarm is a seminal record for this band. We’re honoured to be a part of it. I think we just saw the opportunity and said, “Fuck. We have to go back.”
Both you and Bloc Party have always pushed genre boundaries in your own ways. How do you see your sound fitting into this tour alongside theirs?
It just feels natural. There are many shades to both of our bands so it’ll be interesting to see it all happen in real time. Musicians feed off of one another when they share the same stage, and that energy will only reveal itself the first night in Sydney.
Songs like “Cough Syrup” and “My Body” still hit hard with fans. With a shorter support slot, how do you decide what makes the cut for your setlist?
They’re on the set list!
You’re hitting major cities across Australia and New Zealand — is there a particular show or city you’re most looking forward to playing?
I’m excited to go everywhere. I know it’s a cop out to say it, but it’s true. We’re always up for new experiences. We hope this is the second of hopefully many more trips out here. I could probably answer your question better, when that happens.
You’ve built a reputation for powerful, high-energy live shows. Can fans expect anything new or different from this run of performances?
We are going to try new things and old. Experiment and switch around—not get too precious. We’ll honour the songs that got us here, but first and foremost, we will honour our creative spirit.
Does your mindset or prep change when you’re supporting another band versus headlining your own tour?
Each set tells the story; it’s just a matter of how fast you’re getting there. This time, we’ll just have to cut a few scenes.
Bloc Party’s Silent Alarm is such a cornerstone for indie rock fans. Was that album ever on your radar growing up or early in the band’s life?
Absolutely: I had the entirety of Silent Alarm on my first ever iPod. It just becomes a part of the bloodstream that young.
There’s a huge fanbase for you down here — do you see this tour as a bit of a reintroduction, and could it lead to a full headline tour soon?
Definitely a reintroduction. This is not the end of the story between Australia/NZ and us.
What’s coming next for Young the Giant after this tour — any new music, projects, or surprises on the horizon?
I guess you’ll have to come to the show to find out?
BILLBOARD’S JULY 2025 CHARTBREAKER
READ EXCLUSIVE FEATURE HERE
GOLD CERTIFIED HIT “A LOT MORE FREE” LANDS ON HOT AC TOP 10 & “BETTER ME FOR YOU (BROWN EYES)” STAYS ON BILLBOARD HOT 100 FOR FIFTH WEEK
“FOREVER AIN’T LONG ENOUGH” NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
KICKING OFF AUGUST 21 IN KANSAS CITY, HITTING AUSTIN, LA, DC
SOLD OUT STOPS IN DALLAS, SAN FRANCISCO, DENVER, AND MORE
- UPCOMING PERFORMANCE AT LOLLAPALOOZA
TICKETS AND MORE INFO HERE
Standout, dreamlike songs such as the chart-climbing “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)” and the unstoppably joyful focus track “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” Max lets his inner hopeless romantic shine. Whereas on the heavy-hearted but exquisitely catchy “Same Questions” and the ode to old love “St. Helen’s Alpenglow,” Max explores everything that’s lost following a breakup. Meanwhile, the gorgeously textured track “The Cost of Growing Up” arrives as a clear-eyed but melancholic reflection on the inevitability of pain.
Revisiting the title track of the original album, Max recruited country artist Cameron Whitcomb for a new, heartfelt rendition of “Night Diving,” a profound meditation on the cycles of addiction, set against a spellbinding backdrop of otherworldly textures, moody guitar tones, and strangely haunting rhythms. Watch Max and Cameron poke fun at each other in this hilarious clip promoting the single (which has earned over half a million views within just one week).
“One of the things I respect above all else is authenticity and honesty in music, and Cam is the epitome of that,” says McNown of working with Whitcomb. “When I started thinking about a feature on that song, I knew there was no better person than Cam to join me. He gave it so much energy and his voice is so distinct, and now the song has a whole new life to it.”
Cameron Whitcomb adds, “When Max first pitched the song to me, I barely got halfway through the first verse and called him back immediately. I think this song is honest and special, and I’m honored to sing alongside an incredible artist and human being on such an amazing record.”
In celebration of the new music, Max is continuing on the road hitting Lollapalooza and the fast-selling North American headline “Forever Ain’t Long Enough,” tour, which kicks off August 21st in Kansas City. The tour will be making stops in Austin at Emo’s on August 27th, Los Angeles at The Novo on September 6th, and at 9:30 Club in Washington D.C. on September 8th – see full dates below and visit maxmcnown.com/tour for tickets and more information.
At 23 (turns 24 on July 20), Max has already been on a storied musical journey. Taking control of his future, overcoming personal challenges, and drawing inspiration from his brother who was bravely fighting cancer, he packed his bags and drove from remote Oregon to Southern California. From there, videos of him busking on a pier made an impact online and eventually grew into a legion of supporters on TikTok (currently has 2.4M followers). After attracting interest from major TV talent shows, McNown auditioned for one and then decided it wasn’t for him and gracefully turned them down as he knew he needed to walk his own path.
Within just a year of teaching himself to play guitar, the Nashville-based artist set off on a meteoric rise largely fueled by his breakout single “A Lot More Free”— the RIAA Gold-certified track whose explosive success earned him a #1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart and has currently been flying up the radio charts. Currently, the track is Top 10 at Hot AC and Top 20 at Top 40.
Following the release of his widely lauded debut album Wandering, the Willfully Blind EP, and his acclaimed sophomore album Night Diving, the 23-year-old Oregon native continued his fast ascent to stardom appearing on The Kelly Clarkson Show (watch here) and TODAY (watch here), and selling out his first-ever headline tour within just hours.
Recently, Max also made his debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with his song “Better Me For You (Brown Eyes).” The song, which has spent five weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, has now amassed over 130 million global streams and has been a mainstay at Country radio – currently #39 on Top 40 Country. Max was also named a 2025 Artist To Watch by Amazon Music, Holler, and Country Now, and has performed at C2C Festival, CMA Fest, and other large festivals.
The Night Diving (The Cost of Growing Up) deluxe album is a powerful milestone for a prolific young artist rooted in his craft. Even as his star quickly rises, Max stays true to his small-town soul—anchored by humility, heart, and a deep love for honest songwriting. With every track, he continues his mission to make music that lets folks feel seen, heard, and understood.
TOUR DATES
Jul 18 Fri – Redmond, OR – Fairwell Music Festival
Aug 1 Fri – REGGIES Chicago (Official Lollapalooza Aftershow) – SOLD OUT
Aug 2 Sat – Chicago, IL – Lollapalooza
Aug 8 Fri – Elkhorn Precinct, NE – Pinnacle Bank Championship Concert Series
Aug 21 Thu – Kansas City, MO – KC Live!
Aug 22 Fri – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom – LOW TICKETS
Aug 23 Sat – Dallas, TX – House of Blues – SOLD OUT
Aug 26 Tue – Houston, TX – House of Blues – LOW TICKETS
Aug 27 Wed – Austin, TX – Emo’s
Aug 28 Thu – Helotes, TX – Floore’s Outdoors
Aug 30 Sat – Aspen, CO – JAS Aspen Labor Day Experience
Sep 1 Mon – Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater – LOW TICKETS
Sep 4 Thu – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades – SOLD OUT
Sep 5 Fri – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore – SOLD OUT
Sep 6 Sat – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
Sep 9 Tue – San Diego, CA – SOMA
Sep 10 Wed – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren – LOW TICKETS
Sep 11 Thu – Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater
Sep 13 Sat – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre – SOLD OUT
Sep 14 Sun – Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater
Sep 17 Wed – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue – SOLD OUT
Sep 20 Sat – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
Sep 21 Sun – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
Sep 23 Tue – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues – SOLD OUT
Sep 24 Wed – Pittsburgh, PA – Roxian Theatre – LOW TICKETS
Sep 28 Sun – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club – SOLD OUT
Oct 1 Wed – Montreal, QC – MTELUS – SOLD OUT
Oct 2 Thu – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall – SOLD OUT
Oct 3 Fri – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall – SOLD OUT
Oct 5 Sun – London, ON – London Music Hall – SOLD OUT
Oct 6 Mon – Ottawa, ON – Bronson Centre – SOLD OUT
Oct 9 Thu – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre – LOW TICKETS
Oct 11 Sat – Saskatoon, SK – Coors Event Centre – SOLD OUT
Oct 12 Sun – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall – SOLD OUT
Oct 13 Mon – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
Oct 15 Wed – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom – SOLD OUT
Oct 16 Thu – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom – SOLD OUT
Oct 19 Sun – Seattle, WA – The Showbox – SOLD OUT
Oct 20 Mon – Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom – SOLD OUT
Dec 1 Mon – Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia Theatre – SOLD OUT
Dec 2 Tues – Glasgow, Scotland – Barrowland Ballroom – SOLD OUT
Dec 3 Wed – Manchester, England – Albert Hall – SOLD OUT
Dec 5 Fri – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg – SOLD OUT
Dec 6 Sat – Hamburg, Germany – Fabrik – SOLD OUT
Dec 8 Mon – Paris, France – Alhambra – SOLD OUT
Dec 9 Tues – London, England – O2 Forum Kentish Town – SOLD OUT
Dec 10 Wed – London, England – O2 Forum Kentish Town – SOLD OUT
Please note: Max McNown wants to give fans the best chance to buy tickets at face value. To make this possible, shows on this tour ticketed by Ticketmaster will have Face Value Exchange enabled, which gives fans who can’t attend the option to resell their tickets at the original price paid. To protect the Exchange, Max has requested that all shows ticketed by Ticketmaster be mobile-only and restricted from transfer, except in Colorado and Utah (where local laws limit artist’s ability to determine how their tickets are resold). For AXS-ticketed events, fans will be encouraged to resell their tickets for face value directly through the AXS Official Resale Marketplace. For specific questions about a show’s ticketing provider and transfer/resale policies, fans should reach out to the local venue box office.
FOLLOW MAX McNOWN
TikTok | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify
Berlin-based DJ and producer MALUGI is set to bring his high-energy club sounds to Melbourne, announcing a headline show at The Timber Yard on Friday, 14th November, presented by Untitled Group.
Known for his fast-paced, UK-influenced house sets and infectious presence behind the decks, MALUGI has quickly become a household name among dance music’s tastemakers. His signature style, driven by pumping club productions with just the right amount of mass appeal has seen him awarded BBC Radio 1’s Future Star of 2025.
MALUGI’s high-impact sets have taken him to some of the most prestigious stages in club music, including Panorama Bar, Warehouse Project, Amnesia Ibiza and Awakenings. His two viral Boiler Room performances in 2024 and millions of streams on his original productions have solidified his reputation as a relentless creative force.
This year, he’s played a stacked run of festival shows including Glastonbury and Tomorrowland, alongside his own ‘Happy Hour’ event series that continues to grow in scale.
On his last visit to Australia, he delivered a standout set at Beyond The Valley’s iconic Dance Dome, alongside performances at Wildlands in Brisbane and Perth, and a surprise support performance at PICA.
Untitled Group, Australia’s largest independent promoter, is celebrating 10 years of redefining the live music scene with festivals like Beyond the Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Wildlands, and Ability Fest.
For his Melbourne return, fans can expect an unrelenting, feel-good dance floor experience, one that has earned him the nickname “The Happiest Man in Dance Music.”
Presale tickets will be available from Thursday 31st July 10AM AEST, with general on-sale commencing Friday 1st August 12PM AEST.
Signup for presale access HERE
Presale begins on Thursday 31st July 10AM AEST
General on sale begins: Friday 1st August 12PM AEST
Get connected:
https://www.instagram.com/
https://www.facebook.com/
https://www.untitledgroup.com.
https://www.tiktok.com/@
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Australian punk stalwarts The Smith Street Band today share new single ‘Star Child’. Out on Pool House Records this is the second single from the Naarm / Melbourne band’s forthcoming seventh album. Of the latest release the band’s lead singer Wil Wagner says, “Star Child is a song about how all life’s twists and turns have led me to a really happy place with a daughter who I love more than anything! It’s about how important things used to feel and how lost I used to be and the perspective gained with age and experiences. The song took on a lot of different directions and formations but I kept coming back to the opening line which is “I’ve seen so many highways” and thinking about how after all of life’s journeys I’ve found myself exactly where I need to be!” The upcoming new album is the third to be recorded at the band’s off grid studio in regional Victoria and follows critically acclaimed albums Life After Football (triple j Feature Album, 2022) and Don’t Waste Your Anger (ARIA #1, 2020). Having just completed a month of touring throughout July to capital cities across six states, The Smith Street Band today also announce a mammoth 24 date East Coast regional tour. With shows from Traralgon to Cairns and nearly everywhere in between, the tour will include their first ever shows in Mildura and Tamworth, and a long awaited return to the likes of Port Macquarie, Coffs Harbour, Rockhampton and Mackay after nearly a decade. POOL HOUSE RECORDS PRESENTS Thursday September 18 – Sooki, Belgrave Tickets on sale Thursday July 31 from 9am
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Everclear, one of the leading alternative rock bands to emerge from the ‘90s led by vocalist, guitarist and founder Art Alexakis, have announced November / December Australian dates for their Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Tour. Everclear’s platinum-selling, major-label debut album, had a massive impact in 1995 with its chart-topping hit “Santa Monica,” making Everclear a household name and catapulting the band into the masses. The acclaimed collection – also featuring the singles “Heroin Girl” and “Heartspark Dollarsign” – has been hailed as “a must have for any fan of pop-punk” (Punknews) and “a tough, melodic set of gnarled post-punk hard rock” (AllMusic), with The Rolling Stone Album Guide declaring, “Sparkle and Fade was everything a radio-ready rock record should be: explosive, soul-searching, belligerent.” Everclear’s 16-date Australian tour will kick off Friday November 21 in Newcastle and travel across the country, with the band performing shows in capital cities and regional areas including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, Townsville and Duncraig before wrapping up on Saturday December 13 in Adelaide. “Sparkle and Fade was not the first album I had made, but it was the album I had wanted to make my whole life. It changed everything for me and Everclear,” shares Alexakis. “Because of its success and lasting impact, this band has survived and prospered for three decades, and this tour celebrating Sparkle and Fade is another way of us saying ‘thank you’ to all of the incredible fans – old and new. We’re excited to bring this tour to Australia. In addition to all the hits and fan favorites, we’re going to pretty much play the whole album through the course of the show to commemorate this 30th anniversary. If you are a fan of this record, you do not want to miss this tour!” Everclear is: Art Alexakis (vocals, guitar), Davey French (guitar), Freddy Herrera (bass), Brian Nolan (drums) |
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Don’t miss Everclear on their Sparkle and Fade 30th Anniversary Australian National Tour: Friday November 21 – Bar on the Hill | Newcastle NSW TICKETS Spotify Presale: Wednesday, July 30 @ 9am AEST Bandsintown Presale: Wednesday, July 30 @ 9am AEST Public On Sale: Thursday, July 31 @ 9am AEST For tickets & more info, head to www.everclearmusic.com/tour
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You’ve worked with incredible producers like Kyle McCammon and the team at Evoke Sounds. How do you approach collaboration in the studio — are you more of a vision-first artist, or do you like to build the concept together from scratch?
Yes, they’re the best Every song and producer I work with is different, but I love starting from whatever I’m feeling or is top of mind at that moment and building the song from there. Sometimes with a melody or a musical hook, other times it’s just a lyric I jotted down in a note on my phone. I’ve been lucky to work with producers who are open to following the creative process wherever it takes us, even when it leads us somewhere totally unexpected. In collaborations, I try to stay open and curious. The best work happens when there’s trust and no ego in the room.
There’s a cinematic quality to your music — especially in “Stone Cold.” How intentional is that storytelling lens when you’re writing or producing? Are you visualizing scenes as you create?
I wouldn’t say I necessarily set out with that intention, but I come from a background in acting and before pursuing music, studied Acting at the Victorian College of the Arts so storytelling feels second nature to me. I write music from my own lived experience, so naturally there’s always some sort of a narrative- a character, a moment, a shift. Whether intentional or not, it’s all storytelling and I think that’s what brings the songs to life.
The official video for “Stone Cold,” shot at Archie Brothers, is vibrant and unexpected. What drew you to that location, and how did that playful aesthetic contrast or complement the song’s deeper message?
I had many long brainstorming sessions with the Director Frederick McHenry before we came up with the idea for the “Stone Cold” music video. We kept coming back to this idea of “playing games” and loved the idea of shooting it in an arcade or something similar.
Once we found Archie Brothers it was perfect- we even used one of their escape rooms that was Rubik’s Cube-themed, which felt symbolic in all the right ways. We knew we wanted it set at night, but we were drawn to the contrast of bright colours, slow-motion action shots and something a little dreamlike, almost intoxicating.
My good friend Ed McCullough, who studied with me at VCA, kindly stepped in to play the “love interest,” which added a whole new layer. Amid all the chaos and neon beauty, it’s the quiet looks between us that hint at something shifting… like things could change in an instant… could turn stone cold.
You’ve already achieved impressive chart success with tracks like “Beautiful Liar” and “Hold Me.” How do you mentally and creatively handle the pressure of following up high-performing singles?
That’s a great question and honestly I think I’ll always feel that pressure- but I put it on myself! However, I’ve been incredibly lucky and proud that so far each release has outperformed the last…phew! Hopefully I can keep it that way.
While I’d be lying if I said things like streams or chart success don’t matter, I’ve learned not to let the numbers define the work. At the end of the day, they’re out of my control. What is in my control is the quality of the music. So I try to focus on creating songs I’m proud of, music that feels honest and intentional. I’ve learned so much in the relatively short time I’ve been releasing music and with each track, I try to offer something fresh and meaningful. Especially in an industry that’s as fast-moving as this one.
Your sound blends R&B, soul, and pop with an international polish. How do you stay grounded in your Australian roots while building a global identity as an artist?
Australia, and Melbourne in particular, has such a rich live music culture and I love testing out new music there and watching how people respond in real time. There’s a special magic in live music which always reminds me why I love doing it.
In Australia, we are influenced by so many different cultures and music genres which is amazing. While I think my sound is global, there’s something inherently “Aussie” about music that is straight to the point, real and a little rough around the edges…I don’t know if I’ll ever stray too far from that.
There’s a noticeable thread of emotional honesty in your work — even when the production is sleek and upbeat. How do you balance vulnerability with musical confidence in your songwriting?
For me, vulnerability is the foundation. I can’t create without it. It’s the honesty in the lyrics that gives me the confidence to share the music with the world. If I’ve lived it, felt it, and can articulate it in a way that feels true then I trust that someone else will connect to it, too.
Having been endorsed by tastemakers like Hernán Cattáneo and featured on major platforms, how do you decide which aspects of your artistry to evolve and which to protect as core to your identity?
Yes that support was amazing and a huge confirmation that I was heading in the right direction. I think as artists (and as people) we’re always evolving but I try to stay rooted in what made me start in the first place: real lyrics, emotive melodies, and a connection to story. That core doesn’t change, even if the sound around it does.
Your upcoming EP is titled Reasons I Can’t Sleep — a striking concept. Can you share some insight into the overarching themes of the EP and how “Stone Cold” fits into that emotional landscape?
I love that you asked that. The title came out of a conversation with my manager almost a year ago- we were talking about how so many of the songs on the EP were quite different in their vibe, but the themes were all things that kept me up at night. If you know me well, you’d know I’ve struggled with sleep my whole life- whether it’s from jet lag, being out too late, overthinking, disappointment, or hope. Reasons I Can’t Sleep is a collection of the things that have kept my mind racing at 2AM (the title of my previous release). “Stone Cold” is one of those reasons I couldn’t sleep for a while- you only have to listen to the lyrics to figure out why.
Looking ahead, what does “success” mean to you now — especially after seeing early international traction? Are there new markers of growth you’re chasing, creatively or personally?
Honestly, seeing “Stone Cold” land on playlists and charts around the world has been surreal. It’s one thing to make music that you love, but it’s another to know that people in places I’ve never been to are connecting with it. That kind of reach has definitely shifted my idea of success and I’d really love to tour my music. I’ve done original shows in Melbourne, but now I’m dreaming about how audiences might respond in other countries. That’s the next chapter I’m chasing.
Creatively and personally, I feel like I’ve found my stride and I just want to keep that momentum going. Keep releasing music, stay inspired by other artists, places, and people, and build something that lasts.