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Photography & Words: Charlotte Najjar
Well, 17,589 steps and many rain ponchos later, Laneway 2026 was certainly the place to be on Sunday. Not even the pouring rain could keep Sydney from pulling up to one of the biggest festivals of the year, thousands flocking in early to catch artists such as Cavetown, Shady Nasty and Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers.
The weather also didn’t stop the featured artists from giving us their all on the stage, a handful of UK artists even praising the brief pause from the heat, making way for something more comparable to the british summers.
The Belair Lip Bombs, fresh off their European tour brought big energy to the Hope Springs stage, an excellent warm up before heading over to Cavetown at the main stages.
The day flew by in a blur of talent, Shady Nasty was an excellent introduction to the Everything Ecstatic DJ tent, the place was seriously packed out, and Wisp was another crowd favourite with their alt, shoe-gazy sound that took over the space.
Of course, checking out Teen Jesus in between was a non-negotiable, with the recent release of their album “Glory“, they garnered quite the hype and were an honest highlight of the day.
A quick dash back to center stage got us to Alex G in the nick of time, then it was a quick lunch break before a crazy back to back trio of Lucy Dacus, The Dare and Role Model. All three brought a unique energy to each of their spaces, especially The Dare who I genuinely have no words to describe the energy and stage presence of. Just know the next time he plays near you, get to that show immediately.
Geese was next up on my list, and this up and coming band from NYC did not disappoint. Such a cool new sound, a bit rock a bit jazz, and a crowd that are already forming such a loyal fan base for the group here in Sydney.
I’ve heard that Pink Pantheress put on an incredible show, drawing insane crowds to the tent, so much so it had people climbing trees to get a look. I however, was not one of those brave enough to venture into such a crowd, as I was busy gearing up for Wet Leg over at the main stage.
I popped over just in time to catch The Wiggles make a special guest appearance as Role Model’s “Sally”, before heading into the pit to enjoy the UK band’s incredible performance. The show was phenomenal, made even better by the iconic red landline microphone that they brought out for CPR.
The final few sets were definitely a stretch to try and get to all at once. Malcolm Todd really delivered on a great sound and performance for his adoring fans, but I have beef with whoever scheduled him at the same time as Wolf Alice. Alas, that is the festival lifestyle, so it was quite the sprint (and I mean that in the most literal sense I can assure you) for myself and a few others to get there in time for the group, but there were zero regrets. Definitely one to see if you’re attending any of the other Laneway dates.
Finally, to end the night, a quick stop over at Yung Lean and Bladee (incredible) before what everyone had been waiting for. I swear I blinked and every stage had emptied within seconds, everyone headed to the same spot to try and catch a glimpse of pop phenomenon (Femininomenom even) Chappell Roan.
Despite the absolutely insane crowd, it was the perfect end to the perfect day. Chappell has a stage presence and personality like no other, controlling the environment around her to create a truely emersive show. It was such a treat to have her here again, after her 2023 show at Liberty Hall, it was quite the change of pace. Either way I think we are all hoping to have her back here as soon as possible, just to witness another show of a lifetime.





Taking place on Saturday 20 June from 3pm to 10pm at the Stone & Wood brewery in Byron Bay, the much-loved festival marks the ceremonial tapping of Stone & Wood’s annual Stone Beer, made using glowing hot stones in homage to ancient brewing methods.
Following another hugely successful event in 2025, Festival of the Stone 2026 is set to deliver another unforgettable day of top-notch Australian talent, freshly poured brews and delicious bites from local food vendors.
Best of all, it’s for a great cause. The latest NSW Street Count figures show Byron Shire continues to face one of the highest rates of rough sleeping in the state, with 291 people recorded sleeping rough in 2025, second only to the City of Sydney.
In response, Festival of the Stone 2026 will once again proudly support Fletcher Street Cottage through the Ingrained Foundation, helping raise vital funds for the community hub’s essential services, advocacy and practical support for people experiencing homelessness across the Northern Rivers.
Festival of the Stone 2026 is shaping up to be one of winter’s must-attend events, all for a worthy cause. Save the date, book your leave and keep an eye on the website and socials for lineup reveals and ticket releases!

Just over two weeks remain until GOLDEN HOUR makes its debut on Bondi Beach this February, with VIP sold out and General Admission very close to sold out.
Headlined by the iconic CROWDED HOUSE, the inaugural edition of the new live music event is rapidly approaching sell-out as anticipation builds for its first summer on the sand.
GOLDEN HOUR will welcome CROWDED HOUSE alongside the acclaimed THELMA PLUM to one of Australia’s most beloved shorelines. Designed to offer a safe, warm and welcoming environment, the event brings together community energy, comfort and world-class live music in a uniquely coastal setting.
Created as a new end-of-summer ritual for music fans, and marking the first major concert to take place on Bondi Beach in more than a decade, GOLDEN HOUR brings music to the sand. Guests are invited to settle in on the hill above the foreshore for sweeping ocean views, peak sunset moments and a shared live music experience.
With more special guests still to be announced, GOLDEN HOUR is set to be a night of affirmation and celebration, spotlighting powerful voices and engaging performances. The 2026 edition runs from 5pm to 10pm, launching an annual summer series that will return with new artists and experiences in the years ahead.
Final General Admission tickets are available now, with limited allocations remaining.
GOLDEN HOUR LIVE ON BONDI BEACH
Friday 20 February 2026
CROWDED HOUSE
THELMA PLUM
& MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED
It’s been a long time coming for fans and the artist alike but this coming June, RYAN OAKES will be unleashing his hyper-charged shows in Australian venues nationwide.
For the Virginia-born, Los Angeles-raised rapper, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter, this trip is an opportunity to connect with some of his biggest supporters, while also debuting a stacked catalogue of material in this area of the world for the first time.
The talented multi-hyphenate has crafted a unique style of performance that matches an expert blend of hip-hop and alternative music – a signature sound that a community of music fans quickly fell for, and have become extremely loyal to. Oakes’ steadfast dedication to creating art that speaks to his individuality, bolstered by a DIY and independent approach, has garnered over 47 million streams: a figure that continues to blow up with each release.
Collaborating with a varied range of artists including MOD SUN, State Champs and Hollywood Undead, Oakes has earned a reputation for himself as being a versatile artist and one unafraid to be spurred on by the spirit of his peers – and vice versa.
In 2025, Oakes released his latest studio album, OPUS, a project that demonstrated the fiery ambition that remains threaded through the DNA of his work. It also reminds the listener that Oakes is far from done with pushing the boundaries of where he wants his music to go.
In coming to Australia, he is excited to share the new music with fans, as well as finally putting on a show his Australian community fans have long been hanging out to witness.
“Australia has been some of my biggest supporters for years now and a tour has been long overdue. We are going to make sure this is a truly special experience for everybody by including free meet and greets at every single show. At the end of my set I’m going to head to the merch booth and shake as many hands and take as many pictures as I can. This is a one time thing to show the fans how much I truly appreciate them holding me down down undah for so many years. Can’t wait to finally meet everyone and give them a show that makes up for the ten year wait!” RYAN OAKES
PRAISE
“The album is a decade in the making, seeing Oakes alternate between hip-hop, pop-punk, and seemingly everything in between. It’s resulted in a versatile collection appealing to fans across the scene’s spectrum.”
NEW NOISE MAGAZINE
“As the night progressed, the crowd’s enthusiasm grew with each successive song, leading up to a spectacular finale. Ryan Oakes had set the bar high, leaving the crowd ready for more.”
MELODIC MAGAZINE
RYAN OAKES AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Tickets via destroyalllines.com
Pre-sale from 11am local time Monday 9 February
General sales from 11am local time Tuesday 10 February
Friday 19 June Crowbar Brisbane
Saturday 20 June Corner Hotel Melbourne
Sunday 21 June Oxford Art Factory Sydney
Tuesday 23 June Zhivago Adelaide
Thursday 25 June Magnet House Perth
RYAN OAKES: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTube
Playlunch extend Sex Ed Regional Tour due to overwhelming demand with additional QLD dates plus venue upgrade
Announce LUNCH FEST in association with Great Southern Nights
Follows triple j Hottest 100 debut with Keith (#4) and It’s Raining Men [Like A Version] (#73)
Regional Queensland, it’s time to pack your lunchboxes! Beloved Aussie bogan-funk outfit Playlunch today announce an extension to their now 30+ date Sex Ed regional tour, treating lunchers in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay to the band’s exuberant live show, plus venue upgrades for their Canberra, Wollongong, and Frankston shows due to overwhelming demand. Playlunch are also proud to announce LUNCH FEST – a minifest curated by Playlunch, DoubleU Artists, and Destroy All Lines in association with Great Southern Nights, set to take place at Sydney’s Liberty Hall on May 15.
LUNCH FEST is set to bring an incredible lineup of talent from across the country together for the school assembly of the century. Joining Playlunch will be multi-award winning innovator DEVAURA, electrifying Minang Noongar artist Ricky Neil Jr., and alt-pop rising star Shannen James, plus a local opener yet to be announced.
Earlier this week the band also announced their first tour across the ditch, playing to New Zealand fans in Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland in May. Tickets are on sale now.
The announcements follow Playlunch’s triple j Hottest 100 double-debut, where the group landed the #4 spot for their now iconic track ‘Keith’, and #73 for their Like A Version cover of The Weather Girls’ ‘It’s Raining Men’. As voted by the nation, Playlunch have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s favourite new acts, and tickets are flying for their mammoth regional run and last Australian shows for the foreseeable future.
“Touring regionally has always been such a big priority for our band since the very start, and getting around to all the people who continue to support us,” says the band. “To be able to keep the Sex Ed train rolling is so special! These will be the last Australian shows for quite a while as we are looking to see what the rest of the world has in store for us; so we hope you are able to grab a ticket and make it a night to remember. Everyone is in for an absolute treat, with a show of nonstop dancing and singing across the whole lineups!”
Multiple dates remain for Victorian fans, with the tour continuing in Frankston this Saturday, plus St Kilda, South Morang, Traralgon, and Barwon Heads shows in the coming months. In March, Playlunch are scheduled to return to Tasmania for Good Gumnuts Festival, plus a headline show in Hobart, before playing sold out shows in Queensland’s Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast in April, and Cairns, Townsville and Mackay in May. New South Wales lunchers can catch Playlunch throughout April and May in Byron Bay, Albury, Gosford, Sydney, Newcastle, Avalon Beach, Wollongong, and Archies Creek, and Canberra will be treated to a one-off show in April. Tickets are on sale now via destroyalllines.com.
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Photography: Darren Chan

Photography: Jake Harm Nam

Australian songwriter and producer Callum MacDonald, best known as a core member of R&B/soul project daste., steps into a new creative chapter this week with the launch of his solo project Monsieur Mellow. While daste. continue work on new material slated for 2026, MacDonald has taken the opportunity to explore a sound that’s been quietly forming for years.
The first taste of Monsieur Mellow arrives via ‘Paris Strut’; a groove-led, jazz-house debut that introduces the sonic world of MacDonald’s forthcoming ep, which is already completed and waiting in the wings. Drawing from funk, disco, reggae, and Caribbean influences, the track is rich in warmth and movement, built to feel lived-in, loose, and instinctive.
Written in the in the wake of touring UK/EU with daste., ‘Paris Strut’ emerged from a period of renewed inspiration on the road. “After returning home from touring Europe with my band daste., the time on the road left me deeply inspired by Caribbean, reggae, disco, and funk. For the first time I felt a clear sense of direction for music that existed outside of the band.” MacDonald explains.
At the heart of the track is a raw, emotive acappella sample from Parbleu’s ‘Pas de Saints Au Paradis’, which MacDonald chops and weaves through understated drums, soft pads, guitar, and bass, allowing each element to bounce off the next and create the feeling of a real band playing together in a room. “This project is about following instinct, world influences, and creating groove-setting music that feels raw and rough around the edges,” he says.
The title ‘Paris Strut’ captures the track’s essence perfectly: a confident, effortless swagger inspired by wandering the streets of Paris, spring in step. It’s that same feeling that sparked the sonic identity of Monsieur Mellow, an outlet for movement, mood, and musical freedom.
With ‘Paris Strut’, Callum MacDonald sets the tone for a solo project driven by feel over perfection, groove over gloss, and instinct over expectation, marking an exciting new direction for one of Australia’s most versatile songwriters/producers.
Stream:
Socials:
https://linktr.ee/monsieurmellow
Credits:
Written by Callum MacDonald & Parbleu
Produced by Callum MacDonald
Mixed by Callum MacDonald
Mastered by Paul Blakey
Artwork by Callum MacDonald
Visuals by Callum MacDonald & Lauren Whitehill
Photos by Lauren Whitehill
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Returning for a brand new year of country music goodness out on the gorgeous Newcastle Foreshore, HOWLIN’ COUNTRY is prepared to usher in a whole new wave of memories for music fans and the local community alike on Saturday 14 February.
Headlined by US country superstar LAINEY WILSON and featuring Newcastle’s own global country icon MORGAN EVANS, on a lineup stacked with talent including US performers KAITLIN BUTTS and FLATLAND CAVALRY; and Australian favourites ADAM NEWLING and TYLA RODRIGUES, this year’s edition of HOWLIN’ COUNTRY was positioned early as one of the most anticipated large-scale music events this side of 2026.
With the lineup now complete with the addition of more stellar talent including Alabama Country-Soul artist KASHUS CULPEPPER, PAUL DEMPSEY – who will be bringing SHOTGUN KARAOKE to the event, Melbourne’s SWEET TALK, Brisbane’s THE WET WHISTLES, Ballarat’s LEWIS LOVE and local Novocastrians, GRAND PRICKS and SHARNEE FENWICK; Attendees can now start planning their day at HOWLIN’ COUNTRY, with set times now released.
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Scotland’s No.1 electronic music festival returns to Tisno’s The Garden Resort from 16 – 20 July 2026 for 5 days and 5 nights of unmissable music featuring 999999999, AZYR, Ben Klock, Ewan McVicar, Restricted, Mall Grab, Hannah Laing, Trym, Yanamaste and more
Following the sold out success of its previous and fast becoming legendary Croatian outings, the next edition promises even more high-impact production, world-class sound and forward-thinking programming across the techno and wider electronic spectrum on the idyllic shores of the Adriatic Sea.
Set across four open-air stages, Terminal V Croatia is a seamless blend of music, travel and culture with a like minded community from all over Europe and beyond. The sun kissed days and starry nights combine beachside dance floors, secluded woodland spaces and immersive production in one of Europe’s most iconic festival locations. From sunrise sets by the water to late-night and moon lit sessions, Terminal V Croatia offers a complete electronic experience for serious music lovers.
The 2026 lineup features a powerful mix of global heavyweights, legends, underground icons and cutting-edge new talent. Among them are long time Berghain mainstay Ben Klock, breakout Scottish trailblazer Hannah Laing, hard dance brilliance from the revered Restricted, the electrifying Scottish house artist Ewan McVicar plus uncompromisingly hard grooves from 999999999 and real eclectic rawness from Aussie star Mall Grab, euphoric and hybrid sounds from Héctor Oaks, Ellen Allien and Biianco who will explore every shade of sound plus many more.

Each year, indelible memories are made across the various settings including the legendary and open-air Barbarella’s Discotheque, regularly voted one of the best clubs in the world by DJ Mag, the atmospheric Olive Grove, the high-energy Main Stage, and the ever-popular Beach Stage. Each offers its own distinct sound and visual identity as you plot your own adventure through day and night.
Beyond the dancefloor, Terminal V Croatia delivers non stop action from daily boat parties, sunrise afterparties and a range of daytime activities such as water sports, exploring local Croatian culture and cuisine.
With its carefully curated lineup, world-class production and breathtaking setting, Terminal V Croatia 2026 cements itself as an essential summer odyssey for techno fans worldwide.
Presale tickets go live on Thursday 29th January at 9AM GMT / 10AM CET / 8PM AEDT followed by general sale on Friday 30th January at 9AM GMT / 10AM CET / 8PM AEDT
Sign up now:
https://terminalvcroatia.com/
PHASE ONE LINEUP (A–Z)
2HOT2PLAY
999999999
ACOR
ALARICO
ALARICO X BEN KLOCK
ALYCIA BEZGO
ARMAN JOHN
ANETHA
AZYR
BAD BOOMBOX
BASSWELL
BELLA CLAXTON
BENNETT
BEN KLOCK
BEN TECHY
BIIANCO
CERA KHIN
CHARLIE SPARKS
CLAIRE O’BRIEN
CLOUDS
CLUB ANGEL
CRUSH3D
DART
DAVID LÖHLEIN
DEXPHASE X SKRYPTION
DJ HYPERDRIVE
DR G
EFFY
ELLI ACULA
ELLEN ALLIEN
EMILIJA
EWAN MCVICAR
FASTER HORSES
FRANCK x JOKESONYOU
FUKHED
FUMI
GUMJA
HANNAH LAING
HÉCTOR OAKS
HELENA LAUWAERT
JAZZY X JOWI
JOKESONYOU
KIM SWIM
KiNK
KLOUD
KYLE STARKEY
LAMMER
LORCAN KELLY
MAC DECLOS
MALL GRAB
MORAITOV
MISCHLUFT x PEGASSI
MIJA
MISS BASHFUL
NATTE VISSTICK
NIKOLINA
NICOLAS JULIAN
NOVAH
ODYMEL
OLLIE LISHMAN
ONLYNUMBERS
ØTTA
PATRICK MASON
PEGASSI
PETERBLUE
PUSMUS
RESTRICTED
SAM ALFRED
SIM0NE
SHDW
STEF MENDESIDIS (live)
STÜM
SUPERGLOSS
TJADE
TOMMY HOLOHAN
TOXIC MACHINERY
TRYM
TWOFACED
VENDEX
WOLTERS
YANAMASTE
YASMIN GARDEZI
YASMIN REGISFORD
PLUS MUCH MORE TBA
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These New South Whales today announce a string of Australian headline tour dates from March through to May in support of their fourth studio album GODSPEED. Band pre-sale available through Discord, Patreon, and Bandsintown now. General on-sale Tuesday, 20 Jan, 11:00 AM AEDT via tnsw.co/tour.
The tour marks the first national live shows since their latest album GODSPEED, which landed #4 on the ARIA Australian Album Charts and #9 on the ARIA Vinyl Charts, and was praised locally and internationally across triple j, Apple Music, NOVA, Rolling Stone ANZ, Kerrang!, The Line of Best Fit, CLASH and 10 Magazine among others for their kind of raw energy that can berate authority and blow your haircut off in equal measure.
A reputation shaped by extensive touring – including last year’s live podcast tour which celebrated 500 episodes of their cult series What A Great Punk – These New South Whales assert themselves as a once-in-a-generation Australian punk proposition. Starting March 19, These New South Whales will hit Maroochydore’s Solbar before embarking on a huge 17-show run of regional and capital venues across the country. All tour routing details listed BELOW.
Produced by Ben Greenberg (Depeche Mode, Drab Majesty, Show Me The Body), the follow-up to their ARIA and AIR Award-nominated LP TNSW is a gear switch. With GODSPEED, the group firmly pushes back. As personal as it is politically charged and a damn good time, there’s defiance in the face of doubt, a refusal to be shaped by outside expectations. It’s not about surrendering to the chaos anymore – it’s about cutting through it. This time, TNSW have a clarity in the voice, a rejection of bullshit, a sense of recklessness and an insistence on trusting instinct over influence. The mission statement is laid out within the first thirty seconds, as vocalist Jamie Timony bellows, “The choice is yours / Godspeed.”
As a band in conversation with a continually shifting hellscape, whatever comes next is anyone’s guess, but the meaning of GODSPEED can be found in the here and now. Switched on and sick of it all, it’s a reminder that salvation has no blueprint. Trust yourself and see. It’s direct, galvanising and, above all, an irresistibly good time. TNSW in a nutshell.
GODSPEED TOUR DATES
Sat 28 Feb – Pirate Life Eleventh Birthday @ Pirate Life Brewery – Yartapuulti / Port Adelaide (TIX)
Thu 19 Mar – Solbar – Murukutchi-dha / Maroochydore (TIX)
Fri 20 Mar – The Brightside – Brisbane, Meanjin (TIX)
Sat 21 Mar – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse – Bundjalung / Gold Coast (TIX)
Fri 27 Mar – Indian Ocean Hotel – Boorloo / Scarborough (TIX)
Sat 28 Mar – Froth Craft Brewery – Goomburrup / Bunbury (TIX)
Sun 29 Mar – The River – Wooditjup / Margaret River (TIX)
Fri 10 Apr – Royal Oak Hotel – Palawa Country / Launceston (TIX)
Sat 11 Apr – Altar – Nipaluna / Hobart (TIX)
Thu 23 Apr – Hamilton Station Hotel – Mulubinba / Newcastle (TIX)
Fri 24 Apr – Gumball Festival – Wonnarua / Hunter Valley (TIX)
Sat 25 Apr – Mary’s Underground – Eora / Sydney (TIX)
Sun 26 Apr – La La La’s – Woolyungah / Wollongong (TIX)
Fri 1 May – Barwon Club – Djilang / Geelong (TIX)
Sat 2 May – Theatre Royal – Djandak / Castlemaine (TIX)
Sat 9 May – Pelly Bar – Marr-ne-beek / Frankston (TIX)
Sat 16 May – Howler – Naarm / Melbourne (TIX)
Tickets are on sale
Tuesday, 20 Jan, 11:00 AM AEDT
via tnsw.co/tour
GODSPEED LP is out now, buy/stream it here.
TRACKLIST
INTRO
INSTINCT
MISS HER
R.I.P. ME
BIG MACHINE
NOBODY LISTENS
PIG
BIRDBRAIN
BE WHAT YOU WANNA BE
ECSTACY
GODSPEED
Stay connected with These New South Whales:
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