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Sum 41
Violent Femmes
Electric Callboy | Billy Corgan | Mastodon | Kerry King
The Gaslight Anthem | Jet | The Living End | L7 | Northlane
Bowling For Soup | Alpha Wolf | Sleeping With Sirens | The Butterfly Effect | 311
In Alphabetical Order:
AViVA | Destroy Boys | Dragon | Frank Turner And The Sleeping Souls
From Ashes To New | Grandson | Highly Suspect | Imminence
Killing Heidi (Performing ‘Reflector’ In Full) | Loathe | Reliqa | Taylor Acorn
Plus the return of Stage 666!
DATES AND VENUES:
Friday 6 December – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne (15+)
Saturday 7 December – Centennial Park, Sydney (16+)
Sunday 8 December – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane (15+)
Tickets on sale from https://www.oztix.com.au/
Pete Murray: photo credit Ian Laidlaw
Loading up the good vibes, today beloved Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray returns with his new single and music video, Wouldn’t It Be Good. Soaked in grooves, sunny melodics and Murray’s powerfully soothing vocals, Wouldn’t It Be Good is a charismatic addition to 2024, as well as a perfect accompaniment to the summer months ahead; a fitting fact with Murray also set to embark on an extensive tour kicking off late December and closing out in January 2025.
Starting life with nothing but its opening riff percolating, Wouldn’t It Be Good not only evolved into slightly new sonic territory for Pete Murray; it also marked a shift in Murray’s creative process, with producer Luke Palmer (Dead Letter Circus) ultimately helping to solidify the radiant end result. “It just started with the opening riff then went to the two-chord verse,” shares Murray of Wouldn’t It Be Good’s origins. “I was really just searching for the chorus lyrics, and the music just seemed to fit in with the lyrics. It’s normally the other way around. I produced this song with the help of Luke Palmer, and it’s funny with this song because when I first wrote it and played it for some friends, it wasn’t getting a great reaction. But I still really liked the song and never gave up on it. Then I had my nephew Dylan Cattanach (aka Katanak) help me out on an early demo, and it was here that I really started to hear the potential of the song – but people still weren’t getting it. During the recording of the album, I even played it to Luke and he wasn’t that into it, so I left it until the very end of the album recording and I brought it up again and got Luke to help me with it. There is a really great drum groove with congas paying and I got Luke to play a bass line on it too. As soon as I heard the bass, acoustic and drums, I knew this was going to work and the whole song just fell into place after that. Even at this stage when the song started to fall into place, I think I had lost a bit of confidence with it and I said to Luke: “I’ll keep this song for the next record, but let’s just finish it anyway”. Instead, he was like: “No way this is one of my faves and should go on this album”, so we finished it off and now it’s the first single. Funny how things work.”
Coated in positivity, bustling with acoustic magic and sparkling percussion, Wouldn’t It Be Good channels the essence of three iconic artists alongside Murray’s affable yet gripping trademark charm, as Murray himself puts it: “It’s John Lennon meets Jack Johnson and Rodriguez”. Mixed by Callam Howell, Wouldn’t It Be Good also saw Murray connect with OneHouse to conjure the accompanying visuals, featuring Murray and his accompanying band in full swing. “I’m keeping this video clip pretty simple and just filming the band play it in the studio – but I do have a funny video idea that involves a well-known tennis player but I can’t talk about this yet!” Murray reveals. “For this video, we worked with the talented OneHouse who are one of the most exciting up-and-coming production teams in the country. They’ve worked on a bunch of great short films that have been screened at festivals around the world recently as well as created some compelling music videos for acts including Boy & Bear and Steph Strings.”
One of Australia’s most enduring and endearing singer-songwriters, Pete Murray has gone on to sell over 1.2 million albums, amassed hundreds of millions of streams, release three ARIA chart-topping albums, and boasts 17 ARIA Award nominations amongst multiple other wins and nominations over the years. Emerging with his debut full length album The Game in 2001, Murray’s breakout sophomore album Feeler in 2003 cemented his status as one of the all-time greats. With ongoing hits along the way, including Better Days, Feeler, Opportunity and So Beautiful, Murray’s stirring blend of positivity with acoustic, rock and folk elements has flourished across decades, including with his most recent full length album Camacho in 2017. Now dominantly splitting his time in the studio and spending time with his family, Murray has also cultivated a stalwart reputation for his live show, from his own headline shows at home and abroad, as well as performances with the likes of Missy Higgins, Icehouse, Rob Thomas, Darryl Braithwaite and James Blunt to name a mere few. And in 2024, Murray has also returned to releasing music as an entirely independent artist. I’m now 100% back to being an independent artist, which I’m really excited about,” shares Murray. “Being independent again, the workload is a lot greater, but I’m enjoying being a part of every step, and hopefully the rewards will also be greater.”
With performances lined up to close out 2024 and heading into early 2025, fans can definitely expect to hear Wouldn’t It Be Good live when Pete Murray takes the stage, kicking off on Friday December 20 in Miranda before heading around the country, with stops in regional New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and Western Australia. But fret not if the Pete Murray live experience doesn’t head to a town near you; the man himself has also just launched the Play At Your Place competition, offering fans a chance to go in the running to have Pete Murray play an intimate, private performance at their own home; just by signing up to his mailing list, one lucky winner will score the ultimate bragging rights and an unforgettable experience, head to petemurray.com.
And regardless of where you catch Pete Murray live in action this summer, one thing is guaranteed: he couldn’t be happier to celebrate the brand new track Wouldn’t It Be Good onstage as 2024 draws to a close and we welcome 2025, with the latest single set to shine alongside many other favourites. “You will definitely be hearing Wouldn’t It Be Good that’s for sure,” reveals Murray of his upcoming performances. “It is a great summer song and will blend in to all my other songs. I’m hoping it will be a fan favourite by the end of the tour. It’s always exciting growing as an artist and writing and recording new songs. I’m loving the groove on this track, so it’s going to be a fun one to play live.”
Wouldn’t It Be Good is out today.
Stream: Wouldn’t It Be Good
Watch: Wouldn’t It Be Good
PETE MURRAY – UPCOMING SHOWS:
FRI 20 DEC | MIRANDA HOTEL, MIRANDA NSW
Tickets available from Oztix
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/03b0579a-7fd8-493e-b3b9-d087deb87b6c
SAT 21 DEC | WAVES HOTEL, WOLLONGONG NSW
Tickets available from Moshtix
https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/pete-murray-w-special-guests/171837
SUN 22 DEC | THE VINEYARD, VINEYARD NSW
Tickets available from Oztix
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/01db6ee1-29da-4dac-ab19-d5f101132657
MON 23 DEC | THE RECKY, ELIZABETH BEACH NSW
Tickets available from Oztix
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/c87247d3-4dd5-4ea8-896f-216c1b365def
TUE 01 JAN | MANLY HARBOUR BOAT CLUB, MANLY QLD
Tickets available from Ticketek
https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=petemnyd25
WED 02 JAN | KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL, KINGSCLIFF NSW
Tickets available from Oztix
THU 03 JAN | THE STATION, SUNSHINE COAST QLD
Tickets available from Moshtix
https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/pete-murray-w-special-guests/171840
FRI 04 JAN | JETTY BEACH HOUSE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW
Tickets available from Oztix
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/e7ffc6e9-0b37-40e3-86e6-2d9be4f5bff4
SAT 05 JAN | TORONTO HOTEL, TORONTO NSW
Tickets available from Try Booking
https://www.trybooking.com/CVYRO
TUE 08 JAN | BARWON HEADS HOTEL, BARWON HEADS VIC
Tickets available from Oztix
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/53ab1abf-d130-4b4b-a2d5-cdbd1112328d
WED 09 JAN | THE PIER BANDROOM, FRANKSTON VIC
Tickets available from Oztix
THU 10 JAN | THE DUNSBOROUGH, DUNSBOROUGH WA
Tickets available from Oztix
FRI 11 JAN | RAVENSWOOD HOTEL, RAVENSWOOD WA
Tickets available from Oztix
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/54bc5a03-ddf9-4fe2-a645-9c08a0c3372d
SAT 12 JAN | HOTEL ROTTNEST, ROTTNEST ISLAND WA
Tickets available from Ticketmaster
GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING ELECTRONIC BAND RÜFÜS DU SOL ANNOUNCE
LIVE PERFORMANCE IN SYDNEY HARBOUR CELEBRATING RELEASE OF FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM INHALE / EXHALE
INTIMATE OCTOBER 10TH SHOW TO TAKE PLACE ON SYDNEY HARBOUR, AUSTRALIA
FLEET STEPS AT THE BOTANIC GARDENS
GENERAL ONSALE BEGINS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4 AT 10AM AEST ON RUFUSDUSOL.COM/SYDNEY
FOLLOWING SINGLES “PRESSURE,” “MUSIC IS BETTER,” “LATELY” & “BREAK MY LOVE”
Today, Grammy-winning live electronic trio RÜFÜS DU SOL announce an intimate live performance ahead of the release of their highly anticipated fifth album, set to take place on October 10th at sunset on the iconic Sydney Harbour in Australia. Tickets will be available through a general onsale on Friday, October 4 at 10AM AEST on rufusdusol.com/sydney.
This exclusive, one-off show, scheduled for the night before the album’s global release, will give their Australian fans their first opportunity to hear cuts from the band’s new record live. The performance will bring their signature blend of live instrumentation and electronic elements to a breathtaking outdoor stage, offering a unique chance to witness the trio in a more personal setting, with the stunning backdrop of the Harbour at sunset.
Adding to the excitement, the band has launched a cryptic countdown at rufusdusol.com/live, hinting at more live performance announcements to come. The site is expected to unveil new dates and locations, building anticipation for future experiences as the band continues to redefine live electronic music performances globally. RÜFÜS DU SOL will deliver an unforgettable evening for their Australian fans, as Inhale / Exhale marks a new creative groove for the band. The trio’s next era is defined by enjoying the process and creating from the now while binding organic and electronic, with the album encompassing the themes that have endeared fans for over a decade – romance, heartbreak, euphoria, despair – through a medley of sprawling, mature soundscapes.
In the three years since Surrender was released, RÜFÜS DU SOL won a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronic Recording in 2022, were twice-nominated the following year for Best Dance/Electronic Album and earned their fifth ARIA award in Australia. The band circled the globe appearing at festivals across Europe and South America, and brought Surrender to the stages of iconic North American venues like New York’s Forest Hills Stadium, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl. The band also launched their boutique Sundream Festival, which held its second edition in San José del Cabo in 2023, and was part of the debut of the new Quasar Stage at Coachella in 2024. Inhale / Exhale will serve as the follow-up to the group’s 2021 album Surrender, which featured the Grammy-winning lead single “Alive”.
Stream RÜFÜS DU SOL’s new single “Pressure” available now on all platforms and pre-order their upcoming album Inhale / Exhale.
Inhale / Exhale Tracklist
1. Inhale
2. Lately
3. Breathe
4. Music is Better
5. Levitating
6. Break My Love
7. In the Moment
8. New York
9. The Life
10. Pressure
11. Fire / Desire
12. Edge of the Earth
13. Standing at the Gates
14. Belong
15. Exhale
RÜFÜS DU SOL Tour Dates
October 10, 2024 – Fleet Steps at the Botanic Gardens – Sydney, Australia
March 21-23, 2025 – Lollapalooza Argentina – San Isidro, AR
March 21-23, 2025 – Lollapalooza Chile – Santiago, CL
March 28-30, 2025 – Lollapalooza Brazil – São Paulo, BR
ABOUT RÜFÜS DU SOL:
RÜFÜS DU SOL are the Grammy-winning live electronic trio formed in Sydney Australia, composed of Jon George, James Hunt, and Tyrone Lindqvist, who are now one of the genre’s most highly regarded studio and touring acts. Known for creating emotive electronic music built for the dancefloor, RÜFÜS have released four studio albums, including their most recent full length effort Surrender, which saw them tour across 60 cities, selling 700,000 tickets globally. RÜFÜS’ Jon George and James Hunt have also fostered a DJ project for the project, which triumphs as one of the most popular in the space. The band have translated this success into their own Rose Avenue imprint and boutique Sundream festival in Tulum and Baja, Mexico.
Connect with RÜFÜS DU SOL:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Threads | TikTok | SoundCloud | Spotify
Australian Independent Record Labels Association Announce AIR Member Mentor Program
The Australian Independent Labels Association (AIR) is thrilled to announce the launch of its AIR Label and Distributor Member Mentoring program thanks to support from Music Australia through Creative Australia and Sound NSW through the NSW Government.
AIR Label and Distributor Members can apply to receive professional development and mentoring sessions for themselves as business owners or for any of their staff to enable career and leadership progression pathways, including digital marketing, strategic decision making, financial literacy, HR and effective communication strategies.
Members will be asked to complete a self-assessment and nominate up to three areas of professional development training they wish to participate in and outline how upskilling will assist them to overcome current business challenges, help them grow and achieve business outcomes or enable career progression.
Successful applicants will then be grouped by areas of interest and undertake professional development and mentoring in those areas. This will include workshops with industry professionals and leaders.
Applications are Now Open for all AIR Associate, Full and Distributor members.
Successful applicants will be notified by 6th December 2024 and professional development and mentoring will take place between January and June 2025.
Applications close at midnight on 8th November 2024.
Apply here: https://air.grantplatform.com/
Applicants must be Australian based and have a current AIR Associate, Full or Distributor membership. To find out if you are eligible for AIR label membership click here for more information or email membership@air.org.au
“We look forward to delivering this program for our label and distributor members and to working collaboratively with industry professionals across Australia.” – Maria Amato, AIR CEO
BWS is thrilled to bring another ‘gigantic’ Cool Room party featuring Australian indie-rock icons, The Jungle Giants, to SXSW Sydney this October for the event’s second edition.
Fresh off an exhilarating global tour, The Jungle Giants are set to deliver their signature, high-energy live show at the BWS Cool Room – SXSW Sydney edition on Thursday, 17 October 2024.
With over half a billion streams and a #1 ARIA-charting album, along with certified platinum sales, the band has secured their place on the international stage. They’ve recently played major festivals such as Latitude Festival UK, Outside Lands in San Francisco, Corona Capital in Mexico City, Bleached Festival in San Diego, and led headline tours across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Following their performance at the Singapore Formula One, this BWS Cool Room show will mark their first appearance back in Australia, kicking off a series of regional performances.
Sam Hales, lead singer/producer/writer of The Jungle Giants, shared, “We’re stoked to be back in Sydney for an intimate show at the BWS Cool Room. It’s going to be a night filled with beers, music, and a whole lot of love.”
The BWS Cool Room is Australia’s first concert series held inside a giant fridge, featuring top music talent. Over the past three years, it has become one of the country’s most iconic music events, partnering with both international and local stars such as BROODS, Client Liaison, Fisher, Lime Cordiale, and hip-hop sensation Armani White to keep fans engaged.
Recently, the BWS Cool Room hosted ARIA Award-winner G Flip at Moon Dog Brewery, where over 300 fans celebrated the launch of G Flip’s alcoholic juice, BOX, in an unforgettable event inside the giant inflatable fridge.
An Le, Head of Brand Marketing at BWS, commented, “We’re so excited to bring the BWS Cool Room back to SXSW Sydney after last year’s amazing response! The Cool Room continues to be a unique way for us to connect with fans and support live music in Australia. We’re thrilled to have The Jungle Giants join the incredible lineup of artists that have brought their energy to the Cool Room stage.”
To attend, fans must enter their details on the BWS website for a chance to win tickets to see The Jungle Giants at SXSW Sydney. Enter here: https://bws.com.au/the-drop.
Kevin, you’ve had an incredible year with both Jebediah and Bob Evans. How do you manage balancing both personas, especially with a new album and this tour?
I think I have just gotten used to it so it’s much easier these days than it used to be. I used to think I could only give my full attention to one or the other but I’ve realised with time that in a way both Jebs and Bob are bigger than me. They run on their own steam really. So I just have to be ready to switch hats when it’s necessary.
The When Kev Met Bob tour last year was a huge success. What motivated you to bring it back for another round?
Well its success was the main motivator! I’d never done it before and so didn’t know what sort of response it might garner and I discovered there was a willing audience for it which was great. But more than that, I really enjoyed it and wanted to do it again. The fact is, I’ve been holding this back for many years, being able to play all the songs that I have ever written throughout my life and to do so was extremely fulfilling. Also I felt like the time had come where holding on to this separation between Jebediah and my solo work just wasn’t really necessary anymore. It did its job. Jebediah and Bob Evans are just fine on their own. I don’t feel like I need to protect anything anymore.
You’ve been creating music for over three decades. How has your approach to songwriting evolved between your work as Kev in Jebediah and as Bob Evans?
I’m not sure. In a lot of ways it’s mostly the same. What I like about songs on a very basic level hasn’t changed that much. I’ve just tried to get better. I’m much more invested in lyrics now than I used to be so there’s that. I think one of the good things about doing this for a long time and getting older is that you get better at being able to synchronise your taste in music with your own writing. When you are young and new, you can have great taste in music or art more generally, but your ability to align with that when it comes to your own work can be difficult. I feel like my taste in music and my ability to create what I feel is tasteful music has become more aligned. Is that evolution? It might be.
This tour is heading to new regional venues that you didn’t visit last year. What are you looking forward to about performing in these places?
Well I love the chance to play somewhere I haven’t played before because after a while that becomes rare, especially in a place like Australia.
With such an extensive back catalogue, how do you go about selecting songs for the setlist when mixing the high-energy rock of Jebediah with the more acoustic Bob Evans tracks?
I have to look at what songs I think people might be interested in hearing and then see if I can make them work in this format. For example, I have tried and tried to make Leaving Home work, acoustically, with the electric, I’ve changed styles, tempos and still nothing really lands. So maybe that song can only really be done one way. But there are Jebediah songs that lend themselves to an acoustic or a solo treatment and I know which ones are fan favourites that perhaps weren’t necessarily radio singles so I like to explore that a bit. But it’s a fun challenge and part of why I have enjoyed this process so much is discovering new ways to play old songs.
Your fans seem to love both your Jebediah and Bob Evans work. Do you think one side of your music connects more strongly with Australian audiences, or is it evenly balanced?
There are plenty of Jebediah fans who hate Bob Evans just as there are Bob Evans fans who can’t stand Jebediah. But there is also a bit of a cross section too. I guess I might not have a career if it weren’t for the early success of Jebediah so that history looms large.
You’ve talked about feeling a sense of completeness after last year’s tour. Can you elaborate on that and explain how it’s influenced this year’s shows?
It just felt good to be able to play all the music I’d ever written in one set. It all means so much to me, from the early Jebediah songs that were written in my teens through to now. I guess it felt somehow kind of freeing to be able to tap into it all in any way I liked. I gave myself permission to do it. I’ve dedicated my whole adult life to songwriting and it’s nice to be able to have access to all of it on stage.
After so many years in the industry, what keeps you inspired to keep pushing musical boundaries? Any new elements you’re planning to bring to When Kev Met Bob Rides Again?
Well I’m not sure I’m pushing many boundaries to be honest. I just love a good song. Although I guess this whole concept for me personally is pushing a big boundary, in that I’m knocking down that Jebediah and Bob Evans wall after a few decades. Switching between acoustic and electric guitars in a solo performance is very new for me.
Switching between the rock energy of Jebediah and the reflective nature of Bob Evans can’t be easy. How do you manage that transition on stage?
Well it’s all in how the songs are interpreted. I don’t try and play the Jebediah songs like Jebediah do them. So I just find a way of playing the Jebediah songs that fits with what I already do as a solo performer. I’ve found that underneath the brashness of some Jebediah songs there is a quiet song waiting to come out.
You’ve been a part of the Australian music scene for a long time. What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the industry, and how have you adapted?
Just the way people access music through streaming and the idea that music is free now and you can access the entire history of contemporary music in an instant with very little effort or investment. There’s a great side to that. I would have loved it when I was a kid. But people don’t have to work very hard anymore for it and I think something has been lost. The mystery is gone, although that’s largely to do with social media. But also I think about the money I had to save, the going to a record shop, the ordering a hard to find album, waiting weeks for it to arrive and then when it does it’s such a prized possession. There’s nothing fast or disposable about that experience and it stays with you forever.
The support acts for this tour are great choices. What do you look for when deciding who to share the stage with on a tour like this?
Variety is the spice of life and the last thing I want at my shows is for the support act to be another version of me. So I preference diversity. Anybody who has come to a Bob Evans show over the last decade has probably cottoned on to that. I try as best I can to make space for artists who don’t look and sound like me. I think it’s important and also my responsibility. This industry is changing for the better and it’s amazing to witness but it’s still a very straight male dominated space and I want to be on the side of progress in whatever small way that I can.
Finally, can fans expect any surprises or special moments during this tour? Perhaps a fresh take on a classic track or something new?
Of course! That’s what this show is all about! Lots of special moments await the audience, come along and see.
JEBEDIAH will be playing on the national HOTTER THAN HELL lineup through Oct/Nov
UK indie favourites THE REYTONS announce supports for their upcoming 2024 Australian Tour
In anticipation of their upcoming return to Australian shores later this month, UK indie juggernauts The Reytons have announced the supports for each show on the tour.
The band will be joined be by a plethora of emerging local talent, including The Deeneys & Girl Shaped Gun (Perth); Andy Martin Band & Friends Of Friends (Brisbane); Satin Cali & Sunset Avenue (Sydney); The Velvet Club & The Valiants (Melbourne); Molly Rocket and Stormy Lou (Adelaide).
The band have been busy selling out arenas and parks across the UK and Europe over the past few months, including the legendary Clifton Park in Rotherham back in July (which happens to hold 20,000 people) – the biggest event held in the town in over 50 years.
The Reytons have quickly become one of the UK’s premiere indie bands since the release of their debut album ‘Kids Off The Estate’ back in 2021. Fiercely independent since their inception, the band quickly rose to fame following their sophomore album ‘What’s Rock And Roll?’ which topped the UK albums chart back in early 2023.
The band have racked up an impressive 130m+ streams on Spotify, with countless sell out tours across the UK and Europe – including a sold out show in Sheffield’s Utilita Arena (which happens to hold 13,500 people). Their latest album ‘Ballads Of A Bystander’, which dropped in late January of this year, recently topped the UK Record Store Chart and is just shy of 3m total streams on Spotify.
‘Ballad Of A Bystander’ is the band doing what they do best – communicating real stories of real people; unleashing more of the crowd-pleasing, aspirational indie that has brought so many music fans to their door in years past. Tracks such as ‘Market Street’ and ‘Nineteen Crimes’ demonstrate a introspective, anthemic form of songwriting from the band, whilst songs like ‘Adrenaline’ & ‘Minus One’ are the band at full throttle – filled with grit and raucous energy that Australian audiences are sure to enjoy.
They were last in the country for Brisbane’s Super Fun Day festival last year, with the band also selling out shows at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney and Stay Gold in Melbourne. There’s still limited tickets available for each show on the tour, with tickets moving fast for each date,
“Australia seems like a second home to us. The Australians just ‘get it’ and create the same level of carnage and chaos in the crowd that the fans back home bring. These shows are going to be special and we can’t wait to come back! All Reytons aren’t we?!
THE REYTONS
THE REYTONS 2024 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Tickets available via https://www.destroyalllines.
Sunday, 29th September Amplifier Bar Perth WA 18+
w/ The Deeneys, Girl Shaped Gun
Tuesday 1st October Lion Arts Factory Adelaide, SA 18+
w/ Molly Rocket, Stormy Lou
Thursday 3rd October The Triffid Brisbane, QLD 18+
w/ Andy Martin Band, Friends Of Friends
Friday 4th October Metro Theatre Sydney, NSW 18+
w/ Satin Cali, Sunset Avenue
Saturday 5th October The Croxton Bandroom Melbourne, VIC 18+
w/The Velvet Clu, The Valiants
PRAISE
“Going into a Reytons show, you generally know what to expect: high energy tunes, a bouncing crowd, and an unforgettable atmosphere.”
THE COURIER (UK)
“..the band cemented their status as indie superstars last night (Saturday, September 30) when they played to a sold-out, Steel City crowd of some 13,500 fans at the Utilita Arena Sheffield.”
THE STAR (UK)
“There are some bands that simply demand to be seen live, with albums not able to truly contain the scale and scope of their sound. The Reytons are very much one of them.”
THE LIVERPOOL ECHO (UK)
“The Reytons are unstoppable!”
JACK SAUNDERS, BBC R1
“What we’re missing in music right now”
ARIELLE FREE, BBC RADIO 1
“A band who are really hard to ignore!”
STEVE LAMACQ, BBC RADIO 6
THE REYTONS: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
DESTROY ALL LINES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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SUMMER DANCE RETURNS! LAUNCHING WITH TSHA, DJ HABIBEATS, DJ EZ + MORE!
Sydney’s premier day-to-night party, Summer Dance, today announce their return for an all new season of events including the companion ‘AFTER DARK’ series. Launching this November 9 with TSHA, DJ Habibeats and Rhakish B2B Jhassic while DJ EZ, Mincy and Garage Pressure will take over AFTER DARK. Tickets are on sale now with more events to be announced. BUY TIX HERE.
Boasting cutting edge programming that places lauded talent as Folamour, Bicep, Honey Dijon, Moodymann, Jyoty, Four Tet, Yung Singh, Eris Drew and Octo Octa side by side with primed to break locals Crybaby, Sollyy, Jennifer Loveless, CC:DISCO! to JamesJamesJames and beyond – Astral People’s Summer Dance continues to be recognised as a pillar in the local event space with an enviable tally of consistent sell out status.
Speaking to the event’s legacy and upcoming iteration, Astral People Director Vichara Edirisinghe shares, “Welcome to our dream. The party that we always wanted to attend. Every little detail meticulously thought through by our wonderful team – from the drinks and food offering, the quality soundsystem symbiotically working alongside the classy production, the artists who hold down dancefloors like no one else, the door staff and security who have been personally briefed by us to ensure every guest feels not only safe but heard. All dancing under the sun as one in the city we call home. This is the party of our dreams and we can’t wait to share it with you once again.”
Both an accessible gateway to the dance community for young people as it is respected amongst the underground for its legitimising rite of passage, Summer Dance continues its ethos of elevation and regeneration into the new year. With a gratifying calendar of events across day and night soon to be revealed in full, the event kicks off this November 9 with TSHA and DJ Habibeats supported by Jhassic and Rakish at Liberty Hall’s outdoor basketball courts and later that evening, DJ EZ, Mincy and Garage Pressure will continue for Summer Dance: AFTER DARK.
Rising electronic superstar TSHA returns with her seminal blend of melodic house and garage rave sensibilities in support of her new record, Sad Girl. A nostalgic excavation on the bittersweet angst of early adulthood set to reiterate how hotly tipped the self-taught talent remains with co-signs from Zane Lowe, the Gorillaz, Diplo to Billboard, NME and more. Flying the flag for Arabic club music is viral internet sensation and Habibi House founder, DJ Habibeats. Using dance to empower the diaspora, the Palestinian-American DJ’s transformative approach is the perfect storm of culture and unbridled expression that continues dance music’s origins in freedom and protest.
Supported by local stalwarts Jhassic and Rakish, co-founders of South-Asian Australian collective Kerfew, the two make for a heady combo of dancefloor nostalgia with experimental electronica. Boasting over a decade’s worth of experience across the Sydney DJ circuit, Jhassic’s ability to command rooms whether it be intimate house parties or his residency at Club 77 is what assures his heavyweight status. Complemented by former fbi.radio presenter Rakish, raised in the queer club space and sought out for colourful and surprising selections, their combined trusted taste is set to raise the bar at their Summer Dance debut.
DJ EZ, a musical force of nature for over two decades, saluted by both the industry and the public for being one of the most creative mixers around with an extraordinary instinct and technical prowess, leads Summer Dance: AFTER DARK. His legendary Boiler Room live stream has been viewed by millions and is widely regarded as one of the greatest UK Garage sets of all time. Supported by Mincy, founder of Extra Spicy, is a sharp, fierce representative of heavy, fast and bass focused underground dance music; plus Garage Pressure, the trailblazing Sydney-based DJ duo comprised of Farj and Paul Fraser, has been at the forefront of the UK underground music scene in Australia for decade. The movement is instrumental in exporting the bass music culture beyond the UK’s borders.
Be sure to expect a stream of events that assert memorable, ‘need to be there’ experiences, a welcome baptism or a return home to the experienced as Summer Dance continues into 2025.
SUMMER DANCE
Presented by Astral People, Pals, Grifters and fbi.radio
TSHA
DJ HABIBEATS
JHASSIC + RAKISH
SUMMER DANCE: AFTER DARK
DJ EZ
MINCY
GARAGE PRESSURE
Tickets are on sale from 12PM AEST
BUY HERE
Stay connected with Summer Dance:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Stay connected with Astral People:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Soundcloud
US funk legends Zapp announce their first-ever Australian headline shows this December, presented by Astral People and Handsome Tours
Following their sold-out appearance at the Meredith Festival, Zapp will be hitting Sydney and Melbourne for two special performances. Pre-sale starts this Thursday, Oct 3, at 10am local time, with general on-sale from Friday, Oct 4, at 10am. Full ticketing information is provided below.
Hailing from Dayton, Ohio, Zapp is a family band known for their funky, high-energy sound that’s perfect for dancing and good times. Having pioneered a new era of funk since the 1970s, Zapp’s music has left an indelible mark on the genre. Led by Parliament-Funkadelic protégés Lester and Terry “Zapp” Troutman, they continue to uphold the legacy of their late brother, the legendary Roger Troutman.
The band is famous for hits like More Bounce To The Ounce, Computer Love, So Ruff, So Tuff, I Can Make You Dance, and Doo Wa Ditty (Blow That Thing). Zapp’s distinctive sound, complete with their custom-made talk box, remains iconic, influencing artists from T-Pain to Daft Punk. Their music has also been foundational to West Coast Hip Hop’s “G-Funk” sound, sampled by artists like Dr. Dre, 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, and Jay Z.
Zapp is known for their imaginative, high-energy performances with sizzling chemistry and a sense of humor, making their upcoming Sydney and Melbourne shows must-see events. Full tour details are listed below.
ZAPP 2024 AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE TOUR
Presented by Astral People & Handsome Tours
Fri 6 Dec – City Recital Hall – Sydney
Sat 7 Dec – Meredith Music Festival – Meredith [SOLD OUT]
Mon 9 Dec – Northcote Theatre – Melbourne
Presale: Thur 3 Oct @ 10am local
GA on sale: Fri 4 Oct @ 10am local
Stay connected with Zapp:
Website | Facebook | Instagram
A. Swayze & The Ghosts announce album tour dates; Let’s Live a Life Better Than This out Oct 25
ARIA-nominated and internationally acclaimed nipaluna/Hobart band A. Swayze & The Ghosts have announced their Let’s Live a Life Better Than This album tour for November and December, with shows across VIC, TAS, NSW, and QLD, plus appearances at SXSW Sydney and Chopped Festival. The album, dropping October 25, captures the band’s transition from self-destruction to love over four years, blending alternative rock, post-punk, and 70s dance-punk. The record includes singles “Tell You All The Time,” “He Is Dead,” and “Cool Cucumber,” and is available to pre-save and pre-order digitally and on vinyl.
Now a five-piece, the band’s live performances are a fusion of raw energy, live synthesisers, and precise musicianship, described as a mix of LCD Soundsystem’s guitar-driven mayhem and DEVO’s punk-infused madness. Lead singer Andrew Swayze reflects on the album: “The making of Let’s Live a Life Better Than This was a transformative journey for us. Each song reflects a lesson learned, and we hope it inspires listeners to live a more authentic, better life.” Tickets for the tour are on sale now.
Written over four years between Naarm/Melbourne and remote locations across lutruwita/Tasmania, A. Swayze & The Ghosts’ upcoming album Let’s Live a Life Better Than This marks a new chapter for the band. Recorded at Sunset Pig Studios, with frontman Andrew Swayze capturing his vocals in a DIY sound booth at home, the album is self-produced for the first time and mixed by Andy Savours (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arctic Monkeys). The record is packed with tight percussion, synths, and even saxophone, showcasing a bold shift in the band’s sound with a focus on dance-driven, guitar-led tracks. This energetic and intense new direction reflects their transition from a “band-in-a-room” writing process to creating within the production stage, inspired in part by losing their rehearsal space.
Embracing a more experimental approach, the band incorporated a wide range of influences, from techno to black metal, adopting a philosophy of following what sounds good without question. The singles “Cool Cucumber,” “He Is Dead,” and “Tell You All The Time” have already garnered widespread media support from outlets like Rolling Stone, triple j, and Spotify’s New Music Friday AUNZ, signaling excitement for the full release.
After a touring break, the band returned with sold-out shows in support of Cool Cucumber and took time to reflect on their artistic evolution. The ten tracks on Let’s Live a Life Better Than This explore deeply personal themes like fear, mental health, trauma, addiction, love, and loss, all wrapped in a quest for personal liberation. Andrew Swayze explains that this introspective process was key to their transformation: “We began as a self-destructive garage-punk band and have grown into a thoughtful, artistically liberated group, bound by love and respect.”
A. Swayze & The Ghosts, known for their electrifying live performances and frontman Andrew Swayze’s magnetic stage presence, first gained recognition with their ARIA and AIR Award-nominated debut album Paid Salvation (2020). Their early releases earned international acclaim, and they’ve performed at major festivals like Splendour in the Grass and The Great Escape, supporting acts like Jet, The Vines, and Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. Now, with Let’s Live a Life Better Than This, the band is set to redefine their sound and take listeners on a transformative journey.
Let’s Live a Life Better Than This is out on October 25 (Independent)
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Photography: Aiden Joseph
Toronto, ON – Brampton-raised rapper and community leader, Lankesh Patel, known as Spitty, has officially released his highly anticipated new album Motherland, now available on all streaming platforms.
Produced by Nick Ianno and Felix Khan of Star67 Studio, Motherland is a South Asian-inspired hip hop album that blends Spitty’s cultural heritage with personal experiences, featuring a diverse array of artists from Canada, India, and the US. The album highlights the power of diversity through its intricate soundscapes.
The album delves into Spitty’s relationships with key women in his life, with tracks like “Mom,” a heartfelt letter to his mother. The title track, “Motherland,” featuring classical singer PRII, explores the challenges facing a person’s homeland, no matter its identity or location.
Also featured on the album is the nostalgic track “I Feel So Amazing,” paying homage to 2000s rap, and “Rodeo,” a vibrant, feel-good song. “Rodeo” marks Spitty’s first Punjabi collaboration, featuring Calgary-based producer Yuvy and artist Roze, who contributes romantic Punjabi lyrics. Spitty’s playful verses in English provide a perfect blend for this cultural fusion.
Spitty has been making waves in the music industry since his debut album Full Circle, which garnered praise from Rolling Stone India and Much Music Canada. The success of that album led him to embark on a 22-date tour across Canada and the USA, with performances at festivals like Canadian Music Week, NXNE, LAUNCH Music Fest, and DesiFest.
As a dedicated Brampton ambassador, Spitty continues to represent his hometown through both music and community work. Alongside figures like Rupi Kaur and Haviah Mighty, Spitty helps create artist resources and programming in the city. Featured in Complex Canada as a Brampton Artist Ambassador, he hosts free monthly open mic events and speaks at schools to motivate and inspire the youth.
After going viral on Instagram in both India and Canada, Spitty’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down. With more music on the way and upcoming performances, including shows in Toronto on September 29th at Global Toronto Music Festival and October 12th at The Dance Cave in Lee’s Palace, Spitty is set to continue his rapid rise in the music scene.
Motherland Track Listing
1. Motherland ft. PRII (Produced by RSHKA)
2. Brand New Vibe ft. Vikki S & RMS (Produced by Cavin Gada)
3. I Feel So Amazing ft. Seasha (Produced by Nick Ianno)
4. Rodeo ft. Roze (Produced by Yuvy)
5. Kush ft. Sonaali (Produced by Nick Ianno)
6. Say Slide ft. Eyon (Produced by AALF)
7. Too Many Indians (Produced by Kaushal Rao)
8. I Just Wanna Party ft. Anas Ansari (Produced by Sparky Beats)
9. Shift Work ft. ConVIth (Produced by Hound & BeatsByCasual)
10. Around The World ft. D.Raashi (Produced by Mrii)
11. Mom (Produced by VoltVision)
Spitty Tour Dates
September 29, 2024 – Global Toronto Music Festival – Toronto, ON
October 12, 2024 – The Dance Cave in Lee’s Palace – Toronto, ON
GRAMMY-winning Artists Cedric Gervais and Nile Rodgers Join Forces on a Modern Version of Sister Sledge’s Timeless Hit “We Are Family,” written and originally produced by Mr. Rodgers with his CHIC Organization partner Bernard Edwards in 1979. Out Now on Armada Music
Get ready for a remarkable musical experience as GRAMMY-winner Cedric Gervais teams up with Rock and Roll & Songwriters Hall of Famer Nile Rodgers to reinvent Sister Sledge’s classic hit “We Are Family.” This fresh take masterfully merges Cedric’s signature big-room house sound with Nile’s iconic funk grooves, creating a dancefloor anthem that honors the original while introducing a modern edge. The track features pulsing basslines, shimmering synths, and Rodgers’ unmistakable guitar work, bringing a sleek and rhythmic energy to the timeless chorus. Now out on Armada Music, this release celebrates the enduring appeal of the original while offering a new, dance-ready version for today’s audience. Following the success of Cedric’s July hit “Switch” with David Guetta, “We Are Family” blends the best of both artists, combining soulful funk with house music for a captivating, global dancefloor hit. This is their second collaboration after the 2020 remake of “Everybody Dance” with Franklin, which was also a major success.
“Four years ago, Franklin, Nile, and I recreated ‘Everybody Dance.’ It was such a fun project, so when the chance to rework ‘We Are Family’ came up, we jumped at it. We gathered at Night Bird studio in LA, and Nile’s passion and stories were truly inspiring. This song carries such a positive, unifying message, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.” – Cedric Gervais
“With each year, ‘We Are Family’ resonates more deeply. It doesn’t matter if you’re Black, white, gay, straight, rich, poor, Christian, or Muslim — we are all family. To reimagine this anthem with Cedric when the world needs hope is incredible. It’s all about spreading joy.” – Nile Rodgers
Cedric Gervais
A GRAMMY winner for Best Remix in 2013 for his rendition of Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness,” Cedric Gervais boasts chart-topping hits on Billboard, UK, and ARIA charts, and platinum-selling singles. He has two BBC Radio 1 Essential Mixes, three Essential New Tunes, and multiple Number 1 spots on Beatport, Buzz, and Hype Machine charts. His acting credits include roles in Pain & Gain and The Long Night. With residencies in Las Vegas, NYC, and Miami, Cedric continues to dominate the global house music scene, and his Delecta Records imprint keeps releasing hit singles, ensuring his rise well into 2024.
Nile Rodgers
Nile Rodgers is a legend in the music industry, inducted into both the Rock & Roll and Songwriters Halls of Fame, and a multiple GRAMMY Award-winning artist. In 2023, he became the first creator to win a Lifetime Achievement GRAMMY and a GRAMMY for his work with Beyoncé on “Cuff It” in the same year. As the co-founder of Chic, he crafted era-defining hits like “Le Freak” and “Good Times.” His work with artists such as David Bowie, Madonna, and Duran Duran has sold over 500 million albums worldwide. Rodgers continues to shape modern music through collaborations with Daft Punk, Daddy Yankee, LE SSERAFIM, and Beyoncé.
Cedric Gervais‘s forthcoming dates:
Sep 28 – Nashville, TN – Barstool Nashville
Oct 04 – Las Vegas, NV – Tao Beach
Oct 05 – Salt Lake City, UT – SKY
Oct 12 – Atlantic City, NJ – HQ2 Nightclub
Oct 25 – Seattle, WA – BOO! Seattle
Oct 26 – Miami Beach, FL – LIV
Oct 31 – Chicago, IL – Electric Hotel Nightclub
Nov 08 – Orlando, FL – EDC Orlando
Having spent the summer in North America ricocheting between stadium supports and sold-out headline gigs, Amyl and The Sniffers will embark on a UK / EURO tour in November, and will be main support for Fontaines D.C. at Finsbury Park on July 5th, 2025.
UK / EURO DATES BELOW 2024 / 2025
NOV 5TH – DUBLIN – NATIONAL STADIUM
NOV 6TH – GLASGOW – 02 ACADEMY SOLD OUT
NOV 7TH – NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE – NX SOLD OUT
NOV 9TH – MANCHESTER – MANCHESTER ACADEMY SOLD OUT
NOV 10TH – BIRMINGHAM 02 – ACADEMY
NOV 11TH – BRISTOL – 02 ACADEMY SOLD OUT
NOV 13TH – LONDON – ROUNDHOSE SOLD OUT
NOV 14TH – LONDON – ROUNDHOUSE SOLD OUT
NOV 15TH – LONDON – ROUNDHOUSE SOLD OUT
NOV 17TH – BRUSSELS – ANCIENNE SOLD OUT
NOV 18TH – UTRECHT – TIVOLIVREDENBERG SOLD OUT
NOV 19TH – COLOGNE – CARLSWERK VICTORIA SOLD OUT
NOV 21ST – COPENHAGEN – VEGA SOLD OUT
NOV 22ND – HAMBURG – GROBE FREIHEIT 36 SOLD OUT
NOV 23RD – BERLIN – COLUMBIAHALLE SOLD OUT
NOV 25TH – MUNICH – TONHALIE
NOV 26TH – LAUSANNE – LES DOCKS SOLD OUT
NOV 27TH – PARIS – OLYMPIA
NOV 29TH – ATHENS – FLOYD
JULY 5TH – LONDON – FINSBURY PARK SUPPORTING FONTAINES DC
Cartoon Darkness is out on Oct 25 via Virgin Music Group