Music News

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.

The regional run follows Playlunch’s completely sold out headline tour in September in celebration of their second album Sex Ed, where they played their biggest headline shows to date across the country.  Released in August via ABC Music, Sex Ed was immediately adored, debuting at #7 on the ARIA Australian Artist Charts and cracking the Top 5 for physical sales. The release was followed up by an instant classic triple j Like A Version, with the group covering The Weather Girls’ ‘It’s Raining Men’. Playlunch were nominated for two J Awards for the record, including Unearthed Artist of the Year and Australian Music Video of the Year for their viral single ‘Keith’. The iconic track also made its way into bbno$’s setlist at his most recent Melbourne show. With an infectious catalogue of genre-blending, tongue-in-cheek tracks covering nostalgic and distinctly Aussie themes like school athletics days, rental inspections, grumpy neighbours, and the peculiar world of daytime TV on a sick day, Playlunch’s  live shows promise audiences a sense of euphoric escapism and unabashed joy. Pack your schoolbags and grab your Yu-Gi-Oh! cards for childhood nostalgia’s night of nights, coming to a city near you! All Lines presents PLAYLUNCH THE SEX ED REGIONAL ALBUM TOUR with special guests Friday 5th December – Sooki Lounge – Belgrave, VIC SOLD OUT Wednesday 31st December – Indian Ocean Hotel (NYE) – Scarborough, WA Saturday 3rd January – Lorne Theatre – Lorne, VIC Friday 9th January – The Whalers – Warrnambool, VIC Saturday 10th January – Ocean Sounds Festival – Phillip Island, VIC Friday 16th January – The Deck – Bendigo, VIC Saturday 17th January – Volta – Ballarat, VIC SOLD OUT Thursday 29th January – Prince of Wales – Bunbury, WA SOLD OUT Friday 30th January – The River – Margaret River, WA SOLD OUT Saturday 31st January – Albany Town Hall – Albany, WA SOLD OUT Saturday 7th February – Pier Bandroom – Frankston, VIC SOLD OUT Saturday 21st February – Commercial Hotel – South Morang, VIC SOLD OUT Saturday 7th March – Republic Bar – Hobart, TAS SOLD OUT Sunday 8th March – Good Gumnuts Festival – Burnie, TAS Friday 13th March – The Deck – Traralgon, VIC Saturday 14th March – Barwon Heads Club – Barwon Heads, VIC SOLD OUT Saturday 28th – Archies Creek Hotel – Archies Creek, VIC SOLD OUT Thursday 9th April – Solbar – Sunshine Coast, QLD SOLD OUT Friday 10th April – The Northern – Byron Bay, NSW Saturday 11th April – Miami Marketta – Gold Coast, QLD SOLD OUT Sunday 12th April – Finnians Tavern – Port Macquarie, NSW Thursday 20th April – UC Refectory – Canberra, ACT  *VENUE UPGRADE* Friday 24th April – The Espy Gershwin Room – St Kilda, VIC SOLD OUT Saturday 25th April – Beer Deluxe – Albury, NSW Friday 1st May – Drifters Wharf – Gosford, NSW Saturday 2nd May – UTS Underground – Sydney, NSW SOLD OUT Friday 8th May – King Street Bandroom – Newcastle, NSW SOLD OUT Saturday 9th May – Avalon Beach RSL Club – Avalon Beach, NSW SOLD OUT Sunday 10th May – UOW – Wollongong, NSW *VENUE UPGRADE* Friday 15th May – LUNCH FEST @ Liberty Hall – Sydney, NSW Friday 22nd May – Tanks Arts Centre – Cairns, QLD Saturday 23rd May – The Warehouse – Townsville, QLD Sunday 24th May – The Met – Mackay, QLD Thursday 28th May – Erricks – Dunedin, NZ Friday 29th May – The Loons – Christchurch, NZ Saturday 30th May – Meow – Wellington, NZ Sunday 31st May – Whammy Bar – Auckland, NZ For tickets & more information visit destroyalllines.com About Playlunch Forged in the depths of lockdown in a share house home-studio somewhere in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Playlunch is the chaotic, genre-bending brainchild of producer and multi-instrumentalist Liam Bell. A wild blend of retro dance music, late ‘90s/early 2000s Aussie nostalgia and unapologetic suburban swagger, Playlunch aren’t just riding a wave—they’re creating their own: a loud, proud, and irresistibly fun genre they call Bogan Funk. Since bursting onto the scene in April 2022, Playlunch have gone from a cult curiosity to one of Australia’s most exciting and talked-about new acts. Their 2023 debut album, Who’s Ready For A Good Time?, laid the foundations with viral TikTok moments, triple j High Rotation, and a sold-out 500-person shows across Australia – but Playlunch aren’t just a viral moment. In an industry facing tough economic headwinds, Playlunch have defied the odds, powered by a fiercely loyal and ever-growing fanbase. Their 2024 showcase at BIGSOUND cemented their reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging acts, with eyes now firmly set on their next era. 2025 has seen Playlunch cement their place in the national spotlight with the release of their sophomore album Sex Ed — a bold, cheeky, and sonically irresistible evolution of their Bogan Funk manifesto. The standout single “Keith” became a breakout hit, racking up over 3 million streams across DSP’s, 10 million+ views across TikTok and Instagram Reels, and earning triple j Feature Track alongside high rotation and community radio saturation across the country. Thanks to its hilarious yet heartfelt tribute to every middle-aged Aussie bloke you’ve ever known, “Keith” struck a chord far beyond their core fanbase—spawning thousands of memes, fan videos, drag performances and even unofficial pub karaoke nights. The track reached #1 on the Spotify Viral 50 (AU) and helped propel Sex Ed into national charts and end-of-year “Best Of” lists. Playlunch’s insane live show has made them a must-see act across the country. Across NYE on the Hill, Party in the Paddock, Hyper Festival (to name a few), and a headline tour of packed-out 1200 CAP venues, they’ve built a reputation for turning any crowd into a sweaty, laughing, dancing mess. Wherever they go, Playlunch take nostalgic school disco and amp it up to full-blown festival euphoria. Connect with Playlunch

 

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.

INSTAGRAM

Stream:

https://bfan.link/paris-strut

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

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.

There’ll be no shortage of action at Howlin’ this year, with a stacked lineup of on-site activations making it a true all-day experience for music lovers, families, and festival roamers alike. With the festival landing on Valentine’s Day, love is well and truly in the air with the Love Truck selling roses for those who forgot, along with our Lil’ Howlers stalls with handmade friendship and love bracelets, alongside a speed-dating tent hosted by popular podcast Ladies Love Country. Official beer partner Tooheys will fire things up with a crowd-favourite bungee run and plenty of prizes, while Traveller Whiskey will be bringing their sampler truck to the festival for those who want to taste some of Chris Stapleton’s finest. Bundy Rum takes over the sold-out Howlin’ Hotel VIP tent with secret DJ sets popping up throughout the day, and Country Trucker Hats will be on site serving up the sharpest country lids going around. Howlin’ have the Little Tackers covered this year with the Lil Howlers kids zone, featuring free face painting, yard games, ride-on pony cycles and a classic jumping castle. Last but not least, Howlin’s revamped second stage The Bale House will be showcasing top local Australian acts by day before transforming into a late-night honky-tonk beer garden. Cheap Whiskey DJs will be bringing the house down in the evening, and if you fancy a bull ride after a boogie, they’ll have a mechanical bull running all night at The Bale House. Tickets for HOWLIN’ COUNTRY are selling fast, with the music festival expected to bring a boost in tourism and community strength to Newcastle across the February weekend. Proudly 100% owned and operated, HOWLIN’ COUNTRY has remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting local producers and business owners in Newcastle. Not only is HOWLIN’ COUNTRY giving local artists the opportunity to share the stage with globally recognised and renowned artists, but the festival has opened its arms in embracing local vendors, staff and community business right across the event, from the ground up. This has been key to the development of HOWLIN’ COUNTRY, as festival promoter MOE MATTHEW explains, “We are excited to be bringing Howlin’ back for a second year in Newcastle. Being promoters who live in Newcastle, it’s important for us to support as many local businesses as we possibly can when putting Howlin’ on. This year we are spending around 80% of our event costs with local suppliers, and also have five artists from Newcastle on our line-up!”. HOWLIN’ COUNTRY remains dedicated to offering music fans the best experience possible, with a number of ticket packages available to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all ages. But don’t wait around! HOWLIN’ COUNTRY is on track to match its debut year, and sell fast for 2026. HOWLIN’ PREMIUM: Best seats in the house alongside your own bar & toilets + selected pastries from CRUMB Bakery. Howlin’ Premium has a few surprises up for grabs for the ticket holders. Make sure you get your raffle ticket on the way in, because you could be standing on the side of the stage watching your favourite artists. HOWLIN’ HOTEL / VIP TICKETS: SOLD OUT YOUTH TICKET: Available for 16 & 17 year olds wishing to attend without parents/guardians. KIDS UNDER 16: Allowed to attend with a parent/guardian. KIDS UNDER 3: Free! HOWLIN’ COUNTRY 2026 TICKETS Saturday 14 February Newcastle Foreshore NSW HOWLIN’ COUNTRY ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT LAINEY WILSON MORGAN EVANS FLATLAND CAVALRY KAITLIN BUTTS KASHUS CULPEPPER PAUL DEMPSEY’S SHOTGUN KARAOKE ADAM NEWLING GRAND PRICKS LEWIS LOVE SWEET TALK THE WET WHISTLES TYLA RODRIGUES SHARNEE FENWICK CHEAP WHISKEY DJs HOWLIN’ COUNTRY: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Tik Tok

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