To be honest with you, I have never been too familiar with Ben Howard’s music. I’ve listened to him a few times and before tonight I could only name like, 2 songs. But as of late, his name seems to be popping up pretty much everywhere from the Brit Awards to Coachella, and having cancelled his show the night before due to illness, I was bursting with curiosity as to whether the 26 year old would win me over.

Ben Howard was always going to develop a loyal fan base in Australia. His surf inspired folk tunes could have been written sitting on any one of our beaches and the singer himself comes across as a kindred spirit of this great southern land. And as it happened, The Metro Theatre wasn’t big enough to accommodate Howard’s ever growing legion of admirers with many missing out on scoring tickets to the sold out shows.

And just like that we'd once again come to the end of the Byron Bay Bluesfest. As the event's fifth day, it's fair to say that by now we were both exhausted and used to the exciting lifestyle that the festival offers. It's never an easy event to say goodbye to, especially after a year that housed one of its best lineups ever, and was without a doubt the best Bluesfest we've ever attended. Although my sore, sore feet beg to differ.

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2013 closes out Day 5 with another stellar lineup that includes Ben Howard, Royal Southern Brotherhood, Bonnie Raitt (pictured above), The Music Maker Blues Revue, Xavier Rudd, Paul Simon, The Lumineers, Melbourne Ska Orchestra and The Bamboos.

This week in industry news, Laneway Festival makes their big reveal, Birds of Tokyo sweeps the ARIA Charts, Willy Mason returns down under, plus plenty more industry goss and music news.

So remember how we were talking about Laneway going Stateside? Well the city has been announced, and if you're in or around Detroit this September, be sure to check out this Aussie festival's American debut! It's being held on September 14th, 2013 in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

In this issue: The Presets announce new dates, Boys of Summer announce unexpected line-up change, Tim Rogers & The Bamboos add new dates, Amanda Palmer confirms Australia & New Zealand shows and more!

Mitzi to join Foals at Sydney Club Shows

He has quickly become one of the most sought after artists in the world, and now Ben Howard is heading to Australia for his first headline tour here in April 2013, with tickets going on sales December 19.

With his debut album going platinum, getting nominated for a Mercury award and a massive successful tour under his belt, Ben Howard has already had an amazing 2012, and things just keep looking up for the bright new star.

This morning the Byron Bay Bluesfest has delivered yet another smashing artist announcement. The latest release features a number of artists from many genres, spanning blues to gospel, leaving many to wonder when the organisers will actually be done in announcing acts to play next year's festival!

Check out the additions to the 2013 line up below:

COUNTING CROWS
BEN HARPER (Solo)
THE LUMINEERS
JAKE SHIMABAKURO

This week we have various releases coming your way, with artists like Into The Woods, Rihanna, The Seekers, Petra Haden, Teen Mom and Jonny Telafone. Keep an eye out every week for more exciting release updates right here!

RIHANNA

Pictured: The Black Keys.

Another year, another Splendour in the Grass - though this year we seem to have gone back in time, with the festival returning to its Byron Bay home for the first time since 2009. This brief trip down memory lane will forever be remembered as a muddy affair, with today's 30 minute downpour - hail, brimstone and all - destroying the festival site and making those who brought gumboots truly thankful - none more so than the ones selling them on site for $50+ a pop!

Pictured: Michael Kiwanuka

Special Splendour Sideshow presented by Secret Sounds and London Label Communion. Curated by Ben Lovett of Mumford and Sons. Photography by Pete Dovgan

Listening to the music of Michael Kiwanuka, it is hard to believe that this folk/soul singer is only 24 years old. With a husky, raw, crooning voice that is brimming with soul and sincerity, Kiwanuka’s music has an wiser quality to it that comfortably incites comparisons to musicians very much his senior.

Lachlan Bryan solo tour

Lachlan Bryan is coming to Melbourne and Sydney to promote his debut album, Shadow of the Gun as well as his new single off the album, "Going Straight". He will be supported by Bill Chambers & The Weeping Willows (VIC) and Caitlin Harnett & Melody Pool (NSW). Check out the site for more information: http://www.lachlanbryan.com/news

Thursday June 14
- Melbourne: The Workers Club, Fitzroy
Friday June 22