The final day of music for me on this trip quite appropriately kicked off with the annual Aussie BBQ at Heebie Jeebies. With the stage in an outdoor beer garden (right next to the BBQ), the weather had us nervous but thankfully the overcast sky stayed just that; the rain keeping at bay. This kept the venue packed and made for one hell of an Aussie BBQ to end their run of shows in the UK for 2012 (they’re off to Singapore next).

Pictured: Dawes.

More belated summer weather brought Byron Bay to life for the second day of Bluesfest, and you couldn’t help being drawn to the sunshine vibes of Queensland’s Bobby Alu, especially as his trademark percussion breaks lured more hip-shakers to the dancefloor.

Ahead of his run of sold out shows we catch up with Irish folk sensation James Vincent McMorrow to find out a bit more about what audiences can expect from his impending visit. We also discuss his debut album Early In The Morning and discuss the influence of soul music and Sufjan Stevens on his work.

This week we bring you another big tour announcement with Dig It Up!, Sam Sparro, Dirty Three, Boris and The Sheepdogs all announcing some big tour news!

Dig It Up! Brisbane and Perth sell out

The Perth leg of Dig It Up! The Hoodoo Gurus Invitational has now sold-out. The Perth event which also features Redd Kross & The Fleshtones, joins the Brisbane Dig It Up! in selling out its allocation well in advance of the show date.

After being released two years ago, Irish singer songwriter James Vincent McMorrow’s debut album will finally hit Australian shores on Friday, March 2. Early In The Morning is a stunning debut from McMorrow, laden with metaphorical lyrics complimented by the singer’s soothing voice.

G3 add show in Newcastle

The three wise men of modern day guitar mastery Joe Satriani, Steve Vai and Steve Lukather will be bringing their holy gifts to the blessed land of Newcastle for a special one night only in March.

Performing under the name G3, audiences will be dazzled by what is set to be a night of eletrifyingly brilliant displays of guitar skilfulness. Fans will be treated to individual sets by each guitarist with their own band before joining Satriani and his band on stage for an all-star jam session.

Welcome to your favourite tour news update. I've got stacks for you today beginning with Barons of Tang (pictured).

Welcome back to "The State Of Affairs", where we fill you in on what's been happening of late in the local and international music and arts industries. From break ups to make ups, from firings to hirings... you'll read it all here.

In This Issue: Strike Hard Bookings shuts shop, Hilltop Hoods sign to Fontana U.S, Nada Surfs sign with Stop Start,the ARIA Charts, James Vincent McMorrow joins Dew Process. Livescene launches App to promote live music, Adele holds her position at #1 in the ARIA charts, Inertia records introduces "Inertia Access" to help unsigned artists start out, Shock Records sign "While She Sleeps", Basick records partners with Prosthetic Records, Pressed And sign to Mush records, APRA AMCOS Song Summit announces key speakers, The Riff is back on Channel V!, The Holding Pattern helps launch undiscovered musicians. Katy Perry joins forces with The Sims, National Slam Day, Unsigned Only Music Competition, The 2011 Smac Awards, PBS 'Drive Alive 2012', Elefant Traks sign Sky'High, and Inpress organise a 'fun raiser' for Genny B.