Author: Bruce Baker

Colin Lillie hasn’t taken the conventional path, but he has certainly taken an interesting one. The Northern Territory-based Scotsman has lived a torrid life well. It wasn’t until he reached his mid-thirties that he started to share his songs with the world, and his award winning album Glass Homes was released in 2016. 2018 proved…

We are thrilled to have as the Track of the Day, ‘Tea Stains’ a duet with Didirri and Ro.  We are even more stoked to be releasing this stunning video for the track. This is a gorgeous understated track of unsaid truths and repressed feelings. Didirri, originally from Warrnambool in Victora, and Ro hailing from Margaret…

Sydney band Sloan Peterson have released a banging new track “Here”, from their forthcoming album, Midnight Love Vol. 2.   It’s a catchy fast-moving track, with beautiful lush vocals. “I wrote ‘Here’ when I was 18, at a time when there was nothing to do but thrash around in a garage playing music, making art and hanging…

The Oh See’s have long had a reputation for being a formidable live experience. At the Factory Theatre last night in Sydney it was a no-brainer to see why. Setting up the stage after the support Orb finished, the dual drum kits were brought right to the centre of the front of the stage. It…

It had been a long time coming, but Little May returned to Sydney for a headline gig on Friday night, with the venue being the Oxford Art Factory. On the cusp of their album being released, Blame My Body, a number of the new songs were showcased to an enthusiastic audience. 8 of the songs…

The fourteenth edition of In The Round was held last night at the Vanguard in Newtown, Sydney. It was a great combination of instruments and vocals in the unique and intimate setting which governs these shows. Elska from the Gold Coast was the curator of this edition. She plays the harps, employing loops and had…

The Hoodoo Gurus hit the stage at Taronga Zoo on Saturday night, a sold-out gig playing to a crowd that many would have been at some of their earliest gigs, some 35 years ago. Many of these were reliving the fervour of those early times with exceptional enthusiasm. It was a crowd pleasing set, drawing…

Stevie Jean passed through Sydney last night on her way through to Launceston for the Party in the Paddock festival. We were treated to an intimate show at the Golden Age Cinema and Bar in Surry Hills. Stevie is a treat to see live – effortlessly charming, joyful and with a strong versatile voice. She…

The Laneway Festival hit Sydney for the 14th time on Sunday, and it was a triumphant day. Brilliant sunshine and outstanding performances from the local and overseas acts graced Callan Park. Amongst the many highlights were Mitski, Courtney Barnett, The Smith Street Band, Parquet Courts, Camp Cope, Middle Kids and bringing home the finale for…

Day 3 of the Falls Festival at Byron Bay featured Chvrches, Amy Shark, Interpol and Vance Joy. Toto had the crowd singing along to Africa, The Vaccines rocked and LPX – the side project of Lizzy Plapinger from MS MR delivered a truly joyous set. Other highlights included Bishop Briggs, Jack River and Tired Lion from…

Day 2 of the Falls Festival at Byron Bay was New Years Day. There was no lethargy on display though, with West Thebarton putting on a blistering performance early in the day. Ruel enthralled his adoring audience, and Little May charmed theirs. Briggs delivered the goods in spades, and Soccer Mommy captured everyones hearts. King…

The Falls Festival hit Byron Bay on New Years Eve. Unfortunately due to illness, one of the headline and much anticipated acts, Dizzee Rascal had to cancel. Amongst many fine acts to feature were Hockey Dad, Mallrat, Ocean Alley, Cut Copy, Stoker with Anderson .Paak bringing in the New Year. Bruce Baker was our photographer…

The heavens descended upon the Domain last night, throwing back the start and resulting in slightly abbreviated sets, but it certainly didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for a fantastic night for Paul Kelly’s ‘Making Gravy’. It was a stellar lineup with Angie McMahon, D. D Dumbo, Alex Lahey, Angus & Julia Stone all playing sets, before the mercurial…

Stella Donnelly’s tour continued onto Sydney, and on Saturday night she hit the stage with friends and delivered a cracking set at the Oxford Art Factory. It was great seeing her with a full band for many of the songs. She was well supported by Alice Skye and Jacob Diamond. Photos by Bruce Baker.  

Sydney based alt-pop trio GLADES played to a rapturous crowd at The Metro in Sydney. They are on a national tour to support their debut album To Love You, there were many in the audience who knew the words and sang along. Photos by Bruce Baker  

The Fairgrounds Festival hit the Berry Showgrounds at the weekend, and the fourth incarnation of this festival was the greatest yet. On the back of winning an ARIA a week ago, Vance Joy delivered in spades on the Friday night. The night was closed out by the super-terrestrial Pond, who never disappoint. On Saturday, The…

Bloc Party hit the Hordern Pavillion last night and it was a massive party. The crowd celebrating the band playing their classic album Silent Alarm in its entirety. They even played ‘Little Thoughts’, which was a bonus track on the UK re-release. Photos by Bruce Baker.

The band was back together again. After a break of nearly 10 years from the band, Alana Skyring was back on drums with The Grates for a triumphant gig at the Factory. The joy on her face during the gig reflected that of everyone who was lucky enough to be there to witness the performance….

A 90 minute blackout of the whole of Mullumbimby didn’t deter festival goers during day 2 of this fine festival known as Mullum Music. Gomez’s Ben Ottewell finished his set unplugged, and the incredible Saint Sister from Ireland performed an abbreviated but spellbinding set from the edge of the stage. From adversity comes outstanding highlights. Bruce…

The 2018 Mullum Music Festival finished on a high yesterday, with a day packed with outstanding performances. Caiti Baker performed her last show of the year. Mike Love unleashed his good vibes and rhythms to a receptive audience. Husky Gawenda wooed the audience with a solo show, and then accompanied by the wonderful Hannah Cameron. Whilst, Thando closed out the Civic…

The first official day of the Mullum Festival kicked off in fine style with local girl Cecelia Brandolini and Victoria’s Hannah Cameron. Amongst many of the other fine acts captured for this night-time session were Osaka Monaurail from Japan, Mad Professor from Guyana, Husky and Old Man River. The festival continues over the rest of the weekend. Photos by Bruce Baker.

The 2018 Mullum Music Festival got off to a flier last night with the sold out Gala Opening. MC’d by the incorrigible Mandy Nolan, it included samples of many of the fine acts set to play the festival this coming weekend. Including searing performances from William Crighton, Gideon Preiss and Husky Gawenda; not to mention Lior, Hat Fitz and Cara, Wanderers,…

Oh, the power of music. This is what happens when you get four songwriters in a room and see what happens. Photos from Bruce Baker from the incredible night at “In The Round at Leadbelly”, inspired by the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. The event featured Melanie Dyer, Brendan Maclean, Sarah Belkner and James Van Cooper .

Milk! Records hit the Leadbelly in Sydney with 4 of their artists to showcase some old and new tunes. Evelyn Ida Morris kicked off the evening with tales of identity and beautiful arrangements. Loose Tooth followed with a high energy set, with a sound and vocals seemingly much greater than the 3-piece. Not to be outdone…

Having picked up the prestigious Mercury Prize in London for their second album, Visions of a Life, Wolf Alice jetted out to Australia for the first of a handful of shows around the country. Despite having only arrived on Sydney shores earlier that day, they were in top form at the Metro Theatre. WAAX filled…

Sydney hosted a gorgeous day out with some of our favourite established and emerging talent over the weekend, with Lost Picnic taking over The Domain. An audience of all ages gathered to see some excellent pop, Americana, indie and rock music on Sunday – a perfect way to enjoy one of many spring weekends ahead. While…

Thelma Plum has been working her way around to fans recently, making her return to the stage as a headliner after spending time out of the spotlight to work on new material. It’s been some time since we’d seen her, but her return has been a well-welcomed one nonetheless. The songstress hit Sydney’s Plan B…