Music

There are few cultural events that have come to ring in an Australian summer as much as music festivals and the cricket. Whether it’s the sound of leather on willow or the constant rhythm of a festival both sounds ring in summer louder than a field of cicadas. As we delve deeper into an ongoing…

In 2012, Ben Portsmouth won the Elvis Presley Enterprises ‘Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest’, the only artist from outside the USA to ever win this prestigious title since its inception in 2007. The English multi-talented musician, singer and songwriter will bring his World Tour to Australia in January next year.

“True Blue” Australian country music legend, John Williamson has never been shy to voice his opinions on topical issues. His two latest singles are no exception or void of controversy: “Pigs On The River” expresses his anger towards irrigators on the Murray-Darling River and “Love Is The Word” about hatred in the world.

Finally! The queen of rock out of the west coast, Abbe May, will be visiting  a venue near you in the New Year, with her long-awaited new album Fruit in tow. Released on February 2nd, the album has prompted Abbe to delve deeper in producing what has already been claimed as a career definer of an album….

The Melbourne Zoo Twilights series has boosted its roster for 2018, adding Jens Lekman and Electric Fields to their line up as summer continues to roll out. Lekman will be supporting Grizzly Bear, while Adelaide’s Electric Fields are stepping up on the Melbourne Zoo stage to back Cut Copy when they come through in January and March. Sold out shows…

Brisbane songwriter BANFF has recently emerged from the studios with a brand new single in “Renew”, a bright effort from the artist who was quick to turn heads initially last year and has wasted no time in capitalising on the momentum through this year. A personal track, BANFF (Ben Forbes), explains the genesis of “Renew”. “”Renew” kinda talks…

Dynamic performer Tay Oskee has unveiled a new music video recently, putting his roots and childhood centre stage. For “Like Waves”, Oskee took a trip up to North East Arnhem Land, an area of the country he still counts himself privileged to have grown up in, and over the course of eight weeks, documented life up…

Stonefield are officially back, baby. The Findlay sisters have unleashed their new single in “Delusion” this week, the first taste of new material since their sophomore album As Above, So Below wrapped up and the band joined Flightless Records. Demonstrating a noticeable sonic shift for Stonefield, whose music had been marked by rich psych-pop licks, in…

Bully’s latest album Losing was released to much acclaim, with the buzz artists properly breaking out of the mould and further into the spotlight of the unique spot in the indie landscape they’ve been consistently making their own. We’ve been digging the recently released music video for their album track “Running”, directed by Alan Del Rio Ortiz and…

Tastemakers Future Classic have been welcomed into the embraces of Sydney’s Twilight At Taronga series for 2018, with the music company set to host a night of music all their own on March 9th. Featuring Mount Kimbie, Kučka and Christopher Port, the night marks the first partnership and show of its kind between Future Classic and Twilight at Taronga so no doubt,…

Earlier in the week, we announced our annual list of acknowledgements of live music and the artists who have really made 2017 their own, via the annual AU Awards. Whether it was a breakout year for some, or a year where an acclaimed album became a defining moment in a band’s career, 2017 has provided some epic…

SHOUSE is Melbourne dance duo Ed Service and Jack Madin. They’ve been serving dance worthy club tracks for a while now, collaborating twice with fellow Melbourne duo Habits. The new single again features Habits, as well as Monte Morgan (Client Liaison) and a slew of Melbourne artists. “Love Tonight” brings together the best elements of…

It’s been a busy year for country music singer and songwriter, Amber Lawrence. Not only has she just been nominated for a further six Golden Guitars for her collaboration Our Backyard with Travis Collins, she also managed to find time to release an 11-track original album titled Aussie Aussie Christmas.

Armed with her acclaimed debut album Telefone, Chicago rapper and recent Australian live music scene debutant Noname attacked her final show in the country (her second sold out show in Melbourne) on Monday with the finesse and confidence of an artist older than her 25 years. Noname’s 170 Russell show was kept tight, with the music wrapping…

This week, The Industry Observer unveiled an open letter signed by over 360 women calling out sexual harassment within the Australian music industry. Under the hashtag of meNOmore, the letter was quick to gain momentum online, as you’d expect. Artists, managers, journalists, radio hosts, lawyers, label employees, publicists and more signed the petition (myself included),…

New South Wales is a treasure trove of great new music, from the North Coast to Sydney, from Wollongong to Bathurst, we’ve rounded up five up and coming artists you need to jump on now! DANDE AND THE LION https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Peitat4QCQ Indie-rock five piece Dande and The Lion have a sound as sweet as their name….

Sufjan Stevens‘ new single “Tonya Harding” is an ode to the leg breaking, sex tape making figure skater from Portland. Her poor background, abusive mother and attention from the media are all aspect of her story which drew Sufjan Stevens to write the song. And those familiar with her story may be surprised at his…

Natalie Pearson has been making a name for herself in the country music scene. Her album Long Time Running, released early last year, debuted at #2 on the Australian Country iTunes Chart and received the award for Best Country in the 2016 MusicOz Australian Independent Music Awards.

British India returned to The Metro with songs from their latest album Forgetting the Future and two support acts, Deadlove and Planet, in tow. First support act Deadlove were loud and energetic, their set could be heard from the bar at The Metro. Playing to a small crowd that gradually grew throughout the set, the…

Returning again to cap off what has been another fantastic year of Australian music, the 4th annual AU Awards are announced this afternoon, recognising what this year has brought some of our favourites (emerging and well established). Whether it be the recent rise of West Thebarton to the juggernaut that Gang of Youths has become in 2017,…

The Pleasure Garden is what I imagine tea with the Mad Hatter would be like. Sitting on a couch in the middle of a garden, sipping on gin, greeting people dressed as exotic birds who offer you lollipops whilst Fat Freddy’s Drop plays in the background. Add Hula Hoops, delectable street food, a smooth musical…

It’s hot. It’s sunny. It’s rowdy. It’s Queensland! We’ve rounded up five of the best artists killing it in the sunshine state that you need to listen to. SHORELINES Brisbane band Shorelines are bringing making pop-punk great again! Featuring two main vocalists, the group have been cutting their teeth in the Brisbane music scene with…

Art pop powerhouse Tune-Yards are back with new song “ABC 123”. The accompanying music video, directed by Dear Mr Quistgaard, is a surreal scene featuring the duo in a work shed, the bodiless head of front woman Merrill Garbus selling the song’s story through her facial expressions. Known for politically charged lyrics, Tune-Yards new single resonates…

There’s a revolution happening in Aussie hip-hop, and Manu Crook$ is leading the charge. It’s been said before and I’ll say it again here, at first listen a Manu Crook$ track sounds at home in the Atlanta rap scene. But in reality, the Ghana born rapper is based in Sydney, joining the new generation of…

Brisbane-based Paddy McHugh‘s music and songwriting is raw, honest and authentic. His latest album City Bound Trains, depicts tales of a life in Australia and touches on many topics of interest – indigenous culture, same-sex marriage, equality and more.

The final weeks of 2017 are upon us and as summer playlists continue to come together, we’ve got another slew of new songs for you to listen to. From DZ Deathrays‘ “Total Meltdown” to Sufjan Stevens‘ “The Greatest Gift”, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into this week. Get started by hitting play! ———- This content has…

Beck will be back in Australia next year for the inaugural Sydney City Limits festival but for lucky fans on the east coast and in the nation’s capital. Shows in Melbourne and Canberra have been added to his Australian trip, a long-awaited return from the recent Grammy nominee. Meg Mac is set to support at both…

Wednesday marked the second and final performance of the legendary Sir Paul McCartney in Sydney, as he continues his One by One Tour around the country. By now, you’ve likely heard just how brilliant these shows have been, cramming in upwards of 40 songs in 3 hours – the vast majority of those tracks Beatles…

At BIGSOUND this year, Miss Blanks emerged as one of the most talked about showcase artists of the festival. In the months since, the Brisbane-based performer has locked down numerous high calibre shows that have seen her grace stages at Melbourne Music Week and Listen Out, while the national Laneway Festival stages are calling in early…

Eight events took place simultaneously around the country last night, celebrating the contributions to live music by some of our best established and emerging acts, with the National Live Music Awards taking place from another year. With the ticketed gala event happening at The Grace Darling Hotel in Collingwood, the Melbourne event of the NLMAs saw…