Ben Mastwyk is performing a free pop-up gig at Popcultcha Records tonight

Music lovers are in for a real treat tonight as Popcultcha Records, the newly opened but already renowned independent record store, is hosting a sensational pop-up gig featuring the incredibly talented Ben Mastwyk, ahead of his headline slot at Lighting and Rhinestones Festival next month.

Prepare to be mesmerized by an evening filled with captivating melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and an intimate musical experience like no other. The gig will kick off in-store (upstairs of the Ryrie Street building) from 6pm on Friday, 19 May and is entirely free.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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Melbourne’s cosmic-country-rocker, Ben Mastwyk, is a rising star in the Australian country and Americana music scene, with a growing reputation as a dynamic entertainer and applauded songwriter. Gold-suited and rhinestoned, Mastwyk is known for his passionate voice, authentic storytelling, and captivating performances, leading his seven-piece band The Millions into bold sonic territories where songs erupt into swaggering, psychedelic bar-room gems.

Twice nominated for Best Country Album (Music Victoria Awards), Mastwyk has received high nation rotation on ABC Radio and toured his songs around Australia, NZ and the USA. His third album, 2021’s LIVIN ON GOLD STREET, debuted at #1 on the Australian Independent charts, #2 on ARIA Australian Country charts.

Popcultcha Records, a haven for music enthusiasts, provides the perfect backdrop for this exclusive pop-up gig. The store’s cozy atmosphere and impressive collection of vinyl records create an intimate setting, allowing fans to get up close and personal with the artist and his music. It’s a rare opportunity to witness a talented musician in such an intimate and authentic setting.

This pop-up gig promises to be an unforgettable night of live music and connection, where music aficionados can immerse themselves in Mastwyk’s soul-stirring tunes and experience the magic of live performance. The event is a testament to Popcultcha Records’ commitment to fostering the local music community and showcasing exceptional talent.

It’s an evening not to be missed, where music and passion converge to create an unforgettable experience for all who attend.

Popcultcha Records is located at Level 1 (Upstairs) / 96/98 Ryrie St, Geelong.

All aboard, the Puffing Billy is hosting a luxurious dining experience this winter

Train experiences can vary widely. On the bottom end of the scale, there’s riding a tightly-packed PTV train while trying to dodge stray crumbs as the guy beside you munches on a sandwich.

On the top end, there’s the Puffing Billy’s first-class dining package.

The Puffing Billy First Class Dining Experience

• The luxurious experience will run on Fridays and Saturdays from July 14
• The three-hour ride will take guests to the end of the line and back
• In the first-class carriages, guests will be served drinks, charcuterie, cheeses and high tea

Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.

This winter, visitors will have the chance to experience everything the Puffing Billy has to offer with a glamorous, three-hour dining experience, cruising from Belgrave to Lakeside and then back again. On Fridays and Saturdays starting on July 14, the tables will be set in the train’s decadent first-class carriages for the exclusive rides.

On the ride out, guests are invited to take in the views while sipping on glasses of crisp Yarra Valley wine and snacking on a grazing platter featuring cured meats, pickles, vintage cheddar and brie, and all of the accompaniments.

Tea will be served on the way back to the station, with fresh scones, locally made jam and chantilly or coconut cream. There will also be vegan and gluten-free options available.

Located in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, the historic steam train is a favourite for tourists and locals alike. Built over a century ago, it chugs through the rugged countryside, giving visitors a glimpse of what things would have been like back in the day.

The first-class carriages will have you feeling like royalty, with plush velvet chairs, lush drapery and a glossy wooden interior.

Tickets to the Puffing Billy First Class Dining Experience, starting July 14, are on sale now.

To pick up yours, head here.

Portarlington Grand Hotel named Best Hotel Accommodation & Best Redeveloped Hotel in Victoria

Of all the transformations we’ve witnessed over the past few years, the Portarlington Grand Hotel is hands down one of our favourites.

Built in 1888, the Portarlington Grand Hotel has been sitting pretty on the main street of Portarlington, boasting incredible views of the popular and scenic harbour area. While it had certainly been a while between cocktails at the 132-year-old gem, new operators Franco Biasuzzo and Mark Henderson have transformed the venue over the past two years, bringing the grand lady back to life through an extensive $10M renovation.

Check out the best wineries, distilleries, breweries and hot spots to visit on the Bellarine here. 

 

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Restoring the prominent main street structure to its original glory, as well as adding additional features like boutique accommodation, unique dining spaces and open-air spaces, modernised to meet the highest standards of luxury, while still enclosed in stunning historical architecture, the Portarlington Grand Hotel has become the shining glory of this region.

Now, just over a year on from officially opening its shiny new doors, the grand lady has achieved recognition of the state’s highest status, taking out not one, but two wins at the recent 2023 Australian Hotels Association, Victoria (AHA Vic) State Awards for Excellence – the pinnacle event of the Victorian hospitality industry.

Alongside local favourites The Torquay Hotel, who were crowned the Best Live Entertainment Venue, the Portarlington Grand Hotel has taking out top honour for Best Hotel Accommodation in Victoria AND the Best Redeveloped Food and Beverage Hotel in Victoria.

 

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The Best Hotel Accommodation is an approving nod to the grand elegance of the venue’s 18 boutique rooms. With a few different rooms on offer, our personal favourites are the Grand Bay rooms, where you can take in priceless vistas from your own outdoor balcony, behold the views over the sapphire bay, mostly unchanged throughout the hotel’s long history, and breathe in the fresh seaside air, all with a comfortable King size bed and grand size bathroom inside.

The development award is no doubt an acknowledgement of the incredible $10M renovation from the venue, inclusive of the front bar’s stunning new renovations, textured walls, beautiful greens, and elegant yet simple black furniture; the incredibly designed Atrium’s open-air dining and drinks area that is the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere, enjoy a seaside view and socialise; the lawn area and the sensational food and beverage offering.

Recapturing an era when paddle steamers traversed Port Phillip Bay, the historic yet newly refurbished Portarlington Grand Hotel offers a boutique experience with a local welcome for all. If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting yet, add this award-winning venue to your list – we guarantee you’ll love it!

Congratulations to the whole team at the Portarlington Grand Hotel – so well deserved!

Keep up with the latest from this stunning destination, or book your next visit, here. 

My Life Is A Symphony: Kate Ceberano takes time to think about her life in song

Within the last month, Kate Ceberano has brought us together for celebrations of humanity. 

She raised money singing her hits with the Channel Seven team for the Good Friday Appeal contributing to the record-breaking $23,061,320 donation to The Royal Children’s Hospital cause.

Days prior she highlighted the life and voice of fellow jazz juggernaut and friend, the late Renée Geyer, during her public memorial service, closing out a star-studded event of performances from Paul Kelly, Marcia Hines, Russell Morris, Daryl Braithwaite, Ross Wilson and Deborah Conway. 

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

It’s what Kate Ceberano does – a constant presence that unites the nation through the power of music and her big effervescent smile.

The loss of friends in the industry and retrospective career reflections have been prominent over the last two years. In addition to the shock departure of Geyer, Ceberano and the nation said goodbye to Australian music and acting darling, Olivia Newton-John.

“I lost a lot of friends during Covid and I continue to lose them,” Ceberano candidly explains. 

“These are women that shaped who I am. You know, Marcia Hines who is still with us, Chrissy Amphlett, Renée and Olivia Newton-John; these were the women of my era. Each of them were so profoundly different from each other which was beautiful. 

“The fact that at the time the way of the artists was built entirely on a place of independence and originality, there was no sense that anyone would ever dream of trying to be anyone else. You just wanted to be you. It was the screaming kind of revolution of you.

“And these women went out there and crusaded for the rights of all women to be themselves, be their own voices, and control their own minds and independent thoughts. They were a revolution, and long may they reign.”  

These life celebrations and career reflections run parallel to her own story, circulating the industry at the same time and being a strong, empowering female front. It comes at a time when Ceberano was deep diving into her own career catalogue to form her 30th album. 

The ruby-anniversary album, My Life Is A Symphony, sees Ceberano rework and re-imagine her classic hits and most personal pieces with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. 

The album, which was originally intended for a 2020 release, was mixed by Grammy-nominated  Justin Stanley and Lachlan Carrick, and produced by Stanley and Roscoe James Irwin. Irwin also wrote the MSO arrangements and orchestrations. The time machine experience took her back to the place where it all began. 

“One of the most moving experiences was being in the studio and singing and recording ‘Brave’. We went back into the studio where I recorded it 30 years ago and my daughter was singing backing for the new version. It was like what the fuck! Recording these songs as a teenager never planning or imagining being a mother or what it would look like, and there you are with your one child, in this space as a full-grown woman – OH MY GOD! Never thought it would happen.”

Accompanying the My Life Is A Symphony release, Ceberano will be embarking on a national tour. With the first round of shows selling out, Ceberano has added a round of additional dates adding to her 4000 live performances throughout her illustrious career – an average of 200 shows performed per year since her 1983 global genesis.

“It’s that amount of hours that makes someone comfortable to be in the driver’s seat of whatever their career or craft is like in business or on the stage,” Ceberano explains.  

She continues, “The stage has been very familiar to me since I was a child. I can probably count many different parts of me that would not be as comfortable in other environments but being on a stage, it’s like I come alive. I feel the stage, I feel confident on the stage but I also feel like I can take people on some kind of Magical Mystery Tour and consequently when I get on stage my whole body wakes up and I ease into that space. I feel like I’m engineered for it.”

No time to think about purchasing tickets. The second Melbourne show on Thursday 28 September 2023 at Melbourne Town Hall is selling fast with My Life Is A Symphony arriving for a 12 May release! 

These performances are certain to be a stunning live reflection of Ceberano’s rise to the pinnacles of rock, pop, soul and jazz.  This new album release and accompanying tour brings Kate Ceberano back to her essence as a musical force, an electrifying live performer and one of the greatest voices of her generation.

Tickets are via the MSO website.  

South Gippsland’s NYE On The Hill festival announces return for 2023

NYE on the Hill is officially back for 2023/2024 with the beloved festival announcing its dates for the forthcoming edition.

Off the back of a huge event last year, featuring the likes of Hockey Dad, Northeast Party House, Tess Birch, Birdz, Ruby Fields and heaps more, the beloved festival will return from 30 December 2023 to the 1 January 2024, once again welcoming a bunch of bands and performers into its space, as well as late night DJs, a deck disco, comedians, art installations, morning yoga, curated food trucks and licensed bars.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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A 3-day, 2-night boutique music and camping festival for good-vibing, music-loving friends and friends-of-friends, the festival will return to the beautifully picturesque rolling Hills of South Gippsland near Loch Village (95mins from Melbourne, 25mins from Inverloch, 35mins from Phillip Island).

The lineup will be on its way soon, and as always tickets to the event will be strictly limited to 3,000. Big enough to have an awesome time and have incredible bands, but small enough to not lose your friends or feel like you’re just another number.

NYE on the Hill has sold out all previous editions in advance so we reckon it’s going to be a seriously hot ticket.

If you’re not across NYE on the Hill, the festival has established quite the reputation for delivering a fantastic end-of-year party. With a strong track record of attracting big names, NYE on the Hill alumni includes Sampa the Great, The Smith Street Band, Regurgitator, Stella Donnelly, Ball Park Music, Safia, The Living End, Pierce Brothers and so many more.

More info is on the way soon. Sign up here to stay across it all. 

Wild Type: Melbourne’s Deuce fuse intimate and personal dream pop and upbeat indie rock on new album

If you’re reading this issue on a lazy Sunday, Deuce’s second release, Wild Type, is one for you.

Expanding on the cinematic stylings showcased on their self-titled album in 2021, Wild Type continues to propel Curtis Wakeling (The Ocean Party) and Kayleigh Heydon’s hazy dream-pop vision with effortless comfortability.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Ebbing and flowing between arpeggiated synths, melancholic guitar licks and dreamy indie-pop melodies, Deuce’s follow-up release can only be likened to the sensibility of a leaf in the wind. It just has that free-flowing quality to it.

Whether it’s providing shimmery guitar licks alongside murky Ethel Caine-inspired vocals (‘Fall Apart’), or merging twangy alt-country guitars with dark-folk ominosity (‘That Hill’), Wild Type is an album that delivers each song with an equal level of coziness. At times, feeling so casual in its approach that you often forget that you’re listening to an album.

‘Rabbit Hole’ sees Wakeling adopt a dreary dreamlike quality to his vocals, channelling subtle elements of early The Velvet Underground. ‘Control’ leans more into the pop side of ‘dream-pop’ by delivering more upbeat rhythms and catchy hooks in its chorus, while the aptly named ‘Breathe’ delicately balances dulled vocal harmonies alongside glimmering guitar licks and the bassy horn arrangements.

If Wild Type shows us anything, it’s that music doesn’t need to be brash to warrant attention.

It’s multifaceted but not complex, making it the perfect easy-listening album for your Sunday afternoon. Boil the kettle, rug up on the couch and immerse yourself in the world of Deuce, you won’t be disappointed.

Dom Dolla Sells Out 2 Nights in 5 minutes at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl

After announcing his biggest-ever hometown at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Dom Dolla has managed the huge feat of selling out two consecutive shows at the Bowl in a matter of minutes. Initially just announcing Saturday 16th December, a second show for Friday 15th December went on sale after the presale sold out in minutes on Wednesday.

Joining the ranks of artists such as Daft Punk, Tame Impala, Florence and the Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Flume and RÜFÜS DU SOL, Dom Dolla has now solidified his place among them by selling out not just one, but two shows at the prestigious Sidney Myer Music Bowl.

Dom Dolla Melbourne Hometown Shows

Friday 15 December 2023 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl SOLD OUT

Saturday 16 December 2023 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl SOLD OUT

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

‘I’m comin’ home’: Dom Dolla announces largest ever hometown headline show at Sidney Myer Music Bowl

Dom Dolla is experiencing a meteoric rise in the music industry. His signature style of house music has connected with global audiences, making him one of the most exciting names in electronic music. He’s played at Coachella, sold-out Red Rocks Colorado, sold out headline tours across North America, Europe, and the UK, as well as headlining Beyond The Valley, performing the countdown and bringing out Nelly Furtado on stage.

His most recent single “Rhyme Dust”, a collaboration with MK, was one of the most anticipated tracks leading into 2023. The song took the internet by storm, going viral prior to its release after he included it in his Selected Sessions stream from a rooftop in Belgrade. The original sound received over 80 million streams prior to its drop, resulting in an outpouring of fans demanding for it to be released.

Since its release, Rhyme Dust has clocked up over 30 million global streams, featured as BBC Radio One’s Hottest Record In The World, been most played song on triple j, was #1 on the Aria Club Chart, went top 10 US Billboard Dance chart and was #1 overall on Beatport globally.

Dom Dolla’s breakout year following the release of “Take It” has been followed by a royal flush of releases, including “San Frandisco,” “Moving Blind,” “Pump The Brakes,” and “Strangers” w/ Mansionair. His catalogue now accumulates over half-a-BILLION streams, with 2x Platinum & 3x Gold Certified Singles. He’s also been commissioned by the biggest names in music to deliver official remixes for The Gorillaz & Tame Impala, Dua Lipa, RÜFUS DU SOL & Calvin Harris and won an Aria Award for Best Dance Release.

Dom Dolla’s headline shows are presented by Untitled Group, Australia’s largest independently-owned music and events company, renowned as the masterminds behind much-loved festivals Beyond The Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Grapevine Gathering, Ability Fest and more.

With more music on the way and surprise guests, Dom Dolla promises to kick off the summer season with an electrifying bang.

For a chance at ticket, we recommend heading to Tixel stat. 

Jason Singh announces Heaven’s Greatest Hits regional Australian tour

Multi-platinum award-winning artist and Taxiride frontman Jason Singh is getting set to bring the music of some of the greatest dearly departed artists to regional Australia in his international hit show ‘Heaven’s Greatest Hits’.

With sold-out shows both at home and abroad, on land and at sea and performances on some of the biggest stages including the Sydney Opera House, Jason Singh can’t wait to take his show to regional areas across the country. Locally he’ll take to The Capital Theatre in Bendigo on Friday 3 November 2023.

Jason Singh ‘Heaven’s Greatest Hits’ Regional Tour

Friday 15 September – Northern Festival Centre – Port Pirie, SA

Saturday 16 September – Hopgood Theatre – Noarlunga Centre, SA

Friday 22 September – Pavilion Performing Arts Centre – Sutherland, NSW

Saturday 23 September – Manning Entertainment Centre – Taree, NSW

Friday 29 September – The Palms at Crown – Melbourne, VIC*

Friday 6 October – Wrest Point Showroom – Hobart, TAS

Saturday 7 October – Launceston Country Club – Launceston, TAS

Friday 13 October – Glasshouse Theatre – Port Macquarie, NSW

Saturday 14 October – Saraton Theatre – Grafton, NSW

Friday 27 October – The J Theatre – Noosa, QLD

Saturday 28 October – Ipswich Civic Centre – Ipswich, QLD

Friday 3 November – The Capital Theatre – Bendigo VIC

Saturday 4 November – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts – Wonthaggi, VIC

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

In addition to the twelve regional shows Jason is also bringing his show back to the Palms at Crown on Friday 29 September as part of the AFL Finals Celebration.

“Performing my ‘Heaven’s Greatest Hits’ show gives me such an incredible buzz and I couldn’t be prouder of the show. I’ve been completely blown away by the response and can’t wait to do it all over again and again,” Singh says.

“I am so excited to be able to take the show on the road and share it with people in regional areas across Australia. Get Set for a Road Trip!” – Jason Singh.

This world class show takes the audience on an unforgettable journey, from the raw and emotional news stories from the day these artists passed away to the exceptional detail in which each note is played. ‘Heaven’s Greatest Hits’ is a dancing in the aisles celebration of the songs that have provided a timeless soundtrack to our lives.

Joined on stage by his incredible band, ‘Heaven’s Greatest Hits’ showcase’s Jason Singh’s vocal prowess as he performs over 50+ tracks by the greatest artist of all time channelling the likes of Elvis Presley, Prince, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Michael Hutchence, Freddie Mercury and many more.

“Where would we be without music? This era of music and artists who have left such an impact on our lives are our personal time machines. Their songs and stories transport us to moments in time within the first beat,” Singh adds.

A founding member of the ARIA Award winning Australian pop/rock chart toppers, Taxiride, Jason Singh has gone on to forge a successful solo career entertaining audiences both here and overseas working with a long list of national and international artists including Tina Turner, Matchbox 20, Mariah Carey, Rick Astley, Hanson and John Farnham.

Whether you’re into rock, pop, funk or soul ‘Heaven’s Greatest Hits’ is a show for all music lovers and one not to be missed!

Find out more and purchase tickets here. 

Yours and Owls announce new festival location for 2023

Off the back of a wild few years for Yours and Owls, with floods, revolving stages and Autumn dates, the New South Wales festival has today announced a bold move forward with a brand new home in 2023. This year, the festival will welcome patrons within the grounds and surrounds of the University of Wollongong on the new date of October 14 & 15th, 2023.

Under a freshly inked, three-year partnership with the University of Wollongong, the Yours and Owls team will take over the University of Wollongong campus for their two-day music festival, UOW’s grounds, ovals and laneways coming alive to the sounds and sights of some of the world’s best artists and of course a plethora of local talent.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

 

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Yours And Owls Founders Ben Tillman, Adam Smith and Balunn Jones are UOW alumni, so this move is essentially a full circle homecoming.

“We are delighted to be returning home to UOW to present Yours and Owls within the campus grounds. We are excited to welcome patrons to experience the festival in the space where the initial idea was hatched all those years ago. Our team have been busy creating ways to bring the multitude of spaces available to us alive across the campus,” says Ben Tillman.

The University of Wollongong offers a unique site encompassing urbanscape, hidden laneways and lush open green field spaces. The permanence of the infrastructure gives to a seamless patron experience moving through the site, with less wastage and the ability to continue the implementation of the festival and UOW’s mutual goals of carbon emission reduction.

University of Wollongong frame also importantly provides several all-weather solutions to ensure Yours and Owls is more robust against all possible weather conditions.

The 2023 lineup will be dropping soon, keep your eyes and ears peeled. Head here for the latest. 

Genesis Owusu announces new album and 2023 Australian tour

Multi-ARIA award-winning Ghanaian-Australian artist, Kofi Owusu-Ansah aka Genesis Owusu has returned with news of his highly anticipated sophomore album, STRUGGLER – due for release on August 18 via OURNESS / AWAL. Alongside the news, he has announced a global world tour – including Australian headline dates in December.

On December 1, Owusu will take to the Ice Cream Factory in Perth, before heading to Melbourne’s Festival Hall on December 8. The following night, Owusu will perform at the UC Refectory in Canberra, followed by a final set of performances at the Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on December 14, Hordern Pavilion in Sydney on December 15, and the closing performance December 16 at Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall.

Genesis Owusu Australian Tour

Friday, 1 December 2023 – Ice Cream Factory, Perth WA
Friday, 8 December 2023 – Festival Hall, Melbourne VIC
Saturday, 9 December 2023 – UC Refectory, Canberra ACT
Thursday, 14 December 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane QLD
Friday,Fri 15 December 2023 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney NSW
Saturday, 16 December 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide SA

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Joining Owusu for each show (excluding Perth) will be very special guests, EARTHGANG. Hailing from Atlanta, the acclaimed hip hop duo have been taking the world by storm over the past 12 months; earning GRAMMY nominations of Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Album for their work on Dreamville and J.Cole’s Revenge Of The Dreamers III, and most recently performing their electrifying live show at Coachella. Coupled with Owusu, the shows are set to be an unmissable, high-energy end to what’s been an already incredible year for both artists.

After launching onto the global map with his critically acclaimed debut album, Smiling with No Teeth, Owusu next steps forth with STRUGGLER; an imminent exploration of the chaos and absurdity of life, and our ability to endure. Where Smiling with No Teeth uncovered the battle against depression and racism, STRUGGLER is about how to get through its struggle. The album takes inspiration from a close friend hitting the brink and coming through the other side, in conjunction with prompted questions of life and beauty that Owusu found himself contemplating during readings of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot and Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Recorded between the US and Australia, the album’s producers traverse musical genres; from Jason Evigan (RUFUS DU SOL, SZA), to Mikey Freedom Hart (Jon Batiste’s 2021 GRAMMY of the Year Album, We Are), Sol Was (Beyoncé’s Renaissance), and original producers, Andrew Klippel and Dave Hammer.

Additionally, Owusu collaborates with globally-celebrated Aotearoa (New Zealand) visual artist, Lisa Reihana, on the album’s complete visual identity. Having been showcased in elite institutions throughout the US and EU, including the Venice Biennale for her critically-acclaimed video installation, In Pursuit of Venus [Infected], Reihana’s work spans a diverse range of mediums. From film, to costume and body adornment, plus video installation, Reihana has rightfully earned a reputation as a world-renowned artist and producer, engaging in thought-provoking dialogues around the concept of culture.

Today, while Owusu tours the US in support of Paramore and Bloc Party, including dates at Madison Square Garden after recently wrapping Groovin the Moo festival, his newest chapter unfolds with the album’s leading single “Leaving The Light”. A fervent anthem about survival and perseverance, “Leaving The Light”, sets an urgent tone for the new album. Opening to a spine-crawling run of bass notes, the immediacy hits through Owusu’s feverish verses and echoed shouts. A jolting mix of poetic punk and melodic catharsis, Owusu explores form and rhythm across the new single.

Pre-sales open 10am AEST Thursday, May 18. General on-sale opens 10am AEST Friday, May 19. For all ticket information, head here. 

Torquay Hotel crowned as Victoria’s best live entertainment venue

The winners of the 2023 Australian Hotels Association, Victoria (AHA Vic) State Awards for Excellence – the pinnacle event of the Victorian hospitality industry – were announced at Crown Palladium once again this week, with a bunch of favourites taking out the top honours.

Held annually, the awards recognise hotels and pubs in Victoria – both metropolitan and regional – that demonstrate excellence across 40 distinct categories, from excellence in service, best chef and best family dining, to the best outdoor experience, best innovative retail space and even best gaming venue. There’s even the best parma category, arguably the most coveted title of the lot.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

“The AHA (Vic) State Awards for Excellence is a celebration of the accomplishments of Victoria’s pubs and hotels, where we come together to recognise outstanding hospitality service and delivery,” stated Paddy O’Sullivan, CEO of AHA (Vic).

“We also express gratitude to the dedicated pub and hotel staff for their invaluable contributions to ensure the success of our industry.”

Honouring and celebrating the industry’s strengths and successes, the Torquay Hotel was one of the local feel-good stories of the night taking out gold in the Best Live Entertainment Category, beating out the likes of the Corner Hotel in Richmond, the Croxton Bandroom in Thornbury and The Westernport in San Remo.

Sister venue The Grovedale Hotel was also a beacon of success, taking home the Ian Larkin Overall Hotel on the Year for regional, Best Sports Bar in regional, best Pubtab for regional, and best gaming venue in regional Victoria. Talk about cleaning up!!

With both venues owned by the Taylor Group, it’s the Torquay Hotel’s recognition that warms our soul. A cornerstone of Torquay and our region, the last few years have seen an inconceivable regeneration and transformation of the venue which has solidified itself as a cultural gem as much as an iconic musical one.

With general manager Joel Taylor and local musician Luke Hindson at the helm, the Torquay Hotel has experienced an incredible reawakening, with their aim to bring live, local music and atmosphere back to the heart of the surf coast. Since the first summer series back in 2018 with San Cisco, Ziggy Alberts and Phil Jamieson, the hotel’s flourishing music culture is attracting world-class acts not just in summer, but all year round, and fostering homegrown talent until they themselves are world-class acts. And no matter your musical persuasion, there’s something for everyone.

Torquay Hotel announces stellar Summer Series

The proof is in, The Torquay Hotel has become Victoria’s best music venue, dedicated to putting on killer gigs and giving up-and-coming bands (not just from our own backyard, but from across the world) a stage and now they’re getting the recognition they so dearly deserve.

Congratulations Torquay Hotel!

Torquay Hotel is located at 36 Bell St, Torquay. Keep up to date with the latest from the Torquay Hotel here. 

Get your gang together, The Sphinx is bringing back its karaoke nights in Geelong

If you’re feeling brave enough to take on one of Geelong’s most well-known venues, then head to The Sphinx Hotel — the North Geelong food and entertainment bar now catering to confident karaoke connoisseurs.

With an exterior that you can’t miss, both indoor and outdoor dining, a rotating roster of live entertainment and comedians, a sports bar and a menu primed with old favourites and classics, the Sphinx is now adding karaoke to the mix.

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

Launching on Friday, 19 May, the newest karaoke night will take over the venue’s Cazbar Dance club from 8:30pm.

Hosted by Siren Entertainment, there will be a huge selection of songs to choose from, where you can impress your date or torture everyone with your rendition of ‘Wonderwall’.

If you need a little liquid courage, the bar will be flowing all night long.

Cue David Bowie, we’ll see you there.

Head here for more info. 

Unsound Adelaide returns to South Australia, celebrating 10 years of bold and bracing experimental music

A celebration of innovation, music, art, light and technology, Adelaide’s winter music and arts event, Illuminate Adelaide, will see the city come alive with lights, live music, visual art, discussion, installation and much more for its third year.

From June 28 to July 30, Illuminate Adelaide will transform laneways, venues and spaces across the city with free and ticketed immersive experiences, world premieres and Adelaide-exclusive events.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

With a program bolder and more dynamic than ever before, Illuminate Adelaide will host Krakow’s cult-favourite experimental electronic music event Unsound Festival, hailed as one of the greatest festivals in the world.

 

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From its ground-breaking flagship festival in Poland to 30 locations around the globe, Unsound has become a magnet for some of the most exciting, innovative and arresting sounds heard anywhere in the world.

Now celebrating 10 years since it first laid down roots in South Australia, the Australian exclusive and adventurously curated multidisciplinary festival will run from July 14 and 15 at Adelaide’s Polish heartland the Dom Polski Centre with a new lineup of Australian and international artists and producers breaking the rules to push music into new and dangerous waters.

As for who you can expect, Friday 14 July will host the likes of Ukraine’s Heinali, Danish ambient musician Sofie Birch and Polish vocalist Antonina Nowacka, and Robin Fox with the new live audio vision show Triptych. Things amp up even further on Friday with Hyperdub boss Kode9’s A/V show Escapology, featuring some of his most thrilling rhythms yet while underground rapper bbymutha closes the night with a high-energy show.

The second Unsound Adelaide night at Dom Polski Centre, Saturday 15 July, spans a spectrum of sounds, with a huge lineup featuring duo Divide//Dissolve; Space Afrika; Guatemalan cellist, vocalist, and composer Mabe Fratti; and cult favourite Huerco S. Nyege Nyege affiliated electro acholi pioneer Otim Alpha ends the night with a bang, performing with Leo Palayeng to present a plugged-in, polyrhythmic (and entirely infectious) take on traditional Larakaraka wedding music.

If all that wasn’t enough, this year Unsound Adelaide will also expand for the first time into the new Hindley Street Music Hall on 16 July with a set from Mercury Prize-winner Oneohtrix Point Never and a supporting performance from CORIN.

This year also sees the return of Unsound Adelaide’s late-night party, returning to The Lab for a second round of unexpected and irresistible sounds from around the world. Across two big nights bleeding into the early morning, the pop-up nightspot will feature performances from the likes of DJ Diaki (MLI), DJ Plead (AUS), Tayhana (ARG), Female Wizard (AUS), C.FIRM (AUS) and more.

From Krakow, Poland to New York and now Adelaide, Unsound Adelaide’s 10th anniversary promises to be as bold and bracing as ever.

Unsound Adelaide will run from 14 – 15 July, as part of Illuminate Adelaide which runs from Wednesday 28 June to Sunday 30 July. 

To check out the full Illuminate Adelaide program and get your hands on tickets, head here.

This article was made in partnership with Illuminate Adelaide

Pit Stop Lorne brings a retro American beach diner experience to Apollo Bay

Prepare your taste buds for a delicious journey as Pit Stop Lorne, renowned for its mouthwatering dishes and top-notch service, expands its culinary empire with the opening of an American Beach Diner, Pit Stop Bros, in Apollo Bay.

Taking over a shop front at 137 Great Ocean Road, Apollo Bay, food enthusiasts and beachgoers alike can now relish the flavours of classic American cuisine without travelling far from the stunning shores of Apollo Bay.

Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.

Bathed in pastels, timber and neon, the Pit Stop Bros American Beach Diner, an extension of Pit Stop Lorne’s successful brand, promises a gastronomic adventure like no other. Step inside and find yourself transported to a vibrant beachside eatery, with lively music, friendly staff, and a menu bursting with irresistible options.

Sink your teeth into juicy, flame-grilled burgers crafted from the finest ingredients, paired with crispy fries that will leave you wanting more. Bringing across some of Lorne’s favourite items, expect to find the cheeseburger, mac and cheese burger, and the American muscle double stack, alongside perfectly crinkle-cut fries, blooming onions, and BBQ ribs.

Indulge in thick, creamy milkshakes that come in a variety of flavours, from classic vanilla and chocolate to innovative combinations that will tantalize your taste buds.

But the American Beach Diner experience doesn’t end there. Prepare for a dose of nostalgia with an assortment of pinball machines, adding an extra layer of entertainment to your dining experience. Challenge your friends to a friendly game or test your own skills while waiting for your delicious meal to arrive. There’s even a jukebox, taking you back to the golden era alongside retro memorabilia and charming beach decor.

Whether you’re a local seeking a new culinary gem or a visitor searching for a taste of Americana, the American Beach Diner at Pit Stop Bros in Apollo Bay is the place to be. With its delectable menu, lively atmosphere, and retro finishing touches, it’s bound to become a go-to destination for food and fun.

Gather your loved ones, pack your appetite, and make a pit stop at this exciting new addition to Apollo Bay’s culinary scene.

Pit Stop Bros Apollo Bay is open seven days from 11am-9pm.

Head here to find out more. 

Luke Kidgell is bringing his new show ‘Happy Hour’ to Geelong in July

May’d Festival: Shop from 25 local creatives at this two-day makers market in central Geelong

With a focus on locally made goods, allowing markers to engage with local audiences, the beloved May’d Festival is returning to central Geelong across two days this month with a lineup of makers and creatives, live musicians, roving performers and interactive workshops.

Providing an exciting opportunity to discover unique wares while supporting passionate makers, creatives, emerging and professional artists and art and design students, the bustling makers market will host 25 stallholders at Little Malop Street between Moorabool Street and Banks Place and the Centrepoint Arcade.

Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here. 

The makers festival will run from 5:00pm to 8:30pm on Friday 26 May and 10:00am to 3:00pm Saturday 27 May 2023 while shoppers will be entertained by 20 performers over the two days.

 

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As for who you can expect to find goodies from, the lineup includes the likes of Ahki Illustration, Amanda Firenze, Ange Jeffery, Astrid lempriere, BITS AND PIECES MOSAICS, Colla Clothing, Designs By Aaron, Emipeli Design, FOUND:ling Reusery, Geelong Fibre Artists, Grace + Marie, Hunter Schwidlewski Art, Jenna Kernaghan, KARsT Ceramics, Katey O’Sullivan & Mel Eliott, kitty redshoes and Molly O’Hara Creative.

You’ll also find items from Pip Squeak, Quinn EarthChild, The House, Vicki Gardner, Wedge and Edge, Wild Woodland Warrior and Ziggy & Zion.

“The two-day festival celebrates art, music and food, but most of all the talents of our community,” says Mayor Trent Sullivan.

“Our third May’d Festival is the perfect chance to find distinctive treasures with creative flair for your home and loved ones.

“From jewellery and illustrations to hats and ceramics, there will be something for every style!”

The annual event encourages a design culture and works towards the community’s Clever and Creative goals, reinforcing Geelong’s status as a UNESCO Creative City of Design.

Entry is free and all items are for sale. Stay tuned for our musicians, performers & workshops to be announced soon!

For information about stallholders, location and other event details, head here. 

Ryan Adams announces first solo Australian tour in over a decade

More than six years since he last performed on Australian soil, and over eleven years since performing solo in Australia, globally acclaimed singer/songwriter and seven-time Grammy Award nominee Ryan Adams has announced his long-awaited return down under, following the release of four new studio albums in 2022 and three covers albums in the last two years: Bruce Springsteen’s “Nebraska”, Bob Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” and Oasis’ “Morning Glory”.

Having previously wowed audiences around the country on his previous stint in Australia as part of his Prisoner World Tour, Ryan Adams will once again descend upon massive venues in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne in January 2024.

Ryan Adams Australian Tour

Wednesday 17 January – Astor – Perth
Friday 19 January – AEC – Adelaide
Saturday 20 January – ICC – Sydney
Monday 22 January – Eatons Hill – Brisbane
Wednesday 24 January – Forum – Melbourne

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Alone on the stage, the upcoming Australian shows – which feature Ryan, his guitars and a piano in an acoustic tour-de-force – will take audiences through his awe-inspiring catalogue, highlighting and showcasing Ryan Adams life-long dedication to songwriting.

Bewitching vocals and captivating guitar playing, combined with a new setlist at each show, ensure that the performances (which can average 30 songs per concert) will be truly unique and unmissable occasions to all of those who appreciate the craft and performance of Ryan Adams unique soulfulness.

First introduced to music at a young age, in the front seat of his Grandmother’s Plymouth Fury, Ryan Adams has spent almost three decades dedicating his life to creating and performing music.

Praised as one of rock’s most talented songwriters by critics around the world, he’s amassed 22 studio albums accumulating in millions of sales, written and released two acclaimed books, produced records for esteemed musicians including Willie Nelson, Jesse Malin, Jenny Lewis and has collaborated with some of music’s most influential artists such as Weezer, Fall Out Boy, America and many more. Throughout the course of his multifaceted career, Adams has been applauded by countless music icons including Noel Gallagher, Taylor Swift and the legend Elton John.

Adam’s profound contributions to music have taken many different forms throughout his career; from his songwriting, to his producing, to fronting the rock/alternative country band Whiskeytown, and forming, “Ryan Adams & The Cardinals,” his ability to connect with audiences across a variety of different mediums is undeniable. Adams’ musical creativity was recognized early on and led to his NME Best Solo Artist win in both 2003 and 2004. In addition to his self-titled, double Grammy nominated 2014 album, Ryan’s catalogue includes Heartbreaker, Ashes & Fire, Easy Tiger, Cold Roses, Jacksonville City Nights, Love Is Hell, his 2001 major label debut Gold, and more.

Pre-sale Tickets go on sale at 11:00 am Local on Tuesday 23 May, with general Public Tickets go on sale at 10:00am Local on Wednesday 24 May. For more, head here. 

Jen Cloher unveils new podcast, celebrating First Nations songwriters

Titled Everybody’s Trying To Find Their Way Home, the groundbreaking new podcast from Jen Cloher celebrates the exceptional journeys of Māori and First Nations songwriters dedicated to writing and performing in their ancestral languages.

Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.

Spanning six episodes, Jen embarks on a profound exploration of Australia and Aotearoa (NZ), delving into locations that hold profound significance for each artist on their transformative path of language reawakening. With a deep respect and curiosity, Jen’s podcast sheds light on the inspiring stories behind these musicians’ profound connection to their cultural heritage.

 

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“Finding the confidence to write and perform in my matrilineal language Te reo Māori wasn’t easy,” says Jen Cloher. “Many of my Mother’s generation never learned due to laws passed by the New Zealand government discouraging the practice of Te reo Māori in native schools.

“Consequently, they were made to feel shame about their language, culture and Māori identity, and didn’t want their children to experience the same feeling. Bringing my language back into my body and weaving it through my songwriting has been an enormously healing process.

“I have come home to parts of myself that were longing to be known. The experience made me want to hear from other songwriters, both Māori and First Nations, about their experiences of writing and performing in their language.”

Through Jen Cloher’s heartfelt interviews and immersive storytelling, listeners are invited to embark on a captivating journey, where each episode unravels the layers of significance behind these artists’ commitment to their ancestral languages.

Check out Everybody’s Trying to Find Their Way Home by heading here.