Comedy Republic are bringing a bunch of Melbourne’s favourite comedians to Hepburn Springs in June
After a wildly successful first show back in February this year, esteemed Melbourne comedy venue Comedy Republic are heading back to Hepburn Springs for another great night of comedy with a heap of Comedy Festival favourites this June.
Renowned as the lively hub of Melbourne’s comedy scene, presenting Australia’s best comedic talent all year round, Comedy Republic will be bringing four of the best in comedy to the Palais-Hepburn, combining fantastic entertainment with exquisite dining options in the theatre’s salon.
Taking place on 23 June, comedians Daniel Connell, Lizzy Hoo, Bronwyn Kuss and Bron Lewis will be performing at the heritage-listed venue, all hot off the back of successful runs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
Headlining stand-up comic Daniel Connell is one of Melbourne’s most loveable, hilarious, and hard-working comedians. A testament to his trademark dry, laidback humour, Connell has toured shows nationally for the past twelve years and has four Comedy Festival gala appearances under his belt.
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He’ll be joined by Lizzy Hoo, a rapidly rising star who has recently been seen on Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Hundred with Andy Lee, Celebrity Letters & Numbers, and The Cook Up with Adam Liaw. Her infectious excitable energy has lit up the stage on the past three consecutive Comedy Festival galas.
2022 Director’s Choice Award winner Bronwyn Kuss will be taking to the stage too, making the crowd howl with laughter with her wry anecdotes.
And to top it off, 2023 Best Newcomer Award nominee and 2022 RAW Comedy co-winner Bron Lewis will telling her best jokes. As well as spending her days writing for The Project, her new show “Probably” was directed by comedy royalty, Claire Hooper.
While general admission tickets are on sale, audiences also have the option of indulging with delicious dining options and world-class cocktails, with Charcuterie and 3 Course Dinner ticket packages available. Talk about the most perfect night!
Doors open at 6:30pm on Friday 23 June, show starts 7:30pm. General Admission $29 + BF, Door sales $32 + BF.
Tickets are on sale now here.
Vape ban: Australian Government bans non-prescription flavoured vapes in major crackdown
Vaping laws are in for a big shake-up. In an effort to curb youth nicotine addiction, the Australian government has decided to ban the importation of all non-prescription vape products – even those without nicotine.
The vapes that are still available will be a lot less fruity and fun. There will be new restrictions introduced regarding the colour, flavours and ingredients that are allowed in the products in an effort to make them less appealing. All disposable vapes and e-cigarette will also be banned.
Vape Ban
- The Australian government will ban the importation of non-medicinal vapes
- Only pharmacies will be able to sell vapes and the buyer will need a valid prescription
- Vape flavours, colours, and packages will also be limited
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.
In 2021, the government imposed a rule that nicotine vape products would only be able to be sold at pharmacies.
Despite this, illegal nicotine vapes were still readily available at smoke shops and convenience stores. Peddlers have been able to get around the laws by mislabeling imported products as ‘nicotine-free’.
The government has now committed to a country-wide crackdown on these types of outlets. They are hoping the new importation laws also help to slow the black market sale of vapes.
Luckily for some, e-cigarette prescriptions will be easier to get for nicotine addicts and smokers who are making an effort to quit, although these products will have to be sold in pharmaceutical-style packaging (so say goodbye to that beloved rockabilly graphic).
Introduced in the mid-2000s, the vape was marketed as a healthier alternative to smoking tobacco products. But the devices quickly took the country by storm, prompting the first government restrictions to be imposed in 2009.
Today, teenagers and young adults use vapes more often than all other demographics. As public safety concerns regarding heart health and popcorn lung have grown, the government has decided to take the biggest step in smoking reforms in over a decade.
Australia’s Health Minister, Mark Butler, addressed the National Press Club in a speech on Tuesday.
“It was not sold as a recreational product – especially not one for our kids. But that is what it has become: the biggest loophole in Australian history.”
For more on the vape ban in Melbourne and Australia, head here.
Harvest Rock festival announces return to Adelaide in October
Off the back of a huge inaugural edition featuring the likes of Jack White, Crowded House, The Black Crowes, Sam Fender and more, Harvest Rock returns to Adelaide in October 2023 for another huge two days of sound and taste.
This year taking place across Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 October, Harvest Rock will be bringing an A team of international and Australian artists to Adelaide’s Rymill / Murlawirrapurka and King Rodney / Ityamai-itpina Parks for two days of live music alongside South Australia’s best food offerings, delicious drops and innovative bars.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Including all the best parts of the 2022 event, punters can expect another stellar lineup of music across the Harvest and Vines stages, alongside an indulgent feast of culinary offerings, including everything from top-tier dining options to food trucks and curated spaces where you can enjoy the usual festival fare, amongst many other feasting flavours.
There will also be a range of destination bars on site, where festival goers can taste test South Australia’s finest drops at the cellar door pop-up and send home a bottle or twelve while you’re there. Enjoy bubbles at the Champagne Bar and sample a fresh frothy one at the Harvest beer garden.
And if you like to do your festivals in style, Harvest Rock has you sorted there too. All the premium ticket offerings that were so popular last year will again be available including the VIP Village, Harvest Lounge, Suites and the super exclusive Platinum Lounge.
“The inaugural Harvest Rock exceeded all our expectations. The vibes were certainly high and we’re so grateful to Adelaide’s music lovers along with music lovers from across the country for embracing the event,” says Secret Sounds Co-CEO and HARVEST ROCK Producer, Jessica Ducrou.
“We’re excited to follow up with Harvest Rock 2023 in October, bringing more great music to Adelaide and highlighting all that South Australia has to offer.”
Book in your annual leave, a trip to Adelaide is on the cards for October, with the lineup dropping in June.
Keep up with the latest updates via the festival website.
Not That Kinda Viral: Jimmy Rees is heading on a national tour
Jimmy Rees – Australian entertainer, comedian, TV personality, host, author, dad to 3 boys and all-round funny guy has just announced announces Not That Kinda Viral national theatre tour for August though to November this year. He’ll be heading to Melbourne for a show at The Palms at Crown on August 30 and returning for a show at the Palais Theatre on November 2
Jimmy Rees Not That Kinda Viral tour
- August 30 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
- September 9 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
- September 15 – Wollongong Town Hall, Wollongong
- September 16 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
- September 17 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
- September 21 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
- September 23 – Riverside Theatre, Perth
- September 29 – Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane
- October 1 – The Star Gold Coast, Gold Coast
- October 14 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
- October 21 – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart
- November 2 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Keep up with the latest in local news and entertainment here.
Beginning his career as the legendary Jimmy Giggle on the award-winning ABC Kid’s TV series, Giggle & Hoot, Jimmy spent a decade as the face of the iconic series, airing seven days a week on the national broadcaster, where it still airs daily on repeat across the ABC!
During this time he toured with Giggle & Hoot playing to more than 500,000 people live and releasing several albums including an iTunes #1 Christmas album, Jimmy Giggle’s Christmas Party featuring duets with Tina Arena, Fifi Box, Justine Clarke, David Campbell, Deb Mailman and more.
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It wasn’t until the pandemic that Jimmy really solidified his personal reinvention, leaving Jimmy Giggle in the rear-view mirror.
Now, in 2023, following his successful stint on TEN’s Taskmaster earlier this year and his Meanwhile In Australia 2022 tour, truly cementing himself as a staple Aussie comedian, Jimmy Rees is back to entertain the nation once again, with Not That Kinda Viral tour – a show full of laughs, relatability and fun.
With his affable charm and quick wit, don’t miss Jimmy Rees as he hits the road again this August, September, October and November.
It all goes down at Melbourne’s own Palais Theatre on August 30 and at the Palais Theatre on November 2. Grab tickets by heading here.
IDLES announce one-off Splendour In The Grass sideshow in Melbourne
English punk rockers IDLES are returning to Australia off the back of their 2022 AU/NZ tour, where they performed 10 sold-out shows across the region.
The exclusive show at Melbourne’s Festival Hall on Wednesday, July 26 will be IDLES’ only headline show in Australia.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Idles release Ultra Mono – a top-tier album from a band who continue to one-up themselves
In the five years since Brutalism’s release, IDLES have gone on to achieve so much, including a number one album, sold out tours and festival headline appearances around the world. Its follow-up, Joy as an Act of Resistance, further spring boarded the band into the UK (and beyond)’s consciousness and paved the way for the colossal Ultra Mono – the band’s first UK No. 1 album.
Last year’s CRAWLER contained the buzz-saw urgency that their now global fanbase had come to expect, but expanded its sound with more melodic and introspective songs.
At every step of the way the band have garnered a wealth of dedicated supporters-from the early breaks given to them by Steve Lamacq and BBC 6 Music, the independent live music circuit and the rabid AFGang community-the latter of whom produced a feature film entitled “Don’t Go Gentle: A Film About IDLES” released globally and screened at many international film festivals.
This will be a must!
Tickets go on sale at 11am, Friday May 5. Head here for more.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Little Simz and Tove Lo announce Splendour in the Grass sideshows for 2023
Splendour In The Grass is gearing up for one huge 21st birthday party, bringing an enormous lineup with a bunch of international musicians and DJs, and an incredible host of homegrown talent to Byron Bay from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 July.
Knowing not everyone can make the trek to the three-day festival in New South Wales, Secret Sounds have now revealed a huge lineup of Festival Sideshows hitting the country this July, featuring some of the best and brightest names from the event.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The list of dates include long-awaited headline shows from legendary trio Yeah Yeah Yeahs, set to hit Melbourne and Sydney with support from explosive LA rockers Automatic, as well as British songwriter Sam Fender who will perform a headline show in Perth, with his euphoric, hard-hitting guitar anthems in tow.
There’s also British rapper, singer and actress Little Simz who will hit the stage in Melbourne and Sydney; Tove Lo who will be performing headline shows in Melbourne and Sydney with support from dreamy 3-piece Blusher; and chart topping rising star iann dior who performs in Melbourne and Sydney!
Other sideshows include Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Noah Cyrus and Del Water Gap, all in Melbourne and Sydney, while Lewis Capaldi’s previously announced headline tour also joins the fold.
Check out the individual show dates below.
Secret Sounds Festival Sideshows 2023
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
With Automatic
Thursday 20 July 2023 – MCA, Melbourne
Monday 24 July 2023 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Sam Fender
Thursday 20 July 2023 – HBF Stadium, Perth
Little Simz
Wednesday 19 July 2023 – MCA, Melbourne
Friday 21 July 2023 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Tove Lo
With Blusher
Wednesday 19 July 2023 – Forum, Melbourne
Tuesday 25 July 2023 – Roundhouse, Sydney
Loyle Carner
Saturday 22 July 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Tuesday 25 July 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide
Thursday 27 July 2023 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
iann dior
Wednesday 19 July 2023 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Saturday 22 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Rainbow Kitten Surprise
Thursday 20 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Friday 21 July 2023 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Noah Cyrus
With PJ Harding
Sunday 9 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Sunday 16 July 2023 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Sudan Archives
Saturday 22 July 2023 – Liberty Hall, Sydney
Tuesday 25 July 2023 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Del Water Gap
Friday 21 July 2023 – Howler, Melbourne
Saturday 22 July 2023 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
Lewis Capaldi
With Noah Cyrus
Friday 7 July 2023 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney *sold out*
Saturday 8 July 2023 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney *sold out*
Tuesday 11 July 2023 – RAC Arena, Perth
Thursday 13 July 2023 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide *sold out*
Friday 14 July 2023 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne *sold out*
Saturday 15 July 2023 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne *sold out*
Secret Sounds presale for all shows starts Monday 8 May 9am local, sign up to get access. General on sale kicks off Tuesday 9 May, 9am local. Find out more here.
Melbourne’s Tin Pot Clay Man are moving to Manchester, performing final farewell show this weekend
Earning a solid reputation for their powerhouse blend of 80’s dance music and punk with a modern shoegaze sound, Melbourne-based Tin Pot Clay Man is chasing dreams and seizing opportunities with both hands, with primary songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Gaurav Jaswal moving the project to the home of post-punk Manchester, England.
Fresh from releasing their debut EP and subsequent singles ‘MTV’, ‘Sometimes I Go Outside’ and ‘Personal’ in the last year alone, Jaswal is making the move overseas to broaden his artist horizons, and bring his music to new audiences.
“I’m really excited for the move and to bring TPCM’s music to a new audience overseas. Some of my all time favourite artists are from Manchester.”
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Formed in a single bedroom, to pass the time within the throes of lockdown using furniture and household items for soundproofing, Tin Pot Clay Man’s allowed Jaswal to take his music to new heights, having previously created music for eight years as Dal Santo.
With a rock vibe and prevailing vocals, Jaswal was quick to translate his project to the live stage, replicating the energy of the studio project, delivering howling, audacious performances at Aireys Inlet Open Mic Festival, The Last Chance Rock and Roll Bar and several other venues across the state.
While there have been a few lineup changes in recent months, the heart of Tin Pot Clay Man’s live show has always been Jaswal and drummer Sam Marks. But with an overseas move imminent, Tin Pot Clay Man is destined for change, with Jaswal taking it back to his beginnings as a solo venture. For now.
“Having started TPCM as a DIY bedroom project, I’m really excited to discover what a new city and new scene will do for my writing. It’s likely to go back to being just me again for a little while. But I can’t wait to see what happens next!”
“The timing is actually really great given how busy Sam’s new band Dopplerhaus has been getting!” (Check them out!)
Celebrating the band’s great journey together, Tin Pot Clay Man will play one final Australian farewell show at Brunswick’s brand new venue, the Bergy Bandroom. And as expected, they’re bringing along an absolutely stacked lineup including SERF, Keaper, Leo, and Maybesitter, coming all the way from Brisbane.
“We’re really excited about the lineup. I actually used to play in a band called Dal Santo with Jimi from Maybesitter and Sunny from Leo. SERF are also old friends and we’ve always wanted to share a bill with Keaper! It’s going to be a really fun event”
Could this be the surprise Dal Santo reunion people have been asking for?
“Anything is possible. You’ll have to come along to find out!”
Catch Tin Pot Clay Man’s Australian farewell at the brand new Bergy Bandroom this Saturday, 6th May. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
The annual month-long Rocky Road Festival has returned to the Surf Coast for May
Running for a whole month and making all your sugar-filled dreams come true, the famous Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie’s Rocky Road Festival is making its return once again this May along with all the mouth-watering Rocky Road sensations from 1 May until 31 May.
Rocky Road Festival
- The Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie’s annual Rocky Road Festival returns
- There will be 31 weird and wonderful flavours on offer
- The festival is running all of May
Keep up with the latest food and booze news via our website.
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Because we all know Easter isn’t long enough, for the entire month (yes all 31 days!) of May, the European Chocolatiers will be giving the classic Aussie Rocky Road treat a makeover and creating 31 different flavours of the treat which will take form as hand made blocks, bars, truffles, ice creams and desserts using couverture chocolate with seasonal and exotic ingredients.
For those just keen on a good old block of Rocky Road, there will be a three-metre long cabinet completely filled with Rocky Road temptations. Festival-goers can pick and mix from the 31 different flavours, including the likes of Oriental Brittle, Caramel Mudcake, Turkish Toblerone and Strawberry Margarita, Honeycomb Macadamia, Tahitian Lime and Chilli, and so much more.
You can even get a Rocky Road Festival Box which features every single flavour, or a limited-edition 12 pack.
Yum, just yum.
And because the GORC believe in an equal world, this is a festival that caters to any dietary requirement, so you’ll find flavours without nuts, gluten and/or dairy for any fan of the marshmallow stacked treats. How goods that?!
There are also tasting sessions being held for $24 per person to sip, taste and devour all things rocky and make your very own dream rocky road to take home.
Anything that celebrates the marshmallow, nut, cherry and chocolate creation of the Rocky Road sounds like a pretty good time to us.
The Rocky Road Festival will go from Sunday 1 May until Tuesday 31 May at the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie in Bellbrae. Find out more information by visiting the Facebook page or the website.
The Chicks are heading to a day on the green in Geelong as part of World Tour
In huge news for your Monday morning, global superstars The Chicks have announced a return to Australia and New Zealand this October, including a date in Geelong for a day on the green.
Following their sold-out 2017 tour, including a spectacular headline slot at CMC Rocks QLD, this marks The Chicks triumphant return to these shores for the first time in six years. The captivating trio will play nine dates down under, including their a day on the green debut, with three very special outdoor shows – Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong, VIC on Saturday 14 October; Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley, NSW on Saturday 21 October; and Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD on Sunday 22 October. They’ll be joined by special guest Elle King.
The Chicks Australian Tour 2023
Thu 12 Oct 2023 | Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Sat 14 October 2023 | My Duneed Estate, Geelong, Vic (a day on the green)
Mon 16 Oct 2023 | Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Thu 19 Oct 2023 | Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney, NSW
Sat 21 Oct 2023 | Bimbadgen, Hunter Valley, NSW (a day on the green)
Sun 22 Oct 2023 | Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD (a day on the green)
Tue 24 Oct 2023 | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD
Sat 28 Oct 2023 | Spark Arena, Auckland, NZ
Mon 30 Oct 2023 | Christchurch Arena, Christchurch, NZ
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Making their Australian debut to huge acclaim in 1999, this year marks the band’s fifth visit to our shores.
“Ever since I heard a demo in the late ’90s and did their first tour in November 1999, The Chicks have been a huge part of my life. Watching them become live icons of music has been an amazing journey, and their upcoming tour will go up another level again,” says Michael Chugg, Executive Chairman Chugg Entertainment.
With the release of their first studio album in fourteen years, 2020’s Gaslighter, The Chicks delivered their most anticipated yet, impressing critics globally, co-produced by Jack Antonoff and with collaborators including the likes of Julia Michaels, Justin Tranter and more.
Earning universal recognition as the biggest-selling US female band of all time, The Chicks have sold more than 30.5 million albums and are among an elite group of artists and the only female group to achieve multiple Diamond-selling releases; reaching the stratospheric landmark of more than 10 million copies sold, with both Wide Open Spaces (1998) and Fly (1999).
Counting thirteen Grammy Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, and numerous Country Music Association Awards among many other accolades, their record-breaking 2006 studio album, Taking The Long Way, picked up five Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.
Tickets go on sale on Monday 8 May from Ticketmaster with the a day on the green and AAMI members’ pre-sale beginning Wednesday 3 May at 11.00am local time.
Pakington Street’s favourite pop-up night market returns in May, just in time for Mother’s Day
When you visit any bustling market in the Geelong region, you’ll be constantly impressed by the emerging creative talent of regional Victoria with the one-of-a-kind artworks, fashion items, collectables, hand-bound books, handcrafted jewellery, meticulously brewed coffee, and so much more on offer.
With the added benefit of knowing you’re shopping local, the quality is also pretty top-notch, with most of the markets really determined to help emerging designers, producers and creators gain exposure in a pop-up/retail environment, sourcing talented designers and retailers to showcase their unique products.
If markets really are your thing, then Blank Space‘s night market is a fantastic way for you to spend your Thursday night this May.
Blank Space Night Market
- Blank Space Cafe is hosting a night market this May ahead of Mother’s Day
- The market will feature some of the best local creatives in the region
- Shop local from 5pm on Thursday, May 11
Keep up with the latest local events via our website.
Now renowned for its vibing night markets, the Newtown cafe will be brought to life on Thursday, May 11, from 5pm to 8:30pm with a selection of amazing local businesses and talented creatives, including many of those who don’t have their own bricks and mortar stores.
And arriving just ahead of Mother’s Day, this market provides the perfect place to pick up those last minute goodies for the mums or mother figures in your life.
This time around you can expect to find wares from cohen-luxe, a curated online business dedicated to homewares & gifting – with its core centres around glasswares & ceramics based in Torquay; statement earrings from Kissy, a local creative making bright and bold handmade jewellery; and DIPD Nails, the original Australian dip powder nail system that gives you the same sleek salon manicure.
You’ll also find beautiful minimalist jewellery from PL Collective, fine jewellery that ignites joy with equal measure humour and heart; stunning artwork and accessories from Brooke Gregorio; delicious sweets and treats from Sweet Side Baking Co, a new baking project from Jo Ruffin; playdough sensory kits and party favours from Busy Box Creations; and an appearance from Luce Fit Australia, an all female kick-ass training with quality support and an inclusive community.
Of course that’s just the beginning, with more still to be announced.
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There will also be drinks and Blank Space’s chef Josh will be serving up a bloody epic night menu!
Regardless of which local creatives from the region will be there selling their artwork and handmade goodies, we guarantee you’ll find something Mum (or you) will love.
And being a Thursday night, after you’re all marketed out, you can simply go on to explore one of the many fine eateries or bars nearby.
Shop local at Blank Space (4/343 Pakington Street, Newtown) from 5pm – 8:30pm on Thursday, May 11 2023.
This Melbourne restaurant has been named in the World’s Best Steak Restaurants Rankings of 2023
From the rarest cuts to the juiciest meats, a good old-fashioned steak is timeless and simply indulgent when it comes to dining out.
If you’ve been searching for a good grilled steak in Victoria, the Steer Dining Room should be on your list having just been listed in this year’s list of World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants. Ranked at #51, Steer Dining Room is the highest-ranking Melbourne steak restaurant on the list.
Keep up with the latest food and booze news across the region here.
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The World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants list is compiled yearly by London-based Upper Cut Media House Ltd. with representatives based all around the world including Munich, Vienna, Zurich, Dubai and New York. Between 700 and 800 restaurants are visited and evaluated each year, from which the best 101 restaurants are then included in the ranking.
Visited incognito by Steak Ambassadors and evaluated against a number of criteria driven by quality in every aspect, restaurants across the world dream of being recognised as one of the very best, with this Melbourne restaurant utterly stoked to be a part of.
“It is an honour for us to be listed amongst the great steak restaurants of the world,” says Steer General Manager Harold Faizal, “the list represents the thriving culture within the steakhouse industry; it’s almost cult-like in a way. There is a blooming passion and respect for different cuts and breeds that reflects the origins of the cattle and it is both fabulous and inspiring to see restaurants being creative in curating and presenting their menus.”
Steer Dining Room’s focus on Wagyu creates a unique point of difference when compared to other steak restaurants.
“Our aim is to provide access to the finest quality Wagyu in a variety of cuts farmed by top award-winning Australian farmers, whilst paying homage to the origins of Wagyu – Japan, with a selection of prestigious A5 cuts.”
With only 36 seats, Steer Dining Room offers an intimate and refined dining experience in the heart of South Yarra, offering 30+ cuts and a ‘Signature Wagyu Degustation’ menu. This experience delivers an artistic narrative of the highly prized meat, starting with snacks, followed with four courses of Wagyu plus dessert.
And with no greater pairing than a glass of red wine, the venue also features a wine list with over 450 selections provide a sound accompaniment to the menu at Steer; offering over 60 wines by the glass, including focused Wine Flights and a Museum selection which offers access to back vintages by the glass.
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The restaurant will be celebrating being the highest-ranking Melbourne restaurant on the list with the ultimate culinary event this winter on Wednesday 12th July 2023 – Penfolds, Wagyu & Black Truffle Wine Dinner.
An exquisite Wagyu & black truffle degustation menu has been curated by Head Chef Jeffry Lim, with each course carefully designed to mirror an outstanding line-up of iconic Penfolds wines, including Yattarna Chardonnay as well as museum releases of the sought-after Bin 389 and Bin 407 from highly-rated vintages.
The evening will offer an artistic narrative of the prized Wagyu, enhanced with the distinct flavours of the elusive Manjimup black truffles. Featuring cuts from top award-winning producers: Sher Wagyu, Mayura Station, 2GR Wagyu, Stone Axe Wagyu as well as Kagoshima A5 Wagyu exclusively flown in from Japan, the evening is sure to be an extraordinary experience to delight culinary enthusiasts.
The dinner will also be co-hosted by Penfolds ‘Global Wine Ambassador’ Zoe Warrington.
Outside of the special dinner, if you’re keen to get amongst some of the world’s best, head to Steer Dining Room at 15 Claremont St, South Yarra from Tuesday to Saturday 6pm-late. Seats can be reserved via website www.steerdiningroom.com.au
Short films, big screens, bold stories: St Kilda Film Festival is back with its biggest program to date
The longest-running short film festival in Australia, the St Kilda Film Festival is back for another year (its 39th at that!) of bringing local talent to the cinema screen. Each year the festival receives hundreds of submissions from around the country, with the best being handpicked for screening and now the full program has arrived in what is the festival’s biggest to date.
Presented by City of Port Phillip, this year the highly-anticipated program features more than 100 films to be shown over 18 screening sessions at venues across St Kilda, and for the first time also bursting out of St Kilda and into South Melbourne across Thursday 1 June – Monday 12 June 2023. The famous opening night event will return to The Palais on Thursday 1 June, welcoming back full-capacity crowds for the first time in four years – a triumph for the loved celebration of local filmmaking and screen production talents.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
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Drawn from a call for entries from hundreds of new short films from around the country, this year’s red-carpet opening night gala event features a sensational program of comedies, powerful drama, animation, horror and fantasy, emceed by the hilarious Claire Hooper. The screening will be followed by an after party which expands into Encore at St Kilda Sea Baths for a spectacular celebration of Australian short films.
As for the program, filled with short films, big screen and bold stories, the festival will take audiences on an incredible journey through some of Port Phillip’s iconic theatres including The Palais Theatre, The Astor Theatre and the Alex Theatre, as well as through many other creative and welcoming spaces throughout St Kilda and South Melbourne – both well-known hubs for the filmmaking community as well as fabulous destinations to eat, drink and celebrate.
In 2023 SKFF has drawn entries from an almost equal split of female and male directors and the festival is very privileged to be able to screen the work of these Australian filmmakers and showcase so many stories. Program highlights include:
Melbourne on Dylan (director Chris Franklin) – The Australian premiere of this documentary delves into Bob Dylan’s connection with Melbourne and explores the deep love of music we all have and the life- changing moments that start us on the long journey of exploration and appreciation.
MumLife (director Ruby Challenger) – This musical follows Sarah, a first-time mother from Sydney, who is struggling to connect with her newborn baby. She is pushed to her limits when she discovers a surprise birthday party has been organised for her 30th by her Insta-famous bestie.
Run South (directors Frank Magree, David Cleeve) – An Australian soldier is held captive during the Vietnam war. A young marine enters his world, presenting him with a harrowing choice.
Hen (director Alice Tovey) – When non-binary Gem attends their mate’s hen’s night, the girls turn from bubbly bridesmaids to raunchy demons. Gem could never have known just how far they would get under their skin.
Gravel Road (director Tristan Pemberton) – This documentary follows an eventful tour through the outback of Western Australia by the world’s most remote rock band, Desert Stars. This award-winning feature length documentary presents an engaging chronicle of an Indigenous rock band that fuses Traditional Aboriginal Culture with Western Rock ‘n’ Roll as they embark on their debut tour across the outback. This is a highlight event as part of the First Nations program held at The Espy.
Blockhead and Sparkles and the Flood of Tears (Lauren Orrell, Digby Webster) – Best friends Blockhead and Sparkles are struggling under the pressure of running their own cake shop, but when the Sad Prince’s tears threaten to flood the entire village, they must do what they can to mend their friendship and save the day.
All the familiar favourite showcases and programs are also back for 2023 to take audiences on a diverse journey through the medium of short film, including the Australian Comedy Showcase, Pride Without Prejudice at the Victorian Pride Centre, Dark Matters, International Family Animation Explosion, and the Australian Documentary Showcase, among many others.
“We can’t wait to welcome back full capacity audiences for our biggest ever year. Audiences can look forward to an expanded program across St Kilda and beyond bringing short films to where people live. We’re embracing adventure and ambition and amplifying voices from all corners of the country,” says SKFF Director Richard Sowada.
“The festival embraces a range of traditional film forms and new and emerging ones including computer games, table-top games, VR and everything between to celebrate Victorian achievements in film.”
For more information on screenings and bookings, visit www.
There’s a massive Garlic Bread Festival heading to Melbourne this weekend
Ah, Garlic Bread. The holy trinity of bread, butter, and garlic was created by the gluten gods to make us mere mortals very, very happy – you know, in a greasy, buttery, carby type of way. We love it, there’s no ifs, buts or maybes about it, which is why we’re pretty damn excited that an entire festival dedicated to the delicious creation is heading to Melbourne this weekend.
Coined the Garlic Bread Festival, this annual event is like Christmas, truly sacred and special, and will return to Northcote’s giant dog-friendly food truck park – Welcome To Thornbury – on Saturday, April 29 from 12pm.
Garlic Bread Festival
- On April 29, Welcome to Thornbury will host a free celebration of garlicy goodness
- They will be serving up different riffs on garlic bread as well as drinks and desserts
- For the most avid fans, there will also be garlic competitions with prizes up for grabs
Keep up with the latest food and booze news via our website.
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Comforting in every guise, the massive Northcote beer-garden-slash-food-truck-park will be dishing out amped-up iterations of the delicious dish. This will be the fourth year of the event, which has become a favourite for garlic lovers across the city
Starting from $5, try OG garlic bread, cheesy bacon garlic bread and Mexican garlic bread. There will also be a bunch of garlic-bread-themed accompaniments on hand, including drinks and desserts (we know it sounds kind of weird – you’ll just have to check it out for yourself).
In terms of entertainment, there will be DJs on deck all afternoon and garlic bread bingo, where fanatics can try all varieties of the snack to win and exclusive, one-of-a-kind hoodie (I bet you can guess what’s on it). There will also be a garlic bread eating relay competition – grab a few of your hungriest friends and chow down for a chance to take the win.
Entry to the event is free for everyone, but the turnout is expected to be big, so booking a table is recommended. Make sure you bring an appetite and prepare to smell like garlic for the rest of the week.
To learn more or lock down a table for Welcome to Thornbury’s Garlic Bread Festival, taking place on Saturday April 29, head here.
Meg Mac is bringing her national album tour to Geelong tonight
Aussie singer-songwriter Meg Mac is heading to Geelong tonight as part of her massive national tour to celebrate her highly anticipated third album, Matter of Time.
Following a triumphant return to the stage with her five-stop sold-out national tour back in May, Meg Mac will perform at the Wool Exchange in Geelong on Friday, April 28.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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“I wanted to just start again and do everything without compromise,” states Meg Mac of the game-changing personal switch-up that led to ‘Matter of Time’: the singer’s highly anticipated third album and a record that builds on Mac’s award-winning foundations and sends them to new places of clarity and ambition.
With a third album recorded and primed for imminent release at the beginning of 2020, Mac had what she now describes as “a bit of a meltdown”. She scrapped its lead single two weeks before release, and with it the rest of the body of work – a bold move towards a creative process without compromise. Needing some space to regain perspective, Mac moved out to Burrawang, a remote village in the NSW countryside, and began work on ‘Matter of Time’.
As opposed to her pre-countryside scrapped album, the most important thing this time around would be “to mean every word I sing, to not have anything in the back of my head when I’m singing where I don’t totally love it.”
The album’s title track is the only song that survived the kill of the original album. Written by Mac and co-writer Sam De Jong (Jacob Banks, Muse, Maisie Peters), ‘Matter of Time’ shows strong evidence of the cracks of confidence that had almost derailed Mac. The track begins with a lament – “I’m not great and I hate that I can’t say it” – before swelling into a rich, soaring yearning for solace.
“This song is the only survivor from the album I threw away. It’s the most important song on the album and sits right between the old and the new. I find it spooky because everything I wrote came true, it was only a matter of time before I was going to snap. Somehow I knew I was about to reach breaking point and then I did.”
As original author of every song on her album, Mac selectively sought co-writing support to refine and heighten her storytelling in writing partners Noah Cyrus’ frequent collaborator PJ Harding, the previously mentioned Sam De Jong and with ‘Chandelier’ co-writer Jesse Shatkin. Behind the desk came production duo The Donuts (Kendrick Lamar, SZA, H.E.R); playing with male vocal choirs, charmingly minimal instruments, and above all focusing in on elements of Mac’s vocals that had previously taken a back seat. You can hear the synergy across the record, from the first single ‘Is It Worth Being Sad’, the woozy unlikely jam of ‘On Your Mind’, the breeziness of ‘Only Love’, and the intimacy of songs like ‘Something In The Water’ or ‘Lifesaver’.
Meg Mac has created a body of work rich in searing honesty whilst working overtime to find her voice and be satisfied that she has made a record that flourishes without compromise.
On Matter of Time, she’s finally there. “I needed a switch up to find the love for music again and it worked,” she says. “Now for the first time, I really feel in control.”
Tickets for the show are still available here.
Husband duo Mister Co’s infectious ‘Make You Feel Alright’ is a flirty, funk-fuelled love song
Off the back of their entirely romantic debut single, eclectic husband duo Mister Co has asserted their presence as a powerhouse deserving of our undivided attention with their next feel-good love track.
Released on 28 April, ‘Make You Feel Alright’ is the infectious second single from Mister Co.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The joint project of two passionate musicians and producers Connor and Oscar Absolum, Mister Co debuted just last year, treating the world with the intoxicatingly romantic single ‘Tonight’.
Surpassing 45,000 streams in under two months of release, the debut single laid a firm foundation for the duo’s genre-blended sound and style, bringing Oscar’s big band and musical theatre influences together with Connor’s love of anthem rock, soul and pop, but it’s on this follow-up that Mister Co’s talents as a songwriter, vocalist and producer all shine their brightest.
From start to finish of the three-minute and 44-second track, ‘Make You Feel Alright’ proves an irresistibly radiant listening experience, surging with bold and bright retro, blues and soul influences.
The soulful and full-bodied harmonies set the tone, with the duo’s golden voices soaring sweetly over a tapestry of big drums, big horns, a groovy bass line and a memorable simple chorus melody.
Channelling the ecstasy of love and all it encompasses into a sweet, seductive sound, ‘Make You Feel Alright’ is a funky and slick, strikingly stunning throwback to the cinematic funk, soul and pop of the ’60s and ’70s, with an irresistible breakdown and some classic sounding brass sections that feel like a fresh take on the sounds of the yesteryear. It’s a groovy track that immediately gets stuck in your head and doesn’t come out easily.
Mister Co’s funky and flirty sophomore single was spawned in the throes of Melbourne’s lockdown as an attempt to lift each other up and bring each other joy.
“After staring at the walls for months in lockdown we both felt incredibly deflated and down in the dumps,” Mister Co explains.
“Before this, we both have actually never written a song together before, so we set out to write a feel-good masterpiece to lift each other up. We wanted to draw upon our desire to keep each other satisfied being a very private couple we wanted to write a behind-the-doors kind of flirt, to showcase that cheeky element of us.”
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While the pair have worked on countless musical projects with various artists both on stage and in the studio, ‘Make You Feel Alright’ stands as an incredibly impressive debut in regards to the writing, with the duo breaking out of the all-too-relatable funk that came hand-in-hand with the lockdown. The result is a rom-com-worthy, flirty tune in which the Absolum’s emotions are at an all-time high: they are completely in love.
“When writing music we both bounce ideas off each other to create a vibe, to give you a sense of how we started our file name for the vibe was ‘This is a sexy song’!”
“Oscar being the multi-instrumentalists will then keep building the music bed until we feel we have captured the sound we are going for. Then the keys are handed over to Connor to come in and lay out the arrangement and add the “epic” moments like the breakdown in this track.”
Destined to become a go-to addition to romantic dinner or ‘bedtime’ playlists over the next few years, lyrically the song follows the simple desire to bring your partner satisfaction, physically, mentally and emotionally.
In a straightforward nature, Mister Co sings,
‘I don’t wanna talk about it, I just wanna ride upon it
I don’t wanna think about it, I just wanna make you feel right
I wanna go down on you right, I wanna keep you feelin nice,
Touchin your body alright, I wanna feel you tonight.’
‘Make You Feel Alright’ was once again co-produced by Dominik Harold from Protonaut Studios and is set to appear on the pair’s debut album which is due for release in October. Titled ‘On This Journey,’ the album features a collection of stories about their journey together from high school to the stage to their union as husbands.
Here Mister Co brings out some of their sound’s most seductive elements. It’s the perfect follow-up to their debut single and a stunning representation of this standout duo, their exceptional music, and their unique artistry, drawing on the pair’s musical inspirations and their love for each other.
While this is only the beginning, with two singles Mister Co has already set themselves apart from their peers as a need-to-know outfit to watch.
‘Make You Feel Alright’ from Mister Co is now available on all digital streaming platforms. Check it out here.
Cable Ties announce national tour for July and August in support of latest upcoming album
Australian post-punk band Cable Ties is set to embark on a thrilling tour across the country to promote their upcoming album, All Her Plans. Known for their electrifying energy and raw passion, they’re set to showcase their new material and classics from their previous releases. Catch them when they head to Anglesea on 28 July and Castlemaine on 29 July.
Cable Ties Australian tour dates
- June 23 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide w/ Bad//Dreems
- July 28 – Sound Doctor, Anglesea w/ Our Carlson
- July 29 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine w/ Our Carlson
- August 4 – Max Watts, Melbourne w/ Our Carlson
- August 5 – The Zoo, Brisbane w/ Our Carlson
- August 6 – Eltham Hotel, Eltham w/ Our Carlson
- August 10 – Tanswells, Beechworth
- August 11 – The Shaking Hand, Canberra w/ Our Carlson
- August 12 – The Lansdowne, Sydney w/ Our Carlson
- August 13 – The Servo, Port Kembla w/ Our Carlson
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Fans can expect to hear new tracks from the upcoming LP, including the recently released single, Change, which delves into the lingering effects of patriarchal violence and the frustration with the slow progress of social change.
“Change is about how to keep surviving and fighting even when it feels like we’re going backwards,” says Cable Ties’ guitarist and lead vocalist Jenny McKechnie.
“It contrasts the traumatisation of victim/survivors by the so-called justice system with the solidarity and hope I have found talking to mothers, friends and strangers, who have connected with the songs I’ve screamed into the abyss.”
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“The lyrics for Change reflect a collection of experiences I’ve had over the last decade, particularly relating to being a woman who plays loud angry, feminist music,” Jenny adds.
“Playing this type of music has allowed me to have deeply moving conversations with people who connect to the experiences I describe. I treasure these conversations. They are the thing that keeps me going when I feel like there’s no point to my silly little songs in my silly little band.
“I recorded the vocal take for this song very shortly after Roe v Wade was overturned, so I was extremely fired up and dejected, but wanted to remind myself why we keep going.”
Catch them when they head to Melbourne for a show at Max Watts on August 4. Grab tickets by heading here.
The Australian INXS Show announces mammoth 30-date regional tour for 2023
Fans of INXS have some golden times ahead as The Australian INXS Show announces a return to local stages next month for an extensive run of regional dates.
Having first formed out of the seed of an idea planted a decade ago, the six-piece outfit have taken their myriad talents around the globe, performing to dedicated fans of INXS in locations such as Dubai, India, Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Vanuatu, Singapore, Japan, China, Bora Bora, New Caledonia, Taipei, and South Korea. Now, the Melbourne-born outfit are coming home once again, bringing their unique INXS theatre experience along with them.
Kicking off in Bundaberg on Friday, May 12, the 30-date tour will see The Australian INXS Show visiting Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory over the next year, bringing with them their breathtaking theatrics and faithful recreations of INXS’ extensive back catalogue, ensuring that the spirit of the band lives on.
“We’ve been crafting this show for several years now and we’re excited to be able to bring it to so many INXS fans across the country,” says Dellacoma Rio.
“We’ll be hitting every state and territory over the next 14 months.” Of course, dedicated fans will be able to expect all the rock-legend mastery of INXS channelled through a passionate group of talented musicians who live and breathe the original band, with every riff, chorus, and singalong set to ignite the hearts and minds of everyone lucky enough to be in attendance. “We love doing what we do and leave it all out on stage, every night!”
The Australian INXS Show 2023 Tour
FRI 12 MAY I MONCRIEFF THEATRE, BUNDABERG QLD I ALL AGES
SAT 13 MAY I PILBEAM THEATRE, ROCKHAMPTON QLD I ALL AGES
FRI 27 MAY I HOPGOOD THEATRE, NOARLUNGA SA I ALL AGES
SAT 28 MAY I SIR ROBERT HELPMANN THEATRE, MOUNT GAMBIER SA I ALL AGES
FRI 14 JUL I FORGE THEATRE, BAIRNSDALE VIC I ALL AGES
SAT 15 JUL I WONTHAGGI ARTS CENTRE I ALL AGES
THU 27 JUL I THE ART HOUSE, WYONG NSW I ALL AGES
FRI 28 JUL I THE CONCOURSE, CHATSWOOD NSW I ALL AGES
SAT 29 JUL I THE JOAN, PENRITH NSW I ALL AGES
FRI 11 AUG I TOWN HALL, SWAN HILL VIC I ALL AGES
SAT 12 AUG I MEMO MUSIC HALL, ST KILDA VIC I 18+
FRI 01 SEP I PRINCESS THEATRE, BRISBANE QLD I ALL AGES
SAT 02 SEP I PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, BALLARAT VIC I ALL AGES
THU 14 SEP I MEMORIAL ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, BATHURST NSW I ALL AGES
FRI 15 SEP I WESTS, CAMPBELLTOWN NSW I 18+
FRI 06 OCT I ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, ALBURY NSW I ALL AGES
FRI 13 OCT I KARRALYKA THEATRE, RINGWOOD VIC I ALL AGES
SAT 14 OCT I CAIRNS PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE, CAIRNS QLD I ALL AGES
THU 02 NOV I ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, BUNBURY WA I ALL AGES
FRI 03 NOV I ROSEMOUNT HOTEL, PERTH WA I 18+
SAT 04 NOV I ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, ALBANY WA I ALL AGES
SUN 05 NOV I FREO SOCIAL, FREMANTLE WA I 18+
SAT 09 DEC I SARATON THEATRE, GRAFTON NSW I ALL AGES
FRI 02 FEB I PRINCESS THEATRE, LAUNCESTON TAS I ALL AGES
SAT 03 FEB I ROYAL THEATRE, HOBART TAS I ALL AGES
THU 15 FEB I ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, SHOALHAVEN NSW I ALL AGES
FRI 16 FEB I MANNING ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, TAREE NSW I ALL AGES
SAT 17 FEB I GRIFFITH REGIONAL THEATRE, GRIFFITH NSW I ALL AGES
FRI 01 MAR I ARALUEN CENTRE, ALICE SPRINGS NT I ALL AGES
SAT 02 MAR I DARWIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE, DARWIN NT I ALL AGES
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
With the legendary vocals of the late Michael Hutchence being channelled by the explosive and flamboyant Dellacoma Rio, The Australian INXS Show ensures that Del’s natural charisma is put to good use. The globe-trotting singer is joined by the likes of guitarist and saxophonist Rob Moody, who not only takes on the role of Kirk Pengilly, but first created The Australian INXS Show a decade ago as a tribute to his love of both INXS and the classic music of the ‘80s.
The group’s decades of experience is rounded out by the addition of in-demand drummer Noel Tenny (as Jon Farriss), prolific bass player Sam McAinch (as Garry Gary Beers), veteran keyboardist Adrian Sorgini (as Andrew Farriss), and guitarist Adam Heath (as Tim Farriss), who has not only toured with Eurogliders, but even opened for music legend Elton John.
Describing the band’s show as “energetic, breathtaking and packed full of fun times for all”, Del recalls that his own natural likeness to Michael Hutchence has been a constant source of inspiration, and after getting in contact with Rob after years spent in numerous musical projects and bands, he’s living the dream by being able to breathe new life into the band’s classic catalogue. “It’s been an absolute dream come true with this band. Playing the INXS songs, the way we do, to people who have connected so deeply with these songs is a real blessing,” says Del.
Together, he and the rest of the band hope to provide and inspire the same level of amazement and excitement that INXS themselves did for over 35 years. “Michael and the band left such an indelible mark on Australian culture, so it just felt natural to work on a show that honours his memory. I often say from the stage that we want to make the audience feel how they felt when they first heard or saw INXS back in the day and that is truly what our aim is,” says Del. “We don’t just play the songs, we want to bring the same energy and passion that Michael and the band brought.”
Tickets to The Australian INXS Show’s upcoming tour are on sale now from www.
Premiere: Melbourne’s Georgia Ray spins heartbreak into buoyant indie pop with ‘Hypnotherapy’
The first thing to know about Georgia Ray is that she’s just as infectiously bright and inspiring as her music. Based in Melbourne, the singer-songwriter embraces authenticity in her songs, telling her raw stories of heartbreak, loss and hope.
Bringing together a mix of indie, pop and country influences to create a new and unique sound, Ray has released a string of catchy, cathartic singles that has seen her recognised by the Nashville Songwriters’ Association International (NSAI) as ‘One to Watch’. Now after spending the majority of the last couple of years writing songs and recording home demos, she’s embarking on her most ambitious project yet, and the result is nothing but spectacular.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
An exhilarating indie pop-rock upheaval, Georgia Ray arrives today with her new release ‘Hypnotherapy’.
Released on 28 April, ‘Hypnotherapy’ is Ray’s first release of 2023 and the direct follow-up to last year’s duet ballad, ‘Picture of Us’.
A burst of buoyant indie pop brimming with light and tender feeling, ‘Hypnotherapy’ is a resounding triumph for Georgia Ray, seeing her move in an all-encompassing direction of upbeat, catchy pop-rock.
Laced with irresistible pop-rock hooks and infectious sounds, influences such as Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift and Paramore surge within the release with Ray’s big, punchy chorus and crisp electric guitars. The result is a vibrant and pop-fuelled three-minute journey that greets the ears as not just a simple song but as an enveloping and enjoyable immersive listening experience.
“I listen to a lot of pop and pop-rock artists such as Avril Lavigne, Taylor Swift and Pale Waves, and I love the energy their songs have and the way they can pick you up,” Ray explains.
“I wanted to write a song that excites me in that same kind of way, and I also really wanted this song to be poppy and upbeat to counteract the opposite nature of the lyrics. I wrote this song while living alone amid a Melbourne lockdown too, so I think I was really needing some stimulation!”
Sonically, it’s vibrant and infectious. Yet lyrically, it is surprisingly mellow. In ‘Hypnotherapy’, Ray delves into her own experiences.
“This song greatly draws from my own past experiences of heartbreak and loss, and writing it felt really therapeutic as it helped me put those experiences into perspective in a sort of light-hearted, upbeat way.”
Turning the all-too-familiar feelings of loss and challenges of being isolated during a global pandemic into a vivid and compelling track that illustrates heartbreak as she claims in the song that being hypnotised would be the only way to cure her broken heart.
She sings, ‘I think I need hypnotherapy, to get you off my mind because I’ve been loving you for the longest time, I don’t know how to be myself anymore, without you, I want to be set free, I think I just need hypnotherapy’.
“There are times when you can feel so low that you’re willing to try pretty much anything at all to make things better and to move on from what’s hurting you. Sometimes when you lose someone that’s become such a huge part of your life, you can feel like you’ve lost yourself too.
“And there was a time I was so heartbroken that I thought maybe hypnotherapy would be the only thing that could heal me because it might be able to change my way of thinking about that person and the memories associated with them, as well as the loss in general and allow me to feel like myself again.”
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With a dreamy quality to her voice, every word sounds so sincere and graceful. A powerful product of a thoughtful and well-meaning singer-songwriter, ‘Hypnotherapy’ perfectly captures Georgia’s quirky yet relatable style of both music and lyrics.
Recorded at Aviary Studios in Abbotsford, ‘Hypnotherapy’ was woven together neatly with the smooth production from Ray’s brother Kyle Gutterson, who has produced almost all of Ray’s tracks to date.
“Working with Kyle is the absolute best. I’m so lucky to have such a talented brother,” Ray says.
“We started recording some of my super early songs in his bedroom back in 2013, and have been making music together ever since!
“Most of my songs so far have been recorded at his home studio, but this time we recorded at Aviary Studios in Abbotsford, which was such an awesome experience. Kyle also played the drums, bass guitar and some of the electric guitar on this track. He always comes up with cool new ideas to add to my songs, like riffs, different beats and stuff. He totally gets what it is I’m trying to achieve with a song and he does an amazing job of bringing my vision of them to life.”
With a sonic shift representing intentional creativity, ‘Hypnotherapy’ is well-developed in its lyrical depth, validating a very specific set of emotions with lyrics equally satisfying as they are relatable. Ray’s intimate, vulnerable lyricism, stunning vocals, and enchanting production have set her apart as a fast-rising musical sensation and ‘Hypnotherapy’ in particular leaves the listener ready for more, come Ray’s release of her forthcoming EP, due out in October this year.
“My upcoming EP will be a little bit of a mixed bag musically, but I think this single still represents it pretty well as a whole. The theme of heartbreak and moving on is predominant throughout but from the different stages of the healing process.
“‘Hypnotherapy’ is probably poppier than the other songs, but there are a couple of power pop ballads in there, as well as a hint of dreamy pop, and maybe also a tiny hint of country pop because sometimes I just can’t resist!”
We’re all for it, and ready for more.
See Georgia perform the new single at The Merri Bar in Preston on Saturday, May 13.
Stream ‘Hypnotherapy’ here, and keep up with the latest from Georgia Ray here.