Stefan Hauk
Stefan Hauk is a force to be reckoned with in the Blues Rock scene, not just in Australia, but soon to be worldwide. Following the success of Stefan’s first Australian tour and subsequent concert video “Homecoming – Live At The Gov” (which has amassed over 170,000 views on YouTube in 3 months) Stefan is embarking on a more extensive tour, this time visiting New South Wales, Victoria, his native South Australia and for the first time, Tasmania.
This show will feature Stefan in power trio mode with incredible Melbourne musicians Marcel Yammouni on bass and Jeff Consi on drums.
Craig Atkins
Craig Atkins is an award winning Roots. Blues & Folk ‘one-man band and back at Pistol Pete’s.
Multi-Instrumentalist songwriter and performer who regularly tours the country with his set up consisting of various Acoustic Guitars, Lap Slide, Cigar Box Guitars, Didgeridoos, Harmonica and Foot Percussion. With influences such as Paul Kelly, Joe Purdy, Harry Manx, Xavier Rudd and numerous Blues Masters to name but a few, Craig’s live performances weave through various styles from chilled finger-picking stories, to delta slide blues, through to rollicking folk and stomping “DidgeriBlues and Roots”, with lyrical content covering his aspects of life, love and loss and observations of the world we all live in.
Age of Emergence
Age of Emergence are excited to announce “The All Seeing Eye Tour” to celebrate the long- awaited release of their third offering “The All Seeing Eye: Part 1” due out in April 2024.
The East Coast tour will include capital cities and regional areas melting faces with their unique brand of riff-driven prog, they will unleash a combination of the new tunes and the most popular tracks from previous releases to get your head banging. They are teaming up with a diverse lineup of quality underground heavy bands to complement their sound across NSW, VIC, ACT and QLD, performing in Victoria and Queensland for the first time the tour kicks off in their hometown of Newcastle.
Supported by Alternative metal outfit Spacegoat, Corio Bay Area Thrash Get Rekt and The Sinsemillian.
Meta4 with Max Morgan
Join Meta4 on Sunday 12th May with special guests Chrome Gypsy and Software Update!
Meta4 is Geelong’s up and coming 4 piece Jazz-fusion band. Having realised their potential by complete coincidence, Meta4’s ability to mold their style to any setting or genre is incredible. Playing a wide range of genres from classic rock, to funk, to Jazz Fusion. Meta4 covers every musical situation they are put in.
Software Update are a 4 piece hardcore punk band from Geelong, Vic. Influenced by bands such as Clowns, Misfits, AFI and Frenzal Rhomb, Software Update are hard, fast and loud!
U18 must have a legal guardian present.
Kitchen will be open 1-8pm
$20 parmi menu + daily food specials.
The Jungle Giants
With well over half a billion streams worldwide and the #1 ARIA-charting album Love Signs under their belts, The Jungle Giants are undeniably Australian indie-rock royalty. Known for delivering explosive, high-energy live performances, the band is heading to District 14 in Narre Warren and Torquay Hotel in Torquay this June.
2023 saw the band headlining festivals and selling out tour dates from hemisphere to hemisphere. The Jungle Giants have graced the stages of some of the biggest festivals in the world including Outside Lands in San Francisco, Corona Capital Mexico City, Bleached Festival in San Diego and headline tours throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico. Constantly evolving their genre-agnostic sound, The Jungle Giants have set out in pursuit of their fifth studio album with the release of singles “Trippin Up” and “Rakata”. Fueled by buoyant melodies and infectious choruses, these releases show the next evolution of a band that refuses to sit still.
The #1 ARIA-charting fourth album Love Signs is the first album that lead singer/producer/songwriter Sam Hales wrote, recorded, performed and produced alone. Channeling diverse influences like Timbaland and Ashanti in his ‘90s production style and vocal falsettos, Hales created The Jungle Giants’ most popular work yet. First single “Heavy Hearted” is ARIA-certified Platinum, with “Sending Me Ur Loving” and “In Her Eyes” close behind. Driven by optimism, creative freedom and a desire to “go weird, go funny, and not be scared,” The Jungle Giants are paving the way for their continued metamorphosis.
The Jungle Giants
With well over half a billion streams worldwide and the #1 ARIA-charting album Love Signs under their belts, The Jungle Giants are undeniably Australian indie-rock royalty. Known for delivering explosive, high-energy live performances, the band is heading to District 14 in Narre Warren and Torquay Hotel in Torquay this June.
2023 saw the band headlining festivals and selling out tour dates from hemisphere to hemisphere. The Jungle Giants have graced the stages of some of the biggest festivals in the world including Outside Lands in San Francisco, Corona Capital Mexico City, Bleached Festival in San Diego and headline tours throughout the USA, Canada and Mexico. Constantly evolving their genre-agnostic sound, The Jungle Giants have set out in pursuit of their fifth studio album with the release of singles “Trippin Up” and “Rakata”. Fueled by buoyant melodies and infectious choruses, these releases show the next evolution of a band that refuses to sit still.
The #1 ARIA-charting fourth album Love Signs is the first album that lead singer/producer/songwriter Sam Hales wrote, recorded, performed and produced alone. Channeling diverse influences like Timbaland and Ashanti in his ‘90s production style and vocal falsettos, Hales created The Jungle Giants’ most popular work yet. First single “Heavy Hearted” is ARIA-certified Platinum, with “Sending Me Ur Loving” and “In Her Eyes” close behind. Driven by optimism, creative freedom and a desire to “go weird, go funny, and not be scared,” The Jungle Giants are paving the way for their continued metamorphosis.
RVG
Ivy League Records and Lonely Lands are excited to present…
RVG’s Australian Headline tour.
Catch them at the Torquay Hotel on Friday 31st May where they will be playing songs from their critically acclaimed 2023 record, Brain Worms.
Joined by very special guests TBC
Two Geelong titans team up to offer musical theatre education
Knowing opposite prompt verse prompt side just got a whole lot easier for Geelong musical theatre enthusiasts.
Creative arts training and education providers, Oxygen College, has partnered with multi-arts development and presentation hub, Geelong Arts Centre, to launch a brand new course of CUA50220 Diploma of Musical Theatre in 2025.
Positioned as a twelve month full time course (3-days per week), the diploma will tackle the trifecta of musical theatre disciplines – acting, singing and dancing, leading Geelong talent towards the Tony’s.
The venture marks a new partnership between the Geelong premier arts educators and Geelong’s premier arts facilitator, which sees the course split across the two state-of-the-art facilities. With Oxygen College on Gordon Avenue and Geelong Arts Centre on Little Malop Street, the two are within walking distance for eager stage-showman, taking their formal accredited learning to the newly refurbished multi-million dollar stages of Geelong Arts Centre.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Of the new partnership, Oxygen Colleges Head of Music, Phil Kearney says, “Geelong has such a wonderful history of musical theatre performance, and we couldn’t be more excited about offering education in this field. When the decision was made to deliver this course, it seemed so obvious that it would be offered in collaboration with a facility as amazing as the Geelong Arts Centre”.
Geelong Arts Centre CEO and Creative Director, Joel McGuinness agrees saying, “Our partnership with Oxygen College to deliver the Diploma of Musical Theatre represents a significant investment in nurturing and empowering the next generation of performing artists right here in Geelong. By providing access to top-tier training and educational opportunities, we are not only cultivating artistic excellence but also fostering a sense of belonging and pride in our local talent.”
The Diploma of Musical Theatre will begin in 2025, with auditions for places open from mid-2024.
To find out more or to express interest in applying head to the Oxygen College website.
Win: We’re giving away a $150 voucher to Miss M’s Lounge as part of Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival
From Friday 5 April to Sunday 28 April 2024, the Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival invites explorers to traverse its scenic landscapes, dotted across nine historic villages, each telling its own unique story of seasonal change.
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Partnering with local venues across the region, the festival’s calendar is bursting with over 50 events, including farmers markets brimming with fresh produce, artisan workshops, exclusive lunches, and wine tastings. Additionally they are hosting four trails for the adventurer to tackle including Australia’s largest Pie & Tart Trail, The Treasure Trail which uncovers eight hidden picnic spots, an education in sustainable food with the Edgy Veg Trail and the Tipples Trail for those wanting to trial the beverage offerings of the region.
To celebrate the festival’s diverse offerings and partnerships, we’re giving away a $150 voucher to Kyneton’s bespoke cocktail bar Miss M’s Lounge.
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2023 Golden Plate State Winner for Cocktail Bar / Cellar Door, Miss M’s Lounge is a lavish lounge and bar nestled in the Piper Street Precinct, boasting a mouth-watering menu of signature cocktails, wine and Spanish style tapas.
The competition will be running throughout the festival, with the voucher valid post-festival.
To be in the running, all you have to do is enter below by filling out your name and email.
By entering, you agree to receive marketing collateral from Forte and competition partners. For more info, check out our privacy policy.
Bendigo Engine Room tackles being alone with new theatre work
Bendigo Engine Room will spotlight the deep-rooted, community-shared, profound experience of disconnection this month through a new theatre presentation, a/lone.
Developed and devised by the Project Connect Ensemble, and written and directed by acclaimed Janine McKenzie, a/lone is a powerful, dynamic original production that explores the human condition with a unique blend of humour and pathos.
Show details
- Dates: 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Thursday 18 April 2024 | 11am, Friday 19 April 2024
- Where: Bendigo Engine Room, 3550/58 View Street, Bendigo 3550
- Tickets: Adult: $28.00, Concession $26.00
With shows across Thursday 18 April and Friday 19 April, a/lone combines physical, absurd and verbatim theatre techniques, featuring performances by Xavier McGettigan, Stacey Carmichael, and Emily Jacker-Lawrence. Designed by the talented Alard Pett and set to a poignant live original score from Sheshtin Honey, a/lone is promises an unforgettable experience of insight and connection.
A project developed through Geelong Art Centre‘s Creative Engine program where producer and performance Stacey Carmichael received two Ignition Grants, a/lone first saw its live premiere to sold-out audiences in the revitalised arts venue last year, earning it a showing at 2023 Edinburgh Fringe Festival to high praise.
Stay up to date with what’s happening within the region’s art scene here.
The timeless exploration of the aloneness, loneliness and disconnect resonated with audiences in this turbulent time, where 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely, 1 in 6 reporting severe levels of loneliness and 1 in 2 Australian surround the notion with embarrassment. a/lone aims to reshape the dialogue and eradicate the stigma.
Janine McKenzie says of the production, “Audiences will see themselves and people they love in the stories we tell. This performance resonates deeply and continues to stay with you long after you leave the theatre”.
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a/lone is part of the VCAA VCE Drama Playlist and will tour Victoria until June 2024. Having already performed at Geelong Clonard Collage, the production makes its way to Bendigo Engine Room, back to Geelong for a stint at Drysdale’s Potato Shed, and finishing at the iconic La Mama Theatre, Melbourne.
Tickets to the upcoming Bendigo Engine Show can be found here. All other information regarding a/lone and other ticketing options can be found here.
Rock Off MND Fundraising Gala to hit GMHBA Stadium
Returning for a third year is the annual Rock Off MND Gala Dinner.
Taking place at the President’s Room overlooking the newly refurbished GMHBA Stadium, Rock Off MND Gala Dinner will four hours of drinks, three-courses of fine dining and plenty of entertainment including raffles and auctions for only $180 per head.
Rock Off MND Fundraising Gala
- Saturday 11 May 2024 | 6.30PM
- President’s Room, GMHBA Stadium
- $180 per head includes a three-course dinner and four hours of complimentary beer, wine and bubbles.
Helping raise vital awareness and research funds for Motor Neurone Disease, Rock Off MND is a cause dear to the Geelong region, spawning from an annual music festival held at Geelong’s house of rock ‘n’ roll, The Barwon Club Hotel.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Rock Off MND was inspired by Jenny Simko after she was diagnosed with MND in August 2014. Jen was pivotal in leading the charge to finding a cure for the disease through live music events. Whilst Jen sadly passed away in November 2015 she was able to attend the first event to see her vision and legacy come to fruition.
The Gala Dinner on Saturday 11 May is a much classier affair than the BC days, but in true Rock Off MND fashion, the event would not be complete without the appearance of live music.
Two acts will grace the stage across the night; Mr Meaner, and Lisa Hanley.
Mr Meaner are bound by the music with the group of talented musicians coming together to play for the love of music and the live show. Their infectious party rock, dance and classic song repertoire is set to have the crowd going.
Lisa Hanley is an acoustic artists best known for serenading newly weds across the region. Her larger-than-life vocals are sure to echo across the stadium.
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Tickets to attend Rock Off MND Gala Dinner can be made here. If you cannot attend but would like to donate, click here
Capturing the Chris Isaak story
As the zoom window opens, Isaak appears on screen, his branded guitar pressed to his chest. Attentive, he takes immediate notice of my name.
“Tell me, has everybody been singing ‘Tammy’ to you your whole life?”
He takes vocal flight, “The ole hooty-owl hooty-hoo’s to the dove, Tammy, Tammy, Tammy’s in love.” His fingers dance silently, unconsciously across the guitar fretboard; an extension of his body.
The answer is yes. That namesake song from the 1960’s Sandra Dee and Debbie Reynolds starring movie series, Tammy and the Doctor, Tammy and the Bachelor, and so on, shadowed me my entire life, embarrassment overpowering the association, but the song echoing from Isaak’s lips evoked a sense of pride, and a hint of flush.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
“I met Debbie Reynolds. I saw her on a talk show in the United States and I passed her in the hallway and I said “Excuse me, Miss Reynolds, you did a really wonderful job on Tammy”. I said, “I thought your vocal on that was really beautiful”, and she looked at me like I was just another generic rock idiot and all of a sudden I looked not as dumb as I had before,” he recalls, his storytelling captivating.
It’s this effortless charm, this ability to immediately draw you in and drink every word that drips from his California-accented tongue, that has continued to capture the heart of audiences across the world. At 67 years old with 45 years of career flex behind him, Isaak has a lot of stories to tell.
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From his talk show host days to his stadium showstoppers, his acting cameos, and of course his time as a judge of Australia’s Got Talent, Isaak comes with a books of tales from his adventures. We venture beyond his fame for his second story, back to the hay-day.
“I used to work on farms throwing hay and I did that a lot. I was still throwing hay even after I was signed on my record deal and farmers would call me because I was a damn good worker. I was pretty strong with a strong back and, like a mule, I would work hard. A farmer hired me to clean out a field of weeds where he couldn’t get his tractor in and he wanted me to hoe it. He hired me and my buddy and he figured it would be a week’s work. I told my buddy, “Let’s not be here for a week. This is miserable. Let’s get it done TODAY!” and we did,” he laughs.
The tales roll on through his colourful career that has taken him into all corners of the world. Down Under, a land where Isaak has played over a whooping 120 shows, lived for a stint during his judging era and made a cultural mark playing the AFL Grand Final of 2015, Isaak speaks of his interesting encounters.
“When I was in Australia we did the Footy Show and it was these athletes talking about a game from four years ago or whenever and they would go, [mocks an Australian accent], “he pulled his hammy and had to go see the physie” and I’m like “Hammy?”, “Physie?”. You shorten everything!”
That’s just a snippet of his time spent with different species in Australia. Stacking up against the six-foot six-packed athletes is nothing compared to his dealings with other creatures.
“Australia does have something though – they have bugs that I go “Oh My God”. There was a spider in Australia that I saw – we have tarantulas in California but there was one in Australia at this party and I said “Oh my god, there’s a huge tarantula in the room” and [the homeowner] put a wine glass over it and tried to pick it up with a piece of paper and take it outside instead of kill it. When she put the wine glass over it, it was so big it kept kicking the wine glass over. That’s big – that’s a big spider,” he laughs.
Alas, it does not deter him from jetting across the Pacific again. He is brimming with excitement speaking of his upcoming tour and stop into A Day On The Green for his In Concert series, beginning tonight in Perth.
“I love being in Australia – people always ask me where is your favourite place to play? Well any time the audience is smiling or in a good mood; you can be playing in a gravel pit but if the audience is good, it’s going to be a fun day. But I have to say my favourite place is Australia,” he continues.
“Imagine California in the 60’s, and that’s a good thing to imagine because when I grew up California was not many people, everybody was laidback, plentiful food, great sunshine and cool beaches, and that’s what Australia is to me. It’s mecca.”
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After 120 shows, Isaak still keeps the live setting interesting for his fans. If you’ve seen Isaak once, you have to see him again because you never know what will turn up in his setlist.
“The show changes a little bit every time and it also changes [depending] on what people want to do that day. If the audience is listening to more ballads, I’ll play more ballads. If they want to listen to rock ‘n’ roll, I’ll play rock ‘n’ roll. I expect a good time. We’ve never had a bad time in Australia,” he admits.
“Hopefully when we come back the people won’t remember all of the jokes.”
The streak will keep going this Saturday night down at Mt Duneed Estate where Isaak returns to a field, only this time there will be no hay hauling.
Tickets to see the legend along with Boy & Bear, Linda and Vika, Ella Hooper and The Mojo Corner are still on sale via the A Day On The Green website
Khruangbin weaves subtlety into psychedelia with grace on ‘A LA SALA’
In the realm of instrumental neo-psych, Khruangbin undeniably reign as leaders. Their first two releases, The Universe Smiles Upon You and Con Todo El Mundo, stood as giants within the modern psych scene, establishing the Texan-based trio’s meticulous craftsmanship and predominantly instrumental, Latin-inspired melodies as outliers among their peers.
However, subsequent releases such as Mordechai and Ali fell somewhat short, with the group trading their fluid, jam-like nature for a more minimalist approach that lacked the genre-bending magic of earlier work like ‘Lady and Man’ and ‘People Everywhere’.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
A LA SALA, a follow-up that’s released under immense expectation. While it does undoubtedly showcase the tight interplay and alluring marriage of virtuosity and psych-pop that the group have become renowned for, it once again lacks the distinct fluidity, genre progression, and unpredictability that characterised their earlier material.
Technically, Khruangbin will never disappoint. Their unmatched musical prowess is hard to criticise, and listeners will undoubtedly still find solace in the group’s signature, easy-listening, wistful ambience in tracks like ‘Ada Jean,’ ‘Pon Pón,’ and ‘Hold Me Up (Thank You).’
But for the most part, A LA SALA tends to lean too heavily into its subtleties, leaving many songs feeling somewhat lacklustre, rudimentary and aimless compared to the group’s previous work.
As a whole, A LA SALA might be better described as a cinematic score rather than the eagerly awaited sequel longed for by fans.
Khruangbin are releasing their eagerly anticipated album A LA SALA on Friday 5 April via Dead Oceans.
Andrea Robertson’s Ode to the ‘Seasons’
This ambitious project, spanning four EPs coinciding with autumn, winter, spring, and summer, has now culminated in an album that marks a significant milestone in Robertson’s catalogue.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The journey begins with ‘Seasons Volume 1’, where Robertson sets the tone with three exquisite tracks coated in a golden warmth and promising to light a bright fire within. ‘All That Glitters’ features gentle acoustics and eloquent vocals that weave a tale of introspection and renewal, while ‘More Than Ever’ and the tender ‘Seasons’ delve deeper into Robertson’s soul-stirring lyricism, capturing the essence of autumn’s fleeting beauty with each note.
As the seasons progress, so does Robertson’s sonic narrative. ‘Seasons Volume 2’ embraces the cool tranquillity of winter with melancholic tracks like ‘If You Don’t Say You Love Me’, ‘Communicate’ and ‘Nobody Knows’. Here, Robertson’s emotive vocals intertwine with irresistible bluesy acoustic guitar, hypnotic percussion and warm brass, creating a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.
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With the arrival of spring comes ‘Seasons Volume 3’, where Robertson’s music blossoms with newfound energy and optimism. From the poignant reflections of ‘Blue Morning Light’, the soulful groove of ‘Better Days’ and the electrifying rock number ‘The Right Side Of Bed’, each track is a testament to Robertson’s versatility as both a musician and a storyteller.
Finally, ‘Seasons Volume 4’ brings the series to a summery crescendo with three new tracks that capture the essence of the season. Robertson invites listeners to embrace the joy of living in the moment with the laid-back vibes of ‘You Ain’t No Good’ to the utterly infectious rhythm of ‘Get You Moving’ featuring Benjamin IQ Sanders, and the bluesy-soft rock spell of ‘Wasting Time’.
Robertson’s magnum opus, the 12-track album is a celebration of resilience, creativity, and the enduring power of music. From the laid-back vibes of summer to the raw emotion of autumn, Robertson’s artistry shines brightly on Seasons: The Complete Series, weaving together elements of blues, folk, rock, and alt-country to create a musical mosaic that is as captivating as it is diverse.
Andrea Robertson Seasons: The Complete Series is out now. Find out more about Andrea Robertson here
Ella Hooper: A Small Town Heroine Taking Centre Stage at A Day on the Green
As platinum-selling sensation Chris Isaak headlines A Day on the Green, another luminary prepares to grace the stage: the inimitable Ella Hooper.
Renowned for her indelible mark on the Australian music scene, Hooper’s upcoming performance promises to be a poignant intersection of past triumphs and future aspirations. With the weight of anticipation hanging in the air, Hooper reflects on the magnitude of the moment. “I’m good!” she exclaims, her voice betraying a hint of exhaustion tempered by excitement. “It’s been a big start to the year so it’s all good, but I’m just going fast, fast, fast.”
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
As she prepares to share the stage with Chris Isaak, Hooper’s admiration for the legendary crooner is palpable. “I remember seeing… a film clip when I was a little kid of Chris Isaak, it was probably ‘Wicked Game’ where he walking along the beach with Helena Christensen,” she reminisces. “And I thought, ‘wow, that’s the coolest. That’s the coolest guy singing the coolest song so I can’t quite believe it.”
For Hooper, the allure of events like A Day on the Green lies in their ability to transport audiences to a realm of serenity and splendour. “I’m a huge fan of A Day on the Green,” she enthuses. “My dream gig always involves a really nice environment… sipping a nice wine and listening to iconic, incredible, classic music, so this is actually my dream gig.”
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“I’ve got good memories from A Day on the Green actually,” Hooper says, “many, many years ago, when we supported Fleetwood Mac, and it was just incredible. It was one of the best gigs of my life because of all those things: the incredible music and the rolling hills and people just enjoying themselves. When you’re too old for the mosh pit you want to enjoy the enjoy the view,” she laughs.
Yet amidst the grandeur of outdoor venues, Hooper remains grounded, attuned to the nuances of her craft. “We think about what songs work best in that format and what songs people going to want to hear before they hear a lot of other incredible music,” she explains. “Sometimes you take out the long and winding indulgent tracks that which are better for your club shows where people are coming just to see you. When you’re the support act… it’s good to keep it a bit more, like just getting ready music, almost like you’re getting the crowd ready.”
With her upcoming performance, where she’ll perform with just two others on stage, Hooper plans to introduce new elements to her set, including the addition of a violin. “It’s going to be a really, really fun touch to our set,” she shares. “So there’ll be some fiddles and keys, electric guitar and maybe some mandolin… it’s a bit of a folk rock sort of mix.”
Hooper’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the already star-studded lineup, with her journey in the music industry being nothing short of extraordinary. Bursting onto the scene as a teenager, Hooper quickly made her mark with Killing Heidi, scoring a number one single on her 17th birthday and becoming the first woman to be awarded APRA’s Songwriter of the Year at just 18. Her debut album, Reflector, soared to the top of the charts, winning four ARIA Awards and achieving platinum status multiple times over.
But Hooper’s story doesn’t stop there. After three successful albums with Killing Heidi, she embarked on a solo career, showcasing her deeply personal songwriting with her latest album, Small Town Temple.
Written in her hometown of Violet Town, the album continues to resonate deeply with listeners, much to Hooper’s amazement and gratitude. “To have something so personal connect on such a broad scale is beyond words,” she says, acknowledging the paradoxical universality of personal narratives. The album, lauded for its intimate storytelling and acoustic warmth, marks a significant departure from her previous work, delving into themes of family, community, and self-discovery.
Songs like the title track, ‘Long Gully Road’, and ‘Grow Wild’ stand out as personal anthems, each encapsulating different facets of Hooper’s experiences and relationships. These tracks not only underscore the album’s emotional landscape but also signal a new chapter in her solo career, characterised by a more organic, acoustic-driven sound. “It’s been about moving into more traditional instrumentation and even more sort of sonically old fashioned,” Hooper explains, “I’m going to try and keep going in that direction and I’m hoping to get horns and strings and things like that in there as well.”
Alongside the release 2023 marked a pivotal year for Hooper, characterised by an intensive touring schedule that showcased her versatility as a performer. Whether commanding the stage solo or electrifying audiences with her band, her commitment to live performance has never been more palpable. “Releasing Small Town Temple last year was a catalyst,” Hooper reflects, “I wanted to tour it as much as I could, in ways I hadn’t before. It’s been incredible and so developmental already with these incredible support slots. So I feel like you know, all the seeds that I ran around planting like crazy are now starting to bloom. So I’m going to keep touring, but I have to find time to write to make another album as well.”
The allure of live performance, as Hooper describes, lies in its immediacy and the tangible connection with audiences. “It’s about the variety,” she says, “switching from the introspection of the studio to the expansiveness of the road.” This dynamism is not just a professional requirement but a personal craving, a cycle that oscillates between creation and sharing, solitude and exposure.
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As she contemplates the evolution of her solo career, Hooper acknowledges the challenges of carving out her own path. “Sometimes when you are an artist, and your sound and your very own voice is your product… you’re quite sensitive to the ups and downs of it,” she muses.
Yet amidst the highs and lows, Hooper finds solace and fulfillment in the art of storytelling through music. “My job as a songwriter is to keep an eye on the inner world and give it a voice,” she reflects. “But then as someone who wants to share it… what am I doing with it?”
As she looks ahead to her upcoming performances with Chris Isaak and James Taylor later this month, Hooper remains grounded, focused on the present moment and the opportunity to connect with audiences through her music. “Just make sure everyone comes down,” she laughs. “This is definitely not one not to miss.”
A Day On The Green with Chris Isaak and special guests Boy & Bear, Vika & Linda, Ella Hooper and The Mojo Corner heads to Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong on Saturday 6 April. Get your tickets here.
Discover Ocean Grove’s beachside gem Dawn Café – where good food meets coastal charm
With a love for the Bellarine, owners Sean Minter & Kirsten Baker stumbled upon this tired little gem while heading to the Collendina (Ocean Grove Hotel) one day.
It was love at first sight. Opposite the beach and heaps of parking, what more could you want? They discovered the business was for sale, snagged it, and in late 2022, they unlocked the doors after a stunning revamp, making it a little brighter and more welcoming just two days post-Christmas.
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
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Since then, Dawn Cafe has become a hit with the Collendina community. People were craving something fresh and new, and Dawn delivered.
Here, the Dawn crew is all about giving you top-notch service with a smile. They want you to kick back, put your feet up, and let them handle your caffeine and baked goods cravings.
Now, let’s talk food. If you’re after the ultimate egg and bacon roll this side of the coast, Dawn’s got your back. And if that’s not your jam, no worries. They’ve got a lineup that’ll make your taste buds dance, from crunchy granola and French toast to sautéed greens and the crowd-pleaser, avo on toast.
Their menu boasts a market fruits platter, perfect for sharing, complete with seasonal fruits, berries, and their homemade granola on the side. Ideal for a post-beach swim snack.
For lunch, the fish tacos are a hit, as are the pork belly toastie with pineapple chilli jam and the roast pumpkin bowl – all seriously yum.
Fresh bread and pastries roll in daily from Noisette (psst, their cinnamon scrolls are divine). And for those with a sweet tooth, they’ve got cakes from Little Bertha that’ll hit the spot. Pair those treats with coffee from Melbourne’s own Code Black Coffee Roasters, and you’re in for a treat.
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Their shop front is a treasure trove, stocked with goodies from local and national suppliers, think soaps, sauces, chilli oils, candles, sardines, corn chips – you name it. There’s always something new on the retail tables, so it’s worth popping in regularly to see what’s up.
So, if you’re beach-bound and craving some good grub, head to Dawn Cafe. You won’t be disappointed.
Dawn Cafe is located at 131 Ocean Trwy, Ocean Grove and open 7 Days, 7 am – 3 pm.
Country superstar, Chris Stapleton, announces tour of Australia in New Zealand
Pour a Tennessee Whiskey, acclaimed country superstar Chris Stapleton is heading down under for the first time, today announcing the Chris Stapleton’s All-American Roadshow Goes Down Under tour.
The 10x Grammy, 15x CMA and 10x ACM Award-winner will hit down in Australia on Tuesday 25 February, starting his dates at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, followed by Brisbane Entertainment Centre on 28 February and on to Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on 4 March. He’ll be off to New Zealand soon after to play Auckland’s Spark Arena on Friday 7 March.
Chris Stapleton Tour Dates
- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne | Tuesday 25 February
- Brisbane Entertainment Centre | Friday 28 February
- Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney | Tuesday 4 March
- Spark Arena, Auckland | Friday 7 March
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One of the United States’ most respected and beloved musicians, Stapleton has had a huge start to the year. Stapleton recently won two awards at the 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song (both for his #1 song, ‘White Horse’). The awards kept rolling in as he was also named Entertainer of the Year at last year’s 58th ACM Awards, resulting in a prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award, and was named Male Vocalist of the Year for the seventh time at the 57th CMA Awards this past fall, breaking his own record for most wins ever in the category. Additionally, he performed the National Anthem at 2023’s Super Bowl LVII.
On this tour, Stapleton not only brings with him his latest offering, acclaimed fifth studio album Higher, but also another music legend, Grammy nominated blues rocker, Marcus King.
Vodafone customers can secure tickets during a pre-sale commencing Tuesday 9 April at 10am, concluding on Thursday 11 April at 10am. Head to Vodafone.com.au/ticket
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Australia starting from Tuesday 9 April, 10am until Thursday 11 April, 10am. Preferred ticket access is available to Mastercard cardholders in Australia on Friday 12 April, from 11am. Visit www.priceless.com/music to find out more.
A Live Nation pre-sale commences on Thursday 11 April at 11am, running until Friday 12 April at 10am. General public tickets will go on sale on Friday 12 April at 11am. For more information head to livenation.com.au.
Beans’ ‘Boots N Cats’ is a psychedelic journey through the heart of modern rock
This assertion might appear ambitious, given the fact that they are only three albums deep and less than a decade into their tenure. But on Boots N Cats, Beans have well and truly grown into their velvet flares, delivering an experimental album that feels like deep cuts straight out of the 60s and 70s psychedelic rock explosion.
An intricate, percussion-driven release that’s instrumental at heart, Boots N Cats sees Beans meld elements of psych rock, groove, blues and more. Honestly, if I had to list every style that the group dabbles with throughout this release, I’d be listing more genres than the CD section at JB Hi-Fi.
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The aptly titled opener ‘Groove’ toys with elements of neo-psych and kraut rock, while also maintaining motorik krautrock rhythms. ‘Kookaburra’ combines Deep Purple grandeur with early Status Quo-infused psychedelia, while ‘Calling’ maintains a sneaky swagger in its rhythms – evoking the imagery of a cat burglar in a 60s movie while listening to it.
Other moments see the group experiment with unrelenting drum fills (‘One To Four’, ‘Silhouette’), influences of Zamrock fusion (‘Siamese Blundstone’), and melancholic dissonance (‘Haunted’, ‘Dreaming Daisy’).
Boots N Cats really is, from beginning to end, a trip, and one that’ll continue to firmly distinguish Beans’ incomparable flavour amongst the modern psych-rock scene.
Boots N Cats is out now on Fuzz Club Records.