Matt Glass

Crackling with wit and infectious melody – Melbourne’s smouldering, cool, inner-urban contemporary folk savant, Matt Glass is a craftsman: writer, performer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Sparkling with hooky exuberance in his new EP, Slow Fireworks, a mission statement of Glass’s inner-city, pop-folk sensibility, his songs are unique in their impressionistic style – warm-hearted and infectiously catchy snapshots of time, place, and feeling. Glass explores the complex landscape of contemporary relationships – writing from personal experiences as a father, son, lover and friend. Often brutally honest, non-romanticised little fragments of modern Melbourne life, Glass draws in the listener with strong urban-Australian, chill-folk mastery.

In Slow Fireworks, Glass has fused traditional folk hooks with contemporary beats, creating a unique – yet readily accessible – sonic landscape. At times reminiscent of the genre-hopping folk wisdom of David Gray, Slow Fireworks was birthed during the bleak Melbourne winter lockdown of 2020, collaborating with producer Myles Mumford, who pitched in with the recording, mixing and drum programming. Glass is virtuosic, playing every instrument on the EP.

Raised in East Gippsland, hippy parents nursed Glass on a steady diet of folk and roots genius from the 70s and 80s – Joni Mitchell, Bob Marley, Phoebe Snow, Melanie Safka. Glass’ musical DNA is woven into the protest songs and emotional landscapes of the era as well as the grooves and roots of Africa. For a period of his childhood, he grew up in Zimbabwe, cradled by locals as his parents taught as part of a community development project. “I suppose I’ve always felt like I carry a bit of that perspective,” says Glass of his childhood in Africa and country Victoria. “I see myself very much as part of Melbourne. Even though I’ve lived in Queensland and New Zealand as a young man – my heart is here. But I see my city sometimes as a bit of an outsider – as someone who grew up in the country, I’m deeply aware of how unique and special my city is. But having lived in Africa for a significant time, I’m also very conscious of the privilege associated with being a white Australian male.”

Having won the prestigious Roddy Read Songwriting Award at the Maldon Folk Festival in 2019, Glass is proud to launch his new EP. Undoubtedly, this bright, sensual, talented new folk star will win hearts and minds along the way.

https://www.mattglass.com.au

Ella Hooper, David Western

Ella Hooper was still a teenager when she burst onto the Australian music scene – Unearthed by Triple J when she was just 13, Ella scored her first number one with the single ‘Mascara’ on her 17th birthday. And at 18, she became the first woman to be awarded APRA’s Songwriter of the Year.

After releasing three hit albums with Killing Heidi, Ella embarked on a solo career. Her forthcoming album, Small Town Temple – written in her hometown of Violet Town – has been hailed as a new beginning, showcasing Ella’s deeply personal songwriting.

After a multitude of gold and platinum records and four ARIA Awards, Ella remains committed to her craft.

As she sings on Small Town Temple: “Still strong, still on a mission.”

Support act: Born and raised in the shadows of the Grampians, David M Western grew up with no one around for miles with music shaping his view of the world, humour and perspective. Mixing alt-country, indie and folk, his songs are introverted anthems set to take you through a whirlwind of emotions and nostalgia, likened to Wilco, Father John Misty, Waxahatchee and Blake Mills.

Sharing his music with the world since 2015 David is a proficient guitarist and accomplished songwriter and supported the likes of fellow Aussie greats Julia Jacklin, Spacey Jane, Gabriella Cohen and Asha Jeffries among others.

Now living in Melbourne Australia, he is what many consider to be the artists’ artist. He has built a dedicated cult following with his earnest interrogations of the mundane, the unusual, the tragic and the beautiful. Bringing his full 5-piece band on tour, his live show is captivating as it is sobering, cementing him as a frontrunner for the most intriguing indie folk artist of the year.

Harry Manx

Canadian Harry Manx has been one of the most successful international touring musicians ever to grace stages in Australia, performing at Byron Bay Bluesfest, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Caloundra Music Festival and Woodford as well as shows all over the country. This deeply original multi-instrumentalist has entertained audiences in more than 10 extensive tours since 2001.

The explanation for this is simple. Harry has created his own genre of music, often referred to as the ‘Mystissippi Blues’. His mesmerizing sound is an organic fusion of eastern musical traditions with the Blues. The result is an expressive, moving and unforgettable new world. His unique toolbox is a fascinating range of conventional acoustic and electric guitars, banjo, harmonica, stomp box, and the Mohan Veena, created by Harry’s Indian mentor Vishwa Mohan Bhatt. His award-winning songs create musical short stories that wed the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas.

A worldwide festival favorite, Harry’s 15 albums and ceaseless touring have seen him earn a slew of Maple Leaf, Juno and Canadian Folk Awards, nominations, and accolades from musicians and fans alike.

Illy

Leaning into the unknown and embracing new sonic inspirations has long been a source of fuel for multi-Platinum selling artist, ILLY.

His versatility as a songwriter and performer has seen the artist grow from Australian hip hop champion, through to one of the country’s most in-demand and dynamic pop artists today.That crossover success established ILLY as one of Australian hip hop’s integral triumphs; along with the Hilltop Hoods, bringing the genre to widespread–and maintained–mainstream success.

The music ILLY creates today is done so with reinvigorated confidence for the craft. Recent writing sessions with DMA’S songwriter Johnny Took and Peking Duk’s Reuben Styles have birthed ‘Like You’–the first new piece of music from ILLY to break open his forth coming seventh studio album. The single, buoyed by vocal harmonies layered over a slick pairing of EDM and a driving acoustic guitar, never loses its sense of self-awareness or fun.

With a new ILLY record on the horizon, this story continues; driven by new inspirations and that pure instinct that has only seen him go from strength to strength, time will tell just how far this next era will take him.

Sitar Recital by Sahana Banerjee, with Mayookh Bhaumik on Tabla

Featuring two visiting artists from India who are among the brightest young talents on the Hindustani classical music scene – Sahana Banerjee on Sitar and Mayookh Bhaumik on Tabla.

Born into a family with a rich musical heritage, Sahana was recognised as a child musical prodigy. She undertook training in the Rampur Senia Gharana, a lineage tracing back to the legendary Tansen. Today, she is reckoned amongst the front-ranking, iconic Sitarists of India. Her dedication and hard work have led to her wielding an exceptional command over technicalities of Sitar playing. But combined with her deeply spiritual outlook towards music, her performances have unerringly touched the hearts of audiences across the globe. Here is a sample of her music. https://youtu.be/tw13VQXXPkQ

Mayookh is an Indian classical tabla virtuoso, an electronic sound artist as well as a National Award winning film composer. This New York born, bi-cultural global concert artist has performed with the likes of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan to Jazz heavyweights like Oteil Burbridge. He has received training from iconic Tabla masters such as Ustad Zakir Hussain and Ustad Sabir Khan. Here is a sample of his mastery.
https://youtu.be/NGbhMN2o4kM

Sabyasachi (Rahul) Bhattacharya is an exponent of the 19 string North Indian classical instrument known as the sarod. Starting with classical vocal music training from the age of 5 he received advanced musical training in his home town of Varanasi, an ancient seat of Indian Classical Music and Dance, before receiving  training on sarod from legendary sarod maestro Padma Vibhushan Ustad Amjad Ali Khan in New Delhi. He has further enhanced his musical training by receiving ongoing guidance from sitar maestros Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan and Pandit Sugato Nag.

Confetti Western, Floc, Gbomm

Bella Deer, Nick Harris, Lucy Lorenne & The Early Birds

Performing in regional Victoria has provided some of the most memorable performance experiences, and Ballarat has been no exception over the years. This spring, Bella Deer embarks on her regional tour to promote her debut single Bloom. She will be joined by Ballarat based and fellow pianist and performer Nick Harris and Lucy Lorenne & The Early Birds.

Stepping into 2022 with her debut single ‘Bloom’, Bella Deer introduces herself to audiences with confidence that is instantly evident when her music is transferred to the live space. A seasoned musician and performer, Bella Deer (the creative moniker of Isabella Losi) finds her natural rhythm in connecting music with people – the feeling of resonance extending from the stage to audience with ease.

Weaving stunning vocals with intimate and open songwriting, Bella Deer’s music arrives as a breath of fresh air. The Geelong-based artist matches a natural storytelling skill with emotive and expansive sonic production; her music a perfect fit for fans of HAIM, Caroline Polachek and Weyes Blood.

Bella Deer has already accumulated an impressive performance history, cutting her teeth on Australian stages with the likes of Husky Gawenda, Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, Thando and more; sharing her dynamism as a performer with some of the country’s strongest and diverse songwriters and performers.

With her new music set to bring her further into a spotlight of her own, Bella Deer anticipates a new era of her artistry that is marked by heartfelt compositions and an unshakeable ambition to share her sounds with audiences widespread across the country.

A Nightmare on Field Street – Halloween Party (Lineup TBC)

Spooky season is nearly upon us, and as is tradition in the venue we are throwing a massive Halloween party, with ” A Nightmare On Field Street” edition!

The venue will be fully transformed into a house of horrors, so we encourage you to dress up as well! There will be Halloween treats for people who are dressed up as well!

The line up will be announced shortly so keep an eye out for that! Tickets are now available, so don’t miss out on this huge party!

Alex Leahy – ‘Congratulations’ Tour

Alex Lahey is celebrating the release of her highly anticipated single Congratulations with run of dates surely to please her fans. 2022 has seen Alex touring extensively, with headline shows across  US and she will be returning straight from a string of headline and festival dates in the UK and Germany.

Pub Choir

Pub Choir makes magic out of bloody average voices. Just ask our close personal friends, Mariah (Carey) or Kate (Bush). We’ll never kick you out of Pub Choir for singing terribly, it’s not that sort of choir! Instead, you’ll laugh, joke, and possibly slurp your way to choral glory as you learn one song in 3-part harmony with hundreds of happy strangers.

This November, Pub Choir is heading around the nation for our UNCLENCHED tour. Be it fists, jaws, minds, or butts, we want you to let the tension go for a night. Led by the human firecracker, Astrid Jorgensen, you’ll be transformed from a regular punter into a musical legend, just by turning up and participating in the show. Grab a ticket, bring your most solid (or liquid) mates, and we’ll do the rest.

Illy with Special Guests (TBC)

Surprise Chef

Surprise Chef are Melbourne’s cinematic soul journeymen, pushing vivid shades of instrumental jazz-funk with a DIY  mentality. The centrepiece of their self-run College Of Knowledge Records roster, Surprise Chef’s output reflects a meticulous  education of 1970’s soul, touching on the legacies of composer/producers David Axelrod & Isaac Hayes, with cues also  taken from the catalogues of Daptone and Truth & Soul.

Their debut LP All News Is Good News slipped rapidly into the collective consciousness of underground music lovers  around the world, with the first pressing selling out worldwide within a week of its release. Following the release on  College Of Knowledge Records, the record was quickly picked up for reissue by iconic UK label Mr Bongo.

Surprise Chef follow All News Is Good News in quick succession with their second album Daylight Savings, consolidating  their deep cinematic instrumental soul sound. Surprise Chef’s live show is an odyssey through dark landscapes of analogue synth-laden funk and left-field library music esque scenes; a flowing, linear puzzle of vivid minor-key expressions.

Seaforth with Special Guests (TBC)

Seaforth About Time Australian 2022 Tour

• November 1 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
• November 2 – The Espy, Melbourne
• November 3 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
• November 5 – Anu Kambri, Canberra
• November 7 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
• November 8 – Factory Theatre, Sydney

Chillinit, Support TBC

Chillinit – Torquay Hotel – Sunday Session – Melbourne Cup Weekend

Doors will open at the early time of 7.30

Following his blockbuster sold-out ‘One Night Only’ Tour and headlining the Mix Up Tent at Splendour in the Grass, Chillinit is back with ‘The Big Daddy Tour’ – performing his final shows of the year before embarking on fatherhood for the first time.

Taking to the stage across a selection of regional centres including Torquay, Townsville and Albury, as well as a very special Cup Eve show at one of Melbourne’s most celebrated live venues – the Espy.
In the three years since his ARIA Gold accredited debut album, ChillinIt has morphed from an underground sensation to a household name, accumulating in excess of 300 million streams and a bevy of gold, platinum and double platinum singles.  Over in the UK, he is the first and only Australian to appear on Charlie Sloth’s famed Fire In The Booth series, whilst also going viral on international tastemaker channels JDZmedia and SBTV.

You Am I

You Am I are without doubt one of Australia’s all-time essential rock n’ roll bands.

More than two decades on from their first album release, You Am I have not only had one of the longest and most successful recording careers in Australia, but are also without doubt one of our most loved live bands. 2020’s Lives Of Others debuted at #2 in the ARIA charts, 31 ARIA nominations with 10 wins, 3 #1 records, 2 Platinum and 3 gold records, 5631 shows and 4 very close band members with rock and roll to burn can’t be denied their place as Australian Rock Royalty.

WIN! We’re giving away tickets to new Hanging Rock festival Spring Bliss

Presented by the festival team behind Gathering of the Goddesses and Gathering of the Kindred Spirits, Spring Bliss is an all-ages, all-day wellbeing music festival.

Taking place at the stunning Hanging Rock, one of Australia’s most iconic live music venues, on November 5 2022, Spring Bliss promises to be a gorgeous day of live music, markets, workshops, demonstrations and local food and wine within the intimate setting in the Macedon Ranges.

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

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Spring Bliss Festival (@springbliss_festival)

On the music front, punters can expect divine sounds from Melbourne indie folk-roots duo Pierce Brothers; award-winning musician, dancer, director and proud Djab Wurrung/Gunditj Mara and Ngarrindjeri man Amos Roach; and Thndo (fka Thando), the widely loved Zimbabwean-born ‘First Lady of Soul and R&B’.

Comprising of twin brothers Jack and Pat Pierce, the Pierce Brothers have come a long way from busking on the streets of Melbourne. For years, the brothers were a staple of Bourke Street until their breakout EP The Night Tree in 2014 saw them pack out stages in some of the state’s most iconic venues including The Corner Hotel and the Forum. Since then they’ve toured extensively across Europe and the U.S, and have become synonymous with the Melbourne music scene with credit to their irresistible energy and world-class live show.

Alongside the infectious energy of the Pierce Brothers, Amos Roach who will perform with a small orchestra and dancers doing the six seasons of Gariwerd, Ancient Kulin Nations songs with a contemporary twist. Amos – who is also Archie Roach’s son – has been playing keyboard, guitar, bass and Yidaki since he was eight, and is acknowledged as one of Australia’s best Yidaki players. He uses traditional instruments, songs, music and dance to tell stories of Songlines, Family and Country and aims to bring traditional instruments into the mainstream canon.

The Australian music scene is no stranger to Thndo. Commanding massive crowds at festivals such as Bluesfest, WOMAdelaide, Groovin The Moo, BigSound, Jungle Love and Woodford Folk Festival, her recent sold out shows at Chapel Off Chapel have stunned audiences to a point of standing ovation; rave reviews following in their wake. Every performance is a statement – a triumph of powerful lyricism, rich-ranged vocals and smooth backing instrumentation – turning onward the wheel of live music, show by show.

Alongside these headline acts, Spring Bliss will also feature local trio Elevated Plains, DJ Spanning Time, upcoming artists Zac Scheen and Whisp, hip hop dancers, Bluehouse Duo, and the Kyneton Open Mic winner.

Elsewhere at the festival, punters will find yoga, breathwork and vocal workshops; permaculture and chi gong demonstrations; a clothing swap; a kids chill zone with face painting, craft activities, and storytelling; hip hop dancing; health and wellbeing market stalls; craft and face painting stalls; as well as local food and beverage producers and a Spring Bliss bar with bubbles and more local food and drink.

To celebrate the forthcoming Spring Bliss festival at the beautiful Hanging Rock this November, we’ve teamed up with the day festival for a pretty neat giveaway, offering two family passes (Two Adults, Two Kids under 15 each) to some lucky readers.  To be in the running, all you have to do is enter your name and email address below.

The competition closes Monday, October 24 at 6pm and winners will be notified by email. By entering, you agree to receive marketing collateral from Forte and competition partners. For more info, check out our privacy policy. Entrants must be aged 18+. 

Find out more about Spring Bliss Festival here. 

Casey Donovan: The Bluesday Tour

Over the last 17 years since winning Australian Idol at the age of 16, Casey Donovan has cemented her place as one of Australia’s most versatile iconic women of the stage and screen.

Due to popular demand Casey will be taking her online BluesDay Tuesday sessions on tour, bringing her powerful presence and voice to the stage in a series of intimate and personal shows performing her fans’ most favourite requested songs of all time such as ‘Both Sides Now’, ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’, ‘You’ve Got A Friend’, ‘Hallalujah’, ‘Valerie’, ‘Burn’ and more.

Just as BluesDay Tuesday on Facebook Live, Casey invites you to suggest songs for the concert online, prior to the performance further adding to the connected experience between artist and audience*.

“BluesDay is a show that uses music for healing, thought, interaction, distraction and storytelling whether it be my music or someone else’s. I wanted to make this show interactive like it is online, so after you purchase a ticket you can follow the link to suggest a song to be performed at that very show! How exciting is that?!”
– Casey Donovan

For those wanting an even more personal experience, the VIP experience includes one ticket to Casey Donovan – BluesDay On Tour PLUS a live 15 minute zoom session with Casey herself the following Tuesday evening, before her Facebook Live BluesDay Tuesday.

Colin Hay – Solo Tour