Festival News

MELBOURNE, Feb 10, 2021 – Coopers Brewery and Live Nation are today excited to announce the next round of artists to feature in the popular Live, Loud and Local gig series by today adding Client Liaison (Melbourne), Baker Boy (Melbourne), and Birds of Tokyo (Perth).

On Thursday March 11 new jack swingers Client Liaison bring their multisensory experience to Melbourne’s The Tote. Then on Thursday March 18 Baker Boy, the fresh new prince of Arnhem Land, performs at Melbourne’s The Curtin. And finally, on Sunday April 11 local legends Birds of Tokyo will rock Perth’s Hotel Rottnest with a show not to be missed.

About Client Liaison: Given their shared appreciation for storytelling and dignified belief in the Australian identity, Harvey Miller and Monte Morgan naturally found themselves writing music together. From the studio to the top end of town, Client Liaison’s sound plays out like a long lunch followed by a round of cocktails. Describing their sonic palate as ‘dance electric’ and ‘pop ballad’, this multisensory experience will feed any listeners’ appetite. International in flavour, cosmopolitan in style – put it on the company card. Too much is never enough. Think nothing. Feel everything. Pleasure is good. Fantasy is truth. Experience Client Liaison.

About Baker Boy: Born in Darwin and raised in the remote Northern Territory communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida, Danzal Baker aka Baker Boy is the freshest new hip-hop talent to emerge from Australia. Young, strong and proud Baker Boy raps in English and Yolngu Matha language representing his Arnhem Land family.

His totem is the Olive Python, his moiety is Dhuwa and his skin is Burralung/Gela boy. Baker Boy is a multidisciplinary talent working across rap, dance and acting. He hopes to inspire younger generations to embrace their culture and become leaders in their communities.

About Birds of Tokyo: Formed in Perth back in 2004, Birds of Tokyo have grown from independent roots to become one of Australia’s most popular contemporary rock bands. Songs like “Good Lord”, “Two Of Us”, “Plans”, “Lanterns”, “Brace” and “I’d Go With You Anywhere” have all been top 10 airplay hits and have lead to appearances at every major festival in this country including Falls, Splendour In The Grass and Groovin’ The Moo, as well as headlining slots at the AFL Grand Final and NRL’s flagship State of Origin game.

Each event will be produced by Coopers, in partnership with Live Nation.

For more information on the Live, Loud and Local tour go to: www.cooperslocal.com.au

COOPERS LIVE, LOUD AND LOCAL

Perth – Crooked Colours – January 17, 2021 – Hotel Rottnest
Sydney – The Rubens – February 3, 2021 – Selina’s, Coogee Bay Hotel
Adelaide – Bad//Dreems – February 19, 2021 – The Bridgeway Hotel (on-sale now)
Brisbane – Ball Park Music – March 3, 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall (sold out)
Melbourne – Client Liaison – March 11, 2021 – The Tote (new show)
Melbourne – Baker Boy – March 18, 2021 – The Curtin (new show)
Perth – Birds of Tokyo – April 11, 2021 – Hotel Rottnest (new show)

Tickets for Client Liaison, Baker Boy and Birds of Tokyo are all on-sale Friday Feb 12 @ 12pm (local time) – go to  www.cooperslocal.com.au for all tickets and info.

The Live, Loud and Local series aims to support Australia’s hospitality and entertainment industries as well as the local communities hit hard by COVID-19 and related social gathering restrictions.

Melanie Cooper, Coopers Brewery Director and fifth generation family member, said the brewery wanted to build on the momentum generated by its initial Live, Loud and Local series which became Australia’s biggest virtual pub experience during the national lockdown.

“Our first series was all about bringing the pub experience into Australian lounge rooms so patrons stuck at home could still enjoy a night out on the couch,” Mel said.

“Now we want to help bring great Australian live music back to the stage and encourage people off the couch and into their local pub.

“It’s been a really challenging time for venues, musicians and patrons. Live music is an essential part of our culture as is heading to the local for a social drink with friends. It’s something we’ve all missed. We’re putting together a great series of gigs that will allow fans the chance to see their favourite bands perform live again and support local venues in a socially responsible way.”

Live Nation’s President of Brand and Marketing Partnerships for Australia and New Zealand, Greg Segal said Live Nation was excited to be working with Coopers again.

“Coopers is demonstrating a real commitment to supporting local artists and venues, via the Live, Loud and Local series. The industry couldn’t ask for a better partner during these challenging times,” Greg said.

Miles Wilson, the drummer of Bad//Dreems, said the band was pumped to be playing the Live, Loud and Local series in Adelaide.

“Like an early Elliott Smith song, 2020 has been sad and haunting,” Miles said.

“We’ve really missed the atmosphere of playing live and we’ll be approaching the gig with a sense of anticipation and fantasy.”

Trent Fahey, Operations Manager, The Bridgeway Hotel said the venue was looking forward to the resurgence of live music in 2021.

“The Bridgeway is a South Australian rock n’ roll institution, with more than 50 years of live music history and some of the biggest national and international artists having hit our stage,” Trent said.

“South Australians love live music and have supported us on every step of the road back.

“Coopers has been outstanding in supporting us through these tough times and now the opportunity to host a Coopers Live, Loud and Local gig is truly awesome. Bad Dreems at The Bridgeway will be going up on our Legends Wall, for sure.”

About Coopers Brewery
Coopers Brewery is a six-generation family owned company and Australia’s largest Australian-owned brewery. The Coopers family has been making its famous ales since 1862 and has a long history supporting the arts and live music industry.

About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit livenationentertainment.com.

The time has finally come. Welcome, Meadow 2021.

The acclaimed regional Victorian multi-day event is returning to the rolling Bambra hills over the ANZAC long weekend to take two on their anticipated seventh instalment. Announcing 2021 festival headliners: King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard and Angie McMahon, who will lead an all-Australian lineup of beloved acts traversing all corners of the music landscape. From Friday 23 – Sunday 25 April, catch Meadow’s 2020-penned artists: Close Counters, Surprise Chef, Elizabeth, Cool Sounds, 3K, Sweet Whirl, Darcy Justice and Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys, alongside 2021 additions: HTRK, Mimi Gilbert, Romero and Emma Volard for three days and two nights of aural exploration and collective celebration at the iconic Bambra Bowl.

After cancelling their mammoth 2020 European and US run of dates, Melbourne psych stalwarts King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard will take to the Bambra Bowl this April with even more releases ready to craftily deploy from their expansive, genre-spanning catalogue over 15 albums strong and counting. 2020’s KG and 2021’s imminent LW see the band returning to their idiosyncratic microtonal ways, bringing in a new era as a newfangled six-piece. Joined by Melbourne’s own new-age raconteur, Angie McMahon, who has made waves the world over since the release of her acclaimed debut album Salt, and recent reimagining Piano Salt, the 2021 Meadow headliners are sure to draw some of the festival’s most devoted and attentive crowds yet.

In parallel to the stellar live showcase, Meadow introduces a Virtual Festival in 2021.
14 artists, 2 sunsets, 2 sunrises, dancing, cocktails, camping and more captured live from the Bambra Bowl. Meadow will partner with Hutch Collective and Baked to beam a dusty Autumn sky, rugged bushland and a once in a year-time musical retreat back to the comfort of your living room providing a level of certainty that’s been missing since last March. You buy a ticket. You can watch the festival from home. Access via the Humanitix Virtual Events Hub. Simple. Professionally produced, presented on-demand over a 3 day period, two weeks after Meadow Music Festival. May 7-9, 2021.

Though the earth’s axis has substantially shifted since the festival’s previous iteration, Meadow promises the same smooth rotation of its own world beyond the trees, with diligent COVIDSafe plans in place to keep everyone spinning safely within its orbit.

This Means:
– Reduced capacity
– Temperature checks and basic COVID screening upon arrival
– Ticketholders grouped into Eastside and Westside with the site split down the middle to reduce crowding and minimise close contacts.
– Three designated ‘viewing zones’ (front, middle and back) in the amphitheatre to maintain social distancing whilst watching the performances
– Assigned coloured wristbands denoting each attendee’s designated ‘viewing zone’

NOTE: ‘viewing zones’ will rotate at the end of each day, and once between Saturday daytime and nighttime, ensuring all festival-goers get the same amazing Meadow affair even in the presence of social distancing and capacity restrictions.

Do not fret, this change in circumstance will not negate the Meadow experience, with standing, sitting, singing, dancing, BYO and good vibes both permitted and encouraged within your designated zone.

A super limited release of tickets are now on sale at $189+BF with teenagers accompanied by adults free to join in the festivities with a valid full-priced ticket, and children under 12 invited to attend for free. All 2020 ticketholders will now have been contacted via email by the Meadow team to reissue their tickets for this year’s event. Car passes will not be required (this year only!) but Meadow is still committed to reducing its environmental impact. Carpooling is strongly encouraged, reusable drink bottles will be given to all punters upon arrival, and the Meadow team have even planted 360 baby trees during our brief hiatus.

Whilst on the topic of improvements, Meadow has also formed a new 2021 ticketing partnership with Humanitix. This means each ticket purchased will contribute valuable funding to support educational scholarships for disadvantaged Indigenous students in Australia.

Just 90-minutes southwest of Melbourne, and nestled between rainforest to the west, the ocean to the south and rolling plains to the north, Meadow is an idyllic spot to gather, reflect and celebrate the end of the year-that-must-not-be-named, welcoming the return of human connection and much needed sonic rejuvenation.

Do not sleep on this one.

Triple R and Forte present MEADOW 2021
April 23 – 25, 2021
Bambra, Victoria
Limited release, 200 tickets $189 + BF (car pass included) on sale now!

2021 LINEUP
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard
Angie McMahon
HTRK
Close Counters
Surprise Chef
Elizabeth
Sweet Whirl
Mimi Gilbert
Cool Sounds
Darcy Justice
3K
Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys
Romero
Emma Volard

Tickets, information, artist profiles – www.meadowmf.com

Meadow Facebook Meadow Website Meadow Instagram

TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Bluesfest Touring announces rescheduled tours !

George Benson, Patti Smith and Her Band, Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles, Larkin Poe and The Wailers tours re-scheduled to 2022.

 As previously announced late last year that the 2021 re-scheduled shows from 2020 would be re-scheduled, Bluesfest Touring is now thrilled to announce that (at least) five of its re-scheduled 2021 artists are now re-scheduled to April 2022 – and tickets are on sale!

Please note we are working on re-scheduling the other tours – Marcus King Band, LP, and Morcheeba – and will advise their re-scheduled dates as soon as possible. Please hold on to your tickets.

Remember that if you truly support the live music industry, you will be keeping people in a job.

The list of talent returning in 2022 is listed below.

George Benson
Monday 11^th April 2022 – State Theatre, Sydney
Wednesday 13^th April 2022 – State Theatre, Sydney
Thursday 14^th April 2022 – State Theatre, Sydney
Tuesday 19^th April 2022 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Wednesday 20^th April 2022 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Link: https://www.bluesfesttouring.com.au/george-benson/

Patti Smith and her Band
Sunday 17^th April 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Monday 18^th April 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Thursday 21^st April 2022 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Friday 22^nd April 2022- Palais Theatre, Melbourne
Monday 25^th April 2022 – Town Hall, Christchurch
Tuesday 26^th April 2022 – Town Hall, Auckland
Link: https://www.bluesfesttouring.com.au/patti-smith-and-her-band/

Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles
Wednesday 13^th April 2022 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Thursday 14^th April 2022 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
Link: https://www.bluesfesttouring.com.au/cory-henry-and-the-funk-apostles

Larkin Poe
Wednesday 20^th April 2022 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
Friday 22^nd April 2022 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Link: https://www.bluesfesttouring.com.au/larkin-poe  

The Wailers
Thursday 21^st April 2022 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Friday 22^nd April 2022 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Link: https://www.bluesfesttouring.com.au/the-wailers

Keep in touch with Bluesfest Touring via Facebook

SNAPSHOT ARTIST BIOS
 

GEORGE BENSON
 One of the world’s greatest guitarists, George Benson is coming to Melbourne and Sydney for headline shows.
Since 1977, George Benson, an American icon for being part of the electric guitar revolution which changed music and popular culture forever, has won 10 Grammy Awards – and has been nominated for an additional 15. His current album, ‘Weekend In London’, was recorded live at the legendary Ronnie Scotts Club. Check it out and get a snapshot of this giant and his amazing catalogue of songs and virtuosity.
This Australian tour will feature his whole repertoire of hits as well as a few Fats Domino and Chuck Berry classics that were featured on his previous release, ‘Walking To New Orleans’ album.
Don’t miss this world-class act in 2022!

 
 PATTI SMITH AND HER BAND
  After conquering Bluesfest in 2017, Patti Smith and Her Band took home the Helpmann Award that year for Best International Contemporary Concert. With a stellar band including her son, Jackson, this 2022 tour will be even better!  Eleven albums of original material, numerous books of poetry and a best-selling memoir, an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, world tours and personal appearances. Aside from recording, performing, art and writing, Patti is strongly involved in social issues and continues to participate in various human rights organisations.

We are thrilled to welcome the legendary poet and punk rock artiste Patti Smith to Australia and New Zealand with open arms!

CORY HENRY & THE FUNK APOSTLES
Bringing their unique soul, jazz and gospel music – Cory Henry & The Funk Apostles will bless Australia with their debut tour in 2022!
Fans call him the next Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder marvels at his musicianship, Frank Ocean has him on his next album. Cory henry has worked alongside the best, Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, J. Cole, Vulfpeck, Bruce Springsteen, Robert Randolph, The Roots, Marcus Miller, Michael McDonald, Ty Dolla $ign and many more, but it’s as head of his own band, The Funk Apostles, that his stardom has soared.  Last October he released ‘Something To Say’, a groove-heavy fusion of funk, gospel, blues, jazz, and R&B that Cory labels ‘future soul’.
Simply put Cory Henry, a Grammy Award winning artist, composer, producer, multi-instrumentalist and all-around keyboard master, is the future of music!

LARKIN POE
  After a sell-out run in 2019, blues sisters Larkin Poe are back to play even bigger venues in both Melbourne and Sydney. Taking a modern interpretation on traditional blues music, Larkin Poe create a unique brand of gritty, southern-fried blues, roots ‘n’ roll. Their performances that have garnered plenty of high-profile admirers such as Elvis Costello, Keith Urban, Bob Seger and Russell Crowe.
In the extraordinary year that was 2020, Larkin Poe continued to be extraordinary, winning wide acclaim and releasing not one, but two albums: ‘Self Made Man’ in June and ‘Kindred Spirits’ in November.

THE WAILERS
  Experience a real slice of musical history and heritage from those who keep the flame of Bob Marley burning strong. When Bob Marley instructed ‘Familyman’ Barrett to ‘keep The Wailers together’ he made it his life’s dedication. Featuring a stunning line-up of genuine reggae royalty – including heir to the throne, Aston Barrett Jr (son of the legendary ‘Familyman’), guitarist Donald Kinsey, keyboardist Tyrone Downie, and Saxophonist Glen DaCosta; with Josh David Barrett achieving the seemingly impossible by stepping into Bob Marley’s shoes on lead vocal. Their first album in 25 years,  ‘One World’, produced by 19 Grammy Award winning Emilio Estefan and co-written by Emilio Estefan with Aston Barrett Jr. and The Wailers, is nominated for a Grammy® Award in the Best Reggae Album category.
Living Legends, Reggae Royalty carrying the flame – now you can be a part of the legacy. When The Wailers come calling, you listen.

Live at the Bowl will see the world premiere of the MESS Synthesiser Orchestra with an epic, newly commissioned piece called Magnitudes come to life on Saturday 27 March as part of MESS at the Bowl.

The MESS Synthesiser Orchestra brings together an almost impossible array of cutting edge synthesisers – also called synths – spanning from the 1960s to the present day. Performing as one ensemble for Live at the Bowl, this will be one of the largest gatherings of these iconic electronic musical instruments ever seen on stage.

Co-founder of the Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio (MESS) Robin Fox says this unique performance event reflects the diversity of sounds from yesterday, today and tomorrow in an ecstatic show of togetherness and community.

“The inauguration of the MESS Synthesiser Orchestra signals the beginning of a series of mass activations of the MESS collection at an extraordinary scale. There will be an incredible array of electronic instruments from right across the history of electronic music on stage – some for the first time in many decades. This is a unique and rare opportunity for audiences; we want to show them that electronic music is not just one thing. It is in fact a multiplicity of techniques, approaches and sensibilities which have revolutionised the way in which we listen to and understand sound and music,” says Fox.

Audiences will be entranced by Magnitudes – conducted by Mat Watson – a performance event which makes use of 40 synths and 16 performers in the newly formed MESS Synthesiser Orchestra.

“Magnitudes moves through tonal, textural, melodic, harmonic, abstract and absurd themes to reveal itself across multiple movements. Expect intense sound phenomena and complete chaos giving way to moments of stillness and feelings of euphoria. I feel incredibly excited about performing this work with such a talented group of artists at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl. It’ll be a wild time!” says Watson.

MESS at the Bowl will also see a sweeping line-up of local talent performing exciting sonic explorations with sets from Simona Castricum, R. Rebeiro (My Disco/Downwards), Naretha Williams (Blak Mass), OK EG and the legendary sound of Artificial (Nicole Skeltys/B(if)tek), with live visuals by Carla Zimbler.

Despite a brutal year of lockdown and isolation, musical talent still runs deep in Melbourne and MESS at the Bowl is the celebration that music lovers and musicians of all kinds have been missing.

“One thing is certain. MESS loves them all. MESS is genre agnostic. Sound is sound and everything is available for creative deployment,” says Fox.

MESS is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to giving everyone access to the entire history of electronic music in instrumental form. MESS is the custodian of a museum grade collection of hundreds of synthesisers, drum machines and every variety of electronic sound making device. For more information visit mess.foundation

Tickets will go on sale from 11am, Thursday 11 February via liveatthebowl.com.au

We’re excited to be welcoming visitors back to our venues in line with the most recent Victorian Government guidelines on COVID-19. We have opened our outdoor café Protagonist, the Sunday Markets as well as the Australian Music Vault. These openings coincided with the Live at the Bowl season, which officially kicked off on 8 January 2021.

While the ghost lights will stay on a little longer inside our venues, we will continue to offer audiences the chance to experience the wonder of the performing arts via our digital hub – Together With You . For more information including: our opening plans and related health and safety policies; bookings for free and ticketed events; and other digital content and experiences, please visit artscentremelbourne.com.au.

Photo Credit: Tristan McKenzie

The time has come, friends. Just as the dust has settled on a huge album cycle for Perth’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, the band are igniting their next one; this time in the form of the huge SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound.

The new album, the fourth studio effort from Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, is a natural evolution and yet an exciting look ahead to the sorts of weird and wonderful soundscapes Jack McEwan and the band have been playing in during their time off road. At 14 tracks strong, SHYGA! is intense in its delivery – a trademark of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ output – however in its songwriting and arrangement, the band presents their most refined and dynamic collection of music yet, landing them the coveted spot as Triple J Feature Album.

STREAM/BUY

Featuring previously released singles ‘Mundungus’, ‘Mr. Prism!’, ‘Tally-Ho’ and ‘Pukebox’, SHYGA! is an album full of twists and turns. Written during an extended period of time off the road at home in Perth, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ frontman and songwriter Jack McEwan found himself fully going back to the drawing board when it came to sonic inspiration. For a band who has spent the last few years pre-pandemic consistently touring internationally and through Australia, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ off-cycle period was one that gave way to reflection and rejuvenation.

We hear this across songs like ‘Sawfish Monktooth’, ‘Glitter Bug’ and ‘Mango Terrarium’; McEwan bounding through vintage guitar rock influences, blending them with his own unique vision for each track. “I wanted to evolve on a sound that’s always felt playful and inviting, an upbeat mixture of fuzz tones and harmonies that nod towards The Beatles, but punch more like early Kings of Leon and Nirvana. A fast paced, high intensity record that journeys from warped acoustics, haunting strings, warm Melotron, to heavy guitar riffs that venture through a plethora of styles and forms, while still allowing the listener to breathe and treat the album as a whole piece.” Jack McEwan, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

For Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, creativity and production hasn’t stopped in 2020 and 2021. Despite much of this year’s tour plans being put on pause, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have used their time off road to continue preparing themselves for an eventual blistering return to stages around the world with a heavy-hitter of an album primed for the live space.

With singles ‘Mr. Prism’, ‘Mundungus, ‘Tally-Ho’ and ‘Pukebox’ earning acclaim across Spotify, Apple Music, Triple J, BBC Radio One, Radio X and titles including NME, CLASH, The Line Of Best Fit and Rolling Stone Australia, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’  signalled something special was building out on the West Coast; they were gearing up for something big. The creation of SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound, especially off the back of 2019’s huge LP And Now For The Whatchamacallit, came together in a different environment for McEwan and the results speak to the band’s evolution and McEwan’s evolution as a songwriter.

“Hopefully the album translates well to the listener as I feel it’s the work I’m most proud of, dynamically and production wise. The title reflects the madness, crazy midweek adventures, highs and physical lows of touring and I feel like it encompasses a sense of euphoria to say, SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound.”
Jack McEwan, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets

SHYGA! The Sunlight mound is available in Standard Vinyl, Exclusive JB Hi Fi Vinyl (instore only, CD, Cassette Tape, Merch Bundles

PRAISE FOR PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS

“It’s arguably their most daring, cohesive set yet and definitely Australia’s first great psych-rock saga of 2021.”
Triple J

“PPC has their own sound down pat by now. It’s all double scoops of psych riffs and endless refills of careening switch ups. Prepare to go turbo with this band once again.”
Triple J Unearthed, Dave Ruby Howe

“…it’s a psych sizzler with a thirst for the outlandish.”
Clash

“Lords of the loud Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have entered the year with a bang with their brand new, ultra fun and hi-vibing single, ‘Pukebox’. It’s 3 minutes of absolute pure fun and chaos.”
AAA Backstage

September 2020 saw Psychedelic Porn Crumpets make an initial return to touring in WA, thanks to easing of restrictions; a way for the band to reconnect with fans, and restart their engines ahead of their national tour with Ocean Alley, scheduled for February and March 2021.

PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS TOUR DATES

Supporting Ocean Alley
Friday 6th August John Cain Arena Melbourne  Tickets
Friday 13th August Thebarton Theatre Adelaide SOLD OUT
Saturday 14th August Thebarton Theatre Adelaide Tickets
Friday 20th August Fortitude Music Hall Brisbane SOLD OUT
Saturday 21st August Fortitude Music Hall Brisbane SOLD OUT
Sunday 22nd August Fortitude Music Hall Brisbane Tickets
Friday 27th August Hordern Pavilion Sydney SOLD OUT
Saturday 28th August Hordern Pavilion Sydney Tickets
Saturday 11th September Fremantle Arts Centre Fremantle Tickets

SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound is out now! 
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Midnight Oil’s mini-album The Makarrata Project topped the ARIA charts last November. A powerful call for justice and recognition for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, it featured on most critics’ lists for ‘The Best of 2020’. Next month the band will finally bring that acclaimed new music – plus a slew of other iconic Midnight Oil Reconciliation songs – to Australian concert stages for five special outdoor events.

Today, Midnight Oil, Frontier Touring and Roundhouse Entertainment are excited to announce leading First Nations vocalists Dan Sultan, Alice Skye, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tasman Keith & Leah Flanagan will join the band for all Makarrata Live dates. Midnight Oil will also be joined onstage at all shows by backing vocalist Liz Stringer and saxophonist Andy Bickers. Coloured Stone’s legendary frontman, Bunna Lawrie**, will also feature at the WOMADelaide performance.

In addition to appearing as part of the Oil’s set, Dan Sultan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Leah Flanagan and Alice Skye will also perform special guest slots of their own songs on select dates. (For venue specific information and biographical details on each of these guest vocalists please see below).

Sydney bassist Adam Ventoura will also play with Midnight Oil at all these shows due to the sudden passing of longtime band member Bones Hillman late last year. Adam came to the band’s attention when he guested on a recording session at Jim Moginie’s studio involving “Diesel & Dub” creator Declan Kelly. Adam has previously toured with Cold Chisel’s Ian Moss. In addition to appearing at all the Makarrata Live gigs, he will also perform on the Saturday night at WOMADelaide when Midnight Oil will deliver a one off set of Oils material that does not feature the Makarrata guests.

“It will be a moment heavy with emotion to go onstage without our long time brother in music, but Bonesy always made it clear he wanted these gigs to go ahead without him so we know he will be with us in spirit”, said frontman Peter Garrett. “We’ve just started rehearsing with Adam, who, amazingly, has been living under our noses in Sydney. There’s something primal about his playing that caught our ears that makes the band sound great.”

“We’re fortunate that so many of the collaborators on our mini-album can join us onstage for these shows and we remain hopeful that one or two more of our friends might be able to jump up with us here and there as well”, said drummer Rob Hirst. “The message of these songs feel increasingly relevant as public awareness of The Uluru Statement continues to grow. It’s time for Australia to stop dragging the chain on this issue and we call upon the government to begin the process of constitutional recognition for First Australians and to also heed their call for a Voice to the federal parliament.”

Tickets for Makarrata Live are on sale now for Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, Hope Estate, Hunter Valley and Stage 88, Canberra. The current Covid-safe capacity has almost  been reached for Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong but organisers remain hopeful a limited number of additional tickets may also become available if Victorian Covid protocols are eased. As always fans are asked to avoid purchasing through reselling sites such as ViaGoGo which typically cost a lot more.

Raised between inner city Melbourne and the Northern territory town of Yuendumu, Dan Sultan began playing music at a young age. Inspired by classic guitar rock and the tribal culture of his heritage, Sultan quickly proved himself an Australian favourite, winning multiple ARIA awards, playing the country’s largest music festivals; also appearing in film.

Looking forward to performing on these shows, Dan says “The best thing about doing some shows with Midnight Oil is that I get to see them live so much in such a short space of time. Oils concentrated. Can’t wait.”

Alice Skye is a Wergaia/Wemba Wemba person living and writing music in Naarm (Melbourne). Since her first album ‘Friends with Feelings’ she has signed with Bad Apples, the Indigenous-driven label that celebrates and prioritises blak excellence. Alice’s upcoming sophomore album ‘I Feel Better but I Don’t Feel Good’ was produced by local artist Jen Cloher. Her work continues to look inwards and explores finding staunchness in softness.

Troy Cassar-Daley is a proud Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung man who comes from a long line of story tellers. His songs authentically soundtrack the Australian culture, winning him numerous accolades including 37 Golden Guitars, 4 ARIAs, 2 APRA awards, 9 Deadlys (Australian Indigenous Artist Awards), 4 CMAAs, 2 NIMAs (National Indigenous Music Awards) as well as an induction into the prestigious Australasian Roll Of Renown. The latest addition to his legacy is his upcoming album The World Today (out March 19 through Sony Music).

Hometown pride runs deep for 24-year-old rapper Tasman Keith, whose music is indebted to giving back to the community that raised him. From a small town on New South Wales’ mid-North Coast, Keith is carrying on the Gumbaynggirr storytelling traditions of his family through his eclectic and emotive tracks.

Originating from Darwin, Leah Flanagan grew up in a household filled with music and culture – boasting a proud Italian, Indigenous (Alyawarre) and Irish heritage that she credits as early influences to her sound. Flanagan’s latest album ‘Colour By Number’ is out now through her own Darwin based, Indigenous owned and operated label Small Change Records.

Bunna Lawrie is a member and respected elder of the Mirning Aboriginal tribe from the Coastal Nullabor, South Australia. He is a Mirning whaledreamer and songman, medicine man and story teller of his tribe. He is Coloured Stone‘s founding member and chief songwriter.

These concerts seek to elevate The Uluru Statement From The Heart which calls for a Makarrata – or “truth telling” – to account for the theft of lands and displacement of First Nations people.

MIDNIGHT OIL MIDNIGHT OIL & FIRST NATIONS COLLABORATORS PRESENT MAKARRATA LIVE AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY & MARCH 2021 Presented by Frontier Touring, Roundhouse Entertainment, Triple M (QLD, NSW, VIC), Mix 106.3 (ACT), Bay 93.9 + Geelong Advertiser (VIC) COLLABORATORS JOINING MIDNIGHT OIL FOR ALL SHOWS Dan Sultan, Alice Skye, Troy Cassar-Daley, Tasman Keith & Leah Flanagan With Bunna Lawrie also joining Midnight Oil for WOMADelaide** show Monday 8 March  ** Not promoted by Frontier Touring ACCOMPANIED BY Liz Stringer (backing vocalist) & Andy Bickers (saxophonist)

TICKETS ON SALE NOW via frontiertouring.com/midnightoil ALL SHOWS LICENSED ALL AGES EVERY patron must have a ticket regardless of age, and under 18 patrons must be accompanied at all times by a responsible adult with their own ticket. This is a licensed, loud music event, staged over a long time:  we strongly recommend that this event is suitable for adults only.

Sirromet Wines | Mount Cotton, QLD (Preview) Plus special supporting sets from Troy Cassar-Daley & Leah Flanagan Licensed All Ages Presented by Triple M ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100

Hope Estate | Hunter Valley, NSW Plus special supporting sets from Troy Cassar-Daley & Alice Skye Licensed All Ages Presented by Triple M ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100

Stage 88 | Canberra, ACT Plus special supporting sets from Dan Sultan & Leah Flanagan Licensed All Ages Presented by Mix 106.3 ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100

Mt Duneed Estate | Geelong, VIC Plus special supporting sets from Dan Sultan & Alice Skye Licensed All Ages Presented by Triple M, Bay 93.9 + Geelong Advertiser ticketmaster.com.au | Ph: 136 100

Also appearing at: Saturday 6 March 2021 WOMADelaide | Adelaide, SA ** Midnight Oil headline performance womadelaide.com.au Monday 8 March 2021 WOMADelaide | Adelaide, SA (World Premiere) ** Makarrata Live performance Joined by Bunna Lawrie Plus a special supporting set from The Teskey Brothers womadelaide.com.au ** Not promoted by Frontier Touring

MIDNIGHT OIL

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“I was in tears the whole time writing that song for Chachi, like weeks. I had tears all over my jeans, all over the piano; I just had to push through it. I thought, ‘There’s only one way out of this.’”

Chachi wasn’t any old dog. She was singer, songwriter, guitarist and now pianist Sarah McLeod’s one constant in a life lived more on the road than off. For fifteen years, Chachi was there on the road with her. When she passed away in July 2020, there really was only one way to deal with her loss – to sit at the piano and find the words to express her feelings.

“I find that playing the piano seems to change the whole mood of things I write,” she admits. “It’s so much more emotive. The guitar for me is more of an upbeat, goodtime rock’n’roll situation, but piano really draws on the heart strings and I love it. It makes me write in a different way. It makes me feel different. I sit at the piano, I light scented candles, I’m emotional.”

Her legion of fans will be seeing and hearing a whole other side of Sarah McLeod when she hits the road in February for her first “electric” tour. Sure, they’ll hear their favourite songs, not only from her last solo album, 2017’s Rocky’s Diner, and even a few from her solo debut, 2005’s Beauty Was a Tiger, but also songs from the band that put her on the international map, The Superjesus – only not how you remember them. “I’ve rewritten The Superjesus songs as beautiful piano pieces, to give them a different edge – or lack of edge.”

Sarah was supposed to go out on her first electric tour of Australia in March 2020 – she’d done the solo sitting on a stool with an acoustic guitar thing enough times – but like everything else, that had to be shelved as the nation went into lockdown in order to minimise the impact of COVID-19. Sarah had been doodling around the piano for a little while but with lockdown she finally took the opportunity to get serious about the instrument. Not that she was about to study the books and learn how to play the conventional way. That’s never been her way at all – not even as a guitarist.

“In The Superjesus I play in different tunings and that’s cool,” she explains, “but I don’t know what the chords are called. I’ve never known what any of the chords are called. I just play by ear. So when I got to piano, I have no idea how to read music so I just sit there and tinker until I find sounds, which takes forever, but I’m really committed to the style. I’m finding really interesting voicings these days, like moving the bass around, and it’s making me a better guitar player, strangely.”

It’s also made Sarah a better lyricist. “For some reason, every word counts now. Every time I open my mouth to say something, I feel like it’s high-class real estate and I only have a certain number of lines that I can put in a song. It’s not like a novel, so every line has to count; every line has to help deliver the story in its most imaginative and descriptive way to take the listener on a journey. So, I find myself blabbing less and being more to the point and more colourful.”

Of course, it’s all very well feeling excited about her newfound skills as a pianist, but she’s not about to launch herself on an unsuspecting audience cold. Sarah is still the feisty, powerful, magnetic rock guitarist and performer, and that was the side she’d intended to showcase on that aborted 2020 electric tour. She’d even modified her guitar herself in order to become her own bass player. Adding a second outlet to her guitar that independently picks up the signal of the two bottom strings, she detunes them and put them through a bass amplifier, which provide the bass parts. Meanwhile the other outlet carries the guitar parts from the other six strings to a guitar amplifier – very clever. Throw in a foot pedal by which to control percussion parts and she’s the total one-woman band – One Electric Lady. And joining Sarah McLeod on the tour is – solo pianist Sarah McLeod.

“I thought that perhaps it was a bit brazen of me to come out and do a whole tour on piano while I’m still finding my way, so I thought that perhaps what I would do is do the electric show, which I haven’t ever toured – I’ve only done one show here, one show there – and I’ll put myself on as support playing the piano, ‘cause I know the headliner and she’s been good to me, I think she likes me! Pull some strings so to speak!! And I thought that would be a good way of edging my way into live performance as a pianist.

“The piano song stories are mainly just things in my life, my relationships and my connections with people, so the piano songs are all very personal, so far. With the guitar songs I write a lot of cheeky stuff, I write some fictitious stories, but with piano, I’m writing very vulnerable, direct from the heart songs, which I’ve never actually done before.”

And of course, alongside all those other songs, you’ll hear Chachi’s Theme, Sarah’s tribute to her beloved rock dog and sidekick, sitting somewhere on the other side of the rainbow bridge, tail wagging, where she’ll be listening out for her mummy’s’ voice and hearing the growing confidence in her art, her craft… and her piano playing.  

TOUR DATES 2021 

Friday, 5 March 2021 – Ballina RSL, Ballina NSW
Ticket Link: www.trybooking.com/BLBWX

Saturday, 6 March 2021 – The Lounge, Nundah QLD
Ticket Link: https://bit.ly/2YieBvw

Sunday, 7 March 2021 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba QLD 
Ticket Link: N/A – Free Event 

Thursday, 11 March 2021 – The Vanguard, Sydney NSW (2 x sessions)
Ticket Link: https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/sarah-mcleod-one-electric-lady-tour-/122064

Friday, 12 March 2021 – Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan NSW
Ticket Link: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/07197120-234a-46ce-9497-a8bbeb6ba882
Tickets Sold: 16

Saturday, 13 March 2021 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla QLD (2 x sessions)
Ticket Link: https://brassmonkey.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/db8ab600-1601-4dda-a83c-0a0c5b317ab6 (early) / https://brassmonkey.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/4032ae68-c6f6-43a7-aef2-8a72005b0f38 (late)

Friday, 19 March 2021 – Grace Emily, Adelaide SA
Ticket Link: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/c97205e4-2b2c-4501-b041-11572505d767                 


Saturday, 20 March 2021 – Soundcity, Port Lincoln SA     
Ticket Link: https://www.soundcity.com.au/event-tix/

Thursday, 25 March 2021 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne VIC 
Ticket Link: https://northcotesocialclub.com/gig/138890417979/ 

Friday, 26 March 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave VIC 
Ticket Link: https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/00e88cb3-97c1-42c7-b09f-21f75f70402c

Saturday, 27 March 2021 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan VIC 
Ticket Link: http://lyrebirdartscouncil.com.au/upcoming-events/

Social Links

• Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/sarahmcleodofficial

• Instagram

https://www.facebook.com/sarahmcleodofficial

• Twitter
  https://twitter.com/SarahMcLeod1

• Patreon
  https://www.patreon.com/mcleodswolfpack

• Youtube
  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOSidUlvvKmmEa_xZ6Thpkg

• Spotify
  https://open.spotify.com/artist/7bIYFyhnGYw8A4kUsGtQl0?si=HywNrCBfTL20CLMjI8EdYg

Spotify Steaming Links

• Chachi’s Theme
  https://open.spotify.com/track/6ggVUL34RO06Lr8PP1MFpz

• Bad Valentine
  https://open.spotify.com/track/5O0ELGHB0xPnaMXPemqP9L

PHOTOGRAPHY: Nate Hill https://www.natehillphotography.com.au/

An amazing performance by both Cash Savage and The  Last Drinks + The Meanines at Melbourne’s very special Sidney Myer Music Bowl.  What a treat it was to be blow away with two thunderous LIVE performances in such an idyllic setting.

Thanks to The Old Bar,  The Tote,  Melbourne Music Week and  Arts Centre Melbourne for making the show possible.

In a shorter 10-day format spanning March 5-14 (taking in the Labour Day long weekend), Brunswick will be abuzz for Brunswick Music Festival 2021, with a bursting program that sets the stage for people to gather and connect IRL after the year that was, all across the expansive suburb, in beloved parks, music venues, bars and pizza parlours.

As we feel the music returning to greater Melbourne and the Inner Northern nook of Brunswick, and going to gigs slowly starts to feel normal again, so too the festival stirs from its slumber. After the pause mid-dance in 2020, BMF is pleased to hit play on live music again, shaking it off by putting on a stunning array of live music offerings for just $10 or under.

That’s right, in 2021 not a single BMF ticket will be over $10 + booking fee, an unbelievable coming back gift to the community from the festival and Moreland City Council to support social solidarity and togetherness through high vibe live music experiences for all.

GRAND SALE! GRAND SALE! GRAND SALE!

BMF’s dreamy new outdoor venue at Gilpin Park will host a swathe of performances. Tastemakers including Crown Ruler with Waving at Trains, Milk! Records and Our Golden Friend will each curate shows featuring DJ JNETT, East Brunswick All Girls Choir, Elizabeth, Good Morning, Kee’ahn, Loose Tooth, RVG and more.

Ten bucks? Ten bucks.

Taking advantage of the autumn weather, other excellent festival collaborators Bad Apples, Flightless Records, HopeStreet Recordings with College of Knowledge, Mistletone Records and Port Fairy Folk Festival will each bring a collection of artists outdoors to Gilpin’s leafy surrounds. The impressive line ups include Alice Skye, BARKAA, Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, HEXDEBT, Kutcha Edwards, Leah Senior, Spike Fcuk and more. Plus Gilpin Park will play host to special headline shows from Angie McMahon and Mo’Ju. 

A tenner or free? Yep, a tenner or free.

COME AND GET THE BARGAIN!

Bar Oussou, the newly re-opened Brunswick Ballroom, Cross Street Music Hall, Noisy Ritual, Ollie’s Pizza Parlour, Rubix Warehouse, Small Time, Tempo Rubato, The B. East, The Charles Weston Hotel, The Edinburgh Castle Hotel, The Jazzlab, The Moldy Fig and The Retreat Hotel are all contributing curators offering line ups across the 10 days for the expanded Venues 3056 program. This year Venues 3056 runs the duration of the festival, broadening its footprint to encompass more of the Inner North than ever. As part of the program, The Retreat Hotel will host a Beatles tribute evening as well as an unmissable all Femme/GNC International Women’s Day line up of Slush, V, Zig Zag and more.

Many shows are free, none are more than $10.

The shelves of Brunswick’s iconic art deco library will be shaken by Pinch Points and indie dream-pop band Tender Buttons, who promise to bring the bops between the books for Live at The Library. Plus for those music-minded, studious and sociable Small Time will host three live and live-streamed professional development sessions on DIY branding, management, live-streaming and production during BMF’s jam-packed mini-conference Sound Sessions in partnership with Milk! Records, Small Time and funded by Creative Victoria. 

All free!

Howler will bring three extraordinary album launches to life on their celebrated stage, featuring Hachiku’s ‘I’ll Probably Be Asleep’, June Jones’ ‘Leafcutter’ and ‘Film School’ an exciting new collaborative project from Joelistics.

Guess how much?

And finally, keep an eye out for BMF’s Pop Ups featuring Ausecuma Beats, Petal Lake (Mindy Meng Wang & Daniel Jenatsch), Zoë Fox and the Pocket Rockets and more. Fun and free for all along Sydney Road.

Have your tenner handy? Get the complete low down on who, where and when at brunswickmusicfestival.com.au.

BMF Website Brunswick Music Festival @brunswickmusicfest