music, News

TANYA GEORGE SHARES INFECTIOUS NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘THE DEVIL’ AND DEBUT ALBUM ‘CONTRAST’ DUE OUT JULY 29

Stepping closer to the long-awaited release of her debut full-length album, dynamic Melbourne electro-soul multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and award-winning performer Tanya George today unveils an infectious new single and music video The Devil, taken from her forthcoming LP Contrast, due out on July 29. And to celebrate her debut album’s release, Tanya will also christen Contrast live in action at a special hometown launch show at Wax Music Lounge on August 8.

A slinky blend of soul, indie, R&B and pop, brand new track The Devil buries a knowing wink on a foundation of laidback grooves, infectious melodies and hypnotic bounce. A self-aware ode to temptation, sliding from innocent wallflower to willing participant, The Devil balances percolating warmth and depth with a light-hearted spin on its underlying subject matter, helmed by Tanya’s effortless vocals.

“This is one of my favourite songs, and it’s become a real crowd favourite too. Hearing people sing it back to me at the top of their lungs is a special feeling, so I can’t wait for it to finally be out in the world, and people can dance around their houses singing it,” shares Tanya. “The song weaves together a collection of experiences and observations. It’s about watching people navigate life through their vices, seeing struggles unfold in different cities, and witnessing those with wealth and power become entangled in things they probably shouldn’t. Temptation is everywhere; it doesn’t discriminate. I played around with the lyrics for a long time and even considered telling the story from a third-person perspective, beginning with “He was…” In the end, I chose a perspective that felt more immediate and honest, but that question stayed with me throughout the writing process and today.”

Produced by Tanya herself, along with additional producing from Lewis Pidutti and mastering courtesy of Lachlan Carrick, The Devil also arrives today with an accompanying music video, filmed by Brandon Li Wan Po, aimed to spark a conversation behind the message of the song with a formidable band, including Swinthin Anthony Oliver (Jessica Mauboy) on bass guitar, Liam Conroy on keys, Leon Kechayas (Emmanuel Kelly, Reece Mastin) on drums and Jesse Bear (Miguel, Bilal, Solange Knowles) on guitar.

Lifted from her forthcoming debut full-length, Contrast, The Devil joins the 10 tracks that make up the album. Dazzling with elements of soul, R&B, neo soul and pop, rooted in the lineage of Sade, Erykah Badu, Jamiroquai and Amy Winehouse, it was also fittingly 10 years ago that Tanya first began writing the 10 songs that would ultimately become Contrast, with many of the record’s songs penned in her soon to be 90-year old Dutch Oma’s (grandma) home. With the album’s release date also coinciding with her Oma’s 90th birthday, Contrast in fact opens with Oma’s Contrast Intro, a musing spoken word introduction from Tanya’s beloved Oma. And it is this resounding embracing of juxtaposition that powerfully permeates Contrast from start to finish, from the charming upbeat jaunt of Serious through to effortless bounce (Unjust Things), suave and undulating charisma (The Devil), powerful R&B-hued ruminations (Piece of Mess), and sumptuous odes to matters of the heart (Can’t Love Anymore). In its latter half, Contrast nods to its opener with Oma’s Interlude; another poignant spoken word outing from Tanya’s Oma once again that touches on the mysteries of time, before shimmering with acoustic simplicity and buoyant melodies (Have You), silky smooth grooves laden with affable beats (No Soul), and ultimately closing out on Daffodils & Violet Skies, with its swooning melodies and lush arrangement balanced alongside the addition of fellow Melbourne artist Blush’ko.

An album that spanned relationships ending, savings running out, “producers not getting it”, Tanya adds, as well as a pandemic and a long, quiet stretch of finishing proceedings alone in 2023, the upcoming release of Contrast showcases, celebrates and unpacks the many contrasts in Tanya’s own life, while also forming a universal album that is as versatile as its namesake, while also offering a cohesive body of work from a truly gifted and resonant artist.

“A part of my brain is always asking, Have I done enough? Is this the right time? Is this the right release date?” shares Tanya of her upcoming album. “But an even bigger part of me says, Who cares? It’s time to share it with the world. There will never be a perfect moment, and in many ways, this feels exactly like the right one.”

“I actually finished the album back in 2023,” Tanya adds, “but after pouring everything I had into creating it as an independent artist, I was completely exhausted. I needed some space to step away, recharge, and come back to it with fresh eyes (and a little more energy!). I played shows in Europe and really found myself. Now, I’m more than ready. I feel genuinely excited, and I know I’ll have such a deep sense of fulfilment finally sharing these songs with the world. When I was 21, I promised myself I would make this album with these songs. It has taken longer than I imagined and demanded more resilience than I ever expected, but I’m incredibly proud that I’ve kept that promise to myself. That means just as much to me as the music itself.”

Armed with a unique blend of soul, jazz and electro tones and a 4.5 octave vocal range, Tanya George’s innovative style colourfully reflects her upbringing in St Kilda, Melbourne’s bustling arts and entertainment hub. Sharpening her craft in the iconic Bourke Street busking scene in Melbourne, she evolved into a gifted vocal looper, expanding her distinctive and dynamic vocal looping setup into a core part of her sound. Tanya’s electro-soul flair saw her reach the Top 5 on The Voice Australia (Season 10, 2021) as part of Team Rita Ora, place 4th overall at the prestigious Gwangju Busking World Cup in South Korea in 2023, win 2022’s Buskers By The Lake competition, win the 2018 Queenscliff Music Festival Busking Competition and also receive the Alex Legg Memorial Foundation Scholarship Award in 2020. Releasing her debut solo EP Sonder in 2018, Tanya followed up with a 2020 EP, Normality, and also released a standalone single Welcome as part of the Melbourne Music Week and Metro Tunnel Project ‘Home Made Sound’ initiative.

A consummate and magnetic live performer, Tanya has previously performed at the likes of St Kilda Festival, Melbourne International Jazz Festival, Womadelaide and Queenscliff Music Festival, and will officially launch her new album Contrast live in action next month with a special hometown show on Saturday 8 August at Wax Music Lounge in Melbourne. Boasting a six-piece band, including Tanya on vocals, Stella Anning on guitar, Selene Messinis on keys and piano, Liam Powell on bass, Kane Watts on drums and Will Larsen on saxophone, this special performance will offer Tanya, her incredible band and fans a chance to come together and christen Contrast in spectacular fashion.

“A Tanya George show is like one big hug,” Tanya says, “it’s a place to laugh, move your body, connect, and have a great time together. In fact, a few people have actually met the loves of their lives at my shows, so apparently I’m Cupid too! They’re all still together, which I like to take as a good sign.”

“The six piece band will be the highlight and we are adding saxophone,” Tanya continues. “We have 3 females in the band. I’ll be sharing a little of my solo vocal looping throughout the night, but the heart of the show will be a beautifully elevated live version of the album. To top it all off, Wax Music Lounge will be completely transformed into Tanya World for one very special evening with new merch and vinyl.”

The Devil is out today.
Contrast is due out on July 29.

TANYA GEORGE – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

TUES 7 JULY | THE TOFF TUESDAYS | 18+
Tanya George hosts at the Toff with Melbourne Improv Collective, Line up

SAT 18 JUL | EVOKE SOUNDS, MELBOURNE VIC | ALL AGES
Acoustic show with co-bill Xanthe, Shai Rose
Tickets available from https://events.humanitix.com/evoke-sounds-lounge-room-sessions-vol-16/tickets

SUN 19 JUL | WHITEHART BAR, MELBOURNE CBD VIC | ALL AGES
Co-bill with Liona Tatafu — Halo Sundays
FREE entry

SAT 8 AUG | WAX MUSIC LOUNGE, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tanya George ‘Contrast’ Album Launch
Tickets available from https://ra.co/events/2475905

FRI 14 – SAT 15 AUG | UBUD FOLK FESTIVAL, UBUD BALI | ALL AGES
Festival tickets via www.ubudfolkfestival.com

SAT 24 AUG – FRI 1 SEP | CHENGDU SISTER YOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL, CHENGDU CHINA | ALL AGES
Festival event in China

SUN 15 NOV | PRAHRAN MARKET, MELBOURNE VIC | ALL AGES
Band takeover — FREE entry, no ticket required

Stream: THE DEVIL

Watch: THE DEVIL

Interview

Interview: DevilDriver

DevilDriver is an American heavy metal band from Santa Barbara, California and they’re about to hit Australian shores for a massive tour with Cradle of Filth. 
Frontman Dez chats to us ahead of the tour to talk about his new album and what he loves about Australian fans. 
Dez, you’ve toured Australia multiple times, what are some memories of Australia that still hit you, whether it was chaos, beauty, or pure madness?
I personally love coming down under. I feel like the fan base has been supportive for years. It’s always an incredible time.
There’s obviously something about Australia that is very reminiscent of California if you’ve ever been here and at times when I come down under, I feel like I’m at home. I’m so grateful for all the years that the people that follow my music I’ve given me down there so we’re coming down to go after it 110%!
You new album ‘STRIKE AND KILL’ lands while you are in Australia, what can fans expect from the album and can they expect to hear any tunes off it live?
The album Strike and Kill lands while we’re in Australia because it’s a good luck charm for me when I release and I’m down under; that’s just a fact.
What you can expect is a groove, riff driven and energetic record full of all killer and no filler, this is the one you wanna call your mates over on a Saturday and play it start to finish and pump it loud, trust me on this!
Absolutely you could definitely count on us playing songs from the record for sure. Both singles that are out and we hope you’ll enjoy them maybe a surprise.
When you think about Australian crowds, what separates them from audiences anywhere else in the world? What’s the energy you brace yourselves for when you step onstage here?
There is a very special energy in Australia and with Australian fans they love their metal and we love them. DevilDriver is at a long career in Australia, and we are proud to continue the tradition of bringing down the heavy California groove for everybody. It’ll be great to walk out on stage that first night and hear the roar of the crowd. I’m so excited I could barely sleep.
Every artist has their non‑negotiable, what are the essential rider items you must have to survive a long run across Australia’s cities and climate?
My only non-negotiable is coffee give me coffee give me more coffee and obviously water. I’m pretty simple in that way, though the guys in the band like multiple things backstage some kind of sandwich stuff some kind of soda little bit of candy. Pretty simple.
Co‑headline tours can be creatively electric, how have Cradle of Filth and DevilDriver influenced each other behind the scenes on the recent shows? Any unexpected moments of crossover or collaboration?
No crossover collaboration but will definitely push each other as bands due on tour, but I think the crowd is gonna get something very special with these two bands combined. Filth said it best. DevilDriver is the meat and potatoes cradle. Filth is the dessert very apropos.
Australia has a reputation for embracing heavy music with real loyalty. How have you seen your fanbases evolve here over the years, and what do you feel keeps that connection so strong?
I feel that bands come down to Australia, they either connect or they don’t DevilDriver just connected when we first came down once that connection is made. It really never gets dropped as long as you come down and you service the markets we don’t come down often but when we do, the shows do very well and people get their moneys worth what I’m most proud of is the long-term relationship with the Australian fans and I want to keep that connection.
Touring Australia means long travel days, unique venues, and a different pace compared to Europe or the US. What’s the biggest logistical or personal adjustment you make when touring down under?
Yes, it’s long hours back to the hotel after the show up early to get to the airport fly into a hotel head over to the venue soundtrack. Get some food play a show do it again but you start to get into a groove after a day or two. There is an adjustment. And that’s the first 48 hours sometimes you have to suck it up and go without sleep or go with three or four hours of sleep, but you have to get the job done no matter what people pay good money and they want to see you at 110% and they’ll see DevilDriver at 110%.
Both of you have decades of legacy behind your names. When you look at this Australian co‑headline tour, what does it represent for you at this stage of your careers: celebration, evolution, or something entirely different?
It’s certainly a celebration of putting two different metal bands together that shouldn’t work, but it’s worked all over the world so there’s something special there.
There’s also a friendship within the bands and management that helps to make this thing something special. We’ve both had long story careers and we both agree. They’re coming down to the Australian fan base is nothing but a pleasure for both of us.
What can your loyal Australian fans expect this time around?
This time around you can expect cohead lining sets that are fiery and aggressive. People are gonna get their metal get ready to get in the pit.
Cradle Of Filth and DevilDriver Australian Tour Dates
Thursday 9th July BRISBANE, The Tivoli
Friday 10th July SYDNEY, The Enmore
Saturday 11th July MELBOURNE, The Forum
Tuesday 14th July ADELAIDE, Hindley Street Music Hall
Thursday 16th July PERTH, The Astor
News

News: DEAFHEAVEN ANNOUNCE THEIR BIGGEST AUSTRALIAN TOUR TO DATE UPDATE: SUPPORTS PEACE RITUAL TO OPEN

DEAFHEAVEN ANNOUNCE THEIR BIGGEST AUSTRALIAN TOUR TO DATE

PLAYING PERTH, ADELAIDE, MELBOURNE, SYDNEY, NEWCASTLE & BRISBANE THIS JULY
Peace Ritual will now open for the East Coast shows, with SPY being bumped up to main support.

 

American black-metal trailblazers Deafheaven announce their biggest Australian tour to date. Presented by Destroy All Lines, the tour will see them headline some of the country’s most prominent venues across Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane, joined by special guests Nothing and SPY.

Formed in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2010, Deafheaven have spent the past decade and a half pushing at the emotional and sonic boundaries of modern metal. From their debut, Roads to Judah, to the genre-defining breakthrough, Sunbather, and subsequent records like New Bermuda, Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, and Infinite Granite, Deafheaven have continually redefined the boundaries of heavy music while confronting themes of alienation, addiction, family history, and self-perseverance.

The tour follows the release of their 2025 album Lonely People With Power. Their sixth album and first for Roadrunner Records arrived as both a culmination and a reckoning – an album that embraces the band’s full identity after years of evolution. Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen (Beck’s go-to bassist and producer of Infinite Granite), the record captures Deafheaven’s innate ability to mix and merge melody with brutality, and pain with poetry.  Through reflections on masculinity, inherited trauma, family, and self-perception, the album grapples with the idea that while we can’t fully escape our past or our nature, we can choose how we move forward. Ultimately, Lonely People with Power stands as one of Deafheaven’s most expansive and human statements – an album about confronting isolation while searching for connection, growth, and the possibility of redefining one’s destiny.

The album, which was praised by the likes of Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, The Line Of Best Fit, Kerrang and more, also features Interpol’s Paul Banks and Boy Harsher’s Jae Matthews.

Revered for their transcendental live shows, Deafheaven have toured the world over performing at festivals such as Coachella and Primavera Sound, while sharing stages with everyone from Slipknot and Knocked Loose to Chelsea Wolfe and Mono. They received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Metal Performance and sold out the Odeon in Hobart for Dark Mofo 2023 on their last visit to Australia.

They’ll be joined by American shoegaze renegades Nothing, who have just released A Short History of Decay, a “fresh and exciting” (Pitchfork) new record from the genre’s pioneers. Nothing’s fifth solo album and first for Run For Cover Records, widens that aperture even further, providing the most hi-def rendering of Nothing to date.

Openers SPY were formed in Oakland and have carved out their own niche in the modern hardcore landscape. They recorded their most recent EP, Seen Enough, with Jack Shirley at Oakland’s Atomic Garden and have fostered a reputation for a ferocious live show.

Deafheaven return to Australia at their most expansive and unrelenting. Don’t miss the chance to witness one of heavy music’s most boundary-pushing bands at full force. Tickets on sale 9:00 AM local Friday 27 March, with pre-sale available from 9:00AM AEDT Thursday 26 March.

DEAFHEAVEN AUS/NZ 26 WITH NOTHING AND SPY
Thursday, July 2, San Fan, Wellington NZ*
Friday, July 3 – Powerstation, Auckland NZ*
Sunday, July 5 – The Rechabite, Perth
Wednesday July 8 – The Gov, Adelaide
Thursday July 9 – Forum, Melbourne
Friday, July 10 – Liberty Hall, Sydney
Saturday, July 11 – Hamilton Station, Newcastle
Sunday, July 12 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane
*without SPY

Tickets on sale via Destroy All Lines
Pre Sale: 9:00 AM AEDT Thursday 26 March
General On-Sale: 9:00 AM local Friday 27 March
CONNECT WITH DEAFHEAVEN
WEB | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
News

Live Gallery: Vindicta

Vindicta

Max Watts

Religious worship descended onto Max Watts as Vindicta graced Australian stages. A room full of disciples graciously offering themselves to the spectacle onstage that transpired.

With big heavy hitting riffs, a distinctly symphonic sound and vocals that ranged between a growl and a melodic harmony, Vindicta put on an exceptional show. Supporting band Bulletbelt swooping in from New Zealand to give a solid performance, gaining themselves a room full of new fans.

Behind the lens Amanda Lee Starkey

News

YOU AM I ANNOUNCE ‘STRUNG UP’ EAST COAST AUSTRALIAN TOUR WITH STRING QUARTET CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF ‘HOURLY DAILY’

One of Australia’s most beloved and enduring rock bands, You Am I, today announce their STRUNG UP tour, a special run of east coast Australian performances celebrating the 30th Anniversary of their seminal 1996 album Hourly Daily. Featuring handpicked orchestral manoeuvres from Hourly Daily and selections from across their entire career, the tour will bring these iconic songs to life in a spectacular new live experience.

Gracing some of the country’s most prestigious stages this October and November, STRUNG UP will see You Am I reimagine selections from Hourly Dailyalongside fan favourites from across their celebrated catalogue, joined by a string quartet for a series of uniquely ambitious performances.

Kicking off with their first ever show at Sydney Opera House (Concert Hall) on October 18, the tour will swing through Brisbane’s Tivoli for two shows and Melbourne’s Recital Centre for two shows, completing the run on November 6.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday 30 June at 10am AEST via www.tegdainty.com, with a 24 hour artist and partners presale kicking off from Monday 29 June at 10am AEST.

A landmark record in Australian music history, Hourly Daily debuted at No.1 on the ARIA Albums Chart and remains one of the defining releases of the 1990s. Three decades on, its rich melodies, storytelling and unmistakable character provide the perfect foundation for this one-of-a-kind concert experience.

Frontman Tim Rogers says the opportunity to revisit the band’s music through a new lens is one the group has enthusiastically embraced.

“Our peculiar brand of musical thuggery has oft been blessed by instrumental finery. Working with musicians of less traditional RnR stripe is thrilling and invigorating. Pomp and circumstance with our grubby thumping heart pushing the bunch of us forever onward.”

In celebration of Hourly Daily’s 30th year, You Am I will re-release the classic album on vinyl on Friday October 9, as well as Dailies, Seconds – a collection of 14 B-Sides and demos from that era.

From the sweeping nostalgia of Hourly Daily classics to carefully selected deep cuts and career-spanning highlights, STRUNG UP promises an unforgettable evening showcasing the depth, wit and musicality that have made You Am I one of Australia’s most revered live acts.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday 30 June at 10.00am AEST via www.tegdainty.com.
For all things You Am I, visit https://linktr.ee/youami.

YOU AM I – STRUNG UP EAST COAST AUSTRALIAN TOUR
SUN 18 OCT | Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Sydney
THU 22 OCT | The Tivoli, Brisbane
FRI 23 | The Tivoli, Brisbane
THU 5 NOV | Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
FRI 6 NOV | Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne

BUY TICKETS: STRUNG UP

News

BRAZEN BARBIE SHARES BEWITCHING NEW SINGLE ‘KEEP IT ON THE PLAYGROUND’

Wielding an old-school spirit with sharp and new age energy, Kenyan-Australian powerhouse Brazen Barbie returns today with a bewitching new single Keep It On The Playground. An earworm dazzling with wit and powerful messaging, Keep It On The Playground follows on from Brazen Barbie’s most recent single, 2026’s Say What?, and her 2025 mixtapes BRAZEN and TOO BRAZEN.

Laden with fierce swagger and Brazen Barbie’s signature silky flow, Keep It On The Playground seamlessly weaves throwback vibes with fresh modern flair. Expanding on Brazen Barbie’s trademark vibe, and nods to her own stylistic icons that spans Lil’ Kim through to Missy Elliot, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion and beyond, the origin for Keep It On The Playground was first sparked by a nostalgic beat mixed with Brazen Barbie’s own experiences, as she elaborates, “The concept came from a mix of personal experience and the feeling of the production. The beat has a nostalgic quality to it that took me back to school, and that led me to start writing about some of the dynamics I experienced growing up and how they can show up later in life in different forms.”

With its beat produced by David Arcade, and mixing and mastering courtesy of Daniel Roberts (Mixed By Daniel), Keep It On The Playground’s superpower not only lies in Brazen Barbie’s stalwart performance; it also soars via some vulnerable and universal themes that the talented Melbourne-based artist pairs with playful finesse. “Keep It On The Playground explores the idea that some people never really leave the playground behind,” Brazen Barbie explains. “When I was writing it, I kept coming back to how a lot of the behaviour we associate with childhood doesn’t disappear when people get older. It just takes on a different form. What starts as bullying or singling people out for being different can later show up as racism, misogyny, prejudice, or attempts to diminish people who don’t fit someone else’s expectations.”

“The song draws from some of my own experiences growing up,” Brazen Barbie continues, “but it’s also a broader observation about the world around me. I’ve always found it strange how people can claim to have matured while still carrying the same mentality they had on the playground. Rather than dwell on that, I wanted to challenge it. The record is about self-respect, confidence and refusing to shrink yourself to make other people comfortable. It’s me rejecting those expectations and refusing to give energy to people who are still stuck in that mindset. At the same time, I wanted it to be fun. The beat has this sharp, playful, old-school energy, so I approached the writing with a lot of wit, personality and conviction. The message is serious, but the delivery has a bit of a grin on its face.”

A rapper, songwriter and performer renowned for her witty lyricism, commanding delivery and unbridled empowerment, Brazen Barbie’s creative output has captured attention globally for songs and records that are as thought-provoking as they are hard-hitting. Raised in Perth and now based in Melbourne, Brazen Barbie released her debut mixtape BRAZEN in 2025, swiftly establishing herself as one of the most exciting hip hop artists in the country while also showcasing her versatility both as a writer and performer. A powerful storyteller who is, as she puts it, “witty, bold and a little bit disruptive”, Brazen Barbie followed up BRAZEN with TOO BRAZEN, her bold and compelling second mixtape that expanded her sound and also solidified her reputation as an artist unafraid to challenge expectations. With Rolling Stone Australia declaring of her second mixtape that “the project finds her confidently navigating familiar themes – heartbreak, ambition, betrayal and self-discovery – with the same confident that’s marked her early work”, TOO BRAZEN was a triumph of wit, confidence and social commentary delivered with lashings of glossy grit.

In a short space of time, Brazen Barbie’s rise has been marked by significant industry recognition, from appearing on Apple Music’s Rap Life cover and earning support across major editorial playlists including Spotify’s hot girl sht*, Fresh Finds AU & NZ and Local Hype, through to features with RAGE, Complex, Rolling Stone, VICE and triple j. Recognised as one of the Top 15 Most Played Artists on triple j Unearthed in 2025, Brazen Barbie has also built an impressive live reputation with performances at DARK MOFO, SXSW Sydney, BIGSOUND, Promiseland and Sydney Fringe Festival. Her international momentum continues to surge in 2026, with her track Pack It Up recently securing a sync placement in Season 8 of hit US drama The Chi, whose latest season premiered to a record-breaking 2 million viewers in its first week. Adding to the milestone year, Brazen Barbie will perform on New York’s prestigious On The Radar Radio on August 4, becoming only the second Australian artist ever invited onto the globally influential platform, which boasts more than two million YouTube subscribers and has hosted performances from the likes of Drake, Central Cee and Snoop Dogg.

A fearless and driven creative who continues to garner praise for her unique and commanding fusion of rap and R&B, Brazen Barbie continues to flourish in her own lane in Australian hip hop, and Keep It On The Playground is yet another razor-sharp outing for 2026 from this creative powerhouse.

“I’ve got some exciting things lined up this year,” Brazen Barbie reveals. “I just performed at DARK MOFO on the weekend, and later this year I’ll be heading out on my very first European tour across October and November. I’ll also be releasing more music and continuing to build on everything that’s happened over the last year.

“I’m super excited to let this one out into the world,” Brazen Barbie concludes of her brand new single Keep It On The Playground. “This is one of those songs where the message is there if you want to unpack it, but you can also just throw it on and enjoy it.”

Keep It On The Playground is out today.

Listen: KEEP IT ON THE PLAYGROUND

News

News: FLESHWATER Return To Australia This November with special guests Ingrown (USA) + Secret World

Since first emerging from the underground with their distinctive blend of shoegaze, grunge, alternative rock and hardcore, Fleshwater have become one of the most talked-about bands in heavy music.

This November, the Massachusetts outfit return to Australia for a national tour following a huge twelve months that has seen them release their acclaimed second album ‘2000: In Search Of The Endless Sky‘, tour extensively with Deftones and The Mars Volta and perform at Coachella 2026!

Originally conceived as a side project involving members of Vein.fm, Fleshwater quickly developed a life of its own. Their breakout single Linda Claire introduced audiences to a sound that felt both nostalgic and completely contemporary, drawing from the alternative rock and shoegaze movements of the 1990s while injecting it with a modern heaviness and emotional weight all of their own.

Their 2022 debut album We’re Not Here To Be Loved established the band as far more than a side project, earning a devoted international following and appearances at major festivals including Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, Sound & Fury and Sick New World.

Armed with a new album and an even stronger live reputation, Fleshwater return to Australia for what promises to be their biggest local shows to date.

Joining them on all dates are Idaho wrecking crew Ingrown. With their self described ‘gun-toting, dirt-bike-riding, hell-raising hardcore’ Ingrown have rapidly become one of the most dangerous bands in American heavy music, with their latest album Idaho delivering a relentless barrage of riffs, aggression and attitude.

Opening the tour are Sydney’s Secret World, whose mix of hardcore fury and rock’n’roll swagger has made them one of Australia’s most exciting emerging acts.

TOUR DATES
Thursday, November 5: The Triffid, Brisbane 18+
Saturday, November 7: Liberty Hall, Sydney Lic AA
Sunday, November 8: 170 Russell, Melbourne 18+
Wednesday, November 11: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide Lic AA
Thursday, November 12: Magnet House, Perth 18+ *
*Secret World not appearing in Perth

DAL Pre-Sale: Thursday, June 25 @ 11am AEST
General On-Sale: Friday, June 26 @ 11am Local Time
https://daltours.cc/Fleshwater
theatre

Review: Stella: A New Australian Musical

Stella: A New Australian Musical

Ian Potter Center for Performing Art

A homestead interior, mountains rising out of the horizon and sparse furniture as we meet Stella Miles Franklin, a young girl with dreams of being more than what is assigned to her at birth.  She writes, sings and fills her head with dreams as we are introduced to the girl that will one day pen one of the most important works in literary history.

Stella Miles Franklin ( Geraldine Hakewill) – or Miles Franklin as she was known, was a feminist, author and a woman of incredible courage that lived a life less than ordinary. She was a pioneer, and a woman that published her first novel My Brilliant Career at the age of just 22, Franklin was an inspiration.

From a young age we see Stella dreaming about a life that is more than just marriage and babies, she wants to explore the world and like the dragons she dreams of she wants to fly and leave the Brindabella behind.  With her supportive Pa (Joe Kosky) and her skeptical mother (Johanna Allen) she flies like mythical dragon to drink in all that life has to offer. Stella’s sister Linda  (Shubshri Kandiah) is the complete opposite, marrying and moving to Queensland. Kaya Byrne (Norman, Edwin) takes on multiple roles with ease, switching from brother to lover with a simple on stage costume change. The skill of the cast switching between roles – often on stage is exceptional and never detracts from the story.

Set designer Nick Fry has kept the  set design rather minimal, mountain rangers silhouetted against an ever changing sky, sparse furniture and grass representing the homestead of her childhood. This works to keep us in the story, the minimalist set and cast portraying  multiple characters works exceptionally well.  It puts the viewer right into the Brindabella, a harsh environment where she dreamed of a bigger life, with the lighting complimenting the set perfectly to convey mood. As difference countries and landscapes unfold, the mountains remain constant throughout.

The music has an authentic jazz vibe ,working in well to the prose, adding to the story effectively. Each song works well to fit into the narrative, performed expertly by the cast. As the life of Stella unfolds, the music shapes her story and we get an insight to a woman that lived and incredibly remarkable life.

The story of Stella Miles Franklin is one that is is bold, brave and incredibly inspiring. In a landscape where not enough stories of women that paved the way are being told, Stella is a breath of fresh air. Stella Miles Franklin lived a remarkable life and her story was crying out to be told- this beautiful musical does it so well. Director Julia Robertson and writer Monique Dimattina have done and exceptional job breathing life into one of histories most remarkable women.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Five Stars

Live Gallery

Live Gallery: Sanguisugabogg | Peeling Flesh | Gutless

Live Gallery: Sanguisugabogg | Peeling Flesh | Gutless at 170 Russell  |  14/06/26

The extreme metal party machine of Sanguisugabogg and Peeling Flesh steamrolled a sold out crowd at 170 Russell on a cold Sunday night in Melbourne. Great to see the local death metal juggernaut Gutless pick up the national support for this highly anticipated tour – and they didn’t waste the opportunity, destroying the early punters lucky enough to see them rip thru a furious set of instant classics from their killer record High Impact Violence and a few older tunes for good measure.

Peeling Flesh had the crowd frothing and used their set to show why this visit was so highly anticipated, showcasing their high energy dance/slam/sludge/death metal mix to a berserk crowd. Nowhere safe from the slamming, surfing and diving crowd, not even the photog pit with us glass wielders having to watch out for feet and bodies in the pit, and ultimately moved on just a shade early by the excellent and attentive security.  Great to see them dedicate their set to local heroes Algor Mortis – and CC needed no encouragement to join them late in the set, a real highlight.

Sanguisugabogg play a slightly more standard brand of filthy gore stained death metal and were heavy as hell, no surprises there – ‘Bogg were clearly enjoying their return visit to Australia to flatten venues around the country.

A wild, punishing night of death metal madness.

Behind the lens Dan McKay

 

 

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