LIFE’S A BEACH POLARIS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS WE CAME AS ROMANS (USA) THY ART IS MURDER OCEAN SLEEPER + CASKETS (UK) TERMINAL SLEEP + RELIQA + HEADWRECK DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS Aussie summer in 2026 is about to get a whole lot hotter with Sydney metalcore heavyweights POLARIS today announcing their first-ever curated summer event LIFE’S A BEACH, with this unprecedented experience set to take place on Saturday 14 February at the Riviera Beach Club in St Kilda, joined by a stacked array of local and international talent. Renowned for playing host to some of Melbourne’s most in-demand DJ and electronic live music events, the Riviera Beach Club has become the city’s secret summer party venue. But next February, LIFE’S A BEACH is primed to transform the site into a one-day-only heavy music takeover, ultimately offering fans a unique experience unlike anything they’ve ever witnessed before. Headlined and curated by POLARIS, also marking the final live celebration of their acclaimed 2023 album Fatalism leading into a brand new chapter, LIFE’S A BEACH will feature some of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming artists alongside some international icons including WE CAME AS ROMANS (USA), THY ART IS MURDER, OCEAN SLEEPER, CASKETS (UK), TERMINAL SLEEP, RELIQA and HEADWRECK. “Putting together an outdoor fest that we can call our own has been a little pipe-dream of ours for a while now – and this coming summer felt like the perfect time to dip our toes in, so to speak! We’ve hand-picked a killer mix of old friends from abroad and at home, some familiar favourites and some of the best up-and-coming local talent. We’re so psyched to have the chance to create a new experience for our fans in such a unique and beautiful location. We can’t wait to have a mosh as the sun goes down, and most likely throw ourselves into the waves as soon as we walk off stage! Life’s a beach baby, don’t forget it!” – Daniel Furnari, Polaris One of Australia’s most meteoric heavy acts, POLARIS first established their enduring melodic brutality via their first two albums, 2020’s ARIA Award-nominated The Death Of Me and 2017’s The Mortal Coil, which debuted in the Australian Top 10. But it was in 2023 that POLARIS fearlessly emerged into legendary status with the release of their third studio album Fatalism. Debuting at #1 on the ARIA Charts, gaining nominations for Australian Album of the Year at the 2023 J Awards and for the 2023 Australian Music Prize, Fatalism balanced raw angst and underlying catharsis alongside the group’s signature mix of melodic metalcore, lush post rock, electronic hues and beyond. Following the release of Fatalism, POLARIS have relentlessly gone from strength to strength, with monumental capital city and regional tours largely sold out, through to multiple international headline runs and festival slots, including in North America, Europe and the UK, supporting Bring Me The Horizon and Slipknot overseas, and igniting the main stage at Knotfest Australia earlier this year. And continuing on the live front, capturing their biggest headline show to date back in 2023 at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion, POLARIS have also just unveiled a mini documentary, FOREVER, forever immortalising not only their insatiable energy and songs from Fatalism onstage for a home crowd, but also their first hometown show surrounded by their nearest and dearest following the tragic loss of Ryan Siew. Watch FOREVER here. While 2026 for POLARIS is already filling up with performances at Froth & Fury Festival and at the inaugural Hellbound Cruise, the new year will also offer up a special and first-of-its-kind milestone in the form of LIFE’S A BEACH. A band continually at the forefront of heavy music and culture, WE CAME AS ROMANS seamlessly merge grooves, catharsis, ethereal electronics and arena-ready anthems into a sound that defies genre-confines. Emerging out of Michigan in 2005, the band have chalked up ongoing chart success, millions of streams and performances alongside the likes of Bring Me The Horizon, I Prevail, The Used, Sleeping With Sirens, Parkway Drive and many more. Traversing tragedy and tenacity along the way, WCAR returned with gusto in 2025 with the recent release of their seventh studio album All Is Beautiful…Because We’re Doomed, with Kerrang! declaring “they’ve returned to wreck your speakers and vocal cords…[the album] stands as a monolithic metalcore moment.” A crushing and all-encompassing heavy force to be reckoned with, THY ART IS MURDER‘s trajectory ascending to extreme metal’s top tier has been seamlessly soundtracked by the group’s savage blackened metal sturdily forged with thought-provoking commentary. From their 2010 debut album, The Adversary, through to 2023’s Godlike, THY ART IS MURDER have whipped heads, ears and charts into a frenzy, with the group equally commanding stages whether as headliners or alongside heavy icons including Slayer, Parkway Drive and Fear Factory. Exploding out of Gippsland, modern metalcore rising stars OCEAN SLEEPER announced themselves to the world via their 2017 debut EP Six Feet Down and have never looked back. Between performing with Killswitch Engage, In Hearts Wake and While She Sleeps, or onstage at Good Things Festival and UNIFY Gathering, OCEAN SLEEPER are the voice of the underdogs, continually pushing sonic boundaries and connecting deeply with fans in the process. And returning to our shores in 2026, Leeds post hardcore quartet CASKETS are well-versed in heavy alchemy, mixing lush post hardcore, modern metallic power and electronic edges that is equal parts towering, raw and, as seen most recently on their recent 2025 album The Only Heaven You’ll Know, larger than life in all the right ways. Melbourne-based hardcore act TERMINAL SLEEP have wasted no time perfecting their sound since first emerging in 2022, with their chaotic and cathartic tendencies leading them to signing with Nuclear Blast Records earlier this year, as well as previous tours with everyone from Kublai Khan TX through to SPEED and many more. Meanwhile, taking progressive metalcore to dazzling new heights, Sydney’s RELIQA have won over a legion of fans at home and abroad, with their world-class releases and performances leading them to performing with the likes of Spirtbox, BABYMETAL and Halestorm, and showcasing their sonic diversity and ingenuity via their debut 2024 album Secrets of the Future. Since 2021, Brisbane’s HEADWRECK have steadily grown their trademark glitch-heavy sound, with soaring choruses and low-tuned guitars firmly on the menu, witnessed most recently via their 2024 chaotic track Buzzsaw as well as at unforgettable live outings over the years with We Came As Romans, Paledusk and ERRA. In 2026, LIFE’S A BEACH is set to take heavy music into brand new waters under the warm summer sun, stepping away from the standard touring venues and stages to create something truly unique. Offering a diverse and potent lineup, boasting non-stop heaviness against the backdrop of Melbourne’s beachside summer vibes, LIFE’S A BEACH is a carefully curated experience that will also offer fans a chance to see POLARIS in a setting never witnessed before. Clear your calendar next February 14 and prepare to witness a brand new cultural landmark for both the heavy scene and Melbourne’s live music calendar.

Destroy All Lines Presents LIFE’S A BEACH POLARIS WITH SPECIAL GUESTS WE CAME AS ROMANS (USA) THY ART IS MURDER OCEAN SLEEPER + CASKETS (UK) TERMINAL SLEEP + RELIQA + HEADWRECK SATURDAY 14 FEBRUARY 2026 RIVIERA BEACH CLUB, ST KILDA MELBOURNE (18+) Pre-sale tickets on sale: Tuesday 23 September @ 11am AEST time To Gain Early Ticket Access Register Here -> https://daltours.cc/polaris General tickets on sale: Thursday 25 September @ 11am Tickets from www.destroyalllines.com

Chappell Roan to Headline Massive Laneway 2026 Lineup

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Laneway is coming back bigger and better than ever in February 2026

The Laneway 2026 lineup has been revealed.

Confirmed on next year’s bill includes headlining act Chappell Roan, as well as Role Model, PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, BENEE, Gigi Perez, Wolf Alice, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Laneway Festival 2026 is coming back bigger and better than ever next February, with a refreshed route across Australia and New Zealand.

Danny Rogers and Jerome Borazio, co-founders of the festival, said this week: “It’s incredible to be celebrating 21 years of Laneway. What began as a little street party in a Melbourne laneway has grown into a summer ritual across Australia and New Zealand.

“Every year we’re blown away by the response from the artists, fans, and community that make Laneway so special — 2026 is about honouring that history while looking to the future.”

2025 was Laneway’s biggest year yet, drawing over 200,000 fans to sold-out shows across Auckland, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, with an additional 40,000 at sideshows. Headliners like Charli XCX, Clairo, BICEP, Beabadoobee, Olivia Dean, and Remi Wolf made it a standout year, and the festival’s have confirmed its return next year.

The Laneway Festival pre-sale opens Tuesday, September 23rd with staggered release times across each city. General on-sale follows on Wednesday, September 24th from 10am AEST. Click here for more details.

Laneway 2026

Dates

Thursday, February 5th (18+)
Western Springs, Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau

Saturday, February 7th (16+)
Southport Sharks, Gold Coast/Yugambeh Jagun

Sunday, February 8th (16+)
Centennial Park, Sydney/Gadigal & Bidjigal

Friday, February 13th (16+)
Flemington Park, Melbourne/Wurundjeri Biik

Saturday, February 14th (16+)
Adelaide Showgrounds, Adelaide/Kaurna Yerta

Sunday, February 15th (16+)
Arena Joondalup, Perth/Whadjuk Boodjar

Lineup

Chappell Roan*

Wolf Alice*

Role Model

PinkPantheress*

Wet Leg

Yung Lean & Bladee*

Lucy Dacus

Alex G

BENEE**

Cavetown

Mt. Joy

The Dare

Malcolm Todd

Oklou

Jensen McRae**

Geese**

Wisp**

Gigi Perez

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers^^

Blusher^

Shady Nasty^

Armlock^

The Belair Lip Bombs^

Djanaba

9lives”

Lontalius”

MOKOTRON”

Ringlets”

Womb”

*Only playing Laneway 
**Auckland, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne only
^Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne only
^^Australia only
“Auckland only

 

 

Mayday Parade

Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne

September 12

Mayday Parade (US), supported by Jack’s Mannequin (US) and The Home Team (US) entertained a nearly full arena crowd on Friday night with their Three Cheers for 20 Years tour.

Jack’s Mannequin prepped the crowd with tracks for their 2005 EP Everything in Transit, and the fans at the barrier didn’t disappoint during their most popular The Mixed Tape and Dark Blue tracks.

Mayday Parade gave it their all for their opening show on tour, opening with By the Way and Just Say You’re Not Into It to screaming fans. As a long-time fan of the band, it felt surreal being next to the barrier of similar-age fans screaming the lyrics back to the band.

They continued the night with other key hits like Bruised and Scarred and Piece of Your Heart, before ending their Melbourne show with their most popular and loudest from the crowd, Jamie All Over.

Photos by Matthew Ling

Jack’s Mannequin

Mayday Parade

“Life changing, soul shaking, awe inspiring – you come in one human and leave as another with 30+ other humans by your side.”

– Jamila Grace – GRXCE, Kitschen Boy, Salary Men

“The Seed workshop was a formative experience that reshaped my understanding of what it means to be an efficient, empathetic, and successful artist manager—teaching me that true leadership in this role lies in balancing strategic thinking with deep emotional intelligence and unwavering support for the artist’s vision.”

– Chris Bettiol –  Telenova, George Alice, Edward Quinn

“This workshop was a total game-changer. It cracked me open and gave me a whole new perspective on my music career, helping me develop the tools, mindset, and connections to approach the business side with the same creativity and clarity I bring to my songwriting.”

– Joe Mungovan –  self-managed artist

“The Seed is an intensive music industry survival skills program that embodies the spirit of sharing, generosity, vulnerability and resource swapping. It shows by example that we are better together, and instills a sense of common purpose and connection in a notoriously siloed industry. I wish I could do it every year.”

– Tyler McLoughlin – Bobby Alu

 

“Working in the music industry can be an incredibly isolating experience. The seed fund provides a critical avenue for us as self-managed artists to build connection and community to fracture this isolation.”

– Charlotte LeLievre – self-managed artist

Powerfully advocating for artists and managers, The Seed Fund has become a cornerstone in the contemporary music landscape. Starting life in 2005, The Seed Fund, spearheaded by directors John Butler and Danielle Caruana and managing director Stacia Goninon, has spent decades raising vital funds and advocating for the artistic community; and today, The Seed Fund is proud to announce another round of its flagship Management Workshop Program once again in 2026.

 

Applications for The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop will open this Friday, the 19th September fromhttps://www.theseedfund.org/management, and will close on Friday 31st October.

 

Created by artists for artists, The Seed Fund Management Workshop Program began in 2006 as a way to bring emerging artist managers and self-managed artists together with industry leaders to share resources and impart wisdom, creating new national networks.

 

The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop Program is a NSW based, national professional development training for up to 35 emerging managers and self-managed artists. The program is holistically designed; a 5 day workshop immersion, followed by 12 months of mentoring. Participants develop interstate and territory networks with alumni, peers and industry leaders and practical skills to propel their careers.

 

The Seed Fund has shown an unwavering dedication to shaping the industry through practical, peer driven support and importantly, is the only national management program catering to self-managed artists. Over the space of 19 years, The Seed Fund has delivered 13 management workshop programs, kickstarting a horde of careers along the way, marking a triumphant return in 2025 following a hiatus against the pandemic years.

 

“It was amazing to be back in 2025,” shares managing director Stacia Goninon. “From the applications opening to the workshop we felt the surge of what was out there waiting for us. It was nice to be able to feel that even after a break we could just pick up where we left off.”

 

“I think what COVID offered was a chance to really reflect on how we spend our time and energy,” Stacia continues. “So, deciding to bring the program back was a decision we did not take lightly at all.  I think our workshop intensive in 2025 was the best yet. I would expect them to get better every time we delivery them (or why bother right?), but there was a level of commitment and intentionality in the cohort that felt particularly alive, the program was sharp, our delivery is always improving and we have no doubts about who we are, what we are doing, why we are doing and where we fit and serve in the eco system of the industry and music community.”

 

Spanning some of the biggest behind-the-scenes names in the Australian music industry, The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop Program alumni includes Katy Steele, Van Picken, Andrew Stone, Jen Cloher, Jodie Regan, Luke Girgis, Maggie Collins, Fred Leone, Jake Mason, Melody Forghani, Anthony Zaccaria, Monique Rothstein, Scott Mesiti, Leah Flanagan, Jess Beston, Katie Besgrove, Nick Lynagh, Rick Chazan, Nicole BZ, Rowan Brand and many more.

 

“The workshop really is an intensive, there’s no doubt about that, the fact that we get to take people away from their everyday lives and put them in a room with others who are on similar but distinct paths really reminds them that they are not alone…they get to build an instant community,” says Stacia.

 

“It is an example of who we can be as a community, shown in real time.  It is model making of how we are better as a collective than a bunch of competing individuals.  It capitalises on our most important assets – the energy of our shared passion for music and the innate generosity of us as a collective of professionals,” adds Danielle.

 

“Watching the cohorts all become their own network and then finding ways to support and uplift each other is my favourite light bulb moment, the moment where they have the  – aha…I thought I was coming here for me.. but this is an “us” situation,” shares Danielle.

 

With over 300 managers and self-funded artists coming through the program since its inception, and the distribution of over $1.8 million dollars through grants and initiatives, The Seed Fund’s legacy is only set to grow with its 2026 iconic Management Workshop Program return, fostering and invigorating the future of the music industry, and bringing together like-minded yet silo-ed individuals into a thriving eco-system.

 

“To me – magic is the first word I always use when telling people about the workshops,” says Danielle. “And The Seed Fund is a collective effort. We are constantly surprised at the alchemy when you intentionally bring people together.

 

“The thing I love the most is the legacy of connection,” Stacia concludes. “Every time I see a festival line up, or I go to a music conference I can spot seed alumni (and speakers) all over the place, and more so, they spot each other. I’m at BIGSOUND right now and ran into two people who were at the first ever workshop in 2006, it’s a very humbling legacy! So the fact that we are able to keep growing this community is so special and important to our values as an organisation.”

 

Applications for The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop are open now from https://www.theseedfund.org/management, and will close on Friday 31st October.

 

The Seed fund thanks Sound NSW for their support.

 

For more information, visit https://www.theseedfund.org/

Hi, Mama Kin here of Mama Kin Spender.  We are a garage/folk duo flung to either ends of this great red land.  We have just released our new album PROMISES.  This album is a shotgun ride through the the glee, collapse and transformation of love.  It was carved from stories extracted from our own chests, and it now stands as our apology, our medicine and a manifesto. 

 

10 items on my fantasy rider:

1. A Masseuse with a massage table with a head hole that is super comfortable!
2. Kinny and fresh lemon served on ice (Kinny is the Maltese version of Chinotto)
3. A thermal hot spring for a post show soak
4. A ping pong table to stir up my competitive spirit, and get me shit talking
5. 10 different types of WHOLE hazelnut chocolate with AT LEAST a 40% hazelnut to chocolate ratio.
6. Someone making me AMAZING margaritas/or medicinal hot toddies depending on my vibe
7. Can the back room have a traveling machine so I can go straight from the gig back home and just walk in the door and be like “hey babes.. Just did a gig on the other side of the country.. Pop the kettle on, run the bath.. The night is YOUNG!”
8. Maybe Adrienne from Yoga with Adrienne – I got really into it over COVID days and I think we would be great friends, she made me yoga and laugh at the same time and I do like the combo.  SO yeah a quick check in with Ads would be great before a show. 
9.  Horse so I can breathe in their smell and get nuzzled but also remember that I TOO AM CALM AND WILD AS I NEED TO BE!
10. Wish I could take my dog to every gig so I could cuddle her before I play and that she would be there with her soft brown eyes ready to tail wag and love hard when I finish.  Maybe she could also help with merch. But also maybe great if the back stage was also a great doggo beach or a forest that her and the horse could frolic in while I am on stage.

 

Stream: PROMISES

 

MAMA KIN SPENDER – UPCOMING SHOWS:

Tickets available from mamakinspender.love

FRI 03 OCT | PADDINGTON UNITING CHURCH, SYDNEY/GADIGAL NSW
SAT 04 OCT | MILTON THEATRE, MILTON/BUDAWANG NSW
SUN 05 OCT | DASHVILLE SKYLINE, DASHVILLE/WONNARUA NSW

ILL NIÑO

Max Watts

After eight years away from Australian stages, ILL NIÑO’s return has generated genuine excitement among fans of Latin-infused metal, and fans line the barrier ready for the show to kick off.

Opening for the band are not one but two bands- Rise From Ashes and Verona Lights, opening to an impressive crowd turn out. Both give solid performances and blood is pumping by the time ILL NIÑO hit the stage.

ILL NIÑO has built its reputation on emotionally and physically intense live shows, and tonight is no exception. After a long hiatus, fans are hungry and limber up on as they prepare for the onslaught. The nostalgia factor is large and the crowd is amped and ready; the pit proves to be a hectic place for bodies to connect and smash together.

ILL NIÑO’s Melbourne show promised to be one of the more hyped metal events this year in Melbourne, and it delivered.  For longtime fans, it was a chance to relive and reconnect; for newer listeners, a chance to see how a band with a solid legacy still pushes forward. For a band that keep announcing they had only slept for three hours, they gave a solid performance, the audience going wild for each and every moment.

John Butler

Northcote Theater

Relationships evolve and change, and as John Butler will attest, sometimes great art comes from that pain and evolution.  Having just released his latest work PRISM, John descended on Melbourne’s Northcote Theater to share his new album.

Opening for Butler is the always radiant Emma Donovan, dressed casually in a dress and denim jacket. Accompanied by only her guitarist, Emma sings a beautiful rendition of Auntie Ruby’s  ” Yarian Mititji” a soulful track that silences the audience. Before leaving the stage she pays respect to Uncle Archie with a rendition of ” Wash My Soul In The River’s Flow”, a jazz version of the timeless classic.

John Butler arrives for his set, opening with ” Losing You”. The crowd begins to dance and move in unison as Butler hits us with a heap of new songs from the album. The catchy new single” Tripping” gets everyone moving. Playing a few classics ” Zebra”, ” Treat Yo Mumma” and ” Wade in the Water” keeps the audience happy dancing along.

Bringing out Emma to cover another of Uncle Archie’s songs, they present a beautiful version of ” We Won’t Cry”. Bringing out his wife Mamma Kin, they team up for ” Losing You” to finish up the set.

John Butler is one of those performers that no matter how many times you’ve seen him, he just gets better and better. He brings joy to each performance, sends a prayer out to the Universe and offers music that is inspirational. Each time you leave a John Butler performance, you leave a little better than when you went in – his music is just that powerful.

Machine Gun Kelly Announces 2026 Australia and New Zealand Tour

The rumours are true – Machine Gun Kelly is heading to Australia and New Zealand in 2026

After Universal Music Australia teased tour plans last month, the US songwriter has confirmed he will be heading our way in April next year.

Arena shows have been locked in for Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland. MGK will be joined on the tour by US hip hop artist honestav.

The run comes in support of his latest seventh studio album, LostAmericana, which hit #3 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

The release of Lost Americana follows 2022’s Mainstream Sellout, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured collaborations with Willow, Lil Wayne, and Bring Me the Horizon.

General onsale begins Thursday, September 25th at 4pm AEST and 4pm NZST. Click here for more details and check out all of the dates below.

MACHINE GUN KELLY 2026 AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND TOUR