Category Archives: News

News: INTERNATIONAL POP ARTIST SHAB UNVEILS SEXY, 80s-INSPIRED MUSIC VIDEO FOR LIPSTICK – WATCH NOW!

INTERNATIONAL POP ARTIST SHAB UNVEILS SEXY, 80s-INSPIRED MUSIC VIDEO FOR LIPSTICK – WATCH NOW! 

DIVE INTO THE RETRO VIBES: SHAB’S LIPSTICK MUSIC VIDEO IS LIVE! 

 

Los Angeles, CA – June 6, 2025– International pop sensation SHAB is excited to release the music video for Lipstick, the vibrant, 80s-inspired single from her critically acclaimed 2025 album One Suitcase. The video, shot in Los Angeles, is a visual celebration of bold colors and nostalgic vibes, with red as the dominant hue, perfectly complementing the flirty, sexy, and teasing energy of the song. The playful concept features SHAB in a striking red outfit and red lips, embracing the fantasy of traveling back to the 80s for a day, delivering a visual that captures the essence of unapologetic femininity and empowerment.

Lipstick, which stands out as one of the most dynamic tracks from One Suitcase, is now available on all digital platforms, and the music video is live onYouTube. SHAB’s empowering anthem reflects her journey as a refugee turned global pop star. Her rise to fame, fueled by her ability to blend pop, dance, and world music influences, continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

I had so much fun bringing the Lipstick music video to life,” SHAB says. “We really embraced the 80s vibe and the playful, flirty energy of the song. Everyone worked so hard to make it visually striking and fun, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out. It was sexy, fun, and full of great energy, which made it an unforgettable experience to film.

In addition to her music video release, SHAB’s career has been marked by notable performances, including opening for the popular British boy band JLS at The O2 in London, where she wowed audiences with her high-energy set. She also made waves with her collaboration on the hit singleVoodoo alongside hip-hop icon FAT JOE, which climbed the charts and further cemented her place as a rising star in the global music scene.

In support of One Suitcase, SHAB has been on a national TV and radio tour, making appearances on outlets such as FOX32 Chicago, FOX13 Seattle, ABC7 San Francisco and CW33 Dallas. As part of her ongoing media tour, SHAB continues to share her inspiring story of resilience and strength, from her early life as a refugee to becoming a voice for women’s empowerment and a philanthropist advocating for displaced people through Choose Love.

SHAB’s music continues to inspire as she celebrates womanhood, independence and the freedom to express herself as an American artist. AsLipstick gains momentum, SHAB will keep pushing boundaries and the track will hit the radio airwaves in mid-June. Keep an eye out for more from this rising star, as she continues to take the world by storm.

For press inquiries or interview requests, please contact:
shab@miller-pr.com

Connect with Shab:
Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | X | Spotify

ABOUT SHAB:
SHAB is an international pop artist who has captivated audiences internationally with her powerful story about her flight from fundamentalism as an Iranian refugee to an acclaimed global musician. With her unique blend of Middle Eastern, pop and electronic influences, SHAB’s music resonates with listeners on a deeply emotional level.  SHAB’s rise to fame has been marked by critical acclaim and a rapidly growing fanbase, with over 25 million YouTube views and 13 million Spotify streams. She has performed internationally, including a 25-date European tour and an 18-date arena tour in the United Kingdom during 2025 as the opening act for the popular British boy band  JLS. With features in top media outlets like Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, FHM, Hot Press and Wonderland, SHAB continues to break boundaries as an independent artist and global icon, inspiring others to embrace their own stories of strength and resilience. Her 2025 latest album, One Suitcase, explores themes of freedom, empowerment and resilience. Hits such as Lipstick and Dirty as well as her collaboration with Fat Joe on Voodoo showcase her ability to seamlessly blend genres while sharing her personal story of survival and self-discovery. In addition to her musical success, SHAB is a passionate advocate for refugees and women’s rights. As an ambassador for the UK-based charity Choose Love (www.choose.love), SHAB is donating all of her profits from purchases of One Suitcase to support displaced people around the world. Her advocacy is deeply personal, having lived the challenges of being a refugee, and she uses her platform to shed light on the struggles of those forced to flee their homes.  Her efforts align with her mission to empower others through her music as well as her work with charitable organizations. 

News: dead7 Share ‘PLEASE’ Feat. Invent Animate’s Marcus Vik From ‘LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU STILL GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE’ Out July 11

DEAD7
SHARE PLEASE VIDEO

SONG FEATURES INVENT ANIMATE’S MARCUS VIK

NEW ALBUM LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE OUT ON JULY 11

dead7 will drop their new album LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE on July 11via SharpTone. Pre-order it here.

On the album, the St. Louis, MO quintet — Jason Kozik (vocals), Dexter Greer (guitar), Tim Quinn (guitar), Stephen Salyer (bass), and Zach Guinn (drums) — temper guitar-driven grooves with electronics, atmospheric keys, and evocative vocals. Simultaneously, death and romance become interchangeable, rotating around an axis of relatable emotional turbulence.

dead7 have now dropped the video for PLEASE. The track features a guest appearance from Invent Animate‘s Marcus Vik.

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR PLEASE HERE.
“We were making a joke about being kind of horny, and we tried to encapsulate it,” Kozik says about the song’s interesting origin story. “It’s about the highs of relationships. If you say, Please, you could tell me to do anything. It doesn’t matter, just ask nicely. It has our ridiculously low guitar tones that we love, but it also feels like a pop song. We really wanted to have fun with this one.”

Fun, indeed!

Armed with this boundary-breaking style, dead7 initially rose up out of St. Louis during 2022. Following unwanted and bite it, the group collaborated with Nathan Johnson of Fox Lakeon heaven only knows. Meanwhile, tape mouth surged with over 433K Spotify streams, paving the way for the new pain collection EP and all time does is pass and all i do is remember EP. Along the way, they packed headline gigs and graced the bills of festivals such as POINTFEST with Incubus, Bad Omens, Coheed and Cambria, The Pretty Reckless, and more. In late 2024, they caught the attention of Sharptone Records and inked a deal with the label. Hitting the studio, the band reteamed with frequent collaborators and producers Caleb Freihaut and Ben McGuiness to record what would become LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE. This time around, the guys nodded to inspirations such as Loathe, Bring Me The Horizon, and Three Days Grace.

PLEASE – OUT NOW
https://bfan.link/please-12

LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU STILL GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE – OUT JULY 11
https://sharptonerecords.co/collections/dead7

LOVE WHAT YOU CAN WHILE YOU STILL GOT SOMETHING LEFT TO LOVE TRACK LISTING:

01. BLUR
02. HOLE
03. BLOOD
04. NUCLEAR
05. ENEMY
06. TEETH
07. PLEASE (Feat. Marcus Vik)
08. TATTOO
09. FLOATING (Feat. Aaron Matts)
10. DOPESICK

Live Gallery: Katy Perry

Katy Perry

Rod Laver Areana

June 07

Katy Perry has returned to our shores once again for ‘The Lifetimes Tour’ in 2025, her first tour in six years. Hitting all major Australian cities in June 2025, fans can expect an unforgettable live show. This tour will showcase her latest album ‘143’ filled with her signature sound and provocative lyrics.

She lit up Rod Laver arena in a spectacular sight, Amanda was there to catch all the action.

 

 

Live Gallery: Ocean Grove

Ocean Grove
170 Russell
May 25 2025

Ocean Grove’s performance at 170 Russell was a high-octane celebration of their 10-year journey since the release of Black Label, delivering a set that seamlessly blended nostalgia with fresh energy. Ocean Grove are an Australian nu metal band formed in 2010. The band consists of the core trio of vocalist Dale Tanner, drummer/producer/guitarist Sam Bassal, and bassist/vocalist Brent “Twiggy” Hunter, alongside studio-only members Luke “Poochy” Holmes and guitarist/producer Matthew “Running Touch” Kopp.

Behind the Lens Tom Golsworthy

 

MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA SHARE CHARISMATIC CALL TO ARMS ‘BOM BOM BOM’ SINGLE TAKEN FROM FORTHCOMING NEW ALBUM ‘THE BALLAD OF MONTE LOCO’ DUE OUT FRIDAY JUNE 27

An upbeat coalescence of dub, Spaghetti Western hues and revolution, today ARIA Award-winning ska collective Melbourne Ska Orchestra unveil a brand new track Bom Bom Bom; a charismatic sonic powder keg that also accompanies a music video and the announcement of a new forthcoming Melbourne Ska Orchestra album, with The Ballad Of Monte Loco set for release on Friday June 27. And with a huge global tour set to span Australia, Japan and Canada from July to October 2025, the arrival of The Ballad Of Monte Loco kicks open the doors to a thrilling new MSO musical saga ahead of a huge run of shows.

Opening with the whirring sound of a film projector and hypnotic hooks, Bom Bom Bom swings into a track punctuated by tremolo guitar picking, dub beats and smoky soundscapes, perfectly setting the scene both for a dusky desert caper as well as a call to action, with Bom Bom Bom’s lyrics soaked in powerful protest as Melbourne Ska Orchestra leader Nicky Bomba elaborates, Bom Bom Bom is a rally cry wrapped in rhythm. It’s about waking up, standing up, and remembering that the power belongs to the people. There’s a fire underneath it all—a deep frustration with systems that divide and distract—but also a joy in coming together to shake the walls with music. It’s protest through party. It’s a revolution… with a horn section.”

“There’s definitely a nod to The Skatalites and Toots,” adds Bomba, “but also the storytelling vibe of Gil Scott-Heron, the space-dub of Lee Scratch Perry, and that Spaghetti Western cinematic scope—Morricone still guiding us like a desert prophet. We utilise a few different languages too, Sally Ford bringing the Texacali spirit to the MSO sound.”

Produced by Nicky Bomba and the MSO crew, Bom Bom Bom was recorded in-house with a tapestry of sound design courtesy of award-winning composer Wally Maloney. And with soundscapes spanning the full gamut of the cinematic West including church bells, whips, horses and whistles (also extending to the broader The Ballad Of Monte Loco album), it’s fitting that the accompanying music video for Bom Bom Bom embraces a spirit befitting the silver screen, with the clip once again bringing on board a long-time MSO collaborator to bring the Western vibes to visual fruition.We wanted to capture some of the cinematic energy of Sergio Leone classics like The Fistful Trilogy and merge it with some of the wilder, more surreal visions of the West,” shares Bomba. “We love the craziness of films by Alejandro Jodorowsky, so we hoped to bottle a bit of that energy as well. We figured a good tribute to these cinematic ideas would be a trailer to our fictional Western film The Ballad Of Monte Loco. We worked with long-time collaborator and friend Clayton Jacobson—he’s got the eye for mixing real grit with cinematic magic. He’s done some of our most popular music videos and he just gets it.”

Along with Bom Bom Bom, Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s most recent singles Walls of Jericho and John Wayne have steadily painted a picture of what lies at the heart of the group’s upcoming new album, The Ballad Of Monte Loco; a tantalising combo of Western badlands smoulder fused with reggae, horns and beyond across its 13 tracks. Opening with a haunting church bell, galloping percussion and ghostly melodies, The Brave, The Mean and the Wild Ones perfectly sets the scene, detailing “how the West was won” merged with perky saxophone solos, genuine horse gallops, sweeping horns and honky tonk piano. From here, The Ballad Of Monte Loco continuously feels like a full body immersion into a celluloid fever dream, with hazy dub swoon (No Doubt About It and Read Between The Lines), prowling Western soundscapes, Latin piano lines and sprinkling percussion (Pay No Mind), mesmerising grooves set against sparkling horns and commanding urgency that transcends language and time (No Me Mientas), as well as a whispered and haunting interlude (Fortune Teller). The second half of The Ballad of Monte Loco then immediately journeys between upbeat cinematic storytelling (John Wayne), jubilant positivity (Spring In My Step), funked-up jaunt (When Bootsy Came To Town), and a powerful call to arms coated with modern panache and vintage saloon vibes (Realidad). And while the entirety of The Ballad Of Monte Loco is equally eclectic yet cohesive, closing track One Thing ends on a commanding note, deftly balancing its languid vocals, cloudy arrangements and bewitching harmonies with a sturdy closing message to persevere against the odds.

“This album was born in a time of uncertainty, but also one of reflection and fire,” says Bomba of the upcoming album. “The Ballad of Monte Loco is our imagined Western world, where rhythm is resistance, and people rise together through music. It touches on revolution, false prophets, joy as rebellion, and the power of truth when it’s sung loud. We wanted it to feel like both a warning and a celebration.”

One of Australia’s most commanding collectives, Melbourne Ska Orchestra amalgamate some of the country’s finest musicians and performers, helmed with formidable dexterity by Nicky Bomba (John Butler Trio, Bomba, Bustamento). Forming in the early 2000s, MSO are an energy-infested orchestra with a difference, with the group comprising up to 26 members spanning vocals, horns, keys, percussion, woodwind and more. Releasing their self-titled debut album in 2013, MSO would earn the first of many ARIA Award nominations, ultimately going on to take out Best World Music Album in 2016 for their second full-length, Sierra Kilo Alpha, as well as Best World Music Album in 2019 for their multi album box set One Year of Ska. And proving their relentless work-ethic alongside their world-class skillset, One Year of Ska also found Melbourne Ska Orchestra releasing a song every week for an entire year.

Over the years Melbourne Ska Orchestra have ticked off multiple sold out shows on home soil, dozens of major festival appearances, twelve international tours, and a sea of awards and nominations. But it’s not just the group’s prolific output that has found them so hotly in demand worldwide, with MSO’s explosive live performance and genre-defying genius generating acclaim and huge nods of approval from reggae and ska legends including Stranger Cole, Owen Grab, Carlos Malcolm, Ranking Roger and Neville Staples.

In 2025, Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s world domination continues, both via the upcoming release of The Ballad Of Monte Loco as well as an upcoming huge global tour that will see them travel through Australia, Japan and Canada throughout July, August, September and October 2025. And whetting the appetite with today’s new single, dropping Bom Bom Bomahead of the release of The Ballad Of Monte Loco later this month, there are truly some unforgettable moments still to come, as Nicky Bomba concludes, We’re buzzin’! There’s nothing like the full MSO experience live—up to 20 of us on stage, blasting brass, thundering percussion, and skankin’ til the roof lifts. It’s not just a gig—it’s a full-blown brass opera with boots, sweat, and soul. We’re bringing the world of Monte Loco to life in every town we hit.

This isn’t background music. This is a dancefloor sermon. A brass-laced vision quest. A reminder that when we gather in rhythm, walls fall and hearts rise. Bom Bom Bom is just the beginning. Monte Loco awaits…”

Bom Bom Bom is out today.

The Ballad Of Monte Loco is due out Friday June 27.

Tickets for Melbourne Ska Orchestra’s ‘The Ballad Of Monte Loco’ Tour are on sale now from www.melbourneskaorchestra.com/.

Stream: BOM BOM BOM

News: BATTLE BEAST Announce New Album STEELBOUND & Unleash Single Of The Same Name

BATTLE BEAST Announce New Album STEELBOUND & Unleash Single Of The Same Name

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Finnish powerhouse BATTLE BEAST storms forward with unrelenting force, dropping their electrifying new single ‘Steelbound’, which also lends its name to their highly anticipated seventh studio album, set for release in October.
“‘Steelbound’ is a song that is both heavy and light at the same time. It goes through the walls with a bang, both in terms of composition and lyrics, without forgetting the groove and the little twinkle in the eye,” says Janne Björkroth, the band’s keyboardist, producer, and composer of the track.

A thunderous anthem of defiance and resilience, ‘Steelbound’ is a power-charged battle cry for all who have ever been dismissed, diminished, or silenced.

“‘Steelbound’ is a song about all of us. About the power to resist injustice and the respect that belongs to everyone. Sometimes the settings can be a little off, but you can, and should, constantly adjust your attitudes.” Janne reflects.

Noora Louhimo adds: “As a child, I was bullied at school, and as an adult, I’ve experienced misogyny and sexism in my professional and private life. Through all these experiences, I’ve become a person who always fights against injustice. ‘Steelbound’ is a power song for all of us trying to navigate difficult life situations and relationships. The song deals with painful things, but at the same time, it gives us strength to keep fighting against the world’s injustices. Let’s rise together, because we are ‘Steelbound!'”

As BATTLE BEAST continue to build anticipation for their upcoming album, ‘Steelbound’ marks yet another blazing chapter in the band’s epic journey—one that promises to set the metal world ablaze.

The single is accompanied by a stunning music video that visually amplifies the song’s fierce spirit and message of empowerment, delivering a cinematic experience as powerful as the track itself.

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Watch the video for ‘Steelbound’: https://youtu.be/FXnaOOncf1c

Listen to ‘Steelbound’ on all platforms: https://battlebeast.bfan.link/steelbound

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photocredit: Marek Sabogal

BATTLE BEAST is:
Noora Louhimo | vocals
Eero Sipilä | bass
Joona Björkroth | guitars
Juuso Soinio | guitars
Janne Björkroth | keyboards
Pyry Vikki | drums

More on BATTLE BEAST

BRAND NEW AUSSIE FESTIVAL FEATURING HILLTOP HOODS / DMA’S / MEG MAC AND MORE SET TO STORM TOWNSVILLE FOR NEW AUS FEST JULY 26 – ONE STREET ONE DAY

ONE STREET ONE DAY has today announced the first of many planned street-style music events set to thrill towns across Australia, and 2025 sees the inaugural event kick off in Townsville next month on Saturday 26 July. Australian Hip Hop royalty, Hilltop Hoods will headline the event in the heart of Townsville with an exciting and diverse line up including DMA’s, Meg Mac, In Hearts Wake, Coterie, Brad Cox, Mia Wray, while also spotlighting local Townsville superstars.

Tickets go on sale Tuesday 3 June at 7am from www.onestreetoneday.com.au.

Set to take over Rooney Street (Central Park), Townsville, ONE STREET ONE DAY is proud to present world class music to this far north Queensland hub.  ONE STREET ONE DAY is anticipated to bring up to 10,000 music lovers together in this vibrant town to celebrate an energetic bill of home grown music talent.

It’s been way too long since we last played in Townsville. We can’t wait to get back to your friendly and warm town and be part of ONE STREET ONE DAY festival,” said DJ Debris from Hilltop Hoods.

Thrilled to be rolling out these exciting new music events to the country’s outer regions and seeing locals get the opportunity to experience the best of Australian music in their very own township,” TEG’s Head of Global Touring – Tim McGregor said.

Speaking on Townsville snagging the inaugural festival location, Acting Townsville Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said, “Council couldn’t be more proud to be supporting this brand new festival. Hosting ONE STREET ONE DAY in the heart of Townsville is a real boon for our city.”

Townsville has a long history of championing the arts – our residents certainly know how to throw their support behind musicians from far and wide, as well as our burgeoning local talent,” Cr Greaney said.

Excited about the hype around Townsville, Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith said, “We’re thrilled for what’s shaping up to be a blockbuster weekend in Townsville — from the Cowboys kicking off on Friday night, to Hilltop Hoods headlining Saturday, and chamber music echoing through the city. There’s truly something for everyone.”

ONE STREET ONE DAY is supported by the Australian and Queensland governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

ONE STREET ONE DAY | ROONEY STREET, TOWNSVILLE | SATURDAY JULY 26 |12PM-10PM | 16+ | TICKETS

Event Review: The Good Food & Wine Show

Good Food & Wine Show
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The last weekend in May is where food lovers come together on the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre for the Good Food & Wine Festival.

Vendors from all over the country converge in this annual event to celebrate all things food related and show off their best products.

The festival is jam packed with food from all kinds of vendors, whether it’s sweet or savoury there is something for everyone.

Walking into the centre, it’s almost impossible to know where to start, there is something for every taste bud, and vendors present the very best of their products to eager crowds.

Melbourne fans of the popular confectioners Suga, which sadly closed down a decade ago will be delighted to find Designer Candy, the wholesalers. Having preserved the original recipes, the company now sells at Southgate Market on Sunday for lovers of the delectable boiled sweets.

If cheese is more to your liking then That’s Amore get an honourable mention for their delicious Truffle cheese. The entire selection on is melt in your mouth delicious, but it’s the Truffle Cheese that dances over the taste buds that is their most satisfying offering.  

The Cheese Corner is the place to be with all kinds of cheese on offer, from Goats Feta to an award winning BURRATA – decadent mozzarella filled with stracciatella from cheese makers Giorgio’s Artisan Cheese, winners of Gold in this year’s DIAA Awards.

 

 

If truffle delights you then the CARPACCIO DI TARTUFO NERO from Assaggia is a real treat. Served only on a cracker the taste is absolutely divine, and a slice of heaven in your mouth. Alternatively TARTUFATA is just as good and their product range is delectable and delicious, a taste of Italy right here in Melbourne.

Making an impact for change Royal Rhino Liqueur donates a portion of sales to Rhino conservation.
Robust Arabica coffee and floral vanilla flavours are blended with fresh dairy cream to create a unique African Liqueur. Beautifully presented in a rhino horn shaped bottle, it’s creamy and smooth.

Small Mouth Distillery has a selection of beautiful gins and vodkas on display. Their premium vodka, gin, and liqueurs are all infused with a special touch of shimmering edible glitter. Fairy Floss Vodka is definitely the pick here and added with just a splash of lemonade it’s the perfect summer drink, glitter and all.

For an extra special experience, the Masterclasses add a new dimension to the event and wine education is tantamount in these master classes.

Tastes of Tasmania offers an introduction to the regional wines of Tasmania, and host Adam talks us through the process of pairing foods with wine.

We start with Russell Suitor Baila con Toro Sparkling Pinot Noir Chardonnay 2022, paired with Tart of horseradish cured
Tasmanian salmon, Tasmanian pepper-berry, and dill pickled cucumber. The acidity of the salmon is exceptional with the wine.

Moving along to Small Wonder Chardonnay 2022, Grown in Tamar Valley, the pear dances on the palate creating the perfect harmony.

Next up is Spurling Pinot Noir 2024, beautifully paired with Tasmanian Berkshire pork belly rillette with quick pickled Spanish onions and Tasmanian cherry glaze, which melts in the mouth. A lighter flavoured red, it’s perfect with the pork, which has a very light texture.

Lastly the Handpicked Collection Tasmania Pinot Noir 2021 pairs with the Sticky glazed King Island beef short rib. The wine cutting through the fattiness of the meat; cranberries popping on your tongue to delight the senses.

In between Masterclasses, Kirsten Tibballs gives a fantastic presentation over on the Harvey Norman kitchen as she prepares a chocolate mousse that looks divine. No wonder she is the Queen of Chocolate.

The last Masterclass of the day is the sensational ‘ TASTES OF THE SEA & CELLAR‘ an introduction into wines best paired with seafood.

Beginning the class is Gibson Burkes Hill Riesling 2024 paired with the first morsel- a Tasmanian oyster with Tasmanian salmon caviar. Our host Adam suggests a little splash of the wine into the oyster which enhances the flavour.

Victoria’s own Rochford Estate is up next with Rochford Dans les Bois Chardonnay 2021, paired perfectly with a Tart of horseradish cured Tasmanian salmon, Tasmanian pepper berry , and dill pickled cucumber. The salmon and wine are the perfect companions in this pairing.

Next up, Chain of Ponds
The Cachet Pinot Noir 2022
Grown in Adelaide Hills, SA is accompanied by Sesame prawn toast with XO mayonnaise, which is a reintroduction to a dish that hasn’t been on upper class menus for some time, but works surprisingly well.

Lastly, Andrew Thomas DJV Shiraz Pinot Noir 2023 is perfect with the rustic Fish in a lemon myrtle and cider batter with finger-lime aioli and potato pavé, a deconstructed fish and chips offering.

Presenter Adam is both knowledgeable and passionate about each wine that is presented at the Masterclasses, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

For an experience that is both memorable, decadent and a little luxury, the Masterclasses are an absolute must- do for any food lover.

The Good Food and Wine Festival is a festival that brings together an array of delicious food from all over the country, wine from famous regions such as Margaret River and McClaren Vale all under one roof for a fantastic weekend of indulgence and hospitality. It’s an event that Melbourne foodies look forward to and it’s easy to see why – there really is something for everyone.

The festival heads to Sydney next before making its final stop in Perth.

Live Review: Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel’s performance at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on May 26, 2025, was nothing short of spectacular. The legendary guitarist delivered an unforgettable evening, combining dazzling technical skill with heartfelt musicality. From the moment he stepped on stage, Emmanuel commanded attention—not with bombast, but with the sheer brilliance of his acoustic playing.

He opened with a burst of driving energy, immediately setting a high bar for the rest of the evening. Throughout the night, he traversed genres with ease, blending blues, jazz, country, and pop into a cohesive and engaging set. A clear highlight was his touching rendition of “Little Georgia,” played with warmth and intimacy that resonated in every corner of the hall.

Midway through the show, Emmanuel delighted the audience with a medley of Beatles songs, weaving together classics like “Here Comes the Sun,” “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” and “Day Tripper.” His inventive arrangements and seamless transitions breathed new life into the iconic tunes, earning an enthusiastic ovation.

Emmanuel’s charisma and connection with the audience were evident throughout the evening. He shared personal anecdotes between songs, adding depth to his performance. The intimate setting of Hamer Hall amplified the emotional resonance of pieces like “Song for a Rainy Morning.”

The concert concluded with a standing ovation, a testament to Emmanuel’s enduring appeal and virtuosity. His ability to convey a full band’s energy through solo acoustic performance left a lasting impression on all in attendance.

Words and images by Monique Pizzica

CHUCK SICS SHARES DYNAMIC DEBUT SINGLE + VIDEO ‘REDO’

Wavering between floaty psychedelia and punchy indie rock, today multi-instrumentalist and sonic shaman CHUCK SICSarrives armed with his track REDO, with the talented artist traversing unrequited love alongside helming the entire creative process from start to finish for his debut single.

Setting the scene with hazy sonic warmth and lyrical rumination, REDO kicks off with CHUCK SICS musing: “As the sun falls down onto my face I keep walking / And as the breeze flows through my open wound I keep talking”, driven by a charismatic nod to influences that span Radiohead, Tame Impala and Pixies. And alongside the dreamlike wonderland woven throughout, REDO also centres around a poignant yet inspiring narrative, as CHUCK SICS explains, The song is about the aftermath of confessing love for a friend who doesn’t share those feelings, and wishing everyone could forget it happened. Wishing you could disappear, or do it over again. The shame of rejection surely drives this need to forget it ever happened, but in the song I also tried to address that the way I dealt with the rejection at that time had not been fair. So the song is also about the pitfalls of self-victimising. Wallowing in sorrow and feeling as though everyone is out to get you – you manufacture this reality to justify your attitude, when really it’s your attitude that’s the problem. It’s a pretty high school problem, and I wish I’d been mature enough to handle the situation differently.”

Writing, performing, recording, producing and mixing REDO entirely on his own, CHUCK SICS recorded the track in his home studio, and also sampled a friend’s drum kit to bring the crisp beats to life. An extremely gifted multi-instrumentalist, REDO sparkles with CHUCK SICS’ vibrant delivery throughout, from its percolating bassline through to its woozy synths and breezy vocals. “Everything on the song is all recorded in my house, rather haphazardly,” shares CHUCK SICS. “But I’m happy with how it turned out.”

Picking up the trumpet in primary school, CHUCK SICS soon moved on (because it hurt my face,” he reveals) to piano at the age of seven. Following in the footsteps of his older sister who also played piano, CHUCK SICS attributes the piano as his first official instrument, ultimately opening the floodgates to guitar at the age of 12, followed by bass, singing and, as he explains, the occasional foray into drums. Before I picked up a guitar I wanted to be a concert pianist,” he says, “and overnight I abandoned that dream and wanted to be a rock god guitar virtuoso from the 70s. I remember thinking I was too old to start learning a whole new instrument, so I didn’t even bother for the longest time until eventually I caved. Bass was a natural evolution of that – as soon as I was friends with someone who owned a bass, I gave it a try and it was pretty much like guitar, provided I played with a pick. I did eventually get relatively comfortable with fingerstyle playing but that was tough. Throughout all of this I had played drums at friends’ houses occasionally, basically whenever I got the chance, but unfortunately I’ve never really had the time to develop that skill. It’s a shame because that’s my favourite instrument of them all. As for singing, I had done a bit in choirs through school but never seriously considered myself a singer until I realised I would have to sing the songs I was writing. In my first band I thought I could be the guitarist who secretly wrote the whole song. I was so terrified of singing by myself in front of people I’m amazed I willingly do it these days. Never thought that would happen.”

Surrounded by a love of music and creativity growing up, music would soon become a way of life for CHUCK SICS, culminating in 2025 with his new track, REDO, with plenty more tunes set to land before the year is out.

“It feels good, and a little surreal,” says CHUCK SICS of finally releasing REDO into the world. “This song has been kicking around for quite a while, so it felt good hearing it mastered for the first time.”

REDO is out today.

Stream: REDO

Watch: REDO