Category Archives: News

CONRAD SEWELL ANNOUNCES FIRESTONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY: ACOUSTIC SESSIONS TOUR FOR APRIL/MAY

Celebrating a decade of his multi-platinum hit, Firestone, Conrad Sewell has today announced his biggest regional tour of Australia yet, set to take his iconic voice and sweeping hits to all pockets of Australia in an intimate, acoustic setting throughout April and May, with national support from René Le Feuvre.

Kicking off in Coffs Harbour on April 4, the tour will move through to Kingscliff, Central Coast, Dee Why, Bowral, St Georges Basin, Newcastle, Elizabeth Beach, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Mackay, Yeppoon, and Cleveland, before finishing up at Kings Beach on May 31.

 

Tickets are on sale now from conradsewellmusic.com/

 

“I’m extremely excited for this tour, some of my favourite memories are from touring Regional Australia,” enthuses the Brisbane singer songwriter. “Getting to see the country while playing to my loyal fans is always so special. I am looking forward to just being on the road again, I also have a bunch of new music that I have been itching to test out on a live Audience which is always exciting.”

 

With over 1 billion streams on Firestone on Spotify alone, there is no doubt Conrad’s hit with Kygo captured music lovers the world over and cemented his place in global superstardom, but Conrad’s musical journey began much earlier; singing, writing and shopping demos from as early as 8 years old, before picking up an ARIA award for Song Of The Year with his single, Start Again in 2015, also nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Best Pop Release that year. In May 2015, his sister Grace hit number one on the ARIA charts with her cover of Lesley Gore’s You Don’t Own Me, with Start Again landing Conrad the top spot of the ARIA charts in June 2015, making Conrad and Grace the first Australian-born siblings in the history of the charts to hit number one as separate acts. 2018 single, Healing Hands went triple Platinum and was nominated for Song Of The Year at the ARIAS, and 2019 saw Conrad release his debut album LIFE to critical acclaim.

 

Excited to celebrate 10 years of Firestone, Conrad explains, “Firestone changed my life in many ways, it’s always incredible to be a part of a song that touches that many people. But for the song to still stand the test of time and be so loved 10 years later is a dream come true.

 

“Most of my songs I wrote on an acoustic guitar or just a piano, they were all born from a very raw place, and that is what we are going to be showcasing on this tour, the storytelling and the essence of the biggest songs of my career.”

 

The Firestone 10th Anniversary acoustic sessions tour is on sale now.

For tickets and information, visit conradsewellmusic.com/

 

FIRESTONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY: ACOUSTIC SESSIONS TOUR DATES

 

FRI 04 APR | JETTY BEACH HOUSE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

SAT 05 APR | KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL, KINGSCLIFF NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

FRI 11 APR | DRIFTERS WHARF, CENTRAL COAST NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

SAT 12 APR | DEE WHY SHOWROOM, DEE WHY NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

FRI 02 MAY | BOWRAL BOWLING CLUB, BOWRAL NSW | 14+

Tickets available from eventbrite.com.au

 

SAT 03 MAY | THE COUNTRY CLUB, ST GEORGES BASIN NSW | 18+

Tickets available from stickytickets.com.au

 

FRI 09 MAY | EXCHANGE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

SAT 10 MAY | THE RECKY, ELIZABETH BEACH NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

FRI 16 MAY | WILLIAM FARRER HOTEL, WAGGA WAGGA NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

SAT 17 MAY | BEER DELUXE, ALBURY NSW | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

FRI 23 MAY | METROPOLITAN HOTEL, MACKAY QLD | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

SAT 24 MAY | THE STRAND, YEPPOON QLD | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

FRI 30 MAY | CLEVELAND SANDS HOTEL, CLEVELAND QLD | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

SAT 31 MAY | KINGS BEACH TAVERN, KINGS BEACH QLD | 18+

Tickets available from oztix.com.au

 

All tickets available from conradsewellmusic.com

Live Gallery: As December Falls

As December Falls

The Brightside Brisbane

16th of February, 2025

 

British Pop Punk Emo band ‘As December Falls’ landed in Brisbane this weekend. Playing to a rammed Brightside, the charismatic four piece smashed the third show of their Australian tour. They had the crowd bouncing from the first song, screaming the lyrics back at them. Huge love for these guys, look out for their new album ‘Everything’s On Fire But I’m Fine’, out in August this year.

Supported by Melbourne lads Belle Haven.

         

BACHELOR GIRL ANNOUNCE ‘WAITING FOR THE DAY’ 25TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

2025 marks a monumental milestone for nineties and noughties Australian pop icons, Bachelor Girl, as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album, Waiting for the Day. Released a quarter of a century ago, this revered body of work became the foundation of the band’s career, forever changing their lives and leaving an indelible mark on their loyal fanbase.

To celebrate the milestone, Bachelor Girl will embark on an anniversary tour, hitting Brunswick Heads, Melbourne and Sydney in May/June, performing Waiting for the Day from start to finish in a unique Redux (reimagined) style. The duo will showcase the songs with fresh, new arrangements, reinterpreting the music that has touched the hearts of so many. Kicking off with just a small selection of shows at the band’s favourite deluxe venues (more to follow later in the year), James and Tania are particularly excited to perform at the iconic Sydney Opera House—a true bucket-list achievement.

These rare and intimate performances promise to be an unforgettable experience for fans old and new, and fans can look forward to exclusive 25th anniversary fresh recordings that the band is enthusiastically cooking up, also as a special thank you for their continued support.

We can’t wait to celebrate this album with you all in person. It’s going to be an unforgettable ride—so come and relive the magic of Waiting for the Day with us, in a way you’ve never heard before.”

Waiting for the Day not only earned the band their first ARIA Award for Producer of the Year (and James winning the coveted APRA Song of the Year for Buses and Trains), but this much loved 15 track album, spawning 5 hit singles (including Treat Me GoodLucky Me & Permission to Shine), also propelled them onto the international stage. The album opened doors to major label deals, including a signing with Clive Davis’ Arista in the US, as well as a partnership with John Farnham and Ross Fraser in Australia. Their worldwide success took them on tours across the globe, appearing with The Eurythmics, Simple Minds, Goo Goo Dolls, The Corrs (this February) and currently featuring in the 2025 Red Hot Summer tour. The impact of the album continues to resonate with fans to this day.

We are so incredibly thankful to still be here, sharing our music with all of you, and to know that Waiting for the Day has meant so much to so many of you,” Tania shared. “You’ve supported us with unwavering enthusiasm, and hearing how our songwriting and creations have carried you through tough times or brought joyous singing car sessions (!!) into your life has kept us positively chuffed to this day.”

Tickets to the Waiting For The Day Redux tour are on sale now from bachelorgirl.com

DOWNLOAD BACHELOR GIRL ASSETS

 

 

 

 

BACHELOR GIRL WAITING FOR THE DAY REDUX TOUR

SAT 3 MAY | BRUNSWICK PICTURE HOUSE, BRUNSWICK HEADS
FRI 13 & SAT 14 JUNE | CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL, MELBOURNE
SUN 29 JUNE | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, SYDNEY

News: Samantha Fish announces new album ‘Paper Doll’: first single ‘Sweet Southern Sounds’ out

POWERHOUSE GUITARIST AND SONGWRITER SAMANTHA FISH ANNOUNCES FIERCEST ALBUM TO DATE, PAPER DOLL, OUT APRIL 25 ON ROUNDER RECORDS.
LISTEN TO LEAD SINGLE SWEET SOUTHERN SOUNDS HERE
One of the most electrifying guitarists of her generation, Samantha Fish has consistently captivated audiences with her unparalleled energy, boldness, emotional depth and unique blend of rock and soul. Known for her expressive guitar playing and powerhouse performances, Fish’s career hit warp speed with the release of her last album, 2023’s Death Wish Blues, which hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart, and earned her a Grammy nomination, plus invitations to support The Rolling Stones, Jon Spencer, Slash and more.

This April, the Kansas City-bred, New Orleans-based musician will unveil her fiercest work to date with a new studio album Paper Doll (Rounder Records). Produced by Detroit garage-rock legend Bobby Harlow (The Go) – with assistance from fellow Detroit luminary Mick Collins (The Gories) on one track – each of the songs on Paper Doll are delivered with visceral force, soul-soothing empathy, and newfound clarity.

“It’s taken me years to finally find my voice in a studio setting,” Fish admits. “But with this record, I took everything I had and slammed it right on the table.” The theme of unapologetic defiance runs throughout the album, as Fish explores new depths of vulnerability and self-expression and confronts love, loss, and personal growth.

Tracked in Austin at The Orb and Los Angeles at Savannah Studios, the 9-song collection was recorded in the midst of a gruelling touring schedule, ultimately capturing the untamed energy of her live performances. “I’d never made a record on the road like that,” Fish reveals. “Even though it was so intense, it felt good to keep up the momentum from the live show. It helped us make an album that’s got a real living, breathing pulse to it.” The album features touring bandmates Ron Johnson (bass), Jamie Douglass (drums), and Mickey Finn (keys).

With the announcement, Fish has released the album’s lead single Sweet Southern Sounds. Co-written with fellow New Orleans-based singer-songwriter Anders Osborne, the track is a gripping meditation on the struggle to balance passion and personal connections, topped with smouldering riffs and lush organ melodies.

“It’s an anthem about being on the road and feeling guilty about not prioritizing the people in your life,” says Fish. “It’s hard to find that balance between taking care of your relationships and dedicating yourself to your music, and there’s definitely a tinge of heartache to that song.”

Listen to Sweet Southern Sounds HERE
Pre-order / pre-save Paper Doll (out April 25) here: https://found.ee/SFPaperDoll

 

Fish will tour across the US and UK throughout 2025, including dates with Kingfish, plus performances at JazzFest and more. Here’s hoping a return trip to Australia is also in the works.

Live Review: Brand New Heavies

Brand New Heavies

Arts Centre

It’s been thirty years since the release of Brand New Heavies ground breaking acid jazz album ‘ Brother Sister’ and tonight Melbourne audiences are in for a treat.

Opening for the band is Melbourne local Jaron Jay, dressed in a military jacket and tights, his performance is electric. He’s all charisma and smooth moves as he gets the crowd warmed up for the main act. He’s fun, entertaining and engaging.

Next up the Brand New Heavies brought their signature blend of acid jazz, funk, and soul to the Arts Centre Melbourne, delivering a night of infectious grooves and feel-good energy that had the entire audience on their feet.

While the event was seated, straight away everyone was up and on their feet, the Arts Centre buzzing, a virtual night club with smiling faces rushing to the stage. Everyone cramming in as close to the stage as humanly possible to wave arms in the air, the joy infectious.

From the moment the band hit the stage, their tight musicianship and effortless chemistry were on full display. The rhythm section laid down deep, funky basslines, complemented by crisp brass arrangements and smooth guitar licks. Dressed in silver sequin jackets everyone in the back section looked sharp and stylish.

Longtime fans were treated to classic hits like Never Stop, Dream Come True, and Midnight at the Oasis, each performed with an energy that made them feel as fresh as ever.

Vocalist Angela Ricci commanded the stage with a powerhouse presence, effortlessly channeling the bands signature soulful sound. Her dynamic range and charismatic delivery had the crowd singing along, particularly during You Are the Universe, which became a euphoric audience-wide singalong.

The Heavies are masters of creating a party atmosphere, and this show was no exception. The band’s ability to seamlessly transition between jazz, funk, and soul grooves kept the energy high throughout. The rhythm section, led by Andrew Levy’s deep, rolling bass, provided an irresistible foundation that had everyone moving.

The Arts Centres acoustics allowed for every instrument to shine, from the punchy horn section to the crisp drum fills. The lighting design was subtle yet effective, accentuating the music without overshadowing it. Everyone in the crowd was having such a good time, the band entertaining them with every beat.

As the final encore wrapped up with a high-energy rendition of Dream Come True, the audience was left buzzing, reluctant to leave. The Brand New Heavies proved once again why they remain legends of the acid jazz scenes effortlessly cool, endlessly funky, and utterly timeless.

For longtime fans and newcomers alike, this was a night of pure musical joy and fantastic to see so much energy in the room, people immersed in bliss.

 

THE AUDREYS SHARE NEW COUNTRY BALLAD ‘BEATLES V STONES’ + ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘RUIN & REPAIR’ DUE OUT MARCH 14 + AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Following the release of their first new music in 10 years last November, today ARIA Award-winning act The Audreysunveil a brand new country-soaked ballad, Beatles V Stones, alongside the announcement of their fifth studio album, Ruin & Repair, due out on Friday March 14. The troubadours are also taking Ruin & Repair on the road around Australia, with an extensive list of dates also announced today.

Penned about the age-old rivalry between fans of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, Beatles V Stones layers tranquil melodics against swooning instrumentation, also set against a 12/8 swaying country time signature that nods to American great Jason Isbell’s trademark stylings; a fitting inspiration given The Audreys vocalist Taasha Coates’ revelation that the single itself originally started life under the moniker: “that Jason Isbell one”.

“One of the questions I like to ask people to work out if I’m going to like them or not is “Beatles or Stones” (I’m firmly camp Stones for the record) so this is about that,” shares Coates of the Beatles V Stones origin story. “I wrote it mostly on my own on guitar, then my guitarist Tom came along and added the bridge and some cool harmonic moments.”

“I learned to play guitar during COVID because I was so, so bored,” Coates adds. “I was a piano player up until that point, plus I played a bit of ukulele and harmonica and melodica and various other small and silly instruments. At first, I hated the guitar because it tore up my fingers and made my hand ache, but once I popped on my big girl panties about the pain, I loved how easy it was to write songs with. A guitar is always just a reach away, you don’t have to get up and walk to the piano if you get inspired.”

As with The Audreys most recent release, the sublime alt-country gem Secondhand Boots, Beatles V Stones once again sees Coates working alongside Tom Kneebone on guitar, Felicity Freedman on bass, and Beej Barker on drums, recorded by producer and engineer Ryan Martin John at his Adelaide studio, Cactus Cactus Sound, and mastered by Alex Maderfrom MaderVMusic. And the dream team behind both Secondhand Bootsand Beatles V Stones also joined forces to conjure the overarching album Ruin & Repair; The Audreys’ first full-length since 2014’s ‘Til My Tears Roll Away, and also the first album since the devastating passing of The Audreys founding member Tristan Goodall. “I was quite depressed when I wrote this,” shares Coates. “I struggled a lot with depression after my best friend, songwriting partner and original Audrey, Tristan, died in 2022, but once I’d gotten through the initial grief, I found the process of writing and recording this album very healing. I still miss him and have sad days of course, but I know he would have loved this record and that makes me really proud and happy.”

Bursting with heart and an array of spellbinding compositions, Ruin & Repair opens with I Remember Everything; a twinkling and inevitably heart-rending stunner that deals in dynamic shifts, upbeat banjo and crisp percussion, as well as sultry vocals and harmonic interplay to make you weak at the knees. Between tranquil ballads (Beatles V Stones), melancholic country charm (Secondhand Boots and Subterranean), upbeat moments of crystalline vocals and contemporary production (To Want To Be Loved), delicate beauty (Sober), captivating country love songs (Beyond Compare), scintillating and hazy odes (Seen The Last Of You), full-blown whimsy (Ships Song), bewitching banjo-fuelled heartbreakers (Norfolk Island Pine) and the buoyant climax of closing track You’re In A Dream, Ruin & Repair is simultaneously an intimate dive into many of life’s highs and lows while also offering cathartic comfort against some sharp surprises; and the journey across the 11 tracks is one unforgettably helmed by Coates herself. “I’m not going to lie, there’s a lot of loss and grief and heartbreak,” Coates shares of Ruin & Repair as a whole. “But there’s also some hope, and some sex, and even some shiny pop moments with tambourine and everything. Look, it’s a journey.”

Formed back in 2004 by Coates and guitarist Tristan Goodall, The Audreys have gone on to release four full-length albums, with 2006’s Between Last Night and Us, 2008’s When the Flood Comes and 2011’s Sometimes the Stars all taking home the ARIA Award for Best Blues & Roots Album, as well as their most recent album, 2014’s ‘Til My Tears Roll Away scoring an ARIA nomination itself. Renowned for their dynamic and silken sonic wiles, The Audreys became a beloved fixture on the Australian touring scene, with countless gigs in their wake, and have also ticked off club and festival shows in North America, the UK, and Europe. Hitting pause briefly in 2016, with Coates releasing her first solo album, Taasha Coates and Her Melancholy Sweethearts, The Audreys continued to share their musical magic and tour up until the COVID years hit; and, devastatingly, The Audreys journey changed irrevocably in 2022 with the untimely passing of Goodall. But for Coates, the chance to continue The Audreys creative pursuits is also a chance to pay ongoing homage to Goodall, with The Audreys also celebrating 20 years in 2024 since Coates and Goodall first started the project, and The Audreys now courageously venturing into a brand new chapter; and it’s one that will joyfully include some extensive Australian touring kicking off not long after Ruin & Repair releases into the world.

“I’ve overcome a lot of hurdles to get to this point and I’m really gosh darn happy to be here!” Coates reveals. “We have a whole national tour coming up starting at the end of March and running right through until May. It will be lots of songs from the new album and lots of old Audreys favourites. Can’t wait!”

Beatles V Stones is out today, Friday February 14. – STREAM https://coupetrio.lnk.to/BeatlesVStones

Ruin & Repair is due out on Friday March 14 – PRE-SAVE https://coupetrio.lnk.to/RuinRepair

 

RUIN & REPAIR AUSTRALIAN TOUR 

THU 27 MAR | THE RIVER, MARGARET RIVER, WA | 18+

https://theriver.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/6f451762-0dd0-4ef2-b8ac-2303fbd5f5e1

FRI 28 MAR | LYRICS UNDERGROUND, PERTH, WA | 18+

https://lyricsunderground.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/51d0b5b1-e737-4645-ae45-d5e93b52f992

SAT 29 MAR | MOJOS, FREMANTLE, WA | 18+

https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-audreys-ruin-repair-album-tour/176876

FRI 4 APR | IMPERIAL HOTEL, EUMUNDI, QLD | 18+

https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/7bb409d8-a87c-43bf-ba4c-4131db6b073d

SAT 5 APR | OLD MUSEUM (STUDIO), BRISBANE, QLD | 18+

https://oldmuseum.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/145981

SUN 6 APR | WALLABY HOTEL, GOLD COAST, QLD | 18+

https://tickets.avclive.com.au/

THU 10 APR | CAMELOT LOUNGE, SYDNEY, NSW | 18+

https://www.stickytickets.com.au/L6F9L

FRI 11 APR | STREET THEATRE, CANBERRA, ACT | 18+

https://au.patronbase.com/_StreetTheatre/Productions/TARR/Performances

SAT 12 APR | MILTON THEATRE, MILTON, NSW | 18+

https://www.stickytickets.com.au/73×14/the_audreys.aspx

SUN 13 APR | AVOCA THEATRE, CENTRAL COAST, NSW | All Ages

https://events.humanitix.com/the-audreys-avoca-beach-theatre

THU 24 APR | SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE, VIC | 18+

https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/f9e54fb3-a878-4846-9339-81c6a198c909

FRI 25 APR | BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, BRUNSWICK, VIC | 18+

https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-audreys-ruin-repair-album-tour/176418?skin=brunswickballroom

SAT 26 APR | MEMO MUSIC HALL, ST KILDA, VIC | 18+

https://www.memomusichall.com.au/memo-gig/the-audreys-ruin-repair-album-tour/

FRI 16 MAY | QUIRKZ, HUNTER VALLEY, NSW | 18+

https://www.stickytickets.com.au/RUBJA

SAT 17 MAY | BRASS MONKEY, CRONULLA, NSW | 18+

https://brassmonkey.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/c20bfdee-210c-48d8-8041-5cb340a24120

SUN 18 MAY | HERITAGE HOTEL, BULLI, NSW | 18+

https://codeone.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/ecebb244-c53b-48a7-8f66-6f7441d5301d

THU 22 MAY | THE ROYAL OAK, LAUNCESTON, TAS | 18+

https://royaloakhotel.iwannaticket.com.au/event/the-audreys-ruin-repair-album-tour-MzI3MTE

FRI 23 MAY | MOUNT GNOMON FARM, PENGUIN, TAS | All Ages

https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-audreys-ruin-repair-album-tour/177229

SAT 24 MAY | CRAIGIE KNOWE VINEYARD, CRANBROOK, TAS | 18+

https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-audreys-ruin-repair-album-tour/177230

SUN 25 MAY | LONGLEY HOTEL, HOBART, TAS | 18+

https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-audreys-ruin-repair-album-tour/177231

SAT 7 JUN | THE GOV, ADELAIDE, SA | 18+

https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/965a380f-3f7d-4079-8a2b-8cef4ba8946b

FRI 29 AUG | GYMPIE MUSTER, GYMPIE, QLD | All Ages

https://www.muster.com.au/tickets/

SUN 26 OCT | NIMBIN ROOTS FESTIVAL, NIMBIN, NSW | All Ages

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1310864

 

Listen: BEATLES V STONES

Live Gallery: Still Woozy

Still Woozy

Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

Wednesday the 12th of February, 2025

Valentine’s Day came early this year as Still Woozy rolled into Brisbane for the last Australian leg of his Love Seat Tour.  Supported by Queensland locals, Daste, the night was a mixture of energetic dance moves and loved-up cuddling that left the happy crowd oozing for more. Still Woozy’s music blends elements of funk, jazz, and electronic music, that created an atmospheric, dreamy vibe. Paired with an endearing band and charismatic dance moves, we hope he’ll be back in Aus sometime very soon!

 

                  

Live Review: Steve Smyth

Steve Smyth

The Evelyn Hotel

In a darkly lit bar on a Wednesday night, a crowd of fans gather together to witness the under rated genius of Steve Smyth.

Sauntering onto the stage, effortlessly cool Steve begins the set with ‘ Get On’  from the 2014 release ‘ Exits’.

Having released his EP ‘ Matches’ recently this is the first time Australian fans have heard songs like ‘ Petrol Head’ and ‘ Wait For You’ performed live.When he beings to sing ‘ Written and Spoken’ the audience collectively hold their breaths. The lyrics are so perfectly constructed, and beautifully performed. Sharing a variety of songs from across his collection, the audience are delighted to ‘Barbiturate Cowboy’ ‘Rock A Bye Baby’ and ‘ Girls in Hotels’.

If the stage was an alter and Steve was giving a sermon, then we the audience are his loyal congregation and this is one Church that makes sense. His voice fluctuates from gritty and grungy to sweet and melodic in the space of a few bars, showcasing his incredible vocal range.

Steve Smyth is a talent that is like an oyster- gritty and rough around the edges, but cracked open a pearl reveals itself, hidden to those that know him. His energy on stage is captivating, you don’t want to turn away from the performance for a second, it’s a nectar from the Gods. Often it’s independent artists like Steve that give these incredible performances in dive bars in Melbourne that make listening to music the joy that it should be, an organic experience of words that come from a complex soul, an artist born to create. He doesn’t lean on props or gimmicks, confetti canons or fireworks- it’s all just raw talent.

Whether he is playing to an audience of five thousand fans or a small intimate venue like tonight’s Steve gives so much of himself to the performance, his whole being becoming one with the music. It is like nothing else you will ever witness and his energy will stay with you long after he puts his guitar down.

Words and images by Amanda Lee Starkey

Live Review: Aurora

Aurora

Margaret Court Arena

 

Having danced her way into the hearts of Melbourne fans in 2016 with her debut album ‘ All My Demons Are Greeting Me As Friends’, Aurora is back in Australia to captivate audiences once again.

Opening with ‘ Goddess of Dusk’ the petite beauty is barefoot and elegant in a silver dress. She is carefree as she performs and dances around the stage.

Pausing to tell the audience that she is humbled by the amount of people that have arrived to see her, she cheekily informs everyone that she ate so much cake she ‘ almost shat myself’, the audience laughing at her authenticity and honesty. Aurora is one of those performers that allows herself to be authentic and people adore her for it.

Moving on to play ‘ Soulless Creatures’ she dedicates the song to people who like to ‘ cry a lot’ because it’s ‘ Hard to be an emotional bastard in this world’. Lights of phone torches illuminate her, resembling a sea of glow worms.

Playing an assortment of songs from ‘ Runaway’ to ‘ Murder Song’, Aurora is a delight to watch, the audience completely mesmerised by the Norwegian.

A whopping 7, 062 fans packing into the arena breaking attendance records for Margaret Court Arena.

Aurora is an enigmatic performer, one that delights her fans and brings a sense of wonder to each delivery of her songs. As the crowd sing in unison to ‘ Running With The Wolves’ she soaks in the atmosphere.

As the performance comes to a close, faces covered with glitter leave the arena smiling from ear to ear. Aurora is one of those artists that takes her audience on a journey and leaves them feeling like they have been wrapped in a big warm hug. She is a delight to witness, and all that is good in the music industry.

Words & images by Amanda Lee Starkey

 

My Dream Guitar: Gretta Ziller

Melbourne Guitar Show returns as Australia’s biggest guitar show in 2025, with this year’s edition also marking a milestone for the iconic event, moving to a new home alongside an incredible lineup of performers, workshops and more locked and loaded for this March. The Victoria Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds is set to play host to Australia’s ultimate showcase of guitars, amps, pedals and lots of other gear on Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2; and with a new venue, a brand new layout and a reimagined program offering a horde of new ideas, workshops and live opportunities, 2025’s Melbourne Guitar Show will undeniably be the ultimate mecca for axe-slingers and riff-bringers of all ages.

We caught up with Gretta Ziller to ask her about her Dream Guitar:

What are you currently working on, albums, tours, writing???

I have just finished a year long co-writing project called ‘The Long & Writing Road’, where I co wrote a song a week for a year! So I’m about to start working on a new album with the best of these songs! I can’t wait for that!

What is your dream guitar, and do you already have the guitar, or is this truly a Dream Guitar?

 

I’d absolutely love an old nylon string guitar like a Martin 00-28 or an N-20 

Why this guitar?

 

I just love the sound of nylon string guitars and I’m such a sucker for Martins!

What does this guitar pair well with?

 

Haha! Bourbon & sad old country songs!

What genre does this guitar fit into?

 

Acoustic, folk, country … anything where you can create an intimate feel!

Are there any of your idols that play this guitar?

Well there’s none more famous than ‘Trigger’, Willie Nelsons N-20

Anything else at Melbourne Guitar Show you’re excited to see? Performers, luthiers, etc.?

I’m just excited to be going and seeing what the show has to offer! It’s my very first time attending as well as performing so I’ll be there checking it all out!!