A Celtic Christmas feat. Claymore, Colin Lillie, Saoirse, Hawthorn City Pipe Band, Glenbrae Celtic Dancers
Saturday 22nd December – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Gigs Next Week
A Celtic Christmas feat. Claymore, Colin Lillie, Saoirse, Hawthorn City Pipe Band, Glenbrae Celtic Dancers Saturday 22nd December – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Adam Young and Sam Shinazzi Sunday 23rd December – The Midnight Special, Sydney, NSW
Alex the Astronaut Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Alice Skye Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC
Andrew Swift, Gretta Ziller & Brad Cox Thursday 27th December – Anglesea Family Caravan Park, Anglesea, VIC
Friday 28th December – Ocean Grove Holiday Park, Ocean Grove, VIC
Angus & Julia Stone Friday 21st December – Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Ben Leece Friday 21st December – Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT
Dan Sultan Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Darren Hanlon Friday 21st December – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 22nd December – Church in the Graveyard, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 23rd December – Princess Theatre, Brisbane, QLD
Dean Lewis Friday 21st December – The Metro, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 23rd December – The Metro, Sydney, NSW
Friday 28th December – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Dermot Kennedy w/ Sam Fender Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC
Emily Wurramara Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Falls Festival Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Lorne, VIC
Festival of Small Halls feat. Old Man Luedecke, Lucy Wise Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
First Aid Kit Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC
Hat Fitz and Cara Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Hussy Hicks Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Irish Mythen Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
James Thomson Sunday 23rd December – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Jen Cloher Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Jess Locke Friday 21st December – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 22nd December – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Julia Jacklin Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Kallidad Friday 21st December – Soundlounge, Gold Coast, QLD
Saturday 22nd December – Diggers Tavern, Bellingen, NSW
Karl S Williams Sunday 23rd December – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Les Poules a Colin Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Liam Gerner Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Lucy Wise Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Magpie Diaries Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Mal Webb & Kylie Morrigan Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Mark Wilkinson Friday 21st December – Leichhardt Town Hall, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 22nd December – Leichhardt Town Hall, Sydney, NSW
Matt Joe Gow Friday 21st December – The Gem Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Mel Parsons Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Mic Conway’s National Junk Band Friday 21st December – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Mick Thomas and The Roving Commission w/ Ayleen O’Hanlon Saturday 22nd December – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 23rd December – The Caravan Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Monday 24th December – The Caravan Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Mojo Juju Friday 21st December – Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Monique Clare Friday 21st December – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Nariel Creek Folk Festival Thursday 27th December to Thursday 3rdt January – Nariel Creek Recreation Reserve, Nariel Valley, VIC
Neil Murray Friday 28th December – The Sewing Room, Perth, WA
Old Man Luedecke Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Paddy McHugh Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Paul Kelly – Making Gravy feat. Angus & Julia Stone, Alex Lahey, Mojo Juju Friday 21st December – Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Richard Lawson Wednesday 26th December – Bermagui Beach Hotel, Bermagui, NSW
Round Mountain Girls Saturday 22nd December – Cabarita Sports Club, Cabarita Beach, QLD
Sea Shanty Session Wednesday 26th December – The Brothers, Melbourne, VIC
Southern Gentlemen Sunday 23rd December – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Sparrow-Folk Friday 21st December – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Stella Donnelly Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Stiff Gins Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Andy Golledge Band Saturday 22nd December – Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
The Black Sorrows Saturday 22nd December – Caravan Music Club, Bentleigh East, VIC
Friday 28th December – Bird’s Basement, Melbourne, VIC
The Bushwackers Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Cat Empire Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Little Stevies Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Maes Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Montgomery Brothers Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Northern Folk Thursday 27 December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, QLD
The Spooky Men’s Chorale Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Teskey Brothers Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Waifs Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Water Runners Friday 21st December – Servo Food Truck Bar, Port Kembla, NSW
Friday 28th December – The Sebel Harbourside, Kiama, NSW
Timberwolf Friday 21st December – Fat Controller, Adelaide, SA
Top End Folk Club Sunday Sessions Sunday 23rd December – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin, NT
Vance Joy Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC
Whiskey Dram Saturday 22nd December – Bombay Rock, Melbourne, VIC
Woodford Folk Festival Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford, QLD
Xavier Rudd Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Friday Folk Flashback
“Fairytale of New York” – Jeff Tweedy, Punch Brothers, Sarah Jarosz, The Staves
As is tradition the Timber and Steel Editor-in-Chief Gareth Hugh Evans brings you his top 25 tracks of the year. As always he’s tried to only pick one song per artist with the occasional album track trumping the singles from the same release. We think you’ll agree it’s been an amazing year for folk, roots, acoustic and singer-songwriter based music
But enough of our jabbering – it’s time to get to the music. Without further ado we present Gareth Hugh Evans’ Top 25 Tracks of 2017.
Tomorrow is St Patrick’s Day and that means this weekend is going to be full of trad and folk music goodness around the country. In our regular tradition for St Patrick’s Day here’s some of the amazing Irish music happening around the country this weekend
Friday 16th March Handsome Young Strangers, The Go Set, Medusa’s Wake – Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Heart of Ireland feat. Sásta – The Heritage Theatre, Gympie, QLD
John Spillane & Pauline Scanlon – Canberra Irish Club, Canberra, ACT
St Patricks Day Weekend feat. Aaron James – The Tea Gardens, Sydney, NSW
St Patrick’s Day Weekend feat. Live Trad Music – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Summer Nights at The Quiet Man feat. Chellah Mac, Mikee, Satta – The Quiet Man, Melbourne, VIC
The Bottlers, Sailors Grave, Steph Miller – The Grand Hotel, Cockn’Bull, Sydney, NSW
The Young Folk w/ Andy Irvine & Luke Plumb – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, VIC
Saturday 17th March Bill Chambers – The Bellum Hotel, Mount Schank, SA
Brisbane Irish Festival Family Day feat. Celtic Fusion – Gaelic Park, Brisbane, QLD
Heart of Ireland feat. Sásta – Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts, Tweed Heads, QLD
Jim Moginie with Shameless Seamus – Coledale RSL, Coledale, NSW
John McSherry, Donal O’Connor & Niall Hanna w/ Tolka – The Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Maggie Carty & Mairtin Staunton w/ Steve Powell & Don Conlan – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Medusa’s Wake – Norton’s Irish Pub, Sydney, NSW
Paddy’s Day at The Wild Rover feat. The Button Collective, The Sweet Jelly Rolls, Narrownecks – The Wild Rover, Sydney, NSW
Paddy’s Day Bash feat. Fox n Firkin, Catholic Guilt, Dead Ringers – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Saint Patrick’s Day Party feat. Shawn Lidster, Pay the Fiddler – The Kincumber Hotel, Kincumber, NSW
St. Patrick’s Day 2018 at Irish Murphy’s feat. The Devil’s Own, Dave Elliston Trio, Katy Hanson, Craicpot – Irish Murphy’s, Hobart, TAS
St. Patrick’s Day 2018 feat. Jonny Reid, Tommy O’ Brien & Co, Prohibition, Craic ‘N’ On – Irish Club Western Australia, Perth, WA
St. Patrick’s Day at Adelaide Oval feat. Adelaide Irish Pipe Band, Blackthorn, Celtic & Comhaltas Traditional Musicians, Celtic Getaway, Ceol Maith, Dogpatch Appalachian, Folk n Spicey, Inesheer, Shambolics, The Timbers – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA
St. Patrick’s Day at Murphy’s feat. Frank McKernan, Locky, The Gathering, Berst , Ramjet – Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane, QLD
St Patrick’s Day at the Canberra Irish Club feat. Fir Croi, Night Potion, Cassidy’s Ceili – Canberra Irish Club, Canberra, ACT
St Patrick’s Day at The Dan O’Connell feat. The Ramshackle Army, Juke Box Racket, Whiskey Dram, Dj Tickets, Justin Yap Band, Catgut Mary, O’Connor School of Irish Dancing, The Drunken Poachers, Christine Ayres School of Irish Dancing, Greon Dove – The Dan O’Connell, Melbourne, VIC
St Patrick’s Day at The Last Jar – The Last Jar, Melbourne, VIC
St Patrick’s Day at the 3 Weeds – 3 Weeds, Sydney, NSW
St Patricks Day Weekend feat. Cameron Mather, Shawn Morrow, Claddagh, The Sydney Ramblers – The Tea Gardens, Sydney, NSW
St Patrick’s Day Weekend feat. Live Trad Music – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
The Bottlers, The Go Set, Handsome Young Strangers – Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
The Young Folk w/ Mollimor – Live at The Bundy, Bundy Hall, Bundalaguah, VIC
Witches Leap – Palais Royale Hotel, Katoomba, NSW
Sunday 18th March Heart of Ireland feat. Sásta – Kedron-Wavell Services Club, Chermside, QLD
Melbourne Irish Festival feat. Achtung Baby, Cormac McCarthy Irish Pipe Band, Borderline Kaylee, Comhaltas – Edinburgh Gardens, Melbourne, VIC
Queensland Irish Choir – Brisbane German Club, Brisbane, QLD
St Patrick’s Day Recovery Party – Canberra Irish Club, Canberra, ACT
St Patrick’s Day Weekend feat. Live Trad Music – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
St Patricks Day Weekend feat. The Sydney Ramblers – The Tea Gardens, Sydney, NSW
Sydney St. Patrick’s Day 2018: The Green Quarter feat. Blackwater, The Bottlers, Ingleburn Pipe Band, Cross Rhythm Irish Dancers, Soniks, Susan O’Neill, Mark Oats, Cara K. & Band – The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney, NSW
Gigs Next Week
10 String Symphony Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Monday 19th March – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
A Day On The Green feat. James Blunt, Pete Murray, Busby Marou, Alex Lloyd and Karise Eden Saturday 17th March – All Saints Estate, Rutherglen, VIC
Tuesday 20th March – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth, WA
A Hitch To The Sticks Festival Saturday 17th March – Tatong Tavern, Tatong, VIC
Adam Eckersley & Brooke McClymont Friday 16th March – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton, NSW
Saturday 17th March – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton, NSW
All Our Exes Live in Texas Saturday 17th March – Tully Showgrounds, Tully, QLD
Amarillo Sunday 18th March – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC
Andy Irvine & Luke Plumb Friday 16th March – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, VIC
Friday 23rd March – Fairlight Folk, Fairlight, NSW
Ann Vriend Friday 16th March – Goulburn Club, Goulburn, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Doo-Bop Jazz Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 23rd March – The Bison Bar, Nambour, QLD
Archer Saturday 17th March – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 18th March – Paper Moon Cafe, Annerley, QLD
Archie Roach Friday 16th March – The Palais, Adelaide, SA
Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Sunday 18th March – The Palais, Adelaide, SA
Ash Grunwald Friday 16th March – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood, WA
Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March – Nukara Music Festival, Nanson, WA
Sunday 18th March – Port Beach Garden Bar, Fremantle, WA
Thursday 22nd March – Emergence Creative Festival, Margaret River, WA
Friday 23rd March – Denmark Civic Centre, Denmark, WA
Bennett, Bowtell & Urquhart Friday 16th March – House Concert, Torquay, VIC
Saturday 17th March – Terang Racecourse & Rec Reserve, Terang, VIC
Sunday 18th March – Terang Racecourse & Rec Reserve, Terang, VIC
Sunday 18th March – House Concert, Melbourne, VIC
Big Country Friday 16th March – Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Bill Chambers Friday 16th March – Royal Mail Hotel, Kingston South East, SA
Saturday 17th March – The Bellum Hotel, Mount Schank, SA
Blair Dunlop Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Wednesday 21st March – LeadBelly, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Blue Mountains Music Festival Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Katoomba, NSW
Breabach Friday 16th March – Mountain Mumma, Sheffield, TAS
Saturday 17th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Wednesday 21st March – 5 Church St, Bellingen, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Django Bar, Sydney, NSW
Brisbane Irish Festival Family Day feat. Celtic Fusion Saturday 17th March – Gaelic Park, Brisbane, QLD
Broadie’s Bunker Sessions feat. James Englund & Friends, Cloudbird, Adam Young Tuesday 20th March – The Bunker, Sydney, NSW
Brunswick Music Festival Sunday 4th to Sunday 18th March – Brunswick, Melbourne, VIC
Busby Marou Saturday 17th March – All Saints Estate, Rutherglen, VIC
Sunday 18th March – CMC Rocks QLD, Willowbank, Ipswich, QLD
Tuesday 20th March – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth, WA
Carnival of Cultures Sunday 18th March – Ashfiled Park, Sydney, NSW
Carus Thompson Friday 16th March – Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 18th March – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Cecilia Brandolini Wednesday 21st March – Indi Bar, Scarborough, WA
Thursday 22nd March – Beaufort St Songwriters Club, Perth, WA
Charlie & Jensen w/ Lady Lyon Thursday 22nd March – The Record Crate, Sydney, NSW
Chris While and Julie Matthews Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Friday 23rd March – House Concert, Melbourne, VIC
Claude Hay Thursday 22nd March – The Skylark Room, Upwey, VIC
Friday 23rd March – The Bluestrain, Queenscliff, VIC
Courtyard Sessions feat. Leah Flanagan Friday 16th March – Seymour Centre, Sydney, NSW
Courtyard Sessions feat. Naomi Keyte, Night Kite Friday 23rd March – Seymour Centre, Sydney, NSW
Dan Parsons Friday 16th March – 63 First Ave, Sawtell, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Bellingen Brewery, Bellingen, NSW
Sunday 18th March – House Concert, Ocean Shores, NSW
Wednesday 21st March – FolkSwagon, Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Franks Wild Years, Thirroul, NSW
Friday 23rd March – The Fox Den, Gloucester, NSW
Davidson Brothers Friday 16th March – True Brew, Bendigo, VIC
Saturday 17th March – Meatstock, Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne, VIC
Deer Tick Thursday 22nd March – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 23rd March – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Duncan Phillips Friday 16th March – The Gem Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Ed Sheeran w/ Missy Higgins Friday 16th March – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 20th March – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 21 March – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD
Elephant Sessions Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Wednesday 21st March – Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th March – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Yackandandah, VIC
Fairlight Folk feat. Andy Irvine & Luke Plumb, w/ Seanchas Friday 23rd March – Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge, Fairlight, NSW
Faith i Branko Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Tuesday 20th March – Bald Face Stag, Sydney, NSW
Festival of Small Halls feat. Claire Anne Taylor, David Gunning Friday 16th March – Apollo Bay Senior Citizens Hall, Apollo Bay, VIC
Saturday 17th March – Sandy Point Community Centre, Sandy Point, VIC
Sunday 18th March – Brae Dale lodge 936, Belgrave, VIC
Wednesday 21st March – Buloke Shire Hall, Wycheproof, VIC
Thursday 22nd March – Caldwell Hall, Caldwell, NSW
Friday 23rd March – Toongi Hall, Toongi, NSW
FolkSwagon feat. Dan Parsons, Alana Wilkinson, Lucas Road Wednesday 21st March – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW
For Folk Sake feat. Leroy Lee, Great Aunt, Grace Turner Saturday 17th March – 107, Sydney, NSW
Georgia State Line and Patrick Wilson Friday 16th March – FogHorn Brewhouse, Erina, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Element Bar, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Sunday 18th March – The Bellingen Brewery & Co., Bellingen, NSW
Girl Friday Sunday 18th March – Yarra Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys Friday 16th March – Illawarra Folk Club, City Diggers, Wollongong, NSW
Friday 16th and Saturday 17th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Sunday 18th March – Lizotte’s, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – The Bunker, Coogee, NSW
Friday 23rd March – Django at Camelot, Sydney, NSW
Grace Turner Saturday 17th March – 107, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – 48 Watt St, Newcastle, NSW
Great Aunt Saturday 17th March – 107, Sydney, NSW
Friday 23rd March – The Skylark Room, Upwey, VIC
Greta Stanley Saturday 17th March – Golden Age Cinema Bar, Sydney, NSW
Handsome Young Strangers Friday 16th March – Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
Harry James Angus Saturday 17th March – The Peninsula Picnic, Mornington, VIC
Heart of Ireland Friday 16th March – The Heritage Theatre, Gympie, QLD
Saturday 17th March – Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts, Tweed Heads, QLD
Sunday 18th March – Kedron-Wavell Services Club, Chermside, QLD
Imogen Clark Friday 16th March – Allenstown Hotel, Rockhampton, QLD
Saturday 17th March – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone, QLD
Friday 23rd March – Astor Hotel, Goulburn, NSW
Jackson Browne Monday 19th March – State Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – AEC Theatre, Adelaide, SA
James Bennett Friday 16th March – KC’s Grill & Bar, Airlie Beach, QLD
Saturday 17th March – Salt House, Cairns, QLD
Sunday 18th March – Railway Hotel, Yeppoon, QLD
Thursday 22nd March – Solbar, Maroochydore, QLD
Friday 23rd March – RoyalMail, Goodna, QLD
James Ellis and the Jealous Guys & King Arthur Thursday 22nd March – The Rooks Return, Melbourne, VIC
Jep and Dep Sunday 18th March – LazyBones Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Jen Cloher Friday 16th March – Rosemount Hotel, Perth, WA
Saturday 17th March – The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD
Thursday 22nd March – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC
Friday 23rd March – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Anglesea, VIC
Jens Lekman Friday 16th March – The Night Cat, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 17th March – Laneway Studios, Melbourne, VIC
Jess Locke Saturday 17th March – Pool House Party, Coburg Velodrome, Melbourne, VIC
Jim Moginie with Shameless Seamus Saturday 17th March – Coledale RSL, Coledale, NSW
John Butler Trio Friday 16th March – Live On The Hill, Wy Yung Pub, East Gippsland, VIC
Saturday 17th March – Peninsula Picnic, Mornington Racecourse, VIC
Sunday 18th March – Leura Estate Winery, Curlewis, VIC
Tuesday 20th March – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury, NSW
Wednesday 21st March – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballarat, VIC
Thursday 22nd March – Ulumbarra Arts Cnt Bendigo, VIC
John McSherry, Donal O’Connor & Niall Hanna w/ Tolka Saturday 17th March – The Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
John Spillane & Pauline Scanlon Friday 16th March – Canberra Irish Club, Canberra, ACT
Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Jordie Lane Sunday 18th March – Porch Sessions, Adelaide, SA
Friday 23rd March – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave, VIC
Josienne Clarke & Ben Walker Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Joyce Prescher Saturday 17th March – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC
Kallidad Friday 16th March – The White Star Hotel, Albany, WA
Saturday 17th March – Rockcliffe Winery, Denmark, WA
Friday 23rd March – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Kate Miller-Heidke Friday 16th March – Twilight at Taronga, Sydney, NSW
Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Leah Flanagan Friday 16th March – Courtyard Sessions, Seymour Centre, Sydney, NSW
Lindsay Lou Saturday 17th March – Megan Hall, Menai, NSW
Lior & Paul Grabowsky Friday 16th March – The Street Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Live and Local on Church Street Saturday 17th March – Mudgee, NSW
Live On The Hill feat. John Butler Trio, Pete Murray, Josh Cashman Friday 16th March – Wy Yung Pub, Wy Yung, VIC
Liz Frencham Sunday 18th March – The Lost Ones, Ballarat, VIC
Lost Ragas Sunday 18th March – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Luke Sinclair & Sean McMahon Saturday 17th March – Major Tom’s, Kyneton, VIC
Maggie Carty & Mairtin Staunton w/ Steve Powell & Don Conlan Saturday 17th March – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Maggie Carty Saturday 17th March – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Friday 23rd March – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Mal Webb & Kylie Morrigan w/ The Beez Thursday 22nd March – Bar 303, Melbourne, VIC
Mandy Connell Friday 16th March – Berwick Folk Club, Old Cheese Factory, Berwick, VIC
Saturday 17th March – A Hitch To The Sticks Festival, Tatong Tavern, Tatong, VIC
Medusa’s Wake Friday 16th March – Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Norton’s Irish Pub, Sydney, NSW
Nukara Music Festival Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th March – Nanson, WA
Paddy’s Day at The Wild Rover feat. The Button Collective, The Sweet Jelly Rolls, Narrownecks Saturday 17th March – The Wild Rover, Sydney, NSW
Paddy’s Day Bash feat. Fox n Firkin, Catholic Guilt, Dead Ringers Saturday 17th March – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Papa Pilko and the Binrats Friday 16th March – Federal Hotel, Bellingen, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 18th March – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff, NSW
Pierce Brothers Friday 16th March – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave, VIC
Queensland Irish Choir Sunday 18th March – Brisbane German Club, Brisbane, QLD
Ramblin’ Ash and Ruby Gilbert Friday 16th March – Cedar Bar & Kitchen, Bellingen, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Lulu’s Cafe, Mullumbimby, NSW
Ramblin’ Nights feat. The Brothers Comatose, Andy Golledge Band, Magpie Diaries Thursday 22nd March – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters Friday 23rd March – State Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Rodrigo y Gabriela Friday 16th March – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
Roy Paynes Hillbilly Bop Safari Saturday 17th March – The Mustang Bar, Perth, WA
Saint Patrick’s Day Party feat. Shawn Lidster, Pay the Fiddler Saturday 17th March – The Kincumber Hotel, Kincumber, NSW
Sásta Friday 16th March – Heritage Theatre, Gympie, QLD
Saturday 17th March – Twin Towns Clubs & Resorts, Tweed Heads, QLD
Sunday 18th March – Kedron-Wavell Services Club, Chermside, QLD
Scott Cook & Corin Raymond Friday 16th March – House Concert, Healesville, VIC
Skyscraper Stan Friday 16th March – Moonshine Bar, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – The Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 18th March – Warrandyte Festival, Warrandyte, VIC
Wednesday 21st March – The Whickham Park Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Tapp Bar, Port Macquarie, NSW
Friday 23rd March – 63 First Avenue, Sawtell, NSW
Shaun Kirk Friday 16th March – Four5Nine, Perth, WA
Saturday 17th March – Nukara Music Festival, Geraldton, WA
Friday 23rd March – Major Toms, Kyneton, VIC
Smith & Jones Friday 16th March – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 17th March – Bettie’s, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 17th March – House Concert, Carrum Downs, VIC
St. Patrick’s Day 2018 feat. Jonny Reid, Tommy O’ Brien & Co, Prohibition, Craic ‘N’ On Saturday 17th March – Irish Club Western Australia, Perth, WA
St. Patrick’s Day 2018 at Irish Murphy’s feat. The Devil’s Own, Dave Elliston Trio, Katy Hanson, Craicpot Saturday 17th March – Irish Murphy’s, Hobart, TAS
St. Patrick’s Day at Adelaide Oval feat. Adelaide Irish Pipe Band, Blackthorn, Celtic & Comhaltas Traditional Musicians, Celtic Getaway, Ceol Maith, Dogpatch Appalachian, Folk n Spicey, Inesheer, Shambolics, The Timbers Friday 17th March – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA
St. Patrick’s Day at Murphy’s feat. Frank McKernan, Locky, The Gathering, Berst , Ramjet Saturday 17th March – Irish Murphy’s, Brisbane, QLD
St Patrick’s Day at the Canberra Irish Club feat. Fir Croi, Night Potion, Cassidy’s Ceili Saturday 17th March – Canberra Irish Club, Canberra, ACT
St Patrick’s Day at The Dan O’Connell feat. The Ramshackle Army, Juke Box Racket, Whiskey Dram, Dj Tickets, Justin Yap Band, Catgut Mary, O’Connor School of Irish Dancing, The Drunken Poachers, Christine Ayres School of Irish Dancing, Greon Dove Saturday 17th March – The Dan O’Connell, Melbourne, VIC
St Patrick’s Day at The Last Jar Saturday 17th March – The Last Jar, Melbourne, VIC
St Patrick’s Day at the 3 Weeds Saturday 17th March – 3 Weeds, Sydney, NSW
St Patricks Day Weekend Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – The Tea Gardens, Sydney, NSW
St Patrick’s Day Weekend feat. Live Trad Music Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – The Gaelic Club, Sydney, NSW
Steve Poltz Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Tuesday 20th March – Acoustic Picnic, Brookvale, NSW
Wednesday 21st March – Lizotte’s, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Friday 23rd March – The Bunker, Coogee, NSW
Steve Smyth Wednesday 21st March – Grand Junction, Maitland, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – 48 Watt St, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 23rd March – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Summer Nights at The Quiet Man feat. Chellah Mac, Mikee, Satta Friday 16th March – The Quiet Man, Melbourne, VIC
Sydney St. Patrick’s Day 2018: The Green Quarter feat. Blackwater, The Bottlers, Ingleburn Pipe Band, Cross Rhythm Irish Dancers, Soniks, Susan O’Neill, Mark Oats, Cara K. & Band Sunday 18th March – The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney, NSW
Terang Country Music Festival Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Terang, VIC
Tex, Don and Charlie Saturday 17th March – Twilight at Taronga, Sydney, NSW
The Backsliders Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
The Basin Music Festival Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th March – The Basin, VIC
The Bean Project Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – The River Folk Festival, Warburton, VIC
Friday 23rd March – The Skylark Room, Upwey, VIC
The Beez Friday 16th March – House Concert, Geelong, VIC
Saturday 17th March – House Concert, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 18th March – House Concert, Geelong, VIC
Thursday 22nd March – Bar 303, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 23rd March – House Concert, Melbourne VIC
The Black Sorrows Saturday 17th March – Bendigo Jockey Club, Bendigo, VIC
Sunday 18th March – Geelong Racing Club, Geelong, VIC
The Bottlers Friday 16th March – The Grand Hotel – Cockn’Bull, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
Sunday 18th March – The Entertainment Quarter, Sydney, NSW
Friday 23rd March – Junction 142, Katoomba, NSW
The Brothers Comatose Friday 16th and Saturday 17th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Sunday 18th March – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Wednesday 21st March – The Bunker @ Coogee Diggers, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Ramblin’ Nights, Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Friday 23rd March – The Junkyard, Maitland, NSW
The Djangologists w/ The Emerald Ruby Thursday 22nd March – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
The Emerald Ruby Sunday 18th March – The Dart and the Feather, Davistown, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
The Glorious North Sunday 18th March – The Labour in Vain, Melbourne, VIC
The Go Set Friday 16th March – Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
The Hills Are Alive Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th March – The Farm, VIC
The Lazy Picks Sunday 18th March – Upstairs at Fred’s, Camden, NSW
The Long Johns Friday 16th March – Sound Feast, Noosa Heads, QLD
Friday 23rd March – The Junk Bar, Brisbane, QLD
The Peninsula Picnic Saturday 17th March – Mornington, VIC
The Porch Sessions feat. Jordie Lane Sunday 18th March – House Concert, Glenelg, SA
The River Folk Festival Friday 16th to Sunday 18th March – Warburton, VIC
The Weeping Willows Saturday 17th March – Terang Country Music Festival, Terang, VIC
Friday 23rd March – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
The Young Folk Friday 16th March – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, VIC
Saturday 17th March – Live at The Bundy, Bundy Hall, Bundalaguah, VIC
Timberwolf Friday 16th March – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 17th March – The Workers Club, Geelong, VIC
Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th March – The Hills Are Alive Festival, The Farm, VIC
TinPan Orange Friday 16th and Saturday 17th March – The River Folk Festival, Warburton, VIC
Tom Dockray Friday 16th March – Goldmines Hotel, Bendigo, VIC
Saturday 17th March – The Taproom – Shedshaker Brewing, Castlemaine, VIC
Thursday 22nd March – Republic Bar & Cafe, Hobart, TAS
Friday 23rd March – Kingsway Bar, Launceston, TAS
Toni Swain Friday 16th March – Rodney’s Bait n Tackle, Mosman Park, WA
Saturday 17th March – The Mustang Bar, Northbridge, WA
Sunday 18th March – The Bassendean Hotel, Bassendean, WA
Tuesday 20th March – The Perth Blues Club, Perth, WA
Wednesday 21st March – Fly By Night Musicians Club, Fremantle, WA
Thursday 22nd March – Little Creatures, Fremantle, WA
Friday 23rd March – Parade Hotel, Bunbury, WA
Ukulele Death Squad Sunday 18th March – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Vikki Thorn Friday 16th March – The Palais Adelaide Festival, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 17th March – Peninsula Picnic, Mornington Peninsula, VIC
Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Thursday 22nd March – Clancy’s, Dunsborough, WA
Friday 23rd March – The River Hotel, Margaret River, WA
Warrandyte Festival Friday 16th and Sunday 18th March – Warrandyte, VIC
Witches Leap Friday 16th and Saturday 17th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Saturday 17th March – Palais Royale Hotel, Katoomba, NSW
Yackandandah Folk Festival Friday 23rd to Sunday 25th March – Yackandandah, VIC
Z-Star Delta Saturday 17th March – Baha, Rye, VIC
Friday 23rd March – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
If you’ve been anywhere near a radio recently you’ve no doubt heard Missy Higgins’ catchy new single “Futon Couch”. This is the first taster of Higgins’ upcoming fifth studio album Solastalgia, due in on the 4th May, and a definite evolution of her sound.
“Futon Couch” also has a new video directed by Josh Harris
“I think this was the most fun I’ve had filming a music video,” Missy Higgins explained. “I never thought I’d catch myself doing choreographed dancing in one of my film clips but if there’s any song I’ll ever do it for, it’s “Futon Couch”! I’m excited for people to see this, it’s very different for me!”
Check out the video for “Futon Couch” here:
To celebrate the release of SolastalgiaMissy Higgins is heading out on a national tour this May, with support from singer-songwriter Gordi.
“I’m so excited to finally road-test my new tunes in all these beautiful venues across the country,” Higgins said. “This album is really different from anything I’ve done before, I think people will be really surprised, but I think the songs will fit nicely alongside my old material, too. There are a lot of female harmonies in the new material so I’m glad we’re gonna have four amazing women on stage belting them out!”
Missy Higgins will be touring with Ed Sheeran this March before her headline tour in May. Check out the full list of dates here:
Ed Sheeran w/ Missy Higgins Monday 12th March – Etihad Stadium, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 15th March – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Friday 16th March – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 17th March – ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 18th March – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba, NSW
Tuesday 20th March – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 21st March – Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, QLD
Missy Higgins w/ Gordi Sunday 8th April – Cottesloe Beach, Perth, WA
Friday 4th May – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 5th May – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba, QLD
Sunday 6th May – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong, NSW
Tuesday 8th May – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 11th May – Canberra Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 12th May – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Sunday 13 May – Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Held in Katoomba over the St Patrick’s Day weekend, the Blue Mountains Music Festival always has a decent folk and roots music presence on their lineup along with the best and brightest artists from across all genres.
The Blue Mountains Music Festival will is held from 16th to the 18th March in Katoomba, NSW. They’ll be announcing more artists via their Facebook page so make sure you like them there. And head over to their official site for more details and how to get your hands on tickets.
Trampled by Turtles – “Christmas in Prison”
Jone Prine’s “Christmas in Prison” is a go to cover for Americana, country and bluegrass bands each year – we like this version from Trampled by Turtles
Sara Watkins – “The Holidays With You” Sara Watkins adds a touch of ukulele to Christmas with her track “The Holidays With You”.
David Brent & Foregone Conclusion – “Don’t Cry It’s Christmas”
Ok, this isn’t folk. But you have to agree that Ricky Gervais’ David Brent owns the Christmas number one with “Don’t Cry It’s Christmas”
She & Him – “Christmas Memories” She & Him are determined to corner the indie market each and every year and their 2016 track “Christmas Memories” is another gem.
Ange Hardy – “Mary’s Robin” Ange Hardy released a double A side for Christmas and both tracks – “The Quantock Carol” and “Mary’s Robin” – are magnificent. We chose “Mary’s Robin” because most other outlets are chosing the former.
The Gothard Sisters – “Christmas Flower”
Tightly polished Irish folk music at its best.
After a massive, sold out event in 2015 The Peninsula Picnic is returning this year and bringing with it some amazing music. Held at the Mornington Racecourse on the Mornington Peninsula, The Penisula Picnic is billed as one of Victoria’s most extensive food, wine and music gatherings.
The Waifs are returning at the start of next year with a whole bunch of regional and city tour dates through January and February. Timber and Steel favourite Ruby Boots will be supporting all the shows except for Margaret River (John Butler Trio), Fremantle (Davey Craddock) and Brisbane (John Butler Trio and Missy Higgins).
Check out the full list of dates below:
Saturday 23rd January – Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, WA
Sunday 24th January – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle, WA
Saturday 30th January – Melbourne Zoo Twilights, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 31st January – Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Tuesday 2nd February – Capitol Theatre, Tamworth, NSW
Thursday 4th February – Bathurst Entertainment Cent, Bathurst, NSW
Saturday 6th February – Twilights at Tarongo Zoo, Sydney, NSW *SOLD OUT*
Riverboats is set to take place on the banks of the Murray River at Echuca-Moama, VIC from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st February, 2016. For more information including how to get your hands on tickets check out the official site here.
Ok we promise one more list and then we’re done. For the second year in a row our illustrious editor-in-chief Gareth Hugh Evans has picked his top 25 tracks from the entirety of 2014.
Most of these tracks were singles although some are just taken from albums released this year and others are previews of releases due next year. But if this list proves anything folk music is a wide and varied genre that is going from strength to strength. We hope you enjoy – let’s do it all again next year!
1. Passenger – “Heart’s On Fire”
“Heart’s On Fire” has been my favourite Passenger track live for many years so it’s fantastic to see it finally “officially” released. I’ve seen this song silence a sold out, 1,000 capacity crowd at the HiFi in Sydney and it sent chills down my spine. I love the simplicity of this song, the way the fiddle dances over the finger-picked guitar, the rousing harmonies in the chorus, the subltle strings and mandolin – it all comes together to create something magical. Watch an early video of “Heart’s On Fire” here
2. Nick Mulvey – “Meet Me There”
To be honest I could have picked any of the tracks from Nick Mulvey’s album First Mind for this list so picking just one (to give tracks from other artists a chance) was agonising. I chose “Meet Me There” because I think it showcases Mulvey’s unique guitar style as well as the gorgeous production that’s all over First Mind. I’m so sour I missed Nick Mulvey when he was in the country earlier this year and just hope he’ll be back soon. Learn to play all of the songs from First Mind here
3. Bellowhead – “Jack Lintel’s Jig”
First of all this is not a jig, it’s a hornpipe. Secondly it’s not commonly known as “Jack Lintel’s…” – most people probably know it as “Cam Ye O’er Frae France”. But when you listen to the way Bellowhead have constructed this track as a round that builds and builds on the hornpipe’s three parts before abruptly halting leaving the rhythmic fiddle hanging in the air you can forgive all this. It makes me wish Bellowhead did more instrumentals. Watch Bellowhead take you through their album Revival track by track
4. James Vincent McMorrow – “Gold”
I saw James Vincent McMorrow at the Sydney Opera House earlier this year and it was one of the most spellbinding performances I’ve seen in years. “Gold” is a highlight from his album Post Tropical showcasing his rich falsetto, punctuated by harps and horns and backing vocals. Is this folk? Probably not in the strictest sense but it’s a definite evolution of James Vincent McMorrow’s sound from his earlier incarnation as an acoustic singer-songwriter. Watch James Vincent McMorrow’s latest video “Look Out” here
5. Oh Pep! – “Rest Assured”
There’s something insanely catchy about the syncopated melody of this mandolin driven folk-pop song. It’s just so listenable and is definitely one of my favourite songs to see them perform live. The clip for “Rest Assured” is a little surreal but there’s something I like about it – it has a quirky appeal. Read our interview with Pepi Emmerichs from Oh Pep! here
6. Pepa Knight – “Rahh!”
I love the fact that Pepa Knight’s solo effort feels like he’s taken all the world music influences of his band Jinja Safari, thrown them into a big pot, distilled them into something pure and then produced what is one of the most unique releases in 2014. “Rahh!” packs such a musical punch and is the perfect addition to any mixtape or playlist to make your listener sit up and take notice. Find out more about Pepa Knight’s EP Hypnotized here
7. Husky – “I’m Not Coming Back”
“I’m Not Coming Back” announced Husky’s triumphant return to our eardrums and heralded the coming of their amazing new album Ruckers Hill. This track is classic Husky, all interwoven harmonies and intricate melodies. I especially love the bridge, which has almost a call-and-reply gospel feel to it. Superb. Find out more about Husky’s new album here
9. Gregory Alan Isakov – “Amsterdam” The Weatherman was one of my favourite albums of 2013, and “Amsterdam” is one of my favourite tracks on the album, having been released as a single this year. I love the lo-fi sound of this track – the whole thing feels like it was recorded in an echo chamber which gives the song a real ethereal feel. There’s more information on the animated video for Amsterdam here
10. Dan and Amy – “Pretend”
This song transports me back to the sounds of the 60s and 70s English folk revival with its medieval melodies and liberal use of woodwind. Again, the bridge of this track is what makes it with Dan’s gregorian vocals and strange time signatures driving the song forward. Find out more about Dan and Amy’s EP Sometimes Life here
12. Missy Higgins – “Shark Fin Blues”
It was Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens who first introduced me to “Shark Fin Blues” (check out their version here) and I immediately fell in love. However when I hunted out the original version from The Drones I have to admit I wasn’t too impressed – unlike a lot of music lovers I just can’t get into Gareth Liddiard’s distinctive voice. This didn’t diminish the song however and as Missy Higgins’s version proves it is one of best Australian songs ever written. Find out more about Missy Higgins’ covers album and book OZ here.
13. Bear’s Den – “Above The Clouds Of Pompeii”
The new Bear’s Den album Islands really stretches the UK trio, seeing them move beyond the indie-folk of their earlier EPs. But it’s the indie-folk sounds that I love about Bear’s Den so I’m glad there’s a couple of gems like “Above The Clouds Of Pompeii” on Islands – this is the band at its best. Read our interview with Kev Jones from Bear’s Den here
14. Jordan Millar – “If Only…”
Every time I play “If Only…” on loud speakers anyone who is within earshot immediately looks up from whatever they’re doing and enquires who is singing. It goes to show just how catchy Jordan Millar’s single is. This is probably my favourite Jordan Millar song to date, and it can be picked up for nothing as part of the free EP The Wheel. Stream and download The Wheel EP online here.
15. Lisa Mitchell – “Wah Ha”
“Wah Ha” is Lisa Mitchell’s return to acoustic, folk-inspired pop music and I love it. The track seems to take its cue from 70’s Burt Bacharach tracks in its writing, arrangement and production. I really hope that Lisa Mitchell has a lot more tracks like this in her because it’s this kind of music that I love hearing her produce. The full dates for Lisa Mitchell’s 2015 acoustic tour are here.
16. Kim Churchill – “Window to the Sky”
Ah, the song that brought Kim Churchill to a wider audience. I’ve been a fan of Churchill’s since Timber and Steel contributor KT Bell first badgered me to listen to his music a number of years ago but honestly I think “Window to the Sky” is his catchiest track yet and deserves all the attention it’s been getting. The track sits somewhere between the roots of the John Butler Trio and Xavier Rudd and the indie-folk of Matt Corby and Boy and Bear and will definitely get stuck in your head when you press play. Check out the full dates for Kim Churchill’s 2015 tour here
17. Kasey Chambers – “Wheelbarrow”
My favourite albums from Kasey Chambers’ back catalogue are those she recorded with then husband Shane Nicholson, Rattlin’ Bones and Wreck & Ruin. I feel like “Wheelbarrow” takes a lot of their rootsy Americana elements and layers them with some of the crunchiest guitar I’ve ever heard on a country track. Kasey Chambers has never been a conventional country songwriter but with tracks like “Wheelbarrow” she’s challenging all expectations and is producing some of her best music to date in the process. Listen to Kasey Chamber’s duet with Bernard Fanning, “Bittersweet”, here.
19. First Aid Kit – “My Silver Lining”
“My Silver Lining” transports you back to the 70s, invoking early Neil Young mixed with a heavy doses of Emmylou Harris. The lush strings and reverb heavy melodies wouldn’t be out of place in a Western movie and I love the way First Aid Kit pace their lyrics throughout the track – at some points they manage to fit more words than should be possible into a phrase, at other points they drag a single word out over an entire melody. It’s amazing that some of the best Americana in the world is coming out of Sweden. Check out the full 2015 Australian tour dates for First Aid Kit here.
20. Jack Carty – “What Am I Gonna Do With All Of My Love Now?”
You’d be hard pressed to find a Timber and Steel “Best of” list without some mention of Jack Carty. And there’s a reason or that – Carty is the master of the story song and Timber and Steel loves a story song. “What Am I Gonna Do With All Of My Love Now?” is just one of the many gems on the new album Esk and only really pipped songs like “Be Like The Water”, “The Universe” and “The Joneses” at the post because of the Lord of the Rings reference. Listen to Jack Carty’s duet with Katie Noonan, “The Universe”, here
22. The Staves – “Blood I Bled”
I’d argue that “Blood I Bled” is The Staves’ most traditional-folk inspired track to date. The melody sounds like it could have been written 100 years ago. And the production is exquisite – which it should be considering it was brought to life by Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon. I love the way this song builds from a picked ukulele to driving horns, all the while never overpowering the vocal harmonies. I’m so excited about the releae of If I Was next year. Find out more about the new album from The Staves If I Was here.
23. Ruby Boots – “Oh, Lover”
When Ruby Boots asked Timber and Steel to debut the video for “Oh, Lover” I was overcome by just how good the track was. I love Ruby Boots’ music live but “Oh, Lover” is just on another level – the unconventional verse structure, the Spanish inspires rhythm section, the surf-guitar riff. The video is wonderfully surreal as well with Ruby Boots floating on a bed through a flooded forest. You’ll want to listen to this song over and over again. Stream Ruby Boots’ self titled EP here.
24. Stu Larsen – “San Francisco”
“San Francisco” is what pop music should be. A simple melody. A story told through verse. Stu Larsen (with Mike Rosenberg, AKA Passenger, and Chris Vallejo on production duties) has produced a little bit of magic with this track. There’s something effortlessly classic about the song from beginning to end and it’s the perfect accompaniment to long drives on hot summer days. Watch Stu Larsen’s latest video “King Street” here.
25. Vena Portae – “Flames & Fury”
This is probably the newest song on the list, having only been released in the last few weeks, but when I heard it I couldn’t stop playing it over and over again. I guess it’s kind of country music. It’s kind of folk. It’s kind of pop. But whatever it is it’s super catchy and Emily Barker’s voice is in fine form. Listen to this song twice straight through and I can guarantee by the third time you’ll be singing along. Read our interview with Vena Portae’s Emily Barker here.
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