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
Saturday 29th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, TAS
Monday 31st December to Wednesday 2nd January – Falls Festival, Byron Bay, NSW
Andrew Swift, Gretta Ziller & Brad Cox Friday 28th December – Ocean Grove Holiday Park, Ocean Grove, VIC
Saturday 29th December – Kangerong Holiday Park, Dromana, VIC
Sunday 30th December – Inverloch Foreshore Camping Reserve, Inverloch, VIC
Monday 31st December – Marlo Ocean Views, Marlo, VIC
Tuesday 1st January – Mallacoota Foreshore Holiday Park, Mallacoota, VIC
Wednesday 2nd January – Eden Beachfront Holiday Park, Eden NSW
Thursday 3rd January – NRMA Jindabyne Holiday Park, Jindabyne NSW
Friday 4th January – Jingellic Showgrounds, Jingellic NSW
Archer Friday 4th January – Music on the Hill, Red Hill, VIC
Bonnie Kay and the Bonafides Saturday 29th December – The Cauliflower Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 3rd January – Rock Lily, Sydney, NSW
Busby Marou Saturday 29th December – One Hot Night, Rockhampton, QLD
Sunday 30th December – Tropical Vibes Gki, The Keppels, QLD
Cassidy’s Ceili Monday 31st December – The Burns Club, Canberra, ACT
Cat Canteri Thursday 3rd January – Red Lion Brewery, Kilmore, VIC
Friday 4th January – Empire Hotel, Beechworth, VIC
Dan Sultan Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Dean Lewis Friday 28th December – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Dermot Kennedy w/ Sam Fender Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC
Saturday 29th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, TAS
Monday 31st December to Wednesday 2nd January – Falls Festival, Byron Bay, NSW
Echo Deer Saturday 29th to Monday 31st December – Gulgong Folk Festival, Gulgong, NSW
Emily Wurramara Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Falls Festival Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Lorne, VIC
Saturday 29th to Monday 31st December – Marion Bay, TAS
Monday 31st December to Wednesday 2nd January – Byron Bay, NSW
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
Saturday 29th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, TAS
Monday 31st December to Wednesday 2nd January – Falls Festival, Byron Bay, NSW
Gulgong Folk Festival Saturday 29th to Monday 31st December – Gulgong, NSW
Handsome Young Strangers Monday 31st December – Botany View Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Hat Fitz and Cara Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Honey Friday 4th January – Bermi’s Beachside Cafe, Bermagui, NSW
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
Wednesday 2nd January – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay, NSW
Thursday 3rd January – The Old Museum, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 4th January – 5 Church Street, Bellingen, NSW
Jen Cloher Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Jess Locke Sunday 30th December to Tuesday 1st January – NYE On The Hill, VIC
Julia Jacklin Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Karl S Williams Sunday 30th December – The Scottish Prince, Palm Beach, QLD
Les Poules a Colin Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Thursday 3rd January – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 4th January – Le Penelope’s @ Kirwans Bridge Estate, Nagambie, VIC
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, Woodford, QLD
Thursday 3rd January – Nimbin Bush Theatre, Nimbin, NSW
Thursday 3rd January – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay, NSW
Friday 4th January – Federal Hotel, Bellingen, NSW
Mal Webb & Kylie Morrigan Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Mark Lucas Thursday 3rd January – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Mel Parsons Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Mick Thomas and the Roving Commission Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Monique Clare Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th January – Tree Folk String Camp, Paddington Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 4th January – The BrisWest Centre, Brisbane, QLD
Nariel Creek Folk Festival Thursday 27th December to Thursday 3rd January – Nariel Creek Recreation Reserve, Nariel Valley, VIC
Neil Murray Friday 28th December – The Sewing Room, Perth, WA
Thursday 3rd January – Ronnie Nights, Fremantle, WA
NYE On The Hill Sunday 30th December to Tuesday 1st January – The Farm, Loch Village, VIC
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
Pete Murray Thursday 3rd January – The Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba, QLD
Friday 4th January – The Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba, QLD
Porch Sessions on Tour feat. Jack The Fox, Harrison Storm & Alana Wilkinson Wednesday 2nd January – House Concert, Gold Coast Hinterland, Mount Nathan, QLD
Sean McMahon Saturday 29th December – The Gem Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Shantily Clad w/ Jam Jar Trio Saturday 29th December – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC
Shaun Kirk Monday 31st December – Queenscliff Harbour, Queenscliff, VIC
Shawn Lidster & Pay the Fiddler Friday 4th January – Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi, NSW
Stella Donnelly Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Sunday 30th December to Tuesday 1st January – NYE On The Hill, VIC
Stiff Gins Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
The Beautiful Girls Thursday 3rd January – The Northern, Byron Bay, NSW
Friday 4th January – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba, QLD
The Black Sorrows Friday 28th December – Bird’s Basement, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 29th December – Westernport-Hotel, San Remo, VIC
Sunday 30th December – Wonderland Spiegeltent, Barwon Heads, VIC
Monday 31st December – Coolalinga Tavern, Coolalinga, NT
Thursday 3rd January – Panthers Port Macquarie, Port Macquarie, NSW
Friday 4th January – Bowlo Sports & Leisure, Yamba, NSW
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 Emerald Ruby Sunday 30th December – Chicks with Picks, The Townie, Sydney, NSW
The Fretless Thursday 27th December to Tuesday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Friday 4th January – The BrisWest Centre, Brisbane, QLD
The Little Lord St Band Friday 4th January – The Sewing Room, Perth, WA
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
Thursday 3rd January – Upper Lansdowne Hall & Happenings, Upper Lansdowne, NSW
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 28th December – The Sebel Harbourside, Kiama, NSW
Tree Folk String Camp Thursday 3rd to Saturday 5th January – Paddington Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Vance Joy Friday 28th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC
Saturday 29th to Monday 31st December – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, TAS
Monday 31st December to Wednesday 2nd January – Falls Festival, Byron Bay, NSW
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
Always our most popular post of the year! Once again we’ve sent out the request to the incredible community of folk and acoustic musicians covered on Timber and Steel and they’ve responded overwhelmingly with their favourite albums of 2017.
We’ve already given you our top 25 albums and EPs – now we turn it over to the artists. So much new music still to discover! So without further waffle may we present to you this year’s Timber and Steel’s Artists’ Top Albums of 2017.
Alison Avron Sarah Belkner – But You Are, But it Has
This album release was a long time coming and it was totally worth the wait. The lyrics are so easy to relate to, the production is sophisticated, warm and intriguing. Sarah’s voice and songwriting are absolutely sublime.
Michael Carpenter (Carpenter Caswell) Gretta Ziller – Queen Of Boomtown
Apart from having one of the most honest and accomplished voices in the Australian alt-country world, Gretta Ziller has developed into a world class writer in the genre. This album showcases how far she’s come in such a short time, combining her take on contemporary writing, with the amazing production of Paul Ruske. The album is strong and sensitive, ballsy and ambitious, without losing any of the heart you’d expect with the songwriting content. An outstanding release from an artist who has truly arrived, and drawn a line in the sand for the genre.
Áine Tyrrell The East Pointers – What We Leave Behind
What an impossible task, top albums, as I am only just sinking my teeth into so many of the amazing 2017 albums at the moment like Jen Cloher’s Jen Cloher, Declan O’Rourke’s Chronicles of The Great Irish Famine and so many more. But one album that has been top of my play list since release has been The East Pointers’ What We Leave Behind and I never tire of it, which is a sign of a great album. This album has great depth to it musically, lyrically and in production. There is a stunning simplicity to the way the three lads work together that creates a joyous sound much bigger than a three piece and I think they have captured it on CD which is sometimes hard to do. I love that they have been able to honour and respect their tradition and push its boundaries into some modern places. One of the stand out tracks for me is their co-write with Liz Stringer, “82 Fires”.
Rosie Evelyn (Liam Gale and The Ponytails) SOHN – Rennen
The general vibe is darkly sexy future blues, with simple, soulful vocals, driving percussion, major synth, and just enough movement to keep you going. A little bit James Blake, a little bit Allan Rayman.
Les Thomas Jed Rowe – A Foreign Country
This album grabbed me instantly with the strength of its songwriting, quality of musicianship and directness of emotion. Very few songwriters I know can deliver the goods as writers and players like Jed can. The song “Tailem Bend” – a small town story with universal resonance – shows the level of accomplishment and expression he’s achieved and it’s a beautiful thing to hear.
AMISTAT Stu Larsen – Resolute
Not only is Stu a beautiful human being but also an incredible singer songwriter! Every song on this album is just beautiful and comes from a very honest and humble place.
M.E. Baird Mexico City – When The Day Goes Dark
Why? Because they represent the real deal to me – no ego, no frills, no pretense, just damn good songs and tunes.
Brooke Russell and the Mean Reds Hiss Golden Messenger – Hallelujah Anyhow
There’s something about MC Taylor’s voice that makes me so happy. I’m fairly new to his music and while I’m diving into his back catalogue, this new one has arrived and I’m in love. Beautiful band sound, fab songs – something sentimental in it that feels warm to me. My rekkid for the summer!
Ryan Oliver (Oliver’s Army) Ryan Adams – Prisoner
I love that it’s a revered, adored singer-songwriter at the top of his fame, dealing with genuine emotions and pain in the public spotlight. It may be tragic, it might be self inflicted, but I still feel like he’s a true artist who is his own worst enemy and that comes across in his heart-break ballads.
Frank Turner The Homeless Gospel Choir – Normal
I’ve been doing shows with Derek in Pittsburgh for a few years and he’s always been good, but this record is the sound of an artist finding his voice and spreading his creative wings. It’s been absolutely jammed in my stereo since I got hold of it.
Kelly Day (Broads) Brooke Russell and the Mean Reds – The Way You Leave
This year one album really ticked all my boxes – which sounds too clinical really for something that made me splashy cry while I was driving. I particularly love that it sits outside the kind of music I tend to lean towards, but great albums are often the ones that transcend your usual inclinations. Brooke has absolutely NAILED it with this release. Stunning production, exquisite songwriting, and the most luscious, authentic, rich voice that feels like someone blowing softly on the back of your neck.
Mandy Connell Gretta Ziller – Queen Of Boomtown
Put together with care and love, produced beautifully, and full of arrangements that feel perfect, unpredictable and just right. Every song inspires a depth of feeling, making it a really rich listen all the way through.
Mackenzie Shivers Offa Rex – Queen of Hearts
Being a true lover of Celtic music, this album inspired me as an artist more than any other. From quirky folk-rock (“Queen of Hearts”) to haunting ballads (“The First Time I Ever Saw Her Face”), there is just enough variety of instrumentation and mood to keep the listener completely captivated. And Olivia Chaney’s voice is arrestingly beautiful. Favorite track: “The Old Churchyard”
Melody Moko Fanny Lumsden – Real Class Act
I love the way Fanny has cemented her unique way of writing with the record, her blend of social commentary, vivid imagery and Australian culture is unlike anyone else. The production is lush and thoughtful and brings the album together beautifully.
Tulalah Moses Sumney – Aromanticism
Choosing a favourite album is a hard ask, the first one that comes to mind (probably because I’m currently listening to it) is Moses’ masterpiece, Aromanticism. It’s impeccably well constructed; colour, texture, mood, feel, groove – it ticks all of the boxes and ticks them damn well.
The Once The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding
A super strong, sonically rich and atmospheric follow up to previous album, Lost in the Dream. Sounds like Ryan Adams, Bryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen adopted a kid in the seventies and this is the result of that happy home.
Brad Butcher Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit – The Nashville Sound
To make my decision for album of the year I simply refer to which album I’ve listen to most. It’s an easy choice really – The Nashville Sound by Jason Isbell & the 400 Unit. All class as usual, amazing sounds all throughout the record and Isbell’s songwriting is up there with the best of the best.
Cat Canteri Jed Rowe – A Foreign Country
Jed paints a beautiful and lush portrait of predominantly Australian characters and landscapes, past and present on this record. The depth of field and attention to detail in his songwriting is just wonderful and comes across as completely effortless. Sonically the album is paired back, which allows the strength and quality of the songs, performances and Jed’s voice to shine. If I can write a song like “Where The Water Meets The Sky” or “Tailem Bend” some day, I’ll be well pleased.
Pepi Emmerichs (Oh Pep!) Lorde – Melodrama Melodrama hits me in the heart every time. It’s lush, poignant, groovy and the songs make me think, all the while being incredibly catchy. Those are pretty much most of my favourite things in music!
Lloyd Spiegel TajMo: The Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’ Band – TajMo
The first time I heard Keb’ Mo’ I said “Man, this guy should sit in with Taj”. It’s about time they listened to me. Both these artists have the rare ability to modernise the blues genre while still giving it’s roots and traditions their rightful respect. Combined, this CD hit a nerve with me, in particular the gutbucket tracks “Don’t Leave Me Here” and “Diving Duck Blues”. Really though, you can’t put those two in a room and expect anything less.
Emily Barker Valerie June – The Order of Time
I learned about Valerie June on my trips to Memphis as she lived there for many years and has worked with a lot of the musicians I know out there. I heard “Long, Lonely Road”, the first song on the record, and I knew from then on I was going to love it. There’s so much space in the recordings and her unusual but beautiful vocals grabbed me instantly. I love how the production and her songs seamlessly blend a mix a folk, soul, pop and desert blues. It sounds fresh and cool, powerful and feminine.
Joel Barker & The Low Company The Ahern Brothers – The Ahern Brothers
Charming and insightful songwriting combining two voices made to sing together. Deserves to be in front of the masses. Astonishing live performances to boot!
Husky Cigarettes After Sex – Cigarettes After Sex
It’s a fog of romance and nostalgia you can’t help but get lost in. Reminds me of being 16 and love sick, listening to Mazzy Star.
Sam Lee Lisa Knapp – Till April Is Dead – A Garland of May
English folk singer Lisa Knapp has captured in this album a stunning insight into the melodic and archaic realms of May-time when all of England is blooming and the sense of ancient rites and mysticism is emerging from the dark winter. It’s an album that casts a rich and hauntingly magical spell and gives that sense of contemporary ancientness that all good folk singers are masters of.
Four In The Morning Greg Steps & The Not For Prophets – The Overland
There have been a lot of great releases this year, but our favourite from around Melbourne has to be The Overland by Greg Steps. The songs just scream of someone who has worked hard at honing their craft. Tightly woven lyrics painting little snapshots of Australia, from early morning walks in Melbourne to trains clattering across Queensland. It’s all underlaid with a warm, folky vibe that feels authentic without being derivative. The stand out track for us is “Famous Last Words”. It’s a folk song in the true sense of the word and weaves together thoughts on fame, colonialism, and folk heroes. It also introduced us to the amazing story of Breaker Morant.
Wildwood Kin Novo Amor & Ed Tullett – Heiress
This is the perfect album to listen to when in need of some peace and tranquility amongst a busy schedule. They have released a set of live performance videos that capture their sound together so well; the two voices blend harmoniously together, creating an unbelievable sound of completeness and perfection. You can’t help feeling relaxed when hearing their music!
Riley Pearce Leif Vollebekk – Twin Solitude
You know how people say they’ve had this CD in their car and have listened to it on repeat since they got it and you’re like “yeh right, no you didn’t”. Well now I understand that feeling. This album is everything. It’s emotive, it’s clever, it’s stripped and simple and it’s f#@king great!
Paddy McHugh The Teskey Brothers – Half Mile Harvest
When I first heard the track “Crying Shame” I thought that I was listening to a bunch of old African American soul men from Memphis. Then I saw a picture of the band and thought I was listening to a bunch of young white soul dudes from Memphis. Then I read they are from bloody Warrandyte in Victoria. I invited them to play live on my radio show Three Chords & The Truth and they absolutely killed it. Since then I have had the pleasure of playing on a few bills with them and can also report that they are top blokes to boot.
Fraser A. Gorman Big Thief – Capacity
Adrianne Lenker is easily the most eloquent and beautiful songwriter I’ve heard in years.
Jon Boden Neil McSweeney – A Coat Worth Wearing
I’ve chosen an album by Neil McSweeney, a stalwart of the Sheffield scene for many years. A Coat Worth Wearing is a fantastically literate collection of songs beautifully arranged and produced, and displaying the talents of a brilliant band of musicians including renowned folk stalwarts Ben Nicholls and Sam Sweeney. It’s an excellent album on so many levels and definitely my pick for album of 2017.
Ketch Secor (Old Crow Medicine Show) Yirrmal – Youngblood
I met Yirrmal Marika in Melbourne at the Australian Americana Honors Awards this past October. Yirrmal stole the show. He is a culture man. I picked up Yirrmal’s new EP Youngblood; it is the best Americana record I heard all year long. It’s got 50,000 years of soul. Crank it up.
Taryn La Fauci Nadia Reid – Preservation
This record was on repeat for many many months in my car this year. I had really been craving an exquisite, cohesive and beautiful album that I could fall for, hard. This album did all of that and more, which is why it is my album of the year for 2017. I also got to see Nadia play in Sydney at The Golden Age Cinema in April and the show was stunning, it made me want to run home and learn how to play my guitar with that kind of verve.
Imogen Clark Ryan Adams – Prisoner
This album sounds to me like beautiful chaos and distress. Ryan Adams has a way of tapping into human vulnerability and woe like I don’t think I’ve ever heard from another artist. This record is just another example of his way with words and melodies that together, form the most melancholy but simultaneously kick-ass comments on the human condition you’ll ever hear from any modern day songwriter.
James Daley (The Morrisons, Diamond Duck, Tawny Owl String Band) The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – 50th Anniversary Edition
I feel a bit a strange choosing a reissue as album of the year, but who cares, it’s Sgt Peppers. After all the music I have listened to in my life, nothing has ever captured my imagination the way The Beatles have. It is the most astonishing body of work in pop music, the same way Bach is to classical music or Shakespeare to literature. I discovered The Beatles as a teenager after I got a copy of The White Album for xmas one year and my life has never been the same. Hearing all the remastered tracks and outtakes on this reissue was a wild journey and reinvigorated my love for this music in a way I hadn’t anticipated – I have been listening to The Beatles non stop since it came out, like I’m rediscovering it all over again. There are some absolute pearlers on this – the alternate takes of “Strawberry Fields”, “Lucy In The Sky” and “Day In The Life” are really interesting. Hearing how they built these songs into what we know and love is a fascinating process. However the most astonishing track is the instrumental take of “She’s Leaving Home”. Being able to hear all the subtlety, intricacy and beauty of George Martin’s arrangement for strings/harp was such a joy. A real masterclass in arranging – plus you can sing over and pretend you are Paul McCartney, ha.
Direwolf The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding
Don’t you just adore things that need only a moment to take a firm grip around your mind, heart and/or soul? Like a one in a million barista made coffee or takeaway Thai? Not that I’m directly drawing comparisons between those things and what I consider to be a modern day classic album. However that is how my body reacted when the first second of “Up All Night” passed by. The unmistakable soundscape, verb soaked /grunge driven guitars, the synergy of acoustic/electronic driving “Dire Straights” percussion, Adam Granofsky’s/Bob Dylan’s often confused voices are but the tip of a very large and colourful iceberg that make up the record at large. We’re only supposed to be confined to one sentence, and since I’ve already profoundly broken that line I’m going to insist you put this record on in the background and see how long it takes you to stop needle poking around on the internet and gain A Deeper Understanding.
Liz Frencham Scott Cook – Further Down The Line
I listen repeatedly to a lot of albums for my work as an accompanist. Rarely does such an album make it past that stage into my ‘listening
for pleasure’ category let alone become my favourite. But Scott Cook’s warm and beautiful Further Down The Line is one such album. It captures his arresting live delivery and the songs are rich in detail and real, visceral experience.
Harrison Storm Dermot Kennedy – Doves & Ravens
I remember stumbling upon Dermot’s music on Spotify and instantly connecting with it. I became really intrigued with his music and read in an interview where he explains his sound as a cross between Bon Iver and Drake, which is pretty accurate. This EP is full of rich lyrics and interesting sounds and each listen uncovers a phrase or sound you may have missed in the previous listen. This EP definitely inspired me this year and I am looking forward to what he releases in 2018.
The East Pointers Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards – California Calling
If there’s one album we could pick from 2017, we’d have to choose California Calling by Laura Cortese & The Dance Cards. These girls are ridiculously talented (watching them perform live makes you want to go home, practice and write better songs). Their latest album combines Americana, trad, pop and folk so perfectly. Organic, yet slick. Can’t see how anyone wouldn’t like it!
Ainsley Farrell Feist – Pleasure
Pleasure is so intimate and fragile, yet very powerful. It tugs at all my heartstrings. I recently got the chance to see her live performance at The Opera House and it blew me away.
Dustin Tebbutt Leif Vollebekk – Twin Solitude
My good friend Hayden Calnin introduced me to this guy over a late night whisky, and I have been listening ever since. The lyrics verge on stream of consciousness without being aimless, while vocally, Leif somehow manages to ride the line between being completely vulnerable and completely in control at the same time. Put this on top of some of the tastiest drum sounds I’ve heard in a long while, and simple but stunning keyboard playing, and you’ve got yourself one hell of an album. There are few bells and whistles, there aren’t really any production tricks or shoe shine here, just honest stories, and raw but precisely executed sounds.
William Fitzsimmons Phoebe Bridgers – Stranger in the Alps
I came upon Bridgers from my bandmate, who had done some touring with her and I was pretty caught up in it immediately. Her voice is special and there is a wisdom in her words beyond her young years. The most exciting thing for me, however, isn’t the album itself, it’s knowing that there is only more and even better from her to come. Listen to “Smoke Signals”.
The Northern Folk The Mae Trio – Take Care Take Cover
We finally caught The Mae Trio at Dorrigo Folk this year after hearing good things for so long, and they blew us away. This is the kind of album that reminds you of how amazing our folk scene can be- heartspoken, cleverly arranged, beautifully performed and catchy as anything. “Call Me Stranger” is a particular favourite of ours, but each song on this record is so strong.
Dom Turner (The Backsliders) R.L. Boyce – Roll and Tumble
It is the second album from a man at the heart of the Mississippi hill country blues tradition. It contains all the style and swagger, grit and power that comes from a musician who sets perfectly gritty grooves overlain with heartfelt vocals to achieve maximum emotion.
Joe Glover (Shelley’s Murder Boys, The Backsliders) The Button Collective – Hall on the Hill
This album has been on constant repeat in my car, my workshop, and my Spotify from the first day I bought it – so beautifully recorded so that you feel like you are in the room with them as they emotionally belt out fantastic songs written by Brodie and brought to life by a bunch of great musicians. Hall on the Hill is an absolute cracker of an album and I think I’ll be religiously listening to it for some time to come – perhaps until their next one is released.
Shelley Eves (Shelley’s Murder Boys) Willie Watson – Folksinger Vol.2
This album is such a clear winner for me, I’ve had it on high rotation since its release. Once again Willie brought his own feel to some classic folk songs, from the delightfully joyful harmonies in “Samson and Delilah” to his haunting take on “Gallows Pole”.
Jimmy Murray (Shelley’s Murder Boys) All Our Exes Live in Texas – When We Fall
Such a pleasure to finally hear this debut album after hearing the band grow and play over the past few years. What an amazing collection of songs and of course the incredible vocal performances from all 4 of these superstars. I really loved the production on the album as well by producer Wayne Connolly which added lovely colour to the beautiful songs. ARIA award winners 2017!
Ruth Hazleton (Kate Burke and Ruth Hazleton, Bill Jackson) Kat Goldman – Working Man’s Blues
Nina Simone once said “It’s an artist’s duty … to reflect the times [in which we live]”. It’s been a fantastic year of new releases, though I’d like to highlight an album that nails the above brief and more. Canadian writer Kat Goldman’s Working Man’s Blues is challenging, at times fragile, brutally honest and incredibly insightful. Collectively, the songs explore contemporary working-class culture, often from the perspective of a lover who struggles to understand and accommodate the struggles of the working man. I’ve long been a fan of Kat Goldman’s writing. Her unique sound, mesmerising voice, distinctive compositions and feet-on-the-ground approach to her music make her a formidable artist of great integrity. Working Man’s Blues has been on high rotation here, and will be for some time to come.
Bill Jackson Jed Rowe – A Foreign Country
First thing that struck me about this record was the vocals and these songs provide a beautiful vehicle for a great voice. Next thing, the sparseness – the way I have been accustomed to hearing Jed over his journey. Jed Rowe has something to say – I admire that and this record puts him up there with the very best. Standout track for me is “Tailem Bend”. Beautifully produced by Jeff Lang.
James Allsopp (Ralway Bell) Lilly Hiatt – Trinity Lane
Picking one standout release for 2017 was pretty impossible in what was a year of exceptional music. Locally, Joel Barker and the Low Company’s Unchartered EP was a stand out. Otherwise, I’ve been talking up Lilly Hiatt since the moment I finished listening to Trinity Lane. Like all my favourite albums, it’s rooted in personal struggle, ebbs and flows perfectly, is filled with outstanding musicianship, and doesn’t try too hard sound like any one genre in particular. 10 stars!
Matt Black (The Bottlers) Body Count – Bloodlust
Body Count’s sixth studio album Bloodlust emblazons a brutally honest sociopolitical conscience and fire eyed world view, teetering on the honed end of a pistol sight. I feel this is Ice T and band’s tried and true return to form with pinpoint, stand out tracks such as the narrative charged, “Black Hoody” and controversy ladened, “No Lives Matter”. A must listen for those thirsting for the truth beyond a media blurred world.
The Welcome Wagon Bob Dylan – Trouble No More – The Bootleg Series Vol. 13 / 1979-1981
You might call this choice dirty pool, as the music was recorded nearly 40 years ago, but it’s only now getting a proper release, so I’m technically in the clear. This is a collection of live tracks, demos, and outtakes from Bob Dylan’s so-called “Born Again” period, stuff folks (me included) have been downloading from various sketchy websites for years, and for good reason. The songs are great – check “Solid Rock” for a straight Gospel stomper, cue up “I Believe in You” for an arresting spiritual ballad – and so are many of the live performances (the backing choir is consistently blistering). Whether you’re a believer or not, Dylan clearly is here, and it makes all the difference.
John Flanagan The Mae Trio – Take Care Take Cover
Sisters Maggie and Elsie Rigby have such beautifully contrasting songwriting styles, Maggie is a stone cold killer Americana writer and Elsie writes stunningly original melodies with uplifting pop hook choruses. With (no exaggeration) some of the best folk harmonies in the WORLD and Anita’s impressive rhythmic cello playing, this is a truly unique and heart-grabbing band and this album is them going all out with tasteful and at times epic production.
Nick Payne (Dear Orphans) Georgia State Line – Heaven Knows
These guys applied to play at the Americana Music Association of Australia’s takeover of Late Night Alt at Tamworth in January. Paul Heggart from The Heggarties chose them site unseen from the applications purely based on what he heard when he listened to their pre-release recordings of this album. Hailing from country Victoria these guys are a six piece featuring Georgia Delves on vocals, and songwriting. They’re all accomplished instrumentalists in their own right and Georgia’s songwriting authentically channels the best of sophisticated country songwriting from the 60s and 70s.
Sam Buckingham Fanny Lumsden – Real Class Act
I’m not just picking this album because Fanny and Dan are two of my favourite people! This album is, as the title suggests, all class. Fanny’s songwriting is beautifully Australian and the album is joyful, brilliantly performed by all involved, and completely without any ego – despite the outstanding success these guys have been earning. Fanny gives us all a lesson on how to be a ripper indie artist and how to make music that’s undoubtedly, authentically, your own. Roll on kids
Em George LCD Soundsystem – American Dream
I was moderately (read as *very*) excited when there were rumblings of talk about a new album from these guys, but like anything that was laid to rest, one always is slightly concerned that the revival won’t live up to what has come before it. So when LCD Soundsystem released their new album, I cautiously gave it a first listen and it did not disappoint. Every beat and melodic turn is so completely in tune to what has become their signature sound; that build up of tension and release, excitement and sadness, with inflections of irony that James Murphy grabs the listener with in his choice of lyrics marked with wit. There’s a touch of darkness and melancholy as each song seems to question the ending of things, the loss of once was, but that bright spark of beat this band is known for keeps it somewhere higher and closer within reach, slightly unobtainable so you keep wanting to hear it on repeat from start to finish again and again.
Charm of Finches Aldous Harding – Party Party swept us off our feet. Moody and textural, impeccable production awash with aural spectres. Horizon is addictive and moving. Aldous’ compelling voice and haunting poetics have us in thrall.
Mark Wilkinson The Teskey Brothers – Half Mile Harvest
Amazing vocals and killer tracks full of old school soul. Sounds like neat whiskey and smokey bars.
BANFF The National – Sleep Well Beast
I eagerly awaited The National’s next record, after Trouble Will Find Me kept me wrapped me up in its flawlessness for the last four years or there abouts. This year Sleep Well Beast won me over, with Matt Berninger’s candid yet agitated words luring me back into that deeply thoughtful, emotional and hauntingly beautiful sound I would’ve always come back for. The National perfectly blend understated harmony with organised chaos throughout all of their records, and this was no exception by any means. The meticulous musicianship and purposeful, but somewhat ambiguous lyrics continue unravelling more layers to this beast in itself every time I listen. This was the best record of 2017 for mine.
Karine Polwart Lankum – Between The Earth and Sky
I can’t get enough of the murky drone-scapes and vocal edges of Lankum’s Between The Earth and Sky. In particular, the raw, reedy singing of Radie Peat on album opener “What Shall We Do When We Have No Money?” sounds like the ages. It’s the absolute antithesis of sweet.
Ben Prest (Echo Deer) The Wood Brothers – Live at the Barn
I know it’s a live album but this release was my first exposure to the brother’s amazing songs, chops and harmonies. Their sound owes a lot to The Band, and “the barn” is at Levon Helm’s farm where he held concerts before he died, making the fantastic closing cover of “Ophelia” and dedication on “Postcards from Hell” all the more meaningful.
Hollie Matthew (Echo Deer) Jess Locke – Universe
A revisiting of the 80’s Australian rock sound ala Go Betweens with more sadness and slacker vibe. Killer matter of fact lyrics and chorus-y guitar sounds. Even better live. 5 Stars.
Simon Wegman (Echo Deer) Sampha – Process
I hadn’t been aware of Sampha’s previous EP releases, but after Shazaming “Blood on Me” while in a tragically trendy sneaker store, I was moved to hunt down the British singer and producer’s debut LP. Sampha Sisay’s sensitive, soulful vocals and meditative piano (reminiscent of James Blake at his best) form the backbone of this record, while the thoughtful production touches throughout make me want to hit “play” again the second it finishes.
Alexi Grivas (Echo Deer) All Them Witches – Sleeping Through the War
The latest album by All Them Witches has been my most played record this year. A four piece from Nashville – but they aren’t a country band – All Them Witches is a great new-wave heavy psychedelic band, with moments of light and shade. This record has them growing as writers and players, bringing new instruments and sounds into the mix. Can’t wait to see it live.
Rick Hart Sam Outlaw – Tenderheart
Simple, yet endearing melodies, layered with beautiful storytelling. It’s an album that is strong from start to end, in many ways reminding me of some of the great traditional country songwriters whom I love. Favourite tracks are “Now She Tells Me”, “She’s Playing Hard To Get (Rid Of)” and “Bougainvillea, I Think”.
James Ellis and the Jealous Guys Courtney Marie Andrews – Honest Life
I knew what my favourite album of the year was going to be when I saw Courtney Marie Andrews play in Melbourne in July this year. She’s got a tremendous voice and the lyrics stand apart from almost everything else I’ve heard this year in their insight and honesty. What makes her songs exceptional is the way they all seem to come directly from her own story and experience. These are her songs and this is her life. It’s an honest life.
Hamish Davidson (Davidson Brothers) Mike Barnett – Portraits in Fiddles
As a fiddle player and bluegrass fanatic, I am thrilled to see Mike Barnett create a record which to me is like a cross section of all the bluegrass fiddle music I’ve devoured in the last 27 years. He collaborates with some of bluegrass music’s most vibrant talent and shines new light on a great selection of fiddle masterpieces.
Kate Barker (Whoa Mule, Golden Whistler) Angel Olsen – Phases
I just can’t seem to get enough of Angel Olsen’s vocals and songwriting. Her work inspires me to sing like there’s no tomorrow!
Tim Guy George Harrison – Wonderwall Music
I know this is a turn up for the books, this was released in 1968. I was in India a few weeks back, and as we descended into the ancient blue city of Jodhpur, I had this on in my headphones and seriously guys, it was incred. Place and time – but you know what I mean.
Mel Parsons Sarah Belkner – But You Are, But It Has
Sydney producer and songwriter Sarah Belkner knocks it out of the park with But You Are, But It Has. This record and its predecessor the Humans EP have been on high rotation for me all year. Brilliant songwriting, interesting and super clever arrangements and impeccable production. I will continue to listen obsessively.
Mark Moldre Bill Orcutt – Bill Orcutt
Orcutt wanders in and around the destruction, renovations and construction sites of melody. Tearing a well worn musical phrase apart and rebuilding it. Disassembling a traditional like it’s a jigsaw puzzle and putting the pieces back together in all the wrong places with gaffer tape and super glue. Attacking the guitar with a ferocious tenacity, short angry, dogged outbursts are followed by meditative beauty. “When You Wish Upon A Star” dances about the melody without ever really clearly stating the theme. “Ol’ Man River” is soft and dripping with the peaceful lapping of the Mississippi whist remaining dark and haunting, broken and fractured. Reminiscent of the solo work of Marc Ribot, Fred Frith or even the sonic explorations of Tom Verlaine in its angular assault to the senses. Jazz, traditional folk and the avant-garde smash headlong into each other with little regard for the trail of damage and re-creation left in their wake. Dissonant yet sweet, contemplative while remaining challenging. Bravely free and uncensored.
Catherine Traicos Loene Carmen – Lovers Dreamers Fighters
I’ve always loved the way Lo’s voice manages to be strong, vulnerable, sassy, gentle and flirty all at the same time, and on this record it achieves that in spades. Also the pacing and the production of this record are spot on.
Jeff Lang King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard – Flying Microtonal Banana
This is a rocking album, really fun to listen to. The band gets up quite a head of steam, the rhythm section powering with a relentless forward momentum and the various microtonal electric guitars stabbing and chattering over the top. Great riffs all over the album, fantastic energy and an adventurous, explorative mood throughout. It sounds to me like they’re having a load of fun.
Cat Leahy (This Way North) Pony Face – Deja Vu
I’ve always been fascinated with the sonic scapes that Pony Face create. I’m a massive fan of Shane Omara’s musical mind too, so when I heard he was a new member of Pony Face, it just made so much sense. This album really speaks to me. The way the songs tail in and out, the mesmerising, pulsing tremolo on “Mt Deja Vu” the driving groove in “Justine”. It’s pretty magical. Simon’s voice is just heavenly. He’s like some kind of grungy, modern-day crooner.
Ruby Boots Nikki Lane – Highway Queen
I tried to pick another album for fear of seeming biased, but I really do love Nikki’s album from back to front and no matter how I tried, I couldn’t get past it for this year’s top pick, I fell in love with it on first listen and over 50 listens later it still remains my fave. There’s a storyline in every song that is so easy to latch on to and make your own whilst still being cleverly written, that and the infectious melodies that take up the prime real estate on this record are the things that almost make you feel like she’s written the album just for you, the listener, yet there is enough sincerity in there to know that it’s just as much for her as it is for you, the perfect balance really! Fave song on the album: “Foolish Heart”.
Tommy Spender (Mama Kin Spender) Nai Palm – Needle Paw
I started listening to this record while I was having a bath and it felt like it really complimented the complete surrender to the hot water. I love Nai’s passion to her artistry. She is truly gifted with a confidence and commitment to her voice that verges on punk, but her vocal has such a developed technicality, it blows me away. It’s so great hearing where she is at without the sinewy and muscular musicality of Haitus Kaiyote winding around her sound.
Alanna and Alicia Scott Cook – Further Down The Line
Scott Cook is a natural storyteller; his songs glow with empathy, wit and warmth. This is a beautiful album, but he is even better live.
His performance on the porch at Enda Kennedy’s house concert in Northcote, Melbourne was a passport to the heartland of folk songs as they should be, as they have always been.
Harvey Russell (Peasant Moon) Colter Wall – Colter Wall
This is a sparse, flawless debut from an extraordinarily talented 22 year-old Canadian possessing an absurdly weathered baritone. Arranged mostly with acoustic guitar and pedal steel only, these songs are written with the assuredness and self-knowing of a veteran songwriter. At times channelling Haggard, others Townes, the dark, vivid storytelling is magnetic and stunning. These songs feel lived in, shaped by wisdom and experience. Here we have a voice of country music’s future.
Josie Rothwell (Peasant Moon) Caroline Spence – Spades and Roses
I’ve adored Spades and Roses this year. The songs are gentle, personal, universal, with gorgeous, sonically diverse but simple instrumentation. From the gender politics of “Softball” to the twang of “Hotel Armarillo” to the cute, lyrically playful “Wishing Well” and yearning of “Slow Dancer”, they’re songs I love to listen to, to be swept away by – what a songwriter!
Mark “Looch” Lewis (Wifey, Handsome Young Strangers) Bad // Dreems – Gutful
A cracking second effort from the best thing to come out of Adelaide in a long time. Big old school pub rock sound, quality songs, gruff vocals and a solid rhythm section make these guys a step above the other contenders. Bad // Dreems have always been a fantastic live act and this album gets closer to nailing that intensity and rawness. There is a reason they supported Midnight Oil recently! Can’t wait to see what comes next.
Gretta Ray Gang of Youths – Go Farther In Lightness
It wasn’t a challenge in the slightest to fall completely, head over heels in love with Gang Of Youths’ record Go Father In Lightness. The lyrics throughout this album are phenomenal, philosophical, pegging together lines of innovative poetry such as “a weight that’s in youth” soon to be followed by more casual, laid-back slang “..that makes a dick of us all”. I felt that the literature, interwoven with conversational speech in this way served to make this album, an album that discusses and reflects on the pros and cons of one’s “limited life” as well as the exploration of what it is to be “human”, unbelievably moving and relatable. As a writer myself, but more importantly a listener, I perceived it to be nothing less of an honour to see the world through writer and frontman Dave Le’aupepe’s eyes whilst listening to this record, that is more than deserving of all of the acclaim it has received over the duration of this year.
Tom Busby (Busby Marou) Kasey Chambers – Dragonfly
I’ve spent a bit of time with Kasey and the Chambers family over the last couple of years and the more I’ve been able to watch her off stage, the more I have realised that she is a true and prolific songwriter. Constantly singing, always creating, forever exploring. That is what this record is, just like her, brave and genuine!
Sahara Beck Kendrick Lamar – Damn
This album has worked for me no matter what mood I’ve been in all through 2017. It’s one of those albums that, to me, will always be a classic. Driving down to the lake with the windows down loving every moment of each song. Thank you for making my 2017 that much better Kendrick.
Hayden Calnin Leif Vollebekk – Twin Solitude
Never has an album been so important. I’ve listened to this every second day, and it still feels as good as the first listen. It’s come to the point that I’ve started a petition to bring this talent to Melbourne. I’m addicted to the feeling Leif gives to me. Enjoyed best walking through chaos on a sunny day, forgetting the world around you.
Tom Stephens (Tesse) Ulrika Spacek – Modern English Decoration
A lesson in the art of denial, an element is there and then it’s not. It’s driving and heavy, commanding attention, but somehow you can drift away at the same time. Melodies that have to be revisited again and again and then again.
Matt Golotta (The Sweet Jelly Rolls) Valerie June – The Order of Time
I listened to the first few songs online of The Order of Time when it first came out, then began calling record stores instantly to see if they had it in stock because I had to own it. This record seriously has everything I look for, its soulful, rocky, bluesy and country, with the right amount of sadness. I think I’ve listened to “Love You Once Made” every day this year since buying the record. “Got Soul” is a stunning pairing of soul and country that is this perfect happy way to close the record.
Tamara Lindeman (The Weather Station) Daniel Romano – Modern Pressure
Definitely the record I listened to most this year. Just great. Perfect pop songwriting, wonderful wild drumming, insane bass playing, great solos, crazy organ jams, great everything (and every note played by Romano of course). What else do you want?
Cy Winstanley (Tattletale Saints) Big Thief – Capacity
After being introduced to ‘Paul’ from 2016’s Masterpiece on a late night drive, and subsequently watching their Tiny Desk concert, I have been enthralled with this band. I love Adrianne Lenker’s poetic, yet coherent and often confronting lyrics, and the stark arrangements of harmonically rich songs played with a nonchalance that belies their mastery.
Lucie Thorne Sara Tindley – Wild & Unknown
There’s an extraordinary richness and directness to Tindley’s voice that is truly stunning. Wild & Unknown is a brave and beautiful collection of songs that’ll have you dancing one moment, weeping the next. A quiet masterpiece that creeps up under your skin and plants itself in your soul. I love this album.
Alison Ferrier Jen Cloher – Jen Cloher
I love everything about Jen Cloher’s self-titled fourth album. This comes close to the perfect album for me, it’s brilliantly written, performed, recorded and produced. Jen’s bare-faced honesty is incredibly brave and inspiring. Favourite tracks: “I Forgot Myself” and “Strong Woman”.
The Weeping Willows The Secret Sisters – You Don’t Own Me Anymore
Selecting your favourite album of the past 12 months is made all the more difficult when three of your favourite acts (Jason Isbell, David Rawlings and The Secret Sisters) all release LPs within the same calendar year. But whilst Isbell and Rawlings delivered sublime albums (as to be expected), the Sisters’ album is “all killer, no filler”, their best work yet, with no temptation to reach for the “skip” button! You Don’t Own Me Anymore is the charming trad-country harmony duo’s third album and most personal project to date. The writing is at times confessional, at others, nostalgic for simpler times; strength juxtaposed with vulnerability. Their soulful songs were lovingly and tastefully produced by good friend Brandi Carlile. Stand out tracks include “Tennessee River Runs Low”, murder ballad “Mississippi” (sister song to the wonderfully haunting, “Iuka” from their 2014 album, Put Your Needle Down), “Little Again” and title track, “You Don’t Own Me Anymore”. Check them out if you’re fans of sibling harmony (eg. The Everly Brothers) and/or the southern gothic stylings of Gillian Welch and The Civil Wars.
Sophie Klein (Little Wise) Lilly Hiatt – Trinity Lane
I saw Lilly perform at Third Man Records at AmericanaFest in Nashville, but the gravity of her songwriting only hit me afterwards, listening to her rocking 2017 album Trinity Lane on my headphones traveling around the States. The production, by Michael Trent of Shovels and Rope, is big, loud, gritty and more indie rock than Nashville alt-country. But Lilly’s voice still has a southern twang to it though and the melodies and words kick around my brain for days on end. “I just wanna rock n’ roll, scream out my and burn real slow” she sings on “Records”, and it makes me want to do the same.
Gretta Ziller Jamie Wyatt – Felony Blues
Although it’s been out for most of the year I’ve only just discovered Jamie Wyatt’s Felony Blues! It’s a rare thing for me to listen to something on repeat but since I’ve discovered her it’s all I’m listening to!!! It’s unashamed, uncomplicated, catchy, good old fashioned country music.
The Dead Maggies Christopher Coleman Collective – Ah Winter
This is a work of art, from a guy that’s had a hard run and put his heart on his sleeve. The result is a deep, personal and moving album of mature songwriting. Musically it sits somewhere between Bright Eyes and Neil Young.
Tristan Goodall (The Audreys) Steve Earle & The Dukes – So You Wanna Be An Outlaw
Equal parts devilish invitation and cautionary tale, this killer record was a tour van favourite as we hit the road after a break this year. Steve is in fine form, as usual, and while the album is boisterous and swaggering, it also manages to highlight his songwriting craft. Highlight: Willie Nelson growling “if you wanna be an outlaw you can never go home”. Giddy-up!
Steve Barnard (Jon Cotton and The Book Keepers) Logic – Everybody
Riding my push bike past all the kids and their mothers, heads adorned in their icon of piety, devotion and religious identity. The burka is far more common in this corner of Sydney than most and it puts a smile on my face to see children enjoying their walk home from school with Mum. An old bogan crossing the road to the pub yells racial cliches about going back where you came from and then turns to me for my approval of his vitriol. I inform him I’m from overseas too, I just happen to be white and he is guilty of the grossest and purest type of racism. Racism is as blatant as the inability to see past difference and as subtle as the apathy that accompanies privilege. Everybody suffers either in their oppression or privilege. Everybody.
Tanya Batt (BATTS) Lawrence Greenwood – P.S. I’m Haunted
Lawrence has been a favourite of mine for a long time with his previous project. It feels so nice to have a new album from him and my gosh wow. The melodic and lyrical genius within this album actually made me cry the first time I heard it. The journey this takes you on from start to finish is incredibly special. All of the amazing detail within the album leaves you finding something new each listen.
Andrew Swift Gretta Ziller – Queen Of Boomtown
Maybe I’m a little biased after spending so much time on the road with Gretta, but credit where credit’s due. Queen Of Boomtown is a solid record from start to finish. With underlying blues tones throughout, Queen Of Boomtown will have you tapping your feet, singing along and wiping away a tear or two again and again. Ziller is quickly being recognised as one of this country’s best songwriters and without a doubt one of its best vocalists.
Sam Newton Raised By Eagles – I Must Be Somewhere
There is a great mix of upbeat and slow-burner tracks with a sprinkle of country here and there. The record is filled with great songwriting and heartfelt lyrics.
Shane Nicholson Ben Salter – Back Yourself
I have a lot of favourite albums of 2017. It’s been a good year. But for me, one stands above the rest – Ben Salter’s Back Yourself. It’s equal parts diverse, brave, accomplished, intelligent, exciting, original, and just plain incredible, superior record-making.
The Campervan Dancers Frank Ocean – Biking
Ryan is arrested by the nostalgic visions of meatophorical bike-riding. Chelsea is delighted by how they manage to execute an extensive shouting outro with great aplomb.
The Little Stevies/Teeny Tiny Stevies The East Pointers – What We Leave Behind
This recommendation is just as much about the album as it is about the live show, because TEP have done what is often very difficult to do and that’s to capture the energy and magic of their live show on record. As a band they’ve got the full package; great songs, impressive multi-instrumental musicianship, rich 3-part harmony, and to top it off they’re genuinely nice people. My favourites on the album are the vocal lead songs because I love a catchy melody and riff. But I also really enjoy the instrumentals because they include some super interesting harmonic changes through them that don’t always go where you’re expecting them to go. It’s an album that’s made a non-fiddler make it their new years resolution to learn how to play the fiddle, so it must be pretty good.
Melanie Horsnell Dan Tuffy – Songs from Dan
I loved Dan Tuffy’s record Songs from Dan because I love the quiet back of the valley live sound and the song “The biggest bastard who ever rode the west” is every musician-having-a-low-down-day’s anthem. And I loved King Curly’s new EP but biased as now we are making a record together, so not allowed to vote for that.
Jesse Periard (Ten Strings and a Goat Skin) Les Poules à Colin – Morose
Les Poules à Colin have never been a band to limit themselves. They are constantly pushing boundaries and exploring uncharted territory, which sets them apart from so many traditional music groups. They’ve grown so much as a band and Morose is a true representation of where they stand in the realm of traditional Québécois music and I couldn’t be more proud of them. This album has so many complex and beautiful layers to it, and has inspired me and taken me to places I didn’t expect.
Julia Johnson Sarah Belkner – But You Are, But It Has
A record I have returned to repeatedly, finding more with every listen. The textures and arrangements glisten, but have this earthy, warm undercurrent. Her lyrics unfolded the more I honed in on them. Where I was wondering of their meaning upon first listen, months later her songs are resonating deeply with chapters and moments in my life. For me, there’s nothing more wondrous than finding a song that exposes one’s painful or wonderful experience as universal, and this album is rich with those gems. Standout track: “Cellophane”.
Ainslie Wills Jesca Hoop – Memories Are Now
I describe this album to other people as “assertive folk” in that it has folk sensibilities and instrumentation but the song ideas are quite robust and angular at times which make it really memorable (ha! Pun not intended). Also, It has no drums which to me was really refreshing as most things these days are so banger/beat driven.
Joe Gould (The Crooked Fiddle Band) Trad.Attack! – Kullakarva / Shimmer Gold
Every so often I spend some time seeking out what’s happening in other local scenes around the world, and Crooked Fiddle’s musical equivalents therein – thus leading me to Estonia’s Trad.Attack! (punctuation included). Part melodic folk pop, part updated trad folk complete with Estonian bagpipes, they sometimes come across as a Baltic equivalent to Ireland’s Kila, especially on the epic title track.
Angie McMahon Big Thief – Capacity
I’ve fallen in love with this band and this album. The intimacy of the songwriting has captured me, and the so many moments in the lyrics and music have brought me to moments of realisation and clarity. Some albums make you really grateful for music and the power it has over your mind, and this year, for me, it’s been this one.
Tori Forsyth Lana Del Ray – Lust for Life
I love that Stevie Nicks has a little part of this record, she also experiments with some rad sounds. Also, lyrically this record is incredible.
Emily Staveley-Taylor (The Staves) This Is The Kit – Moonshine Freeze
We met Kate, Rozi and Jamie at The Funkhaus during the Michelberger festival in Berlin last year and thought they were all wonderful people making wonderful music. Then we saw them play this album live at Eaux Claires festival in the summer and were blown away. The record has so many lovely, rounded sounds on it. It feels soft, but it has a driving energy that keeps pushing it forward. Kate’s voice has a familiar, kind quality when she sings – who doesn’t want to feel like they’re having a conversation with a friend when they listen to music? It’s a self-assured album by a band who seem to really know who they are. And that’s a comforting presence to be in. Plus the tunes are fucking banging. And the horns rule.
Nigel Wearne Sun Kil Moon – Common As Light and Love Are Red Valleys of Blood
This year Sun Kil Moon has been on high rotation. Common As Light and Love Are Red Valleys of Blood is so different, that I honestly can’t remember hearing anything else like it. Spoken word poetry, prose, and random stories (including a Chameleon vs a Cat), diary entries, muses on David Bowie and Ali augmented by busted-up Dad hip hop. It’s completely whacked and compelling. A slow burn that requires the lyrics booklet.
– Grizzly Bear announced full Australian tour dates. Details here
– Kiwi country singer Marlon Williams revealed details of his upcoming album as well as announcing Australian tour dates next year with The Weather Station. Details here
Canadian alt-country queen Lindi Ortega bookends her shows in Sydney and Melbourne this week with spots at the Mullum Music Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival
Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Sunday 19th November – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 21st November – Coogee Diggers, Coogee, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 24th November – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Gigs Next Week
A Weekend in The Gardens feat. Paul Kelly, Steve Earle, Middle Kids Friday 17th November – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, VIC
Áine Tyrrell Friday 17th November – CullyFest, Toowoomba, QLD
Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Tuesday 21st November – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 22nd November – Metropole, Katoomba, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Alex The Astronaut Saturday 18th November – The Plot, Parramatta Park, NSW
Ash Grunwald Friday 17th November – Westernport Hotel, San Remo, VIC
Sunday 19th November – Theatre Royal Castlemaine, Castlemaine, VIC
Ashlea Reale Sunday 19th November – Rockingham Spring Fair, Rockingham, WA
Friday 24th November – Dôme Waikiki, Waikiki, WA
Ayleen O & The Croxton City Shake-Up Saturday 18th November – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 19th November – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine, VIC
BANFF Friday 24th November – The Gasometer, Melbourne, VIC
Ben Salter Sunday 19th November – MONA, Hobart, TAS
Bernard Fanning Friday 24th November – Granada Tavern, Hobart, TAS
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Brian Campeau & Alice Terry Thursday 23rd November – The Fitzroy Pinnacle, Melbourne, VIC
Brooke Russell and The Mean Reds Friday 17th November – Basement Discs, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 19th November – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 21st November – Coogee Diggers, Coogee, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 24th November – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC
Busby Marou Friday 17th November – Towradgi Beach Hotel & Waves, Towradgi, NSW
Saturday 18th November – Lighthouse Folk Festival, Norah, NSW
Sunday 19th November – Moorebeer Brewing Co, Port Macquarie, NSW
Friday 24th November – Parkes Leagues Club, Parkes, NSW
Candice McLeod Friday 17th November – House Concert, Warrnambool, VIC
Cat & Clint Sunday 19th November – The Taproom – Shedshaker Brewing, Castlemaine, VIC
Chris Jagger Friday 17th November – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick, VIC
Saturday 18th November – Saints & Sailors, Portarlington, VIC
Sunday 19th November – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Christian Patey w/ Sepora, Elizabeth Hughes Friday 17th November – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW
Clare Bowditch Sunday 19th November – Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Claude Hay Friday 17th November – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford, NSW
Claymore, Rich Davies and the Low Road Friday 24th November – The Flying Saucer Club, Melbourne, VIC
Co-cheòl Friday 24th November – Wyreena Music Cafe, Melbourne, VIC
Cullyfest Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Toowoomba, QLD
Datson Hughes Friday 17th November – Live and free @ Brat Cave, Brisbane, QLD
Dean Lewis Friday 17th November – Adelaide Uni Bar, Adelaide, SA
Wednesday 22nd November – Workers Club, Geelong, VIC
Friday 24th November – Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Devil Goat Family String Band Saturday 18th November – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC
Devil on the Rooftop Friday 17th November – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17th November – Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne, VIC
Don’t Do Me Like That – A Tribute to Tom Petty feat. Alannah Russack, Bow Campbell, Morgana Ancone, Jason Walker, Johnny G, Lozz Benson, Sam Shinazzi, Maxine Kauter, Bryan Estepa, Peta Caswell, Mark NaNa, Monica McMahon, Tom Stone, Adam Young Friday 24th November – Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Echo Deer w/ Whiskey Dram and Hannah Czaban Saturday 18th November – The Pinnacle, Melbourne, VIC
Ella Belfanti Saturday 18th November – Republica, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 22nd November – Drunken Poet, Melbourne, VIC
Fairlight Folk feat. Sancha & the Blue Gypsies, Dave Calandra Saturday 18th November – Fairlight Folk, Sydney, NSW
Fanny Lumsden Friday 24th November – Lacmalac Soldiers Memorial Hall, Lacmalac, NSW
Festival of Small Halls feat. Vance Gilbert, Liz Stringer Wednesday 22nd November – Mount Nimmel Hall, Austinville, QLD
Thursday 23rd November – The Channon Public Hall, The Channon, NSW
Friday 24th November – Nymboida Hall, Nymboida, NSW
Figgy Folk Session Tuesday 21st November – Figtree Pub, Figtree, NSW
FolkSwagon feat. North Easton, heart.beats.mind, Mimi Gilbert Wednesday 22nd November – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Four In The Morning Friday 17th November – The Yarra Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 19th November – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen Tuesday 21st November – Ferntree Gully Bowling Club, Melbourne, VIC
Fraser A. Gorman w/ Tesse Friday 17th November – Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Sydney, NSW
Frazey Ford Friday 17th November – The Jive, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 18th November – Old Museum, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Wednesday 22nd November – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 23rd November – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Friday 24th November – Badlands, Perth, WA
Fred Smith Friday 17th November – Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club, Hornsby, NSW
Saturday 18th November – Tradewinds Folk, Newcastle, NSW
Sunday 19th November – Upper Landsdowne Hall, Upper Landsdowne, NSW
Gretta Ziller Tuesday 21st November – Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues, Geelong, VIC
Grizzlee Train Friday 17th November – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW
Harry James Angus Tuesday 21st November – St Paul’s Cathedral Carpark, Melbourne, VIC
Hat Fitz & Cara Friday 17th November – Old Museum, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, VIC
Hollow Coves Saturday 18th November – Parramatta Park, Parramatta, NSW
Honey Sunday 19th November – Mudgee Brewing Co., Mudgee, NSW
Hussy Hicks & Raphael White Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Illawarra Folk Club Singer, Songwriter, Food Night Sunday 19th November – Passionate Palate, Kanahooka, NSW
Irish Mythen Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, VIC
James Bennett Saturday 18th November – Rockpools, One Mile, NSW
James Ellis and the Jealous Guys Saturday 18th November – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide, SA
James Kenyon Friday 17th November – House Concert, Mudgee, NSW
Saturday 18th November – The Golden Barley, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 19th November – The Junkyard Hotel, Maitland, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – The Treehouse, Byron Bay, NSW
Friday 24th November – House Concert, Mullumbimby, NSW
JD Burgess Band Sunday 19th November – George Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Jed Rowe Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Cullyfest, Toowoomba, QLD
Jemma Nicole Saturday 18th November – Charles Weston, Melbourne, VIC
Jess Cornelius Thursday 23rd November – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW
Friday 24th November – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Jess Locke Friday 17th November – The Old Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 23rd November – Four5Nine, Perth, WA
Friday 24th November – The Prince Of Wales Hotel, Bunbury, WA
Jess Ribeiro Friday 17th November – The Foundry, Brisbane, QLD
Jo Jo Smith w/ Lucie Thorne & Hamish Stuart Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
John Butler Trio Friday 17th November – The Domain, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 18th November – SummerSalt, Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, SA
Jordan Merrick Saturday 18th November – The Penny Black, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 23rd November – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Josh Pyke w/ Harrison Storm Thursday 23rd November – Ramsgate Hotel, Henley Beach, SA
Friday 24th November – Norwood Hotel, Norwood, SA
Jemma Beech Sunday 19th November – George IV Inn, Picton, NSW
Jess Ribeiro Friday 17th November – The Foundry, Brisbane, QLD
Kasey Chambers Wednesday 22nd November – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham, VIC
Thursday 23rd November – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta, VIC
Friday 24th November – Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon, VIC
Kelly Brouhaha Friday 17th November – Trumpet Bar, Cowes, VIC
Kirsty Lee Akers Friday 17th November – Lithgow Workies Club & Motel, Lithgow, NSW
Saturday 18th November – Hawkesbury Hotel, Windsor, NSW
Sunday 19th November – East Cessnock Bowling Club, Cessnock, NSW
Kutcha Edwards Friday 17th November – St Paul’s Cathedral Carpark, Melbourne, VIC
Kyle Lionhart Friday 17th November – Leadbelly Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Liam Gerner Friday 17th November – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 18th November – Ashbourne Memorial Hall, Ashbourne, SA
Sunday 19th November – The Union Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Lighthouse Folk Festival Saturday 18th November – Norah Head Lighthouse, Norah Head, NSW
Likely Celts Friday 17th November – Mozart Hall, Warrnambool, VIC
Lindi Ortega Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Sunday 19th November – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 21st November – Coogee Diggers, Coogee, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 24th November – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Little Georgia Friday 17th November – Indi Bar, Perth, WA
Saturday 18th November – Settlers Tavern Margaret River, Margaret River, WA
Sunday 19th November – Clancy’s Fish Pub Dunsborough, Dunsborough, WA
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Liv Cartledge Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November – Spring Festival, Milawa, VIC
Friday 24th November – Taphouse, Bendigo, VIC
Lloyd Spiegel Friday 17th November – The Wonderland Spiegeltent, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 18th November – The Montrose Cricket Club, Montrose, VIC
Sunday 19th November – St Cuthbert’s, Menzies Creek, VIC
Friday 24th November – The Republic Bar, Hobart, TAS
Long Jetty Street Festival Saturday 19th November – Long Jetty, NSW
Luke Escombe Saturday 18th November – The Music Lounge, Brookvale, NSW
Maddy Jane Friday 17th November – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Saturday 18th November – Parramatta Park, Parramatta, NSW
Mandy Connell & Ben Smith Saturday 18th November – Tanswells Hotel, Beechworth, VIC
Mama Kin Spender Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Mark Wilkinson Saturday 18th November – House Concert, Adelaide, SA
Sunday 19th November – House Concert, Marino, SA
Friday 24th November – House Concert, Perth, WA
Marlon Williams Friday 17th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Sunday 19th November – Howler, Melbourne, VIC
Monday 20th November – Howler, Melbourne, VIC
Martin Pearson Friday 17th November – House Concert, Canberra, ACT
Melbourne Music Week Friday 17th to Friday 24th November – Melbourne, VIC
Mia Dyson Friday 24th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Michelle Little Sunday 19th November – The Golden Barley, Sydney, NSW
Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen Friday 17th November – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 18th November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 19th November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Monsieur Camembert Saturday 18th November – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Mountaingrass Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Harrietville, VIC
Mullum Music Festival Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullumbimby, NSW
My Nightingale Saturday 18th November – The House with No Walls, Eumundi, QLD
Friday 24th November – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Mustered Courage Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Mountaingrass, Harrietville, VIC
Neil Murray Saturday 18th November – Oakleigh-Carnegie RSL Club, Oakleigh, VIC
Sunday 19th November – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Niksta, Camille and Stuie, The Morrisons Friday 24th November – The Manly Fig, Balgowlah Heights, NSW
Oh Pep! Friday 24th November – Secret Show, Melbourne, VIC
Paul Kelly Friday 17th November – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 18th November – MONA Mainstage & Lawns, Hobart, TAS
Sunday 19th November – Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney, NSW
Monday 20th November – Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 22nd November – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Thursday 23rd November – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Piece Brothers Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – CullyFest, Toowoomba, QLD
Saturday 18th November – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Port Fairy Spotlight Sessions feat. Marcia Howard, The Ahern Brothers, Mission Songs Project Friday 24th November – Memo Music Hall, Melbourne, VIC
Queen Porter Stomp, Slow Ships Friday 17th November – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Queenscliff Music Festival Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff, VIC
Rare Child Thursday 23rd November – The Drunken Poet, Melbourne, VIC
Rick Hart Trio Sunday 19th November – The Public Brewery, Melbourne, VIC
Scott Cook & Liz Frencham Thursday 23rd November – The Pizza and Wine Club, Kyneton, VIC
Slow Dancer Sunday 19th November – The Porch Sessions, Hawthorn, SA
Thursday 23rd November – Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Sydney, NSW
Stella Donnelly Friday 17th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Saturday 18th November – The Plot, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne, VIC
Steve Tyson & The Train Rex Friday 17th November – FogHorn Brewhouse, Erina, NSW
Saturday 18th November – Post Office Hotel, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 19th November – The Commercial Boutique Hotel, Tenterfield, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Kave Bar, Newport, NSW
Friday 24th November – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Strawberry Fields Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Tocumwal, NSW
SummerSalt feat. John Butler Trio, Missy Higgins Saturday 18th November – Glenelg Beach, Adelaide, SA
Surrey Hills Music Festival Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre, Melbourne, VIC
The Audreys Friday 24th November – Lyrebird Arts Council, Meeniyan, VIC
The Band Who Knew Too Much Sunday 19th November – Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
The Black Sorrows Friday 17th November – Bird’s Basement, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 18th November – The Jam Bar, Barooga, NSW
Wednesday 22nd November – Windsor Leagues Club, Windsor, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Centro CBD, Wollongong, NSW
Friday 24th November – North Sydney Leagues Club, Sydney, NSW
The East Pointers Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, VIC
The FruiTTrees Sunday 19th November – The Commercial Hotel, Morpeth, NSW
The Go Set Friday 17th November – Baha, Rye, VIC
The Johnny Can’t Dance Cajun Band Sunday 19th November – The Catfish, Melbourne, VIC
The Mouldy Lovers Friday 17th November – The Homestead Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
Saturday 18th November – The Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston, TAS
The Nukes Saturday 18th November – Old Castlemaine Gaol, Castlemaine, VIC
The Plot Saturday 18th November – Parramatta Park, Parramatta, NSW
The Porch Sessions feat. Slow Dancer Sunday 19th November – House Concert, Hawthorn, SA
The ReChords Saturday 18th November – The Union Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
The Snowdroppers Saturday 18th November – The Wickham Park Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
The Stetson Family Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November – MountainGrass Festival, Harrietville, VIC
The Teskey Brothers Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Strawberry Fields, Tocumwal, NSW
Friday 24th to Sunday 26th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
The Waifs Sunday 19th November – Moruya High School, Moruya, NSW
Monday 20th November – Milton Theatre, Milton, NSW
Tuesday 21st November – Young Town Hall, Young, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth, NSW
The Weeping Willows Friday 17th November – Surrey Hills Music Festival, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 18th November – Hawkesbury Hotel, Windsor, NSW
Sunday 19th November – East Cessnock Bowling Club, Cessnock, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
This Way North Wednesday 22nd November – The Rails, Byron Bay, NSW
Friday 24th November – Sol Bar, Maroochydore, QLD
TinPan Orange Friday 17th November – The Foundry, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 18th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Tom Dockray w/ Mitch Power Friday 17th November – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Saturday 18th November – Two Goats Cafe & Baa, Armidale, NSW
Sunday 19th November – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane, QLD
Tom West Friday 17th November – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Friday 24th November – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Toni Swain Quintet Thursday 23rd November – Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne, VIC
Trent Modern, Luke O’Farrell, Darren Cross Thursday 23rd November – Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Tristen Bird Friday 17th November – The Old Union Chapel, Angaston, SA
Saturday 18th November – The Caledonian Inn, Robe, SA
Sunday 19th November – Red Poles Gallery-Restaurant-B&B, McLaren Vale, SA
Twin Peaks Friday 17th November – Corporate Moose, Mildura, VIC
Sunday 19th November – Kingsbury Bowls Club, Kingsbury, VIC
Friday 24th November – The George Kerferd Hotel, Beechworth, VIC
Two Screws Loose w/ Mangrove Swamp Sunday 19th November – Staves Brewery, Sydney, NSW
Vance Joy Wednesday 22nd November – Forum Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 23rd November – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Vardos Trio Friday 17th November – German Austrian Australian Club, Wodonga, VIC
Wallis Bird Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Tuesday 21st November – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 22nd November – Baroque Room, Katoomba, NSW
Thursday 23rd November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Friday 24th November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Whiskey Dram Saturday 18th November – CERES Organic Market & Grocery, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 18th November – The Fitzroy Pinnacle, Melbourne, VIC
William Crighton Saturday 18th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Yothu Yindi & The Treaty Project Sunday 19th November – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne, VIC
Yusuf/Cat Stevens Wednesday 22nd November – Perth Arena, Perth, WA
Z-Stay Delta
Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
UK trio The Staves have been flirting with an Australian tour for so long now.
Originally due to make their debut on our shores back in 2014, The Staves had to pull out of the tour at the last minute. They returned in 2016 to support Bon Iver on his VIVID Sydney dates but still fans were waiting for a headline tour.
Well now fans of The Staves can rejoice – the trio are bringing their harmonic brand of indie-folk music for a series of shows next February including a spot on the lineup of the brand new festival Sydney City Limits. They’ll also be touring their new The Way Is Read due on the 24th November.
Check out the full list of dates below:
Thursday 22nd February – Perth Festival, Perth, WA
Saturday 24th February – Sydney City Limits, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 25th February – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Tuesday 27th February – Howler, Melbourne, VIC
– Melbourne based troubadour James Kenyon announced an extensive East Coast tour. Details here
– Gretta Ziller and Andrew Swift are living the Australian summer holiday dream with a tour of caravan parks through January. Details here
– The Waifs are rounding out their 25th anniversary year with a regional tour. Details here
– Sydney based Americana band Echo Deer released their new single “Lost My Way”. Details here
– English indie-folk trio The Staves have announced a collaborative album with New York City-based chamber ensemble yMusic, The Way Is Read. Details here
Bluegrass @ Yulli’s Bluegrassified Country Classics UNHCR Fundraiser feat. Whoa Mule, Shelley’s Murder Boys, Flat Rock Boys, Simone East
Sydney jam night Bluegrass @ Yulli’s holds its annual UNHCR fundraiser with local bands performing bluegrass and old time versions of classic country songs.
Wednesday 15th November – Yulli’s, Sydney, NSW
Gigs Next Week
A Weekend in the Gardens feat. Paul Kelly, Steve Earle, Middle Kids Friday 17th November – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, VIC
Áine Tyrrell Friday 17th November – CullyFest, Toowoomba, QLD
Americana at the Hamilton feat. Nat Henry, Ramblin’ Ash, Ruby Gilbert Sunday 12th November – The Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Andy Golledge Band Saturday 11th November – The Lansdowne, Sydney, NSW
Ash Grunwald Thursday 16th November – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave, VIC
Friday 17th November – Westernport Hotel, San Remo, VIC
Ashlea Reale Sunday 12th November – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood, WA
BANFF Thursday 16th November – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Beechworth Celtic Festival Friday 10th and Saturday 11th November – Beechworth, VIC
Ben Salter Friday 10th November – The Wharf, Ulverstone, TAS
Friday 10th November – Mountain Mumma, Sheffield, TAS
Saturday 11th November – House Concert, Swansea, TAS
Bendigo Blues and Roots Music Festival Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th November – Bendigo, VIC
Betty & Oswald Friday 10th November – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 15th November – The Lansdowne, Sydney, NSW
Blues & Roots Fiesta at The Reef Sunday 12th November – Tysons Reef Hotel, Bendigo, VIC
Blues at Bridgetown Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Bridgetown, WA
Blues In The Bottle-O Friday 10th November – The Wellington at Botanic Gardens, Bendigo, VIC
Saturday 11th November – The Wellington at Botanic Gardens, Bendigo, VIC
Bluegrass @ Yulli’s Bluegrassified Country Classics UNHCR Fundraiser feat. Whoa Mule, Shelley’s Murder Boys, Flat Rock Boys, Simone East Wednesday 15th November – Yulli’s, Sydney, NSW
Bluegrass Pub Pick feat. Golden Whistler, Willing Ponies Sunday 12th November – George Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Bob Evans Friday 10th November – C.ex, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Brad Butcher Friday 10th November – House Concert, Ferntree Gully, VIC
Saturday 11th November – House Concert, Geelong, VIC
Brooke Russell and The Mean Reds Friday 17th November – Basement Discs, Melbourne, VIC
Busby Marou Saturday 11th November – Ballina Prawn Festival, Ballina, NSW
Thursday 16th November – Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club, Nowra, NSW
Friday 17th November – Towradgi Beach Hotel & Waves, Towradgi, NSW
Byron Bay Guitar Festival Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay, NSW
Candice McLeod Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival, Bendigo, VIC
Friday 17th November – House Concert, Warrnambool, VIC
Caravan Music Club 10th Birthday Bash feat. Rob Snarski, Suzannah Espie, Liz Stringer, Billy Miller, Rebecca Barnard, The Dusty Millers, Gallie, Ian Bland Sunday 12th November – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne, VIC
Catherine Traicos Sunday 12th November – The Old Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17th November – Petersham Bowls Club, Sydney, NSW
Charm of Finches Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November – Majors Creek Festival, Majors Creek, NSW
Chris Jagger Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival, Bendigo, VIC
Friday 17th November – Retreat Hotel, Brunswick, VIC
Claude Hay Friday 10th November – Labour in Vain, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 11th November – Blues Train, Queenscliff, VIC
Friday 17th November – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford, NSW
Cullyfest Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Toowoomba, QLD
Dan Parsons Sunday 12th November – The Old Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Danjo Friday 10th November – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 11th November – The Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong, VIC
Saturday 11th November – The Tote, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 12th November – Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Tuesday 14th November – Currumbin Pub, Currumbin Waters, QLD
Wednesday 15th November – Crowbar, Brisbane, QLD
Datson Hughes Friday 17th November – Live and free @ Brat Cave, Brisbane, QLD
Davidson Brothers Sunday 12th November – The Union Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Dean Lewis Wednesday 15th November – Mojos, Fremantle, WA
Thursday 16th November – Badlands, Perth, WA
Friday 17th November – Adelaide Uni Bar, Adelaide, SA
Devil Goat Family String Band Saturday 11th November – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC
Devil on the Rooftop Friday 17th November – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17th November – Paris Cat Jazz Club, Melbourne, VIC
Diana Anaid Sunday 12th November – World Vegan Day, Melbourne, VIC
Echo Deer Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Majors Creek Festival, Majors Creek, NSW
Sunday 12th November – Old Canberra Inn, Canberra, ACT
Ella Belfanti Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Byron Bay Guitar Festival, Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay, NSW
Monday 13th November – Byron Fresh, Byron Bay, NSW
Emma Russack Sunday 12th November – Noisy Ritual People-Powered Urban Winery, Melbourne, VIC
Fallon Cush and The Hazeys Saturday 11th November – Beaches Hotel, Thirroul, NSW
Fanny Lumsden Friday 10th November – Majors Creek Festival, Majors Creek, NSW
Saturday 11th November – Greenthorpe War Memorial Hall, Monument, NSW
Finders Keepers Brisbane Market Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane, QLD
FolkSwagon feat. Christian Patey, Julia Johnson, Kay Proudlove Wednesday 15th November – Cafe Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Four In The Morning Friday 17th November – The Yarra Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Fox n Firkin Tuesday 14th November – Currumbin Pub, Currumbin, QLD
Wednesday 15th November – Crowbar, Brisbane, QLD
Fraser A. Gorman w/ Tesse Friday 17th November – Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Sydney, NSW
Frazey Ford Wednesday 15th November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 16th November – Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Friday 17th November – The Jive, Adelaide, SA
Fred Smith Friday 10th November – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 11th November – Healesville Music Festival, VIC
Friday 17th November – Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Folk Club, Hornsby, NSW
Freya Josephine Hollick Saturday 11th November – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Georgia Fields and The Andromeda String Quartet Saturday 11th November – Kew Court House, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 16th November – High Tea, Sydney, NSW
Grizzlee Train Friday 10th November – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 17th November – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney, NSW
Great Aunt Saturday 11th November – The Front Gallery, Canberra, ACT
Sunday 12th November – Maroondah Festival, Croydon, VIC
Gretta Ziller Saturday 11th November – The Front Gallery, Canberra, ACT
Thursday 16th November – God’s Kitchen, Mornington, VIC
Hat Fitz & Cara Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Bendigo Blues Festival, Bendigo, VIC
Friday 17th November – Old Museum, Brisbane, QLD
Handkerchief Thief Saturday 11th November – Hibernian House, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 16th November – The Catfish, Melbourne, VIC
Handsome Young Strangers Sunday 12th November – Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Harvey Russell and the Widowmakers, Peta Caswell Sunday 12th November – The Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Healesville Music Festival Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Healesville, VIC
High Tea feat. Georgia Fields and The Andromeda String Quartet Thursday 16th November – House Concert, Sydney, NSW
Hollow Coves Thursday 16th November – Hotel Steyne, Sydney, NSW
Holly Throsby Friday 10th November – Hawthorn Arts Centre, Melbourne, VIC
Hussy Hicks & Raphael White Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Bridgetown Blues Festival, Bridgetown, WA
Tuesday 14th November – Perth Blues Club, Perth, WA
Wednesday 15th November – Clancy’s, Fremantle, WA
Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Irish Mythen Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
James Bennett Friday 10th November – Avoca Beach Hotel & Resort, Avoca Beach, NSW
Thursday 16th November – The Front Gallery and Cafe, Canberra, ACT
James Kenyon Friday 10th November – The Lounge, Albury, NSW
Saturday 11th November – House Concert, Wolumla, NSW
Sunday 12th November – Smith’s Alternative Bookshop, Canberra, ACT
Monday 13th November – Phoenix Bar, Canberra, ACT
Thursday 16th November – The Temperance Union, Sydney, NSW
Friday 17th November – House Concert, Mudgee, NSW
Jed Rowe Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Cullyfest, Toowoomba, QLD
Jess Locke Friday 10th November – Marrickville Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 11th November – Beatdisc Records, Parramatta, NSW
Sunday 12th November – North Wollongong Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
Friday 17th November – The Old Bar, Melbourne, VIC
Jess Ribeiro Friday 10th November – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney, NSW
Friday 17th November – The Foundry, Brisbane, QLD
Jo Jo Smith w/ Lucie Thorne & Hamish Stuart Thursday 16th November – Number 5 Church St, Bellingen, NSW
Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
John Butler Trio Saturday 11th November – The Domain, Sydney, NSW
Friday 17th November – The Domain, Sydney, NSW
Jordan Merrick w/ The Duke, Lou Parker Sunday 12th November – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Joseph Tawadros Trio Friday 10th November – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin, NT
Thursday 16th November – Camelot Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Josh Pyke w/ Harrison Storm Saturday 11th November – Baroque Bar, Katoomba, NSW
Sunday 12th November – The Playhouse @ Canberra Theatre, ACT
Kate Burke and Laura Targett Saturday 11th November – Narooma Ecotel, Narooma, NSW
Kelly Brouhaha Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival, Bendigo, VIC
Wednesday 15th November – The Drunken Poet, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 16th November – God’s Kitchen, Mornington, VIC
Friday 17th November – Trumpet Bar, Cowes, VIC
Kutcha Edwards Friday 17th November – St Paul’s Cathedral Carpark, Melbourne, VIC
Kyle Lionhart Friday 10th November – Torquay Hotel, Torquay, VIC
Saturday 11th November – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 12th November – The Toff In Town, Melbourne, VIC
Wednesday 15th November – 48 Watt Street, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 16th November – Leadbelly Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Friday 17th November – Leadbelly Newtown, Sydney, NSW
Lansdowne Arvos feat. Andy Golledge Band, Maia Marsh, Easy Street Saturday 11th November – The Lansdowne, Sydney, NSW
Liam Gerner Friday 10th November – Piping Hot Chicken, Ocean Grove, VIC
Saturday 11th November – MONA, Hobart, TAS
Sunday 12th November – MONA, Hobart, TAS
Friday 17th November – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide, SA
Likely Celts Friday 10th November – The Old Priory Beechworth, Beechworth, VIC
Friday 17th November – Mozart Hall, Warrnambool, VIC
Lindi Ortega Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Little Georgia Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Blues at Bridgetown, WA
Tuesday 14th November – The Perth Blues Club, Perth, WA
Thursday 16th November – Mojos Bar Fremantle, Fremantle, WA
Friday 17th November – Indi Bar, Perth, WA
Lloyd Spiegel Saturday 11th November – Healesville Music Festival, Healesville, VIC
Friday 17th November – The Wonderland Spiegeltent, Melbourne, VIC
Low Down Riders, Ruby Gilbert & Ramblin’ Ash Friday 10th November – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Lyall Moloney Friday 10th November – Sol Bar, Maroochydore, QLD
Sunday 12th November – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads, NSW
Lyn Bowtell Friday 10th November – The Basement Discs, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 11th November – The Retreat Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 12th November – The Gilded Palace Gigs, Torquay, VIC
Maddy Jane Fridau 10th November – PCYC Northern Beaches, Dee Why, NSW
Thursday 16th November – Hotel Steyne, Sydney, NSW
Friday 17th November – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Maia Marsh Saturday 11th November – The Lansdowne, Sydney, NSW
Majors Creek Festival Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Majors Creek, NSW
Mandy Connell Friday 10th November – The Skylark Room, Upwey, VIC
Saturday 11th November – Daylesford Cider Company, Musk, VIC
Mark Wilkinson Friday 10th November – House Concert, Wyndham Vale, VIC
Saturday 11th November – House Concert, Lara, VIC
Sunday 12th November – House Concert, Wyndham Vale, VIC
Marlon Williams Wednesday 15th November – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 16th November – Howler, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Maroondah Festival Sunday 12th November – Town Park, Croydon, VIC
Martin Pearson Friday 10th November – Albert Park Yacht Club, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17th November – House Concert, Canberra, ACT
Melbourne Music Week Friday 17th to Friday 25th November – Melbourne, VIC
Mia Dyson Friday 10th November – SS&A, Albury, NSW
Mikelangelo and the Black Sea Gentlemen Friday 17th November – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra, ACT
Mountaingrass Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Harrietville, VIC
Mullum Music Festival Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullumbimby, NSW
Mustered Courage w/ Frank Solivan Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Majors Creek Festival, NSW
Thursday 16th November – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Mountaingrass, Harrietville, VIC
Newtown Festival Sunday 12th November – Camperdown Memorial Rest Park, Sydney, NSW
Obscura Hail Wednesday 15th November – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC
Ocean Grove International Americana Music Festival feat. Gallie, Twin Peaks, Liam Gerner Friday 10th November – The Piping Hot Chicken and Burger Grill, Ocean Grove, VIC
Paul Kelly Saturday 11th November – Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 12th November – Regional Botanic Gardens, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Tuesday 14th November – Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre, Tamworth, NSW
Wednesday 15th November – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 17th November – Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne, VIC
Peel Street Festival feat. Archie Roach, Cash Savage and The Last Drinks, Girl Zone, Terry Saturday 11th November – Peel Street, Melbourne, VIC
Piece Brothers Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – CullyFest, Toowoomba, QLD
Psycho Zydeco Saturday 11th November – Manly Warringah District Rugby League Football Club, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 12th November – Christmas Harbour Cruise, Sydney, NSW
Quarry Mountain Dead Rats w/ The Drunken Poachers Friday 10th November – Baha, Rye, VIC
Ralway Bell Saturday 11th November – Blues at Bridgetown Festival, Bridgetown, WA
Ruby Gilbert & Ramblin’ Ash Friday 10th November – The Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 12th November – The Great Northern Trading Post, Laguna, NSW
Sunday 12th November – The Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Simon Imrei Friday 10th November – Brass Razu, Mornington, VIC
Saturday 11th November – Republica, Melbourne, VIC
Songwriters Circle Wednesday 15th November – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney, NSW
Spring Folk Festival feat. Echo Deer, The Burley Griffin, Bec Taylor, Cj Shaw, The Standard Deviants, Betty Slim Sunday 12th November – Old Canberra Inn, Canberra, ACT
Stella Donnelly Thursday 16th November – The Milk Factory, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 17th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
Strawberry Fields Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Tocumwal, NSW
Surrey Hills Music Festival Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Surrey Hills Neighbourhood Centre, Melbourne, VIC
The Audreys Friday 10th November – Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Saturday 11th November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 12th November – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
The Band Who Knew Too Much Sunday 12th November – The Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
The Black Sorrows Wednesday 15th November – Coopers Alehouse, Adelaide, SA
Thursday 16th November – Norwood Hotel, Norwood, SA
Friday 17th November – Bird’s Basement, Melbourne, VIC
The Blues Tram w/ Genevieve Chadwick, David Spry Friday 10th November – Bendigo, VIC
The Bottlers w/ Topnovil, The Lurkers Saturday 11th November – Dicey Riley’s Hotel, Wollongong, NSW
The Dandy Mountain Rangers Wednesday 15th November – Upwey Belgrave RSL, Upwey, VIC
The Drunken Poachers Friday 10th November – Baha, Rye, VIC
Saturday 11th November – Union Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
The East Pointers Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
The Franklin Folk Club feat. Anne Toner & Tiffany Eckhardt, Gypsy Suitcase Saturday 11th November – Palais Theatre, Franklin, TAS
The Garden of Earthly Delights Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th November – The Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah, NSW
The Go Set Friday 17th November – Baha, Rye, VIC
The Montgomery Brothers Friday 10th November – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 12th November – Open Studio, Melbourne, VIC
The Mouldy Lovers Friday 10th November – The Phoenix, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 11th November – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17th November – The Homestead Tasmania, Hobart, TAS
The Northern Folk Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th November – Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival, Bendigo, VIC
Sunday 12th November – Healesville Music Festival, Healesville, VIC
The Nukes Saturday 11th November – The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba, NSW
Tuesday 14th November – Werribee Bowls Club Inc, Werribee, VIC
The Rechords Saturday 11th November – The Thornbury Theatre Velvet Room, Melbourne, VIC
The Snowdroppers Saturday 11th November – The Brightside, Brisbane, QLD
The Stetson Family Saturday 11th November – Healesville Music Festival, Healesville, VIC
The Teskey Brothers Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Blues at Bridgetown Festival, Bridgetown, WA
Friday 17th to Sunday 19th November – Strawberry Fields, Tocumwal, NSW
The Weekend of Beautiful Music Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Melbourne, VIC
The Willie Wagtails Sunday 12th November – Bar Open, Melbourne, VIC
TinPan Orange w/ Jess Ribeiro Friday 10th November – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney, NSW
Friday 17th November – The Foundry, Brisbane, QLD
Tom Dockray w/ Mitch Power Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Bendigo Blues Festival, Bendigo, VIC
Tuesday 14th November – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW
Thursday 16th November – The Fox Den, Gloucester, NSW
Friday 17th November – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Tom West Friday 10th November – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Friday 17th November – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Tristen Bird Friday 10th November – The Front Gallery and Cafe, Canberra, ACT
Sunday 12th November – Sails At Clayton Bay, Clayton Bay, SA
Friday 17th November – The Old Union Chapel, Angaston, SA
Twin Peaks Friday 10th November – Piping Hot Chicken Shop, Ocean Grove, VIC
Sunday 12th November – Belbrea Winery, Bellbrae, VIC
Friday 17th November – Corporate Moose, Mildura, VIC
Vardos Trio Saturday 11th November – The Foreshore, Benalla, VIC
Sunday 12th November – Federation Square, Melbourne, VIC
Monday 13th November – Bonegilla Migrant Experience, Bonegilla, VIC
Friday 17th November – German Austrian Australian Club, Wodonga, VIC
Wallis Bird Friday 10th November – Bellingen Brewery, Bellingen, NSW
Saturday 11th November – Pelican Playhouse Theatre, South Grafton, NSW
Sunday 12th November – The Lennox Sessions, Lennox Head, NSW
Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
William Crighton and Terra Lightfoot Friday 10th to Sunday 12th November – Majors Creek Festival, Majors Creek, NSW
Thursday 16th November – Left’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Witches Leap Saturday 11th November – Garden Of Earthly Delights, Mount Tomah, NSW
Z-Stay Delta Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th November – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby, NSW
English indie-folk trio The Staves have just announced plans to release their brand new album The Way Is Read on the 24th November.
The album is a unique collaboration with New York City-based chamber ensemble yMusic. The collaboration was originally commisioned by Justin Vernon’s Eaux Claires Festival back in 2016 and goes beyond yMusic just providing classical backing to The Staves – instead the two groups approached the project a number of ways, using The Staves’ voices as extra instruments for yMusic’s existing work, chopping up and rearranging tracks from The Staves and taking traditional songs and making them abstract.
Check out the full track listing plus the video for the first single “Trouble On My Mind” below:
1. Hopeless
2. Take Me Home
3. Trouble on My Mind
4. Bladed Stance
5. All My Life
6. Silent Side
7. Year of the Dog
8. Courting Is A Pleasure
9. All The Times You Prayed
10. Appetite
11. Sprig of Thyme
12. The Way Is Read
The Staves have been announced for the new Sydney City Limits festival on the 24th February – we’re looking forward to seeing if they’re doing any more dates while they’re in the country.
When we first started Timber and Steel way back when Noah and The Whale were one of a handful of nu-folk bands we wanted the world to know about. In the years since Noah and The Whale drifted away from their folk roots and eventually disbanded back in 2013.
Now Noah and The Whale lead-singer Charlie Fink has returned with the announcement of his debut solo album Cover My Tracks.
“What does 10 years of being in a touring band give you permission to do afterwards?” Charlie Fink said of Noah and The Whale’s breakup. “If you decide you want a break from music, it’s not a great CV item. But the really scary thing was that at that moment I didn’t feel passionate about wanting to write.”
As well as being an album Cover My Tracks is also a play by the award-winning playwright David Greig, which will debut in London this June. The album is being likened to Noah and The Whale’s second (and in my opinion most outstanding) record The First Days of Spring in its delicate, yet expansive narrative.
“I think the sound of this record is the natural place I go to when I pick up a guitar,” Fink says. “The idea of simple, storytelling songs appealed to me. I feel like we could have followed up The First Days of Spring quite naturally with this record.”
Cover My Tracks is set to be released on the 2nd June and will feature string arrangements by Trey Pollard (Natalie Prass, Matthew White), backing vocals from The Staves, and the acclaimed classical guitarist Laura Snowden.
Check out the full track listing and the first single “Firecracker” below:
1. Firecracker
2. Anywhere You’re Going Is On My Way
3. I Was Born To Be A Cowboy
4. The End Of The Legendary Hearts
5. Give Me The Road
6. Orpheus Is Playing The Troubadour
7. The Howl
8. I’m Through
9. Someone Above Me Tonight
10. Here Is Where We’ll Meet
11. Firecracker Pt II
12.
– We reached out to the Timber and Steel community to get them to pick their top albums of the year. The results are wonderful with well over 100 artists contributing. Details here
Get Folked 2016 New Years Eve Eve feat. Peter ‘Blackie’ Black, Dan Kemp(UK), Jim Mongrel, Whiskey Jeff Larson, James Seymour, Sooze, Jim Lynch Friday 30th December – Lazybones Lounge, Sydney, NSW
Eddie Boyd Friday 23rd December – Leadbelly, Sydney, NSW
James Thomson & The Strange Pilgrims w/ Magpie Diaries Friday 23rd December – Stag and Hunter Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Justin Bernasconi Saturday 24th December – City Sounds, Brisbane, QLD
Tuesday 27th December to Sunday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
PJ Michael & The Banditas Thursday 29th December – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide, SA
Steve Poltz Friday 23rd December – The Govenor Hindmarsh, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 24th December – Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick, VIC
The Whitetop Mountaineers Tuesday 27th December to Sunday 1st January – Woodford Folk Festival, QLD
Woodford Folk Festival Tuesday 27th December to Sunday 1st January – Woodford, QLD