Savannah Sounds On The Reef: Local heroes celebrated during Great Barrier Reef’s first-ever live gig
Tickets weren’t made available to the general public for Savannah Sounds On The Reef. Instead, a nationwide competition earned 100 community-nominated local heroes a ticket to this once-in-a-lifetime floating music experience – the first live gig ever to be hosted on the Outer Barrier Reef.
Many on board demonstrated bravery during the devastating storms and floods connected to far north Queensland’s back-to-back tropical cyclones, Kirrily and Jasper, this past summer.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Brett “Magoo” Little piloted a rescue helicopter during the floods, saving 16 people from the roof of the Lion’s Den Hotel.
At just 12 years old, Charlie Erlewein lobbied to local councils and businesses about the harmful effects of single use plastics on turtles and marine life. She has also raised thousands of dollars for wildlife rehabilitation centres by applying for community grants, and saving bottles and cans. Be more like Charlie, kids!
For those concerned about the effects of bass vibrations on the reef ecosystems, Savannah Sounds festival organiser James Dein has assured, “Everything was measured and planned with exacting detail.”
After a surprisingly turbulent trip on the Reef Magic vessel – yep, spew bags were distributed – we arrived at the pontoon. Once we board, it’s time for some in-water activities with snorkelling, glass bottom boat and semi-submersible cruises plus an underwater observatory available for all. While looking down to thread one raised leg through a wetsuit, we notice a plethora of fish swimming by underneath and note that the spacing between the slats is easily wide enough to swallow mobile phones. Note to self: take extra special care while taking snapshots.
We learn about the importance of reef-safe sunscreen. Branded reusable water bottles, which double as cool souvenirs, are distributed. Apparently local Cairns musician Drew Brauer, who co-founded and runs the Kick On mental health charity (also a MAFS Season 7 contestant) is on board lapping up the good vibes.
Before taking the plunge, we’re informed that Wally – an affectionate, vibrant aquamarine-and-yellow Maori Wrasse known for planting fishy kisses on unsuspecting cheeks – has been spotted in the area. But, sadly, none of today’s snorkelers that we chat with reported Wally sightings/smooches.
Savannah Sounds headliners Sheppard arrive via helicopter, landing on the nearby helipad, and wave to revellers while being transferred to the pontoon via boat.
Having crossed paths with the legendary Auslan interpreter Mikey Webb on the galley stairs, we already know today’s entertainment will be further elevated by his spirited signing and fully-committed dancing. A hero in his own right, Webb and his trademark manbun were regulars on TV screens in Australian households during the pando as he fronted countless press conferences with Queensland authorities.
Needless to say, many smartphones pointed Webb’s way to capture the magic throughout the course of the day. Sweating bullets while bopping away in full sunlight, Webb’s joyous presence is infectious as he not only translates lyrics but also captures each song’s essence through movement.
Kairos Kin’s “futuristic” Acknowledgement of Country draws punters away from their buffet lunches and upstairs to the performance area for the first-ever live music experience to happen on the Great Barrier Reef, kicking things off with some beats-enhanced didge – maximum bass vibration occurs early on.
One half of this electronic duo, Terry Cassels (aka Kazm), tells us Kairos King believes in “Manifestation of the good”. The pair also share some important lyrical messages throughout their set (eg. “Bring in the love, put down the guns”). Then Kazm observes, “Men should be looking out for their sisters,” which is timely given that Violence Against Women protest rallies are scheduled to take place all around the country this weekend.
We certainly appreciate Kairos Kin’s unison chorey, during which the unique styles of Kazm and Blue MC (aka singer/rapper Marisa Lock, who you might recognise from her stint with The Potbelleez) are celebrated, their individuality shining through. When The Robot is incorporated, some punters in the crowd even follow suit. Kairos Kin sprinkle contemporary flavour atop ancient culture and instrumentation. We also fully endorse their song about dancing away your demons as well. Be sure to check ‘em out when they tour your way.
“The shearing sheds and bending backs/ Australian dreams under battered hats…” – Lee Kernaghan’s music is in our blood. And his songs are the perfect soundtrack for this celebration of some of our nation’s unsung heroes.
After reminding us we’re currently partying on one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Kernaghan enthuses, “It’s a privilege to be here on the Great Barrier Reef and an even bigger privilege to play for you.”
While singing, “We get high when the sun goes down…” Kernaghan mimes toking on a spliff – what a cheeky chappy! Also during Boys From The Bush, we clap eyes on one-to-watch country star Max Jackson – who’s up next, but also excels in her role as this event’s MC – singing along with gusto, a giant smile on her dial. Hat Town embodies the community spirit and generosity of country folk: “Have the locals pass the hat around and pull each other through…” – Kernaghan yodels during this one, then faces Webb, asking him to demonstrate the Auslan interpretation of yodelling. Webb completely nails it – somehow transporting us to the Swiss alps amongst the herders – and Kernaghan beams approvingly while patting him on the back.
Kernaghan’s wife Robby excels on BVs and their duet cover of Fire by The Pointer Sisters goes down an absolute treat. The ocker delights continue with Damn Good Mates (Kernaghan’s collab with The Wolfe Brothers), Let There Be Cowgirls – before which he initiates a toast for the ladies (“especially those from the country”) – and The Outback Club, where we’re all inducted as life members (“We don’t back down and we don’t give up”).
So that Jackson doesn’t have to introduce herself to the stage, twin sisters Stack and Mel Wilburn (from the TV show Travel Guides) do the honours. Wearing denim on denim, Jackson is accompanied by her husband Jeremy Minett (The Viper Creek Band’s guitarist) and has the It factor in abundance.
Her Little More Country covers series – which comprised countrified versions of Jimmy Barnes (Working Class Man), Queen (Another One Bites The Dust), Lady Gaga (Poker Face) and ABBA (Dancing Queen), to name but a few – blew up on TikTok and this arvo’s medley transforms Reef Magic’s state-of-the-art reef pontoon into mass karaoke.
“This is a song about country people and why I bloody love ‘em,” is how Jackson intros Someone In A Small Town: “Out here you’ll never be a no one in a crowd/ ‘Cause everyone is someone in a small town.”
Having charmed our socks off all day – we can immediately see why she’s been Tamworth Country Music Festival’s ambassador for multiple years – Jackson closes with Chasing Down The Dream, which is surely super-close to being realised. As 2024’s CMAA Golden Guitar Winner for New Talent of the Year, it’s fair to say Jackson’s future is blindingly bright.
Needing to find out more about Jackson, we tracked down an event publicist. She kindly agreed to a last-minute interview in the Green Room.
“I just can’t believe that we’re here playing on the Great Barrier Reef,” Jackson marvels while we find somewhere suitable to sit. When told we clocked her enthusiastic Kernaghan singalong earlier, Jackson gushes, “It was definitely people like Lee who inspired me to be doing what I’m doing today. I grew up in a little country town called Coonamble [NSW] and we were pretty much starved for anything – being a long way from everything. So people like Lee Kernaghan, Gina Jeffreys and Troy Cassar-Daley would tour to Coonamble [and perform at] our little RSL Club.”
During her own set, Jackson spoke about the heroes within her own family.
“I wrote this song called Someone In A Small Town about the fact that I think the thing that makes growing up in the country so different to anywhere else is that everybody plays such an important role in the community – everyone’s bringing something to it – and that’s pretty much how small towns survive, because of people like that.
“My pop was actually the fire captain, so if there were any bushfires he was out fighting them. And my grandma was a teacher and changed so many kids’ lives, was always just encouraging people. And my mum’s a hairdresser, so she would’ve known everything about everyone,” she acknowledges, laughing. “And she is just an absolute legend and the most trustworthy – she’d just lock it up and throw away the key.
“I always say in places like that you’re famous for something and my nan was famous for her Ginger Fluff Sponge Cake, the greatest cake you’ve ever tasted; honestly, I can taste it now thinking about it. But I just grew up around people who really cared for others – and really focussed on that community spirit – and I’m so grateful for my upbringing, ‘cause I wouldn’t be the person I am today without that.”
Post-interview, we join the dunny queue line behind aforementioned young hero Charlie. She expresses her concern that Sheppard are about to hit the stage, but thankfully no one’s spending a second longer than absolutely necessary in those cramped facilities. Charlie is later spotted front and centre, against the barrier, living it up during the Brisbane indie-pop trio’s headline set.
Absolutely everything about this sibling band comprising Amy, Emma and George Sheppard is extra and fancy: outfits (that snazzy sequined gold two-piece, though!), guitars (Emma’s a glittery silver and George’s all hand painted in swirly multi-colours) and hair colour (currently the trio’s chosen hues are musk pink, platinum blonde and a vivid aqua that almost matches the reef water).
From opener Coming Home, the band’s setlist rolls out bop after bop: (“Keep runnin’ with the…”) Animals, Kiss My Fat Ass and Edge Of The Earth, which pretty much describes our current locale. The latter, Sheppard’s brand new single, features anthemic choruses that make us feel like we’re flying rather than floating. Their cover of blink-182’s All The Small Things, with its pogo-friendly “Na-na-na-na” refrain, absolutely goes off, winning audience reaction of the day.
Whether or not you know anything about Geronimo, Sheppard’s closing smash hit hits the sweet spot – good luck extracting that chorus melody from your internal jukebox for the next week or so!
It just has to be said that the more tipsy heroes among us do enjoy blaming their staggers on the motion of the ocean.
Once safely back on board the Reef Magic vessel, seasickness-prone punters head straight to the outside lower deck for some fresh air and horizon gazing. An
Indigenous crew member points into the distance before (correctly) forecasting heavy rainfall. We brace ourselves.
There’s nothing quite like a dopamine-boosting live music experience in nature, with a little bit of adventure thrown in, to remind us of the importance of community connection.
During this event, it was also announced that all four Savannah Sounds On The Reef acts will join the lineup for Savannah In The Round, an annual three-day festival staged in Mareeba, Cairns, which runs from 11 – 13 October. Previously announced artists for Savannah In The Round 2024 include Kip Moore, The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus and Vika & Linda.
Savannah In The Round tickets can be purchased here.
Ross Wilson, Floodlights, Kaiit lead Reclink Community Cup lineup
This is a family friendly, dog friendly event that has something for everyone, including free sporting activities and face painting before the game, a Kidz Zone with cheap family fun and the epic showdown between community radio giants.
Reclink Community Cup 2024 lineup
- Floodlights
- Kaiit
- Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks
- Teether & Kuya Neil
- The UV Race
- Whistle & Trick for the kids!
Locations and dates
- Melbourne – Sunday 16 June
- Brisbane – Sunday 28 July
- Hobart – Sunday 25 August
- Adelaide – Sunday 22 September
- Perth – Sunday 6 October
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The mighty Megahertz (Triple R 102.7FM & PBS 106.7FM) and Melbourne band royalty, the rugged Rockdogs (musicians). Plus tunes being spun all day but the dynamic duo DJ Lauren Taylor and DJ Simon Winkler from 3RRR’s Breaking and Entering.
The UV Race will also perform this year’s theme Insufficient Funds by Eddy Current Suppression Ring. Reminding us that each ticket sold helps to raise valuable funds to support those doing it tough, through Reclink Australia’s sport and recreation programs.
Tickets are on sale from 8am! So, get your tickets today and get down to Vic Park on Sunday 16 June for all the action!
East Gippsland Winter Festival has everything for the perfect winter escape
Dubbed one of the largest winter festival programs in Australia, East Gippsland Winter Festival returns for a fourth year, celebrating ‘How We Winter’ in the region through a dedicated program of art, performance, music and gastronomy.
As the winter solstice marks the onset of winter on 21 June, the month-long East Gippsland Winter Festival invites visitors to the region for a winter escape full of cosy activities.
East Gippsland Winter Festival Details
- When: 21 June – 21 July 2024
- Where: Various locations across East Gippsland including Bairnsdale, Bruthen, Orbost, Paynesville, Swifts Creek, Marlo, Lakes Entrance, Omeo, Cann River, Metung, Buchan and Mallacoota
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Originally created in response to the devastating 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires by festival founder Adam Bloem, East Gippsland Winter Festival has become a spirited celebration in the community. In 2023, the festival saw 25,393 attendees explore the program which included 149 individual events across 33 towns.
2024 has a stacked program with over 100 confirmed events spanning the region, showcasing the natural splendour of East Gippsland. There is something for everyone with the festival coinciding with the Victorian school holidays. From family-friendly free events such as live music in majestic surrounds to lakeside wellness experiences and winter feasts, the 2024 East Gippsland Winter Festival is bursting.
Some highlights of the festival include a deliciously relaxing sunrise bathes at Hilltop Escarpment of Metung Hot Springs followed by a breakfast picnic overlooking Lake King on 21 June, the sword-wielding excitement of Medieval Winter Fire Festival at Bruthen on 22 June, and the whimsical world of illumination at Lake Lights: Enchanted Shore at Lakes Entrance Foreshore on 6 July. The lights continue in Paynesville for Water & Lights; a magical lantern-lit installation parading off the jetties, followed by a cosy outdoor cinema session and a food truck fair. Over in Orbost, dive into Deep In The Weeds, an annual music festival hosted by Sailor’s Grave Brewing.
The gastronomy guide is elevated with events from Guy Grossi and Sodafish for collaborative winter feast ‘Inverno’, and Moscow Willa Hut will be hosting a High Country Lunch presented by well-regarded local chef Stuart Derham.
This richly diverse festival is not one to be missed.
The 2024 East Gippsland Winter Festival will run from 21 June – 21 July. For more information including ongoing program updates head here.
There’s an awesome warehouse party happening in Thornbury this weekend
They’re partnering up with Totalno Zeleno for a day-long warehouse party in Thornbury this Saturday, with a killer lineup featuring the likes of Vanessa Worm and Genevieve Fry, the co-founder of the wonderful Eastmint Studios who’s performed with the likes King Giz.
Expect everything from gothic synth-punk to the best in Melbourne’s experimental club scene.
Cease And Desist X Totalno Zeleno
- Sat 4th May 2024, 4:00 pm – Sun 5th May 2024, 1:00 am AEST
- 260 Dundas St, Thornbury
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The fantastic lineup
- Tongue Dissolver
- Vanessa Worm
- Flame J
- Mike Midnight
- Local Woman
- Genevieve Fry + Blu Jay
- Rain Dogs
- Shock Corridor
Interstitial DJs
- Bridget Small
- Nick Ure Vartan
Tickets are available here.
No May-be about it: The Bergy is your one-stop-shop for music this month
It’s a place you can go on any given weekend and know that something good will be on. This month at The Bergy is packed with talent. Huge shows every weekend, and even some in the middle of the week! Read on to get the downlow on a few highlights from The Bergy Bandroom this May.
Angus Legg
● Thursday 2nd May
● With Seb Szabo & Mathilde Anne
Driving guitars and punchy drums are simply the backup dancers to Angus Legg’s euphoric voice, that fights to the front and tells you exactly what it thinks of you. The pop songster will have you on your feet for the entirety of his set. Supported by indie rocker Seb Szabo and the indie-pop of Mathilde Anne.
Portal Gun
● Saturday 4th May
● With Milou Moon, Sweet Nothing
Psych rock four piece Portal Gun are gonna send the Bergy Bandroom back in time on the 4th of May with their retro take on the new-age wave of funk and psych music. Launching new single ‘Virtual Reality’, this one’s sure to be a boogie fest. With support from psych-noise artist Milou Moon and synth-dance outfit Sweet Nothing.
Screamfeeder
● Friday 10th & Saturday 11th May
This one’s BIG. 90s/00s kids gather round! Aussie fuzz-pop darlings Screamfeeder are back to bring their ever-reliable, beautiful chaos of sound to the Bergy Bandroom for 2 nights at the Bergy. A perfect blend of classic aussie rock, with pure, unadulterated 90s grunge. These ones are sure to sell out, so get in quick.
Seb Szabo
● Thursday 16th May
● With Holly Hebe & Janie Gordon
Fresh off winning the Sofar residency program, Seb Szabo is bringing his backyard style shows to the Bergy. Producing music that rivals the likes of Springsteen and Coldplay, the charm and electricity of his set is sure to illuminate the stage. Supported by indie-soul songwriter Holly Hebe and pop-folkster Janie Gordon.
thedelirious.
● Friday 17th May
● With Ramona Sky, Kite Vendor
Primarily known as an indie-rock outfit, thedelirious. have made a shift on their newest single into a heavier, shoegaze-y sound – still the familiar floating vocals and guitars but with a darker undertone that drives the band into a new soundscape (very cool, just to clarify). Supported by funk-rockers Ramona Sky, who are known for their enigmatic live shows and quartet Kite Vendor, who emit the influence of bands like Beach Fossils and DIIV effortlessly into their music to create their unique dreamgaze sound.
TAPES
● Saturday 18th May
● With DJ Succulent Funk Duo & TBC
The neo-soul four piece play music that makes your top lip raise on one side and involuntarily make a “euurrghh” sound. The Bergy Bandroom will be a live dancefloor come 18th of May when TAPES light the stage up. The party will go on all night with DJ Succulent Funk Duo kicking the show off and setting the mood early.
WALTA
● Sunday 19th May
● With Kevin Collett
Pop banger pilot WALTA flies her music so smoothly across the plains, even the birds get jealous. Ease into your Sunday night with the upbeat, powerful flow that WALTA emits, giving you the feelings you didn’t know you had. Supported by alt dance-pop artist Kevin Collett, who will float in and put a dance-spell on the crowd.
The Last Martyr
● Friday 24th May
● With Ultraviolet, NTH Rd & Nightlight
HOLY HELL! Your face may just melt when you experience The Last Martyr. Their cyber-pop metalcore does not play nice. They play music that feels like a release, but you won’t be feeling empty when you leave The Bergy on the 24th of May – if anything you’ll be craving more. Heavy hitters Ultraviolet, NTH Rd and Nightlight will help that craving, opening the night with a bang!
Destrends
● Saturday 25th May
● With Baby Mullet, Young Offenders (SA) & Operation Karma
Destrends unique genre of music seems somehow so nostalgic but like nothing you’ve ever heard before. Blending elements of aussie post-punk, brit-pop and 80s new wave to a beat that finds the perfect midpoint between Blur and Midnight Oil. Supported by punk rock 3-piece Baby Mullet, post-punk outfit Young Offenders and aussie-punk quartet Operation Karma.
Bloom
● Sunday 26th May
● With Saving Face & Fallweather
Australian metalcore force Bloom are set to launch their album “Maybe in Another Life” at The Bergy and this one will be MASSIVE! High energy, melodic music that flows through you like water but at the same time hits you like a ton of bricks. The room will be rocking, definitely come knocking cause you don’t want to miss this one. With support coming from melodic hardcore groups Saving Face and Fallweather.
Keep up to date with all things Bergy Bandroom. Follow them on IG here.
This article was made in partnership with Bergy Bandroom.
In May, The Toff will be with you: live music, cabaret and release parties meld the month together
Highlighting some stellar live music, comedy and arts entertainment this month – you’re in for a treat if you head upstairs in May.
The Toff in Town has always done it different. May at The Toff is no exception to the rule. Some killer live music acts, sci-fi celebration shows and popstar release parties – just to scratch the surface. Get to The Toff this May if you’re in need of a good time.
Jazz and Jaffles
- Thursday, 2 May
- Boubacar Gaye Qaurtet (Ausecuma Beats), Firetail (modern jazz fusion), ON – LY (modern jazz fusion) and Moor Street DJs each week
Every week, Moor Music’s Jazz and Jaffles takes over the Toff, offering a blast from the past in the best way. Bringing together a rotating cast of local musicians and a nostalgia-tinged menu, the event makes for the ultimate date night or get-together with friends. Jazz and Jaffles is a feast for the senses: toasty bread and melty cheese wafting out from the kitchen, sweet grooves echoing from the stage, the warm and inviting atmosphere in the Toff’s cozy lounge… chef’s kiss.
Bubble
- May 3: Floss Dogg – Dr. Condiments – Tuff Trax
- May 10: Coldpast – Dem Large
- May 17: Coldpast – Hysteric
- May 24: Coldpast – Tuff Trax – Smutlee and PJ Bridger in bandroom (more info below)
- May 31: Tuff Trax – Billie Jean
Every Friday night at The Toff, with free entry from 10pm onwards, Melbourne’s exceptional UKG promoters Bubble are taking over The Carriage and bringing with them some of the best in the business including UK DJ PJ Bridger who we hype below as well as local legends like Tuff Trax and Coldpast.
Austral
- Friday, May 3rd
- With Maggie Rigby
As their song suggests, Austral are turning The Toff into a Throwdown Hoedown on May 3rd and taking no hostages. The enigmatic four piece produce high-energy celtic tunes that will set the dancefloor alight with pipes, fiddles, percussion and even the odd didgeridoo. Supported on the night by folk songwriter Maggie Rigby.
Friday Club
- No Era, Hijack and Mizhap selecting in May
- Every Friday night from 11pm until 5am, free entry before midnight
Mizhap, No Era and Hijack are all exceptional DJs with plenty of hip hop and RnB credential, many decades of combined experience behind the decks. Mizhap in particular has a unique highly-rhythmic style and plenty of confidence and attitude. They all combine for a high-tempo club night every Friday this month.
Rhythm Express: DJ JNETT and friends
- Every Saturday in The Carriage
- Kiti and Dan Beck on May 4
- DJ JNETT and Colette on May 18
- DJ JNETT and Tai Jae on May 18
- DJ JNETT playing all night May 25
You’ll recognise DJ JNETT from ABC’s Recovery or heard her voice on Melbourne’s PBS.fm. She’s known for carting crates of wax around Melbourne and spinning deep house, techno, funk, soul, disco, dub, reggae and hip-hop throughout the club scene by night while helming the iconic Central Station Records by day. She curates every Saturday in The Toff’s Carriage and this month, will be playing all night long herself on May 25.
Star Tease: Episode 6
- Saturday May 4th
Annual Star Wars day (or May The Fourth) is being celebrated in style at The Toff this year. A huge lineup of talented drag, burlesque and cabaret acts will be performing a matineé show inspired by all your sci-fi favourites; Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who – you name it, it’s probably being referenced. Oh, there’s also a prize for best dressed – so come in your best cosplay!
Ballare
- Saturday May 4th
- Hosted by Mondo Ritmo
The Toff is going to BOUNCE on May 4th. Mondo Ritmo is back to host an evening of deep global rhythms. Part world music, part discotheque, all parts groove. Come for the music, stay for the party!
Now. Here. This.
- Tuesday, 7 May
- DJ Colette 9pm and closing set
- NHT All Star Band live from 11:30pm
- Free entry
Now.Here.This at The Toff in Town is a Melbourne community fueled by passion and innovation, transforming jam sessions into a global phenomenon. Each week the underground jazz scene grows, and queues of punters gather down Swanston Street eager to gain entry. The venue peaks at capacity, and music pulsates. It goes late and it gets wild!
The Consonance of Hip Hop and D&B
- Friday May 10th
- With JÄEGER and Rosella (MASH UP), MC Melroid (Hip Hop MC), HankSkorpio (Hip Hop MC), Reality Never Dies (Poet & MC), Mannix (D&B DJ), SK4NK (D&B DJ), The Flow Faerie Faeded Faerie
An absolutely STACKED lineup of MCs, DJs and poets will be manning the decks/stage come May 10th at The Toff. A massive night of Hip Hop and D&B will revolutionise your status on beats. There is truly something for everyone on Naarms, Hip Hop, D&B, inner-city night-of-nights.
Bel Kil
- Saturday May 11th
- With Mood Spill
Bel Kil produces pop music that transcends the “pop” genre. Funky basslines smother the soft, laden vocals with gravy, as squealing synths scream for attention overhead. Set to launch her new single Rose Street, Bel Kil’s funk, synth heavy pop music will surely turn heads and get hearts racing on May 11th. Supported by smooth indie-rockers Mood Spill.
Decadance
- Saturday May 11th
- With The D Word & Jack Popper
Hop aboard the Decadance express! DJs, The D Word and Jack Popper are your co-pilots for the night; stopping no stations, express to euphoria. Your in-flight entertainment is ‘body-moving’ performed by you, and your in-flight meal is 5 star house music, served on a bed of all things disco.
Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish release party
- Friday May 17th
Billy Eyelash. Bill E.Lidge. William Wile-ish. However you say it, Billie Eilish is a household name and will be for a while yet! Her huge new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, is set for release on May 17th and The Toff has you covered with a massive release party – where you can share all your sad-girl stories with like-minded individuals.
PJ Bridger (UK)
- Friday May 24th
- With Osmosis Jones, IsGwan, KJONES & Trustee
Bristol’s own PJ Bridger is gracing Australian shores this May and his luggage ain’t just carry-on. He’s got a LARGE suitcase filled to the brim with eclectic beats of all genres; garage, house, electronica, d&b. His back catalogue of big-name artist nods, has him purchasing extra baggage allowance on its own. May 24th is set to take-flight and you’re invited to an all-expenses-included trip like no other! With support from Osmosis Jones, IsGwan, KJONES & Trustee.
Pizza Death
- Saturday May 25th
- With Totally Unicorn & R.U.B
The death of pizza may not have come about just yet, but you might want to smash a slice after you’ve been absolutely annihilated by crusty, pizza-themed heavy metal outfit Pizza Death. You’ll completely forget that they’re food themed while you’re thrashing about in the mosh, but will subconsciously be craving some cheese, pepperoni and tomato. Supported by math-rock/hardcore outfit Totally Unicorn and D.I.Y punkers R.U.B.
Olympia
- Thursday May 30th
You might be there thinking, “Olympia? How do I know that name?”. Well, it could be the small town on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece or, you could remember the 2016 hit song Smoke Signals by unique indie-pop artist Olympia. Back with new music in 2024 with some awesome hard-hitting rock songs, Olympia is bringing her funky, upbeat indie-pop to The Toff to launch her new EP with an intimate solo set.
Keep up to date with all things Toff in Town. Follow them on IG here.
‘Amplifying the entirety of Australia’s musical brilliance’: 2024 APRA Music Awards winners announced
Hosted by APRA AMCOS, Australia’s primary music rights management organisation, the annual APRA awards showcase the country’s most exciting and enduring talent. This year’s event, held in the Sydney CBD, saw music industry professionals, special guests and artists across all genres come together for a night of community and celebration.
It’s no surprise that Melbourne’s Troye Sivan took home the prize for Peer Voted APRA song of the year for his smash hit Rush co-written with Styalz Fuego. Labeled by many as the ‘song of the summer’, this upbeat bop was an instant sensation, beloved not just at home, but around the world.
APRA Music Awards 2024 winners
- Peer-Voted APRA Song of the Year – Rush by Troye Sivan
- Ted Albert Award for Outstanding Services to Australian Music – Bart Willoughby
- Songwriter of the Year – The Teskey Brothers
- Emerging Songwriter of the Year – grentperez
- Most Performed Australian Work – How Do I Say Goodbye by Dean Lewis
- Most Performed Alternative Work – Daylight by Birds of Tokyo
- Most Performed Blues & Roots Work – Dancing in the Dark by Ziggy Alberts
- Most Performed Country Work – Summer Nights by Casey Barnes
- Most Performed Dance/Electronic Work – Never Let You Go by Jason Derulo & Shouse
- Most Performed Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Work – Darker Still by Parkway Drive
- Most Performed Hip Hop / Rap Work – COMMA’S by ONEFOUR ft. CG
- Most Performed Pop Work – How Do I Say Goodbye by Dean Lewis
- Most Performed R&B / Soul Work – Cinderella by JKING
- Most Performed Rock Work – Good Time by Polish Club
- Most Performed Australian Work Overseas – Unstoppable by Sia
- Licensee of the Year – Australian Calisthenic Federation Inc
- Most Performed International Work – Anti-Hero by Taylor Swift
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Sydney singer-songwriter Dean Lewis scored two awards – Most Performed Australian Work and Most Performed Pop Work – for his track How Do I Say Goodbye. Detailing the fallout from his father’s cancer diagnosis, the track became a favourite due to its heartfelt lyricism and the artist’s impressive vocal range.
Songwriter of the Year went to The Teskey Brothers. Fusing Motown, soul and blues, the family duo create a unique and instantly recognisable sound, as can be heard on their most recent album, The Winding Way.
The night also features many first-time winners, including indie pop internet sensation grentperez who took home the first-ever award for Emerging Songwriter of the Year, Birds of Tokyo who won Most Performed Alternative Work for Daylight, Byron Bay rockers Parkway Drive who won the inaugural Most Performed Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Work category with Darker Still and ONEFOUR who won Most Performed Hip Hop / Rap Work with COMMA’s.
“As a Filipino Australian artist I feel seen, as well as coming out from Western Sydney,” said grantperez, “The creativity is emerging from everywhere and it really goes to show, I think ‘emerging’ is the perfect word for it. For me, it’s been three to four years in this career and hopefully many, many more so thank you all so much. Take care, peace out.”
Tasmanian singer-songwriter Casey Barnes took home the award for Most Performed Country Work for the second year in a row and Adelaide pop idol Sia won Most Performed Australian Work Overseas for the fifth time.
“Congratulations to all the nominees and winners, each of them outstanding songwriters and music creators who are the living epitome of what it is to be born global in their success,” said APRA AMCOS CEO Dean Ormston.
“In recognising the incredible talent in Australia’s music landscape, it’s important to acknowledge that as an organisation that champions gender diversity through advocacy, funding and creative opportunities, there’s more to do to address the disparity in the industry of male to women, non- binary and gender diverse award winners.
“We must continually question the absence of diversity in every facet of the industry—whether in rooms, executive offices, on stages, or across airwaves and streaming platforms—and commit to amplifying the entirety of Australia’s musical brilliance.”
Find out more about APRA AMCOS here.