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FeaturedNews
July 21, 2024
Megan Milner

Australian klezmer band CHUTNEY discuss their new single Toxic

Featuring guest vocals from Potbelleez own Ilan Kidron in an outstanding cover of Brittany Spears’ Toxic, CHUTNEY have infused insane Beethoven instrumentation with Cat Empire energy. They have absolutely blown it out of the park!

[LISTEN:TOXIC MOONLIGHT]

Tell us about your new single Toxic?

‘Toxic Moonlight’is what you’d get if Britney Spears and Beethoven had an illicit love child and you found them partying in a Balkan bar. It’s a bonkers mashup of Britney’s 2003 banger and Beethoven’s iconic ‘Moonlight’ Sonata, reimagined through the lens of the Balkan/Romanian/Jewish hora dance, with a generous dollop of darkly dystopian stadium rock.

The track features Ilan Kidron on guest vocals in an intoxicating rollercoaster of pure charisma.

What’s the creative process like for you?

Free and wild! I identify the seed of an idea – say “what would happen if I made a klezmerified mashup of Britney and Beethoven?” – and then I just unleash my imagination. Sometimes my strongest ideas (like transplanting the bassline of Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight’ Sonata onto the ‘Toxic’ verse) come while I’m commuting or cleaning.

Regardless, I’ve usually consolidated the overall form of a song before I start writing it down. I sketch out the skeleton and then flesh out the details (transitions, horn lines). We try it in rehearsal, the song evolves as the band sinks their teeth into it, and continues to develop from performance to performance – all the way into and including the recording studio!

 If you could change something about the music industry what would change?

I would love for klezmer and klezmer fusion to be more widely known and appreciated. Literally everyone loves our music once they hear it – we just have to convince them to press play. We’re hoping that ‘Toxic Moonlight’ will prove an effective gateway drug 🙂

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music/visual art as an outlet?

Much quieter! There’s music in my head most of the time.
I’d probably become an ultramarathon runner, to flee the hideous dystopia of a stale, grey, musicless existence…

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?

The Cat Empire have long been role models of ours: we used to finish our gigs with a klezmer cover of ‘The Wine Song’. We love their energy and the way they irreverently meld a wide range of world music styles while remaining so distinctively Australia. Collaborating with or supporting them would be a dream come true.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry ?

Cliched as it may be, we have found success by backing ourselves and creating exactly what we want. I would recommend that every aspiring artist – and every established artist – be honest with themselves. People can sense authenticity, and they crave it.

What’s your favourite song to perform?

Probably our debut single ‘Kama At Yafa’ (Hebrew for ‘How Beautiful You Are’) – radio edit on Spotify and YouTube; full studio version here. We adopted a similar approach to ‘Toxic Moonlight’: we took a pop banger (this one released by ‘Israel’s Britney’ Shiri Maimon back in 2012) and married it with a big moment in the classical canon (in this case, Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade), making the whole thing unrecognisably more epic.

Soul songstress Sarit Michael is our guest vocalist for ‘Kama’ and she always delivers a spine-tingling performance, bringing to life the lyrics that speak so potently of resilience and hope. It feels as though the whole band lifts whenever we play the song, and I can feel our audiences lift with us.

Got any secret hobbies that we might be surprised by?

I’m a commuter cyclist, which freaks some people out. I’m also a passionate if uncommitted long distance runner, and once ran a marathon in northern Italy to get to a gig.

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FeaturedNews
July 20, 2024
Megan Milner

James Marriott announces Australia & New Zealand Tour this December!

James Marriott, the sensational English singer, has taken the music industry by storm with his mesmerizing vocals and undeniable charisma
– Square One Magazine

Frontier Touring and MG Live are delighted to announce British indie-rock musician James Marriott will make his anticipated antipodean return this December.

Landing in Auckland on Monday 2 December, the multidisciplinary creative will visit Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne before a final show at Perth’s Astor Theatre on Wednesday 11 December.

Frontier Members will be able to access presale tickets on Monday 22 July from 10am (local time), before tickets go onsale on Wednesday 24 July at 10am (local time).

Visit frontiertouring.com/jamesmarriott for more information.

From uploading acoustic covers to YouTube in 2012, James became a popular YouTube personality, amassing millions of followers who tune in daily for his music, comedy and relatable personality. Since launching his independent music career in 2020 with debut single ‘slow down’, James Marriott has experienced an incredible trajectory.

After racking up more than 20 million streams, the Brighton-based alternative musician took the time to perfectly craft his debut EP and released his first major body of work Bitter Tongues in 2022, which solidified James Marriott as a multi-faceted artist & creative. Drawing from artist inspirations like Phoebe Bridgers, The Strokes and The 1975, Bitter Tongues is a genre-inclusive theatrical music piece in which James tackles his own heartbreak, sexuality, love, and his creative identity on social media.

James Marriott returns down under a year after making his celebrated Australian debut in 2023 and selling out headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne, having well and truly emerged onto the alt-rock scene as one to watch. Touring the EP consistently across the UK on his own headline tour plus supporting Jake Bugg at London’s Royal Albert Hall and performing at The Great Escape and Neighbourhood Weekender, James has cemented his direction as an artist and creator. His first full length album Are We There Yetwas released in 2023 to acclaim from fans and critics alike.

Recently performing at this year’s Isle of Wight Festival and with upcoming performances at Reading and Leeds Festivals next month, there are no signs of slowing down. Don’t miss out as the multi-talented James Marriott heads to Australia and New Zealand to perform a series of unforgettable headline shows this December.

JAMES MARRIOTT
​AUSTRALIAN & NEW ZEALAND TOUR
​DECEMBER 2024
​Presented by Frontier Touring and MG Live

FRONTIER MEMBER PRESALE
​Via frontiertouring.com/jamesmarriott
​Runs 24 hours from: Monday 22 July (10am local time)
​or until presale allocation exhausted

TICKETS ON SALE
​Begins: Wednesday 24 July (10am local time)

MONDAY 2 DECEMBER
​Powerstation | Auckland, NZ (Lic. All Ages)
​ticketmaster.co.nz

WEDNESDAY 4 DECEMBER
​The Tivoli | Brisbane, QLD (Lic. All Ages)
​ticketmaster.com.au

FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER
​Enmore Theatre | Sydney, NSW (Lic. All Ages)
​ticketek.com.au

SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER
​Northcote Theatre | Melbourne, VIC (Unlic. All Ages)
​moshtix.com.au

WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER
​Astor Theatre | Perth, WA (Lic. All Ages)
​ticketek.com.au

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Gig ReviewsReviews
July 19, 2024
Terri Nas

[Review] Michael Marcagi @ 170 Russell, Melbourne 17/07/2024

Move over Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers. Michael Marcagi is the new kid in town, and I have a feeling in my waters he’s going to do big things. 

Hump day in Melbourne and the streets are slicked with what feels like never ending rain, and despite my body adorning multiple thick layers of warmth it still wasn’t enough to combat the icy wind slicing its way through me. I head on down into the dark depths of 170 Russell and, my claustrophobic fears aside, this has fast become one of my favourite live music venues in Melbourne. I’m here to see Cincinnati-born singer-songwriter Michael Marcagi who is down under for the very first time, spreading the joy that is his music across our great country. 

To start the night and melt the icicles off our face with her warm tones was Tasmanian singer-songwriter, Maddy Jane. Maddy Jane hails from one of the most southern parts of the world before you hit Antarctica, and being an OG Tassie-born gal myself I couldn’t help but feel proud to have such a fabulous talent showcasing her gift around the country. With her melodic voice and guitar in hand, she blew us all away with a solo set which included the relatable June, Thylacine (TASSIE REPRESENT), and a stunning Paolo Nutini cover, Through the Echoes. Maddy Jane invited fellow singer Kaitlin Keegan on stage for a couple of numbers, and their voices were perfectly blended with flawless harmony. 

With a break in proceedings, the room was filling fast and there was an excited buzz around the place whilst the young crowd were awaiting the main event. Soon enough, the lights were lowered, and Norman Greenbaum’s Spirit in the Sky played out as Michael Marcagi and his 5-piece band venture out on stage to a huge round of applause from a delighted crowd. The mandolin-heavy upbeat track American Romance – from the EP of the same name – opened the set and straight away I can tell we’re in for a great night. Next was Spend My Money which is a track from Marcagi’s former band that he used to front, The Heavy Hours. 

In the Light’s lyrics hit me hard and was definitely one of the standout songs for me, before we were treated to a ripping cover of Olivia Rodrigo’s Deja Vu. In between songs, it became quite evident that Michael was so genuinely thrilled, and perhaps even slightly overwhelmed to be here in Australia. He was continuously gushing at how much he loves it here and was even repping a green and gold ‘Australia’ t-shirt that he’d bought from the souvenir shop over the road for $17 bucks. Talk about dedicated to the cause! The up-tempo track Savannah was another one that I could see everyone appeared to be getting into, before it was time to test out some new music on us with Stick Around. Michael was then left to his own devices as his band vacated the stage to leave him to do another new track on his own, and man this one packed a punch. The raw and gritty emotion in his vocals, especially in the bridge of this song, was something else and definitely one of my favourite moments of the night. He told us a hilarious story about performing that song recently and after the show, a concert-goer approached him to tell him how unsettled she felt because he was staring at her the whole time he sang that song. In his defense he couldn’t actually see 3 feet in front of him due to the blinding stage lights, but this woman was convinced he was staring at her so now he has a serious complex about “being that creepy guy on stage”. 

It was time for another cover and this time it was in the form of the Harry Styles hit, Two Ghosts. The crowd loved this one too and were singing along, and jokes were made about how he only had 6 songs out in the world, but next time he comes back to Australia he promised to have more songs of his own to perform. The night was starting to draw to a close but not before Tear It All Apart, followed up by the popular, Scared to Start. It was a sea of iPhones and not a cigarette lighter in sight as the crowd sang along passionately to every word of this song, whilst capturing every moment for themselves to watch over and over again once they were home. It was goodnights all round as Michael and his band vacated the stage, but with the crowd’s feral reaction for more they had no other choice but to come back and give us one more song. The Other Side was our reward and the whole room erupted and once again provided back up vocals. It was then goodnight for good as Michael Marcagi and his band waved graciously as they headed off.

Marcagi’s beautiful vocals, songwriting prowess and musicianship make for a killer mix, and I think he’s going to do big things in the future! Add to this the fact he seems like such a genuine and humble guy who appears to be truly touched by his existing fans and their dedication. Throughout the show he kept raving about his newfound love of Australia and the surrealism that he’s here performing for crowds, and I can say we would love to have him back anytime! I can’t wait to see what Michael Marcagi delivers us next because guaranteed, it’ll be fantastic!

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FeaturedNews
July 18, 2024
Megan Milner

SXSW Sydney(R) announces more local and international artists, including Jorja Smith, music speakers and parties

SXSW SYDNEY® ANNOUNCES NEW SPEAKERS, PARTIES AND A STACK MORE INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL ARTISTS AS PART OF THE EVENT’S MUSIC TRACK & MUSIC FESTIVAL

MORE THAN 40 ARTISTS ADDED TO THE MAMMOTH MUSIC LINEUP, INCLUDING JORJA SMITH (UK), BRAZEN BARBIE (VIC), PYRA (THAILAND), KITSCHEN BOY (VIC)

SPEAKERS INCLUDING LUCY DICKINS (GLOBAL HEAD OF TOURING, WME) IN CONVERSATION WITH SUSAN HEYMANN (COO, FRONTIER TOURING), WILL PAGE (AUTHOR/MUSIC INDUSTRY ECONOMIST) AND MORE GLOBAL INDUSTRY LEADERS.

MORE INFO ON MUSIC BADGES HERE

Today, South by Southwest Sydney® (SXSW Sydney®) unveils exciting new additions to its Music Track and Music Festival, solidifying its place as the must-attend event of the year for music fans and industry professionals alike. Badge holders can look forward to engaging speakers, dynamic networking events, captivating showcases and the addition of over 30 new acts to an already impressive music lineup taking centre stage in our Harbour city.

Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling UK sensation Jorja Smith will bring her falling or flying Australian tour to Sydney this October for an unmissable performance as part of SXSW Sydney 2024. SXSW Sydney badgeholders can secure their spot at Jorja’s show at ICC Sydney Theatre on Tuesday 15 October by registering here. Writing music since age 11, she’s celebrated for features on Drake’s More Life and Kendrick Lamar’s Black Panther soundtrack. Honoured with the Brit Critics’ Choice Award in 2018 and a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist in 2019, her hits like “Be Honest” featuring Burna Boy and the viral sensation “Little Things” underscore her undeniable impact in music.

Joining a huge line-up of already announced talent including Ayesha Madon, Nick Ward and SAXHL, new additions to the Music Festival include Aysanabee (Canada), Acclaim Allstars winner Brazen Barbie (WA), Jamahl Yami (QLD), Kitschen Boy (VIC), PYRA (Thailand), Special Feelings (WA), Submerse (UK) and many more. See these exciting up-and-coming artists take over iconic Sydney venues and music institutions across 25 stages in Chippendale and surrounds during the week of 14-20 October.

SXSW Sydney badgeholders can also bolster their industry knowledge by accessing an array of conference talks, panels and meetups. Global Head of Touring at WME (UK), Lucy Dickins will take to the SXSW Sydney stage for an In Conversation with Frontier Touring’s Susan Heymann. Lucy Dickins is one of the most influential talent agents working in music today, with a client roster boasting the likes of Adele, Olivia Rodrigo, Mumford & Sons and James Blake and her conversation with one of Australia’s most successful promoters will be one not to miss. Additionally, Will Page, one of the most respected and globally recognised experts in music economics, will unveil new research into the Australian music and streaming landscape in a report co-sponsored by Spotify Music and UNIFIED Music Group.

The impressive lineup of top talent buyers and bookers from across North America, the UK, India and Asia also includes Amy Davidman (TBA Agency, USA), Anuj Gupta (BookMyShow/Lollapalooza India), Don Nguyen (Hot Panda (Vietnam), Skully Sullivan (ATC, UK), Sarah Deshita (Ismaya Group, Indonesia), Shabz & TyTy (Desi Trill, UK), Peony Hirwani (Rolling Stone India), Tej Brar (Nodwin Gaming) and many others. With topics including opportunities in India, how to market to the next generation of music fans, breaking Asia, new trends in global marketing and live A&R Workshops, there is conference content for everyone from self-managed artists to the most seasoned industry professionals.

Love fun? Love to network? Newly announced industry meetups and mixers include Beatdapp presents: Indies Please, One of One presents: Women in Music meetup, Sounds Australia presents: APAC Connect and RAC Arena presents: Agents vs Promoters. 2024 presenters include Rolling Stone (taking over the UTS Underground, a multi-room experience in the heart of Ultimo), ADA, APRA-AMCOS, Blak Label, Canada House, Concord Music Group, Future Classic, GigLifePro, Inertia & [PIAS], Meta, The Orchard, UNIFIED Music Group, Virgin Music and Warner Music plus loads more to be announced.

SXSW Sydney 2024 offers unparalleled access to the future superstars and leaders of the global music industry. With a SXSW Sydney Music badge, you’ll get primary access to music-focused conference programming with emphasis on music and tech careers, music mentor sessions and workshops, keynotes and featured speakers, music festival showcases, parties and meetups. All music industry badge holders will also get secondary access to all other screen, gaming, tech and innovation conference sessions. A badge is your chance to discover what happens when different people come together to inspire the unexpected. Stay tuned for more additions to the already impressive lineup of conference programs, networking events, speakers and parties!

SXSW Sydney Badges and Music Festival wristbands are now on sale at sxswsydney.com.

SXSW Sydney is delivered in partnership with the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. Plan your SXSW Sydney 2024 trip now, visit sydney.com

Over 40 new additions to the lineup include (in alphabetical order):

A. Swayze & the Ghosts (TAS) – Anna Hamilton (USA) – Aysanabee (Canada) – Beckah Amani (QLD) – Beth and Blue (NSW) – BIRDEE 王煒 (NSW) – Brandn Shiraz (NZ) – Brazen Barbie (VIC) – Casual Healing (NZ) – CLEWS (NSW) – Dear Sunday (WA) – DIVEBAR YOUTH (SA) – Dugong Jr (VIC) – Friends Of Friends (QLD) – Gangsar (Indonesia) – Garage Sale (NSW) – Ila Barker (Canada) – Jamahl Yami (QLD) – Jerome Blazé (NSW) – Jess Moskaluke (CAN) – Kitschen Boy (VIC) – Late November (QLD) – Liminal (NSW) – Littlefingers (IDN) – Loose Content (NSW) – Mannequin Death Squad (VIC) – Noah Dillon (WA) – NPCEDE (VIC) – OFK (USA) – Overpass (UK) – PYRA (Thailand) – Rei (NZ) – Sarah Wolfe (NSW) – Special Feelings (WA) – Submerse (UK) – Sweet Boy (QLD) – TAB Family (WA) – The Tullamarines (SA) – Vetta Borne (NSW) – WIM (Thailand) – XUZZ (NZ)

These acts will be joining (in alphabetical order):

00_ (VIC) – 404 (South Korea) – 87dance (South Korea) – Alexander Flood (SA) – Andr (Taiwan) – Ayesha Madon (NSW) – BALTHVS (Colombia) – Brekky Boy (NSW) – Cap Carter (NSW) – Chase Woods (New Zealand) – Clara Benin (Philippines) – COLDWAVE (SA) – Darcie Haven (WA) – Daste. (QLD) – Death Of Heather (Thailand) – Dem Mob (SA) – DoloRRes (VIC) – Dualist Inquiry (India) – Ena Mori (Philippines) – Esha Tewari (NSW) – FACESOUL (United Kingdom) – FELONY. (QLD) – Full Flower Moon Band (VIC) – G.U.N. (NSW) – GODTET (NSW) – Gregor McMurray (NSW) – HighSchool (VIC) – I’mdifficult (Taiwan) – Ixaras (QLD) – Jeshi (United Kingdom) – J-MILLA & Yung Milla (NT) – Joan & The Giants (WA) – Joel Sunny (NSW) – Juice Webster (VIC) – Kara Chenoa (Indonesia) – Kayps (WA) – Maggie Tra (NSW) – MAMMOTH. (VIC) – Maina Doe (NSW) – Manfredo Lament (NSW) – Mali (India) – Mia June (WA) – Mincy (NSW) – Monica Karina (Indonesia) – Mulga Bore Hard Rock (NT) – Mzuki (VIC) – Nauti (New Zealand) – Nick Ward (NSW) – Off The Menu (South Korea) – Outlet Drift (Taiwan) – Phoebe Rings (New Zealand) – RINSE (VIC) – Rowena Wise (VIC) – Ruby Jackson (NSW) – SAHXL (NSW) – Scattered Purgatory (Taiwan) – smol fish (WA) – SSIVIVIV x LIVIGESH (South Korea) – The Buoys (NSW) – The Good Kids (NSW) – The Grogans (VIC) – The Moving Stills (NSW) – Tjaka (QLD) – Total Tommy (NSW) – TUSHAR (SA) – Twine (SA) – Voice Of Baceprot (Indonesia) – YenTing Lo (Taiwan)

Confirmed speakers (in alphabetical order):

Amy Davidman (TBA USA), Anuj Gupta (BookMyShow/Lollapalooza India), Dong Nguyen (Hot Panda Media, Vietnam), Lucy Dickins (Global Head of Contemporary Music, WME (UK), NIkki Cox (Chief Marketing Officer, Red Bull Records), Peony Hirwani (Rolling Stone India), Rebecca Berman (SVP International, Concord Label Group), Priya Dewan (GLP Singapore), Sarah Deshita (Ismaya Group, Indonesia), Susan Heymann (COO, Frontier Touring,) Shabz & TyTy (Desi Trill, UK), Skully Sullivan (ATC UK), Tej Brar (Nodwin Gaming, India) plus more to be announced.

Parties, mixers and showcases brought to you by (in alphabetical order):

ADA, APRA-AMCOS, Blak Label, Canada House, Concord Music Group, Future Classic, Inertia & [PIAS], Meta, Rolling Stone, The Orchard, UNIFIED Music Group, Virgin Music and Warner Music plus loads more to be announced.

Panels and meet ups (in alphabetical order):

Beatdapp presents Indies Please, One of One presents Women in Music meet-up, RAC Arena presents Agents vs Promoters, Sounds Australia presents APAC Connect.

SXSW SYDNEY
14 – 20 OCTOBER 2024
NSW, AUSTRALIA

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FeaturedNews
July 18, 2024
Megan Milner

JORJA SMITH Announces 2024 Australia Tour

Handsome Tours, Laneway Presents, Whatslively & SXSW Sydney present the long awaited return of Jorja Smith! The Grammy-nominated, Platinum-selling UK sensation is set to captivate audiences across Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney this October.

Painted by her signature blend of R&B, Afrobeat and pop, this will be Australian audiences first chance to experience her critically acclaimed second album falling or flying live. Do not miss a rare chance to catch Jorja Smith this October.

Your pre-sale code is LITTLETHINGS

Pre-sale starts Tue 23 July at 1pm (local) ⏰
General Public tickets on sale Wed 24 July at 1pm (local) ⏰

JORJA SMITH – FALLING OR FLYING AUSTRALIA TOUR 2024

Tue 8 Oct – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne

Thu 10 Oct – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide

Tue 15 Oct – ICC Sydney Theatre, Sydney – Presented by SXSW Sydney

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FeaturedNews
July 16, 2024
Megan Milner

MIDDLE KIDS ANNOUNCE 2024 REGIONAL TOUR

Handsome Tours, WME & Look Out Kid are stoked to present Middle Kids on the regional leg of their Faith Crisis Pt 1 Tour!

Following their acclaimed headline shows in May & June and a recently wrapped run of American shows, the band bring their Faith Crisis Pt 1 to regional towns across the country from September.

Your pre-sale code is PETITION

Pre-sale starts Wed 17 July at 10am (local) ⏰
General Public tickets on sale Thu 18 July at 10am (local) ⏰

MIDDLE KIDS – FAITH CRISIS PT 1 REGIONAL TOUR

Fri, 27 Sep – NSW – Rooty Hill, Sydney Theatre Coliseum*
Sat, 28 Sep 2024 – NSW – Newcastle, Civic Theatre (New Annual)*
Fri, 4 Oct 2024 – NSW – Thirroul, Anita’s Theatre
Sat, 5 Oct 2024 – ACT – Canberra, UC Refectory
Sun, 6 Oct 2024 – NSW – Albury, Beer Deluxe
Thu, 10 Oct 2024 – QLD – Sunshine Coast, The Shed
Fri, 11 Oct 2024 – NSW – Brunswick Heads, Hotel Brunswick
Sat, 12 Oct 2024 – QLD – Gold Coast, Miami Marketta
Thu, 17 Oct 2024 – VIC – Torquay, Torquay Hotel
Fri, 18 Oct 2024 – VIC – Meeniyan, Meeniyan Town Hall
Sat, 19 Oct 2024 – VIC – Ballarat, Civic Hall
Fri, 1 Nov 2024 – QLD – Airlie Beach, Magnums
Sat, 2 Nov 2024 – QLD – Townsville, JCU Uni Bar
Sun, 3 Nov 2024 – QLD – Cairns, Tanks Arts Centre

* Rooty Hill + Newcastle tickets on sale now

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Gig ReviewsReviews
July 15, 2024
Kelly Green

[Review] Teddy Swims @ Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne, 13/07/2024

The Melbourne weather let us down tonight, we almost had to swim to Margaret Court Arena, but the soggy trip was well worth it. Teddy Swims was amazing. The crowd were a mixture of mainly 20’s to well in their 60’s, all waiting patiently as the night opened with Meg Mac.

For those not in the know Meg Mac (Megan Sullivan McInerney) is an Australian singer/songwriter who tonight is backed by her sister Hannah and guitarist/keyboard player Pete. Meg appears on stage all dressed in goth black and shining silver space boots. She started to sing and I was surprised by her vocals. She has a clear and smokey sounding voice with a touch of country twang. Meg prowls up and down the stage while singing with her obviously well trained voice, but she is not afraid to share her spotlight with her sister Hannah who also processes a quality voice. The blend of the sisters’ voices is a joy to listen to. Meg needs no gimmicks in her stage performance as the quality of the lyrics and music are more than enough.

The crowd though here to see Teddy were very attentive and appreciative of the talented support act. Meg performed 8 songs and my favourite was a Bill Withers song Grandma’s Hands. It had a haunting vocal and was sung to a clapping beat with no guitar. Meg sang mainly originals that showed her strong songwriting talent. Hannah and Pete moved from one instrument to another and for a 3pce band they had a full Indi pop sound. Meg Mac was a great warm up for the main act. Jaten Collin Dimsdale AKA Teddy Swims is an American singer/songwriter. The Swims stands for Someone Who Isn’t Me Sometimes, which reportedly he doesn’t like anymore, but it’s too late to change.

The smoke-filled arena had the crowd singing to pre-recorded songs in anticipation for Teddy Swims and Freek Freely. Lights dim, stage is smokey and blue lit. Let Me Clear My Throat by DJ Kool starts playing, red pulsating lights, jump, jump, jump and then they appear, Teddy Swims and his 5 piece band. Before the first note is played Teddy kicks off his shoes and they start playing Good Bye’s Been Good To You to raputous applause.

Teddy is all dressed in black complete with hat, sunglasses, big silver belt buckle and covered in tattoos. Teddy’s style does not give you any hint of the voice that lives inside. His background of heavy metal and influences of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Al Green have given him a voice which is full of power. Teddy has a cool tone and a voice full of emotion and soul, add in a touch of country and you have this amazing talent. He is a Southerner with swagger, but sounds like a raspy angel who’s powerful voice is capable of hitting the high notes.

He has a soft Southern drawl when he talks between songs, he is humorous, sweet and genuine. His love of Australia and his fans is evident when he speaks, and you feel like if he could, he would give every punter a big bear hug. Teddy’s band Freek Freely are filled with talented musicians, with Addy Maxwell and Jesse Hampton on guitar, Christian Griswald on bass, DeAndre Hemby on drums and Jaruis Hardge on keys and to quote Teddy “His best friends”. Each member is top class and we were treated to awesome solos on the drums, guitars and keys. Freek Freely is worth the ticket price and Teddy is the icing on the cake.

Teddy played an 18 song set, including 3 encore songs. In his 4th song of the night 911 he thanked the crowd for the reception he had received in Melbourne saying “no one at home loves me like you do”. Hands were in the air clapping and I have to mention two little girls (approximately 10 years old) in the seats on the side, they did not sit down, dancing with hands in the air all concert. Teddy even noticed and kept sending them love. Way too cute and great taste in music. All That Really Matters had huge cannon explosions which cover the standing crowd with streamers. Devil In A Dress has massive flame explosions and following song Simple Things, Teddy left stage for a beer, got a shoe from the crowd and did a shoey to chants of delight. “If I can’t sing tomorrow because of your foot fungus, it’s your fault” he joked with the crowd. Some Things I’ll Never Know were just Teddy on a stool and the keyboardist. Stripped back, his vulnerability and rawness gave me goosebumps. It was hauntingly beautiful. You’re Still The One by Shania Twain had the crowd in full voice and was dedicated to all mothers.

Teddy closed with his hits Lose Control and The Door with confetti explosions and a very satisfied crowd. Melbourne definitely gave Teddy Swims lots of love and a bear hug right back at him. Tonight was so much more than I was expecting, and I could have stayed all night listening to Teddy Swims and the Freek Freely.

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