Music News

COVID-19 Forces Cancellation Of Bluesfest For 2020 For the rst time in 30 years, legendary music festival Bluesfest Byron Bay will not go ahead due to health precautions surrounding the coronavirus pandemic. Festival director Peter Noble OAM has said it was 'obvious' that the festival wouldn't be able to go ahead, saying "We are heartbroken as we believe we were presenting one of the best ever bills of talent for you. We are now working through how to move forward and to give you details. I thank you for allowing us enough time to get everything in place for the best possible outcome for everyone."

The Killers Detail New Album + Australian Tour Las Vegas rockers The Killers have shared details of their sixth studio album, Imploding The Mirage, set for release on Friday May 29 via Island Records. Produced by the band, Shawn Everett and Johnathan Rado of Foxygen, the new record features contributions from a varied guestlist, including Weyes Blood, kd lang, The War On Drugs’ Adam Granduciel and Lindsay Buckingham, who shreds a guitar solo on lead single ‘Caution’. The Killers are also expected to tour Australia in November this year – keep your eyes peeled to Frontier Touring for any updates.

Groovin The Moo Cancelled Due To Coronavirus Outbreak Bad luck for regional punters: Groovin The Moo has announced that its 2020 tour schedule will not be able to go ahead this April and May. Promoters Steve Halpin and Rod Little thanked the acts involved and those who helped organised the festival, saying that “There is nothing that we love more than seeing our Moo Crew in each of our regions and we are deeply saddened that this won’t be happening this year... We’re aware that this is impacting many people around the world and we encourage you to look after each other.” Head online for information on refunds.

HAIM Announce Women In Music Pt. III

It’s HAIM time! The pop-rock trio, consisting of sisters Danielle, Este and Alana have announced their third studio album, dubiously titled Women In Music Pt. III, which is set to arrive via Universal Music on Friday April 24. Featuring production from Ariel Rechtshaid, Rostam Batmangjli and Danielle Haim, Women In Music Pt. III is also set to consist of sixteen tracks, including previously released singles ‘Hallelujah’, Now I’m In It’, ‘The Steps’ and the Lou Reedinspired ‘Summer Girl’. We can’t wait.

Splendour In The Grass Postponed To October

Splendour In The Grass has joined the long list of events to be impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, moving this year’s event from July to late October. The move comes following the Australian Federal government’s ban on gatherings in excess of 500 people, with the festival citing the safety of patrons in its decision to reschedule the 20th anniversary event. As it stands, the festival will now go down from Friday October 23 to Sunday October 25 at North Byron Parklands, Byron Bay. We’ll keep you updated if there’s any lineup changes.

Sampa The Great Snags The 2019 Australian Music Prize

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Zambian-Australian rapper Sampa The Great was last month announced as the recipient of the coveted Australian Music Prize for her fantastic 2019 album, The Return. The victory marks Sampa The Great’s second time winning an Australian Music Prize following her 2017 win for Birds & The BEE9, and also makes her the rst artist to ever receive two awards in its 15 year history - not a bad ex at all. Sampa The Great? More like Sampa The GOAT.

Donny Benét Invites You To Meet Mr. Experience After spending the last few months incessantly touring the globe dishing out heaped spoonfuls of hearty disco grooves, Sydney bass wizard Donny Benét has shared details of his forthcoming LP, ttingly titled Mr. Experience. Arriving on Friday May 22 via Dot Dash Recordings, Mr. Experience marks the fth full-length effort from the Don, and is set to follow a conceptual direction described by the man as “a soundtrack for a dinner party set in the late 1980s”. Compliments to the chef, Don!

PVRIS Goes Solo, Shares Release Date For Use Me PVRIS have announced their new project Use Me, set for release Friday May 1 via Reprise/Warner Records, which marks the rst release to be led solely by Lynn Gunn. The frontwoman, who now accounts for all primary songwriting, production, vocal and instrumental duties, explained the changes in a press statement, saying “Coming from a ‘band culture,’ it’s about how the group is always greater than the sum of its parts, and you’re not supposed to take credit, even if you do everything... I learned I don’t have to do that anymore. I’m nally allowing myself to take credit.”

Metallica Launch Vinyl Subscription Club Thrash icons Metallica have minted a new subscription service which aims to hook up fans with pressings of rare demos and B-sides on seven-inch vinyl. The band claim that the initiative is inspired by their own passion for music and the widespread revival of record store culture, saying in a statement that “It’s been super exciting to see the resurgence of vinyl and how much enjoyment we all get collecting, exploring and connecting with other fans mining for lost treasures.” Head to their website and sign up today!