River Fest band spotlight...Chavez Cartel

The 2023 edition of Rockhampton’s River Fest kicks off at the end of this month, with a huge roster of Australian artists and bands from a variety of genres. The town centre is set to come alive over three days for this Family Friendly & FREE event for a jammed packed program of Music, Art Installations, Workshops, market stalls and local food trucks. We caught up with a few of the acts on the lineup to ask them about their River Fest preparations, what can fans look forward to and who they are excited to see from the extensive lineup. Next Up…Chavez Cartel.

River Fest artist spotlight…The Short Fall

The 2023 edition of Rockhampton’s River Fest kicks off at the end of this month, with a huge roster of Australian artists and bands from a variety of genres. The town center is set to come alive over three days for this Family Friendly & FREE event for a jammed packed program of Music, Art Installations, Workshops, market stalls and local food trucks. We caught up with a few of the acts on the lineup to ask them about their River Fest preparations, what can fans look forward to and who they are excited to see from the extensive lineup. First Up…Chavez Cartel.

You won't find another Venice Qin

Venice Qin is original, bubbly, colourful and engaging, she is also about to be everywhere with the release of her new track ‘Somebody New’, a song written as a of confidence and individuality. ‘Somebody New’ is Venice’s first release since joining global music giant SONY, an epic achievement for any artist and one Venice will never forget. We caught up with Venice to ask her about the new song, being labelled a pop star and that career changing signing.

The delightful Dave Winnel

Dave Winnel has released his new dancefloor anthem, 'Alegria’, a song that has only solidified his position as a true powerhouse in the Australian and global electronic music scene. We interrupted the Sydney DJ and producer who is renowned for his infectious beats and energetic performances, during his preparation for a show with Stace Cadet on the 19th of July at NSW snow destination, Jindabyne, to chat about the new track, remixing vs originals and that time he saw Martin Garrix.

Nathan Cavaleri is a Man on Fire

Revered Australian artist Nathan Cavaleri has announced a 26 date tour in support of his new album ‘Miracles’, which explores fresh elements of alternative rock, psych blues, surf rock melodics, funk and swagger alongside Cavaleri’s smooth vocals and mind boggling guitarwork. We caught up with Nathan to ask him about ‘Miracles’, the showcasing tour and what the future holds.

Michelle Symes11 July 2023@nathancavaleri, @onthemappr, @melwaring, @willhollonds

The sensational Shelley Segal

Melbourne singer-songwriter Shelley Segal has released her brand new song titled ‘Mother’, a song that both tugs at the heartstrings and warms the heart. A stirring ode to Shelley’s own mother, Mother is also accompanied by a touching music video that features footage of Shelley with her mum. We caught up with Shelley to chat about the new song, her planned trip back home to Australia and her new conservation educational project ‘The Watershed’.

Forever Starts Here

Sydney pop punk band Forever Ends Here, have announced they are reuniting and hitting the road again for The Return Of Forever Ends Here Tour this July. FEH have even recorded fresh music for the occasion with the release of their first new music in five years, the new track ‘Cherry Chapstick’. We caught up with Forever Ends Here Vocalist and Guitarist Luke McChesney to ask him about the reformation of FEH, what fans can look forward to seeing on The Return Of Forever Ends Here Tour and if there is more new music to come.

Forever Colin Hennerz

Melbourne-based legend Colin Hennerz will officially release his re-work of the Alphaville classic ‘Forever Young’ this Friday. The 22 year old DJ has jammed thumping drums, soaring vocals, hooky synths and a filthy bass, to put the unmistakable Hennerz spin on the original making it a must listen to track for all EDM hardstyle dance lovers. We caught up with Colin to ask him about the ‘Forever Young’, remixing verses originals and who would be his ultimate collab partner.

Learning Franjapan

Franjapan have released their highly-anticipated EP ‘Learning Futures’. The 5 piece has combined indie-rock, & British influences and songwriting that explores the struggles and joys of being young, producing the unique touch of Franjapan on ‘Learning Futures’. We caught up with Franjapan’s Dennis, were we found out about the new album, the history of the band and the special bottle of wine they are waiting to drink after they get a Laneway Festival slot.

Gooey’s back!

Having been a staple of the Melbourne club scene for well over a decade, the mysterious DJ Gooey, is well known for popping up in some of the strangest of locations, always ready with sets full of underground classics, throwbacks and punter pleasers. Now the clandestine artist is preparing to unleash his latest track ‘Sing It Back’, a track he has created with Denmark’s ReUnited. We caught up with DJ Gooey to ask him about the new track, how the collaboration with ReUnited came about and whether he will be hitting the festival circuit this summer.

Michelle Symes8 June 2023@reuntited, @djgooey, @xposedmedia, @extrovert!

Angus Legg…someone you need to know

Melbourne’s Angus Legg has released his latest track , the emotionally fueled ‘Someone I Never Knew’. Angus wrote this touching track while grieving the death of his father, the lyrics contain profound wisdom with lyrics that include “a loved one cannot experience who you are today, and ultimately never know who you are to become.” We got the chance to ask Angus about the creation of this beautiful song and its accompanying video and what is was like to work with his housemate San Joseph who served as producer on the single.

Michelle Symes4 June 2023@anguslegg, @beehivepr, @sanjoseph, @edsheeren

The Women of Soul

“Only 23% of APRA members are women, male directors dominate music boards, men are winning more awards and the ARIA Hall Of Fame has only 11 female artists among its 75 inductees”, with statistics like this it’s clear that Women are not being seen or represented enough in Australia’s music industry. We spoke to Chelsea Wilson, the Executive Director of the Women of Soul project about WOS’s new album ‘Feel Good’, the issues faced by women in the industry and ways we can try and change the narrative for the future.

Partying with Ghost Care

Indie - Altrock band, Ghost Care are making some big moves early in 2023, with the release of a new song titled ‘Partying’ and joining their mates Spacey Jane on their regional NSW & Qld tour as main support. MFA interrupted the trio to ask them about the tour, what goes into making their set lists and about some of the funny things they have seen happen backstage while being on the road.

Michelle Symes27 May 2023@ghostcare, @spaceyjane, @beehivepr

Josh Allen is ready for KickAss

This September will see the 2nd edition of the KickAss Music & Camping Festival kick off at Kenilworth on the Sunshine Coast, KickAss is a family friendly, camping festival with a sound-track supplied by a selection of the best Australian rock you could hope to find on one lineup. MFA caught up with Festival Director Josh Allen to ask him about the events origins, what makes KickAss so special and what punters can look forward to at this event that will run from the 8th - 9th of September.

Sydney’s Sooks

Sydney, Indie rock band, The Sooks have released their brand new song ‘Burn Me Out’. A song filled with a driving rhythm, punchy guitar riffs and captivating vocals, ‘Burn Me Out’ sums up the feeling of alienation and disconnection from the world, and the frustration that come with feeling stuck in a rut. We caught up with Corey from The Sooks to ask him about the new single, the band’s formation and that name.

Michelle Symes17 May 2023@thekooks, @beehivepr, @jacknigro, @sonorastudios, @lyallmoloney

It's all Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir at The Espy

The iconic Sunshine and Disco Faith Choir have announced a special 3 show residency at the equally iconic ‘Gershwin Room’ at The Espy. The Disco Faith Choir was the brainchild of Sunshine, one of Melbourne’s most renowned DJ’s and producers, with the choir fusing her infectious club-ready house and techno vision, with a live gospel choir to create a uniquely epic sound. We caught up with Sunshine to ask her about the creation of the Disco Faith Choir, The Espy residency and her dream to collaborate with Adele or Roisin Murphy one day.

LÂLKA the creator

Borneo-born, Meanjin/Brisbane-based artist, producer, multi-instrumentalist and DJ LÂLKA has released the glossy but "hyperintense" Romance + Rebellion, the title track from her forthcoming mixtape. The mixtape will be released independently on Friday the 2nd of June, launching with an accessibility-minded hometown show on the 18th of next month. We got the opportunity to talk to LALKA and ask her about Romance + Rebellion, her upcoming launch and the many labels she carries proudly.

Michelle Symes10 May 2023@lalka, @specialinterest, @aphir, @triplej, @quivr

Siobhan Cotchin is Miss Reckless

Siobhan Cotchin has returned with a fierce and empowered new single ‘If God Is A Man’. This latest single tells of her opposition to the discrimination and hatred she has witnessed across the globe. ‘If God Is A Man’ comes from Siobhan’s sophomore EP ‘Miss Reckless’, which also features previously released singles ‘How Does It Feel’ & ‘When The Curtains Close’. Siobhan took a break in her hectic touring schedule to chat to us about the new track, touring with Kingswood and that time she met Phoebe Bridgers at the Laneway Festival.

See you at The Boogie Bar

A brand new place to go on a Saturday night is opening in Melbourne. Your new home of House, Disco and Classics, The Boogie Bar located Chapel Street launches on the 6th of May with 2 levels, free entry, happy hour from 8pm-10pm and even an open-fire cocktail bar. Perfect for those winter Saturday nights in Melbourne. We caught up with The Boogie Bar’s owner Mark James to ask him about the new venture and what people can expect when heading to the new place to be.

Michelle Symes27 April 2023@xposedmedia, @theboogiebar, @markjames

AUS VRS VIBES's new live stage concept

AUS VRS VIBES is a new concept for live music performance in Australia, with two acts on one stage. In this original presentation, bands will play song for song as opposed to the traditional “battle” model, there is no competition, this is more of a showcase of talent, a comradery of musicians banding together to just play music. We caught up with some of the artists to ask them about this special concept and what fans can expect.