THE AUDREYS RELEASE FIRST NEW MUSIC IN 10 YEARS UNVEILING THE PENSIVE COUNTRY GEM SECONDHAND BOOTS
Renowned for their glimmering pastiche of alternative country and beyond, today ARIA Award-winning act The Audreys return with a stunning slice of brooding country, releasing new single Secondhand Boots; the first new music from The Audreys in 10 years, alongside their 20th anniversary as a band in 2024.
Based around a real-life experience for vocalist Taasha Coates, Secondhand Boots lulls you with gentle yet driving rhythms, glistening instrumentals and the hauntingly intimate vocal stylings of Coates herself. A heart-rending and melancholic country delight, Secondhand Boots also arrives as The Audreys’ first new music in a decade, with the end result launching a sublime new era for the group, laden with tangible narratives. “On our last tour we did a cover of Lonely Girls by Lucinda Williams,” shares Coates, “and we love the way the track locks into a gentle but driving two-feel and sticks to it throughout the whole song. Our drummer Beej would stand at the front and play shaker, something that is surprisingly difficult to do well. So that song became a reference track for us when we were recording Secondhand Boots because it was such a fave.”
“I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in my life, but a few years ago I made an absolute doozy,” Coates adds. “This song is about that, and that’s pretty much all I can say without getting sued. They are my boots in the cover art. I bought them in Texas nearly 20 years ago, so they’d have
some stories to tell. Sadly, they’re not actually the secondhand boots referred to in the song – those ones I threw away.
With Coates working alongside a talented array of musicians to create this new single, guitarist Tom Kneebone, bassist Felicity Freeman, and drummer Beej Barker, Secondhand Boots also added some extra sparkle courtesy of producer and engineer Ryan Martin John of Cactus Cactus Sound, and mastering by MaderVMusic’s Alex Mader. And as if the reality of a brand new The Audreys track wasn’t enough excitement for one day, Coates also showcases a brand new skillset brewed during the pandemic years on Secondhand Boots, adding yet another creative string to her bow, as she explains, “During Covid I learned to play the guitar (I’m a piano player) and I’m playing high-strung on this track. It’s pretty quiet in the mix, to be fair, but it’s in there. I’m super proud.”
Formed back in 2004 by Coates and guitarist Tristan Goodall, The Audreys have gone on to release four full-length albums, with 2006’s Between Last Night and Us, 2008’s When the Flood Comes and 2011’s Sometimes the Stars all taking home the ARIA Award for Best Blues & Roots Album, as well as their most recent album, 2014’s ‘Til My Tears Roll Away scoring an ARIA nomination itself. Renowned for their dynamic and silken sonic wiles, The Audreys became a beloved fixture on the Australian touring scene, with countless gigs in their wake, and have also ticked off club and festival shows in North America, the UK, and Europe. Hitting pause briefly in 2016, with Coates releasing her first solo album, Taasha Coates and Her Melancholy Sweethearts, The Audreys continued to share their musical magic and tour up until the COVID years hit; and, devastatingly, The Audreys journey changed irrevocably in 2022 with the untimely passing of Goodall. “Tristan and I started The Audreys in 2004, so this year marks our 20th anniversary,” shares Coates. “Sadly, we lost of beautiful Tristan in 2022, but before he passed he gave me his blessing to continue the band without him. I’ve been playing with my current band for about three years now and safe to say they’re the greatest group of musicians anyone could ever hope to work with.”
“Losing Tristan really devastated me, he’d been my dearest friend for 25 years, but we remember and honour his legacy all the time on stage and in the studio. I’ve been healing through music.”
A pensive yet charismatic return, and one that heralds an exciting new creative chapter for The Audreys closing out 2024 and looking ahead into the new year, Secondhand Boots is equally a heartbreaker and a crystalline triumph, channelling everything fans have known and loved The Audreys for over the past 20 years into something tantalising and new.
“I have waited a long time for this, so I am relieved, excited and terrified in equal measure,” Coates concludes. “Putting out new music is always scary, but we have lovely fans who’ve been waiting patiently for something new from us for a while and I’m so thrilled that we can finally deliver for them. I hope they love it as much as we do.”
Secondhand Boots is out today, Friday November 15.
LENNY PEARCE ANNOUNCES FAMILY-FRIENDLY REEF RAVE TOUR WITH SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS THIS SUMMER CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS
Unless you’ve been living in a pineapple under the sea, multi-Platinum and ARIA-nominated DJ and producer Lenny Pearce will need zero introduction. One of the fastest-rising stars in the electronic music scene, Pearce has cemented a global reputation as the trailblazing architect of Toddler Techno and Baby Raves, also working internationally with a star-studded who’s who of beloved kids’ characters and companies. And who better to celebrate the 25th anniversary of everybody’s favourite undersea sensation SpongeBob SquarePants, with Pearce today announcing the Reef Rave tour, jumping on the road this summer to officially commemorate SpongeBob’s quarter of a century milestone.
Kicking off in SA at Adelaide’s Hindley St Music Hall on 21 December, the Reef Rave will then paddle through NSW, WA and VIC, before finishing up in QLD at Toowoomba’s Regent Theatre on 9 March.
Tickets for the Reef Rave tour go onsale to the general public on Friday 15 November at 9am local time from teamwrktouring.com/tours/lenny-pearce-reef-rave, and fans can register for presale tickets now, with the 24 hour presale kicking off on Thursday 14 November at 9am local time.
$1 from every ticket will be donated to the Children’s Hospital Foundation. This is a foundation that funds cutting-edge equipment, vital research and on-the-ground support for kids with all illnesses, injuries and conditions, throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales.
The underwater inspired, fun-filled family day out will include an array of roving performers, face painting, singing, dancing, and of course, Pearce’s famous Toddler Techno Show, with special appearances by Pearce’s favourite friend Kuma The Monkey live, as well as some special surprise guests in store, all in honour of Bikini Bottom’s favourite fry cook, SpongeBob SquarePants. “My Reef Rave is the ultimate day out for the modern family, from newborns through to grandparents – I’ve seen them all from the last tour,” shares Pearce. “It’s an interactive show for the kids, and fun music for both kids AND parents. Families always dress up at my shows, so I’m excited to see how the outfits look at an underwater themed event.”
Honouring a quarter of a century since Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants first leapt onto screens back in 1999, the Reef Rave tour ultimately evolved from Pearce’s viral reworking of another children’s fave; and in news set to delight both the young and the young at heart, chances are high that attendees may very well be able to meet the sponge of the hour when Pearce takes to the stage across the summer. “Earlier this year I remixed a few theme songs like the Paw Patrol theme song. It went viral on social media, which opened the doors to working much more closely with Nickelodeon,” shares Pearce. “SpongeBob is turning 25 this year, so we thought it would be good to celebrate his birthday together! We’re planning on having him attend some shows, take photos with the little ones, maybe even sing happy birthday at each show. SpongeBob played a huge role in everyone’s childhood so we’re going to involve him as much as we can in each city. It’s really exciting!”
The renowned pioneer of Toddler Techno, Lenny Pearce is at heart a dad and a DJ, with the talented artist specialising in remixing songs that toddlers know, and that parents can vibe to. A multi-generational sensation, Lenny Pearce is also beloved for his creative talents witnessed as a member of Justice Crew, the Australian dance-pop collective that stormed their way to taking out the crown of Australia’s Got Talent in 2010. Also the brother of fellow Justice Crew member and current Purple Wiggle John Pearce, Lenny Pearce is a born creative, with his recent rise to stardom coming in the wake of 12 months of high octane activations, including a #1 ARIA accredited techno album with The Wiggles, viral renditions of Wheels On The Bus and Macerena, and his infectious YouTube videos that are entertaining children and parents alike, all over the world.
Back in 1999, the landscape of animated TV was changed forever with the advent of a yellow sponge stealing hearts and primetime instantly. SpongeBob SquarePants has gone on to delight generations of viewers, with the show’s whimsical setting, humour and heart amassing a legacy that also extends to video games, merchandise and theme park attractions. Now celebrating 25 years since the world was introduced to SpongeBob himself, his loveable neighbour Patrick, the money-loving Mr. Crabs, the maniacal schemes of Plankton, and the colourful setting of Bikini Bottom as a whole, it’s little wonder why SpongeBob’s joy and laughter has led to it becoming one of the most loved cartoons in history.
Cool off this summer and submerge the family in Lenny Pearce‘s Reef Rave tour, an engaging and inclusive fun filled activity for the entire family.
Tickets for Lenny Pearce’s Reef Rave tour are available Friday 15 November from teamwrktouring.com/tours/lenny-pearce-reef-rave.
LENNY PEARCE – REEF RAVE TOUR
Tickets from teamwrktouring.com/tours/lenny-pearce-reef-rave
SAT 21 DEC | HINDLEY ST MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE, SA | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
THU 16 JAN | THE CUBE, CAMPBELLTOWN, NSW | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
FRI 17 JAN | NORTHS, CAMMERAY, NSW | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 18 JAN | EVERGLADES, WOY WOY, NSW | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
THU 23 JAN | REHCABITE HALL, PERTH, WA | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
FRI 24 JAN | REHCABITE HALL, PERTH, WA | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 1 FEB | CHELSEA HEIGHTS HOTEL, CHELSEA HEIGHTS, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SUN 2 FEB | SHOPPINGTOWN HOTEL, DONCASTER, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 15 FEB | 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 1 MAR | HELLO SUNSHINE FESTIVAL, MELBOURNE, VIC | AA
Tickets available HERE
SUN 2 MAR | GEELONG ARTS CENTRE, GEELONG, VIC | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
SAT 8 MAR | HELLO SUNSHINE FESTIVAL, GOLD COAST, QLD | AA
Tickets available HERE
SUN 9 MAR | ARMITAGE CENTRE – REGENT THEATRE, TOOWOOMBA, QLD | AA
Tickets available from www.teamwrktouring.com
FRENCH SPACE POP ICONS AIR RECREATE THEIR VOYAGE TO THE MOON, ANNOUNCE EXCLUSIVE MELBOURNE SHOW AS PART OF ALWAYS LIVE 2024 PERFORMING DEBUT ALBUM MOON SAFARI IN FULL ON DECEMBER 4 AT SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL
A quarter of a century ago, two young French musicians embarked on a journey through the cosmos, returning to Earth armed with an album that would define a generation, soundtrack countless celluloid moments, and garner resounding critical and commercial acclaim. Releasing their debut record Moon Safari in 1998, French electronic duo Air oozed with lush electronics, swooning songcraft and lashings of irresistible European-hued retro-futurism across the album’s 10 tracks, the iconic album continues to entice listeners into its kaleidoscopic wonderland to this very day.
In celebration of the 25th anniversary since its release, Air are pleased to announce today a return down under for an exclusive Melbourne show as part of the 2024 ALWAYS LIVE 17-day celebration of live music across Victoria. Performing the iconic Moon Safarifrom start to finish, the Sidney Myer Music Bowl will be immersed in this dreamy sonic feast, under the stars, for one night only on December 4.
Presented by ALWAYS LIVE and TEG MJR, tickets for Air’s exclusive Melbourne performance are available from Tuesday 12 November from 10am AEDT from Ticketek, with a fan presale kicking off Monday 11 November at 10am AEDT.
Fittingly for the cosmic and prismatically-crafted album that would launch Air into musical infamy, band members Nicolas Godin andJean-Benoît Dunckel met while at university studying astrophysics and architecture, going on to collide their musical talents to form Airin the mid-90s. Announcing themselves to the world bathed in sounds of chilled electronica and retro-futurism, their 1998 debut full-length Moon Safari became a bona fide pop culture sensation, selling millions of copies with inescapable hits like Sexy Boy, Kelly Watch the Stars and All I Need. Moon Safari’s downtempo sound catapulted the album into a defining soundtrack of the era, with touches of David Bowie, Beck and Madonna, and influencing artists such as Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker, Charlotte Gainsbourg and
filmmaker Sofia Coppola – with whom Air would go on to collaborate with, penning music for the 1993 film The Virgin Suicides.
Moon Safari topped the year-end lists of acclaimed publications and was named one of the greatest albums of the 90s by Rolling Stone; since reflecting on their early days, Dunckel recalled their modest ambitions, “We were a duo doing some electronic thing, dreaming of selling 10,000 copies and being recognised by other musicians as cool. Then suddenly, we met the world.” Now, 25 years later, the enduring appeal of Moon Safari is unmistakable. It remains a timeless mood, a sonic haven that bewitches you in a state of bliss throughout. As Dunckel describes it, the album is “a deep, universal spell, full of love and mystery,” while Godin simply calls it “perfect.”
Speaking on this special upcoming performance from Air in Melbourne, ALWAYS LIVE Chief Executive Officer Psyche Payne shares, “It’s incredible to watch our season grow, giving even more opportunities for people to enjoy live music right here in Victoria. Adding the legendary duo AIR to our 2024 program, performing their iconic Moon Safari album in an open-air setting, is an exciting highlight in an already jam-packed 17 days of live music across the state. It’s moments like these that capture the essence of what ALWAYS LIVE is all about – creating unforgettable music experiences for fans and artists alike”
Often imitated but seldom equalled, few live performances can boast the transcendental magnetism that Air possess. And 25 years on, Moon Safari has lost none of its beguiling magic; it’s a mood that invites you to lose yourself in the music forever.
Tickets for Air’s exclusive Melbourne performance go on sale Tuesday 12 November 2024, 10am [local].
AIR PLAY MOON SAFARI
WED 4 DEC | SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL, MELBOURNE VIC | ALL AGES | TICKETS
Tickets available Tuesday 12 November, 2024. 10am local time from Ticketek
Press Images available HERE
Tour art available HERE
For more information, visit:
mjrpresents.com/
airfrenchband.com/
ABOUT ALWAYS LIVE:
This event is part of ALWAYS LIVE, a 17-day statewide celebration of more than 100 shows of contemporary live music supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria. The ALWAYS LIVE program showcases over 400 artists, including 300 homegrown talents from Victoria, featuring some of Australia’s hottest emerging artists alongside beloved international and Australian acts. ALWAYS LIVE will take place exclusively in Victoria from November 22 to December 8, 2024. Visit alwayslive.com.au for program details and ticket information.
About TEG MJR:
TEG MJR is owned by TEG Pty Limited, Australasia’s leading Ticketing, Live Entertainment and Data Analytics Company. TEG operates worldwide out of seven country offices and includes Ticketek, Ticketek Marketplace, Ticketek UK, Ticketek New Zealand, Ticketek Malaysia, Ticketek Philippines, Eventopia, Softix, TEG Live, TEG Dainty, TEG Sport, TEG Van Egmond, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, SXSW Sydney, TEG Theatrical, TEG Lifelike Touring, TEG TES Live, Brickman, Rugby Live, TEG Europe, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, FAN+, VIP NOW and Ovation.