LARGE MIRAGE REVEL IN HAZY UPBEAT BLISS VIA NEW SINGLE TAKING MY TIME + ANNOUNCE TAKING MY TIME TOUR KICKING OFF THIS WEEK
Harnessing the heady days of 60s and 70s psychedelic rock into a charismatic track lined with crisp power pop leanings, Sydney rockers LARGE MIRAGE return today with new single Taking My Time, alongside the announcement of a special run of shows that kicked off on Friday with a mind-altering set at Party In The Paddock, and will then move through NSW and VIC for a string of shows.
Performing at Waywards in Sydney on Saturday February 15, LARGE MIRAGE will also take their live show on the road to Victoria this March, with shows locked in on Friday March 7 in Brunswick, Saturday March 8 at Cohuna for Home Ground Sounds Festival, also on Saturday March 8 at Melbourne’s Cherry Bar, and on Sunday 9 March in Abbotsford. The band will also perform on Sunday March 23 in Wollongong and are locked in to perform at Meatstock on Saturday May 10 alongside the likes of Bliss n Eso, Illy, Furnace and the Fundamentals and more. Tickets for all shows are available from www.largemirage.com.
Expanding on their trademark vintage flavours, Taking My Time finds LARGE MIRAGE at their utmost earworm best, with punchy guitars, swooning vocals and infectious melodics all swirling together to conjure a sonic rabbit hole you’ll definitely want to revisit, complete with a transcendental jam break to set your senses on insatiably groovy fire. “Taking My Time is a labour of love that shows another dimension to the band,” shares LARGE MIRAGE of their latest single, “a crunchy power pop number that’s become a crowd pleaser at every show. This is one we’re super excited to show the world.”
Also accompanied by a perfectly retro-themed visualiser, complete with the LARGE MIRAGE crew decked out in their 70s finest, Taking My Timesignals an exciting new chapter for the Sydney quartet, following on from their 2024 double A side Be My Guide/Be My Friend, and their debut release, 2023’s A Side To Blame. And with their live performances already quickly becoming the stuff of legend, hailed by Scenestr as not just “reviving classic rock; they’re reinventing it with fresh fire” and The Rockpit declaring “the sky is the limit and I predict they will be ones to watch…closely”, LARGE MIRAGE’s upcoming performances launching their latest track will undoubtedly further stamp this extremely magnetic group’s reputation for captivating an entire room from start to finish; a time warp without ever leaving the room helmed by four extremely absorbing artists.
Spinning modern magic into throwback psychedelic hard rock tropes, LARGE MIRAGE drawn on iconic inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Cream, The Who, Deep Purple, Jefferson Airplane, Ten Years After and Steppenwolf, along with more modern leanings a la Greta Van Fleet also pulsing at the core of the LARGE MIRAGE musical cauldron. Enamouring with their earlier releases, including singles like Going Insane, Dream Machine and When The Morning Shines, the group most recently showcased their equal tenacity for pop sensibilities with 2024’s Be My Guide/Be My Friend; and, as of 2025, LARGE MIRAGE have stepped fearlessly into showcasing their multi-faceted appeal and talent, with Taking My Time only the beginning of some huge things to come from this Sydney act.
Taking My Time is out today. Tickets to the shows are available now from www.largemirage.com
LARGE MIRAGE – UPCOMING SHOWS:
Tickets available from www.largemirage.com
SAT 15 FEB | WAYWARDS AT BANK HOTEL, NEWTOWN NSW
Single launch with special guests Avalanche, Starcrazy & Pocketwatch
FRI 7 MAR | THE RETREAT HOTEL, BRUNSWICK VIC
With special guests HOLiDAY MYSTICS & Ramona Sky
SAT 8 MAR | HOME GROUND SOUNDS FESTIVAL, COHUNA VIC
With Zak Armstrong, 19Twenty, Rob Mills & more headliner announcements coming soon
SAT 8 MAR | CHERRY BAR, MELBOURNE VIC
With special guests HOLiDAY MYSTICS
SUN 9 MAR | LULIE TAVERN, ABBOTSFORD VIC
With special guests Wobbegong
SUN 23 MAR | NORTH GONG HOTEL, WOLLONGONG NSW
With Verge Collection, Belvedere & Denim On Her
SAT 10 MAY | MEATSTOCK, OLYMPIC PARK SYDNEY, NSW
With Bliss n Eso, Illy, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Hot Potato Band, Andy Golledge Band & more
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ADD TWO NEW HEADLINE SHOWS TO AUS TOUR: PALAIS MELBOURNE AND HOTA GOLD COAST
Iconic Californian rock royalty, Stone Temple Pilots have added two new headline shows to their Australian tour, announcing Palais Theatre (Melbourne) for March 2 and HOTA (Gold Coast) for March 8, tickets available now from www.teamwrktouring.com.
Set to make their long-awaited return to Australian shores next month to celebrate the 30th anniversary of ‘Purple‘, the group’s chart-topping, multi-platinum sophomore album, their Australian audience is primed and ready, with Adelaide and Brisbane shows fully sold out, and Sydney and Newcastle shows today issued with a low ticket warning.
Stone Temple Pilots will perform their legendary album ‘Purple‘ in its entirety at each show, alongside Aussie rock stalwarts, Wolfmother jumping in on the national run of shows to warm audiences up with their myriad of hits.
Released on June 7, 1994, Purple was the highly anticipated follow-up to Stone Temple Pilots’ 1992 debut, Core, which sold over eight million copies and earned a GRAMMY Award. The album debuted at number 1 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart and quickly became a fan favourite, selling over six million copies. Purple features some of the group’s most beloved tracks, including Interstate Love Song and Vasoline, which topped the Mainstream Rock Tracks chart. It also includes Big Empty, a song that first appeared on the film soundtrack for The Crow. The song was a massive Top 10 hit on mainstream and modern rock charts and won the MTV Movie Award for Best Song in a Movie.
After the massive success of their North American Jubilee Tour, the band is excited to continue the celebration with their Aussie fans.
Tickets to the ‘Purple’ anniversary tour are on sale now, for further information, visit www.teamwrktouring.com.
STONE TEMPLE PILOTS ‘PURPLE’ 30TH ANNIVERSARY AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2025
FRI 28 FEB | ICC SYDNEY THEATRE | SYDNEY, NSW
SUN 2 MAR | PALAIS THEATRE | MELBOURNE, VIC
MON 3 MAR | HINDLEY ST MUSIC HALL | ADELAIDE, SA
WED 5 MAR | NEX | NEWCASTLE, NSW
FRI 7 MAR | FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE, QLD
SAT 8 MAR | HOTA | GOLD COAST, QLD
CHARLES MAIMAROSIA SHARES MESMERISING NEW SINGLE ROROPAU NEW ALBUM HOTE’ HOTE’ SET FOR RELEASE FEBRUARY 21
Blending tradition with modern-yet-immersive flair, the new single Roropau from Solomon Islands-born, Melbourne-based creative Charles Maimarosia connects deeply with his Are’ Are’ roots while also showcasing his buoyant craftsmanship, with the latest single heralding the upcoming release of Maimarosia’s sophomore album, Hote’ Hote, due out on Friday February 21 via Wantok Musik, available to pre-save now.
A deeply authentic and soulful artist, heavily inspired by his own culture and experiences, Charles Maimarosia once again weaves a firm essence stemming from his upbringing and his continuing journey as an Are’ Are’ artist into the new track Roropau. Adapting a traditional Are’ Are’ lullaby with Andrew Robinson also working on the single’s arrangement and production, the end result for Roropau is one that celebrates both culture and nurturing beauty, as Maimarosia explains, “Releasing Roropau feels deeply personal and meaningful. It’s a moment where I get to share an intimate part of my heritage, connecting the traditional Are’ Are’ lullaby with a modern audience. The song represents both my roots and my journey as an artist. I feel a mix of pride, gratitude, and excitement to share it with the world. Roropau is a lullaby passed down through generations in Are’ Are’ culture. It’s about the connection between mother and child, the soothing power of song, and the love that nurtures and protects. My inspiration came from hearing my elders sing it and realising the beauty in its simplicity and depth. It’s my way of preserving and sharing that legacy with the world.”
“The foundations of my sound always come from the Are’ Are’ traditions,” Maimarosia continues, “our panpipes, our rhythms, and our storytelling. Beyond that, artists like David Bridie, who has been a guiding presence in my career, and other Pacific musicians who celebrate their heritage have inspired me.”
To channel the core of the original lullaby into a modern setting, Maimarosia worked alongside Andrew Robinson on Roropau, who lent his specialised understanding of arranging and production to both the latest single as well as the broader Hote’ Hote’ album, resulting in music that revels in nuance and seamlessly blends tradition with contemporary charm. “Andrew is someone who truly understands how to honour the cultural elements of the music while enhancing them with modern techniques,” shares Maimarosia. “The mixing and mastering were done by a team who have experience bringing out the best in both acoustic and world music, ensuring the song retains its organic, heartfelt essence.”
Opening with the rumbling percussion of Parani O’o, Maimarosia’s new album Hote’ Hote’ ultimately journeys the listener through 12 unforgettable tracks overall, each celebrating Maimarosia’s Are’ Are’ cultural heritage as well as his musical dexterity. From his impassioned and gripping vocals through to glistening guitars and ethereal panpipes, Maimarosia also enamours with his immersive storytelling that beats throughout his sophomore album, singing entirely in his native tongue while effortlessly allowing stories and themes to translate seamlessly via his delivery and musicianship. Whether balancing traditional instrumentation with swooning arrangements (Rokahanua), gifting sunny sonic vibrancy (title track Hote’ Hote’), driving-yet-stirring anthems (Nanaratana Hu’ A Kuramauri), swirling textures (Haiamasina), jubilant and jangly panpipe-driven delights (Manu Ki), toe-tapping modernity balanced with virtuosic solos (Wote’ Wote’), balmy bliss (Kiaka Ha’ Apaina), laidback vibes with hazy tones akin to floating on azure waters (Na A’ Ma Si’ O), raw and riveting emotives (A’ Mamaiuru and Nanaratana Tetemanu), or sublime updates on traditional Are’ Are’ songs (Roropau), Charles Maimarosia retains a rooted and soulful presence throughout Hote’ Hote’, with the gifted artist also physically journeying to locations to authentically inspire and enhance his overall creative vision for the project. “Some of my favourite memories making this album include sailing in traditional canoes to remote villages to find inspiration and recording sessions where the team truly understood the importance of every sound we captured,” shares Maimarosia. “Working with Andrew Robinson on arrangements was another highlight—his ability to translate Are’ Are’ traditions into a modern soundscape was incredible.”
“The album explores themes of voyaging, family, love, and cultural preservation,” Maimarosia continues. “It celebrates the beauty of the Pacific, the strength of community, and the stories of my ancestors. It’s also a call for unity and respect across all cultures and generations. And also my own journey from small Pi Pi Su village in Malatia Solomon Islands to Australia and touring the world following and sharing My culture and music from the age of 17.”
An award-winning performer and storyteller, Charles Maimarosia is renowned for being a musician of important custom knowledge, and an artist dedicated to cultural preservation. Growing up in the remote Pipisu village of Malaita, Maimarosia developed a profound interest in ‘Are ‘Are music at a young age since inheriting his first handmade coconut shell ukulele from his father, and witnessing ‘auu rerepi’ panpipe performances and Are’ Are’ drum ensembles as a child. Starting his musical journey performing amongst his community and communicating ancient songs of his ancestors with hand-made pan pipes, Maimarosia has since gone on to tour the globe for over a decade, including as the frontman, choreographer and songwriter of the acclaimed panpipe orchestra Narasirato, as well as representing Australia and Solomon Islands at the G20 Summit in India, and on stage at the likes of WOMADelaide, the Blue Mountains Music Festival, and the National Folk Festival. Since relocating to Melbourne in 2010 to focus on his solo career and signing to Wantok Musik, Maimarosia has released a solo debut album, 2016’s Are’Are, and received the Music Victoria Diaspora Award in 2022.
Alongside the upcoming release of his sophomore album, Maimarosia is also set to perform some of his captivating creations live as of next month, offering fans a chance to experience his latest material in a live setting while also celebrating storytelling and traditional and modern Are’ Are’ music.
“Fans can expect an immersive experience,” Maimarosia reveals of his upcoming performances, “Are’ Are’ drums, panpipes, and rhythms blending with modern instruments. I want the audience to feel the heart of the Solomon Islands, the power of our stories, and the joy of coming together through music.”
“I am a storyteller at heart,” Maimarosia continues. “My music is an extension of my culture and my identity as an Are’ Are’ artist. I strive to blend tradition and modernity, preserving the wisdom of my ancestors while making it relevant to today’s world. At the same time, I’m constantly learning and evolving through collaboration and new experiences.”
“I hope this latest single and my upcoming album inspire people to value their roots and the stories that make them who they are. For me, music is more than sound—it’s a bridge between generations, a way to connect hearts and share wisdom. I’m grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Roropau is out today via Wantok Musik.
Hote’ Hote’ is due out on Friday February 21 via Wantok Musik, pre-save now from https://ffm.to/cmhotehote.
CHARLES MAIMAROSIA – UPCOMING SHOWS:
SAT 8 FEB | ODESSA AT LEAVER’S HOTEL, CRESWICK VIC
Tickets available from: https://events.humanitix.com/charles-maimarosia-hote-hote-album-launch
SAT 15 FEB | GEORGE LANE, ST KILDA VIC
with special guest Pirritu
Tickets available from: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1301782
FRI 21 FEB | WAUCHOPE ARTS HALL, WAUCHOPE NSW
Tickets available in January 2025 from: https://wauchopearts.org.au/
SAT 22 FEB | RED RATTLER, MARRICKVILLE NSW
with special guest Zippy Anu
Tickets available from: https://events.humanitix.com/charles-maimarosia-hote-hote-album-launch-with-special-guests
SUN 23 FEB | SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE, CANBERRA ACT
with special guests Dean Abbott Band
Tickets available from: https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/charles-maimarosia-88669