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
MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW, AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST GUITAR SHOW RETURNS IN 2025 WITH A NEW VENUE + A STACKED PROGRAM
Melbourne Guitar Show returns as Australia’s biggest guitar show in 2025, with this year’s edition also marking a milestone for the iconic event, moving to a new home alongside an incredible lineup of performers, workshops and more locked and loaded for this March. The Victoria Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds is set to play host to Australia’s ultimate showcase of guitars, amps, pedals and lots of other gear on Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2; and with a new venue, a brand new layout and a reimagined program offering a horde of new ideas, workshops and live opportunities, 2025’s Melbourne Guitar Show will undeniably be the ultimate mecca for axe-slingers and riff-bringers of all ages.
Of the 2025 Melbourne Guitar Show edition, producer of Melbourne Guitar Show Alex Masso shares, “This will be an unmissable event for guitar fans, you will just have to be there to see our new home and what we have planned for this year. We have picked up new ideas from our audience, brands, musicians and other events. Fans of the Melbourne Guitar Show will recognise it but we’re making the show even better for more people to enjoy.”
Tickets for the Melbourne Guitar Show are on sale now from www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au. Early bird ticket discounts are available now, with affordable prices and early bird adult day passes under $30 available now. Simply purchase your Melbourne Guitar Show tickets online now and save.
Presented by the Australian Music Association, sponsored by Marsh and supported by Australian Musician, PBS, Beat and Mixdown, the 2025 Melbourne Guitar Show will also feature a new Make Music program supported by the NAMM Foundation. Offering Australia’s largest showcase of guitars, guitar products and guitar playing, the Melbourne Guitar Show celebrates the versatility and endless possibility of the world’s most popular instrument in a new and more accessible venue in 2025. With the new venue, Victoria Pavilion at Melbourne Showgrounds, the event will be more accessible and easier to navigate this year; with the show operating entirely on one level, moving around the event is a breeze and you won’t miss a thing! And for those who want to explore and talk about guitars in a quieter setting, for the first time ever the Melbourne Guitar Show this year will also host ‘quiet mornings’, where amplifiers won’t be used by exhibitors, bringing down the volume for a more intimate and sensory-friendly setting.
PERFORMANCES AND SESSIONS
The impressive 2025 lineup features a diverse range of genres, guitars, and presenters, including rock, blues, jazz, funk, Americana, flamenco, and more, with none other than Aussie powerhouse Dallas Frasca headlining on Saturday 1 March set to ignite the Melbourne Guitar Show stage with plenty of trademark raw and rock-soaked energy. Also locked in for the Saturday program, the 30th anniversary of Australian Musician Magazine will be celebrated with a special session in conversation with Aussie guitar lord and all-round music icon Paul Dempsey, along with performances from flamenco guitarist Richard Tedesco, and renowned singer-songwriter and guitarist Gretta Ziller. Sunday’s event will see revered guitarist and founding member of Battlesnake, Paul Mason, bring his critically-acclaimed event In Honour of Jeff Beck to the Melbourne Guitar show, along with performances from guitar prodigy Minnie Marks, Aussie guitar supergroup Triple Fret, featuring Kathleen Halloran, Jimi Hocking and Geoff Achison, and neo-funk instrumental act The CB3. Check out the full performer list here.
MAKE MUSIC PROGRAM
For the first time in 2025, the Melbourne Guitar Show will feature the Make Music program, supported by the NAMM Foundation. As part of Make Music Australia, a national campaign celebrating and promoting music-making, this special program will inspire and inform music makers about a range of playing styles and songwriting, with Rock Academy and I Heart Songwriting Club presenting workshops and showcases.
GEAR UTOPIA
As always, the jewel in the crown of the Melbourne Guitar Show’s unique offering is the vast collection of guitars, pedals, amps and other gear on display, spanning everything from the biggest global brands through to local luthiers building only a handful of guitars per year. This year’s show features a separate Fender room and a national showcase of Australian guitar brands including Melbourne’s own Maton Guitars and Cole Clark Guitars, Ormsby Guitars from WA, Fenech Guitars and Pratley Guitars from QLD, Mark Gilbert Guitars (TAS), Crossley Guitars, as well as new brands launching at the show including SKOL Guitars and Poschelk Guitars (QLD). You’ll be able to see gear in action, and try and buy at the show, all while enjoying the incredible array of performances, workshops and more on offer. Check out the exhibitor list here.
ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS
As a leading advocate for music making and music education, the show’s producer, Alex Masso, has also included plenty of opportunities to learn and be inspired across the two days this March. A series of guitar playing styles workshops will run on Sunday, as well as songwriting workshops on Saturday. And on the main stage YouTubers Leon Todd and Gabor from The SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal Show will take you through how to use a range of gear for different styles of playing.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The Melbourne Guitar Show is a family friendly event, with free tickets for under 12’s making it an affordable price for a family day out. Grab a bite to eat from the food trucks outside, and for the adults, the main stage will also operate with a licensed bar. This event is perfect for guitar-lovers of all ages; bring the kids to inspire the next generation of guitar lovers!
EARLY BIRD TICKET DISCOUNT
Purchase your Melbourne Guitar Show tickets online now and save. Prices increase from February 14. www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au/tickets.
Don’t miss Australia’s biggest guitar show in its brand-new home and with an exciting new program in 2025; the show will feature an array of Australian guitar heroes and plenty of surprises, with something truly on offer for everyone – and a guarantee that you’ll hear something for the first time.
“The guitar is still the most popular instrument and there’s a lot of tradition, innovation, and creativity in the world of guitars,” shares Masso. “We’re showcasing the lot – local guitar heroes and lesser-known players, iconic global brands and new models from brands that are actually launching at our show.”
“We want people to be excited about playing music, in particular playing the guitar, that’s the way it should be,” Masso concludes. “You walk in and see a huge range of gear, a packed program of performances and workshops, there’s a lot to take in, but that’s what it’s all about. We want people to be excited about seeing, hearing, learning and trying new things, excited about making music whether it’s at home playing for fun, in the studio, on stage, or jamming with friends.”
The Melbourne Guitar Show will be held at Melbourne Showgrounds on Saturday March 1 and Sunday March 2, 2025.
Tickets are on sale now from https://melbourneguitarshow.com.au/tickets/
Visit the Melbourne Guitar Show site at www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au for the latest show announcements and information.
MELBOURNE GUITAR SHOW ‘25
Tickets available from https://www.melbourneguitarshow.com.au/tickets
SAT 1 MAR | VICTORIA PAVILION, MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS VIC | LIC AA
Featuring Performances From
DALLAS FRASCA
AUSTRALIAN MUSICIAN MEETS PAUL DEMPSEY
RICHARD TEDESCO
GRETTA ZILLER
And
A SONGWRITING WORKSHOP FOR GUITARISTS
SONGWRITING WORKSHOP
ULTIMATE GUITAR TONE CHALLENGE
SUN 2 MAR | VICTORIA PAVILION, MELBOURNE SHOWGROUNDS VIC | LIC AA
Featuring Performances From
PAUL MASON HONOURS JEFF BECK (WITH BRETT GARSED)
MINNIE MARKS
TRIPLE FRET (WITH KATHLEEN HALLORAN, JIMI HOCKING & GEOFF ACHISON)
THE CB3
And
THE RIGHT GEAR FOR THE GIG WITH LEON TODD
GUITAR STYLES WORKSHOP
WANSTOCK RETURNS IN MARCH 2025 CELEBRATING ALL THINGS ROCK’N’ROLL OVER 2 DAYS FT. BABY ANIMALS, THE BABYS, MI-SEX, TAXIRIDE + MORE
Next March, get set to celebrate all things full-blown rock’n’roll, with Aussie rock festival Wanstock returning for its biggest edition yet. Set to take place across two dates in 2025 at the Shoppingtown Hotel in Doncaster, offering back-to-back nights of fun for fans and bands alike, Wanstock will kick off on Friday March 14 headlined by Australian rock royalty, Baby Animals, Taxiride ft Jason Singh and Strait Shooters, with Saturday March 15 headlined by British rock icons The Babys, Mi-Sex, Ted Mulry Gang, Standing Room Only and Day Dreamers.
Born from organiser Geoff Wansbrough’s love of the legendary Aussie pub rock era in the 80s and 90s, Wanstock has evolved since 2018 into an annual showcase of world-class acts alongside talented up-and-comers, with the 2025 edition once again bringing together an iconic array of homegrown and international artists from the rock realms. Tickets for Wanstock 2025 are on-sale now from www.wanstock.com.au/.
Headlining the first night of the Wanstock extravaganza will be none other than Australian hard rockers Baby Animals. Forming in the late 80s, Baby Animalsexploded into view in 1991 with their debut self-titled full-length album. A multi-platinum triumph, Baby Animals also debuted at #1 on the Australian charts, and saw the group win Album of the Year, Breakthrough Artist – Album and Breakthrough Artist – Single (for Early Warning) at the 1992 ARIA Awards. In 1993, the group unleashed their gold-certified sophomore album, Shaved and Dangerous, which debuted at #2 in Australia and snagged Baby Animals a nomination for Best Group at the ARIA Awards, with performances alongside the likes of Extreme and Robert Plant surrounding their own headline shows, before disbanding in early 1996. As they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Baby Animals announced their jubilant return in 2007, releasing their third studio album Il Grande Silenzio in 2008, followed by This Is Not the End in 2013. In 2016, Baby Animals celebrated the 25th anniversary of their debut album with live performances and a deluxe reissue, and most recently performed in 2024 as part of the Red Hot Summer Tour, alongside Suzi Quatro, Cheap Trick and more, as well as at Legends on the Lawn, alongside Bachelor Girl and 1927, and Mundi Mundi Bash. In 2025, alongside their Wanstock performance, Baby Animals will also perform as part of the Red Hot Summer Tour with ZZ Top, The Living End and Rose Tattoo.
Thrilled to be back to play another Wanstock, Baby Animals said, “We are super excited to be heading back to Wanstock for the second time. We had a blast at the first one and cannot wait to return for another rocking show!”
Also joining Baby Animals on Friday March 14, get set to experience the legendary stylings of Aussie rockers Taxiride ft Jason Singh. Hailing from Melbourne, Taxiride roared into view with their double platinum 1999 album Imaginate, which reached #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and boasted earworm singles like Get Set and Everywhere You Go. Taking home the 1999 Breakthrough Artist – Single ARIA Award for Get Set, Taxiride went on to release the certified platinum 2002 full-length Garage Mahal, as well as 2005’s Axiomatic and 2006’s Electrophobia. Helmed by the soaring vocals and electrifying performance of frontman Jason Singh, Singh has remained one of Australia’s most in-demand entertainers, and his high energy rock show performing Taxiride smash hits is one absolutely not to be missed. “Wanstock…picking up where Woodstock left off!” shares Singh of his upcoming Wanstock appearance next March. “Looking forward to joining a long list of incredible artists and bands that have played Wanstock over the years, bring on 2025.”
And rounding out the first night of Wanstock in 2025 will be Aussie covers sensations Strait Shooters, returning to the Wanstock stage after a rousing appearance at the 2024 edition. With decades in their wake covering every Aussie rock classic from Midnight Oil through to Cold Chisel and everything in between, the party vibes will be strong when Strait Shooters take to the stage next March.
Headlining the second night of Wanstock will be none other than beloved UK rockers The Babys. Celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025, The Babys will bring their trademark blend of rock and melodic power pop to the stage, armed with a horde of fan favourites and arena anthems that defined an era. Forming in London in 1975, The Babys have remained an energetic and memorable force to be reckoned with, witnessed with gusto via their live performances, as well as via their cornucopia of hits that span the likes of Isn’t It Time, Every Time I Think Of You, Back On My Feet Again, Midnight Rendezvous and Head First amongst many more. Weathering lineup changes, a breakup in the early 80s and ongoing shifting tides in the music industry, The Babys have not only survived and thrived against change; they have also influenced many contemporary rock artists via their infectious craftsmanship and classic rock sensibilities. Since the release of their 2014 album, I’ll Have Some of That!, The Babys have consistently seen the reunited group perform in America, both headlining and as part of high profile festivals, and most recently performed supporting Rick Springfield at Central Plaza in Fort Dodge. Bona fide music heroes who rock as hard now as they ever did, The Babys will continue to cement their rock’n’roll legacy in 2025 for their 50th anniversary, which will joyfully include a night to remember in Australia.
All the way from New Zealand, new wave rockers Mi-Sex will also jump onto the Wanstock stage next year on Saturday March 15. A band renowned for their razor-sharp production and high-octane live performances, Mi-Sex kicked off their journey in the late 70s, ticking off multiple top 10 singles, including 1979’s Computer Games taking the #1 spot in Australia, and 1980’s People reaching #6 in Australia and #3 in New Zealand. Also in command of five studio albums, including 1979’s Graffiti Crimes and 1980’s Space Race, which are both certified platinum in Australia, Mi-Sex have continued to pave the way for their dynamic sonic wares against personal and professional tragedy, as well as significant change in the music industry in general. But decades on, the band are definitely excited to head down under for their debut Wanstock appearance next year alongside fellow legends, as keyboardist Murray Burns reveals, “It’s such an honour to share the bill with The Babys at Wanstock 2025. Isn’t It Time must be one of the biggest British hits from the ’70s and remains one of the best rock vocal performances to this day, so our first trip to Wanstock is gonna be a blast!”
Returning to the Wanstock stage once again in 2025, following their headline outing back in 2020 and performing at the 2024 edition of Wanstock earlier this year, Ted Mulry Gang will be taking the stage on Saturday March 15. The unforgettable group behind the 1975 smash single Jump In My Car, TMG’s game-changing track not only boasts spending 11 weeks at the #1 spot on the Australian charts but also bragging rights for TMG becoming the first Aussie act to knock Swedish pop sensations ABBA off the pole position. An enduring and beloved act in the Australian pub realm, TMG simply live and breathe rock and roll, embodying their hard-hitting spirit into tracks like Darktown Strutters Ball, Crazy and My Little Girl. With their previous Wanstock appearance taking place at the glam rock-themed 2020 event and followed the very next day by Melbourne’s first lockdown, Ted Mulry Gang ecstatically returned to Wanstock in 2024 amid much happier circumstances and will once again bring the noise and good times to Wanstock in 2025.
Also jumping on the Friday lineup will be Melbourne rockers known for their stomping live show, Rattlincane, as well as two other acts returning for their back-to-back Wanstock performances next year with Melbourne powerhouse rock trio Standing Room Only, and emerging Melbourne alternative punks Day Dreamers. A band who have swiftly cemented their status on the touring circuit since emerging back in 2017, Standing Room Only merge high-energy original songs with classic rock covers thrown in for good measure. And bringing alt punk tinged by 90s grunge and more to proceedings, Day Dreamers are primed to bring the house down at Wanstock in 2025 with their fresh take on the alternative stratosphere.
An event run by a music lover and for music lovers, the spark for Wanstock festival first ignited when organiser Geoff Wansbrough approached some of his favourite bands to play for his birthday a few years back. Spurred by his love of classic Australian rock and the spirit of the original Woodstock Music Festival, Wanstock was soon born, holding its inaugural event in 2018 at the Burvale Hotel before growing into the event’s current home, the Shoppingtown Hotel, in 2019. Featuring an array of incredible bands over the years, including Dragon, The Kevin Borich Express, Spectrum, Hush, The Black Sorrows, Baby Animals and more, Wanstock offers a true blue rock’n’roll experience while also showcasing some of the local scene’s brightest new talent. “I grew up in that awesome pub rock era of Australian music,” shares Wansbrough. “Every pub had bands on, and the cream rose to the top and we gave the world acts such as INXS and AC/DC. As such, a few years ago, I was having a birthday and thought: maybe I should book a favourite band. Then I thought, maybe I will book several of my favourite bands. The idea grew from there. There are 3 aspects to Wanstock: 1- enjoying some of those classic bands of our youth, 2 – giving some emerging talent a chance to play, and 3 – having some fun while we still can.”
“It was getting too much of a struggle to fit all the bands on one day,” Wan continues, “hence the expansion to two next year. I am really looking forward to this, with such great acts as The Babys in Australia for the first time in a very long time, and the hard rocking Baby Animals. With all the other great supports, it will be an unforgettable couple of nights!”
Tickets for Wanstock 2025 are on-sale now from www.wanstock.com.au/.
WANSTOCK 2025
Tickets available from www.wanstock.com.au/.
FRI 14 MARCH | SHOPPINGTOWN HOTEL, DONCASTER VIC | 18+
BABY ANIMALS
TAXIRIDE FT JASON SINGH
STRAIT SHOOTERS
RATTLINCANE
SAT 15 MARCH | SHOPPINGTOWN HOTEL, DONCASTER VIC | 18+
THE BABYS
MI-SEX
TED MULRY GANG
STANDING ROOM ONLY
DAY DREAMERS