One of my favourite sets from this year’s Gum Ball Festival was from DEM MOB who are an Aboriginal hip hop group from the APY lands in northern South Australia which is made up of roughly 150 people. These legends are the first to rap in their language and English and have been on the same lineup as the likes of BARKAA, J-Milla and Kendrick Lamar. Following their incredibly powerful set, we had a chat with DEM MOB. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Local reggae band Krisp are set to release a brand new single called Luciano’s Bird this Friday. The single represents another evolution for the band as they continue to experiment with their sound, now incorporating more elements of funk and jazz. Here’s our chat with Connor, Robbie, Louis and Banjo from Krisp. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Australian hip hop group The Herd were one of the headliners for the 20th anniversary edition of The Gum Ball Festival held on Wonnarua Country in Lower Belford.  Although The Herd were releasing politically charged music in the early noughties, most of the issues they were shedding light on 20 years ago are just as poignant in 2025. We caught up with Toe-Fu and Urthboy just before their highly anticipated set. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Newcastle singer-songwriter Chloe Gill has unveiled a powerful new single, Something In The Winter, a track born from the emotional journey of receiving a late ADHD diagnosis at the age of 20. Chloe Gill will celebrate her brand new song Something In The Winter at The Lass on Sunday, 27 April 2025, while also raising awareness for ADHD in females across Australia.  Here’s our chat with Chloe to find out more about her brand new single. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Melody Pool has returned with Will Not Let You Down, a haunting, slow-burning single that drifts from dreamy calm into nightmarish intensity.  Recorded live to tape at Sydney’s Golden Retriever Studio, the track captures the raw energy of musicians playing in sync, embracing imperfection and spontaneity.  Its striking, ritualistic video filmed in Wollombi adds another layer to the ethereal world she’s creating ahead of her upcoming independent album, due later this year. Here’s our chat with Melody to find out more about this incredible single. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

The global hit SIX The Musical has officially opened its three-week season at the Civic Theatre, bringing with it a dazzling, high-energy retelling of the lives of King Henry VIII’s six wives. The production, running until 4 May, is turning heads and drawing crowds, with audiences flocking from across the country to experience the show’s powerhouse performances and empowering message. We caught a glimpse of the show and had the chance to chat with the Queens of SIX The Musical. Check it out below. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

One of Australia’s all-time great rock bands, Baby Animals, are back with a brand new single covering Motörhead’s Ace of Spades. They’re hitting the road as part of the massive Red Hot Summer Tour alongside ZZ Top, George Thorogood, The Living End and a stack of legends.  We caught up with the absolute powerhouse that is Suze DeMarchi from Baby Animals ahead of their show at Roche Estate on Saturday 3 May, 2025. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

One of Australia’s most endeared bands, The Cruel Sea, has just released their first album in 23 years called Straight Into the Sun. To celebrate its release, they’re about to head out for a national tour, but prior to that, they’ll be here in Newcastle to play at Bar on the Hill on March 22 for Great Southern Nights. Here’s our chat with their iconic frontman Tex Perkins. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

All's One Theatre is gearing up to portray The Prophetic Tragedy of Macbeth and Those Who Knew Him at The Playhouse from 20 March. This adaptation by Pippa Thoroughgood traces Macbeth’s descent into madness while bringing new life to the people around him and the betrayals that take place. Here’s our chat with Director, Adaptor, Co-Producer Pippa Thoroughgood and cast members Mitchell Cox and Marigold Pazar. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Possibly the greatest covers band in the world, the Australian Rock Collective will return for their annual tour paying tribute to an iconic album. This year they will present Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here across Australia including a stop at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre on Thursday 14 August. We caught up with the bass player of Jet and one part of the ARC, Mark Wilson ahead of their highly anticipated run of shows. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Brisbane-based rock quintet Full Flower Moon Band are bringing their incredibly successful third album, Megaflower, to King Street Newcastle on Saturday, 22 March. Since its release, they have been touring constantly to keep up with the demand of their ever-growing fanbase. Here’s our chat with FFMB front person Babyshakes Dillon ahead of their epic show in Newy. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Australian singer-songwriter and country music darling Sara Berki is about to finish her debut headline national tour which included a set at the Howlin’ Country music festival in Newcastle. Last year this quickly rising star won the 2024 APRA Professional Development Award for Country/Americana and has since bought her dream guitar and recently released a single called Looks Like. Here’s our chat with Sara backstage at the inaugural Howlin’ Country music festival. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Over the weekend, Sons of the East played to more than 12,500 country music fans for the inaugural Howlin’ Country festival. After a huge year of touring, they’ve been in the studio laying down some brand new tunes in anticipation of another stacked year. Here’s our chat with Jack, Nic and Dan from Sons of the East backstage at Howlin’ Country festival 2025. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Aviation fans, adrenaline junkies, and families are in for a treat this weekend with the return of the Hunter Valley Airshow 2025.  World renowned aerobatic pilot Paul Bennet will take centre stage with their electrifying displays, breathtaking stunts and precision flying that will have you on the edge of your seat. This edition will also feature the debut of Jett Bennet, Australia’s youngest aerobatic pilot and son of Paul Bennet, in the Hunter Valley.  Here’s our chat with Paul and Jett ahead of the Hunter Valley Airshow this weekend. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Newcastle-based audio engineer and session drummer, Mitta Norath has been working at Tommirock for the past 15 years. He’s worked with the likes of Boo Seeka, Eat Your Heart Out and is known for his attention to detail and spacious mixes. Here’s our chat with Mitta from Tommirock. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

APRA AMCOS has put together a series of one-day events across regional New South Wales called The Regional Sessions that will feature keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions and more for emerging songwriters, producers and composers. The Newcastle leg of this series will feature the likes of Jenny Morris, Travis Collins, Willaris. K, and the incredible Becca Hatch. Here’s our chat with Becca Hatch about Newcastle’s Regional Session on 22 February and her own songwriting experience. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Newcastle punks Dead Mall are back with Gasoline, the first single from their forthcoming album. The song was inspired by an old SNL skit. It was then recorded, mixed, and produced by their guitarist, Darcy Long. Here’s our chat with Ruairi and Darcy from Dead Mall. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Meanjin-based band DZ Deathrays is about to head out on their Weekend Warriors regional tour that will hit King Street, Newcastle, on 13 March. The boys are currently recording some new tracks at The Grove Studios in anticipation of the tour. We chatted with Lachlan and Shane about the tour, dream collaborations, and more. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Newcastle based alt-rock band, Stomp took out the top spot in the school band competition Bandwidth 2024.  Despite only being in year 10, they put on an extremely entertaining live show and have written some bangers. Here’s our chat with Jacob, Charlie, Tom, Teddy and Josh and some of their Warehouse Session. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/

Nigerian-born, Newcastle-based Afrobeats artist and creator of Arasta ManThing, Almighty Zilla is leading the charge for Afrobeats down under. Following the release of Sweet Love, Almighty Zilla is now preparing to release his debut EP in March. Here’s our chat with Almighty Zilla. ABOUT NEWCASTLE LIVE If it’s on in Newcastle, it’s on Newcastle Live – the Hunter’s source of entertainment and lifestyle news and information. We’re devoted to all the great things happening in the region. We’ll keep you up to date with what’s on in Newcastle and across the Hunter region. FIND OUT MORE: https://newcastlelive.com.au/