Music News
Modern Country Festival Strummingbird Announces Huge 2026 Lineup
Australia’s largest touring country festival Strummingbird returns with another crackin’ lineup for 2026, and Grammy-nominated, genre-defying megastar Post Malone is leading the charge. Rolling into Victoria Park Ballarat, Newcastle Foreshore and Sunshine Coast’s Kawana Sports Precinct this October, the stacked lineup spans international heavyweights, alt-country stars, country legends and homegrown favourites worth road-tripping for. If Post Malone’s last visit down under is anything to go by, these tickets won’t last long. Fans wanting to experience Strummingbird 2026 should act now and sign up for the presale for the best chance at tickets.
Three years on from his sold-out Spilt Milk run, Post Malone returns to Australia, and this time, he’s bringing country with him. Malone has spent over a decade racking up record-breaking hits, five American Music Awards and a fanbase that spans every corner of the globe. His star-studded Nashville-style record F-1 Trillion earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album and united legends like Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and Strummingbird’s alumni Jelly Roll on a single project. That’s without mentioning a back catalogue packed with undeniable solo hits like “Sunflower”, “Rockstar” and “Circles”.
Joining Post Malone is multi-platinum American country artist Bailey Zimmerman – one of the genre’s fastest rising stars. Known for his chart-topping hits and gritty sound, his breakout debut Religiously. The Album. went viral on the back of hits like “Fall In Love”, “Rock and a Hard Place”, “Religiously” and “Where It Ends” before 2025’s Different Night Same Rodeo – featuring a standout collaboration with Luke Combs – cemented his place at the top table. Most recently, his cover of Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” at Stagecoach stopped the internet in its tracks.
Strummo fans can rev up for rowdy sing-alongs, fearless showmanship and all the unfiltered authenticity of North Carolina musician Cooper Alan. Since his beginnings in cover bands and Nashville honky-tonks, Alan has soared in popularity with his balance of reflective lyrics, witty humour and unique genre blends on anthems like “Plead The Fifth” and “Take Forever (Hally’s Song)”. Two acts currently climbing the Billboard Top 100 make the bill even harder to ignore. LA-based country superstar Stella Lefty is set to deliver a blissed-out performance with feel-good hits like “Boston” and “Thinking ‘bout You” in tow, while Texan outfit Dexter & The Moonrocks bring their self-coined Western Space Grunge to the bill, all DIY grit and rock-driven firepower.
Homegrown hero Brad Cox needs little introduction – from fan-favourite “Lake House”, to acclaimed single “Give Me Tonight” and his heartland rock pivot on Endemic Intelligence in Multiple Dimensions. Highly sought-after, Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER songwriter Cam brings her beautiful vocals and introspective blend of folk, country and pop, including Grammy-nominated album All Things Light, while US outfit Cigarettes @ Sunset are set to serve up their signature ‘Possum Rock’ – raw, soulful Americana with an Appalachian edge. CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2025 alumna Kaitlin Butts is ready to sling her soulful voice and theatrical storytelling and rising Californian Noah Rinker arrives with intimate, dusky acoustic anthems. Fresh off 750 million streams and global stages, Sydney’s Sons of the East will bring their beloved blend of blues, classic country, soul and folk back where it belongs. Brisbane native and 2026 Countrytown Breakthrough Artist of the Year nominee Briana Dinsdale joins the lineup, along with Central Queensland cattle station turned global sensation Mack Geiger. Back-to-back CMAA Female Artist of the Year Max Jackson is primed and ready to prove exactly why she’s taken the title twice, running with her electrifying live performance. The earthy presence of Sara Berki will transport crowds to serene outback plains, and bootscootin’ will be guaranteed when country DJ Willie Pake takes the stage.
Each stop on the Strummingbird run brings a local artist along for the ride – repping the country flavours of their own backyard. Ballarat scores the rising folk-country and modern pop infusions of Lewis Love, Newcastle is treated to Gamilaraay artist Loren Ryan and her powerful blend of traditional language and modern acoustic songwriting, while the Sunshine Coast rounds out the tour with Sammy White, whose voice is fast becoming one of the most talked-about in modern Australian country. Keeping boots moving between sets across all three stops, Strummo legend, renowned performer and instructor Maddison Glover is back to lead the line dancing sessions that had crowds kicking up dust last year.
Keen for the full Strummingbird experience? Camping at Sunshine Coast and Ballarat is your best bet. Prefer to leave the driving to someone else? Buses from Melbourne to Ballarat have you covered. Keep your eyes peeled – camping and bus tickets go on sale later in May.
Sign up at strummingbird.com.au to access presale for a shot at lowest-priced tickets, payment plans available. Or you can skip the stress and guarantee yourself a ticket from 12pm AEST Wednesday 6 May with Moshtix Ticket Request, find out more here.
STRUMMINGBIRD FESTIVAL 2026
Presented by Kicks Entertainment
Saturday 10 October – Victoria Park, Ballarat, VIC / Wadawurrung
Saturday 17 October – Newcastle Foreshore, Newcastle, NSW / Awabakal
Sunday 18 October – Kawana Sports Precinct – Sunshine Coast, QLD / Kabi Kabi
LINEUP
POST MALONE
BAILEY ZIMMERMAN
COOPER ALAN
STELLA LEFTY, DEXTER & THE MOONROCKS
(A-Z) BRAD COX, CAM, CIGARETTES @ SUNSET, KAITLIN BUTTS, NOAH RINKER, SONS OF THE EAST
(A-Z) BRIANA DINSDALE, MACK GEIGER, MAX JACKSON
SARA BERKI, LATE NIGHT RIOT WITH WILLIE PAKE
LEWIS LOVE*, LOREN RYAN^, SAMMY WHITE+
& LINE DANCING WITH MADDISON GLOVER
*Ballarat, ^Newcastle +Sunshine Coast
Strummingbird is an all-ages event.
TICKETS
Wednesday 13 May 2026
10am: Sunshine Coast
11am: Newcastle
12pm: Ballarat
Thursday 14 May 2026
10am: All locations
Or lock in your ticket from 12pm Wednesday 6 May with Moshtix Ticket Request
Payment plans available from Wednesday 13 May through PayPal and Afterpay
Sign up for presale & ticket info at strummingbird.com.au
Music News
i-dle Release New Single “Crow”
Internationally acclaimed, chart-topping K-pop powerhouse i-dle returns with their striking new single, “Crow,” out now via CUBE Entertainment. The track offers a first glimpse into the group’s highly anticipated forthcoming mini album, We made, arriving July 6. The release is part of an exciting new chapter for the global superstars, who will take the stage at Lollapalooza this summer for one of their biggest U.S. appearances to date.
“Crow” is a powerful, rock-infused anthem that embodies i-dle’s signature confidence and self-determination. Driven by soaring guitars and an unshakable sense of purpose, the track delivers a message of resilience and independence, declaring that the group is no longer guided by fate or chance, but by their own vision and conviction.
“Crow” arrives on the heels of a breakout run for i-dle in the U.S. that has seen the group continue its rapid ascent as a global phenomenon. Following the release of their acclaimed single “Mono,” i-dle landed a digital cover of PAPER Magazine, earning praise for their artistic vision and cultural impact. The group also captivated national audiences with performances on The TODAY Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show, further demonstrating the commanding stage presence and live vocal prowess that have become hallmarks of their success. With a major Lollapalooza appearance and new music on the horizon, i-dle’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Music News
Olivia Rodrigo Releases Third Studio Album ‘you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love’
Today, GRAMMY Award-Winning, Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo released her third studio album you seem pretty sad for a girl so in loveout now via Geffen Records. Limited-edition merchandise, curated collectibles, vinyl and more are available now.
Listen/buy you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love HERE
Alongside the album, Rodrigo released the official music video for new track “stupid song” out today. Directed by Mitch Ryan and shot in New York City, the video was choreographed by and features Prima Ballerina Tiler Peck and other dancers from the NYC Ballet and American Ballet Theater – watch here.
The first single released from the album “drop dead”, made Rodrigo the first person ever to debut the first 3 singles off their first 3 albums at #1. Listen/watch here. The second single released from the album, “the cure” also hit #1 on several Billboard charts including the Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, Hot Alternative Songs, and Alternative Digital Song Sales charts. Listen/watch here.
Last month, Rodrigo took the stage at Spotify’s Billions Club Live, celebrating the milestone of nine songs surpassing one billion streams each, cementing her place among the platform’s most-streamed artists. The concert film is available on the platform now. Rodrigo also performed a surprise live set at Primavera Sound, debuting her new song “what’s wrong with me” featuring Robert Smith of The Cure.
Rodrigo recently announced The Unraveled Tour kicking off in September, quickly selling out globally with over 1 million tickets sold, added stops due to demand, and breaking several venue records. The tour was originally announced with four dates in Brooklyn and quickly expanded to a massive 10-show residency at Barclays Center. Rodrigo also set the venue performance record at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, bringing the total to an historic 10 dates, establishing a new venue benchmark. At London’s O2 with 11 nights set to perform, Rodrigo joins an elite group of artists who have reached double-digit residencies at the venue including Prince, The Spice Girls, One Direction, Ariana Grande, Elton John, and Rihanna.
you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love Tracklist:
girl so in love (SIDE A)
1. drop dead
2. stupid song
3. honeybee
4. maggots for brains
5. u + me = <3
6. my way
7. purple
you seem pretty sad (SIDE B)
8. the cure
9. begged
10. what’s wrong with me (feat. Robert Smith of The Cure)
11. less
12. expectations
13. cigarette smoke
THE UNRAVELED TOUR 2026/2027 DATES:
Fri, Sep 25 — Hartford, CT — PeoplesBank Arena+
Sat, Sep 26 — Hartford, CT — PeoplesBank Arena+
Tue, Sep 29 — Pittsburgh, PA — PPG Paints Arena+
Wed, Sep 30 — Pittsburgh, PA — PPG Paints Arena+
Sat, Oct 3 — Washington, DC — Capital One Arena+
Sun, Oct 4 — Washington, DC — Capital One Arena+
Wed, Oct 7 — Charlotte, NC — Spectrum Center+
Thu, Oct 8 — Charlotte, NC — Spectrum Center+
Sun, Oct 11 — Chicago, IL — United Center+
Mon, Oct 12 — Chicago, IL — United Center+
Thu, Oct 15 — Boston, MA — TD Garden+
Sat, Oct 17 — Boston, MA — TD Garden+
Sun, Oct 18 — Boston, MA — TD Garden+ – ADDED DATE
Wed, Oct 21 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre+
Thu, Oct 22 — Montreal, QC — Bell Centre+
Mon, Oct 26 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena+
Tue, Oct 27 — Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena+
Thu, Oct 29 — Columbus, OH — Schottenstein Center+
Fri, Oct 30 — Columbus, OH — Schottenstein Center+
Sat, Nov 7 — Philadelphia, PA — Xfinity Mobile Arena^
Sun, Nov 8 — Philadelphia, PA — Xfinity Mobile Arena^
Wed, Nov 11 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena^
Thu, Nov 12 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena^
Sun, Nov 15 — Orlando, FL — Kia Center^
Mon, Nov 16 — Orlando, FL — Kia Center^
Thu, Nov 19 — Sunrise, FL — Amerant Bank Arena^
Fri, Nov 20 — Sunrise, FL — Amerant Bank Arena^
Mon, Nov 23 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena^
Tue, Nov 24 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena^
Tue, Dec 1 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena^
Wed, Dec 2 — Vancouver, BC — Rogers Arena^
Mon, Dec 7 — Seattle, WA — Climate Pledge Arena^
Tue, Dec 8 — Seattle, WA — Climate Pledge Arena^
Fri, Dec 11 — Oakland, CA — Oakland Arena^
Sat, Dec 12 — Oakland, CA — Oakland Arena^
Tue, Dec 15 — Sacramento, CA — Golden 1 Center^
Wed, Dec 16 — Sacramento, CA — Golden 1 Center^
Sat, Dec 19 — Las Vegas, NV — T-Mobile Arena^
Sun, Dec 20 — Las Vegas, NV — T-Mobile Arena^
Tue, Jan 12 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^
Wed, Jan 13 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^
Sat, Jan 16 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^
Sun, Jan 17 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^
Wed, Jan 20 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^ – ADDED DATE
Thu, Jan 21 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^ – ADDED DATE
Sun, Jan 24 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^ – ADDED DATE
Mon, Jan 25 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^ – ADDED DATE
Thu, Jan 28 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^ – ADDED DATE
Fri, Jan 29 — Los Angeles, CA — Intuit Dome#^ – ADDED DATE
Thu, Feb 11 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^
Fri, Feb 12 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^
Mon, Feb 15 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^
Tue, Feb 16 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^
Fri, Feb 19 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^ – ADDED DATE
Sat, Feb 20 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^ – ADDED DATE
Tue, Feb 23 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^ – ADDED DATE
Wed, Feb 24 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^ – ADDED DATE
Sat, Feb 27 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^ – ADDED DATE
Sun, Feb 28 — Brooklyn, NY — Barclays Center#^ – ADDED DATE
Fri, Mar 19 — Stockholm, Sweden — Avicii Arena~
Sat, Mar 20 — Stockholm, Sweden — Avicii Arena~
Tue, Mar 23 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Ziggo Dome~
Wed, Mar 24 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Ziggo Dome~
Sat, Mar 27 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Ziggo Dome~ – ADDED DATE
Sun, Mar 28 — Amsterdam, Netherlands — Ziggo Dome~ – ADDED DATE
Thu, Apr 1 — Munich, Germany — Olympiahalle~
Fri, Apr 2 — Munich, Germany — Olympiahalle~
Mon, Apr 5 — London, UK — The O2~
Tue, Apr 6 — London, UK — The O2~
Thu, Apr 8 — London, UK — The O2~
Fri, Apr 9 — London, UK — The O2~
Mon, Apr 12 — London, UK — The O2~ – ADDED DATE
Wed, Apr 14 — London, UK — The O2= – ADDED DATE
Thu, Apr 15 — London, UK — The O2= – ADDED DATE
Mon, Apr 19 — London, UK — The O2= – ADDED DATE
Tue, Apr 20 — London, UK — The O2= – ADDED DATE
Fri, Apr 23 — Paris, France — La Defense Arena=
Sat, Apr 24 — Paris, France — La Defense Arena= – ADDED DATE
Tue, Apr 27 — Milan, Italy — Unipol Dome=
Wed, Apr 28 — Milan, Italy — Unipol Dome=
Sat, May 1 — Barcelona, Spain — Palau Sant Jordi=
Sun, May 2 — Barcelona, Spain — Palau Sant Jordi=
Wed, May 5 — Barcelona, Spain — Palau Sant Jordi= – ADDED DATE
Thu, May 6 — Barcelona, Spain — Palau Sant Jordi= – ADDED DATE
Sun, May 9 — London, UK — The O2= – ADDED DATE
Mon, May 10 — London, UK — The O2= – ADDED DATE
Support Key
+ Wolf Alice
^ Devon Again
# The Last Dinner Party
~ Grace Ives
= Die Spitz