News

COLOURS ON FILM 11-08-10

Here's a beautiful piece for your enjoyment. I'm very proud that my Colours were used in this short documentary!

Winters of My Life from Jonathan Burhop on Vimeo.

FOODBOWL AND BLACKSTUMP 07-07-10

Mike's been added to the lineup of the Foodbowl Music Festival. This festival takes place in Numurkah Victoria on the weekend of October 16th. http://www.foodbowlmusicfestival.com.au

Mike McCarthy and the Vigilantes are also heading back to Blackstump Music Festival on the October long weekend this year too! http://www.blackstump.org.au/

July locales 01-07-10

Hitting up some support gigs this month with Rick Price, Cotton/Keays and Morris and also performing a show with the band at Lizottes on July 22nd! Should be a beauty. Ph 43682017 for bookings or book online at http://lizottes.com.au

Musos Repair Shop 29-04-10

Jeff Chapman has featured on many Mike McCarthy albums and shows (Bass Guitar). He has setup his own instrument repair business on the Central Coast and has done some brilliant work on my guitars. I recommend him highly...as a person and repairer/luthier! http://musosrepairshop.com.au

COLOURS in Schools 10-03-10

The latest album COLOURS has been having an impact in NSW schools of late. I have been in some of the local High Schools to talk turkey about composition and music industry ideas. All the students who have attended the workshops have been composing and recording their own takes on a colour. Pretty encouraging to see this being achieved! mike

Hand for Haiti 15-02-10

Mike and the band will be headlining an event to raise money for the relief efforts in Haiti. March 5th, 6:30pm doors. Kantara House (431 Avoca Dr, Green Point NSW). Tix are $20 - bookings; (02)43 691528 Other bands include Rocwater, Nick & Liesl, Michael Peter and Jason Lowe.

Melbourne Launch for Colours 15-01-10

Mike will be launching his latest album COLOURS in Collingwood, VIC next week. The venue is St Martins Hall space (215 Wellington St) and it kicks off at 7:30pm, $10. Mike will also be joined by Michael Carney to play a few other shows within Vic. For more information see www.myspace.com/mikemccarthymusic

Colours Launch & iTunes 29-12-09

A big thankyou to all who joined us for the launch of Colours last night! Lizottes was full to overflowing. Apologies to those who were turned away. A Colours show is being setup for Newcastle on the 17th Jan, more info as it comes to hand! Colours is now available at iTunes! Reviews on iTunes would be most welcomed too!

COLOURS (FIRST FIFTY - LIMITED EDITION) 19-12-09

To celebrate the release of Mike McCarthy's new Colours album, the first 50 discs will be signed and sent to your home for $25 total. A personal seasons greeting, of sorts, from Mike will be sent with each one. Order early and it should arrive before Christmas Day!

Michael Carney Interview 03-11-09

Installment number 2 of my interviews with the band is up now at http://www.meolddog.blogspot.com

Chats with the band (Mike chats with his musical pals) 26-10-09

In the first installment of 'Chats with the band', Mike catches up with the 'pots and pans' man Shannon Kelly. Stories of Biker gigs and recording studio antics, catch up on the entire interview at www.meolddog.blogspot.com/ Next week Mike chats with the ever popular M Carney!

KORDUROY TV 29-09-09

Californian DIY surf specialist 'Korduroy TV' use Mike's track 'Pink' off the forthcoming release 'Colour'...check it!

STUMP 2009 16-09-09

Mike will be performing at the Stump this year with M Carney and Rod Gear. Also performing with Sons Of Korah.

Follow the Blog 09-09-09

For more insights into the world of Mike McCarthy check out the blog "The Summer Rain" at http://www.meolddog.blogger.com or sign up to the mailing list from this very page...look right...

Journeys continue 04-09-09

My time in the US is about to end but i'm excited about heading home. I'll be performing a string of Solo shows along with PJ Wolf 24th (Sydney), 25th (Matcham) and 26th Sept (Newcastle). Hope to see you at a show. For more details see www.myspace.com/mikemccarthymusic or the shows page

PORTLAND OR 02-08-09

A new work called 'Colour' has now been mixed. Mr Askew at Scenic Burrows has done a great job on this instrumental foray into 10 different colours, written and recorded over 10 days. Keep an eye on this space for release info.

The Redwoods 30-07-09

I'm currently in Santa Rosa where the redwoods soar and the white-tailed kites hover over fields of grapevines. Gigs coming up in Santa Cruz, LA and San Diego. See the LIVE page for more info.

17-06-09

California 11-06-09

It's too cold, i'm heading to California...it's true, i'm leaving on the 6th July and will be playing in Santa Cruz, LA and hopefully San Diego. There are a few shows before i leave (please see the Live page). I will also be playing with BIRDLIFE this month too, if you haven't heard it check out www.myspace.com/birdlifeband

JWT heads South 19-05-09

This weekend i will be on the South Coast NSW playing some shows with long time friend and fellow songwriter Sam Fletcher. This will be a really nice run of gigs and i'm looking forward to sharing the tale of John W Tate with my southern counterparts and padre's. Check the 'Live' page for details.

Harrowing B-sides 23-04-09

Released today is the 'Harrowing B-sides' EP. 4 songs that almost made their way onto the latest album. Download 'Harrowing B-sides' for free until July 2009 at memccarthy.bandcamp.com/

Lizottes Dinner/Show 16-04-09

With band in tow i'm heading back to Lizottes to recount the harrowing tale of John William Tate. The show is on the 23rd April, ticket are $17 and support is PEPA (www.myspace.com/pepaaustralia). Bookings by phone 43 681027 or see www.lizottes.com.au...Hope to see you there!

Summer&Winter 27-03-09

An excerpt from Nathan Oldfields film "SEAWORTHY", to the track 'Summer&Winter' from 'The Harrowing Account of John William Tate'.

JWT 4/5 20-02-09

The new album received a great review in Reverb Magazine this month. “McCarthy’s 4th full length album is a cracker. Superb ballads, inspirational gospel and traditional blues all sit comfortably. Song structures are, very simply, bringing focus to McCarthy’s voice (bittersweet and emotional) and instrumentation (less is more)." - Kevin Bull (Reverb Magazine)

Circling Birds 10-02-09

The good people at Hope 103.2FM recently had me in to chat and play some music. A thoroughly enjoyable experience, thanks again to Dan and Aarron.

LAUNCHING JWT 19-09-08

'The Harrowing Account of John WIlliam Tate' will be released this week at the following locations. The Basement, Sydney (22nd Sept, 8pm, $15) Lass O'Gowrie, Newcastle (24th Sept, 8pm, free) Lizottes, Kincumber (25th Sept, 7pm $15 tix selling fast) 43682017 The Middle Harbor Yacht Club, Mosman (26th Sept, free) acoustic show. The album will be available through www.musicplug,com.au and itunes in October 2008.

Calm Wind DVD Japan Release 10-09-08

Today marks the release of the Re-Issued 'Calm Wind'. The CD/DVD package will be released through Urban Dingo records. ABC 92.5 have been playing tracks from the forthcoming album "The Harrowing Account of John WIlliam Tate". All's on track for the release later this month.

THE HARROWING ACCOUNT OF JOHN WILLIAM TATE 22-08-08

Mike McCarthy: John William Tate from Nathan Oldfield on Vimeo

NSW tour with SOK 24-07-08

Mike will be touring with Sons of Korah this August. Aside from playing mandolin/dobro and nylon string with the band he will also play his own songs as support at each show. See the shows page for more info.

WYD08 10-07-08

Mike and the band will be playing at the 'Vinnies youth for justice' concert Thursday 17th July. The concert takes place at the Barrangaroo site near Darling Harbour and starts after the Pope's arrival (and exit) about 6pm. Jess Locke's new EP has been mastered and will go to print within the next few weeks. A release date will be set for early August.

Le Bunker 29-03-08

MIke is currently working on Jess Locke's EP, the EP features Shannon Kelly on drums and Tim Woods on bass. Mike is enjoying the role of producer. A new 'Mike McCarthy' album is underway and is planned for release in September. More news on this as it unfolds.

Melbourne 07-03-08

I'm currently in Melbourne playing a couple of shows and recording a few bit's and pieces. If you're down this way on the 7th March (tonight) i'm playing at Bar 303 in Northcote with Kris Paulsen, Lindsay Phillips and birdlife. Also in news, i'm producing an EP for coast singer/songwriter Jess Locke and have been enjoying her natural sound and approach to song...

Live&Local WED 9th 07-01-08

Mike will be joined by Sarah Humphreys this wednesday at Lizottes for a rare duo gig. Starts at 7pm and costs $12.50...other artists inc Benjamin Fletcher (of the red sea) and Jon Baldwin.

Lizottes Dinner/Show 30-11-07

Mike and the band will be at Lizottes, Kincumber NSW on the 19th December. A rare chance to catch the crew together playing some old and some new... Mike's song 'All she does is cry' will feature on a new compilation for lizottes. Other artists include Diesal, Deni Hines, Sarah Humphreys and will be released thru MGM early 2008.

projects 05-10-07

Mike is currently working on several projects including his new band with Sarah Humphreys and Ellie Plummer, entitled 'birdlife'. News is that Mike is playing dobro/mandolin/nylon string guitar for Sons Of Korah - www.sonsofkorah.com and enjoying the challenge. He is also backing PJ Wolf in his upcoming December tour - www.pjwolf.net.au All whilst working on material for a new album of his own...stay tuned

Port Mac Show 23-08-07

Mike will be back to Port Macquarie this weekend (26th Aug) to play at the Settlers Inn on Hastings River Dr 2-6pm. Fire Flood Freedom has also featured on 'The Greenroom Festival' Compilation album, alongside other aussie artists Blue King Brown, Beau Young and The Beautiful Girls...

Christmas Party 18-07-07

It's a while away yet but you may want to book a table early for the 19th December. Mike and the band will be performing at Lizottes as part of the Christmas series there. Tickets are $50 for show and meal at the fabled music restaurant. Phone 43682017 for bookings and more information.

ABC Central Coast 22-06-07

Mike will be the guest for 'smartarts' on ABC 92.5 this friday from 2:15pm. There'll be some music, some talkin', that sort of thing... Tonight, thursday 21st June, Mike will be playing at the Brass Monkey in Cronulla along with Sam Stevenson and his crew. See the 'live' page for shows coming up in Nth Wyong (with Beccy Cole and guests) and Port Macquarie.

iTunes Music Store 30-03-07

Mike McCarthy's releases can now be purchased from the Apple iTunes music store. Click the link below.

OLD DOG & THE WOLF TOUR 09-03-07

April see's Mike hitting the road with fellow 'Significant Records' recording artist, PJ Wolf. The tour will begin in the nations capital Canberra on the 12th April and will move up the east coast NSW and Sth East Queensland. Details will continue to be added to the 'shows' page. Plans for a return trip to Japan are underway with the release of Mike's new film clip for 'Fire Escape'. The clip will be up on the site for viewing this week.

up in the hills 19-02-07

Travels continue this month with gigs planned for Sydney, Taree, Bangalow and Canberra. PJ Wolf will be along for parts of the trip and his new website is up and running www.pjwolf.net Vanessa Jade's EP is complete and now being pressed. To hear tracks from the EP go to www.myspace.com/vanessajademusic

January 11-01-07

This month Mike will be producing Vanessa Jade's EP. Vanessa is a talented singer/songwriter from the central coast, nsw. Mike, M Carney, Tim Woods and Shan Kelly will provide the backing for a few tracks. More news as the project develops.

Storms, Dreams and Flying Machines 07-12-06

Computer magazine 'PC Authority' have included 10 of Mike's songs in their latest edition. More shows added for December/January including a couple of trips to the mid north coast nsw. PJ Wolf will launch his debut album 'Storms, dreams and flying machines' through significant records on the 16th December.

Sons of Korah supports 01-11-06

In November Mike will be supporting Sons of Korah as they tour Victoria promoting their new live DVD. Performance poet Cameron Semmens will be on the bill as well. Covering Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne. See the shows page for more details.

Calm Wind Tour Dates 19-09-06

With a new album in tow, mike hits the freeways and backroads this october. The tour begins with the Blackstump music and arts festival, sydney on the october long weekend (29th sep - 1 oct) and will continue on into 2007...covering, in part, Northern NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA and WA. Check the shows page for more details.

Sydney Launch of 'Calm Wind' 21-08-06

September 6th will see Mike and band launching the new album 'Calm Wind' in the city that is Sydney, in the suburb that is Newtown. Venue will be the Sandringham Hotel. Special guests Chris Stuart and The Smoking Muscats will also play.

MELBOURNE TOUR - AUGUST 11-07-06

McCarthy (vox, guit, stomp), Carney (keys) and Woods (bass) will hit the road thursday playing gigs thurs (brass monkey, cronulla), Fri (Bar 303, Northcote, vic), sat (house concert with mj taylor) and sun (old bar, fitzroy)...good times, if you're somewhere south of the border the fellas would love to see you at a gig!

WINTER WARMER 04-07-06

THURS 6TH JULY; mike and band play a show live@lizottes, kincumber, nsw support will be the ever inspiring Sarah Humphreys. The food and warmth at Lizottes is second to none. A special menu has been set. Tickets: $15 for show/bread and dip platter $45 show/dinner This will be a brilliant night of music and dining.

calm wind available online 22-06-06

Mike's new album 'calm wind' now available on the 'shop' page of this site. National and International shipping. For soundclips and lyrics of all mikes tunes go to the releases page and click on the song title. The next show is Thursday 29th June at the Sando, Newtown.

Brackets and Jam 14-06-06

Mike will be playing along with Earl Grey, Matt Tonks and Josh Koutoulas this friday night at Brackets and Jam held on Kincumba Mountain...$7 bring ya woolies!

NEW LOOK SITE 07-06-06

The new mikemccarthy.com.au site was launched on the 3rd June, we hope you find this interesting and useful. Mikes new album is available now at Just Funkin' music. go to www.justfunkinmusic.com.au and search under 'mccarthy'. The music plug 'shop' link should have 'calm wind'available soon. They have been undergoing some changes. Mike will be on ABC 92.5 Central Coast today (7th June) at 2:30pm speaking with Scott Levi about travels in Japan and the new album.

CALM WIND LAUNCH/LISTENING PARTY 30-05-06

saturday 3rd june, the new album 'calm wind' by mike mccarthy will be released. The venue is 'the valley room', lizottes in kincumba. tickets are $15 (bookings essential: ph 43 682017 - only 100 tix available) which includes a free drink, cocktail food and music/film. 'calm wind' will be available for $20 (special launch price!) in other news, the website will be updated within the next month and mike will be launching 'calm wind' in Japan at the greenroom festival in Osaka and Yokahama. mike will join beau young, andrew kidman (glass love/litmus) and pico on the trip.

ABC 92.5 26-04-06

Mike will be chatting with Scott Levi about the new album 'Calm Wind' and they will be playing a few of the tracks too. The interview goes live to air today (26 April, 06) at 2:30pm on ABC FM92.5

musicplug 12-04-06

Mike McCarthy music is now available through www.musicplug.net Music Plug distribute nationally and internationally. Mike will be playing the elephant & wheelbarrow hotel in Paddington on the 20th April. Free entry.

Worldwide Distribution 26-03-06

Just Funkin' music have added Mike's music to their online store this week. International and Australian orders can now be made from www.justfunkinmusic.com.au Mike will be playing at the Varga Espresso Bar, Newtown, tomorrow night (Monday 27th March) with special guest Crumbs Carney on Keys. See the shows page for more detail.

album progressions 10-03-06

the 'calm wind' project is taking good shape. mastering will take place in two weeks time and the artwork is coming together too. the original thought of releasing in late april was a little unrealistic. the plan now is to release in may sometime. will keep you posted though. we have decided to change internet distributors from chaos.com.au to musicplug.net this will mean mikemccarthy music will be distributed worldwide from this website. more soon!

sth coast cancellations 27-02-06

Mike has had to cancel his bookings with Gethsemane this week due to a shoulder injury. Gethsemane will still be playing at the ANU in Canberra this thursday and the Sloshed cod bar, Bathurst on friday.

calm wind 13-02-06

so last week we finished recording the new album 'calm wind'. it was all done over the course of two and a half days and yet it felt like no part of the process was rushed. the sounds include national resonator, acoustic guitar, wurlitzer, hammond, piano, bass, sparse percussive drums and a few vocals for good measure... not sure about a release date at this stage, perhaps late april

the early months 23-01-06

Howdy, Coming up gig wise Mike will be at the Sydney Junction Hotel in Newcastle this thursday 26th Jan. Next Wednesday the 2nd feb mike'll play for the sydneysiders at the ol' Manly Boatshed as part of the Songwriters live night. Also Mike will be heading south with Gethsemane to Albury and Canberra, check the shows page for more...cheerio

Break Show 09-01-06

This sunday the 15th Jan, Amy McKnight will join Mike at the Break Bar in Terrigal. Entry is free and all kicks off about 8:45pm Also, the infamous rhodes playing guru that is Michael 'Crumbs' Carney will be playing with Mike!

SACRED TIMES 23-12-05

News is that Mike and the band are rehearsing over the next month in preparation to record...more updates will pop up in the Significant News mailouts. The support for Eric Bibb is coming up on the 5th Jan at Lizottes. The shows are sold out. Mike will join Nathan Oldfield to chat about the making of 'Lines from a poem' with Scott Levi of ABC radio. For those in Sydney Mike will be playing at the Transit Lounge, (The Metro) on George St. on the 6th Jan. Headlining is Gethsemane (Newtown legends).

SUPPORTING 26-11-05

Mike will be back at Lizottes in December supporting Deisal on the 22nd. The old combo of Rhodes/National and Acoustic guitars will occur when Mike plays the 'Hometown Throwdown' in sydneys western suburbs on the 2nd December. http://www.hometownthrowdown.com/ In the new year, namely the 5th January Mike will play support to Acoustic Blues giant ERIC BIBB. Lizottes is the venue, the music and food will be top shelf... http://www.lizottes.com/live

GUEST BOOK WOES 25-07-05

We have been receiving lots of dodgy guest book entries lately. Please don't take any notice of these. We may have to close the guest book page shortly. Sorry for any inconvenience. On a more positive note, Mike continues to hang at number 2 on the independent 'Top Sellers' list at Chaos music. Thank you for your continued support.

NALU MAGAZINE 13-07-05

The Japanese longboard magazine 'Nalu', recently put out a compilation disc with their mag that features two Mike McCarthy songs, 'poems in the sand' and 'lovely is love'. The tour in Japan went very well, Mike hopes to tour there again later this year. Mike plays support to DIESAL on the 20th.21st and 22nd July at 'Live at Lizottes', Kincumba and will also play support for ASK BOB, who are releasing a new album at Key Largo Nightclub, Terrigal on the 23rd. See the SHOWS page for more info.