What a year of touring it’s been for California punks illuminati hotties. Chosen as one of the support acts for the all-conquering Boygenius tour, they wrapped up that run of shows at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre last weekend.
Now they’re in Australia, ready to back up Alex Lahey on her national tour. Over the next few weeks, the pair will perform together in Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Belgrave (see full dates below).
To celebrate them being in Australia, Rolling Stone AU/NZ asked illuminati hotties to name their favourite Australian artists – yes, Lahey features – and Sarah Tudzin duly obliged. You can check out her top five picks below, which features hard rock legends, some indie idols, and a current pop superstar.
With Tudzin having been busy working behind-the-scenes as a producer and engineer for the likes of The Armed and the aforementioned Boygenius, illuminati hotties haven’t been releasing much of their own material lately.
Until “Truck”, that is. Their first single of the year is a tender punk delight, an ideal summer road anthem to accompany Tudzin’s busy period of touring. “‘Cause nothing beats open road,” she sings softly and knowingly; how well Tudzin will fit in on Australia’s wide open highways.
“If mortality is a jolting, jagged highway exit, then heaven is a truck as it rumbles through the unknown,” Tudzin explains. “”Truck” is a gentle affirmation that the dream can change at no deficit of dignity. For Tim.”
illuminati hotties’ “Truck” is out now via Hopeless Records.
illuminati hotties’ Top Five Australian Artists
Courtney Barnett
The last real rock star! I have to give props and praise for Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit for being a major blueprint of the first IH album.
AC/DC
Born Scottish, bred Australian, kings of on-stage style, guitar moves, and distortion. Essentially every song is a bonafide ripper, but no one said it better than they did on “It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)”.
Nick Cave
Nick Cave is someone that comes to mind when I think of music and art in its highest form. His artistic integrity, gentle acknowledgments of human suffering, prolificity, and lens through which he processes grief have been massively impactful in my life.
Alex Lahey
I’ve been given the distinct honour of opening for Alex on tour in Australia. An absolute unit of a songwriter and a masterclass performer, Alex inspires me every day to be a better shredder and a better human! Highly recommend “They Wouldn’t Let Me In” from her new album, The Answer Is Always Yes.
Troye Sivan
The music video for “Rush”… need I say more?
Alex Lahey 2023 Australian Tour
With special guest Illuminati Hotties
Friday, August 11th
Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, SA
Tickets: Moshtix
Saturday, August 12th
Rosemount Hotel, Perth, WA
Tickets: Oztix
Friday, August 18th
Crowbar, Sydney, NSW
Tickets: Oztix
Saturday, August 19th (SOLD OUT)
The Night Cat, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday, August 20th
Sooki Lounge, Belgrave, VIC
Tickets: Oztix
