The funk six-piece farewelled their fans on Saturday at the Cambridge Hotel with support from friends Duncan Woods & The Notable Few, Motherfunk and Spuz.

Catnip formed in 2015 and released their second EP Sketches three weeks ago, which they toured along the NSW north coast. But Kercher's decision to move to England on a two-year visa means the band is taking a hiatus to focus on university and work commitments.

"The guys in the band are like brothers to me and I really treasure everything we've done with the band," Kercher said.

NEWCASTLE fans will be the first to hear Kyle Lionhart perform his latest single So Close, after the Byron Bay indie-folk artist announced he'll begin his upcoming tour at 48 Watt Street on April 24.

Lionhart is the latest Aussie troubadour to follow the likes of Kim Churchill and Ziggy Alberts in melding indie-folk melodies, coastal vibes and environment concerns in his music.

So Close will feature on Lionhart's first album, due for release later this year.

IF you were one of those disappointed ticket-holders left hanging when Murder By Death cancelled their 2012 Australian tour, your patience has finally been rewarded.

The Indiana-based gothic Americana band have announced they will return this winter joined by Against Me! frontwoman Laura Jane Grace and her latest band The Devouring Mothers.

The massive double bill rolls into the Hamilton Station Hotel on June 16. 

In 2012 Murder By Death were forced to cancel an Australian tour after the promoter Jung Hearts lost an investor just weeks before it was due to begin. The five-piece haven't returned since. Meanwhile, Grace dropped her debut solo album last year, Bought To Rot.

Punk four-piece Totally Unicorn are renown for doing things differently, and they kept true to their reputation last month when they pulled up in a Sydney back alley and performed out of a truck. On April 21 Totally Unicorn head to Newcastle for a conventional pub gig at the Hamilton Station Hotel