A Penny For Your Thoughts

A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS

On Sunday, 19 April 2026, musician Penny Ikinger will host her new conversation series A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS at One Star Lounge & Gallery, West Melbourne.

This intimate series invites audiences to delve beneath the surface of music and art. Through in-person conversations, she explores the forces shaping musicians and creative minds, revealing the stories behind the sound.

For the first session, Penny sits down with Ricky Maymi—a San Francisco-born multi-instrumentalist, producer, and founding member of psychedelic rock icons The Brian Jonestown Massacre (USA), with whom he has just toured Australia—followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Maymi’s collaborations include Australian artists Steve Kilbey (The Church), Glenn Bennie (Underground Lovers, GB3), and The Triffids. He has also toured internationally with The Wild Swans (UK), Flavor Crystals (USA), and others. His production credits include Birdstriking (China), Scorpio Leisure (Scotland), and Michael Savage (Australia). Over decades and across continents, Ricky Maymi has left a lasting mark on the world of psychedelic rock.

Penny Ikinger herself is an antipodean rock force — fuzz queen, sonic chanteuse, and primal mistress of rock. With decades of experience as a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer, she brings sharp insight and professional curiosity to her new conversation series.

Please join us for A PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS at:

One Star Lounge & Gallery 301–303 Victoria St, West Melbourne

Sunday April 19 2026 Doors 5:00 PM • Start 5:30 PM

Tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/a-nhgctvf5

Reply  

EUROPE TOUR DATES IN ROCKTOBER!

EUROPE TOUR DATES JUST ANNOUNCED!

Australian sonic chanteuse PENNY IKINGER is touring France and Spain in October 2024 to promote her latest album Travels and Travails.

“One of this year’s tip top rock albums. Eclectic, wise, and chockful of fierce emotional weight.” Walter Price, Global Texan Chronicles (USA)

The new album showcases Penny's collaborations with artists from France, Australia, Japan and the United States. Travels and Travails has garnered excellent reviews and gained international airplay.

“Swampy psychedelia, feedback guitar with glints of fuzz, folk and pop peeking through. A stunning collection.” The Barman, I-94 Bar (Australia)

Penny Ikinger’s raw talent has won over audiences in Japan, the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, garnering a legion of devoted fans. Penny's passion for music and electrifying performances have allowed her to captivate audiences around the world, marking her as a truly remarkable artist. Now she brings her avant-garage rock show to Europe. Expect a blend of psychedelic garage punk, pulsating rhythm and a “take no prisoners” approach at all shows.

“One that was born with a star on the forehead is Penny Ikinger, a kind of grungy answer to PJ Harvey...Devastating from start to finish.”- Jon Pagola, Mondosonoro (Spain)

PENNY IKINGER will be performing in France and Spain backed by the Not (Fr), a high-energy rock'n'roll band born in a seedy Paris bar, at the shows 13th – 19th October. The Not features Vinz Guilluy on bass; Roy Mitakidis on guitar; JB Didier on keyboards, and Frantz Arnould (Fr) on drums. She will perform solo in Périgueux, France on 26th October.

PENNY IKINGER EUROPE TOUR DATES:

FRANCE:

Sunday 13th October - L'Alimentation Générale, Paris, w/ Glenn Burns (Australia)

SPAIN:

Thursday 17th October - Funhouse, Madrid, w/ Jibaros (Spain)

Friday 18th October - La Casa De Sabica, Pamplona 

Saturday 19th October - VIII. ZZ Rock Jaialdia, Zumarraga

FRANCE:

Saturday 26th October – Skate Parc Le Moulin du Rousseau, Périgueux, w/ Kosmik Twaregs (Spain)

Tickets through www.lunalivepresents.com or direct from venues.

Latest album "Travels and Travails" on Bandcamp: https://pennyikinger.bandcamp.com/album/travels-and-travails

“The “femme fatale” of Australian rock Penny Ikinger gave us one of the best performances of the Andoain Festival. One with the most Pomegranates of the current harvest!”- Txema Mañeru, El Giradiscos (Spain).

Reply  

Upcoming shows March 2024

Well, we've been a bit remiss posting any blogs recently (sorry about that - too busy to blog, as they say!). Just letting you know that PENNY IKINGER has a couple more Melbourne shows coming up in March - northside and southside and one more in April (details coming soon), before she takes a well-earned break so do come along and check out her fab band Penny Ikinger's Marbles this long weekend, plus it's free entry!

SATURDAY 9th MARCH – GEM BAR, COLLINGWOOD - PENNY IKINGER’s MARBLES and JJ McCANN TRANSMISSION Penny Ikinger and James McCann are veterans of the Australian rock 'n'roll scene and continue to push the boundaries of rock'n'roll. Penny Ikinger's raw talent has taken her on a global journey winning over audiences in the USA, Canada, Japan, Europe and Australasia. Her latest album "Travels and Travails" is an explorative documentation of her collaborations with artists from around the globe. James McCann has toured Europe and Australia to promote albums released on Bang! Records (Spain) and Beast Records (France). His latest album 'Hit With Love,' was produced by Rob Younger of Radio Birdman and New Christs fame and is out now on Cheersquad Records & Tapes. Penny Ikinger will play this exclusive show at THE GEM with her band Penny Ikinger's Marbles, and James McCann with his band JJ McCann Transmission. These comrades in arms are dedicated to the cause and continue to blaze a trail through rock'n'roll. Come see what all the fuss is about! JJ McCann Transmission 9-9:45pm Penny Ikinger's Marbles 10-10:45pm Free entry.

SATURDAY 16th MARCH – GEORGE LANE, ST KILDA – PENNY IKINGER (solo) supports GARETH SKINNER. Gareth Skinner has a very rich musical history. Playing in some of the 90s most ‘out there’ acts (Bzark / Ergot Derivative) as well as being a go to guest musician for ARIA topping albums by Powderfinger, Bertie Blackman, Something For Kate, Gotye, Wagons and many more. In recent years, as well as being a full-time member of The Sand Pebbles, Gareth Skinner has been developing his own music. Resulting in his debut full band album OFF // AXIS. From a very wide range of musicians Gareth has hand-picked a crème of Melbourne musicians to form this band for a tougher edge – Sarah Blaby (Maggie Pills/Double Vanity), Ben Michael (The Sand Pebbles) and Drew Caldwell (Disaster Plan / Breather Hole) - with special the guest lead vocals/guitar of Joel Silbersher (HOSS / GOD etc). Gareth Skinner is launching "OFF // AXIS" with support from the one and only PENNY IKINGER and a solo set from himself played looped cello, Arthur Russell-esque minimalist pop: https://bit.ly/3Thpco0 Doors open at 3pm and tickets can be purchased below: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1160730 Multiple Ticket Prices + BF

Reply  

Latest album "Travels and Travails" hits the airwaves!

Penny Ikinger's album "Travels and Travails" has been receiving great airplay on various radio stations, especially in her hometown of Melbourne. Here's a breakdown of the tracks and the DJs who have been spinning them:

"Voodoo Girl" - Played on "Banana Lounge Broadcasting" by Dave Graney and on "On The Blower" by Tony Biggs. The song was recorded by Penny's French band Penelope Inc under the production of Jim Diamond.

"Red Balloon" - Also played by Dave Graney and Tony Biggs. This track was recorded by Penny with Melbourne-based Burning Sand, featuring special guest Marita Dyson from The Orbweavers on vocals.

"Tsunami" - Played by Megahertz spiritual leader Pauly P on "Respect The Rock". This song was recorded in The Chapel of Rock by Penny Ikinger's Marbles.

"Spinster" - Tony Biggs played this track, even though it includes a brave 3-minute guitar solo by Penny. It was recorded with Donovan's Brain, based in Montana, USA.

"Ride On, Cowboy" - Played by Tony Biggs and Dave Graney, as well as Crispi on "Radio City" on PBS radio. This track is by Penny Ikinger’s Marbles.

"Siberia" - Played on the Triple R graveyard shift by The Carmel and Sparksy show. It was written and recorded with Dimi Dero and features Billy Miller on guitar and Jim Dickson on bass.

"Penny has dissected each song on "Travels and Travails" during her interview with Dr Gonzo on his program “And This One’s Introduced By" on 3CR. Additionally, her cover version of The Scientists' song “We Had Love" (recorded with her Japanese band The Silver Bells) has been played on Triple R FM and was included in PBS radio's TOP TEN TRACKS of the week.

Many thanks to all the DJs who have been supporting Penny Ikinger's music!

Reply  

Upcoming show 1st July 2023 at The Catfish, Melbourne

Penny Ikinger's Marbles Servo Beat Panic

Venue: The Catfish 30 Gertrude St, Fitzroy

Date: Saturday 1st July

Penny Ikinger and her Melbourne based band have been christened PENNY IKINGER’s MARBLES.

Make of that what you will!

The Marbles feature Tim McCormack on bass, Jason McGann on drums, Moonrat Walsh on guitar, Ryan Oliver on keys, and Julian Held on guitar. Not forgetting Penny on guitar and vocal duties.

They recently launched Penny’s new album “Travels and Travails” at George Lane, St Kilda after playing a sold-out show at The Corner Hotel, Richmond supporting MUDHONEY.

Last year they featured in numerous TOP TEN lists for their live performances in Melbourne and Sydney.

See what all the fuss is about - catch ‘em at THE CATFISH, FITZROY on Saturday 1st JULY with supports from punksters SERVO and BEAT PANIC.

Copies of Penny’s new album “Travels and Travails” will be available at the gig, or you can grab a copy via www.pennyikinger.com

Songs from the new album will be performed live at THE CATFISH on SATURDAY 1st JULY.

Grab your tickets here folks:

https://thecatfish.iwannaticket.com.au/event/penny-ikingers-marbles-w-servo-beat-panic-MjkwOTY

DOOR $25/ PRESALE $20

PENNY IKINGERS MARBLES: 9:30-10:30PM

SERVO: 8:40-9:10PM

BEAT PANIC: 7:50-8:20PM

TICKET LINK: https://thecatfish.iwannaticket.com.au/event/penny-ikingers-marbles-w-servo-beat-panic-MjkwOTY

Reply  

Penny's new album on Bandcamp!!!

Penny Ikinger's latest album, ‘Travels and Travails’, is now available on Bandcamp!!! You can grab it here: https://pennyikinger.bandcamp.com/album/travels-and-travails The album hosts tracks that capture Penny’s experiences, obstacles, and tribulations of being a touring artist. "Travels and Travails" explores and documents her travels over the 20 years of her solo career. The new album showcases her collaborations with artists from France, Australia, Japan and the United States. It includes both live and studio recordings, some of which are previously unheard, whilst others are reworkings of songs from my earlier works. Penny is thrilled that these tracks are finally seeing the light of day! The CD come in a cardboard wallet with a 4 page booklet. The beautiful photos on the album cover were taken by Antoine Nguyen (Paris, France). "Travels and Travails" is available on CD on Bandcamp now and will also be available on cassette (date TBA). Stay tuned folks!

Reply  

Album launch on Fri May 5th 2023

Penny Ikinger will l be launching her new album - "Travels and Travails" - at GEORGE LANE, 1 George Lane, St Kilda on Friday 5th MAY. She will be joined by her big, bold and brazen band for this show.

The new album "Travels and Travails" showcases her collaborations with artists from France, Australia, Japan, and the United States. It includes both live and studio recordings, previously unreleased. Some are new songs, others are re-workings of previously recorded songs.

Steeped in power pop and armed with classic melodies, The On and Ons are heading to Melbourne from Sydney to launch their fourth full studio album, “Let Ya Hair Down”. They’ll appear at George Lane in St Kilda alongside Penny Ikinger on Friday, May 5 as a double album launch.

We would love to see you there!

TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing?eid=1006501&

GEORGE LANE, 1 George Lane St Kilda

https://www.georgelane.com.au/

George Lane Live Music & Event Space LIVE MUSIC & EVENTS SPACE located on the ground floor of the iconic George Hotel in St Kilda. A perfect eclectic space for live music and all kind of events. www.georgelane.com.au  Playing times will be posted here closer to the event: https://www.facebook.com/pennyikinger/music

Reply  

Upcoming shows April and May 2023

THE PENNY IKINGER BAND AT THE RAINBOW HOTEL, FITZROY Date: Saturday 15th April

The Penny Ikinger Band have garnered high praise where they featured in numerous Top Ten lists for Best Gig of 2022 in Sydney and Melbourne for their efforts. Support will be from JJ McCann Transmission who play dirty ass rock n roll with a jagged punk edge. The Penny Ikinger Band 11pm JJ McCann Transmission 10pm Free entry!

PENNY IKINGER and her band support MUDHONEY AT THE CORNER HOTEL, RICHMOND DATE: Thursday 27th April TICKETS: SOLD OUT Penny Ikinger and her band have been invited by Mudhoney to play support for this show at The Corner Hotel. Seminal Seattle four-piece Mudhoney return to Australia in 2023, marking nine years since their last local shows in 2014. A mammoth odyssey spanning April and May will see them playing headline shows across six states, with a handful of festival dates among them.

PENNY IKINGER (solo) at FUZZY SUNDAY! DATE: 30th April ADDRESS: Coburg RSL, 323 Sydney Road, Coburg

FUZZY SUNDAY is a festival that shines a light on those acts in Australia's Roots & Americana scene who apply a heathy dose of distortion to their twang.

PENNY IKINGER ALBUM LAUNCH AT GEORGE LANE, ST KILDA DATE: Friday 5th May Address: 1 George Lane, St Kilda With The On and Ons (Sydney)

Facebook event link: https://fb.me/e/2ZhVzHIjh

Penny Ikinger's latest album, ‘Travels and Travails,’ is set to be released on April 22, 2023 as part of Record Store Day and will be launched on 5th May at George Lane, St Kilda. Penny's experiences, as well as the obstacles and tribulations of being an artist, inspired 'Travels and Travails' - a mesmerising new body of work covering 20 years of her enthralling solo career. The new album is an explorative and raw documentation, and celebration, of Penny's collaborations with artists from France, Australia, Japan, and the United States. It includes both live and studio recordings, some of which are previously unheard, deep-cut tracks, whilst others are reworkings of songs from her earlier work. 'Travels and Travails' covers the spectrum of her solo career so far. Penny Ikinger’s raw talent has taken her on a global journey, winning over audiences in Japan, the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Her international tours have garnered a legion of devoted fans, and even the toughest of critics have been won over by her undeniable talent. Penny's passion for music and electrifying performances have allowed her to captivate audiences around the world, making her a truly remarkable artist. Penny's remarkable ability as a guitarist and singer-songwriter takes centre stage once again with ’Travels and Travails’, as she dazzles listeners and bewitches fans with her inherent command of the alternative sonic realm. Penny's new album is guaranteed to resonate with her fans with its captivating melodies and impassioned lyrics. Penny Ikinger will be launching “Travels and Travails” backed by her Melbourne based band for an exclusive performance at George Lane on Friday 5th May. Steeped in power pop and armed with classic melodies, The On and Ons are heading to Melbourne to launch their fourth full studio album, “Let Ya Hair Down”, in May.They’ll appear at George Lane in St Kilda with The Penny Ikinger Band on Friday, May 5.

The On and Ons were formed by brothers Glenn (vocals and guitar) and Brian Morris (drums and vocals) in Sydney in 2015. Their key influence is ‘60s/’70s rock harmonies and they toured Australia and the USA with Paul Collins (ex-The Nerves) as his backing band. Originally a five-piece, The On and Ons are now a trio that includes ex Hoodoo Gurus bassist Clyde Bramley. Glenn (vocals and guitar) is a former member of the Screaming Tribesmen and Kings of the Sun.

PENNY IKINGER (solo) with THE ON and ONS (Sydney) and BRANDO RISING at Shotkickers, Thornbury on Saturday 6th May

Reply  

This week in November 2022

🤘THE TOTE ROCKS 40 AND PENNY IKINGER PRESENTS!!!!

THIS THURSDAY 10th NOVEMBER -

HITS (Brisbane), JJ MCCANN TRANSMISSION, and TENDRILS (Joel Silbersher and Charlie Owen). 🤘 Penny Ikinger is an antipodean rock maestro who defies easy comparison and definition. With her iconic guitar, the Pennycaster, she is a fuzz queen, sonic chanteuse and primal mistress of dark folk who wows her audiences at home in Australia and beyond.

“All woman and all business - the Australian singer-guitarist - a graduate of the Radio Birdman school of axe warfare - unveils a fetching line of balladry here: black-hearted folk song draped in fuzz, topped with a dark baby-doll whisper...imagine Nico channelling Sandy Denny in front of blue Oyster Cult - and you’re close.” David Fricke, Rolling Stone (USA) She has personally curated a chockas lineup in celebration of our 40th anniversary. Coming down are JJ MCCANN TRANSMISSION, TENDRILS and HITS. 🎸 THUR 10 NOV Get ya tix. 💥 https://bit.ly/3EOK6U7

PENNY IKINGER BAND + AGE OF IGUANA AT THE GEM THIS SUNDAY ARVO 13th NOVEMBER 4pm

VENUE: The Gem Bar ADDRESS: 289 Wellington Street, Collingwood DATE: Sunday 13th November PLAYING TIMES: Penny Ikinger Band 5pm-5.45pm Age Of Iguana 4pm - 4.45pm

Penny Ikinger is a primal mistress of sonic disfigurement and femme fatale pop who wows her audiences in Australia and beyond.

Fresh from playing at the Do The Pop festival in Port Campbell, Penny Ikinger will be dropping in to The Gem accompanied by her stellar band featuring Tim McCormack on bass, Jason McGann on drums, Sam Billinghurst-Walsh on guitar and Julian Held on guitar. This band needs to be seen to be believed! This will be their last show for 2022.

Special guests Age of Iguana, with their potent blend of 60s revival psych and 90s alt rock, will open the show.

This show will be free entry - Merry Xmas everyone! Dare we say that in November???

Reply  

Upcoming shows in Melbourne in August 2022

I have some ultra-cool solo shows coming up in the next month in Melbourne, supporting two fabulous Sydney based artists – Jo Meares and Lo Carmen.

I’ll be playing with Sydney singer songwriter Jo Meares (with the brilliant Mark McCartney on guitar) this Friday 5th August at the Merri Creek Tavern, Northcote. I’ll be on at 8pm; Jo and Mark at 9pm.

I will also be playing a show on Saturday 13th August supporting Jo Meares and his full band at the Lomond Hotel, Brunswick East. I’ll be on at 8pm.

Jo Meares blends a sort of euphoria mixed with melancholy. He is set to release his 4th solo album this year. Part Neil Young, part Lou Reed, part Nick Cave – but with a uniquely Australian twang!

The multi-talented Lo Carmen also hails from Sydney. Lo is a singer-songwriter, musician, author and actress who has released seven solo albums in the Americana alt-country indie rock vein. In February 2022 her memoir “Lovers Dreamers Fighters” was published by Harper Collins.

Lo Carmen was cast as the wild and haunted Freya Olson in the film “The Year My Voice Broke” (1987) with co-stars Noah Taylor and Ben Mendelsohn and since then has gone on to bring her shimmering brand of lyrical folk-country-pysch-blues to Australian and international audiences.

Lo and I will be playing at the Brunswick Artist's Bar on Sunday 14th August, where Lo will be joined by her rock'n'roll band The Great Beyond (featuring members of The Cruel Sea/Kim Salmon/Mess Hall/Holy Soul) for her first Melbourne full band show in many years.

Brunswick Artist’s Bar 14th Aug - 3pm Doors | 3.30-4.15pm Penny Ikinger solo | 4.30-5.30pm Lo Carmen & The Great Beyond. Grab your tix here: https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/lo-carmen-the-great-beyond-penny-ikinger-solo/141692?ref=RSS_rss_brunswickballroom&skin=brunswickballroom

For the latest news on my gigs in Melbourne please see my Penny Ikinger Music Page https://www.facebook.com/pennyikingermusic or join: https://www.facebook.com/groups/458281708927419

These gigs will be my last solo shows for a while.

Next stop for me will be a full band show at the Do The Pop festival on Saturday 29th October at the Port Campbell Hotel, Vic. More news on this coming soon!

Reply