Month: November 2014

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Demokracy” – Citizen Kay

The Australian hip hop scene may be the strongest that it’s ever been in history. Where once there was a cultural cringe and artists were accused of simply copying the musicians in the United States, we’re realizing that many Australian hip hoppers have some really important, interesting things to say. Acts like Bliss N Eso and Hilltop Hoods dominate the charts, but personally the artist that’s impressed me most is Citizen Kay. As I listened to his long awaited mini-LP Demokracy today, I found myself falling even more in love with his music.

At eight tracks, the mini-LP tag is perfect. Far too long for an EP, too short for a regular album, Demokracy feels the ideal length. There are no filler tracks. Indeed, the first half have already been released as singles since the start of 2013. But the remaining four are definitely not just making up the numbers. While I already loved “Yes!,” “Raise a Glass,” “Manage,” and “Freedoom,” they were the songs that really confirmed to me that Citizen Kay is the real deal. “Chosen,” a collaboration with the velvety-voiced Benjamin Joseph, is particularly breathtaking. “Nice &” is such an unusual blend of cocktail jazz and rap. This is the real deal.

It’s Citizen Kay’s ability to move from party tracks to political songs to smooth romantic jams which I find most endearing. So many hip hop artists seem to exist in a box. They’re railing against the system or they’re hanging out with the honeys living large. Citizen Kay is unashamedly a hip hop act, but you gets the sense that he wants to push that label as far as he can. The result is a record that’s really diverse, but so well done that it works as a beautiful, complex whole. I feel like we’re only just starting to see the many facets of Citizen Kay.

Citizen Kay has two final shows to launch Demokracy. Catch him at Sydney’s Roller Den on November 28 on the CoLab Festival at Perth’s UWA on November 29.

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Problem with Little Odessa

Little Odessa have made magic again with their latest single “Part of the Problem.” This is a foot stomping good time of a track with such a lovely raw, garage rock feel. That lack of polish makes it feel so spontaneous and organic and real. I love it.

The track came out of a writing week in Sydney that frontman Marlon Hickey recently indulged in. He penned it with Oceanics’ songwriter Tom Garnett before taking it back to his bandmates in Brissie.

Are you loving it as much as me?


Image used with permission from White Label Servicing

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anja Nissen Underwhelms with “I’m So Excited”

I must admit, I’ve been giving Anja Nissen’s new music video a wide berth for a while. I’d spotted images of her, red lipped and pouting, and felt a bit cheated by her makeover. Where was the girl who enjoyed riding dirt bikes that we came to know on The Voice? But when the video was sent to me I figured I should stop jumping to conclusions and actually give it a look. God I wish I hadn’t.

The song is called “I’m So Excited,” yet Anja’s face never cracks a smile through the run-time of this clip. If she’s excited I really can’t tell. The track is really formulaic, but if it had an energy to match its lyrics I might not have minded too much. Instead this just feels like another song to roll off the will.i.am  production line.

It’s disappointing because I remember Will on the show championing acts like Gabrielle and Cecilia and ZK, exclaiming how different they were and how that excited him. Anja never felt very different to me. She felt like another diva with an impressive set of pipes and a gorgeous package. I felt she was very commercial, but she wasn’t for me. But the thing is, what Will’s done here is stamp out what little individuality she did have and make her some kind of robotic pop princess.

I’ve heard people trash The Voice, and they probably wonder why I expected better. But I did. Anja has real talent, even if it’s a little vanilla, but we see none of it here.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sleepy Dreams Launch Local Football

Melburnians, your Saturday night plans are sorted. Local indie-folk quartet Sleepy Dreamers will be officially launching their sophomore EP Local Football at The Penny Black in Brunswick on November 29, and they’d love to see you there.

The five-track recording features the stellar singles “Bike Song” and “Hunk.” Empty wallets are no excuse, as entry is free. The music kicks off at 9:30, so be there or be square!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Kelly Gets Soulful

If you’re stuck for Christmas gift ideas, either for your nearest and dearest or for yourself as a reward for all that time spent shopping, then consider some Paul Kelly swag. He’s about to release The Merri Soul Sessions, a soul and gospel album which sees Paul performing with some of his best friends in the business including Dan Sultan, Vika and Linda Bull, Kira Puru, and Clairy Browne. It’s something new for Paul, who’s better known for his folkier leanings, but with such talent on board you can’t go wrong.

The Merri Soul Sessions, Paul’s 20th studio release, is currently available for pre-order through his website, ahead of its December 12 release. However, if you really want to get something special I suggest heading to the PledgeMusic site where you can secure a 7” vinyl box set or 12” vinyl deluxe box set.

If you feel like buying a good night out, then why not grab some tickets for Paul’s national tour, happening this January? They’re on sale now.

9 January 2015 – Opening Party of Sydney Festival, Parramatta
10 January 2015 – Summer of Soul Festival, Mossvale
16 January 2015 – MONA FOMA @ Princes Wharf, Hobart
17 January 2015 – Sundown Sessions @ Scarborough Park, Scarborough
21 January 2015 – Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre, Tamworth
22 January 2015 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (seated)
23 January 2015 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (standing)
31 January 2015 – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
6 February 2015 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney NSW
7 February 2015 – Melbourne Zoo, Melbourne VIC
10 & 11 February 2015 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maples Cures Mondayitis with “Stars”

It’s notoriously difficult to get moving on a Monday, but “Stars,” the gorgeous debut single from Sydney songbird Maples, may add some spring to your step.

This is such a fun song. It’s unapologetically pop, but it’s also got a real theatricality about it that I love. I also love the lyrics, which speak about overcoming suppression and breaking free. Maples co-wrote “Stars” with Julian Hamilton of The Presets, which may explain why it’s got hit written all over it.

“Stars” is the first track to be lifted from Maples’ forthcoming debut album. Do you dig it?

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celebrate NYE on the Coast at Lost Paradise

Mountain Sounds isn’t the only festival to call the Central Coast home. Music lovers looking for New Year’s plans may enjoy checking out Lost Paradise, a three-day festival held in the stunning Glenworth Valley. People may remember this was the site of the old Peats Ridge music festival, so it’s great to see it getting some use as a music venue once again.

The line-up’s already getting interesting, with Boy and Bear, Ball Park Music, The Preatures, Sylvan Esso, Allday, and heaps more already announced.

Lost Paradise is billing itself as a three-day boutique camping festival, although with tepees, bell tents, caravans, and yurts it’s a lot more posh than the camping you’ll do at most events of this ilk. It’s also family-friendly, with a circus and Kid’s Paradise zone, as well as a crèche and night-time nannies available for parents who want to check out the bands while their little ones play. Add in pop-up dining, Shambala yoga and healing, and heaps more, and you’ve got a music festival that dares to be different.

Lost Paradise takes over Glenworth Valley from December 30 to January 1.

Image used with permission from Finely Tuned

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Lee Kendall’s “Emptiness” is the Perfect Sunday Soundtrack

Daniel Lee Kendall has won me over again with his new single “Emptiness,” the second lifted from his debut album Daniel Lee Kendall is Dead. For such dark subject matter it sounds remarkably cheerful. It’s just the thing for a chilled out Sunday if you ask me.

Daniel is currently travelling around the country on his The Funeral Tour, so if you love what you hear you can see him do it in the flesh at the following shows.

29 November 2014 – Loo Loo’s Warehouse, Kincumber
5 December 2014 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Mountain Sounds, Kariong

Image used with permission from Create/Control

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trevor Hall Delivers Music to Soothe the Soul

If you’re seeing Nahko & Medicine for the People on their upcoming shows, I recommend arriving early. I’ve just been listening to the support act Trevor Hall’s latest album Chapter of the Forest, and he’s outstanding.

I’ve had a lot of turmoil going on around me of late. Sisters feeling out of sorts, parents overseas so I’m the one hearing it from both sides, persistent illness, all general ickiness. So listening to something like this album which is so spiritual, so grounded, so organic, is just what I needed. I only wish I didn’t already have plans when they’re all in Newcastle, or I’d be there with bells on. I’ll just have to be content with listening to Trevor’s wonderful songs, but honestly if you get a chance, these shows are going to be killer.

22 November 2014 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns
23 November 2014 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby (Nahko solo)
25 November 2014 – The HiFi, Sydney
26 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
29 November 2014 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
02 December 2014 – The Governor, Hindmarsh
04 December 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
06 December 2014 – Fly By Night, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pepa Knight Wows Me with “Coyote Choir”

Pepa Knight, the co-frontman of Jinja Safari, is stepping out solo with the forthcoming album Hypnotized Vol. I. The album doesn’t drop until November 28, but you can get a taste of it with the original and totally gorgeous new single “Coyote Choir.”

I love the way this song comes together. It’s a little Hari Krishna, a little hanging out on the beaches of Byron, a little Summer of Love. Neon Gold called it “highly original tipi-pop,” which sounds as good a label as any. Or maybe we just forget about categorising it and enjoy it for what it is.

And if you are enjoying it, make sure you get along to the remaining shows Pepa’s performing along the East Coast this month.

27 November 2014 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
28 November 2014 – Baker St, Gosford
29 November 2014 – Milk Factory, Brisbane (FREE)

Image used with permission from Rare Finds