Month: February 2016

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Abraham Does Bjork

When I was a teen, all the girls in my peer group seemed to be obsessed by Bjork. I never quite got it. Her music seemed so weird to me, lacking in melody and focus. It really takes an amazing artist to make me appreciate music that had passed me by, but Ben Abraham has done just that with his incredible cover of “Hyperballad.”

I was so surprised when I heard the first of these covers. I loved it. Ben’s treatment really brought out the lyrics, and there’s a lighter, more delicate touch than I remember in the original. I decided I’d post my favourite of the two version I received, but as I listened to the second I realised I just couldn’t choose. They’re both so beautiful and special in their own right.


So tell me readers, can you pick? Do you prefer the version with Luke Howard or Tim Shiel?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Molly, Flume Top the Charts

For the first time in a long time, local releases are sitting at the top of the albums and singles charts. As I predicted, the screening of Molly gave the soundtrack a big boost. In its eleventh week in the top 50, the biopic’s soundtrack has jumped from number nine to the top spot. No doubt we’ll see a similarly strong result next week since the show just wrapped up.

Meanwhile on the singles chart, Flume has clawed his way to the top with “Never Be Like You.” The track featuring Kai is Flume’s first number one single.

Molly’s success has pushed Sia’s latest album This is Acting from number one down to number five this week. Another recent number one, Bloom by RÜFÜS, sits at number nine.

Here’s a full run-down of this week’s top tens.

Top 10 Albums
1. Molly – Soundtrack
2. 25 – Adele
3. Nothing Has Changed (The Best of David Bowie) – David Bowie
4. Purpose – Justin Bieber
5. This is Acting – Sia
6. A Head Full of Dreams – Coldplay
7. Blackstar – David Bowie
8. Anti – Rihanna
9. Bloom – RÜFÜS
10. Nine Track Mind – Charlie Puth

Top 10 Singles
1. “Never be Like You” – Flume feat. Kai
2. “Pillowtalk” – Zayne
3. “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots
4. “One Call Away” – Charlie Puth
5. “Gold” – Kiiara
6. “Love Yourself” – Justin Bieber
7. “Fast Car” – Jonas Blue feat. Dakota
8. “Lush Life” – Zara Larsson
9. “All My Friends” – Snakehips feat. Tinashe & Chance the Rapper
10. “Roses” – The Chainsmokers feat. Rozes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Simonette Stuns at Just 17 with “Can’t Shake You”

Perth songstress Mia Simonette has one of those voices that stops me in my track. It’s so warm and soulful, jazzy with just a hint of grit. I could listen to her sing the phone book. Thankfully she’s released something a little more entertaining than that in the form of her brand new single “Can’t Shake You.”

It’s Mia’s first single, as you might expect from an artist who is just 17. I can hardly believe it either. If she’s this good at such a tender age, she’s going to be phenomenal with a few years’ experience under her belt.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jason Owen Hits His Stride With “Run”

When Jason Owen appeared on The X Factor, he was a diamond in the rough. He did well on the TV talent show, but I honestly thought he wasn’t ready for the big time. He seemed so unsure of himself, and his voice had some growing to do.

However, Jason’s worked hard on his craft since leaving the show and he’s now producing country-rock music equal to anything coming out of Nashville. His latest single “Run,” the first lifted from his third album Proud, has a real Keith Urban vibe that really resonates with me. I think it’d be the perfect road trip soundtrack, with its rollicking guitar chords and message of escaping the day-to-day humdrum of life.

Proud hits stores in April. If “Run” is any indication, it could be Jason Owen’s best work yet.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luca Brasi Back with “The Cascade Blues”

Tasmanian punk act Luca Brasi have been killing it lately, selling out shows all across the country and receiving plenty of radio love for their single “Aeroplane.” Now they’re back with a band new tune “The Cascade Blues.”

“The Cascade Blues is meant to be a reminder that life is there to be lived,” say the band. “It’s easy to fall in to a negative mindset when things aren’t going right; sometimes I need to tell myself to snap out of it. Life’s pretty bloody short and reminding myself of how lucky we are to live it so easily, and to be young while we’re young, is the message in this song.”

I love the raw emotion of this track. While I was spinning it for the second time, my husband remarked that it sounded a lot like Third Eye Blind. There’s certainly a similar combination of insightful lyrics and passion-filled vocals.

“The Cascade Blues” comes from Luca Brasi’s new album, due later in the year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Halcyon Drive Release Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

Melbourne’s Halcyon Drive has put a smile on my dial with the laidback groove of their latest single “Untethered,” the second track lifted from the band’s forthcoming EP.

The track was recorded in a makeshift studio in Victoria’s Otways National Park with producer Steve Schram, known for his work with San Cisco and Eagle & The Worm.

The EP doesn’t drop until May, but fans can hear a sneak peek when Halcyon Drive hit the road later this month. Catch them at the following shows.

27 February 2016 – Shebeen, Melbourne
4 March 2016 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
5 March 2016 – Milk Factory, Brisbane
10 March 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
11 March 2016 – Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney
12 March 2016 – Lord Gladstone, Sydney
13 March 2016 – Rad Bar, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Opia’s EON Available Today

Perth rockers Opia are making a splash with a brand new single and album. The epic “Standing Still” is the third track lifted from the band’s album EON, which was released today.

Like the other album tracks, “Standing Still” was recorded and engineered at North Fremantle’s Electric City Studios. It somehow manages to sound polished without losing its guts, which is a tricky thing to achieve.

Opia will launch EON for their hometown fans at Amplifier Bar on February 26.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Dempsey Back with Brand New Solo Single “Morningless”

Paul Dempsey has given fans their first taste of his sophomore solo album with the release of its lead single “Morningless.” This is another solid bluesy rock effort from the Something for Kate frontman. And how fabulous is the retro-inspired music video?

Along with the other album tracks, “Morningless” was recorded in Wilco’s The Loft studio in Chicago while they were on tour together. To celebrate the single’s release, Paul will tour the East Coast later this month. Limited tickets are still available for many of these shows, but you’d better get in quick!

13 February 2016 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
17 February 2016 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne (supporting Missy Higgins
19 February 2016 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
20 February 2016 – The Zoo, Brisbane
26 February 2016 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
19 March 2016 – West Kentish, Tasmania

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Arpier Make a Splash with Debut Single “Future”

I’m not sure I could have found you too more different singles today if I tried. But if Pro Vita was a little heavy for your taste, Arpier may be a bit more your speed. If like me you love a little of everything, do yourself a favour.

“Future” is the debut single from Arpier, a duo from Brisbane who met way back in year five. Liam Morton and Robert Hill were jamming together in the music rooms by year nine, and by year 12 Arpier was a reality.
I really love the blend of mellow jazz and alt-rock the band plays with here. Their music’s like nothing I’m hearing at the moment, and that’s a really good thing. It’s easy to get swept up in how good it is musically, but make sure you take a listen to those incredible lyrics too.

Liam said the track was“written during that weird phase where you’re happy and going out to parties, drinking etc, but it’s conflicted with the sadness that you’re actually about to finish school and leave the comfort of childhood behind. I guess it’s just the general sadness of growing up and having to start worrying about the future”.

Arpier will release their debut EP in the middle of the year. You can hear a feew tracks from it when Arpier launch the single tomorrow night, February 11, at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pro Vita Release Rocking New Single “Find Me”

“Find You” is the fourth single from Sunshine Coast quartet Pro Vita, but if like me their earlier efforts passed you by it’s worth listening up now.

Apparently this track has a heavier sound than previous efforts. I really respond to that earnest raucous energy that forgoes vocal perfection for heart. It’s so endearing and honest, perfect for this track which captures the passion of a messy breakup beautifully.

My angsty teen days are far behind me, but Pro Vita has helped tap into that girl lurking deep within. This is a really solid effort from a band to watch.