Month: May 2016

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We Lost the Sea Prepare for First Local Headlining Tour

Sydney cinematic instrumental band We Lost the Sea are gearing up for their first ever headlining tour of Australia. We’ve seen them cross the country supporting international acts like This Will Destroy You, Rosetta, and Mono, so it’s about time they enjoyed a moment in the spotlight.

This tour is well overdue, with the band’s third full length album Departure Songs being released last year. The band promises to perform the album in its entirety. It features gems like the atmospheric “A Gallant Gentleman.” Hear this track and many more at the following gigs.

27 May 2016 – Rad, Wollongong
28 May 2016 – Beatdisc Records, Parramatta,
3 June 2016 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
4 June 2016 – Hotel Gearin, Katoomba
10 June 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
17 June 2016 – The Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
18 June 2016 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
24 June 2016 – The Basement (Backroom), Canberra
25 June 2016 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne and Mark Seymour Touring Together

James Reyne and Mark Seymour are some of Australia’s most enduring talents. I’ve seen them both live many times, and they’ve never delivered anything less but stellar performances. They’re very giving artists, continuing to play the hits the fans love while gently introducing them to the incredible new music they both produce. Local music fans are in for a real treat when they team up for a string of shows later this year.

James and Mark promise to perform together and alone, with songs drawing from their days with Australian Crawl, Hunters & Collectors, and their extensive solo careers. The gigs will also be semi-acoustic, which is perfect for these small venues.

Tickets for the And the Rest is History shows are on sale now.

29 & 30 July 2016 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
4 August 2016 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
5 August 2016 – Panthers, Penrith
6 August 2016 – Metro, Sydney
12 August 2016 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
19 August 2016 – Wrest Point, Hobart
20 August 2016 – Country Club, Launceston
26 August 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide
2 September 2016 – The Charles Hotel, Perth
9 September 2016 – Castle Hill Tavern, Castle Hill
10 September 2016 – Wenty Leagues Club, Wentworthville
16 September 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Camp Cope Tour Debut Album

With their self-titled debut currently in stores and an album launch tour on the way, there’s no better time to discover the music of Camp Cope.

This Melbourne act is everything punk music should be: angry, opinionated, with an authentic voice an Aussie listening audience can really relate to. It’s also so refreshing to hear a female voice; the fairer sex is certainly underrepresented in the genre.

You can hear all the things I love about the band in the album’s lead single, “Jet Fuel Can’t Melt Steel Beams.” Make sure you tune in to the insightful lyrics; they’re so important.

Tickets for the Melbourne show are available from the hotel; all others you can get on the door before the gigs.

13 May 2016 – John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
14 May 2016 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
20 May 2016 – Black Wire Records, Sydney
21 May 2016 – Janes, Wollongong
28 May 2016 – Crowbar, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Releases “Out in the Dark”

There’s a time and place for big production, but there’s something so appealing about old school musicians like Alexander Biggs, a Melbourne folk act who recorded, mixed, and mastered his new single “Out in the Dark” from his bedroom.

“Out in the Dark” is a gorgeous song, a slow burner that’s perfectly executed and beautifully written. It’s the second track lifted from Alexander’s debut EP, which will be released later this year.

Alexander will launch the single for hometown fans at Some Velvet Morning on June 23. Entry is free, so there’s no excuse not to get out and support this talented new artist.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bye Bye for Now

Last year my husband and I caught the cruising bug. We adored our first trip, a cruise to New Zealand, so much so that we took a three-nighter food and wine cruise later that year, just because we were desperate to get back on a ship. Now that my husband has accrued some more holidays, we’re off again, this time to Vanuatu and New Caledonia. As an added bonus, my parents have agreed to work on renovating our house while we’re gone. Score!

So today we’re heading off, and I’ll be gone for roughly two weeks. I’ve written some posts to go live while I’m gone so you don’t miss me too much, but I won’t be answering comments or emails while I’m gone. I’ll be far too busy enjoying being unplugged.

Be good while I’m gone!

Image source: Corey Ann @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Evening Cast Releases “Gang of Fools”

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard new material from The Evening Cast, but it’s been well and truly worth the wait. Their new single “Gang of Fools,” reminded me just how much I love this five-piece from Geelong.

It’s got a great groove and some beautiful harmonies. I love the way the Evening Cast never overdoes things. The song is delicate and restrained, and the sort of thing that makes me hungry for more.

That’s coming soon. “Gang of Fools” is the first track lifted from The Evening Cast’s sophomore LP Belong, which will be released on May 11. A national tour will follow in June.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marina Prior and Mark Vincent Singing Together

Marina Prior and Mark Vincent undoubtedly have some of the best voices of the country. Combine them and you’ve got an album that’s sure to make your Mum melt. Their duets album Together features their interpretations of operatic hits and musical theatre favourites including “Music of the Night,” “The Prayer,” and “Amigos Para Sempre.”

“I was so excited to work with Marina,” Mark said. “I’ve always wanted to work with her … singing together created such a great bond between us and we’ve become great friends. I think that shows in the songs we sing on Together … there’s an honesty between us.”

“You have to be on the same wavelength,” Marina added. “You have to be ‘simpatico’ and feel things together. I think that we do that musically, but I also think that we click personally. Music is just an extension of who you are, really. The work has to be true for it to resonate.”

While the Together CD is bound to impress if you’re still searching for the ideal Mother’s Day gift, if you really want to get in her good graces buy a couple of tickets to their upcoming tour. You might even offer to go with Mum to really make her day!

23 September 2016 – Concert Hall, Perth
29 September 2016 – State Theatre, Sydney
30 September 2016 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Brisbane
1 October 2016 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
2 November 2016 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne (1pm and 8 pm shows)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Gods TASTE on Comeback Trail

After a hiatus of nearly 40 years, TASTE are back. However unlike so many bands, they haven’t reformed to cash in on the nostalgia of the past or fund their retirements. Instead they’re doing it because they never got the chance to fulfil their potential.

Rewind to the ‘70s and TASTE were poised to be the next big thing. They were the first band to appear on Countdown, their song “Boys Will Be Boys” was going gangbusters, and they were set to tour the United States with Queen. Then their parents charged into their management office demanding they disband. Sadly, they listened to their mums and dads.

However, they’re looking to put all that behind them. The band’s back together, with the addition of new drummer Michael Corniola, and they’ve got a brand new single “I Am God.” It’s just as grandiose and it rocks just as hard as a proper glam rock track should. The clip is also brilliant.

The track comes from TASTE’s latest album Life on Earth, which drops on May 27. They’ll celebrate its release with shows in capital cities around the country.

1 July 2016 – Crowbar, Brisbane
9 July 2016 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
14 July 2016 – Frankie’s Pizzeria (FREE)
16 July 2016 – The Corner, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wilder Lee Wows Me with “Into the Wild”

Don’t you just love that feeling you get when you discover a voice that stops you in your tracks? I’ve just experienced it listening to Wilder Lee’s first single “Into the Wild,” and I think you will too.
I love the mix of husky rawness and sweet falsetto in his voice. And I am such a sucker for an acoustic guitar. The track is potent, organic goodness.

“The song was birthed out of a lot of tough crap in my life, and pretty much sets the tone for the upcoming EP later this year,” he explained in a press release. “’Into the Wild’ is an intrinsic and very intimate look into the wars I have with my own heart – shows you how not all battles can be won.”

Wilder Lee has a few upcoming shows. If you’re in the Sydney area, here are all the places you can catch him.

19 May 2016 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown (supporting Sahara Beck)
24 May 2016 – The Bald Faced Stag, Sydney
11 June 2016 – The Record Crate, Glebe
3 July 2016 – The Soda Factory, Surry Hills