Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Folds @ Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 1 October 2026

Now that the dust has settled on the NRL season and the long weekend, I’m turning my attention back to music and reminiscing about last week’s excellent Ben Folds show in Mulubinba/Newcastle. Ben is one of those artists that keeps me coming back every few years. The American singer-songwriter is a regular visitor to our shores, and while I don’t attend every tour I can never leave it too long before buying tickets. Even though a midweek gig in Newcastle was tricky, the prospect of seeing him at the Civic Theatre was irresistible, so my husband took a half-day off work and we made the way to my old stomping ground.

The Civic really is the perfect place for seeing a show like this. It’s one of a handful of heritage-listed theatres, a special space which sets the tone for special nights out. The sound is always impeccable, perfect for appreciating the lyrics of any unfamiliar songs. I really appreciated that for Lindsey Kraft’s set. Ben’s support act has only been making music since the pandemic, but was familiar to me through her role on Grace & Frankie. The quirky piano songs from her semi-autobiographical one-woman musical We’ve Been Here Before really were the perfect way to way to ease ourselves into a night of music. I hung on her every word, appreciating her humour and musicality.

This was my fifth Ben Folds show, but I’ve never seen one quite like this. He took to the stage wearing sunglasses, a way to cope with the vestibular migraines he’s been battling he told us. He hates them too, he said, but they allow him to keep making music for us. I’ve always known he was passionate about that, but I appreciated it just a little more at this concert. There was such intensity about the way he played, like he was pushing through the discomfort because the songs meant more. People closer to the front said they saw him closing his eyes behind the shades, gripping the piano, doing whatever he needed to do to ensure the show went on.

A Ben Folds concert always surprises. “Brick,” with his band Ben Folds Five, is his only top 50 hit, so people aren’t really seeing his shows because they heard him on the radio. That gives him the freedom to play what he feels like, because he’s amongst serious fans who either know more obscure tracks or are open to hearing them. We don’t mind if we don’t hear “Brick,” and we didn’t, because we’ve probably got other favourites. I heard many of mine: “Landed,” “Still Fighting It,” “Effington,” and “You Don’t Know Me” with the crowd making an impressive stand-in for Regina Spektor. I’ve not sure I’ve every heard such enthusiastic participation or better harmonies from an audience.

Given the migraines, I wasn’t expecting an encore. I appreciated the way Ben had already pushed through, but it seemed he had a little more in the tank. He returned to the stage, tossed the sunglasses, and put everything into “Army.” And then finally, a few familiar notes and I was clutching my husband’s hand as Ben serenaded us with “The Luckiest.” This is such a special song for my husband and I, and for a few minutes we sat in it, marvelling at how lucky we are. To have found one another all those years ago, and to be sitting together enjoying one of our favourite artists sing one of our favourite songs. Truly the luckiest.

Thank you for a wonderful show Ben. Let’s do it again soon. Ben Folds has just wrapped up his solo shows, but he’ll be back on our shores for more gigs backed by orchestras next year. Tickets are on sale now for all the following dates:

22 January 2027 – Llewellyn Hall, Ngambri/Canberra (with Canberra Symphony Orchestra)
23 January 2027 – Llewellyn Hall, Ngambri/Canberra (with Canberra Symphony Orchestra)
29 January 2027 – Hamer Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)
30 January 2027 – Hamer Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)
3 February 2027 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (with Sydney Symphony Orchestra)
4 February 2027 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (with Sydney Symphony Orchestra)
6 February 2027 – Wrest Point, kree.wer/Sandy Bay (with Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra)
18 February 2027 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra)
19 February 2027 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Adelaide Symphony Orchestra)

Photo credit: Tim J Keegan @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Go Newcastle Knights!

One last post before I head up to Mulubinba/Newcastle to enjoy my grand final day. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I had a different day planned. Way back in February, I bought tickets to see Kate Ceberano play tonight. Caring more about football than that concert wasn’t even on my radar, but here we are. A massive shoutout to The Art House, who were so accommodating and happily gave us a credit note to return our tickets. We know our minds wouldn’t be on the show. We will see you next time Kate!

So instead I’m heading home to watch the game with my parents. My dad lived in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and supported the Roosters for years, but he couldn’t resist getting behind the Knights when they entered the competition in 1988. He’s always had a foot in both camps, and he’s still unsure which jersey he’ll wear today. My mum hasn’t cared about football for most of my life, but she discovered the NRLW a couple of years ago and threw her whole heart behind the Knights’ women’s team. Until recently, her only interest in the men’s game has centred around checking out Dom Young, but she’s become pretty passionate about the entire team. Like me, she’s hoping for a Knights victory today.

I’m also really glad to be around family after the terrible vehicle accident in Newcastle yesterday. My heart goes out to the victims and everyone who witnessed the crash and had what was supposed to be a really happy day turned upside down. And, although it seems a controversial opinion, my heart also goes out to the young man behind the wheel. It’s very easy to point fingers in these circumstances, but we’ve all made mistakes and most of them won’t weigh on us as heavily as the mistake this young man made. I have a lot of compassion for him as well.

Before I go, it seems only right to share “Better,” by the Screaming Jets. It’s become an anthem for the Knights and the city over the years. I have fond memories of being in the front row of the free concert the Jets staged a couple of days after the Knights won their first premiership, singing along to this song with the Knights players on stage. I know the Jets will be part of tonight’s entertainment line-up. I really hope they get a moment to perform this and fire up our players. Go the Knights!

Photo credit: Mike Bird @ Pexels

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lana Karlay Drops Dreamy Pop Gem, “Cross Your Mind”

After exploring a real rock edge with recent singles “Think it Through” and “For the Weak,” Djilang/Geelong-based singer-songwriter Lana Karlay is leaning back into her pop roots on her latest track “Cross Your Mind.” Lana’s pure, angelic voice is tailor-made for pop music, although there’s still a bite to the lyrics that reflects her love of rock. If Peach PRC and Ariana Grande are among your favourite artists, I know you’ll vibe with this one.

One of the biggest differences between Lana and the other acts I’ve mentioned is that while they’re around 30, she’s still in her teens. She’s not just good for an 18-year-old though; she’s simply good. Her age is a bit of a superpower, allowing her to create songs that resonate deeply with young listeners. While Peach PRC and Ariana are casting their minds back to the challenges of youth, Lana’s still living through them.

She uses that very real, recent experience as fuel in “Cross Your Mind,” a pop anthem about recognising your own value and choosing to walk away from someone who doesn’t see it too. This song is full of yearning, as the lyrics recognise that while walking away is the right decision, it’s never an easy one to make when there’s feeling involved.

“Cross Your Mind is about reaching the point where you realise you’re carrying the weight of a relationship on your own,” Lana explained. “You’re constantly thinking about the other person, making excuses for them and trying to hold everything together, while they only seem to think about you when it’s convenient or when something goes wrong.”

Lana co-wrote and produced “Cross Your Mind” alongside brothers Mason & Julez. Mark Parfitt, who’s worked with big-name acts like Justin Bieber and Meghan Trainor, managed the mastering. The team helped Lana realise the pop-rock sound she’s been working towards.

“While my previous releases have explored different sounds, ‘Cross Your Mind’ feels like the point where everything has come together. More than anything, I feel like ‘Cross Your Mind’ is the closest I’ve come to finding my own sound,” Lana enthused. “It feels authentic to who I am as both a songwriter and performer, and it’s the direction I’m really excited to keep
exploring.”

With every new release, I hear Lana becoming a more confident and compelling artist. And even though the year’s approaching an end, she’s not done for 2026. I hear there’s at least one more new song on the way. Follow Lana Karlay on Instagram to learn more about that when it drops.

Image used with permission from Dara Karlusic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Morgan Evans Releases Two Tracks to Support the Newcastle Knights

While I run a music blog, I’ve thought about little else but football over the last couple of weeks. I was born and bred in Mulubinba/Newcastle, so I’ve watched the Knights’ fairy tale run to the NRL Grand Final with such excitement and joy.

They’re not even the team I usually support – I became an Eels fan before the Knights entered the competition – but there’s something about the way these guys represent my hometown and bring everyone together that is contagious. I always jump on the bandwagon if the Knights make the finals and the Eels don’t (which happens more times than I’d like to admit!), but they rarely get this far! This year feels special, from wooden spooners to grand finalists, underestimated at every game, yet somehow finding ways to win against the odds.

If you’d like to read more about my support of the Newcastle Knights, check out my article “Confessions of a Football Bandwagoner” on Hold the News.

One man who’s a little more one-eyed about the footy is Morgan Evans. Although he’s based in Nashville these days, he’s a Novacastrian through and through. He recently released a couple of tracks celebrating his love of the home team. First up, Morgan re-recorded “Steel Town,” the title track from his most recent album. It now features the original lyric, which refers to the “sound of a Newcastle Knights crowd” instead of the more generic “rowdy home game crowd.” You can also hear the iconic “Newcastle chant” and snippets of Ray Warren’s ’97 grand final commentary. It will always give me chills hearing him call Darren Albert’s try in the dying moments of that game! Yes, I’ve been bandwagoning for a long time!

And if that wasn’t enough, he’s finally released “Long Live the Newcastle Knights.” I remember watching Morgan perform this on Good Friday in 2014, when the Newcastle Knights hosted the Brisbane Broncos. It gave me goosebumps then, and it still does today.

Both these songs are on Spotify and they feature on a little playlist I’ll be blasting all weekend as I gear up for tomorrow’s grand final. You can take a listen to that here! Go the Knights!

Photo credit: Nick Swift

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ziggy Alberts Gets Introspective With “I Blame Myself”

You can always count on Ziggy Alberts to deliver chilled-out acoustic goodness. He never tries to reinvent the wheel, but when his music sounds as good as his latest single “I Blame Myself,” why would he need to?

“Upon reflection, it’s full on, it’s really pointing the finger,” Ziggy admitted of the song’s inspiration. “I always want to make a concession for the fact that you need to see how you played into a situation. And I can see now, looking back, that I was a kid trying to do my best. But there are moments in your life where, as much as you want to take the majority of the blame, some relationships are just bloody toxic, and you’ve blamed yourself for things you didn’t need to. Reflecting on how this song came about, that moment in my life was important because I was challenged to know who I was. Giving away too much, I was asking myself, “Who are you? What sets you apart?”, because everyone can have a guitar and a felt hat. I think that’s the time I really leaned into my environmentalism, into playing all-ages shows, into my independent career. All of that was truly who I was, and the challenge of that time pushed me down that path in an important way, to ask those questions and discover the answers.”

“I Blame Myself” comes from Ziggy’s seventh studio album Twin Flames, which drops on October 16. I can’t imagine Ziggy’s going to release it without a full-scale tour, but for now he’ll showcase the new songs and some old favourites at a couple of festivals this November.

7 November 2026 – Lighthouse Festival @ Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve, Darkinjung Country/Norah Head
29 November 2026 – Scarborough Beach Weekender, Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough

Photo credit: Zach Sanders via Beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LamBros. Drop Bluesy New Single, “Never Let Me Go”

Garigal Country/Northern Beaches blues rockers LamBros. have given me chills with their latest single “Never Let Me Go.” It’s a fabulous follow-up to “You Won’t Call,” with a driving hook that just won’t quit and fantastic soulful vocals. Just when you think you’ve heard everything, the didgeridoo and electric guitar kick in and take this track to its epic conclusion.

Commenting on their seemingly overnight success, Connor Lambrou noted “The response both here in Australia, and overseas has really fuelled the fire for us, and given us the confidence that what we’re doing is connecting with audiences across the globe. We are so passionate about writing real and raw music, and to have had such an amazing reaction has been really special. It just makes us want to keep giving more! More music, more shows, and more memories.”

LamBros. had a massive September playing BigSound and international shows in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom. No one would blame them if they took the rest of the year to regroup, but they’re not done yet. Catch LamBros. at one of their remaining 2026 shows in the coming months.

3 October 2026 – Oktoberfest @ The Diddy, Cammeraygal Country/Longueville
13 & 14 November 2026 – Blues at Bridgetown, Geegelup/Bridgetown

Photo credit: Sasha McCarthy via On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly are Back With “Sacrosaint”

Slowly Slowly’s Forgiving Spree was one of my favourite albums of 2025. Honestly, I’ve been hanging out for new music ever since its release. My patience has been rewarded with a fantastic new single, “Sacrosaint.” You’re going to want to crank this up music lovers. It’s some of the best rock music you’ll hear this year.

“‘Sacrosaint’ is about the things that we’ve taken for granted, the things that have been sacrosanct in the past, and how we always think they’re going to be there,” explained Slowly Slowly frontman Ben Stewart. “In that laziness, you’re watching the pillars of what holds up your life and society erode. The good in the world felt like it was disappearing. It felt like a big warning sign – if we stop watering those things that are so important for our happiness, it’s over. So, it felt like a warning.”

Slowly Slowly are getting amongst it with performances slated for Good Things and Great Escape. See them anywhere you can this December.

4 December 2026 – Good Things @ Flemington Racecourse, Naarm/Melbourne
5 December 2026 – Good Things @ Sydney Showground, Eora/Sydney
6 December 2026 – Good Things @ Brisbane Showgrounds, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 December 2026 – 1 January 2027 – Great Escape @ Redbanks, Lutruwita/Nugent

Photo credit: Marcus Coblyn via Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods, Violent Soho, Amy Shark Headlining Castaway

Castaway Festival will be back, bigger and better than ever this year with a eclectic line-up of Aussie talent. Hilltop Hoods, Violent Soho, Amy Shark, Playlunch, Trials, Lyric, and Birdland will play three shows in coastal cities in Western Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales.

“We’re so stoked to be a part of Castaway Festival with this STACKED lineup of incredible acts,” Playlunch enthused. “We’ve had the craziest 18 months and touring select markets with this festival is going to be insane! We’re such big fans of all the acts on the bill and are fresh from our overseas touring of the US and UK/EU … it’s going to be so nice being back on our home turf and kicking off festival season with the biggest party in town!”

“I’m a huge fan of Hilltop Hoods and Violent Soho, I was more than happy to join the boys on the road!” Amy Shark added. “I don’t think you could get a better lineup. Hip-hop, rock and pop – I can’t wait!”

Castaway Festival tickets are on sale now through Ticketmaster:

21 November 2026 – Whitfords Nodes Park, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Hillarys
12 December 2026 – Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington
20 March 2027 – Stuart Park, Woolyungah/Wollongong

Photo credit: Ashlee Jones

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meatstock Plating Up Music and Meats This March

Meatstock is serving up fantastic country music, delicious meats, and more next March. American country stars Nate Smith and Gavin Adcock will headline the events alongside local talents including Imogen Clark, Casey Barnes, Wade Forster, and Bella Mackenzie. There’ll also be a couple of performers exclusive to each location, like Kasey Chambers in Gunaikurnai Country/Gippsland and Lee Kernaghan in Giabal, Jarowait, and Jagera Country/Toowoomba.

And of course if you’re a carnivore, you’re spoiled for choice. Enjoy Brazilian barbecue, slow-cooked meats, and everything in between from some of the country’s best cooks. There’ll also be cooking and Beard & Me competitions, bull riding, axe throwing, and heaps more. If you’re planning to indulge in a few bevvies or attend both days, enjoy the convenience of on-site camping.

Meatstock will hit Lardner Park in Gunaikurnai Country/Gippsland on March 5 and 6 before travelling to Toowoomba Showgrounds in Giabal, Jarowair, and Jagera Country/Toowoomba on March 12 and 13. Tickets are on sale now from Moshtix.

Photo credit: Malte Luk @ Pexels

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ama Breaks New Ground With “There she goes”

Ama has got me vibing with her latest single “There she goes.” This track’s got a bit of a different vibe from Ama’s other material, with the dreamy guitars and deep groove encouraging listeners to move in time with the beat. While it takes some sonic risks, Ama hasn’t moved too far away from what she does so well. The lyrics are still so raw and vulnerable. You can always count on Ama to make you feel something with her songs.

“It’s about wanting someone all to yourself, while watching them move through life without you,” Ama explained. “It gives off laundry day vibes and I really tried leaning into the edginess of the lyrics.”

Christian Tjandrawinata of Wyre Studios shot the music video for “There she goes” at Bondi Skate Park. Check out some behind-the-scenes footage from that shoot on Ama’s Instagram page.

Image source: Ama’s EPK