Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Inside Voices” – Tig

Tig captured my heart back in October when she released her single “Too Late Heartbreak.” The EP it came from has been a long time coming, but finally she’s released her debut EP Inside Voices. If you’re wondering whether it’s been worth the wait, you only need to press play. I know that it won’t take too long before like me, you’re answering a resounding yes.

Tig is one of those special artists who can capture her innermost thoughts, then turn them into songs we can all relate to. Her voice is rich and warm, with the kind of tone that draws you in and makes you feel at peace. That voice coupled with her love of the piano had me thinking of some of my favourite artists of the past; women like Tori Amos, Sarah McLachlan, and Fiona Apple who made such strong impressions with their musicality and messages.

This four-track EP left me wanting more, but also being thrilled by everything it is. Four total standouts. Four songs that matter, each one so exquisite that it seems unfair to single any out. I just want you to listen to them. Remember too, this is Tig’s debut EP. She also recorded it at home rather than heading to a big fancy studio. Let all that sink in. What you are hearing is raw, organic talent. And it’s fabulous.

Tig will officially launch Inside Voices at the Evelyn Hotel in Ngár-go/Fitzroy on February 23.

Main photo credit: Britt Murphy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eilish Gilligan Releases Powerful “Angel Face” Since Ahead of Album Launch

Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Eilish Gilligan is giving us an early taste of her long-awaited debut album with the release of her latest single “Angel Face.” It sounds so sweet, but its lyrics which come as a warning to the men who abuse their power in the music industry put a real sting in its tail.

“I wrote ‘Angel Face’ to process some of the anger, hurt and betrayal I was feeling about something that happened in my music career at the time. It sounds funny to say I felt those things about an event that was purely professional, but such are the relationships you develop in the music industry,” Eilish recalled. “I felt so powerless. I felt completely voiceless. I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone about what had happened without sounding hysterical or insane. A sense of righteousness made me feel even angrier and watching the industry celebrate people I knew weren’t really all that great on the inside was difficult. I knew these feelings were something other women in my position would be able to relate to. I held onto the relief that writing ‘Angel Face’ brought me for so long and I really hope it can bring that catharsis to others now.”

Eilish’s debut album Final Girl is released on February 16.

Photo credit: Katy Roubin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Skies Release Emotional New Single, “Don’t Let Me Go”

Eora/Sydney emo rockers Sienna Skies have just dropped their latest single “Don’t Let Me Go,” a killer song which the press release describes as the band’s “most emotional and heartfelt track to date. It’s certainly hit me in the heart.

“From the last time we released music to now, we have been through one of the toughest periods of all our lives. We lost family, best friends, pets, and more. It felt like there was just one heartbreak after another,” recalled Sienna Skies frontman Thomas Perozzi. “We sat on the chorus for a long time. It was a tough song to write, and was something we couldn’t rush. I had tears in my eyes when we finally finished the song, and when I looked around the room, I wasn’t the only one.”

“Don’t Let Me Go” is the latest single released from Sienna Skies’ forthcoming EP Only Change is Permanent, which drops on March 8. Its release will coincide with plenty of local shows, including gigs supporting metalcore legends Of Mice and Men and headlining dates. Catch them anywhere you can.

23 February 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney
25 February 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
27 February 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 April 2024 – Crown & Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 April 2024 – Bergy Band Room, Naarm/Melbourne
3 May 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 May 2024 – The Burdekin, Eora/Sydney
18 May 2024 – Amplifier Bar, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jamie Lena Wows Me With “My Admiration”

I’ve got goosebumps listening to “My Admiration,” the gorgeous new single from emerging Tarndanya/Adelaide-based artist Jamie Lena. It’s one of those delicate songs that proves that you don’t need to have big, belting vocals to make a serious impression.

“My Admiration” is such a gorgeous song which perfectly expresses all the uncertainty of new infatuation. It comes from Jamie Lena’s upcoming EP, produced by Nick Herrera. If it’s got more gems of this quality, it’s going to be incredible. You might hear some more tracks from that release when Jamie launches this single with the following shows next month:

3 February 2024 – Exeter Beer Garden, Tarndanya/Adelaide (with Los Palms and Jess Johns)
15 February 2024 – Cactus Room, Naarm/Melbourne (with Soulutations and Billie Rafferty)

Image used with permission from Jamie Lena

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Order of Owls Explore Mental Health Journey With “What Becomes”

Order of Owls are back with a rocking new track “What Becomes.” The follow-up to “Speak Up,” the band’s latest single builds upon their commitment to putting mental health front and centre.

“Where ‘Freedom(ination)’ presents the hopelessness and fragile state of mind one can find themselves in and ‘Speak Up’ is the first action one must take to overcome this adversity, ‘What Becomes’ is the next step on the mental health journey,” lead vocalist Tim Leopold explained. “It asks the question: We have overcome many issues and are on the path to our better selves. But what is next? What becomes of the healed? What choices do we make now, and how do we not fall again? But more importantly, now we have seen both sides. How can we stop that cycle from happening on a large scale?”

It spreads a powerful message, but beyond that it’s got an incredible sound. It’s been far too long since I heard a song with a great guitar solo, but special guest artist Jake Webber reminds us how incredible they can be. The band filmed the music video for “What Becomes” at Aradale Lunatic Asylum, rumoured to be the most haunted place in Australia.

“The first thing I was told when I turned up to the shoot was that the site didn’t have power, I couldn’t help but laugh,” recalled Order of Owls’ guitarist Nathan Mesiti. “Luckily, we were somewhat prepared for this situation and managed to squeeze enough out of a little petrol generator and Ramon’s van with an inverter. I really do mean squeeze. The generator kept cutting out and struggled to run the haze machine at half power with the lights. That made for a lot of fun when we lost the daylight and struggled through the dining hall shoots, plunging us into complete darkness every 20 minutes. When you’re in rural Australia and the light pollution is non-existent, that particular darkness was unsettling.”

You can catch Order of Owls live at Melted Festival at the Barwon Club Hotel in Wadawurrung/South Geelong on February 24.

Image used with permission from Order of Owls

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shotgun Mistress Release Rocking New Single “Jude Judas” Ahead of Glam Fest

If you long for the good old days when Aussie pub rock ruled the airwaves, “Jude Judas,” the latest track from Shotgun Mistress, will be right up your alley. This is a balls to the wall rocker that sounds best turned up to 11.

“Jude Judas” gives us our first taste of Shotgun Mistress’ sophomore album, due for release in June. They’ll also tour the East Coast as part of Glam Fest Australia 2024 with Slaughter, Lynch Mob, H.E.A.T., and Vixen’s Janet Gardner. You can check out that stacked line-up at one of the following venues:

16 February 2024 – Melbourne Pavilion, Naarm/Melbourne
17 February 2024 – Mansfield Tavern, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nocturnal Delivers ’80s Vibes With “Funhouse”

If you ever find yourself singing along to classic pop from the ‘80s and lamenting that they just don’t make music like that anymore, wrap your ears around “Funhouse”. The latest single from Boorloo/Perth artist Nocturnal, it’s a synth-infused slice of nostalgic pop. If it doesn’t put a smile on your face, I’m a poor judge!

It usually requires a big team working behind the scenes to bring us our favourite ‘80s hits, but Nocturnal has managed to create this song almost all on his own. Inspired by the energy of a community fair for his daughter’s school, he grabbed his phone and recorded the lyrics and basic melody on the spot. He then produced the track in his home studio before handing mixing duties over to award-winning recording engineer Dave Parkin (Spacey Jane, South Summit, Sly Withers, Old Mervs, Drapht).

“Funhouse” is a bit of a departure from the slow jams Nocturnal delivered on his self-titled debut album, but I really appreciate the change of direction. Turn it up and grab your nearest hairbrush!

Image used with permission from Louis Rendle-O’Shea

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alana Wilkinson Releases Beautiful Modern Lullaby, “Dream Big”

I barely have a maternal bone in my body, but I feel there are few things more pure and beautiful than the love a mother has for her child. So while I’m never going to have my own kids, I’ve found totally and utterly captivated by Alana Wilkinson’s new single “Dream Big.” Alana wrote the song in the neonatal intensive care unit as her new son Rafferty slept on her chest.

“Raffy was born extremely prematurely at 24 weeks and put up a big fight for 92 days in hospital until he was finally big and strong enough to come home,” she recalled. “Throughout the terrifying experience I found solace in daydreaming of our future together; wishing on birthday cakes, singing to the trees and exploring the beauty and the chaos of the world waiting just beyond the hospital window.”

She might have a little one now, but Alana is not slowing down. Catch her at one of the following shows in the coming months.

25 January 2024 – Bobin School of Arts Hall, Birbay Country/Bobin (with Ryan Young – SOLD OUT)
26 January 2024 – Coramba Community Hall, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coramba (with Ryan Young)
27 January 2024 – Whiporie Community Hall, Badjalang Country/Whiporie (with Ryan Young – SOLD OUT)
28 January 2024 – Wardell Memorial Hall, Badjalang Country/Wardell (with Ryan Young)
9 February 2024 – Cardinia Cultural Centre, Kulin Country/Pakenham (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
10 February 2024 – COPACC, Gulidjan Country/Colac (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
11 February 2024 – Kyneton Town Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Kyneton (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
23 February 2024 – Official Showcase at Folk Alliance International @ Pershing Stage, Kansas City
1 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
15 March 2024 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
16 March 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)
17 March 2024 – Forge Theatre, Wy-Yung/Bairnsdale (supporting Ross Wilson + The Peaceniks)

Photo credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lee Sugar Drops Fun “One Too Many” Video

Eora/Sydney-based bedroom creator Lee Sugar has just dropped the video for his dreamy single “One Too Many.” Take a moment to relax and settle into the groove of this one. It’s very cool.

Lee says the song is “a reminder to trust your gut and grow through the acceptance of both your strengths and weaknesses.” As for the film clip, which sees Lee living his best life enjoying the best choreographed karaoke ever, he said “Honesty is the directive for this music video. Sydney cops a lot of flack for being stale and I’m guilty of perpetuating the sentiment, but let’s flip the narrative. ‘One Too Many’ is an honest song that hits close to home so it only seemed right that the video romanticised my city in some way. Sydney, sorry for all the times I said I hated you, I actually love you, you just suck sometimes.”

If you’re admiring the cover art, take note: it’s Lee’s work too. Is there anything this guy can’t do?

Images used with permission from [PIAS] Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Claire Anne Taylor Floors Me With “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground”

Claire Anne Taylor has one of those female voices that you just don’t hear in 2024. It’s raw, earthy, weathered. Richly textured, hinting at a life that’s been lived. Above all, it’s utterly unforgettable. The press release describes it as “the voice of Tasmania.” If that’s the case, I’ve got to listen to more of the women making music in Tassie. Take a listen to her latest song “Lay You Down in the Cold Hard Ground” and you’ll hear exactly what I mean.

This song comes from Claire’s album Giving It Away, set for release on February 16. “This album is a deeply personal one for me, and comes from a huge time in my life; following my son’s diagnosis with Angelman Syndrome. I guess you could say I took all my grief and anger and put it into my music and this has been my therapy and an escape of sorts.”

Claire will give music lovers plenty of opportunities to see her play in the coming months. Make sure you catch her when she’s in your hometown.

27 January 2024 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2024 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
16 February 2024 – Three Brothers Arms, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
17 February 2024 – Allendale East Hall, Boandik Country/Allendale East
18 February 2024 – The Dart & Marlin, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
22 February 2024 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
23 February 2024 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
24 February 2024 – Archies Creek Tavern, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
25 February 2024 – Sedgwick Hall, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Sedgwick
28 February 2024 – The Ellington, Boorloo/Perth
29 February 2024 – The Buffalo Club, Walyalup/Fremantle
1-4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
16 March 2024 – Sandy Point Community Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point
17 March 2024 – The Old Gaol, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 March 2024 – Tomerong Hall, Yuin Country/Tomerong
23 March 2024 – Frank’s Wild Years, Dthirrawell/Thirroul
24 March 2024 – Petersham Bowls Club, Eora/Sydney
30 March – 1 April 2024 – National Folk Festival, Ngambri/Canberra
18 April 2024 – Upper Lansdowne Hotel, Upper Lansdowne
20 April 2024 – Lowanna Community Hall, Burgong/Lowanna
26-28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
3 May 2024 – Jetty Theatre, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
4 May 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Brunswick
5 May 2024 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin
10 May 2024 – The Citadel, Kalibai Country/Murwillumbah
11 May 2024 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 May 2024 – The Majestic Theatre, Karura/Pomona

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity