Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chill Out With Salt Tree’s Dreamy New Single, “Coming Home to You”

Salt Tree’s latest single “Coming Home to You” sounds like summer, but I don’t mind that one bit. If you’re longing for days by the beach in the sunshine, I think you’ll appreciate this heart-warming slice of indie-folk music too.

“We both grew up close to the ocean and around nature, which has always been a huge part of our lives,” Salt Tree members Tom Boerema and Nathan Parsons said of the song’s inspiration. “As a kid, Nath would take any chance he got to surf, even if it meant skipping school. Tom spent a lot of time sailing, with his whole family living on a boat for months at a time.”

After touring all over New Zealand and Australia, Salt Tree should be in fine form when they play Clancy’s Fish Pub in Whadjuk/Fremantle on June 24.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: @holiiandash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MOZË Gets the Party Started With “Albert St”

Add a little funk to your Friday with “Albert St,” the latest single from Yorta Yorta Wagaratta-based artist MOZË. With a groove that just won’t quit, it shows off a fun new side of MOZË’s soulful voice. The song recalls an epic party in the suburbs of Naarm/Melbourne.

“In 2022, my friends hosted the iconic ‘Albert St. Affair’ house party in Brunswick. They asked some friends to perform, and even built a stage. Hours before the event, I felt inspired to create a song called ‘Albert St.’,” MOZË said. “Its lyrics capture the essence of that unforgettable night, celebrating friendship and a montage of moments. The great thing about that time in Melbourne was how positive it was, people were so grateful to be out of lockdown, and we weren’t bitter about the years lost. At the end of the song is a very special live sample from the actual party, it was the first time Albert St. had been played and you can even hear everyone singing along.”

MOZË recreated that night, with the help of Sam Higham, for the single’s music video.

“Drawing inspiration from Betty Boop and the early aesthetic of Kimbra, the concept behind the video was to encapsulate a vibrant display of friendship, quirkiness, and celebration,” explained MOZË, who directed and edited the video. “In addition to capturing the essence of north-side Melbourne, the support and involvement of my friends were invaluable in bringing forth another version of an Albert St. Affair.”

With good vibes a-plenty, “Albert St” should give you the lift you need to make it to the weekend. Add it to your party soundtrack stat!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRXCE Drops Angsty New Single, “Wasted On You”

Originally a solo project for frontwoman Jamila Grace, GRXCE has evolved into one of the most exciting up-and-coming rock acts on the scene. Now a four-piece, they’ve just dropped their new single “Wasted On You.” This track builds to an epic crescendo, so it’s perfect for releasing any frustration you’re feeling this Friday.

“‘Wasted on You’ is about unconsciously waiting for someone to come back for you and how isolating that feeling is,” Jamila explained. “I was seeing someone who kept swearing the timing wasn’t right and I told myself that I wouldn’t wait for him and I would move on, but then I was kinda paralysed. Without even trying I was turning down advances from other people, isolating myself, staying in his peripheral in case he changed his mind. It put me in this weird stalemate where I didn’t really know who I was if I didn’t want him.”

GRXCE will support Eagle Eye Jones on the Central Coast tonight before heading to Queensland and back to New South Wales. Catch them wherever you can.

16 June 2023 – Wamberal Ocean View, Darkinjung Country/Wamberal (supporting Eagle Eye Jones)
6 July 2023 – Tom Cat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 July 2023 – Burleigh Town Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
16 July 2023 – North Wollongong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE – supporting Squid the Kid)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Sammy Lee

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BESTIES Release Awesome Single “have you got a light?”

Another day, another pop-punk banger. Am I sorry? Not even a little bit. Because “have u got a light?,” the latest single from Eora/Sydney act BESTIES featuring Somber Hills is just that good.

“For me, it’s easier to make light of a situation. Maybe it’s because I don’t want to take myself too seriously, for better or for worse — but I think music, and in particular this song, is a fun way to say that although I might not always fit in, I just gotta keep being me,” explained BESTIES frontman Max Pasalic.

The follow-up to BESTIES’ debut EP flare guns in the living room, “have u got a light?” shows this duo is going from strength to strength. More like this please!

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Aberhart Rocks Out With “Letterbox”

After capturing hearts with singles released through triple J’s Unearthed High, Mulumbinba/Newcastle artist Grace Aberhart continues her rise with the release of “Letterbox.” This song reminds me so much of the angry girl rock I listened to in the ‘90s, with its vulnerable lyrics and grungy instrumentation. Music this good never goes out of style.

“‘Letterbox’ is a decision and a realisation that letting go and moving on is what you need and knowing that you’ll be fine,” Grace explained. “It’s about going through the motions of heartbreak and how those feelings will fluctuate from day to day, wrestling with yourself to be stronger than you feel.”

I grew up in Mulumbinba/Newcastle, so the music video shot in Grace’s hometown is also giving me nostalgic vibes. I can’t wait to hear more from Grace when she releases her debut EP later this year.

Image used with permission from Fright Night Music; credit: Nikola Jokanovic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Down and Out Drop Rocking Single, “Paper Skin”

The Aussie pop-punk scene is so strong at the moment. It feels like I’m writing about bands from this scene most weeks, but they’re so good I can’t leave any out. Tandanya/Adelaide act Down and Out is the latest to get me fired up with their latest single “Paper Skin.” With killer vocals from frontman Luke Ganeo and an exciting mix of classic guitars and synths, there’s a lot to like.

“The song is about being in a situationship that falls apart due to a lack of clear communication and intentions. It’s easy for things to become messy quickly in a situation like that unless everybody is on the same page, and this situation became messy pretty quickly,” Down and Out explained. “Unfortunately, if nobody has the insight or guts to call it off early enough it can devolve into an unstable and toxic dynamic, which is exactly what happened.”

Watching the video for “Paper Skin”, which features live performance footage from shows at Mobile Barber Shop Depot and Hijinx Hotel, makes me want to see Down and Out in some sweaty pub somewhere. They’re fresh from shows with SoSo, but no doubt it won’t be too long before they’re back on the road. Keep an eye on their socials for news of gigs as soon as they’re announced!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne Headlines KickAss Music & Camping Festival

I know it’s hard to think about camping with winter’s chill in the air, but spring will be here before you know it. And what better way to celebrate the season than pitching a tent in the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast Hinterland for the second annual KickAss Music & Camping Festival.

Back bigger and better in 2023, the two-day event will feature performances from James Reyne, The Beautiful Girls, Kingswood, Dragon, Ash Grunwald, GANGgajang, and heaps more.

“We are overjoyed to be continuing our journey and hosting our second music and camping festival,” confirmed KickAss manager, Josh Allen. “Last year was just a dip in the ocean compared to what we have planned this time around. We can’t wait to share this lineup with you and believe those who love great music and the great outdoors will absolutely love this festival.”

The KickAss Festival hits Kenilworth Showgrounds on September 8 and 9. It’s also a family-friendly event, so bring the kids and enjoy connecting over superb local music in the great outdoors. One- and two-day festival passes, including VIP and premium tickets, are available now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Kane Hibberd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KYE Collaborates With Budjerah on “Heavy Love”

KYE has teamed up with Budjerah for her fabulous new single “Heavy Love.” While so many duets celebrate love, this one’s a little bit darker. While the lyrics explore the struggles of a relationship, the energetic mix of pop, R&B, and Afrobeat keeps it light. And can we take a moment to appreciate how good their voices sound together? Please tell me this isn’t the last time we’ll hear them collaborating!

“It’s been at the top of my list to work with Budjerah and his vocals have made this track really special,” gushed KYE. “We recorded it on my birthday in the Byron Hinterlands and the meeting of our voices really blew our minds. Our running joke is that it’s our version of Jordan Sparks’ ‘No Air’”.

And it seems like the admiration is mutual, with Budjerah commenting “KYE is one of my favourite artists at the moment and I just had to sing with her. The track has so much bounce too and a beat that just makes me want to move. I had an easy time saying yes to this.”

“Heavy Love” comes from KYE’s recently released sophomore EP Ribena. Catch her at the following venues in the coming weeks.

16 June 2023 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat (supporting Telenova)
17 June 2023 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay (supporting Telenova)
23 June 2023 – OAF Gallery, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Felons Barrell Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bed and Breakfast” – King of Spain

It feels like far too long ago that we were introduced to King of Spain’s debut single “Ferrol.” If they left you wanting more too, wrap your ears around Bed and Breakfast, the band’s first EP.

Each track takes us to another European city. We’re veering off the beaten path here. We take visit “Ferrol,” a Spanish city, for the party. “Grabovac”, named after the Croatian city, is a smooth operator, skilled in the art of seduction. “Newburg” is a little psychedelic, so perhaps it’s the part of the European vacation where we experiment with some mushrooms. But what a trip is it. “Saint Pol” brings us back to earth with its deep-seated groove.

The press release mentions Allen Stone, and I can certainly hear similarities in the old-school sensibility and Peter White’s effortlessly soulful vocals. But I can also hear a little classic Hall & Oates coming through. And then there’s that thing you just can’t put your finger on that sets King of Spain apart. At just four tracks, Bed and Breakfast still isn’t enough to satisfy me. But it’s a delicious serve of funk and soul that’s certainly whetting my appetite for more from this Tartanya/Adelaide act.

Images used with permission from Big Oak Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DENNIS. Releases Stunning New Single “Sober”

DENNIS. is best known for her upbeat pop numbers, but she’s taken a bit of a left-turn with “Sober.” This track is a real sucker punch, a vulnerable and confessional exploration of identity and self-doubt.

“’Sober’ is about how I like myself more when I’m sober but my friends like me more when I drink,” she admitted. “I guess it’s a drinking anxiety theme, with a focus on being too much inside your own head to the point that you almost create a reality that isn’t true. What if I was Sober would you love me like I do? We’ve all been there before, had one too many and maybe said too much or did something we shouldn’t have.”

DENNIS. has already clocked up more than 7 million streams; if there’s any justice this awesome single will net her a few more.

Image used with permission from samesame records