Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Belle Haven Drop “Grimace” Single, Touring With RedHook

If you’re catching RedHook this month, make sure you get there early enough for Belle Haven’s set. If their nostalgic new single “Grimace” is an indicator, you won’t want to miss it. The song explores the insecurity and uncertainty that comes from working in the music industry.

“It is a brutal yet brilliant world to work in, and it takes a certain amount of resilience to be a part of sometimes which is something I think we’ve struggled with over the years.” explained vocalist David De La Hoz. “There’s a sort of irony to this song; we are more excited than ever to be releasing this music.”

If you haven’t got tickets for the Postcard From a Living Hell tour yet, what are you waiting for? Here are all the remaining dates for these massive shows featuring RedHook, Belle Haven, Bad Love, and Grenade Jumper.

11 May 2023 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Goomburrup/Bunbury
12 May 2023 – Amplifier, Boorloo/Perth
13 May 2023 – Enigma Bar, Tandanya/Adelaide
19 May 2023 – UC Hub, Ngunnawal/Canberra
20 May 2023 – The Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
25 May 2023 – La La La’s, Dharawal/Wollongong
26 May 2023 – The Cambridge, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
27 May 2023 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Oversimplified Complications

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobi Andonov’s Viral Song “War is Love” Now an Official Single

Bobi Andonov’s new track “War is Love” has already gone viral with more than 8 million views on YouTube and 4 million views on TikTok, but it’s finally getting an official release. If you’re not already across it, you’ll want to listen to this beautiful ballad.

Bobi’s got a musical theatre background (he played Young Simba in The Lion King in Naarm/Melbourne and Shanghai), and that definitely comes through in this track. It’s unashamedly emotional and so powerful. Not bad for a song penned when he was just 18. Rest assured, this young talent is going places.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

FANGZ Drop Powerful Punk Single, “Fine Without You”

On a very Monday-feeling Monday, there’s nothing like some punk rock to reflect all that angst. Enter FANGZ with their latest single “Fine Without You.” It’s raucously raw with some insightful lyrics inspired by frontman Joshua Cottreau’s battle against his inner demons.

“‘Fine Without You’ is about overcoming addiction. The lyrics allude to a love song, but it’s really about falling down a hole and climbing back out to overcome it all,” he admitted. “In late 2022, I almost threw everything away that was good in my life. Fortunately, I had a great network of family and friends who supported me throughout the ordeal. I was very lucky to get the outcome I did, and it’s made me appreciate the things I take for granted every day. Sometimes you need to hit rock bottom, to become the best version of yourself.”

FANGZ have some big shows coming up. They’ll support American hard-rockers He Is Legend at Crowbar in Eora/Sydney on 19 May before officially launching “Fine Without You” at Tomcat in Meeanjin/Brisbane on 17 June. At the launch you can get a limited edition 7” split vinyl featuring the FANGZ song and “From His Eyes,” the latest release from Lunchtime, who are also on the bill.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley, Django Django, and More Join Wanderer Festival

With a brand-new lineup announcement this morning, this year’s Wanderer Festival is shaping up to be one of the hottest tickets in town. Ocean Alley, Django Django, Thelma Plum, and Gomez’s Ben Ottewell and Ian Ball are among the artists just announced. They join previously revealed acts including Spiderbait, Lisa Mitchell, Melbourne Ska Orchestra, and The Jungle Giants.

“I’m thrilled with how Wanderer is shaping up this year. We’re curating a really strong program consistent with what Wanderer is all about. It is diverse in every sense and includes plenty of well-known favourites as well as amazing new talent,” confirmed the festival’s organiser, Simon Daly. “We are really proud to be delivering such a world-class event in the Sapphire Coast. It is really rewarding creating something so equally loved by both the local community as well as travellers coming from all over Australia for an unforgettable experience in this stunning part of the world.”

Wanderer Festival hits Yuin Country/Pambula Beach from September 29 to October 1. Tickets range from $50 and $320 and are available now through the Wanderer Festival website.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Siobhan Cotchin Gets Political With “If God Is a Man”

Siobhan Cotchin has returned with her defiant new single “If God Is a Man.” It’s got a fabulous country-rock sound, but make sure you tap into those lyrics. This is a passionate anthem of opposition to the discrimination she’s recently witnessed in the United States, including the banning of abortions across after the overturning of Roe vs. Wade and attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights. We haven’t heard Siobhan tackle such meaty political topics before, so it’s exciting to hear her delivering such powerful lyrics!

“‘If God is A Man’ is a song with a super strong message, and one that is important to me. It’s about rejecting forced conformity and celebrating who you are and not wanting to change for other people. It’s also a song about losing faith and hope, and I feel as though that’s extremely relevant to the times we are living in. I want to be on the right side of history and stand up for what I believe in. I’m grateful to have a platform like music to spread this message. There’s no room for hatred and discrimination at my shows, and I want people of all walks of life to know that my music is a safe place and they are heard.” Siobhan explained.

“I wrote this song with Dylan and Carmen from The Money War and Paige Valentine. Paige, Carmen, and Dylan came up with the concept of the song and I fell in love with it, especially that chorus. Dylan and I wrote the verses and bridge together, and we sat on it for a while. I left it on the back burner for about a year and waited until it was the right time. I knew I wanted to record this song when I revisited the song and showed it to the band. They got the vibe straight away and it all fell into place. I feel like this song is still super relevant to the times we’re living in, maybe now more than ever, so it felt right to record and release it.”

“If God Is a Man” is the third single lifted from Siobhan’s sophomore EP Miss Reckless, which drops on May 31. She’s about to start touring with Kingswood before headlining her own shows.

25 May 2023 – Dunsborough Tavern, Quedjinup/Dunsborough (with Kingswood)
26 May 2023 – Mojos Bar, Walyup/Fremantle (with Kingswood)
27 May 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth (with Kingswood)
28 May 2023 – The Carine, Mooro Country/Carine (with Kingswood)
1 June 2023 – Nannup Town Hall, Wardandi & Bibbulmun Country/Nannup (with Kingswood)
2 June 2023 – The River, Noongar Country/Margaret River (with Kingswood)
3 June 2023 – Six Degrees, Kinjarling/Albany (with Kingswood)
4 June 2023 – Farm Hotel, Binjareb & Wardandi Noongar Country/Treendale (with Kingswood)
7 June 2023 – Sound City, Galinyala/Port Lincoln (with Kingswood)
8 June 2023 – Sound City, Galinyala/Port Lincoln (with Kingswood)
9 June 2023 – Fat Controller, Tartanya/Adelaide (with Kingswood)
10 June 2023 – Western Hotel, Curdnatta/Port Augusta
11 June 2023 – Hotel Victor, Wirramulla/Victor Harbour (with Kingswood)
15 June 2023 – The Royal, Gadigal Country/Bondi
16 June 2023 – The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
17 June 2023 – Felons, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 June 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Women of Soul Ready to Launch “Feel Good” LP

Australian female-identifying artist collective Women of Soul are releasing their first full-length LP Feel Good on June 2, but they’ve given us a little sneak peek. While the album features some well-known soul acts like Kylie Auldist and Thndo, it’s exciting to hear some new voices here.

The first song is “Lifeline,” a beautiful song of resilience and strength performed and co-written by classically trained violinist and vocalist Rita Satch.

“I see this song as an anthem for anyone who feels like they’re caught in the storms of life,” said Alzzy, another of the song’s co-writers. “It’s a song about the power found in the choice to fight and to hold on to hope, no matter what obstacles lie ahead. Finding your ‘lifeline’ means finding the perseverance, resilience, and strength to push through and overcome the challenges you face. It all starts inside – you can feel like you’re sinking and surrounded by rising waves, but when you choose to keep fighting, it means that triumph is still possible.”

The second song is “I Am Enough,” an empowering self-love anthem by Candice Monique.

“The song is essentially about realisation of self-love and self-acceptance, overcoming the pressures society puts on us to look/be/act a certain way, especially when it comes to body image, and allowing ourselves to just be amazing,” she said. “It’s about throwing all the self-criticism away and embracing our own unique brilliance.”

I hadn’t heard anything from these incredible women before, but I’ve instantly fallen in love with them both. Something tells me I’m going to find plenty more favourites when Feel Good drops next month. Artists from the Women of Soul collective will launch the album with a very special show at The Toff in Town in Naarm/Melbourne on June 2.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brad Cox Releases “Acres” Ahead of Largest Aussie Tour

I might be a little biased, but I think the country music scene in Australia is at least the equal to the scene over in the United States. It might not get the same international attention, but we’ve got so many superb artists telling authentic stories in this genre. The latest to really impress me is Brad Cox. Today he dropped his third studio album, Acres, and it’s an absolute cracker.

This is a guy with so much to say. The album features 17 songs, so you might expect a few filler tracks. Not even close. Every one is a winner. Trust me. Perhaps that’s because Brad took his time with this release, recording the songs after two years in Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie, Eora/Sydney, and Nashville. I encourage you to listen to the whole thing, because it’s just that good. But if you’re short on time, try the current single “Now She Ain’t.” As a bit of a grammar Nazi, the song title made me bristle. But it didn’t take long before I softened. It’s such a sweet song about stepping up and being the person someone else needs you to be.

“‘Now She Ain’t’ is “a song for the girls!,” Brad said. “Have hope and believe that person is out there. Stop crying into your pillow, strap on your can-do attitude, and get after it. We have been playing this one on the road for a few months now and it’s a super fun one to play live.”

Speaking of the road, Brad will be embarking on his biggest headline tour to date next month to support the release of Acres. Tickets are on sale now, so get onto it:

1 June 2023 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Tartanya/Adelaide
2 June 2023 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 June 2023 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi & Jinbara Country/Sunshine Coast
9 June 2023 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff
10 June 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 June 2023 – The Gateway Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
17 June 2023 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
22 June 2023 – The Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
23 June 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurraral Country/Thirroul

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia; credit: Brad Elder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wifecult Releases Powerful New Rock Track, “Hold It Down”

Today I’m rocking out to “Hold it Down,” the cool new track from Meeanjin/Brisbane-based act Wifecult. It’s got an anthemic quality and a really cathartic feel. I’m so into it. The band hopes the song might bring comfort to anyone struggling with their mental health.

“Depression is a vulnerable subject, at times cheapened and worn out by our sterile societal approach to handle it, or the overuse of ‘mental health’ vocabulary thrown around in daily conversations,” acknowledged Wifecult’s vocalist Jarith Hughes. “In its depths, this song is about watching a loved one truly struggle, lost in orbit, for a long time. Wishing I could pull them out of the dark, but still at times being there myself. It’s trying to balance compassion and empathy with practical efforts to walk through it with them. It’s not the blind leading the blind. Sometimes it takes someone who knows, by your side to ride it out together.”

“Hold it Down” is the second single released from Wifecult’s forthcoming EP Kindness in Clarity, which drops on June 9.

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Nick Hargans

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kel Makes a Splash With Stunning Debut Single, “Paradise”

If “Paradise,” the debut single from Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Kel is any indication, he’s got a massive future ahead of him. This is one of those special songs that stops you in your tracks. Starting as a gentle piano ballad, it draws you in so you’re totally on board as it builds.

“Paradise is a song about a break-up. It’s a metaphor about losing something special about a place you might’ve shared with someone else, and how places and feelings change sometimes,” he explained. “It was inspired by a trip with my friends to a beach on the South Coast NSW. I wanted to write a song that felt like that place”.

Kel’s studies also helped him develop the song’s gorgeous music video.

“The music video was made by myself and some family on a holiday,” he said. “As a current film student, I was keen to direct and film my own video. When I was writing the song, the opening lyrics stuck out to me. Sunrise and long hikes. So, I knew I wanted the main visuals to be central around a beach. The song is about a favourite place that doesn’t belong to you anymore. I’ve found that often we connect certain places with people, and when that connection’s lost, the place is not the same”.

Kel is currently working towards releasing his debut EP. This song has definitely got me excited to hear the music that comes next.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Sian Sandilands

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BANFF Releases Comeback Single, “Beverly Spills”

We haven’t heard from BANFF since 2019. After a challenging few years, he’s back with a beautiful new single, “Beverly Spills.” Introspective and atmospheric, it’s like a big warm hug in an age when none of us take connection for granted.

“‘Beverly Spills’ is like a memoir to myself,” BANFF explained. “It’s about looking back after a significant hiatus and trying to come to grips with this creative vision that has spanned my lifetime. And just wondering if it had all been hopelessly manufactured in my head.”

After releasing two gorgeous EPs before the pandemic, the release of “Beverly Spills” feels like the start of a new chapter for BANFF. It’s one I’m pretty excited about.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR