Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Marsten Drops Empowering Anthem “I Am a Rich Man”

Hayley Marsten takes inspiration from the iconic Cher for her latest single “I Am a Rich Man.” Hayley wrote the song with Imogen Clark, celebrating the diva’s quote “I don’t need to marry a rich man, Mom, I am a rich man”. That’s right, these women can buy their own flowers too!

“I grew up in a very strong Cher fandom household,” Hayley explained. “I remember having my tiny mind blown listening to ‘Believe’ when I was five. I had always loved the interview she gave talking about how her mum said to her once that she should settle down and marry a rich man and she said ‘Mom, I am a rich man’. For me, I have been asked for so long ‘when am I getting married?’ and although I’m not against the concept I always thought it was weird because I was doing so many other exciting things that I thought were huge achievements and were just as valuable of milestones but weren’t celebrated in the same way. And in my opinion, whether or not a woman has a ring on her finger, she can have a whole and fulfilling life, and be her own rich man to settle down with”.

Hayley also created the concept for the video, which was directed by Jazmyn Produces.

“I really wanted to celebrate different versions of myself as a ‘successful woman’ – in the video I am the Stepford wife that many people in my life wanted me to grow up to be, I am rich enough to roll around on a bed covered in money with my face on it! I am a fangirl, writing in my diary and singing into my hairbrush fully embracing the things that I love and then I’m the version of me now that I worked really hard to become. A woman that my younger self could look up to,” she added. “We took some editing inspiration from Miley Cyrus’ ‘Mothers Daughter’ video and really leant into the Stepford wife trope with the manic hedge trimming. Everything for this video was really DIY with it all being shot at my house or family member’s homes, pulling costuming from my wardrobe and I did my own hair and makeup, very rich man to do it all that way I think! I loved this song from the moment I wrote it with Imogen Clark but this video is easily my favourite to date and I think my best work yet!”

“I Am a Rich Man” is also Hayley’s first release through Cheatin’ Hearts Records. It gives us an exciting taste of what’s to come on Hayley’s sophomore album.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ama Releases Stellar Debut Single, “Love Online”

When my husband and I got together in the early noughties, online dating was a bit taboo. We were always reluctant to divulge the way we met because we wanted to avoid the judgement. Now online dating is mainstream we’re proud of being pioneers, and also thankful we did it way back when. With catfishing, cloaking, and submarining all common, is it any wonder many people want to go back to the good old days? Independent Eora/Sydney artist Ama has channelled her experiences with the apps into her debut single “Love Online.” If you’ve ever looked for love, or something like it, in the digital world, this one’s for you.

“In a nutshell, ‘Love Online’ explores the familiar struggle of online dating and the many complications associated with trying to connect with people through a screen,” Ama explained.

This is such a strong debut from Ama. It’s incredibly catchy, with a great groove and relatable lyrics. Expect big things from this local talent!

Image used with permission from Ama

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Motion Below Impress With “Colour in the Grey”

I aim to cover all genres in this blog, as I’ve got pretty eclectic taste and I believe all music deserves to be celebrated. However, I probably cover a lot less metalcore than I should. It’s not often a genre that resonates with me, but sometimes a band cuts through. Naarm/Melbourne act The Motion Below are rising stars who’ve won me over with their new single “Colour in The Grey.” If you usually don’t go for metalcore either, I urge you to press play. The strong melodic core and emotion vocals make this song a winner.

“This song explores an individual’s experience with slowly losing touch with their childhood friends as they grow older, and the bittersweet rumination that follows,” explained the band’s heavy vocalist, Thomas Katgert. “The single is a reflective tune with a core theme of kinship, driving home the sentiment that not all bonds fade with time.”

The Motion Below have resolved to make 2023 their best year yet. With the release of “Colour in the Grey,” it’s off to a great start.

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeremy Beggs Teams Up With Matt Joe Gow For “Hurtful Ways”

Jeremy Beggs has blown me away with his latest single “Hurtful Ways.” I’m not surprised though, as Jeremy cowrote the song with one of Sounds of Oz’s favourite local artists, Matt Joe Gow.

“I feel so fortunate to have met Matt and am grateful for all the things I have learnt from him so far,” Jeremy enthused. “Before being thrust up on stage with Matt & The Dead Leaves in Tamworth last year, my music was really just floating around like a dream. Sharing the stage and watching and meeting wonderful artists made me really understand what this journey is all about.”

He said they wrote “Hurtful Ways” about the search for balance as a travelling musician.

“My family always comes first but the reality is as a musician, sometimes we are taken away from the ones we love. I’m constantly trying to find and keep that balance but unfortunately that sometimes tilts too far one way and requires recalibration.”

You can see Jeremy perform “Hurtful Ways” at the following shows:

6 May 2023 – Daylesford Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Daylesford
13 May 2023 – Red Door Pizza, Wathaurrung Country/Buninyong
28 May 2023 – Cinnamon Grove Cafe and Catering, Nillumbik/Greensborough
4 June 2023 – Edinburgh Castle, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Drop Fantastic “In The Water” Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

I’m convinced the Pierce Brothers can do no wrong. Their latest single “In the Water” is another stellar indie-folk track that perfectly showcases their gift for building melodies.

“As a major third wheel in the twin brother dynamic, we found pretty quickly that my main role was actually that of a casting vote between Pat and Jack,” said Dara Munnis, who played keys on and cowrote the song with the Pierce Brothers. “Whenever there were different options on the table for the direction the song was taken, I have 100% let this newfound power go to my head.”

Dara also co-directed the music video with Patrick Pierce, who said “I have wanted to shoot at these locations for a while, and I saw the work of Alicia Brown which got me thinking about using those designs and ideas in a music video about a child’s imaginary friend. Once that was in my head, I just began thinking of all the beautiful locations in Victoria and just wanted to get on the road to start filming them. I reached out to Maryanne Lea to help with the costuming and she took the idea and really ran with it!”

The concept was originally meant for another release, but due to lockdowns in 2020 the performance aspect become impossible. However, now the time is right.

“We had to shelve the project until a new project that fit the song came along. Since then Dara has become a keys player in the band and this was our first song we wrote together. It just made sense that we release this music video we’d worked on for so long together”

Pierce Brothers will celebrate the release of “In the Water” with long-awaited shows allong the East Coast.

“It’s been such a long time since we’ve played headline metro shows, so I’m just really excited to get back out there and play to some of our most excellent hometown fans,” Jack Pierce enthused. “Melbourne is where we honed our craft and where our oldest fans are from, so we’re just really excited to see them all again.”

Tickets are on sale now for all the Pierce Brothers’ single tour shows:

12 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
13 May 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 May 2023 – Corner Hotel, Quo-yung/Richmond
27 May 2023 – Tropic Sounds @ Reid Park, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
9 June 2023 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 June 2023 – Haba, Bunurong Country/Rye
11 June 2023 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
1 July 2023 – Western Port Hotel, Bunurong Country/San Remo
5 July 2023 – Big Red Bash @ Big Red Dune, Wirrarri/Birdsville
11 August 2023 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
12 August 2023 – Village Festival, Darumbal Country/Yepoon (FREE)
19 August 2023 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Mundi

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im Drops Incredible New Single, “Collide”

Is it just me, or does Dami Im seem to keep getting better and better? With every release it seems she’s opening up more, showing more vulnerability and stepping into her power. She sets the bar so high for herself, but her latest single “Collide” may just be her best yet.

“Collide is about life transitions. It’s about grieving the roads not taken and embracing the one that you’ve chosen,” she explained. “I started working on Collide with my co-writer Tom Eggert while I was pregnant. I wanted to write about losing my identity and heading into a new season of life.

“Initially the song was written just on the piano, but with Andy Mak coming on board to produce the track, it took a lot of experimenting to land on a production that had enough power and angst while preserving the raw fragility.”

“Collide” is our exciting first taste of Dami’s forthcoming new album, which is scheduled to drop in the second half of the year.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Seeckts Drops Soulful Alt-Country Single, “The Wildest Thing”

Nathan Seeckts delivers raw, alt-country music the way it’s supposed to be with his new single “The Wildest Thing.” It’s all heart that refuses to simply imitate American acts. I absolutely love Nathan’s husky, soulful tone.

“This song is about the wildest girl that I ever met,” Nathan said. “It was a whirlwind romance borne under neon and moonlight.”

“The Wildest Thing” is the first single from Nathan’s forthcoming 2023 album. Featuring many of the musicians that played on his 2019 debut, The Heart of the City, it seeks to capture the sound and energy he delivered with his first release. Expect a sneaky listen to more new material as Nathan tours “The Wildest Thing” all around the country. Here are the remaining dates:

22 April 2023 – Stars and Bars Festival, Nira-Balluk, Heathcote
23 April 2023 – Shiraz Republic, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta Country/Cornella
29 April 2023 – The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
6 May 2023 – Pistol Pete’s, Djilang/Geelong

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DICE Drop “Stockholm” Single Ahead of EP Release and East Coast Tour

DICE have already sold out plenty of shows on their upcoming tour, but the release of their fabulous new single “Stockholm” should move the rest of those tickets. You know what to do. Press play and enjoy three minutes of exquisite surf rock. Then point your browser to snap up tickets to a show near you, if you haven’t already done so!

“Our latest single, ‘Stockholm’ is a Gen-Z take on the concept of Stockholm Syndrome. The track’s lyrics delve into the intrusive thoughts that arise when you feel trapped within a group of people whose morals and values don’t align with yours and you feel unable to escape the situation yet are forced to be around them,” the band explained. “The process of making this track felt a lot more thought out and perfected than our previous songs. The foundation for the track was made 6 months ago while touring however we continued to work and refine the song to really hone in on the cohesiveness of all the parts. Taking more influence from Brit-Pop we are finding our sound is maturing with each release all while learning that sometimes overthinking parts of a song can hinder our momentum.”

“Stockholm” gives us another taste of DICE’s sophomore EP Time Will Tell, which drops on May 4. You can count on the band playing songs from that release and old favourites at the following gigs:

11 May 2023 – Burleigh Bazaar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (SELLING FAST)
12 May 2023 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
13 May 2023 – Spaced Out Festival, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 May 2023 – La La Las, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
18 May 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
19 May 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
20 May 2023 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulbinba/Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
25 May 2023 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
26 May 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 May 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Tartanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
28 May 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Tartanya/Adelaide
10 June 2023 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

jnr. and JËVA Release Emotional New Single “Cruel”

jnr. and JËVA have joined forces for the powerful new single “Cruel.” After writing the song together, both talents have contributed vocals to the track. Bringing two voices into the song helps bring to life the story of a break-up before the break-up, that period of time when both people know the relationship isn’t working but aren’t quite ready to say goodbye.

After enjoying jnr.’s upbeat pop single “Say (Light Me Up)”, I’m excited to hear something so different. It’s more stripped back, more intimate and vulnerable than the track that came before.

If you’re in Eora/Sydney, you can hear more of .jnr’s music when he opens for Jamyang at the Royal Bondi on May 18. While it’s a free event, you should RSVP online.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper & James Reyne Cover “Way Out West” Ahead of Tour

It was the single release that had to happen. A month out from the start of their Way Out West tour, James Reyne and Ella Hooper have teamed up for a new version of The Dingoes track, “Way Out West,” which James famously covered in the ‘90s with James Blundell.

“When James came to me with this idea – I was like – hell yeah! I’ve always adored that song, it’s got such a lovely, laconic feel to it and it’s such a unique Australian song too,” Ella gushed. “I used to belt out this song growing up in the country, it’s a dream to be doing it for real with James! It definitely deserves another spin!”

They haven’t reinvented the wheel, but that’s as it should be. This take is pure nostalgia that’s bound to resonate with fans of the original and people like me who remember it from the ‘90s. If you haven’t jumped on tickets to James and Ella’s upcoming shows, let this release be a reminder to get onto it!

26 May 2023 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
27 May 2023 – Adelaide Festival Centre, Tartanya/Adelaide
1 June 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 June 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 June 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
9 June 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural Country/Thirroul
10 June 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
17 June 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
23 June 2023 – Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
30 June 2023 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
1 July 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
15 July 2023 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Country/Bendigo
22 July 2023 – Ballarat Civic Hall, Wadawurrung /Ballarat
4 August 2023 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Larrakia Country/Darwin
11 August 2023 – Townsville Regional Entertainment Centre, Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville
12 August 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
18 August 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
19 August 2023 – Toronto Hotel, Awabakal Country/Toronto

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute