Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chris Rose Releases Party Anthem “Cold Beer Buzz”

Is Thursday too early for drinking songs? Maybe. But if your week has been anything like my week, then “Cold Beer Buzz,” the new single from Guruk/Port Macquarie-based country singer Chris Rose is right on time.

Chris is country born and bred, but I love the electronic beats and rock edge he’s brought to this party song. Apparently, it was produced with the vision to create a tune that’s “Billie Eilish Bad Guy, meets AC/DC with a southern country twist.” Mission accomplished!

Chris has a whole stack of dates coming up. Don’t miss him when he hits a town near you:
9 June 2023 – Hello Sailor, Guruk/Port Macquarie
1 July 2023 – Beach Hotel, Birpai Country/Bonny Hills
20 August 2023 – Kempsey-Macleay Bowling & Sporting Club, Thunggutti Country/Kempsey
3 September 2023 – Seabreeze Beach Hotel, Thunggutti Country/South West Rocks
15 October 2023 – Seabreeze Beach Hotel, Thunggutti Country/South West Rocks
12 November 2023 – Country Showcase @ Hat Head Bowling Club, Thunggutti Country/Hat Head
26 November 2023 – Seabreeze Beach Hotel, Thunggutti Country/South West Rocks
17 December 2023 – Hat Head Bowling Club, Thunggutti Country/Hat Head

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KHAOS EMERLD Makes His Debut With “getting better”

Eora/Sydney act KHAOS EMERLD has made a big impression on me with his debut single “getting better.” The presser describes his music as hyperpop, but I’m definitely hearing some heavier punk and grunge influences in there.

“‘getting better’ was written in July 2022, after I had spent several months in an endless feedback loop of feeling bad about myself and feeling like I was pulling everyone down with me. There were many events that changed the pathway of my life, yet I hadn’t done anything to benefit from them. Suddenly, I realised half a year had gone by and I felt like I was exactly where I’d started,” KHAOS EMERLD explained. “The song is a mix of rage and derision, written in a genre I was just getting familiar with around the time, and funnily enough, became the start of an upward trajectory which led me to where I am now.”

I hear this is the first of several KHAOS EMERLD songs slated for release, so make sure you follow his socials to hear the new music as soon as it drops. KHAOS EMERLD will also launch the single for hometown fans at Goodspace @ The Lord Gladstone on June 10.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: @yogapunkphotography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Delta Riggs Make Your Day Better With “Solutions”

The Delta Riggs are bringing the good vibes to your midweek with their new single “Solutions.” If this one doesn’t put a smile on your face, you might be a lost cause!

“Taking from our experiences in life, as well as that of friends and strangers alike, instead of just seeing the negatives, we wanted to write about finding the positives in situations,” the band explained. “Finding a solution through banding together with friends, lovers, family or strangers you’re yet to meet, lifting each other up and sharing the weight together.”

I hear there’s plenty more new music from the Delta Riggs on the way, so we can expect the good vibes to keep on coming this year.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sooks Drop Summery Single, “Burn Me Out”

Winter’s chill might be setting in early, but I think there’s always a place for surf rock in our lives. Hailing from the west of Eora/Sydney, The Sooks are bringing back summer vibes with their new single “Burn Me Out.”

“‘Burn Me Out’ explores the feeling of being alienated from the things around you, being disconnected from the world and feeling like time is passing by when you are stood still,” the band said in a statement. “We all get that kind of feeling of being burnt out by something or someone, and this song is sort of a tribute to that universal frustration.”

Like so many of the best songs, it came together quickly for The Sooks.

“After realising that we had studio time booked in, we thought it would be a good idea to write a single a few days beforehand,” they laughed. “So we sat with acoustic guitars and put the song together in like 20 minutes from scratch, lyrics and everything. We were heaps thrilled to be tracking up in Sonar Studios in Tuggerah with Jack Nigro. We like his work and so we knew that the song would come together just fine. After a long day of tracking all the instruments, we waited for Jack to work his magic in the mixing studio and the song was done.”

Press play on this one and you can almost forget its trackpants weather. Almost!

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: The Sooks

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston Recalls the Good Old Days With “We Grew Up On”

James Johnston is serving up a heavy dose of nostalgia with his latest single “We Grew Up On.” The track celebrates the freedom so many of us experience getting our first set of wheels. The song’s lyrics are married with a classic country-rock sound that sounds ready for radio.

“You know one of your best days growing up was the day you got your first car. It was more than just a car; it was your first taste of real freedom,” James reminisced.

James will be hitting the road later this year and playing the following shows:

30 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Wamba Wamba and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin
6 October 2023 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
1–8 December 2023 – Cruisin’ Country

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boo Seeka Drops Club Banger “Are You All In?”

Is it too early in the week for club music? I’m not sure, but I can’t wait any longer to share Boo Seeka’s new track “Are You All In?” with you. If you need to hang on to your weekend vibes just a little bit longer, this one’s for you.

“‘Are You All In?’ for me is a continued step into a new era of Boo Seeka. In the previous few years, I’ve probably had an emphasis on creating dance music, but looking forward to this new project, I’m really leaning into a sound that is really effortless, and isn’t forced into any sort of box or genre. I love rock, I love folk, I love dance, so why not take elements of them all and see how it goes,” Boo Seeka explained.

Boo Seeka also just signed an international deal with Kygo’s Palm Tree Records, so worldwide domination is surely the next step.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Boo Seeka who has made an amazing impact in his home country, and we look forward to amplifying his vision on a global level,” said Palm Tree Records representative, David Rishty. “His sound touches so many different genres and styles of music, you can’t help but want to be a part of what he’s building. No limits, no boundaries, we’re here for all of it.”

Boo Seeka has just completed a massive regional tour, but he’s not going to let the grass grow under his feet. He’ll be back on the road next month supporting Boy & Bear on their upcoming shows. After signing that international deal, fans should probably take every opportunity to see Boo Seeka close to home. Here are all the dates you need:

16 June 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
17 June 2023 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 June 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
14 July 2023 – Perth Concert Hall, Boorloo/Perth
15 July 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mathilde Anne Makes a Splash With “Crime Scene Cadillac”

Naarm/Melbourne punktress Mathilde Anne has just dropped her fantastic new single “Crime Scene Cadillac.” It’s got the cool brooding quality of a Lorde track combined with the energy and angst of the Arctic Monkeys. It’s a strange meeting of influences, but it really works!

“’Crime Scene Cadillac’ essentially focuses on the idea of loving what isn’t good for you despite knowing that it may very well kill you. Whether it’s a person/an action or a substance… you just can’t get enough of it,” Mathilde Anne explained. “This song voices my own personal experiences with addiction and poor relationships and that feeling of living the pain. Much like buying an extra-large packet of Cheetos and eating it while watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you know that it isn’t going to end well, but you just can’t stop!”

“Crime Scene Cadillac” is already a fan favourite at Mathilde Anne’s live shows, so you can bet she’ll raise the roof at the single launch this Friday, May 26, at Naarm/Melbourne venue LongPlay.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Daniel Nathans

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Releases Fantastic First Single From 8th Album Ahead of Aussie Tour

Sadly far too many people consider Ian Moss a nostalgia act. They love his work with Cold Chisel and early solo hits like “Tucker’s Daughter” and “Telephone Booth,” but they don’t realise he’s still releasing incredible music. If it’s been too long since you’ve checked in with Mossy, make sure you listen to his latest single “Rivers Run Dry,” the title track from his soon-to-be-released eighth studio album. This epic ballad has a gospel feel that’s something new for Mossy. It’s far from the only genre represented on this ground-breaking album.

“The song selection for ‘Rivers Run Dry’ was focused on simply finding good songs, regardless of the style or genre they may have initially presented, and the result is an album that covers straight-ahead rock, Latin, funk, country, blues & unapologetic pop and yet we still ended up with an album that sounds very cohesive,” Ian said. “I don’t think any of us feel we have any ‘What the fuck is that song doing on this album?’ moments.”

The Rivers Run Dry album drops on July 21. Mossy will play Legends of the Lawn in Mackay today heading abroad for some UK shows. He’ll be back before you know it with some gigs in Australian capitals to celebrate the album’s release. Don’t miss him when he comes to a city near you.

20 May 2023 – Legends on the Lawn, Yuwibara Country/South Mackay
1 June 2023 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
2 June 2023 – Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
3 June 2023 – 100 Club, London
7 June 2023 – Cluny, Newcastle Upon Tyne
9 June 2023 – Retro Bar, Manchester
10 June 2023 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Last of Your Kind” – The VANNS

Through The Walls, the debut album from The VANNS, was my favourite release of 2019. I still have it on regular rotation. This Aussie rock band set such a high bar from the jump that I wondered whether they could ever come close with album number two. I found myself getting my hopes up with each brilliant single release. Now that Last of Your Kind is out in the world, I can emphatically say it’s every bit as good as The VANNS’ debut. In fact, it might even be better.

I was hooked from the first shimmery notes of the title track. Then Jimmy Vann’s warm, easy vocals kicked in, followed by the drums, and everything felt so right. There’s a familiarity about The VANNS’ music. Their sound is instantly recognisable, accessible, yet it never feels formulaic. Every song is a banger. They do anthemic rock music so well. The energy stays up with the singles “Haunted” and “Ever” following the album’s title track. But The VANNS have a sensitive side too. Ballads like “Silhouette” and the stunning closer “Collide” provide poignant moments that let us catch our breath. This album has been a long time coming, with some singles like “Red Light” and “Feels Good Now” dating back to 2021, yet it sounds so cohesive. In taking their time to release another LP, The VANNS have got it so right.

With the release of Last of Your Kind, The VANNS’ prove that their exceptional debut album was no fluke. They’re simply one of the best bands in the country. Press play and hit repeat, because you’ll want to listen to Last of Your Kind again and again. The VANNS’ are just about the embark on some instores and shows to support the new album’s release. Tickets to the gigs are limited, so pounce on any that you can get your hands on!

19 May 2023 – Greville Records, Naarm/Melbourne (1 pm)
19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Crosstalk Records, Eora/Sydney (1 pm)
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
21 May 2023 – Music Farmers, Woolyungah/Wollongong (3 pm)
21 May 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
24 May 2023 – Sonic Sherpa, Meeanjin/Brisbane (6 pm)
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 May 2023 – The Jynx House @ Your Mates Brewing Co., Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
16 June 2023 – San Fran, Wellington
17 June 2023 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
21 July 2023 – Splendour in the Grass, Ngarindjin / North Byron Parklands

Images used with permission from beehive; main photo credit: Senor Friday

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Self-Titled EP – Oscar LaDell

Singer, songwriter, and guitarist Oscar LaDell brings a world of experience to his self-titled debut solo release. With just four tracks he shows he’s an artist with an old soul who refuses to be pigeonholed.

Now based in Naarm/Melbourne, Oscar was born in Denver Colorado. He moved to Purakaunui in the South of Aotearoa/New Zealand before relocating here. You can hear all those influences in this music. Opening track “Somber Land” has a cool blues vibe. I can imagine it sitting neatly on the soundtrack of a modern Western noir movie. The gospel-esque choir intro of follow-up track “Summer Rain” signals a musical left turn. It’s a spiritual, soulful number which, like the song before it, feels classic. “Loving You” is every bit as romantic as its title suggests. It’s gentler and more vulnerable than the songs that came before it. With a sound that’s a little more stripped back, Oscar’s voice and lyrics draw you in. “Falling For You” brings the EP home with its irresistible groove.

With his commanding vocals, Oscar LaDell could sing the phone book. I also found myself relishing his guitar playing, appreciating the way his skill with this instrument elevated every track. But this EP shows he’s got more than that voice and gift with the guitar on his side. There’s a deep understanding of music, of genres, of how to craft songs that impact the soul and spirit. It’s the perfect introduction to his tunes, and a great sign of what’s to come. For more of Oscar’s music, check him out at one of his upcoming gigs:

19 May 2023 – Beneath Drivers Lane, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Louis King & The Liars Klub)
20 May 2023 – The BEAST, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE – with Cherry Factory and Ella Lewis)
25 May 2023 – The Drunken Poet, Naarm/Melbourne
25 November 2023 – The Blues Train, Wadawarrung Country/Queenscliff

Image via Oscar LaDell EPK