Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jane Barnes Band @ The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong – 12 May 2023

Jimmy Barnes was the first performer I ever saw live. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen him since his Soul Deep tour in the early ‘90s, but it’s a lot. However, I’ve never seen a show quite like the one I watched on Friday night with the Jane Barnes Band.

Bek Jensen opened the show, as she did for close personal friend and Jane Barnes Band member Mahalia Barnes a couple of months ago. It was a shorter set this time and one that was over all too soon. She has such a beautiful, commanding voice and an incredible collection of song. Captivating an audience with originals as an emerging artist is no mean feat. She already had us mesmerised, but when Mahalia and the sublimely talented Karen Lee Andrews joined Bec near the end of the set we were in raptures. The combination of those three incredible voices in harmony was spectacular. Bec was also joined by her mum, Shauna Jensen, a legend in her own right. Watching them perform a song that they wrote together remotely during the pandemic lockdowns so close to Mother’s Day brought a little tear to my eye.

The Jane Barnes Band continued that celebration of family. Rest assured, this wasn’t a Jimmy Barnes show. All the members of the family took a turn at lead. Jane took some coaxing every time, but it was so sweet watching Jimmy’s encouragement. What a beautiful, supportive relationship they have. After watching Jackie take his turn at the mic, my mum whispered to me her surprise at the quality of his voice. Maybe we shouldn’t be so surprised given his genes, but I’d love to hear him sing a bit more. Mahalia is always flawless, and there’s a reason Jimmy is one of the most beloved singers in this country.

The thread of family ran through the songs that made up the setlist. Jimmy told us that Jane picked most of them, assuring us that he wouldn’t be singing songs by artists like The Carpenters otherwise. But that’s exactly what made this concert so fantastic. The song was peppered with a sprinkling of Jimmy’s hits. “Flesh and Blood” resonated just that little bit more after watching Jimmy with the people he loves most in this world. Watching Jimmy share lead vocals on “When Something is Wrong (With My Baby)” with Shauna Jensen, his former backing singer was so special. And I’ll never get tired of “Flame Trees.” But it was the songs I’ve never heard Jimmy tackle that really made this night so memorable. Tracks like “Bad Moon Rising,” “First Cut is the Deepest”, and “The Rose” (really!) were incredible. We even had a special guest bagpiper! Speaking of bagpipes, I had to take the tissues out again for “The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond,” which Jimmy dedicated to his dearly departed friend, Jock Zonfrillo. Just beautiful.

Wyong was the first stop for the Jane Barnes Band and it was one hell of a debut. They insist things will probably go more smoothly as the tour progresses, but I can’t imagine this family ironing out all of the rough edges. That’s a very good thing. These shows let you spend time with an Aussie icon and his loved ones. They’re unfiltered and a whole lot of fun, along with being immensely talented. Here are the remaining dates on this run, but don’t worry if your city isn’t included. The fam is already talking about travelling around the country if these shows go well. If Wyong is any indication, we won’t have to wait too long for a national run.

20 May 2023 – Milton Theatre, Murramarang Country/Milton
21 May 2023 – Milton Theatre, Murramarang Country/Milton
28 May 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
29 May 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
1 June 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Lambton
2 June 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Lambton
10 June 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Country/Gundaroo
11 June 2023 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngunnawal and Wiradjuri Country/Gundaroo
18 June 2023 – Joan Theatre, Darug Country/Penrith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PENI PARKER Delivers Breathtaking Single, “Disrupt”

Clocking in at just over two and a half minutes, “Disrupt”, the latest track from Eora/Sydney alt-rock act PENI PARKER packs a real punch. With its vulnerable, introspective lyrics and anthemic chorus, listening is a truly cathartic experience. Like so many of the great rock songs, PENI channelled her own personal pain into this one.

“2022 was objectively a terrible year for me,” she admitted. “It was just waves of heartbreak; just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, 2022 stabbed me in the back a few times for good measure while I was down. It really had me doubting myself. I couldn’t intellectualise it all, so I used the EP to channel some of that hurt, playing a lot off those broken-down anti-hero themes to go with my comic.

“’Disrupt’ particularly was a sore spot. I teared up writing it. Hearing the first mix and performing it hits just as hard. I was in such a dark space that I just used the bridge as a cathartic release and to remind myself of my worth. Unlike a physical wound, there’s no straightforward ‘broken to fixed’ route with mental health. It’s a spectrum from being anxious and wholly overwhelmed to just coping and absolutely thriving. We all have a whole lot of in-between moments and direction changes along the way. ‘Disrupt’ runs back & forth through these moments, just like when you catch yourself overthinking.”

PENI Parker won the 2022 Greater Good initiative, which lets exceptional emerging artists use Good Intent’s Artist Services pro-bono and provides a $4,000 cash grant and goodies from partners including Studios 301, Make Merchandise, and Billy Zammit. With this initiative’s support, we can expect to hear a lot more from PENI PARKER.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Splints Drop Feelgood New Single “I Just Wanna Know”

Meeanjin/Brisbane band The Splints have put a spring in my step with their addictive new single “I Just Wanna Know.” Its fun Brit-pop vibe is reminiscent of The Kooks and The Wombats, and I’m here for it.

The Splints will officially launch “I Just Wanna Know” for hometown fans at Black Bear Lodge on May 20. They’ll also play the venue’s Battle of the Bands on July 26.

Image used with permission from Peach & Sons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Kid LAROI Pays Tribute To Fallen Friends With “WHERE DOES YOUR SPIRIT GO?”

We know The Kid LAROI for his upbeat bangers, but he’s showing us a softer side on his latest single “WHERE DOES YOUR SPIRIT GO?” It’s a heartfelt piano ballad dedicated to the memory of lost friends including Juice WRLD and Saiko.

“It’s about loss, grieving and dealing with the thoughts and emotions that come with that,” he explained on his Instagram page. “I pray for all of you who are going through something similar currently and I hope this helps you feel a little less alone in all of it”.

The Kid LAROI is preparing to tour the United States to support Lil Baby. If you’re in the States, you can catch him at the following shows:

28 July 2023 – Moody Center, Austin (supporting Lil Baby)
29 July 2023 – American Airlines Center, Dallas (supporting Lil Baby)
1 August 2023 – Footprint Center, Phoenix (supporting Lil Baby)
2 August 2023 – Pechanga Arena, San Diego (supporting Lil Baby)
6 August 2023 – Oakland Arena and RingCentral Coliseum, Oakland (supporting Lil Baby)
9 August 2023 – Golden 1 Center, Sacramento (supporting Lil Baby)
12 August 2023 – Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle (supporting Lil Baby)
14 August 2023 – Vivint Arena, Salt Lake City (supporting Lil Baby)
15 August 2023 – Ball Arena, Denver (supporting Lil Baby)
23 August 2023 – Little Caesars Arena, Detroit (supporting Lil Baby)
24 August 2023 – United Center, Chicago (supporting Lil Baby)
26 August 2023 – Nationwide Arena, Columbus (supporting Lil Baby)
31 August 2023 – Capital One Arena, Washington (supporting Lil Baby)
2 September 2023 – TD Garden, Boston (supporting Lil Baby)
3 September 2023 – CFG Bank Arena Baltimore (supporting Lil Baby)
5 September 2023 – PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh (supporting Lil Baby)
6 September 2023 – Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis (supporting Lil Baby)
7 September 2023 – FedExForum, Memphis (supporting Lil Baby)
8 September 2023 – KFC Yum! Center, Louisville (supporting Lil Baby)
9 September 2023 – Bridgestone Arena, Nashville (supporting Lil Baby)
11 September 2023 – PNC Arena, Raleigh (supporting Lil Baby)
12 September 2023 – Spectrum Center, Charlotte (supporting Lil Baby)
15 September 2023 – Amalie Arena, Tampa (supporting Lil Baby)
16 September 2023 – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, Jacksonville (supporting Lil Baby)
19 September 2023 – Smoothie King Center, New Orleans (supporting Lil Baby)
22 September 2023 – FLA Live Arena, Sunrise (supporting Lil Baby)

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