Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LOSER Continue Hot Streak With “Hold On You”

LOSER’s EP Stadium Dreams on a Bedroom Budget is shaping up well with the release of their latest single “Hold On You”. This fabulous rock track is a worthy follow-up to last month’s release, “Heaven Can Wait”.

“This is probably my favourite song on the EP,” said frontman Tim Maxwell. “I started listening to heaps of Aerosmith and this song just fell out in one day. Usually the songs that take less effort are the ones I think are special because your consciousness is running in a way unlike any other. This song is about having a deep connection with another human being who you never want to let go of.”

LOSER will continue releasing songs from this EP every month or so, like episodes from an addictive Netflix series. If they’re as good as the ones that have already dropped, we’re in for a real treat.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ten feet tall” – Yorke

In 2020, Yorke blew me away with her debut EP Liberosis. I loved it so much that I named it among my top releases of the year. I couldn’t wait to hear what came next, but I’m glad Yorke has taken her time with a follow-up. Two years after her breakthrough, she’s treated us with ten feet tall.

After two years, Yorke is older and wiser. There’s a confidence that comes with time that shines through these songs. However, she hasn’t lost that youthful spark that drew me to her music years ago. There’s a real nostalgic charm to the upbeat numbers that dominate this EP, including the singles “next life”, “i’ll keep driving”, and “when the honeymoon is over.” After dancing through the first couple of songs, the gentle title track gives us the opportunity to pause, reflect, and get to know Yorke a little better. There’s a quiet power about this song, the only ballad on the EP. Its lyrics are beautifully vulnerable and its simpler orchestration shows us a new side of Yorke and her powers.

When I reviewed Liberosis back in 2020, I said Yorke showed great potential. With the release of her follow-up, I think she’s realising that potential I heard then. It’s pitch-perfect pop, confident and charismatic, whether it’s backed by layered beats or more stripped back. I’m really looking forward to hearing what Yorke does next, but I’m also going to enjoy sitting with these songs for a little while.

Yorke’s ten feet tall is out now. She’ll play the East Coast capitals to support its release in February.

3 February 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 February 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
10 February 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Images used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Hudson Drops Catchy New Single “One Way Ticket”

You know those songs that you hear that seem instantly familiar? “One Way Ticket” by Queensland country-rock act Jack Hudson is one of those songs. It was only released this month, but its easy harmonies, big guitars, and punchy drums pay homage to the radio-friendly rock of the early 2000s. I never mind a throwback done well, and this is done really well.

“Have you ever found yourself feeling like you were at the lowest crossroads in life, yet the only direction to travel is up? ‘One Way Ticket’ is a song about exactly that!” Jack explained. “At the apex of 2021, I found myself between relationships, isolated from friends and family and stuck in a permanent rut.”

Music has been one way that Jack’s gotten out of that rut. After spending 10 years as a “gun for hire” sideman and musical director, he’s now focusing on sharing his own original songs with the world.

“This project is about sharing my experiences, thoughts and beliefs as a young man, through songs I birthed on my acoustic guitar. The thrill of the project has been taking my raw tracks to the studio to collaborate in real-time with some of my best friends and favourite players. It felt like the right time and place to make music with the people I have in my circle. Whilst it is early days for this project, I am excited as I know a lot more music is to be written and released. After the events of 2020 and 2021, I just can’t wait to get out on the road and share this project with the world”.

Hopefully that means we’ll see him gigging around the country, and perhaps the planet, next year!

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Piper Butcher Makes Strong Statement With “Unconscious Mind”

Piper Butcher proves she’s one to watch with her bold new single “Unconscious Mind.” It’s a gritty anthem, a call to arms that encourages people to seize their opportunities to carve out the life they want.

“People crave freedom in their own lives, but sometimes the only person blocking that is themselves”, said Piper of the song’s inspiration.

After enjoying some downtime for Christmas, Piper will head to Tamworth for the Country Music Festival followed by Thredbo’s Blues Festival. Mark these dates in your calendar fans!

14 January 2023 – The Welder’s Dog, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (FREE)
15 January 2023 – Fanzone Stage, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (10:30 am)
19 January 2023 – Maton Showcase @ West Blazes, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (10 am)
19 January 2023 – West Diggers, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with Melanie Dyer)
27-29 January 2023 – Thredbo Blues Festival, Monero – Ngarigo Country/Thredbo

Image used with permission from Red Rebel Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas from Sounds of Oz

By the time you read this, I’ll be very comfortably situated at my sister’s place, probably on my second beer, celebrating Christmas. Whether you celebrate the holiday or you’re simply enjoying the time off, I hope you’re having a marvellous time. I hoped to share another new Christmas song with you, but they’ve been a little thin on the ground this year! So instead I thought I’d rewind a couple of years to Kav Temperley’s “Christmas Lights”. As an album track from his brilliant All Your Devotion album, it probably didn’t get the love it deserved. But it’s a magic track, just perfect for your Christmas evening. Enjoy, and merry Christmas!

Image credit: Nick-K @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lewis McKee Releases Super Sophomore Single, “Coming Home”

With Christmas looming, many of us are travelling home to be with family and other loved ones. So it seemed like the perfect time to introduce you to “Coming Home,” the fantastic new single from Lewis McKee.

You might not have heard Lewis’ name before, but it doesn’t take long listening to this song to realise he’s a real pro. He’s played in pubs and clubs for a decade, but this is just his second single. Maybe he was just taking the time to get it right. You can hear the experience in his voice. You know you’re in good hands listening to it.

“’Coming Home’ was written to illustrate the uplifting feeling of returning to your hometown, knowing the people that you love are on the other side of the journey and that return is always filled with emotions of nostalgia, reverence and fond memories,” he explained. “I hope when people listen to this song it can bring back the memories! Whether you’re on your way home these summer holidays to visit family, or missing loved ones while you’re away, use this song to help think of all the good times. I know I do!”

After so long on the pub circuit, you know Lewis has some serious live chops. You can see him do his thing at Agnes Water Tavern on New Year’s Eve.

Image used with permission from Footstomp; credit: Nathan Benjamin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Strike Gold Again With “Haunted”

I’m not sure there’s a more consistent Aussie outfit than The VANNS. I know before pressing play I’m going to dig their releases, and they never let me down. Their latest single “Haunted” continues the trend with its emotive vocals from Jimmy Vann and powerful themes.

“Haunted is another taste from our forthcoming album,” the band said. “The song is about dealing with some tough mental health issues and coming out the other side of it learning to acknowledge it’s OK to feel like absolute shit and there are heaps of people around you who give a fuck.”

The VANNS haven’t been in the spotlight much this year, as they’ve been working hard on that new album. Before it’s release though, they’ll let their hair down with a few summer festival sets. Make sure you don’t miss them at these events.

29 December 2022 – Lost Paradise, Darkinjung Country/Glenworth Valley
31 December 2022 – Falls Festival, Naarm/Melbourne
1 January 2023 – Fall Festival, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
8 January 2023 – Falls Festival, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Todd Hardingham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Northern Folk Release Dreamy Single, “Jacarandas”

No, your eyes don’t deceive you. The Northern Folk are a very big band. Their press release tells me they’re a 10-piece, so I guess someone had to take the photo! That’s a lot of instruments and voices coming together. However, listening to “Jacarandas,” the latest single from this Naarm/Melbourne-based act, that coming together seems effortless. This song is pure magic. I encourage you to take a moment to stop what you’re doing, press play, and let this one wrap around you. By the time those horns take centre stage, I know you’ll be hooked.

“Jacarandas is a song about longing—both for a person and for the safety and intimacy felt in their company,” explained vocalist and co-writer Georgie Currie. “Without them, the days lose colour and time stretches on. It was the first song we finished for this album, and it was what informed our decision to make an album about how tangled and torrid love can become.”

This is the first song lifted from The Northern Folk’s fourth album, which we’ll hear in 2023. If this song is any indication, it’ll be pretty special. Now excuse me, I’ve got to deep-dive into their back catalogue!

Image used with permission from The Northern Folk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Celebrate 10 Years of “Psychotica” With Tour and New Merch

I was pretty late to the Bootleg Rascal party. They hit my radar in 2017, but by then they were already touring internationally. The good news is, it’s never too late to get on board. The news that they’ll celebrate the 10th anniversary of their debut EP Psychotica with a string of shows next year inspired me to go back to that breakthrough recording. It might have dropped a decade ago, but it still sounds fresh as a daisy.

The tour is exciting enough, but Bootleg Rascal will also mark the milestone with the re-release of Psychotica and their 2020 EP Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents “19 on one very special split 12” vinyl. They’ll also release a limited edition Psychotica T-shirt. A dollar from every shirt sold will benefit ANTAR, which campaigns for justice in solidarity for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Whether you’re a long-time fan or like me you’re new to the party, I encourage you to slip on Psychotica. While you’re enjoying the sweet funk-soul grooves, grab yourself some tickets to these shows. Bootleg Rascal will play Psychotica in its entirety, as well as some fan favourites, rarities, and new material. Could you ask for anything more? I think not. Get onto it!

8 April 2023 – Sol Bar, Jinibara/Maroochydore
14 April 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 April 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
28 April 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
29 April 2023 – Transit Bar, Ngunnawal/Canberra
5 May 2023 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
13 May 2023 – The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Sydney
19 May 2023 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
20 May 2023 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
21 May 2023 – Mojo’s, Whadjuk/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tiali Gives Me Chills With “Icicles”

If you’ve ever found yourself with the right person, who just isn’t the right person for you, you’re going to love “Icicles,” the new single from Darkinjung Country/Central Coast singer-songwriter Tiali. And even if you haven’t, I think you might find their powerful lyrics and vocals difficult to resist. It’s a slow burner, but when it reaches its powerful crescendo you’ll be so glad you took the ride.

Tiali set the song’s scene, explaining “You’re contemplating your future. You know the world is waiting for you to explore it. You’re in love. He’s classic, he envisions the picket fence. You’re unconventional, you envision anything but. You reflect on this contrast, voice your uncertainty, and go to your old room at your parents’ house to contemplate. He’s shattered. So are you. But the stone-cold wall he’s put up between you is what makes it unbearable. So much so, that it feels as if your internal organs are being penetrated by a million tiny shards of ice – that feeling, is what ‘Icicles’ is about.”

Despite being a fellow Coastie, this is the first time I’ve come across Tiali’s music. This song is so good though, I’ll be watching their socials closely looking out for some local gigs.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia