Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission Covers Cold Chisel For Christmas

I love Christmas. While I don’t believe in decorating your tree before December 1, you also won’t catch me playing Whamageddon either, because I can’t imagine spending this month trying to avoid this and other glorious Christmas songs. So now that it’s December, I’m probably going to bring you plenty of new Christmas music. Deal with it. The first is Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission’s delightful cover of Cold Chisel’s “Home and Broken Hearted”. Lifted from Chisel’s debut album, it’s a track that many Aussies are unfamiliar with, so I’m thrilled that Mick and his crew are bringing it to audiences.

“Brooke [Taylor, who takes lead vocals on the song] wanted a Christmas song she could sing and I thought this is one people constantly overlook and one I was eager to have a crack at. And what a song it is. The first Cold Chisel album is one that had a major effect on me and one I think still stands up after all this time. So many good songs,” Mick enthused. “We toyed with the idea of changing the protagonist’s gender, or even name (‘Dear Jimmy it’s over, goodbye’), but there’s something timeless about the way the words cascade and people know it as it is, so we thought better of it. I guess the mandolin could never really replace Don Walker’s frantic piano in the chorus but you can’t say I haven’t given it my best shot.”

This song comes from Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission’s latest EP Back in the Day, which features some originals and other choice covers. They’re supporting its release with plenty of shows all around the country.

4 December 2022 – Leftys, Meeajin/Brisbane (with Full Power Happy Hour)
11 December 2022 – Longley International, Muwinina Country/Longley (with Teresa Dixon)
13 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Cookie Baker)
14 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Tom Redwood)
15 December 2022 – Grace Emily, Kaurna/Adelaide (with Mark Curtis and the Flannelettes)
16 December 2022 – River Hotel, Kaartdijin Noongar/Margaret River (with Carla Geneve)
17 December 2022 – Navy Club, Waylyup/Fremantle (with Carla Geneve)
18 December 2022 – The Oxford Hotel, Boorloo/Leederville (with Carla Geneve)
21 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Skyscraper Stan)
22 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Alana Jagt and the Monotremes)
23 December 2022 – Shotkickers, Wurundjeri Country/Thornbury (with Maggie Alley Band)
1 January 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek (with Sherry Rich and the Grievous Angels)

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Amos Releases Strong Single, “By the Grace of God”

Grace Amos is one of those special artists who seem to get better with every single release. She’s always had a cool angsty rock vibe reminiscent of Alanis Morissette or Demi Lovato, depending on your vintage. But in her latest track “By the Grace of God, ” she sounds her most confident. It’s only fitting as the song talks about embracing and retaining your own power, even when faced with seemingly all-consuming love.

“It’s mainly about looking back on previous relationships I’ve shared and how I always put in so much, without really getting the same in return,” she admitted. “So I wrote this as a reminder to myself to know what I’m worth, to stop letting people “walk all over me”. I wrote this song for me.”

Grace will release her debut EP early next year.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out to The Velvet Club’s “Thinking Straight”

Naarm/Melbourne rock outfit The Velvet Club have got my toes tapping with their latest single “Thinking Straight.” This is a straight-up banger with totally relatable lyrics about escaping chaotic thoughts. Hot tip, turning a track like this up and just enjoying the music is the perfect way to get your head right!

“Lyrically, ‘Thinking Straight’ is about getting stuck in your own head and doubting yourself but at the same time recognising that you’re in your head and taking five to relax and reset,” explained lead singer AJ. “It’s just about recognising that at times things get overwhelming and to accept that and find ways to relax and get back on track when it happens instead of dwelling in it and trying to avoid it.”

The Velvet Club have been impressing crowds recently opening up for Ra Ra Viper. They’ve got just three shows for that tour left, plus some other gigs in the coming months. Here are all the places you can see them:

1 December 2022 – Liberty Alive, Boorloo/Perth (supporting South Summit)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (ALL AGES supporting Ra Ra Viper)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
4 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
18 February 2023 – Now & Again Festival @ Werribee Park, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tim Lambert

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Silence of You” – Kyle Lionhart

I knew before pressing play that I was going to love Kyle Lionhart’s sophomore album The Silence of You. I’d already fawned over the singles “Chemical Heart” and “Lighthouse,” highlighting Kyle’s personal lyrics and heartfelt delivery. But I wasn’t prepared for just how much this collection of songs would move me.

When you release a few exceptional singles, they often become the highlights of the album. That’s not the case here. Every song is a standout, a powerful and personal revelation. Perhaps the pandemic has something to do with that. With the exception of “Locked to Towns,” penned during the songwriting sessions for his debut album, Kyle wrote every song during lockdown.

While we were all reflective while stuck in our homes, the period was especially telling for Kyle. Near the end of 2019, after more than six years of constant touring, he started feeling like pursuing his career came at the expense of his most important relationships. When the pandemic forced him to take a break from the road the following year, it was time to start working on those relationships and himself. These songs stemmed from that period of self-reflection; they’re powerful, sometimes confronting, and always authentic. Kyle admits that he cried every day in the studio singing these songs; that emotion really comes through. You can hear it in his voice, but make sure you listen to those lyrics to really understand the powerful experiences and feelings that shaped these songs.

While these songs deal with some heavy themes, The Silence of You isn’t a dark album. Kyle’s voice has a beautiful warmth that lifts you up as you listen. There’s also an undercurrent of optimism that brings lightness to the material. This album celebrates human connection and love. While that exists, we can never stay down for too long. Kyle will play shows in the new year to support the album’s release.

20 January 2023 – Milk Bar, Boorloo/Perth
21 January 2023 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 January 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 January 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
3 February 2023 – Mos Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
4 February 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
11 February 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucid Safari Brings Summer Vibes With “Waiting For the Sun”

It’s not quite December, but it seems like summer’s already here. That makes it the perfect time for listening to a track like “Waiting for the Sun”, the latest single from Meeanjin/Brisbane band Lucid Safari. Just see if you’re not singing along with the “whoas” by the end of it.

“As well as welcoming back the sunny season, the song reflects the feeling of living through the ebbs and flows of life knowing that when times are tough, good things are sure to come back around,” explained Lucid Safari’s frontman Daniel Lewis.

Lucid Safari have been playing plenty of hometown gigs lately, including a double-header single launch with The Urban Sea and a show supporting Reece Mastin. Hopefully it’s not too long before they pack up the van and head to venues around the rest of the country.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Guy Crofts

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SacredCrows Release Buzzy Single, “Dragonfly”

Taking time to release their second single has paid off for SacredCrows. After dropping their debut “Strange” earlier this year, SacredCrows are delivering “Dragonfly,” a straight-up blues-rock track that might even be better than their first effort. It makes me feel like dancing, despite those dark lyrics about noxious personality traits and the way they can lead to self-sabotage.

“This one is a live favourite with the band and crowds, but yeah, it’s a little neurotic under all the fun stuff,” admitted SacredCrows frontman Glenn Whitehall. “I guess that’s the gold in songmaking, having a way to vent.”

You can bet this track will be on regular rotation until SacredCrows grace us with another one!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Black Stump Band @ Avoca Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 26 November 2022

I’ve seen The Whitlams and Tim Freedman solo countless times over the years. The ever-changing setlists ensure it never gets tired, yet I relished the opportunity to see them doing something completely new. When the Whitlams Black Stump Band stopped in to Darkinjung Country/Central Coast on Saturday, I got my chance.

After seeing my first gig at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, I’ll be keeping a close eye on their gig guide. I’ve seen movies there in the past, but you don’t really appreciate its intimacy as much when you’re looking at a big screen. It’s such a charming space, oozing with warmth and good vibes. I had tickets in the front row and didn’t dare bring out my camera out, lest I break the spell.

Courtney Keil was already on stage when I found my seat. She’s got a sweet voice and a youthful energy that’s perfect for her brand of country-pop. Cass Hopetoun was next, another country act but one I connected with instantly. Her songs were much quirkier, with plenty of sass and edge. She’s also a really compelling performer. Watching her interact with her fiancé on guitar was so special. I’ve been blasting her album since the show.

While the walk-on music was familiar, this was a very different Whitlams show to any other I’ve seen. With only two-fifths of the outfit Whitlams regulars, the band could best be described as an offshoot. While Rod McCormack, Matt Fell, and Ollie Thorpe are new additions, they’re such accomplished musicians that they sound as if they’ve been playing with Tim and Terepai, and playing these songs, for years. I’d heard a couple of the new arrangements through single releases, but getting to hear so many great Whitlams songs in new ways was thrilling. I hadn’t imagined slide guitar, banjo, or steel guitar on these tracks, but I’m so glad I got the opportunity to hear them that way. Certain songs also suit a more countrified treatment than others, so the show featured some tracks that don’t usually make the set list. If you’re a die-hard Whitlams fan, that alone is worth the price of admission. We were also treated to covers from artists like Kris Kristofferson and Neil Young. As I said before, this was not your typical Whitlams gig.

There’s something special that happens when a band are really vibing. You can tell that these guys love making music together. When the band loves what they do, the audience always has a good time. The Whitlams always bring the party, but the novelty of this new project takes these songs to another level. If you consider yourself a Whitlams fan, make sure you see the Whitlams Black Stump Band at one of their upcoming shows:
1 December 2022 – Royal Oak Hotel, Therrernotepanner, Leterrermairrener and Panniher Country/Launceston
2 December 2022 – LongHouse, Nipaluna/Hobart
3 December 2022 – Palais Theatre, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Franklin
20 January 2023 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
18 March 2023 – Adelaide Fringe, Spiegeltent, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 March 2023 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
25 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
26 March 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
31 March 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
1 April 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yorke Drops Poptastic Single “when the honeymoon is over” Ahead of EP Release

Yorke has dropped another taste of her new EP which has me even more excited about its launch later this week. With the release of new single “when the honeymoon is over,” we’ve now heard three stellar pop gems from this five-track EP. While I’m really looking forward to hearing the final pieces of the puzzle, I’m also relishing this song for a little while.

I also love the video, the second Yorke’s created with her director and partner Kyle Caulfield. I hear it took a month of long days and nights, including countless trips to Bunnings, but it’s come together beautifully.

“Love can sort of just sneak up on you at the least expected of times, these heart balloons are the visual metaphor for those feelings of love starting to introduce themselves into life, in a way that can’t be ignored,” Kyle explained.

Yorke’s new EP ten feet tall drops on December 2. Fresh from supporting Peach PRC, she’ll play the following headlining shows along the East Coast in the New Year to support its release.

3 February 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 February 2022 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
10 February 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie Needs Braces Drops Delightful New Single, “Yanoo”

Charlie Needs Braces is bringing the good vibes to your Saturday with her latest single “Yanoo”. It’s an easy breezy summer song that encourages us all the embrace the endings rather than holding on to relationships that no longer serve us.

“Yanoo means goodbye in my mob’s language and is inspired by all the inevitable and natural endings we all go through at some point in relationships,” explained Charlie, a proud GuriNgai woman, a descendant of Bungaree and Matora.

“Yanoo” comes from Charlie’s forthcoming album Saltwater People, which drops on February 10. Before that she’ll support Squid Nebula at Shotkickers in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung/Thornbury on December 30.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tiffany Garvie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The ARIA Awards 2022 Wrap

So the dust has settled on the ARIA Awards for another year and it seems like everyone has an opinion. I can’t help but feel like most of those opinions come from people who haven’t taken the time to listen to a new Australian album in years who simply want to reminisce about the “good old days”. That’s not to say that the awards were perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I hardly think they’re the shambles that many made them out to be. Most of the performances were solid and a fantastic showcase for the diversity of Australian music today. I also thought Natalie Imbruglia, G-Flip, and Ruel, who stepped in at the 11th hour when Lewis Capaldi pulled out, were personable hosts.

Having said that: Christian Wilkins and Froomes – you had one job. I don’t know whether a few glasses of vino made them a little too relaxed, but there’s really no excuse for getting album names wrong. Multiple times. While they got the tributes for Uncle Archie Roach and Judith Durham so right, Olivia Newton-John deserved better. It felt like a number from the Schools Spectacular, not a professional celebration of the life of one of Australia’s most loved artists. I was disappointed to see Gang of Youths go home empty-handed, but thrilled for Baker Boy and The Wiggles’ wins.

Anyway, if you missed the awards or you simply want to check the correct names of those albums, here are all the winners.

Album of the Year: Baker Boy – Gela
Best Solo Artist: Baker Boy
Best Group: Amyl and the Sniffers
Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist: King Stingray
Best Independent Release: Archie Roach – One Song
Best Pop Release: The Kid LAROI – “Thousand Miles”
Best Hip Hop Release: Baker Boy – Gela
Best Soul/R&B Release: Budjerah – Conversations
Best Dance/Electronic Release: Luude feat. Colin Hay – “Down Under”
Best Rock Album: Amyl and the Sniffers – Comfort To Me
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: The Chats – Get Fucked
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Julia Jacklin – Pre Pleasure
Best Country Album: Casey Barnes – Light It Up
Best Blues & Roots Album: William Crighton – Water And Dust
Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles – Rewiggled
Best Classical Album: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Sir Andrew Davis – The Enchanted Loom: Orchestral Works By Carl Vine
Best Jazz Album: Mildlife – Live From South Channel Island
Best Original Soundtrack/Musical Theatre Cast Album: Australian Chamber Orchestra and Richard Tognetti – River (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Best World Album: Joseph Tawadros with William Barton – History Has A Heartbeat
Best Video: William Bleakley – “Every Side Of You” (Vance Joy)
Best Australian Live Act: The Wiggles
Song of the Year: Tones and I – “Cloudy Day”
Most Popular International Act: Harry Styles
Music Teacher Award: Matt Orchard (Apollo Bay P-12 College)
Best Cover Art: Adnate – Gela (Baker Boy)
Best Mixed Album: Pip Norman, Andrei Eremin & Dave Hammer – Gela (Baker Boy)
Best Produced Album: RÜFÜS DU SOL – Surrender (RÜFÜS DU SOL)