Author: Lauren Katulka

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)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Keogh Amps Up His Sound With “Ketamine”

Nick Keogh charmed me with the folky, acoustic-driven songs on his debut EP, 20 & Bored. He’s kicked things up a few notches with his latest single “Ketamine,” and I’m here for it. Switching his acoustic guitar for a telecaster has made his sound much bigger. The witty lyrics are also brilliantly biting, with Nick checking his privilege and in the process reminding others to do the same.

“I wrote Ketamine after I watched a Tik Tok by Lucy Holz where she discusses people at Melbourne Uni ‘fetishising poverty’ and I had a bit of a ‘woah’ moment because that’s something that I do,” he admitted. “It was around the time where I was reassessing my privilege as a white cis-het man in the music industry and didn’t really know what to say. So, I decided to write about just that, from the perspective of a lad in the style of music they’d probably listen to.”

Nick will launch the single for hometown fans in Naarm/Melbourne at NoNo (formerly Penny’s Bandroom) on December 8.

Image used with permission from Nick Keogh

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality” – Sick Visor

As if they understood just how challenging Thursdays can be, Naarm/Melbourne indie-punk duo Sick Visor have dropped their debut EP For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality, and yes, it’s every bit as fabulous as its title. In fact, it’s an absolute joy.

Indie-punk and joy don’t often go hand in hand, but this isn’t your average collection of punk songs. There’s the energy, driving drums, and big chords we associate with the genre, but these songs are more about celebrating life than complaining about what’s wrong with it. I’m not sure I’ve ever related more to a punk song than the opening track, “Happy Pessimistic People Person Introvert”. “My Legs Feel Good In My Pants” reminds us all to appreciate the now and all its little wins. Want more positivity? “Love is Free” brings it in spades. Not that Sick Visor view the world totally through rose-coloured glasses. “Shit for Brains” is a self-deprecating anthem for musos all too aware of their shortcomings. “Sticky Tape” rounds out the EP. If ever a song was the equivalent of a big warm hug, this is it. Again, it embraces the flaws, reminding us that while we might be holding ourselves together with sticky tape, we’re far from the only ones.

After supporting the likes of Bugs and TOWNS in Melbourne, Sick Visor have announced some headlining gigs to support today’s release of For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality. Catch them at one of the following shows:

25 November 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
2 December 2022 – Penny’s, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Simple Cider, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting the Sleepyheads)
5 December 2022 – MONA Lawns, Nipaluna/Hobart


Images used with permission from Habit Music Co; main image credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Cornell on Solo Comeback Trail With “Stick Around

It’s been five years since his last solo single, but five-time Golden Guitar nominee Matt Cornell is coming back with a vengeance. After focusing on his work with duo Cornell & Carr and playing with acts like Shannon Noll and Adam Brand, Matt’s latest track “Stick Around” is a real return to form. It’s a country-rock anthem with a classic feel that draws on Matt’s love of ‘80s music.

“‘Stick Around’ explores the weird phenomenon that True Love often strikes when we least expect it,” Matt explained. “The idea that something so solid and long lasting can be borne out of one boozy fleeting flirty moment. I feel in a way, where I’m at in my life, ‘Stick Around’ is kind of a wish for me personally, I’m currently single, & wanting to settle down to start a family one day, in this song, the guy meets his life partner, has the two kids & a dog, there’s hope for me yet.”

On the back of the single, Matt will play a string of big shows in 2023. Check him out at the following events:
18 February 2023 – Sydney Harbour Cruise, Eora/Sydney
11 March 2023 – The Stock Route Country Music Festival, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
14 July 2023 – Country on Keppel, Woppa/Great Keppel Island

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stormy-Lou Exorcise Their Demons With “Nothing To Me”

Kaurna Land/Adelaide four-piece Stormy-Lou are bringing a little angst to your day with their new single “Nothing To Me”. It sounds like a classic alternative rock track, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear the optimism coming through. It might be a breakup song, but it reminds us that an ending is so often a new beginning.

“Nothing To Me is our way of saying “f*** you, we’re better now,” the band explained. “All four of us have experienced awful relationships in some shape or form and so this was a really collaborative song for us to express the post-breakup feels. We’re all super confident, bubbly people and that has come from beating hardships and kicking out bad ties in life.”

After wowing hometown crowds with a recent headlining show at the Crown and Anchor, Stormy-Lou will return to the venue to support Sophisticated Dingo on December 1.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Eve Burner

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Queency Releases Retro Single, “Purple Diamonds”

I miss Prince terribly. The world is a little darker without him. His legacy extends beyond the music he left to the artists he influenced. One such artist is Queency, a Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter who isn’t afraid to wear his influence on his fabulous sleeve. His new single “Purple Diamonds” is as close to a new Prince song as we’re ever going to get. While it’s pretty derivative, it’s also a whole lot of fun.

“Purple Diamonds is a metaphor for what you have most precious to give to someone you find irresistibly attractive. You know, when they’re just your type and the chemistry is right, you just wanna give that person purple diamonds all night!” Queency enthused. “This song is about feeling so in tune with your partner that you’re ready to truly express yourself in the intimacy you have built and may even fall if you keep entertaining this situation. It’s about being vulnerable, yet insatiable! Look, let’s stop sugar coating: it’s a booty song! And surprise, surprise, I wrote it as I was falling in love with my partner, so he’s definitely inspired it. It’s a shameless synth heavy and vocally stacked retro pop track modernised to 21st Century’s flavours. It’s definitely an ode to 80s pop, but I wanted it to be seasoned to the taste of today! And I like it extra spicy – so we turned the heat all the way up!”.

“Purple Diamonds” is the title track from Queency’s forthcoming EP, which drops on November 24.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jeff Ettridge

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City” – Jacob Fitzgerald

I must admit, I listened to Jacob Fitzgerald’s new EP, Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City, more out of my own interest than any serious desire to write up a review. I’ve already fawned over three of the EP’s six tracks, so what more would I have to say? There’s probably a point where continuing to praise an artist gets boring, but once I listened to this EP I knew I’d have to put my fingers to the keyboard and get typing.

Jacob had already shown incredible diversity, delivering rock swag with his song “Muse,” then showing his softer side with softer, more pop-influenced tracks “The Long Way Home” and “Shame on You.” The EP delivers more pieces of the Jacob Fitzgerald puzzle. The opening track and current single “My Girl” reminds me a little of “Jessie’s Girl,” both thematically and in terms of its instant radio-friendly appeal. “The Electric City” is a brooding synth-driven number that has me thinking of classic 80s tunes from Don Henley and Tears for Fears. It’s really cool. After the bravado of “Muse,” the vulnerability he shows in “Peter Pan” is even more striking.

Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City shows Jacob is such a multi-faceted artist with plenty to show us. Something tells me that while this EP is diverse, something tells me there’s plenty more to come. That’s exciting. Jacob is about the embark on the shows in the major capitals supporting Loose Bricks. Rest assured, you want to turn up early enough for his set.

25 November 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 November 2022 – Hiway Enmore, Eora/Sydney
16 December 2022 – Crown and Anchor, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 December 2022 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessey Napa Drops Cool New Single, “Only Thing I Needed”

Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Jessey Napa has released his summery new single “Only Thing I Needed.” With a groove that just won’t quit and uplifting lyrics about following your bliss, it’s bound to make you feel better about the world.

“I was in a bit of rut songwriting-wise when a friend of mine encouraged me to change up the way I was writing,” Jessey explained about the song’s creation. “That night I put down the guitar (my usual instrument of choice) and laid down a bass, drum, and piano groove on my laptop. The instrumental must have opened something inside me because the lyrics poured straight out of me. The song remained quite bass and piano heavy until I decided I wanted to up the energy of the track for the live show. By adding guitars reminiscent of Kings of Leon and Catfish and the Bottlemen, I was able to take the energy of the song to a new level”

“Only Thing I Needed” is such a great follow-up to Jessey’s last single “Dixie.” I’ll be listening to this one for a while, but I also can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Image used with permission from Jessey Napa

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Allen Stone @ Enmore Theatre, Eora/Newtown – 15 November 2022

It takes a lot to get me to a midweek gig. And I’m not just talking about the two trains that I need to catch to get to venues like the Enmore. I always know I’m going to be sluggish the next morning, so it’d better be worth my while. Having seen Allen Stone play The Metro back in 2019, I knew he would be. So last night I put on my best dress, dragged myself out of the house on a Tuesday (!), and prepared myself for the party.

Since we couldn’t leave Darkinjung Country/Central Coast until after my husband had finished work, I had to make the choice between getting a decent dinner or seeing the support act. Sorry WILSN, but my stomach won. We arrived with just enough time to settle ourselves in for Allen and admire the theatre. It was my first trip to the Enmore since its renovations. Gee the old girl scrubs up beautifully.

“Uncle Al” always brings the party. He’s such a natural on stage, dancing up a storm and playing off his band. His voice is so rich, warm and textured, perhaps even better in person than on the albums. He had us in raptures with upbeat singles like “Brown Eyed Lover” and “Taste of You.” I’m not sure if everyone was across the new single “5 Minutes”, but they were certainly happy to take Allen’s lead and engage in a little call-and-response. While we love grooving along with him, we’re also happy to swoon at his romantic ballads. Al knows how to write a real love song, ballads that speak from the heart and avoid the cliches. I found myself squeezing my husband’s hand tightly listening to “Consider Me” and “Bring You Blue”. Choice covers like Stevie Wonder’s “A Place in the Sun” and an epic version of Farnsy’s “Two Strong Hearts” had us in raptures.

I’ve got to take a moment to shout out to the audience. There’s often something really special about the crowds who go to see shows from artists who haven’t made an impact on the Australian charts. There are no casual fans, like when you see the latest big thing or an artist who’s been a radio mainstay for decades. They go because they really go. They also tend to be pretty passionate about great music, because they’ve sought this artist out rather than just waiting for radio to deliver them. I love being part of crowds like this. They cheered rapturously, but you could hear a pin drop in those quiet moments. Everyone was in the moment, lapping up every second. Allen praised the audience several times, and even declared we were the best crowd of the tour. Sure, he might say that in every city, but I’ll take it.

When crowds are that good, you can’t leave without an encore. I’m sure I read once that the Enmore’s residential neighbourhood restricts shows from going on too long, but Al insisted he wanted to play two more. I finally got my chance to see the support act WILSN when she joined Al on stage for “Naturally”. She was brilliant. I promise I’ll try to see her next time. Most artists would prefer to end with their own material, but on a night when there were such good vibes in the room, a singalong cover of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” was the perfect closer.
I didn’t get home until close to 1:30 a.m. Since there are fewer trains and everyone needs to get home, they stop at all stations on the way back home. We can also count on a long wait between connections. I’m very sluggish today, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Uncle Al is just that good.

Allen Stone’s The New Normal tour continues tonight in Naarm/Melbourne. I know midweek gigs are tough, but if you’re ever going to do it, make it for one of these shows:

16 November 2022 – Northcote Theatre/Naarm/Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Harvest Rock Festival, Tartanya/Adelaide
20 November 2022 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 November 2022 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crystal Cities Make Welcome Return With “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”

After a hiatus of almost a year, Crystal Cities are back with a bang. Their latest single “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” is a big anthemic rock track that ticks all the boxes. In fact, it might just be the best thing they’ve ever released. It’s amazing to think when you realise just how close frontman Geoff Rana came to leaving the industry for good.

“I happened to be going through one of those ‘down’ moments where giving up music and writing songs seemed like the best option for moving forward with my life… Wild peaks of motivation followed by troughs of listlessness are simply part of the experience of being a creative person struggling to find some semblance of success in an ever-changing world… Ironically, it was when I was feeling at my lowest that I happened to sit down with my guitar and start strumming the opening chords for ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’,” he explained. “It was through this song that I found myself reuniting with why I write songs and why I love it so much. ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’ is about the experience of losing something or someone you once loved and then the joy you get from reconnecting with, or rediscovering that something or someone.”

This song is also the first featuring Crystal Cities’ newest member, drummer Neel Shukla who replaced Daniel Conte. Opening with “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, this new Crystal Cities’ chapter seems pretty bright.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile