Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thundamentals Back on the Scene With “Top of the World”

Thundamentals have kept fans waiting four long years for new music, but their patience has been rewarded. Their latest track “Top of the World” is a feel-good number that celebrates life’s small wins. The band created the song as an ode to their youth, but I don’t think you’re ever too old for this brand of positivity.

Thundamentals have been together 15 long years. As they reach this milestone, it’s only fitting that they’re looking back on where they’ve come from. Let’s hope there’s plenty more from these guys. Hopefully they don’t leave us waiting so long next time.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper Starts New Chapter With “Old News”

You never know quite what you’re going to get when Ella Hooper releases music. She was a rock chick with Killing Heidi, country-folk goddess as part of The Verses, and she’s dabbled in pop more than once. Her latest single, her first in four years, is “Old News.” If you loved the music she made in The Verses, you’ll adore this one. Ella penned the track with American country artist Sara Douga, who she met in Nashville in 2017.

“Sara and I have a similar energy – we’re both motor-mouthed brunettes,” Ella laughed. “And she’s the real deal when it comes to traditional country. I bring the alt and she brings the country. I had a great Nashville experience, meeting so many incredible people. It was so inspiring. I felt like I saw my future.”

Ella says “Old News” is the start of a new chapter for her music, so perhaps we can expect her to stay in this alt-country space for a while longer. Honestly, I’m not going to mind one bit.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darcy Lane Floors Me With New Single “Bored”

Eora/Sydney indie pop artist Darcy Lane has totally won me over with her latest single “Bored”. It’s got a fresh sound, but it’s the raw lyrics that really got me. Make sure you tap into them, because they are so powerful.

“This song is really about all the feelings that come with rejection,” Darcy explained. “I feel like we live in a world where there is always the next best thing and that can be really challenging at times. It’s easy to be tempted by things that are shiny and new but that doesn’t always mean it is better. ‘Bored’ was intended to ultimately call out someone that ran away just in case there was someone better out there. I often wonder if they have found it yet.”

“Bored” comes from Darcy’s debut EP Heartquakes, which will drop on September 2. Get a sneaky early listen to some of its songs when she launches the single at Beach Road Hotel in Eora/Bondi on August 26.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Tara Johnson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sky Cave Launch Emotional New Single, “Fall”

Boorloo/Perth rock act Sky Cave may be one of the West’s best-kept secrets. They’ve sold out shows throughout the state, including on Rottnest Island. With the release of their fantastic new track “Fall,” the cat could be out of the bag.

Like so many great rock songs, “Fall” comes from a really raw place. After losing two close friends last year, lead singer Oliver Quinlan channelled his pain into this song.

“This song is about being there for each other through chaotic times. It was based around the theme of the feeling individuals can experience when the world and their surroundings become too much for them to handle. Sometimes all it can take is one person’s support to change your whole mindset,’’ the band explained.

Rearrange your plans, because Sky Cave are launching the single tonight at Mojo’s Bar in Walyalup/Fremantle.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Kyle Bromley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dream Dali Drops Wicked New Single, “Wicked Sunday”

Its name suggests I should wait until the weekend to share, but Dream Dali’s latest track “Wicked Sunday” provides the sort of pick-me-up most of us need midweek I think. With glorious synths and electric guitars, it’s a total retro throwback, in the best possible way. If you love ‘80s acts that combined new wave and rock sounds like Icehouse and Pseudo Echo, this will be right up your alley.

“‘Wicked Sunday’ is written about those times when you wake to a huge weight of the day,” explained the band’s lead singer, Aldous Emerson. “Exploring depression and trying to build yourself back up when you feel people have let you down.”

Is it time for a mid-morning dance break? I think so!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nocturnal Animals Offer “A Simple Fuck You”

Around Hump Day, it’s normal to feel a little angsty. Whether the working week is grinding you down or you’ve got other stresses in your life, you’re going to love the high-energy, hilariously tongue-in-cheek new single from Tarndanya/Adelaide punk act Nocturnal Animals. Called “A Simple Fuck You,” this track is made to be played loud. Although, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got headphones if you share an office!

“‘A Simple Fuck You’ is a song that keeps it short & sweet,” the band said. “It’s a simple fuck you done with a smile.”

Fresh from supporting Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Nocturnal Animals are ready to headline their own shows. Check them out on their single tour:

20 August 2022 – Bendigo Hotel (Upstairs), Naarm/Melbourne
27 August 2022 – Low Life Bar (Downstairs), Tarndanya/Adelaide
3 September 2022 – Bootleggers (Kelly’s Upstairs), Warrane/Sydney

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Olivia Newton-John

My Dad only calls before 9 if it’s really important. He called me before 9 today to let me know Olivia Newton-John had passed away. He knew this one would hit, because he was the one that taped “Grease” off the TV onto a Beta tape and was around when I played that movie every single day after school, for weeks. And he probably heard me singing this song at top note in our backyard, channelling “our Livvy.”

I thought she was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen. And she was an Aussie! She was such a part of my formative years. I always admired the way she carried herself, the way she helped others despite her own ongoing health battles, the way she was such a proud Aussie ambassador on the world stage. Looking at my Facebook feed this morning, it was heartening to see what an immense impression she made on so many people I knew too. What a legacy. Vale Olivia Newton-John.

Image source: FESTIVALDEVINACHILE/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths @ Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney – 6 August 2022

More than a few times I wished I wasn’t going to Saturday’s Gang of Youths show in Eora/Sydney. It’s not that I didn’t want to see the band – far from it. But I hate Qudos Bank Arena. It often seems too big and impersonal. I have to take three trains to get there and it’s a hassle. But I bought the tickets anyway. I cursed that decision when the band announced a show in Mulubinba/Newcastle, and again when they announced an intimate acoustic gig at the Enmore. I had another little grumble when I stacked it on the uneven ground outside the venue before I even got inside. But you know, sometimes I think the universe puts you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Gretta Ray herself remarked on how grateful she was that a rock act like Gang of Youths enlisted a pop act like her for their support act. It certainly seemed a strange choice on paper, but the crowd lapped up her performance, singing along to the hits and listening attentively to the ones they weren’t familiar with. I unfortunately missed most of her set, but I really enjoyed what I did catch. Her music has mostly passed me by, but it gets a little extra something watching her twirl around and own the stage. I got to admire her voice a little more without studio production. I think I’ll have to delve into her catalogue a little more.

Gretta impressed me, but I was more than ready to enjoy Gang of Youths. As they kicked off with “angel of 8th ave.” I realised how long it’s been since I’ve been to a big rock show. It was definitely pre-pandemic. I’ve missed that energy, the real fire that comes when a crowd feeds off that music and gives all the love back to the performers. David Le’aupepe is such an incredible frontman, dancing up a storm, singing like a dream, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He seemed genuinely moved at the warm reception hometown fans delivered, and wanted to give back to us all whatever he could.

The set list leant heavily on their magnificent new album angel in realtime. After being so moved by that album, it was a bit jarring to hear it cut up for a show. I’d love to hear them play it in its entirety, in order, but that might be a concept for another time. For now, delivering those songs interspersed with the hits from Go Farther in Lightness kept the crowds happy. I loved hearing some of my favourites from that album, “What Can I Do When the Fire Goes Out?”, “The Heart is a Muscle,” and “The Deepest Sighs, The Frankest Shadows” with Dave sharing the lead vocals with Gretta Ray. The cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Boys are Back in Town” was the perfect nod to their Sydney return.

Angel in realtime. is such a powerful album and it gave the show some of its most poignant moments. You could hear a pin drop as Dave sat at the piano and played the gentle “brothers,” which he dedicated to his family in attendance. “Hand of god” was as close as I might get to a religious experience. “Goal of the century” is such an epic song, but Gang of Youths brought it to life without studio wizardry. What a way to close such a special show.

Gang of Youths’ music has taken them all over the world. Time away makes coming home so much sweeter. I might have begrudgingly dragged myself out to Qudos, but I am so thrilled I got to be part of the homecoming party. Gang of Youths’ tour continues in Melbourne on Friday night. There are limited tickets for the remaining shows on this tour:
12 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
13 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
14 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ MAC 2, Nipaluna/Hobart
16 August 2022 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
17 August 2022 – Powerstation, Auckland
20 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Yarun/Sandstone Point
22 August 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
2 September 2022 – Electric Picnic Festival @ Stradbally, Ireland
13 September 2022 – The Rave II @ Milwaukee
14 September 2022 – First Avenue – Mainroom @ Minneapolis
16 September 2022 – Delmar Hall @ Saint Louis
17 September 2022 – The Bottleneck @ Lawrence
19 September 2022 – Gothic Theatre @ Englewood
20 September 2022 – Urban Lounge @ Salt Lake City
22 September 2022 – Revolution Hall @ Portland
23 September 2022 – Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2022 – Neumos, Seattle
27 September 2022 – Ace Of Spades, Sacramento
28 September 2022 – The Ritz, San Jose
30 September 2022 – Ohana Fest, Dana Point
1 October 2022 – 24 Oxford, Las Vegas
25 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
26 October 2022 – Gloria Theater, Cologne
28 October 2022 – Zoom Frankfurt, Frankfurt
30 October 2022 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
31 October 2022 – De Oosterpoort, Groningen
2 November 2022 – Gruenspan, Hamburg
3 November 2022 – Kesselhaus, Berlin
6 November 2022 – AB – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
7 November 2022 – Badaboum, Paris
9 & 10 November 2022 – Outernet, London
12 November 2022 – Academy, Manchester
13 November 2022 – The Academy, Dublin
15 November 2022 – Limelight, Belfast
17 November 2022 – The Leadmill, Sheffield
18 November 2022 – Rock City, Nottingham
20 November 2022 – Great Hall, Cardiff

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Swipe Right on Sunday Sesh’s “Tinder”

Given the end of the weekend is here, I thought it was the perfect time to introduce you to the latest Sunday Sesh single. Called “Tinder”, it’s an energetic indie punk-rock track that deserves to be heard loud.

These guys have spent the last year playing gigs with the likes of Radolescent, Ruby Fields, and Drunk Mums. With tracks like this, it’s only a matter of time before we see them headlining their own shows.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole Reunite For Another Album and Tour

Everyone deserves a friend like Adam Harvey. A friend who doesn’t just reach out when you’re doing it tough, but really steps up to make you feel better.

“A few months ago when I wasn’t doing so well, my friend Adam Harvey checked in on me every week or so,” fellow Central Coast-based country artist Beccy Cole shared on social media. “He asked if there was anything he could do and I said ‘you could tour with me again, they are my happiest times.’ So he changed his year around and orchestrated this whole project. He said if I got better he would tour with me till the bloody wheels fall off! That’s what you call a friend.”

That project was The Great Country Songbook Volume 3, a sequel to the Great Country Songbook Volume 2 they released in 2017. I revisited that album yesterday and was so struck by the genuine love that radiates from these recordings. Adam and Beccy may be the closest Australia has to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and not just because they do a mean cover of “Islands in the Stream”!

As we await the album’s release, it’s time to get excited about that tour. Expect music, stories, and plenty of laughs when Adam and Beccy visit your town.

9 September 2022 – Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Yuibera Country/Mackay
10 September 2022 – The World Theatre, Gudjal Country/Charters Towers
11 September 2022 – Dalrymple Hotel, Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville
15 September 2022 – Brolga Theatre, Tuaggra/Maryborough
16 September 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Goodjinburra Country/Tweed Heads
17 September 2022 – Caloundra RSL, Cullowundoor/Caloundra
18 September 2022 – City Golf Club, Tawampa/Toowoomba
23 September 2022 – Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
24 September 2022 – Penrith Panthers, Darug Country/Penrith
29 September 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Warrnambool
30 September 2022 – York On Lilydale, Wurundjeri Country/Mount Evelyn
1 October 2022 – Palais Theatre, Wadawurrung Country/Geelong
8 October 2022 – Red Hill Auditorium, Boorloo/Perth
14 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
15 October 2022 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul
16 October 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga

Image used with Sony Music Australia