Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Overrun” – Highline

Just a year on from releasing their EP Off Track, Eora/Sydney act Highline have followed it up with a brand new collection of music. Their latest offering Overrun shows a band that’s more mature, more confident, and more exciting.

Don’t get me wrong; I’ve been a fan since I heard “Staying Sane” last February. But it’s so thrilling to see how this band’s evolving. We got a taste when they dropped the single “Enough For You and Me” earlier this year, but it’s so exciting to see how it all comes together. The title track and EP opener “Overrun” really won me over. It had me from the gentle acoustic guitar opening, but it refuses to sit in that mellow space. It builds beautifully, morphing into an epic rock number complete with a guitar solo. Highline are equally comfortable delivering big rock numbers like “Enough For You and Me” and laidback tracks like “Here Now.” The EP showcases the breadth of their artistry and their impressive gift for songwriting. At just five songs it’s over all too quickly, but you can always hit the play button again.

Overrun is out now. Highline will kick off their first-ever run of interstate shows this weekend. Check them out at the following venues:

30 July 2022 – Cherry Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
13 August 2022 – O’Skulligans, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 August 2022 – LaLaLa’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
26 August 2022 – Cambridge Side Bar, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Images used with permission from Peach & Sons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Edwards Drops Stunning New Single “I Have Schizophrenia”

Meeanjin/Brisbane artist Alex Edwards aims to erase the stigma around mental health with his brave new single “I Have Schizophrenia.” It’s a gorgeous, honest track featuring guest appearances from Dorothy Daisy, Blaq Carrie, Sean FitzGerald, and Trav Jenkins.

Renee Brazel Photography directed the video, which sees Alex and Dorothy Daisy bearing all, quite literally. The visuals are the ideal match for a song that’s so intimate and personal.

Alex has several local gigs coming up. Catch him at the following Queensland venues:

4 August 2021 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
25 August 2021 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Jellurgal/Burleigh Heads
27 August 2021 – Ric’s Bar, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (FREE)

Image credit: Renee Brazel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evergreener Releases Fresh New Track, “Deciduous”

Meet Evergreener, an exciting new act that’s formed from the ashes of Stand Tall. Like so many bands, the pandemic ground Stand Tall to a halt. Someone left the group, but not to be deterred they’ve decided to keep on making music under a new moniker. “Deciduous” is Evergreener’s first release, a track that shows these guys still have all the angst and energy that brought them together all those years ago.

Evergreener say their new single is “A light-hearted and positive outlook on a dark time, similar to that of deciduous leaves falling from a tree, only to grow back again more vibrant than before.”

Evergreener will support Bad Neighbour when their If No One Gets to Win EP tour rolls hits Bad Decisions Bar in Ngár-go/Fitzroy on September 10.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Thorne Releases Fabulous New Single, “Hate Your Girlfriend”

Have you ever met that person who’d be absolutely perfect for you, except for that small matter of their partner? If you have, Katie Thorne’s new single “Hate Your Girlfriend” is for you. The title prepares you for an angsty punk or rock track, but Katie prefers to keep her anger just simmering below the surface with this cool jazz number.

“IHYG was written as a kind of self-exorcism to placate my very own green-eyed monster – you know, say the bad thing out loud and then maybe it won’t feel so big,” Katie explained. “I’ve always been drawn to music that portrays the flawed woman who feels pain.”

Whether you’re going through your own mess right now or feeling nostalgic about the crushes of the past, crank this one up and I swear you’ll feel better.

Image used with permission from The PR Files

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out to Tied Down’s “Undefeated”

If you’re dragging yourself through Monday, Tied Down’s latest track “Undefeated” provides just the shot of adrenalin you need. This is an epic rock track that just makes you feel good to be alive. Crank up that volume and let this one wash over you.

“’Undefeated’ is a track armed to the teeth with fast-paced riffs, explosive drumming, a driving bassline and a powerful vocal arrangement which we’ve become known for. Fighting against the challenges of daily life and an unwillingness to give up despite what’s thrown at you is what this track is all about. We want this track to uplift and empower anyone dealing with issues they feel are out of their control and have a feeling it will do exactly that!” Tied Down explained. Mission accomplished!

Locals in Boorloo/Perth can catch Tied Down with other local bands, including Gyroscope and Late 90s, at Park Cohesion at Beyond Skate this Saturday, July 30.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Portia Gebauer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YDE Releases Beautiful Ballad “People Can Change”

It was just a month ago that I was raving about YDE’s single “Old Her.” Now she’s back with a brand-new single that shows off a more sensitive, softer side. “People Can Change” is a masterclass in restraint, a stripped-back ballad that addresses the difficult times we live in with optimism for what’s to come.

“‘People Can Change’ is an honest conversation with myself about how I can maintain hope for the future,” YDE says. “We are facing immense division and only through conscious growth and change will we find our way through together.”

YDE’s debut project SEND HELP is out soon. It’s sure to cement her reputation as one of the most exciting local exports around.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Jade DeRose

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ride the Wave With LT’s “Rollercoaster”

Queensland indie act LT takes us on a trip with her dreamy new single “Rollercoaster.” This track brings you all the fun of the fair, with plenty of twists and turns. It sounds beautiful and bright, but make sure you don’t miss the message in those lyrics.

“Rollercoaster is about caring for someone who battles with bipolar disorder,” LT explained. “It’s about navigating through sleepless nights and uncontrollable highs, and keeping afloat during days of slumber and sweeping lows. It’s about love, perseverance, and riding that rollercoaster until you next see light.”

LT worked closely with emerging Meeanjin/Brisbane creator Brendan Shoenmaker to bring this story to life with a gorgeous video.

“Due to the sensitive subject matter of Rollercoaster, it was really important we created something beautiful that in no way added to the stigma that people battling mental health issues can experience,” LT added. “Brendan used inspiration from filmmaker Ingmar Bergman’s persona, creating a film depicting inner duality. The story demonstrates a study of yin and yang told through the cat and mouse relationship of two dancers, representing not just the duality of bipolar but the togetherness of the relationship as well as a healthy dose of self-love. It explores the relationship of duality from a perspective of absence and presence, with the dance built around two characters slipping in and out of each other’s space. It is the tug of war between these moments that we wanted to showcase along with connection, endurance and the will to push on through.”

I hear this is just one of several new tunes from LT we should hear this year. Bring them on!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Rhea Caldwell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Syrah Goes It Alone With “Philosophy”

Sam Syrah’s name makes me think of wine, and it’s Friday, so he was already a couple of steps ahead of the game in my book. However, it took just a couple of seconds listening to his new track “Philosophy” to really win me over. Cool sexy voice, electric guitars, and swagger to spare? Check, check, and check.

You might know Sam as a member of Daisy & The White Jacket or Port Royal, or from sitting in with McDermott & North. With the release of “Philosophy,” he shows he’s a natural frontman. You better believe I’m ready to hear more. Thankfully his EP Some Things Stay the Same drops later this year.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Shannon Lawrence

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flynn Gurry Floors Me With “Don’t Know Love”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry has totally slayed me with his new single “Don’t Know Love”. It’s not surprising really, as he was inspired by one of my favourite international artists.

“I was really inspired by the way Dermot Kennedy brings such cool production to dark stories and that is what Jan [Skubiszewski, producer] and I attempted to achieve, this was also the first time I had recorded a song on the electric guitar,” he explained.

It was also the first time Flynn wrote a song from someone else’s perspective. If this is what happens when Flynn shakes things up, I think he should do it more often!

“I remember at the time of writing this thinking pretty deeply about love in general and how powerful it can be and that maybe we don’t fully understand it until we lose it,” he added.

“Don’t Know Love” comes from Flynn’s debut studio EP, slated for release later this year. Before that, you can catch him doing his thing at the following venues:

24 July 2022 – Hotel Brunswick, Arakwal Country/Brunswick Heads
29 July 2022 – Saints and Sailors, Bellawiyn/Portarlington
30 July 2022 – Palais Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs

Image used with permission from Footstomp PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater” – Alex the Astronaut

Alex the Astronaut is one of the more unique voices in the Australian music industry. Queer, neurodivergent, the holder of degrees in maths and physics. Hers is the kind of voice we don’t often hear releasing music. That’s just one of the many reasons you should pay attention to her new album, How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater.

I think one of the best ways to learn about experiences different from our own is to hear people share their stories. This is such a personal album. “Octopus” explores her recent autism spectrum diagnosis. Songs like “Haunted” and “Airport” give snapshots of interactions with her parents, blind dates, and love interests. “Sick” is a deeply intimate exploration of the loss and grief process that often begins when the ones we love are clinging to life. “South London” is a nostalgic look at a childhood so removed from many Aussie upbringings. The closing song “Haircut” is about more than a typical trip to the salon; it’s a celebration of gender expression and authenticity.

Listening to these songs you start to understand that we have more similarities than differences. We may not have loved someone of the same gender, but we’ve loved so we understand those feelings of vulnerability and comfort. We might not be neurodivergent, but we’ve felt unsure of ourselves, like an outsider, so those songs make sense for us too. We might not know the people that mean so much to Alex the Astronaut, but we’ve got our own connections that these songs remind us of.

There’s also such a beautiful joy to this music. These songs tackle some really big, important, heavy themes, but they’re delivered with such heart and humour. This album is a celebration of life in all its messy, beautiful weirdness. Listening to it simply makes you feel good. And maybe that’s the biggest reason why you should give How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater a listen.

How to Grow a Sunflower Underwater is out today. Alex the Astronaut will embark on an Aussie tour, kicking off with an appearance at Splendour this weekend.

24 July 2022 – Splendour in the Grass, Bundjalung Nation/Byron Bay
11 August 2022 – Freo Social, Noongar/Perth
13 August 2022 – Darwin Festival, Garramilla/Darwin
18 August 2022 – Kambri at ANU, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
19 August 2022 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
20 August 2022 – The Cambridge, Mulubinba/Newcastle
21 August 2022 – River Sounds, Gumbaynggirr Nation/Bellingen
27 August 2022 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 September 2022 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
4 September 2022 – Springtime Festival, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
8 September 2022 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
9 September 2022 – Altar, Nipaluna/Hobart
10 September 2022 – Uni Bar, Kaurna Land/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Warner Music Australia; album cover: Giulia McGauran; main image: @jessgleeson