Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Northeast Party House and Thundamentals Headline Brisbane’s Let the Music Play

In case you hadn’t heard, big events are back! Among them is Let the Music Play, the largest ticketed single-day festival in the history of the Fortitude Valley. It makes its triumphant return to Brisbane’s entertainment precinct this August.

Such a massive event needs a massive lineup and Let the Music Play doesn’t disappoint. Think Northeast Party House, Thundamentals, Wafia, Jesswar, Mash’d N Kutcher encouraging you to get on the beers, and heaps more. You’re also going to love Warner Street’s makeover as Unicorn Alley, an inclusive new space helmed by DJ and Fluffy promoter Harry K. Think drag queens, street performers, a whole lot of colour, and some fabulous disco tunes.

“We are proud to be able to announce the return of Let The Music Play,” confirmed Mark Gibbons, the event’s co-curator and head of programming at the Fortitude Music Hall. “After a critical few years for the live music industry, it is our duty to continue to support the Fortitude Valley, Brisbane live music venues, and the creative arts. This event honours past and present partygoers that frequent our creative spaces and show collective resolve against whatever the next obstacles thrown at us are – be it fire, flood, plague.”

Let the Music Play is so big that it’s going to take four venues to handle the stacked lineup. Catch it from 3 pm on August 13 at the Fortitude Music Hall, The Zoo, Brightside Outdoors, and Warner Street. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster now.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Animals, Eskimo Joe, Rick Price Heading to Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 10th Birthday

Airlie Beach Festival of Music promises one hell of a party when the event celebrates its 10th anniversary this November. Organisers have just announced killer additions to the line-up including Rick Price, Eskimo Joe, and British superstars The Animals.

“I’m sure the weather will be perfect and everybody there will be up for a good time,” said The Animals’ original drummer John Steel, who can’t wait to visit Airlie Beach for the first time. “The onstage setup and the crew will be top class … fans can expect to see and hear a cracking good band performing timeless classics from The Animals repertoire – just sit back and enjoy it; we won’t let you down.”

These acts join those already announced including Ben Lee, Rogue Traders, the Badloves, Mi-Sex, and Bill Chambers.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music hits Airlie Beach from November 4 to 6. That sounds like a long time away, but with such an amazing line-up the event is sure to sell out. I’d nab some tickets sooner rather than later if I were you!

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is the perfect event for visitors to package with a diverse array of accommodation and tours, but due to its ever-increasing popularity I would suggest booking now to avoid disappointment,” added Rick Hamilton, Tourism Whitsundays’ CEO. “This is one of those weekends you don’t want to miss and a unique chance to experience live music in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

You heard the man. Get on it! Tickets are available now from the Airlie Beach Festival of Music website.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Lekker Releases Retro Single, “Pretty Boys”

If you love all things ‘80s, you’ll appreciate the retro vibe of Good Lekker’s latest single “Pretty Boys”. It’s a synthy pop-rock banger that will have you busting out those old-school dance moves before you know it.

“‘Pretty Boys’ is our reflection on narcissists and their impact on those around them,” the Sydney band explained. “It quietly frowns at those who continually seek to benefit themselves at the expense of others. By going after these people, we hope to motivate ourselves and others to interact with one another in more healthy ways and, ultimately, create awareness through our music and shows.”

Good Lekker expands on the theme with their fantastic new music video, which was shot across Sydney and Wollongong with director Nicholas Isaksson. The clip highlights the narcissistic stereotype with its two protagonists.

“Their relationship throughout the film highlights the ups and downs that many people have with partners, friends and family,” the band added. “We see that these events shouldn’t define us nor stop us from moving on with our lives. The film clip inspired the meaning and the lyrics of the track. Nicholas came to us with the storyline, and then we wrote the song; usually, it’s the other way round. This was a challenge when it came to re-writing the song in the studio and keeping the message coherent.”

Good Lekker are currently travelling all around the East Coast and Tassie supporting local legends Shag Rock and British India. You can still catch them at the following venues:

17 June 2022 – Crowbar, Sydney (supporting British India)
18 June 2022 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (supporting British India)
24 June 2022 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (supporting Shag Rock)
25 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane (supporting Shag Rock)
26 June 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Shag Rock)
2 July 2022 – Altar, Hobart (supporting Shag Rock)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Generational” – Rya Park

Rya Park speaks to the heart of the millennial experience with her debut EP Generational. It’s a powerful collection of songs documenting the highs and lows of your 20s.

My 20s are far behind me, but I still connected to this material. It opens with the title track “Generational.” References to cigarettes, shit house parties, and drinking all night evoke a time of excess, being “way too young” to worry about what comes next. The next track “call it a year xo” starts by stripping away the beats. The opening verse leaves us with gentle piano chords and Rya’s voice, moments of quiet after the storm, moments to hear the darker voices that get drowned out in the crowds. “LONDON” may be my favourite song on the EP, a touching track about the power of friendship and the pain of keeping it alive when you’re separated by distance. With separation from lockdowns still fresh in all our minds, this song really resonates.

Most songs on this EP are tinged with sadness. However, “Everything We Want” is pure joy, a celebration of the love that Rya’s found with Kill Bell guitarist and photographer Nick Tam. Rya wrote “Silver Lining” several years ago, but it’s found the right home here. Generational is an EP that shines a light on life’s highs and lows. This song embodies that message, revealing Rya’s struggles with mental illness and her hope that there may be a silver lining to it all. It makes such a strong statement that it might have been the EP’s final track, but that honour was reserved for “I’ve Tried it ALL,” a powerful song co-written with Alex Lahey and Gordi. While it was a collaborative effort, it’s an incredibly personal song about Rya’s mental health journey.

“When I wrote this song I was barely sleeping and didn’t have the energy for the life I wanted to live,” she admitted. “I was embarrassed and ashamed to present a version of myself that deep down I didn’t recognise or resonate with. I remember saying in this session that I know what I want my music to really be about – the true parts of my life, the good the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.”

Generational is a moving EP that puts Rya’s vocals and lyrics front and centre. She’s careful to avoid overproduction. The gentle beats ensure it feels contemporary, but they never steal focus. Every song is so strong in its own right. Together they capture a moment in time and an artist on the verge of greatness. Whether you’re living through your 20s right now or like me they’re a distant memory, I’m sure this EP will resonate with you.

Images used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For The Buckleys’ Latest Single, “Oops I Love You”

Country-pop sibling trio The Buckleys are spreading sunshine with their charming new single, “Oops I Love You”. Recorded in Nashville’s legendary East Iris Studios earlier this year, this track delivers two-and-a-half minutes of pure joy.

“Interestingly, this song started out on bass,” explained vocalist Sarah Buckley. “I was jamming with our youngest brother Dylan on drums just for fun and I started playing this bassline which you hear in the song. We kept jamming and when I brought it to Lachlan and Molly as just a bass and drum groove, they loved the direction, so we all started playing around with some ideas and the melodies started to take form.”

“Oops I Love You” comes from The Buckleys forthcoming EP Take It As It Comes. Set to drop on August 5, the release showcases the songs they laid down in Nashville with producer Chad Carlson, known for his work with Taylor Swift, Lady A, and Trisha Yearwood. The trio hope that releasing this new music will open a new chapter in their careers.

“It feels like a natural evolution from where we left things off with Daydream in 2020,” said keyboardist Molly.

Lachlan, the band’s guitarist, added “We’ve all grown a lot as individuals, songwriters, musicians and together as a band since recording our debut album. We are experiencing a new chapter in our lives, which you hear in the music.”

“We really want to get out on the road, play as much as we can, meet as many people as we can and soak in all the experiences,” Sarah confirmed.

The Buckleys will play the Fresh Country Festival at the NightQuarter on the Sunshine Coast on June 18.

Image used with permission from Identity PR; credit: Kimberley Vecsei

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Hayes Back to His Best With Stunning New Single “Poison Blood”

As one half of Savage Garden, Darren Hayes created some of the world’s most iconic pop songs. Tracks like “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” “I Knew I Loved You”, and “To The Moon and Back” are the ones that are encouraging people to buy those tickets to his upcoming shows. While those tracks sold truckloads, many of his solo singles failed to chart. However, it’d be a mistake to think Darren’s best music is behind him. In fact, his new single “Poison Blood”, may be his best solo effort. Its stripped-back sound ensures we can hear every intimate lyric and the quality of Darren’s trademark falsetto.

“’Poison Blood’ is a song about choosing to stay when everything else in your life is telling you to leave. I have a family history of depression and suicide and I talk openly about my own diagnosis it in the hope that I might inspire someone who is struggling to seek help, as I have proudly done many times throughout my life,” he explained. “I describe my depression as a blessing, a gift, and a curse all at once. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy and yet I’m aware I am a deeply sensitive person, and that my unique brain allows me to feel depths of emotions that many people don’t experience. So I have learned to use those moments to channel melodies and stories that I hope are so real and so relatable they might reach someone else who is in pain, like me, and remind them to stay, like I choose to, every single day.”

Darren will play his first Australian shows in more than a decade next year. No doubt the fans will scream for those Savage Garden hits, but I hope this special song gets a warm reception. Tickets are available now for the following shows:

31 January 2023 – RAC Arena, Perth
4 February 2023 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
7 February 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Sydney
8 February 2023 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
11 February 2023 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
12 February 2023 – Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Party on With Amber Lawrence’s New Country-Pop Bop, “Making Up For Lost Wine”

With a new album on the horizon, Amber Lawrence has dropped a fun new single “Making Up For Lost Wine”. One for all of us who love a cheeky prosecco, it’s a girl-power anthem about reclaiming your power and personality after the wrong relationship goes south. Amen!

“Making Up For Lost Wine” comes from Amber’s seventh studio album Living for the Highlights, which drops on July 22. She’ll promote it with shows almost everywhere. Raise a glass and enjoy the party at the following venues:

11 June 2022 – JK Kelly Theatre, Ingham (with Catherine Britt)
12 June 2022 – Top Rail, Malanda (with Catherine Britt)
15 July 2022 – Tuncurry Beach Bowling Club, Tuncurry
16 July 2022 – Fredo Pub, Frederickton
17 July 2022 – Nemingha Tavern, Nemingha
22 July 2022 – Australian Hotel Brewery, Rouse Hill
23 July 2022 – Goulburn Workers, Goulburn
24 July 2022 – Young Services, Young (with Catherine Britt)
29 July 2022- Harmonie German Club, Canberra
30 July 2022 – Ziggy Pops, St Kilda
31 July 2022 – Gerogery Hotel, Gerogery
12 August 2022 – The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
20 August 2022 – Calliope River Village Festival, River Ranch
25-27 August 2022 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
2 September 2022 – It’s Still a Secret, Brisbane
3 September 2022 – Mt Isa Civic Centre, Mt Isa
24 September 2022 – Monte’s Lounge, Alice Springs
30 September 2022 – Wandoan Arts Centre, Wandoan
1 October 2022 – Camp Oven Festival, Millmerran
5 October 2022 – TBC, Pinnaroo
7 October 2022 – Junee Theatre, Junee
8 October 2022 – Spring in the Springs, Rankin Springs
9 October 2022 – Sandigo Hall, Sandiago
14 October 2022 – Hobart Uni Bar, Hobart
15 October 2022 – Forth Pub, Forth
22 October 2022 – Mandurah Country Music Festival, Mandurah
29 October 2022 – Beats on the Bend, Boundary Bend
4 November 2022 – Murgon Muster, Murgon
9 November 2022 – Cruisn’ Country, Super Cruise
17 November 2022 – Arco Bar, Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Sale Country Music Festival, Sale
25 November 2022 – Club Forbes, Forbes
26 November 2022 – Harden Country Club, Harden
3 December 2022 – Mornington Country Music Festival, The Briars

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Girl and Girl Release Feelgood New Single “Dance Now”

Girl and Girl will have you grooving your way into the long weekend with their upbeat new indie-rock banger, “Dance Now”. From the moment that brilliant bass line kicked in I was absolutely hooked.

“Coby, our bassist at the time, brought this bloody magical little bass line to a jam one day and it just crawled into all of our brains and settled,” explained lead vocalist Kai James. “He and I wrote the rest of the track together, and it became this big, beautiful, passionate celebration of love. ‘Dance Now’ is so invigorating to play live and the recording allows an in-house opportunity to yell and scream about really cool nice stuff.”

Fans will have the opportunity to enjoy Girl and Girl’s electric live show when they play Brisbane’s Hot Dreams Festival tomorrow. The bill is stacked, Lucy Dacus, Cate Le Bon, Glass Beams, Andy Shauf, and heaps more on the lineup. There are still some tickets available, but they certainly won’t last so grab them while you can!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Charlie Falconer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turn Up the Volume on Midnight Pool Party’s New Floor Filler, “Don’t Kill My Vibe”

With the long weekend looming, there’s no better time to get into “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, the latest dance track from Midnight Pool Party. This is the perfect song for shutting out the pressures of the final workday of the week and focusing on all the fun that lies ahead.

“We wanted to go back to a kinda more disco chill vibe for the next single,” the duo explained. “Instrumentally we were inspired by the Remix PNAU did for Elton John and Dua Lipa “Cold Heart”. We also were inspired by a few of Dua Lipa’s pop songs. A lot of the production behind her songs have inflections of disco and funk and we wanted to make a track that was catchy and poppy but with a disco flair. Lyrically this is a song about walking away from toxic situations, focusing more on yourself and not letting anyone kill your vibe. It’s almost like a SELF-HYPE song, to kinda recalibrate yourself. Even when you get into bad situations, you can still start over again. No regrets, just onward and upward.”

I hear this is one of many new songs Midnight Pool Party will drop in the coming months. If they’re all this banging, we’re in for one hell of a good time!

Image used with permission from Mammal Sounds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Orange Go From Strength to Strength With “Mum Says I’m Okay”

I’m not sure what’s in the water in Perth, but they’re churning out some quality rock bands lately! Big Orange is another quality act making waves at home and abroad. Past singles “Love’s Not Enough” and “By the Dozen” scored airplay on American college radio and got the attention of IndieXL in the Netherlands, LA on Lock, the UK’s Radio Wigwam, and our very own Triple J, Double J, The AU Review, and theMusic. They’re refusing to take their foot off the accelerator, releasing their third single of the year “Mum Says I’m Okay”. If you love big guitar riffs, this one’s for you.

“I think everyone with a passion can relate to these lyrics,” Emma Adams, who plays the synth, said. “Daniel [Davis, vocals] showed me this track a few months ago and I dug the shit outta it. It’s a slow burn with a superbly hooky chorus when it hits.”

Crank this one up and I swear it’ll make your Hump Day better!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR