Author: Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Southern River Band Release “Modern Romance”, Old-School Rock for the Digital Age

Their new track might be called “Modern Romance’, but Perth five-piece The Southern River Band are delightfully old school. If you love your rock and roll served neat like a good whiskey, this will be right up your alley.

“Modern Romance is about exactly that, traversing the already murky waters of love in the digital age,” explained the band’s frontman, Cal Kramer. “It’s pretty easy to sorta create a facade on the internet, so you never really know what’s going on, or how many people someone has on the go at one time, but if someone just all of a sudden stops talking to you completely, you can bet it’s more than just you! You hit unfollow, and thus, the circle of life and love continues.”

Having won the Western Australian Music Awards rock band of the year title in 2021, it’s time that the rest of Australia discovered what these guys can do.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Greg Lewis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Siobhan Cotchin Rocks Out With “Growing Pains”

Perth artist Siobhan Cotchin has released her relatable new single “Growing Pains”, a track which she calls an “ode to anxiety”. After an angsty couple of years for the planet, this song really hits. It sees Siobhan veer slightly from her country roots for a more indie-rock sound.

“‘Growing Pains’ is a super personal song about the realities of growing up,” Siobhan explained. “It’s about wanting to avoid all responsibilities of adulthood and the anxieties I think we’ve all faced at some point about who we are and where we fit in the world. It’s kind of an ode to my anxiety and the way it makes me act by ‘ghosting my friends’ and just generally avoiding people. I hope with ‘Growing Pains’, people can find solace and comfort in the lyrics and know it’s completely okay to be scared of the future and not know who you are. It’s all part of being human!”

Sam Ford, known for his work with POND, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and Abbe May, produced, engineered, and mixed the track at Perth’s Tone City Recording Studio.

“It was so incredible to work with Sam Ford at Tone City,” Siobhan confirmed. “I feel like I’m starting fresh and exploring aspects of my music I haven’t had the chance to yet. I always have the best time in the studio with my band, it was a super easy process and all just naturally flowed.”

Siobhan will celebrate the release of “Growing Pains” with a hometown show at The Bird on June 11.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Micheal Tartaglia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature @ The Art House, Wyong – 4 June 2022

I think most teenage girls need a boy band in their life. A bunch of good-looking, nice guys creating fun songs that can alleviate some of the angst that inevitably comes with that period. If they’re talented, well that’s a bonus. I like to think I had discerning taste even back then because my boy band of choice was truly talented. While many of my peers were swooning over Backstreet Boys, Take That, and East 17, I was mad for Human Nature. I moved on as so many of us do as we age, but with the fabulous foursome promising a night of greatest hits on the Central Coast, I couldn’t resist taking a trip down memory lane last weekend.

I must admit, as Human Nature began their signature acapella rendition of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” I was transported back. I was sitting next to my husband now, but my heart still skipped a beat marvelling at these men who had meant so much to me as a teenager. This was a night when we revelled in nostalgia. Andrew, Mike, Toby, and Phil took turns sharing stories of their journey from the 4 Trax singing at local RSLs to the Las Vegas strip. Their jokes were cornier than I remembered, but the songs still stack up. “Whisper Your Name”, “Wishes”, “Don’t Cry”, “Last to Know” … the hits that had me lining up at countless shopping centre instores kept coming.

Motown has dominated the last few Human Nature shows I’ve seen, so to enjoy a set that celebrated the original music I loved most was thrilling. Back in the day, the sections of Human Nature shows where they stripped the songs back were always my favourites, so I was in raptures to see so many songs get that treatment. Acoustic versions were balanced by big danceable numbers. And in case you’re wondering, these guys still have the moves to match. I found myself squealing as they ripped off their jackets to reveal rippling biceps while performing the dance steps I still know by heart. Sorry, husband.

The night leaned heavily on those nostalgic originals, but after intermission they proved they’re still much more than a covers band. A string of new originals, sadly ignored by radio but every bit as good as their early hits reminded me I really need to dig into their new music. They’ve still got those songwriting chops.

However, as we all know it was covers that gave Human Nature’s careers a shot in the arm and took them to the Las Vegas strip. While it’s incredibly popular, I must admit that I’ve never been a big fan of their Motown material. I always felt there was just a little more heart when they were performing their own songs. However, in a show like this, we got the best of those soul covers. I also can’t deny the power these songs have on the audience. The aisles were filled with people dancing.

This was a night for the fans, whether you were there screaming along at the shopping centre instores or you jumped on the Motown train. Human Nature evoked memories and reminded us all that 30 years on, they’ve still got it. Human Nature have plenty of local shows before Mike, Andrew, and Toby return to the US. If you’ve ever been a fan, you don’t want to miss this:

11 June 2022 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
14 June 2022 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane
15 June 2022 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC), Brisbane
16 June 2022 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
17 June 2022 – The Events Centre, Caloundra
18 June 2022 – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Maryborough
21 June 2022 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
22 June 2022 – WIN Sports & Entertainment Centres, Wollongong
24 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
25 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
26 June 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre and Community Hub, Springwood
28 June 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
29 June 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
30 June 2022 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
1 July 2022 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
2 July 2022 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
3 July 2022 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
8 July 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
9 July 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
21 July 2022 – Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
22 July 2022 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Star Event Centre, Sydney
24 July 2022 – The Star Event Centre, Sydney
26 July 2022 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
27 July 2022 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
28 July 2022 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
29 July 2022 – Crown Theatre, Perth
30 July 2022 – Crown Theatre, Perth

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Return to Scene With “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever”

Listening to The Smith Street Band’s first new music in two years has made me realise how much I’ve missed them. Don’t think they’ve mellowed in time. The new single “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever” is a passionate call to arms encapsulating the mixed feelings many of us have in these crazy pandemic times.

“A song about all the excitement and anxiety felt re-entering the world, what we’ve lost over the last few years and most importantly what we’ll gain when we finally get through everything we’ve all had to endure! This song is the first single off our upcoming record, we’ve been working hard and cannot wait to share everything with you!” said lead singer Wil Wagner.

The single comes bundled with a couple of choice live tracks on all the major streaming services. If they’ve got you nostalgic for the band’s gigs, you’re in luck. The Smith Street Band are preparing to visit most of the capitals and major regional centres with a brand new tour. Here are all the dates you need:

10 June 2022 – Volta, Ballarat
11 June 2022 – The Torquay Hotel, Torquay
24 June 2022 – The Westernport, San Remo
16 July 2022 – Beer & BBQ Festival, Adelaide
24 August 2022 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
25 August 2022 – Entrance Leagues Club, Central Coast
26 August 2022 – The Metro, Sydney
27 August 2022 – UOW, Wollongong
16 & 17 September 2022 – Kambri, Canberra
22 September 2022 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast
23 September 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore
7 & 8 October 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 October 2022 – The Forth Pub, Forth
28 October 2022 – Astor, Perth
29 October 2022 – Wintersun, Geraldton

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dani Teveluwe Charms with “Hypnotise”

Dani Teveluwe has just dropped her dreamy new single “Hypnotise”. The gentle melody and sweet lyrics cast a spell, perfectly evoking those heady feelings of falling of love.

“The song reminds me of that love bubble you exist in when you first fall for someone,” Dani explained. “It’s literally like the rest of the world disappears, and they are the only thing that matter.”

2022 has already been massive for Dani. She’s opened for Death by Denim and Old Mervs, joined Chutney and Charlesworth on stage for Burleigh bEATS, and earned a place on the Women in the Front lineup with Jaguar Jonze, Loose Content, and Sofia Isella. She also flew to Sydney to write a track with the one and only Sally Seltmann and was named an artist to watch by 4ZZZ. And it’s only the start of June. The good news is, there’s much more to come.

Dani is working with Gold Coast artist Emma Van Zaane on her first range of merch. She’s preparing to release her debut EP, Into the Deep on July 27. Her first album will follow next year. Something tells me 4ZZZ was right; Dani Teveluwe is definitely one to watch.

Image used with permission from Dani Teveluwe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Can’t Get Enough” of Zachary Leo’s New Single

Melbourne artist Zachary Leo is adding a little funk to your morning with his ultra-cool new single “Can’t Get Enough”. With that groovy bassline, airy synths, and Zachary’s effortless vocals, I can’t get enough of this song!

“The song speaks about being addicted to something that isn’t good for you and constantly wanting to distance yourself from reality, something that I found myself doing a lot over the past few years,” Zachary admitted. “A lot of my music tends to relate to what is going on inside my head, whether that be happy feelings or feelings of sadness. There are also frequent links to mental health which is something I feel very passionate about sharing with the world, so that hopefully others can feel they aren’t alone in their struggles.”

Zachary will officially launch the single for hometown fans at Cherry Bar on June 10. If this song is any indication, it’s going to a fun night!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanduh Releases Powerful Debut Single, “Old Flame”

Amanduh takes back her power with “Old Flame”, an empowering new pop song about moving on after a toxic relationship. It’s super catchy with insightful lyrics that will strike a chord with anyone who started living their best life after leaving the wrong relationship. It sounds like an instant classic, with hooks for days and self-assured vocals.

“After a breakup I felt quite defeated, and I entered into a toxic fling with someone. There were your standard red flags, but I just accepted it,” Amanduh admitted. “We skip ahead two years after said fling was over and I received an odd text from that person, out of the blue. It made me reflect on all the crappy parts of the relationship and ultimately how I had grown from it. ‘Old Flame’ stems from that confidence you have knowing that you’re almost untouchable by them now. ‘I know you want me, but it just aint the same’ it doesn’t come from cockiness; just pure understanding of your worth and knowing that they abused your love.”

I love the way the film clip puts Amanduh in wide-open spaces, unrestricted by anyone or anything as she embraces her freedom and future. With such a confident debut release under her belt, that future’s looking pretty bright!

Image used with permission from Star Crossed PR; credit: Jon Pisani

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Release Catchy New Single, “Me Because of You”

The hits keep coming from Perth rock act The Faim. I keep expecting the quality of their singles to dip at some point, but their latest offering “Me Because of You” is just as irresistible as I hoped it’d be. If you love your rock music with a side order of synths, you’re going to dig this one.

“‘Me Because of You’ was written about embracing change and letting go of a past version of yourself. The lyrics recognise the huge impact someone else can have on the process,” bassist and keyboardist Stephen Beerkens explained. “This song was a huge milestone for us, as it’s our first release that has been self-produced!”

The Faim will set off on their first Aussie tour in three years this July. It’s been a long time coming, so you don’t want to miss it.

15 July 2022 – Vision Studios, Perth (ALL AGES)
16 July 2022 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
21 July 2022 – The Brightside, Brisbane
22 July 2022 – Newcastle Hotel, Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
24 July 2022 – La La La’s, Wollongong
29 July 2022 – Transit Bar, Canberra
30 July 2022 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
31 July 2022 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amin Payne Remixes The CB3

I’m not normally one for remixes, but when they’re as good as Amin Payne’s new treatment of The CB3’s “Lost & Looking” it’s pretty hard to resist. This track is ultra-cool, the perfect track for knock-off time. If last month’s release of The CB3’s Bunny Hop left you wanting more, feast your ears on this.

“Hearing the original version, I got so inspired to remix it. I chopped it up and added drums & bass,” explained Amin. “Having Jordan [Dennis] bless it with vocals took the track to a whole new level.”

“This is one of my favourite tunes from our first release,” added Cristian Barbeiri from The CB3. “I love writing solo guitar arrangements; they allow me to lean into the jazzier side of things. Not long after its release, Amin messaged me a link. He’d remixed it. I was blown away. I loved it sooo much. I showed Jordan Dennis while we were on tour with Billy Davis and he got inspired to write to it. The follow-up to the original, ‘Still Lost, Still Looking’, is on our latest release, so who knows what may come of that!”

The release coincides with The CB3’s new four-week residency at Baby Snakes in Footscray. Catch them every Sunday in June from 7 pm for two free two-hour sets of improvised music. MCs and horn players are welcome to join in, so if you’re musically inclined you know what to do!

Image used with permission from This Much Talent