Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Into the Black” – Karise Eden

While the country is captivated by the search for the next Voice superstar, Australia’s original winner Karise Eden has dropped a brand new EP, Into the Black. Its release doesn’t have the same fanfare as tonight’s winner’s announcement inevitably will, but it’s a timely reminder that it’s worth looking back at some of the talents who’ve come through the competition rather than simply seeking out the next big thing.

Into the Black is officially called an EP, but at seven tracks it feels more like a mini-album. And just like an album, this is a collection of songs with something to say. It starts strong, with rock-blues numbers “Beast” and “Black Crow”. They’re unflinching, uncompromising, the perfect vehicles for her trademark gravelly vocals. Karise reveals a more tender side with singles “My Old Friend” and “Gone”. No matter what type of song she’s singing, it’s all heart. This is a longer EP than most, but when the final note of “So Far” faded away I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. That’s a testament to the quality of every song included here.

Into the Black is Karise’s first collection of songs since 2018’s incredible Born to Fight album. Like a fine wine, she’s becoming even more compelling as time goes on. This is a brilliant collection of songs that reminds listeners of her unparalleled vocal talents and stellar songwriting ability.

Karise will play River Heads Rocks 2022 on June 25 and The Gathering of the Goddesses festivals in Victoria and Tasmania next year, but that’s not all. Expect a national tour announcement really soon.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flynn Gurry Celebrates His Best Mate With “Changed My Life (Harve’s Song)”

Warrnambool-born, Melbourne-based artist Flynn Gurry’s new single “Changed My Life (Harve’s Song)” will get you right in the feels. It’s a touching tribute to his best mate Harve who experiences life in a wheelchair. It hasn’t slowed him down though. Flynn and Harve have travelled the world together, participating in world adaptive skating and adaptive surfing. They also run a video production company together.

“Harve has constantly broken down barriers and challenged outdated beliefs of what it means to be a person living with a disability,” enthused Flynn. “If the world focused more on the ‘ability’ part rather than the ‘dis’ it would be a much better place.”

Take a listen to this one and I swear it’ll make your day better. It’s definitely a pick-me-up in musical form.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“20 and Bored” – Nick Keogh

I’m not sure there’s any feeling greater than falling in love with new music. You know the feeling, that head over heels sensation that makes you want to stand on a street corner and tell everyone they need to listen to it. That’s the way I feel about Nick Keogh’s debut EP, 20 and Bored.

I’m not always so quick to impress. Sometimes it takes me a few listens to really gel with new music. But when I hear something this good, it’s like a bolt from the blue. I was hooked from the folky acoustic guitar intro of “Sweater Weather.” It’s such a beautiful song, but there’s more where that came from. As I continued listening, I fell just a little more in love.

This kind of folk-pop music is right up my alley. It’s introspective, with lyrics that are powerful in their relatable simplicity. The acoustic melodies are so gorgeous. Nick’s voice is warm and welcoming. It stands up on its own, but I also love hearing it contrast with the sweet, feminine tones of his special guest vocalists. Nancie Shipper joins him for “Red Flags,” an uplifting track that looks back on mistakes made in past relationships. Another stunning duet, “Let Me Let You Down” with Stella Who follows. Nick has a knack for creating these songs that sound so optimistic sonically, but the lyrics reveal darker truths. There’s heartache, regret, shame, the whole messy human experience.

“Baby Blue” continues the trend. The first part sounds like the sort of song you might sing along to with your drinking parties on a fun night out, but the cutting lyrics swipe at an old love. Part two is softer, the other half of the story, more reflective, the sort of song that might come out when the friends have gone home and the booze is wearing off. The simple, unadorned acoustic guitar melody and heart-on-sleeve powerful vocals of the final track “Outliers” is everything I love about Nick’s music.

Naming your EP 20 and Bored hardly raises expectations. But this music is anything but boring. This special collection of songs has quickly made Nick Keogh one of my favourite Aussie artists. If you’re near Albury, click through for tickets to his show tomorrow night in Birddog.

Image credit: Mike Ridley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tia Tamora Releases New Pandemic Single, “Sick”

Tia Tamora is celebrating her 21st birthday today with the release of her sophomore single “Sick”. This killer cut will be right up your alley if you love your music dark and brooding. I love its cinematic feel. If Quentin Tarantino made a James Bond movie, you could expect to hear “Sick” on the soundtrack.

“I wrote ‘Sick’ during a period of isolation. I was completely consumed by thoughts of a guy I was seeing and I ran with the idea of that love sick infatuation you get when you’re first getting to know someone and the hurt obsession that follows after they break your lil heart. Naturally, I took it to the extremes,” Tia said.

While Tia wrote the song about her own experience, “Sick” also speaks to the isolation so many of us felt and are still feeling during the pandemic. Whether you’re still traumatised by the lockdowns or you’re being cautious while the rest of the world rushes headlong into the new normal, I’m sure this song’s themes of being locked up, physically in your own home or mentally in your own thoughts, will resonate.

Tia Tamora will release her debut EP later this year. If “Sick” and her previous single “Picnic” are any indications, it’ll be one to listen out for.

Image used with permission from Tender Trap Studios

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out to Sputnik Sweetheart’s “Lindy Hop”

Turn your volume right up, press play, and let the indie punk rock vibes of Sputnik Sweetheart’s latest track “Lindy Hop” wash over you. Its bold, rebellious, and oh so good.

“I wrote a lot of the lyrics for Lindy Hop around four years ago during the marriage equality plebiscite, and at the time I was in a relatively new relationship and that was really exciting and beautiful,” explained the band’s lead singer, Nette France. “But it was also a stressful, chaotic time to navigate because we were both processing the influx of homophobia around us. Part of ‘Lindy Hop’ is all about the joys of falling in love and the intense honeymoon period. Another part is all about the total frustration and disappointment I felt towards the people that led us to such divisiveness.”

After being grounded for so long, Sputnik Sweetheart are making the most of those open borders and playing shows all over the country. Catch them headlining their own gigs before they support Bakers Eddy with shows in Canberra and Victoria. Here are all the dates you need:

3 June 2022 – Burleigh Bazaar, Gold Coast (supporting Concrete Surfers)
4 June 2022 – Tomcat, Brisbane (under 18s matinee supporting Surf Trash)
4 June 2022 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (18+ evening supporting Surf Trash)
5 June 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
11 June 2022 – The Tote, Melbourne
12 June 2022 – Transit Bar, Canberra
17 June 2022 – UC Hub, Canberra (supporting Bakers Eddy)
7 July 2022 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (supporting Bakers Eddy)
8 July 2022 – Pelly Bar, Frankston (supporting Bakers Eddy)
9 July 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (ALL AGES matinee supporting Bakers Eddy)
9 July 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ evening supporting Bakers Eddy)
10 July 2022 – Volta, Ballarat (supporting Bakers Eddy)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Claire Warren

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LANY @ Hordern Pavilion, Sydney – 25 May 2022

Midweek gigs are tough! You get to a certain age and it takes a lot to get you out in your local area, let alone make the trip from the Central Coast to Sydney for a show. But LANY put on one of the greatest live shows I’ve ever witnessed. I might be hurting now, but I was not going to miss it. So back to the Hordern I trudged, ready to back up the weekend’s Dermot Kennedy gig.

Adelaide act Bjéar were a late addition to the line-up after the original support act Sasha Alex Sloan couldn’t make the trip. The enthusiastic crowd didn’t mind the last-minute change one bit. The applause when they took the stage was so rapturous my husband asked me whether the crowd knew this wasn’t the main act. I can’t say, but I can say the young crowd ate up what they did. Meanwhile, I sat there feeling every one of my 42 years. There were moments I enjoyed, especially when the bassist took the mic and we discovered she has the most gorgeous voice. Overall though, the ambling songs and overuse of the vocoder left me feeling a bit disconnected. But as I say, the majority of the young crowd loved it, so maybe there’s something there I’m missing.

While Bjéar weren’t my cup of tea, LANY were all that and more. Near the top of the show, frontman Paul Klein told us we were going to have the best night of our lives. It’s an audacious claim, but I’m not sure he was wrong. I can’t honestly remember a time when I had more fun. Paul has such relentless energy. He’s a born performer, on the whole time whether he’s dancing about or jumping on platforms during upbeat numbers or taking us on a more emotional journey with a tender ballad. As an audience member, it’s infectious. It might have been late on a school night, but we were all partying along with him.

In the three years since LANY last played here, they’ve released two albums. I wondered whether old favourites might be sacrificed for new material, but this set was perfect. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a band get the balance so right. New favourites like “never mind, let’s break up”, “ex i never had”, and “cowboy in LA” took their place against classics like “Thick and Thin” and “Super Far”. I was thrilled to hear so many songs from Malibu Nights, the album that turned me onto the band, make the set. And then there were the deep cuts! After a band releases four albums, you don’t expect to hear early EP tracks like “pink skies” make the set. What a treat!

Speaking of fans, what a joy they are. I must admit, it’s still a little weird to go to concerts where most members of the audience are less than half your age. But after being annoyed by the incessant chatter at the Dermot Kennedy show, I appreciated these fans even more. They were so respectful of the artists, not just the headliner but the support act too. They were properly in it, singing along to every lyric, holding their phones aloft like cigarette lighters, soaking up every moment. No wonder by the end of the show Paul told us that we were the best audience of the Australian tour. He might say that in every city, but we’ll take it. He also assured us they’ll be back next year, the year after that, and every year for the rest of their lives. If they do, so will I. Because nothing is more fun than a LANY show.

LANY will play Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne tomorrow night and Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane on Sunday night before they head to New Zealand. If you’re on the fence about a weeknight gig, just buy the tickets. Life is too short to miss shows this good.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nicole McKinney Releases “Cool” New Single

I might be all loved up and married now, but my inner teen is still in there embracing angry female music. I think most of us have been in the wrong relationship where we felt like being the cool chick made us a doormat. Nicole McKinney rails against it in her powerful new single, “Cool”.

“This song is about female empowerment, inspired by the day I decided to take back my power and leave my boyfriend at the time,” she explained. “I finally realised what I deserved and no longer cared about being the “cool” girlfriend who just puts up with everything.”
And in case you’re wondering, getting all that frustration out at Huntinground Studios felt pretty damn good!
“I very much enjoyed the recording process for the track,” Nicole added. “It was really fun and creative. I also got to add some yelling which was very cathartic!”

After recently supporting Great Gable in Byron, Nicole has just been announced on the lineup for the Jungle Love Music and Arts Festival, which hits Jimna on September 2 to 4. Expect to hear much more about her as the year goes on.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Waxflower Headlining East Coast EP Tour

After recently wowing crowds as the support act for Trophy Eyes, Waxflower are ready to headline their own shows. The Brisbane pop-punk act will showcase songs from their latest EP on The Tour of What Went Wrong which kicks off next week.

These guys are known for their high-energy shows and anthemic set lists that encourage you to sing along. While the shows celebrate their latest releases, you can expect plenty of your old favourites will also get a run.

The Sound of What Went Wrong EP is on all your favourite streaming services now. Get acquainted if you’re not already, because it’s chockful of bangers. Then get your tickets to one of the following gigs.

4 June 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
17 June 2022 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
18 June 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Mitch Lowe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hannah May Celebrates New Beginnings With “Earthside”

We last heard from Kiwi-born, Gold Coast-based singer-songwriter Hannah May as the announcement of a federal election seemed imminent. Listening to her environmentally-conscious track “Written in the Sea”, I couldn’t help thinking about all the possibilities of changing government and having leaders who seemed to care about the climate.

Now I’m listening to her new song “Earthside”, in the wake of Labor’s victory. Suddenly the party in charge is talking about electric vehicles, meeting global biodiversity targets, and an independent environmental protection agency. What a shift! “Earthside” was inspired by Hannah’s unborn niece and the connection she felt to this life she didn’t yet know. When new babies come into our lives, you can’t help but think about the world they’re entering. It feels right hearing a song like “Earthside” now, a track that’s so gentle, like a lullaby, while so many of us feel calm and optimistic for the future.

“Earthside” comes from Hannah May’s soon-to-be-released debut EP. Expect more music with a message when that drops.

Image used with permission from Hannah May

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dermot Kennedy @ Hordern Pavilion, 21 May 2022

If there was ever a sign that Australia’s moving into a new phase of pandemic life, it’s the steady stream of international performers arriving on our shores. I finally broke my international gig drought on Saturday night when I caught Dermot Kennedy at the Hordern Pavilion.

I was thrilled to see Miiesha named as the support on this tour. Her album Nyaaringu was one of my favourites of 2020, so I was pretty excited to finally see her live. That album, released as the Black Lives Matter movement gained traction made such insightful comments about culture, race, and division. What a shame the sound mix didn’t do her justice. While her band was fire, the mix which put their instruments over Miiesha’s vocals was disappointing. Miiesha’s words deserve to be heard. She gave such energy and swagger, but it couldn’t quite make up for the mess coming out of the speakers. I’m going to have to catch her again some other time.

Thankfully those sound issues were sorted by the time Dermot took the stage. I’m not sure my heart could have taken having this moment tainted by sound issues. According to my Spotify stats, Dermot was my most-streamed artist of 2021. There’s something special about musical pandemic discoveries. At a time when so much of the world seemed dark and grey, finding the right music can bring colour. Seeing that person who lifted you up delivering the songs that you felt right down to your bones is special. He started with “Lost,” a song that reminds me so much of my husband and the dark time he went through stressed about a job that he eventually lost. I sang along with every fibre of my being, feeling such jubilation and joy. I’m sure we’ve all had those experiences, where someone comes on stage and you just feel such overwhelming happiness. What a rush.

The beautiful thing is that it happened so many times. Those moments with those songs that were just so perfectly exquisite. Me connecting with the songs, as so many people in the sold-out room did. Dermot connecting with the people in the room and his own songs. The emotion in his voice attested to that. What a thing to witness.

While Dermot was perfect and I’m sure a great proportion of the crowd was too, unfortunately, my experience was marred by some punters. I’ve always been a really attentive concertgoer. You’re there to listen. Sing along, absolutely, but it’s not the place to have a conversation. Especially not in the quiet moments. I cringed as I tried to listen to Dermot’s words between songs, hoping he couldn’t hear the chatter as he explained their inspiration. I tried desperately to drown the murmur of voices out as he so beautifully sang “For Island Fires and Family” acapella. Maybe it makes me a stick in the mud, but there are plenty of other places to chat with your mates, double-fist booze, and take selfies. We’ve been without international artists for so long. How about we just soak up the moments we have with them?

That annoyance aside, Dermot was everything I hoped he would be. His voice was spinetingling. I found myself wiping away tears more than once. He’s such a special performer. I only hope that next time he tours he plays venues where the whole crowd gives him the attention he deserves.

Image source: Stephen Katulka