Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Queen of Turbulent Hearts” – ILUKA

On a grey and gloomy day, ILUKA’s long-awaited debut album Queen of Turbulent Hearts brings the sunshine. With irresistible pop melodies and danceable beats, this is the perfect album to take you into the weekend.

No moment is wasted here. As the old adage goes, it’s all killer, no filler. I was instantly hooked from the opening notes of girl power anthem “The Limit.” As ILUKA namechecks history’s most iconic female trailblazers, you get the sense that this Blue Mountains singer-songwriter is proudly following in their footsteps. She may not be as well known yet, but she’s got such a powerful, distinctive voice. Not just sonically, although that’s undeniable. But ILUKA really has something to say. I’m listening.

The songs that come next bring the picture of ILUKA into focus. “Higher Love” is pure and optimistic. There’s a fierce determination in “Get Free”. She reveals her wild side in “Mess”, a brilliant collaboration with Lime Cordiale. This upbeat song hints at a vulnerability that tracks like “Hercules” and “Willing to Break” explore more deeply. The title track “Queen of Turbulent Hearts” is achingly nostalgic. These songs reveal so many facets of ILUKA’s personality, the positive and the flawed. While the music is eclectic, the honesty with which ILUKA shares herself ties this collection together beautifully.

I’ve been following ILUKA’s career since 2016. I’ve loved listening to her evolve from sweet folk-pop songstress to a bold indie-pop act. Queen of Turbulent Hearts shows how fearless she’s become. She knows who she is and she’s not afraid to share it. You don’t have to like it, but it’s much more fun if you get on board.

Queen of Turbulent Hearts is out today. ILUKA is currently touring the country with Lime Cordiale. Limited tickets are still available for some of the following shows:

8 April 2022 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth (SOLD OUT)
12 April 2022 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
20 April 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
21 April 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
27 April 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
6 May 2022 – Riverstage, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Six Boroughs Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zac Eichner Completes Musical Trilogy With “Not a Break-Up Song”

Adelaide singer-songwriter Zac Eichner has floored me with his latest single, “Not a Break-Up Song.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but its gentle start drew me in. By the time the horns kicked in, I was firmly on board.

“’Not A Break-Up Song’ is the final song in the series of ‘Naked’, ‘Autumn’ & ‘Fool’,” Zac explained. “It follows where I left off and where I’ve landed recently. I’ve battled with depression, anxiety and self-destructive behaviour. I’ve worked hard, to pull away from that person I once was which has led to meeting my partner. It’s a song of hope, determination and reflection. Ironically named ‘Not A Break-Up Song’, I’m only breaking up with a previous version of myself.”

I’m always a sucker for a lyrical dance routine so the video is right up my alley. I was doubly impressed when I read that performer Rob McLean improvised the whole routine which was shot in a single take.

“This movement piece captures the internal battle and eventual release that the lyrics represent,” Zac added. “I think Rob and I have both been going through our own battles and watching him move to this, solidified my intentions with this song. A sense of self-reflection and intensity in the beginning and complete escape, hope and release toward the end.”

South Australian fans are in luck, with Zac playing a string of local shows in April and May.

17 April 2022 – Space Jams Festival, Robe
7 May 2022 – Big Easy Radio, Aldinga
8 May 2022 – Grace Emily, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jelly Oshen Releases Laid-back Lockdown Tune, “Bordalonely”

As the working week winds down, Cairns-based Jelly Oshen is bringing the chill vibes you need. His new single “Bordalonely” is a cool mix of R&B and indie-pop in the vein of Frank Ocean and Rex Orange County. He describes it as “island flava”, and who am I to argue? It sounds so smooth, but that’s more a testament to the quality of Jelly’s voice than technical wizardry.

“Most of my music is recorded at home with my stepdad,” he admitted. “My writing process is just making a poem and then creating a good music genre melody to fit, or vice versa. I was bored in lockdown and kinda lonely. My mum was imposing her own self-isolation on us, above and beyond any government rules, and this track sprung from that.”

Jelly Oshen has already supported some of the country’s hottest talents including Tones & I, Dami Im, and Ben Lee. Next up he’ll play a couple of cool festivals. Make sure you catch his set at the following events.

21 May 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie
19 November 2022 – Rolling Hills Festival, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Bridie J Egan @bridies.journal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rude Rum Become Reckless Coast

Brisbane band Rude Rum released some of my favourite rock songs of the last few years. So I was thrilled to hear they’re back with a brand new name, a fabulous new track, and an East Coast tour. Now known as Reckless Coast, these guys are impressing me all over again with their latest single “Do You Want Me?” It’s rock music the way it’s meant to be, a little rough around the edges but irresistibly catchy. Hit that volume button and crank it up to really appreciate its brilliance.

Frontman Jaeden Ogston wrote the song during a bar shift that crawled by. If you’ve ever worked a dead-end job, you’re going to appreciate it.

“I was sick of it that night … running around collecting glasses, handling the TAB, trying to serve, all without any help in sight,” he recalled. “I was often burnt out which affected my music, and I just wanted to focus on what I love. The thoughts going through my head on that shift pretty much wrote the song.”

He added that the name change was necessary as the band enters a brand-new chapter.

“The old name didn’t portray us properly,” he explained. “Plus, we’ve grown so much sonically and personally, so a fresh name was needed. We’re three kids who grew up on the coast, and love a good rock show … Reckless Coast sums us up perfectly”

With songs like “Do You Want Me?” in their arsenal, you know Reckless Coast will go off live. Discover for yourself at one of the following shows:

27 April 2022 – Mumbo Jumbo’s, Terrigal
28 April 2022 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
29 April 2022 – MoshPit Bar, Sydney
6 May 2022 – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
20 May 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Sunshine Coast
21 May 2022 – Tomcat, Brisbane

Image used with permission from High Tides Agency; credit: Gabi Rankin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Motor Ace Releases Comeback Single, “Knock Knock”

Don’t mistake Motor Ace’s return to the music scene as one resting on nostalgia. The release of their new single “Knock Knock” proves these guys have got more hits left in them. With hard-rocking riffs and solid vocals from Patrick Robertson, this track might just be worth the 17-year wait.

“It’s an idea that was kicking around back in the day, but we never got around to finishing it,” Pat admitted. “We’d always loved the sound, but it was written between the first and second records and didn’t really fit with what we were aiming for on the second. Probably should have finished it then!”

Motor Ace are gearing up to tour the country to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Five Star Laundry. Tickets are selling fast, so get them while you can!

10 June 2022 – Freo Social, Fremantle
11 June 2022 – Badlands, Perth
16 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane
17 June 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 June 2022 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
23 June 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
24 June 2022 – 170 Russell, Melbourne

Image used with permission from One the Map PR; credit: Rhys Graham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Racing Birds Release Stellar Debut Single, “Rarely Never Loaded”

Racing Birds have burst out of the gate with their debut single “Rarely Never Loaded.” It might be their first musical foray together, but this duo are industry stalwarts. Bobbie Lee Stamper has performed with Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, and Matt Corby, while Jeremy Strother has shared stages with Stellar Perry and I Am Apollo. This song is a foot-stomping good time, a killer alt-country track with a swampy blues-rock sound. If you love acts like Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, and old-school Creedence Clearwater Revival, you’ll dig this.

“I think we were still in Bob’s garage when we started working on ‘Rarely Never Loaded.’ I was playing back a voice memo of the writing session and I heard Bob’s swampy lead guitar hook that eventually became the biggest part of the song,” Jeremy recalled. “Once we got our heads around that it all came together pretty quickly. Shakers, tambourines, kick drums, hand claps etc. I was reading about the Hells Angels in the ‘70s and looking at some old photographs while I was finishing off the lyrics for the song. There was a particular photo that I found of a girl waving her hand around with a cigarette that inspired the character in the song.”

“Everything was done with just the two of us, a couple guitars, a laptop and whatever we could find around the garage to bang on. I didn’t have a proper studio at the time so we set up in the front half of my garage, and there was a sheet hung up to hide the lawnmower … you could see daylight coming in through cracks in the walls, there were possums walking around in the rafters at night, and it was either boiling hot or freezing cold depending on the weather,” Bobbie added. “But we used that DIY feeling to give the record a bit of edge and energy. I tried not to use many samples or edit the takes much.”

If you love “Rarely Never Loaded”, you won’t have to wait too long to hear more. Racing Birds will release their debut EP Lonesome Blue on April 14.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

1927 @ The Art House, Wyong – 2 April 2022

After so many months without live music, nobody takes it for granted. Not the audience and not the musicians who are so excited to reconnect with fans again. I’m not sure how long this wonder will last, but it’s beautiful to witness. I felt genuine excitement as I took my seat at The Art House in Wyong for 1927’s show on Saturday night.

I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen a band’s lead singer doing double-duty as support act. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Eric Weideman’s set. Stripped back versions of the 1927 songs we’d hear later? Covers? It turns out he has some stellar solo material that I was so thrilled to hear. He told us he’d much rather come out and play for us than keep sitting backstage, adding that these were the songs he plays in his bedroom. With just an acoustic guitar and minimal staging, we were transported there. It was a short but intimate set. Without the other members on stage, Eric was free to chat a little more about the songs and the people who inspired them.

I’ve seen 1927 at pubs and festivals, but never quite like this. While I loved being smashed against a barrier back in the day, this more sedate sit-down theatre show feels much safer in these pandemic times. The band certainly didn’t take it easy, delivering tracks like “You’ll Never Know” and “Propaganda Machine” with as much energy as they ever did. That’s especially impressive when you remember the band released their acclaimed debut album …Ish 30 years ago. I know. I don’t like that fact either.

This show wasn’t just about nostalgia though. While tracks from that beloved album dominated, 1927 also showcased some new material. I particularly loved a track called “Shine” which Eric dedicated to all of the fans who’d been there since the beginning. The appreciation this band has for us was evident through the show, from the generous set featuring all the hits and fan favourites to the way Eric spoke to us. He gave thanks to us and reminded us that we are the reason for their success and longevity. Watching him sit on the edge of the stage during “Compulsory Hero” to get just a little closer to us all was beautiful. Even the band’s decision to return quickly to the stage rather than milking us for an encore showed respect. “If I Could” is always the encore. If the band is tired of it though, they don’t show it. Instead, Eric encouraged us to sing along and it was beautiful. And after so many months when we couldn’t do that, I think we all appreciated it just that little bit more.

1927 will be on tour for many more months yet. Catch them at one of the following venues near you.

8 April 2022 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
9 April 2022 – Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Harbour
10 April 2022 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree
22 April 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warnambool
23 April 2022 – The Cube, Wodonga
27 May 2022 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
28 May 2022 – Chaffey Theatre, Renmark
3 June 2022 – Norwood Concert Hall, Norwood
4 June 2022 – Northern Festival Centre, Port Pirie
10 June 2022 – Middleback Theatre, Whyalla
11 June 2022 – Barossa Arts Centre, Tanunda
17 June 2022 – Montreal Theatre, Tumut
18 June 2022 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
1 July 2022 – Capitol Theatre, Tamworth
2 July 2022 – Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre, Dubbo
22 July 2022 – Karralyka Theatre, Ringwood
23 July 2022 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul
12 August 2022 – The J Theatre, Noosa
13 August 2022 – Moncrieff Entertainment Cente, Bundaberg
20 August 2022 – Princess Theatre, Brisbane
26 August 2022 – Country Club Showroom, Launceston
27 August 2022 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
2 September 2022 – Glasshouse Theatre, Port Macquarie
3 September 2022 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
9 September 2022 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
10 September 2022 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
16 & 17 September 2022 – Opera House Studio, Sydney
23 September 2022 – Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford
24 September 2022 – Blue Mountains Theatre, Springwood

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Downsyde, Harts, and Flewnt Team Up For Chess Records Tribute Album

The more I hear from this upcoming Chess Records tribute album, Everybody Knows I’m Here, the more excited about I am. If you flipped over imbi’s take on “Mannish Boy,” take a listen to the latest take, Downsyde, Harts, and Flewnt’s collaboration on a cover of Howling Wolf’s “Poor Boy.” Their version, called “Po’Boy”, brings an urban edge to the track. If you prefer a more traditional cover, the double A-side single also features Harts’ solo version.

I really like what the version with Downsyde and Flewnt brings to the song though. I’m pretty sure if Howling Wolf were still alive, he’d embrace the rap and beats that freshen up his iconic tune and bring the message into the 21st century.

Downsyde member Optamus says their version delves into the “connection with young people through hip-hop and youth culture,” and the “importance of representing a young voice and, particularly, a young voice and struggle,”

“It’s really important and unique that we are able to do the song that tells a similar story to that of my people, but from the other side of the world how many years ago,” added Flewnt. “That is a big, major part of us doing the song and what will draw attention to it.”

“Particularly First Nations’ youth in this country are more likely to go to prison than to graduate high school, and we have systemic problems that are not being fixed and are not being faced,” Downsyde said. “I believe our job as hip hop artists from years ago … and having a voice … is that we have to bring that discussion to the table.”

“I hope that it challenges a few perspectives of what people might think of Australia or what they even think goes on or what the society looks like,” confirmed Flewnt. “There are a lot of hard challenging moments, for a lot of different people, from a lot of backgrounds … I think having that sort of story being out on an international level is more than important and vital to the survival of our culture.”

Everybody Knows I’m Here drops on May 6. Given what we’ve heard so far, it’ll be epic. Visit the album’s website to preorder your copy.

Image used with permission from Chester Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pale Spells Make Their Mark With “Wallow”

Pale Spells is an emerging Melbourne band, but they’re not to be underestimated. Featuring members from the UK’s Sirens and Melbourne acts The Valley Ends, Idle State, This Town, and A Forest, their experience really shines through their new single, “Wallow.” Channelling the emo, post-hardcore sounds of acts like Deftones and AFI, this track is really something special.

“Wallow” is the first single lifted from Pale Spells upcoming EP, Carelessly Designed. Listen out for it on May 2. We’ll get another sneak peek when Pale Spells releases the second single, “Kerosene”, on April 14.

Image used with permission from Pale Spells

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justin Miller Launches New Musical Project, JSTNXMLLR

ISOTOPES frontman Justin Miller is striking out on his own under the moniker JSTNXMLLR. His debut single “Fake Fcuk” is a modern pop-punk anthem. I love the way that electronic beat sits underneath the classic early ‘00s pop-punk sound. If you were cranking Blink-182 and Good Charlotte back in the day, you’re going to love this one.

“Fake Fcuk is about shadowing your problems from everyone like it’s all a big charade,” Justin explained. “You can run, but you’re still going to have to come home and face them one day.”

“Fake Fcuk”’s release ushers in a new era of music for Justin.

“I feel like ISOTOPES helped me touch on some real personal subjects whereas JSTNXMLLR is the side of my personality I feel like I’ve lost since my teenage years. So, it’s almost as if I’ve had all these ideas brewing in the whole process and I finally get to be myself again. I think the most interesting thing about this project is that myself and Stevie [Knight, his long-time collaborator] have been mates for around 10 years and we’ve always spoken about doing something like this. I guess the one good thing about COVID was allowing us to really knuckle down on bringing this idea to life.”

Watch this space. With a debut single this strong, there’s bound to be more great music to come.

Image used with permission from Good Intent