Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tessa Thames Joins Fellow First Nations Artists For “Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo”

Australia Day seemed like the right time to shine a light on some of this country’s most exciting First Nations artists. “Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo” came out of APRA/AMCOS’s first First Nations Songhub event, RESONATE. During the four-day songwriting camp, Tessa Thames ended up in a room with 18YOMAN and Becca Hatch. Tasman Keith stuck his head into the studio and the magic happened.

Getting artists with such different styles together is always exciting to me. Tessa usually creates bedroom-pop numbers, but the influences of her collaborators have brought a little hip-hop, R&B flavour to this song. It’s totally addictive.

“A lot of times you can end up in the studio with people you love and think they’re the best and then not come up with anything! Just being lucky enough to work with these guys was such a blessing, but to click like we did and create something I really love is a crazy bonus,” Tessa said. “Vin (18YOMAN) is such a genius and just a lovely calming presence in the studio and Becca and I were bouncing off each other with melodies and harmonies and lyrical concepts … it was such a fun time! Then having Tas stick his head in the door and be like ‘I think I can do something here…’ it’s just incredible. Not to mention after all that, Tas passed the track onto his boy Kwame who then shared it with Kymie and they both added these slick, cool production elements to 18YOMAN’s already ridiculous foundation … I feel like I’ve accidentally assembled the Avengers on this one!”

“Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo” has become Tessa’s biggest single after being added to Spotify’s New Music AU & NZ, Indie Arrivals, and Local List playlists.

Image used with permission from August MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden Gets Nostalgic With “My Old Friend”

I’ve forgotten most of the people who won The Voice in recent years, but I can still remember Karise Eden’s appearance on the show all those years ago. The streamlined format of recent years which gives contestants very little airtime is a factor, but Karise’s unique, powerful voice is certainly another. As much as I have enjoyed other artists, no one left such a big impression on me. The good news is that we don’t just have to get nostalgic about Karise; she’s still releasing amazing music. Her current single “My Old Friend” is the perfect reminder of just how awesome she is.

“My Old Friend. There is a lot of raw, honest power in that track,” Karise admitted. “ It is still painful for me to sing. I’d hope that anyone who has lost someone they love, can find comfort in this song. Grief is a tricky emotion to experience but know that you are not alone. I’d hope you could listen, raise a glass and remember those we love so dearly that are no longer with us.”

“My Old Friend” is the first track Karise has released since 2018, but she won’t leave us waiting too long to hear more new material. This is the first song lifted from her new EP, which will drop really soon.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Comfort is King” – MARVELL

After heaping effusive praise on their singles “19 Homes” and “Selfish You,” I wasn’t sure what I had left to say about MARVELL. However, the more I listened to their EP Comfort is King, the more I knew I had to find the words. Because this is one of those EPs that deserves to be celebrated.

The EP serves up those two singles first, reminding us just what we loved about them before launching into new material. I’ve listened to both tracks so many times but they’re still sounding fresh. Those songs have a blues-rock energy that just won’t quit, ensuring we’re having fun before MARVELL hits us with the heavy stuff. The next track “Needle” introduces a very different side of Marvell, the band who’s unafraid to expose their vulnerabilities. Its lyrics recount the drummer’s journey with testicular cancer, and it hits every bit as hard as you might expect. “Honey” and closing number “All Of It” are unexpectedly sweet. You won’t find love songs more authentic or romantic.

No matter what MARVELL turns their hands to, it sounds so good. They are in their element with a big horns section, delivering an energetic mix of blues, rock, and soul. But they’re also not afraid to show their softer side. It all sounds so easy, dare I say it, comfortable. If this is the magic these guys can create in their comfort zone, I’m not sure I ever want to hear them out of it.

Comfort is King is out now. MARVELL will play the following shows in February and March to celebrate its release.

10 February 2022 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 February 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane
25 February 2022 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 March 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
26 March 2022 – Narrabeen RSL, Narrabeen

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Listen to “Mum’s Advice” From Little Guilt

Western Australia’s Little Guilt have just dropped their cracking new single “Mum’s Advice,” and it’s bound to resonate with anyone who pursued relationships their folks warned them about. This relatable indie-pop ditty has taken me back to a time when bad boys seemed so appealing.

Little Guilt started like so many new music acts, in a suburban bedroom. The brainchild of lead guitarist Joe Knowles, the band members came together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating something so special and authentic. They’ve built a name for themselves on the local circuit and now that they’re recording music that reputation is sure to spread. I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping those borders open soon so the rest of us can see them on stage. If you’re local, you can catch them at Ludic Fest at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on February 5.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Eyes Forward” – Tracey Barnett

You feel like you’re in good hands when you listen to Tracey Barnett’s latest album Eyes Forward. It’s the sophomore album from this Western Australian singer-songwriter, a collection of songs that hums with the confidence of someone who has lived a life.

Tracey is fierce. The opening lap steel guitar notes of the first track “Worth It” tell you that. They create the sort of tension you get when a cowboy steps into frame for the big Western movie gunfight. By the moment her bluesy voice joins in, you know she’s the hero of the story here, the one bound to come out on top. This song is so full of grit and guts. Tracey is in her element here. We see that uncompromising brashness again with other tracks like “Gotta Get Out” and “Phoenix.”

But there’s a much softer side to Tracey’s music too. When she’s not kicking arse, she’s sharing the wisdom that comes from being around the block a few times. The title track is a rousing call to arms that reminds listeners to keep their eyes forward and trust their feet. Keep on going, rather than looking back at what has been. “Five Year Plan” is a tender ballad that paints the portrait of a couple just trying to survive the best way they can so vividly. I’ve never been to Western Australia, but I feel I can imagine its serenity so much more clearly after hearing the stunning companion closing numbers, “Calling Me Outside” and “A Taste of Morning.”

Tracey fuses traditional blues and country elements with modern rock sounds. It’s such an intriguing and compelling mix. At times Eyes Forward feels like a real throwback, in the best possible way. Classic sounds are classics for a reason. But there’s a fresh fire about her sound that kept me captivated. Whether she’s delivering a song full throttle or giving her audience the chance to catch their breath, it’s always special. Eyes Forward is only Tracey’s second album, but it shows such maturity. She sounds like she’s at the height of her powers, an amazing thought when you consider that her career likely has a long way to go.

Eyes Forward is out now. Tracey will play the following Western Australian shows in the coming weeks:

22 January 2022 – Denmark Arts Market, Denmark
27 January 2022 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
28 January 2022 – Rocky Ridge Brewing Co (cellar door), Busselton
18 February 2022 – The Parade Hotel Bunbury, East Bunbury
19 February 2022 – Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Boyup Brook

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Rock Royalty Become Truck

With Andy McLean from Horsehead and Dave Leslie of Baby Animals in the line-up, you know new act Truck is going to be a serious rock outfit. Just take one listen to their debut single “Make Hay” and you know you’re in good hands. This is Aussie rock the way it used to be done, the kind of music you want to hear in a sweaty pub with a sticky floor. Of course, it’s almost as enjoyable cranked at home with a cold beer in hand!

“When Horsehead were starting out, Baby Animals were the biggest band in the land,” Andy recounted. “We were lucky enough to do some shows with them and as soon as I saw Dave on stage, I thought, ‘What a mighty player – who wouldn’t want to be in a band with him?’ And here we are, in 2021, and our stars aligned.”

“Make Hay” is our first taste of Truck’s EP Lighthill, which will be released really soon. They’ll preview their new tracks at Bendigo Hotel on January 16. Get along so you can tell everyone you saw them before they got big!

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brock Makes Her Mark With “Drunk”

After spending most of 2020 as a songwriter, Brock is ready to spend time behind the microphone. Her debut single “Drunk” is an all-too-relatable pop ballad about the alcohol-induced mistakes many of us make when we’re trying to move on.

I can imagine this song sitting comfortably on the charts with tracks from Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo. Expect to hear a lot more from Brock this year.

Image used with permission from Brock

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliza & The Delusionals Release “Nothing Yet” Single Against the Odds

The pandemic has posed more than its fair share for musicians around the country, but few acts had it as tough as Eliza & The Delusionals. The band had members living on either side of the New South Wales and Queensland borders, but it wasn’t going to stop them from making fabulous music together. Their latest single “Nothing Yet” is a fantastic indie-rock track that takes me right back to the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. Its fun nostalgic feel is the perfect counterweight for its heartbreaking lyrics.

It’s a sign of the times that Eliza & The Delusionals have had to postpone their single launch shows, which were due to kick off in Sydney tonight. Stay tight for the rescheduling, but it looks like international fans may get the opportunity to see them first. Eliza & The Delusionals will head to Napa Valley to play the Bottlerock Festival this May.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Luke Henery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Satin Cali Deliver With “Fool”

Satin Cali are one of Wollongong’s best-kept secrets, selling out multiple headline shows in their hometown. However, with the release of their latest track “Fool,” it’s time for the rest of the country to catch up. This is such a good rock track, I can’t stop listening.

“Fool is a failed love story, taking inspiration from the perspective of letting someone go, only to realise later that they may have been perfect for you all along, and living with the regret of letting that person go and watching them move on without you. Constantly questioning what could have been and the what-ifs of everything in between, while reminding yourself how foolish you can be,” the band explained. “We decided to accompany these lyrics to a more upbeat, happy-ish instrumental piece we had been working on, to counteract and balance the song out a bit and hopefully give a different perspective to the “broken heart” stereotypical tune we all have heard before.”

Satin Cali have a stack of shows coming up including festival appearances and dates with The Terrys, if coronavirus doesn’t get in the way. Here are all the places you can (hopefully!) see them play!

21 January 2022 – The Red Steer Hotel, Wagga Wagga (with The Terrys)
22 January 2022 – Wombarra Bowlo, Wombarra (with The Terrys)
29 January 2022 – Full-Time Festival @ Ron Costello Oval, Shoalhaven
4 February 2022 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Terrys)
5 February 2022 – Hotel Westwood, Melbourne (ALL AGES – with The Terrys)
11 February 2022 – Thirsty Chiefs Brewing Co, North Lakes (with The Terrys)
4 March 2022 – University of Canberra, Canberra (with The Terrys)
24 March 2022 – Jive, Adelaide (with The Terrys)
26 March 2022 – Milk Bar, Perth (with The Terrys)
27 March 2022 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with The Terrys)
3 April 2022 – Yours & Owls @ Stuart Park, North Wollongong

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Chris Frape Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yazmindi Gets Nostalgic With “Avocado Latte”

No matter how long you’ve been away, the ties you feel to your hometown are strong. Yazmindi celebrates them with her latest single, “Avocado Latte.” This nostalgic, funny, and relatable folk song is an ode to Far-North Queensland and the acceptance she found there. Yazmindi was born in Cooktown, but moved to Melbourne in 2018. She now lives in Byron Bay, but this song comes from her time in the Victorian capital.

“A love song for Far North Queensland which I wrote while working at a café in Melbourne, homesick!” Yazmindi said. “Raw and honest, a song straight from my heart, yet tongue in cheek teasers playing with Melbourne’s city stereotypes.”

Yazmindi returned home to record the single with renowned producer Mark Myers (The Middle East, Emma Louise).

“It was so special recording ‘Avocado Latte’ back home in North Queensland, surrounded by people I grew up with and love,” Yazmindi added. “I had always dreamed of producing music with Mark from growing up listening to his band’s music, The Middle East. Everything felt natural and flowed smoothly in the studio and I had so much fun bringing the final version to life, exactly as I had envisioned it, in my head and my heart.”

2022 is shaping up to be another year of uncertainty for artists, but Yazmindi won’t let the virus stop her. She hopes to crowdfund $10,000 to support the production of her debut album. She’s also planning some concerts and live streams to support her goal.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR