Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Plane Sailors Go Their Own Way With “Bell Curve”

If you’re sick of the musical cliches, The Plane Sailors are the band for you. This Brisbane indie-rock act feel the same way, so you won’t find the same old lines in their latest track “Bell Curve.” At just a little over two minutes, it’s a great reminder that sometimes less is more.

“This is not your cliche story, I’m sick of happy endings, they feel so boring” singer Curtis Hooper declares in this super catchy single.

Curtis recorded the track in his bedroom before moving to complete it in bassist James Glenleft’s spare room. According to the press release, the recording process was “a labour of love (with sprinkles of frustration), that ultimately resulted in a track the band could be immensely proud of.”

“You’re likely gonna have to do a lot more for yourself in the studio than you think,” added guitarist Joseph Floyd. “Whether it’s adding in the extra layers, redoing your mate’s part for them that they hastily punched in on their lunch break, or spending time alone because the others forgot to show up to press the record button for you; it’s all worth it in the end.”

The Plane Sailors recently launched the single in their hometown. Hopefully it won’t be too long before they take their live show to the rest of the country.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bloom Lays Her Heart Bare With “One More Place”

Bloom channels vintage vibes in her latest single “One More Place.” This track is the ultimate breakup anthem, a melancholy rumination on the memories that hold us hostage as we try to move on.

“I’ve had a few (too many) breakups, as most of us can relate to at some point in our lives,” Bloom admitted. “There is always that one place that reminds you of your ex, or that raw phase you go through post break up where you are wondering who they are with and have a bunch of unanswered questions while coming to the realisation that it is really over.”

Most artists have a fairly bare concert calendar at the moment, but not Bloom. She’s playing covers at the following shows all around Australia and New Zealand:

17, 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 January 2022 – Downstairs at the Maj, Perth (Adele & Amy Songbook)
18 February 2022 – Norwood Hotel, Adelaide (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
19 February 2022 – Norwood Hotel, Adelaide (Adele & Amy Songbook)
4 March 2022 – The Lounge, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
5 March 2022 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
11 March 2022 – Springlake Hotel, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
12 March 2022 – Wallaby Hotel, Gold Coast (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
18 March 2022 – Jindalee Hotel, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
19 March 2022 – Beenleigh Tavern, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
31 March 2022 – Camelot Lounge, Marrickville (Eva Cassidy Songbook)
1 April 2022 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (Eva Cassidy Songbook)
2 April 2022 – North Ryde RSL, Sydney (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
29 April 2022 – York on Lilydale, Melbourne (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
7 May 2022 – Laycock Street Community Theatre, Wyoming (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
21 August 2022 – Salt Village, Kingscliff (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
9 September 2022 – New Plymouth Club, New Plymouth (Adele & Amy Songbook)
10 September 2022 – Upper Hutt Cossie Club, Wellington (Adele & Amy Songbook)
11 September 2022 – Globe Theatre, Palmerston North (Adele & Amy Songbook)
15 September 2022 – Ashburton Trust Event Centre, Ashburton (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
16 September 2022 – Oamaru Club, Oamaru (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
17 September 2022 – Wunderbar Lyttelton, Christchurch (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
18 September 2022 – Wunderbar Lyttelton, Christchurch (Adele & Amy Songbook)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELEEA Releases Emotional Single “Stings”

If you’re trying to move on from a breakup, consider waiting to hear ELEEA’s new track “Stings.” This bittersweet track has got me right in the feels. It’s drenched in nostalgia, with powerful lyrics that might just have you thinking about the one that got away.

“My writing is always very raw, but ‘Stings’ feels particularly autobiographical,” ELEEA admitted. “It captures those very confusing moments when you are overjoyed that someone you’ve loved is happy again in their next relationship, while simultaneously agonising over how their new partner has fit straight into your old life… that can really sting.”

“The verses are so simple and capture such ordinary moments, but I feel like they paint a really precise picture. It’s not a typically angry or sad breakup song, because that wouldn’t have been true to my situation. But the whole song is wrapped in sentimentality, which can be a really chaotic thing to feel.”

ELEEA wrote the song in 2019, but it’s the sort of material that will never date. Take a listen, but keep those tissues handy just in case.

Image used with permission from The Big Note

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“…34 Minutes on the Northside” – Sonz of Serpent

I planned to use the last couple of weeks before many people returned to work catching up on all the music I hadn’t gotten to last year. Instead I found myself stuck on Sonz of Serpent’s brilliant debut album …34 Minutes on the Northside. It might have derailed my plans, but I couldn’t be happier about it.

My husband, who grew up on America’s East Coast, paused to stop at my office door and listen to the music blasting from my speakers. After nodding his head in agreement, he asked me who the band was. I told him they were a new trio from Adelaide and he was shocked, commenting that they sounded like one of the classic hip hop acts he grew up listening to. There’s certainly a throwback to the acts of the ’80s and ’90s. The sound of brass instruments and piano tones adds a hint of soul to these tunes which feels so familiar. However, these guys have a uniquely Australian voice that separates them from the US pioneers that brought hip hop to the masses decades ago. Beyond that, they’re Indigenous voices, strong voices that don’t get enough opportunities at the mic.

The name Sonz of Serpent refers to the Rainbow Serpent, the water spirit who brings rain, healing, fertility, and new life. Think of these guys as a glass of water for minds thirsting for guidance and knowledge.

“We wish to speak to those absent from leadership and purpose,” Sonz of Serpent explains. “Acting as a current, moving some in the right direction through well thought out rhymes, witty metaphors, cool flows, range of content and energy.”

There are some powerful songs here. “CHECKING IN” and “TRUTH” really pack a lyrical punch. However, this album is far from preachy. I love the swag of “NOT MANY.” “LIFE” and “ALRIGHT” find silver linings among the struggle. This album is all about light and shade, sharing knowledge without lecturing so we keep our ears open, right to the end.

…34 Minutes on the Northside is out now.

Images used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Trip With VOH’s “Away”

I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely ready for a break from the COVID shitstorm right now. A few weeks in a tropical destination would do it I think, if I only felt confident enough to get on a plane! Listening to “Away,” the debut single from Sydney talent VOH, is the next best thing. Hit play, close your eyes, and enjoy a few stress-free minutes.

“If you picture a dial of sadness to joy, I start in that place of rock bottom and then I sing with the attitude of healing and celebration, until we’re all surfacing for air,” she explained. This track definitely has that cathartic quality. Listening to it I could feel all the stress and worry melt away for a little while.

“Away” is the first in a series of songs VOH created in lockdown with writer and producer Tremolo Switch. I can’t wait to hear what other gems came from their collaboration, because this song is really special.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Snark Releases “Weightless” Single

Melbourne punk trio Snark has won my heart with their latest single “Weightless.” This song feels like a natural progression from their lockdown anthem “Pressure.” Instead of exploring isolation, it celebrates the human connection so many of us enjoyed over the festive season (for better or worse!).

Frontman Stefan Sepulveda reveals that “Weightless” is “all about connection and how your relationships with those around you can really define you. The verses of the song are punctuated by darkness, self-doubt and self-sabotage but the chorus overcomes all that – aiming for a soaring, on-top-of-the-world feeling that comes from the love and the friendships that define us. I repeatedly reference the ‘avenue,’ which is a placeholder of sorts – with the idea being that you can meet the people who will mean everything to you in the unlikeliest of places. The avenue could be anywhere, at any time for anyone – you never know when or how these things are going to happen. There’s something beautiful about the serendipitous way people find their way into each other’s lives, and this song celebrates that.”

With the Melbourne lockdowns midyear, Snark didn’t have a chance to launch “Pressure.” Then the COVID storm swept in again and ruined their plans for a double single launch this month. Hopefully third time’s the charm and we see them on a stage really soon!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Act IV Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On With Club Camèl’s “Keepin’ Me Up”

Hailing from the South Coast of New South Wales, five-piece act Club Camèl are bringing beachy vibes to the whole country with their latest single “Keepin’ Me Up.” This is such a cool track. I was sucked into its funky groove from the get-go. I love that sexy bass line, the bright and breezy guitar riff, and the way Julius Boess and Kassandra Boess’ voices play together. By the time the sax kicked in, I was in raptures.

“‘Keepin’ Me Up’ began its life deep in my loop pedal as I soloed in a single room granny flat during the first lockdown of 2020,” Julius recounted. “With the opening lick and rhythm cemented in my ears, these components would become the basis of the track the band would work on for the following year. Lyrically inspired by ‘70s soul music by the likes of The Spinners and Marvin Gaye.”

The sax doesn’t just sound special; it really is. It belonged to Julius’ late grandfather.

“My grandfather (who I was named after) was the main reason I learned saxophone,” Julius added. “The tenor saxophone was shipped over from the USA, and it’s the only thing I have of his, so it’s very special to me.”

COVID pending, Club Camèl are set to play a couple of festivals in the coming months. At this stage you can catch them at the following events:

29 January 2022 – Full Time Festival, Shellharbour
2 & 3 April 2022 – Yours and Owls Festival, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston Back in the Spotlight With “Small Town”

I remember James Johnston as a contestant on Australian Idol and The X Factor. Since that time away from the reality TV spotlight, he’s carved out an impressive career as a country music artist. He’s amassed more than 5 million streams, topped country radio and the Spotify Fresh Country playlist, and had his song “Raised Like That” used on more than 8,000 TikTok videos. If, like me, you’re not across his latest tunes his current single “Small Town” is the perfect reintroduction.

“I wrote ‘Small Town’ on the drive back home to my hometown of Wingham. I had been spending quite some time in the city and I was just so excited to get back to my family farm. I wanted to capture that feeling of excitement and anticipation in the song – that build-up as I was on that drive to get back home,” James explained.

The video captures the simple pleasure of gathering with friends around a country bonfire. It was produced by Elijah Cavanagh (Cavanagh Films) and shot on the outskirts of Gatton, in Queensland.

“The storyline follows the journey of a young country guy who was working in the city returning to his roots,” James added. “We threw a big party with a bunch of friends and just captured the magic.”

James is earning a reputation for his live shows after sets at Bush to Bay Festival, Savannah in the Round, and Pro Bull Riding events. You can see him doing his thing at the following upcoming shows:

26 March 2022 – PBR Australia @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
9 April 2022 – Supagas Canowindra International Balloon Festival @ Canowindra Showgrounds, Canowindra
30 April 2022 – Road to Rodeo @ Longreach Showgrounds, Longreach
27 May 2022 – Beach & Boots Festival @ Breakwall Holiday Park, Port Macquarie
2 October 2022 – Savannah In The Round Festival @ Kerribee Park, Mareeba

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rachael Fahim Drops Country-Pop Pleaser, “Darts in the Dark”

You might not know Rachael Fahim’s name, yet, but she’s proven a real force in the local country music scene. After her last single “Middle Ground” spent five weeks at the top of the Official Australian Country Charts, she became the second most-streamed female Australian country artist of all time (after Kasey Chambers). Her latest single “Darts in the Dark” is an empowering country-pop song about finding strength even when the odds seem stacked against you.

Rachael co-wrote the song during the 2021 Country Meets Pop song camp with producer Robby De Sa, Ned Philpott, and American writer Rosi Golan, who’s previously worked with acts including Little Big Town and Christina Aguilera.

“When we wrote this song, I was talking about how I often feel stuck while everyone around me seems to be moving forward, life can be a rollercoaster, but you just have to sit back, enjoy the ride and just focus on your own path,” Rachael explained. “Rosi had this amazing title, and the song just flowed; we literally had a finished production six hours later!”

Live performances have been few and far between in recent years, but Rachael said she hoped to recreate their vibe with her latest must video, filmed in a container yard in the Sydney suburb of St Peters.

“We went into this video just wanting to create something fun that gave a sense of the energy you would get from one of my live shows,” she said. “After being away from the stage for two years, I’ve spent a lot of time with my band working on building a live show that was festival ready and hoping that audiences will connect with that.”

Hopefully it won’t be too long before she’s sharing her live show with music lovers. Until then, turn this one up!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Smitten by CSÖKE’s Romantic New Single

With so much angst in the world, listening to music is a great way to drown the noise out and forget your troubles for a little while. That’s exactly what I did on hearing “I Think I’m Falling,” the latest track from Sydney singer-songwriter CSÖKE. This song is such a charmer, with an easy, breezy groove and CSÖKE’s angelical vocals. It sounds all sweetness and light, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll discover it’s more complex than you first realised.

“I found it hard to let people in, even myself. I was scared to let someone love me, be vulnerable and allow myself the possibility of having my heart broken. I had myself for so long, I got used to having my guard up and only relying on myself. The idea of relying on someone else freaked me out,” CSÖKE admitted.

“I wrote this track with Chelsea Warner. Her presence made me feel super calm to talk a bit about how I was feeling and I was scared I had lost the ability to write songs. We decided to write a song about the total opposite thing I was feeling at the time and write about that first realisation of falling in love, that first hit of emotion you feel, the ‘Oh shit’ and the struggle I felt in my own experience of falling in love and pushing down my walls and allowing myself to feel things. It was a silver lining of what was going on in my life, when life felt like it was falling apart I was also falling in love for what felt like the first time.”

After just one listen, I’m sure you’ll have fallen just as hard for this song as I did!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; photo credit: Stephanie Jewell