Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oceanique Wow Me With “Hiding From You”

I’ve long marvelled at the beautiful music siblings create together. But when you pair twins, that magic gets cranked up a notch. Perth duo Oceanique prove my point with their stunning single “Hiding From You.” Stop what you’re doing and focus on listening to this one, because you really don’t want to miss a moment.

“Hiding from You was written off the back of our recent EP release and six-week tour in March 2021,” the sisters said. “It was drawn from the feeling of longing the comfort and warmth of the sun on the windscreen and the ever-changing faces met and places seen on tour, it captures the emotions and wide-open spaces of life on the road.”

“Hiding From You” is the first track lifted from Maddy and Jess Larkman’s forthcoming debut album of the same name. Before its release, you can catch Oceanique playing the stacked Lyric Laneway Party at Maylands on January 2.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greta Stanley Gives Taste of New Album With “Close Call”

The raw vulnerability of “Close Call,” the latest track from Cairns artist Greta Stanley, has really struck a chord with me right now. It’s the kind of song that stops you in your tracks, drawing you instantly with its vulnerable lyrics and gentle electronic melody.

“‘Close Call’ actually started as a set of lyrics that I’ve had for ages … years actually,” Greta admitted. “I always liked these words, so Tristan and I wrote new music to them. It’s about being frustrated with people’s egos, needing solitude and trying to step away to protect myself. It’s a reminder to myself not to be manipulated or get lost in someone else’s world. The chorus lyric – “draw those blinds, I need an honest light” is basically me saying you can’t hide in the daylight.”

“Close Call” comes from Greta’s forthcoming sophomore album which is due to drop early next year.

“Coming from Mena Creek, a tiny town south of Innisfail and being based in Cairns for most of my 20’s, I’ve felt so grateful to be able to collaborate with other local creatives for the recording of my new album,” Greta explained. “I believe Cairns hosts a lot of talent. The record was predominantly recorded with two Far North Queensland-based producers, Tristan Barton and Mark Myers, who I have been musically involved with since the beginning of my career in music. Tristan also plays drums in my band. I’ve also worked with two incredible female photographers who I plan to work with again for videography. I’m so proud to have the support of a great artist community up here. I can’t wait to share the album with everyone.”

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Briggs and Troy Cassar-Daley Team Up For Shadows

Briggs’ collaboration with Troy Cassar-Daley, the single “Shadows,” seems unlikely at first. The worlds of hip hop and country rarely mix. But these are two of the country’s proudest Indigenous artists, so when you think about it, it makes complete sense.

The track is a fabulous reworking of Troy’s original song “Shadows on the Hill.” Briggs’ rap and fresh production from Jaytee Hazard breathe new life into the song, ensuring this story of an important part of our country’s history reaches new ears.

“’Shadows On The Hill’ started its song line around a fire on Gumbaynggirr country at our men’s camp,” Troy explained. “There was one powerful moment for all of us when a massacre was mentioned that happened up the river from where we camped with our families for many generations, the wind died down, the air around us was still and not one bird sang. My old uncle stood up and said, ‘Don’t be scared the old people know we are here; they are just letting us know’. The trees on the mountains across the river from us stood long and lonely. I believe the old people gave me this song to acknowledge the pain and to share one of the many brutal stories of this land and more importantly to share the truth. Because song lines never end and make their way through thousands of generations, I shared the song with Briggs so the next generation can hear the story of the ‘Shadows On The Hill’”

Briggs said “’Shadows’ was brought to me by Troy; I was honoured he’d share this part of his story with me. There was so much depth and this haunting truth that is woven through his words. As a kid I’d often remember rumours about what parts of Melbourne were old ‘graveyards,’ Which I guess is a way to explain a massacre site or to reconcile it for young ears. Where the bodies dropped they built a fuckin’ parking lot.”

When you listen to this track, make sure you really listen. Hear the words, hear the story, and properly take it all in. It’s important.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thea FitzGerald Releases Summery Bop “Good Like That”

My mum has headed home for a few days so while I’m stuck in a hotel room between hospital visits, I thought listening to some music and doing some blogging might lift my mood. Queue “Good Like That” by Thea FitzGerald, a fantastically fresh feel-good song that has me feeling just a little lighter.

Long-time readers might remember me raving about Thea’s debut EP Building Blocks a couple of years ago. This track builds on that debut with a really fun, sassy sound that is so addictive. And can I just take a moment to sing the praises of Woody Sampson and that sweet trumpet line? The press release calls it “the perfect soundtrack for saying goodbye to the challenges of the last 18 months and sashaying, swaggering, or strutting into a new chapter.” The stresses in my life aren’t quite behind me, but this song gives me hope that they may be soon.

“Good Like That” comes from Thea FitzGerald’s sophomore EP which will drop soon.

Image used with permission from Thea FitzGerald

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

COTERIE Serve Up New Summer Single “Cool It Down”

You might have noticed I’ve been MIA for a while. My husband is seriously ill in a Sydney hospital so my focus has shifted away from the music. I’m not sure when I’ll get back to regular blogging, but I know you’ll all be patient with me. Thankfully, this post is one that I prepared earlier.

In case there was any doubt that summer’s here, Perth band COTERIE has just dropped a scorching new single that dripping in summer vibes. “Cool It Down” is a soulful new track with a hint of reggae that’s taking me to happy hour on the coast.

“’We caught it all when we korero, now I’m longing for the sweet shores of Aotearoa’ – this lyric sums it up, Aotearoa is our home but so is West Coast Drive, and as long as we have these coastlines, we know we’re all good!” explained frontman Tyler Fisher of the song’s inspiration.

COTERIE recently completed a five-date run of Western Australia shows performing to capacity crowds in Scarborough, Perth, Fremantle, Bunbury, and Margaret River for the West Australian Guitar Fest. As the world begins to open up, it’s exciting to hear the band are busily mapping out plans for travelling around the country and the world in 2022.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Columbus Releases Feelgood Pop-Punk Banger, “Temporary Summer”

Proving that long-distance relationships can really work in the music world, Columbus are rocking my world with their latest single “Temporary Summer.” These guys live in different East Coast cities and had just three days in person to rehearse and record the song. It brings a real spontaneous energy to this track which will make you want to listen again and again.

“I was listening to a lot of early The Killers when I wrote ‘Temporary Summer’, and I wanted to try and channel their uplifting indie-rock drive alongside Columbus’ heartfelt rock/punk style,” explained frontman Alex Moses. “It’s a song about escapism and being somewhere for a short while where everything feels good, and nothing can hurt you – a temporary summer.”

Expect to put “Temporary Summer” on high rotation as the weather warms up! Columbus will support Sly Withers at the Barwon Club Hotel in Geelong on March 31 next year. Keep an eye on their socials to see when they announce more gigs.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Genesis Owusu, The Kid LAROI Take Out Top Honours at 2021 ARIA Awards

The ARIA Awards are done and dusted for another year, with Genesis Owusu and The Kid LAROI making the biggest splash at the 2021 ceremony. I’ve got to say, I really like the awards online. I love seeing them commercial-free and appreciate the opportunity to watch the entire event, not just the awards deemed popular enough for airtime. World music, jazz, blues, the work of engineers and producers, it all deserves to be celebrated.

However, I felt this year’s award ceremony was missing those moments that become talking points. As I sat through the highlights from past years, I marvelled at some of the top collaborations. I understand the pandemic is still impacting these kinds of events (although there wasn’t a mask to be seen at the party!), but with last year’s star-studded performance of “I Am Woman” we saw how well we could navigate these extraordinary circumstances. Props to the performers who did give it their all, especially the outstanding Genesis Owusu and Budjerah, but I would have loved to see something really unexpected.

Judging by the YouTube comments on the stream, I wasn’t the only one surprised when the event wrapped up around 8:30. I know it’s a school night, but I would have loved to see the event shifted to a later start and finish time. In case you missed it, here are all the winners:

Album Of The Year: Genesis Owusu – Smiling with No Teeth (OURNESS / AWAL)
Best Artist: The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – ‘Stay’ (Columbia/Sony Music)
Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist: Budjerah – Budjerah (EP) (Warner Music Australia)
Best Dance Release: RÜFÜS DU SOL – ‘Alive’ (Rose Avenue Records/Reprise/Warner Music)
Best Group: RÜFÜS DU SOL – ‘Alive’ (Rose Avenue Records/Reprise/Warner Music)
Best Pop Release: The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber – ‘Stay’ (Columbia/Sony Music)
Best Hip Hop Release: Genesis Owusu – Smiling with No Teeth (OURNESS / AWAL)
Best Soul/R&B Release: Tkay Maidza – Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3 (Dew Process/Universal Music Australia)
Best Independent Release: Genesis Owusu – Smiling with No Teeth (OURNESS / AWAL)
Best Rock Album: Middle Kids – Today We’re The Greatest (EMI Music Australia)
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Crowded House – Dreamers Are Waiting (EMI Music Australia)
Best Country Album: Troy Cassar-Daley – The World Today (Tarampa Music / Sony Music)
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: Tropical F**k Storm – Deep States (TFS Records/Virgin Music)
Best Blues & Roots Album: Archie Roach – The Songs Of Charcoal Lane (Bloodlines/Mushroom)
Best Children’s Album: Bluey – Bluey The Album (Ludo Studios / Demon Music Group / BBC Studios / Rocket)
Song of the Year: Spacey Jane – Booster Seat (AWAL Recordings)
Best Video: Missing Piece – Vance Joy, Annelise Hickey (Liberation Records/Mushroom Group)
Best Australian Live Act: Lime Cordiale – Relapse Tour (Chugg Music Pty Ltd)
Most Popular International: Taylor Swift – Evermore (Universal Music Australia)
Music Teacher Award: Zoë Barry – Sacred Heart School, Melbourne
Best Cover Art: Kofi Anash & Bailey Howard for Genesis Owusu – Smiling With No Teeth (OURNESS / AWAL)
Engineer Of The Year: Konstantin Kersting
Producer Of The Year: Konstantin Kersting & The Rubens
Best Original Soundtrack or Musical Theatre Cast Album: Angus & Julia Stone – Life Is Strange (BMG/WMG)
Best Classical Album: Genevieve Lacey and Marshall McGuire – Bower (ABC Classic / Universal)
Best Jazz Album: Mildlife – Automatic (Inertia Music / [PIAS])
Best World Music Album: Joseph Tawadros – Hope In An Empty City (Independent / The Planet Company)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Afterthought Live Up to Early Promise With New EP and Single

Pop-punk seemed to fade away for a while, but it’s definitely back with a vengeance here in Australia. There are so many stellar pop-punk acts on the local scene, and Afterthought are up there with the best. Right now I’m really digging “Summerset Stunner,” the latest single from the band’s recently released self-titled sophomore EP. Everything on the EP is fantastic, so once you check this song out make sure you check out the rest.

Afterthought says “Summerset Stunner is about “wanting to tell someone that you love them but never finding the right time and fearing that you may never find that time.” And haven’t we all been there?

Expect to hear a lot more from these guys in the future. They’re generating a lot of buzz from tastemakers like triple j, 4ZZZ, HEAVYMag, and Milky, and their talent lives up to the hype.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ASTON” – ASTON

If there was ever a song that suits a Monday that’s come around far too quickly, it’s “Middle Fingers,” the opening track from ASTON’s recently released self-titled EP. So full of sass and catchy AF, it’s a fantastic track about unapologetically showing your truth.

“Middle Fingers” is fantastic, but I’ll be surprised if you want to stop listening when it’s done. Every song on this release is a catchy pop banger. But we shouldn’t be surprised, as ASTON has an impressive resume writing songs for Evie Irie, Cosmos Midnight, and K-pop act AESPA. It’s no coincidence that this five-track EP has spawned three singles. “Middle Fingers” leads into this trio: “Firebomb,” “Girl is A Gun,” and “Killer Queen.” They’re all addictive, with great energy and personal lyrics. After three singles, you might expect this EP to go out with a whimper, but the final track “Heartbreak Club” is perhaps ASTON’s most relatable. It’s an interesting bookend. “Middle Fingers” was all bravado, but with this song we see glimpses of vulnerability. At least when she’s not talking about fucking some things up!

“The EP is all about growth. Find yourself to lose yourself to find yourself all over again,” ASTON explained. “This is the unofficial official guide to discovering and reminding yourself who the fuck you really are!”

For superb pop music without the saccharine, take a listen to ASTON’s self-titled debut EP.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DICE Spread Sunshine With “Stop Sign”

Maybe I’m looking for a sonic antidote to the lingering rain in my part of the world, but I am really gravitating towards summer anthems at the moment. The latest is “Stop Sign,” an absolute cracker of a tune from DICE. Just like recently featured artist outfit, DICE are a fantastic Western Australian band. What is in the water in that part of the country? I’m not quite sure, but I am living for it.

“‘Stop Sign’ is a self-reflection on personal values and self-will to achieve your dreams and desires,” the band explained. “Lyrically the song explores the battles between self-belief and shying away from what you truly want.”

DICE played their first gig in November 2020 and have proved to be an unstoppable force ever since. These guys sell out shows, so make sure you organise tickets now for one of the following gigs.

27 November 2021 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River (supporting Dear Sunday)
18 December 2021 – Tone City Christmas Party @ Mojos Bar, Fremantle
26 December 2021 – Out & About Festival @ Port Beach Brewery, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Odin Fahey