Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neeko’s Single “How Deep?” More Than Just Another Love Song

Music can be so vital to recovering from trauma. I’m not saying that it removes your scars or patches you up, but gentle music can certainly act like a soothing ointment, keeping your symptoms at bay for a while. I’ve just experienced some of the hardest days of my life after my cat Gizmo passed away. I’m in the sort of dark place where even listening to music is hard. I was glad I had a few posts prewritten, because I couldn’t muster the enthusiasm to write new ones. But Neeko’s breezy, folky new single “How Deep?” managed to cut through all of that and bring a little sunshine to my life for a little while. The press release calls it a “heartwarming pick-me-up for lost souls and awakened lovers alike.” If like me, you’re in one of those camps, I’m sure you’ll love it too.

“How Deep is a triumphant love song! It was written in a moment where I felt an overwhelming amount of gratitude, excitement and well, love for the person whom this song is about. It was one of those experiences of such immense feeling that I had to do something with it, hence came this song,” Neeko explained. “It poured out of me in a matter of hours. I then quickly recorded a demo with all the backing vocal arrangements the next day so I could really capture the emotion. All of the arrangements in the final recording are the same so it really is true to the feeling I had upon writing it.”

Neeko will release her debut album this spring, so stay tuned for details!

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bugs Releases Dynamic New Single, “Decisions, Commitments & Plans”

Brisbane trio Bugs are back with their new single “Decisions, Commitments & Plans.” A live favourite (remember when we could see bands live?!), this song starts fairly mellow for a Bugs track before erupting with raw emotion around the two-minute mark. It’s a trip!

“I wanted to write a song that talks about the chaotic emotional pressure of making choices, one that represents the full spectrum of confusion that comes to mind when faced with evolving responsibility and change-forced growth,” explained frontman Connor Brooker. “It can be daunting (or empowering) when you realise you’re the one writing your own script; but with more gained wisdom you learn to realise you’re not alone in that journey. It’s okay to be afraid, we all get scared sometimes.”

The band intends to wrap up their sold-out “Diamond” single tour in Melbourne later this month. Whether it happens or not, it’s all sold out so if you missed out on tickets, it’s time to look at the next thing. If you’re craving some live Bugs, you can (hopefully) catch them at the following shows:

16 October 2021 – STONEFEST, Canberra
6 November 2021 – Open Season @ The Princess Theatre, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Nikita Oliver

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dancer Lift You Up With “Dreamer”

Newcastle four-piece Dancer have just dropped their new track “Dreamer,” and it’s the perfect track to chase away those pandemic blues. With an uplifting electro indie pop feel, its slick sound is made even more impressive when you realise the band recorded it in bedroom studios and Airbnb properties.

“The song focuses on the identity of a dreamer, an individual who follows the big ridiculous ideas inside of them,” the band explained. When so much of the world feels hopeless right now, the positive lyrics in this song are a great reminder that there’s so much more out there for us all.

After Dancer recently signed with Mirror Records, the group who’s represented the likes of Gang of Youths, Middle Kids, and Sloan Peterson, we can probably expect big things from these guys.

Image used with permission from Mirror Records; credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall for Cheap Date’s “Woman To You”

In June, Brisbane act Cheap Date delivered their debut song “Beside Me.” New track “Woman to You” is the sequel, a companion piece that reveals the next chapter of frontwoman Lara Dee’s story.

“‘Woman To You’ is a song that I wrote as a way to express and come to terms with my sexuality as a young adult. I had spent my whole teenage life convinced that I would grow up, get a job, find a husband, build that white picket fence and have kids. ‘Beside Me’ was written about the last real relationship I had with a man before coming out as bisexual. This song is the follow up to that,” she explained. “It is really an expression of obsession. Which sounds a bit creepy … but I mean it in the most innocent way. I was suddenly allowing myself to feel and think about women in a way that felt natural and inherently like my true self.”

This song features beautiful lyrics and melody, with dreamy vocals that are sure to get under your skin. If you like what you hear and you’re living in Queensland, you can see Cheap Date at the following shows:

12 September 2021 – The Courage Collective @ The Zoo, Brisbane
5 November 2021 – Solbar, Maroochydore (supporting Teenage Dads)
6 November 2021 – O’Skulligans, Brisbane (supporting Teenage Dads)
7 November 2021 – Burleigh BBQ Bazaar, Burleigh (supporting Teenage Dads)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chelsea Berman Releases New Party Anthem, “Tastes Like a Hangover”

Central Coast country darling Chelsea Berman has released, in her words, “the drinking song you never knew you needed,” her latest single “Tastes Like a Hangover.” And with so much of the country in lockdown right now, I think it’s just what the doctor ordered. Although, I have no medical training, so take my health advice with a grain of salt!

“This song is inspired by my own hangovers,” Chelsea admitted. “At 23 you wouldn’t think they would be that bad – but as the song says, I definitely spend the next day on the bathroom floor after a few too many Fireball shots.”
Chelsea wrote the track with local country music star Troy Kemp.

“I came to Troy Kemp with the idea for the song and he loved it, so we wrote the song and he added a different angle of ‘making the night worthwhile’ so the next day you can remember all of the fun you had the night before!” Chelsea added. ”The track was produced by Rod McCormack who did an amazing job and gave the song a pop/country feel that is sure to help you dance the night away!”

Chelsea has played shows all across the East Coast, including dates with Travis Collins, Amber Lawrence, and Brad Cox. Hopefully it won’t be too long before the lockdown lifts and we see her back on the stage.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aaron. Rocks Out With “Notice”

The coolest artists need only one name: Prince, Madonna, Cher, and now … Melbourne act Aaron. The music Aaron. makes has more of a rock feel than most mononymous artists, but I’m really digging the raw energy of his latest single, “Notice.” Aaron’s fourth single celebrates being able to love yourself completely, without the doubt and criticism that can so often hold us back from living our dreams. It’s a message that Aaron. takes to heart as he forges ahead in his music career.

“Aaron. allows me to express myself fully no matter how I am feeling or what I am going through,” he explained. “I always struggled to express myself in general and music allows me to do so in the most accurate and truthful way.”

Aaron. plans to release a “steady stream of emotionally-charged singles,” so it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more from him really soon.

Image used with permission from Aaron.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out to The Crookeds’ “State of Panic”

These pandemic days are pretty stressful for many of us. When you feel that funk setting in, sometimes you’ve just got to crank the music and let all that frustration out. Thankfully The Crookeds’ new single “State of Panic” is just the kind of song that deserves maximum volume. With bold guitars and killer rock vocals, it’s everything you’ve been looking for.

“‘State of Panic’ is the second single in the lead up to our debut EP ‘Dead Eye’ and is a real showcase of our musical diversity,” The Crookeds’ drummer Oscar Linkson explained.

“The track centres around driving 7-string guitar lines, backed by almighty grooves, while stripped back verses give an air of sensuality, and the chorus/finale showcase our signature heavy rock energy. With a hook that will stay with you forever, the song’s lyrics eloquently discuss the modern day ‘state of panic’ we find ourselves in. Mainstream media controls our minds as we get our daily ‘fix’ from our phones – always searching for more.”

These guys are earning a reputation as one of the best live acts in the business. They’ve sold out their last five shows. Let’s hope those lockdowns and border closures are behind us soon, because I want to see bands like this again.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emmagan Rain Impresses With “For You”

After hitting the spotlight as a contestant on The Voice last year, teen country-pop act Emmagen Rain has really grown as an artist. Her latest single, “For You,” might just be her most accomplished yet. The lyrics, which Emmagen cowrote with Erin McKellar and Bread + Butter, are so relatable. She turns out such a solid vocal performance here too.

“It’s a song about meeting the right person at the wrong time!” Emmagen said. Haven’t we all been there!

The Voice Australia has long been criticised for failing to make stars of its contestants. However, Emmagen shows you that it’s possible to run with the exposure from the show and release some quality music after it wraps.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Gets Romantic With “God Took His Time On You”

Last time we heard new music from Casey Barnes, he was rocking out with the sexy “Come Turn Me On.” But he reveals a more tender side with his latest single “God Took His Time On You.” It’s another confident country-crossover track that should make listeners swoon. It also proves that a pandemic and its border closures don’t have to stand in the way of creating a great song with people on the other side of the world.

“I’ve absolutely loved teaming up with my US buddies in Brown & Gray co-writing tracks for this next album and when we worked on this single we knew straight away it was something really special. Every lyric in this song is a dedication to the one you love. Using the metaphor in the line ‘when heaven dreamt you up, God took his time on you’ I think is the ultimate tribute of how perfect you feel your partner is.”

“God Took His Time On You” is the latest track from Casey’s next album, which will drop early next year. Hopefully the country will be a little more open and Casey can tour it as planned. Before that, Casey will defend his Artist of the Year title and hopefully pick up Song of the Year, Release of the Year, and Live Act of the Year at the 2021 Gold Coast Music Awards on September 4.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turn Up Bellwether’s New Track, “Shortsighted”

Perhaps it’s Monday or the umpteenth day of lockdown getting to me, but the angsty punk of “Shortsighted,” the latest track from Sydney act Bellwether, is really resonating with me today. It’s an all-out assault on the senses with big chunky chords and all-too-relatable lyrics.

“‘Shortsighted’ is, in essence, a song about self-acceptance. It’s about confronting and admitting your own flaws, while at the same time accepting yourself for who you are and abandoning the expectations imposed onto you by others,” explained Bellwether’s guitarist and songwriter, Heath Joukhadar. “That all being said, the song doesn’t take itself seriously, which is not only reflected by the message of the lyrics but also the numerous pop culture and meme references included throughout the track.

“We took a lot of inspiration from BoJack Horseman when we were writing ‘Shortsighted’, as he was a character we could all empathise with,” Heath added. “BoJack personifies the feeling of never being good enough and we tried channelling that energy into the song. Sometimes you feel like a piece of shit and that’s alright.”

You might not have heard of Bellwether yet, but a lot of influential people are sitting up and taking notice. They’ve played shows with American acts Four Year Strong and Knocked Loose, British bands WSTR and Trash Boat, and our own Between You and Me and Yours Truly. This track also premiered on leading USA outlet Substream Magazine. It sounds like this is one local act destined for big things in the not-too-distant future.

Image used with permission from Good Intent