Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgia Maq and Alice Ivy Come Together For Sublime “Someone Stranger” Single

Today has brought a lot of bad news. You could let it get to you, or you could hit play on “Someone Stranger,” the stunning new track from Georgia Maq and Alice Ivy, and just dance out. I know which option I’ve taken.

“Annika and I knew we wanted to make a song together so we made the time and in about three hours we had pretty much finished ‘Someone Stranger’,” Georgia Maq explained. “I write lyrics really quickly when I feel I have to and Annika creates amazing melodies so it just worked really well together. The song is very much open to interpretation, but personally it’s about purging romance through movement.”

With so much of the country in lockdown, this song’s themes of loneliness and the need for connection really hit. The gorgeous electro-pop melodies are upbeat though, balancing the heavy themes with uplifting sounds. Georgia and Alice’s voices blend so perfectly too. This is wonderful.

Georgia Maq will perform at the Sydney Opera House as part of VIVID later this year. She’s planning to announce new shows soon, which will give us all something to look forward to.

Image used with permission from Our Golden Friend

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Okay Dane Show Off Bold New Sound With “Different Waves”

Melbourne rock act Okay Dane spent 2020 honing their sound, and now in 2021 they’re ready to show it off. “Different Waves” is a confident rock anthem that should put some extra pep into your Humpday.

“‘Different Waves’ is the end product of a year-long process of trying things, hating them and throwing them out. It was definitely a rough patch and I had a hard time with writer’s block, and finding the right direction both lyrically and musically,” explained songwriter Jake Kougioumtzis.

“Once we were able to get back together after months of lockdowns and playing live again, it was like the ice had thawed, and I was able to find the right words and the music started pouring out. I was able to channel all of the stress, anxiety and tension of the last year into a new batch of songs and ‘Different Waves’ definitely feels like a reflection of all we’ve been through in the last year and a half.”

With a new single under their belt, returning to stages is the next logical step. Okay Dane will play the following shows through August and September.

21 August 2021 – O’Skulligans, Brisbane
27 August 2021 – Hotel Metro, Adelaide (FREE)
4 September 2021 – Last Chance, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Releases Positive Pandemic Track, “Grateful”

The pandemic has left many of us feeling frustrated and flat. However, for Patrick James, it inspired more positive emotions. He wrote his latest single “Grateful” in the middle of the pandemic, buoyed by his appreciation and admiration of the people around him.

It’s a beautiful song and one which serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the people who give our lives more meaning. Press play, take a few deep breaths, and let this song soothe your soul.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella B Shines on Debut With “Light On”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Bella B has just dropped her gorgeous debut track “Light On.” Its simple piano melody lets her voice and lyrics shine. The addition of synths give it a fresh feel without undermining the track’s emotional centre.

“‘Light On’ is a plea to someone to step up and commit to being in a relationship. They keep running, shying away from the hard conversations – and you keep pursuing them, which only makes them pull away harder”, Bella explained.

This track has a confidence we don’t often see from debut releases, but Bella is no stranger to the music industry. She’s written tracks for other local artists including HANNI. Something tells me we’ll see her spending more time fronting her own material in future.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliza & The Delusionals Release Shiny New Single, “Save Me”

So today hasn’t been the easiest. Brisbane joins Greater Sydney in lockdown. With the footy in doubt, I’ve realised it might just be the glue holding me together right now. If like me you need to lift your spirits, press play. “Save Me,” the shimmery new bop from Eliza & The Delusionals is just what you need right now.

I’m getting all nostalgic listening to the dreamy vocals and synthy production here. It’s been a long time coming, with Eliza Klatt and Kurt Skuse writing part of the track in Los Angeles, then finishing it in their home studio in Australia. With such a long gestation, the track has gone through a real sonic evolution since its conception.

“We never intended on changing or re-working the song, but a few months later myself and Kurt were having a writing session and came up with this verse idea and new chords that we were loving and we just needed a chorus,” Eliza explained. “I sung the ‘Save Me’ chorus that we demoed just to see how it fit and we instantly fell in love with those two ideas together. It felt like two puzzle pieces that were meant to be together.”

Eliza & The Delusionals’ shows with The Vanns might be postponed, but they’ve got a few solo shows on their schedule. Catch them (hopefully) at the following venues this October:

3 October 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
8 October 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane
9 October 2021 – Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar, Sydney
15 October 2021 – The Leadbeater Hotel, Melbourne

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Do You Remember That?” – Mila Nile

Sweden is a fertile breeding ground for cool electro-pop acts. The Scandinavian nation gave us Robyn, The Knife, Lykke Li, and Mila Nile. Mila might not be a household name, yet, but this Swedish-born, now Sydney-based talent is one to watch. Her debut EP Do You Remember That? dropped today, and you’re going to want to take a listen.

The EP is a deeply personal collection of songs with introspective lyrics wrapped up in catchy melodies that are guaranteed to get stuck in your hand. You’ll be tapping your toes along from the first notes of the opening track “Break My Heart to the Beat.” There’s more sassiness in the nostalgic single “Old School Calling” and the defiant closer, “Don’t Need Your Love.” Mila’s not afraid to show her vulnerability though. The penultimate track “Daughter” is a powerful ballad about what it’s like to be separated from loved ones during this pandemic.

With Do You Remember? Mila Nile shows she’s a pop force to be reckoned with, and so much more. This EP has some sombre moments, but its bops and bangers are just what you need to get through this pandemic. It’s out now on all your favourite digital platforms. Mila hopes will launch her EP at the Oxford Art Factory Gallery in Sydney on October 1. Get your tickets here.

Images used with permission from Mila Nile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Head Right With “Therapy” From Bootleg Rascal

If you’re in most parts of the country, this month has been pretty hard. I’m pretty sure I’m on my last nerve, so discovering Bootleg Rascal’s new track “Therapy” has been an absolute joy. The track featuring Citizen Kay and MAXINE has such a cruisy, summery vibe, it’s like a tropical holiday for your ears. Press play, close your eyes, and let your troubles melt away for a few minutes.

“Sometimes, your therapy can be music or switching off in front of the TV, but sometimes not even our biggest distractions are enough,” admitted Bootleg Rascal’s frontman, Carlos Lara. “It’s okay to ask for help; it’s okay to not be okay.”

Bootleg Rascal will head to Queensland for two special “Therapy” shows next month. Make an appointment to see the band at one of the following gigs:

13 August 2021 – CQ University Village Festival, Yeppoon
14 August 2021 – The Old Bundy Tavern, Bundaberg

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“people just do good things sometimes” – Pinkish Blu

In the darkest times, music can lift us up. Today was supposed to be the last day of the Greater Sydney lockdown, but as that date approached I think most of us knew we were headed for more of the same. For me, knowing that Adelaide band Pinkish Blu were dropping their sophomore EP people just do good things sometimes, was the silver lining. I’ve been listening to an advance copy for the last couple of weeks and I’m thrilled that now everyone gets the opportunity, perhaps when they need it most.

I raved about the singles “Backward” and “Start a Band” on their release, so I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around more of Pinkish Blu’s music. Opening track “Old Blue” starts like a modern lullaby, gently drawing us in until the beat drops. It’s such a clever song, with its contrasting movements taking us on enough twists and turns to remind us that Pinkish Blu are no ordinary indie-pop band. Their synth-heavy sound reminds me of international bands like LANY, The 1975, and The Band CAMINO, but there’s a special something that sets them apart.

The remaining songs go down easy. I was reminded just how much I love the singles, yet impressed that the unreleased tracks are every bit as strong. The twists and turns continue as we move from the upbeat banger, “Backward” to the more intimate ballad “Over Me.” Initially “Cop Cars” seemed like a strange choice a closing track, but the more I listened to this subtle ballad, the more it won my heart. And besides, more often than not I find myself hitting play and starting this EP all over again.

Pinkish Blu make the kind of happy-sad songs that I want to hear right now. Their lyrics explore some tough themes but they’re wrapped up in these perfect pop sounds that balance the darkness with light. people just do good things sometimes is out now. The band will play the following shows this October to support its release.

1 October 2021 – The Leadbeater, Melbourne
2 October 2021 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 October 2021 – The Lab, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Beehive PR: feature image credit Noah Sutherland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Etoile Marley Sets a New Bar With “All Night” Remix

I don’t typically get excited about a remixed version of a single. All too often I feel they’re too production-heavy and they strip away the essence of the song. But the Adriano Desire remix of “All Night” by Etoile Marley, which dropped today, is no ordinary remix. It’s one of the rare recordings that makes the single better.

I think Etoile’s gorgeous vocals shine more in this remix. With some extra space to breathe, you can really hone in on this track’s flirty lyrics. The reworked instrumentation also gives this track a bit more pop and polish. If you’re not bopping along by the chorus, I’ll be surprised!

Etoile is an Aussie-French independent artist. She grew up in Canberra before moving to Melbourne in her 20s. In 2015, she relocated to the United Kingdom where she’s currently based with her young family.

Etoile has got stacks more new music on the horizon, so give her Facebook page a follow to learn all about the exciting stuff in the pipeline.

Image via Etoile Marley EPK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Parmy Dhillon Returns to Music Scene With “Red”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Parmy Dhillon has taken 12 months away from the music industry, but the wait will be worth it for fans. His latest single “Red” has quickly won me over with its folky Americana feel. If you love acts like Counting Crows, Soul Asylum, and Neil Young, this song will be right up your alley.

What I love most about this song is its authenticity. The vocals are so honest, the instrumentation organic. You get the sense that the production hasn’t overly polished the song. I appreciate the rough edges. It’s those imperfections that make it so relatable.

Image used with permission from Parmy Dhillon