Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and Ben Mastwyk Prepare for Victorian Tour

Victoria, I am jealous of you right now. Not only are you probably in one of the safest places in Australia right now while I’m in lockdown, but two of my favourite artists, Matt Joe Gow and Ben Mastwyk, have teamed up for shows near you. Yes, as I’m awaiting the imminent cancellation of all my upcoming events, you guys have these two high-quality acts coming your way.

The gigs will showcase their unique takes on Americana music. Most dates are acoustic, but the Brunswick Ballroom show will see Matt reunite with his band The Dead Leaves while Ben plays as a trio. Catch these acclaimed artists doing what they do best at the following shows:

2 July 2021 – Music On The Hill, Red Hill
11 July 2021 – Brunswick Ballroom, Brunswick
16 July 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon
18 July 2021 – Archies Creek Hotel, Archies Creek
24 July 2021 – Major Tom’s, Kyneton
25 July 2021 – Bittern House Concert, Bittern
30 July 2021 – Saints & Sailors, Portarlington
31 July 2021 – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MARVELL Releases Marvellous New Track, “Selfish You”

When siblings get together and make music, so often magic happens. That’s the case with MARVELL, the brainchild of brothers Tom and Max Marvell. Their latest single “Selfish You” is a rocking ode to recognising your own worth.

“The song explores self-doubt, creativity, and the influence of the people around you. We tried to communicate that being selfish can definitely be a bad thing but also a good thing when it informs your self-worth and who you are!” they explained. Too right!

This is such a stellar track, and there’s more to come. MARVELL will soon release an EP, Comfort is King. They were scheduled to hit the road this week to celebrate their latest batch of releases, but COVID is a bitch. Hopefully, the gigs in Sydney, Wollongong, and Brisbane can be rescheduled, and that the later 30 July date at The Tote Hotel in Melbourne can go ahead. We’ll see!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Johnny Manuel Releases Anthemic New Single, “Sober”

Johnny Manuel continues carving out a successful career after The Voice with the release of his latest single “Sober.” This song really showcases the impressive vocals that won him fans across the country. It’s an uplifting track that he penned last year with Scott Ritchie and Michael Fatkin, who’ve worked with a host of leading pop acts including Jess Mauboy, Tina Arena, Stan Walker, and Isaiah.

“Sober is about having a person that is your anchor, keeping you grounded in hectic times,” Johnny explained. “When we were writing the song I was reflecting on my travels throughout the world and being on the road non-stop. It was chaotic. In life you’re lucky if you find a person that helps you balance it all, and that’s what I have now. Someone that keeps me ‘sober.’”

Johnny will celebrate the release of “Sober” with a show at The Toff in Melbourne on October 28.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Peach PRC Celebrates the Highs With “Symptomatic”

I don’t know about you, but as a New South Welshman locked down for at least the next couple of weeks, I could use a little poppy fun. Peach PRC delivers with “Symptomatic,” the follow-up to her break-up anthem “Josh.” It’s the perfect track for a lockdown dance break which explores the high periods that can counteract the lows of mental illness.

“One of the features of my mental illness is I can have really low periods and then swing into an incredible high manic period. When this happens, I feel like I’m invincible and get really excited about doing lots of stuff—like learning to speak Italian, play five instruments, or become a crystal healer! Every time, I think I’ve been cured of my depression and mental struggles forever!” Peach PRC shared. “My therapist once compared to me to Harley Quinn while I am in this state – that kind of bothered me. Then I thought, why don’t I write a song about being on this high and thinking I’m cured and just embrace the fuck out of the Harley-Quin-of-it-all! And that song – is ‘Symptomatic’.”

I love the way Peach PRC delivers such thoughtful pop music. It’s so much fun but it always makes you think. If you adore her stuff, good news. Her debut EP isn’t too far away.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Jess Gleeson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXON Drops Stunning New Single, “Best Shot”

Melbourne singer-songwriter MAXON speaks for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of societal pressure with her latest single “Best Shot.” She was inspired to write the track after a conversation with her family about pursuing a career in psychology because she’d given music her “best shot.”

The lyrics are so powerful and the song’s simple instrumentation ensures they really shine through. I also love MAXON’s voice, so rich and dripping with gravitas.

MAXON will play a string of shows in her hometown to celebrate the release. Discover more of her music at the following venues:

8 July 2021 – Small Time, Brunswick (to be streamed live on Facebook)
24 October 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Melbourne (supporting Alexis Naylor)
31 October 2021 – Swamplands Bar, Melbourne (supporting Alexis Naylor)

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Violet Daze Releases Fab Debut, “Across the Bay”

Violet Daze knocks it out of her park with her debut single “Across the Bay.” It’s a folk-tinged pop track that has me thinking of acts like Maggie Rogers, Laura Marling, and Ella Henderson. It’s rare to hear such a polished track from a new artist, but Violet is no stranger to the music industry. She’s worked behind the scenes for the past three years, but is finally ready to step into the spotlight.

“I want people to hear this song and not feel alone. I want them to feel seen,” the Sunshine Coast artist said. “It takes courage to delve into the self-reflective process of a break-up and come out the other side.”

The single is accompanied by a music video that captures some of Violet’s favourite places.

“It was filmed in locations that are significant to me personally and I feel that energy carries through the music video. The premise of the video is going on a trip that you had planned to do with your significant other, that you are now having to do by yourself and exploring the wave of emotions that go along with that,” she explained. “It was filmed by Dale from Whaley Films and Rachael Baskerville who is the face behind all of the Violet Daze press images. They brought the concept together seamlessly”

Violet Daze has got one of those voices that you just want to keep listening to. I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting new artist.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Witching Hour Takes Back Her Power With “Queen of Wands”

Grab your hairbrush and enjoy a private karaoke sesh with Witching Hour’s new single, “Queen of Wands.” This is a sublime slice of punky power-pop in the vein of Paramore or Press Club. It deserves to be played loud and often.

“‘Queen Of Wands’ distills the precious, potent magic that comes from finally choosing yourself,” she said. “After experiencing one damaging relationship after another, I had at last let go of the desire I had to swiftly and effectively find the right person to spend my life with, and the tendency to contort the wrong people into that vision.

“Once I released my grip on that outcome and sat with the fear and uncertainty of not having control over that part of my future, I felt life and vibrance rush back to my body. I finally felt like my truest and most authentic, colourful self again. I was living alone in a wonderful apartment with my cat, I was taking myself out on dates, and it was such a restorative and special time in my life. I felt totally renewed, and the little haven I’d created for myself served as a kind of cocoon, fostering my transformation. The song is an ode to that apartment, and that revelation.”

Hell yeah sister!

If you want to hear more from Witching Hour, there’s good news. Her debut EP Book of Shadows drops on July 30.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal and Saint Lane Team Up For “All About You”

You know when some of our best and brightest join forces, magic is bound to happen. Bootleg Rascal and Saint Lane’s new collaboration, “All About You,” had me from the first note. The cool, catchy track is just what you need to take you to the weekend.

“’All About You’ is the first Bootleg Rascal song entirely produced by Jim and myself. As we’ve spent more time off the road than ever before, we’ve shifted our attention to being more hands-on in the studio,” said Bootleg Rascal frontman, Carlos Lara. “The song itself is about love in the modern era, and how technology plays an integral role into shaping our behaviours and the way we interact with one another.” he continues.

Bootleg Rascal will play two shows in Queensland in the coming months. Will Gold Coast-based rapper Saint Lane join them at any of the shows? I guess you’ll just have to head along to find out!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

NIDALA Celebrates Quiet Moments With “One of Those Days”

Proud Djungun artist NIDALA is giving us a taste of her forthcoming EP with the release of her superb new single, “One of Those Days.” It’s such a cool track with a laidback folky feel and powerful emotional core. The stripped-back instrumentation is the ideal showcase for NIDALA’s incredible vocals. The lyrics are also a great reminder that rest can be just as vital as activism.

“This track is my ode to slowness,” NIDALA explained. “It’s about the days you can’t quite get to where you want to be, and everything feels foggy and hard. It’s a reminder that we all deserve some rest. I wrote this song after hitting a point I think all of us have felt through COVID. After routine went down the drain and we all tried to pretend like we could still match the outputs we achieved. It’s about the realisation that maybe it was time for us to just sit down and rest.”

“One of Those Days” comes from NIDALA’s EP Colours of My People. The release will be entirely carbon neutral and benefit some vital charities. NIDALA will donate 20% of proceeds to tree-planting initiatives and 20% to Indigenous initiatives including mental health services and creative mentoring programs.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay J Gladstone Go Hard With “People Like You”

Sydney punk rock act Clay J Gladstone have released their fantastic new single “People Like You.” Its verses creep along, lulling you into a relaxed mood before the chorus comes out swinging. This is a track that goes for the jugular with its big crunchy chords and powerhouse vocals.

“The track is about escaping an abusive relationship and going out in a blaze of glory,” explained lead singer Clay J. “Being told you’re not good enough only to realise you’ve been bullied into submission and need to cut them loose.”

The track comes with a cinematic music video filmed, directed, and edited by AWOL Productions’ Adam Williamson.

“The storyline follows the concept of the track: breaking free of an abusive relationship,” Clay J explained of the video’s concept. “There are three locations to depict the relative stages in the relationship. Firstly, the light box to depict being stuck in cage; secondly, the dark bedroom with photos on the wall acting as memories; and thirdly, the bright park to represent breaking free.”

As you might imagine listening to this track. Clay J Gladstone are earning a reputation as one of the most explosive bands on the live circuit. Catch them at the following venues to see what the hype is all about:

26 June 2021 – AM//PM Emo Night Sydney @ Burdekin Hotel, Darlinghurst
10 July 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney (supporting FANGZ)

Image used with permission from Good Intent