Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Chris Commerford Band Delivers Sweet Soul Music With “Sugar”

Cooler than cool soul-rock act The Chris Commerford Band hit all the right notes with their latest single “Sugar.” Capturing those heady days of early infatuation, this track is silky smooth, an absolute delight to listen to.

“The track always felt good when we played it live and even in rehearsals Sugar still had that great feeling, so after a lot of encouragement I knew I could trust what I felt deep down that we could make it into something special,” Chris Commerford said.

Special is right. It sounds effortless, but this track was actually four years in the making, with multiple demos, several mixes, and seemingly endless hours in production. The best part though is that it doesn’t sound like hard work. The final recording feels like a jam session, with every musician feeding off one another to create something so sublime. More like this please!

The Chris Commerford Band love playing live, so there are always plenty of opportunities to catch them. See them do their thing at the following shows:

26 June 2021 – TAR BARREL Brewery and Distillery, Mornington (7 pm)
27 June 2021 – Project Brewing Company, Rowville (2:30 pm)
8 August 2021 – Dainton Brewery, Carrum Downs (3 pm)

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall Head Over Heels for Buttered’s New Single, “Love”

As days of the week go, Mondays aren’t very sexy. Usually. But like me, you might just change your mind once you wrap your ears around “Love,” the super-smooth new single from Gold Coast duo Buttered. This one takes me right back to the ‘90s, when slow jams from acts like Boyz II Men, Jodeci, and Dru Hill were in regular rotation on my stereo.

“Love blends groove and emotion leaving the listener feeling elevated. “Love” is about the beginning of true commitment. The excitement and possibilities that come with creating a life with someone. It’s also about how that feeling translates universally. The shape and size of our love in every part of our lives colour and intensifies everything we are,” Buttered explained. “The classic Wurlitzer drives through the entire song accompanying the strong vocal hooks and delicate guitar parts. Picture yourself dancing softly with your partner reminiscing on many years of joy. That’s how the listener will feel at the end of this track. good luck getting it out of your head!”

You’ll get the chance to dance along to their music in person soon, with Buttered heading out on a single tour next month. Catch them at the following venues this July:

2 July 2021 – Solbar, Maroochydore
15 July 2021 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
16 July 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
30 July 2021 – The Northern, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from GD FRNDS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Play, Then Play Again on Figurehead’s “On Repeat”

Fremantle five-piece Figurehead have been a force out west for some time, but they’re ready to let the rest of the country know what they’re all about. Their new track “On Repeat” is the ideal introduction, a laidback indie-rock banger that goes down easy. Despite its relaxed groove and summery melody, the track has some intense lyrics which explore drug-induced paranoia and entrapment.

“The main riff that initiated the song was the first thing I played when I picked up my new Fender Telecaster and the lyrics followed,” explained frontman Joe Caddy. “The song initially had a longer run time and a different structure, but the short poppy skeleton of the song was in part, the vision of Dave Parkin of Blackbird Studios, who produced the song.”

Figurehead will launch “On Repeat” for hometown fans at Clancy’s Fish Pub on July 3. They’re also scheduled to play Perth’s Under the Southern Stars gigs next year.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hattie Oates Wows Me With “Waste My Time”

Hattie Oates has given me chills with her latest single “Waste My Time.” It’s a gorgeous stripped-back ballad with minimal production ensuring your focus is solely on Hattie’s delicate voice. Her vocals drip with emotion, ensuring listeners feel the heartbreak behind her bittersweet lyrics.

“This song is about the emotional journey you take when ending a relationship,” she explained. “And then getting to the other side, where you suddenly see all the wasted time you spent stuck in the past with them, instead of just moving on.”

Every time I hear a new song from Hattie I marvel at what she’s achieving at such a young age. This is another stellar single from one of the country’s most exciting talents.

Image used with permission from Popcom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Caught Up With A Swift Farewell’s New Single, “Mousetrap”

Sydney pop-punk band A Swift Farewell have been doing great things over the last few years, earning praise from tastemakers like Alternative Press, idobi Radio, triple j, and Wall of Sound and supporting the likes of Hands Like Houses and FANGZ. If you’re not already across their music, you soon will be. Their latest track “Mousetrap” is bound to make you sit up and take notice.

“Mousetrap” is such a ballsy track, with insane vocals from Emma Mather and dynamic instrumentation that matches her intensity. Its lyrics are so relatable. The film clip, which shows the band finding themselves at the mercy of evil scientists, is also a stroke of genius.

“’Mousetrap’ is about feeling trapped in a relationship in which you are not able to give someone the time and attention they demand from you and feeling burnt out from trying,” explained the band’s bassist, Sarah Bonnet. “In the end, the person doesn’t notice they are asking too much from you and you feel yourself grow emotionally distant from them.”

It’s been a couple of months since A Swift Farewell played live, but hopefully the release of this single inspires them to get out in front of punters again. Give their Facebook page a follow to learn all about any gig announcements as they happen.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Robbie Walcott

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sunday Estate Drop Stellar New Single, “Bike Thief”

I want to introduce you to my new favourite band, and soon to be yours, The Sunday Estate. The Sydney band’s latest single “Bike Thief” sparked a Spotify binge because it’s just that good.

“This song is about confronting someone who you know is lying straight to your face,” the band said. Haven’t we all been there!

The Sunday Estate are part of the Mirror Records family, just like Gang of Youths, Middle Kids, and Charlie Collins. So you can expect once the rest of the world cottons on to just how exceptional they are, they’re going to be big. You might want to take the opportunity to catch them at one of the following shows, because who knows how long it’ll be before they graduate to those big venues!

19 August 2021 – La La La’s, Wollongong
27 August 2021 – The Cambridge Warehouse, Newcastle
28 August 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurricane Fall Get Crossover Country Sound So Right With “Another One More Time”

Hurricane Fall were formed in Tamworth, but with a move to Newcastle they seem to be embracing a crossover-country sound. Their latest track “Another One More Time” is sure to appeal to people who love blasting Keith Urban and Morgan Evans.

“Another One More Time is a song about the undeniable connection that simmers below the subconscious,” explained the band’s singer and bass player, Pepper Deroy, “until the catalytic combination of booze and loneliness bring on an explosion of emotion that has you reaching for the phone … just one more time …”

If you think it sounds good in the studio, just wait until you see these guys live. They pride themselves on performing, and after recently playing regional New South Wales they show no signs of slowing down. Catch them on the stages of the following festivals in the coming months.

2 July 2021 – Hats Off to Country @ West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
3 July 2021 – Bush to Bay Festival @ Bay Central Tavern, Hervey Bay
27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor Creek State Forest, Gympie
1 & 2 October 2021 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
3 October 2021 – VDMFest Rock Edge Country Music Festival @ Showgrounds, Biloela
15 October 2021 – Wingham Akoostik Music Festival @ Wingham Showgrounds, Wingham
16 October 2021 – Country by the River @ Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chuditch Impresses With “Cue the Violins”

Western Australian act Chuditch is taking me back to the ‘80s with his stunning new single “Cue the Violins.” It reminds me of acts like Morrisey and the Cure with its upbeat, danceable sound and deep emotional centre. The heavy lyrics explore the idea of suffering for your art, but that driving piano riff is so uplifting that it’s impossible to stay down while you’re listening to it.

“I think this idea of suffering for your art is prominent in lots of art’s history but for me particularly a lot of 90s grunge era bands. The idea that good lyrics come from enduring hardship and dealing with mental issues and emotion turmoil,” explained Leigh Gardiner, the man behind Chuditch. “There’s a fear that if you’re too happy you won’t have anything to write about so you ruminate on small things that turn into big things in your head. The idea of collecting your sins to burn a creative fire. This can compound if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t talk freely about your feelings hence one of the final lines of the song and the title is ‘cue the violins’ (a mocking made usually for petty gripes) as the antagonist of the song prepares to divulge their feeling.”

This single is a real departure from Chuditch’s first single, “Grasping at the Water.” I suggest taking a listen to both tracks so you can get a glimpse at the real artistry of this exciting Aussie act.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tim Hadlow Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Announces More Tour Dates to Support Smash Single

You might remember me writing about Casey Barnes’ single “Come Turn Me On” back in March. Since then, the song has blown up. It’s number one on every country music chart in Australia, it’s been number one for four weeks on the country airplay chart, and it’s in the top 40 for all genres on iTunes. This is Casey’s third number one single in the last 12 months. No wonder he’s the most played country artist on mainstream radio and the number one independent artist in the country.

But he’s not one to rest on his laurels. Along with already announced appearances at the Gympie Music Muster and Savannah in the Round, Casey’s announced a stack more shows. He’s also bringing along some talented friends, including Josh Setterfield, The Buckleys, Rachael Fahim, and Taylor Moss. If you didn’t catch him last time he toured the country, or you’re just keen for another go round, here are all the dates you need.

19 June 2021 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
25 June 2021 – The Red Hot Country Festival @ Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast
26 June 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
3 July 2021 – Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton
9 July 2021 – Paddington RSL, Sydney
10 July 2021 – Country to the Coast Festival, Gosford
16 July 2021 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
17 July 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns
26 and 27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
1 October 2021 – Savannah in the Round, Mareeba
31 October 2021 – Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival, Shepparton

Image used with permission from Sue Mac Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Blessings” – Hollow Coves

It’s easy for the pace of modern life to get to us at times. I know I personally work too late, miss far too many weekends, and burn the candle at both ends trying to fit everything in. Sometimes you just need a moment to yourself to reset, recharge, and get moving again. Listening to Blessings, the new EP from Brisbane act Hollow Coves is the perfect soundtrack for those moments.

From the moment I hit play, the rest of the world seemed to melt away. All the right ingredients are here, beautiful harmonies, folky acoustic melodies, and chilled vibes. Listening to these songs transported me away from my desk and to an isolated beach, away from the crowds and the noise, the hustle and bustle for just a little while.

Ordinarily, when I listen to EPs or albums, I pick out favourite tracks. I can’t do that here. The songs support each other. I can appreciate them on their own merits, but it’s what they do together that’s really magical. So rather than giving any particular track a shoutout, I’m just going to encourage you to listen to them all.

In a world where so much music is overproduced, oversung, and overexposed, the beautiful simplicity of the songs on Blessings shines through. It’s out today. Take a listen and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with these songs just as I have. Hollow Coves are currently touring Australia and will visit Europe and the UK next year. Here are all the dates you need:

11 June 2021 – The Triffid Brisbane (Early show – SOLD OUT)
11 June 2021 – The Triffid Brisbane (Late show)
12 June 2021 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast (Early show)
12 June 2021 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast (Late show – SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre Sydney (Early show) SOLD OUT
19 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre Sydney (Late show)
26 June 2021 – Corner Hotel Melbourne (Early show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – Corner Hotel Melbourne (Late show)
12 May 2022 – Alte Feuerwache Manheim, Germany
15 May 2022 – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl Solothurn, Switzerland
16 May 2022 – Konzerthaus Schüür Luzern, Switzerland
20 May 2022 – Grelle Forelle Vienna, Austria
21 May 2022 – Kulturák Klub Bratislava, Slovakia
24 May 2022 – Alter Schlachthof Dresden, Germany
26 May 2022 – Hydrozagadka Warsaw, Poland
31 May 2022 – TivoliVredenburg Utrecht, Netherland
2 June 2022 – Skaters Palace Münster, Germany
6 June 2022 – Ancienne Belgique, AB Box Brussels, Belgium
7 June 2022 – La Maroquinerie Paris, France
9 June 2022 – Electric Brixton London, UK

Images used with permission from Beehive PR; feature image credit: Leniflashes