Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lost Goat Found Impress With “Cold Feet”

Brisbane band Lost Goat Found have got me pretty excited with their latest single “Cold Feet.” These guys have been a fixture on the local music scene since late 2018, playing alongside the likes of Tia Gostelow and Art vs. Science, but this gorgeous slow-burner might just the song to give them some national attention.

“The song is about getting ‘cold feet’ and breaking up with someone because you’re a little immature or scared or not ready for this kind of relationship and then seeing the pain the other person is going through and how you can’t apologise enough,” the band explained. “After trying something a little different with ‘Hooped Earrings’, this is a return to usual anthemic pop rock sound.”

If you’re digging this song as much as I do and you happen to live in Brisbane, you won’t want to miss Lost Goat Found’s single launch. Catch them at Black Bear Lodge on May 15. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom West’s New Single “Gimme What You Got” Worth the Wait

Like so many of us, Adelaide singer-songwriter Tom West received a few curveballs in 2020. He was based in Brooklyn and ready to take the world by storm when the pandemic hit and encouraged Tom to rethink his plans. He returned home and decided to hire out an old farmhouse in Mount Crawford to work on the songs he began conceiving in late 2015 and early 2016.

“Some friends and I moved all the furniture out of the living room and set up a makeshift studio and spent a week recording the batch of songs with a band over a week,” he said.

That spontaneous, honest energy comes through in Tom’s latest single “Gimme What You Got,” which comes from his forthcoming album I’m Livin’. It’s been some time getting to us, but that’s because of another curveball. The day after packing up his temporary studio, Tom got word that his father had motor neurone disease and only a short time to live. The songs he’d been working on didn’t feel right at that moment, so he shelved them to work on his 2020 release, Antarctica.

“In some ways I’m Livin’ is a bit of a prequel to that album,” Tom explained.

2020 hit Tom West harder than most, but he’s determined that 2021 will be brighter. Look out for I’m Livin’ and a whole stack of shows from this talented singer-songwriter this year.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Reality Is” – Chris Tamwoy

The best albums are deeply personal. They don’t reflect current trends or follow a formula designed to move units. Instead, they provide an insight into the artist who created them. Chris Tamwoy’s debut album Reality Is sounds very different from the music that charts today, but its intimate nature provides a listening experience that’s so much richer.

The opening track “Damien and Sarah” gives us our first hint that this is something we haven’t heard before. It’s a gentle instrumental acoustic guitar piece, beautiful but not the kind of catchy opener we’re used to. It’s the first of several instrumental tracks on this album. These striking numbers give us space for reflection while showcasing Chris’ signature virtuosic guitar-tap style.

Other tracks give us insight into the driving forces in Chris’ life: his family and his culture. He delivers them in a mix of Eastern and Western Torres Strait Islander language, Creole, and English, celebrating all parts of his identity. I was struck by the single “Kulba Yaday,” featuring Christine Anu, on its release last year. There are so many more gems here, including “Yesu Kara Ople” and “Monkey & Tortol,” inspired by an indigenous children’s folk story. Even when you don’t understand the language, you can connect to the feelings behind them.

Other songs like “Dear Pop” and “Karissa (Don’t Cry)” pay tribute to the special people in Chris’ life. The English lyrics are straightforward and from the heart, ensuring we can all connect to these musical love letters.

“My whole album is based on the reality of life,” he explained in the press release. “It’s about me and who I am: it’s me as an individual covering every inch, every aspect of who I am as a Torres Strait Islander. I wanted to bring in my identity and the clans I originate from in the Torres Strait.”

For many people, Reality Is will be their introduction to Chris Tamwoy’s music. I can’t imagine creating a collection that more perfectly showcases who he is as an artist and a person. These songs are simple and honest, anchored by his guitar prowess, warm, welcoming voice, and gift for songwriting. Reality Is is available today via ABC Music.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chrislyn Hamilton Slays With Soulful Debut Single, “It’s Over”

Chrislyn Hamilton caught the public eye as a finalist on Australian Idol and later The Voice, delivering soulful music with plenty of sass. If you loved her reality TV turns, you’ll appreciate her fiery new single “It’s Over.”

It’s amazing to think this is actually Chrislyn’s first original single, but it surely won’t be the last. It’s got a classic old-school soul sound that puts her powerful voice and feisty attitude front and centre. If you’ve ever had to pick up the pieces after the wrong relationship, this one’s bound to resonate.

Image used with permission from August MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chant du Vin @ Brokenwood Wines, Pokolbin – 1 May 2021

I’ve been thrilled there are more gigs on the concert calendar lately, but I’m also pretty selective about what I’m seeing. Rising hotel quarantine cases mean I can’t quite breathe easy, and the cooler weather makes hermitting so easy. However, I found myself venturing out on Saturday night, and I’m so glad I did. Chant du Vin is a new concert series, but hopefully it’ll be around for some time.

If like me you love the laidback vibes of winery shows but aren’t quite ready to sit among a massive crowd, Chant du Vin’s concerts are for you. Chant du Vin plays several shows in each wine region, choosing small wineries for their venues rather than the massive vineyards that host the Day on the Green events. There couldn’t have been more than 150 of us at Brokenwood Wines on Saturday night, one of four Hunter Valley shows for the event. Those of us with general admission tickets relaxed on our own picnic rugs and the chairs and beanbags organisers had thoughtfully left while the VIP ticket holders looked down from the event’s double-decker bus. A quality menu of food options and top-notch wines added to the atmosphere. Can I just say what a welcome change it is to be able to buy a bottle at any time during a winery show? Heaven!

It was like the organisers looked at my own personal wish list before booking acts for this all-acoustic night of entertainment. It’s been too long since I’ve seen Mahalia Barnes shining in the spotlight. She’s always stellar providing backing vocals for her dad, Jimmy Barnes, but I relished the opportunity to see her playing her own set. Hard Expectations was one of my favourite albums of 2018, so I was thrilled to see some of its tracks making the set. She peppered the originals with singalong classics including “I Am Woman” and “Heading in the Right Direction,” a beautiful way to pay tribute to some of the female pioneers of the Aussie music scene.

Mahalia reminisced about falling in love with Jack Jones’ music when she was just 8. I marvelled that I was only a couple of years older. Surely that makes the music of Southern Sons some of the first I fell in love with independent of my parents’ influence. The funny thing is, when he plays it doesn’t seem like more than 30 years have passed. Songs like “You Were There,” “Lead Me to Water,” and “Heart in Danger” still stand up. Jack’s voice hasn’t wearied at all over the years. When you play acoustic, there’s nowhere to hide, yet it rang out clear as a bell. He might have dismissed them as perfect toilet breaks songs, but for this fan hearing some new tracks was a real thrill.

If it was meant to be a mellow night of music, Sarah McLeod didn’t get the memo. She might have played an acoustic guitar, but her irresistible energy brought the night home strong. It was an eclectic and slightly unhinged set, featuring everything from Gershwin and Mahalia Jackson standards to solo songs and Superjesus tracks. After seeing Sarah supporting John Waite a few years ago, I had an inkling what to expect and knew just to hang on and enjoy the ride. And what a ride. She’s brilliant.

The Chant du Vin website suggested the show would finish around 9 but the artists were having none of it. They joined forces for some singalong tracks, making the show feel even more like we were just hanging with friends. I can’t remember how long it’s been since I was at an event and encouraged to sing, but gee it felt good to join in for songs like “Slipping Away” and “Proud Mary.”

As I walked back to the car at around 10, I marvelled that this show was the most relaxed I’ve felt in public since the pandemic began. We all had our own space, yet still felt like we were sharing something with the musicians and other concert-goers. I didn’t feel like reaching for my mask. I chatted happily with the people beside me. It all felt so normal and so wonderful. If you want to get in on some of that, check out Chant du Vin at one of the remaining shows. Limited tickets are still available.

6 May 2021 – Ross Hill Wines, Orange
7 May 2021 – Stockman’s Ridge Wines, Orange
8 May 2021 – Tamburlaine Wines, Borenore
9 May 2021 – JS Wines, Nashdale
13 May 2021 – Calabria Family Wines, Griffith
14 May 2021 – Lillypilly Wines, Leeton
15 May 2021 – De Bortoli Wines, Bilbul
16 May 2021 – Casella Family Wines, Yenda
20 & 21 May 2021 – Lake George Winery, Lake George
22 & 23 May 2021 – The Vintner’s Daughter, Murrumbateman

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For Pacific Avenue’s Latest Track “Easy Love”

South Coast rock act Pacific Avenue are spreading the good vibes with their latest single “Easy Love.” It’s brand new but it already feels like a classic thanks to its bold 70s-inspired guitar line and those killer harmonies.

“Whilst love can be an entirely complicated mess, it’s also the easiest thing we do,” said Pacific Avenue frontman Harry O’Brien. “Running into someone, unexpectedly at that, and finding that you don’t need to try being anyone but yourself, is a very sweet thing and is something that’s worth holding on to. Regardless of who you are, love is love, and that’s what we hope to convey through the song and the video clip.”

The retro vibes continue with the film clip, which was shot on 16mm film around the band’s hometown of Kiama. The video sees the band performing random acts of kindness in their community as they cruise around in a vintage Pontiac.

“A lot of thought and work would go into the shots as lighting and movement had to be spot on due to limited amount of film,” Harry explained. “Although it was quite a meticulous process, we managed to film the majority of the clip in one day, starting at 5 am in the morning and ending at midnight. Safe to say we were exhausted by the end.”

Pacific Avenue will leave the South Coast behind for a national tour starting later this month. Check them out at the following venues:

28 May 2021 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
29 May 2021 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
4 June 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
18 June 2021 – West Room, Brisbane
2 July 2021 – Oxford Arts, Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nicholas Hamilton Recalls US Adventure With New Single “In Line”

After starring in Hollywood blockbusters including It, It: Chapter 2, and Captain Fantastic, Australia’s Nicholas Hamilton is back on home soil and showing the depth of his artistry. The COVID-19 pandemic lured him back to Australia where he’s now focusing on his music career. His latest single “In Line” explores the emotions he felt leaving Australia and pursuing his film career in Los Angeles. Its cool bluesiness reminds me of The Black Keys while his rich tone and pop sensibility takes cues from George Ezra.

“I wrote this song just after I moved to the US. It’s all too fitting, as the song is about how I felt before and after getting on that plane to come over to the States and start my independent, adult life,” he recalled. “I was battling my own headstrong decisions about making that leap and leaving my family, friends, and childhood behind. The whole track is me singing to my brain, which was something I didn’t lean into until later on in the writing process.”

With so many global film productions moving Down Under, I think Nicholas might stick around for a while yet. Hopefully, that means music lovers might get the chance to see him live soon.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Travis Walters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Get Lost” – Mardi Wilson

Mardi Wilson came on my radar last April, with the release of “Runaway.” I’ve covered numerous singles since then, so I was thrilled to dive deep into her album, Get Lost. What I found was a collection of songs that were personal, yet so relatable from one of the country’s most promising singer-songwriters.

The songs capture moments in time, relationships that might have been fleeting, but they leave an impression nonetheless. We feel the dedication in the opening track “Give You My Time,” the poignant sadness in “Missing Me.” The upbeat groove of “Don’t Stop” helps balance the darkness of “Don’t Stop,” which so eloquently speaks of watching a loved one navigate addiction. In “Blinded By You,” Mardi captures the hazy, heady moments when attraction sparks. We see it develop into something more substantial in “Runaway,” which almost feels like a companion piece for the track that came before. “Nice Ones” is another of those happy-sad tracks, with biting lyrics paired with a rousing clap-along chorus. “Part Time Lover” is equally scathing. Mardi might sound like a sweet folk artist, but her words can wound when she wants them to.

While songs about relationships dominate this album, Mardi’s own voice shines through every track. So it’s only fitting that the final song and title track, “Get Lost” focuses on the self. It’s got a quiet strength, with Mardi’s gorgeous vocals joining acoustic guitar strums and percussion. What a powerful final statement this song provides.

Whether she’s singing about love, lust, or owning her own power, the thread of honesty runs through these songs. That starts with the lyrics, which are brave and raw, but there’s also an earthy, organic quality about these tracks that is so appealing. There doesn’t seem to be a lot of studio trickery here. Instead, you get the sense that the recordings capture jam sessions.

I’ve had Get Lost on repeat since it hit my inbox in mid-April and I think I fall a little more in love with each listen. Mardi’s voice has a warmth that draws you in, but stay with these songs a little longer and you’ll fall in love with the stories she tells and the characters in them. You’ll also find yourself humming those catchy melodies. Get Lost is available now.


Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boo Seeka and Golding Join Forces for “Don’t Waste Your Love”

Boo Seeka has teamed up with Golding for “Don’t Waste Your Love,” a guaranteed floor-filler that’ll get you geared up for the weekend ahead. These two Aussie acts are both at the top of their game and it shows in this killer collaboration. It’s got such an infectious upbeat vibe, but don’t miss the lyrics which deal with some pretty heavy stuff.

“’Don’t Waste Your Love’ came about when I was going through a tough time. I was experiencing this uncomfortable anxiety that made me feel detached from both my surroundings and my emotions,” explained Jay from Golding. “Not being able to feel the love of my family around me created a shocking, yet somehow empty feeling, to the point where it was almost a physical numbness.”

The lyrics pack a real emotional punch, but the catchy melody ensures it doesn’t weigh you down. This is dance music with heart, and I am here for it.

We’re going to hear plenty more from these guys this year, with Boo Seeka working on a new album and an EP on the way for Golding. When asked whether we might see them sharing a stage, Golding said “There could be a few appearances during some Boo Seeka sets … maybe.” It sounds like whatever happens, there are exciting times ahead!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: i.am.fraser.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

JXCKY Gets Dark With “System” Single

Melbourne-based queer pop act JXCKY is showing off his darker side with his latest single “System.” It’s moody and brooding, with a hypnotic bassline that feels so fresh. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the wrong relationship, the lyrics of “System” should really hit home.

“System marks the first time I’m dipping into that sinister, darker side of pop-rock,” JXCKY said. “The track accentuates a growing desperation for closure and the need to cleanse one’s body free from that tight, lethal grip.”

If you love what you hear, there’s more where that came from. After being stuck in lockdown in 2020, JXCKY is ready to drop plenty of new music this year.

Image used with permission from JXCKY