Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Queensland Talent Turn Out for Homeless Youth at Youturn IT UP! Show

Tia Gostelow, Shag Rock, Sametime, and Toxic Fox are coming together to support the Sunshine Coat’s homeless youth with a benefit concert on April 11. Youturn IT UP! will raise money for local charity Youturn Youth Support.

“We did our research and we loved that Youturn is a local, grassroots charity who are focused on supporting young people on the Sunshine Coast, and in SE Queensland,” explained Tim and Sam from Sametime, who are also ambassadors for the charity. “They have a passionate team, who are really dedicated to making a difference to the vulnerable people in their care, as artists and musicians, we hope to use our time and talent to help raise Youturn’s profile and the amazing work they are doing.”

Youturn IT UP! is the first in a series of benefit concerts designed to raise money and awareness of youth homelessness and bring the community together for a great time. It hits Night Quarter on the Sunshine Coast on April 11. Get your tickets now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dean Lewis Back in the Spotlight With “Falling Up”

Dean Lewis set such a high bar with his debut album a Place We Knew. It attracted attention all over the world. Suddenly he was hitting stages like Lollapalooza, Isle of Wight, and Splendour in the Grass. Household names like Ellen Degeneres and Jimmy Kimmel were clamouring to get him on their shows. After enjoying such a meteoric rise, everyone wondered what he’d do next. We finally have our answer with the release of “Falling Up,” the first single lifted from Dean’s sophomore album.

Dean doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, and nor should he. This track is emotive and relatable. We might never have experienced Dean’s particular struggles, but we certainly know the feelings of anxiety and isolation he sings about. This song feels accessible from the get-go because it’s a catchy pop song with real heart.

“I always thought I would be happy when I finished school or when I passed an exam, or I got a job or a promotion or if I went travelling and then I was like – ‘ooh, now I have a record deal, what if I have a big song? Then, I had a big song, and I was on the road for three years and when I stopped, I realised it had all passed me by and I was actually less present and more anxious and stressed than ever,” he admitted. “I looked back on my life and at all of these points along the way and I realised that I’ve never felt any better, it’s always been onto the next thing, always moving.”

Dean hasn’t announced when that new album will drop, but this single is sure to get people excited about its imminent release.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Darren Craig

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“into the great unknown” – Pierce Brothers

I’ve followed the career of Pierce Brothers since Jack and Patrick Pierce hit the scene in 2014. The brothers take a slow and steady approach to creating music; it took four years for them to release their debut album Atlas Shoulders, and they’ve only just released the follow-up, into the great unknown. That thoughtful, considered approach is an anomaly in an industry where it seems everyone is looking out for the next big thing. But as a music fan, I appreciate the time the duo takes. It ensures when those albums do drop, they’re special from start to finish.

You won’t find any filler tracks here. So many albums seem to exist simply as a way to bundle singles together, but that’s not the case here. The singles “dentist,” “brother,” and “kanko” sound fabulous of course, but there’s much more to dive into. Releasing several tracks prior to the album’s release ensures this music feels familiar from the first listen, but I didn’t find myself waiting for those songs. I was having too much fun discovering the rest of these tunes.

Pierce Brothers recorded this album in regional Victoria, between the state’s two lockdown periods. Travel was clearly on their mind; songs such as “white caps,” “la montagne,” and “lights of London take us on a journey. We might not visit Europe or the UK or marvel at snow-capped mountains in a foreign land any time soon, but through this music we can experience some of the romance and sense of adventure international travel provides. Most of the material is joyous, the kind of fun folky stuff that inspires you to clap along and stomp your feet. But the brothers show us a darker underbelly through tracks including the instrumental “reflecteur,” “trouble,” and the cutting “trouble.”

into the great unknown is a natural evolution for Pierce Brothers. It showcases a bigger sound, with female backing vocalists and string arrangements complementing their sublime sibling harmonies and acoustic guitar melodies. However, the duo hasn’t strayed too far from what drew me to their music back in 2014. This album is entirely self-funded and released 100% independently, ensuring the duo’s collective voice remains strong. into the great unknown took some time, but it proves the old adage that good things come to those who wait.

into the great unknown is out now. Catch Pierce Brothers at their upcoming shows:

20 March 2021 – The Old Coal Mine “The Shed,” Wonthaggi (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2021 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
27 March 2021 – Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
1-4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
17 April 2021 – Birregurra Mechanics Hall, Birregurra
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, South Geelong
23 April 2021 – Hotel Esplanade, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
2 May 2021 – Live @ Lamberts, Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chess @ Civic Theatre, Newcastle – 27 February 2021

Last weekend marked one year since my pre-pandemic concerts. I stayed over in Sydney and caught Conchita Wurst and Jonathan Van Ness’s shows without a care in the world. Coronavirus must have been bubbling overseas, but we were oblivious to it as we filed into packed inner-city venues. Last weekend marked the first time I really felt like the world was returning to that level of normal, for most people anyway. If not for the QR codes checking in to the Civic Theatre and an announcement that masks were recommended, we might have forgotten the pandemic existed. Outside my party, I didn’t spot anyone heeding the Civic’s suggestions, even while crowding into the theatre. While the Art House left vacant rows down the front when I saw Rent, it seemed like a full house. Certainly, people weren’t afraid to whoop and cheer loudly when the curtain went up for this production of Chess.

I went into Chess blindly, tagging along with my eager parents simply because I didn’t want to be left out. However, I was quickly swept up in this story of international chess rivals and the woman they both loved. Silvie Paladino was a revelation for me. I knew she had vocal chops through her annual performances at carols, but I wasn’t prepared for her charisma and command of the role. I didn’t know much about David Harris, who local talent who splits his time between Sydney and New York, but he can see why he’s in demand on Broadway. What a voice. Australian Idol alum Marty Worrall definitely held his own playing opposite the people with their faces on the poster. He’s so captivating and cool, the perfect Freddie Trumper.

This was the biggest production I’ve seen since the pandemic hit. While Rent’s major characters are supported by a relatively small ensemble, Chess’s cast was backed by a massive choir. An orchestra on stage was inspired. I’ve never seen that before, but I’d love to see more of it. What the band does is so crucial to a musical, the players deserve better than being hidden away. But it did make for a lot of bodies on stage, another hint that Australia is feeling more relaxed.

This production was originally scheduled for late March 2020, so it was a long time coming. I won’t say Chess was my favourite musical, but for a couple of hours, it let me forget what the world had gone through in the last 12 months. International travel is off the table until who knows when, but this production transported me to Italy, to the Soviet Union … we even got a night in Bangkok. It was colourful, romantic, and above all entertaining.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cook up Serves Up Hot New Aussie Music Online

Trouble Juice and baked have joined forces for cook up, a new live music platform dedicated to bringing you some of the freshest new Aussie acts. The content comes thick and fast from these guys. Just a couple of days ago they dropped a video of Hachiku performing “I’ll Probably Be Asleep” at Milk! Records. This evening they’re releasing a video of Chitra performing “Better Than Before” live from Our Golden Friend HQ. You’ll see these artists and others cook up shares in the coming weeks at the Brunswick Music Festival.

There’s a lot to love here. Regular content is always good, especially right now when there’s not nearly enough live music around. They’re showcasing diverse local artists who really need a platform right now. And they’re taking the time to really explore what these artists are about. Interviews on the Instagram page complement the videos on Facebook.

Make sure you hit those follow buttons so you can keep up to date with all the great content from cook up!

Image used with permission from Trouble Juice

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Here, Now” – Jessie Monk

When I heard Jessie Monk’s single “Lonesome Winter Blues” last month, I couldn’t wait to hear more of her material. Now that her EP Here, Now is out in the world, I can finally get my fix. My expectations were high, but this beautiful five-track release has certainly satisfied them.

We open with “Maybe in Another Life,” a song that really showcases how well Jessie can tell a story through song. You can feel the longing as you listen to this beautiful song about two people who never act on their attraction because he’s attached. “Dark Café” paints another vivid picture, this time of the life of a waitress with big dreams. It’s a cliché on paper — we’ve all heard the tale before — but the specific details Jessie includes makes this familiar story feel brand new. Listening to “Lonesome Winter Blues” again, I’m reminded just how much it impressed me the first time around. It really is such a beautiful song, the perfect showcase of just what Jessie is all about.

The EP moves into a quieter, more reflective space with “Turns Out I’m Someone Else.” It’s one of the most subtle tracks on the EP, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll really appreciate its beauty. The title track “Here, Now” is another gentle number. Jessie’s vocals are flawless throughout this EP, but I was particularly struck by her performance on this song. It’s so beautiful, like a siren’s song drawing listeners in and encouraging them to really pay attention to every word of this EP closer. The words, which emphasise the importance of living in the moment, really resonate in these uncertain times.

I made the comparison before, but I couldn’t help thinking about how Jessie Monk might be Australia’s answer to Joni Mitchell. Just like Joni, her voice seems effortless, moving from lush lows to her higher register with seeming ease. No matter where she takes it, it’s always pure and beautiful. Like Joni too, Jessie is such a gifted songwriter. Her lyrics are like poetry, with such perfect details that bring her characters to life for us. If Jessie Monk isn’t already on your radar, make Here, Now the release that changes all that.

Images used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Michael Gudinski

Like so many Australians, I’m reeling at the news that Michael Gudinski has passed away. He died peacefully in his sleep overnight at 68. What he crammed into those 68 years forever changed the Australian music landscape.

He founded Mushroom Records when he was just 20, providing a platform for artists we now call household names including Jimmy Barnes, Kylie Minogue, Archie Roach, Paul Kelly, The Choirboys, The Saints, and loads more. It became the country’s largest independent entertainment group.
At age 26 he launched Frontier Touring. It became Australia’s leading tour promotion company, helping local artists zigzag the country and bringing leading international acts to our shores. Right now Frontier Touring is behind some of the biggest upcoming shows, including concerts by Midnight Oil, Eskimo Joe, and the legends on the APIA Good Times bill.

When COVID ground the music industry to a standstill, he rose to the challenge again. He was behind platforms including Music From the Home Front, The Sound, and The State of Music which put local artists in loungerooms across the country. He made sure the show really did go on, against all odds.
Michael Gudinski championed our artists like no other, and he will be greatly missed.

Image source: Eva Rinaldi Celebrity Photographer @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

TikTok Sensation Peach PRC Drops Debut Single “Josh”

Peach PRC has attracted a legion of fans on TikTok since launching her channel in 2019, but with recent deals with Republic Records and Island Records Australia, it’s time for the rest of the country to fall in love with her. Peach PRC is making a strong statement with her debut single “Josh.” If you’ve ever had an ex you’d rather keep in the past, this shimmery, sassy pop track is for you.

“I’ve been wanting to put out this song forever,” she said. “It’s very special to me because it captured a real moment. I was a bit down when I was writing one day. My ex, Josh, kept calling me over and over again. He called all of the time because he was trying to get back with me. I thought I had blocked him though. Since he didn’t stop bothering me, I wrote the song about him. It’s a true story, but it’s still meant to be fun and colorful.”

Peach PRC already has more than 1.2 million TikTok followers and her videos have been streamed on the channel more than 10 million times. However, on listening to her latest song, I think she’s got real crossover appeal. Expect to hear a lot more about this Aussie talent in the coming months.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Imogen Wilson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Spreads Good Vibes With “Only Thing Missing”

Guy Sebastian delivers another pop masterclass with the release of his latest single “Only Thing Missing.” Lifted from last year’s number one album T.R.U.T.H., it’s an effortlessly cool blend of pop and R’n’B, with a laidback funky groove and upbeat vibes. Just try listening to this one without a smile on your face.

“I wrote ‘Only Thing Missing’ on a songwriting camp in the thick of lockdown. It was one of the first virtual songwriting camps I had been a part of so it was a new way to write, which was actually exciting,” Guy explained. “For this session, I was in my home studio in Sydney and streaming online with Trevor and Zaire of The Orphanage, who were in LA. We started by building the track which was really fun, and we were loving the vibe and verses, but the chorus was taking time to come.”

Add the track to your Spotify or Apple Music library and you could win a signed Guy Sebastian puzzle. Guy will tour his T.R.U.T.H. album later this year. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows:

4 November 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
5 November 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
6 November 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast
10 November 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
12 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
13 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
14 November 2021 – Aware Super Theatre @ ICC Sydney, Sydney
17 November 2021 – Bendigo Stadium, Bendigo
19 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
20 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
21 November 2021 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne
22 November 2021 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
24 November 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
26 November 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
30 November 2021 – Cairns Convention Centre, Cairns
1 December 2020 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nothing Sleepy About Sachém’s New Single “ZZZ’s”

I knew Sachém’s new single “ZZZ’s” was something special from the moment that Donny Hathaway sample kicked in. It’s an insightful track with some fantastic rhymes exploring the importance of self-belief.

“The song ‘Zzz’s’ is a story of self-realisation told through the perspective of a young indigenous man stuck in the whirlwind of modern day life,” Sachém said, adding that he hopes people listening to this single will understand that”the frustrations we project outward, are just reflections of ourself. We must go within to find the answer and to find our peace.”

Sachém recently tore up the stage at the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl. Keep your ear to the ear to the ground because you’ll want to be wherever he’s playing next.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music