Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Folds Heads to the Hunter for Cellar Door Series

If like me you were pretty bummed when tickets for Ben Folds’ Sunset Piazza show sold out quickly, listen up. Ben will head to the Hunter Valley on March 20 for a special intimate Cellar Door Series show at Bimbadgen Estate.

The Cellar Door Series is a day on the green scaled-down for the pandemic. In keeping with the intimate atmosphere, Ben and his support act Gordi will play stripped-back acoustic sets. Guests will bring their own chairs and watch the show in front of the winery’s cellar door. You can still expect great music, chilled vibes, top-shelf booze, and fine food in a picturesque winery setting.

“The Cellar Door Series will ease a day on the green fans back into live music safely without compromising on quality entertainment. The concept will look different – as well as the smaller capacity, the CELLAR DOOR SERIES will start and finish earlier, with the show ending before sunset and only two artists on the bill,” explained Roundhouse Entertainment promoter Michael Newton. “Twenty years and nearly 500 shows since we launched a day on the green, it’s exciting to announce something new that will complement the a day on the green experience. We’re thrilled to be launching the series with honorary Aussie Ben Folds and look forward to announcing more Cellar Door shows around the country soon.”

We can expect more Cellar Door Series shows and venues going forward. Until then, let’s focus on this one. Bimbadgen Club, AAMI Lucky Club, and Ticketmaster members get presale access ahead of the general sale at 1pm on Friday.

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment; credit The National Symphony Orchestra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baby Animals Celebrate 30 Years Since First Album With Aussie Tour

It’s been 30 years since Baby Animals burst onto our scene with their iconic eight-times platinum ARIA Award-winning self-titled debut album. I was just 11 years old when it dropped, and I was sure Suze DeMarchi was the coolest woman on the planet. I hit play on that album again today and all the admiration I had for the band came flooding back from those first chords of “Rush You.” How has this album remained timeless through three decades? If you haven’t listened for a while, do yourself a favour. Then buy yourself some tickets for the band’s 30th Anniversary tour.

These shows promise all your favourite cuts from that killer debut, including “Early Warning,” Painless,” and “One Word.” I’ve seen the band play a few times over the past few years, and rest assured they’ve still got it. These shows will be epic.

Baby Animals will hit the road with Kingswood and stop at several capitals and major regional centres this winter. Check them out at the following shows.

25 June 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane,
16 July 2021 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 July 2021 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
24 July 2021 – Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast
6 August 2021 – The Corner, Richmond
7 August 2021 – The Croxton, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Drop Gorgeous New Single “Brother” Ahead of Album Release and Victorian Tour

I was already excited about the release of Pierce Brothers’ sophomore album Into the Great Unknown next month, but the release of a new single “Brother” has my anticipation at a fever pitch. It’s a gorgeous slow burner that explores the themes of being away from family. You can bet it’s hitting extra hard with the current Victorian lockdown in force.

The video adds some lightness to this powerful track, as Pat Pierce explains.

“We wanted to juxtapose the earnestness of the song with a bit of a piss-take,“ he said, “We went in there with the intention of playing the whole thing straight, but then when Justin (our older brother) said he could drop in, we thought it would just be way funnier if we tried to do an honest-to-God straight performance, and he just walks through and messes it up for us. We couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of it so we figured, why not?”

Pierce Brothers’ new album Into the Great Unknown drops on March 5. To celebrate its release, they’ve announced a string of shows around Victoria. With limited COVID-safe capacities, gigs are already selling out so get onto those tickets ASAP. If you’re in another state, don’t despair. The lads are planning on getting to you soon.

“In 2021 we’re planning on an entire regional Australia run!” Pat explained, “but the problem is that if we announce tickets too far in advance, there’s risk of border closures between the announce and the date of the gig. We want to avoid all postponing/cancellations of shows so this year it’s announce and GO!”

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
4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
23 April 2021 – The Espy, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blake O’Connor Drops “Willin’ and Ready” Single, Touring Eastern States

Blake O’Connor has dropped his first new music since winning the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent last year. His new song “Willin’ and Ready” is a feel-good slice of country-rock. It instantly won me over with its infectious energy.

The single came out of songwriting sessions with Aussie country power couple, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont. Superstar producer Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Bruce Springsteen) and Adam Eckersley then produced the track at Nick’s Byron Bay studio. The song’s video clip features footage from that studio session.

“It has been an awesome journey to bring this song to life,” Blake said. “From writing to recording it has been a high-energy process that really comes out in the song.” Reflecting on the lyrics he explained, “This is where I am at right now. I’m young, ambitious and I’m always on the move with my music.”

Despite COVID restrictions, Blake has been busy touring as far as he can. He’ll soon wrap up the Silver Linings tour with Sinead Burgess before heading on the road with Diesel, then playing his own solo shows. Catch him wherever you can at the following gigs.

13 February 2021 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton (with Sinead Burgess)
5 March 2021 – Centro CBD, Wollongong (with Sinead Burgess)
23 April 2021 – Coffs Golf Club, Coffs Harbour (with Diesel)
24 April 2021 – Maclean Bowls, Maclean (with Diesel)
13 May 2021 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba
14 May 2021 – Fitzys Loganholme, Loganholme (with Diesel)
16 May 2021 – The Royal, Nundah (with Diesel)
21 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (with Diesel)
22 May 2021 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote (with Diesel)
28 May 2021 – Spring Lakes Hotel, Springfield Lakes (with Diesel)
29 May 2021 – Bribie Island Hotel, Bribie Island
11 June 2021 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay (with Diesel)
12 June 2021 – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville (with Diesel)
13 June 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with Diesel)
16 June 2021 – Allenstown Hotel, Rockhampton (with Diesel)
17 June 2021 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone (with Diesel)
18 June 2021 – Bay Central Tavern, Harvey Bay (with Diesel)
25 June 2021 – Moonshiners, Tamworth
26 June 2021 – Wauchope RSL, Wauchope
1 July 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
2 July 2021 – Windsor RSL, Windsor
3 July 2021 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Swept Away By Camarano’s New Single, “Where Am I Now?”

With an easy slide guitar and cool, breezy vocals, Camarano’s new single “Where Am I Now?” has just what you need to ease into the weekend.

“This song is a stream of consciousness, it slipped out of me without my knowing, the music and lyrics all at once. To be honest I don’t really know what it’s about, it sounds like free falling,” admitted the singer-songwriter behind this project, Matt Cammarano. “If you listen closely you can hear my dog Lucy barking faintly in the background, an unintentional artefact that made it onto the piano track. It sounds like she’s trying to wake me from deep sleep. Unexpected imperfections like these are my absolute favourite part of making music.”

“Where Am I Now?” is the latest single and title track from Camarano’s forthcoming debut album, which will drop next month. I expect you’re going to hear a lot more from this Western Australian act.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Buckleys Strike Gold With “Money”

Byron Bay siblings The Buckleys have got me grooving with their feelgood new single “Money.” This is a fabulous slice of country-pop, infectious and accessible from the first listen.

The song’s actually been around for a little while, after featuring on the band’s debut album Daydream. American Songwriter actually named it among its top 20 songs of 2020. However, a new remix by Charlie Holmes has made the track feel brand new.

Daydream will soon get a new lease on life too. Look out for the deluxe version hitting stores shortly. And if you’re in Brisbane, check them out supporting Casey Barnes at Hamilton Hotel on February 12.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Summer in the Domain Back on the Agenda

After a brief postponement, Summer in the Domain is back and ready to keep those good vibes rolling through March. This COVID-safe outdoor concert series staged in Sydney’s Domain has an impressive lineup, with Vera Blue, Ball Park Music, Mallrat, Thelma Plum, Hayden James, and Client Liaison all scheduled to appear. Add in bars and food markets and you’ve got a recipe for a great night out.

Music lovers and their concert crew will enjoy their very own picnic table (pod) on the grass, so you won’t need to worry about others encroaching on your space. Four and six-person pods are available for each show.

“The Domain has a rich history of hosting events and celebrations and we want to continue to host experiences that create lifelong memories and contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities,” said Denise Ora, the chief executive of the Botanic Gardens Greater Sydney. “As an organisation we have grown accustomed to having a very robust program of festivals and iconic events so I can wholeheartedly say that everyone at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and Domain are excited to help activate the CBD with the Summer in the Domain concert series as we emerge from the impacts of this pandemic and safely come together in Sydney’s public spaces.”

Each show is limited to 2000 ticketholders to keep things COVID-safe, so don’t hesitate when tickets for the following shows go on sale at midday on February 15 through Moshtix.

18 March 2021 – Ball Park Music and Thelma Plum
19 March 2021 – Hayden James, Mallrat, and Sycco
20 March 2021 – Client Liaison, Confidence Man, and Touch Sensitive
21 March 2021 – Vera Blue with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Image used with permission from Fuzzy Events

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meadow Back in April with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Angie McMahon

If you’ve been hanging out for a proper music festival, your prayers have been answered. Meadow is heading back to Bambra, in Victoria’s Surf Coast Shire, this ANZAC long weekend. The all-Aussie lineup is stacked, with King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, Angie McMahon, Close Counters, Surprise Chef, Elizabeth, and heaps more on the bill.

Organisers are taking every precaution to keep the festival safe without impacting on the fun. It’ll be a smaller event this year, with temperature checks and basic COVID screening on arrival. Coloured wristbands will indicate your designated viewing zone. The front, middle, and back zones will rotate at the end of each day, and once between Saturday daytime and night so all festivalgoers get some time at the front. Standing, sitting, singing, and dancing are all permitted within your zone.

Meadow will take over the Bambra Bowl from April 23 to 25. To keep the event COVID-safe, tickets are limited. Get yours for $189 plus booking fee, including your car pass, now. You can bring one teen for every paying adult and as many kids under 12 for free as you like to keep the family-friendly vibes flowing.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Davey Hits a Home Run With “The Way She Does”

Mid-North Coast artist Jake Davey has served up a little slice of country-pop heaven in the form of his latest single “The Way She Does.” It’s a lot more country than the tunes I usually listen to, but I knew it was a bop when I saw my husband shaking his hips to the beat in the hallway. A real celebration of women, Jake penned the track with Canadian singer-songwriter Lydia Sutherland.

“The Way She Does” is just one of the many tracks Jake penned during the pandemic. That creative period ensures he’s got plenty of top-shelf tunes just like this in store for us in 2021.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Murray Strikes Gold With “If We Never Dance Again”

Pete Murray burst onto the music scene with the release of his debut album Feeler in 2003 and has earned acclaim from devoted fans and critics alike since that time. Except for this one. I’ve got to admit, I’ve just never warmed to his music. I’ve certainly been exposed to it; his tracks dominate radio and he’s supported my favourite singer Rob Thomas on a couple of tours. But I’ve always found his music a little pedestrian, until now. I was prepared to yawn through his latest single “If We Never Dance Again” too, but I’ve got to admit, I like it. A lot.

Pete wrote the track in Los Angeles in May 2019 with songwriter and producer Morgan Dorr.

“Morgan had the first line of the chorus written when I got to his place, which was, “If you never see my face again” and the three chords that played over this. We worked on the song all day and I even cancelled another session that I had booked in just so I could finish this song as it felt like this had so much potential,” he explained.

When Pete returned to Australia, they continued refining the track across continents to produce what you hear today. I’m so glad they stuck at it, because I honestly believe this is the best thing he’s ever done. It’s got real heart, and I love the piano instrumentation.

“If We Never Dance Again” comes from Pete’s forthcoming release, The Night EP. Will it contain more Pete Murray tracks that I actually enjoy? We’ll find out when it drops on March 5. Fans should hear some of the new material when Pete plays the following shows.

13 February 2021 – By the C @ Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
6 March 2021 – By the C @ Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla
14 March 2021 – By the C @ Catani Gardens, St Kilda
20 March 2021 – Crowd Surf @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
27 March 2021 – By the C @ City Beach Reserve, Perth

Image used with permission from On the Map PR