Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fletcher Gull Drops Poignant Single “City is Busy”

Plenty of us have felt disconnected for much of this year. Many of us couldn’t see our loved ones, and I think most of my readers are missing the buzz of connecting with strangers in music venues. With isolation weighing heavy on our minds, Fletcher Gull’s latest single “City is Busy” really strikes a nerve.

Fletcher wrote the track after a chance encounter with an old-school punk in North Melbourne.

“She talked to me for a while, telling me about how her life used to be great in the ‘80s but now the city’s busy, cold, and lonely,” he recounts. “She said she used to have fun with her friends and motorbike around Australia, but now she can’t even sit on the street without getting fined or arrested. She was tired of everything and old with nothing to look forward to, just waiting to be crucified.”

It’s a sad story, but one that’s balanced beautifully by Fletcher’s pop sensibility and the nostalgic lyrics.

“This video features Fletcher as a salesman. I like the idea of an old-school salesman as a life disrupter,” explained the clip’s director Theo Miller. “They’re like preachers, people who knock on your door and call your life into question. I like the boldness of that. I see a bit of that in the song, it’s bold and direct, like a Jehovah’s Witness but not as exclusive.”

It’ll probably be a while before we see Fletcher Gull on stage in the busy city of Melbourne he calls home, but until then make sure you give his Facebook page a follow. He’s been posting some great live videos of new music to come.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paige Valentine Wows Me With “Fool”

Perth singer-songwriter Paige Valentine has given me goosebumps this morning with her latest track “Fool.” It’s full of heartbreak and angst, but its summery sound gives it a hopefulness that balances the dark. The lyrics are direct and relatable and Paige’s voice has such an alluring tone.

“‘Fool’ was very much written as a continuation from the story of my first single, ‘Pure’,” she explained. “It examines the complex and melancholy journey through heartbreak, questioning whether the reward was ever worth the risk. It explores the feelings of unkept promises and unfinished plans, while also remembering the nostalgic warmth of a past connection.”

Live music is back in full force in Western Australia. If you’re lucky enough to live there, catch Paige Valentine at the following shows.

11 December 2020 – Assembly Yard, Fremantle (with Riley Pearce)
20 December 2020 – Clancy’s, Dunsborough (FREE)
21 December 2020 – The Quill Collective, Vasse (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Epiphonetics” – Shayne Cook

I’ve meant to write about Shayne Cook’s Epiphonetics for a while, but something always stopped me. I wrote at length how much the singles, “The Stawell Gift” and “Matters of the Heart” impressed me, so I wondered whether there was anything left to say. Yet something kept drawing me back to this album. The more I felt the pull, the more I realised I needed to tell you all what an amazing release this is.

“The Stawell Gift” and “Matters of the Heart” hinted at the eclectic sounds we might find on this album. The first is the album’s opener, a haunting track with a rock edge that instantly captivates you and makes you ache to hear more. “Matters of the Heart” is lighter and folkier. It comes much later, a sunny spot in the darkness which gives the listener a chance to catch their breath.

Listening to this album isn’t just about listening to a string of singles. Every song makes sense in its context. They’re personal tracks, exploring the life of Shayne Cook’s father, but you don’t need to know him to appreciate this music. With so many different sounds here, from the emotionally urgent, rock-tinged “Blood” to the tender “Restless Lovers,” there should be something for everyone to latch on to. While this album plays with different genres, Shayne’s voice is a compelling constant. It reminds me a little of Jeff Buckley’s, with its seemingly effortless ability to travel anywhere and touch the heart.

In the digital age, the way so many people listen to music has changed. They download the singles and discard the rest, they shuffle and skip and rarely sit with the album as a whole. Epiphonetics takes me back to a time before all that, a time when you’d press play or lower the stylus and immerse yourself in every song to come. I encourage you to press play on Epiphonetics and just let it be, experience each and every song in the order Shayne Cook intended. I know you won’t be disappointed.

Images used with permission from Annie Johnsson Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliott Releases Emotional New Single “Home”

Eliott wowed me with her last track “Circles,” and she’s serving up the goods again with her latest single “Home.” It’s a poignant ballad which homesickness she felt after months touring and writing abroad and just how good it feels to reconnect with everything that’s familiar to you. While the song was recorded long before the introduction of border restrictions, the song hits a little differently during the pandemic.

“I think there are so many people at the moment who are away from their home and haven’t seen their family in months,” Eliott said. “I think it’ll really connect with people because of that, but I also hope it makes people take a step back and reflect on the special times they’ve had with their families and really appreciate it.”

The song’s already emotional, but the music video takes the intensity up a notch. It shows Eliott’s family hearing the song for the first time, after they’d spent so many months away from her.

“Home” is so special, but that video is just the cherry on top. Apparently, Eliott has spent the year hard at work on new music, so hopefully this is the first of many new releases we’ll hear in the coming months.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dreggs Soothe the Soul With “Keepsake”

Sunshine Coast duo The Dreggs have been spreading more good vibes of late. The release of their last single “Call Me Home” was one of the pandemic’s highlights, and now they’re one of the first bands taking their music to the masses with an extensive tour. Those shows coincide with the release of their latest single “Keepsake,” which has definitely won my heart. Those dreamy nostalgia-drenched lyrics, gorgeous vocals, easy acoustic guitar sounds, I’m all about it.

“Keepsake is a track touching on the beauty of vulnerability and the importance of allowing people into our lives, regardless of whether they bring us pain or joy,” the band explained. “The act of wearing someone’s heart ‘like a keepsake’ is playing on the idea of wearing a sentimental object, such as a pocket watch or a pendant from a loved one.”

There are still a few dates left on The Dreggs’ “Keepsake” tour. Catch them at the following venues. Make sure you call ahead to check tickets are still available given COVID restrictions.

4 December 2020 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
6 December 2020 – Miami Marketta, Miami
10 December 2020 – The Factory, Sydney
12 December 2020 – The Jive Bar, Adelaide
18 December 2020 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Ditto Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Home” – Ben Witkowski

2020 might have put us through the emotional wringer, but it’s been an incredible year for art. We might not have been able to see our favourite performers in the flesh, but the lockdown has forced many musicians to slow down and get introspective. That is a recipe for songwriting gold. “Home,” the debut EP from Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Witkowski, is the latest lockdown-inspired release to capture my heart.

The EP’s name has two meanings for Ben. Of course, there is the physical place, the four walls that made us feel safe, yet imprisoned when the pandemic struck. But home is much more than that, as he explained.

“In 2020 I was feeling very lost with myself and my identity. I thought about the places where I felt most comfortable, relaxed, and the truest version of myself. These feelings didn’t necessarily come from when I thought about the house that I lived in. They were more from a whole range of experiences in my life. Experiences like when I was travelling and exploring through my incredible home country of Australia; when I was with my family, friends, and intimate relationships; and when I was discovering things about my identity by taking chances and embracing the adventure of life. With so many people taking 2020 to reassess what makes them truly feel at ‘home,’ everything just felt right to release these tracks together under that name.”

These folk songs are powerfully understated. The power comes not from big belty vocals or dramatic instrumental sounds, but from incredible, honest songwriting. Ben’s vocals are raw and heartfelt. His phrasing is deliberate, ensuring we don’t miss a word. His lyrics take center stage, cradled by beautiful piano melodies on “Who I Am” and “Rosemary,” by the delicate strains of an acoustic guitar on “Don’t Look Down.”

There’s no filler here. Every song on this five-track collection feels so cathartic. It gives voice to the experiences so many of us have had this year. It also showcases what a special talent Ben Witkowski is.

“Home” is available on all major digital platforms now.

Images used with permission from Ben Witkowski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get “Sentimental” With Eliza & The Delusionals

Eliza & The Delusionals are sparking indie-rock nostalgia with their latest single “Sentimental.” Their first release since March’s A State of Living in an Objective Reality EP, the track has that late ‘90s, early noughties cool laidback sensibility that I’m really vibing.
The band has worked with some heavy hitters on the release of “Sentimental.” They co-wrote the track with our own Sarah Aarons (Cosmo’s Midnight, Childish Gambino) and U.S. songwriter and producer John Hill (WAFIA, Portugal. The Man). Producer/engineer Dylan Adams (DMA’s, Skeggs, Troy Sivan) also played his part in the song’s sound.

This song came out of a weird time for the band. “Just Exist” earned enough airplay in the U.S. for the band to lock in their first American festival slots and solo gigs, and then COVID-19 hit. Not a band that’s willing to wallow, this song and other new material came out of a desire to keep moving forward musically, despite the odds.

“We’re super proud of this song, it’s one of our favourites to date,” confirmed frontwoman Eliza Klatt. “Kurt started playing some chords in a tuning he made on the tour bus. We knew we were going in for a writing session, so after coming up with a few ideas around the chords, we brought it into the studio with Sarah and John, and they really helped bring it to life. After having a few months of listening to the demo over and over, myself and Kurt added a bridge and the other parts before taking it into the studio with Ruby and Tex to record it.”

From the sound of things, we’re going to hear a lot more from Eliza & The Delusionals in the near future. And that is a verry good thing.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kinkora Slows it Down for “You Got Me”

Unseasonably warm weather calls for a soundtrack that’s sultry and soulful. Melbourne chanteuse Kinkora has you covered with her latest single “You Got Me.” It’s a lot more low-key than her up-tempo debut “Set You Free,” but that shift in sound shows us another side of this super talented singer. The sparse arrangement also lets her voice shine. And what a voice it is. If you loved female R’n’B acts of the ‘90s like Aaliyah and Brandy, this is going to be right up your alley.

Kinkora penned the lyrics to thank the people who helped her through some hard times.

“I’ve dealt with pretty full-on anxiety for a long time. The song is primarily a thank you to my partner who has supported me and provided me with so much love and care during challenging times – and also to my family/friends who are always there for me. It’s a song rooted in gratitude,” she explained.

Kinkora should drop more new music really soon, so keep your ears out for that!

Image used with permission from Kinkora

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The 2020 ARIA Awards Wrap-Up

Judging by the fairly dismal ratings, it seems many of you missed the 2020 ARIA Awards last night. These nights are rarely ratings bonanzas, but there’s always some gold amongst the broadcast. I was also fascinated to see how this year’s awards would function given the current global pandemic. Funnily enough, crosses to artists around the country and a virtual mosh pit felt more natural than that year outside the Opera House. I could have done without the international acts, but I suppose they added a bit of glamour to proceedings.

Tame Impala continued their winning run, taking home five awards including album of the year. Major props to Sampa the Great who no doubt raised her profile with three ARIA wins. On a personal note, I was thrilled to see Miiesha take home the best soul/R&B release for Nyaaringu, one of my favourite releases of the last year.

I think the ARIA awards are a great platform for helping the average Australian catch up with the local music scene. Performances from Lime Cordiale and Amy Shark were especially stellar. But there were two moments for me that really hit my heart. Watching Archie Roach taking his place in the ARIA Hall of Fame, hearing him sing “Took the Children Away” with Paul Kelly, Linda Bull, and other real talents was so moving. The final number, a tribute to Helen Reddy, brought Australia’s leading female artists together for her feminist anthem “I Am Woman.” Generations of strong Aussie female performers were represented, from Marcia Hines and Kate Ceberano to Tones & I and Montaigne. A video wall brought more famous voices into the chorus. This was packed, and as a woman I’ve got to admit I got a little misty by all that strong feminine energy.

If you missed the show, I encourage you to check out these performances if nothing else. And listen to those albums and songs celebrated this year. Here are all the winners:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Tame Impala – The Slow Rush
BEST MALE ARTIST: Archie Roach – Tell Me Why
BEST FEMALE ARTIST: Sampa The Great – The Return
BEST DANCE RELEASE: Dom Dolla – San Frandisco
BEST GROUP: Tame Impala – The Slow Rush
BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST: Lime Cordiale – 14 Steps To A Better You
BEST POP RELEASE: Amy Shark – Everybody Rise
BEST HIP HOP RELEASE: Sampa The Great – The Return
BEST SOUL/R&B RELEASE: Miiesha – Nyaaringu
BEST INDEPENDENT RELEASE: Sampa The Great – The Return
BEST ROCK ALBUM: Tame Impala – The Slow Rush
BEST ADULT CONTEMPORARY ALBUM: Archie Roach – Tell Me Why
BEST COUNTRY ALBUM: Fanny Lumsden – Fallow
BEST HARD ROCK/HEAVY ALBUM: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Chunky Shrapnel
BEST BLUES & ROOTS ALBUM: The Teskey Brothers – Live At The Forum
BEST CHILDREN‘S ALBUM: Teeny Tiny Stevies – Thoughtful Songs for Little People
BEST COMEDY RELEASE: Anne Edmonds – What‘s Wrong With You?
BEST VIDEO: Guy Sebastian – Standing With You
BEST AUSTRALIAN LIVE ACT: Amy Shark – Amy Shark Regional Tour
SONG OF THE YEAR: 5 Seconds Of Summer – Teeth
BEST INTERNATIONAL ARTIST: Harry Styles – Fine Line
BEST COVER ART: WASHINGTON – Batflowers
ENGINEER OF THE YEAR: Kevin Parker for Tame Impala – The Slow Rush
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: Kevin Parker for Tame Impala – The Slow Rush
BEST CLASSICAL ALBUM: Richard Tognetti & Erin Helyard – Beethoven & Mozart Violin Sonatas
BEST JAZZ ALBUM: Paul Kelly & Paul Grabowsky – Please Leave Your Light On
BEST ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK OR MUSICAL THEATRE CAST ALBUM: Chelsea Cullen – I Am Woman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
BEST WORLD MUSIC ALBUM: Joseph Tawadros – Live at the Sydney Opera House

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LUPA J Wows Me With “This Suburb” From Latest Album

LUPA J’s new album To Breathe Underwater is out now, a fascinating collection of songs that showcase the diversity of this daring Aussie artist. It’s such an eclectic mix of tracks created during the COVID lockdown. Even when the tracks don’t resonate with me (and on such a diverse album, I think it’s hard to please everyone all the time) I appreciate LUPA J’s bold bravery.

The track that’s hit me hardest is the current single, “This Suburb.” It’s a lot quieter and more introspective than most of the tracks on this album, which ensures it really stands out.

“‘This Suburb’ is one of the most raw and vulnerable songs I’ve ever made. It sits a little outside my ‘usual’ pop-dance style but I think it might be my personal favourite on the album. I don’t always feel up to being so lyrically honest and emotional, sometimes I just want to make techno tracks with little to no vocals – but when I feel capable & ready of writing a song like this it’s a really incomparable, cathartic experience,” they explained. “This one still makes me teary to listen to sometimes – it’s about the intensity of an attachment that’s to not only a person but a place and a life you’ve become so wrapped up in together.”

LUPA J worked closely with Kat Silverosa to translate her musical vision into a gorgeous music video.

“While writing the song I had all this fantastical imagery in my head of a body becoming one with a place, almost like this singular organism, as seen in the chorus lyrics:

I’ve grown to love this suburb
My skin is a sticky sap
It’s grown into your walls
And around the vines out the back

Kat Silverosa, the video director, translated this into a really beautiful stop motion style concept where we used paint and liquid to visually meld me into a space. I’m very proud of how it turned out.”

To Breathe Underwater is a dynamic listening experience, but if you’re short on time make sure you at least check this song out. It’s really something special.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency