Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Farriss Releases Funky First Single, “All The People”

Grace Farriss is the daughter of INXS legend Andrew Farriss, so it should come as no surprise that she’s got some serious musical chops. Her first offering is “All the People,” a fun and funky little number that is just the thing we need to make the world seem brighter.

“’All The People’ came about while I was thinking deeply about the larger and more worldly aspects of life,” Grace explained. “The chord progression and rhythm of the song came first, very strongly, and then I put the melody and the lyrics over the top at the same time. I ended up singing the ‘All The People’ lyrics unknowingly and the meaning became more obvious the more the song took life.”

She’s much more than just a voice. Grace is also a songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. As if her musical talents weren’t enough, she’s releasing a book, “Poetry, Sayings and Stories” later this year. She’s also a painter, an ambassador for the Jane Goodall Institute and SeaShepherd, and she founded her own environmental institute, The Grace Earth Organisation. In addition, she’s studying her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. Is there anything this woman can’t do?

“All the People” comes from her new album, Grace, which will drop later this year. It features some of the world’s best musicians, including Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley) on drums, Joey Waronker (Beck) on drums, Abe Rounds (Andrew Bird, Meshell Ndegeocello, Birds of Prey Score) on drums, Benji Lysaght (Adele, Father John Misty) on guitar, Ralph Carney (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and the B-52’s) on saxophone, John Kirby (Solange) on keys, and Todd M. Simon (Angel City All-Star Brass Band) on horns. It definitely sounds like one to listen out for!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kita Alexander Releases Fun Single, “I Miss You, I’m Sorry”

Kita Alexander shows she’s not afraid of apologizing with her poppy new single “I Miss You, I’m Sorry.” Her latest track is a more upbeat affair than the music she typically releases, but I think this sound is just what we need to combat the current climate of bad vibes. It also comes from an honest place, just like her trademark ballads did.

“The song is very truthful, and almost word-for-word, to be honest,” she admitted. “I really looked at myself. ‘I Miss You, I’m Sorry’ is a reflection of turning inwards rather than pointing the finger at someone else. Because I’ve realised you can’t control anyone or anything. You can only control your reactions and your emotions.

“Writing this was a real experience for me,” she added. “It was an easy song to write because it came from experience. But it was hard to look in the mirror and realise you messed up. I don’t know if everyone has that epiphany, but on this occasion, I saw my mistakes and flaws.”

Crank this one and let it chase away those Monday blues!

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marvell Gets Me Excited With “19 Homes”

Sydney band Marvell is definitely on my must-see list when the pandemic is over and we’re all getting together again. Their latest track “19 Homes” has an infectious blues-rock feel that I can’t get enough of. There’s a little Kings of Leon, a little Nathan Rateliff and the Night Sweats, and a whole lot of heart in this one.

Marvell is the brainchild of brothers Max and Tom Marvell. The pair delivers emotionally raw vocals and an energetic rhythm section that just doesn’t quit. The band is keen to get out there and play for us all again. The “19 Homes” music video gives us a hint of what’s to come when they get back on stage, with footage from the very best open house. Settle in for the clip and get excited about the time when we can party with Marvell for real.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mike Waters Touches on Mental Health Struggles With “I’m Doing Fine”

The physical toll of COVID-19 dominates the headline, but most of us are more likely to suffer mentally from the pandemic. I know I’ve personally been on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster, alternating between feeling totally in control and at peace with the situation and finding myself paralysed by anxiety. In this time of uncertainty, Mike Waters’ new single “I’m Doing Fine” really resonates.

The Melbourne singer-songwriter gets honest about his own mental health struggles, including how difficult speaking up about them can be when men are taught to simply suck it up.

“It came from me telling my own story of when I was hit by a really intense bout of deep, dark depression, that I’ve never experienced before,” he explained. “I learned that the thing I needed to do to get through that was to talk to people. This song is about people who say to their friends that they are fine but on the inside they are falling apart.”

Many of us are feeling isolated right now, whether you’re under a mandated lockdown or you’re playing it safe and staying in like me. If you’re struggling, remember help is always available. I find I’m calling home more than usual and video chatting with friends, but there are also plenty of support services available if you’d rather talk to someone you don’t know. Call the following numbers for 24/7 help:

beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Double Vanity Brings the Feels With “Escalator”

Melbourne trio Double Vanity has given me chills with the release of its new track “Escalator.” The lush synths and Kate Bush-esque vocals give it a cool retro feel, but there’s an immediate emotional intensity that grounds it in the now.

“Escalator thematically questions the daily espresso grind and the linear metal stairs of a bustling escalator, appearing and disappearing like a horizontal rotisserie,” explained Double Vanity singer Zec Zechner.

The film clip is also worth a few minutes of your time. It’s the brainchild of Melbourne-born, New-York based filmmaker Stephanie Gould and local painter and performance artist Billi Lime.

“Escalator” is the latest release from Double Vanity’s full-length vinyl album, which should drop later this year. While you’re waiting for that, you can show your support and score Double Vanity T-shirts from the trio’s Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Psychic Hysteria; credit: Kalindy Williams

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Benjamin Trillado Wows Me With “Worth”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Benjamin Trillado recently released his brand new single “Worth,” and it’s the kind of song that demands a few minutes of your time.

Don’t just press play and go back to your day, or you might miss the beauty of this subtle song. It’s definitely a slow burner, but if you tune in to those lyrics and the gentle music that surrounds it, you’ll understand why I’m raving about this song. Those lyrics explore Benjamin’s need for acceptance as a queer person from the people around him and himself. It should resonate with anyone who’s struggled finding their place in the world.

“This song is about understanding your own self-value and accepting that you deserve a place in this world,” Benjamin explained. “As a queer person, I grew up struggling to come to terms with my sexuality and often resented myself for it. ‘Worth’ shares the struggles I faced in accepting myself and the empowerment that lies in embracing one’s identity. This song is a love letter to the LGBTQIA+ community and goes out to anyone who needs a reminder to love and accept themselves for who they truly are.”

This is Benjamin’s first release of the year, his follow-up to the 2019 tracks “Glue” and “First Kiss.” Hopefully it won’t be the last.

Melbourne might be in lockdown, but Benjamin won’t let that stop him playing for fans. Catch him on Instagram playing the following shows. Both virtual events start at 8 pm AEST.

30 July 2020 – Songwriters of Melbourne Live (@rsomelbourne)
31 July 2020 – Benjamin’s Kitchen (@benjamintrillado)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Locked in Lummo Releases Stellar Second Single “Main Thing”

Sydney band Locked in Lummo prove they’re no one-trick ponies with the release of their sophomore single “Main Thing.” Just like the band’s debut “Two Shoes,” this track is super catchy with irresistibly warm vocals from Hayden Smith. The four-piece insists “raw emotion” is their fifth member, and listening to the way this track builds I can’t dispute it.

“‘Main Thing’ was written from the perspective of my girlfriend as she arrives to my house feeling like I’ve been treating her like a chore and not making any space in my schedule for her. Highlighted by the lyric ‘If the screen door’s left shut, this is on, this is it,’” Hayden explained. “She’s taken it, as I haven’t even left enough time to make sure the screen door is open for her to let herself in and she will be literally left outside in the cold as I’m too busy doing other things to run to the door straight away. As I realise my actions, even though not meant to be hurtful, can still cause REAL hurt.”

I am so into everything these guys release. While it frustrates me that opportunities to see bands like this are few and far between, the music coming from Locked in Lummo is a great reminder of what awaits us when this pandemic is over. Until then, crank this one up.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Witkowski Drops Superb Single “Lucky Land”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Witkowski has knocked it out of the park again with his second single of the year “Lucky Land.” The follow-up to the fabulous “Mountain Man,” this track is an epic slow-burner that reminds me of Gang of Youths and Bon Iver. When those vocals really kick in, I swear it’ll give you chills.

Ben wrote this track two years ago after taking a “life-changing” journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

“I was sitting alone on the longest train journey in the world, watching the world go by, thinking how unbelievably lucky I was to be enjoying such a moment. Travelling through Siberia gave me time to think about what I really wanted in life, and allowed me to make some decisions to change it for the better. As we travel, not only do we get to experience new people, places, and cultures, but sometimes we also discover a new, pure side of ourselves. I wanted to capture that moment forever, and that’s how ‘Lucky Land’ was born.”

Remember travel folks? Thankfully we at least have great music like this to take us away while we’re waiting for the borders to open up again. The release of “Lucky Land” also brings us one step closer to the release of Ben’s debut EP, which should drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Ben Witkowski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

FEKI Teams Up With LANKS & Sloan Peterson For “Golden Remedy”

I knew I was going to love FEKI’s latest single “Golden Remedy” before even hearing it. When you collaborate with talented people like LANKS and Sloan Peterson, magic is bound to happen. This track’s shimmery upbeat vibe is just what we all need as the weekend approaches.

“Golden Remedy” has spontaneous energy about it, but it certainly didn’t come together quickly. In fact, it’s been percolating for three years!

“Since the original session in 2017, Feki would come back to me every few months about ‘Golden Remedy,’ and while it always ‘still wasn’t quite right’, each time it edged closer,” LANKS explained. “No one could really sum up why, but when Sloan Peterson and [mixer] Cassian came on board, it really reached its final form.”

Maybe the track was just waiting for the right time to reach the world, as FEKI acknowledged “We are in a really uncertain time right now. I hope this song gives people a bit of hope that we can get through it together.”

The final release of “Golden Remedy” is one of those cases where the waiting was certainly worthwhile!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elaskia Releases Another Pop Banger, “I Will Do Anything”

Central Coast talent Elaskia continues to impress with her latest single “I Will Do Anything.”

Hot on the heels of recent release “Calling Out My Name,” this is another impressive slice of upbeat indie-pop. It’s very reminiscent of HAIM with its melodic hooks and upbeat vibe.

Cold weather and the threat of the pandemic might loom large, but this track should help you forget all of that gloominess for a few minutes.