Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chris Tamwoy Rerecords “Kulba Yaday” With Original Artist, Christine Anu

Up-and-coming singer-songwriter Chris Tamwoy has joined living treasure Christine Anu for a beautiful new version of her song “Kulba Yaday.” I must admit, I wasn’t familiar with the original but I’m glad it’s on my radar now. It’s such a calming, soul-nourishing track. Listen out for backing vocals from another emerging artist, Tania-Rose Gibuma.

“Kulba Yaday” means “old talk” in Christine’s mother language, Kalaw Kawaw Ya. The song takes the listener through a journey of the traditions and culture of the people of Torres Strait.

“Kulba Yaday is one of my personal favourites,” Chris explained. “I come from a very big family that are music lovers and majority of them play instruments and sing songs. In this case, Kulba Yaday has always been a ‘go to’ song to sing and jam along to.

“Torres Strait language is a vital part of growing up; it’s what paints our identity as First Nations Australians. The conversations I have with my old people, old people being my Elders, are generally focused on preparing me for the challenges that lie ahead. ‘Kulba Yaday’, meaning ‘old talk’ by ‘Kulba Mabaygal’ meaning ‘old people’ is the foundation to our life. The ‘old talk’ contains messages of wisdom and understanding to assist us in the future to become better men and women. It holds the answers to questions that we will ask ourselves later down the track.”

When Christine heard Chris wanted to record the song, she jumped at the chance to help out. She’s a real fan, calling him an artist who “should be celebrated for an individuality, his uniqueness.” Like Christine, I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from Chris Tamwoy.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Releases Stand-Out Second Single, “(Shit) Love Story”

I was a big fan of SoSo’s debut single “Henry Lawson Jive,” so I’m thrilled to see the lads back with “(Shit) Love Story.” There’s no second single syndrome here. Just like their first effort, this track with brimming with energy. It’s got an epic sound, full of angst and big guitars.

“About 6-7 years ago I was in a relationship with someone that I saw myself being with for a lifetime. When she ended it out of nowhere, it did some serious damage emotionally, some of which I’m still dealing with,” lead vocalist and songwriter Rhys de Burgh explained of the song’s inspiration. It’s about me coming to terms with what happened and trying to figure out why the hell I’m still so caught up on something from so long ago (hence the ‘sorry, just a shit love story’ lyric). The end of the track is a bit of a resolve – me beginning to understand that she’s a different person now. I’ve grown over the years whereas, she’s stayed the same and whatever we were originally never would or could be again.”

Until they can get back on stage and launch these singles properly, SoSo has been livestreaming some shows via Facebook. Give the SoSo Facebook page a follow to see the next one!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem Slays With New Single “Keep Climbing”

I’m not sure we’ve ever needed music from perfect sweet angel Delta Goodrem more than we do right now. Her latest single “Keep Climbing” is the ideal inspirational torch ballad for the times, complete with a gospel choir.

Delta let her fans hear it first during one of her Bunkerdown Sessions before unleashing it on all your favourite digital platforms. The sessions are a way of connecting to her fans and inspiring them to move forward, just like this song tries to do.

“I’d like this song to remind people to not be afraid to find the strength when they feel stuck between where they are and where they want to go. To find that part in you to keep climbing and to continue to believe that it will lead you to that next moment in your life,” she explained.

The next installment of the Bunkerdown Sessions goes live on Delta’s Facebook page tonight at 6:30 pm AEST. Give her a follow and check it out!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caravana Sun’s Ant Beard Launches Caspia

Caravana Sun bassist and vocalist Ant Beard has gone solo with a brand new musical project Caspia. His debut single under the new moniker is “Alone,” a track penned pre-pandemic but so perfect for these crazy times we’re still living in. The song’s vulnerable lyrics explore our need for human connection and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

“We knew we had to write and record this song true to its meaning,” Ant explained about his creative process with producer Joel Quartermain. “From the exposed and honest lyrics, delicate piano parts to the reckless electronic chorus, ‘Alone’ doesn’t hold back and I love that. Songwriting for me has always been the pursuit to understand myself and my relationship with the world. My passion for deep and heartfelt conversation pours out into my sound as each word falls through the piano, drifting off into some analogue synth line.”

Ant said he was influenced sonically by German composer Nils Frahm, but his music has also drawn comparisons to James Blake and Rufus du Sol. If you like any of that, I think “Alone” will be right up your alley.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Washington Releases Quirky Pop Banger, “Dark Parts”

There’s not a lot we can depend on right now. One thing you can count on is that Washington’s music will always be left of centre, yet always hit the mark. Her latest single “Dark Parts” is a pop song written in 7/8 time for goodness sakes, but somehow it makes total sense.

The track celebrates those honest relationships where people can be all parts of themselves. It’s a song that takes more than a few left turns, so strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. The very cool lyric video features Washington’s own art.

“Dark Parts” gives us our first taste of all the new music Washington has in store for us this year. She’ll release a new album later this year, her first since 2014. You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tobi Tobi Transports Listeners With “Cast Away”

I’ve got goosebumps listening to “Cast Away,” the latest single from Melbourne act Tobi Tobi. It’s got an ethereal dreamlike quality that transports listeners away from the harsh realities of life to a much calmer, more beautiful place. With the world in chaos and borders closed, I think that musical escapism is just what so many of us need right now.

This is only Tobi Tobi’s second single, but their previous act Private Life did amazing things including supporting Garbage and Sticky Fingers. With beautiful songs like this in their arsenal, I can only imagine this new incarnation will go a long way.

Image used with permission from the A & R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Releasing a Song a Month & New EP

The coronavirus pandemic may have halted touring plans, but Bootleg Rascal isn’t being idle. The Sydney duo is in the studio hard at work on a new EP, aptly titled Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents ’19. The band will release one track from the EP every month, starting with the very cool jam “We Independent.”

“’We Independent’ is a track we wrote inspired by starting to remove ourselves from a toxic situation,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “Initially, we were unsure how to break away from it, but sometimes you have to say enough is enough and follow your intuition. We’re so glad we took that leap of faith and couldn’t be heading in a better direction because of taking that risk.”

While Bootleg Rascal is having fun in the studio, the duo is also anticipating getting back among the fans. East Coast capital shows were pushed back to September while an appearance at Big Pineapple Musical Festival will now hopefully happen in November. Here are all the new dates for your concert calendar!

18 September 2020 – Howler, Brunswick
25 September 2020 – Marrickville Recreation and Bowling Club, Marrickville
26 September 2020 – Woolly Mammoth Alehouse, Fortitude Valley
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Music Festival, Woombye

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Nyaaringu” – Miiesha

I always believe we find music at the right time in our lives. Miiesha could never have known how much the systemic racism of black people here and abroad would be in the spotlight when she planned to release her album Nyaaringu. It’s a beautiful serendipity that in doing so she released the album we need to hear right now.

Miiesha is a proud Pitjantjatjara/Torres Strait Islander woman from Woorabinda in Central Queensland. She called her album Nyaaringu because that means “what happened” in her traditional language. Her songs address so much of what has happened throughout history and her lifetime. It’s an album about racial and cultural identity, about community, and about truth.

“Caged Bird” is such a powerful introduction. The production is pared back, ensuring we can hear every lyric from Miiesha. Her modern voice is complemented so beautifully by the native dialect of her backup singers, their voices supporting hers in the quiet.

Interludes between the songs add other voices to the mix. We hear the wisdom of her late grandmother, the white privileged tone-deaf voice of former prime minister Tony Abbott. These voices create a more complete picture of the issues this album touches on.

Despite the album’s name, this is a really contemporary album. Miiesha’s voice sits over electronic beats. While we hear a little traditional language, most of the album is in English. That gives her music an accessibility, ensuring the message gets through.

You can certainly groove around the house to Miiesha’s music. She’s got a great sound, such a rich voice with a beautiful tone. But she’s also got an awful lot to say that we really should hear. Lines like “Survival ain’t that beautiful, I just make it look this good for you” from “Black Privilege” and “I could be the sum of more than just something that I could control” from “Hold Strong” will stay with me.

We’ve heard it so often over the last week or so, but it bears repeating: take the time to listen. If you’ve resolved to educate yourself on the issues and hear more black voices this week, Miiesha’s Nyaaringu is the perfect place to start.

Image used with permission from EMI Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tash Parker and Emma Anglesey are the Runaway Belles

It was only a matter of time before Tasmanian housemates and solo singer-songwriters Tash Parker and Emma Anglesey began recording beautiful music together. Known as the Runaway Belles, they’ve actually been playing together for the last six years but they’ve just released their first single “The Weekend.”

The harmonies on this track are next level. The ladies recorded the vocals in an old 1800s bluestone cottage on the edge of Tasmania’s wilderness, then laid down the delicate piano, cello, and guitars in Wally deBacker’s Melbourne studio. The music is so gentle and soothing, perfect for those cold winter days in isolation.

“When we recorded this song we imagined we were sitting around a campfire in a forest with a guitar telling the story. We wanted to capture that intimacy in the verses. In contrast, in the choruses we imagined our voices and music carrying out into the expansive night sky and beautiful surrounding mountains – much like a weekend camping trip where you can forget about the troubles of the week,” says Emma, “and with everything that’s going on in the world right now it feels like a good time to be sharing new music and connecting with people.”

Since they’re iso buddies, the Runaway Belles have been connecting with fans via regular live streams on their Facebook page. Catch the next one tomorrow night, June 8.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR/credit: re._stacks

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Letter Elle Soothes the Soul With “Sunrise”

Soulful Brisbane songstress The Letter Elle has released her latest groove, a self-produced track called “Sunrise.” Listening to this track is the perfect act of self-care in this chaotic world. It’s cool and laidback, with elements of R&B and jazz hitting all the right notes.

“Sunrise is, at first glance, a love song about enjoying just being in the moment and not putting pressure on what it ‘should be’ or where the future is going,” Elle explained. “I think that subconsciously I wrote this song to myself about where I am currently at in my life. At the end of last year, I graduated uni and had an injury that prevented me from singing at all for months. It reminded me of my love for just doing things purely for the enjoyment. I hope that in this scary and uncertain time, this song can help people to remember they just need to take a step back and enjoy life for what it is. There’s no need for a big, complicated plan and we have to just take life day by day.”

The clip reminds us of some of the beauty that is still around us. Elle shot the video on the beaches of Coolum, a location that holds a special place in her heart.

“Coolum is where I became who I am and where I truly feel at home. I thought it only fitting to shoot this style of video somewhere that means so much to me.”

The Letter Elle is a finalist in this year’s QUBE Effect competition, run by Brisbane City Council. You can cast your vote for her here until 5 pm on June 12.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR