Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Become a Music Victoria Member For Free

Music Victoria understands everyone in the music industry is doing it tough right now, so it’s waiving all standard membership fees until the end of the financial year. There are memberships available for musicians, music fans, music industry professionals, venues, and festivals, and heaps more. Basically, if you’re involved in Victoria’s music industry in any way, you want to check this out.

Members receive a bunch of cool perks, including access to professional workshops, industry opportunities, discounts, and heaps more. Signing up gets you all this, plus you’ll feel good knowing that you’re building support for the Victorian music industry.

Visit Music Victoria today to learn more and sign up for your free membership.

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evie Irie Shows Real Promise With “Worst Enemy”

Sydney-born teen Evie Irie might not be on your radar yet, but I’m predicting that will change in the coming months. The 17-year-old is based in the United States and managed by Troy Carter, who’s worked with Lady Gaga, Megan Trainor, and Eve. She’s been hyped by the likes of Refinery29 and Atwood Magazine and her latest single “Worst Enemy” is produced by Greg Kurstin, who’s put the magic touch on the music of Adele and Sia.

She’s surrounding herself with the right people, but this song shows she can also deliver the goods. Evie has such an original voice and a cool vibe that reminds me of artists like Lorde and Dua Lipa.

“Worst Enemy” is about our inner demon,” Evie explained. ”It’s about admitting to the times we sabotage ourselves, and the brutal things we put ourselves through. It’s about feeling like sometimes you are so lost, that you actually think you’re found. It’s a really hard reality when I realize I’m in that place – overwhelmed with the struggle of all of my inner demons. That’s the core of “Worst Enemy”. The self-sabotage, the constant drive to be better, and to be good enough. It’s an endless and inevitable cycle, that I think we all experience at a point in our lives, in one way or another.”

“’Worst Enemy’ is the follow-up to Evie’s 2019 debut EP 5 Weeks in L.A. It shows a growing maturity and a whole lot of potential from this talented teen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Phillips Releases Sunny New Single and EP

The world has felt very heavy at the moment. The murder of George Floyd in the United States and ensuing protests has put racial inequality and injustice firmly back into the world’s spotlight. We’re still battling the global COVID-19 pandemic. All of these things are so important and it’s vital to lend our voices to them. But I think it’s also important to take a couple of moments to enjoy art that just feels good.

If you need a break from the darkness, press play on Harry Phillips’ new EP, Life Without Fairy Tales. At just four tracks and 13 minutes, it’s perfect for tea breaks or smoko. The EP’s title sounds a little dark, but this is fairly light folk-pop fair. Harry’s voice has a genuine warmth and his songwriting is full of charm. That’s no surprise though, as this EP is the result of Harry’s work after winning the prestigious Billy Thorpe Scholarship at the Queensland Music Awards earlier this year.

Life Without Fairy Tales features Harry’s current single “None of My Business,” a playful ditty about respecting personal boundaries. This cheery song will make sure you have a smile on your face as this EP fades out. Check this song and the rest of Harry’s material out on your favourite streaming platform. He’s scheduled to support British singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan at The Outpost on September 29, but with the state of the world right now who knows whether that will come off. Give Harry a follow on Facebook for more details closer to the date!

Image used with permission from Killer B Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Melancholy” – Chris Lanzon

Sydney singer-songwriter Chris Lanzon wears his heart on his sleeve with the release of his latest EP Melancholy. As its name suggest, it’s a sombre affair. However, its honesty and emotional depth make it a compelling listen.

The beautiful opening piano intro sets the tone for these introspective numbers. The songs speak of the heartbreak and lingering heartache of lost love. There’s no frills or fanfare, just a man working through his emotions the best way he can. Chris recorded and produced these songs in his bedroom. That gives them a greater intimacy than your average studio recording. Most of these songs have solo songwriting credits too, ensuring his voice is undiluted and pure shining through the hurt.

That voice is so compelling. It’s brimming with emotion. If you’re feeling fragile after your own breakup, it could break you. However, Chris’ gentle tones are soothing too, as if given time it could put you back together again.

Melancholy takes us to an emotional place many of us might not want to go, but it also reminds us of the beauty that can be found in the darkness. It’s available on all your favourite streaming platforms now.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley’s New Album on the Horizon to Chase Away COVID Blues

With concerts scheduled for as far away as November now getting the COVID-19 axe, music lovers need some good news. A reminder that Ocean Alley’s new album Lonely Diamond is only weeks away should hit the spot.

Lonely Diamond will hit stores and streaming platforms on June 19. But you needn’t wait that long to hear new Ocean Alley tunes. Wrap your ears around the band’s funky new single “Hot Chicken.” It’s a little edgier than the Ocean Alley tunes we’re used to, but I’m here for it.

Ocean Alley’s rescheduled Aussie dates are also giving us something to look forward to. Catch one of Australia’s finest supported by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie at the following shows.

6 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
7 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
12 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
5 March 2021 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
12 March 2021 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 March 2021 – Melbourne Arena, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; photo credit: The Sauce/Kane Lehanneur

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and The Weeping Willows Join Forces For “Too Far To Go”

Before we all hit pause for the pandemic, singer-songwriter Matt Joe Gow laid down some music with his pals The Weeping Willows. He planned to release the song at the start of his next tour, but of course COVID-19 put the kybosh on those plans. Understanding that we need good music now more than ever, Matt Joe and The Weeping Willows have decided to release the track anyway.

“Too Far To Go” is a beautiful, gentle piece of folk music, perfect for calming your fears and soothing your soul. With its delicate layered vocals and subtle slide guitar, it reminds me of a lullaby for grownups, or those kids you wish would just get to bed already. The poetic lyrics add to the beauty of this subtle but arresting single. “Too Far To Go” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tiger & Me Mesmerise With “Adrift in Time”

Melbourne quartet The Tiger & Me has given me chills with new single “Adrift in Time.” It’s an atmospheric piece of modern folk with some of the most haunting harmonies you’ll ever here. Deceptively simple, it’s bound to get under your skin.

Inspired by the literary works of Yeats and Tolstoy, the song tells the story of a man desperate to reach his lover through the masks that distort and disorientate in this modern world. It’s the first new music we’ve had since lead singer-songwriter Ade Vincent took a two-year hiatus from The Tiger & Me to work as Young Composer in Residence for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. No doubt that experience helped shape much of the band’s new music to come.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PLGRMS on Comeback Trail With “Disappear”

With singer-songwriter Jacob Pearson battling chronic pain and associated mental health problems, his musical project PLGRMS hit pause in 2019. However, he’s back working with fellow songwriter Jonathan Bowden and sounding better than ever. The Sydney duo’s new single “Disappear” is a triumphant return, with a dark and brooding sound you won’t quickly forget.

The duo said the track is like a “note to self,” adding “You want to take the first step, dive towards something new, but it’s so easy being resistant to change. Sometimes almost drowning is what it takes for us to learn how to swim.”

According to PLGRMS’ Facebook page, more new music is on its way sooner than we think. I can’t wait!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; photo by Emily Treacy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skyepaint Hits the Sweet Spot With “Where The Heart Is”

Newcastle act Skyepaint serves up good vibes with his latest single “Where the Heart Is.” It’s just the kind of honest indie pop music we need in our lives right now. I just love those lush synths and Skyepaint’s on-point vocals. This song goes down easy, and when so much of the world is complicated right now that kind of accessibility is a very good thing.

“It’s a heartfelt synthpop song that encapsulates the idea of home, and the ways in which our sense of home develops as we navigate life’s peaks and valleys,” Skyepaint explained. I’d love for you to take a listen and let me know what you think.

Making music videos in the time of COVID-19 isn’t easy, but Skyepaint got creative.

“I wanted to make a music video for “Where the Heart Is”, but self-isolating made that a little tricky to organise,” he admitted. “So, I found a stranger on Fiverr and paid him to do a single-take interpretive dance to the song on his Las Vegas rooftop.”

I think it was money well-spent. What about you?

Image used with permission from Skyepaint; credit Kristen Olson