Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELEEA Shares Travel Tales With “Wasting Time”

Like so many Aussies, I’m feeling a little bit stir-crazy staring at the same four walls. Knowing that I was supposed to be in Melbourne today attending the comedy festival rubs salt in the wound. Best laid plans and all that. Considering none of us are going anywhere any time soon, all that we can do is live vicariously through the experiences of others. Today I’ve been spinning “Wasting Time,” a new track from Mullumbimby-born singer-songwriter ELEEA. I love its cool, bluesy feel. ELEEA’s voice is so strong and sultry too.

“Wasting Time” comes from ELEEA’s forthcoming release The Travel Collection, a selection of songs that share stories about the places she’s visited while backpacking around the globe.

“As I backpacked, busked and couch-surfed through my first trip to Europe, I set myself a challenge to write a song inspired by every country I went to. When I had a quick stopover in Slovakia, I figured I still technically had to write a song about it,” she explained.

“The only lines that came to mind were ‘passing through’ and ‘wasting time’ as I waited at the bus station, but then I related it to an experience with an ex who I never should’ve fallen for, and the song wrote itself. I picked up my travel guitar and everything poured out in 20 minutes. Then the bus arrived!”

It sounds like ELEEA’s music might be just what we all need to get through this lock-down! if you’re feeling some wanderlust too, make sure you check it out.

Image used with permission from Kitty Kitty Bang Bang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KG Celebrates Ladies With “Superwoman”

KG pays tribute to the ladies with his stellar new single “Superwoman.” The hip hop industry has a history of denigrating women, so it’s refreshing to see an artist like KG going his own way.

“The song ‘Superwoman’ was inspired to empower and uplift women, to acknowledge the importance of the women in our lives and what they do,” the Botswana-born, Canberra-raised rapper explained.

KG’s never been afraid to break the mould though. Past tracks have explored his family and cultural roots. This one was inspired by his mother, who raised him alone in a foreign country. The cover art features the image of another strong woman, Zozibini Tunzi. In 2019 she became the first black South African woman crowned Miss Universe.

“Zozibini depicts a modern-day superwoman. To think once black women were once not even allowed to vote because of the colour of their skin. Now they are being crowned Queens of the world. That gives young black girls so much hope to be anything they want to be.”

I love the way KG continues to innovate with every release. I can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Image used with permission from Freedom Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sparrows Spreading the Good Vibes With “Hide & Seek”

Gloomy weather, social isolation, and Monday is a pretty dire combination, but Sydney’s Sparrows is bringing a little cheer to your morning with her latest single “Hide & Seek.” Just see if you can resist smiling as you listen to this poppy ditty.

“Eating my lunch in the backyard turned into sampling the boy next door counting aloud, playing Hide & Seek. This then inspired me to write about a relationship that was following the narrative of a game of Hide & Seek. Thanks little boy!” said Sparrows. “I have never gone this far down the pop route, but so glad I have! Rob Amoruso and Gab Strum (Japanese Wallpaper) helped me go there! Grateful for the APRA songhub where we made it. Had Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) not curated this session, this song would not exist.”

I’ve enjoyed Sparrows’ work before but I love this sound from her. Hopefully there are more pop bangers like this to come.

Image used with permission from Ditto Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tones & I Proves She’s No One-Trick Pony With Double A-Side Single

Few artists make the impact with a single song that Tones and I made with “Dance Monkey.” The real test was always going to be whether she could take the exposure and continue carving out a successful career. That all remains to be seen, but if talent matters (and we all know the industry isn’t all about), then her star should continue rising with the release of her new double A-side single “Bad Child/Can’t Be Happy All The Time.”

“Bad Child” is a catchy pop ditty with a deep message about the angst of growing up. It’s certainly the most commercial of the two tracks. I like it, but I love “Can’t Be Happy All The Time.” It’s more sombre and honestly raw. If Tones wasn’t influenced by Imogen Heap, I’ll be surprised.

Tones and I had grand plans of touring all around the world in the coming months. Unfortunately many of those shows have been cancelled. The following are still scheduled at this stage. Fingers crossed they go ahead!

5-7 June 2020 – Bunbury Music Festival, Cincinnati
19 June 2020 – Vega, Copenhagen
20 June 2020 – Hurricane Festival 2020, Eichenring
21 June 2020 – Southside Festival 2020 @ Take-off Gewerbepark, Neuhausen Ob Eck
22 June 2020 – Komplex 457, Zürich
24 June 2020 – Teatro Romano, Verona
25 June 2020 – Circolo Magnolia, Segrate
3-5 July 2020 – Down the Rabbit Hole 2020, Slijk-Ewijk
4 July 2020 – Rock Werchter 2020, Rotselaar
5 July 2020 – Main Square Festival 2020, Arras
9 July 2020 – Les Déferlantes 2020 @ Parc de Valmy, Argelès-sur-Mer
10 July 2020 – Mad Cool Festival 2020, IFEMA Feria de Madrid, Madrid
13 July 2020 – Musilac 2020, Aix Les Bains
15-18 July 2020 – Gurtenfestival 2020, Wabern bei Bern
15-18 July 2020 – Colours Of Ostrava 2020, Ostrava
17-19 July 2020 – Ilosaarirock 2020, Joensuu
2 August 2020 – Osheaga Festival 2020, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal
24 & 25 September 2020 – Metropolis, Fremantle
29 & 30 September 2020 – The Enmore, Sydney
5 & 6 October 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
9 October 2020 – Mac2, Hobart
12 & 13 October 2020 – The Forum, Melbourne
17 October 2020 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mardi Wilson Drops Superb New Single, “Runaway”

After sequestering ourselves away for a couple of weeks, most of us are probably getting a little stir-crazy. Given all that, Mardi Wilson’s new track “Runaway” has really struck a chord with me. It’s all about freedom, both the sense of liberty you get when exploring the world and when exploring a new love.

“I wrote ‘Runaway’ about when you meet a person and immediately feel that they will have some kind of impact on your life. Whether the person is there to stay or just passing through- this song is about being vulnerable, opening your heart to people, and growing from knowing them,” the Brisbane-based singer-songwriter revealed.

It’ll be a while until we see Mardi performing live again, but in the meantime check out her COVID covers on her Facebook page!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meet Aussie’s Latest Boy Band Sensation: Darling Brando

If we’re honest, One Direction’s exit from the music scene has left a little hole in many of our hearts. If you’re looking for another act that layers harmonies over easy-listening pop rock melodies, meet Darling Brando. These Aussie lads have just released a debut single “Beat Up Guitar” and it’s everything you could hope it to be.

“We are so stoked to have ‘Beat Up Guitar’ as our first single. We wanted our first release to be really true – to us as artists – and we love how it came out,” explained one-third of the band, Tom Jay Williams.

“The term ‘Beat Up Guitar’ is an analogy for finding something beautiful, in something that to everyone else, seems broken” added Alex Mather.

Vlado Saric continued, “Yeah, to us it’s a bit of an anthem about being yourself. It doesn’t matter what other people see, it’s about what you choose to see!”

I’ve got to admit, “Beat Up Guitar” has put me back in touch with my teenage self. I’m not even guilty about liking this one.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

El Cosgrove Releases Delightful New Single & EP

El Cosgrove should charm even the most cynical listener with her latest single “Some Fools.” It’s a gorgeous country-folk ditty with the relatable lyrics and the unmistakeable twang of the banjo accompanying her distinctive voice. It wraps around you, encouraging to listen a little longer.

I did too, making sure to check out El’s new EP Spring Tides before writing this piece. El wears her influences proudly at a time when so many artists seem to worry about crossover appeal. I wouldn’t consider myself a country music fan, but her sound has won me over.

El says she wrote this collection of songs at a time when life gave her “love, heartbreak, new travel experiences, new and old friends by my side and ultimately all lead me to learn and accept a lot about myself as a person.”

Start with “Some Fools,” but don’t end your journey there. El Cosgrove’s new EP Spring Tides is on all your favourite streaming services now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Rockefeller Frequency Wake Me Up With “Good Apples”

I must admit, I’ve been a bit non-plussed by the music in my inbox of late. I’m not sure whether all this COVID-19 talk has me feeling deflated, or the right tunes haven’t reached me, but it’s taking a lot to inspire me right now. Thank god for Brisbane band, The Rockefeller Frequency who managed to break through my funk and wake me up with their latest single “Good Apples.”

It’s ridiculously catchy, a bit quirky, and just all-round marvellous. If early Thirsty Merc and The Strokes had a baby, it might sound something like this. It should get you moving and grooving, which when you’re stuck at home is a very good thing.

“The new single ‘Good Apples’ is a redemptive tale that starts in a very dark place, with a protagonist that has basically given up on everything,” explained frontman Joshua Eckersley. “He contemplates his endless mistakes and somehow figures out how his life could be worth living, and actively seeks it out. It’s not all bad in the end, which helps in relaying these types of stories. It’s positive, but you have to work through a lot of garbage to get there, just like real life.”

If you’re digging “Good Apples,” make sure you wrap your ears around the rest of tunes on The Rockefeller Frequency’s new album, Chemicals. You’ll find it on all your favourite streaming services now.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Rocks Out With “Insecurities”

Ordinarily Saturday is a day of celebration, but right now it just reminds us that we’re all trapped without gigs waiting for musicians to stream online content. In these frustrating times, the raucous rock of Press Club really hits the spot. The Melbourne band’s latest single “Insecurities” gives voice to our frustrations with plenty of angst and energy.

The Melbourne band recently announced Australian and European dates and they haven’t been called off … yet. So I’m going to post them here, because none of knows what May will bring. Just keep your ears to the ground to see whether they go ahead!

7 May 2020 – The Chippo, Sydney
8 May 2020 – La La La’s, Wollongong
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (All Ages Matinee)
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ Evening Show)
15 May 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
16 May 2020 – Vinnies, Gold Coast
21 May 2020 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
22 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol
24 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
12 June 2020 – Download Festival, Donnington
14 June 2020 – Booze Cruise, Hamburg

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caravana Sun Delivers Pearls of Wisdom With “Charlie”

In these uncertain times, we could all use music that makes us feel good and heals our hearts. Caravana Sun has got you covered with “Charlie,” the band’s first release since Silver Linings dropped in 2018.

Good things come to those who wait though. This song is brimming with good vibes and wise words. And it’s not like the band has been sitting idly either. They’ve been busy touring Europe and were all set to clock up their 300th show abroad when this nasty virus took hold. They also recently signed to Embassy of Music, the same Berlin label as Bjork and Moby.

“This song is about reaching out, being open and connecting to people. It’s about knowing that even in your darkest times, people are there to support and love you. At times, these heavy places can seem so lonely and all it takes is an honest conversation to get you out,” explained songwriter and bassist Ant Beard. “A beer with a mate, a walk with a friend, or a simple message – you’re not alone.”

Just make sure those beers are shared remotely and you’re practicing social distancing while you walk! Seriously though, this is exactly the kind of music you need in your life right now.