Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sage Releases Sweet Debut, “From Dust”

From the Mornington Peninsula comes the sweet folk sounds of Sage. This local singer-songwriter and cellist has just dropped her debut single “From Dust,” and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. With angelic vocals and introspective lyrics, it’s the perfect treat for fans of Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling.

“This song is about soulmates, innocence, memories, and endless love,” she explained. “It’s one of those miracle songs that was written in no time at all by myself in my run-down apartment. When I sing this song, I think about the movie Stardust. At the end of the film the two star-crossed lovers, having lived a full and beautiful life together, pass away and become stars in the sky, their love living on forever and shining over everyone. There’s longing involved, but also hope.”

“From Dust” is our first taste of Sage’s EP Tethered, which will be released on February 27.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Off to Eurovision

We’ve had time for the glitter to settle on the news that Montaigne will head to Rotterdam in May to represent the nation in Eurovision with her song “Don’t Break Me.” It’s been a polarising decision, with many online comments I’ve read bemoaning the choice, insisting Casey Donovan or Vanessa Amorosi were worthier picks.

Of course, the very best art is often polarising. If everyone loves what you do, you’re probably not pushing the boundaries. I personally advocated for Montaigne years ago, when she first burst onto the scene, insisting her artistry and sense of theatre would be perfect for the big stage. However, when it came to watching the Australia Decides show, it was Casey Donovan and Didirri that stole my heart. However, that doesn’t mean I think Montaigne was the wrong choice. After all, Electric Fields was my favourite act in last year’s event, yet when it came time for the big show I felt Kate’s act was the strongest. It was the first time I could cheer wholeheartedly for my country rather than feeling someone else was doing Eurovision better. So I trust this process works.

Having said that, I would have liked to see more transparency in the voting process. When it comes to Eurovision, it’s all very clear. The top pick from the public gets the douze points, all the juries vote in a similar fashion, and we get our result. However, from where I sat, the numbers assigned to each act seemed arbitrary. Could the people’s choice, Casey, have ever represented us if the jury didn’t agree? I’m not sure, and I think that needs to be clarified.

When all is said and done though, I think it’s time to get behind our winner, even if it wasn’t our personal pick. I’ve listened to “Don’t Break Me” again this morning and it’s a fab song. With the full budget behind it, I think it’ll be spectacular. Montaigne might even win Eurovision for us.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cold Chisel @ Heifer Station, Orange – 1 February 2020

As a proud Coastie, I don’t tend to travel more than an hour up or down the freeway to attend shows. My easy proximity to Sydney, Newcastle, and the Hunter Valley is one of my favourite parts about living on the Central Coast. However, when Cold Chisel announced their Blood Moon tour, I knew it was time to put a full tank of petrol in my Nissan Micra and head off on a road trip. I haven’t quite gotten over my beef with Hope Estate and while this Parramatta fan loves Bankwest Stadium as a place to watch the footy, it’s not where I want to see live music. With friends living in the Central West, a trip to Orange for Heifer Station’s first-ever Day on the Green seemed just the ticket.

I’ve attended Day on the Greens that were all-day events, but thankfully the organisers were smarter than that. They probably had an inkling that it would still be pushing 40 when the gates opened at 4. With concerts like this when seats aren’t reserved, I would normally be amongst the first to walk in. But I am not built for Central West heat. Spending more time in the air-conditioned wineries was a much more appealing option than braving the conditions outdoors. Consequently, we missed up-and-comer Josh Maynard, arriving just as Magic Dirt started their set.

I must admit, I wasn’t a Magic Dirt fan back in the ‘90s. Today it seems I’m still not a Magic Dirt fan. I have great respect for the way Adalita rocks out, presenting a strong female image that we don’t see enough of. But the band’s songs just don’t resonate with me. I tried, but it’s just not my cup of chai. I’m really not sure they were the right choice for the bill, because they certainly weren’t the Triple M staples, but I have to respect that they did things their way.

Birds of Tokyo though were pitched just right. I have always enjoyed their music on the radio but never felt compelled to see them live or buy any of their music. I thought them pleasant, but just a little middle of the road. I have completely changed my tune though. What a charismatic frontman Ian Kenny is. What a tight band they are, sounding just as strong as they do on their recordings. I also didn’t realise quite how many songs I knew. I was pretty excited about Chisel, but I was happy to watch these guys perform for as long as they were prepared to. I’ll definitely have to check them out again.

Cold Chisel was really what got me there though. We might have been roasting, but we somehow found the energy to get to our feet and give these guys the welcome they deserved. They might have officially been on the road to promote the new album, but I’m not sure they got that memo. They seemed far more interested in giving us a greatest hits set. They opened up with “Standing On the Outside” and never really took their foot off the pedal. They played the occasional track from the new release of course, but that seemed like an act of goodwill so we could take a moment and catch our breaths.

We bought the tickets in the back section, where camp chairs were allowed, believing we were too old to stand around all day. However, these guys gave us all a second wind. We’d take a load off for a moment, but then find ourselves standing second later because we had to dance to this one or that.

I was especially thrilled that two of my underrated favourites, “Four Walls” and “Breakfast at Sweethearts” made the set. There’s probably nothing more Australian than singing along to tracks like “Khe Sahn” and “When The War is Over.” And there’s really something special about being in a crowded field on a Saturday night, joining Jimmy and the boys for a raucous rendition of their song celebrating that special part of the week. Ian Moss’s starring turn on “Georgia On My Mind” was another absolute highlight.

By the time the band played “Goodbye Astrid Goodbye,” the traditional closer, I was spent. It was still hot as hell, and the dust storm that had rolled in was playing havoc with my sensitive asthmatic’s lungs. But would I do it all again for a show this good? In a heartbeat. Apparently Heifer Station gets its next Day on the Green in November. Don’t be surprised if I make that trip down the freeway again for more.

Cold Chisel wrap up their Blood Moon tour with two shows at Sirromet Wines in Mt Cotton this weekend.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thirsty Merc @ Ettalong Diggers, Ettalong Beach – 25 January 2020

You know a band is enjoying an extensive tour of the country when they call into the Central Coast. Gigs are a little light on in my part of the world, so when they do happen there’s a real sense of occasion. Looking around the auditorium at Ettalong Diggers last Friday night I saw people from all walks of life, the die-hard fans and the people who enjoyed a few Thirsty Merc songs on the radio and thought they might as well come along. And for $35 for members, why wouldn’t you?

Up-and-coming local talents Toby Wells and Elaskia joined forces in the supporting slot. They were lovely together, although you got a sense that they were still figuring out how to meld their material as a double act. While their set could have been more cohesive, their voices complemented each other beautifully. When they harmonised it was really something special. The set was also an excellent opportunity to showcase their strong original songs. They’re young, but it wouldn’t surprise me if they become truly great with a little seasoning.

Thirsty Merc are one of the most reliable rock bands in the country, and they didn’t put a foot wrong on the Ettalong stage. The set was the perfect mix of album tracks for the die-hards and radio hits for those people who just had nothing better to do with their Friday night. My husband and I put ourselves in the former camp and were thrilled to hear such stellar renditions of “Build a Bridge” and “Undivided Love.” Rai Thistlethwayte is such a charismatic frontman and an accomplished musician, whether he’s on the keys or guitar. He’s such a star, but the show wouldn’t be as good if this band wasn’t as tight. Most of these guys have been playing together for nearly 20 years (are we feeling old yet?), and that shared history shows in what they do on stage.

We left the auditorium buzzing and thrilled we only had a couple of minutes’ drive to get home. What a treat. Keep booking gigs of this quality Diggers and we’ll be there every time! Thirsty Merc have a handful of shows left on their Thirsty Merc Live! tour. Catch them at the following venues.

8 February 2020 – Charles Hotel, North Perth
29 February 2020 – Rainbow Beach Sports Club, Rainbow Beach
6 March 2020 – Brighter Days Festival, Bright
14 March 2020 – Riverdaze Festival, Barham

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King River Rising Unleash Powerful Single, “Pull You Closer”

“Pull You Closer,” the latest track from Melbourne reggae outfit King River Rising, is one of those tracks that sneaks up on you. It’s enjoyable from the get-go, but it builds to a crescendo so emotional that it’ll make your heart soar.

“Writing this song was all about being sincere, I needed to hear it coming from myself,” explained the band’s vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Ward Hancock. “Music to me is all about healing, learning and seeing a situation from a different angle – often over time, developing perspectives, at times moving away from others.”

“Pull You Closer” comes from King River Rising’s forthcoming EP. Hear this track and other newies at their launch show tonight at The Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Parker Impresses With “Become the Fool”

Tasmanian artist Parker creates the kind of music that stops you in your tracks and forces you to listen. She wowed me with her last single “Can’t Keep Waiting” and she’s done it again with her latest release “Become the Fool.”

The term artist gets bandied around a little too freely in the music world for my liking, but Parker is one talent deserving of the title. She’s a musician, songwriter, and visual artist who uses her creative abilities to create truly transformative works. Listening to “Become the Fool” is arresting, but when you take it in while watching the music video the experience becomes even richer. You feel the heartbreak while listening to her achingly angelic vocals and poignant lyrics.

“This is the first song that was co-written with my writing and production team, Hans Van Vliet (QLD) and Becki Whitton (VIC), across three states and I’m really excited about it,” Parker said. “When a relationship ends it can be devastating. But what happens afterwards can be a beautiful mess of experiences and vivid feelings. When I got to the end of my longest relationship, I realised I had lost so much of myself. I had been living for someone else and their dreams for so long I didn’t know who I was without them. But through this experience, I was set free to find myself again, to pursue my creative practice with all my heart.”

And yes, you read that right, this is only the first song to come out of this creative partnership. I can’t wait to hear what else it brings.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leif Vollebekk Heading Down Under for Shows With Ainslie Wills

When Montreal artist Leif Vollebekk collaborated with our own Angie McMahon on his 2019 album New Ways, we might have known it was only a matter of time before he’d head our way for some shows. Smart chap, he’s waiting until cooler autumn weather comes to arrive on our shores for a string of gigs.

I must admit, Leif wasn’t on my radar until the press release came through. But I took one listen to his single “Apalachee Plain” (the one Angie guests on) and I was hooked. I had to go back and listen to the rest of New Ways. I’m pretty sure I’ll slip on his other albums next. If you love indie-folk music that comes from an honest place, this will be right up your alley.

In the last couple of weeks Leif has sold out all his U.S. shows, including big dates at the Bowery Ballroom and Troubadour. Discover exactly why the crowds love him when he touches down in Australia in March for a Brisbane festival and coheadlining dates with our own Ainslie Wills.

1 March 2020 – Nine Lives Festival, Brisbane
2 March 2020 – Jet Black Cat, Brisbane (instore – coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
4 March 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
5 March 2020 – The Vanguard, Sydney (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meadow Ready to Hit Country Victoria for Bushfire Relief

Summer might be winding down, but festival season isn’t quite over just yet. If you prefer a festival that’s a little bit cooler, in more ways than one, check out Meadow in Bambra from March 27 to 29. Formerly By the Meadow, this boutique festival is headed up by exciting young acts including Angie McMahon, Sweet Whirl, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Close Counters, Emily Wurramara, Closes Counters, and a whole stack more.

The Victorian Otways provides the perfect backdrop across three days and two nights. It’s all BYO too, so you can forget about long bar lines and focus on seeing your favourite bands. Alternatively, enjoy bevvies from Salt Brewing, Great Ocean Road Gin, and local cool climate wineries. Local restaurants will also serve up tasty dishes to match the great booze on offer.

Meadow tickets, including add-ons like parking and glamping packages, are available now through the Meadow Festival website. With 20% of all ticket sale profits going to the CFA and a whole lot of great music to boot, you’ll want to get on this.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Cover My Eyes” – Little Quirks

In a world where heavily produced music created by computers seems to dominate the charts, the back-to-basics tunes from the Central Coast’s Little Quirks are a revelation. There is no studio trickery here on their EP Cover My Eyes. It’s simple music, organically created, and that’s what makes it so special.

In five tracks the Little Quirks will make you fall in love with them. In fact, if you listened to the single and opening track “Life Wouldn’t Be” before, you’d know it takes just one. But what comes later isn’t just making up the numbers. Neither is it more of the same. The essential ingredients are there: those sublime familial harmonies, the strums of acoustic guitars and mandolin giving the music a country-folk flair. But the tracks help give us a complete picture of this exciting new band and their capabilities. “Cover My Eyes” really brings those harmonies to the fore, with a slightly more delicate touch than the single. There’s a cool bluesiness to “Where We Hide.” “Bury Our Bones” is eerily brooding, with a quiet intensity that draws listeners in. “Devil’s Ivy” is a real charmer, the kind of song you might imagine the sisters singing around a burning campfire. There’s an innocence about it which is so appealing.

Cover My Eyes is like a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the beauty of quality music stripped back to basics. It’s also a reminder that these Central Coast teens have massive futures ahead of them. The trio will celebrate the EP’s recent release with the following shows along the East Coast in the coming months.

8 February 2020 – Love Lanes Festival, Wyong
14 February 2020 – Courtyard Sessions, Sydney
28 February 2020 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
29 February 2020 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
14 March 2020 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford
15 March 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
27 March 2020 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9-13 April 2020 – National Folk Festival, Canberra
19 April 2020 – Scotts Head Festival, Scotts Head

Images used with permission from Ditto Music; feature image credit Adam Toole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brandon Dodd Drops New Single Ahead of Patti Griffin Tour

He’s just 24, but Central Coast artist Brandon Dodd sings with the sort of soul most industry veterans wish they could muster. Close your eyes when you listen to his latest single “Whiskey Room Shuffle” and you’ll be transported back to a time when the blues was king.

“Whiskey Room Shuffle” is just one of the tracks you’ll hear on Brandon’s debut solo album What a Way to Die, but a family connection makes it one of the most meaningful.

“This was probably the highlight of the whole recording process for me because we recorded it with my big brother Chris playing the drums,” he explained. “He doesn’t play a lot of music these days, but it reminded me of when we used to jam when we were younger, and I’m so happy we were able to capture that on this song.”

What a Way to Die drops on February 14. He’ll warm up with a few solo dates around its launch so he’s in fine form for his prestigious Patti Griffin support slots. Catch him at the following venues next month.

14 February 2020 – Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar, Wollongong
15 February 2020 – Hardy’s Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay
1 March 2020 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan (supporting Patty Griffin)
3 March 2020 – Melbourne Recital Hall, Melbourne (supporting Patty Griffin)
5 March 2020 – The Capital, Bendigo (supporting Patty Griffin)
10 March 2020 – City Recital Hall, Sydney (supporting Patty Griffin)
12 March 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Patty Griffin)
13 March 2020 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore (supporting Patty Griffin)