Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joel James Live Charms With “Your Name Reminds Me Of Hollywood”

It didn’t take me long to fall in love with “Your Name Reminds Me of Hollywood,” the latest single from Melbourne’s Joel James Live. It was somewhere within the first verse where I got suckered into its poetic lyrics and honest romance. It’s got the sort of earthy magical quality that a really good indie romance flick like Before Sunrise or Annie Hall has, with an authenticity that doesn’t require cute catchphrases or a schmaltzy soundtrack.

Perhaps Joel’s music gets this authenticity because he’s in total control. A multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer, and engineer, Joel James will never be a slave to the music machine.

“Your Name Reminds Me of Hollywood” comes from Joel James Live’s stellar EP Cabin Fever.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Legends Come Together For “The Dangerous Age”

When you put together talents like Kate Ceberano, Steve Kilbey (The Church), and Sean Sennett (Crush 76), you know magic is going to happen. The combined skills of this formidable trio is sure to make their new album The Dangerous Age one of the hottest albums of 2020.

I was intrigued by the first single “Monument City Lights, 19733,” but it didn’t quite gel with me. However, I’m a much bigger fan of the latest taste of the album, “All Tied Up.” I think Kate might give one of the best vocals of her career on this track, which she says is unlike anything else in her back catalogue. That’s exciting in and of itself. You’re not just getting a taste of nostalgia here folks; these guys are creating brand new music that pushes the boundaries.

“When I listen to ‘All Tied Up’ now, I can’t help feel as though someone else wrote and sang this song … it’s so different to any other song I’ve ever sung,” Kate confirmed. “I wrote from within the words, I was writing the music and the melody to create an atmosphere of surf, empty space and unfinished business. It’s like the sound of the suburbs where I grew up. Pregnant with subtext …”

Kate wrote the music for these songs after receiving lyrics from Steve and Sean. That unique collaborative process and the talents involved should make this album something special. The Dangerous Age drops on January 31.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meet Ben Witkowski’s “Mountain Man”

The New Year is all about being the best version of yourself, making those pledges to try harder and improve yourself. If you’re needing a little inspiration, look no further than “Mountain Man,” the latest single from Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Witkowski.

“I wrote ‘Mountain Man’ back in a time where I was struggling mentally. I started to think of everything that made me happy, and suddenly this other version of myself appeared in my mind. Someone who believed in themselves and could chase their dreams. I decided to name this alter-ego the ‘Mountain Man’,” he explained. “I hope this song can resonate with other people that may be doing it tough. We can all achieve anything if we truly believe in ourselves.”

I love the way this song builds to an epic, powerful crescendo which elevates it above so many gentle folk songs. I couldn’t help thinking of acts like Mumford & Sons and Glen Hansard, who really make a powerful emotional impact through stirring lyrics and back-to-basics instrumentation. I hear this is the first of many new songs for Ben. I can’t wait to hear the rest.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

World Travels Inspire Brandon Dodd’s Solo Debut, “Absolute”

At 24 years old, Brandon Dodd has experienced more like than most people from the Central Coast. He was just 19 when he was handpicked as the guitarist of Kasey Chambers band. That opportunity saw him travelling the world, both with the band and independently, collecting experiences that give his debut solo single “Absolute” a compelling maturity. He wrote the song about his time in Zambia, a locale he calls one of his “favourite places in the world.”

“Over the past couple of years I have been lucky enough to go over to teach music at a small school there called ‘Our Rainbow House’. That place now feels like my second home to me now. The amazing people that I have met through that school were the inspiration behind this song,” he explained. “My first time visiting Africa I could see that there was beauty in everything, the people, the culture, the landscapes, the animals. But the thing I love most about being at that school, with those kids and teachers in that little town is that it is real. It is absolute.”

While Coasties can see him playing local pubs and clubs, he’ll get the opportunity to front bigger audiences as the support act for the legendary Patty Griffin next March. If you have tickets to one of her shows, make sure you arrive early for his set!

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)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Party On With Asta

I couldn’t let the year end without introducing you to “Want You to Know,” the perfect NYE party pop banger from Tassie artist Asta. This is the ideal track for your night, with its upbeat vibes and disco groove. Add in her sublime vocals and this track has everything you need for tonight and any other celebrations. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’ll be busting it out in my bedroom, no occasion required!

Asta said “Want You to Know” came about “after listening and dancing to Mark Ronson tracks all day in the studio with Yeo and good friend Janeva. I just love working with people who bring a good vibe to the room and, oh yeah, they gotta dance well too! It was really just about a certain booty call, but he lived very, very far away which drove me crazy.”

Make sure you add “Want You to Know” to your NYE party playlists!

Image used with permission from Ditto Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2019: A Year in Review

It’s about time to put on our party clothes and celebrate the end of another wonderful year. Before we do, I thought it was looking back on the one that was, all the amazing Aussie music we heard and the great shows we saw. Here are my top 10s. Were these the acts that made your 2019 brighter, or did someone else excite your ears? I’d love to hear your views on 2019 in the comments!

Top 10 Aussie Albums/EPs

1. Through the Walls – The Vanns
2. Roar Like the Ocean – Esimorp
3. Now I’m Ready to Start – Sinclaire
4. Drinking Alone – Jack Runaway
5. Free Time – Ruel
6. 10 Steps to Cynical Thinking – The Barren Spinsters
7. Lonely Leaves – PLTS
8. Hold Yourself Together – Asha Jefferies
9. Building Blocks – THIA.
10. Why Don’t You Just – Bec Stevens

Top 10 Aussie Tours

1. LANY
2. Rob Thomas
3. The Eagles
4. Allen Stone
5. John Mayer
6. Tim Minchin
7. Phil Collins
8. Jack Jones
9. Megan Hilty
10. David Campbell

Image source: Rob & Jules @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brad Cox Could Be Our Next Country Megastar

Brad Cox has all the makings of the next Keith Urban. Since taking out the Toyota Star Maker title in 2018, he’s received Golden Guitar nominations and opened shows for country luminaries including Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont, Randy Houser, and Brett Eldredge, not to mention selling out his own headlining gigs. Now he’s released a fantastic new single “Give Me Tonight,” his first since signing an exclusive worldwide deal with Sony Music Australia.

“Joe [Mongovan, his long-time friend and collaborator] and I were kind of sitting in a room one day and ready to write a song,” Brad explained of “Give Me Tonight’s” creation. “We just got to chatting at how so many times in life you meet people in passing and ninety-nine percent of the time you never really see them again. And how we all have those experiences that we try to replicate, and they never really happen.”

Fresh from spending time in Nashville collaborating with some of the world’s leading country songwriters, Brad is back on home soil. See him at Tamworth’s Albert Hotel on January 24. He’ll also play CMC Rocks 2020 at Ipswich’s Willowbank Raceway on March 17 to 22.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sea Gypsies Release New Summer Anthem, “Mexico”

As a proud Coastie, I have a soft spot for great talent coming out of my local area. The Sea Gypsies are local stalwarts, but I’m always happy to hear more sweet tunes from this Central Coast indie rock outfit. “Mexico” is their latest effort, a stellar single that captures the hedonism of summer.

As you might expect, the song was inspired by frontman Luke Marlin’s adventures in South America. However, it was a trip that didn’t go quite as planned. In fact, he had to cut the holiday short after he was diagnosed with Dengue fever. In recovery on home soil, he wrote this song while reflecting on the wild trip that was.

The clip sees the lads in characteristic form, enjoying a laugh and refusing to take life too seriously.

“These guys are my friends; we go surfing together, rip on each other and order Dominos every band practice. We’re musicians, not actors, so we thought to ourselves, ‘Why not just have a laugh and shoot a video that we’d enjoy making?” said the band’s bassist, Jackson Burke.

“Mexico” is our first taste of new music from The Sea Gypsies in a while. Hear more of the new stuff and plenty of your favourites at the band’s upcoming shows.

25 January 2020 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
1 February 2020 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
7 February 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
8 February 2020 – Love Lanes Festival, Central Coast
16 February 2020 – North Gong, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Basia Bulat Ready for Aussie Sideshows After Woodford

Canadian sensation Basia Bulat is currently wowing crowds at Woodford Folk Festival, but if you haven’t got a ticket, you’re in luck. She’ll also play sideshows in Sydney and Melbourne once the festival wraps up.

If you’re not already acquainted with Basia’s music, let her latest single “Your Girl” be your introduction. Our first taste of her forthcoming album Are You in Love? it oozes with warmth and optimism. There’s a light about Basia’s voice that shines through, even when her songs have an element of pathos as this one does. If you’re anything like me, you’ll be hooked after one listen.

“I wrote ‘Your Girl’ during a snowstorm in Montreal and recorded it under the warm desert sun in Joshua Tree,” she recounted. “Someone once told me you can’t sing and cry at the same time but that wasn’t true for me when we were recording this one. There’s joy in finally being free from a painful situation, relief, laughter—even as it feels impossible to ever forget the pain or understand why that storm came through your life the way it did. And so, light on your feet, you dance with the memory instead. If you’re listening to this song and understand what I mean, know that I’m singing with you as we’re dancing in that swirling wind.”

Basia Bulat will play the following local venues while she’s in Australia. Don’t miss this superb Canadian act while she’s on our shores!

2 January 2020 – Low 302, Sydney
4 January 2020 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
5 January 2020 – Esplanade Hotel, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Concrete Surfers’ “Shattered Thoughts”

I intended to take a few weeks off over the festive season, but you know what they say about the best laid plans. So it’s little wonder that “Shattered Thoughts,” the latest track from Brisbane’s Concrete Surfers is resonating with me. It’s got the right amount of grit and angst, with a surf-rock bent that’s encouraging me to knock off early and hit the beach.

“The concept of the video appeared when we were showing our friends tech deck videos to another friend and they struck the idea that we should do a film clip based off that, which we thought was really neat!” explained the band’s guitarist and vocalist, Jovi Brook. “We just got some cardboard boxes some paint and dollhouse furniture from Kmart and made little sets which was actually really fun and cool seeing it all come together.”

Concrete Surfers were scheduled to play Falls, but with its cancellation fans will just have to wait a little longer to see them live. As they were planning a summer tour before they got the call from festival organisers, hopefully some more shows will be announced soon.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company