Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2019 Australian Women in Music Awards Just Weeks Away

Women are really kicking goals in the local music scene, so it’s fantastic to see their diverse and exciting contributions acknowledged with the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA). Taking place in Brisbane on October 9, the awards celebrate all the incredible things women are doing in the industry. Looking through the list of contenders, it’s thrilling to see such diversity represented with women of all ages, races, and sexual identities in the mix.

“As well as the opportunity to celebrate tremendous talent, AWMA provides a platform for artists and music practitioners including those in regional and remote areas, to come together, to learn and empower one another. We received almost double the nominations this year, from every state and across all areas of diversity, reflecting the urgent need for change in the Australian music industry,” said AWMA Founding Director and Executive Producer, Vicki Gordon.

Only a select few will come away with awards on the night, so I want to publish the names of all the finalists here now. If you’re not across their work, take the opportunity to see what they’re all about.

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
Christine Anu
Nai Palm
NGAIIRE

CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Claire Edwardes
Elaine Chia
Katie Noonan

DIVERSITY IN MUSIC AWARD
Christine Anu
Lisa Cheney & Peggy Polias (Making Waves)
NGAIIRE

EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
Alice Skye
Ella Fence
Lisa Caruso

EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD
Caroline Almonte
Claire Edwardes
Sarah-Grace Williams

EXCELLENCE IN IMAGE MAKING AWARD
Chloe Jean
Melaine Knight
Ntombi Moyo

FILMMAKER AWARD
Aimée-Lee Xu Hsien Curran
Tashi Hall

HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Alison Hams
Dami Im
Lindy Morrison, OAM

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Joy McKean, OAM
Marcia Hines, AM
Vika and Linda Bull

LIVE PRODUCTION AWARD
Jenny Moon
Kait Hall
Laurie May

MUSIC JOURNALIST AWARD
Ange McCormack
Jane Gazzo
Jules LeFevre

MUSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen
Lynette Irwin
Sue Telfer

MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD
Jessica Vaini
Kerrie Geier
Tashi Hall

SONGWRITER AWARD
Mojo Juju
NGAIIRE
Thelma Plum

STUDIO PRODUCTION AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen (Feels)
Kathy Naunton
Virginia Read

In addition to the awards night, the AWMAs will host a thought-provoking program at Brisbane Powerhouse on October 8 and 9 with forums exploring women’s visibility in hip hop, the intersection of music and politics, and more. If you’re local or travelling to Brissie for the awards, make sure you get amongst it.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im Stuns With “Crying Underwater”

Watching Dami Im perform her new single “Crying Underwater” before its release was one of the highlights of her recent Wyong show. She was clearly so proud of this introspective number and thrilled by our rapturous response. The song was co-written with Michael Tan, but Dami wrote most of it at home on the piano. It’s been given some modern production in the studio, but at its heart it really is a classic, confessional piano ballad.

“There is so much pressure in today’s society to always look happy so we end up feeling like we’re not allowed to talk about how we really feel. Just like you’re crying underwater where no one can see you crying,” Dami explained.

Dami still has plenty of shows left before she wraps up her Dreamer tour. Catch her singing this song and all your favourites at the following venues.

27 September 2019 – The Palms at Crown Melbourne, Southbank
28 September 2019 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wendouree
4 October 2019 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
5 October 2019 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham
6 October 2019 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
19 October 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
24 October 2019 – The Metro, Sydney
25 October 2019 – Nelson Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
26 October 2019 – Belmont 16s, Belmont
14 November 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
15 November 2019 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
16 November 2019 – Astor, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GOSH Deliver the Goods With “Take Me Home”

Wollongong four-piece GOSH have released their latest single “Take Me Home,” a fantastic slice of straight up indie-rock which should have you tapping your toes in no time. It goes down so easily, but it was never meant to be a single!

“The plan was never to make it a single, but it sort of took on this whole new feeling in the recording process, and every section just came to life and ended up turning the whole piece into a journey, so to speak,” the band admitted. “Each section of the song, both musically and lyrically reflects a shift in mindset, and depicts the mental circles one goes through when faced with an emotionally charged decision. ‘Take Me Home’ is a song about reaching a breaking point in a relationship, and the wavering confidence that comes with ending something that once brought so much happiness.”

“Take Me Home” comes from GOSH’s forthcoming EP, Frankenstein. Hometown fans can catch them at Howlin’ Wolf Bar on October 4. They’ll also support Tyne-James Organ at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on October 25.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Van Rullen Rocks With “Going Away”

Melbourne’s own Van Rullen takes me back to my youth with his latest single “Going Away.” I love the emo-rock feel of this song, which really kicks in when it reaches that killer chorus. I can just imagine fans singing it out in an overcrowded venue in the not-too-distant future.

Van Rullen has certainly come a long way from his formative years, where he served as music director of a large church. While the tunes might have been vastly different, that experience helped Van Rullen grow as an artist. After leaving the church in 2017, Van Rullen explored techno sounds and ambient loops. With this song he shows he’s got a smart pop sensibility and a knack for creating modern anthems. I can’t wait to hear more from this eclectic local artist!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Burke Wows Me With “Calm Before the Storm”

One of the hardest parts about writing my blog is keeping my mouth shut about music until it’s officially released. While I love hearing music first, I’ve never been great at keeping secrets. However, with Lucy Burke’s stunning new single “Calm Before the Storm” now out on all your favourite digital platforms I can finally spill the beans.

This song is really something special. It’s dramatic and complex, and ultimately beautiful. I couldn’t help thinking about artists like Katie Noonan, Florence + The Machine, and Lana Del Rey as I listened to what Sydney-based Lucy has created here.

“It’s about embracing the unknown and confronting one’s fears,” she explained. “We all have storms to face in life. What’s important is that you rise up to face them.”

Lucy will launch “Calm Before the Storm” in front of hometown fans at The Vanguard on September 22.

Image used with permission from Fyne Cutz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Setterfield Bares His Soul With “The Way God Made Me”

When I learned Aussie country artist Josh Setterfield had released a new single called “The Way God Made Me,” I expected yet another track giving thanks to the lord above. However, Josh flips the script here with his surprisingly dark, vulnerable lyrics about depression.

“They say country music is all about the truth. So I wrote the truth,” Josh explained. “’The Way God Made Me’ is about my struggle with depression and not knowing how to get out or explain it to people when they ask. I hit rock bottom one day and thought it was time to address it.”

I love the raw honesty here. Opening with just an acoustic guitar and Josh’s vocals, you can imagine you’re just listening to a guy pouring his heart out at home. Josh wrote, recorded, and self-produced the track, and that ownership really shines through. There should be more country music like this. If you agree, check out Josh live at his upcoming shows.

21 September 2019 – Sydney Harbour Cruise with Viper Creek Band (Acoustic set)
5 October 2019 – Lights On The Hill Memorial, Gatton Showgrounds
23 November 2019 – Hometown Festival, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

Image used with permission from DWM Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kiwi Indie Pop Act Thomston Ready for Aussie Tour

Rising Kiwi pop sensation Thomston is heading your way Australia. New Zealand bred and Los Angeles based, Thomston has really impressed me with his latest single “Casual” and the B-side “Middle Name.” I’m impressed enough when anyone drops a B-side these days, but when it stacks up like this one does you’ve got a fan in me. “Casual” comes from Thomston’s forthcoming double EP, Los Angeles and London.

“People are all over the place. One second, I want marriage and kids and a dog and a house, and the next I want to be alone. I want commitment until I don’t. ‘Casual’ is about being in a relationship with a person of a similar temperament that is just terrible on paper but part of you wants to give into the ‘what-ifs’ of a future together. It’s about wondering if commitment is all it takes,” Thomston explained.

This guy is going to be massive, so make sure you get along while he’s still playing intimate venues!

19 September 2019 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
22 September 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne Announces “Boys Light Up” Anniversary Tour

It’s been 40 years since Australian Crawl dropped one of their most enduring songs, “The Boys Light Up,” the title track from their 1980 album. That seems as good a reason as any for James Reyne to load up the van and see fans around the country.

“Boys Light Up is turning 40! By Jove, who woulda thunk it. If I’d known what gave it legs I would’ve bottled it and drunk it. And I’m delighted that so many take this song into their hearts ‘cause it never really was a hit – it just SCRAPED into the charts. But it seems to hit a nerve, a chord, a nail, a bell, a spot ‘cause I tell ya, we don’t play it I’m likely to get shot! Or met by blokes in car-parks full of vinegar and piss who wanna know what game I’m playing, wanna know, “What game is this?!” They say they’ve got it on the record on CD, 8-track, cassette and they drove 500 miles not to hear it! Most upset!” James said.

“So it’s always fun to play tub-mother-thumping with the band and these are the good old days so c’mon and clap a hand. It’s bigger and it’s brighter with god-damned age some guile; And grand! And once upon a time remember? It got banned. ‘Cause I think “they” thought the title celebrated smoking dope! But it had nothing to do with it – it’s what you’d call a TROPE. A figure, then, of speech for euphemist results and irony of ironies and censorship and tyrannies. It’s about a fab and natural act for CON-senting adults. So, we’re coming to your town to celebrate it’s Come-Of-Age – bring all your bells and whistles ‘cause we’ll be BLISTERING the stage. There’ll be thrills and there’ll be spills as we fill that ROCKING cup ‘cause those Boys are turning 40 so c’mon and light them up!!”

You heard the man! Tickets are available now for all the following shows.

30 October 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
31 October 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
7 November 2019 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
14 November 2019 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
20 November 2019 – Astor, Perth
21 November 2019 – Astor, Perth
27 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
28 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Geowulf Gets Us Excited About New Album With “Lonely”

Aussie expats Geowulf have just dropped their charming new single “Lonely.” The coming-of-age track about knowing your worth gives us a sweet taste of their forthcoming album My Resignation, which drops on October 25.

“In a way, ‘Lonely’ epitomises a lot of what this album means to me” explained vocalist Star Kendrick. “A bold and welcomed acceptance of myself and my own company. Feeling less and less like I need the approval of others. That’s one of the many nice things about getting a bit older.”

Geowulf are kicking major goals overseas. Hopefully we see them back on our shores really soon, but before that they’ve got some shows in North America and the United Kingdom in the coming months.

7 November 2019 – Schubas, Chicago
8 November 2019 – The Drake Hotel, Toronto
11 November 2019 – Mercury Lounge, New York
13 November 2019 – The Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles
14 November 2019 – Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
15 November 2019 – Barboza, Seattle
18 November 2019 – Oslo Hackney, London
25 November 2019 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
26 November 2019 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
27 November 2019 – Exchange, Bristol

Image sued with permission from PIAS; credit: Quinn Warton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brittany Maggs On the Up With “Reasons”

After seeing Brittany Maggs strut her stuff supporting Dami Im last week, I’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for this Sydney songstress. She’s got such an angelic voice and a fresh sound reminiscent of current pop darlings like Ariana Grande and Bebe Rexha. If you like those artists, I think Brittany’s latest track “Reasons” will be right up your alley.

“Reasons” is a beautiful ballad about the collapse of a relationship. It’s one of the songs that really struck me in Brittany’s set. She co-wrote the song with members of Darling Brando and you can hear she’s really put her heart into it.

If you’ve got tickets to one of Dami Im’s upcoming shows, make sure you arrive early enough for Brittany’s set. She’s definitely an act on the rise.