Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper, Tania Doko, and Alfie Arcuri Announced as Final Eurovision Hopefuls

I can’t be the only one excited that Australia now competes in Eurovision. There’s an extra buzz this year with the announcement we’ll go the route of some of the most successful countries and find our representative through a song contest. Today Ella Hooper, Tania Doko, and Alfie Arcuri were announced as the final hopefuls, joining Kate Miller-Heidke, Electric Fields, Sheppard, Aydan, Courtney Act, Mark Vincent, and Leea Nanos on the Gold Coast next month. While I would have liked to see more rock and a little less pop in the offerings, it’s a relatively diverse field considering what we usually deliver. Courtney Act is my sentimental favourite, but I can’t wait to see whether any of the other acts deliver a performance that convinces me to change my vote!

After preview shows on February 8, the big Australia Decides event screens live on SBS on February 9. It’s the perfect taster for the Eurovision extravaganza in Tel Aviv in May. Who will we send? Have your say next month!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Runaway Launch Comeback With “Ready to Know You”

Four years after a self-titled debut EP, Jack Runaway are back. New single “Ready to Know You” is the perfect reintroduction to this Western Australian band ahead of the release of their new EP.

It picks up right where the band left off, with Christopher Hoskin’s distinctive vocals laid over the easy grooves of bass and keyboardist Vaughan Wade and drummer Kris Savy. It’s incredibly cool, the kind of track meant to be paired with the beach and cold beers.

Jack Runaway will launch “Ready to Know You” at The Aardvark in Fremantle on February 2.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Revamped Lion Arts Factory Opening in Adelaide Next Month

With so many music venues closing their doors around the country, it’s exciting to see one bucking the trend and welcoming music lovers. Adelaide’s Lions Arts Factory closed late last year, not because of lack of support or lock-out laws, but because the owners wanted to renovate and make it bigger and better than ever. They’ve been hard at work behind the scenes, renovating the space into one worthy of Adelaide’s enthusiastic music fans. On February 7, they’ll reopen with a massive weekend of music.

Organisers are tight-lipped about who’s on the bill for opening weekend, but I expect big things. Fans will also get to see the improved stage and sight lights and hear the difference the upgraded sound system makes. This is going to be the best place in Adelaide to see acts like the killer musicians booked for the coming months.

“We have been really moved by the response from bands and agents wanting to book shows into Lion Arts Factory, and are excited to work on a project that will have a real diversity in the genre of artists playing the venue,” explained Ross Osmon of Five Four Entertainment, one half of the bookings team. “We are focused on delivering a space that all of the gig going community and bands will feel at home in and want to come back to.”

Here’s your handy guide to everything going down at Lion Arts Factory. Get amongst it! Tickets for all shows are available through MoshTix.

7, 8, & 9 February 2019 – Opening Weekend (18+)
15 February 2019 – Eves Karydas (18+)
16 February 2019 – DZ Deathrays (18+)
22 February 2019 – West Thebarton (18+)
8 March 2019 – Dream On Dreamer & The Getaway Plan (Licensed All Ages)
13 March 2019 – Converge (18+)
15 March 2019 – Luca Brasi (18+)
16 March 2019 – Venice Queens (18+)
25 March 2019 – Gang Of Four (18+)
24 April 2019 – Montaigne (Licensed All Ages)
27 April 2019 – Heavy SA Fest (Licensed All Ages)
9 May 2019 – Ne Obliviscaris (Licensed All Ages)
17 May 2019 – Thrice (18+)

Image used with permission from Five Four Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In the Heights @ The Art House, Wyong – 11 January 2019

Living on the Central Coast, seeing a great musical typically means taking the train to Sydney. We’ve got our community theatre groups, and the occasional small play from a larger company stops by, but when you want to see the big guns from Broadway the options are typically lacking. However, an unexpected partnership between Sydney Opera House and The Art House in Wyong saw the Tony Award-winning Lin musical In the Heights playing a tiny venue in my local area before it travelled to the big stage.

I must admit, I didn’t know a lot about In the Heights before I shuffled into The Art House. I knew it had taken home a swag of Tonys and Lin-Manual Miranda wrote it. Frankly, these were the only selling points I needed. There’s something nice about approaching a production without any expectations. It’s been some time since I’ve done that. I knew much about the lives of Carole King and Bobby Darin before catching Beautiful and Dream Lover. I was familiar with some of the music from Book of Mormon. I knew the characters from Wicked and the basic premise. Here I was flying blind, and it was glorious. However, since I wasn’t so familiar I had to fight a little harder to catch the lyrics in the fast-paced songs. The Art House really needed to fine-tune the sound, as sometimes the music seemed to dominate the vocals.

And that is where my criticism begins and ends. Because aside from that little niggle, this production was flawless. I was mesmerised by it, quickly taking the characters to heart and marvelling at the actors’ dance skills and vocal prowess. This is an exceptional cast, one where even the members of the chorus can floor you. I would like to make special mention of Luisa Scrofani as Nina, Stevie Lopez as Usnavi, and Alexander Palacio as Kevin though. These three performers were particularly dazzling, playing their parts so well that I can’t imagine any of the Broadway pros could top them.

I was on the edge of my seat for the entire production. The bright lights at intermission were an unwelcome interruption. I couldn’t wait to immerse myself in the Washington Heights neighbourhood again. By the time the musical reached its heartbreaking climax, I was wiping back tears. I laughed, I cried, and most importantly I felt. This production of In the Heights was truly one of the greatest things I’ve witnessed on stage. It plays Sydney Opera House on January 16 to 20. Sydneysiders, get yourself a ticket. I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Busby Marou Ready to Tour Summer Anthem

We can always count on Busby Marou for folk-pop tracks that feel like instant classic. Their latest track “Sounds of Summer” is no exception. Expect to hear this gem played at barbeques for years to come.

“This is a big tune and feels like it could be our biggest yet,” said one half of the Queensland duo, Thomas Busby. “We’re always being told that we have a distinct sunshine sound, so it felt only natural as we were writing it, to let it become a summer anthem.”

The song was conceived when the band were touring across America a few months ago and recorded in a Los Angeles Airbnb before being mixed in Nashville. After those recent US and Canadian shows, Busby Marou are in fine form. Catch them at the following shows in Australia and New Zealand in the coming months.

23 January 2019 – The Longyard Hotel, Tamworth
7 March 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
8 March 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
9 March 2019 – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda
15 March 2019 – The Triffid, Brisbane
16 March 2019 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
28 March 2019 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
29 March 2019 – Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
30 March 2019 – Milton Theatre, Ulludulla
5 April 2019 – Galatos, Auckland
6 April 2019 – Blue Smoke, Christchurch

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

New Single Reminds Us Why We Love Betty Who

The more I hear from Betty Who’s forthcoming studio album Betty, the more excited about it I am. The Aussie expat is releasing some of the most polished, addictive pop music I’ve heard in some time. Her latest single “I Remember” is a case in point.

“‘I Remember’ is exactly the way I wanted to start my new year. It’s such a representation of the album and my obsession with making music that makes people feel good,” Betty explained. “The whole point of the song is about letting go of how hard life (and especially love) can be at times and remembering why you do it in the first place. Love is never going to be perfect. Sometimes it will be easy, most times it will be hard, but all the time it’s worth it because, when you’re with the right person, you are willing to work for it.”

You can hear more of Betty’s new tunes when her third studio album Betty drops on February 15.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Northern Folk Play Festivals For “Cold”

I was sure I must have written about “Cold,” the latest single from Melbourne 10-piece The Northern Folk, before. It’s such a cool song, a little brooding with stellar vocals and one of the best sax breaks you’ll hear. It’s so good that they sold out Northcote Social Club when they launched it. Yet I searched my archives and nothing. So I apologise for the oversight.

Now with the release of the clip’s music video, it seems a perfect time to correct my mistake. It was created by celebrated director and producer Mark Day in close collaboration with The Northern Folk. The band star alongside Michael Nikou and Tanya Alers is the clip which represents human consciousness in all its dark, flawed beauty.

“’Cold’ is about the insecurities that tie us down for fear of the unknown, and the emotional distance they create. Shot in the sparse Riverina landscape, a couple find themselves confronted by the manifestations of their insecurities, and must make the choice to be led by them, or to reject them and take control of what they want to be,” the band explains.

Fresh from Woodford and in fine form, The Northern Folk will play a swag of great festivals over the coming months. Here are all the places you can catch them.

25 – 28 January 2019 – Newstead Live Music Festival, Newstead
10 February 2019 – St Kilda Festival, St Kilda
15 – 17 March 2019 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba
29 – 31 March 2019 – The Hills Are Alive Festival, South Gippsland

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nautical Mile Announce Single Shows for “Regicide” Release

Perth punksters Nautical Mile are taking their music to fans around the country next month, following the release of their latest track “Regicide.”

“The title ‘Regicide’ comes from the act of killing a monarch; the betrayer is wanting to be someone’s queen and putting themselves on a pedestal, when in reality they’re just as likely to stab you in the back. The title can either be interpreted as this betrayal of the “king” or the act of killing the relationship (and thus the “queen”) and moving on,” explained frontman Brodi Owen. “The lyrics describe the almost cyclical nature of relationships like this, the back and forth of constantly trying to please someone only to be disappointed, and the process of coming to terms with this and breaking free of the toxic environment.”

Nautical Mile are going back into the studio after this tour, so it’ll be your last chance to see them for a while. Take advantage of the opportunity at the following shows.

1 February 2019 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
8 February 2019 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
10 February 2019 – Bar Open, Melbourne
15 February 2019 – Rack Em Up, Lilydale
16 February 2019 – Whole Lotta Love, Melbourne
17 February 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Sydney
19 February 2019 – Club Azzurri, Newcastle
21 February 2019 – The Brightside, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden on the Comeback Trail With “Born to Fight”

Karise Eden hasn’t released an album in four years. It’s been more than six years since she won The Voice. Taking time to create, avoiding becoming one of those reality stars that pumped up album after album, has been a good thing for Karise. She’s had time to reflect, grow, and release a stellar new album Born to Fight.

This is an album of warrior songs. Tracks like “Stop Fucking With My Head” and the title track are bold and defiant. More vulnerable numbers like “Hopeless” and “Ted” show there are chinks in the armour, but refuse to lie down. This is a special collection of songs that showcases one of the best soul and blues voices in the country.

Karise is celebrating the recent release of Born to Fight with shows all around the country. Catch her at one of the following venues in the coming months.

22 February 2019 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
23 February 2019 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
27 February 2019 – Burrinja Place Theatre, Upwey
28 February 2019 – The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
1 March 2019 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
2 March 2019 – SS&A Club, Albury
6 March 2019 – West Leagues, Newcastle
7 March 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
8 March 2019 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
23 March 2019 – York Theatre (Seymour Centre), Sydney
24 March 2019 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra
31 March 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Asha Jefferies Releases Live Track Ahead of EP Release & Tour

I’ve admired Asha Jefferies music for so long that I was surprised to read she’s yet to release an EP. That will all change next month when her debut EP, Hold Yourself Together, drops. She’ll give us all an opportunity to learn the words to those new songs before hitting the road a week later.

If you’ve never seen Asha live, listening to her new live version of “Everybody Talks,” recorded at The Tivoli, might convince you to change all that. This stripped back version takes this song to the next level, encouraging you to hone in on those lyrics and the song’s meaning.

Hold Yourself Together drops on February 1. She’ll play the following EP launch show to celebrate its long-awaited release.

8 February 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
14 February 2019 – Golden Age Cinema, Sydney
15 February 2019 – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
16 February 2019 – The Espy, Melbourne
1 February 2019 – Nannup Music Festival, Perth