Lauren Katulka

Posted on 07/01/201903/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Get Involved in Roady4Roadies

Roadies are the unsung heroes of the music industry, the people who arguably work hardest before the musicians step on stage and enjoy the limelight. All that hard work takes a toll, with roadies having suicidal thoughts nine times more than the general population, according to research from Victoria University. One in six roadies follow through, putting their suicide rates at more than eight times the national average.

You could get bogged down by the statistics or you could do something about it and have a lot of fun at the same time. Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth will host Roady4Roadies events on March 10. Adelaide will join in on March 24. During the events, members of the public and music industry will join forces, walking in solidarity and raising funds for Support Act.

At the end of the leisurely 4-5 km walk, participants will enjoy access to performances from leading musicians and family-friendly activities. There’ll also be the Crewathlon, a fun competition for roadies featuring events like the Cable Comp, Stage Manager Spring, and Sound Crew Shimmy.

Registrations are open now online. Mark this one in your calendars music lovers; it’s going to be great fun for an amazing cause.

Posted on 06/01/201903/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Shorelines Get Acoustic With New Single “How I Feel”

Brisbane’s Shorelines are showcasing a softer sound with their latest single “How I Feel.” It’s not just the bare-it-all emotion of this song that sets it apart. The gentle strumming acoustic guitar makes this a very different offering from one of the nation’s favourite punk rock bands.

Expect Shorelines to play “How I Feel” and all the hits at their shows around the country next month. All gigs are open to all ages and on sale now.

2 February 2019 – Fusebox, Sydney
3 February 2019 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne
9 February 2019 – Nexus Arts Centre, Adelaide
16 February 2019 – East Brisbane Bowls Club, Brisbane

Posted on 05/01/201903/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Phoebe Bridgers Ready for First Aussie Shows

Los Angeles singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers will play her first ever Aussie shows next month. Phoebe captivated me with her album Stranger in the Alps, a special collection of introverted, folky songs delivered in a voice that is delicate, yet powerful. The single “Motion Sickness” gives you a taste of what she’s all about, but I encourage you to head to Spotify or your favourite digital platform to hear the whole album.

This is the time to see Phoebe, while she can still play nightspots small enough to fully showcase these introspective songs. Catch her at the following East Coast venues next month.

13 February 2019 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
15 February 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
17 February 2019 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne

Posted on 04/01/201904/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Listening to Cap Carter, a Real “Thrill”

Western Sydney’s Cap Carter is bouncing back from hard times with a vengeance. In just 12 months his band broke up, he lost a friend, and he battled mental health problems. It could have broken him, but he used his struggles to fuel some powerful music. The result is “Thrill,” a powerful track recorded in the United Kingdom with Macklemore’s producer iSaintJames. Cap met the influential producer via Instagram and they bonded immediately over their mental health battles, grief, and passion for music. The song deals with many of these hard-hitting issues, but it’s also tinged with an optimism that things will get better.

“I was by myself for a long time that year. Locked myself up internally and tried to figure out what the hell was going on with life,” Cap explained. “I was angry, frustrated and tired about getting nowhere as a musician and as a person. So I did what anyone else would do, I wrote. Lost count of the bottles and I screamed every word ‘til I felt like my soul was healing. That is what my music is – a soul cleanse. A plea for some sort of tourniquet to stop the bleeding.”

“Thrill” is such an emotional song, and one that hints Cap Carter may be our next big thing. I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting local musician.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on 04/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Nat Smithson & Nights on Mayfair Join Forces for “What Life Wants For Me”

Soulful singer-songwriter Nat Smithson has joined forces with Motown-loving Nights on Mayfair for the feelgood gem, “What Life Wants For Me.” While it was released late last year, it perfect encapsulates the New Year ethos of moving forward on our intended paths.

While the lyrics hit a home run, take a moment to appreciate its spontaneous, energetic sound. The new supergroup used vintage valve and tape equipment to capture a live spirit in the studio. The studio doors were thrown open when laying down the piano. If you listen closely you can hear the sounds of the city streets and local birds on the track.

Nat Smithson and Nights on Mayfair are a match made in heaven. Hopefully this is the first of many collaborations for these guys.

Posted on 03/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Young Robin Releases Perfect Summer Soundtrack, “Spaces”

Perth band Young Robin are spreading good vibes with their upbeat new single “Spaces.” It’s a real ear-pleaser with smooth vocals from Jed Begho and Ben Teune and hooks to spare. It cruises along with the perfect summer groove.

“Spaces” comes from Young Robin’s EP Transitions. They’ll help you shake off the New Year Hangover” at Last Night tonight before playing Peel Estate Winery’s Summer Series show on February 10.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on 02/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Kezra Strikes an Emotional Chord With “Missing You”

Kezra bowled me over with her debut single “Better Place” last year. She proves she’s no one-trick pony with the release of her latest song “Missing You,” a track that’s every bit as compelling as the first.

Kezra is such a special artist. Her voice is so angelic and pure, her lyrics so intimate and exposed. I love the way this track builds to such an emotional crescendo. The song explores the lingering grief we have when we lose loved ones, especially when we’re enjoying success and moments we wish they could share.

“This would have to be one of my most personal and vulnerable songs I have released and I’m so happy to share a little bit of my heart and soul with you,” Kezra said in a statement.

Kezra will launch “Missing You” at The Grace Darling in Melbourne on January 18.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on 31/12/201821/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

2018: A Year in Review

So that’s another year done and dusted! As I look through the pages of Sounds of Oz, I’m reminded of the incredible shows and albums that served as my soundtrack throughout 2018. Before we all head out and party, take a trip down memory lane at some of my favourites for the year. I’d love for you to leave a comment and tell you what music revved you this year!

Top 10 Aussie Albums/EPs

Top 10 Aussie Tours

Alanis Morissette
Cher
Joshua Radin
Nothing Compares 2 Prince
Mr Big & Extreme (almost exclusively for Extreme!)
Jimmy Barnes
New Power Generation
Thirsty Merc
Kav Temperley
Boyz II Men & TLC

Image source: coquetboy @ Flickr.com

Posted on 30/12/201829/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Tuesdays Get Raw With New Single

Wollongong outfit Ruby Tuesdays wear their heart and influences on their sleeve with their epic new rock single, “Why You Always Gotta Fight Me.”

It’s such an emotional track, with blues and soul influences driving it along to its searing crescendo. I love the way this one builds with crashing percussion, wailing guitars, and those ever-more urgent vocals from Mate Jones.

The film clip is a creative departure for Ruby Tuesdays, which works beautifully, as guitarist Shaun Snider explained.

“For the ‘Why You Always Gotta Fight Me’ video, we thought we’d do something different to our other clips, which are basically just us miming to the songs …Somehow we were lucky enough to trick former Miss Earth, Lyndell Kean, to get on board. We shot a story that gives you snapshots into the dissolution of a relationship. We also wanted to capture and relay the energy from our live shows. Once we mixed footage from the two to make what I think is our best clip yet.”

Ruby Tuesdays will play shows early next year, although right now the single launch is the only one locked in. Catch Ruby Tuesdays at the Heritage Hotel, Bulli Bulli, on February 23.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on 29/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Broads Stun With “I Fed the Horse”

I urge you to take a few minutes out of your day to listen to “I Fed the Horse,” the latest track from Melbourne indie darlings Broads. This isn’t one of those songs that should serve as the background to your housework or holiday socialising. It’s the kind of single that should really be listened to, with complete and utter attention.

Crooning vocals are one of Broads’ trademarks, but the sublime harmonies on this track are some of the best I’ve heard. They wring every inch of emotion from this song. They anchor the song, drawing you in so that by the powerful climax, you’re totally invested.

“I started writing ‘I Fed The Horse’ with just a feeling in mind. Or a lack of feeling – an emptiness, a detachment from everyone around me. For a while I was worried something inside was incurably broken. Of course, I’ve come to realise this was not the case. But such a feeling can be drawn out of you by its own strong will, and the song seemed to just grow into itself.”

“I Fed the Horse” is the second single lifted from Broads’ sophomore album, which will be released early next year.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash