Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Iron Eye Rock You With “Conscience Cleaner”

The Iron Eye have supported an impressive list of acts including Shihad, DZ Deathrays, Harts, Like Thieves, and Dallas Frasca. However, with the release of their new single “Conscience Cleaner,” the Brisbane rockers are showing why they deserve to be headliners.

It’s a ball-tearing track that doesn’t take a backwards step. The band seems to just hit the accelerator and go! It’s earned them a spot on Spotify’s All New Rock playlist, which puts them alongside world famous acts like Alice in Chains, Dashboard Confessional, and Hands Like Houses.

Fresh from a Sydney show last week, The Iron Eye will play more gigs in Australia and New Zealand to celebrate the release of “Conscience Cleaner.”

12 September 2018 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
14 September 2018 – Galato’s, Auckland
15 September 2018 – Churchill’s, Christchurch
5 October 2018 – Crowbar, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gotcha Covered” – The Screaming Jets

You might recall me getting excited about the release of The Screaming Jets’ new album Gotcha Covered. As a kid growing up in Newcastle, these guys were heroes to me. The track listing of Aussie rock classics was inspired, radio-friendly but full of curveballs. You might wonder why, since it’s been out for a couple of weeks now, I haven’t put down my thoughts until this moment. The simple answer is, I’ve been having too much fun listening to it.

All the Jets hallmarks are here: the driving drums, the chunky guitars, Dave Gleeson’s unmistakeable vocals. Add in an impressive collection of songs and you’ve got all the right ingredients for your next barbecue soundtrack.

It bounds out of the gate with a gritty, frenetic take on The Easybeats’ “Wedding Ring.” I love the extra dirt The Jets put on this one. Their take on Razor’s Edge might be my favourite track on an outstanding album. I’d forgotten how much I love this song; their punchy version was a great reminder. But then there’s “Overkill,” perhaps controversially my favourite Men at Work song, given such a great treatment. And then there’s “Errol,” a wonderful take on the Oz Crawl classic. The more I think about it, singling out just one track seems cruel.

“Shadow Boxer” was always going to be a natural fit for the band fronted by The Angels’ current lead singer. It works so well. “The Right Time” is another song which feels like it was made for the Newcastle rockers. The Jets even have a way of making songs I’ve never liked, like the Radiators’ questionable classic “Head” endearing!

Playing on the sacred ground here has some challenges. Risks are essential, but they don’t all pay off in my opinion. While I appreciate the intent of the swampy, bluesy “Darling It Hurts,” slowing down the tempo makes this incredible Paul Kelly track feel a little laboured. But then The Jets take a chance on an epic 14-minute take on “Guitar Band” to close the album, and you’re glad they did.

Gotcha Covered will make the perfect Father’s Day gift for your old man. Just don’t be surprised when you want a copy for yourself too.

The Screaming Jets are currently touring the nation with Boom Crash Opera. Here are all the remaining dates.

17 August 2018 – Kingsford Juniors, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
24 August 2018 – Parkwood Tavern, Gold Coast
25 August 2018 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
31 August & 1 September 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
7 September 2018 – Ravenswood Hotel, Ravenswood
8 September 2018 – Charles Hotel, Perth
14 September 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Revesby Workers, Sydney

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow Sounding Better Than Ever With Brand New Single “Ride On”

With two solo records under his belt, Melbourne-based muso Matt Joe Gow is a seasoned performer. His experience shows in his latest single “Ride On,” an accomplished slice of Americana that feels like an instant classic.

“Ride On” is the first track lifted from Matt Joe Gow’s new album, Break, Rattle and Roll. Out October 5, it sounds like it’ll be something special.

“I wanted to throw everything I could at this record,” he explained, “to do these songs justice and make the best record I could. And I feel I achieved that.”

Matt will announce some shows soon to bring his new music to the masses.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgia State Line Tug at the Heartstrings With “Dry My Tears”

Melbourne Americana outfit Georgia State Line are back with a beautiful new single, “Dry My Tears.”

This track transports me to another place and time. It’s got a beautiful vintage vibe that evokes old-style saloons. The lyrics and Georgia Delves’ flawless vocals also capture those bittersweet feelings when you’re caught between wanting to hold on to a relationship and knowing it’s time to say goodbye. Pedal steel guitar also gets me every time.

Georgia State Line have a few shows coming up, including the big “Dry My Tears” launch at The Old Bar later this month.

18 August 2018 – Major Tom’s Kyneton
26 August 2018 – The Old Bar, Fitzroy
13 October 2018 – Seaworks, Williamstown

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chilean Expat Constanza Herrero Sings of “Packing Up” For Oz

Chilean-born singer-songwriter Constanza Herrero speaks of the excitement and uncertainty she felt moving to her current Australian home in her new single “Packing Up.”

Moving to Australia to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts was a leap of faith for the artist who was part of an MTV Latin America award-winning band and star of a Nickelodeon TV series in her homeland. However, after selling out her self-titled EP launch party at Fremantle’s Fly by Night last November, it seems she’s on the right track.

I really love the cheery Latin-American influence in Constanza’s catchy new pop single. She said she hopes the song encourages others to overcome challenges in their own lives.

“In order to move forward you need to face your circumstances, otherwise you will only be running away. It’s not about forgetting your past, but learning from it,” she explained.

The beautiful music video was filmed in Constanza’s homeland. Making it was a special process for Constanza, who still feels the challenge of leaving Chile behind and making a new home in Australia.

Constanza is a regular on the Perth music scene but hopes to bring her live shows to venues around Australia and the United States in the near future. Hopefully this is the song that makes it all happen for her.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea @ State Theatre, Sydney – 11 August 2018

In 2004, I voted for Casey Donovan. If you’d have told me then that I’d be making a trip into the city to see her Australian Idol competition Anthony Callea live, I would have laughed. It’s not that I didn’t think he was talented. His voice was always undeniable. But I didn’t quite connect to him as a performer.

I didn’t become an Anthony Callea fan until he released his album of George Michael covers in 2014. With every subsequent album release I became a little more of a fan. After arriving late to the party, it was a real thrill to see Anthony perform his ARIA Number 1 Hits in Concert show at the State Theatre in Sydney on the weekend.

While the concert celebrated Anthony’s last number one album, ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony, with the bulk of the show made up of those beloved covers, it was really a retrospective of his career. Original songs from recordings as early as his first EP were no doubt a real treat to the diehard fans who were there when it all began. For me, it gave me an opportunity to catch up on the music I missed.

While I appreciated the originals, Anthony’s excellent cover versions provided some of the show’s highlights. A stripped back mash-up of Whitney Houston hits “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “How Will I Know” performed with his childhood friends was really special. An unexpected take on Keith Urban’s “Tonight I Want to Cry,” a song that didn’t appear on any of the recent cover albums, brought tears to my eyes. And if you don’t get goosebumps when Anthony performs “The Prayer” I’d check for a pulse. I was also thrilled to hear a couple of those George Michael classics that converted me into a true fan. By the time “Freedom ‘90” came around, I was regretting my decision to buy seats in the circle. Bouncing around in my chair, near the sign that reminded us all standing up and dancing was strictly prohibited, I wished I was down the front in the thick of the action.

While the songs and Anthony’s incomparable voice took centre stage, his ease as an entertainer was what really struck me. He chatted easily with the crowd, regaling us with tales of his time in the music business. That included his time on Idol. When so many people shy away from acknowledging reality TV stints, his candour and appreciation for that experience was refreshing. Anthony apologised countless times for going off on tangents, but I don’t think any of us minded his rambling. If I want to hear someone simply sing, I’ll stay home and listen to the CD. I come to concerts for a real show, and those stories are such a key part of that.

As I sat on the train heading back to the Central Coast, I spotted several people wearing Pink! T-shirts, all smiles after seeing her perform at Qudos Arena. Her show was at the other end of the spectrum, a sell-out spectacular in a large arena. There were no such theatrics about Anthony’s show, unless you count his blingy clothes. But he didn’t need them. Some might say Pink! doesn’t either, that her voice and songs could stand up if all the fanfare was stripped away and that she simply puts on the kind of big show she does because she can. But I was reminded of something that Anthony said during the night, about how he loved Australian Idol for its simplicity. Our first TV singing show didn’t need use backing dancers or elaborate staging. What Anthony does now continues that tradition. In a world that constantly tries to up the entertainment factor, bringing a show back to an incredible voice, great songs, and a winning personality is so refreshing.

Anthony Callea wraps up his ARIA Number 1 Hits in Concert tour at the Palms at Crown in Melbourne on August 24.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue Child Collective Inspire Epic Adventures With “Dive”

Blue Child Collective are easing me into my working week with their dreamy new single “Dive.” This is such a beautiful track from the Margaret River band, a cool folky ditty inspired by apnea and nautical freefall.

The video is also spectacular. World-class oceanographer captured the footage on Ningaloo Reef, and it’s got me itching to experience that part of the country for myself. I’m not sure I’d have the guts to freefall like Blue Child Collective frontman Dan White, but it looks amazing.

Mondays are tough, but discovering music like this makes it a little easier.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Paper Kites Release Beautiful Single Ahead of Brand New Album

twelvefour was one of my favourite albums of 2015. Frankly, I’ve been hanging out for a new album from The Paper Kites ever since its release. But my patience has finally been rewarded, with the Melbourne band dropping a gorgeous new single “Deeper Blue Burn.” There’s more where that came from too. “Deeper Blue Burn” comes from a brand new album On the Corner Where You Live, which drops on September 21.

After developing a massive fan base all over the world, it’s not surprising that they’re working with the best of the best now. The Paper Kites coproduced their new album with Peter Katis, a Grammy award-winning producer who’s worked with Interpol and The National. They spent five weeks living and recording at his Connecticut studio, a 120-year-old Victoria-era home. If the single is any indication, the results are something special. I can’t wait to hear more from this highly-anticipated release!

Image ued with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jason Owen Releases Mature New Single “Apple Tree”

When Jason Owen appeared on X Factor in 2012, the nation lost its collective mind. He came second in the reality TV competition, no mean feat for a country kid without real training, but I wasn’t quite convinced. I knew he had something, but I felt he needed time to develop as an artist.

His last release was a covers album dedicated to John Denver. It was appealing, but it also made me wonder whether Jason had hit his stride as an artist. So I’m thrilled to hear his new single “Apple Tree,” his first original track in nearly two years. This song shows a new maturity in Jason’s writing and voice. It seems Jason is every bit as enthusiastic as I am about it!

“I’m pumped to be releasing my first original song in over a year and a half,” he said. “I’m excited about my new feel with ‘Apple Tree’ as I believe it’s time for a slight change from what I have released in the past six years. I really hope that everyone enjoys the slightly new feel with the single ‘Apple Tree’.”

Jason has a couple of shows coming up. Hear “Apple Tree” and all your old favourites at the following gigs.

10 August 2018 – Temora Ex-Services Club, Temora
11 August 2018 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
18 August 2018 – Lizotte’s Newcastle, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pey Pey and Jëva Leave Me Spellbound With “Falling”

It’s pretty rare to hear music that sounds like nothing else. But that’s just what you get with “Falling,” the new collaborative single from Western Australian musicians Pey Pey and Jëva.

The pair met while studying at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and quickly formed the kind of friendship where no topic is off limits. Their dreamy single was inspired by their conversations about the big issues like hopelessness, uncertainty, and the pressure of what lies ahead.

I love the single version, but there’s also an amazing acoustic version on Spotify. “Falling” is the first single from Pey Pey’s debut album, the self, the you, the fall, set for release in early 2019. It’s also a teaser of what you’ll hear on Jëva’s debut mini album Typhoon, out later this year.

Image used with permission from The A & R Department