Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5 Seconds of Summer Top Singles & Albums Charts With Youngblood

An Australian act hasn’t held the number one position on the ARIA singles and albums charts since Gotye was sitting pretty with “Somebody That I Used to Know” and Making Mirrors in August 2011. This week 5 Seconds in Summer become only the 33rd local act to achieve the feat with their single “Youngblood” enjoying its fifth week at number one and the album of the same name shooting to the top of the charts on debut.

“I Said Hi” by Amy Shark is the only other act in the top 10 this week. Her latest single has slipped three positions to land at number nine this week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Youngblood – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. The Greatest Showman – Soundtrack
3. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
4. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
5. ? – XXXTentacion
6. Everything is Love – The Carters
7. Only Human – Calum Scott
8. Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes
9. Liberation – Christina Aguilera
10. ye – Kanye West

Top 10 Singles
1. “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B
3. “Better Now” – Post Malone
4. “2002” – Anne-Marie
5. “No Tears Left to Dry” – Ariana Grande
6. “Back to You” – Selena Gomez
7. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
8. “Sad” – XXXTentacion
9. “I Said Hi” – Amy Shark
10. “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bachelor Girl Are Back With “Speak”

Sometimes it takes a new song to remind you just how good a band is. Such is the case with Bachelor Girl, who are back on the scene 20 years after releasing the smash hit “Buses and Trains.” Their new single “Speak” explores the need for communication in the digital age. It also shows that decades on, Tania Doko and James Roche have still got “it.”

“I feel strongly that ‘Speak’ is the first offering back for the band – personally, it’s a wake-up call and hopefully a 3 minute 30 reminder out there that we’re humans, not just hashtags,” Tania explained.

“Imagine our world if we develop a group agreement that speaking the truth and acting with integrity is normal,” adds James.

Fans will be happy to hear this new track is no one-off. The duo says performing together at a Australia Day concert in 2016 reminded them how much they love making music together.

“[We] are so excited about the new songs,” James said. “It feels better than ever.”

A national tour and more music is in the works for later this year. Get excited Bachelor Girl fans!

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue River Saga Make Me Nostalgic With “For Now”

It’s been a long time I’ve heard some straight up pop-rock, but Blue River Saga deliver with their latest release “For Now.” I can’t help thinking of bands of my youth like Southern Sons, Noiseworks, and 1927 as I listen to this track. It tells the story of a past relationship that might just have life in it yet.

“Usually there are two sides to this type of story and I’ve always found it interesting to write from the perspective of both parties involved, so there is definitely no villain in this one,” explained vocalist Wil Maisey.

The Sydney band have spent the last year in guitarist Chis Woods’ home studio, creating music that truly reflects who they are.

“There’s only so much you can do with fancy gear. It’s all about creating a space where the band feel they can get to work, whether that’s writing or tracking,” Chris explained. “We feel like we have achieved that and it should show in the songs.”

Since they don’t use a lot of bells and whistles in the recording process, Blue River Saga are likely to sound just as good on stage. They promise to announce some shows soon so we can find out for ourselves.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Carmody Soars With “Sharks” Single

Darwin-based novelist and singer-songwriter Sam Carmody has delivering a stunning taste of his forthcoming EP with the release of his new single “Sharks.” It’s a soaring sonic experience with poetic lyrics, a contemporary love song that steers clear of the clichés.

When it sounds this good, it’s even more impressive that this track and others from the EP were self-produced by Sam, his former Warning Birds bandmate Bensen Thomas, and Dylan Ollivierre from The Money War. With a planned mid-year release, we should be able to hear more from Sam really soon.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Storm Boy” – Xavier Rudd

Now with his ninth album under his belt, Xavier Rudd should be considered a veteran of the Aussie music scene. You might assume after releasing so much music, he might be lacking inspiration or struggling to find vital things to say. Storm Boy proves neither is true. Far from showing signs of fatigue, he might be making his best music yet. The press release notes that he’s found love, so perhaps that’s inspired him. Whatever the reason, Storm Boy is a joy to listen to.

It starts so strong with the current single “Walk Away,” a stirring anthem that tugs at the heart string. The next track “Keep it Simple” switches gears. It has such powerful lyrics about unity, with a cool electric reggae vibe. The album likes to keep us guessing like that, never keeping us in the same place for too long.

The delicate title track might be my favourite, with its life lessons and references to the famous Colin Thiele novel. While he’s more than capable of doing a big electric epic, I think Xavier is strongest he pares things back in songs like this, “Honeymoon Bay” and “Best That I Can.” However, the bigger numbers add some balance.

This is an album not just of big songs but also songs of big importance. “Gather the Hands” is such a moving call to arms, a track which addresses our relationships with our indigenous brothers and sisters and how we move forward together. “True to Yourself” is another insightful masterstroke, a tender folky ballad with a heart of gold. The second verse about a homeless man really resonated with me.

“True Love” might be the most personal song on the album, a reflection on that love the press release touched on. It manages to be both epic and intimate at the same time. Musically there’s so much going on, an orchestra with everything from violins to sitars coming together. But its lyrics are so personal, and they keep the song centred.

After such a powerhouse song, it’s only fitting that Xavier goes back to the kind of small, delicate music he’s famous for with the album’s final track. “Times Like These” has such powerful lyrics about what is true in this world, so it’s only fitting that they take centre stage. It’s a beautiful song, and the perfect final track for what is such a beautiful album.

I’ve listened to Storm Boy at least 10 times now but I keep finding new things to appreciate about it. It’s one of those special releases that only grows richer over time. Start listening now so you’re all across is when Xavier tours the country later this year.

2 August 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra
3 August 2018 – Uni Hall, Wollongong
4 August 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
5 August 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
10 August 2018 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
11 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
12 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
17 August 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart
18 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong
27 August 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
23 November 2018 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
24 November 2018 – 3 Oceans Winery, Margaret River

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Continue Winning Ways With “Knees”

Sydney band Ocean Alley can seem to do no wrong, and the rest of the world is beginning to take notice. They’ve just dropped another stellar single, “Knees,” from their critically acclaimed sophomore album Chiaroscuro, and I can’t stop listening.

It’s the perfect blend of soul and rock, full of yearning and honesty.

Ocean Alley are currently in the midst of a massive North American tour. If you’re in that part of the world, here are the remaining dates. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see some shows back here in Oz.

19 June 2018 – Brighton Music Hall, Allston
20 June 2018 – The Foundry at The Fillmore, Philadelphia
22 June 2018 – Mercury Lounge, New York
23 June 2018 – DC9, Washington
25 June 2018 – Blueberry Hill, University City
27 June 2018 – Larimer Lounge, Denver
29 June 2018 – Valley Bar, Phoenix
30 June 2018 – Constellation Room, Santa Ana

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maya Releases Bold New Single “Blackout”

Melbourne’s Maya might just have one of the most soulful voices in the country. It’s used to full effect on her latest single “Blackout.”

“Releasing this single has got to be one of the most exciting times of my career,” she said. “’Blackout’ means so much to me lyrically and I feel like the production is the next step sound that really represents my aesthetic … Most people have ‘blacked out’ before, whether it’s when they drink, if they black out a bad memory, or if they just forget certain things. This song takes you through my perspective and how I felt when it happened to me – it was inspired by so many moments of blackout in myself that I still fight every day.”

“Blackout” saw Maya collaborating with producer Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, Meg Mac) and director Grace Moore, who helped her put together this dramatic video.

“The ‘Blackout’ video shows a cross between the dark reality and positive space,” Maya explained. “It captures a representation of the dark energies that are felt in those fragile times, juxtaposed with a bright, welcoming space that leads to happiness. The video, set the morning after the night before, features the Blackout Girls chasing me out of my dark memories until finally I arrive at a space where there is no black. There I’m free from the watchful eyes of the blackout, and surrounded by positivity and light.”

Maya is currently in New York City working with some of the world’s best writers and producers, but it won’t be too long before she’s back home putting the finishing touches on some fresh new music for us all.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sing With Katie Noonan and Teddy Tahu Rhodes

Have you ever wanted to sing with Katie Noonan or Teddy Tahu Rhodes? The Queensland Music Festival (QMF) is giving you the chance!

QMF is assembling a choir of singers to join the talented vocalists, and musical director Dr. Johnathon Welch (Choir of Hard Knocks), at its upcoming Voices of Remembrance concerts in Toowoomba and Cairns. Interested choirs or individuals can apply to be part of these events at the QMF website until June 29.

“This concert will help everyone reconnect with moving stories from the First World War and celebrate the peace that came with the signing of the Armistice,” explained Katie, who’s currently serving as QMF’s artistic director.

If like me your vocal chords aren’t blessed, you can still catch these special Armistice Day shows in Toowoomba on November 9 and Cairns on November 10. Tickets will be free, although you’ll need to book them through the QMF site later this year.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Summerfield Does Pop Right With New Single “Shelter”

Pop has gotten to be a bit of a dirty word in recent years. A few local artists like Troy Sivan, Sia, and The Veronicas have earned the respect of critics, but by and large pop has become a genre that’s easy to poke fun at. However, when done right pop music can be sublime. Sydney’s Nick Summerfield shows the Australian pop scene has another artist worth taking seriously with the release of his new single “Shelter.”

“Shelter is a story of my personal growth,” Nick explained. “I was in a pretty unhappy place when I started writing, but I knew the only person that could change that was me. The lyrics talk about facing truth and confronting yourself – I had to look at myself, my flaws and questioned if I was good enough during those times of instability and vulnerability.”

This is such good stuff. I can’t wait to hear more from this self-taught talent.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department