Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fifth Dawn Explores Lucid Dreaming With “Defying Symmetry”

If you love Evanescence and Paramore, you’re going to love “Defying Symmetry,” the latest single from Western Sydney’s Fifth Dawn.

This is such an exciting track, with incredible vocals from Samantha Faul and instrumentation that manages to match her power. Samantha wrote the track after experiencing several lucid dreams.

“I was having a lot of lucid dreams at a point in my life due to various stressors, and with that came an unsettling, warped reality that became my constant dream state,” she explained. “In other words, I would often dream about things or settings in real life that would appear completely backwards when I would dream, and it was just so bizarre. That’s where I intended the music video to capture a lot of that imagination and feeling trapped within a dream.”

Fifth Dream have played shows with Hands Like Houses and Columbus, but they’re still waiting on that big break. Surely with songs like this under their belt, it’s only a matter of time.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Samuels Does It Again With “New India Times”

Last year Sydney-based singer-songwriter Andrew Samuel wowed me with his single “Luck Feels Good.” It’s taken some time for the follow-up, but “New India Times” is worth the wait.

This track has such a great lazy groove and all the heart and soul that won me over the first time I discovered Andrew’s music. The dirty guitar solo is also right on point.

“New India Times” comes from Andrew’s forthcoming EP Enmore Road. Listen and fall in love!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“All Worthwhile” – Figurehead

The members of Fremantle band Figurehead might be fresh out of high school, but they’ve just released their second EP All Worthwhile.

This collection of songs has all the passion and enthusiasm you’d expect from a bunch of teens. While this is their second EP, these guys are still delightfully rough around the edges. Acts with indie pop-punk leanings shouldn’t have too much polish though. I think their rawness is one of their strengths.

This is a band who writes about what they know. They’re young guys, so it’s only fitting that their song of heartbreak opening the EP is about a cancelled bus route, not a woman.

Tracks like “Ear to Lend” and “Fade” explore relationships in the way only teens can. I felt a sense of nostalgia listening to these songs about navigating those complex couplings and figuring people and their true motivations out.

“Suits” might be my favourite track on All Worthwhile. It’s got such an infectious energy about it. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to dance like no one is watching.

The whole EP is solid stuff though, the kind of recording that hints at big things from these guys. They’re a little green right now, but they’ve got considerable charm and a massive future ahead.

All Worthwhile is available now from all your favourite digital outlets.

Image used with permission from Jared King PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MOBS Celebrate the ’80s With “Some Kind of Wonderful”

Melbourne band MOBS take us right back to the ‘80s with their new synth-driven pop single “Some Kind of Wonderful.”

The track is a homage to John Hughes’ underrated romantic teen film of the same name.

“It’s a story about not realising that sometimes the things we most want or need are right in front of us,” says guitarist, Michael Ashfield.

As a fan of all things John Hughes and the music of the 1980s, “Some Kind of Wonderful” is right up my alley. Critics might say MOBS are stuck in the past, but when it sounds this good, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kasey Chambers Forms The Fireside Disciples for New “Campfire” Album

Kasey Chambers is embracing her roots with her latest album Campfire, recorded with her new band The Fireside Disciplines. The Fireside Disciples are some of Kasey’s favourite musicians: longtime touring mate Brandon Dodd, longtime family friend and Indigenous elder Alan Pigram, and her dad and greatest musical inspiration Bill Chambers.

“I grew up in the remote outback of Australia living a unique lifestyle isolated from civilisation. The campfire was the heart of our existence: for survival, creativity, inspiration,” Kasey explained of the album’s inspiration. “We hunted all our own food and then cooked it on the campfire. My brother and I did all our schooling via correspondence around the campfire. We used the campfire for warmth and light. We gathered around the campfire at night to play songs together as a family. Our connection to music and the land has developed through and around the campfire since I was born, so it has always stayed with me as a special part of my life.”

“The Campfire Song” gives us our first taste of the album. It’s such a beautiful, raw piece of music which makes you feel nostalgic from the get-go.

Campfire drops on April 27. Kasey Chambers and the Fireside Disciples will play shows just about everywhere to support its release.

23 May 2018 – Casino RSM, Casino
24 May 2018 – Coffs Ex-Services Club, Coffs Harbour
25 May 2018 – Club Forster, Forster
26 May 2018 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
31 May 2018 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
1 June 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
2 June 2018 – Swan PACC, Swan Hill
3 June 2018 – Mildura MAC, Mildura
14 June 2018 – Mingara Recreation Club, Tumbi Umbi
15 June 2018 – The Cube, Campbelltown
16 June 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
17 June 2018 – Ulladulla Services Club, Ulladulla
21 June 2018 – Seymour Centre, Sydney
22 June 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
23 June 2018 – Panthers, Bathurst
24 June 2018 – Canberra Playhouse Theatre, Canberra
28 June 2018 – The Event Centre, Caloundra
29 June 2018 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
1 July 2018 – Brisbane Powerhouse, Brisbane
5 July 2018 – The Desert Cave, Coober Pedy
7 July 2018 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
11 July 2018 – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston
12 July 2018 – Burrinja Theatre, Upwey
13 July 2018 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
14 July 2018 – The Playhouse GPAC, Geelong
19 July 2018 – Albury Theatre, Albury
21 July 2018 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
2 August 2018 – Northern Festival Theatre, Port Pirie
3 August 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
4 August 2018 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mt Gambier
5 August 2018 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
9 August 2018 – Tanks, Cairns
15 August 2018 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warrigal
17 August 2018 – Regent Theatre, Yearram
18 August 2018 – Wonthaggi Arts Centre, Wonthaggi

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nighthawk Channel Classic Sounds for “Right Time” Single

From the ashes of Motor Ace comes Nighthawk, the latest musical venture from Damian Costin and Patrick Robertson. The new Melbourne band, which also features Flynn Wheeler and Rhys Thompson, is making its mark with the retro influenced single “Right Time.”

I love the classic, synth-saturated sound of this track. It reminds me of something Simple Minds or U2 might have released back in the day. Its timeless sound makes it such an easy listen. I have actually hit the play button a few times before getting my thoughts down.

More like this please!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderers Drop Retro Soul Single Ahead of Aussie Tour

Adelaide outfit Wanderers have me feeling nostalgic with their new single “Off My Back.” It feels a little Hall & Oates, smooth, soulful, and so easy to listen to.

This track really is fresh out of the oven, coming from a recording session in January 2018 at Adelaide’s Wundenberg Studios. Having spent much of 2017 on the road, the guys were no doubt happy to be back at home, and that ease and relaxation shines through the single.

It won’t be too long before we see them back on stage though. Wanderers will tour “Off My Back” all around the country in the coming months.

26 April 2018 – Marly Bar, Newton
28 April 2018 – The Gumball Festival, Hunter Valley
3 May 2018 – Upstairs @ the Gaso, Melbourne
4 May 2018 – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo
5 May 2018 – Grampians Grape Escape, Halls Gap
6 May 2018 – Bay Pizzaria, Port MacDonald
18 May 2018 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
19 May 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
20 May 2018 – Four5Nine, Perth WA
1 June 2018 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
2 June 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay
9 June 2018 – Grace Emily, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Little Acorn Music; credit: Jack Fenby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RocKwiz’s Clio Unleashes Stunning Solo Single Ahead of EP Release

You might know Clio as the keyboard queen of RocKwiZ. But she’s actually an accomplished singer-songwriter in her own right, as showcased on her beautiful new single “Something Left to Leave Behind.”

It’s a delicate piece which reflects on the pain of a failed relationship with such poise and grace. The combination of strings, piano, and Clio’s angelic vocals is sublime.

“The confusion, anger and sadness after hearing your ex-partner has moved on. This song is working through all of that,” Clio explained. “The harsh, bratty vocal delivery in the chorus, accompanied by brooding chord progression were composed to take the listener into post break-up angst mayhem. The repeated epilogue at the end of the track is like the calm after the storm- a time for reflection and acceptance.”

“Something Left to Leave Behind” is the title track from Clio’s new EP. She’ll support its April 23 release with a show at Melbourne’s The Gasometer Upstairs on April 26 and another at The Bridge Hotel in Castlemaine on April 28.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skipping Girl Vinegar’s Mark Lang Drops Stellar Solo Single

Skipping Girl Vinegar’s Mark Lang returns to the music scene with a gritty slice of honest rock, his latest single “Ride On.” That return almost didn’t happen though. After three albums with Skipping Girl Vinegar Mark found himself at a crossroads, wondering whether he had anything left to say with music.

“The band had decided it was time for a collective hiatus and my wife and I were emerging from the wake of a cancer recovery. I was in a personal and musical pit unsure of where to go next when I received an invitation to tour solo into the US. It was something to hold onto so on a whim took it up to see where I landed,” he recounted.

Driving through Missouri late one night, he saw the familiar flash of police lights in his rearview mirror. The officer ran his license and checked his visa before the conversation turned to music, family, and the U.S. election campaign.

“It was a surreal experience sitting on the other side of the world swapping stories of unfulfilled dreams and new beginnings with an officer of the law,” he remembers. “Somehow that conversation helped me understand where I wanted to go next giving me the confidence to step forward and not look back.

The cop let Mark off with a warning and a final piece of advice. “As I stepped from the car I thanked him, he looked me square in the eye and said, “It’s okay son, ride on.”

And so a song was born.

Mark Lang will spend most of this year touring North America and Europe, but he’s currently back in town to promote “Ride On.” Catch him at the following shows.

22 April 2018 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
28 April 2018 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
11 May 2018 – Portland Arts Centre,

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rachel Caddy Lays Soul Bare in “Reach For You”

Victoria’s Rachel Caddy casts a spell with her beautiful new single “Reach For You.”

This is the kind of song that passed me by at first. It had it on while I was working, and it faded into the background a little. It’s not a song with big notes or catchy choruses to sweep you away. But there was something about Rachel’s voice that drew me back in, so I listened again. I turned up the speakers, put down my work, and just listened. That’s when it hit me. That’s when I heard all the nuances and the pain and the beauty in this song. Honestly, if you can spare a few moments I encourage you to do what I did and give it your full attention. “Reach For You” deserves that.

If you like what you hear, make sure you catch Rachel at Whole Lotta Love in Brunswick East on April 22.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department