Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nothing Like You Delivers New Rock Anthem “Clouds”

There’s nothing like a great rock song to wake you up and make you feel energised for the day ahead. Sydney outfit Nothing Like You has delivered one with their latest single “Clouds.”

It’s got everything covered here, from big, beefy riffs to powerhouse vocals. It’s got a classic rock sound with a little extra edge that I’m really digging. It explores some pretty meaty themes too, reflecting on love and loss and the bittersweet pain we feel through it all.

Sydneysiders, you’re in luck. Nothing Like You will play Valve Bar tonight. Friday entertainment sorted!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Iluka Gets Me Grooving With “Sympathy”

Sydney songbird Iluka is back with a groovy new single “Sympathy,” the latest lifted from her forthcoming EP Ritual. This song has such a positive vibe, with rich horns, a clap along chorus, and powerful lyrics about social change.

“Sympathy is a song that’s been sitting in my drawer for a couple of years now,” Iluka explained. “When it was written I had this real sense of impotence and apathy within my generation. That willing or not, so many of us were becoming slaves. Slaves to technology, to consumerism, to authority, to an ideology, to expectation, to our own bodies, and to our own minds. Rather fittingly I didn’t really know what to do with the song at the time. But I feel like with all that is happening in the world right now people are being shaken awake, whether we like it or not. Silence is being broken, indifference is turning to dissidence, people are speaking up and being heard, and the time felt right to bring this song to life, to add my voice to the cause. To celebrate defiance, to champion self-expression, to promote self-belief, and to reclaim our power. As the song choruses… we want it back.”

Iluka will launch the single at the Coven Christmas Party at The Lansdowne in Sydney on December 21.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Soul Mumma” – Rochelle Pitt Watson

Rochelle Pitt Watson first hit my radar during her time on the X Factor. Those sorts of shows are a great way to gain exposure, but they don’t really tell you a lot about a musician. I feel like I hadn’t really met Rochelle until I listened to her new EP Soul Mumma.

On a gloomy day here in NSW, the great grooves and the textures of Rochelle’s vocals on the opening track “Should We” are like sunshine. But listen a little closer and you’ll hear this is more than just a funky song. Its politically charged lyrics are inspiring. This is soul music the way the pioneers like Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye intended it to be.

“I Believe” has a great gospel vibe. Fittingly, Rochelle’s powerhouse vocals take it to church. “Challenge the Exclusion” is a hard-hitting title, but Rochelle takes a softly-softly approach with this song. It’s thematically powerful, but it speaks of unity rather than division and mutiny. It’s a beautiful ballad that moves the heart and mind. “Jimbaraal” is the most hard-hitting track on the album, a swampy, bluesy number with a driving drum and bass beat and squealing guitars. “Resilience” has a great reggae-inspired groove and more dynamite vocals and lyrics. It’s everything Rochelle does best.

The final track “Maudie” is beautiful, a tender track which seems to tell a very personal story. It’s so delicate compared to other the EP’s other songs, with Rochelle reining in her vocals and letting the lyrics do the talking. It’s such a simple but powerful love song that speaks to the heart.

Rochelle Pitt Watson’s Soul Mumma tackles some important issues with the insight her Indigenous heritage affords. Those issues can be confronting, but Rochelle’s sublime vocals and groovy sound help the message go down easily. It’s an EP which shows that really introduces us to the reality TV graduate, proving that she has much more than a killer voice on her side.

Image used with permission from August MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“What We Do” – Lou Scarrs

As the guitarist for Money for Rope, Lou Scarrs appeared to be at the top of his game. The band played Glastonbury and South by Southwest, to say nothing of the leading festivals here in Australia. But he risked it all to follow his own musical vision and go solo. If he felt any nerves, they don’t seem to show in his first EP, What We Do.

The music of this EP reminds me a little of the sounds of Robbie Williams or the Kaiser Chiefs. There are vocal similarities with both these British acts, but also a similar rebellious attitude and cockiness that makes Lou’s music irresistible.

The EP bursts out of the gate with the bold title track. I love the deep thumping drums and confident lyrics. “All I Ever Knew” is brooding and intense, and above all totally compelling. “Lapdog” is a song of such strength, an anthem for emotional independence. Lou Scarrs keeps his foot on the pedal for the closing track “Measure Up.” It’s got a similar anthemic quality that’s so satisfying.

The songs of “What We Do” are punchy, with all tracks around that magic three-minute mark. It takes considerable skill to create tracks in that perfect pop form, but this is more than the disposable pop so many commercial radio stations flog. Elements of rock and electronica influence this music, helping it sound fresh and dynamic. Lyrically it’s also so strong. In just four tracks, Lou Scarrs has left his mark.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thundamentals Celebrate 10 Years With Decade of the Thundakat Tour

Thundamentals have carved out a reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting and beloved hip hop acts over the last decade. Now to celebrate their tenth anniversary, Thundamentals are looking to take their music to as many fans as they can through their epic regional tour, Decade of the Thundakat.

Thundamentals have made the most of their last ten years, earning ARIA and J Award nominations, headlining their own tours in Australia and Europe and supporting legends like A Tribe Called Quest, Big Boi, and Macklemore, as well as performing at virtually every festival in the country.

“It’s 10 years of releasing records and touring, sure, but it’s so much more than that,” Tuka explained. “It’s family, it’s a platform to contribute to our community, it’s connection to the broader community at large, it’s a wealth of life-changing experiences. To be fair, it’s a crazy thing to look back on. To listen back on…”

Party with Thundamentals at the following shows. Tickets are on sale now.

9 March 2018 – Discovery, Darwin
10 March 2018 – Gap View Hotel, Alice Springs
14 March 2018 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
15 March 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
16 March 2018 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
17 March 2018 – Metropolis, Fremantle
22 March 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave
23 March 2018 – Tap House, Bendigo
24 March 2018 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
29 March 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
6 April 2018 – The Jack, Cairns
7 April 2018 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
13 April 2018 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 April 2018 – The Basement, Port Macquarie
15 April 2018 – The Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour
19 April 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay
20 April 2018 – Surfers Beergarden, Gold Coast
21 April 2018 – Villa Noosa, Sunshine Coast
26 April 2018 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
27 April 2018 – Waves, Wollongong
28 April 2018 – Entrance Leagues, Bateau Bay
4 May 2018 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga
5 May 2018 – Kinross Woolshed, Albury
11 May 2018 – Gearins Hotel, Katoomba

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BADMATHS Pack a Punch With “Definition”

With their aggressive mix of heavy metal, hip hop, and funk, I’ll bet you’ve never heard anything quite like the music of BADMATHS. The Alice Springs outfit have just released their brand new single “Definition.”

This track has such an awesome sound that defies genre. But its lyrics, which explore the concept of the modern day poet, are also really smart.

I’m really looking forward to hearing more from this very original band.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley: Partners in Life and Touring

Brooke MyClymont is taking a little time out from her family band to release music with the man in her life, Adam Eckersley. One of those songs is “Train Wreck,” a track which hopefully doesn’t describe their own relationship! It comes from their self-titled album Adam & Brooke, which will hit stores on February 9.

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley performed a string of acoustic shows in June and July and they enjoyed it so much they’ll do it again next year. The Highway Sky Tour will play capital cities and plenty of regional centres. If they’re not coming to your town, don’t worry. This already extensive tour will get more dates soon! Expect to hear the couple’s collaborations and your favourite McClymonts and Adam Eckersley Band songs too at the following shows.

9 February 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
10 February 2018 – Coast Hotel, Budgewoi
23 February 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
24 February 2018 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
2 March 2018 – Armidale Ex Serviceman’s Club, Armidale
3 March 2018 – Southwest Rocks Country Club, Southwest Rocks
8 March 2018 – Leftys Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
9 March 2018 – Lone Star Tavern, Gold Coast
10 March 2018 – South Acacia Ridge Sports Club, Brisbane South
16 & 17 March 2018 – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton
6 April 2018 – Young Services Club, Young
7 April 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
12 April 2018 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 April 2018 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
14 April 2018 – Gateway Hotel, Geelong
26 April 2018 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
27 April 2018 – Leadbelly, Newtown
29 April 2018 – Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail
11 May 2018 – Brothers Leagues, Cairns
12 May 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
13 May 2018 – Mt Pleasant, Mackay
15 May 2018 – Glenmore Tavern, Rockhampton
16 May 2018 – Hervey Road Tavern, Gladstone
17 May 2018 – Melbourne Hotel, Bundaberg
18 May 2018 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
19 May 2018 – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeffrey Jordan Impresses on Debut With “Dancing All Night”

Jeffrey Jordan has taken his cues from Justin Timberlake with his first single “Dancing All Night.” The song has a similar deep groove to “Cry Me A River,” but there’s something a little darker and more haunting here. The vocals from this Victorian singer-songwriter are also spot on.

Jeff wrote the track about a personal situation that left him feeling frustrated and confused. Channelling his emotions into the song, he explored what it’s like to question your feelings for someone you love, or think you love.

This song is a world away from the music Jeff releases in local pop-punk band Rose Avenue, but I think it’s just the kind of thing that could be big if enough people hear it.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Tip of the Spear” – Pataphysics

It’s been several years since I checked in with the music of Melbourne-based hip hop artist Pataphysics. After so many years, his new album Tip of the Spear proves he’s still got a fire fuelling his creativity.

The old-school modem sounds of the opening “Prologue” are a little bit jarring, but they force you to pay attention. That’s so important when you listen to the music of Pataphysics, because he’s got a lot to say and a rapid-fire delivery. It’ll probably take a few spins of Tip of the Spear to catch everything, but when the music sounds this good you won’t mind. His rhymes are positive and inspiring and the music groovy and laidback, with hints of jazz and funk. Guest artists like Diego Villalta, Kaiit, Allysha Joy, and Aamer Rahman complement Pataphysics’ vision beautifully.

“Frames” is a favourite, with its exploration of the constants in an ever-evolving world. I love the positivity and optimism of “Today. “Shake the Roots” provides vital commentary on the modern financial landscapes, the haves and the have nots. “Cycle of Oppression,” which explores detention centres and our treatment of refugees may be one of the album’s most important tracks.

At 14 songs, including the bonus track, Tip of the Spear covers a lot of ground. Unlike so many lengthy albums though, it feels cohesive without any filler. It’s an important record that packs a powerful punch.

Tip of the Spear is out now.

Image used with permission from Pataphysics

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beautiful @ Lyric Theatre, Sydney – 10 December 2017

I was seeing musicals before I ever saw a concert. The music of Carole King has been a constant comfort in my life. So when I heard of the musical Beautiful’s creation, I was so hopeful it would eventually land on Australian shores. My parents saw it on Broadway and raved about it, and that only heightened my anticipation. But could it possibly live up to all that hype. For me it’s an emphatic yes.

The performance of Esther Hannaford as Carole is the lynchpin of this performance and she excels. Carole has such a unique way about her and Esther captures her voice and mannerisms without ever becoming a caricature. She’s supported beautifully by other key players: Josh Piterman as the troubled, complex love of her life Gerry Goffin, Amy Lehpamer as her vivacious and loyal friend and fellow songwriter of note Cynthia Weil, and Mat Verevis as Cynthia’s own songwriting partner and beau Barry Mann. While this isn’t Weil and Mann’s musical, as a fan of their music I was excited to learn a little more about the lives of the creators. The chorus of minor players was also exceptional. They brought us The Drifters, The Shirelles, Little Eva, and the songwriters of Don Kirshner’s Dimension Records in a such superb voice and retro fashion.

The music of the era, especially the songs of Carole King, both on her own and with Gerry Goffin, are key to Beautiful’s success. But the story is no afterthought. It’s told with heartbreak and humour drawing the viewer in and helping them understand more about these songs that are such a part of the upbringing of many of us. The players weren’t there just because they could sing and dance well, but also because they could bring the right emotional note to that story. It was a curious decision to refer to a “Nick” who encouraged Carole as she broke away from Gerry and resolved to start a new musical journey in California, when it so easily could have been James Taylor. But this was really my only quibble as I watched Carole transition from teenage Carole Klein to the Grammy-Award winning Carole King playing Carnegie Hall.

Beautiful is at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre until February 4. It will then travel to Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane.