Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

With Confidence Break Hearts With “Waterfall”

Sydney’s With Confidence know how to pump out a big punk-rock belter, but I think I like them best when they’re showing a softer side. They won me over with “Long Night” earlier this year, and now I’m just as taken by their latest single “Waterfall.” The verses are delicate while the chorus is heartbreakingly epic, a desperate plea for lost love.

“Our video for ‘Waterfall’ is an exploration of technology’s effect on the modern relationship,” vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley stated. “We live in a world where instant-gratification has devalued honest human interaction. This video is a look into a likely future where we find ourselves more distanced than ever.”

“Waterfall” comes from With Confidence’s most recent album Better Weather, which is available through iTunes, Spotify, and With Confidence’s online store. The band is currently wowing U.S. crowds supporting Knuckle Puck. Catch them at the following venues.

17 October 2017 – Neumos, Seattle
18 October 2017 – Hawthorne, Portland
20 October 2017 – 924 Gilman, Berkeley
21 October 2017 – Glasshouse, Pomona
22 October 2017 – Teragram, Los Angeles
23 October 2017 – The Irenic, San Diego
24 October 2017 – The Nile, Mesa
26 October 2017 – RBC, Dallas
27 October 2017 – Come and Tak It, Austin
28 October 2017 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2017 – Rocketown, Nashville
31 October 2017 – Masquerade, Atlanta
1 November 2017 – The Social, Orlando
2 November 2017 – Kelsey Theater, Lake Park
3 November 2017 – Crowbar, Tampa
4 November 2017 – Cats Cradle, Carrboro
5 November 2017 – Canal Club, Richmond
7 November 2017 – Soundstage, Baltimore
8 November 2017 – The TLA, Philadelphia
9 November 2017 – House of Independence, Asbury Park
10 November 2017 – Irving Plaza, New York City
11 November 2017 – The Ballroom, Hamden
12 November 2017 – Paradise, Boston
14 November 2017 – Mr. Smalls, Pittsburgh
15 November 2017 – Opera House, Toronto
16 November 2017 – Waiting Room, Buffalo
17 November 2017 – Agora Ballroom, Cleveland
18 November 2017 – St. Andrews, Detroit
19 November 2017 – Skullys, Columbus

Image used with permission from Hopeless Records/copyright Brendan Lung

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dancing With Mannequins” – Ra Ra Ruby

Pottsville Beach on New South Wales’ Far North Coast isn’t exactly a place the rest of the nation thinks of as a hive of musical talent, but it has birthed at least one Aussie act worth noticing: Ra Ra Ruby. The trio has just released its first EP Dancing With Mannequins, a collection of four songs that hint at their talent.

The opening track “She” bursts out of the gates with a flurry, instantly putting listeners on side. The follow-up “Undress” is such a sexy number, with its throbbing bass and provocative lyrics. “I Need a Woman” is another rock masterclass, the kind of song that sounds great on a record but is likely to be even better in the live arena. And then there’s “Pam,” which has a playful vibe reminiscent of The Kooks or The Wombats. It’s a great way to end this EP which with just four tracks is over way too soon.

Dancing With Mannequins is such great fun. Each number is bursting with energy, filled with frantic driving drums and singalong choruses. It all sounds a little raw, with the instruments perhaps turned up a little high for the vocals, but there’s something endearing about the imperfections. Hopefully we hear a lot more music from this promising local three-piece.

Dancing With Mannequins is out now.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Local Musos and DJs Turning Out for Taste of Melbourne

You probably know Taste of Melbourne is a celebration of amazing food, but you might not realise it also showcases some awesome music.

On November 30, DJ Miss Goldie will spin tunes as part of Taste’s 10th Birthday Bash. Then on December 1 and 2, funky duo GL and hometown hero Fraser A. Gorman will entertain the crowds at the first After Dark Party. Enjoy the music as you sample your welcome cocktail from Archie Rose as well as an array of top wines and beers.

While the evening’s entertainment is top notch, crowds at Taste will also enjoy some great tunes from local DJs Mike Gurrea, Sammy The Bullet, Horne Dogg, and popular PBS Radio hosts Vince Peach, Rick Howe and Richie 1250.

“Melbourne is as famous for its great gigs and DJs as much as its cutting-edge restaurants and chefs. I’m so excited to have some of the city’s best live acts on board to keep the tunes pumping well after the exclusive daily masterclasses and gourmet picnics wrap up,” explained Taste Festival Australia director Kristy Austin.

Taste of Melbourne runs from November 30 to December 3 at Yarra Park. Taste of Melbourne and After Dark Party tickets are on sale now. You can get your Birthday Bash tickets from October 26.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stems Celebrate Debut Album’s 30th Anniversary

“At First Sight” by The Stems is one of the real unsung gems to come out of Australia in the 80s. Now The Stems are remembering that song and others from their 1987 debut At First Sight Violets are Blue with an album reissue and tour.

Citadel Records will rerelease the long deleted album as a limited edition 30th anniversary digipack on November 3. The new release is worth getting even if you’ve got the original; it’s been totally remastered and there are three bonus tracks as well. If you prefer things a little bit old school, look for the vinyl edition out early next year.

The Stems will stop by capital cities around the country next year.

9 November 2017 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
10 November 2017 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
11 November 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 November 2017 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stanleys Touring Long Awaited Debut Everywhere

The Stanleys have been making waves around the Perth live scene since 2011, but they’re finally showing not just the rest of the country but the world what they can do with the recent release of their self-titled debut album. It features the lead single “Amy,” a fast, frenetic, and fun summer smash you’re going to fall in love with.

“‘Amy’ is an upbeat pop, punktastic plea of love. It’s about a guy with a very big crush on his best female friend and wants her to be the one. Its full of bright sparked energetic guitars,” said Di Renzo.

It sets the tone for the band’s “upbeat energetic, fun time, sing out loud album of power pop anthems; best played in sunshine.”

The Stanleys make the sort of music you’ll love dancing to with a hairbrush in your bedroom but enjoy even more in the flesh. Catch them doing what they do so well at the following shows.

13 October 2017 – Four Seasons Sixties Club, Castellón de la Plana
14 October 2017 – Wurlitzer Ballroom, Madrid
15 October 2017 – Backstage Rock Bar, Valladolid
8 November 2017 – The Other Door, North Hollywood
9 November 2017 – Haskell’s Prospector, San Diego
10 November 2017 – Chopper John’s, Phoenix
11 November 2017 – Mesa Music Festival, Mesa
12 November 2017 – Artisan, Las Vegas
13 November 2017 – TRiP, Santa Monica
14 November 2017 – Silverlake Lounge, Silverlake
15 November 2017 – TBC, Brooklyn
16 November 2017 – TBC, Greater Philadelphia
17 November 2017 – Club Bohemia, Cambridge
18 November 2017 – International Pop Overthrow Festival Boston @ PA’s Lounge, Somerville
19 November 2017 – Bowery Electric, New York City
25 November 2017 – 459 Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Timber” – Liv Cartledge

Sometimes a single grabs you but the album or EP it comes from doesn’t live up to that promise. However, sometimes it takes a few more songs for you to really understand an artist and the longer release exceeds your expectations. I love when that happens, so I was thrilled to hear Liv Cartledge’s EP Timber.

It’s not that the single “Heard Your Name” didn’t impress me, because it did. I liked its cruisy vibe and I thought Liv’s voice has a really distinct huskiness to it. But if I heard an EP of five songs in the same vein, it might have become one of those pleasant background releases that I’d like well enough, but didn’t feel compelled by. However, Timber is such an intimate, special recording. Lyrically it lays everything bare. It’s at its best in its quieter moments, like “Running” and the title track, a sublime closer.

It was only on listening to Timber that I felt I got a real sense of who Liv Cartledge is. The soft husky tone I loved first is showcased well, but what impressed me most is her intimate and raw songwriting talents. She’s not afraid to show us who she is and what’s been through, and that’s powerful. There’s darkness, strength, fragility, and true beauty in this release.

Timber is out now. Liv is currently touring the EP around the country. You can still catch her at the following gigs.

12 October 2017 – Porch Light Sessions, Sydney
13 October 2017 – Parlour Show, Sydney
21 October 2017 – Swagger Music Festival, Wandiligong
3 November 2017 – Happy Wanderer Festival, Benalla
5 November 2017 – Parlour Show, Benalla
10 November 2017 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
18 & 19 November 2017 – Brown Brothers, Milawa
24 November 2017 – The Taphouse, Bendigo

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Banff Releases Beautiful New Single “Renew”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Banff lays it all bare with his powerful new single “Renew.” It digs deep with vulnerable lyrics and a dreamy electro pop-folk sound.

“‘Renew’ kinda talks about the insecurities that I felt as an artist just deciding that I’d launch new music into the world, and waiting to really change the traditional treatment that I’d given all of my songs,” Banff explained. “It’s like a love story with the art of writing songs.”

Banff will support the release of “Renew” with shows in the East Coast capitals. Catch him at the following venues.

16 November 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane BLCK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD
24 November 2017 – The Gasometer (Upstairs), Melbourne
2 December 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Xander Holmes Releases “Something Real”

17-year-old Xander Holmes caught my attention earlier in the year with the release of his EP Ocean. Now the Brisbane singer-songwriter is ushering in a new chapter with the release of “Something Real.”

It picks up where Ocean left off, a strikingly mature song that explores life and what happens when things don’t work out as planned. I just love Xander’s voice and the originality he’s bringing to his music. We don’t often see such a unique take at such a tender age. With every release from this young talent, I’m more impressed.

“The song is about discovering or getting into something when it is still new, fresh and exciting. Things like relationships, friendships, new opportunities and projects. That really freeing feeling of Something New,” Xander explained.

With “Something Real” Xander proves the EP was no fluke. This young man is the real deal.

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evanescence Teams Up With Local Symphonies For Aussie Tour

In the ‘90s, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing Evanescence’s big hits like “My Immortal” or “Bring Me To Life.” Now decades later, Amy Lee and her bandmates hope you’ll be singing them again with the announcement of a brand new East Coast tour.

This is no mere excuse for nostalgia. While we’ll doubtlessly hear the hits, Evanescence will visit Australia to showcase songs from their fourth studio album Synthesis, out November 10.

Evanescence has always had an epic, dramatic sound, so it’s only fitting that they’ll be joined by some of the country’s best orchestras. No doubt that symphonic sound will take the classics and new songs to the next level.

Tickets for Evanescence’s Synthesis Live With Orchestras tour are available from Ticketek now.

11 February 2018 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (with Queensland Symphony Orchestra)
13 & 14 February 2018 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney (with Sydney Symphony Orchestra)
16 February 2018 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Siki Daha Releases Stripped Back Single “Certain Someone”

Sydney’s Siki Daha lets his soulful voice do all the talking with his new single “Certain Someone.” In a world where so much soul music is layered up, its simple delivery, with just an acoustic guitar keeping Siki company, is refreshing.

“The song is about asking the question of ‘What does it feel like to be in love?’ Since writing it I’ve fallen in love once and can happily say it’s the best thing in the world,” said Siki. “The lyrics talk ‘bout the feeling of love, the idea and the thought of how it all feels comparing it to the blue skies and the green grass, very Disney but kinda sweet,” he said.

“Certain Someone” comes from Siki’s forthcoming studio album, which will drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Stimulated Media