Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Royal and the Southern Echo Releases “Hunt Your Love Down”

In 2014, Brisbane singer-songwriter Bryce Schneider packed his bags and set off for 18 months of travel and self discovery. While in Berlin he started working on the songs that he’d release under a new moniker, Royal and the Southern Echo. The latest is “Hunt Your Love Down,” one of those fantastic tracks that skirts the line between romantic and creepy-stalkery.

The single release caps off a big year for Royal and the Southern Echo, with highlights including slots at Mountain Goat Valley Crawl, the Blurst of Times Festival, and Bigsound. His last single “New Lows” also enjoyed heavy rotation on Triple J and Queensland community station 4ZZZ.

Expect Royal and the Southern Echo to announce tour dates really soon.

Image used with permission fromm Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“California Dreaming” – Rick Price & Jack Jones

California Dreaming has been one of my most anticipated albums of the year. The idea of two of Australia’s best voices – Rick Price and Jack Jones – coming together really excited me. The track listing was superb, featuring songs I’ve known and loved all my life. But could it possibly match my expectations? It’s a big yes from me.

This album sounds just like it should, with Rick and Jack’s beautiful voices front and centre, but ably supported by a tight band and superb backing vocals. The covers are delivered with such heart and reverence. They’re not cookie cutters of the originals, which I appreciate, but they don’t veer too far away from the source material. I haven’t felt a cover of “Light My Fire” did justice to The Doors classic until now. Their take on “Both Sides Now,” by Joni Mitchell, is so moving. I didn’t quite expect the emotional punch “Desperado” delivered either. Then there are the tracks that are just good fun, like “Take It Easy” and “Running on Empty.” These guys might not have written the songs, but goodness they tell the stories convincingly. They also get the balance right; there are some heartbreakers here but also those songs that are just so much fun to sing along with.

This is the kind of album that the grandparents of Australia are going to dig. It’s the music they grew up with executed perfectly. I just hope more young people take a listen to it over family BBQs, because it really deserves to be heard. I’ve listened to a lot of albums of covers recently, and California Dreaming is one of the best.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Didirri Moves Me With “Jude”

After wowing Brisbane at Bigsound, Didirri is ready to show the rest of the East Coast what he can do. His tour announcement coincides with the release of his brand new video for “Jude.”

The track hits you right in the feels with its honest delivery and organic sound. There’s no artifice here. What a breath of fresh air this Melbourne singer-songwriter is.

“Jude came out of me on the eve of a friend contemplating their own life,” Didirri explained. “It is a reflection of finding myself in a similar mind to this at times. Feeling that there is no way out. And knowing that these thoughts are chemical and will pass and hearing those words “take a sad song and make it better” and hoping that you’ll be there after all of your thoughts have passed.”

If you’re as moved by this song as me, you won’t want to miss seeing Didirri when he visits your neck of the woods.

16 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
25 & 26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
1 December 2017 – Waywards, Sydney
2 December 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
3 December 2017 – NYE on the Hill Festival, Gippsland

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Byron Bay International Film Festival Has a Musical Flavour

The big film festivals in the capital cities tend to steal all the headlines, but Australia has several great smaller film festivals dedicated to bringing cinema goers a selection of some of the most exciting new films. The Byron Bay International Film Festival is celebrating its 11th season this year with a strong lineup of films including many to tempt music lovers.

An American in Texas tells the story of Surgeon General’s Warning, a punk band looking to bust out of their Texan small town in 1990. Then there’s Westwind: Djalu’s Legacy, about Djalu Gurruwiwi, a proud Yolngu warrior fighting to preserve his culture with the help of Gotye. Aussie music lovers will also leap at the chance to see The Go-Betweens: Right Here, a doco about the Australian indie rock pioneers.

RUMBLE: The Indians Who Rocked the World will close out the festival. It tells the story of Native American music makers who helps shape the soundtrack of our lives, which is ground I haven’t really seen covered in music docos before. It features interviews and appearances by a who’s who of influences including Jimi Hendrix, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Robbie Robertson, Buddy Guy, Steven Van Zandt, Taj Mahal, Steve Tyler, Jackson Browne, and heaps more.

The Byron Bay International Film Festival takes place from October 6 to 15. Tickets are on sale now from the festival’s website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Knuckle Puck and Roam Touring Oz This Summer

Pop punk fans are in for a real treat, with Chicago’s Knuckle Puck teaming up with the UK’s Roam for a massive Aussie tour in the New Year.

After touring here with The Wonder Years, the dates will give Knuckle Puck their first chance to headline some Aussie shows. It’s only fitting, with their sophomore album Shapeshifter due in stores on October 13. The album features the awesome lead single “Gone,” which I’ve had cranked up loud this morning. It’s the only way to hear it!

Roam are also in fine form after recently touring with Sum 41, Simple Plan, and Against the Current, as well as impressing festival goers at Download to Slam Dunk and Warped.

The shows will give fans who missed out on those Unify Gathering tickets a chance to see these great bands doing what they do best. Tickets are on sale now.

9 January 2018 – Arrow On Swanston, Melbourne (All Ages)
10 January 2018 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
11 January 2018 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (All Ages – Licenced)
13 January 2018 – Unify Gathering, Tarwin Lower (SOLD OUT)
14 January 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney (All Ages – Licenced)
15 January 2018 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle (18+)
16 January 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)

Image used with permission from Friends Like Us

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Johnny Rock Covers Beatles for Marriage Equality

I’ve been a passionate supporter of marriage equality for years before we were debating plebiscites and postal surveys. I remember vividly when America granted marriage equality so quickly and decisively thinking perhaps the tide was turning and we wouldn’t be kept waiting too much longer. But here we are, in the middle of a period of Australian history that has unearthed so much hate and bigotry.

The sunny spot though has been the heartfelt messages of support for the Yes campaign, the way that people from all walks of life have banded together and been so vocal in solidarity for this cause. Johnny Rock of Pretty City added his voice and a whole lot of glitter to the Yes campaign recently with his cover of The Beatles “Real Love.” Because spreading a little love when there’s so much hate and anger can only be a good thing.

Johnny hopes to start a movement and encourage other musicians to record their own love song covers to help balance the hateful rhetoric. If you do, make sure to use the hashtag #lovesongsforequality. And if you’re not musical, why not lip sync something?

“I’ve have many friends who have become really upset about the negativity out there. I’ve had friends deactivate their social media accounts because it was all getting too much,” he explained. “You can support your mates with likes and hearts all you want but there’s a point where even the strongest people start to break down. So as a muso I thought I could do something else to not only support marriage equality but maybe ease some of the pain out there.”

So however you can, get involved. It’s a dark time in Australia, but your efforts can make it a little brighter.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spend Your NYE With Frenzal Rhomb and The Bennies

Countdowns to Christmas have already started, which means New Year’s isn’t far behind. How will you be ringing in the New Year? I’ll be lucky enough to be somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a glass of bubbles from my beverage package in hand. If you don’t have such extravagant plans though, you’ll want to get yourself to Max Watts in Melbourne. Because Frenzal Rhomb and The Bennies are joining forces for what they’re calling The Best New Years Eve Party That Ever Existed … Extreme.”

Both bands have had a bumper year. Frenzal Rhomb released Hi Vis High Tea and toured Canada and all over this country, while The Bennies kept company with The Living End in Oz and The Smith Street Band in Europe. So they’re ready to celebrate!

Make sure you come early, because Hightime, Antonia & The Lazy Susans, Cosmic Kahuna, and DJ Snesmega will also take the stage. Tickets are on sale now from Poolhouse Records.

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXO Does Pop-Rock Right With “Without You”

Love songs are a dime a dozen. In an oversaturated market, it’s easy to let them wash over you, then just wait for the next one. But Canberra’s MAXO has released a love song that deserves a little more time and attention, his brand new song “Without You.”

MAXO isn’t reinventing the wheel here. The song’s exploration of the craziness of love and the empty feelings that come when the object of your affection isn’t there doesn’t really cover any new ground. But MAXO’s emotional vocals give it that little extra something. It’s also super catchy, the kind of thing I can imagine commercial radio stations adding to their playlists if they were willing to take a chance on an up-and-comer.

Hopefully we hear more from this local talent soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KG Sounds Off With “Mabo, Martin, Mandela”

NFL players and people supportive of them taking a knee across America this week, and the backlash they’ve faced from certain sectors including their own president, has highlighted that race is still an important topic in modern society. The issue has dominated my Facebook feed this week with passionate discussion. I made the comment at the time that I wondered where all the good protest music was today, because if anything should come from this difficult time it’s good music.

My friends didn’t seem to know, so I was thrilled to see “Mabo, Martin, Mandela,” the latest track from South African born, Australian raised rapper KG in my inbox this morning. This is the protest music I’ve been looking for. Bold, defiant, articulate, unashamed, it’s what the world should hear right now.

“Mabo Martin Mandela is my tribute to three of my favourite black leaders in history,” KG explained. “I created the song to educate people on who they are and get an emotion of pride from the black community as well as a reaction from people of all races. In the current climate and fight for equality worldwide, it’s important that we learn from the past.”

KG will play The Gasometer Hotel in Melbourne on October 6 and Transit Bar in Canberra on October 25.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leopold’s Treat Playing Hometown Show at Tally Valley Hall

Tallebudgera Valley’s own Leopold’s Treat are giving back to their local community with a very special show on October 7.

Music lovers can expect an evening of acoustic tunes in a family-friendly atmosphere. There’ll be a meditation session at sunset, fabulous food, and plenty of good vibes. Another local talent, Felicity Lawless, will also play a set. Money raised will also benefit animal and environmental charities. What a great opportunity to come together with your neighbours and hear some great music from your backyard? This video gives you a little indication of the kind of fun you’re in for!

If you live in the area, make sure you get along to Tallebudgera Valley Community Hall on October 7. It all kicks off at 4 pm, and with tickets costing $30 for adults and $10 for kids, it’s a pretty affordable night out. Get yours now from Yapsody.