Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Day on the Green Celebrates the ’90s With Veruca Salt, The Lemonheads, & More

Once upon a time the Day on the Green concerts were aimed squarely at the baby boomers. However, it seems organisers have well and truly realised younger folks love great music and wine too, because their latest tour announcement is aimed squarely at people growing up in the ‘90s. The bumper bill features international acts Veruca Salt and The Lemonheads and our own The Living End, Spiderbait, Tumbleweed, and The Fauves.

Between them these alterna-rock legends have notched up eight ARIA Awards, had 12 top 10 albums, and 19 top 40 singles. That’s some serious talent on one bill. Don’t miss out when tickets go on sale on September 25 at 10 am from Ticketmaster.

24 February 2018 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley NSW
25 February 2018 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton QLD
3 March 2018 – Petersons Winery, Armidale NSW
10 March 2018 – Josef Chromy Wines, Launceston TAS
11 March 2018 – Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong VIC
17 March 2018 – Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale SA (The Lemonheads not performing)

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Silk ‘n’ Oak Drops Awesome New Single “What They Said”

Silk ‘N’ Oak is keeping fans on their toes with the release of a brand new single “What They Said.” One half of the Queensland duo Ricky Saunders says “I think it’s one of our most unique songs, mainly because I came up with the melody without a guitar in my hands.”

It might be a bit of a departure for the band, but I think the gamble has paid off. It’s a big brassy song with boundless energy and a great sound that’s somewhere between the Arctic Monkeys and classic Americana.

After recently wrapping their fifth East Coast tour, you might assume this band of brothers would be tired of playing shows. Not so. You can catch them at the following venues this month.

16 September 2017 – Bowen Family Fishing Classic, Bowen
26 & 29 September 2017 – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane
30 September 2017 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wallace Releases Gorgeous New Single “Black Lake”

Sydney-based Kiwi Wallace offers us an irresistible taste of her debut EP in the form of her brand new single “Black Lake.” It’s a seductive, simmering song which shows off her unique vocal talents so beautifully. You can hear Wallace’s jazz training coming through, but there are other influences at play here that make this song so special. Just try getting that marimba-led riff out of your head after hearing it.

“’Black Lake’ attempts to capture the thoughts of someone who is in love and ready to commit to a person who isn’t,” Wallace explained of the song she co-wrote with Eskimo Joe’s Joel Quartermain. After finishing the tune, I was re-watching one of my favourite comedies, The Mighty Boosh, and realised with all the water imagery we’d weaved into our story, we’d accidentally written the song from the point of view of Old Gregg. We hadn’t landed on a title at this point so I suggested Black Lake, the home of the Baileys drinking, watercolour painting man himself.”

“Black Lace” comes from Wallace’s debut EP Pole to Pole, which is released on October 13. She’ll celebrate the release with shows in the major capitals.

13 October 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
14 October 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
20 October 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
21 October 2017 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Lekker Collective

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony” – Anthony Callea

I must admit, I don’t follow the singles charts as much as I used to. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia that comes with old age, but I remember growing up listening to the charts on the radio, recording song after song because every one was a winner. Now I see what’s charting and wonder who or earth is buying that. It seems Anthony Callea has a similar affection for the good old days when browsing the track listing of his latest album ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony.

The album celebrates Anthony’s favourite singles that topped the ARIA charts. Most of the tracks come from the late ‘80s and ‘90s, although Anthony does dabble in more recent musical history with his covers of “All of Me,” “Someone Like You,” and “Bleeding Love.” Thankfully he’s given “Despacito” a wide berth. The more recent covers are songs that could have been written in another time, beautiful ballads that suit this album’s mellow feel. Don’t confuse mellow with sleepy though. John Foreman should be applauded for his magical arrangements of these songs. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra execute his arrangements flawlessly. Then there’s Anthony’s sublime voice in the centre of it all. What a voice he has, powerful and rich. If anything I think it’s only gotten better over the years.

It’s interesting that Anthony has chosen to release this album which has such a layered, rich sound as his follow-up to Backbone, an album which stripped back the production. While they’re very different albums, both contain see Anthony breathing new life into some excellent source material, putting his own stamp on the songs while remaining faithful to the original. And just like Backbone, I wouldn’t be surprised if this one goes to the top of the charts.

ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony is in stores now.

6 July 2018 – Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide
7 July 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth
27 & 28 July 2018 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
3 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
4 August 2018 – The Star, Gold Coast
11 August 2018 – State Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On With Levingstone

Sydney soul group Levingstone are back with an awesome new single “Ritual.” It’s such a slick track, with a killer groove and big bold horns providing a great contrast to those pure vocals from Sammii Su. The horns are brand new for Levingstone, and I think they add some exciting depth to this already stellar act.

Levingstone describes “Ritual” as “A song about death that you could dance to.”

“Ritual” comes from Levingstone’s EP Overland, which will be released in November. Expect to hear word of some shows soon to coincide with Overland’s release.

Image used with permission from Stimulated Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Subtitles for X, Y, Z” – CREO

There’s been no dipping toes into water for Sydney band CREO. Their debut EP Subtitles for X, Y, Z is a gutsy effort that leaves no doubt about their talent or commitment to their craft.

I was almost lulled in to the EP by “Behind the Beat.” Almost. While it starts out at a simmer, it’s not long before the band’s passion boils over. “Give Me Yours” is similarly strong, with desperate vocals and driving drums contrasting with some shimmery retro synths. These two powerful songs lead into the single and title track “Subtitles for X, Y, Z” beautifully. I was a big fan of this song when I first heard it, but I think I might like it even better on hearing it now with the support of the EP’s other tracks. It makes so much sense.

While CREO seem most comfortable with the volume and emotion turned up to 11, they’re also smart enough to understand the value of light and shade. While “June” doesn’t have quite the same impact as the other numbers on the EP, it shows the band’s depth and gives listeners and moment to reflect. The EP’s closing track, “Too Many Thousand & 16” is also relatively subdued compared to some of the EP’s other songs. However, its epic chorus ensures this song doesn’t fade into the background. It’s a fitting end to an EP that demands your attention.

And with Subtitles for X, Y, Z, CREO have got mine. This is an EP which builds on the singles and shows they’re a band with a unique voice and a belief in their craft. It’s an irresistible combination which will hopefully see them go far. It’s available from all your favourite digital retailers, including Spotify and iTunes. If you like what you hear, get along to one of the band’s upcoming shows. They’re all free, so there’s no excuse for staying home!

20 October 2017 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
22 October 2017 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
3 November 2017 – Transit Bar, Canberra
5 November 2017 – North Gong, Wollongong
10 November 2017 – The Northern, Byron Bay
11 November 2017 – Rics Bar, Brisbane
12 November 2017 – The Cambridge Warehouse, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“When They Play That Song” – Lisa Mitchell

When Lisa Mitchell appeared on Australian Idol, she often seemed out of her element performing cover versions. She’s revelled in producing her own original music since her stint on reality TV. Her voice was always unique, her sound constantly evolving as she played with music and lyrics. So it’s interesting that with her latest EP, When They Play That Song, Lisa has turned her attention back to cover songs.

While this EP is something I never thought she’d do, Lisa is a very different artist to the teenager we met on Australian Idol. She’s had time to play with her sound and evolve as a musician, and that helps her approach these covers with a confidence rarely seen during her time on reality TV.

The five tracks she’s chosen are interesting. Placebo’s “Every Me and Every You” and Phantom Planet’s “California” already had a healthy dose of indie cred, while the Spice Girls’ “Stop” and The Cardigans’ “Lovefool” are as mainstream as you can get. “Cruel to Be Kind” by Nick Lowe comes from a very different time than the ‘90s anthems on this release, but it makes sense here. Lisa approaches all the songs with a delicate touch. She needs little more than an acoustic guitar and her sweet, whispery voice to bring them to life. I appreciate the minimalist approach which lets us hear the nuances in lyrics that might have been drowned out by production in the originals.

This is an exciting EP that helps us hear something different in the songs Lisa has recorded. Something tells me if we saw her on Idol now, playing the sort of covers she’s now capable of, she might have been able to win the whole thing.

When They Play That Song is released on September 15. Lisa will play some Parlour gigs around Victoria before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe for more shows.

Image used with permission from Parlophone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Do Yo Thangs Release “Those Days” Single Ahead of November Residency

Melbourne’s The Do Yo Thangs continue to do their own thang with their new single “Those Days.” It marks a bit of a musical departure from the band who brought us the One Plus One EP. The song is a little darker, a little more electronic, but those angelic stacked harmonies are spot on and silky smooth.

The single is available now, but the band is letting us sit with it for a while before launching it with a residency at Fitzroy’s The Evelyn Hotel this November. See them every Wednesday in November from the 8th to hear a sneaky listen to new material from The Do You Thangs’ forthcoming album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lindi Ortega Announces Aussie Shows to Support EP Release

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of Canadian singer Lindi Ortega until a press release publicising her upcoming Aussie tour hit my inbox. However, after listening to her new EP ‘Til the Goin’ Gets Gone, her name isn’t one that I’d forget in a hurry.

She has such a wonderful textured tone and a classic country-folk feel to her music which makes it instantly accessible. She also surrounds herself with top-notch musicians like slide guitar guru James “Champagne” Robertson, who will join her on her Australian tour.

The EP features some stellar originals as well as this awesome cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Waiting ‘Round to Die.”

Lindi Ortega plays the following headline shows and festivals during her time in Oz.

16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
19 November 2017 – Camelot Lounge, Sydney
21 November 2017 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
23 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
24 November 2017 – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne
24-26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rigidy Rourke & The Love Dogs Launch “Low Pockets”

Melbourne soul act Rigidy Rourke & the Love Dogs have released a sultry new single “Low Pockets.” This track is so cool, with a killer groove and powerhouse vocals from the band’s keyboardist Tina Behrsin.

“Low Pockets is the affectionate nickname I dubbed Love Dogs keyboard warrior Tina Behrsin. I wrote this song specifically for Tina to sing on,” Ridigy Rourke explained. “I was inspired by the raw and powerful vocal performance Tina delivers in her own band Niine and I wanted to capture that same performance in a Love Dogs song.”

Victorians can see Tina, Rigidy, and the rest of the Love Dogs doing their thing at the following shows.

21 September 2017 – Bar 303, Northcote (single launch)
23 September 2017 – Sea Shepherd Melbourne’s Stand Fast Festival, Melbourne
14 October 2017 – Baha, Rye (supporting Brian El Dorado and the Tuesday People)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR