Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Redemption Arc” – Siobhan Cotchin

Vulnerable and unapologetic, Siobhan Cotchin presents her heart to listeners through the five tracks that make up her latest EP, Redemption Arc. That heart’s clearly been stomped on, but Western Australia’s rock ‘n’ roll cowgirl reminds us that it’s still beating through her powerful music.

Redemption Arc sees Siobhan in the aftermath of a devastating breakup, trying to make sense of her loss and forge a path forward. She says the songs explore “the fight to become better – not perfect, not fixed, but real.” The tracks are brutally honest and although they’re introspective, the flaws and insecurities Siobhan reveals are so relatably human that I connected with them instantly.

The opener, “Ghost of Us,” speaks to the confusion so many of us have felt when a lover seems to go cold without warning. “The Truth Always Comes Out” perfectly encapsulates the frustrating cycle of being let down, then reeled back into the relationship only to be disappointed all over again. My heart broke for the self-loathing in “Redemption Arc,” a result of hearing the negative messages from the wrong partner for too long. “I’m Not Finished Yet” strikes another powerful blow as Siobhan wrestles with her head and heart. “Consolation Prize” offers a moment of quiet reflection. With just her voice and an acoustic guitar, Siobhan reflects on the relationship lost and what she’s left with. However, with any redemption arc, there needs to be a triumphant end. For Siobhan’s EP it comes with the blues-rock closer, “Overdrive.” Listening to this anthemic track, you know that even if things aren’t OK for Siobhan right now, in time they will be.

Redemption Arc is a powerful release from one of Australia’s most compelling female voices. It’s out now. Next up she’ll support Rob Thomas on his two shows in Boorloo/Perth. Catch them both at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 24 and October 25.

Main photo credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Billy Ocean @ ICC Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 23 September 2025

When I saw Billy Ocean for the first time in 2023, I wrote “Now I’ve discovered how good he is live, I can only hope that he’s got a few more tours left in him.” I raved so enthusiastically about that concert my mum said she’d love to see him next time he was in town. So on Tuesday, we headed to Eora/Sydney for a girls’ night out.

As with the last tour, Billy partnered with an emerging artist with an impressive collection of originals. Western Australian artist Jason Ayres came armed with plenty of charm and an easy blend of rock, folk, pop, country, and blues. His bio cites John Mayer, Ryan Adams, and Keith Urban as influences, which makes total sense when you see Jason live. He’s got a similar earnestness about him. While he’s quick with a smile for the crowd, you know he’s serious about his craft. His originals are very good, but he also sweetened the deal with stellar covers of Cher’s “Bang Bang” and Chris Isaak’s “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing.” I wasn’t sure how his set of largely originals would go down with the crowd here for a nostalgic show, but I needn’t have been concerned. By the final song, they were enthusiastically clapping along to the beat, totally unprompted. You can’t ask for more than that.

I must admit, I felt a little sense of déjà vu seeing Billy. He opened with the same three songs as the last tour: “One World,” “Love Really Hurts Without You,” and “Nights (Feel Like Getting Down).” While the set has changed a little – “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)” was a notable omission this time around and “Stay the Night” and “Daylight” are new inclusions – essentially what you get when you see Billy is the greatest hits show every time. And honestly, you can’t be mad at that.

Billy’s songs are fantastic and he performs them with such joy that it’s a pleasure to bask in his aura. I’m not sure I’ve seen many artists who take such clear delight singing songs they wrote decades ago. He tours relentlessly, he’s performed them countless times, yet his genuine smile never wavers. He’s authentically grateful to the crowd who lets him do this and he wants to give back, whether it’s with those still impressive vocals or a little shimmy and shake as he dances across the stage with more confidence than most 75-year-olds would. And they love him back, rushing the stage near the end to dance along to hits like “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going” and “Caribbean Queen.” Being amongst such a rapturous crowd enjoying songs like that is just such good pure fun.

While Billy Ocean didn’t reinvent the wheel with this concert, he didn’t need to. He gives the people what they want, singalong hits delivered exceptionally well with a healthy dose of charm and joy. You can’t ask for more than that.

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beddy Rays Headlining Crafted Beer Festival

After a massive debut last year, Crafted Beer Festival is heading back to Mulubinba/Newcastle this November. If enjoying some fine craft frothies while you vibe to some of the country’s best bands sounds like your idea of a good day out, you’ll want to get on this.

There’ll be more than 30 different breweries pouring more than 250 individual brews, from industry heavyweights like 4 Pines and Sydney Brewery to boutique names like FELLR, Wandana Brewing Co, and the city’s own Foghorn Brewery. The entertainment lineup is already stacked with the likes of Beddy Rays, Le Shiv, Jet City Sports Club, and Thirst Trap, but we’ll see more announcements closer to the event. And of course you can’t have a festival without food. The Mexican Cantina, Lambda Sydney, Smokin Swine BBQ, The Burger Head, and G-free Donuts will all be on hand to satisfy your craving. Not a beer drinker? Don’t sweat. There’ll also be wine and festive libations from Granddad Jack’s Cocktail Bar.

Crafted Beer Festival hits Newcastle Foreshore on 22 November 2025. General admission tickets are available from Oztix now.

Image used with permission from Gyrostream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

George Clinton with Parliament Funkadelic @ Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 21 September 2024

The word legend is bandied about far too freely in the music industry for my tastes. Very few deserve the title, but the crowd at the Enmore Theatre last night knew the man they came to see was one of those rare talents. You could feel the energy crackling through the air, that certain something that told us we were in the presence of greatness. That man, the myth, and the legend was the one and only George Clinton.

While the tickets told us the show started at 8, Kiwi band Drax Project were already lighting up the stage as we found our seats. I became an instant fan, impressed by their easy blend of soul, funk, and pop and youthful energy. Shaan Singh’s vocals gave me chills and his saxophone skills were the cherry on top. Watching him vibe with his bandmates was such a thrill. Apparently George Clinton and his crew have been so impressed by Drax Project’s sets that they’ve given them a little more time each night. The extended set gave them the opportunity to road test new material, which the crowds lapped up. I can’t remember the last time I heard an audience cheer when a band announced they’d play fresh originals. Being amongst such receptive music lovers hearing such incredible music was a joy.

After such an explosive opener, my expectations were sky high but if anyone could meet them it’s a legend like George Clinton, the Grandmaster of Funk. From the moment he took the stage with Parliament Funkadelic, the show was a total vibe. George was there in glitzy regalia, encouraging us all to put our hands in the air. His granddaughter Patavian Lewis was blowing bubbles and dancing up a storm in heels I could never contemplate walking in. The horns were tight, the vocalists were incredible, and I was living!

Sustaining that energy isn’t easy, but George and his crew somehow managed to keep the crowd in that rapturous space throughout their funktastic set. Big hits like “Flashlight” and “Atomic Dog,” fittingly saved for the final medley, were highlights, along with a delightfully unexpected cover of House of Pain’s “Jump Around,” but as with Drax Project the crowd lapped up everything this colourful crew delivered.

I didn’t get to see George in his prime, but no doubt he’s slowing down a little these days. There was a chair conveniently placed on the stage for him to rest whenever he needed. He’d take a moment to gather his breath before moving back to the front of the stage and continuing to give it his all. His vocals are limited these days, but he surrounds himself with exceptional singing talents, taking on the role of the captain overseeing a super-talented ship. On a personal note I was thrilled to see Uche, who I cheered on during American Idol in 2019, is now a part of Parliament Funkadelic. His exceptional vocals and dance moves, which the judges sometimes criticised for being too much, are perfect for a show like this. But every member of Parliament Funkadelic was exceptional.

Last night’s George Clinton show was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was a total vibe. I feel privileged to have spent a few hours basking in the aura of George Clinton and the incredible musicians he gathered for us on this Aussie tour.

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Chérie Impresses With “Dishes in the Sink”

After wowing me with her cinematic, genre-bending singles “Darkness & Gold” and “Don’t Compare Yourself” last year, I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around fantastic new music from My Chérie. Her latest release “Dishes in the Sink” is a haunting and poetic exploration of relationship friction and the longing for peace. Take a moment to really absorb this one, because you won’t want to miss a single note.

“This one came from a place of grief and self-reflection,” My Chérie explained. “It’s about sitting with the parts of ourselves we’re still learning to love, and the disconnect that can exist even in the closest relationships. We crumble into old selves we swore we’d outgrow … but healing isn’t linear, and love isn’t always simple.”

My Chérie is establishing herself as such an important voice on the contemporary music scene. Hopefully “Dishes in the Sink” is the first in a whole lot more new material from this exciting artist.

Photo credit: Clementine’s Gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Always Here” – OhMaSoul

As the working week winds down, I’ve found myself looking for a comfort listen. The kind of music that would wrap around me, nurture me, and help carry me through to quitting time. I found just what I was seeking with Always Here, the beautiful debut EP from Anaiwan Country/Armidale trio OhMaSoul.

As their name suggests, OhMaSoul make music that speaks to the heart. Vocalist Jemimah Hiscox has one of the best neo-soul voices I’ve heard in some time, pure and effortless, with a beautiful freedom that soars as it plays with the melodies. You can almost hear the energy crackling between Jemimah, keyboardist James Brinkhoff, and drummer Thomas Hogarth. They might be just releasing their debut, but this is a trio that understands one another intimately.

Neo-soul and jazz are often closely linked, and OhMaSoul fuse these genres beautifully. The EP opens with the title track, a gentle ballad which shows just how special the blend can be. “What Is This” is a little more progressive, with a melody that keeps listeners on their toes. “My Cup” is straight-up neo-soul, a track that gives these three performers space for creativity and connection. It feels so natural, almost unrehearsed, like a beautiful jam session has been captured. “Rollin” sees OhMaSoul at their funkiest and most upbeat. It’s a sunny spot before OhMaSoul shift back to a quieter space with the poignant closer, “Whisper.”

Always Here is a testament to the talent of this rising trio. It’s an independent release, so it doesn’t have the big-budget backing of a major label, but it sounds incredible. While mixing and mastering from Australian jazz guitar great Jim Kelly no doubt plays a part, the natural talents of OhMaSoul are what really shine through.

Always Here is out now. OhMaSoul will play the following local shows in the coming months to support its release:

17 October 2025 – Creative Streets Festival, outside Signor Vertelli, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE at 7:45 pm)
26 October 2025 – Markets in the Mall @ PCYC Armidale, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE at 10am)
8 November 2025 – Black Gully Festival @ Black Gully Reserve, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE)

Images used with permission from OhMaSoul

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emerauld Strikes Back With “Loud Mouth”

After impressing me with “In the First Place,” Tarntanya/Adelaide-based rocker Emerauld hasn’t taken her foot off the pedal. If you loved her bold energy on that single, I know you’ll appreciate her latest effort, “Loud Mouth.” Emerauld dials up the angst again, channelling it into an anthem for speaking up against the injustices in the world. She wrote this song during a “political and emotional breaking point” when she felt overwhelmed by constant negative news cycles about everything from genocide in Gaza to hate crimes against marginalised communities.

“I want people to come away feeling like it’s okay to be loud, to be angry and to demand change,” she insisted. “There’s always going to be terrible people in the world, but their bitterness doesn’t have to drag you down. Make noise, take up space and speak up for what matters.”

Emerauld will launch the single for hometown fans at The Austral tonight. Make sure you arrive early for choice support slots from fellow local talents St Loki and Maiden Name.

Image used with permission from Emerauld

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Swift Opens Up With “See You At the Bottom”

Andrew Swift has been dropping optimistic tracks like “Nothing Better” lately, so his latest release “See You At the Bottom” is a bit of a change of pace. It’s still got that infectious feel-good country-pop-rock sound that he does so well, but its lyrics are a bit grittier and more vulnerable.

“I’ve been writing songs lately about how good things are now, but they haven’t always been,” he acknowledged. “I started songwriting as a teenager, dealing with depression. It helped me express what I couldn’t say out loud.”

Unlike his earlier therapeutic material, writing “See You At the Bottom” was a collaborative effort with fellow Aussie Blake Dantier and UK-based Craig Taylor. The trio worked over Zoom and three time zones to make it happen.

“We managed to find a time that worked for all of us in December of last year and got into it,” Andrew said. “It came together pretty quickly and it was pretty obvious to me that it would definitely be making it on to the next record.”

That record is Lucky Stars, Andrew’s fourth album, which is slated for an October 17 release. Andrew has plenty of shows around its release, so get out and support him anywhere you can.

9 October 2025 – The Presynct, Kabi Kabi Country/Nambour
10 October 2025 – Kristen’s Place, Butchulla Country/Harvey Bay
11 October 2025 – The Wallaby Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Mudgeeraba
12 October 2025 – Savannah in The Round @ Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
17 October 2025 – Noojee Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Noojee
18 October 2025 – Welshpool Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Welshpool
7 November 2025 – Astor Hotel, Burbong/Goulburn
8 November 2025 – Heritage Hotel, Bulla/Bulli
9 November 2025 – The Savoy Bar, Darkinjung Country/Long Jetty
13 November 2025 – Little Alberts at the Vic, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
14 November 2025 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
15 November 2025 – Nautical Country, Dyarubbin/Hawkesbury River
16 November 2025 – Camden Hotel, Benkennie/Camden
21 November 2025 – St Andrews Hotel, Nillumbik/St Andrews
22 November 2025 – Bellarine Estate, Bellawiyn/Bellarine
23 November 2025 – Kindred Bandroom, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Footscray
24 January 2025 – Blazes Showroom @ West Tamworth Leagues Club, Calala/Tamworth
5 February 2025 – Mt Gambier Bowls Club, Berrin/Mt Gambier
6 February 2025 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 February 2025 – Quorn Town Hall, Pithi Kawi/Quorn
8 February 2025 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
14 February 2025 – Boyupbrook Country Music Festival, Noongar Country/Boyupbrook

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Infinity Song Announce Aussie Return

After wowing crowds on their first Australian tour in late 2024, New York sibling quartet Infinity Song are preparing for a return visit. They’ll touch down for a string of intimate shows, including their first in Boorloo/Perth, early next year.

If you’re not already across Infinity Song, let me get you up to speed. They started out busking around New York City before Jay-Z signed them to his Roc Nation label. Their music is a beautiful retro throwback with sublime harmonies that have seen them compared to acts like the Mamas and the Papas and the Fifth Dimension. It’s like nothing people are making now, yet it’s seen them take stages at festivals like Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo.

While their Aussie venues are slightly bigger this time around, they’re still intimate enough for you to appreciate the special music this four-piece creates. If you missed out last time, don’t make the same mistake this tour. Tickets are on sale now for all Infinity Song’s upcoming Aussie shows:

30 January 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
31 January 2025 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne
1 February 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 February 2025 – Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Devon Street Release Heartbreaking Rock Track, “Charis (Dream)”

I’m rocking out this morning to “Charis (Dream),” the powerful new single from Western Australia’s own Devon Street. Asher and London Milne, the brothers who lead the band, wrote this hard-hitting song in tribute to their cousin who sadly lost his battle with addiction.

“It’s always easier to offer advice from the outside. The real dream was for him to heal and become the person he truly wanted to be. While things didn’t turn out that way,” they explained. “’Charis (Dream)’ tells his story – and honours his struggle.”

Devon City recently signed a deal with Tone City Records, known for their work with DICE and Dear Sunday, and they’re current recording their sophomore EP. There’s also a national tour, including their first shows on the East Coast, in the works, so expect to hear a lot more from these guys in the coming months. Until then, local fans can catch them supporting Mitch Santiago and Nana’s Pie at the Indian Ocean Hotel on September 27.

Image used with permission from Good Intent