Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Releases Gorgeous New Single “Figure It Out”

Melbourne muso Alexander Biggs hasn’t even released his first EP yet, and already he’s generating major buzz here and abroad. His first singles “Tidal Wave” and “Out In the Dark” received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and KCRW, helping the tracks generate more than 1.5 million streams on Spotify and enter the viral charts in the United States and United Kingdom. His winning streak is set to continue with the release of his newie, “Figure It Out.”

This song has such a great mellow vibe to it. It’s the ideal soundtrack for car trips through country areas and backyard BBQs.

“I was facing a lot of conflict in my life,” Alexander said of the songwriting process. “But the song came out of a place of hopefulness, which is a bit different for me – I’m normally a lot more cynical. It came from a place of understanding that everything will pass. Negative things will come, but they’ll be gone soon – and you’ll ‘figure it out’, so to speak.”

“Figure It Out” is the latest cut from Alexander’s EP, Still You Sharpen Your Teeth, due out on September 15. He’ll promote the EP’s release with the following local shows.

5-8 September 2017 – BIGSOUND, Brisbane
7 October 2017 – The Toff, Melbourne
21 October 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Alex Lahey’s New Single This Weekend

If you’re like most Aussies, you’re probably getting psyched about the weekend. I’m working both days, so I feel none of your joy. According to Alex Lahey, I shouldn’t let that get to me though. Whether you’re out having fun or still stuck at your desk, Alex Lahey’s fun new single “Every Day’s The Weekend” is brilliant escapism.

The track comes from Alex’s debut full length album I Love You Like a Brother. She’s celebrating its release with the following shows all around the country. Her gigs in May sold out, and I don’t expect this run to be any different. Get your tickets now before they’re gone!

4 October 2017 – 48 Watt St, Newcastle
6 October 2017 – OAF, Sydney
7 October 2017 – The Zoo, Brisbane
11 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
12 October 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
13 October 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
18 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
19 October 2017 – Rosemount, Perth
20 October 2017 – Mojos, Fremantle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Into CHVNGES

Damon Koolstra and Cameron Davies are both accomplished musicians in their own right, but when they come together as CHVNGES, magic happens. The Brisbane duo’s new single “Mischief Managed” is a masterclass in restraint. It simmers along with a great groove that had me dancing in my office chair.

“We just like writing in whatever style we are vibing out on and hopefully my voice and our songwriting makes it somewhat cohesive,” says Damon. “I’ve always liked how a pop artist can record a pure pop song but then release something stripped back or from left field.”

The duo formed CHVNGES with a goal to see just what two men can create without barriers.

“We know what we are capable of, the question is will other people be into it?” adds Cam. “The answer to that question doesn’t matter to us either way; having people support something you are passionate about is always a good feeling.”

I’m into it. How about you?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Citizen Kay Playing Almost Everywhere to Promote New Album

Citizen Kay is giving fans plenty of opportunities to hear the tracks from his upcoming album Belly of the Beast live. As if touring with Illy wasn’t enough, he’s also announced a string of headlining shows to celebrate the album’s August 25 release.

The Canberra-based rapper should excite fans of old-school party hip-hop with the way he blends genres, mixing slick rhymes with soul, funk, and jazz influences. While I loved his earlier EP Demokracy, Citizen Kay hasn’t rested on his laurels.

“A lot of time was spent choosing my words, and how I wanted things to be said,” he says of the writing process of writing Belly of the Beast. “I challenged myself more, as a wordsmith and poet on this album”

Hear the single “These Kicks” and other cuts from Belly of the Beast at the following shows.

25 August 2017 – Kay St, Traralgon (with Illy)
26 August 2017 – The Pier, Frankston (with Illy)
1 September 2017 – Odeon, Hobart (with Illy)
2 September 2017 – Club 54, Launceston (with Illy)
21 September 2017 – Wool Exchange, Geelong (with Illy)
22 September 2017 –Whalers, Warnambool (with Illy)
23 September 2017 – Shadows, Mt Gambier (with Illy)
28 & 29 September 2017 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with Illy)
30 September 2017 – Sweaty Palms @ Proud Mary’s, Erina
6 October 2017 – Rolling Stone Live Lodge @ Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
7 October 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
13 October 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – The Transit Bar, Canberra
19 October 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
20 October 2017 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
3 November 2017 – Panthers, Port Macquarie (with Illy)
4 November 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (with Illy)
10 November 2017 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga (with Illy)
11 November 2017 – Area Hotel, Griffith (with Illy)
24 November 2017 – SSA Club, Albury (with Illy)

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Beautiful: A Tribute to Carole King” – Various Artists

With the stage musical Beautiful opening in Sydney next month, it seems Australia is falling in love with Carole King all over again. Carole King covers were sung at the recent Helpmann Awards, and now we have the release of Beautiful: A Tribute to Carole King, featuring some of the best-known names in the Aussie music industry.

Covers albums like this are always a bit uneven. Invariably some performances shine brighter than others. Sometimes treatments are right on the money, and other times they can leave you just a little cold. However, when you’re working with the music of someone as talented as Carole, you’re already ahead of the game in my opinion.

This album probably has more standout performances than the average album of its type. It starts with Esther Hannaford’s performance of “Beautiful,” a track that reminds you exactly why she scored the coveted lead in the stage production. There’s an earthiness about her voice that’s so reminiscent of Carole’s own unique tone. It was only a few months ago that Vika Bull was performing the songs of Tapestry live, so it’s unsurprising that her versions of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” and “The Loco-Motion” (which also features her sister Linda), are first class. Dami Im, ever the consummate professional, delivers a knock-out blow with “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” capturing the love and uncertainty in those lyrics beautifully. I haven’t heard much from Jack Jones and Stan Walker in recent years, but their versions of “No Easy Way Down” and “Way Over Yonder” respectively reminded me how much I’ve always loved what they do. Excellent.

Not every cut is a hit though. As I listened to Guy Sebastian’s version of “You’ve Got a Friend” I was reminded how much I enjoy James Taylor’s more introspective take. There’s just a little too much going on here for my taste. But keep in mind, I’m in the minority of people who prefer Carole King’s version of “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman” to Aretha Franklin’s. There’s no denying the man can sing. Ditto the boys from Human Nature, who are among the best male vocalists this country has produced. However, their take on “One Fine Day” takes the song’s already kitschy vibe to the extreme. It’s lost its heart somewhere in the treatment and it’s a real shame. “I Feel The Earth Move” just feels like the wrong song for Samantha Jade. I’m not sure what I would have given her, but with such strong instrumentation her delicate voice gets a little lost.

It’s not a perfect homage to Carole King, but there are some really special moments on Beautiful: A Tribute to Carole King. It also serves as a timely reminder just how good Carole’s music is.

Beautiful: A Tribute to Carole King is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Henry Clarke Takes New Musical Direction As Duncan Saige

You might know Henry Clarke as the frontman of raucous indie surf-rock outfit Stillwater Giants. If you do, you might be surprised to hear the music he’s making under his new moniker Duncan Saige. Much as Kevin Mitchell bounces between making high-energy rock music with Jebediah and gentle acoustic stuff as Bob Evans, Henry makes genre-hopping look easy.

As Duncan Saige, he’s just released his cruisy debut EP I’m Saved and the single of the same name. It’s a thoroughly pleasing piece of indie-pop which should put a smile on your face. Duncan Saige will launch I’m Saved with Western Australian shows next month in preparation for a national tour later this year.

1 September 2017 – The Odd Fellow Bar, Fremantle
7 September 2017 – Defectors Bar, Mt. Lawley
8 September 2017 – The Monkey Bar, Mandurah
9 September 2017 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
14 September 2017 – The Prince of Wales, Bunbury

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Jezabels Hitting The Lansdowne

You might have assumed your days of seeing The Jezabels in pubs were over. However, if you’re in Sydney, you get another chance. Or seven to be precise. You see, the band is scheduled to perform seven shows at The Lansdowne over seven consecutive nights this month.

“We had a few reasons for doing seven nights at the Lansdowne,” explained Hayley Mary. “We wanted to play a bunch of small, intimate shows to our Sydney fans where we could change up the set and play some songs we wouldn’t normally have time for and the reopened Lansdowne represents such an awesome new era for Sydney that it seemed right it should be there. But mainly, we felt a sadistic kind of pleasure in making the staff listen to us over and over to the point of sheer disdain.”

Each show will feature a different opening act before The Jezabels take you on a musical journey through their back catalogue. If you’re lucky, you might even be among the first to hear some new tunes.

Tickets for all shows are available through Oztix.

21 August 2017 – with special guest, Didirri (solo)
22 August 2017 – with special guest, Sunscreen
23 August 2017 – with special guest, Soma
24 August 2017 – with special guest, Angie McMahon
25 August 2017 – with special guest, Planet
26 August 2017 – with special guest, Borneo
27 August 2017 – with special guest, Big Time

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Montreals’ “deadheads” Single is the Perfect Pick-Me-Up

The Montreals only have one EP under their belt, but already this Adelaide band is being touted as one of the next big things in Australian music. It’s a big call, but the more I listen to their new single “deadheads” the more I tend to agree with that assessment.

There’s just something so damn likeable about this band and their ode to Aussie youth culture. The song’s raw enthusiasm and energy reminds me a little of Arctic Monkeys and The Wombats. It’s really good stuff. You’ll find it in your favourite digital stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Best of Americana Play Out on the Weekend

Justin Townes Earle, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Son Volt, Traveller, Fanny Lumsden, and a host of other leading local and international Americana acts will descend on Williamstown in October for the Out of the Weekend festival.

“It’s a continued pleasure to bring music lovers the finest sounds in the international and local Americana scene to the glorious Seaworks venue. Four years strong and building, we aim to put on an excellent day of cultural and important entertainment hand picked for your pleasure,” said BT from Love Police. “We used to talk up the fine food and booze selections on offer, but that goes without saying now. Its always the best! Avoid imitations and late comers, Out On The Weekend is the real deal. Authentic presentations by passionate people with colourful experience. Buy a ticket, get your look on, study up on acts you don’t know, and see you in October for the good times.”

Out on the Weekend hits Williamstown on October 14. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stand Atlantic Does It Again With “Mess I Made”

Sydney’s Stand Atlantic have released another charming pop-punk song, “Mess I Made.” It’s a superb follow-up to “Coffee at Midnight,” proving this band is no one-trick pony. I just love this band’s energy.

“Mess I Made” comes from Stand Atlantic’s new EP Sidewinder, which drops on September 15 via Rude Records.