Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amy Shark Hits Another Home Run With “Drive You Mad”

Amy Shark continues to prove she can’t put a foot wrong with the release of her new single “Drive You Mad.” This is yet another stellar cut from Amy’s debut EP Night Thinker.

The searingly honest lyrics, penned by Amy, really cut through. Dann Hume’s production helps realise Amy’s vision, taking this song to the next sonic level.

Amy has just completed her first North American tour and played Splendour in the Grass. Next stop, her own tour. If you can find some tickets, which are getting rare as hen’s teeth, you can catch her in major cities on the following dates before she supports Sia later this year.

17, 18. 19, 20 & 21 August 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
24 August 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
25, 26 & 28 August 2017 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
31 August, 1 & 3 September 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
8 September 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
9 September 2017 – The Capitol, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus Dawson Strips Back for “Atticus Finch” Video

Perth electronic artist Angus Dawson has released a fantastic new video for his cool new single “Atticus Finch.”

When many of us think of electronic music, we think of studio wizardry, songs created by computers rather than real instruments. But Angus challenges our perceptions here, performing live in an abandoned quarry in Darlington. The dramatically rugged backdrop reinforces that this performance is as real as it gets. It’s a beautiful track with a dreamy sax line.

“Atticus Finch” comes from Angus’ Ellesmere Street EP. He’s currently in the middle of a tour to promote the EP. You can still catch him at the Worker’s Club in Melbourne on July 31 and Jack Rabbit Slim’s in Perth on August 5.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pseudo Echo & 1927 @ The Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay – 21 July 2017

As a child of the ’80s, Pseudo Echo and 1927 are two local bands I’ve always enjoyed. I saw Pseudo Echo supporting Culture Club in the ‘90s, but it’s been an awfully long time between drinks. Timing always seemed to be against me when it came to catching 1927, but the stars aligned when both ’80s powerhouses graced the Entrance Leagues Club last Friday night.

The first thing that struck me when Pseudo Echo took the stage was how much the line-up has changed. Lead singer Brian Canham is still out front, but his band mates are much younger these days. I couldn’t help but think of Anthony Field, and the way he is still waving the Wiggles flag yet looking a little out of place in his merry band of skivvy wearers. There’s a similar strangeness about the way this band is put together these days. Yet despite that, Brian still clearly believes in what he does. He delivers Pseudo Echo’s back catalogue with passion that is so infectious. I found myself remembering songs I hadn’t listened to in years like “A Beat for You” and “Listening,” singing along with lyrics that were buried somewhere deep in my brain. Covers of “Nutbush City Limits” and “Send Me An Angel” delivered more of the nostalgia the crowd was desperate for. I don’t think there was a person standing still when the band broke into “Funky Town.”

Pseudo Echo got my feet moving, but 1927 moved my heart. It doesn’t seem so long ago that I was swooning over Eric Weideman as I watched Rage in the morning. Watching their set took me right back. It seems Eric is the last man standing in 1927 too, but the line-up he’s assembled feels a bit more cohesive. They’re so tight, a real band rather than just players supporting a singer. Their set felt less like revelling in nostalgia and more like just catching up with a band still in the height of their fame. Perhaps the difference is the songs, which don’t sound nearly as dated as Pseudo’s synth-heavy numbers. Lyrically, 1927 has always had a bit more depth too. I felt myself getting choked up singing along with the crowd on tracks like “Compulsory Hero” and “If I Could.” I’d forgotten how much I loved “Tell Me a Story” and “You’ll Never Know.”

I entered the Entrance League Club thrilled to see both bands, but it was 1927 that really impressed me. Pseudo Echo were fun, but I don’t think I’ll rush to see them again. 1927 though … the next tour can’t come quickly enough.

Pseudo Echo and 1927 are still touring around the country together. You can catch them at their remaining shows.

5 August 2017 – The Tivoli, Fortitude Valley
11 August 2017 – Harvey Road Tavern, Clinton
12 August 2017 – Dalrymple Hotel, Garrett
18 August 2017 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
19 August 2017 – Wenty Leagues, Wentworthville
25 August 2017 – Wrest Point Casino, Hobart
26 August 2017 – Country Club, Launceston

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sloan Peterson Releases “Rats”

Sydney’s Sloan Peterson has put a spring in my step this Saturday with her defiant new single “Rats,” the second lifted from her self-titled EP. The track somehow has a gritty garage rock feel and a retro charm. I’m not even sure how that all works together, but Sloan pulls it off.

“‘Rats’ was written about low-lifes who wanna make something out of themselves, ratbags and teenagers who are on their own in a big city,” she explained in her press release. “I had a pretty rough couple of years between 13-16 living up in Brisbane, being involved with bad company, never attending school among other horrible situations, and this song speaks to how I was feeling after coming out of such a whirlwind, trying to start all over again in Sydney by myself at only 16.”

The Sloan Peterson EP is available from September 8 via Mirror Records. You can catch her live at Wollongong’s The Last Frost Festival on August 19 and Sounds of the Suburbs in Cronulla on September 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“61-615” – O’Shea

I’ve been listening to O’Shea’s new album 61-615 for the past two weeks now. I start taking notes to write a review, but invariably I find myself losing myself in the music rather than analysing it. Perhaps that’s as it should be.

This album has all the polish you’d expect from a duo now based in Nashville. It’s also got a greater cross-over appeal than many of the recordings we hear from Australian country acts. It’s not that this duo is ashamed of its country roots, but the recording isn’t alienating to people like me who don’t consider themselves country music fans.

The album opens with “Start Over,” the lead single that reached the top spot on the Australian country music charts. Listening to it now, in the context of the album, I’m struck by its power, which hasn’t diminished with subsequent listens. The song sets the tone for an album that isn’t afraid to tackle some big emotions.

“Just Got Real” is one of those emotional songs that really strikes a chord with me. Its astute lyrics about the start of a relationship and the flood of emotions that come with it take the listener back to times in their own lives they stood on the precipice of something great, yet frightening. “I Will Not Give Up,” a song of real grit, determination, and beauty, also packs a real emotional punch.

O’Shea seems most comfortable with the big, emotive ballads, but songs like “Karaoke and Carona” show this duo knows how to have some fun. This playful song, which sounds like it deserves to be played in a Southern dive bar, is a real standout. A cover of Little River Band’s “Playing to Win” with guest vocals from Aussie The Wolfe Brothers and Travis Collins, is also bags of fun.

While the guest performances are welcome, I love the interplay of O’Shea’s voices most. That connection that comes with being a real couple translates into something special whenever they’re singing together, whether it’s on a playful upbeat number or a song with a bit more emotional meat.

It’s a shame we’ve lost O’Shea to the United States, but it seems the twosome hasn’t forgotten its roots. O’Shea is back in Australia to support the album’s release with the following shows. 61-615 is in stores now.

28 July 2017 – Leadbelly, Newtown
29 July 2017 – Centro CBD, Wollongong
30 July 2017 – Live n Cookin’ at Lizottes, Newcastle
3 August 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
4-11 August 2017 – Tunes in the Tropics, Fiji
12 August 2017 – Mt Isa Rodeo, Mt Isa

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maxine Jones & Greg Gould @ Crowne Plaza, Terrigal – 18 July 2017

Living on the Central Coast, we don’t get a lot of big name musical acts. Aussie bands will occasionally stop by, but locals usually have to head to Sydney or Newcastle to see international artists. And a free show? It’s virtually unheard of. So when I heard that Maxine Jones from En Vogue was set to perform with our own Greg Gould at the Crowne Plaza in Terrigal last Tuesday night, I was a bit floored. Our Crowne Plaza? And for free? I wouldn’t normally venture out on a Tuesday night, but I couldn’t resist.

I must admit, when I stepped into the Lord Ashley Room, I wondered whether I was in the right place. The small stage, with its kitschy gold backdrop, hardly seemed befitting of soul royalty like Maxine. I’ve never been to a gig where employees were scrambling to find seats for people, pulling in couches and chairs from neighbouring rooms! The Facebook event said it all kicked off at 6, but hours later I was still waiting. That did give me time to savour the delicious wine and tapas the venue offered though.

This show was really worth the wait though. Although it was modest in presentation, the talent of both Maxine and Central Coast local Greg Gould shone through. Greg put me onside from the get go with a cover of “Euphoria,” a Eurovision winner from Sweden’s Loreen, that he dedicated to LGBTQI people still struggling for acceptance and love. I must admit, I missed Greg’s stint on Australia’s Got Talent, but I was wowed by him. What a talent the Central Coast has produced. Greg could have enjoyed more time in the spotlight, but he graciously stepped aside for Maxine to remind us all exactly what we love about her. I didn’t expect to hear “Free Your Mind” brought out so early, but she slayed it. Her voice has lost nothing over the years and her attitude is every bit as fierce.

Greg and Maxine graciously shared the stage for the rest of the evening, alternating between taking the lead and contributing back-up vocals. They sang like divas but certainly didn’t have the attitudes we associate with the term. Clearly appreciative of one another’s talents, they seemed happy to step back and take in what the other could do.

Greg treated us to a mix of his superb originals and covers of soulful songs like “Lay Me Down” and “American Boy.” Maxine’s work with En Vogue left her plenty of solo material to play with, but her cover of “Imagine” showed a deeper, more emotional side of this sassy performer. They came together for duets a couple of times, first to close the first set and again to close the night. I hadn’t heard their new single “Do You See Me Now” before, but I was spellbound by it. “Don’t Let Go,” the song Maxine made famous with En Vogue, was much more familiar to me, but hearing what Greg brought to the track helped me experience it with fresh ears.

Greg and Maxine will tour Europe and the United States together. If you get the chance to see them play together, take it. Nights enjoying voices like these are so rare and so special.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Remembering Dr G Yunupingu

Like so many music lovers, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr G Yunupingu this morning. He was one of our most special musical artists, who is just 46 years made his mark, first with Yothu Yindi and then with his solo career.

He was born on Elcho Island, off north east Arnhemland. Despite being born blind, music was in his veins and he taught himself how to play the drums, keyboards, guitar, and didgeridoo. But it was his voice that I’ll remember most. Though I didn’t speak a word of his Yolngu language, I felt like I understood his music. He communicated with us all with something more than words.

Dr G Yunupingu went on to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world. He played for everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Barack Obama. Yet he remained connected his community. He passed away yesterday in Darwin Hospital after a long battle with illness.

I want to share this video with you, his music with you. Take a moment just to stop and appreciate the legacy he left for us.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kinky Boots @ Capitol Theatre, Sydney – 15 July 2017

With just a few weeks left of its Sydney run, I finally caught Kinky Boots at the Capitol Theatre recently. This was one of those musicals I knew I had to see. It ticked so many boxes for me. It was based on a movie that thoroughly charmed me. Cyndi Lauper, one of my greatest musical idols, wrote the songs. Harvey Feirstein, another one of the world’s special talents, wrote the book. It promised glitter, sequins, and pizzazz. Tick, tick, and tick. My expectations were high, yet this very special production exceeded it.

If you’ve seen the movie, you’re already familiar with the story. Boy grows up around his father’s shoe factory, but wants to carve out his own destiny rather than living his dad’s life. Father dies. The boy, now a man, is torn between his desire to find his own path and his wish to save his father’s legacy. He discovers he can do both when he breaks with tradition and turns his father’s factory into the most fabulous production facility for drag queen boots. Throw in a love triangle and a touching friendship between two very different principle leads and you get the idea.

The story of Kinky Boots is a simple one, but it’s one with real heart. Cyndi Lauper builds on the tale beautifully with one of the best original music soundtracks I’ve heard in some time. Needless to say, I bought the CD before I left the theatre. The building blocks are there, but the Australian production has helped this music live up to its potential. Toby Francis’ Charlie is sweet yet complex. Sophie Wright as Lauren is endearing and so relatable. Teagan Wouters’ Nicola is frustratingly self-absorbed, but she plays the piece’s villain well. But it is Callum Francis as Lola who fittingly steals the show. He understudied the role in London but he’s now relishing the spotlight. Every time he was on the stage, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. What a talent he is.

If like me you’ve procrastinated about getting your tickets, do not delay. Kinky Boots is a special musical. The songs are first rate, the actors incredible, and the story one that nourishes your soul. Don’t miss it. It closes in Sydney in August, when it hits the Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Self Talk Releases “Beside Dictionary” Ahead of EP Tour

I’ve had one of those days where the little things don’t go right and molehills seem like mountains. What’s the best way to deal with a day like that? Experts might advocate meditation or slow breathing, but I find grabbing a hairbrush and bouncing around my bedroom singing out a track like “Bedside Dictionary,” the latest track from Melbourne indie-poppers Self Talk, so much more therapeutic.

This music sounds so fresh but it also reminds me of some of the angry girl music I was listening to in the ‘90s like Juliana Hatfield, Letters to Cleo, and The Breeders. This nostalgic track is about “relationships that don’t really get past the beginning, not because they don’t work or the people involved don’t like each other, but it just doesn’t go any further,” the band explained. “It’s about the various things that come with that, how it might feel, the frustration or disconnection, or even just acceptance really.”

“Bedside Dictionary” comes from Self Talk’s EP Almost Everything, which drops on August 11. Preorder the EP and you’ll get instant downloads of “Bedside Dictionary” and “Old Habits.” Self Talk will support its release with shows all around the country next month.

12 August 2017 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
18 August 2017 – The Phoenix, Canberra
19 August 2017 – The Record Crate, Sydney
25 August 2017 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
26 August 2017 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Paris is Patient

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lance Ferguson Drops “Back to You” Single From Wild Remixed Solo Album

Melbourne soul pioneer and Bamboos founder Lance Ferguson has offered us a taste of his first solo album Raw Material with the release of the single “Back to You.”

The funky, feel good track is really the perfect showcase of what this album is all about. It samples “2+1,” which Lance recorded with his Bamboos vocalist Kylie Auldist. Lance loves working with samples, taking the original song and recutting it and recreating it until it’s something fresh. “Back to You” also sees Lance working with One Above, EMRSN, and Melbourne MC Mosé. This album might be technically a solo endeavour, but Lance does his best work when he’s bouncing off the creative energy of others.

The album is one of the more unique on the musical landscape. The creative process say Lance writing and recording twelve new songs. He pressed each one onto individual vinyl singles. He kept the first and sent the second to his favourite producers, encouraging them to sample the song they received and use it to start a new track. The first disc gives us the reworked versions, including six songs remastered by Lance. The second shows us the original recordings.

Raw Material drops on August 4.