Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anita Lester Lays It All Bare With “Last Day”

I love a performer who has the confidence in her voice to have it exposed. Artists like this don’t hide behind a symphony of sound or studio wizardry. They’re comfortable with delicate arrangements, because they know their talent speaks for itself.

Anita Lester is one of those special artists. Her voice is accompanied by just a gentle piano for much of her new single “Last Day.” The effect is mesmerizing. Even when the strings kick in, her voice stands proud, anchoring the track so beautifully.

Anita penned “Last Day” at the beginning of a goodbye, and its lyrics so effectively explore the emotions that come when you know the end is near. The video, directed by her brother Yoav, is the ideal accompaniment to this song about emotional struggle.

Anita originally hails from Melbourne but she’s currently making waves in her adopted city of London. “Last Day” comes from her soon-to-be-released debut album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Playing Regional Australia

After lapping the capital cities several times, Illy is finally taking his music to Australia’s regional centres. His Two Degrees Regional Tour, which kicks off in August, will be his most extensive local tour to date.

Illy hasn’t visited regional Australia since he was part of the Groovin’ The Moo Festival in 2014. No doubt his fans in the regional towns and cities will be itching to see him finally headlining.

Illy says he’s “Really psyched to get back on the road for such a huge run. It’s been a couple years since last time, and this will be the biggest I’ve ever done. Let’s get loose.”

Tickets are on sale now for the following shows. There are plenty of dates, so there’s bound to be one near you!

3 August 2017 – Players Bar, Mandurah
4 August 2017 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
5 August 2017 – Dunsborough Hotel, Dunsborough
8 August 2017 – Wintersun, Geraldton
10 August 2017 – Pot Shot, Exmouth
11 August 2017 – Dampier Mermaid Hotel, Karratha
12 August 2017 – Pier Hotel, Port Hedland
13 August 2017 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome
17 August 2017 – Judds, Kalgoorlie
18 August 2017 – Pier Hotel, Esperance
19 August 2017 – White Star, Albany
25 August 2017 – Kay St, Traralgon
26 August 2017 – The Pier, Frankston
1 September 2017 – Odeon, Hobart
2 September 2017 – Club 54, Launceston
7 September 2017 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
8 September 2017 – Mills Precinct, Toowoomba
9 September 2017 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
10 September 2017 – The Northern, Byron
14 September 2017 – The Jack, Cairns
15 September 2017 – Dalrymple, Townsville
16 September 2017 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
17 September 2017 – Harvey Rd Tavern, Gladstone
21 September 2017 – Wool Exchange, Geelong
22 September 2017 – Whalers, Warrnambool
23 September 2017 – Shadows, Mt Gambier
29 September 2017 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
1 October 2017 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
6 October 2017 – Setts, Mildura
7 October 2017 – Karova’s Car Park, Ballarat
3 November 2017 – Port Panthers, Port Macquarie
4 November 2017 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
24 November 2017 – SSA Club, Albury

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ZK’s Kristal West Goes Solo

ZK was one of my favourite acts on The Voice a couple of years ago. So I’m thrilled to see one half of the duo, Kristal West, has just released a brand new single. “Nibe Nibe” is the first lifted from her EP Remembering Ata, a collection of songs paying tribute to Kristal’s grandfather Eddie Mabo on the 25th anniversary year of the High Court native title ruling.

This beautiful song was penned by Torres Strait Island singer-songwriter King Kadu. Kristal’s worked with the Hummingbird Collective, a group of first nations women. Ruth Ghee, Hummingbird Collective’s musical director, notes “Nibe Nibe highlights the importance of the reviving, maintaining, preserving and sharing languages and culture through music and story-telling with ‘one voice.’” She said the song “was a fitting collaboration as most of the Collective also have family connections to Mer [the native language Kristal speaks]”.

Kristal has spent the last six months working on Remembering Ata to pay tribute to her grandfather and reconnect with her heritage.

“I felt a strong desire to get back to my cultural roots and to find my ‘real’ voice, a voice that is rooted in family, history and culture,” she explained. “After seeking counsel from my grandmother, Bonita Mabo, I felt a deep pull to tell the story of my grandfather and our family and felt that was the best starting point.”

“Nibe Nibe” is such a beautiful song. We need more of this on Australia’s musical landscape, don’t you agree?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Taxiride’s Jason Singh Releases New Single “Strangers”

You probably know Jason Singh as one quarter of Taxiride. The ‘90s pop-rockers have played plenty of shows of late, but somehow Jason has managed to squeeze in some solo work too. He’s just dropped his latest solo single “Strangers,” a beautiful piano ballad that should make any listener swoon.

Much of Jason’s solo material has been floor-filling synth pop, so this more vulnerable and emotional track marks a real departure for his sound. I personally love the new direction. “Strangers” feels like it’s come from a very honest place. You can listen here or check out the lyric video on Jason’s Facebook page.

If you’re seeing Hanson this week, make sure you get there on time. Jason is warming up the crowds for Taylor, Zac, and Ike at the following shows.

18 & 19 June 2017 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (with Hanson)
21 & 22 June 2017 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with Hanson)
24 June 2017 – The Star, Gold Coast (with Hanson)
25 June 2017 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (with Hanson)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Guitar Show Gears Up For Big Third Year

The Melbourne Guitar Show is back for its third year, and it’s shaping up to be the best yet. Organisers have assembled some superb talent including Steve Hackett from Genesis, Nick Johnston, Alex Hutchings, Lloyd Spiegel, Nick Charles, and Bob Spencer.

In addition to live performances from guitar gods, you’ll also find a monster exhibition with electric and acoustic guitars, effects pedals, amps, and heaps more from Australia and around the world. There’ll be seminars, demos, Q&A sessions, and heaps more.

“We are looking forward to a show this year that builds steadily based on the merit and popularity of the first two and on the presentation of the best people we can find”, says AMA executive officer and MGS organiser, Rob Walker. “We will have more exhibitors this year, as well as bigger stand presentations by many brands.  We are in discussions with an increasing list of players who want to be a part of it, so we are sure this show will provide great value for guitar enthusiasts once again.”

The Melbourne Guitar Show is back at Caulfield Racecourse on August 5 and 6. Tickets are cheaper when you pre-order, so get yours online now.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Blinded By Didirri’s Sweet Folk Single

His name might be unusual, but Didirri is one name you’ll want to remember. He’s the voice behind “Blind You,” an amazing folk song that sits a cut above the rest.

With simple acoustic strumming, his incredible vocal tone, and accessible but emotive lyrics, Didirri has quickly won me over. You might have caught him recently supporting quality acts like Jordie Lane, Tash Sultana, and the Pierce Brothers. But Didirri is ready to step into the spotlight. Catch him headlining the following single launch shows next month.

6 July 2017 – Junk Bar, Brisbane
13 July 2017 – Golden Age Cinema, Sydney
11 August 2017 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Party in Kings Cross With Keep Sydney Open Music Festival

Like so many other cities, Sydney has lost many of its great live music venues. Keep Sydney Open is fighting back with Meet Me In The Cross, a big musical party staged at seven of the Cross’s most beloved venues on July 1.

One $30 ticket will grant you entry to Kings Cross Hotel, The World Bar, Candys Apartment, Potts Point Hotel (formerly Kit & Kaboodle ), Crane Bar, Jangling Jack’s, and Sweethearts Rooftop. You’ll also get some great deals from awesome food vendors and traders plying their wares through the night. You can bounce between the venues, taking in the great music across all stages, until it wraps up at 3 am.

“We’re super excited to be partnering with Keep Sydney Open and the rest of the Kings Cross Precinct,” says Greg Turton of The World Bar. “A music festival is a great opportunity to highlight just some of the awesome talent that is on show every weekend in Eastside Sydney. Hopefully this will be the first of many.”

Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Keep Sydney Open

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Stars Cover “You’re The Voice” For Domestic Violence Charities

Domestic and family violence are some of the most pressing issues facing our society today. A host of talented local musicians are doing the bit to raise awareness with the release of a cover of John Farnham’s smash “You’re The Voice.”

The track features some of the biggest names in music today: Katie Noonan, Kate Ceberano, Isaiah, Troy Cassar-Daley, Montaigne, and Archie Roach.

“I’m so proud of the positive response from the Australian community and music industry in rallying together to support this initiative. It is a testament to the power of music being able to make a difference,” Katie said. She’s the artistic director of this year’s Queensland Music Festival. As part of the program, a 2000-strong choir will come together to sing “You’re The Voice” at South Bank Piazza. It happens at 5 pm on July 29, so check it out if you’re in the area.

All money raised from iTunes sales of the “You’re The Voice” single benefits the Sony Foundation and DV Connect, a Queensland-based 24/7 crisis response group. One thing I personally like about DVConnect is that it doesn’t discriminate. It understands that people of both genders can be victims of domestic violence, so it has a womensline (1800 811 811) and a mensline (1800 600 636). After watching The Red Pill this week, that sort of real gender equality matters to me. If you want to support it to, you know where to find the single!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Let The Lovely Days Brighten Your Friday

Winter has well and truly set in, but you can shake off the gloom with “Mornington,” the shiny new single from The Lovely Days.

The band, who come to us from Melbourne by way of Mullumbimby, has such a great psychedelic pop sound. Think ELO mixed with a smattering of Tame Impala and Alabama Shakes.

The Lovely Days hadn’t crossed my radar before, but apparently the band’s self-titled EP garnered praised in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as here at home. “Mornington” comes from The Lovely Days’ new EP Arms Wide Open, which they’re currently touring around the country. Check the band out at the following venues!

17 June 2017 – The Exeter Hotel, Adelaide
22 June 2017 – Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Sydney
23 June 2017 – Vic on the Park, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy 10th Birthday Sounds of Oz!

Today Sounds of Oz turns 10. That seems like a milestone worth acknowledging. Ten years is longer than many marriages and prison sentences after all. It’s amazing scrolling back through the pages, looking at all the albums I’ve fallen for and the gigs I’ve seen since it all began.

I started this blog all those years ago because I felt there was a real division in Australia between the alternative music press and the commercial outlets. I wanted to carve out a place where great Australian music could be appreciated, regardless of its genre. Sadly I still feel that division. I also feel there’s a bunch of great music that doesn’t get any exposure on through big outlets, something I wasn’t aware of when I began this journey. I’m thrilled I have a platform to bring those superb songs to you.

I’m not going to write anything long and sappy, but I did want to take a moment to thank the promoters and record companies who’ve introduced me to so much great music and hooked me up with countless concert tickets over the years. Your support has been invaluable. Thank you to the musicians themselves for their kind words and for sharing their music with me. But mostly I want to thank you, the readers. Whether you’re been with me for years or you’ve just stopped by, I’m glad you’ve taken time to discover my little corner of the web.

Here’s to the next 10 and beyond!

Image source: Wwarby @ Flickr