Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Releases Pop-Rock Gem

I like to think of the late 90s and early 2000s of the glory days of Aussie pop-rock. We produced so many quality acts like Invertigo, Taxiride, Vanessa Amorosi, and Bachelor Girl. It was a time when Australian musicians were mainstream, and that wasn’t a dirty word. The local music industry might have moved away from pop-rock, but when you hear the genre done well you stop and wonder why we don’t make more of this music.

I’m glad Casey Barnes is still flying the flag though. Every song he releases is excellent, and his newie “Just Like Magic” is no exception. It’s ridiculously catchy, perhaps because Casey collaborated with the MSquared Boys (Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis).

“The song touches on a guy’s complete and utter fascination with a girl who basically has him under her ‘spell’. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that feeling!” Casey explained in a press release. “Writing and producing ‘Just Like Magic’ with Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis was such a great experience, and I think it shows in how the song turned out. It’s one of my favourite tracks on the album … it gets people dancing.”

“Just Like Magic” is the latest track lifted from Casey’s current album Live as One.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fatty Boomba Provides Your Saturday Soundtrack

It’s the weekend! The time when we can forget about the stress of our working week and just relax. Saturdays are my favourite days because the weekend is finally here with all its possibilities and Monday seems so far away. A day like Saturday deserves a feel-good song, and I’ve found the perfect one. Meet Fatty Boomba.

The name of this band from Melbourne’s outer western suburbs might not be very PC, but you’ll soon forget that when you’re listening to this super catchy song. I guarantee it’ll get stuck in your head, and you’ll find yourself humming it to yourself for days. You have been warned!

“It’s the Life” is the lead track from Fatty Boomba’s EP New Year, which will drop on February 28.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amber Lawrence Teams Up With Catherine Britt and Fanny Lumsden for Girl Power Anthem

It’s been some time since I’ve heard a true girl power anthem. Thankfully Amber Lawrence has filled the void, with the help of Catherine Britt and Fanny Lumsden. Their new single “Cheers to the Girls” is everything I’ve been waiting for.

It tells the story of women each broken in their own way who draw from their inner strength to reclaim their identities. I also like that it doesn’t stoop to blanket male bashing, as so many feminist things do. Instead it deals with very specific circumstances and focuses on what women did to overcome them.

“I’m really proud of this song. A lot of courage went into writing this song, and telling it how it actually is for some women. This song in part eludes to domestic abuse, but also praises women of all types – those that were bullied at school, those that didn’t know their inner strength until the only choice left was to rely on and stand up for themselves,” Amber explained. “It’s a rousing song of strength and is already a crowd favourite – add to this, the stunning vocals of Catherine Britt and Fanny Lumsden, and this is also one of my favourites.”

“Cheers to the Girls” is the latest single lifted from Amber’s fifth studio album Happy Ever After. She will tour the album with Catherine Britt next year. Fanny Lumsden will appear at selected shows. More dates will be announced, so if there’s not one close to you keep an eye on Amber’s website.

3 March 2017 – Gloucestor Soldiers Club, Gloucestor
4 March 2017 – Muswellbrook RSL, Muswellbrook
31 March 2017 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
1 April 2017 – Granada Tavern, Hobart
7 April 2017 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
8 April 2017 – Soul Central, Dee Why
9 April 2017 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
13 May 2017 – Ettalong Diggers, Ettalong Beach
18 May 2017 – Loxton Club, Loxton
19 May 2017 – Pretoria Hotel, Mannum
20 May 2017 – Trinity Sessions, Adelaide
25 May 2017 – Glen Innes & District Services Club, Glen Innes
26 May 2017 – South Grafton Ex-Servicemen’s Club
27 May 2017 – Sawtell RSL Club, Sawtell
29 June 2017 – Barham Services Club, Barham
30 June 2017 – Commercial Club, Albury
1 July 2017 – Club Mulwala, Mulwala

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Friends for Christmas” – John Farnham & Olivia Newton-John

It’s officially the silly season, a time when we can unashamedly enjoy a little schmaltz and sweetness. We get both in abundance in Friends for Christmas, a new holiday release from good pals and Aussie legends John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John.

This is the ideal album to slip on while you’re trimming your tree or entertaining the family on Christmas Day. It’s merry, joyful, and full of cheer. Old favourites like “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” are delivered with childlike enthusiasm. But for me the real standouts are the songs that allow these two incredible voices to soar. You can’t help but be captivated by more traditional choices like “The Little Drummer Boy” and the closing number, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” hits all the right notes; it’s tender and so exquisitely executed.

There’s no disputing the talent of these artists. Separately they’re amazing, but listening to them harmonise and feed off one another’s energy takes things to another level. When they get together, magic happens. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Friends for Christmas is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aquila Young Charms with “Crimson Criminal”

Queensland songbird Aquila Young has unleashed her seductive new single “Crimson Criminal.” This is one of those songs that gets underneath your skin with its raw, dark lyrics and lush synth sounds. It’s given me chills.

Aquila will play NightQuarter on the Gold Coast on New Year’s Eve. Seeing her set sounds like a wonderful way to ring in 2017!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom West Unleashes First Single From New Album

Tom West has gone back to the vault for his latest single “All My Friends are Scientists.”

“This is an older song that has lingered around the edges of my repertoire for ages without ever settling into a place,” he explained. “As I was writing the music for the new album, ‘Scientists’ seemed to fit amongst the newer tracks and it began to take on a new life as all the arrangements developed.”

I’m thrilled he went back to the track, because it’s stunning. I love its ominous driving rhythm and darkly poetic lyrics.

“All My Friends are Scientists” is the first track lifted from Tom’s forthcoming album, which should get released in the middle of 2017. It was recording in an ad-hoc cottage studio in the Adelaide Hills, which sounds like a pretty fabulous place to lay some songs down.

Tom West has big plans for this album, which shows planned in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and here at home.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harts Announces Aussie Tour

Fresh from signing a deal with massive American indie music label Razer + Tie, Australia’s own Harts has announced he’ll tour around the country early next year.

The shows are promoting Harts’ album Smoke Fire Hope Desire, which features a slew of singles including the newie “Fear in Me.” The song’s clip gives you a little taste of the kind of rock star energy you can expect at these gigs.

17 February 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
18 February 2017 – SS&A Club, Albury (FREE)
24 February 2017 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
25 February 2017 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
2 March 2017 – The Beery, Terrigal
3 March 2017 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
4 March 2017 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
5 March 2017 – Urban Jungle Festival, Perth
11 March 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ILUKA Releases Feelgood Single “Blue Jean Baby”

Sydney songstress ILUKA has got my toes tapping with her new folk-pop single “Blue Jean Baby.” It’s an irresistible track which bounces along with the help of a driving acoustic guitar and ILUKA’s angelic voice.

“Blue Jean Baby” comes from ILUKA’s forthcoming EP, Blue My Soul. It explores similar themes of breaking away from the ordinary and the self-discovery that can come from such escape. Look out for it in February 2017.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fat Freddy’s Drop Playing Aussie Festivals

Those funky fellows from Fat Freddy’s Drop will return to Australia for the festival season.

We’re the latest stop for the Kiwi band, who are still promoting their fourth studio album, BAYS. That album features the incredible new single “Fish in the Sea.” While the song references the poetry of Pushkin, the clip is inspired by Maori and Polynesian mythology.

Make sure you don’t miss Fat Freddy’s Drop’s set at the following festivals.

29 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Lorne
30 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, Tasmania
31 December 2016 – Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley
2 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Byron Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Meltdown Releases Killer New Single “Colours in the Sky”

The Meltdown are best known for creating floor fillers, but it shows it can create one hell of a soul ballad with the release of new single “Colours in the Sky.” The track reminds me a little of something Amos Lee or Ray LaMontagne might release, with its rich, raspy vocals and genuine heart.

“Colours in the Sky” comes from The Meltdown’s self-titled debut album, which is scheduled for an early 2017 release.

The Meltdown will play Summer of Soul on January 7 and Riverboats Music Festival on February 17 to 19.