Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Youthfire Spellbinding with “Leave”

Youthfire are one of the most exciting young bands making music out of Brisbane at the moment. With their latest single “Leave,” the follow-up to “World on Fire,” they have created an incredible lush soundscape that’s ideal for kicking back and decompressing from the stresses of the working week.

I love the way that the delicate vocals from Stephen Carmichael and James Walker interplay with the cello, synthesiser, electric guitar, and percussion. It’s an unusual blend of instruments but somehow these guys make it sound like they were meant to be together.

“Leave” is officially released next Tuesday, but you can have a sneaky listen here early. What do you think?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Basics Get Political with “The Lucky Country”

The Basics have come out swinging with their scathing new single “The Lucky Country.” It’s a damning commentary on Australia’s age of entitlement and the political circus we’ve been subjected to of late.

“We’re songwriters, but we’re not just here to talk about love, heartbreak and getting drunk,” explained Kris Schroeder. “We believe in reflecting something of the society we live in, and right now there are a lot of people who seem to think that they’re better off sticking our heads in the sand and pretending the rest of the world isn’t there. It’s about time someone stood up and said that valuing education and believing that being aware and informed is important, doesn’t make you a ‘hippy’. Wanting to leave the planet in better shape for our children doesn’t make you a ‘bleeding heart’. Thinking that respect for other cultures enhances our nation rather than diminishes it doesn’t make you unpatriotic.”

“Whether it’s politicians, newspapers or ‘shock-jocks’, we’ve got this toxic culture that has been fostered on “what’s in it for me” – it’s as if this ‘Doctrine of Prosperity’ that’s been preached in churches for years has filtered down to the rest of us. It’s been encouraged for so long for quick votes and ratings – like “You’ve only got two cars? You should have six!” – and maybe someone needs to take Australia by the wrist, give it a shake and say “WAKE UP”. And why not a bunch of musicians to do it?”

The Basics will spend the festive season taking their message to the people with their The Lucky Country tour.

16 & 17 December 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
19 December 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
20 December 2014 – Old Museum, Brisbane
27 December 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
31 December 2014 – Princes Wharf 1 “A Taste of Tasmania NYE”, Hobart
1 January 2015 – Cataract Gorge “The Basin Concert,” Launceston
3 January 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
4 January 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle
13 February 2015 – Aurora Spiegeltent @ The Garden Of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mountain Sounds Offers a Difference Kind of Festival Experience

I might be a little biased but I think I live in a pretty spectacular part of the world. If you’ve never experienced it, I suggest loading up your car and road tripping for the second annual Mountain Sounds Festival next February.

It’s in the beautiful Mount Penang Parklands and features an excitingly diverse line-up of talent such as The Kite String Tangle, The Griswolds, The Jungle Giants, SAFIA, Tkay Maidza, and the Central Coast’s own Daniel Lee Kendall.

Mountain Sounds isn’t your run-of-the-mill festival with pushy crowds full of posers and overpriced beer. Its focus on sustainability, chilled out atmosphere, and stunning surrounds helps set it apart.

Day passes are available, but I suggest really taking in all this spot has to offer and camping out. Mountain Sounds hits Mount Penang Parklands in Kariong on February 21, 2015.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elesia Iimura Has a Terrible Film Clip But Great Sound

Brisbane soulstress Elesia Iimura shows that she’s got star quality with the release of her new single “Believe.” She’s got an angelic voice which reminds me of the late Aaliyah and a really fresh sound.

I just wish that I had a Soundcloud version rather than the clip, because I think it’s pretty distracting. I’m no prude but I don’t think the over-sexualised video is doing Elesia any favours. It’ll appeal to a certain demographic of course, but will they be listening to her talent or simply marvelling at her physique?

Elesia’s set for big things after supporting Boyz ll Men and K-Ci & Jo Jo and wowing crowds on a recent promo trip to Japan. She’ll shoot her new video clip in Jamaica later this year, which hopefully won’t trade as blatantly on her good looks.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tokyo Denmark Sweden Start Your Weekend Countdown

Is everyone else as excited about Friday as I am? I don’t even have any hard and fast plans, but just the thought of a couple of days kicking back has me excited. Friday calls for a party tune, and Tokyo Denmark Sweden have delivered it with their newie “Got Me All Night.”

The song was mixed by legendary British producer Mark Saunders, who put his stamp on songs from Depeche Mode, The Cure, and Erasure. “Got Me All Night” has definitely got that 80s feel about it too, which is right up my alley. Grab your hairbrush and sing along to this one.

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Carty Does It Again with “What Am I Gonna Do With All Of My Love Now?”

Songs like “What Am I Gonna Do With All Of My Love Now?” are exactly the reason why Jack Carty is one of my favourite Aussie musicians. The third single lifted from his third LP Esk, it’s another moving, exquisitely crafted slice of pop-folk.

If you love it too, remember Jack’s currently on the road supporting the release of Esk. Here are all the places you can still catch him live.

13 November 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
14 November 2014 – The Commons, Newcastle
16 November 2014 – Flow Espresso Bar, Old Bar
20 November 2014 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
21 November 2014 – 5 Church Street, Bellingen
27 November 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
28 November 2014 – Captains @ Mariners, Batemans Bay
29 November 2014 – The Front, Canberra
30 November 2014 – Birdhouse Bar, Wagga Wagga
4 December 2014 – Howler, Melbourne
5 December 2014 – Kay St Saloon Bar, Traralgon
6 December 2014 – Montrose Town Centre, Montrose
7 December 2014 – Bended, Geelong
11 December 2014 –The Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 December 2014 – Mars Hill Café, Parramatta
13 December 2014 – Venue 505, Sydney
14 December 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Wollongong

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Like Hate Tour Unnoticed EP

Brisbane band Love Like Hate have just returned from a European tour where they performed to rave reviews and inked an exclusive signing deal with Rough Trade Publishing, the same company that represents Violent Femmes and Le Tigre. Now back on home soil they’re celebrating with an Aussie tour to promote their new EP Unnoticed.

Unnoticed features the single “Electric Ships,” which got them noticed by music fans here and across the pond, and the latest single and the EP’s title track, “Unnoticed”. It’s got an upbeat pop core but a darkness that I really like. The film clip also gives us a bit of an insight into their recent international travels.

If you’ve noticed how good Love Like Hate are, make sure you don’t miss their Unnoticed EP shows.

20th November 2014 – B East, Melbourne
21st November 2014 – The Homestead, Hobart
24th November 2014 – The Public Bar, St Kilda
28th November 2014 – Union Hotel, Newtown
6th December 2014 – Treehouse On Belongil, Byron Bay
17th January 2015 – Bearded Lady, West End

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Call the Shots Make Powerful Statement with “All the Same”

There was a time when every second band seemed to be doing the pop-punk thing. Most faded away, but Brisbane band Call the Shots have been steadily making music for years now, thanks to inspired songwriting like that showcased on their new single “All the Same.”

The track from their forthcoming EP delivers a powerful message about acceptance.

“I’m sick to death of hearing about how people’s skin colours or who they’re attracted to apparently affect who they are,” explained Call the Shots’ singer Josh Setterfield. “Everyone has or SHOULD have an equal chance regardless of their race or sexuality.”

Amen! Good news for fans, the forthcoming EP is part one in a trilogy, so there’ll be a lot more Call the Shots music to come in the not too distant future.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sharon van Etten Announces Golden Plains Sideshows

Awesome American alt-country singer Sharon van Etten has announced sideshows in the East Coast capitals to coincide with her visit for Golden Plains. I must admit, I wasn’t aware of Sharon’s music until I caught her performance of “Every Time the Sun Comes Up,” from her most recent studio album Are We There, on Letterman.

Something tells me it’s only a matter of time before Sharon enters the mainstream consciousness, so if you love her music make sure you catch her playing intimate venues like these while you can.

1 March 2015 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
3 March 2015 – The Hi-Fi, Melbourne
4 March 2015 – The Zoo, Brisbane
7 March 2015 – Golden Plains Festival, Meredith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nahko and Medicine for the People Spread Positivity on Aussie Tour

Is Monday kicking your arse right now? Then take a listen to Nahko and Medicine for the People’s “I Mua” in preparation for their Aussie tour this week. The Oregon act is all about good vibes. I think it’s probably scientifically impossible to feel down when you’re listening to this song.

It wasn’t that long ago that the band were here for Bluesfest, but it seems they can’t stay away from our fair shores. The upcoming shows give you a chance to see Nahko and Medicine for the People in more intimate venues, without all the festival sweatiness.

14 November 2014 – AWME @ The HiFi, Melbourne
18 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
19 November 2014 – The HiFi, Brisbane
20 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
21 November 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
22 November 2014 –Tanks Art Centre, Cairns
23 November 2014 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby (Nahko solo)
25 November 2014 – The HiFi, Sydney
26 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
29 November 2014 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
02 December 2014 – The Governor, Hindmarsh
04 December 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
06 December 2014 – Fly By Night, Fremantle