Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Reveals Recording Process in Behind-the-Scenes Clip

The Smith Street Band wrote songs for their new album Throw Me in the River in far-flung places including Winnipeg, Salt Lake City, London, New York, Calgary, and North Melbourne. But when it came to putting those tracks down, they looked to the solitude of the small Victorian town of Forrest.

Forrest has just 170 people, and many of them turned out to the local pub The Wonky Donkey to check out a surprise solo set from frontman Wil Wagner. On October 31, we’ll finally get to hear what they heard as Throw Me in the River hits stores. This video gives us a little sneak peek at the recording process.

I love the idea of escaping the hustle and bustle to record an album. They’ll be back in the thick of it in November though when they showcase Throw Me in the River at the following gigs.
19 November 2014 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
20 November 2014 –The Gov, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
21 November 2014 –The Hi-Fi, Brisbane (18+)
22 November 2014 –Manning Bar, Sydney (18+)
23 November 2014 – Zierholz @ UC, Canberra (18+)
28 November 2014 –Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
29 November 2014 –Rosemount Hotel, Perth (18+)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

See Virtual Slow Chase Show to Celebrate Single Release

Australian-UK collaboration Slow Chase are showing plenty of swagger with their new single “Exorcism.” It’s a down and dirty slice of blues which marks a return to form for the band which haven’t released anything since their 2012 debut EP.

Slow Chase will celebrate the October 13 single release with a live YouTube show at 9pm AEST before hitting the road for a string of dates.

17 October 2014 – Musicman Megastore, Bendigo
18 October 2014 – The Loft, Warrnambool
25 October 2014 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
31 October 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
14 November 2014 – Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong
20 November 2014 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Carty Headlines Aus & NZ Shows

After spending the better part of the year keeping Josh Pyke and Katie Noonan company on the road, Jack Carty is preparing to step into the spotlight for his own headlining tour. He’ll go it alone to promote his third full-length album Esk, which is sitting pretty in all good record stores now. It features the gorgeous single “Be Like the Water,” which you can take a listen to here.

The song’s a bit darker than previous single “The Joneses,” but it really showcases the diversity of this very special singer-songwriter. I just love its driving acoustic guitar and Jack’s husky vocals. If you do too, make sure you grab some tickets for one of these shows.

11 October 2014 – Royal Oak Hotel, Launceston
12 October 2014 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart
17 October 2014 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
18 October 2014 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
19 October 2014 – Bon Amici Café, Toowoomba
23 October 2014 – Walton St, Te Awamutu
24 October 2014 – The Wine Cellar, Auckland
25 October 2014 – Menagerie @ Fringe, Wellington
26 October 2014 – Fringe Bar, Wellington
30 October 2014 – Babushka Lounge, Ballarat
1 November 2014 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
2 November 2014 – The Loft, Warrnambool
6 November 2014 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Fremantle
7 November 2014 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
9 November 2014 – Four 5 Nine, Perth
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

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Inventions Do Things Differently

Melbourne band Inventions chose their name because they never want to sit still. It’s the brainchild of frontman Jake Leaney, who spent time auditioning musicians who could help bring his video to life. Together they honed their unique blend of alternative-rock, pop, and punk for 12 months before unleashing their debut EP.

The epic lead single “Shadows” gives you a taste of what this band’s all about. It’s big and gutsy, perhaps even to the point of being melodramatic. But it doesn’t do things by halves, and I like that.

Inventions will celebrate the EP and single releases with a string of shows that kick off tomorrow night in their home town.

2 October 2014 – The Curtin, Melbourne
8 October 2014 – The Rosemount Hotel, Perth
10 October 2014 – Ya-Ya’s, Perth
11 October 2014 – YMCA HQ, Perth
23 October 2014 – The Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
1 November 2014 – The Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
2 November 2014 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
6 November 2014 – Rad, Wollongong
8 November 2014 – Valve Bar, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Veronicas Claim Number One Single

It seems like forever since we’ve seen an Aussie acts topping the singles charts, but The Veronicas have done it with their stunning newie “You Ruin Me.” I’ve had fun with songs from their last album, but I missed that strong emotional core that I felt ran through their earlier releases. They’ve rewarded my patience with this song, which I think is their best work. I’m so glad Australia’s embraced it!

After a few lean months in the singles charts, it’s great to see The Veronicas are one of a few local acts making their presence felt. Nathaniel’s super-fun ditty “Live Louder” has climbed one place to sit at number four this week. Timmy Trumpet feat. Savage have slipped a couple of spots to sit at number five with “FREAKS”.

It seems I missed the news that Missy Higgins had a new album coming out, but Australia hasn’t. Oz sits at number three on debut. Rock veteran Jimmy Barnes rounds out the top 10 with 30:30 Hindsight.

Click through to see this week’s top ten albums.
Continue reading “The Veronicas Claim Number One Single” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Twinsy Get us Through Monday with “Tear it Down”


Mondayitis can hit hard, but Ballarat trio Twinsy are here to help you get through it with their single “Tear It Down.” The anthemic single is a real winner, with melodic hooks, driving drumbeats, and a sing-along chorus. It’s our first taste of Twinsy’s new EP Espiritus, which is due out on October 31.

“’Tear It Down’ started coming together while on tour, somewhere between New York and Washington and we ended up finishing it in a tent the day before we played Splendour in the Grass,” explained one third of the group, Guy Chappell.

Has “Tear It Down” impressed you?

Image used with permission from Dew Process

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calm Collected Make Me Smile

If you’re looking for the next pop act to brighten up your weekend, then look no further than Perth four-piece Calm Collected. The lads recently released the catchy as hell single “Nothing Like the Movies” ahead of the October 13 launch of their EP Give Me Your Worst.

The quartet might not be breaking new ground here, but it’s an awful lot of fun. I love those big pop hooks, and I was tapping my toe in time before the song’s end. It’s also impressive that frontman Tim Tan writes the band’s songs himself and is a dab hand in the producer’s chair. Add the instrumental skills of all involved and you’ve got an act that’s got the edge over many of the pop artists on the charts.

Catch them at The Nexus Arts Centre in Adelaide on October 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Ottewell Celebrates Local Release of Rattlebag with Acoustic Shows

Incomparable Gomez frontman Ben Ottewell will bring his solo show to Australia next month. He’ll showcase the songs from his forthcoming release Rattlebag, some old favourites, and even some surprising covers in these intimate, acoustic shows.

Rattlebag again sees Ben collaborating with his childhood buddy Sam Genders.

“Sam and I grew up together in a little village called Bonsall in Derbyshire and have been friends since childhood. I love his songwriting — the stuff he did with his bands Tunng and The Accidental, particularly lyrically.”

Ben Ottewell’s tour kicks off in Fremantle on October 24, the same day that Rattlebag gets a local release. It might seem a bit of a gamble getting tickets for concerts showcasing a brand new album, but this sublime stripped back performance of “Rattlebag” should put your mind at ease.

24 October 2014 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
25 October 2014 – Four5Nine, Perth
26 October 2014 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
29 October 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
30 October 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
31 October 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
1 November 2014 – The Bunker, Coogee
2 November 2014 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
3 November 2014 – Substation, Newport
5 November 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
6 November 2014 – Flying Saucer Club, Elsternwick

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Apes Set for British Domination

Apes really impressed me with their fun single “Pull the Trigger,” and it seems I’m not the only one taking note. The Melbourne lads recently inked a deal with British booking agency 13 Artists, the same group representing the likes of Artic Monkeys, Radiohead, and Bloc Party.

To celebrate the achievement, Apes have headed across the pond for four shows this week. See them before everyone else discovers them at the following gigs.

1 October 2014 – Water Rats, London
2 October 2014 – Fallow Café, Manchester
3 October 2014 – Nice n’ Sleazy, Glasgow
4 October 2014 – Alfie Birds, Birmingham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Miss Elm’s “Bitter Taste” is Oh So Good

Brisbane’s Miss Elm are giving us a sneak peek of their new EP, Hybrid, with the release of the sassy new single “Bitter Taste.” I love the blend of sugar meets sour in this tale of a jilted lover. It’s pop with a dark undercurrent that’s just so delicious.

Miss Elm will celebrate the release of “Bitter Taste” with an East Coast tour, which kicks off in the band’s hometown on October 2. Here are all the places you can catch them play.

2 October 2014 – The Globe Theatre, Brisbane
10 October 2014 – The Petersham Bowls Club, Sydney
24 October 2014 – The Gasometer, Melbourne
25 October 2014 – Currumbin Creek Tavern, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Pricewar Music