Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens Release Single Ahead of Album Launch

Canberra’s alt-folk darlings Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens are giving us one more sneak peek at their self-produced sophomore album Family Pets before it drops on February 22. It comes in the form of new single “Adeleine,” a warm, organic number which should put a smile on your face.

Julia and her seven Deep Sea Sirens have supported the likes of Tim Rigers, Lanie Lane, and Kate Miller-Heidke in the past, but they’ll be the headliners at a string of album launch shows this autumn. See Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens up close and personal at the following shows.

22 February 2013 – The Newsagency, Sydney
3 March 2013 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
28 March-1 April 2013 – The National Folk Festival, Canberra
5 April 2013 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
7 April 2013 – Lass O’ Gowrie, Newcastle
21 April 2013 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE)

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gotye Wins Three Grammys

Gotye has made Grammys history, becoming the first Australian to take home multiple awards for the same album and its songs. Our own Wally de Backer took home three awards in all. Making Mirrors won Best Alternative Album while that smash single “Somebody That I Used To Know” took home Best Pop Duo or Group Release and the granddaddy of them all, Record of the Year.

The unassuming Aussie was understandably star struck to receive the latter award from Prince, who he said was “a big reason I was inspired to make music.” He went on to “thank everybody who puts great energy into the world by making music.”

Aussie Aussie Aussie!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lamplights Raise Funds for Fires

We’ve all been touched by the nation’s bushfires in some way, so The Lamplights are bound to strike a chord with their latest single “The River.”

The single came about when the boys from the band were touring Victoria and stumbled across the bushfire devastated region of King Lake. A year after blazes ravaged the town, the lads were shocked by the ruin they still saw. The landscape was black as far as the eye could see. However, The Lamplights saw more than that. They saw a community that refused to give up, one which had such a connection to this place they called home that nothing could drive them away.

It’s only fitting that all proceeds from “The River” will benefit the Warrambungle Shire Mayor’s Bushfire Appeal. No doubt The Lamplights will sell plenty of copies when they tour the single at the following shows.

23 February 2013- Bleach Festival, Gold Coast
2 March 2013 – Eumundi Markets, Sunshine Coast
8 March 2013 – The Hideaway, Brisbane
13 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
14 March 2013 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
21 March 2013 – The Joynt, Brisbane
24 March 2013 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PVT Announce Long Awaited National Tour

After working tirelessly supporting the likes of Bloc Party and Gotye around the globe, PVT are returning home for their first headlining tour in more than two years. The occasion is the release of Homosapien, the band’s highly anticipated fourth studio album which hit stores today.

I must admit, the name of this band didn’t ring a bell until I realised they used to perform as Pivot. Whatever you know them as, you’re sure to appreciate the band’s new focus on vocals and intimate lyrics. Before you rush out and snap up a copy of the album it’s worth noting that you can bundle a discounted copy on CD, LP, or digital format with your PVT concert ticket.

PVT will make their way through the major capitals this March with long-distance duo Collarbones. You can get your tickets for this impressive double header from the PVT website.


22 March 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane
23 March 2013 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
28 March 2013 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
30 March 2013 – The Bakery, Perth
31 March 2013 – Ed Castle Hotel, Adelaide

Image used with permission from IMC Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Model School Releases Retro Music Video

Sydney band The Model School takes us on a trip down memory lane with the nostalgic film clip for their latest single “Pictures of Summer.”

The retro clip was directed by HW Wheelie, who previously collaborated with the band on the music video for “Streets I Left Behind.” This time around he’s sourced some amazing BMX footage from the ’70s. I was so entranced by it that I had to give it a second spin to listen to the song! The track’s perfect for summer, very chilled and easily accessible. It doesn’t push the boundaries, but it’s a very likable.

“Pictures of Summer” comes from The Model School’s third album Backwards Down the Highway. They’re hard at work on the release, but the band assures me it should be in stores in a few months.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blues’ Best Come to the Capitals

Some of America’s most revered bluesman will be bringing their music to Australia this March thanks to the Music Maker Foundation. The non-profit organisation looks to keep blues and southern roots alive by introducing music lovers to the greats of the genre. This year the Music Maker Blues Revue will feature appearances by a who’s who of blues.

There’s Ironing Board Sam, a boogie woogie great who was a house musician on the first televised African-American music revue, Night Train. Dr G.B. Burt feels that at the age of 72, doors are just beginning to open for his uniquely tuned 12-string guitar driven music. Then there’s Pat Wilder, who is regarded as one of the most exciting blues guitarists and singers to ever come out of the San Francisco Bay Area. For four decades, Major Handy has delighted music lovers with his accordion and guitar skills. Albert White, Nashid Abdul Khaaliq, and Ardie Dean round out the team.

Of course, appearances at Byron Bay’s Bluesfest are a given. But thankfully the Music Maker Blues Revue will also come to the major capitals. Melbourne can see the show on March 27 at Northcote Social Club. Sydney gets its turn at Blue Beat on March 28. Tickets cost just $40 plus booking fee from the Bluesfest Touring website.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan’s Stellar New Single

I hear a lot of new artists writing this blog, so it takes a lot for one to stick into my mind for any period of mind. Yet Amanda Merdzan is one of those acts I’ve thought of on and off over the years. I heard this Western Australian songstress’ debut album Into the Gallery way back in 2010, and wondered what she was doing. So I was thrilled to see she has a new single, and an EP on the way.

That EP The Map Has Been Redrawn will be released in March, but until then we’ve got the lead single “Afraid” to tide us over. It’s everything I loved about Amanda’s first release, but with a bit more refinement. The sound is larger, but it doesn’t overwhelm the song’s strong emotional core. Once again her lyrics are right on point. Put simply, I’m in love.

Amanda will launch the EP for her home state at North Fremantle’s Mojo’s Bar on March 2. After that she’s flying off to play Canadian Music Week. No doubt the Canucks will see something just as special in this exciting singer-songwriter. Expect to hear big things from this real talent.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Percival @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 2 February 2013

I was blown away when I caught Darren Percival at Lizotte’s last September. This intimate Central Coast venue was perfect for showcasing the talents of this incredible performer with a knack for connecting for people. The impact he made on our television screens in The Voice was amplified ten-fold in the small surroundings of the “Cubby House.” So when he announced a return visit, we snapped up more tickets without hesitation.

Darren had a bit more material to play with this time around thanks to the recent release of A Tribute to Ray Charles. The audience embraced those classics tunes just as they did the covers Darren delivered on The Voice. I was particularly impressed by his takes on The Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Ray’s “Georgia on my Mind.” I’ve heard so many people put their stamp on the latter, but his soulful version stands out as one of the best I’ve heard. In hindsight perhaps encouraging people who’ve enjoyed too many of the house wines to take over the vocals on “Shower the People” wasn’t a good idea, but the singalong was certainly lots of fun. Familiar tunes made up the bulk of Darren’s two-part set, but he treated us to a few choice originals, including the stunning “Damage Down” heard on The Voice.

There was no support act; instead Darren played for close to three hours. We couldn’t believe it when we left and realised we’d enjoyed Lizotte’s hospitality for almost six hours that evening. But time flies in this place where good food and wine are in abundance, the service is always warm, and some of the world’s best performers entertain you from mere meters away.

As we were enjoying those delicious meals a Lizotte’s spokesperson came to our table and informed us Darren had announced more shows at the venue this April. Again, we didn’t hesitate to buy a few more tickets. The combination of Darren Percival and this wonderful venue is just impossible to resist.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flume Takes Number One

We’ve got some local talent back on top of the ARIA charts once again! Sydney electronic artist Flume has managed to land the top spot with his debut album.

Flume’s far from an overnight success story. This album’s been out since November. It reached number 2 on debut but then languished near the bottom of the charts. Last week it was at number 16 on the charts. To jump right up to the top spot is incredible, and a testimony to his impressive sets at recent summer festivals.

Flume is actually the only local act in the albums top 10, although we have some right to claim the Les Mis soundtrack as one of our own. No doubt it’s Hugh Jackman’s dulcet tones (they were superior to Russell Crowe’s!) that see the album at number 8.

The singles charts are also a bit of a wasteland of imported music. Thankfully we’ve got Birds of Tokyo flying the flag at number four with “Lanterns.”

Click to see the complete top 10s!

Continue reading “Flume Takes Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rainy Day Women Celebrate Summer with Friends

Their name might be a bit gloomy, but the music from Fremantle four-piece Rainy Day Women is all about summer’s good vibes. Think The Beach Boys with a splash of Fleetwood Mac.

They showcase their positive garage pop tunes on their sophomore EP Friends, a six-track release which shows a more mature Rainy Day Women.

The EP won’t hit stores until February 21, but Rainy Day Women will give fans an early taste of the new tunes at Perth’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival next week. They’ll then launch the EP good and proper with the following shows in the major capitals.

9 February 2013 – St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival, Perth
8 March 2013 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
14 March 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
15 March 2013 – FBi Social, Sydney
16 March 2013 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback