Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Keith Urban @ Allphones Arena, Sydney – 30 January 2013

I’ve enjoyed the music of Keith Urban for years. My husband and I cut our wedding cake to “You’re My Better Half” and we consider “Without You” one of ‘our songs’. But it took Keith’s turn on The Voice and the release of a greatest hits album to convince us we needed to make the leap from casual fan to concert goer. And we’re so glad we did.

I’ve got to admit, we missed the Madden brothers’ supporting set. Starting a midweek show way out in Homebush at an early 7:30 is just madness in our books. Pairing country-singing Keith with these pop-punksters also seemed a strange decision, despite their association on The Voice. And so we opted for a leisurely dinner instead. Not being a fan of the Madden music, I don’t think we missed too much.

We were there in the thick of it once Keith took the stage. Our fifth row seats were incredible, but I must admit to feeling a little out of place. Keith fans seem lovely, but boy are they passionate. I bobbed my head in time to songs I was enjoying while they danced and sang with gusto to every tune.

The thing is though, you don’t need to know every song to appreciate Keith’s easy stage presence and incredible guitar skills. You don’t even need to have those seats near the front of the arena; Keith delivered several songs from another stage near the back of the auditorium. The interaction with the fans continued when Keith encouraged three devotees to sing off during “Kiss a Girl.” None of the punters could hold a candle to Keith’s voice, but you had to admire their enthusiasm! All good fun.

Keith and his stellar band were more than enough to keep us entertained, but the appearance of a few choice special guests took the energy in the room up a few notches. Benji and Joel Madden returned to the stage to join Keith for a cover of Oasis’ “Wonderwall.” Keith’s The Voice charge Darren Percival made a not so unexpected appearance later on. But when Jimmy Barnes joined Keith Urban for “Flame Trees” I lost my mind. What a special concert moment it was.

Keith’s Sydney show was pure entertainment. He gave us the right mix of upbeat numbers and heartfelt ballads. He chatted easily to the crowd and seemed genuinely humbled by their support. And he looked pretty damn good while he was doing it. Who could ask for anything more?

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Civil Civic’s Ben Green

On the eve of Civil Civic’s first headline tour of Australia, I caught up with one half of the band, bass player Ben Green. Read on to find out about Civil Civic’s brand new album, the upcoming tour dates, and what it’s like for this expat to come home.

You’re just about to release your album Rules. What can you tell me about it? 
It’s a collection of ten songs which we pieced together over the first two years of playing together. It’s generally pretty up-tempo, with heaps of loud hysterical bits, a few soft moody bits and with any luck it’ll drive you completely out of your fucking mind.

It must be interesting being in a band with someone who lives in another country. How do you make it work? 
We make good use of both the internet and Easyjet. Between the two of them those tools do a good job of making the international collabo thing a functional reality. But of course we’d probably get a lot more done if we lived in the same share house and jammed in the loungeroom every day.

What’s it like after so much time apart to come together again? 
Pretty disturbing, really. There’s nothing but bubbling hatred and contempt between us, so it’s always dicey for the first couple of days of rehearsal before a tour. But we’re both disciplined professionals, so we keep that shit under control and get on with the job. Word.

You’ve played some big European festivals in your career. What have been some of your highlights so far? 
This is a CAREER!?? Shit, that’s going to take a while to digest. But that’s an easy question, really. We headlined the side-stage on the Friday night at last year’s La Route Du Rock in Brittany and it was so good I couldn’t wipe the stupid grin off my face for days. It was sooo fucking loud, and there was 6000 drunk French people just going nuts in front of us. Unbelievable.

You’re actually embarking on your first headlining tour of Australia, despite both being born here. What’s it like to come back home? 
Awesome. We were both super excited about doing some gigs in Aus, and maybe a bit nervous too. But it’s great to be able to catch up with family/friends ect. and the gigs are just a big bonus.

What do you miss about Australia when you’re away? 
Aussie banter, mostly. Aaron [Cupples] also misses the sun, because he’s a sucker and lives in London.

Many of the Australian shows are going to be quite intimate compared to some of your overseas dates. Will you approach them any differently? 
We’ve played plenty of toilet-sized venues in Europe, and all the places we’re playing in Australia are way bigger and better equipped than most toilets, so I reckon we’ll be fine. In some ways club shows are more nerve-wracking than festival gigs, especially when they’re at The Tote Hotel and all your mates are standing there, seeing you play for the first time. That’s going to be fucking terrifying.

I’ve heard a little about this “Box” which is a key part of your live shows. Can you tell my readers exactly what it is? 
It’s a cube about two foot square which functions as our robot drummer. Besides cranking out big, dumb beats it also has a group of square, colored lights on it’s front face which fire in unison with the drum sounds, so it’s sort of a light show as well. People end up staring at it, which takes attention away from our bad dancing on stage.

You’ve been generating some serious buzz for your live shows. What makes you guys so different do you think? 
Well, we try our damnedest  to be a tight, punchy unit and create some excitement and atmosphere in the room. Some nights are better than others, but we’re always aiming high. NO SLACKING! Maybe that, but on the other hand maybe it’s just The Box.

After you leave Australia, what comes next for Civil Civic? 
We need to knuckle down to some serious songwriting, but unfortunately there won’t be much time for that before we start gigging in Europe again. We’re aiming to get a single out more-or-less as soon as we can, just so people know we are actually still creating, and it would be great to have a new album ready for the end of the year, but we’ll have to see how that goes.

Rules hits Australian record stores today. You can see Civil Civic on their homecoming tour at the following shows.

7 February 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
8 February 2013 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
16 February 2013 – ATP: I’ll Be Your Mirror @ Westgate Entertainment Centre and Grand Star Receptions, Altona
19 February 2013 – The Tote, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gofer Land – Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes

After releasing a solo album a couple of years ago, Queensland’s Mark Boulle is back with his band mates for Haba Dudes album number five. On Gofer Land the outfit is billed as Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes but make no mistake; this recording is still very much a band effort.

Mark Boulle’s ruggedly raw voice stands out front and centre, but the instruments really elevate it, whether they’re the swell of strings, a classic piano, or some simple hand claps. These elements help bring the songs Mark penned to life. They add gravity to the words, and realise Mark’s vision.

When you slip a Haba Dudes record on, you know you’ll be entertained. At 15 tracks Gofer Land is an ambitious album, but its diversity ensures that it doesn’t drag. The band seems to delight in delivering the unexpected.

The album starts with the laidback “Lovin in Your Mind,” a track which is as much fun to listen to as it seems like it was to perform. “Hurt U Again” is another of those numbers that feels like we’re listening to a jam session. I was thrilled to be taken along for the ride. More highlights come with the ultra-catchy “Take Me Slowly” and sultry “Animal Kingdom.” I was beginning to almost feel like I knew what to expect from the Haba Dudes, some gypsy music here, a little folk there, when they threw me for a loop with “Gypsy Man.” This track shows real fire with its rocking, reverby guitars.

I guess you never really know what to expect from the Haba Dudes. And that’s just why I like them, and their latest release Gofer Land.

Image source: Mark Boulle and the Haba Dudes Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Groovin’ the Moo Announces 2013 Lineup

Groovin’ the Moo is back and ready to rock regional Australia once again.

The organisers have assembled an impressive lineup for 2013, including international acts They Might Be Giants, Tegan and Sara, The Kooks, and Example. The local talent is hardly lacking either, with The Temper Trap, Tame Impala, Hungry Kids of Hungary, Flume, and Urthboy all on the bill.

Punters will also enjoy local food stalls, markets, slingshot rides, and chill-out areas for those moments when it all gets too much.

Maitland and Canberra festival goers can get their tickets from 9 am on February 5, and music lovers in Bendigo, Townsville, and Bunbury can get theirs on February 6. How clever yet simple to see a festival staggering sales to prevent system meltdown! All tickets will be available from the Groovin’ the Moo website and Moshtix for $99.90 plus booking fee.

27 April 2013 – Maitland Showground, Maitland
28 April 2013 – University of Canberra, Canberra
4 May 2013 – Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo
5 May 2013 – Murray Sports Complex @ Townsville Cricket Grounds, Townsville
11 May 2013 – Hay Park, Bunbury

Image source: Shervin Lainez @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Panama Play Long Awaited EP Shows

They’ve taken their own sweet time about it, but Panama will finally tour their debut EP It’s Not Over.

I suppose we can’t really blame Panama. After the record dropped in November there was Christmas madness to contend with, and then the New Year festivities. Now that everyone’s lives have calmed down, it’s now the perfect time for the Sydney quintet to play for the masses.

They’ll kick off their national tour with a hometown show tomorrow night before looping around the country. If that’s not enough notice for you Sydney, don’t worry about it. You’ll get another chance to see Panama when they complete the tour where it began late next month.

30 January 2013 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi
14 February 2013 – The Ripe 1st Birthday @ Workers Club, Melbourne
15 February 2013 – Cats @ Rocker Bar, Adelaide
16 February 2013 – Perth Festival, Perth
22 February 2013 – O-Fest @ UTS, Sydney

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PBS Announces Second Drive Live

Victorian radio station PBS will open up their airwaves and doors for the second annual Drive Live event next month. From February 4 to 8, exciting Aussie acts will play live in the studio from 5 to 7 pm.

Bands including Lower Plenty, Pony Face, The Townhouses, Brothers Grim, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, NoZu, and Absolute Boys have already signed up to be involved.

If you’re a local you can get down to the studio to see it all unfold. You can RSVP to reserve your spot from tomorrow; keep an eye on the PBS website to find out how. If you can’t be a part of the action, you can tune in to 106.7FM or the PBS website, which features a live stream and a Drive Live program.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Australia Day!

This Australia Day I wanted to look at the Aussie songs my husband loves. That might seem like the sort of sappy thing married women do sometimes, but hear me out. My husband is an American. He moved to Australia a little over seven years ago to start our lives together. You’d be surprised how much culture shock you can have moving to another English speaking country. I remember taking him to Day on the Green shows, and seeing him bewildered as the crowds sang out iconic songs that had seeped into our consciousness. We didn’t even remember learning them, yet we knew every word.

Gradually though, he assimilated and those songs became a part of his story too. It’s unavoidable perhaps when you live with a music-mad woman like myself. I’ve loved watching as he found his favourite Aussie artists and songs that resonated. And so here’s an Aussie post for him, and for those of you out there that share his musical taste.

Happy Australia Day!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Announces The Magician’s Daughter Tour

If you loved Mama Kin’s new single “Was It Worth It” as much as I did, you’ll be excited to hear the Fremantle songstress will hit the road this spring to support the release of her new album The Magician’s Daughter.

The album will drop on February 22 and Mama will hit the road just a week later with special guest, Melbourne multi-instrumentalist Spender. I saw Mama supporting The Waifs a while ago and she threatened to overshadow the support act. Music lovers are in for a very special night at the following shows. Tickets are on sale now from the venues.


1-4 March 2013 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
7 March 2013 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
13 March 2013 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
14 March 2013 – The Basement, Sydney
15 March 2013 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba
23 March 2013 – West Coast Blues N Roots, Fremantle
11 April 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
12 April 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool
17 April 2013 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
19 April 2013 – Mullum Civic Hall, Mullumbimby
20 April 2013 – No. 5 Church Street, Bellingen
21 April 2013 – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton
26-28 April 2013 – Fairbridge Folk Festival, Fairbridge
30 May 2013 – Fly By Night, Fremantle
31 May 2013 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordan Millar Impresses With Awesome Summer Single

If the lead single “Walking on Me” is any indication, music lovers are in for a real treat when Jordan Millar releases his album Cold Lights on Curious Minds next month.

This is such a feel-good song, with a great marriage of pop, folk, and blues. I love the acoustic guitar that anchors the easy vocals. This is really great stuff that takes me back to some of John Mayer’s early material. And as anyone who knows me knows, that’s a very good thing.

Jordan Millar’s Cold Lights on Curious Minds hits stores on February 15.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Murray Rerecords “Blue Sky Blue”

Pete Murray is back with The Byron Sessions, a reimagining of his last album Blue Sky Blue.

It might seem a bit superfluous to rerecord the album that only hit stores in 2011, but I think there’s method in the madness. While the album got to number six on the Aussie charts, it certainly didn’t make the impact of Feeler or even See the Sun. Whatever he did the first time didn’t resonate, but this new recording might thanks to some well selected special guests.

The lead single “Blue Sky Blue” features a great rap bridge from up and coming urban act Fantine. I love the edge it brings to Pete Murray’s gentle song. Other tracks on the album feature Ash Grunwald, Busby Marou, Bernard Fanning, and Katie Noonan. Rather than feeling like he’s relying on big names to sell the songs, the rerecordings feel like spontaneous jam sessions, so much richer than the originals.

“The Byron Sessions is about community, from the original idea jamming at home with mates, right through to its realization as an album, so it makes sense to get out there and see the people that have really supported me over the years, no matter what corner of Australia they’re from,” Pete explained. “It’s about celebrating the last decade coming full circle and sharing it with a community of people around the country who have all had their own journeys and life experiences at the same time.”

He’s clearly proud of The Byron Sessions, which hits stores on February 1, because he’s taking it just about everywhere starting with a show in Byron tonight. Seriously, can you believe how many gigs he’s doing? Here are all the places you can see Pete Murray play over the coming months.

24 January 2013 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
14 February 2013 – The Spirit Bar & Lounge, Traralgon
15 February 2013 – The Forge Theatre, Bairnsdale
16 February 2013 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong
17 February 2013 – Riverboats Music Festival, Echuca
20 February 2013 – Yamba Bowls Club, Yamba
21 February 2013 – Lismore Workers Club, Lismore
22 February 2013 – Armidale Ex Services Club, Armidale
23 February 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
27 February 2013 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
28 February 2013 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance
1 March 2013 – Goldfields Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie
2 March 2013 – Capitol, Perth
3 & 4 March 2013 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
7 March 2013 – Commercial Hotel, South Morang
8 March 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
9 March 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
10 March 2013 – Pier Hotel, Frankston
14 March 2013 – Regent Multiplex, Ballarat
15 March 2013 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
16 March 2013 – The Depot, Adelaide
17 March 2013 – Nautilus Theatre, Port Lincoln
21 March 2013 – Port Macquarie Panthers, Port Macquarie
22 March 2013 – Club Forster, Forster
23 March 2013 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
24 March 2013 – West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
4 April 2013 – Orange Ex Services Club, Orange
5 April 2013 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
6 April 2013 – Entrance Leagues Club, Bateau Bay
7 April 2013 – Hornsby RSL, Hornsby
9 & 10 April 2013 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
11 April 2013 – The Abbey, Canberra
12 April 2013 – The York Theatre, Sydney
13 April 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
14 April 2013 – Batemans Bay Soldiers Club, Batemans Bay
18 April 2013 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone
19 April 2013 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach
20 April 2013 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
21 April 2013 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
23 April 2013 – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich
24 April 2013 – Hi-Fi, Brisbane
26 April 2013 – Villa Noosa, Noosaville
27 April 2013 – The Northern, Byron Bay
28 April 2013 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads