Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Counting Crows Announce Bluesfest Sideshow

I’ve been crossing my fingers for this announcement since they announced their inclusion at this year’s Bluesfest and I’m thrilled it’s finally official: the Counting Crows will play a string of shows later this year.

The Counting Crows are one of those bands that have been with me an awfully long time. I remember excitedly finding August and Everything After in my Santa sack when I was just 13 years old. I’ve loved them ever since. The last time I caught them they were playing short sets in big venues as part of The Who’s tour, so I’m thrilled to see them downsizing this time around. The intimate venues make these dates a must for fans.

Tickets go on sale on January 21 for the following shows.

27 March 2013 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
30 March 2013 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne
3 April 2013 – Concert Hall, Perth
6 April 2013 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
9 April 2013 – Opera House, Sydney

Image source: Zach Klein @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Doc Neeson Battles Brain Tumour

My thoughts are with Doc Neeson, who’s currently in hospital receiving treatment for a brain tumour. The Angels frontman faces six to seven months of radiation and chemotherapy to treat to the condition.

Of course this puts a stop to Doc’s touring plans. While the Brewster Brothers are touring as The Angels with Dave Gleeson as a stand-in singer, Doc has his own version of The Angels with longtime drummer Buzz Bidstrup. They intended to start a national tour in February, but that’s on hold until Doc’s fighting fit.

“The Angels would like to thank all the fans for their continued support and we wish Doc all the best for his treatment during this difficult time,” The Angels said in a statement today. “The Angels look forward to seeing everyone again once Doc is given the all clear to return to the stage.”

I wish him a speedy recovery!

Image source: Mandy Hall @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella Ferraro’s Fiery Single Blunder

With temperatures soaring and strong winds spreading bushfires across the country, it’s terrible timing for X Factor alum Bella Ferraro to release her new single “Set Me on Fire.” No wonder this thing has dropped out of the top 100 entirely just two weeks after its release. It’s not exactly the thing that radio will have on high rotation in the middle of a heatwave, is it? It’s a shame though, because this is a really pretty tune that’s accessible yet really original. What do you think?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Support SLAM Day

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Are you cutting back on the booze? Swearing you’ll stick to your exercise regime? Positive you’ll stop biting your nails? Yeah right!

Personally I’ve given up making plans I know I’ll probably break. Instead I make resolutions that will make me happy and easy to follow through with. Like intending to get out of the entertainment centres and see more live music in pubs and clubs.

If that resolution sounds pretty good to you, you’ll want to hear about the second annual SLAM (Save Live Australia’s Music) Day. Last year the event saw more than 150 gigs held in small venues across the country. On February 23, organisers hope to eclipse that effort.

So head to the SLAM Day website and see what’s happening near you. It’s much easier than counting calories!

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Sons of Dan Announce “Fun” Tour

Nine Sons of Dan will tour the East Coast this March to support their infectious new single “Fun (La Da Da Da Da),” which hits iTunes today.

As you might assumet from the title, there’s really no deeper meaning in the track. It’s just about shaking off the stress of everyday life and enjoying yourself. It was born out of the pressure the band felt while recording their latest EP, The New Kids.

“I was feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the recording until I came to the realisation that I’m here living my dream making music with my best friends,” explained Nine Sons of Dan’s singer-songwriter Jay Bainbridge. “We all have something we are chasing after – it’s a reminder to enjoy the here and now, if you get too caught up in the work of your passion you can kill it.”

And what better way to have fun than a national tour? You can have a good time with Nine Sons of Dan at the following shows.

1 March 2013 – The PA @ Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast (18+ – FREE)
9 March 2013 – Phoenix Youth Centre, Melbourne (Under 18s)
14 March 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)
16 March 2013 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
23 March 2013 – The Venue, Townsville (All Ages)
24 March 2013 – Mackay Entertainment Centre Foyer, Mackay (All Ages)
4 April 2013 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie (18+ – FREE)
5 April 2013 – C.Ex Coffs, Coffs Harbour (All Ages)
6 April 2013 – Live At The Brewhouse, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Webb Gives Away 12 New Songs in 2013

Christmas might be over, but Dan Webb doesn’t believe that’s any reason for the presents to stop. In 2013 he’s pledged that he’ll release a new song for free download every month. That’s 12 sparkly new songs to add to your music collection!

He’s set the bar very high with the first track “Departure,” a groovy number featuring Kylie Auldist of The Bamboos. If each song can live up to this one I’m going to be very impressed!

You can enjoy all the songs Dan is generously providing by logging on to his website this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Graveyard Train Deliver “The Sermon”

Australian chain gang balladeers Graveyard Train are ringing in the New Year with the release of their brand new single “The Sermon” and a string of summer festival dates.

“The Sermon”’s music video might have been better released around Halloween rather than the New Year, but it sets the scene for this song beautifully. Have you ever seen such creepy puppets?

Graveyard Train have passed over the big name festivals for some of Australia’s more interesting events. These shows are the last chance you’ll have to see the band for some time, as they’re preparing to head back in to the studio to record album number four.

19 January 2013 – Mona Foma, Hobart
2 February 2013 – The Garden Party @ Recital Centre, Melbourne
24 March 2013 – West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Don’t Mind the Heat – Try on Some Wintercoats!


If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’re probably staring at your computer screen bleary eyed, waiting for the pounding in your head to go away. You need to be eased into 2013 gently. Very gently. And so I figured I’d introduce you to “Halogen Moon,” the lead single from Wintercoats forthcoming EP Heartful.

That recording won’t hit stores until February, but this song gives you a taste of what’s in store. And it won’t upset your rather delicate state right now. That’s a win all round!

If you like what you hear you can see Wintercoats at the following venues this month:

3 January 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
12 January 2013 – The A & I Hall, Bangalow
30 January 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image source: Wintercoats Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Young and Drunk

I’m not saying that I advocate the drunkenness and debauchery that goes on at on nights like this, but I know that it happens. And I figure if you’re going to overindulge on New Year’s Eve, you might as well have a soundtrack. I also figure it’s probably my job as a music blogger to provide it.

So in the interest of giving the readers what they want, wrap your ears around “Young Drunk,” the new single from The Smith Street Band. It’s as ocker as they come, with rough vocals and the kind of chorus you know you’ll start belting out later on tonight.

This is also the first time The Smith Street Band have treated us to a music video. Sure, it’s no work of creative genius, but it does capture the energy that comes when this band hits the stage. The footage here was captured at the band’s Sunshine and Technology album launch at The Tote in August.

If it has you itching to see this band live, you’re in luck. They’ll hit the following venues next year!

31 January 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (18+)
2 February 2013 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (18+)
7 February 2013 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane (18+)
8 February 2013 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (18+ – FREE)
13 February 2013 – The Shed, Byron Bay (All Ages)
14 February 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (18+)
15 February 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (18+)
16 February 2013 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (18+)
21 February 2013 – The Royal Oak, Lanceston (18+)
22 February 2013 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
23 February 2013 – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
28 February 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (18+)
1 March 2013 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (18+)
2 March 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool (18+)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2012: A Musical Year in Review

2012 is winding down, so before we all head off for our New Year’s Eve parties I thought I should cast my mind back to the year that was. Here’s my annual wrap up of everything musical that made 2012 special for me.

Top 10 Aussie Albums
1. King of the Sun – Jamie Hay
2. Behind the Stars – Paul Greene & The Other Colours
3. The Moment – Mia Dyson
4. Missing Person – Diefenbach
5. Happy Home – Darren Percival
6. Tall Tales – The Perch Creek Family Jugband
7.The Sapphires – Soundtrack
8. Sins of the Blessed – Transvaal Diamond Syndicate
9. It’s an Endless Desire – Penny Hewson
10. Keep Left – William Street Strikers

Top 10 Aussie Tours
1. Matchbox Twenty
2. Prince
 3. Roger Waters: The Wall
4. David Campbell
5. Howie Day
6. Melissa Etheridge
7. Ben Harper
8. Darren Percival
9. Mumford & Sons
10. Busby Marou & Georgia Fair

Image source: Teresa Howes @ Stock.xchng