Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Staffords Rock Out with New Single

Melbourne rock act The Staffords have created a real gem in their sophomore single “Love Your Job.”

This song is unashamedly catchy with just the right amount of rock edge. You just see if you’re not singing along to the chorus by the end of it! The B-side “All Your Dead Heroes” is another crowd pleaser. You can hear both tunes now on The Staffords’ Bandcamp page.

These tracks have all the mainstream appeal of something coming from a major label, so I was impressed to read the band’s independent and self-managed. Clearly they’ve got a real ear for the kind of music that makes people happy. However the dark cynicism showcased in their lyrics ensure they’re not just another cookie-cutter pop-rock act.

Hometown fans can catch The Staffords playing the new single and other tracks at The Cornish Arms in Brunswick on December 15. Hopefully it’s only a matter of time before we see them travelling around the rest of the country!

Image source: The Staffords Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sons of Rico Release Great New Music Video

Hat’s off to Sons of Rico, who’ve created one of the funniest film clips I’ve seen in some time for their latest single “You Don’t Know What You’re Missing.” In it we see a couple of young yuppies searching for their dream home, only to stumble across a house inspection with a difference. A few drinks and a raucous karaoke session help these fairly stiff lovebirds loosen up!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio Play Wineries

Music lovers and wine buffs in WA are in for a real treat next year. John Butler Trio will kick off 2013 with two very special shows in the state’s best vineyards.

The threesome will take on Leeuwin Estate in Margaret River on January 3 before moving on to Castelli Winery in Denmark the following day. As a very special treat, homegrown songstress and John Butler’s missus Mama Kin will open both shows.

While these venues are intended for adults, children are permitted to attend so long as they’re with a parent of legal guardian. I love it when venues relax their policies to allow youngsters to see great live music, don’t you?

Tickets are on sale now from Heatseeker.

Image used with permission from JonesPR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian’s “Armageddon” Number One Again

Guy Sebastian is once again sitting pretty at the top of the ARIA Albums Charts. His latest smash Armageddon returns to the number one spot this week. He’s the lone Aussie in the top 10, but things are a little brighter for local talent on the singles chart.

Again we see Guy; his latest single “Get Along” is holding steady at number five. He’s keeping company with recent X Factor graduates Samantha Jade and The Collective. Sammy has slid back a little this week, but her single “What You’ve Done To Me” is still performing well. It sits at number two. The Collective are also making their presence felt with “Surrender.” It was just pipped by Guy’s number this week, but a number six debut is nothing to sneeze at.

Click below to see this week’s ARIA top tens.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian’s “Armageddon” Number One Again” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Play Flix in the Stix

The Whitlams are joining Flix in the Stix, a program which takes music, short films, comedy, and great food to outdoor locations in rural Australia. What could be better than seeing such stellar entertainment in a winery, a botanic garden, or another picturesque natural paradise?

The iconic Aussie act has been on hiatus as Tim Freedman’s explored other musical ventures, but they’ll return with a vengeance for these shows, which celebrate the travelling arts festival’s fifth year.

Tickets go on sale through Ticketek on Monday, December 3, for the following shows.

1 February 2013 – Lake Wyangan, Griffith
2 February 2013 – Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra
8 February 2013 – Lazy River Estate, Dubbo
9 February 2013 – Orange Botanic Gardens, Orange
22 February 2013 – Aelec, Tamworth
23 February 2013 – Saumarez Homestead, Armidale
9 March 2013 – Fairylands, Ballarat
10 March 2013 – Big Hill Vineyard, Bendigo
22 March 2013 – Music Bowl, Wagga Wagga
23 March 2013 – Bong Bong Racecourse, Bowral
26 April 2013 – Heritage Village, Rockhampton
27 April 2013 – Tondoon Botanic Gardens, Gladstone

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Full Tote Odds Go Retro

Full Tote Odds step back in time with the video for “Adrenaline,” the latest single from their debut album Place Your Bets.

The Adelaide outfit are proud of their hip hop sound, but they’ve given it a soulful edge with this fun film clip. With its irresistible vocal hook and persistent guitar line, it wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a real 60s variety show!

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out the rest of Place Your Bets which is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gotye Dominates 2012 ARIA Awards

Gotye showed he’s the current king of Australian music after taking home four of the silver pointy things at last night’s ARIA Awards.

The Melbourne singer-songwriter was recognised as the best male artist and best Australian live act. His album Making Mirrors was also named the year’s best album and the best pop release. He took the opportunity to pay tribute to the album format, which so many naysayers insist is dying, as well as the work of local musicians.

The other awards were spread out amongst the talented crowd. Gotye’s mate Kimbra won her second consecutive female artist of the year while The Temper Trap were named the best band and their self-titled album dubbed the best rock album. Matt Corby’s “Brother” was deservedly given the song of the year title.

The ceremony had its fair share of international talent, but the musical highlight arguably came from new hall of fame inductees Yothu Yindi. They were joined by Jessica Mauboy, Dan Sultan, Paul Kelly, and Andrew Farris for a rousing rendition of their smash hit “Treaty.”

And in case you missed the telecast, here are all the winners!

Album of the Year: Gotye – Making Mirrors
Best Male Artist: Gotye – Making Mirrors
Best Female Artist: Kimbra – Vows
Best Group: The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap
Breakthrough Artist: 360 – Falling & Flying
Best Independent Release: The Jezabels – Prisoner
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Missy Higgins – The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle
Best Blues & Roots Album: Jeff Lang – Carried In Mind
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: DZ Deathrays – Bloodstreams
Best Pop Release: Gotye – Making Mirrors
Best Rock Album: The Temper Trap – The Temper Trap
Best Urban Album: Hilltop Hoods – Drinking From The Sun
Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles – Surfer Jeff
Best Comedy Release: Buddy Goode – Unappropriate
Best Country Album: The McClymonts – Two Worlds Collide
Best Dance Release: Ivan Gough & Feenixpawl feat. Georgi Kay – In My Mind
ARIA Song of the Year: Matt Corby – “Brother”
Best International Artist: One Direction
Best Australian Live Act: Gotye
Best Video: Natasha Pincus- Missy Higgins – “Everyone’s Waiting”
Best Classical Album: William Barton – Kalkadungu
Best Jazz Album: Sarah McKenzie – Close Your Eyes
Best Original Soundtrack/Cast/Show Album: triple j – Straight To You: triple j’s Tribute To Nick Cave
Best World Music Album: Joseph Tawadros – Concerts of the Greater Sea
Best Cover Art: Frank De Backer (Artwork & Handwriting) & Wally De Backer– Making Mirrors
Producer of the Year: Styalz Fuego – 360, Falling & Flying

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cordrazine Announce Rare Melbourne Show

Cordrazine fans have never had it easy. The band’s debut album shot its way into the top ten back in 1997, around the same time the group disbanded.

A little more than a decade later, frontman Hamish Cowan found a new crew and released the band’s long awaited follow-up Always Coming Down. They played three shows to support the release, and then Hamish went AWOL.

You can hardly blame the guy. After suffering an accident at work and the breakdown of his marriage, he escaped to Europe. He worked as a lifeguard at a Bulgarian summer camp, became passionate about running triathlons, and found a new home in Edinburgh.

It seems the hiatus has done Hamish some good, because he’s returning home for one very special show at the Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on December 20. This is the first gig Cordrazine have played in two years, so it’s a must-attend for fans. The band has also just released the video for the album’s title track that they shot way back in February of last year. It’s a timely reminder of just how talented this band is.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ginger & The Ghost Release Stunning New Single

Ginger & The Ghost have really impressed me with “One Type of Dark,” the first single lifted from their forthcoming EP.

The title really clues you in to what kind of track this is. It’s brooding and moody, the kind of song that takes me back to my days as an angsty teenager listening to too much Tori Amos. It’s not simply a gloomy song though. There’s a lovely interplay of light and shade, with the steady minimalist finger-picking rhythm juxtaposed with pounding percussion. You rarely hear songs with this much drama.

Ginger says it’s a song about her “inner child’s imagination. As she leaves a subconscious dream state in bed, she floats out of the window and into thoughts of otherworldly places. Questions with infinite possibilities are asked while visions of herself play out fantastical adventures across far away galaxies. It’s a celebration of our imagination and the importance of keeping it.”

Whatever it is, it’s beautiful. Don’t you agree?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Summer Vibes with Sun City

Sun City are helping us usher in summer with this playful brand of electro pop. The Perth duo have just released their sophomore EP Set Alight.

As a child of the 80s, I’m digging the synth heavy melodies and good vibes of the EP’s title track. The recording also features Shazam’s new remix of Sun City’s breakout single “High.”

Sun City have honed their act with slots at Parklife, Stereosonic, and Summadayze, and now they’re bringing their music to venues around the country. Here are all the places you can see them play this summer.

14 December 2012 – The Beresford Hotel, Sydney
15 December 2012 – Alhambra, Brisbane
1 January 2013 – Cuban Club, Perth
6 January 2013 – Summadayze, Perth
11 January 2013 – Discovery @ Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
12 January 2013 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
25 January 2013 – Can’t Say @ Vault 8, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback