Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Sunday Soundtrack

Music is such a big part of the lives of all of the bloggers here in the music channel, we thought we’d give you a little insight into the music we’re listening to. So we’ve all compiled a list of the songs we heard yesterday.

Mine’s a little bit different than it might be on an average Sunday as I was spent most of the day with my parents after the big k.d. lang show. So don’t judge me too harshly, but here it is.

When I woke up Dad was watching Sunday. Not a lot of music there, but James Reyne and Mark Seymour did make an appearance for a great performance of World Party’s “Ship of Fools.”

Dad headed downstairs to work on my car so I flicked over to take in a little Video Hits. The tracks are always a bit hit and miss, but I had my sister’s copy of Rolling Stone to amuse me when it was terrible. Here’s what I heard.

  • “Piece of Me” – Britney Spears
  • “Vogue” – Madonn
  • “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Sinead O’Connor
  • “With Every Heartbeat” – Robyn
  • “Sweet About Me” – Gabriella Cilmi
  • “Real to Me” – Brian McFadden
  • “Moving to New York” – The Wombats

Mum woke up around this point so I decided to go and hang out with her in the bedroom. My parents tend to just listen to the radio, and these were the songs I heard.

  • “Amazing” – Alex Lloyd
  • “Copperhead Road” – Steve Earle
  • “Good Excuse” – John Butler Trio
  • “Standing on the Outside” – Cold Chisel
  • “Untouched” – The Veronicas
  • “Check it Out” – John Mellencamp
  • “The World I Know” – Collective Soul
  • “If I Had Eyes” – Jack Johnson
  • “Dakota” – Stereophonics
  • “Let Me Entertain You” – Robbie Williams
  • “All Your Reasons” – Matchbox Twenty
  • “Fast Car” – Tracy Chapman
  • “The Joker and the Thief” – Wolfmother
  • “Safety Dance” – Men Without Hats
  • “U & UR Hand” – Pink
  • “Ashes to Ashes” – David Bowie
  • “I Was Made for Loving You” – Kiss
  • “Sounds of Then” – GANGgajang
  • “Pictures of You” – The Last Goodnight
  • “My Happiness” – Powderfinger
  • “Call Me” – Blondie

Then my Dad hijacked the radio and switched it to the easy listening station. I was in and out most of this time, but these are the songs I heard.

  • “Wild World” – Cat Stevens
  • “You Don’t Know Me” – Ray Charles
  • “When Will I Be Loved” – Linda Ronstadt
  • “Rainy Night in Georgia” – Randy Crawford

By this time it was around 5 so I decided to head home. I listened to the cool No Man’s Woman compilation, skipping the tracks that just don’t rev me. These are the ones that made the cut.

  • “River” – Angus Stone
  • “Glorybox” – Powderfinger
  • “Landslide” – Lior
  • “Car Wheels on a Gravel Road” – Bob Evans
  • “Nothing Compares 2 U” – Dan Kelly
  • “Wuthering Heights” – Josh Pyke
  • “Boys in Town” – Grinspoon

Looking at these tracks just makes me wish I was back there again! Weekends are just never long enough!

Image source: Josh Sorenson @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

k.d. lang @ Tempus Two Winery, Hunter Valley – 12 April 2008

Last night I joined my parents at the first concert of k.d. lang’s Watershed tour in the Hunter Valley. It was a beautiful night, pleasantly cool and clear, the weather kind to the thousands of devoted fans who made their way to the natural amphitheatre of Tempus Two Winery.

The night opened with King Curly, a strange but compelling band. I don’t recall ever seeing a quartet with a big double bass and trombone, but it somehow worked. Their harmonies were sublime, but the dark lyrics about avenging zombies and homeless bumblebees were unusual to say the least! I lapped up their half hour set which was over far too quickly.

Next up was Slava Grigoryan. He’s such a talented classical guitarist, but this wasn’t the right venue for him. His introverted personality couldn’t fill the large open space, and it was a great shame. It was technically brilliant, but ultimately boring.

Sunrise co-host Melissa Doyle came out to introduce k.d., telling us that her latest album Watershed had just gone to number one. This happy news ultimately set the tone for the evening, one of celebration of one of the world’s greatest vocalists.

I’ve never been a massive k.d. lang fan. I’ve happily listened to her records while visiting my parents, but I’ve never gone out to buy the CDs or see her live before. But I remember catching a concert on the ABC a few years ago and being utterly compelled by her performance. I’m thrilled to say that entrancing presence I saw on the television was just as strong in person.

I was in awe as she delivered heartfelt performances of her originals and famous covers. Her smoky, husky voice just soars, and it’s amazing to behold. “Hallelujah” was such a highlight, but I also loved the vulnerability she brought to “Helpless” and the bittersweet yearning of “Constant Craving.”

k.d. has an amazing ability to inhabit a song. There were plenty of tracks I didn’t know, but her presence is so strong that matters little. She forces you to listen to the lyrics, to hear the stories, and to glory in the music.

What a performer, what a concert. Australian k.d. fans are in for a real treat as she makes her way around the country.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wolf & Cub’s UK Deal

Adelaide indie outfit Wolf & Cub have just landed a prestigious publishing deal with UK’s Domino. This is the same company who work with global megastars Franz Ferdinand and Arctic Monkeys, so it’s massive news for our local lads.

“Joel Byrne (Wolf & Cub) writes great tunes that rock our world and Domino Publishing is proud to have him on board,” Domino’s general manager Paul Lambden said.

The news comes just after Wolf & Cub released their debut album Vessels in the United Kingdom. They’re currently hard at work in the studio writing and recording album number two. We should hear a taste of it soon with the first single scheduled for a mid-year release.

Image source: Vessels404 @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Powderfinger Sells Out

I told you it would happen. But if you still procrastinated about getting those Powderfinger tickets you’re going to kick yourself. Those original shows in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne sold out in around five minutes.

But don’t stress too much. The lovely lads from Brisvegas have announced second shows at all the venues. They’re on sale now, so don’t think about it: just buy them.

The new shows are:

8 June 2008 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
12 June 2008 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
14 June – The Forum, Melbourne

Image source: Jeaneeem @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Gets "American Idol" Boot

Michael Johns‘ dream run on American Idol has come to an end. His performance of “Dream On” was pretty solid, but it failed to connect with the American public.

I’ve got to admit that I’m shocked by the verdict. I was convinced that snoozeworthy Kristy Lee Cook or Whitney wannabe Syesha Mercado would get the chop first. Goes to show what I know!

It’s a doubly harsh blow considering the Australian Idol producers have decided to postpone the LA auditions indefinitely in favour of extending the London auditions. And here I was thinking he could just try out for our comp! Maybe next year Michael!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pop Royalty Judges Australian Idol

I loved the celebrity guest judges in American Idol a few years back, so I’m thrilled to read Australia’s doing something similar this year. But while America saved the big guns for the top 12, we’re bringing Darren Hayes and Tina Arena in for the auditions. The pop megastars will join Dicko and James Matheson for the upcoming London audition.

“As an Australian entertainer living in London I definitely have a soft spot for Aussies trying to make it overseas,” Darren Hayes told The Daily Telegraph.

“Rather than judging people, I’m going to be looking for that little bit of magic that someone once saw in me. I think potential is a huge criteria for a musical career and hopefully Tina and I can help discover some.”

There are so many Aussies living in London so I can’t wait to see who they unearth over there. And how refreshing to have an audition without nasty judge Kyle Sandilands!

Image source: Maggz Appleton @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Johns Does Aerosmith on "American Idol"

Michael Johns was back wearing his rock pants last night on American Idol. He took on the Aerosmith anthem “Dream On” and seemed to have the entire audience in the palm of his hands.

The judges seemed a little underwhelmed though. I understand what they’re saying, and agree last week’s performance was better. I just love him singing soul. But I appreciate him showing some diversity, and I think this was probably his best rock number.

Will it be enough to keep in the comp. I hope so, but at this stage it’s just so hard to predict. There are definitely people who deserve the boot before Michael, so I’m crossing my fingers.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nancy Wilson Cancels Aussie Tour

Jazz great Nancy Wilson has cancelled her appearance at the upcoming Melbourne Jazz 2008 concert. Nancy was hospitalised last week with a collapsed lung. Initially, only her immediate commitments were cancelled, but her management has now decided it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“We were all looking forward to this trip and are very disappointed that we cannot be there, but obviously Nancy’s health must take priority,” her manager John Levy said.

The show will still go ahead, with Brazilian guitarist Yamandu Costa playing a double bill instead. But if you’ve got tickets and you’d rather give them up, full refunds are available at the point of purchase.

Image source: ABC Television @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Gyroscope’s "Breed Obsession"

Gyroscope’s latest album Breed Obsession recently topped the Aussie charts, and after giving it a spin it’s not hard to see why.

Breed Obsession is instantly accessible with lighter moments balancing the darker tracks. It opens with the big first single “Snakeskin,” before launching into another slice of Aussie rock, “All In On One.” The intense guitar riffs and driving drum beats of the opening songs perfectly capture the energy of one of this Western Australian quartet.

But this album’s about so much more than just rocking out. “Australia” is a touching ballad that is set to become a local crowd favourite. The lads dabble with jazz in the breezy “Polyphones & Multidors.” And the acoustic love song “The River Between” is beautiful for its rawness.

It’s all so eclectic, yet somehow this diverse mix seems to work. The tracks are richly layered and complex, with powerful vocals from Daniel Sanders and stellar instrumental support from the rest of the band.

The result is an album that is truly world-class. AC/DC did it. INXS did it. Gyroscope may just be the next Aussie rock band to take the world by storm.

I have five copies of Breed Obsession to give away to my loyal Oz Music Scene readers. All you’ve got to do to get your hands on a copy is leave a comment telling me what your obsession is. Too easy! Make sure you leave your e-mail address in the comments so I can get in touch with you if you win. Entries close at 5 pm AEST on April 22, and I’ll announce the winners on Wednesday April 23. Good luck!

Image source: Gyroscope MySpace

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nat Bass Releases Self Help Book

Natalie Bassingthwaighte has already inspired girls all over Australia with her career as frontwoman of the Rogue Traders, numerous acting roles, and a hosting gig on So You Think You Can Dance. Now she’s hoping to encourage even more to achieve their full potential with the release of her first book, Sistahood: A Journal of Self Discovery.

Nat has worked with her sister Nicky Moore for several years on the project. They wanted to create more positive role models for girls than clotheshorse party girls like Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan.

The book encourages girls to recognise their strengths and weaknesses, identify what inspires them, and achieve their dreams with chapters like “Celebrate Difference,” “Jumping Life’s Hurdles,” and “Believe in Yourself.”

This could be just the start of the Sistahood story. Nat is hoping to launch a clothing line and magazine inspired by the self help book.

“We feel it’s just a really great message,” Nat told The Sunday Telegraph. “I can see clothing, stationery, everything – and creative things for girls as well, maybe more books; things that have a positive message or that are made in a way that we are helping the underprivileged.”

She may be gorgeous and talented, but even Nat admits her self-esteem has taken a battering in the past.

“I am pretty comfortable with who I am but I do get insecure and if I read something bad about myself it does affect you,” she said. “I actually had to go to this book when I felt down.”

Sistahood: A Journal of Self Discovery will be launched on Wednesday. Nat will also appear at ABC shops around Sydney next week to sign copies of the book. Check her site for all the times and dates. Sales from the book help the SISTER2sister charity, which supports disadvantaged young girls.

It seems younger and younger girls are battling low self-esteem, so it’s awesome to see one of our coolest Aussie chicks doing something about it!

Image source: Natalie Bassingthwaighte website