Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Music Lover’s Guide to Newtown

After waxing lyrical about St Kilda, I figured it was only fair to celebrate a musical hotspot a little closer to home. While the Sydney CBD might boast big-name venues like the Sydney Opera House, State Theatre, and Sydney Entertainment Centre (for the time being anyway), it’s a bit too touristy for my tastes. If you really want to get a sense of the spirit of Sydney music lovers, head to Newtown instead.

See Live Music

Image credit: Lauren Katulka

You wouldn’t be a music lover if you didn’t come to Newtown wanting to see live music. Newtown’s biggest venue is the Enmore Theatre, an intimate space where I’ve seen some of my favourite acts including Joshua Radin, Counting Crows, and John Mayer. Death Cab for Cutie, James Reyne, and Blood, Sweat, and Tears will all play here in the coming months.

I also love a dinner and show at the Vanguard, and the pokie-free policy at Newtown Social Club (formerly Sandringham Hotel). Bench Wine Bar has live jazz every Thursday night and soul on Sunday evening. One of my favorite Voice contestants, Mitch Anderson, also plays at Newtown’s Cooper’s Bar every Wednesday.

Attend the Newtown Festival

Top Aussie acts like The Whitlams, Sarah Blasko, and Thundamentals have all performed at the Newtown Festival. The event celebrates the best of the local area with music, food, beer, a dog show, and a kids’ zone. It hits Camperdown Memorial Rest Park on November 8 this year. It’s free to attend, but please drop a few dollars in the collection buckets to help support the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.

Shop Up a Storm

Newtown has some of my favourite music-related shops, so make sure you stop by when you’re visiting. Egg Records has an eclectic range of new and used vinyl, CDs, and music memorabilia. If you like punk music, you’re going to love Repressed Records. This independent record store has a great range of new and used vinyl, T-shirts, and even zines (remember zines?). Pete’s Musicians Market is the perfect place for expanding your musical instrument collection. Pete sells new and second-hand instruments, including many rare collectibles. The collection of funky electric guitars is something to behold.

Where to Stay

Newtown is popular amongst young people, so its accommodation options tend to be fairly basic but really affordable. Australian Sunrise Lodge’s King Street location puts you close to everything. With a swimming pool and barbecue area, Billabong Gardens claims to be Sydney’s best value budget accommodation. If you really want to see how the locals live, skip the hotels in Sydney and consider staying at an Airbnb property.

How to Get There

When I visit Newtown, I tend to catch a train from Central Station. If you prefer to bus it, the numbers 423, 426, and 428 leave from Circular Quay and travel through major inner-city locations like Eddy Avenue, near Central, and George Street before stopping at Newtown. There’s plenty of parking if you want to drive, but I wouldn’t recommend tourists navigating Sydney’s notorious traffic.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. Which Sydney suburb do you love most?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Music Lovers’ Guide to St Kilda

St Kilda holds a special place in Australian musical mythology. Paul Kelly sang about it in “From St Kilda to Kings Cross,” Masters Apprentices brought us “Melodies of St Kilda,” and in “The Crowd,” The Cat Empire sang about wanting to “sleep on the St Kilda sands.” So if you’re a travelling music lover, it makes sense to get out of the CBD and base yourself in this Melbourne suburb instead. Make sure you put the following on your itinerary.

See Some Live Music

Image by Melissah Crumpton via Trover.com

Of course as a music lover, you’re going to want to catch a band or two during your stay. Unfortunately, it seems most locals would rather be clubbing than watching live music, so the number of venues booking bands is dwindling. However, there are still a couple of great options available.

The Prince of Wales is probably the best known pub supporting the live music scene. It attracts big name acts, too; over the next few months, head there to see Regurgitator and Salmonella Dub. Republica and Captain Baxter have live music on the weekends and amazing food. And don’t forget the Palais, a beautiful art deco theatre that will welcome Olly Murs, Mondo Rock, and Xavier Rudd over the coming months.

Catch a RocKwiz Taping at the Espy

St Kilda is home to The Esplanade Hotel, or “The Espy” as the locals call it. Even if you’ve never been to Melbourne, you’ll recognise this pub as the home of RocKwiz. Whether you have dreams of being on the stage with Julia and Brian or cheering the teams along from the crowd, no visitor to St Kilda should miss a RocKwiz taping. The Espy is currently undergoing renovations, but sign up for the Kwizlist newsletter to learn when taping begins again and score your tickets.

Go Shopping

St Kilda has plenty of great places for travellers wanting souvenirs of their holidays. Jazz lovers could spend hours browsing the pre-loved LPs and EPs at Mainly Jazz Records and Books. Get some cool instruments at African Drumming, or drool over the goodies at The Bose Store.

Where to Stay

St Kilda has plenty of great accommodation options that are much more affordable than the hotels in inner-city Melbourne. Habitat HQ doesn’t have frills, but this hostel has a guitar library and open mic nights every Tuesday. If you want a little more luxury, look to Sixty Two on Grey, a renovated Georgian house built in the 1860s, or Tolarno Hotel, once owned by celebrated artist Mirka Mora. Her works still adorn the walls, along with pieces from up-and-coming local talents.

How to Get There

The number 96 tram, which travels from East Brunswick to St Kilda Beach, is the quickest way to get from Melbourne to St Kilda. You could also catch a train on the Sandringham line or rent a bike and take the scenic Bayside Trail, which connects Melbourne’s southeastern suburbs with St Kilda.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. What do you love about St Kilda?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Telstra Road to Discovery Wants You!

Time is running out for you to get your entry in for this year’s Telstra Road to Discovery competition. The competition has provided a launch pad for some of Australia’s brightest new stars including Harry Hookey and Melody Pool.

The competition nurtures the talents of singer-songwriters, awarding winners one of two music development funds valued at $15,000. If you’re one of the victors you’ll also enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to the US, where you’ll attend the Americana Music Festival and local gigs. You’ll also receive invaluable mentorship from some of the industry’s best.

“Telstra Road to Discovery opens doors for artists like no other program. If you are an aspiring musician, or know of someone trying to get their foot in the door, this is a great opportunity to do so,” explained longtime program mentor Ella Hooper.

Aspiring singer-songwriters have until Sunday August 23 to submit their entries online at www.telstra.com/trtd.
Image used with permission from Edelman Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Soldier’s Wife Delivers Songs of Women and War

If you want to experience a musical performance with a difference, get yourself to Canberra Street Theatre or the Opera House. These are the only places you’ll see The Soldier’s Wife, a special show developed by a group of singer-songwriters inspired by the time they spent talking to the wives and widows of Australian servicemen. The artists listened to their stories and turned them into song, creating a work which is a unique snapshot of Australia’s history.

The project aims simply to give women touched by war a voice. Through the songs you’ll learn about their sacrifice, their pain, their joy, and much more.

Headed up by The Soldier’s Wife’s musical director Deb Suckling, the production also features the talents of Jackie Marshall, Bertie Page, Sahara Beck, Emma Bosworth, Roz Pappalardo, Lydia Fairhall, Leah Flanagan, and Kristy Apps. Miss Murphy will be a special guest performer at the Sydney show.

The Soldier’s Wife will play Canberra Street Theatre on August 6 followed by Sydney Opera House on August 7. If you can’t get along, or you simply want to relive the show, a full-length album featuring the songs will be released later this year. Proceeds from the album’s sale will benefit Legacy and the Partners of Veterans Association of Australia.

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sans Releases Awesome Single “Torquay”


Melbourne indie pop act Sans have released their new single “Torquay,” and I can sum it up in three words: fast, furious, and fun. It’ll probably make your head spin, but like any good ride you’ll be desperate to repeat the experience after it’s done.

Sans will launch “Torquay” and their forthcoming EP Adolescence for hometown fans at The Toff on August 8.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Covers The Church

Patrick James is one of my favourite Aussie singer-songwriters, so when I saw he’d covered The Church’s Under the Milky Way I just had to share it with you.

It’s a tender respectful rendition that should please music purists and encourage more people to check out the talented Aussie.

What do you think of Patrick’s take on The Church?

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Declan Kelly Presents Thin Green Line Foundation Fundraiser

If you want to hear some fantastic music and support a great cause, get to The Gasometer in Melbourne later this month for The Thin Green Line Foundation’s World Ranger Day fundraiser, Declan Kelly Presents Dieseln’Dub.

Declan Kelly will perform alongside soul singer Emma Donovan, soul-hip hop act Radical Song, Kingtide’s Tony Hughes, and gutsy vocalist Pat Powell. Support for the shows comes from Watussi’s Oscar Jimenez and the Amaru Tribe and Yolngu Boys’ Yirrmal Marika.

The shows support the work of The Thin Green Line Foundation, which supports park rangers in their efforts to protect endangered species and threatened ecosystems. You can learn more in the video.

There’s an evening show on July 24 and an afternoon one the following day. Tickets cost $50 for general admission or $120 for the VIP tix which include priority seating, food and drinks, and waiter service.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John On Top of ARIA Albums Charts

I’ve been a bit lax on reporting Aussie chart news of late. I missed writing about when Grace topped the charts, and when her brother Conrad Sewell followed suit. But as John Farnham clocked up his ninth number one album with Two Strong Hearts, I figured I really needed to make the time. Farnsy’s now scored number ones (whether singles or albums) every decade for the last six decades. And let’s not forget about his partner in crime, Olivia Newton-John, who’s now scored her third number one on the albums charts.

Empires, the latest album from Hillsong United, is still going strong. The modern church’s latest effort is at number five, six weeks after its debut.

Blacktown deathcore band Thy Art is Murder will also be happy with their first ever top ten appearance. Their third album, Holy War, sits at number seven on debut.

Conrad and Grace might have slipped away from the number one spots but they’re still making their presence felt on the singles chart. Conrad’s single “Start Again” has slipped slightly to number three while Grace’s cover of “You Don’t Own Me” has fallen to number eight.

Here are the complete top tens for the week!

Top 10 Albums
1. Two Strong Hearts – John Farnham and Olivia Newtown-John
2. Title – Meghan Trainor
3. X – Ed Sheeran
4. How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful – Florence & The Machine
5. Empires – Hillsong United
6. 1989 – Taylor Smith
7. Holy War – Thy Art is Murder
8. Unbreakable Smile – Tori Kelly
9. In the Lonely Hour – Sam Smith
10. Freedom – Refused

Top 10 Singles
1. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
2. “Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
3. “Start Again” – Conrad Sewell
4. “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
5. “Shut Up & Dance” – Walk the Moon
6. “Headlights” – Robin Schulz feat. Ilsey
7. “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar
8. “You Don’t Own Me” – Grace feat G-Eazy
9. “Black Magic” – Little Mix
10. “Powerful” – Major Lazer feat. Ellie Goulding & Tarrus Riley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Top 5 Reasons Music Lovers Should Visit Fitzroy

Fitzroy was developed in 1839, which makes it Melbourne’s oldest suburb. However, it has one of Melbourne’s most youthful cultures, with awesome street sculptures, vegetarian restaurants, and a great artists market every weekend.

It’s a shame then that Fitzroy is one of the top things visitors to Melbourne never do (but should). That goes double if you’re a music lover. Whether you’re a local or a tourist passing through, top Fitzroy features like these should be enough to encourage you to get out of the CBD and head to the suburbs.

The Old Bar: Old School Live Music Venue

74-76 Johnston Street, Fitzroy

It doesn’t matter what night of the week you visit the Old Bar, you’re going to hear live music. This Fitzroy institution sticks to what it knows, refusing to serve food or put on airs and graces like so many local pubs. The carpet’s sticky, the beer is cold, and the owners are more interested in nurturing the next big thing than bringing in household names.

Northside Records: Soulful Record Store

236 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy

Northside Records separates itself from the other record stores around the city with its focus on sweet soul music. Soulful genres like funk, hip-hop, and reggae are all represented in this oh-so-cool store run by RRR’s Chris Gill. Northside Records also has its own record label which is the home of funky acts like Saskwatch and The Let Your Hair Down Girls.

The Workers Club: Bands on the Up

51 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Image via Flickr by Zanmanken

The Workers Club regularly hosts EP and album launches for some of Australia’s hottest new talents. In the coming month Sounds of Oz favourites like Au Dre, Our Man in Berlin, and Gena Rose Bruce will all play at this hip venue. It’s worth arriving early for a gig to try the American-style dining menu. The spicy chicken spare ribs are finger lickin’ good, and there’s an extensive vegetarian menu with dishes that even carnivores will love. No wonder The Urban List named it one of the best places for live music in Melbourne.

Dixons Recycled: Grab a Bargain

414 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

One of two remaining Dixons Recycled in Melbourne, the Fitzroy branch of this second-hand record shop has more punk and experimental music than the Blackburn outlet. Dixons is one of the longest-running second-hand music retailers in Australia, and it’s an awesome place to find some cheap souvenirs while you’re in Melbourne. It’s also a great place to find those rare, deleted, and import items to add to your music collection.

Yah Yah’s: Party On

99 Smith Street, Fitzroy

One of the biggest complaints people have about Melbourne’s suburbs is that the venues close too early. Yah Yah’s bucks the trend with live bands and DJs cranking out the tunes until 5 am every Friday and Saturday. Those moderately priced beers mean that things can get messy here, but that might just be part of the fun.

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. If you’ve been to Fitzroy, what do you love about it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Save the Date: Melbourne Guitar Show

If you love guitars (and who doesn’t?) get yourself to this year’s Melbourne Guitar Show.

It’s set to be the country’s largest pop-up guitar shop with all the biggest brands on sale, collector’s items, workshops, and performances from local guitar gods like Jeff Lang, Lloyd Spiegel, Davidson Brothers, James Ryan, and heaps more. Along with acoustic and electric guitars, you’ll also find ukuleles, amps, traditional stringed instruments, and heaps more.

“We are excited to showcase our industry’s products and the wealth of local talent that Melbourne and Australia has to offer,” said Australian Music Association CEO Rob Walker. “We seek to grow our guitar community, educate and entertain.”

Thousands are expected to attend the show at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse on August 8 and 9. Will you be one of them? Adult tickets are $20 at the gate or $17 if you pre-order.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR