News – Page 6 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 02/08/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Sonora Studios Launches on the Central Coast

I’m pretty proud of my part of the world, so I’m always excited to hear of new developments on the Central Coast. The latest is the launch of Sonora Studios, the brainchild of acclaimed Aussie producer Jack Nigro. Jack’s worked with talents like DMA’s, Dune Rats, The Amity Affliction, Middle Kids, and stacks more, so it’s exciting to hear he’s set up shop here on the Coast.

His Sonora Studios is a two-story, purpose-built recording facility featuring Sound Space A’, an impeccably treated live room, alongside ‘Sound Space B’, a secondary production and mixing space. It hosts world-class recording equipment, including hardware from Neumann, Avalon, SSL, and Universal Audio, and in-house backline from Orange, VOX, Fender, Ampeg, and a 1975 Ludwig drum kit. In other words, it’s got the goods.

“Building my own studio was something I first wanted to do when I was about 15 years old,” Jack said. “Having my own space that I, and hopefully others, love creating in every day is a very special experience. I have always liked studios to feel relaxed, intimate and calm. I feel like this is the best environment to foster creativity and become completely immersed in what you are doing. We built the studio to cater for bands to be able to record live, a process I find very important for many of the artists I work with, and ensured our main live room space has a lively, organic sound to best capture acoustic instruments.”

Sonora Studios also offers mixing and mastering services. You can learn more about Sonora Studios, including how to use its services, at the website.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on 09/06/202303/06/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Beks Drops Pop Banger, “Dangerous”

Fresh from performances at SXSW, Beks has just released her new single “Dangerous” and it’s an absolute bop. If you love your pop music straight up, you’ll really appreciate this one. It’s incredibly catchy with killer vocals from this rising talent.

“’Dangerous’ highlights my tendencies to run away from relationships that have become too comfortable, too safe,” Beks explained. “I wanted to explore my urges to chase the next best thing, the thrill of the unknown, the mystery, the expansion of my sexuality. My soul craves adventure, I want fireworks, spontaneity, to break the mundane, but can I have all that with just one person?”

Beks has just returned from the United States, where she recorded music with Frank Infante from Blondie and Mark McEntee from Divinyls, so it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more exciting music from her soon.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on 05/06/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Releases “Why Should I Let You Go?” During Massive Aussie Tour

Kingswood are one of those Aussie bands that do great things with very little fanfare. So you might have missed their fabulous new song “Why Should I Let You Go,” which features gorgeous vocal harmonies and a one of the most beautiful country melodies I’ve heard in some time. I love it just a little more with every listen.

“’Why Should I Let You Go?’ was recorded on an impromptu and inspired sojourn in Paris, France where we wanted to capture the progression of the song as it developed across Nashville dive bars and the mountains of Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic,” The band explained. “The original was written in solitude, lamenting over a Nashville skyline but very quickly developed a new life on the road with a refreshed and hopeful energetic lift, echoing the reinvigorated musical take that band naturally fell into as we experienced audiences all over the world. The resounding nature of the chorus, pushing the idea that love has a journey for us all seemed to resonate across all environments and languages.”

You also might have missed that Kingswood are in the midst of a record-breaking Aussie tour that will see them play more than 100 shows, with more to come. They’re taking their self-made bus Peggy on the road to make sure they can visit towns that most acts never get to. You won’t want to miss them when they pull in to your local area, so here are all the remaining dates:

5 June 2023 – Rocky Ridge Brewing, Undalup/Busselton
7 June 2023 – Sound City, Barngarla Country/Port Lincoln
8 June 2023 – Sound City, Barngarla Country/Port Lincoln
9 June 2023 – The Fat Controller, Tartanya/Adelaide
10 June 2023 – Western Hotel, Boandik Country/Mt Gambier
11 June 2023 – Hotel Victor, Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri Country/Victor Harbour
16 June 2023 – Big Easy Radio, Ngaltingga/Aldinga
17 June 2023 – The Setts, Latje Latje and Barkindji Country/Mildura
18 June 2023 – The Cordial Factory, Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan Country/Grenfell
21 June 2023 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
22 June 2023 – Royal Hotel, Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country/Queanbeyan
23 June 2023 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
25 June 2023 – Brass Monkey, Gweagal Country/Cronulla
29 June 2023 – Gnomom Room, Palawa Country/Ulverstone
30 June 2023 – Royal Oak, Palawa Country/Launceston
1 July 2023 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
2 July 2023 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
6 July 2023 – Lambys, Djilang/Geelong
7 July 2023 – Gods Bandroom, Bunurong Country/Mornington
8 July 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
8 September 2023 – Kenilworth Showgrounds, Hinka Booma/Kenilworth

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on 04/04/202327/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

The Lady Hampshire Brings Bands Back

With so many live music venues closing down, it’s refreshing to see one welcoming bands back. The Lady Hampshire in Eora/Camperdown will make its long-awaited return as a dedicated live music venue this month.

The venue has already booked some quality acts, including Pacific Avenue and Fangz for the opening weekend. Both days will also feature free nail art and a pop-up tattoo stall.

“Bringing The Lady Hampshire back to life with live music as the focus, is exactly what Sydney has been asking for,” said Elliott Harper, the entertainment and event manager at PUBLIC Hospitality Group. “When it comes to entertainment venues, we only want to foster growth and success across our city and think The Lady will be the destination for all types of musicians and patrons. The first month alone has some of the most exciting gigs Sydney has seen this year and we can’t wait to bring it to locals and gig-goers.”

Here are all the gigs announced. Head to Oztix to buy your tickets or reserve your spot for the free shows:

14 April 2023 – Fangz, Dedpan, and Wicked Envy (FREE)
15 April 2023 – Pacific Avenue, Juno, and Darcy Lane
21 April 2023 – Radicals and Dial Denial (FREE)
22 April 2023 – Bugs and Special Guests
28 April 2023 – Highline and Turpentine Babycino (FREE)
29 April 2023 – Starve, Outsider, Signvals, and Keepsake (FREE)
5 May 2023 – Abby Bella May and Special Guests (FREE)
6 May 2023 – Close Counters and Special Guests
12 May 2023 – Bootleg Rascal and Lyall Moloney
13 May 2023 – Bootleg Rascal and Lyall Moloney
19 May 2023 – These New South Whales and Special Guests
20 May 2023 – Good Lekker and Special Guests

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on 27/03/202327/03/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Congratulations to Royston Sagigi-Baira, Your New Australian Idol

Last night Australia crowned a new Australian Idol. In case you missed it (and given the ratings for the season, you probably did), Royston Sagigi-Baira took home the $100,000 cash prize and Sony Music contract over Phoebe Stewart. But of course, television isn’t just about ratings, or it shouldn’t be. While many media outlets will call the season a failure as it trailed behind reality juggernauts Married at First Sight and Survivor, I think Channel Seven has done a pretty good job revamping the original singing show.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, it showcased talent. Like, properly showcased talent. We saw these contestants sing at their auditions, the Sydney boot camp (several times), on live shows, and eliminations if they were in the bottom three. That’s a lot of exposure, and what I’ve always thought gave Idol contestants careers beyond the show. It’s not that the people who sing on The Voice are lacking, but consider just how often they sing in front of Australia. I really hope that exposure serves all these contestants well, because there were some real diamonds. I personally wish we could go back to the old days of eliminating just one contestant each show, but this is Idol for a different time, and the ratings probably don’t justify anything other than this shorter, snappier season. I think Seven got the balance right here.

Speaking of balance, I was pleasantly surprised by the judges. Yes, it was incredibly white-bread, but there was a good balance of intelligent critique and showmanship. Kylie Sandilands even played nice, for the most part. Even though there was reportedly some tension behind the scenes, they never let it overshadow the contestants or make the show feel awkward (anyone else remember that year of American Idol with Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj?). Professionals, every single one of them.

Only time will tell what happens with Royston, Phoebe, third-place getter Josh, and the rest of this year’s finalist, but I hope there’s been enough eyeballs on them for some doors to open. It’s a little unfair to compare ratings for the current incarnation to the original run, because it’s a vastly different television landscape. Those were the days before streaming, multi-channels, and the easy recording of PVRs. They were the days before sensational reality TV with its water-cooler moments. Some might say that means there’s no place for Idol any more, but I really hope we see it back on our screens next year. Congratulations to Royston and all this year’s Idol finalists. May they have every success. Here’s a throwback to Royston’s audition so you can see how his “Idol journey” began:

Posted on 15/02/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Two Times Shy Drop Pop-Punk Banger, “Tearing Up Inside”

If the pop-punk stylings of Meeajin/Brisbane band Two Times Shy don’t give you the energy you need to make it to quitting time, then nothing will. Their latest single “Tearing Up Inside” features the bold guitars, pounding drums, and emotional vocals you want in a pop-punk song.

“Tearing Up Inside is written about a relationship breakdown and how it feels to go through something so tormenting and heartbreaking,” the band explained. “Watching the one you love slip away, fall into the arms of someone else when there is nothing you can do about it; and although it tears you apart, you still love them and want to/will do everything you can to fix it. No matter how hard you try, the relationship meets its inevitable doom.”

There’s more to come from Two Times Shy, who will release their debut EP, It Looks Better Than it Sounds, on March 10.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR; credit: Gabi Rankine Creative

Posted on 17/01/2023 by Lauren Katulka

Vale Renee Geyer

What a terrible shock to hear of the passing of Renee Geyer this afternoon. While in the hospital for hip surgery, doctors discovered inoperable lung cancer. She died peacefully with friends and family members around her. She was just 69.

Renee was a true pioneer and an absolute force of nature. Hits like “Heading in the Right Direction” and her incredible cover of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s World,” saw her inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2013. She also received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards in 2018. My dad likes to tell a story about the time he saw her play Cardiff Workers Club in the ’70s. She wore a sheer see-through top that left nothing to the imagination, flirted outrageously with all the men sitting in the front row, and tore the roof of the place with one hell of a performance. So much confidence, so sure of herself, with charisma and talent to burn.

I saw Renee play countless times over the years and was always so struck by her sensational voice. As this video from Bird’s Basement last year shows, it was so compelling right to the end. We won’t see another like her. She will be so missed.

Image source: Denise O’Hara @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on 31/12/202231/12/2023 by Lauren Katulka

2022: Year in Review

After a few years of disappointment, it feels like we’ve turned a bit of a corner in 2022. I’m still cautious about where I go and what I do, but at least concerts aren’t getting cancelled left, right, and centre. I came so much closer to compiling a top 10 of live shows! So while I’m keen to pop some bottles, I’m not doing so keen to put 2022 behind me. These are just some of the albums and concerts that put a smile on my face this year. What made your 2022 great? Be sure to let me know in the comments. Happy New Year!

Top 10 Albums of 2022

Top Shows for 2022

Photo by Myriam Zilles on Unsplash

Posted on 28/12/2022 by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Guitar Show Back in 2023

After the pandemic spoiled the fun over the last couple of years, the Melbourne Guitar Show is making its triumphant return to Caulfield Racecourse in March. As always, it’ll feature a who’s who of guitar talent including international acts Eric Bibb and Nick Johnston and local legends Steph Strings, Hussy Hicks, Lloyd Spiegel, and heaps more.

If you want to start playing the guitar or upgrade your set-up, this is the place to do it. There’ll be more than 50 exhibitors showcasing electric and acoustic guitars, amps, effects pedals, and so much more. With seminars, demonstrations, and plenty of live performances, no self-respecting guitar enthusiast can afford to miss it.

“The association is pleased to be able to announce the re-birth of our iconic show in 2023. The industry has missed the chance to meet face-to-face and talk to guitar enthusiasts about our great products,” said Alex Masso, the executive officer of the organising body, the Australian Music Association.

The Melbourne Guitar Show hits Caulfield Racecourse on March 4 and 5. Visit the website before February 14 to secure discounted early bird tickets.

Posted on 25/12/202223/12/2022 by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas from Sounds of Oz

By the time you read this, I’ll be very comfortably situated at my sister’s place, probably on my second beer, celebrating Christmas. Whether you celebrate the holiday or you’re simply enjoying the time off, I hope you’re having a marvellous time. I hoped to share another new Christmas song with you, but they’ve been a little thin on the ground this year! So instead I thought I’d rewind a couple of years to Kav Temperley’s “Christmas Lights”. As an album track from his brilliant All Your Devotion album, it probably didn’t get the love it deserved. But it’s a magic track, just perfect for your Christmas evening. Enjoy, and merry Christmas!

Image credit: Nick-K @ Flickr