Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Have Fun with “Playtime”

What a week it’s been. This weekend I’m moving into my first proper adult home. I know it’ll be so rewarding to trade rent for a mortgage and to live in a place with a bit more space and a dishwasher (what a luxury!) But the lead-up’s not a lot of fun. All the packing and cleaning and errands that come with the process don’t leave a lot of time for blogging I’m afraid, so I apologise for my sporadic posting and assure you things will improve!

In times of stress though, I can always count on music to ground me. Today I’ve found some respite in “Playtime”, the latest single from Sydney act Kristen Fletcher Trio. It’s wonderfully poppy and cheerful and just the kind of thing to remind me not to take it all too seriously. I hope it weaves its magic on you dear readers.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Mistress Usher in Warm Weather with “Surf Song”

It’s absolutely freezing here in New South Wales, but Adelaide band The Mistress are reminding me that summer is just around the corner with their single “Surf Song”. It’s a modern spin on old-school surf music with great electric guitar licks and a breezy vibe.

Check it, and the band’s latest single “Vicodin”, out at The Mistress’ Triple J Unearthed page and let those lush musical layers wash over you!

Image used with permission from The Mistress

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rose Wintergreen Charms Ahead of Aussie Tour

Rosie Catalano kicks off her Aussie tour in just two days’ time. If that wasn’t enough to get you excited, wrap your ears around “Feet in the Sand”, the gorgeous new single from Rosie’s touring buddy Rose Wintergreen.

This song is just so pretty, with delicate rain-like piano melodies and ethereal vocals. It’s already impressing the right people too. It’s been shortlisted for this year’s Vanda and Young Song Competition, a contest which helped thrust other Aussie talents like Washington and Kimbra into the spotlight. It’s also currently available as a free download via Soundcloud.

Honestly, with two such talented women on the bill you won’t be disappointed if you get yourself to one of the following shows.

4 October 2013 – The Hideaway, Brisbane
10 October 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (FREE)
12 October 2013 – The Front, Canberra
18 October 2013 – The Empress Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Rose Wintergreen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Louis London Serves Up New Single

Sydney five-piece Louis London offers us a sneak peek at their forthcoming sophomore EP with the release of their new single “This Night Time”.

Who would have thought a humble band holiday to a tiny fly-fishing shack in Jindabyne would result in such a lush, epic track? It’s such a solid song that soars with searing vocals from lead singer Ed Saloman. The video, which sees Ed embarking on a cross-country odyssey, is a fitting accompaniment for this beautiful track.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rosie Catalano Tours New EP

Rosie Catalano bowled me over with her single “Hearts”, so I’m thrilled to hear she’s hitting the road to support the release of her second EP, Dreams are Just Movies.

Rosie will perform shows along the East Coast to support the EP’s October 1 release. The recording, which features collaborations with Jack Carty, Brendan Maclean, Brian Campeau, and Evan Mannel, is said to be Rosie’s most intricate and unique release to date.

The shows will see Rosie join forces with another Rose, Vanda & Young songwriting competition finalist Rose Wintergreen. You can see these two talented singer-songwriters at the following shows.

4 October 2013 – The Hideaway, Brisbane
10 October 2013 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney (FREE)
12 October 2013 – The Front, Canberra
18 October 2013 – The Empress Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rising Country Star Ashleigh Dallas Readies Debut Album

As a Tamworth native and the granddaughter of country music legend Rex Dallas, a career in country music was always on the cards for Ashleigh Dallas. She began playing the fiddle at the tender age of six and is now an accomplished musician, playing fiddle, mandolin, acoustic guitar, and banjo.

She’s been on a fixture on the country music for some time, honing her craft playing the fiddle in Kasey Chambers’ band and supporting artists like Shane Nicholson and Troy Cassar-Daley. She’s channelled that experience into the creation of her debut album Dancing with a Ghost, which hits stores tomorrow. It features the fun fiddle-driven single “Me”.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lamplights Wow Me with “You’ve Got a Friend”

Sometimes you hear a song and it just clicks with you instantly. “You’ve Got a Friend” by Gold Coast five-piece The Lamplights is one of those songs.

The song is such an irresistible fusion of pop, funk, folk, and blues. It feels easy and effortless without being lazy. Summer might be a few months away, but I think I’ve found my soundtrack already. “You’ve Got a Friend” comes from The Lamplights’ second album What Love Is.

The Lamplights will support Buffalo Tales at a trio of shows next month before gracing the stage at the Caloundra Music Festival.

3 October 2013 – Bangalow Bowls Club, Bangalow
4 October 2013 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast
5 October 2013 – Greenslopes Bowls Club, Brisbane
7 October 2013 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Middleton Goes Solo

Bernard Fanning isn’t the only former member of Powderfinger eying solo success. Darren Middleton’s also having a crack with his new single “Let Go”.

I really love this track. It’s deceptively simple, with heartfelt delivery and an awesome philosophy. It’s clear that the time Darren’s taken to release his first solo number was well spent.

“It has been two and half years now since we parted ways and the final chords rang
out as our Powderfinger tour concluded,” Darren explained. 
”Initially I intended to get straight back on
the horse to write, record and perform … all
 the things I have loved so much over the 
years, but it wasn’t to be that way for quite 
some time. I knew that I loved writing and
 making music, I just didn’t feel it straight 
away … I didn’t feel I had anything to write
 about. As time moved on, I found myself
 dealing with a lot of emotions I hadn’t 
planned on and there were some bumpy
 seas for myself and those close to me.
 From that though, arose Translations, my 
first solo album.”

Translations is scheduled to hit stores on November 1. If this song’s any indication, it’s going to be pretty special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wastelands in Store, Eskimo Joe to Tour

If you didn’t know it already, Eskimo Joe’s new Wastelands is in stores today. And if you also didn’t know it, Eskimo Joe will hit the road next month to promote their self-produced, crowd-funded release.

The tour will be fans’ first chance to see Eskimo Joe playing the best cuts from their new synth-laden release. So it’s a good thing that the Western Australian trio will play plenty of shows around the country this October and November. Tickets are on sale now from the venues for the following gigs.

17 October 2013 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
18 October 2013 – Ferntree Gully Hotel, Ferntree Gully
19 October 2013 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
24 October 2013 – Newcastle Panthers, Newcastle
25 October 2013 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
26 October 2013 – Waves, Wollongong
1 November 2013 – Sugarland, Bundaberg
2 November 2013 – Tank Arts, Cairns
9 November 2013 – Astor Theatre, Perth
23 November 2013 – Gorgeous Festival, Adelaide Hills

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tokyo Denmark Sweden Impress with Turning Time

I must admit, I wasn’t the biggest Tokyo Denmark Sweden fan when they released their debut EP late last year. But I’m really impressed by the more mature sound they’re showcasing on their latest single “Turning Time”, which hits iTunes today.

The track has ethereal airy vocals, a thumping bass lines, and irresistible melodic hooks. They showed that solid dance foundation with their earlier efforts, but they’ve enjoyed a bit of polish from legendary British producer Mark Saunders. After working with The Cure, David Bowie, and Depeche Mode, this guy clearly knows his stuff.

Tokyo Denmark Sweden’s debut EP got some major buzz on American college radio. Could this be the track to earn them mainstream global success?

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal