Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Venice Qin’s “ALIEN” is Out of This World

Aotearoa/New Zealand-expat Venice Qin has settled in Eora/Sydney and is ready to take the local music scene by storm with her latest single “ALIEN”. As the daughter of Chinese immigrants, Venice knows all too well how it feels to be the odd person out. However, this cool song makes such a strong statement that it almost claims that otherness as a superpower.

“I’ve always found myself in spaces where I don’t feel like I belong. Whether that’s as an Asian in Western spaces, a Westernised Asian in Asian spaces, or just having a different mindset to people around me, and not relating to their experiences,” Venice explained. “My song ‘ALIEN’ comes from a very personal, vulnerable place for me. I used to find myself constantly changing my persona when I went out, so that I could fit in and would always come home feeling even more alienated, doubting that my younger self would like the person I’ve become in those moments. Sometimes I still do that, and I’m not proud of it.

“As much as we’re told that we should embrace our quirks and differences, it is hard when you feel incredibly misunderstood and that you’re not the only one that feels or thinks the way that you do. Even throughout the creation of this song, I was full of insecurity and anxiety that people wouldn’t listen to it, because they wouldn’t relate to what I was feeling (lol…). Because the song is sonically less in your face, as an Asian woman, I was fearful that people wouldn’t take the time to hear my voice and what I was going through. But thankfully I have really great people in my life who listened to this song, and heard and believed in me, so the song has gotten to where it is today so that more people can hear it. I really want it to reach and unite us aliens of the world, and to let us know we are not alone.”

“ALIEN” is the title track from Venice’s debut EP, which drops on November 17.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Talk Drop Vintage Banger, “Warm Love”

The Teskey Brothers pipped them for the title at the recent 2023 National Live Music Awards, but Sweet Talk might just be the best blues and roots act that you haven’t heard of. Their latest single “Warm Love” shows why they weren’t just making up the numbers in that coveted category. It’s got so much swag. This is the kind of music people just aren’t making enough of any more.

“It’s got a little more rock n roll steez about it,” admitted Sweet Talk’s frontman Tane Walker, of the band’s adventurous new sound. “We took what we normally do, then dirtied up the tones and tuned our instruments down half a step,” added bass player James Harding.

“Warm Love is a belter to play live!” added guitarist Soren Walker. “That’s the litmus test we need to vet songs for the studio, if the punters come alive, then it deserves a shot on record and this immediately ticked that box.”

You can see how good this song is live at one of Sweet Talk’s upcoming shows:

27 October 2023 – Bridge Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
28 October 2023 – The Eastern Hotel, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
29 October 2023 – The Barwon Club, Djilang/South Geelong
3 November 2023 – Music on the Hill, Bunurong Country/Main Ridge
4 November 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
10–12 November 2023 – Blues at Bridgetown, Nyungar Country/Bridgetown

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophian Celebrates the Now With “Beautiful Day”

Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock act Sophian have impressed me again with their uplifting new single “Beautiful Day.” Coming hot on the heels of other stellar 2023 releases “Moments” and “Georgia,” these guys are having such a great year.

“My wife and I were having a conversation one day around feeling the pressures of society to have life all figured out by a certain age. I saw what it meant it to her and I just wanted to let her know that it’s okay to not have it all figured out yet, life is still beautiful and its okay for us to just enjoy that moment. This song is about feeling free and enjoying life around you for just the way it is,” recalled the band’s frontman Sophian Manik.

Sophian will launch “Beautiful Day” for hometown fans at The Indian Ocean Hotel on October 20. After they sold out hometown shows at Old Habits Bar and The Bird earlier this year, I suggest getting tickets now to avoid missing out!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tig Releases Powerful First Single, “Too Late Heartbreak”

Tig has made a really positive first impression on me with her debut single “Too Late Heartbreak.” It’s so beautiful and understated. By keeping the music simple, we can really hone in on those poignant lyrics and Tig’s sweet voice.

“This song is about catastrophising. Building walls. Trying not to get hurt. Confusing isolation with independence. Lying to yourself. And realising some feelings just have to be felt,” Tig explained. Oh yeah, that all hits.

The song comes with a gorgeous music video created by Tig’s high school pal Jasper Dorman.

“The idea started with these tiny felt hearts that my mum makes, you keep them in your pocket when you need a bit of love,” Tig added. “As the crux of the song is about keeping your heart intact, I asked myself ‘how would I protect one of these pocket hearts if it was prone to breaking?’ And so the lego house was born, followed by the Heartbreak Prevention Plan.”

“Too Late Heartbreak” is the first song lifted from Tig’s debut EP Inside Voices, to be released on 1 February, 2024. Tig has a couple of shows coming up at The Gasometer Hotel, a venue she sold out just a few months ago before releasing any material. If you want to be there, I recommend securing your tickets really soon.

18 October 2023 – The Gasometer Hotel (Upstairs), Naarm/Collingwood (supporting Izzy Summers)
26 October 2023 – The Gasometer Hotel (Upstairs), Naarm/Collingwood (supporting Nanas Pie)

Image credit: Kinga Howard

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Anthony Releases Rocking Single “Call My Name”

Dharug/Western Sydney indie-rock act Jack Anthony has blown me away with his latest single “Call My Name.” This track goes hard, with an energy reminiscent of the Arctic Monkeys or the Libertines. Just see if you’re not punching your fist in the air or at least grooving in your seat by the end of this one.

“‘Call My Name’ is about reflecting on an old relationship where you had known the person for years prior, before having a crack at a romantic relationship,” Jack explained. “We both knew we weren’t meant for each other and were filled with conflicting feelings of wanting to stay and leave. This song has a feeling of being happy/sad and bittersweet, whilst also being anthemic. A song that you can scream in the car and cry alone to, but also dance and the song would still be fun depending on what mood you’re in.”

Jack will join Kingswood at their October 29 show at the Lady Hampshire in Eora/Sydney, so if you’re going make sure you arrive early enough for his set.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hannah Stow Drops Sweet New Song, “Sunflowers”

Hannah Stow has thoroughly charmed me with “Sunflowers,” a love song with a difference. This sweet track explores a budding relationship with a healthy mix of heart and cynicism.

“My girlfriend said she loved me after three weeks of dating and I was trying to prove to her that what she felt was lust and not love. I said, ‘You know nothing about me,’ and she said, ‘I know your favourite colour is red, you didn’t walk until you were two because everyone kept picking you up, and I don’t know if they’re your favourite – but I know for sure you like Sunflowers’. The moment she said that I knew it would make a catchy song,” Hannah said. “So, ‘Sunflowers’ discusses the point in a relationship right after someone says ‘I love you’ where you’re feeling like they don’t know you well enough to express those emotions. It unpacks the moment you’re being proven wrong as they highlight facts about you which you thought they never listened to.”

I love the intimacy of this track. It’s so lyrically good, and the minimalist instrumentation makes sure you don’t miss a word. I’m definitely looking forward to hearing more from Hannah.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Ian Young

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hollow Coves Release Long-Awaited New Single, “Harder to Fake It”

Listening to “Harder to Fake It,” the first new music from Hollow Coves since 2021, has made me realise just how much I missed them. This is music that simply makes you feel good with its beautiful harmonies, acoustic feel, and uplifting lyrics. Rest assured, this one ticks all the boxes. As it should, as Hollow Coves wrote and recorded the track with Matt Corby and Alex Henrikkson at Alex’s Rainbow Valley Studio.

“Last year, we played at an event that Matt Corby had put on to raise money for victims of the floods in the Northern Suburbs of New South Wales in Australia. After the show, we got chatting with Matt Corby and we connected really well. We were both keen to see what we could make together, so we ended up going to his studio, which happened to be not too far from where we lived, and did a few writing sessions. We ended up writing five songs together,” the band explained. “We were all in a room together trying to come up with an initial idea. I had a guitar part and rough melody that I had been wanting to work on for a while so I thought I would test it by starting to play it and see if anyone would comment on it. Straight away, Matt Corby expressed that he liked what he heard so we took the idea and ran with it. From there, a lot of the song came quite quickly. We recorded the main guitar part quickly and then Matt Corby jumped on the drum kit and started recording some really cool drum parts to make a quick demo. A lot of the parts from the demo ended up being used in the final recording.”

The song comes with a beautiful music video filmed in the scenic coastal town of Tofino on Canada’s Vancouver Island. It features school children bored with the mundanity of the classroom who taste real joy when that bell rings and they can go out and experience the world.

Hollow Coves are back on the road playing shows around the country. Here are their upcoming dates:

13 October 2023 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
14 October 2023 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
20 October 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 October 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
3 December 2023 – SummerSalt @ Torquay Common, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Bradley Murnane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dial Denial Fly With “Paperwings”

If your afternoon is dragging on, hit the volume on “Paperwings,” the latest single from Eora/Sydney pop-punk act ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>Dial Denial. I guarantee this high-octane number will give you the energy you need to get through to the end of the day.

“‘Paperwings’ is an amalgam of everything I fear as I start to become an adult. I was afraid of a bunch of very small things that stacked up to create complete mental claustrophobia. Moving from home, losing self worth, change, losing my relationship, losing my friends, all that good stuff,” the band’s press release reads. “ The song’s about exhaustion from bending yourself to other peoples will, and saying ‘Fuck that! I worked hard to become who I am and I like who I am’. The chorus is coated with a thick lining of irony, directly pointing the finger at people who play the victim. Everyone goes through tough times, and it’s what makes us who we are. Don’t change who you are for others, change yourself for the better.”

Fresh from supporting Drastic Park, Dial Denial will headline their own show for hometown fans at The Chippo Hotel on November 18.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Team Up With The Grogans for “Salt”

I must admit, when I heard that Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers had teamed up with The Grogans for their latest single, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love the angsty energy of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, but The Grogans’ music hasn’t been my cup of chai. However, the combination of these two acts is really something special. “Salt” is one of the standouts on Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ stellar debut album I Love You, which just dropped on October 6.

“During the three years we wrote this the lyrics changed so much, but I think what really pulled it all together was when we decided to have The Grogans join us on the track,” vocalist Anna Ryan shared. “It definitely shifted the energy from something so sad to something so beautiful and special.”

“Being a part of ‘Salt’ was pretty special,” The Grogans added. “It was something super different for us and it is an incredible song to have worked on. This was such a beautiful way for us to learn a lot about the Teen Jesus crew as well as ourselves. We felt that our role in this track was to add a sense of support for each other, musically and outside of the studio. The whole process was healing in a way. This track isn’t about our personal experience yet we find relevance in our own lives, we just hope we added something special. We are grateful to be let in and trusted with such a lovely song.”

Let this be your reminder that Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are currently on the road playing heaps of shows to support their recently released album, including headlining gigs, festivals, and some stellar supporting slots. See them anywhere you can.

10 October 2023 – The Cube, Waywurru Country/Wondonga (supporting DMA’s)
11 October 2023 – Kambri at ANU, Ngunnawal/Canberra (supporting DMA’s)
13 October 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul (supporting DMA’s)
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
20 October 2023 – Bar on the Hill, Awabakal/Newcastle (supporting DMA’s)
21 October 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr/Coffs Harbour (supporting DMA’s)
22 October 2023 – Kingscliffe Beach Hotel, Bundjalung/Kingscliff (supporting DMA’s)
27 October 2023 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)
28 October 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns (supporting DMA’s)
29 October 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns (supporting DMA’s)
2 November 2023 – UniBar, Tarndanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
3 November 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The River, Wadandi Boodja/Margaret River
11 November 2023 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
17 November 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
4 December 2023 – AAMI Stadium, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Foo Fighters)

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: Neve Van Boxsel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loretta Keep Stellar Singles Coming Ahead of EP Launch and Tour

Eora/Sydney pop-rock act Loretta have been releasing music at such a furious pace that I don’t blame you if you’re struggling to keep up. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, they’ve digitally bundled their latest track “Wish I Could Show You” with “All My Friends (Are Your Friends)”, which dropped in mid-September. The two tracks show different sides of this exciting ensemble.

“‘Wish I Could Show You’ is about the essence of growth, self-discovery, and profound changes and experiences that come with time and getting older. It offers a deeply personal perspective from us that acts as a love letter to the past, acknowledging the evolution of relationships, friendships and personal aspirations,” Loretta explained of the upbeat, nostalgic cut.

“‘All My Friends’ navigates the complexities that come with trying to maintain a friendship after a breakup, delving into the challenges that come with sharing a social circle with an ex,” Loretta said of this bittersweet ballad. “It is a portrayal of the stage immediately after a relationship ends, encapsulating the bittersweet reality of seeing your ex move on, whilst trying to focus on moving on yourself.”

We can look forward to more new music from Loretta when their new EP Never Thought of Growing Up drops on November 3. To celebrate the release, they’ll play the following East Coast shows:

4 November 2023 – Yah Yah’s, Naarm/Melbourne
9 November 2023 – Stranded Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 November 2023 – Towradji Beach Hotel, Warrang/Wollongong
23 November 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 November 2023 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from Good Intent