Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forest Claudette Drops Cool Single, “Mess Around”

If Frank Ocean and Lenny Kravitz ever had a baby, they might sound a little something like Naarm/Melbourne act Forest Claudette. I think I’m a little late to the party, but the sexy new single “Mess Around”, featuring U.S. hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, has put Forest well and truly on my radar.

“Before anything else about the song, I need to acknowledge the EARTHGANG feature. I still can’t really believe it. I’ve been a fan of theirs for a hot minute, so for them to be a part of this track is just very special,” Forest gushed. “Around the time I wrote ‘Mess Around’ I was going on dates and exploring LA for the first time as an adult. I met some incredible people and they helped me learn a lot about myself. Even though it has this real f**k boy energy, to me the song is about feeling confident in what you want and feeling comfortable to communicate that with whoever, knowing they might not feel the same. But that’s life bbyyyy.”

EARTHGANG aren’t the only big-name talents Forest has worked with. The single was also produced by Paul Meany, known for his work with Yungblud, Twenty One Pilots, and LANY.

“Mess Around” is Forest’s first release of 2023, and a natural progression from their debut EP The Year of February. Forest is currently touring the country with Ruel. After that, they’ll join Lastlings on their Perfect World album tour. Make sure you arrive early if you’ve got tickets for any of these shows:

21 April 2023 – MCA, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ruel)
22 April 2023 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (supporting Ruel)
28 April 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ruel)
30 June 2023 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Lastlings)
1 July 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Lastlings)
8 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Lastlings)
15 July 2023 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Lastlings)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

S.A.B. Impresses With “Gonna Get Got”

South African-born, Meeanjin/Brisbane-based rapper S.A.B. had me from the blast of horns that open his latest single “Gonna Get Got.” Then then those rhymes started flowing, I was firmly on board. This is quality hip-hop, authentic with something to say. I also love the way S.A.B. plays with genre here, incorporating elements of soul and jazz into his sound to create something fresh.

“As it is a public service announcement to air-headed globetrotters who flaunt their cash and jewellery overseas,” said S.A.B. “I can simply forewarn and say, “If you’re not local to an area, but enter a poor community’s space only to unwittingly flaunt wealth, you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb.”

S.A.B. will launch “Gonna Get Got” for hometown fans at King Lear’s Throne on April 20. After he recently played to a packed room at the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl festival, you can expect this one’s going to be big!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calvin Leung Releases Beautiful Modern Classical Piece, “The Adventure Etude”

I’m not going to pretend to know anything about modern classical music. But I do know what sounds beautiful to me, and that’s “The Adventure Etude,” the latest solo instrumental piece from Naarm/Melbourne pianist Calvin Leung.

The release of “The Adventure Etude” comes 20 years after Calvin released his first original composition as part of the Kool Skools Recording & Songwriting Project, the same initiative that helped launch the careers of artists like Delta Goodrem and Missy Higgins. Since then he’s given more than 500 live public performance at the RACV Club, where he’s the resident pianist, and played other leading venues including Crown Towers, Arts Centre Melbourne, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. You might also have seen him playing with finalists on The Voice Australia.

Calvin was inspired to write “The Adventure Etude” after watching a fellow pianist busking on the streets of Queenstown during a recent holiday.

“I was incredibly moved after seeing this amazing pianist busk on the streets on New Year’s Eve, and that really inspired me to write, record and finally release my own music,” he explained. “I also decided to name my first release ‘The Adventure Etude’ after the name of my accommodation The Adventure Hostel, where I made some incredible new friends who also encouraged me to release my own music”.

After hearing this piece, I’m sure you’ll agree Calvin deserves to be staying somewhere better than hostels. You can support him at his upcoming shows.

15 April 2023 – The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne
6 May 2023 – The Rubber Chicken, Naarm/Melbourne
13 May 2023- The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne
27 May 2023- The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne
17 June 2023 – The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Calvin Leung Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Juwan Wears His Heart on His Sleeve With “Vent”

Bundjalung Country/Gold Coast rapper Juwan has blown me away with his new single “Vent.” It’s a powerful single with introspective lyrics that reflect on Juwan’s upbringing and his place in the world.

“’Vent’ reminds me of when I was 13 writing lyrics in class while the teacher thought I was doing work,” Juwan said. “It’s 100% myself and my thoughts being channelled from my soul onto a page, and then onto a soft yet hard beat by my brother, SOLLYY. Unapologetically straight from the heart.”

Juwan has already dropped a couple of singles and two mixtapes, but this powerful song might just be the thing to catch the attention of the mainstream.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PRETTY BLEAK Drop Latest Banger, “spare room song”

It’s been far too long between new PRETTY BLEAK releases. I’m thrilled to hear the lads are back to their best with the release of “spare room song.” It starts small, but I know you’ll find yourself punching your fist in the air by the time that epic chorus drops.

“‘spare room song’ describes the difficulty of internally navigating the line between self-growth and the comfort of your previously destructive behaviours,” vocalist Sam Thomas explained. “I’ve been pretty consciously aware of a number of different periods like this throughout my life, and one of the more noticeable aspects of that process is the arguments I would have with myself to continue resisting growth and change. This is symbolised lyrically through a dialogue between two separate individuals.”

The music video sees PRETTY BLEAK collaborating again with Tom Thomas, who directed their videos for “other people’s heads” and “Living With Mice.”

“We thought it would be interesting for the majority of the video to be set in the wilderness, and that the photo frames would depict the comfort of a familiar room inside of a house, which metaphorically alludes to the themes presented in the lyrics of the song,”

Fresh from their stellar performance at Tasmania’s Great Escape festival, PRETTY BLEAK will play the following shows to support “spare room song”’s release.

31 March 2023 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong
7 April 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Loose Bricks)
22 April 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne (official single launch)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Tom Thomas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Gould Drops Powerful Original Single, “Marching On”

Fresh from performances at Pride Cup, Sydney World Pride, and Chillout Festival 2023, Greg Gould has released his impressive new single “Marching On”. This original track is an absolute anthem that shines a light on the constant fight for equality and acceptance that minority groups face.

“Music is so powerful and can change the world. ‘Marching On’ is a brave, fierce and powerful anthem that celebrates how far we’ve come; never forgetting the struggles, the lives lost and the shoulders we stand on to be where we are today,” said Greg, a proud gay man.

“It sets out to empower those still fighting for their rights around the world and is a war cry to continue to fight for equality. No matter your sexuality, gender/non gender, race, beliefs or ability, when we are all united – the world is stronger! We must keep marching on for ourselves, and the next generations to follow.”

I love listening to this song, but watching the music video takes it to the next level. Featuring Ethiopian dancer and artist LION, First Nations drummer Benny Clark, and trans advocate Sait Ergo, it’s a powerful accompaniment to “Marching On.”

While “Marching On” is an incredible original, don’t think this former Australia’s Got Talent finalist is giving up singing covers. Greg will celebrate the work of one of his idols when he plays The Freddie Mercury Songbook with Jimi the Kween and Sarah C at Oakleigh Music Hall on June 24.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

This Space is Ours Drop Angsty New Single, “Apology”

Naarm/Melbourne easy-core act This Space is Ours return with their first single of 2023, “Apology.” Trust me, hit the volume. With big bold drums and a killer guitar riff, this is one of those angsty tracks that sounds best loud.

“The lyrics of the song tackle the tough situation of falling out of love with the person you’re with,” the band explained. “When things seem to have gone stale and cold but you’re not quite ready to address it, out of the fear of letting go.”

“Apology” comes with an awesome animated lyric video featuring the creative work of Joanne Lee, who the band found serendipitously while scrolling through Instagram. Talk about a meeting of creative talents!

This Space is Ours will support NORA at Bad Decisions Bar on April 20.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Georgia Smith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celebrate Women’s History Month With Kattimoni’s New Single, “Real Woman”

Women’s History Month might be winding down, but we’ve still got time for a powerful female anthem. “Real Woman,” the latest single from Aussie-born, Barbados-based artist Kattimoni celebrates feminine energy and strength. I’m absolutely loving how her soulful vocals sit in that cool reggae groove.

“The song is about women embracing their femininity, finding their voice and being unapologetic about stepping into their power and taking up space,” Kattimoni explained.

Yes sister! Kattimoni also edited, produced, and starred in the music video alongside some other queens to celebrate diverse feminine expression, unity, and international sisterhood.

Image used with permission from Kattimoni Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Release Your New Favourite Song, “Ever”

I still have The VANNS’ album Through The Walls on repeat, but I’m pretty excited about sinking my teeth into all their new music. Ahead of the release of their long-awaited follow-up Last of Your Kind, the band has dropped a fabulous new single “Ever.”

This track is so smart. It builds on their classic rock sound, with a few twists and turns that are going to keep you guessing. There’s everything we love about The VANNS, and a little something extra. I’m into it.

“Thematically, ‘Ever’ is about the breakdown of a relationship that seemed to have all the boxes ticked as it pertains to the future and longevity of it all. The assumption that you’ll be with a person for life after constantly being reassured that nothing will ever change between the two of you, and when it ends, you’re left with a bevy of questions why and suppressed emotions that you’re dying to express,” The VANNS explained. “It’s a desire for answers, understanding, and, if attainable, some kind of closure.”

The band filmed the music video for “Ever” in their hometown of Dharawal Country/Kiama, on location at Jimmy Vann’s old primary school. Everybody say aww!

“We filmed the ‘Ever clip’ in my hometown of Kiama and in my old primary school which I attended in 2001. Walking back into that old sandstone building was very nostalgic for myself and my long time friend Jules Bourne (tour manager) who also attended the school and helped out directing the clip,” Jimmy said. “We had Christopher Kidall Park filming and directing the clip on the day, he is a young gun!”

The VANNS will celebrate the release of Last of Your Kind with three shows in the East Coast capitals. They’ll play the new album top to bottom, so it’s a great opportunity for fans to get across their new material. Here are the dates you need, music lovers!

19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Senor Friday

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Between You & Me Drop New Single “Nevermind” Ahead of U.S. and Local Shows

Aussie pop-punk outfit Between You & Me are going from strength to strength, and it’s time for the world to know it. They’ve just dropped their fantastic new single “Nevermind” and announced U.S. dates with Real Friends and Knuckle Puck. After taking America by storm for the second time (they toured the country with State Champs in the back end of 2022), they’ll be back on local soil for their own shows.

“We knew that the next song we released after Armageddon was going to be tough because we put all that we had into the album and are very proud of what we were able to create together,” explained frontman Jake Wilson. “Since our band is now independent, there felt like a lot of added pressure to prove a lot of people wrong and remind everyone that we’re still here and we aren’t dropping off anytime soon.

“As we’re growing in our career and as individuals we’ve enjoyed playing with different genres and finding our niche. ‘Nevermind’ is the next chapter for BYAM that perfectly captures the spirit of our band and our live show.”

“Nevermind” is the first single lifted from Between You & Me’s EP, which will drop in September. They’ll announce dates for their world tour, including headlining shows around Australia, really soon, so keep an eye on their socials.

14 April 2023 – Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
15 April 2023 – The Waiting Room, Omaha (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
16 April 2023 – Beer City Music Hall, Oklahoma City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
18 April 2023 – Mohawk, Austin (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
19 April 2023 – Vibes, San Antonio (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
20 April 2023 – Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
22 April 2023 – Nile Theater, Mesa (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
23 April 2023 – House Of Blues, San Diego (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
25 April 2023 – The Observatory, Santa Ana (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
26 April 2023 – Tioga Sequoia Brewery, Fresno (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
27 April 2023 – The Ritz, San Jose (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
28 April 2023 – The Crocodile, Seattle (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
30 April 2023 – Hawthorne Theatre, Portland (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
2 May 2023 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
4 May 2023 – The Black Sheep, Colorado Springs (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
5 May 2023 – Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
6 May 2023 – The Truman, Kansas City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
7 May 2023 – The Riff, Springfield (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
9 May 2023 – The Castle Theatre, Bloomington (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
10 May 2023 – Elevation @ The Intersection, Grand Rapids (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
11 May 2023 – Bogart’s, Cincinnati (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
18 May 2023 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Slowly Slowly)
25 May 2023 – Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Slowly Slowly)
26 May 2023 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (with Slowly Slowly)
27 May 2023 – Roundhouse, Eora/Sydney (with Slowly Slowly)
10 June 2023 – EasyLover Fest @ Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Slowly Slowly)

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group; credit: Lars Juveland