Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brandon Dodd Drops New Single Ahead of Patti Griffin Tour

He’s just 24, but Central Coast artist Brandon Dodd sings with the sort of soul most industry veterans wish they could muster. Close your eyes when you listen to his latest single “Whiskey Room Shuffle” and you’ll be transported back to a time when the blues was king.

“Whiskey Room Shuffle” is just one of the tracks you’ll hear on Brandon’s debut solo album What a Way to Die, but a family connection makes it one of the most meaningful.

“This was probably the highlight of the whole recording process for me because we recorded it with my big brother Chris playing the drums,” he explained. “He doesn’t play a lot of music these days, but it reminded me of when we used to jam when we were younger, and I’m so happy we were able to capture that on this song.”

What a Way to Die drops on February 14. He’ll warm up with a few solo dates around its launch so he’s in fine form for his prestigious Patti Griffin support slots. Catch him at the following venues next month.

14 February 2020 – Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar, Wollongong
15 February 2020 – Hardy’s Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay
1 March 2020 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan (supporting Patty Griffin)
3 March 2020 – Melbourne Recital Hall, Melbourne (supporting Patty Griffin)
5 March 2020 – The Capital, Bendigo (supporting Patty Griffin)
10 March 2020 – City Recital Hall, Sydney (supporting Patty Griffin)
12 March 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Patty Griffin)
13 March 2020 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore (supporting Patty Griffin)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Australia Day, Sort Of …

It’s January 26, a day when many Australians will be firing up their barbies and preparing to celebrate while others mourn. Australia Day has become a day of mixed emotions for me. I think it is important to celebrate this great nation of ours, but it doesn’t worry me when we do it. For that reason, I really hope the government gets on board and shifts the date in the coming years. I think this change is as inevitable as marriage equality, and the sooner we do it so we can all enjoy the festivities, the better.

It doesn’t feel right to let Australia Day go unacknowledged, but it also doesn’t feel right to do it by trotting out all the standard white Aussie rock. I’ll leave that to the commercial radio networks. So instead I thought I’d bring you “Together,” the latest single from rising First Nations artist Mitch Tambo. I usually try to avoid the Eurovision – Australia Decides songs until the big night, but when this landed in my inbox I couldn’t resist. I’m glad I have no self-control because this really is the perfect song to play today. I love the way he celebrates togetherness, especially by incorporating the Gamilaraay language with English and melding a didgeridoo bassline with the piano.

“’Together’ is a really important song to me. It’s the culmination of everything I want to do with my music – to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and creeds together with a message of love, especially when so many are going through such tough times,” Mitch explained. “It’s the perfect song for Eurovision, which is all about uniting people through music no matter what language they speak – or sing. I can’t wait to get out on that stage and perform this song for Australia, and the world.”

Mitch will perform “Together” on Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020 on February 8. Tune in to see his performance and vote on SBS. I haven’t heard the other songs yet, but I’m not going to be disappointed if this takes it out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Venice Queens Back With “Punchdrunk”

I raved about Adelaide’s Venice Queens way back in 2018, but didn’t hear anything from them since. Thankfully the drought has been broken with the release of their latest single, “Punchdrunk.” It’s just as summery and upbeat as their last offering, the sort of track that makes you want to see these guys live in a buzzing pub with beer in hand.

“We’re so excited to share ‘Punchdrunk’ with the world. It’s been a long time coming and it’s one we really felt we couldn’t rush,” the band said in a press release. “It’s been awesome having the opportunity to get both Simon (Kither) and Adrian’s (Breakspear) input and really achieve our live sound in the studio.”

“Punchdrunk” comes from the EP Venice Queens are currently working on. The lads are currently on tour giving fans a sneaky listen to more new tracks to come. Catch them on their remaining dates.

25 January 2020 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (with Hey Baby, Flora Link, The Fools)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Bootleg Rascal)
15 February 2020 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (with Teenage Dads, Soda, Stacy Says)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cloe Terare Goes Acoustic For “Easy” Release

All too often production takes centre stage when electronic acts release singles. So it’s refreshing to hear Brisbane’s Cloe Terare strip her music back for her new single “Easy.” This treatment puts her heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice up front. Releasing a treatment that’s so raw might have been a difficult choice for other artists, but Cloe said it felt completely natural.

“We [Cloe and fellow electronic act DVNA] wrote it on the side of a big lake in the most beautiful rain forest area so whenever I sing it I picture myself there. It’s been produced a few times a few different ways but we decided it really sounds its most genuine and organic as the acoustic it was originally written as; so that’s how we are releasing it,’ she explained.

In keeping with the single’s no-frills release, the music video is a live-take studio session featuring the guitar skills of the Sunshine Coast’s Dorah Jacson. It’s got a beautiful, organic authenticity about it that I really warm to. With plenty of other collaborations in the works, we should be hearing a lot more from Cloe Terare.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eli Dan Releases Beautiful New Single, “Treading Water”

Melbourne pop duo Eli Dan give voice to the helplessness many Aussies feel with their new single “Treading Water.” While it wasn’t written about the bushfire crisis, the track perfectly echoes the sentiment in Australia right now.

While “Treading Water” comes from a place of heartache and struggle, there is also hope in these lyrics. After all, while you’re treading water your head is still above the surface. Keeping it up, digging deep into your resilience, keeps you alive. The song was inspired by the band’s struggles to make an impact in the competitive music industry. While it was recorded in singer Elisha Apurado’s home studio it has a big epic sound. And don’t her vocals give you chills?

Eli Dan will launch “Treading Water” at Kindred Studios in Yarraville on February 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Wild Releases Rocking Love Triangle Track, “You Wouldn’t Know”

Melbourne act Sienna Wild are giving me serious Eskimo Joe vibes with their latest single “You Wouldn’t Know.” It’s got a little more edge than your average pop-rock number, and that anthemic chorus really kicks things up a notch. To make sure you can sing along, the band has released a fantastic lyric video to compliment the song’s release.

“The sentiment behind the single came from me setting myself a challenge of writing from the perspective of a third-party in a break up,” explained Louis Goutus, Sienna Wild’s lead singer and bassist. “Up to that point, our writing had been about power within a relationship, whether it be during good times or bad. This time, I wanted to write a song about an outsider who becomes involved in a break up, as opposed to the two protagonists telling the story. It is essentially about a girl telling her boyfriend’s best friend she’s going to leave her man, but the boyfriend is too oblivious to realise. Hence, he ‘wouldn’t know’, but the friend does!”

The lads played a free show in Sydney last week, but there’s more where that came from.

“Fans can expect a tight rock performance full of swirling guitars, crashing choruses and compelling dynamics. You’ll see a band who have conviction and believe what they say, and mean what they do. A good time for all!”
If that sounds right up your alley, make sure you don’t miss the following Sienna Wild gigs.

9 January 2020 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
18 January 2020 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
31 January 2020 – The Tote, Collingwood

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Unbroken Expanse Will Rock Your Socks Off With “Go”

For many Aussies, today is the day we’ve been dreading, the day we head back to the office after that well-earned festive break. Days like that deserve rocking soundtracks to help fire us up. If you’re looking for a song that fits the bill, look no further than “Go,” the life-affirming new track from Northern Territory outfit Unbroken Expanse.

‘During the writing of ‘Go,’ my partner, Jess, was days from giving birth to our son, Elvis,” explained the band’s singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Wheezy. “His impending arrival made me think more and more about how his generation will need to connect with each other more than any generation before it … the song is a message to him, and to all of us, to maintain a progressive, positive view of the world as often as we can. To move forward. To ‘Go.’”

This band from Tennant Creek holds nothing back, and the song is richer for it. Turn it up loud and enjoy this one. Just don’t be surprised when you find yourself hitting play for another go round after it’s done. This is Aussie rock done right.

Unbroken Expanse will launch “Go” at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel on January 22.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MOBS Moving On With “Find Another You”

I’ve always felt Melbourne band MOBS were on the verge of greatness. With the release of their new single “Find Another You,” they’re inching ever closer to getting there.

This track sees the band coming of age with its glorious blend of melancholy and optimism. While the verses explore the pain of relationships, the joyous chorus reminds us that there will always be another day, and another person to make our hearts soar. Can we just take a moment to appreciate that sax line too? MOBS take their cues from retro synth-pop acts including Tears for Fears and Spandau Ballet along with modern masters like Passion Pit and LANY. It’s fresh, fun, but with a darkness that adds depth.

Inspiration came from the most unlikely of places, according to lead singer Jordan Clarey.

“’Find Another You’ is about the movie She’s All That,” he admitted. “Instead of being about a jerk turning a geeky girl into a popular girl, our song is about that jerk getting hurt and doing whatever he can to get over the fact that he’s vulnerable and just wants to be happy. This was a fun sidestep from the theme of writing about movies as this was us creating our own story inside of the movie”.

These guys had a busy 2019, playing shows in China, the US, and the UK, as well as here at home. With songs like “Find Another You” in their arsenal, we can expect 2020 to be even bigger. They’ll play a string of shows in North America next month and The Great Escape festival in the United Kingdom later this year. Catch MOBS at the following events and expect many more show announcements soon!

9 February 2020 – Set it Off @ Phantasy Nightclub, Lakewood
11 February 2020 – Set it Off @ Majestic Theatre, Madison
12 February 2020 – Set it Off @ TAK Music Venue, Dilworth
15 February 2020 – Set it Off @ The Rec Room, Calgary
18 February 2020 – Set it Off @ Biltmore Ballroom, Vancouver
13 May 2020 – The Great Escape, Brighton

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

World Travels Inspire Brandon Dodd’s Solo Debut, “Absolute”

At 24 years old, Brandon Dodd has experienced more like than most people from the Central Coast. He was just 19 when he was handpicked as the guitarist of Kasey Chambers band. That opportunity saw him travelling the world, both with the band and independently, collecting experiences that give his debut solo single “Absolute” a compelling maturity. He wrote the song about his time in Zambia, a locale he calls one of his “favourite places in the world.”

“Over the past couple of years I have been lucky enough to go over to teach music at a small school there called ‘Our Rainbow House’. That place now feels like my second home to me now. The amazing people that I have met through that school were the inspiration behind this song,” he explained. “My first time visiting Africa I could see that there was beauty in everything, the people, the culture, the landscapes, the animals. But the thing I love most about being at that school, with those kids and teachers in that little town is that it is real. It is absolute.”

While Coasties can see him playing local pubs and clubs, he’ll get the opportunity to front bigger audiences as the support act for the legendary Patty Griffin next March. If you have tickets to one of her shows, make sure you arrive early for his set!

1 March 2020 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan (supporting Patty Griffin)
3 March 2020 – Melbourne Recital Hall, Melbourne (supporting Patty Griffin)
5 March 2020 – The Capital, Bendigo (supporting Patty Griffin)
10 March 2020 – City Recital Hall, Sydney (supporting Patty Griffin)
12 March 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Patty Griffin)
13 March 2020 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore (supporting Patty Griffin)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sea Gypsies Release New Summer Anthem, “Mexico”

As a proud Coastie, I have a soft spot for great talent coming out of my local area. The Sea Gypsies are local stalwarts, but I’m always happy to hear more sweet tunes from this Central Coast indie rock outfit. “Mexico” is their latest effort, a stellar single that captures the hedonism of summer.

As you might expect, the song was inspired by frontman Luke Marlin’s adventures in South America. However, it was a trip that didn’t go quite as planned. In fact, he had to cut the holiday short after he was diagnosed with Dengue fever. In recovery on home soil, he wrote this song while reflecting on the wild trip that was.

The clip sees the lads in characteristic form, enjoying a laugh and refusing to take life too seriously.

“These guys are my friends; we go surfing together, rip on each other and order Dominos every band practice. We’re musicians, not actors, so we thought to ourselves, ‘Why not just have a laugh and shoot a video that we’d enjoy making?” said the band’s bassist, Jackson Burke.

“Mexico” is our first taste of new music from The Sea Gypsies in a while. Hear more of the new stuff and plenty of your favourites at the band’s upcoming shows.

25 January 2020 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
1 February 2020 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
7 February 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
8 February 2020 – Love Lanes Festival, Central Coast
16 February 2020 – North Gong, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Beehive PR