Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mallrat On the Up

She might be just 19, but already emerging MC Mallrat has achieved more in her career than many people twice her age. Her debut EP Univited clocked up 14 million streams, she’s played every Aussie festival that matters including Splendour, Falls, Beyond the Valley, and Come Together, and she’s supported heavy hitters like Post Malone, Peking Duk, and the man who inspired her to make her own music, Allday.

As the story goes, the talented Brisbane teen was so inspired by an Allday concert that she headed home and started to make her own music. She connected with Allday’s producer and collaborator Tigerilla, recorded her debut EP, and the rest is history.

The hype around Mallrat shows no signs of slowing down either. She’s currently wowing crowds on her sold out all ages tour promoting her new single “Better,” which already has more than two million streams. With youth on her side, expect even bigger things from Mallrat.

Image used with permission from Universaal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brilliant Benjamin Booker Announces Bluesfest Sideshows

I must admit, I meant to write about Benjamin Booker’s Bluesfest sideshows yesterday but I fell down the Spotify rabbit hole with his music instead. Writing about him fell low down my priority list as I relished the opportunity to listen to his gritty blend of soul and blues.

If you want to know what Benjamin is all about, wrap your ears around this live version of Witness, the title track from his 2017 album. A socially charged anthem exploring the racial tensions facing the United States, it’s just one of many wonderful tracks I listened to yesterday.

Whether you’re a fan or, like me, you’ve just discovered his brilliance, you won’t want to miss these shows. See him at Sydney’s Factory Theatre on March 29 or Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on March 31.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paddy McHugh Tackles Suicide In “Down to Sydney” Single

Paddy McHugh pulls no punches with his latest single “Down to Sydney.” From the first few lines you’re hooked, wondering where this hard-hitting country-rock track will take you.

“Suicide rates in Australia are high, too high, especially for young men in rural areas. ‘Down to Sydney’ is a story that has no doubt played out many times in every small town across the country,” Paddy explained. “In the song however, the protagonist finds another way out … I guess I want people to realise that there are alternatives and there is hope even in the most unlikely places.”

“Down to Sydney” comes from Paddy’s 2017 album City Bound Trains. His Down to Sydney tour kicks off tonight in Maitland and travels around New South Wales.

18 January 2018 – Junkyard Hotel, Maitland
19-21 January 2018 – Illawarra Folk Festival, Illawarra
21 January 2018 – Midnight Special Newtown
22 January 2018 – Americana in the Park, Tamworth
25 January 2018 – Cake & Cordial Sessions, Tamworth
26 January 2018 – DAG Sheepstation, Nundle

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Down & Out Team Up With Nick Thompson For Debut Single “Horizon”

In the tradition of Simple Plan and All Time Low comes Brisbane’s own Down & Out. This pop-punk group has just released its debut single “Horizon,” but it seems the lads have already found a fan in Nick Thompson, the frontman of American pop-punk band Hit the Lights, who features on the new track.

The song isn’t perfect by any means. But while it lacks polish, there’s something irresistible about it. I found myself tapping my toes as I listened, then hitting play again for another go round.
“The song is all about those endless nights out as a band” said singer/songwriter Andy. “We’ve had some crazy times and wanted the video to flow from that feeling, from the road trip, to heading out… and playing in the hotel room” added guitarist Mark.

Pop-punk might not be enjoying its time in the sun at the moment, but you shouldn’t expect these boys from Bayside to change any time soon.

“We have always been pretty true to our music and our tastes. We were always pop/punk and will always be,” said Mark. “When the other bands moved from pop/punk to emo, we were doing pop/punk. Then the same bands did a screamo album, we were still doing pop/punk. It’s either admirable …or stupid”.

“I tried playing in different bands with different styles, but pop punk was what felt like home,” added Andy.

You can tune in to more of Down & Out’s pop-punk tunes when they launch their single and EP for hometown fans. Catch them at Ric’s on January 20 for the single launch and at The Zoo on February 2 for the EP release show.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis Drop Christmas Clip Ahead of Aussie Tour

British siblings Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are getting fans into the festive spirit and excited about their upcoming Aussie tour with the release of the new video for single “Just One Kiss.” The simple clip sees the trio playing live at their home studio, which is appropriately decorated for the holidays.

This is a stripped back version of the track that appears on Kitty, Daisy & Lewis’ Superscope album, and I think I love it even more. It’s closer to how the track was originally conceived, with just Kitty singing and her guitar, before Lewis suggesting adding the piano and strings.

“The song’s about how a magic kiss can change your life,” the band said. “Kitty wrote it one night sitting in front of the fire playing guitar – perfect for all the lovers out there at Christmas time!”

Their Aussie tour is one for all the lovers too. It kicks off in Sydney on Valentine’s Day.

14 February 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
15 February 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 February 2018 – Perth Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Inertia Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tonight Alive Lay Heart Bare With Sensational New Single

Never one to take a backwards step, Tonight Alive have released a powerful new single “Crack My Heart.” With emotional lyrics and a killer vocal performance from Jenna McDougall, this is one track that knows how to leave an impression.

“The concept of cracking the heart is to allow the precious, vulnerable self to come through and be free. The painful, yet liberating experience involves the emotional and energetic decalcification of the hardened heart,” Jenna explained. “The lyrics follow my conversation with a ‘winged man’, a conscious figure, who offers space and safety to do my healing with. In my experience, when you are seen as your authentic self by another, you come to recognise your reflection more accurately and lovingly. ‘Crack My Heart’ is a tribute to the way that love from the divine masculine elevates and holds space for the divine feminine to flourish.”

“Crack My Heart” comes from Tonight Alive’s new album Underworld, which will drop on January 12.

Image used with permission from the Unified Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley: Partners in Life and Touring

Brooke MyClymont is taking a little time out from her family band to release music with the man in her life, Adam Eckersley. One of those songs is “Train Wreck,” a track which hopefully doesn’t describe their own relationship! It comes from their self-titled album Adam & Brooke, which will hit stores on February 9.

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley performed a string of acoustic shows in June and July and they enjoyed it so much they’ll do it again next year. The Highway Sky Tour will play capital cities and plenty of regional centres. If they’re not coming to your town, don’t worry. This already extensive tour will get more dates soon! Expect to hear the couple’s collaborations and your favourite McClymonts and Adam Eckersley Band songs too at the following shows.

9 February 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
10 February 2018 – Coast Hotel, Budgewoi
23 February 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
24 February 2018 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
2 March 2018 – Armidale Ex Serviceman’s Club, Armidale
3 March 2018 – Southwest Rocks Country Club, Southwest Rocks
8 March 2018 – Leftys Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
9 March 2018 – Lone Star Tavern, Gold Coast
10 March 2018 – South Acacia Ridge Sports Club, Brisbane South
16 & 17 March 2018 – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton
6 April 2018 – Young Services Club, Young
7 April 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
12 April 2018 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 April 2018 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
14 April 2018 – Gateway Hotel, Geelong
26 April 2018 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
27 April 2018 – Leadbelly, Newtown
29 April 2018 – Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail
11 May 2018 – Brothers Leagues, Cairns
12 May 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
13 May 2018 – Mt Pleasant, Mackay
15 May 2018 – Glenmore Tavern, Rockhampton
16 May 2018 – Hervey Road Tavern, Gladstone
17 May 2018 – Melbourne Hotel, Bundaberg
18 May 2018 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
19 May 2018 – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beautiful @ Lyric Theatre, Sydney – 10 December 2017

I was seeing musicals before I ever saw a concert. The music of Carole King has been a constant comfort in my life. So when I heard of the musical Beautiful’s creation, I was so hopeful it would eventually land on Australian shores. My parents saw it on Broadway and raved about it, and that only heightened my anticipation. But could it possibly live up to all that hype. For me it’s an emphatic yes.

The performance of Esther Hannaford as Carole is the lynchpin of this performance and she excels. Carole has such a unique way about her and Esther captures her voice and mannerisms without ever becoming a caricature. She’s supported beautifully by other key players: Josh Piterman as the troubled, complex love of her life Gerry Goffin, Amy Lehpamer as her vivacious and loyal friend and fellow songwriter of note Cynthia Weil, and Mat Verevis as Cynthia’s own songwriting partner and beau Barry Mann. While this isn’t Weil and Mann’s musical, as a fan of their music I was excited to learn a little more about the lives of the creators. The chorus of minor players was also exceptional. They brought us The Drifters, The Shirelles, Little Eva, and the songwriters of Don Kirshner’s Dimension Records in a such superb voice and retro fashion.

The music of the era, especially the songs of Carole King, both on her own and with Gerry Goffin, are key to Beautiful’s success. But the story is no afterthought. It’s told with heartbreak and humour drawing the viewer in and helping them understand more about these songs that are such a part of the upbringing of many of us. The players weren’t there just because they could sing and dance well, but also because they could bring the right emotional note to that story. It was a curious decision to refer to a “Nick” who encouraged Carole as she broke away from Gerry and resolved to start a new musical journey in California, when it so easily could have been James Taylor. But this was really my only quibble as I watched Carole transition from teenage Carole Klein to the Grammy-Award winning Carole King playing Carnegie Hall.

Beautiful is at Sydney’s Lyric Theatre until February 4. It will then travel to Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kayar Releases Fresh New Single “Long Way Home”

Kayar reinterprets the traditional South Indian sounds he grew up with into something funky and fresh with his own music. A second-generation immigrant born in Western Sydney, he’s just released a brand new single “Long Way Home.”

I couldn’t help thinking about early Jason Mraz as I listened to this track. There’s a similar rhythmic sensibility and purity to his vocals. I lost touch with Mraz’s music somewhere along the way as it lost a bit of its quirk; Kayar might just be the artist I need to fill the void he left!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dom Youdan Releases Stunning New Single “Tigerlily”

All too often it seems we lose our most talented musicians to overseas. So it’s great to hear a real talent has left another country to join us here in Oz. Once you listen to his new single “Tigerlily,” I’m sure you’ll be as thrilled as I am that London-born muso Dom Youdan has decided to call Sydney home.

The track has a folky feel that’s been freshened up with modern recording techniques. The lyrics which speak of the love that brought him here to Australia are also so beautiful. As a woman whose husband chased her to the land Down Under, the song has really struck a chord with me.

It hasn’t taken long for Dom to get to know our local scene. He’s already taking inspiration from the likes of Matt Corby, Julia Jacklin, and Flume. With a single as strong as “Tigerlily” under his belt, the future looks bright for Dom.

Image used with permission from Inmocean