Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Didirri Moves Me With “Jude”

After wowing Brisbane at Bigsound, Didirri is ready to show the rest of the East Coast what he can do. His tour announcement coincides with the release of his brand new video for “Jude.”

The track hits you right in the feels with its honest delivery and organic sound. There’s no artifice here. What a breath of fresh air this Melbourne singer-songwriter is.

“Jude came out of me on the eve of a friend contemplating their own life,” Didirri explained. “It is a reflection of finding myself in a similar mind to this at times. Feeling that there is no way out. And knowing that these thoughts are chemical and will pass and hearing those words “take a sad song and make it better” and hoping that you’ll be there after all of your thoughts have passed.”

If you’re as moved by this song as me, you won’t want to miss seeing Didirri when he visits your neck of the woods.

16 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
25 & 26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
1 December 2017 – Waywards, Sydney
2 December 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
3 December 2017 – NYE on the Hill Festival, Gippsland

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Johnny Rock Covers Beatles for Marriage Equality

I’ve been a passionate supporter of marriage equality for years before we were debating plebiscites and postal surveys. I remember vividly when America granted marriage equality so quickly and decisively thinking perhaps the tide was turning and we wouldn’t be kept waiting too much longer. But here we are, in the middle of a period of Australian history that has unearthed so much hate and bigotry.

The sunny spot though has been the heartfelt messages of support for the Yes campaign, the way that people from all walks of life have banded together and been so vocal in solidarity for this cause. Johnny Rock of Pretty City added his voice and a whole lot of glitter to the Yes campaign recently with his cover of The Beatles “Real Love.” Because spreading a little love when there’s so much hate and anger can only be a good thing.

Johnny hopes to start a movement and encourage other musicians to record their own love song covers to help balance the hateful rhetoric. If you do, make sure to use the hashtag #lovesongsforequality. And if you’re not musical, why not lip sync something?

“I’ve have many friends who have become really upset about the negativity out there. I’ve had friends deactivate their social media accounts because it was all getting too much,” he explained. “You can support your mates with likes and hearts all you want but there’s a point where even the strongest people start to break down. So as a muso I thought I could do something else to not only support marriage equality but maybe ease some of the pain out there.”

So however you can, get involved. It’s a dark time in Australia, but your efforts can make it a little brighter.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leopold’s Treat Playing Hometown Show at Tally Valley Hall

Tallebudgera Valley’s own Leopold’s Treat are giving back to their local community with a very special show on October 7.

Music lovers can expect an evening of acoustic tunes in a family-friendly atmosphere. There’ll be a meditation session at sunset, fabulous food, and plenty of good vibes. Another local talent, Felicity Lawless, will also play a set. Money raised will also benefit animal and environmental charities. What a great opportunity to come together with your neighbours and hear some great music from your backyard? This video gives you a little indication of the kind of fun you’re in for!

If you live in the area, make sure you get along to Tallebudgera Valley Community Hall on October 7. It all kicks off at 4 pm, and with tickets costing $30 for adults and $10 for kids, it’s a pretty affordable night out. Get yours now from Yapsody.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes Join Shanley Del For Beautiful New Single

I don’t always warm to country music, especially the kind of country that sticks to the genre’s roots. Yet in spite of that, “The Basics of Love,” a new collaboration from Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes and ARIA award winner Shanley Del has won me over.

It’s the strength of the songwriting that does it for me I think. It’s so true and vivid, creating the story of these two people making their way through the world and their emotions. Lachlan cowrote the track with his Wildes bandmate Damian Cafarella and Melbourne songwriter Nia Robertson.

“Nia had the original idea for the song and I loved it immediately,” Lachlan said in a press release. “It’s kind of like a scene from an old film – just a moment in time where a couple of characters are replaying all their mistakes in their heads. They’re at the bar together, but they’re very much alone – for now.”

Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes will capitalise on the release of “The Basics of Love” with a run of shows next year, including appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly’s New Single is Out of This World

Melbourne rockers Slowly Slowly continue their winning ways with their epic new single “Aliens.”

I absolutely love this track. It starts small but builds to the kind of crescendo that encourages you to punch your fist in the air and sing along.

Slowly Slowly frontman Ben Stewart says “”the song is a stream of consciousness, equal parts self-loathing and self-pity. I wrote it in my car on my phone in about four minutes. I guess that’s why it kind of sucks.”

It doesn’t.

“Aliens” comes from Slowly Slowly’s forthcoming second album. If you love the song, you can score a 7” with two versions of “Aliens” and the live track “Dinosaurs” from Slowly Slowly’s Bandcamp page. They’ll launch the single in front of hometown fans at Howler in October before joining Something for Kate on their national tour.

6 October 2017 – Howler, Melbourne (single launch)
10 November 2017 – Manning Bar, Sydney (with Something for Kate)
11 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane (with Something for Kate)
17 November 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide (with Something for Kate)
18 November 2017 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (with Something for Kate)
24 November 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (with Something for Kate)

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lenka Releases Stunning New Single “Heal”

Lenka has offered us a taste of her new album Attune ahead of its October 13 release. The lead single “Heal” is a gentle pop ballad with introspective lyrics, the result of a collaborative songwriting session over tea with Sally Seltmann.

If you love “Heal,” you’re in luck. Preorder Attune now and you’ll receive a digital copy of “Heal” and another song “Lucky” to enjoy while you’re waiting for the album. Speaking of the album, it sounds very cool with a papercraft diorama sculpture piece part of its unique packaging. As someone who’s long bemoaned the death of interesting liner notes, I’m impressed.

Lenka will celebrate Attune’s release with a show at Los Angeles’ Hotel Café on October 17 and another at New York’s Mercury Lounge on October 19. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see her back on home soil.

Image used with permission from Wiking PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ricki-Lee Releases Incredible New Single “Not Too Late”

When Ricki-Lee was unceremoniously booted from Australian Idol well before her time, it was called one of the great scandals of TV history. People still talk about how she was robbed. There’s no doubting her talent, yet somehow despite all that chatter her career has never quite taken off as the careers of some other former Idols have.

My theory is that she’s never released the right song. Her upbeat pop numbers have been fun but ultimately forgettable. But I think she’s on to a winner with “Not Too Late.” On her Facebook page, Ricki-Lee wrote that she poured her heart into the track, and it shows. It’s such a special song and hopefully signals a new, more soulful era of music from this talented Aussie.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neighbourhood Youth Knock It Out of the Park With “Lately”

After selling out their Melbourne EP launch and supporting big name acts like British India and Dappled Cities last year, Melbourne’s Neighbourhood Youth have generated plenty of buzz. They show us why with the release of new single “Lately.”

It’s a whirlwind of track clocking in at just over two minutes, but what the band achieves in a short space of time is mesmerising. It rocks hard with a frenetic energy that should have you punching your fists by the time the chorus rolls around.

Melbournites are in luck with a couple of hometown shows announced for the coming weeks. Catch them at Old Bar tomorrow, September 17, and Yah Yah’s on October 7.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah McLeod Releases “Wild Hearts” And Extends Tour

Female rock voices don’t come much stronger than Sarah McLeod’s. Even when she’s releasing ballads like her new single “Wild Hearts,” there’s a power to her vocals that’s undeniable.

This song has much more than powerhouse vocals on its side though. It also demonstrates Sarah’s knack for simple but powerful storytelling through her lyrics. The understated guitar lets you take in those words and the special way Sarah delivers them.

“Wild Hearts” comes from Sarah’s recently released, self-produced album Rocky’s Diner, her first solo effort in 12 years. As you can imagine, after such a long wait fans are keen to see Sarah doing her thing. So she’s extended her national tour with many more dates. Here are all the places you can see her play near the end of the year. Tickets to the new shows, the ones from November 5 onwards, go on sale through Oztix on September 21.

5 October 2017 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
6 October 2017 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
7 October 2017 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
8 October 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
12 October 2017 – 48 Watt, Newcastle
13 October 2017 – The Baroque Room, Katoomba
15 October 2017 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
25 October 2017 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
26 October 2017 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
27 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
3 November 2017 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
4 November 2017 – Club 54, Launceston
5 November 2017 – Jive, Adelaide
29 November 2017 – The Curtin, Melbourne
30 November 2017 – The Basement, Canberra
2 December 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
7 December 2017 – The Hen House @ Badlands Bar, Perth
8 December 2017 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
9 December 2017 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
15 December 2017 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
16 December 2017 – The Lansdowne, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lindi Ortega Announces Aussie Shows to Support EP Release

I must admit, I hadn’t heard of Canadian singer Lindi Ortega until a press release publicising her upcoming Aussie tour hit my inbox. However, after listening to her new EP ‘Til the Goin’ Gets Gone, her name isn’t one that I’d forget in a hurry.

She has such a wonderful textured tone and a classic country-folk feel to her music which makes it instantly accessible. She also surrounds herself with top-notch musicians like slide guitar guru James “Champagne” Robertson, who will join her on her Australian tour.

The EP features some stellar originals as well as this awesome cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Waiting ‘Round to Die.”

Lindi Ortega plays the following headline shows and festivals during her time in Oz.

16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
19 November 2017 – Camelot Lounge, Sydney
21 November 2017 – Coogee Diggers, Coogee
23 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
24 November 2017 – Caravan Music Club, Melbourne
24-26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music