Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Highlight Mental Health Issues With “Finger Painting”

Last week Saskwatch released “Finger Painting” through headspace.org.au to coincide with Mental Health Week. I think initiatives like Mental Health Week and R U OK? Day are important for starting the conversation, but I also think it’s vital that we don’t just wait for a special day or week to talk about mental health issues. Because as anyone who’s struggled with them knows, managing the symptoms can be a year round battle.

So while Mental Health Week has passed, I think it’s still important to get this song out there. It details band member Liam McGorry’s own struggles with anxiety and depression.

“With Finger Painting, I wanted to contrast the anxious lyric with the happiness of the music… a bit like how a lot of the time we feel like we have to put up a facade of everything being okay…” he explained.

“Finger Painting” comes from Saskwatch’s fourth studio album Manual Override. They’re currently touring the album all over the country. Here’s where you can still catch them play. Seeing live music can be great therapy in my personal experience, but remember if you’re struggling that professional help is also available. Visiting the Headspace website is a great place to start.

21 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
26 October 2017 – Strawberry Boogie, Wollongong
27 October 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 October 2017 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 October 2017 – Long Jetty Hotel, Long Jetty
2 November 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
3 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane
4 November 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
18 November 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

With Confidence Break Hearts With “Waterfall”

Sydney’s With Confidence know how to pump out a big punk-rock belter, but I think I like them best when they’re showing a softer side. They won me over with “Long Night” earlier this year, and now I’m just as taken by their latest single “Waterfall.” The verses are delicate while the chorus is heartbreakingly epic, a desperate plea for lost love.

“Our video for ‘Waterfall’ is an exploration of technology’s effect on the modern relationship,” vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley stated. “We live in a world where instant-gratification has devalued honest human interaction. This video is a look into a likely future where we find ourselves more distanced than ever.”

“Waterfall” comes from With Confidence’s most recent album Better Weather, which is available through iTunes, Spotify, and With Confidence’s online store. The band is currently wowing U.S. crowds supporting Knuckle Puck. Catch them at the following venues.

17 October 2017 – Neumos, Seattle
18 October 2017 – Hawthorne, Portland
20 October 2017 – 924 Gilman, Berkeley
21 October 2017 – Glasshouse, Pomona
22 October 2017 – Teragram, Los Angeles
23 October 2017 – The Irenic, San Diego
24 October 2017 – The Nile, Mesa
26 October 2017 – RBC, Dallas
27 October 2017 – Come and Tak It, Austin
28 October 2017 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2017 – Rocketown, Nashville
31 October 2017 – Masquerade, Atlanta
1 November 2017 – The Social, Orlando
2 November 2017 – Kelsey Theater, Lake Park
3 November 2017 – Crowbar, Tampa
4 November 2017 – Cats Cradle, Carrboro
5 November 2017 – Canal Club, Richmond
7 November 2017 – Soundstage, Baltimore
8 November 2017 – The TLA, Philadelphia
9 November 2017 – House of Independence, Asbury Park
10 November 2017 – Irving Plaza, New York City
11 November 2017 – The Ballroom, Hamden
12 November 2017 – Paradise, Boston
14 November 2017 – Mr. Smalls, Pittsburgh
15 November 2017 – Opera House, Toronto
16 November 2017 – Waiting Room, Buffalo
17 November 2017 – Agora Ballroom, Cleveland
18 November 2017 – St. Andrews, Detroit
19 November 2017 – Skullys, Columbus

Image used with permission from Hopeless Records/copyright Brendan Lung

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stems Celebrate Debut Album’s 30th Anniversary

“At First Sight” by The Stems is one of the real unsung gems to come out of Australia in the 80s. Now The Stems are remembering that song and others from their 1987 debut At First Sight Violets are Blue with an album reissue and tour.

Citadel Records will rerelease the long deleted album as a limited edition 30th anniversary digipack on November 3. The new release is worth getting even if you’ve got the original; it’s been totally remastered and there are three bonus tracks as well. If you prefer things a little bit old school, look for the vinyl edition out early next year.

The Stems will stop by capital cities around the country next year.

9 November 2017 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
10 November 2017 – Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
11 November 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide
17 November 2017 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tinpan Orange Ready to Tour “Wanderers” Single

With their tour kicking off in a couple of short weeks, it seemed the perfect time to introduce you to Tinpan Orange’s dreamy new single “Wanderers.” The song pushes the boundaries of folk music with its unique string arrangements and lush layered sound. The video, captured by Sinem Saban, is also stunning.

“This clip was made at my friend Sinem’s house, using her daughter’s dolls, as our kids ran wild around us,” explained Emily Lubitz. “It’s about capturing an introspective and phlegmatic mood and putting it next to the dynamic scenes of Annie Oakley riding her horse with great purpose and flare. It’s about what we dream of doing while we sit, unmotivated in our bedrooms. The song has other layers to it as it also describes the feelings around a miscarriage I had earlier in the year but the clip doesn’t touch on that. Some things are meant to be heard and not seen.”

Tinpan Orange will play the following shows to celebrate the release of “Wanderers.” Get your tickets now from the Tinpan Orange website.

20 October 2017 – The Workers Club, Geelong
21 October 2017 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
3 November 2017 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
4 November 2017 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
10 November 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
17 November 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
18 & 19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
25 November 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

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