Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loren Kate Wows Me with “When You Leave”

I’m making a point of getting a little blogging done today. After a week of early starts and late finishes, of a workload that always seems insurmountable, I needed a little music therapy. I found it in the form of Loren Kate’s song “When You Leave.”

I was actually sent the presser of this song back in September, but I firmly believe that the right song finds you at the right time. “When You Leave” is just the kind of mellow I need to relax right now. And the song, which was actually inspired by Loren losing a loved one, is just the kind of thing I needed to hear to remind me to just be here now, and not stress about what’s to come.

This is just stunning. What a special song. It comes from Loren’s EP Til Night Meets the Sun, which is now on my “must hear” list. After playing shows in Nashville this month, she’ll return home for the following dates.

10 October 2015 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton (18+)
14 October 2015 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne (18+)
23 October 2015 – Red Mill Store, Bunbury (ALL AGES)
24 October 2015 – House Concert, Fremantle (PRIVATE CONCERT)
25 October 2015 – Kidogo Arthouse, Fremantle (ALL AGES)
31 October-1 November 2015 – Maldon Folk Festival, Maldon (ALL AGES)
7 November 2015 – Vegan Festival, Adelaide (ALL AGES; FREE)
8 November 2015 – The Cheese Factory Studio Gallery, Meadows (ALL AGES)
19 November 2015 – No.5, Bellingen (ALL AGES)
21-22 November 2015 – Mullum Music Fest, Mullumbimby (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Doctor Goddard Channel The Doors with “Without Love”

I almost dismissed Doctor Goddard as a bunch of Doors wannabes. The comparisons between the music they’re producing and the work of the legendary rock band are inescapable. But then I got to thinking and decided I might have been a little hasty.

Because the thing is, we don’t have The Doors anymore. Or at least, we don’t have the Jim Morrison fronted Doors, and anything that follows is never going to compare. Remaining members might tour from time to time, but they’re a band frozen, trying to recapture a time when they had one of the greatest lead singers the world had ever seen. But Blue Mountains outfit Doctor Goddard are here, making new music like their latest single “Without Love.” And if I’d never heard of The Doors, I would have judged this song on its own merits as something, dark, brooding, and really interesting.

If you dig what they do, make sure you get along to the single launch at Sydney’s Goodgod Small Club on October 2.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Les Miserables @ Capitol Theatre, 23 August 2015

Most of my concert reviews are about the performances of singers or bands. But after heading to Sydney to catch a performance of Les Miserables last weekend, I figured it was only right that I made time for a different kind of music review.

Ordinarily when I see a show I’m keen as mustard and my husband’s the slightly reluctant companion. It’s not that he doesn’t like music, but he’d generally rather have a night in with the stereo than see an artist in the flesh. However, when we learned Les Mis was coming to town, it was him who dragged me along. I’d seen the movie, again at his insistence, but it’s never been a musical that’s particularly resonated with me. But I couldn’t fail to be impressed with this latest production.

Where the most recent film adaptation was filled with big stars, the current Australian production has people who largely unknown outside the theatre world. The only name I recognised was the splendid Trevor Ashley playing Thénardier, and it took me some time to make the connection as I’m so used to seeing him in drag! Personally I think the lack of big names is a good thing for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it stops you getting pulled out of the story. These people can truly inhabit these characters because you’re never thinking about them being anywhere else. Also, clearly the creators were casting for talent over big names. I’m sure the creators of the Hollywood film could have found a stronger Javert, for example, but he likely wouldn’t have had the profile of Russell Crowe to get bums on seats.

The cast of this musical are stellar. I was floored by Simon Gleeson as Jean Valjean, who in my opinion might have done better than Hugh Jackman’s Oscar winning performance. Hayden Tee as Javert was every bit his equal. Kerrie Anne Greenland’s turn as Eponine was a much smaller role, but her performance of “On My Own” brought tears to my eyes. I can’t be sure which of the little boys played Gavroche when I saw it, but he was born to play that role. What a natural! It’s such a shame this production decided to omit “Little People”! It would had added even more poignancy to his untimely death.

The incredible cast were supported by a really beautiful set with excellent lighting effects that really brought the play to life. I wondered whether it would lose something for me being on the stage, without Hollywood special effects and that big budget, but it was so cleverly done. Javert’s death in particular was incredibly realistic.

I might not be as big a Les Mis fan as my husband, but I challenge anyone to be unmoved when the chorus of voices join in songs like “One More Day” and “Can You Hear the People Sing?” The current production of Les Miserables is a master stroke, and I’m so glad I was dragged along. If you’re living in Sydney and you’ve been considering going, don’t hesitate. You won’t be disappointed.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Holds On to Number One Spot on ARIA Charts

I missed writing about the charts last week when Delta Goodrem earned another number one single with “Wings,” but with her song standing firm and three Aussie artists debuting in the top five on the albums charts, I knew I had to get typing this week.

“Wings” is on line to become Delta’s longest standing number one. “Out of the Blue” lasted for three weeks at the top spot, but that was all pre-Voice, so it’ll be interesting to see whether this song has the legs to eclipse that record. She’s actually the only Aussie act in the singles top 10, but Vance Joy is climbing up the charts with “Fire and the Flood,” so hopefully he can keep her company soon.

It’s much rosier for Aussies on the album charts. Wales’ Bullet for my Valentine held out local acts at bay, Dead Letter Circus are nipping at their heels with Aesthesis. It’s their third album to debut at number two.
Right behind them at number three is everyone’s favourite rocker Jimmy Barnes with a compilation album Best of the Soul Years. If you don’t already have Soul Deep, Soul Deeper, and The Rhythm and the Blues, this is a must.

Fans have shown they were hungry for another Waifs album. Their first in four years, Beautiful You, sits at number five on debut.

After a big showing last week, The Rubens have slipped to number nine with Hoops.

Click below for this week’s top 10s.

Top 10 Albums
1. Venom – Bullet for my Valentine
2. Aesthesis – Dead Letter Circus
3. Best of the Soul Years – Jimmy Barnes
4. Compton – Dr Dre
5. Beautiful You – The Waifs
6. 1989 – Taylor Smith
7. X – Ed Sheeran
8. Title – Meghan Trainor
9. Hoops – The Rubens
10. Chaos and the Calm – James Bay

Top 10 Singles
1. “Wings” – Delta Goodrem
2. “How Deep is Your Love” – Calvin Harris & Disciples
3. “Can’t Feel My Face” – The Weeknd
4. “Are You With Me (Original Mix)” – Lost Frequencies
5. “Ghost Town” – Adam Lambert
6. “Peanut Butter Jelly” – Galantis
7. “That’s How You Know” – Nico & Vinz feat. Kid Ink & Bebe Rexha
8. “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” – Meghan Trainor feat. John Legend
9. “Do It Again” – Pia Mia feat. Chris Brown & Tyga
10. “Get Stupid” – Aston Merrygold

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amateur Hour TV Brings Aussie Music and More to the Web

When I was younger, there was plenty of live music on TV. My parents weren’t into Countdown, but I remember tuning in to catch bands play on Hey Hey It’s Saturday. Later there was always a live performance on Rove Live and The Panel. I even remember seeing a lot of cool acts on Good Morning Australia and Midday. Today RocKwiz brings us live music when it’s on, The Loop’s started to give us live interviews and performances, and the morning shows and singing reality programs are happy to book acts once they’ve hit the mainstream, but we don’t see nearly as much live music. Where do young artists go when they release a single or album?

Well, next month they’ll probably start heading to Amateur Hour TV, a new half hour-ish web series created by Laura Imbruglia. Each episode promises to feature live performances, interviews, comedy skits, and other assorted entertainment filmed in Melbourne’s bars and rehearsal spaces.

Laura created the series after lamenting the lack of Australian variety shows. She insisted she’d make her own, and after asking for volunteers to join her quickly amassed a crew of more than 30 willing folks. They’ve pulled the show together on a shoestring, and it deserves your attention.

Episode one of the six episode pilot season will hit the web on September 1. New episodes will air every two weeks. Head to the Amateur Hour TV website and subscribe to the channel to stay up to date with everything Amateur Hour TV.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Billy Fox Covers Farnsy

I always love an interesting cover version. It’s so exciting when an artist can make me look at a song differently and reveal parts of the lyrics I hadn’t tapped in to before. So in that spirit, check out Billy Fox’s take on John Farnham’s 80s classic, “Pressure Down.”

“I originally did an arrangement of it at live shows with no plans to release it, until fans kept asking how they could get their hands on it,” explained the Sydney-based songwriter. “So I rearranged it in my studio and sent my arrangement to Sesta (The Funkoars) who added some more drums and other sounds to it”.

I know this stripped back cover isn’t going to appeal to everyone, but I think this unique cover really works. Love it or hate it, I’d love to know what you think!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Safia Deliver Cute Amish Inspired Clip

I’ve long been fascinated with the Amish, so I was thrilled to see Safia’s looked to this religious sect to inspire their new clip for “Embracing Me.” It tells the story of the star-crossed relationship of two ridiculously good-looking Amish folk beautifully, and the song’s not bad either just quietly. Look out for the Canberra trip amongst the clip’s cast.

Safia are currently promoting “Embracing Me” with shows all around the country which are selling out at a great rate of knots. These will be Safia’s last shows for the year, and looking at the number of sold out dates they’re bound to be big.

15 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, Darwin
20 August¬ 2015 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
21 August 2015 – Bended Elbow, Geelong
22 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
23 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
25 August 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 August 2015 – Wollongong Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
29 August 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
30 August 2015 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
2 September 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
3 September 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2015 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
9 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES)
10 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
11 September 2015 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
12 September 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra
18 September 2015 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
19 September 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (SOLD OUT)
20 September 2015 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
21 September 2015 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Unwind with Tim Wheatley’s “Valerie”

After a busy working week, we all need to shift gears and start winding down. Tim Wheatley can help you get into the right frame of mind with his cruisy new single “Valerie.” This is a world away from the upbeat track Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson made famous a few years back. It’s perfectly chilled folky acoustic goodness, with a dreamy slide guitar and the sort of husky vocals that make me melt. Or perhaps that’s just the sight of Tim himself?

Anyway, if you love his music or you’re just a bit smitten too, make sure to check out Tim’s album Cast of Yesterday when it hits stores on August 28. He’s currently supporting the release with dates all around the East Coast, so get along to one of the following shows for your folk fix.

14 August 2015 – The Vanguard, Sydney
16 August 2015 – Central Park, Sydney
20 August 2015 – Café Del Mar, Sydney
21 August 2015 – Illawarra Brewery, Wollongong
22 August 2015 – Howlin’ Wolf, Wollongong
23 August 2015 – The Soda Factory, Sydney
27 & 28 August 2015 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympit
29 August 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
30 August 2015 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
2 September 2015 – Café del Mar, Sydney
4 September 2015 – The Metro, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Playwrite Remember Past with “Animals Housed” Clip

Playwrite have released a gorgeous anthemic new track “Animals Housed.” I love the way it builds to a fist pumping conclusion. But perhaps more than the song itself, I love the video that accompanies it.

You see, the band’s guitarist Patrick Holcombe lost his mum and dad in the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009. They were trying to defend their family home in Kinglake National Park. The home took his parents more than 25 years to build. They raised their children there. Yet after the fire tore through, there was nothing left but crumbling mud bricks and scraps of metal and pottery.

It was around this time that Patrick started making music with his mate Jordan White. “Animals Housed” was one of their earliest tracks.

Over the years, Patrick has spent a lot of time at his parents’ property in Kinglake. He built a cabin there, which doubles as writing and recording space, and he planted some fruit trees in memory of his parents. So it’s only fitting that Kinglake provides the backdrop for this clip.

“The only place that seemed right to make a video of this song was back up at Kinglake with the people who have supported us and our music since the very beginning,” Patrick explained. “So we threw a party, with our friends and we filmed it.”

So now that you know the story, check out the clip, which celebrates today while always remembering the past.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Neville Makes Her Mark with “On My Own”

“On My Own” by Lucy Neville is one of those songs I’ve wanted to write about for a little while. I actually received a private stream in an email a couple of weeks ago, and while I dug her Ellie Goulding-esque vibe, I really hate writing about stuff that I can’t show you all.

So I left it until now, when the clip has been listed as a must see video on VEVO’s homepage. I’d really glad it’s getting some public exposure, because it’s a great song. I love Lucy’s voice, and the easy way she blends pop, folk, and electronica. The lyrics are also superb; little wonder it saw her placed as a finalist in the Vanda & Young Songwriting competition.

There’s definitely a bright future ahead for this 19-year-old from Sydney.