Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brace Yourself for Bill Parton Trio’s “Stalker Man”

Bill Parton Trio’s new music video for “Stalker Man” does warn viewers that it contains explicit content, but I didn’t quite expect the overweight naked man eating an apple that greeted me in the clip. The funny thing is, I’m not even sure that he’s the most disturbing man in this music video.

It’s the brainchild of award-winning film maker Tim Pine, who’s now worked with the South Australian outfit four times. And according to the band, they’re planning to collaborate again at least once more before the year’s out.

I like “Stalker Man” and its clip, but they’ve also thoroughly creeped me out. Right about now I’m thrilled that I’m happily coupled up and not out there dating!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Héloise Speaks to me with “This is Home”

It’s kind of appropriate that the first song that’s caught my attention since returning home and getting back to blogging is called “This is Home.” Héloise’s latest single officially dropped yesterday, but it’s already caught the ears of critics who awarded it the major prize at the 2014 Melbourne Music Bank. As part of the prize the song was rerecorded at Sing Sing Studios, a process which has given it the spit and polish it deserves.

I like that Sing Sing didn’t try to do too much to this song. It’s still got an earthy, organic folkiness, a purity that lets the lyrics and Héloise’s lovely voice shine. Those lyrics really speak to me. Héloise is Tasmanian born and bred, but the creative culture of her adopted home of Melbourne, the place she now calls home, inspired the tune. I felt the same way coming back to the Central Coast this week. I was raised in Newcastle and there’s part of me that will always be in the Steel City, but getting back to this place where I laid down roots and bought a house was pretty special.

Héloise will launch “This is Home” at Melbourne’s Workers Club on April 30. She’ll release her debut EP later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In Hearts Wake Release Doco Ahead of Skydancer Release

Byron Bay metalcore act In Hearts Wake are set to release their new album Skydancer, a companion piece to last year’s Earthwalker. Both albums were actually recorded in the same session back in 2013. Skydancer’s release was hinted at last year, when a hidden booklet in the Earthwalker CD contained the lyrics to current single “Breakaway,” but fans didn’t really know what they were until now.

I was fascinated to hear vocalist Jake Taylor talking about the relationship between the masculine and feminine worlds that inspired this twin release. At close to nine minutes, the documentary accompanying Skydancer’s release might be a little long for an internet audience, but it makes for compelling viewing. Seriously, grab yourself a cup of tea and check it out.

Skydancer will hit stores on May 1. In Hearts Wake will celebrate the album’s release with the following shows.
28 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (Under 18)
29 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (18+)
30 May 2015 – Roundhouse, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
31 May 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (Licensed/All Ages)
2 June 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages)
3 June 2015 – Metropolis, Fremantle (18+)
4 June 2015 – HQ, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
5 June 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+)
6 June 2015 – Arrows, Melbourne (All Ages)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dex Releases Fly Tune

One of the greatest things about the Australian hip hop scene is that it remembers what the genre should be about. Most American rappers might care more about bling and bitches, but our local acts are penning poignant songs with real substance.

The latest of this new breed is Dex, a 16-year-old wunderkind from Melbourne. He loves Bliss & Eso and Hilltop Hoods, but he’s no copycat. With his new single “Fly” he showcases his gift for crafting heartfelt lyrics and delivering cutting rhymes. He’s not just good for 16; he’s just good.

“Fly” comes from Dex’s mixtape Something to Say, which drops on April 20. He’ll launch it with shows at Fitzroy’s Laundry Bar on April 10 and 11.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Adventure Land, Not Just Another Pop-Rock Act

Pop-rock almost got to be a dirty word for a while there. It started to describe music that was accessible but bland, background music that satisfied people who listened to solely to commercial radio. So when I saw the term “pop-rockers” on Adventure Land’s press release I braced myself for a whole lot of beige. But these guys do it right with their new single “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.”

Perhaps it’s because their music is entirely self-funded. They’ve had to struggle a little bit, and that shows in the music. They actually formed five years ago, when they were teenagers, and they’ve just been slogging away, learning their craft and evolving as artists.

“Our previous stuff was like a plate of chocolate brownies at fat camp: sweet, dense and would go pretty fast,” explained Tim Dennis. “Our new stuff is like a New York deli sandwich, more diverse, easier to sink your teeth into and overall more satisfying.”

Apparently Adventure Land put on one hell of a live show, so if you’re in Brisbane and over 18 make sure you head to The Zoo on April 11 for the single launch.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karnivool Celebrate Themata’s Release with 10 Year Anniversary Tour

A decade ago a band from Perth put together whatever cash they could find to fund their debut album. That album became Themata, a labour of blood, sweat, and tears for Karnivool. A lot has changed since that time. They don’t have to scrounge for cash to record. They’re known throughout the world, and they can sell out shows in London as easily as they can here in Oz.

Usually Karnivool focus on looking forward, but this autumn they’re treating local fans to a special retrospective tour. They’ll play all the tracks from Themata, and some special surprises to reward the loyal people who helped them get here.

Tickets are on sale now for Karnivool’s Themata Decade shows.

30 April 2015 – University, Wollongong
1 May 2015 – Panthers, Newcastle
2 May 2015 – Metro, Sydney
7 May 2015 – The Northern, Byron Bay
8 May 2015 – The Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
9 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
12 May 2015 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
15 May 2015 – Kay Street, Traralgon
16 May 2015 – Wool Exchange, Geelong
19 May 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
21 May 2015 – Discovery, Darwin
22 May 2015 – Metro City, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin Releases Single Sneak Peek

When I heard that Reece Mastin had signed a deal with independent Social Family Records, I was pretty excited. I really enjoyed his musical instincts on The X Factor, but I felt like his individuality kind of got beaten out of him by people who wanted him to become the next pinup boy.

Judging by this snippet of his new single “Rebel and the Reason,” the title track from his new EP (released May 1), he’s now on the right track. This is by far the most substantial song he’s released. It’s got that rock edge that I always enjoyed about him, and a real honesty in the vocals.

Reece is going to bring his new music to the masses with a string of shows in capital cities and key regional centres this June.

“I know it seems like it’s been a long time coming but hopefully the fans will agree it was worth the wait,” he said in a press release. “I can definitely say that this is completely 100 percent me and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turned out. I’m in a really good place and can’t wait to share the new songs with everyone.”

Reece promises fans will hear his new songs as well as their old favourites at the following gigs. All shows are all ages, although parents or guardians must accompany under 18s at the Wollongong gig.

12 June 2015 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville
13 June 2015 – Waves, Wollongong
14 June 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
20 June 2015 – Prince Bandroom, St Kilda
21 June 2015 – Esso BHP Wellington Entertainment Centre, Sale
26 June 2015 – Old Museum Concert Hall, Brisbane
27 June 2015 – Sunshine Coast Function Centre, Caloundra
28 June 2015 – Church Theatre, Toowoomba

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pepa Knight Finally Releases “Coyote Choir”

“Coyote Choir” was released late last year, so I have no idea why it’s taken us so long to see a film clip for this Pepa Knight single. Surely its simple animation didn’t take very long to put together. Maybe it took that long for Pepa to source some 8mm film? At any rate, it looks beautiful with some great location shots of Australia and New Zealand. It’s also a great excuse to remember just how good this song is.

“Coyote Choir” came from Pepa’s Hynoptized Vol. I EP. Hynoptized Vol. II will be released later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Courtney Barnett Wins Me Over with “Depreston”

It’s taken a long time for me to “get” Courtney Barnett. I’d see her kicking goals in the U.S. and people raving about her here, but couldn’t quiet see what they saw. I appreciated her quirky songwriting and musicality, but I was missing the emotional connection I need to get really invested. However, I found it with her new single “Depreston,” an ode to a bargain-priced estate sale home and the memories it holds in Preston, Victoria.

“Depreston” is the follow up to “Pedestrian At Best,” and both tracks are lifted from her long-awaited debut album Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, which hits stores tomorrow. Courtney’s playing SXSW, but she’ll be back on home soil to promote the album with a national tour in May. Teeth & Tongue will support Courtney at the following shows.

24 April 2015 – Wrestpoint, Hobart
1 May 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
2 May 2015 – The Bakery, Perth
8 May 2015 – The Metro, Sydney
9 May 2015 – The HiFi, Brisbane
15 & 16 May 2015 – The Forum, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Money Go Round Release Winning Clip for “Velvet Sky (Reprise)”

Bondi band The Money Go Round have just released the video for the new single “Velvet Sky (Reprise),” and it’s an early contender for best video of the year. Its magical animation thoroughly charmed me. I’ll never look at the little men on signs quite the same way again!

This song is well overdue, as the band haven’t released anything since 2013. Releasing a claymation video which took more than a year to complete might have something to do with it, but that’s not the whole story. They also had a string of lineup changes in the last couple of years, so it’s great to see them back on track.