Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Preatures Release Latest Single & Take on the World

Following up “Is This How you Feel?” was always going to be a big ask for The Preatures. That song was just so good. But I think they’ve made a good effort with their latest release “Better Than It Ever Could Be.”

This song’s got great energy and infectious hooks. I’m not sure if I like it quite as much as “Is This How You Feel?” but if you ask me again, after I’ve heard it as many times as that song, I might answer differently. Following up a track that’s done so well is always tough, and I think The Preatures have done a great job. It certainly sends the message that this band is no one-hit wonder.

They’ll cement their reputation as one of Australia’s hottest new acts with the following shows in Europe and the United States. If you’re living abroad, make sure you don’t miss them!

17 February 2014 – Water Rats, London
18 February 2014 – King Tuts, Glasgow
19 February 2014 – Bodega, Nottingham
22 February 2014 – Lido, Berlin
23 February 2014 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
24 February 2014 – Prinzenbar, Hamburg
25 February 2014 – Boule Noir, Paris
28 February 2014 – Night and Day Café, Manchester
4 March 2014 – 100Club, London
6 March 2014 – The Mercury Lounge, NYC
11-16 March 2014 – SXSW, Austin
11 & 18 April 2014 – Coachella, Palm Springs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calling All Cars Releases “Standing in the Ocean” Clip

Calling All Cars have released a hot new video for their new single “Standing in the Ocean,” ahead of the release of their brand new album Raise the People. I think this energetic number might be my favourite Calling All Cars song yet, and the sexy video capturing a blossoming love affair matches it perfectly.

Bassist Adam Montgomery said handing creative control to Melbourne director Timothy Melville was “amazing.”

“Every previous video we’ve made, we have been the ones calling the shots, from the original idea to the filming and to sitting in with the editor. Basically we are control freaks, but this time around we relinquished all (most) control and left it in the hands of our amazing director Tim Melville. We had a couple of meetings and were on the same page from the start. Tim’s original vision is basically what you see is the video. He really nailed the mood of the song.”

This video should generate a bit more buzz about the band before their latest album hits stores on March 7. To celebrate that release, they’ll play a stack of shows all around the country.

20 March 2014 – Manning Bar, Sydney
21 March 2014 – Amplifier, Perth
22 March 2014 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
23 March 2014 – Indi Bar, Scarborough
27 March 2014 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
28 March 2014 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)
29 March 2014 – The Zoo, Brisbane
30 March 2014 – Solbar, Maroochydore
4 April 2014 – The Jack, Cairns
11 April 2014 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
12 April 2014 – Waterfront, Geelong (FREE – ALL AGES)
17 April 2014 – Easter Festival, Bendigo (FREE – ALL AGES)
18 April 2014 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee
19 April 2014 – The Loft, Warnambool
20 April 2014 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
23 April 2014 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
24 April 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
26 April 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
30 April 2014 – The Crowbar @ Charles Sturt Uni, Wagga Wagga (STUDENTS ONLY)
1 May 2014 – Transit Bar, Canberra
2 May 2014 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
3 May 2014 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
4 May 2014 – Studio Six, Sutherland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Second Single Syndrome for Bree de Rome

What do you get if you cross sixties soul with country vibes? “I Expected More” the stellar second single from Bree de Rome’s debut EP Bag of Bones.

I remember enjoying Bree’s spirit with her first single “Better Luck,” but feeling her songwriting skills needed work. So it’s great to see her honing her craft with this number co-written by the incomparable Sally Seltmann. If Bree keeps learning from such talented industry folks, the sky’s the limit for this endearing songstress.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Phoncurves Tug at “Heartstrings”

Sunday’s a funny day isn’t it? It’s still the weekend so you should be happy, but Monday’s looming like a raincloud bringing you down. What you need is some music to lighten your mood. Thankfully I have just the thing: “Heartstrings,” the latest single from Brisbane duo The Phoncurves.

This is the lead single from The Phoncurves second EP, and if it’s any indication the recording will be pretty enchanting. I love its angelic vocals and jazzy heart. The video, showing some happy music lovers growing away, is pretty fabulous too.

So, feel better about your Sunday? I thought so!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan Goes to the Circus

If you can count on Katie Noonan for one thing, it’s that you never know which musical direction she’ll head next. Her latest project sees her partnering with Circa for Love-Song-Circus, a fusion of song, circus, and history. Yep, you read that right.

Katie’s already roadtested the show, which pays tribute to Australia’s convict women, at the Adelaide Cabaret Festival in 2012 and The Famous Spiegeltent in Melbourne last year. Now it’s Brisbane’s turn.

Katie was inspired to create Love-Song-Circus when she saw an exhibition called Love Tokens at the National Museum. It told the story of the way convicts would engrave pennies with messages and images for the loved ones they’d left behind.

“As a woman and mother I felt deeply compelled to explore these stories. I soon discovered that the lives of the first female convicts is a part of our history that has been explored by few,” she said.

She began researching these stories with trips all over the country, but felt her project needed a visual element. So she found Circa, a contemporary circus group that would help bring her dream to life.

This video gives you just a taste of what Love-Song-Circus is all about.

Love-Song-Circus hits The Cremorne Theatre at QPAC on March 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. The soundtrack, Fierce Hearts, hits stores on February 28.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever go to the Movies

There’ll be no sweaty punters or overpriced beers at launch shows for The Never Ever’s new single “In or Out.” The Sydney band’s turning their back on the pubs for a while and heading to the movies!

The quintet will play an intimate acoustic set in the movie theatres before their latest music video plays on the big screen. They’ll also show a behind the scenes documentary, which will never be seen again, before fielding audience questions in a Q&A session.

“These shows are going to be really special,” promised singer Dylan Nash.

If you want to be a part of these unique all-ages events, get your tickets now from The Never Ever’s website.

21 February 2014 – Event Cinemas @ Myer Centre, Brisbane
22 February 2014 – Dendy Cinemas, Newtown
23 February 2014 – Hoyts Melbourne Central, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spanish Surf Band Los Coronas Return to Australia

Is Tuesday too early in the week to reach for sangria? Because I definitely feel like a nice cold jug as I listen to “Adios Sancho,” the title track from Los Coronas’ new album.

This Spanish band is returning to our shores after their successful 2012/2013 run of Aussie dates. If you like your music a little left of centre, make sure you don’t miss their unusual blend of traditional Spanish melodies and sun-drenched surf sounds.

2 March 2014 – Clancy’s Red Room, Dunsborough
4 March 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
5 & 6 March 2014 – Basement, Sydney
7 March 2014 – WOMADelaide, Adelaide
8 March 2014 – Enlighten, Canberra
9 March 2014 – Golden Plains Festival, Victoria
13 March 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
14 March 2014 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Paynter Tours Long Awaited Debut Album

Michael Paynter has long been one of the hardest working singer-songwriters in the country, but it took his stint on The Voice for him to really hit the big time. It took that exposure for Michael to finally release his debut album Weary Stars a couple of days ago.

He wrote the album shortly after parting ways with Sony Music, and he said he’s thrilled for the public to finally hear it. It comes with a clip recorded in just one day in Avalon, Victoria, with the health of Pete Seamons from EPIK Films.

“I’ve loved his work with The Paper Kites, New Empire and Simple Plan, so I was incredibility excited to work with Pete,” Michael said. “ We went down to scope out the location with one idea and as soon as we stepped out of the car, all these new concepts started floating to our heads … the location kinda told us what it wanted to say.”

Michael will promote the album with some solo shows, as well as a couple of gigs with his old buddies from Icehouse.

12 February 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
13 February 2014 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne
14 February 2014 – The Basement, Sydney
20 February 2014 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
21 February 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
22 February 2014 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
23 February 2014 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
7 March 2014 – Forest Edge Music Festival, Neerim East
19 March 2014 – Belmont Sailing Club, Belmont (with Icehouse)
20 March 2014 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill (with Icehouse)
22 March 2014 – The Astor Theatre, Perth
27 March 2014 – Jive, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reality Graduates Remake “I Am Australian”

Australia Day might have been and gone, but you can continue feeling patriotic when you check out this star-studded remake of “I Am Australian.”

The song features a host of reality show graduates, including Jessica Mauboy, Samantha Jade, Justice Crew, Dami Im, Taylor Henderson, and Nathaniel. And together they sound pretty fabulous! This recording isn’t the best, but it gives you a taste of what this new crop of Aussie pop talent can do! And is there any backdrop better than Sydney Harbour?

Thanks to Anna Benson for bringing the track to my attention!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On with Joel Sarakula

He’s been living in the United Kingdom for the last few days, but Joel Sarakula showed he still calls Australia home when it came time to record his new album The Golden Age. He returned to his hometown of Sydney to record it at Skeet Music, and several local musicians also appear on the songs.

He also used the talents of Aussie artist Wons Phreely for the fabulous video which accompanies “Only One Still Dancing.” Anyone with a weak stomach might want to brace themselves for the conclusion, but for the most part this is an adorable clip with the cutest dancing star you’re likely to see. The song should have you tapping your toes too!

If you like this song make sure you check out The Golden Age, which is in stores now.