Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maisie Peters Announces Headline Shows Alongside Ed Sheeran Supports

British singer Maisie Peters is making the most of her first trip to Australia. She’ll play seven headlining shows alongside her support slots with her friend and mentor, Ed Sheeran. If you’re not familiar with Maisie’s music, her latest single “Body Better” is a great introduction. It’s such a fun pop song, but it’s also got some really relatable lyrics that address the insecurities many of us feel when an ex moves on.

“Body Better” comes from Maisie’s forthcoming sophomore album. Limited tickets for all her shows are available, so get onto them!

16 February 2023 – The Northern Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
18 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
19 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
21 February 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
25 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
28 February 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
3 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/ Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
4 March 2023 – Prince Of Wales, Naarm/Melbourne
5 March 2023 – Prince Of Wales, Naarm/Melbourne
7 March 2023 – Adelaide Oval, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Ed Sheeran)
11 March 2023 – Freo. Social, Boorloo/Perth WA
12 March 2023 – Optus Stadium, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Ed Sheeran)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Botts Drops Cool Summer Anthem, “All Day”

I think there’s just enough summer left for a summer anthem, right? Jack Botts has dropped one of the season’s best, “All Day,” ahead of the independent release of his debut album Sucker for Sunsets. The eclectic release sees Jack exploring genres and pushing himself as a songwriter.

“There are some styles I had just never given a shot before, like country,” he laughed. “I wondered ‘it’s one of the biggest genres in the world, but why is it so big?’ So I really dove in and started to appreciate why people relate to it. It became a personal challenge for me then… if I wanted to keep writing the same songs, I guess I could, but there’s no growth in that. I want to keep growing and surprising myself and others.”

Jack is currently supporting Vance Joy in North America, but he’ll be back on home soil soon enough for his own headline shows supporting the March 31 release of Sucker for Sunsets. Just days after appearing at BASSINTHEGRASS, he’ll be in Europe for some more headlining shows. No matter where in the world you are, here are all the dates you need:

15 February 2023 – FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton (supporting Vance Joy)
17 February 2023 – Kemba Live!, Columbus (supporting Vance Joy)
18 February 2023 – Chicago Theatre, Chicago (supporting Vance Joy)
19 February 2023 – State Theatre, Minneapolis (supporting Vance Joy)
3 March 2023 – Paramount Theatre, Seattle (supporting Vance Joy)
4 March 2023 – Paramount Theatre, Seattle (supporting Vance Joy)
9 March 2023 – Fox Theatre, Oakland (supporting Vance Joy)
10 March 2023 – Fox Theatre, Oakland (supporting Vance Joy)
11 March 2023 – YouTube Theatre, Los Angeles (supporting Vance Joy)
16 March 2023 – SOMA, San Diego (supporting Vance Joy)
18 March 2023 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix (supporting Vance Joy)
21 March 2023 – Austin City Limits Live @ The Moody Theatre, Austin (supporting Vance Joy)
23 March 2023 – Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta (supporting Vance Joy)
24 March 2023 – The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte (supporting Vance Joy)
25 March 2023 – The Anthem, Washington, D.C. (supporting Vance Joy)
31 March 2023 – Lion Arts Factory, Tartanya/Adelaide
1 April 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
14 April 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 April 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 April 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – BASSINTHEGRASS, Larrakia Country/Darwin
23 May 2023 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
24 May 2023 – Privatclub, Berlin
25 May 2023 – Jaki – Klub im Stadtgarten, Cologne
26 May 2023 – Muffatwerk, Munich
8 June 2023 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
9 June 2023 – Cluny 2, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
10 June 2023 – The Castle Hotel, Manchester
11 June 2023 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
14 June 2023 – Bergenfest, Bergen
21 June 2023 – Patronaat, Haarlem
22 June 2023 – Cafe ‘t Rozenknopje, Eindhoven
23 June 2023 – Theater Walhalla, Rotterdam
12 July 2023 – The Louisiana, Bristol
14 July 2023 – The Prince Albert, Brighton
15 July 2023 – The Lexington, London
28 July 2023 – The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; credit: Kieran Tunbridge

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Drop Sweet Love Song, “Spin Me Like Your Records”

I’ve been a fan of Pacific Avenue ever since they dropped their single “Easy Love” back in 2021. A debut album is long overdue, but fans will be happy to know it’s just a few months away. Until then, get your ears around their latest radio-friendly single “Spin Me Like Your Records.”

“The main theme behind writing ‘Spin Me Like Your Records’ was to get a fun, upbeat track that we could dance around to and have as a really nice moment in our live set for festivals,” the band explained. “We got to a point where we thought we’d finished the album and had a listening party with our label, publisher and management, and while we loved it, we all thought it could use some straight-up-and-down classic rock songs. So, we wrote our last single, ‘Leaving For London’, another album track, ‘Modern Lovers’ and finally this single, and I don’t think the album would be the same without them. It’s just another silly song about being hopelessly into someone.”

Pacific Avenue’s debut album Flowers hits stores on May 5. They’ll play Hamilton Station Hotel in Mulubinba/Newcastle on March 18. Fresh from those recent festival appearances, I’d be surprised if we don’t see more shows announced to coincide with the album’s release really soon.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conrad Sewell Back to His Best With “Ferris Wheel”

It’s been five years since Conrad Sewell charted in this country. If there’s any justice, we’ll see him back in the top 10 with the release of his fantastic new single “Ferris Wheel”. It’s the definition of radio-friendly, ultra-catchy, upbeat goodness.

“’Ferris Wheel’ is a song about a second chance, never giving up on your dream, life, or love,” he explained. “Life is hard but you never know what’s around the corner. I wanted the song to have a very nostalgic 90s feel to it and really paint that picture.”

When you’re taking a listen, make sure you let the rest of his new tracks play out. They’re all brilliant, suggesting Conrad’s new album Precious, which drops on March 3, will be awesome. Conrad is currently on tour. Catch him at the following venues at the end of the month:

24 February 2023 – York on Lilydale, Wurrundjeri Country/Mount Evelyn
25 February 2023 – Village Green Hotel, Bunurong Country/Mulgrave

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

San Joseph Releases New Pop Single, “This City Sucks”

Inspired by his time living in Los Angeles, Naarm/Melbourne indie-pop act San Joseph has released his latest super-catchy single “This City Sucks.” The lyrics explore the way you can fall out of love with a place when a special someone isn’t there.

“I’d spent some time in California with someone wonderful who returned home to Montreal. She’d always comment on how overrated LA was and I would strongly disagree … until she left,” he admitted. “I realised I only really dug LA because she was there. Suddenly the traffic, chaos and stardom didn’t seem as appealing anymore.”

San Joseph is currently writing music for his debut EP, which should drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: James Dryden

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nyassa Releases Strong Debut Single, “Ghost”

Few debuts are as confident as Nyassa’s first single “Ghost”. If she had any nerves recording this number, I can’t detect them. It’s a bold introduction to her talent, with catchy indie-pop hooks and effortless vocals that capture the joy she feels creating her music.

“Making music feels like being in love – you’re in another world, a beautiful one,” Nyassa gushed. “I want to make people feel something that they can’t explain… I naturally put a piece of my soul into my songs.”

Director Richy Sandham and cinematographer Nick Stevens translated Nyassa’s creative vision in the beautiful film clip, shot at South Australia’s Mintaro Maze and historic Martindale Hall (which you may recognise from the classic film Picnic at Hanging Rock).

Something tells me we’ll hear a lot more from Nyassa in the future.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: She Is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Catholic Guilt Release Life-Affirming New Single “Live For the Rush”

Naarm/Melbourne rock act Catholic Guilt usher in a new era today with the release of their latest single “Live For the Rush.” It’s the first song from the band’s sophomore album, due later this year, and the first featuring new guitarist and vocalist Megan Sidwell. Some bands have teething issues when they alter the line-up, but Catholic Guilt have never sounded better.

“‘Live For The Rush’ is a song about wanting to feel truly ‘alive’ again, after a prolonged period of emotional paralysis. It is about holding an insatiable desire to experience the sensation of life, yet at the same time living in fear of the risks and changes that might be required to do so,” explained vocalist Brenton Harris. “It is a very human thing to want to feel everything, all at once, to want to explore all that this finite existence can offer, yet it is also a very human thing to want to protect the status quo because the status quo offers the safety and the surety of knowing, even if what we know isn’t providing fulfilment. ’Live For The Rush’ is an anthem about rediscovering the joy of the unknown and in the process learning to feel again.”

This song really strikes a chord to me as I anticipate jetting off to Brisbane next week, taking my first flight since the pandemic began. I’m also really digging the video, which takes us through a day in the life of the cutest sauce bottle around.

“The premise of this video at first glance is silly, funny and kinda weird. But when you delve into the bright, shiny world that Sauce lives in, there’s a whole lot more to it,” explained Sophia van Doorn, who directed the video. “Given that Sauce is depicted in an overly saturated, orange-hued world, their life is a vibrant, action-packed and fulfilling existence. Its stark contrast to the initial band shots of gloomy, lacklustre monotony creates a juxtaposition of light and dark. The band’s jubilant facial expressions upon Sauce’s arrival are the hero of this video and really tie back to the incredible lyrics, uplifting the viewer. It was hilarious running around town shooting the Sauce scenes and the band nailed all their shots in every aspect – the fun and ridiculousness shines through in the video. As a first-time director of a music video, I’m thrilled with the outcome, it looks awesome. Awesomesauce.”

You can see Catholic Guilt’s brand new line-up at the Last Chance Rock N Roll Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on March 3.

Image used with permission from Earshot Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Belle Haven Release Comeback Single “I Can’t Find the Words” Ahead of Future Lovers Tour

Belle Haven have just dropped their new emo anthem “I Can’t Find the Words” in time for their tour with Banks Arcade. If you’ve ever felt powerless as your relationship ends, this one’s for you.

Belle Haven have been together since 2010, but this is first release in nearly two years. Talk about a comeback!

The Future Lovers Australian Tour with Banks Arcade kicks off tomorrow night in Meeanjin/Brisbane. Limited tickets are still available for all shows but selling fast. You know what to do!

4 February 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Factory Floor, Eora/Sydney
11 February 2023 – Transit Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
17 February 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
25 February 2023 – Enigma Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dial Denial Rock Out With “Overtime”

Crank that volume right up, press play, and experience “Overtime”, the fantastic new single from Eora/Sydney-based pop-punk band Dial Denial. Fergus Harley-MacDonald’s vocals grab you from the jump. By the time the full band kicks in, I’ll be surprised if you’re not punching your fist in the air too.

“‘Overtime’ is the rejection of fitting in a box,” Fergus explained. “We live in a time where living is full of deadlines, panic, and fitting within the cookie-cutter roles placed upon individuals. The talk downs, the ‘real job’ you need, how you need to go to university or college. Dial Denial believes that everyone these days are overwhelmed, living life faster and faster with no time to slow down as if they’re working overtime on just… living.”

“In its purest form, ‘Overtime’ is about slowing down, appreciating the simple things, being happy, and living for yourself. Most importantly, the world in which we live is in desperate need of kindness. My dad used to say, ‘be half as smart and twice as kind’. This one simple phrase shaped the main themes and messages of this song through Fergus’ worldview. You’ll find the simple things in life more joy than overtime.”

The video, shot on Eora/Sydney’s North Shore, gives a hint at just how good this band is live.

“The ‘Overtime’ video reflects the themes of the music,” explained lead guitarist and backing vocalist Owen Borg. “The main messages of appreciating the smaller things, happiness, and kindness are shown through a house party and hanging out with your mates. The process of filming the clip was spontaneous and just super chill.”

Hopefully it’s not too long before we see these guys on the road. Until then, I’m sure “Overtime” will give you that extra shot of adrenalin you need to get through Tuesday.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bat Out of Hell: The Musical @ Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney – 27 January 2023

I bought tickets for Bat Out of Hell: The Musical back in December 2019. Back then COVID-19 hadn’t arrived in Australia and both Meatloaf and Jim Steinman were still alive. I’m not sure how many times it was postponed, but I do know I was starting to wonder whether it’d ever happen. However, good things come to those who wait, and I finally got my chance to see the musical that’s had the West End buzzing.

I must admit, early on I was a little unsure. I couldn’t fault the singing and dancing chops of the cast which come to Australia directly from the West End. However, the plot, a love story with references to Romeo and Juliet and Peter Pan, was more than a little flimsy. Meatloaf music has always been a little over the top, but the larger-than-life acting sections felt really cheesy.
Somewhere along the way though, Bat Out of Hell: The Musical won me over. I found myself invested in the love story of Raven and Strat, hoping these crazy kids might just make it despite the odds. I embraced the cheese and finally understood why a friend who accompanied me had bought tickets to the Sydney show, despite seeing it already in London and Las Vegas.

As a Meatloaf fan since I was around eight or nine, I loved watching these songs brought to life in front of my eyes. The cast is so strong, dancing up a storm and singing those familiar lyrics with gusto. Glenn Adamson and Kellie Gnauck are so compelling as star-crossed young lovers, beautiful, sexy people with serious pipes. As Raven’s parents, Rob Fowler and Sharon Sexton have perhaps some of the most complex roles, mixing comic relief with much darker tones, and they carried them off admirably. While they had most of the spotlight, it almost seems unfair to single anyone out as every person on that stage was amazing.

Ticket agencies have slashed the price of all remaining Bat Out of Hell: The Musical tickets to as low as $65, suggesting many people didn’t have the patience to wait as long as me. If you enjoy the music of Meatloaf or musical theatre in general, I suggest taking them up on one of those great offers. Bat Out of Hell: The Musical is at times a little silly, but it’s also a joyous celebration of Meatloaf and Jim Steinman’s musical legacy and life in general. Leave your preconceptions at the door, don’t take it too seriously, and rock on at one of the remaining shows.

30 January 2023 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 February 2023 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Arena, Tarntanya/Adelaide
4 February 2023 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth
8 February 2023 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne