Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Cover Perry Keyes For Country Album

A friend introduced me to Perry Keyes’ “The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw” a few years back. My friends introduce me to a lot of songs, and most of them I probably forget before too long. But this song was different. It was so good that I wondered why we don’t all know it, the way we know “Khe Sanh” and “The Horses”. It’s so good that when you hear it, you wonder why it’s not more well-known. It feels familiar from the first play. Once you do hear it, it’s not easily forgotten. I’m hopeful that a few more people will fall in love with it now that The Whitlams have put their stamp on it.

It’s no accident that this cover has more of a country sound than we’re used to from The Whitlams. It came from an idea hatched by frontman Tim Freedman as he drove between regional stops on his 2021 solo tour. While travelling from Gunnedah to Mudgee, via Black Stump Way, he discovered country radio playing his band’s latest single, “Man About a Dog.”

“I must admit it was a surprise to be played on Kix Country and Triple A Murri Country, but it was very cool,” he said. And it got him thinking. In Mudgee, he called Matt Fell, who produced his solo effort Australian Idle, and said “Put together your dream band. I think I want to make a country album.”

And so, The Whitlams got together with the new Black Stump Band, featuring Rod McCormack (on banjo, papoose, and acoustic guitar), Ollie Thorpe (pedal steel and electric guitar), and Matt Fell on bass. And they made that country album, The Black Stump Sessions, featuring this song.

Sydney photojournalist and director Johnny Barker made the gorgeous black and white video. It features archival footage of Tim’s father, Barrie Freedman, tipping Souths to win that historic rugby league grand final, with captain John Sattler finishing the game despite breaking his jaw. Talk about grit and determination!

The Whitlams, Black Stump Band will play shows all around the eastern states to launch the single later this year.

22 April 2022 – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth
24 April 2022 – Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
28 July 2022 – The Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay
29 Jul 2022 – Mansfield Hotel, Townsville
30 Jul 2022 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
3 August 2022 – Gunnedah Town Hall, Gunnedah
4 August 2022 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
5 August 2022 – Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan
6 August 2022 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
7 August 2022 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo
12 August 2022 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
13 August 2022 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff
14 August 2022 – Burrinja Theatre, Upwey

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lyn Bowtell Touches on Toxic Social Media With “Woman to Woman”

Lyn Bowtell made a splash on The Voice in 2017, but she’s been far from idle since that show propelled her into the spotlight. While she plays to smaller crowds now, she’s been releasing some incredible music. Her latest single “Woman to Woman” is the perfect reintroduction to her talent.

When so many young starlets dominate the charts, it’s so exciting to hear music from a mature woman sharing her experiences. Diverse voices are so important. It’s a timely song which speaks of the importance of real human connection in the digital age.

“I hope listeners to ‘Woman To Woman’ might be a little less influenced by social media in their everyday life and consider going to the source of information before they cast judgment on people,” Lyn said. “It’s great to be able to reach out across boundaries and borders to talk to people, but social media does come with negative effects as well and we are understanding that more and more now. I’ve never had anything particularly damaging said to me on social media, although there were a few moments after The Voice, but I’m lucky in that respect. Country music people are usually friendly, supportive and good-natured. Words can be so hurtful, faceless lies are painful. Don’t fool yourself into think that it’s nothing when it might mean something to someone else.”

“Woman to Woman” comes from Lyn’s forthcoming album, appropriately titled Wiser. She’s touring all over the country at the moment to support its release. See her at one of the following gigs:

24 April 2022 – The Longyard, Tamworth
12 May 2022 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
14 May 2022 – Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi
15 May 2022 –Leichhardt Bowling Club, Lilyfield
26 May 2022 –The Front Gallery & Café, Lyneham
27 May 2022 – Tumut River Brewing Co, Tumut
28 May 2022 –Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
29 May 2022 – Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, Kiama
17 June 2022 – The Beer Shed Brewing Co, Leumeah
18 June 2022 – Muswellbrook RSL Club, Muswellbrook
19 June 2022 – Armidale City Bowling Club, Armidale
22 July 2022 – The Press, Tamworth
23 July 2022 – Glen Aplin Hall, Glen Aplin
24 July 2022 – Dalby Events Centre, Dalby
27 & 28 July 2022 – Oodies Café, Bundaberg North
29 July 2022 – Maleny Community Hall, Maleny
30 July 2022 – GTM Music Studios, Beaudesert
31 July 2022 – Cabarlah Hall, Cabarlah
4 September 2022 – Mantra, Yarraville
9 September 2022 – The Wesley Anne, Northcote
10 September 2022 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
11 September 2022 – The Old Church On The Hill, Quarry Hill
15 September 2022 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Goolwa
16 September 2022 – The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton
17 September 2022 – The Barn, Wombat Flat
14 October 2022 – Nethercote Hall, Nethercote
15 October 2022 – Murrah Hall, Murrah

Image used with permission from The Country Journo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dani Teveluwe Drops Cool New Single “Waiting Wasting Time”

As you cruise towards the weekend, take a listen to Dani Teveluwe’s laidback new single “Waiting Wasting Time”. It’s a cool pop number with a jazz influence that reminds me a little of Norah Jones or Corinne Bailey-Rae. While the track has a relaxed feel, the lyrics encourage listeners to quit procrastinating and go out and get whatever it is they’ve been wanting.

“’Waiting Wasting Time’ first came to me when I was walking my gorgeous Golden Huey around Miami. The chorus melody soothed my soul and I loved it from the get-go”, Dani explained. “It’s funny because building the courage to make a change can sometimes take years, but in reality, the moment we decide to change is quite fleeting. Around that time, I had been thinking a lot about the motivation behind change. That moment when change is no longer a choice and when it becomes a necessity. What is that thing that gets us to finally book that overseas trip we’ve always wanted to go on? What makes us overcome the fear of rejection to ask someone out, or perhaps ending a relationship that isn’t right? How do you describe the desire to leave a perfectly stable job to pursue your passion? The more I dwelled on it, the more I realised that I had created my own discontentment in the past by not going for it. By taking the safe option instead of the scarier path, living in my head not my heart. I decided I was done with waiting and wasting time.”

Dani also isn’t wasting any time taking this song to the people. You can catch her playing free at the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay tonight or tomorrow night at Solbar on the Sunshine Coast.

Image used with permission from Dani Teveluwe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zac Eichner Completes Musical Trilogy With “Not a Break-Up Song”

Adelaide singer-songwriter Zac Eichner has floored me with his latest single, “Not a Break-Up Song.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but its gentle start drew me in. By the time the horns kicked in, I was firmly on board.

“’Not A Break-Up Song’ is the final song in the series of ‘Naked’, ‘Autumn’ & ‘Fool’,” Zac explained. “It follows where I left off and where I’ve landed recently. I’ve battled with depression, anxiety and self-destructive behaviour. I’ve worked hard, to pull away from that person I once was which has led to meeting my partner. It’s a song of hope, determination and reflection. Ironically named ‘Not A Break-Up Song’, I’m only breaking up with a previous version of myself.”

I’m always a sucker for a lyrical dance routine so the video is right up my alley. I was doubly impressed when I read that performer Rob McLean improvised the whole routine which was shot in a single take.

“This movement piece captures the internal battle and eventual release that the lyrics represent,” Zac added. “I think Rob and I have both been going through our own battles and watching him move to this, solidified my intentions with this song. A sense of self-reflection and intensity in the beginning and complete escape, hope and release toward the end.”

South Australian fans are in luck, with Zac playing a string of local shows in April and May.

17 April 2022 – Space Jams Festival, Robe
7 May 2022 – Big Easy Radio, Aldinga
8 May 2022 – Grace Emily, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jelly Oshen Releases Laid-back Lockdown Tune, “Bordalonely”

As the working week winds down, Cairns-based Jelly Oshen is bringing the chill vibes you need. His new single “Bordalonely” is a cool mix of R&B and indie-pop in the vein of Frank Ocean and Rex Orange County. He describes it as “island flava”, and who am I to argue? It sounds so smooth, but that’s more a testament to the quality of Jelly’s voice than technical wizardry.

“Most of my music is recorded at home with my stepdad,” he admitted. “My writing process is just making a poem and then creating a good music genre melody to fit, or vice versa. I was bored in lockdown and kinda lonely. My mum was imposing her own self-isolation on us, above and beyond any government rules, and this track sprung from that.”

Jelly Oshen has already supported some of the country’s hottest talents including Tones & I, Dami Im, and Ben Lee. Next up he’ll play a couple of cool festivals. Make sure you catch his set at the following events.

21 May 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie
19 November 2022 – Rolling Hills Festival, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Bridie J Egan @bridies.journal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Motor Ace Releases Comeback Single, “Knock Knock”

Don’t mistake Motor Ace’s return to the music scene as one resting on nostalgia. The release of their new single “Knock Knock” proves these guys have got more hits left in them. With hard-rocking riffs and solid vocals from Patrick Robertson, this track might just be worth the 17-year wait.

“It’s an idea that was kicking around back in the day, but we never got around to finishing it,” Pat admitted. “We’d always loved the sound, but it was written between the first and second records and didn’t really fit with what we were aiming for on the second. Probably should have finished it then!”

Motor Ace are gearing up to tour the country to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Five Star Laundry. Tickets are selling fast, so get them while you can!

10 June 2022 – Freo Social, Fremantle
11 June 2022 – Badlands, Perth
16 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane
17 June 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 June 2022 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
23 June 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
24 June 2022 – 170 Russell, Melbourne

Image used with permission from One the Map PR; credit: Rhys Graham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Racing Birds Release Stellar Debut Single, “Rarely Never Loaded”

Racing Birds have burst out of the gate with their debut single “Rarely Never Loaded.” It might be their first musical foray together, but this duo are industry stalwarts. Bobbie Lee Stamper has performed with Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, and Matt Corby, while Jeremy Strother has shared stages with Stellar Perry and I Am Apollo. This song is a foot-stomping good time, a killer alt-country track with a swampy blues-rock sound. If you love acts like Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, and old-school Creedence Clearwater Revival, you’ll dig this.

“I think we were still in Bob’s garage when we started working on ‘Rarely Never Loaded.’ I was playing back a voice memo of the writing session and I heard Bob’s swampy lead guitar hook that eventually became the biggest part of the song,” Jeremy recalled. “Once we got our heads around that it all came together pretty quickly. Shakers, tambourines, kick drums, hand claps etc. I was reading about the Hells Angels in the ‘70s and looking at some old photographs while I was finishing off the lyrics for the song. There was a particular photo that I found of a girl waving her hand around with a cigarette that inspired the character in the song.”

“Everything was done with just the two of us, a couple guitars, a laptop and whatever we could find around the garage to bang on. I didn’t have a proper studio at the time so we set up in the front half of my garage, and there was a sheet hung up to hide the lawnmower … you could see daylight coming in through cracks in the walls, there were possums walking around in the rafters at night, and it was either boiling hot or freezing cold depending on the weather,” Bobbie added. “But we used that DIY feeling to give the record a bit of edge and energy. I tried not to use many samples or edit the takes much.”

If you love “Rarely Never Loaded”, you won’t have to wait too long to hear more. Racing Birds will release their debut EP Lonesome Blue on April 14.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justin Miller Launches New Musical Project, JSTNXMLLR

ISOTOPES frontman Justin Miller is striking out on his own under the moniker JSTNXMLLR. His debut single “Fake Fcuk” is a modern pop-punk anthem. I love the way that electronic beat sits underneath the classic early ‘00s pop-punk sound. If you were cranking Blink-182 and Good Charlotte back in the day, you’re going to love this one.

“Fake Fcuk is about shadowing your problems from everyone like it’s all a big charade,” Justin explained. “You can run, but you’re still going to have to come home and face them one day.”

“Fake Fcuk”’s release ushers in a new era of music for Justin.

“I feel like ISOTOPES helped me touch on some real personal subjects whereas JSTNXMLLR is the side of my personality I feel like I’ve lost since my teenage years. So, it’s almost as if I’ve had all these ideas brewing in the whole process and I finally get to be myself again. I think the most interesting thing about this project is that myself and Stevie [Knight, his long-time collaborator] have been mates for around 10 years and we’ve always spoken about doing something like this. I guess the one good thing about COVID was allowing us to really knuckle down on bringing this idea to life.”

Watch this space. With a debut single this strong, there’s bound to be more great music to come.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Storm & Stone Break the Mould With “Run”

Blue Mountains sibling band Storm & Stone have released their fabulous new single “Run.” This track defies genre. I thought I had it pegged as a sassy, Destiny’s Child-inspired soul track, but once that chorus kicks in it takes a dark country left turn. It’s unexpected, but a real delight. And can we just take a moment to appreciate those incredible harmonies? The way sisters August and Auriel and their brother Hallelujah come together is just so special.

“Auriel had started showing me murder ballads, and some of Dolly Parton’s darker stories,” August explained of the song’s inspiration. “When we were writing and working on it, I really wanted us to have the energy of a train leaving a station. A build-up of excitement and movement forward as the song came to its climax to bring the story even more to life.”

“Run” is also the first song that Auriel and August penned together.

“I think for me, when we were writing this song with August, I really wanted to express how it felt to be on the other side of a love song, in the desperate dark place the song talks to,” Auriel said. “I also wanted something with a beat that had a lot of movement, to sort of follow the emotional movement the song talks about.”

The song’s dark feel is perfectly matched by the video set in Heartly Vale Cemetery in the Blue Mountains.

“The story is one of a woman experiencing her partner being drawn to another woman, but what ensues after that is left somewhat up in the air. What happened? What is going to happen? That ambiguity was enthralling,” said Thomas Crnkovic of Cranky Dog Production, who directed and produced the clip. “Are we listening to someone’s internal torment from trying to keep a grip on a relationship that’s slipping away? Are we witnesses to the aftermath of a crime of passion? Both? I wanted to make a video that honours those stakes and that ambiguity. Maybe spirits can hear our darkest thoughts, maybe nothing can. Either way: Run.”

These guys are the real deal. I’m really looking forward to hearing more of what they can do.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alt Fiction on Comeback Trail With “Yesterday”

Gold Coast Alt Fiction has just dropped their new single “Yesterday,” their first release since 2020. This is a cracking track that effortlessly melds indie-pop influences with coastal rock. What a way to come back.

“It’s about understanding what goes up in a relationship must come down,” explained Alt Fiction’s singer and guitarist Will Tyler. “About remembering the best times to help you through the worst, and coming to grips with the fact that no relationship can stay perfect.”

The song’s coastal vibes are reflected in the lyric video for “Yesterday.” If you want to sing along, this one’s for you.

Alt Fiction say they’re ready to pick up where they left off before the pandemic. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out what comes next.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia