Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Van Walker Drops First Tunes in a Decade

Van Walker hasn’t released a new album in a decade. But the wait is nearly over for dedicated fans, with the talented singer-songwriter preparing to release Ghosting, a collection of brand new material. The new single “Spirit World” gives us a taste of what we’re in for.

This is such a beautiful song, heartfelt and evocative. I’ve lost of the number of times I’ve listened to it today, marvelling in its lyrics and the deceptively simple folky melody. It’s something special. The song has hit your favourite streaming services accompanied by two B-sides: “Crystal Ball” and “I Gotta Worry.”

Ghosting will be released in August, but fans can look forward to hearing a few more new tunes when Van Walker plays single launch shows all around the country in the coming months.

18 March 2020 – The Welcome Swallow, Brunswick (FREE)
20 March 2020 – Altar, Hobart
21 March 2020 – Two Oaks, Somerset
3 April 2020 – The Wheatchief, Adelaide
11 April 2020 – The Eastern, Ballarat
12 April 2020 – Archie’s Creek, Gippsland (FREE)
17 April 2020 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
18 April 2020 – Major Toms, Kyneton
23 April 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 April 2020 – Marrickville Bowls Club
25 April 2020 – Gumball Festival, Dashville

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Raise a Glass to New Material From Ella Fence

It’s Saturday, time to put the stresses of the working week and the woes of the world to the back of our mind and kick up our heels. For many of us, our merry-making might involve a cocktail or two. No judgement! However you’re celebrating, “Pink Mojitos” by Ella Fence goes down just as easy as the beverage it’s named after! Sublime vocals, an infectious groove, and the kind of NSFW lyrics that you can crank up now the office is a distant memory!

“Pink Mojitos” is the opening track from Ella’s new mini-EP All I Do is Think. With just three tracks it shows so many sides of this exciting singer-songwriter. “She’s Looking Pretty” is as poignant and heartbreaking as “Pink Mojitos” is frothy and feelgood. “Japan” rounds out the trio on a sombre, introspective note. It’s beautiful.

Ella will play a stack of gigs over the coming months to support her new material. Get out and support her at the following venues.

8 March 2020 – Southport Sharks, Gold Coast (2-6 pm)
14 March 2020 – Brisbane City Sounds, Queen Street (12-2:30 pm)
17 March 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
20 March 2020 – Post Office Hotel, Sandgate (6:30-9:30 pm)
22 March 2020 – Scottish Prince, Gold Coast (7 pm)
27 March 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 March 2020 – Rics Bar, Brisbane (supporting Cheeky Velvet @ 7 pm)
5 April 2020 – Brunswick Hotel, Brisbane (1-4 pm)
16 April 2020 – The Archive (7-10 pm)
17 April 2020 – Scottish Prince Friday (7 pm)
18 April 2020 – The End, Brisbane (7 pm)
25 April 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 April 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
3 May 2020 – Komune, Coolangatta (late afternoon, time TBC)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For DRESS CODE’s “Candy Heart”

With gloomy weather in New South Wales and the threat of coronavirus looming, I think our worlds could all use a little brightening up. Enter Adelaide act DRESS CODE and their shimmery new synth-pop single, “Candy Heart.” It’s just as sweet as it sounds with lyrics that explore all the electrifying emotions that surround falling in love.

“‘Candy Heart’ is a song about falling in love, and all the fear, uncertainty, and confusion that goes along with that. Love is weird and takes you by surprise sometimes, but there’s an almost childlike determination that parts the curtains of crushing anxiety and shows you the reason you drag yourself out of bed each morning,” explained lead singer Ollie Miller. “To feel loved and to help someone else feel the same, even when it’s hard. Life is sometimes a bitter pill to swallow but some people make it seem like a candy heart.”

After a recent hometown launch, hopefully a national tour from DRESS CODE isn’t too far away!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brandon Dodd Drops Stellar Debut Album Featuring Kasey Chambers Duet

Brandon Dodd has just dropped his debut album What a Way to Die, and it sounds far more accomplished than any first effort from a millennial really should. Brandon is an old soul who’s making the kind of rootsy, real music most musicians many years his senior can only dream of.

I could wax lyrical about the entire album, but frankly I don’t want to unpack it. I’d much rather you discover it yourself, then tell your friends about it. If the current single, “Like a Diamond,” doesn’t compel you to listen to the rest of it at your leisure I’ll be shocked. The track is a duet with Kasey Chambers, who gave Brandon his start when she handpicked him to play guitar in her band when he was still a teenager. Brandon also recorded this album at The Rabbit Hole Recording Studio, which he runs on the Central Coast with Kasey. You can hear the chemistry that only comes when you’re working with someone you know well in this recording. It’s really special.

As is the rest of the album. So what are you waiting for? Fire What a Way to Die by Brandon Dodd up on your streaming service of choice!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carlos Lara Launches Soulful Solo Project, JUNIE

Not content with fronting one of the coolest bands around Bootleg Rascal, Carlos Lara has unveiled a new solo project, JUNIE. Bootleg Rascal has soul, but Carlos has turned it up a notch for the debut solo single “Exercise.” It certainly goes down easier than a CrossFit sesh!

“Anyone can obsess over certain emotions especially with people you like,’ Carlos explained of the inspiration behind “Exercise.” “This song is a sneak peek into some of those moments for me”

JUNIE has already performed alongside Down for Tomorrow, A.GIRL, Nelipot, Wolfjay, and at King St. Crawl. Sydney gets its next chance to see JUNIE at Free at Upstairs Live at The Beresford on March 6.

Image used with permission from Carlos Lara

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Perth Brother Act Coterie Stuns With “Salvation”

Perth act Coterie speaks to the heart with their moving sophomore single “Salvation.” This band of brothers was raised on a musical diet of R’n’B mixtapes and Jimi Hendrix, but this song reminds me of Hozier or Rag’n’Bone Man with its bluesy gospel feel.

The music video for “Salvation” was filmed at Fremantle Prison, and it has just the right mix of darkness and hope.

Coterie might be relatively new on the scene, but these guys have the kind of chemistry that comes from jamming together your whole life. Discover why they might just be your new favourite band at one of their upcoming shows.

26 February 2020 – El Grotto, Perth
16 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
17 April 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
19 April 2020 – Tattersalls Hotel, Goulburn
23 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
24 April 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
26 April 2020 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
30 April 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
1 May 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
7 May 2020 – Waywards, Sydney
8 May 2020 – The Penny Black, Melbourne
10 May 2020 – Beach Road Hotel, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Nature Return to Form With “Nobody Just Like You”

Most boy bands fade away but Human Nature have been killing it in recent years. They’ve chalked up their 2000th show in Las Vegas, been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, received the Medal of the Order of Australia, and celebrated three decades together. However, despite all the success, there’s been something missing for me in recent years. While those Motown hits sell, I’ve missed good original music from these guys who used to make teenage me squeal. They’ve released the occasional original song over the years, but it’s always felt stuck in the past. I almost didn’t listen to the new single “Nobody Just Like You” because I thought it’d be more of the same.

Surprisingly though, this track feels really fresh. I can imagine Ed Sheeran or Justin Bieber recording it and going right to the top of the charts. It’s the perfect songs to encourage lapsed fans like myself to snap up tickets to their forthcoming tour.

What’s more, there’s more where this came from. “Nobody Just Like You” comes from the band’s upcoming EP, Good Good Life, which features five new original songs. I can only hope the rest of the songs are of a similar calibre.

And then there’s that little matter of the tour. In case you missed it, these are all the places you can catch Human Nature mid-year. Local shows made up of predominantly original content have been few and far between, so if you’re a fan from way back you won’t want to miss these dates.

21 July 2020 – Festival Theatre, Adelaide
24 July 2020 – Crown Theatre, Perth
29 July 2020 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Brisbane
31 July 2020 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
1 August 2020 – The Star Events Centre, Sydney
4 August 2020 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
6 August 2020 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
7 August 2020 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Scrubs Up for New Single Ahead of SXSW

Melbourne singer-songwriter Alexander Biggs has dropped a new single to celebrate his forthcoming shows at Austin’s prestigious South by Southwest festival. “Laundromat” delivers more of the mellow vibes and sweet, poetic lyrics we’ve come to expect from Alexander.

Listening to “Laundromat” is the perfect antidote to the stress of the working week, with all its hustle and bustle. The single version is on your favorite digital streaming services, but I thought I’d share this live version with you. Recorded at Paste Studio in New York City, this video gives you a little taste of what you can expect at Alexander’s shows.

Alex will warm up for his next U.S. dates with a single launch show for hometown fans at Common Rooms on February 21. Americans and expats can catch him in Austin from March 16 to 22.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sage Releases Sweet Debut, “From Dust”

From the Mornington Peninsula comes the sweet folk sounds of Sage. This local singer-songwriter and cellist has just dropped her debut single “From Dust,” and it’s one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever heard. With angelic vocals and introspective lyrics, it’s the perfect treat for fans of Joni Mitchell and Laura Marling.

“This song is about soulmates, innocence, memories, and endless love,” she explained. “It’s one of those miracle songs that was written in no time at all by myself in my run-down apartment. When I sing this song, I think about the movie Stardust. At the end of the film the two star-crossed lovers, having lived a full and beautiful life together, pass away and become stars in the sky, their love living on forever and shining over everyone. There’s longing involved, but also hope.”

“From Dust” is our first taste of Sage’s EP Tethered, which will be released on February 27.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Off to Eurovision

We’ve had time for the glitter to settle on the news that Montaigne will head to Rotterdam in May to represent the nation in Eurovision with her song “Don’t Break Me.” It’s been a polarising decision, with many online comments I’ve read bemoaning the choice, insisting Casey Donovan or Vanessa Amorosi were worthier picks.

Of course, the very best art is often polarising. If everyone loves what you do, you’re probably not pushing the boundaries. I personally advocated for Montaigne years ago, when she first burst onto the scene, insisting her artistry and sense of theatre would be perfect for the big stage. However, when it came to watching the Australia Decides show, it was Casey Donovan and Didirri that stole my heart. However, that doesn’t mean I think Montaigne was the wrong choice. After all, Electric Fields was my favourite act in last year’s event, yet when it came time for the big show I felt Kate’s act was the strongest. It was the first time I could cheer wholeheartedly for my country rather than feeling someone else was doing Eurovision better. So I trust this process works.

Having said that, I would have liked to see more transparency in the voting process. When it comes to Eurovision, it’s all very clear. The top pick from the public gets the douze points, all the juries vote in a similar fashion, and we get our result. However, from where I sat, the numbers assigned to each act seemed arbitrary. Could the people’s choice, Casey, have ever represented us if the jury didn’t agree? I’m not sure, and I think that needs to be clarified.

When all is said and done though, I think it’s time to get behind our winner, even if it wasn’t our personal pick. I’ve listened to “Don’t Break Me” again this morning and it’s a fab song. With the full budget behind it, I think it’ll be spectacular. Montaigne might even win Eurovision for us.