Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Rocks Out With “Insecurities”

Ordinarily Saturday is a day of celebration, but right now it just reminds us that we’re all trapped without gigs waiting for musicians to stream online content. In these frustrating times, the raucous rock of Press Club really hits the spot. The Melbourne band’s latest single “Insecurities” gives voice to our frustrations with plenty of angst and energy.

The Melbourne band recently announced Australian and European dates and they haven’t been called off … yet. So I’m going to post them here, because none of knows what May will bring. Just keep your ears to the ground to see whether they go ahead!

7 May 2020 – The Chippo, Sydney
8 May 2020 – La La La’s, Wollongong
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (All Ages Matinee)
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ Evening Show)
15 May 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
16 May 2020 – Vinnies, Gold Coast
21 May 2020 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
22 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol
24 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
12 June 2020 – Download Festival, Donnington
14 June 2020 – Booze Cruise, Hamburg

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caravana Sun Delivers Pearls of Wisdom With “Charlie”

In these uncertain times, we could all use music that makes us feel good and heals our hearts. Caravana Sun has got you covered with “Charlie,” the band’s first release since Silver Linings dropped in 2018.

Good things come to those who wait though. This song is brimming with good vibes and wise words. And it’s not like the band has been sitting idly either. They’ve been busy touring Europe and were all set to clock up their 300th show abroad when this nasty virus took hold. They also recently signed to Embassy of Music, the same Berlin label as Bjork and Moby.

“This song is about reaching out, being open and connecting to people. It’s about knowing that even in your darkest times, people are there to support and love you. At times, these heavy places can seem so lonely and all it takes is an honest conversation to get you out,” explained songwriter and bassist Ant Beard. “A beer with a mate, a walk with a friend, or a simple message – you’re not alone.”

Just make sure those beers are shared remotely and you’re practicing social distancing while you walk! Seriously though, this is exactly the kind of music you need in your life right now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chevalier Wows Me With “Scarlet Skies”

Melbourne songstress Chevalier shows she’s got the goods with her new single “Scarlet Skies.” She might be an up-and-coming artist, but this dynamic track is brimming with confidence. It features some of the most accomplished vocals and intricate sounds that I’ve heard in some time.

Chevalier has spent the last five years touring locally and abroad as a back-up singer and vocal coach to her pal Ruel.

“I first met Ruel and his family when he was 12 and remember thinking he had the most incredible voice,” she explained. “I started working with him on his vocals, then soon after when the touring began, I started doing BVs for him and tutored him for his schoolwork also. I’ve felt like part of the VanDijk family ever since! It’s been a crazy and incredibly rewarding five years watching everything grow so exponentially.”

However, with songs like “Scarlet Skies” in her repertoire, I can’t imagine Chevalier will stay in the background for too much longer.
“My producer Allan McConnell sent through a rough idea of what ended up being the song and I just vibed with it straight away,” she recalled. “I remember first listening to it on my balcony in Fitzroy and the sky was a vibrant array of pink and red. I had just got back from a big tour with Ruel so I popped open a bottle of red, sat back in my egg chair and put the beat on loop. All the lyrics and melodies came out within about 30 minutes; it kind of felt like I was dreaming.”

While you can hear the influence of Jazmine Sullivan and Solange in this track, Chevalier says her biggest influence was her nana, Bette Chevalier. Her nana attended every ballet concert, singing performance, and piano recital with flowers for her beloved granddaughter. Sadly, she passed away while Chevalier was touring Europe with Ruel, but her last wish was for her daughter to continue the tour and keep performing. I think she’d be pretty proud of this special new single, don’t you?

Image used with permission from Ditto Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Gould & Peyton Team Up for ’90s Cover

I’ve got a few guilty pleasures in my life. One of them is big torch ballads. Another is R’n’B from the 1990s. So the latest release from Greg Gould ticks all the boxes for me. He’s teamed up with X Factor UK finalist Peyton for a sensitive cover of Brandy and Monica’s smash “The Boy is Mine.”

Their reworking gives a new texture to the song which calls to light the bullying both artists faced in their youth. If you want something a little more upbeat, there are also three remixes on Spotify.

“I’ve always loved the song and wanted to create something unique and special, after Peyton dropped his vocals next to mine I knew we had just that,” Greg explained. “I’m really proud of this arrangement and how we flipped the narrative of the lyrics to really express something important to both of us. Sharing our personal history being bullied in this video was an emotional, yet cathartic experience for both Peyton and myself … oh and hand this woman an Oscar – Lynne McGranger is so incredible in this!”

If you love this as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled to hear there’s more where that came from. In fact, Greg has recorded a whole album of ‘90s bangers, 1998, which is due for release on April 17. It features collaborations with some of the nation’s best and brightest including Tania Doko, Damien Leith, Rhonda Burchmore, Cosima De Vito, and Mark Gable. Profits from this single and the album will benefit the Olivia Newtown-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre. It’s a powerful gesture that remembers Greg’s step-mother Sharon, who lost her own battle with cancer two years ago.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

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