Category: Video

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.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Parker Impresses With “Become the Fool”

Tasmanian artist Parker creates the kind of music that stops you in your tracks and forces you to listen. She wowed me with her last single “Can’t Keep Waiting” and she’s done it again with her latest release “Become the Fool.”

The term artist gets bandied around a little too freely in the music world for my liking, but Parker is one talent deserving of the title. She’s a musician, songwriter, and visual artist who uses her creative abilities to create truly transformative works. Listening to “Become the Fool” is arresting, but when you take it in while watching the music video the experience becomes even richer. You feel the heartbreak while listening to her achingly angelic vocals and poignant lyrics.

“This is the first song that was co-written with my writing and production team, Hans Van Vliet (QLD) and Becki Whitton (VIC), across three states and I’m really excited about it,” Parker said. “When a relationship ends it can be devastating. But what happens afterwards can be a beautiful mess of experiences and vivid feelings. When I got to the end of my longest relationship, I realised I had lost so much of myself. I had been living for someone else and their dreams for so long I didn’t know who I was without them. But through this experience, I was set free to find myself again, to pursue my creative practice with all my heart.”

And yes, you read that right, this is only the first song to come out of this creative partnership. I can’t wait to hear what else it brings.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leif Vollebekk Heading Down Under for Shows With Ainslie Wills

When Montreal artist Leif Vollebekk collaborated with our own Angie McMahon on his 2019 album New Ways, we might have known it was only a matter of time before he’d head our way for some shows. Smart chap, he’s waiting until cooler autumn weather comes to arrive on our shores for a string of gigs.

I must admit, Leif wasn’t on my radar until the press release came through. But I took one listen to his single “Apalachee Plain” (the one Angie guests on) and I was hooked. I had to go back and listen to the rest of New Ways. I’m pretty sure I’ll slip on his other albums next. If you love indie-folk music that comes from an honest place, this will be right up your alley.

In the last couple of weeks Leif has sold out all his U.S. shows, including big dates at the Bowery Ballroom and Troubadour. Discover exactly why the crowds love him when he touches down in Australia in March for a Brisbane festival and coheadlining dates with our own Ainslie Wills.

1 March 2020 – Nine Lives Festival, Brisbane
2 March 2020 – Jet Black Cat, Brisbane (instore – coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
4 March 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)
5 March 2020 – The Vanguard, Sydney (coheadline with Ainslie Willis)

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brandon Dodd Drops New Single Ahead of Patti Griffin Tour

He’s just 24, but Central Coast artist Brandon Dodd sings with the sort of soul most industry veterans wish they could muster. Close your eyes when you listen to his latest single “Whiskey Room Shuffle” and you’ll be transported back to a time when the blues was king.

“Whiskey Room Shuffle” is just one of the tracks you’ll hear on Brandon’s debut solo album What a Way to Die, but a family connection makes it one of the most meaningful.

“This was probably the highlight of the whole recording process for me because we recorded it with my big brother Chris playing the drums,” he explained. “He doesn’t play a lot of music these days, but it reminded me of when we used to jam when we were younger, and I’m so happy we were able to capture that on this song.”

What a Way to Die drops on February 14. He’ll warm up with a few solo dates around its launch so he’s in fine form for his prestigious Patti Griffin support slots. Catch him at the following venues next month.

14 February 2020 – Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar, Wollongong
15 February 2020 – Hardy’s Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay
1 March 2020 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan (supporting Patty Griffin)
3 March 2020 – Melbourne Recital Hall, Melbourne (supporting Patty Griffin)
5 March 2020 – The Capital, Bendigo (supporting Patty Griffin)
10 March 2020 – City Recital Hall, Sydney (supporting Patty Griffin)
12 March 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Patty Griffin)
13 March 2020 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore (supporting Patty Griffin)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Australia Day, Sort Of …

It’s January 26, a day when many Australians will be firing up their barbies and preparing to celebrate while others mourn. Australia Day has become a day of mixed emotions for me. I think it is important to celebrate this great nation of ours, but it doesn’t worry me when we do it. For that reason, I really hope the government gets on board and shifts the date in the coming years. I think this change is as inevitable as marriage equality, and the sooner we do it so we can all enjoy the festivities, the better.

It doesn’t feel right to let Australia Day go unacknowledged, but it also doesn’t feel right to do it by trotting out all the standard white Aussie rock. I’ll leave that to the commercial radio networks. So instead I thought I’d bring you “Together,” the latest single from rising First Nations artist Mitch Tambo. I usually try to avoid the Eurovision – Australia Decides songs until the big night, but when this landed in my inbox I couldn’t resist. I’m glad I have no self-control because this really is the perfect song to play today. I love the way he celebrates togetherness, especially by incorporating the Gamilaraay language with English and melding a didgeridoo bassline with the piano.

“’Together’ is a really important song to me. It’s the culmination of everything I want to do with my music – to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and creeds together with a message of love, especially when so many are going through such tough times,” Mitch explained. “It’s the perfect song for Eurovision, which is all about uniting people through music no matter what language they speak – or sing. I can’t wait to get out on that stage and perform this song for Australia, and the world.”

Mitch will perform “Together” on Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020 on February 8. Tune in to see his performance and vote on SBS. I haven’t heard the other songs yet, but I’m not going to be disappointed if this takes it out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Venice Queens Back With “Punchdrunk”

I raved about Adelaide’s Venice Queens way back in 2018, but didn’t hear anything from them since. Thankfully the drought has been broken with the release of their latest single, “Punchdrunk.” It’s just as summery and upbeat as their last offering, the sort of track that makes you want to see these guys live in a buzzing pub with beer in hand.

“We’re so excited to share ‘Punchdrunk’ with the world. It’s been a long time coming and it’s one we really felt we couldn’t rush,” the band said in a press release. “It’s been awesome having the opportunity to get both Simon (Kither) and Adrian’s (Breakspear) input and really achieve our live sound in the studio.”

“Punchdrunk” comes from the EP Venice Queens are currently working on. The lads are currently on tour giving fans a sneaky listen to more new tracks to come. Catch them on their remaining dates.

25 January 2020 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (with Hey Baby, Flora Link, The Fools)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Bootleg Rascal)
15 February 2020 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (with Teenage Dads, Soda, Stacy Says)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cloe Terare Goes Acoustic For “Easy” Release

All too often production takes centre stage when electronic acts release singles. So it’s refreshing to hear Brisbane’s Cloe Terare strip her music back for her new single “Easy.” This treatment puts her heartfelt lyrics and soulful voice up front. Releasing a treatment that’s so raw might have been a difficult choice for other artists, but Cloe said it felt completely natural.

“We [Cloe and fellow electronic act DVNA] wrote it on the side of a big lake in the most beautiful rain forest area so whenever I sing it I picture myself there. It’s been produced a few times a few different ways but we decided it really sounds its most genuine and organic as the acoustic it was originally written as; so that’s how we are releasing it,’ she explained.

In keeping with the single’s no-frills release, the music video is a live-take studio session featuring the guitar skills of the Sunshine Coast’s Dorah Jacson. It’s got a beautiful, organic authenticity about it that I really warm to. With plenty of other collaborations in the works, we should be hearing a lot more from Cloe Terare.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR