Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chilean Expat Constanza Herrero Sings of “Packing Up” For Oz

Chilean-born singer-songwriter Constanza Herrero speaks of the excitement and uncertainty she felt moving to her current Australian home in her new single “Packing Up.”

Moving to Australia to study at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts was a leap of faith for the artist who was part of an MTV Latin America award-winning band and star of a Nickelodeon TV series in her homeland. However, after selling out her self-titled EP launch party at Fremantle’s Fly by Night last November, it seems she’s on the right track.

I really love the cheery Latin-American influence in Constanza’s catchy new pop single. She said she hopes the song encourages others to overcome challenges in their own lives.

“In order to move forward you need to face your circumstances, otherwise you will only be running away. It’s not about forgetting your past, but learning from it,” she explained.

The beautiful music video was filmed in Constanza’s homeland. Making it was a special process for Constanza, who still feels the challenge of leaving Chile behind and making a new home in Australia.

Constanza is a regular on the Perth music scene but hopes to bring her live shows to venues around Australia and the United States in the near future. Hopefully this is the song that makes it all happen for her.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue Child Collective Inspire Epic Adventures With “Dive”

Blue Child Collective are easing me into my working week with their dreamy new single “Dive.” This is such a beautiful track from the Margaret River band, a cool folky ditty inspired by apnea and nautical freefall.

The video is also spectacular. World-class oceanographer captured the footage on Ningaloo Reef, and it’s got me itching to experience that part of the country for myself. I’m not sure I’d have the guts to freefall like Blue Child Collective frontman Dan White, but it looks amazing.

Mondays are tough, but discovering music like this makes it a little easier.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Book of Mormon @ Lyric Theatre, Sydney

Ordinarily when I see a musical theatre production I can’t wait to tell you all about it. But more than a week has passed since I saw The Book of Mormon and I still haven’t put fingers to keyboard.

It’s certainly not because the production was disappointing. It’s up there with the best things I’ve seen on a stage.

It’s not that I was reluctant to recommend it, although it’s not a musical I’d suggest everyone see. Chatting to a saleswoman at one of the fashion boutiques, I learned there have been many walkouts. During one of the earliest numbers, when F-bombs and C-bombs starting flying, I wondered about my own decision to take my parents for their birthdays. However, when they raved about how much fun they were having at intermission, I realised my parents are made of tougher stuff than I imagined. It’s certainly not for the easily offended or sensitive ears, but if you buy tickets for a musical by the creators of South Park you probably have some idea whether you can handle it.

Perhaps I’ve hesitated because I’m not quite sure what to say beyond what you probably already know. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know The Book of Mormon follows the journey of some American Mormon missionaries keen to save the people of Uganda through the power of the Good Book. The thing is, I think that’s all you really need to know. The less you learn about the intricacies of the musical beyond that, the better. I found it so rewarding to see a production that surprised me. In the recent past the musical theatre scene has been dominated by retellings of popular stories like Aladdin and Mary Poppins and biopics charting the rise of legendary musicians like Carole King and Bobby Darin. I’ve enjoyed those musicals, but I also knew where they were going. Even something original like Kinky Boots had an air of predictability about it. True love and our hero’s dreams would always win in the end. But you’re never quite sure where The Book of Mormon will take you, and that’s exciting.

I do want to tell you The Book of Mormon is exceptionally funny. I mean proper laugh out loud from your belly kind of funny. It’s also a very good musical. Don’t underestimate it on that front because Trey Parker and Matt Stone are behind it. The songs are as well-crafted as any you’d find in a Broadway hit. The cast is exceptional, singing and dancing with the best of them. It was no fluke that this show won the Helpmann award for best musical last year, and that goes beyond the edgy comedy. Perhaps one of the key reasons is that this is a show with real heart. I cared about the characters. I was invested in the storyline.

The Book of Mormon is certainly a musical with the power to offend. The walkouts are proof positive of that. But true art plays on the edges. If you appreciate that, make sure you don’t miss The Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon is currently playing at the Lyric Theatre, in Sydney’s Star Casino. It will then travel to Brisbane and Adelaide.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie Collins Destined For Big Things

Charlie Collins has one of those voices that makes you feel right at home. It wraps around you and feels so familiar, encouraging you to fall in love with her music from the first note. “Wish You Were Here” is the Tamworth singer-songwriter’s first single as a solo artist, a track that marks a new beginning for the former member of Tigertown.

It’s already been embraced by radio stations from FBi Radio Sydney and Triple J to KCSN in Los Angeles and WXPN in Philadelphia. Expect to hear plenty more from this local talent.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Juju Ready to Rock for EP Shows

With their debut EP Hidden Desire recently released and a headlining tour kicking off in a couple of weeks, there’s no better time to get to know Melbourne punk rockers Bad Juju.

You might have caught the fantastic single “Moving On” on Triple J. But there’s more where that came from though; another five heavy-hitting tracks make up this stellar EP.

“Hidden Desire explores how people deal with loss, anxiety, and depression, but moves into pushing these issues aside and trying to change our lives for the better, thinking positively going forward,” Bad Juju explained. “The record is themed around the idea that you can never truly know what is happening inside another person’s head. They can seem fine on the outside and hide their true self.”

Fresh from their EP launch party with Trophy Eyes, Bad Juju will play Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney in the coming weeks.

17 August 2018 – Foxxy Dolphin, Melbourne
18 August 2018 – West Thebby, Adelaide
30 August 2018 – Marly Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobby Alu on Tour for Summery Single “Move”

Aussie chillster Bobby Alu is giving me serious weekend vibes with his new single “Move.” The cruisy drum rhythms, tropical ukulele, and Bobby’s soulful voice give the song such a relaxed, summery feel.

It’s beautifully paired with a colourful clip created by Johnny Moubarak of Moubment. Bobby said “This was a fun clip to make! I feel like there are many parts that make up my personality, so I tried to go there in this clip. Putting on whatever hat is necessary is a big part of how I make music; I can be a drummer, bass player, guitarist, uke guy, singer or roadie – whatever the team needs. Sometimes I pick the wrong guy … but they all have their place.”

Bobby has spent the better part of the year behind Xavier Rudd’s drum kit, but he’s stepping back into the spotlight and chasing that endless summer on his current European tour. Here are all the remaining dates.

3 August 2018 – Degginger, Regensburg (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
4 August 2018 – Sound of the Forest Festival, Beerfelden
8 August 2018 – O2 Islington Academy, London (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
10 August 2018 – Boardmasters, Cornwall
11 August 2018 – Zandstock Festival, t’Zand
12 August 2018 – Rock Les Bains Plombieres, Les Bains
14 August 2018 – Chill Hill, Graz (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
15 August 2018 – Privatclub. Berlin (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
16 August 2018 – Prinzenbar, Hamburg
17 August 2018 – Enter the Wave Festival, Le Pin Sec Noord

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dave Wells’ New Single “Run Free” Worth the Wait

Hunter Valley singer-songwriter Dave Wells has taken his time releasing new music after his acclaimed debut EP Carrington Street dropped in 2014. Now four years later, he’s treating our ears to his gorgeous new single “Run Free.”

I really love everything about this song. I love his organic, acoustic feel. His soaring vocals are right on point. Lyrically, it’s powerful stuff. And make sure you take a moment to appreciate the film clip, which captures the beauty of the bushland at Barrington Tops.

Dave says “’Run Free’ is a call-to-arms for anyone boarded between four walls, allowing time to slip through their fingers. Whether it be physically, spiritually or creatively, the message of ‘Run Free’ is crystal clear – take a chance.”

“Run Free” comes from Dave Wells’ first album. The self-titled LP is scheduled for release later this month.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tash Sultana Drops Stunning “Harvest Love” Single

Tash Sultana has floored me with her latest single, “Harvest Love.” This is a beautiful track about losing a loved one which packs a serious emotional punch.

“I wrote this song a little while back. People kind of assume that I only write songs with live looping but I actually write in all different ways. This is a piece I’m super proud of,” Tash explained. “I unlocked a little part of me to completely simplify the story I was trying to tell. I think you kind of get that way when you have a moment in your life when the entire world is just too hard to comprehend. So this is what came from that.”

“Harvest Love” is the latest cut from Tash Sultana’s debut album Flow State, which will drop on August 31. She’s currently touring the world, but she’ll play Lost Picnic Festival here in October and headline a gig on the Sunshine Coast in January. This is her first local headlining show in more than a year, so expect tickets to get snapped up. Here are all the places you can see her play around the world in the coming months.

3 August 2018 – Hinterland Music Festival, St Charles
4 August 2018 – Lollapalooza, Chicago
5 August 2018 – Osheaga, Montreal (SOLD OUT)
7 August 2018 – RBC Echo Beach, Toronto
9 August 2018 – Edmonton Folk Fest, Edmonton
11 August 2018 – Outside Lands Festival, San Francisco
6-8 September 2018 – Palladium Koln, Cologne (SOLD OUT)
10 & 11 September 2018 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (SOLD OUT)
15 & 16 September 2018 – Afas Live, Amsterdam-Zuidoost (SOLD OUT)
20-22 September 2018 – O2 Academy Brixton, London (20th & 21st SOLD OUT; Limited tickets for 22nd)
25 September 2018 – l’Olympia, Paris
28 September 2018 – Samsung Hall, Zurich (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2018 – Fabrique, Milan, Italy
7 October 2018 – Lost Picnic Festival, Melbourne
13 October 2018 – Lost Picnic Festival, Sydney
1 November 2018 – UBC Thunderbird Arena, Vancouver
4 November 2018 – Grey Eagle Event Centre, Calgary
6 November 2018 – Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg
7 November 2018 – Palace Theatre, St.Paul
10 November 2018 – The Filmore Detroit, Detroit
16 November 2018 – House of Blues, Boston
17 November 2018 – Terminal 5, New York
20 November 2018 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh
21 November 2018 – The Anthem, Washington D.C.
23 November 2018 – War Memorial Auditorium, Nashville
24 November 2018 – The Tabernacle, Atlanta
26 November 2018 – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland, Kansas City
27 November 2018 – The Fillmore Auditorium, Denver
1 December 2018 – Shrine Auditorium, Los Angeles
2 January 2019 – Bay Dreams Festival, ASB Baypark, The Mount
4 January 2019 – Bay Dreams Festival, Trafalgar Park, Nelson
12 January 2019 – Big Pineapple Fields, Woombye

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thelma Plum Releases Latest Pop-Folk Smash Single

Thelma Plum is giving me nostalgic ‘80s vibes with her poppy new single “Clumsy Love.” It’s the sort of song that will have you reaching for your hairbrush and bopping around your bedroom, but its lyrics should resonate with anyone who’s ever felt their current love pining for someone from their past.

“The year just gone has been a really rough one for me and ‘Clumsy Love’ is my reflections on that – and I have to say I am far happier with the song than with the memories,” she confirmed.

Thelma will tour around the country in August and September to celebrate the release of “Clumsy Love.” Catch her at all the following venues.

31 August 2018 – The Foundry, Brisbane
1 September 2018 – Solbar, Maroochydore
6 September 2018 – Mojo’s, Fremantle
7 September 2018 – The River, Margaret River
8 September 2018 – Amplifier, Perth
14 September 2018 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
15 September 2018 – Howler, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bloods Deliver All The “Feelings”

Bloods’ new single “Feelings” is a grungy punk-pop charmer. With all the appeal of a track from ‘90s icons like Juliana Hatfield and Veruca Salt, “Feelings” is sure to please the Sydney band’s growing fanbase.

“Feelings” is the title track from Bloods’ forthcoming sophomore album, which gets a worldwide release on August 17.

“It’s felt like such a huge feat to get this album done,” MC explained. “We faced so many challenges along the way, including writer’s block and running out of money. I went through a pretty debilitating break-up and Sweetie moved to Melbourne. Sometimes it felt like this album would never be finished! I think so many of these things ended up influencing what shaped Feelings. There are some deeply personal songs on this record, something that is very new to Bloods. When we listened to the finished album, I said to Dirk ‘there are so many feelings on this record, we should call it Feelings’. So we did.”

Keep your ear to the ground, because Bloods promise to tour the album in September.

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency