Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band Announce Victorian and Tasmanian Shows

Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band were thrust into the spotlight when they were handpicked by their heroes KISS to support them on Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast in 2022. The schoolkids from the tiny Northern Territory community of Akaye (Mulga Bore) made the long trek to Queensland to support their idols on the biggest stage of their lives. Since then they’ve been capitalising on their success, opening Australia’s largest First Nations festival Yirramboi last May and releasing quality tracks like “Big Train” and “Let Me Rock N Roll.”

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out Mulga Bore Hard Rock at one of their upcoming shows:

19 January 2023 – Cherry Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
26 January 2023 – Share the Spirit Festival @ Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
27 January 2023 – Brunswick Ballroom, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (supporting No Fixed Address)
18 February 2023 – St Kilda Festival, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda (FREE)
2 March 2023 – Mona Foma Festival @ Cataract Gorge Reserve, Kanamuluka/Launceston (FREE)

Photo credit: Ivan Trigo Miras

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SAIF Drops Fire New Single “Cash Flow”

Eora/Sydney-based hip hop artist SAIF is starting 2024 with a bang with the release of his genre-bending new single “Cash Flow.” His hip hop sounds are front and centre, but there’s a little jazz and drill influence that helps set it apart. I also appreciate the lyrics which acknowledge his South Asian roots, Islamic faith, and Australian culture.

SAIF says “The song is about having multiple cash flows when you’re in the creative scene.”

Clocking in at just over two and a half minutes, this single packs a real punch. It sets the scene for a big year from this exciting local artist.

Image used with permission from SAIF

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

lovemedo Wows Me With “Fake Plant on Fire”

I am really digging “Fake Plant on Fire,” the latest single from Eora/Sydney artist lovemedo. It’s so creative and catchy, a true original. And how often can you say that these days?

“’Fake Plant on Fire’ is one of those songs that in the beginning finds you in one place and, by the end leaves you in another. I wanted to make a video that took people on that same journey,” lovemedo said. “I like to step into my music videos the same way an actor would into a movie role. This video is heavily influenced by ‘art house’ mentalities and performance art. Visual art is truly an extension of my music and a big part of my creativity so I’m proud to say that ‘Fake Plant on Fire’ is the first video to be completely written, directed & edited by lovemedo”.

I am so excited by this song. It’s one of those tracks that takes you on a real ride, the sort of one that makes you want to jump back on when it finishes to experience it all over again. That music video is just the cherry on top of a very delicious dessert. More please!

Photo credit: Minor Ueda

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

bella amor Throws it Back With “my first demo (weekend lover)”

Most artists want to keep the songs they created as teenagers hidden, because they cringe over the corny lyrics and emotions sitting so close to the surface. But most artists aren’t bella amor. She’s just released “my first demo (weekend lover)”, a beautiful song recorded while she was in high school.

“This song is one of the first demos I ever wrote in high school. It’s a really special one to me because it was one of the first songs I fully finished and was in love with. It’s about not wanting to be a part-time lover and not wanting to be someone who comes around at a call. I’m a big lover and this song is about wanting to share full love. The video is made up of fun memories from my time in school. This song feels real nostalgic and it felt right to have videos of little me having fun and being carefree.”

I love the way this track reveals what bella can do when she strips away a lot of the production. It really showcases her vocals and songwriting talent. I’ve liked her work in the past, but I really love this.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2023: Year in Review

As we prepare to say goodbye to 2023, I’m taking one last look back on the year that was. And for the first time in a long while, I’m doing it with some satisfaction. It’s the first year I’ve seen enough shows to create a top 10 since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Of course that makes choosing my favourites a bit more difficult, but that’s a great problem to have. And of course there was, as always, plenty of incredible Australian albums soundtracking my year. Here’s what filled my heart in 2023. Have I missed any of your favourites? Let me know your 2023 highlights in the comments:

Top 10 Albums/EPs of 2023
1. Yasmin – Malaika Mfalme
2. AND ALL I LOVED, I LOVED ALONE – Clinton Kane
3. Rivers Run Dry – Ian Moss
4. Last Of Your Kind – The VANNS
5. Here They Come – Eliza Hull
6. Roller Coaster – Checkerboard Lounge
7. Revision for Regrowth – JK-47
8. Between Tonight & Tomorrow – Matt Joe Gow
9. Sunsoli – Sunsoli
10. Professional Misconduct – The Screaming Jets

Top 10 Concerts of 2023

1. Dermot Kennedy (The Doss House)
2. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
3. Carly Rae Jepsen
4. Darren Criss
5. Dermot Kennedy (Opera House)
6. LANY
7. Billy Ocean
8. Ben Lee
9. Katie Noonan
10. Richard Marx

Photo credit: Charles Haynes @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Roller Coaster” – Checkerboard Lounge

The year might be winding down, but I’m sneaking in one last album review. I couldn’t let 2023 close without encouraging you to listen to Roller Coaster, the fabulous new album from Naarm/Melbourne blues icons Checkerboard Lounge.

The moment I heard the opening notes of the title track, I was hooked. It’s such a rollicking good time, and it made me hungry for more. My appetite was well and truly satisfied as Checkerboard Lounge delivered all the twists and turns you might expect from an album named after an amusement park staple. The band refuses to stay in the same place too long, treating listeners to soulful ballads, psychedelic rock, instrumentals, and a splash of jazz. Their originals already sound like classics. When you make such fantastic new music, a cover has to be pretty outstanding to make an album. But their take on Nina Simone’s “I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free” is inspired. Dedicated to the plight of Australia’s First Nations people, it’s a poignant reminder of how far we still have to come as a nation.

Roller Coaster is the first Checkerboard Lounge featuring the band’s latest addition, bassist Zoe Frater. She’s used to great effect. I’m not sure when I last heard a bass solo: this album has four. All the musicians are stellar; the more I listened to this album the more I appreciated their contributions. On the first listen it’s easy to get sucked in by Carl Pannuzzo’s outstanding vocals, because they’re just so good, but everyone plays their part here.

As with so many acts that make music outside the mainstream genres, Checkerboard Lounge are revered in the blues scene but largely unknown outside of it. That’s a great shame, because they’re brilliant. With the release of Roller Coaster, it’s the perfect time to get on board.

Roller Coaster is out now. Checkered Lounge are already starting to full up their concert calendar for next year. See them anywhere you can.

20 January 2024 – Blues Rendezvous @ George Lane, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
3 February 2024 – Brunswick Ballroom, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (album launch)
24 February 2024 – Archie’s Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archie’s Creek
13 April 2024 – Cullulleraine Music Festival @ Johansen Memorial Reserve, Lajti Lajti Country/Mildura
16-19 May 2024 – Blues on Broadbeach, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
7 June 2024 – The Jazzlab, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
14 June 2024 – The Jazzlab, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
21 June 2024 – The Jazzlab, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
25-28 July 2024 – Echuca-Moama Winter Blues Festival , Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca
1st and 2nd week November 2024 – Blues at Bridgewater, WA

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

CHUTNEY Covers “Kama At Yafa” For Israel

As we all look forward to the year ahead, it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the fun of the festive period. Eora/Sydney-based Jewish band CHUTNEY are encouraging us to remember the plight of people in Israel with their cover “Kama At Yafa,” which translates to “How Beautiful You Are.” First performed by Shiri Maimon in 2012 and featuring Hebrew lyrics, this new version aims to raise awareness of the nearly 140 hostages who’ve been held captive by Hamas since October 7.

“Like Jews the world over, the 7th of October shook us to our core. We felt compelled to take a principled stance and be our authentic selves, despite the risk of backlash,” explained the band’s leader and violinist Ben Adler. “Within 36 hours, we had postponed a big show scheduled that week and pivoted to perform instead for the communal solidarity vigil attended by almost 10,000 Jews and allies.

“We see this song as a prayer, not only for the hostages, but also for the spirit of the people of Israel: ‘Do not fall, do not break. Come back.’ We want this powerful message to reach Israelis and Jews in the furthest corners of the globe, and we encourage everyone to share it widely.”

This song has an important message, but it’s also just a fantastic song. I love that the music video lets those of us who don’t speak Hebrew understand the lyrics. However, as a big Eurovision fan I’ve always felt like music is a universal language. You don’t need to read the subtitles to understand the emotion behind guest singer Sarit Michael’s gorgeous vocals.

We’ll be hearing a lot more from CHUTNEY this year, with the band planning to drop more singles in the leadup to the release of their debut album in March.

Image used with permission from CHUTNEY

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Jayne Releases Girl Power Anthem “Booty Call”

Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley country starlet Katie Jayne shows she’s no doormat with her sassy new single “Booty Call.” It’s a fun slice of girl power that’s going to resonate with anyone who’s tired of the games and situationships.

“Booty Call will have your boots dancing, your body moving and your voice raised high, singing the lyrics like a crazy woman!” Katie enthused.

Katie is enjoying some downtime for the holidays, but she’ll be back in action for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. If you’re heading to Kamilaroi Country for the festival, here are all the places you can see her play

19 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
20 January 2024 – Tamworth Shopping World (acoustic @ midday)
20 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
21 January 2024 – The Atrium Arcade Stage (acoustic @ 11:30am)
22 January 2024 – Longyard (full band show @ 8:30pm)
24 January 2024 – The Atrium Arcade Stage (acoustic @ 10am)
25 January 2024 – Moonshiners (full band show @ 10pm)
26 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
27 January 2024 – Tamworth Shopping World (acoustic @ 11:15am)
27 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
28 January 2024 – Longyard (full band show @ 5pm)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Campbell Releases Beautiful New Single, “Silence”

“Silence,” the new single from Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Pete Campbell was released a few weeks ago now, but unless you’re already a fan you probably wouldn’t know it. It’s one of those gentle folky songs that unfairly doesn’t get airplay, but it’s so beautiful that it really deserves some time in the sun.

Pete’s voice drew me in on the first voice, but I fell even more in love with this track when Ellen Soffe, from Ellen and the Ooroos, joined in. Her voice is purer than Pete’s, and the contrast in those textures is just stunning.

“Silence” comes from Pete’s sophomore EP Parley, which is also worth a listen. I think “Silence” might be my favourite track, but they’re all gorgeous songs bound to appeal to anyone who enjoys artists like Nick Drake and Bob Dylan.

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

HERE COMES THE SUN Back Bigger and Better for 2024

Most of us have a crowded concert calendar in the summer months, but things tend to peter out once autumn hits. If you’re keen to keep the party going, make sure you snag some tickets for HERE COMES THE SUN, a cool music festival that runs alongside some of the nation’s biggest surfing events.

It’s bigger than ever in 2024, with organisers adding a Victorian date alongside the Bells Pro. This complements the flagship event in Western Australia, which has run alongside the World Surf League Margaret River Pro for the last four years. Next year’s lineup is also stacked, with Ocean Alley, Ball Park Music, Ruby Fields, Jack Botts, South Summit, and Clews all gracing the HERE COMES THE SUN stage. Tickets are on sale now.

30 March 2024 – Torquay Common, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
13 April 2024 – 3 Oceans Winery, Wooditup/Margaret River

Image used with permission from On the Map PR