Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gregory Alan Isakov Announces Aussie Tour

I intended to write about Gregory Alan Isakov’s upcoming Australian tour a little earlier, but his music took me down a streaming rabbit hole. I hadn’t heard of this South African-born, American-based folk artist until I saw his press release, so I had to check out his latest album Appaloosa Bones. And it was so beautiful that I had to fire up Spotify’s “This is Gregory Alan Isakov” playlist to get across some of his earlier material. And before I knew it, hours had passed, my heart was full with his music but I was no closer to writing this article. So here we are.

If like me you weren’t already across his music, fire up Appaloosa Bones, pronto. It’s the sort of dreamy folk music that is so good for the soul. Just don’t be surprised if it inspires you to listen to more and seriously contemplate nabbing some tickets for that tour. Here are all the dates you need!

27 January 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 January 2023 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
29 January 2023 – The Gov, Tartanya/Adelaide
31 January 2023 – Freo Social Club, Walyup/Fremantle
1 February 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 February 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Glenn Ross

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shangrila Drop Fantastic Rock Single, “Afterlife”

Boorloo/Perth alt-rock act Shangrila have release their hard-hitting new single, “Afterlife”. It’s an epic track with stellar vocals from Devyn Jupp, thumping bass and drums, bold guitars, and powerful, personal lyrics.

“Afterlife is a track about struggling with your direction in life, feeling as though you are existing but not truly living,” Devyn explained. “The song explores apprehension towards change, and the ultimate realization that often we are standing the way of our own growth, and need to go through uncomfortable moments and hard work to realise the best version of ourselves and enjoy the rewards that life has to offer.”

Fresh from playing the Winter DRPØUT Festival in Tartanya/Adelaide and shows with American post-hardcore act Thrice, Shangrila will kick off a new tour with Young Lions tonight. Make sure you arrive early enough for their sets!

22 September 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 September 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
29 September 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Jess Wharehinga

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seamus McCorry Releases Fresh New Single, “Spinning Around”

Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Seamus McCorry releases his latest single “Spinning Around” today, a song that sees this artist really stepping into his own powers. While I loved the throwback Britpop vibe of previous single “Ain’t Enough For Me,” this song feels much more original.

“’Spinning Around’ was the first song I wrote that felt reminiscent of my taste in music,” Seamus admitted. “It had flavours of Paul Kelly, Tom Petty and The War On Drugs, but expressed something deeply personal. It deals in vague imagery and wordplay, but amongst that, it captures a deep sense of Nihilism and infatuation in equal parts. ”

“Spinning Around” is the third and final single released from Seamus’ debut EP Sketches of an Incomplete Man, which drops on October 27.

Photo credit: Tess Sakkas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Penkow Releases New Local Anthem, “Aussie Rain”

“Aussie Rain,” the latest single from 2023 Golden Guitar nominee Andy Penkow, is one of those truly great Australian songs. It’s heartfelt and honest, with lyrics that speak of local small towns and the characters in it.

“As a full-time musician, I get the amazing opportunity to travel across Australia and visit some pretty neat places”, Andy explained. “I first visited a small town in outback New South Wales called Coonabarabran a few years back and I felt an instant connection. There was something so special and unique about it. The people, the land, the history, the nighttime stars, it really moved me. ‘Aussie Rain’ is a love letter to the town, to thank them for being part of my journey as an artist, singer and songwriter”.

When Andy says he’s a full-time musician, he’s not kidding. He’d booked more than 100 shows this year and there’s more to come. Next year he plans to head overseas to play gigs abroad and release his fourth studio album. You can see Andy at one of these upcoming shows:

6 October 2023 – Romano’s Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (with Alan Fletcher)
7 October 2023 – Dundallimal Homestead, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo (with Alan Fletcher)
14 October 2023 – The Barn at Hibbards, Guruk/Port Macquarie (with TC Cassidy)
19 October 2023 – Metro Bakery, Berrin/Mount Gambier (with Anne Fraser)
20 October 2023 – Raidis Estate Coonawarra, Bindjali Country/Penola (with Anne Fraser)
21 October 2023 – Shotgun Willie’s, Tartanya/Adelaide
26 October 2023 – GPO Bendigo, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
28 October 2023 – Brycee’s Tavern Café & Bar, Wurundjeri Country/Mooroolbark (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
4 November 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
8 December 2023 – The Ophir Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
9 December 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
23 January 2024 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with TC Cassidy and Donella)

Image used with permission from Red Rebel Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SANNIA Releases Powerful Single “trigger”

SANNIA’s latest single “trigger” is the break-up anthem anyone nursing a broken heart needs right now. It’s an explosive indie-pop song that perfectly expresses the sudden pain an unexpected relationship breakdown can cause.

“This song basically wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote it. I kept hearing the chorus round in circles in my head like some sort of nursery rhyme that never ended,” SANNIA explained. “I wanted to get the feeling of ‘suddenness’ and a jolt the way that a gunshot cuts through sound because that’s what this break up felt like. I wrote this song as a means of healing and I wasn’t even sure I’d ever release it but I’ve grown to really love it. If anything this song should come with a ‘don’t try this at home kids’ label slapped on it.”

“trigger” is the latest song lifted from SANNIA’s debut album James, which drops in November. She wowed me with “travelling” as well a couple of months ago, so I expect this album will be something special. If you live around Boon Wurrung Country/Mornington, you can get an early sneak peek when SANNIA plays the album in its entirety at Beleura House on October 13.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

jnr. Brings the Rock Edge With “nervous”

I’m really digging the sonic journey that Eora/Sydney artist jnr. is taking us on with his music. The catchy pop vibes of his new single “nervous” are front and centre, but it’s a rock song at heart.

No doubt the influence of Daphnie (Alistair Hayes) as producer has helped jnr.’s evolution along. jnr. has taken care of production for most of his career, but collaborating with his good friend has brought a new voice to this music. Daphnie also plays drums while Max Jacobs of Loretta handles guitar duty in the live performance video, shot at Odd Assembly in Eora/Redfern.

jnr. will celebrate this new chapter of music when he debuts his new three-piece band to support Last Dinosaurs at the Factory Theatre on September 23.

Image used with permission from .jnr mgmt

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Ibis Playing WA Shows to Support “Patience” Single

Boorloo/Perth indie-pop band King Ibis are about to treat music lovers in their home state to a string of shows supporting the release of their latest single “Patience.” This track is the perfect slow-burner, a song that gently sneaks up on you until it’s right under your skin.

“‘Patience’ takes you through the confusion, frustration and rage of finding out a rumour had been circulated about you by someone you believed to be a friend. A plea to understand and be understood, the beginning attempts to open dialogue with the betrayer,” the band explains. “In a final roar of all-consuming anger, any patience that remained has been spent and the song draws to a moody, sultry close.”

King Ibis are proving to be one of WA’s top live acts after sharing stages with talents like Spacey Jane, Jebediah, Dulcie, Sly Withers, and heaps more. Catch them at the following shows:

22 September 2023 – The Bird, Boorloo/Perth
23 September 2023 – Settlers Tavern, Wooditchup/Margaret River
24 September 2023 – Bungalow Neighbourhood, Wooditchup/Margaret River
25 November 2023 – Balmy Nights @ Cannery Arts Centre, Kepa Kurl/Esperance

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Temper Drop “Better Than You” Ahead of EP Launch

Naarm/Melbourne based neo-soul act Sweet Temper have blown me away with their latest single, “Better Than You.” It’s so sonically intricate, but an absolutely beautiful listen. It reminds me a little of the very best jazz. And Abbey Green’s voice is absolutely other-worldly. You know you want to press play.

“‘Better Than You’ is about the feeling of weightlessness and peace after walking away from a toxic relationship and realising you are better off,” the band explained. “It is about acknowledging that in order to see a manipulator for who they truly are, you need to step away and separate yourself from repeating the cycle of forgiveness that leads to repeatedly being deceived and hurt. It’s about the desperation of manipulators who cling to relationships, when they have a lot of control.”

“Better Than You” is from Sweet Temper’s upcoming debut EP. They’ll launch that release for hometown fans at Bar Open on September 29.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Paul Woseen

I was rocked yesterday as the news of Paul Woseen’s death filtered through social media. As a kid from Newy, the Screaming Jets were one of those bands so important to my independence. I saw them every chance I got. I remember an under 18s gig at the Cambo, shows once I turned 18 at Toronto and Newcastle Workies. They were always the most physical gigs. People say teenage girls are intense, but it’s nothing like a bunch of blokes at a rock show. I was always front row centre, and I’d stand my ground. Elbowing any hands that tried to move mine from the barrier was my go-to move.

My favourite gig by far was this one, the free gig they played in Civic Park to celebrate the Newcastle Knights victory. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever felt. We were all riding that high, whether we were drinking bevvies like the blokes on stage or not. I love that “Candle in the Wind” was the number one selling single for 1997 everywhere in the country, except for in Newcastle where the EP released after this show outsold it. Yes, if you’ve got eagle eyes, you’ll see 17-year-old me in my plaid Sportsgirl hat, front and centre.

Rest easy Paul. I love that like Dave, you were the one to keep the Jets legacy alive. I don’t know what happens to the band now, but I’m keeping the memories I have a little closer. I hope the Knights smash out a win for you today.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Independent Discover Volume 2” – Sounds on the Couch

The early days of the COVID-19 pandemic both isolated us, as we were stuck in our homes, and brought us closer together as a global community. We were all in the same boat, desperate for some connection, and relationships were formed and nurtured across the miles. Sounds on the Couch was just one of the exciting initiatives to come out of that time. Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Karen Harding launched Sounds on the Couch in April 2020 to support and promote independent and emerging artists at home and around the world. Unlike so many pandemic initiatives, it’s still going strong. Sounds on the Couch recently launched its latest digital compilation, Independent Discovery Volume 2.

Independent Discovery Volume 2 celebrates and showcases the diverse range of talent uncovered by Sounds on the Couch. This album takes you on a rollercoaster ride, from the flirty country-pop of Sophia Petro’s “Rose Glow” to the hard rock of Flint.’s “Stop.” Along the way we’re treated to acoustic folk, new wave, blues, and everything in between. Most artists hail from Australia, but musicians from Belgium, the United States, and Germany are also represented. It’s so exciting listening to all these new voices coming together on this album.

Because it’s so eclectic, it might not all be to your taste. It definitely wasn’t mine. But that’s not a bad thing. Art is polarising. It’s not meant for everyone. But like me, I also hope you’ll find a few new favourites among these songs. Consider Independent Discovery Volume 2 a springboard for learning about excellent independent artists that may have otherwise gone under your radar.

Image used with permission from Rise Indie