Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Something Rare and Beautiful” – Nathan Seeckts

I love hearing voices that draw me in instantly. I’m with them from the first note, hanging on their every word, relishing their unique tone. Nathan Seeckts has one of those voices. I fell for that voice when he released his single “The Wildest One” a few months ago, and I’m thrilled to hear more of what it can do with the release of Something Rare and Beautiful.

Listening to the album, I discovered that Nathan really can do it all. “The Wildest One” was a love song, but it soon becomes apparent that Nathan isn’t just another country crooner. Anyone that’s encountered a dickhead on a night out will relate to the scathing “King of the Room.” “Cassette in the Tapedeck,” featuring guest vocals from Gretta Ziller, is a nostalgic ballad celebrating his dad’s LC Torana. And that’s just the first three songs. In truth, I could wax lyrical about every one, but I’d rather you discover them for yourself. Every song tells a story so vividly you feel like you were there. Nathan is a master at bringing characters and moments to life.

The title of Nathan Seeckts second album couldn’t be more appropriate. His voice is so unique and so compelling. His songwriting is worldclass. And when you put them together, the music is indeed something rare and beautiful. Nathan will showcase his incredible music at these upcoming shows:

7 July 2023 – Pot Belly Bar, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
8 July 2023 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
15 July 2023 – Bird Rock, Wadawurrung Country/Jan Juc
16 July 2023 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat

Images used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tyne-James Organ Drops Vulnerable New Single, “Blue”

The always stellar Tyne-James Organ is back with a fantastic new single “Blue,” the first new music we’ve heard from him since he dropped his critically acclaimed album Necessary Evil in 2021. It’s a powerful track with intimate lyrics that explore his close bond with his mother and the way she helped him navigate his grief after the loss of his father.

“Throughout that challenging time, my mum was my unwavering support, and the song captures our conversations,” he said. “There was something extraordinary about the origin of the song—the day we wrote it, the atmosphere in the room.”

Tyne-James will no doubt introduce fans to more new music when he plays headlining shows in some of the capitals this August. Catch him if you can!

4 August 2023 – Adelaide UniBar, Tartanya, Adelaide
5 August 2023 – The Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 August 2023 – Icebreaker Festival @ Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
11 November 2023 – Clearly Festival @ Kiama Showground, Wodi Wodi Country/Kiama

Image used with permission from Dew Process; credit: Marcus Milostic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Outloved and Ocean Sleeper Team Up For “Tourniquet”

Alternative rockers Outloved have teamed up with metalcore act Ocean Sleeper on their latest single “Tourniquet,” and it’s a doozy. I usually prefer my music a lot more mellow, but I can’t deny that this is fantastic.

I love the way this song plays with genre. There’s definitely some pop punk, heavy rock, and metalcore in there. The vocalists from both bands also have their moments in the spotlight, creating a track that’s totally unforgettable.

Outloved have more new music on the way, with their new EP DROWNER dropping this month. Expect to hear more songs from that recording when the band supports Windwaker at Max Watts in Naarm/Melbourne on July 22.

Image used with permission from Big Mouth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paulina’s New Single “Maybe We’re Running” Will Give You Goosebumps

Meeanjin/Brisbane artist Paulina casts a spell with her stunning new single “Maybe We’re Running.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but give it time. I know this song, inspired by the recent decision to overturn Roe vs Wade in the United States, will get under your skin.

“It was a real punch in the gut when Roe v. Wade was overturned in the US last year, stripping women of their reproductive rights,” Paulina recalled. “I remember sitting in the studio when this had happened, feeling so angry and overwhelmed by the fact that it was possible for us to yet again take such a huge step backwards, in 2022. Even though I live in Australia, far away from those restrictive laws, it makes you question your power as a woman, anywhere.”

If you’re as captivated by Paulina as I am, it’s exciting to learn she’s got more new music on the way. Her debut EP Just Know, It’ll Be Okay will be released on August 11.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Get Raw With “Never Saw It Coming”

We’re used to hearing Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers rocking out, but the new single shows us a different side. “Never Saw It Coming” is heartbreakingly raw and vulnerable, with a stripped-back sound that ensures you don’t miss a lyric.

“Never Saw It Coming took me over a year to finish writing,” said Neve van Boxsel, the band’s drummer who also sang on this track and directed and editing the video. “It’s about a very difficult topic that unfortunately is not just my story but many others. It’s one of the first songs I brought to the band and the first song I’ve ever sung lead on so having Anna, Jaida and Scarlett support me so much with such a personal song made something that was really difficult, a lot easier. I hope this song helps anyone feel less alone in what they’re going through because having this support from my three best friends helped me endlessly.”

“Never Saw It Coming” comes from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ debut album I Love You, which drops on September 8. They’ll be back in full rock mode a few months later when they support the Foo Fighters at AAMI Park in Naarm/Melbourne on December 4. Some general admission tickets are still available, but they won’t last long!

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: @sheisaphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heterochromia Shares Exciting New Single, “Plastic”

Eora/Sydney act Heterochromia combines elements of rock and bubblegum pop for her feel-good new single “Plastic.” It’s super cathartic, with energetic riffs, a singalong melody, and some of the most biting lyrics I’ve heard in some time. It’s all about the balance, and if your Tuesday has been anything like mine, I know it’s going to hit the spot.

“’Plastic’ laments a time in my life where I was feeling very ornamental and used by various characters in my life, which served as a catalyst for the toy motif we’ve been playing with so far,” said the woman behing Heterochromia, Bree Vane. “Plastic has a very cathartic ‘f*ck you I’m a whole person’ chorus that makes it a lot more positive, and it’s definitely the most upbeat song we’ve written. I’m really excited for people to dance to this one”

“Plastic” comes from Heterochromia’s new EP, Cracked Porcelain, which should drop later this year. They’re about the head off on the Cracked Porcelain tour, which wraps up with a hometown EP launch. Catch Heterochromia at the following venues:

27 July 2023 – The Basement, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
28 July 2023 – Bar Open, Naarm/Melbourne
5 August 2023 – Servo Food Truck, Dharawal Country/Port Kembla
6 August 2023 – Hamilton Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
19 August 2023 – Backdock Arts, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 September 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Big Mouth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Public Fun Part 1” – Raging Hormones

I’m having a ball rocking out to Public Fun Part 1, the debut EP from new Naarm/Melbourne band Raging Hormones. If you love your rock music raw and gritty, these guys will be right up your alley.

The frenetic pace, rebellious lyrics, and scorching guitar solo of the opening track “Power Hour” set the tone. I must admit, this one rocked a little hard for me at first, but the more I listen the more I love it. I found the remaining tracks instantly accessible though. They’re a little more melodic without losing that all-important rock edge. “Going Out in Style,” released as a single in May, is the sort of track you can imagine igniting a room with its driving drums and singalong chorus. Raging Hormones keep the foot on the throttle for “Shake It Up” and “Everything Opens Up”. The closing track “Sunglasses” is perhaps Raging Hormones most radio-friendly. It’s a love song at its heart, with pop-rock elements that make it perhaps the band’s accessible song. This isn’t an EP with a lot of light and shade though, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want ballads, there are plenty of other bands that will give it to you. If you want to rock, Public Fun Part 1 is your EP.

The only thing that excites me more than this EP is that it’s named Part 1. Does this mean there’s more Public Fun on the way? We can only hope so! Until then, they’ll play for hometown fans at Stay Gold’s Beers for Bands event on July 14 to raise money for Support Act.

Images used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mid Drift Burst Onto the Scene With Debut Single “Know Your Name”

If their debut single “Know Your Name” is any indication, Meeanjin/Brisbane indie-pop act Mid Drift has a bright future ahead. This track is ridiculously catchy, with a snaky bass line that just won’t quit and seemingly effortless vocals from frontwoman Sarah Engstrom.

Mid Drift plans to release an EP early next year. After selling out their first headlining show in their hometown, they’re gearing up to tour the East Coast. Keep an eye on their socials to learn when they’re playing near you.

Image used with permission from Aviate

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Don’t Hear You Anymore” – The Money War

The Money War have come of age with the release of their gorgeous new EP I Don’t Hear You Anymore. Over the years they’ve created delicate folk music which was beautiful, but at times became a little sleepy. However, they’ve got the balance right with this collection of songs, creating a collection of songs that get under your skin without fading into the background.

A coming of age is only natural as Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper mature as a musical outfit and real-life couple. They’re raising three young children together now, trying to carve out time for their family, their relationship, themselves, and their music. Dylan is also a full-time producer, who says his commitment to other people’s music leaves limited time for The Money War. Being pushed and pulled in so many directions, quality becomes so much more important than quantity.

“Every now and then, I have this insatiable desire to create something that embodies my own vision and expresses Carmen and me as The Money War. In the past, we often had numerous songs to choose from, but nowadays, with three young kids, our time has significantly decreased. Therefore, a song only progresses beyond the ‘idea’ stage if it strongly demands to be realised,” he explained.

What we’re left with is four incredible tracks. The title track eases us in. It’s laidback and a bit of a slow burner, but it’s truly magical. “Was It Ever Really Anything?”, featuring FEELDS, is a gentle Americana-inspired track with a gorgeous slide guitar solo. I love the interplay between Dylan and Carmen’s vocals in the romantic “Ride.” The closing track “Somebody Loves You” is an uplifting love song without the schmaltz.

I Don’t Hear You Anymore is the EP I always knew The Money War had in them. It’s their strongest release to date, and a real sign of exciting things to come for this Boorloo/Perth band.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kwasi Releases Fire New Single, “Ready to Go”

Naarm/Melbourne artist Kwasi is bringing the hype with his latest single “Ready to Go.” If you need some pumping up to get through your workday, hit that volume button. You’re welcome!

I love the way this track combines hip-hop sounds with the energy of punk-rock. It pushes the boundaries of genre, but just far enough. After playing in the Philippines recently, it looks like Kwasi is going global. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some headlining dates back home.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR