Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Celebrate Women’s History Month With Kattimoni’s New Single, “Real Woman”

Women’s History Month might be winding down, but we’ve still got time for a powerful female anthem. “Real Woman,” the latest single from Aussie-born, Barbados-based artist Kattimoni celebrates feminine energy and strength. I’m absolutely loving how her soulful vocals sit in that cool reggae groove.

“The song is about women embracing their femininity, finding their voice and being unapologetic about stepping into their power and taking up space,” Kattimoni explained.

Yes sister! Kattimoni also edited, produced, and starred in the music video alongside some other queens to celebrate diverse feminine expression, unity, and international sisterhood.

Image used with permission from Kattimoni Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Congratulations to Royston Sagigi-Baira, Your New Australian Idol

Last night Australia crowned a new Australian Idol. In case you missed it (and given the ratings for the season, you probably did), Royston Sagigi-Baira took home the $100,000 cash prize and Sony Music contract over Phoebe Stewart. But of course, television isn’t just about ratings, or it shouldn’t be. While many media outlets will call the season a failure as it trailed behind reality juggernauts Married at First Sight and Survivor, I think Channel Seven has done a pretty good job revamping the original singing show.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, it showcased talent. Like, properly showcased talent. We saw these contestants sing at their auditions, the Sydney boot camp (several times), on live shows, and eliminations if they were in the bottom three. That’s a lot of exposure, and what I’ve always thought gave Idol contestants careers beyond the show. It’s not that the people who sing on The Voice are lacking, but consider just how often they sing in front of Australia. I really hope that exposure serves all these contestants well, because there were some real diamonds. I personally wish we could go back to the old days of eliminating just one contestant each show, but this is Idol for a different time, and the ratings probably don’t justify anything other than this shorter, snappier season. I think Seven got the balance right here.

Speaking of balance, I was pleasantly surprised by the judges. Yes, it was incredibly white-bread, but there was a good balance of intelligent critique and showmanship. Kylie Sandilands even played nice, for the most part. Even though there was reportedly some tension behind the scenes, they never let it overshadow the contestants or make the show feel awkward (anyone else remember that year of American Idol with Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj?). Professionals, every single one of them.

Only time will tell what happens with Royston, Phoebe, third-place getter Josh, and the rest of this year’s finalist, but I hope there’s been enough eyeballs on them for some doors to open. It’s a little unfair to compare ratings for the current incarnation to the original run, because it’s a vastly different television landscape. Those were the days before streaming, multi-channels, and the easy recording of PVRs. They were the days before sensational reality TV with its water-cooler moments. Some might say that means there’s no place for Idol any more, but I really hope we see it back on our screens next year. Congratulations to Royston and all this year’s Idol finalists. May they have every success. Here’s a throwback to Royston’s audition so you can see how his “Idol journey” began:

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Release Your New Favourite Song, “Ever”

I still have The VANNS’ album Through The Walls on repeat, but I’m pretty excited about sinking my teeth into all their new music. Ahead of the release of their long-awaited follow-up Last of Your Kind, the band has dropped a fabulous new single “Ever.”

This track is so smart. It builds on their classic rock sound, with a few twists and turns that are going to keep you guessing. There’s everything we love about The VANNS, and a little something extra. I’m into it.

“Thematically, ‘Ever’ is about the breakdown of a relationship that seemed to have all the boxes ticked as it pertains to the future and longevity of it all. The assumption that you’ll be with a person for life after constantly being reassured that nothing will ever change between the two of you, and when it ends, you’re left with a bevy of questions why and suppressed emotions that you’re dying to express,” The VANNS explained. “It’s a desire for answers, understanding, and, if attainable, some kind of closure.”

The band filmed the music video for “Ever” in their hometown of Dharawal Country/Kiama, on location at Jimmy Vann’s old primary school. Everybody say aww!

“We filmed the ‘Ever clip’ in my hometown of Kiama and in my old primary school which I attended in 2001. Walking back into that old sandstone building was very nostalgic for myself and my long time friend Jules Bourne (tour manager) who also attended the school and helped out directing the clip,” Jimmy said. “We had Christopher Kidall Park filming and directing the clip on the day, he is a young gun!”

The VANNS will celebrate the release of Last of Your Kind with three shows in the East Coast capitals. They’ll play the new album top to bottom, so it’s a great opportunity for fans to get across their new material. Here are the dates you need, music lovers!

19 May 2023 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Senor Friday

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Celebrate Five Years of “Chiaroscuro” With Vinyl Release

How has it been five years since Ocean Alley released their breakthrough album Chiaroscuro? I have no idea, but hearing the news that they’re releasing an exclusive vinyl repress and some time capsule merch inspired me to give it another listen. Hearing it again, I still can’t believe it’s been five years. This album still sounds so fresh!

If you want one of the new vinyls, you’ll need to be quick. There are just 1000 copies of the pink and purple marble vinyl with bonus slipmat. On April 22, to coincide with Australian Record Store Day, the band will drop 1000 of the transparent orange vinyl. Both variants include a special edition postcard insert and inscription on the packaging and vinyl.

Featuring the massive single “Confidence,” which topped the Triple J Hottest 100, and “Knees” and “Happy Sad,” Chiaroscuro went gold and helped Ocean Alley play shows in Australia, New Zealand, UK, Europe, and North America. Speaking of shows, they’re playing Groovin’ The Moo and BASSINTHEGRASS in the coming months before heading back to North America. Here are all the dates you need:

21 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Adelaide Showground, Kaurna Country/Wayville
22 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Maitland Showground, Minderibba/Maitland
23 April – Groovin’ The Moo @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
29 April 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Prince of Wales Showgrounds, Dja Dja Wurrung and the Taungurung Country/Bendigo
30 April 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Kawana Sports Western Precinct, Kabi Kabi Country/Warana
6 May 2023 – Groovin’ The Moo @ Hay Park, Noongar Country/Bunbury
20 May 2023 – BASSINTHEGRASS @ Mindil Beach, Larrakia Country/Darwin
11 August 2023 – Antone’s Nightclub, Austin
12 August 2023 – Granada Theater, Dallas
14 August 2023 – Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville
15 August 2023 – Variety Playhouse, Atlanta
16 August 2023 – The Beacham, Orlando
18 August 2023 – The Underground, Charlotte
19 August 2023 – The Fillmore, Silver Spring
20 August 2023 – Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia
22 August 2023 – Webster Hall, New York
23 August 2023 – Royale, Boston
25 August 2023 – Corona Theatre, Montreal
26 August 2023 – The Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
27 August 2023 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
29 August 2023 – Gothic Theatre, Englewood
30 August 2023 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City
1 September 2023 – Malkin Bowl, Chinatown de Vancouver
5 September 2023 – August Hall, San Francisco
7 September 2023 – The Observatory North Park, San Diego
8 September 2023 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; credit: The Sauce

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Davey Delivers New Anthem, “Count on a Country Song”

If you love country music, you’re going to relate to Jake Davey’s latest single “Count on a Country Song.” And if you don’t think country is for you, this fun country-rock track might just convince you otherwise.

Honestly, this is one of the catchiest songs I’ve heard in some time. I love the way Jake’s included a little classic country banjo while adding some modern flavour with the electric guitar. This is country music for the 2020s.

I can imagine this song will go off live. You don’t need to just imagine it though, as it’ll no doubt make the set when Jake sets sail as part of The Viper Creek Band’s Sydney Harbour Cruise 2023 on November 4.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“It Looks Better Than It Sounds” – Two Times Shy

I raved about Two Times Shy’s single “Tearing Up Inside” a couple of months ago. Now it’s found a home with the Meeanjin/Brisbane band’s debut EP. Don’t let its tounge-in-cheek name, It Looks Better Than It Sounds, fool you. These lads are playing coy, because it sounds fabulous.

Proving that there’s still life in the pop-punk genre, Two Times Shy come out swinging. Every song sounds like an instant classic. If you’re feeling a little relationship angst, tracks like the bold opener “Lonely” and “You and I” will strike a nerve. They’re all fantastic, with big guitar chords, singable choruses, and bold drums driving them along.

But for me “I’m Ready This Time” is the standout. From the opening acoustic guitar, you realise this is the song that breaks the formula. The pop-punk formula works well, don’t get me wrong, but this is the song that hints that this band offers a lot more than that. Its lyrics are truly vulnerable. It’s a real revelation. We also see their tender side with an acoustic cut of “Tearing Up Inside,” which really brings out the emotion behind this pop-punk smash.

There’s a reason these guys are on the radar of international tastemakers like idobi Radio. They’re bloody good. It Looks Better Than It Sounds is out now. Two Times Shy will launch the EP for hometown fans at Tomcat on April 14.

Images used with permission from Ruckus PR; main image credit: Gabi Rankine Creative

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

August River Band Waste No Time in Releasing Stunning New Single “Beautiful Hill”

I only just discovered August River Band and their single “Lemonade”, and already they’ve dropped another track, “Beautiful Hill.” This band moves fast! It’s another gorgeous track, with poetically sensual lyrics and plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing. Those strings are just heaven too!

“This song explores co-dependency, as well giving ourselves grace as we get older,” the band from Meeanjin/Brisbane explained. “The character expends energy pleasing his/her partner sexually at the expense of his/her own pleasure. In this, he/she finds his/her identity and this of course being the unsustainable reality that plagues so many of us. Breaking innate codependency is a critical part of the journey for most of us as we realise our own beauty and value in the world”.

“The chorus explores the emotions approaching sexual expression as an older person dealing with your own frailty and waning passions. Reflecting on your pride as a youth and realising its emptiness. Sexual expression only reaches its peak when you are stripped of this youthful pride and this process brings so much learning.”

August River Band will officially launch “Beautiful Hill” in front of a hometown crowd at The Beaded Lady tomorrow night, March 24.

Image used with permission from Fox Hole Films

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Between Tonight & Tomorrow” – Matt Joe Gow

It’s taken more than four years for Matt Joe Gow to release the follow-up to his last acclaimed album Break, Rattle and Roll. It’s been time well-spent though, with Matt showcasing some of the most accomplished songs of his career in his latest album, Between Tonight & Tomorrow.

When you have such accomplished songs in your arsenal, they don’t need bells and whistles. Organic arrangements ensure the lyrics shine. Songs feel like they’re captured in the moment, with instrumentalists and backing vocalists joining Matt for a jam.

I already raved about the singles, “’Til My Whole Heart Bursts”, “Sweet Collapse,” and the title track, but every song here is so strong. They’re introspective, with lyrics that explore weighty subjects like our memories, the loss of loved ones, and rebirth, but the jangly guitars and Matt’s easy, reassuring voice ensure the sound never gets too heavy. I found new favourites, like the captivating opener “Shipwreck,” the poetic “Go Ahead, Celebrate,” and the poignant closer, “Closing In.” But everything here is so good. This is Americana at its finest.

I was so impressed with Break, Rattle and Roll, but Matt Joe Gow has raised the bar even higher with Between Tonight & Tomorrow. It’s a masterclass in songwriting and proof positive that when you craft quality songs, less is more.

Between Tonight & Tomorrow is out now. Matt Joe Gow is currently touring the album around the country. Catch him at one of these venues near you:

26 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (matinee album launch)
31 March 2023 – Palais-Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs (with The Dead Leaves)
2 April 2023 – Hydrant Food Hall, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
7 April 2023 – Baroque Room, Dharug and Gundungurra Country/Katoomba (with The Dead Leaves)
8 April 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with The Dead Leaves)
9 April 2023 – Hiway Enmore, Eora/Sydney (with The Dead Leaves)
15 April 2023 – Sandy Point Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Sandy Point (with The Dead Leaves)
21 April 2023 – Star Hotel, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah (with The Dead Leaves)
22 April 2023 – Mt Beauty Festival, Dhudhuroa and Yaitmathang Country/Mt Beauty (with The Dead Leaves)
25 April 2023 – Arrowtown Festival, Otago

Images used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Between You & Me Drop New Single “Nevermind” Ahead of U.S. and Local Shows

Aussie pop-punk outfit Between You & Me are going from strength to strength, and it’s time for the world to know it. They’ve just dropped their fantastic new single “Nevermind” and announced U.S. dates with Real Friends and Knuckle Puck. After taking America by storm for the second time (they toured the country with State Champs in the back end of 2022), they’ll be back on local soil for their own shows.

“We knew that the next song we released after Armageddon was going to be tough because we put all that we had into the album and are very proud of what we were able to create together,” explained frontman Jake Wilson. “Since our band is now independent, there felt like a lot of added pressure to prove a lot of people wrong and remind everyone that we’re still here and we aren’t dropping off anytime soon.

“As we’re growing in our career and as individuals we’ve enjoyed playing with different genres and finding our niche. ‘Nevermind’ is the next chapter for BYAM that perfectly captures the spirit of our band and our live show.”

“Nevermind” is the first single lifted from Between You & Me’s EP, which will drop in September. They’ll announce dates for their world tour, including headlining shows around Australia, really soon, so keep an eye on their socials.

14 April 2023 – Varsity Theater, Minneapolis (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
15 April 2023 – The Waiting Room, Omaha (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
16 April 2023 – Beer City Music Hall, Oklahoma City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
18 April 2023 – Mohawk, Austin (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
19 April 2023 – Vibes, San Antonio (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
20 April 2023 – Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
22 April 2023 – Nile Theater, Mesa (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
23 April 2023 – House Of Blues, San Diego (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
25 April 2023 – The Observatory, Santa Ana (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
26 April 2023 – Tioga Sequoia Brewery, Fresno (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
27 April 2023 – The Ritz, San Jose (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
28 April 2023 – The Crocodile, Seattle (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
30 April 2023 – Hawthorne Theatre, Portland (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
2 May 2023 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
4 May 2023 – The Black Sheep, Colorado Springs (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
5 May 2023 – Aggie Theatre, Fort Collins (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
6 May 2023 – The Truman, Kansas City (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
7 May 2023 – The Riff, Springfield (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
9 May 2023 – The Castle Theatre, Bloomington (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
10 May 2023 – Elevation @ The Intersection, Grand Rapids (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
11 May 2023 – Bogart’s, Cincinnati (supporting Real Friends and Knuckle Puck)
18 May 2023 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Slowly Slowly)
25 May 2023 – Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Slowly Slowly)
26 May 2023 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (with Slowly Slowly)
27 May 2023 – Roundhouse, Eora/Sydney (with Slowly Slowly)
10 June 2023 – EasyLover Fest @ Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Slowly Slowly)

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group; credit: Lars Juveland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Give Vinyl 45’s Newest Track “Top Down” a Spin

With a name like Vinyl 45, you might expect this seven-piece from Western Eora/Sydney to deliver some serious nostalgia. They deliver with their latest track “Top Down,” a song which somewhere combines the soul of yacht rock with urban edge, thanks to the rap stylings of Truboy.

“This track holds a special place in my heart as it was the first track we recorded with the band that was a reflection of my personal feelings at the time,” explained Vinyl 45’s frontman Aaron Gunawickrema. “The lyrics basically talk about that moment when everything around you gets too stressful to handle, be it money matters, study, whatever. And you just want to leave it all behind and go to the one person that will silence all those worries and voices in your head, get in a car with them and drive away, leaving everything behind.”

A true representation of the diversity of their part of the country, Vinyl 45 has members with Sri Lankan, Myanmarese, South American, Scottish, and Welsh heritage. When you get all those backgrounds together, they’re going to create music that doesn’t sound like anything else. I can’t wait to hear what’s up next from Vinyl 45. While they don’t have any headlining shows coming up, you can catch them at The Great Club in Eora/Sydney supporting Sex on Toast on April 22.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Kushal Bhattarai