Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Silence of You” – Kyle Lionhart

I knew before pressing play that I was going to love Kyle Lionhart’s sophomore album The Silence of You. I’d already fawned over the singles “Chemical Heart” and “Lighthouse,” highlighting Kyle’s personal lyrics and heartfelt delivery. But I wasn’t prepared for just how much this collection of songs would move me.

When you release a few exceptional singles, they often become the highlights of the album. That’s not the case here. Every song is a standout, a powerful and personal revelation. Perhaps the pandemic has something to do with that. With the exception of “Locked to Towns,” penned during the songwriting sessions for his debut album, Kyle wrote every song during lockdown.

While we were all reflective while stuck in our homes, the period was especially telling for Kyle. Near the end of 2019, after more than six years of constant touring, he started feeling like pursuing his career came at the expense of his most important relationships. When the pandemic forced him to take a break from the road the following year, it was time to start working on those relationships and himself. These songs stemmed from that period of self-reflection; they’re powerful, sometimes confronting, and always authentic. Kyle admits that he cried every day in the studio singing these songs; that emotion really comes through. You can hear it in his voice, but make sure you listen to those lyrics to really understand the powerful experiences and feelings that shaped these songs.

While these songs deal with some heavy themes, The Silence of You isn’t a dark album. Kyle’s voice has a beautiful warmth that lifts you up as you listen. There’s also an undercurrent of optimism that brings lightness to the material. This album celebrates human connection and love. While that exists, we can never stay down for too long. Kyle will play shows in the new year to support the album’s release.

20 January 2023 – Milk Bar, Boorloo/Perth
21 January 2023 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 January 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 January 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
3 February 2023 – Mos Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
4 February 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
11 February 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucid Safari Brings Summer Vibes With “Waiting For the Sun”

It’s not quite December, but it seems like summer’s already here. That makes it the perfect time for listening to a track like “Waiting for the Sun”, the latest single from Meeanjin/Brisbane band Lucid Safari. Just see if you’re not singing along with the “whoas” by the end of it.

“As well as welcoming back the sunny season, the song reflects the feeling of living through the ebbs and flows of life knowing that when times are tough, good things are sure to come back around,” explained Lucid Safari’s frontman Daniel Lewis.

Lucid Safari have been playing plenty of hometown gigs lately, including a double-header single launch with The Urban Sea and a show supporting Reece Mastin. Hopefully it’s not too long before they pack up the van and head to venues around the rest of the country.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Guy Crofts

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SacredCrows Release Buzzy Single, “Dragonfly”

Taking time to release their second single has paid off for SacredCrows. After dropping their debut “Strange” earlier this year, SacredCrows are delivering “Dragonfly,” a straight-up blues-rock track that might even be better than their first effort. It makes me feel like dancing, despite those dark lyrics about noxious personality traits and the way they can lead to self-sabotage.

“This one is a live favourite with the band and crowds, but yeah, it’s a little neurotic under all the fun stuff,” admitted SacredCrows frontman Glenn Whitehall. “I guess that’s the gold in songmaking, having a way to vent.”

You can bet this track will be on regular rotation until SacredCrows grace us with another one!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Black Stump Band @ Avoca Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 26 November 2022

I’ve seen The Whitlams and Tim Freedman solo countless times over the years. The ever-changing setlists ensure it never gets tired, yet I relished the opportunity to see them doing something completely new. When the Whitlams Black Stump Band stopped in to Darkinjung Country/Central Coast on Saturday, I got my chance.

After seeing my first gig at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, I’ll be keeping a close eye on their gig guide. I’ve seen movies there in the past, but you don’t really appreciate its intimacy as much when you’re looking at a big screen. It’s such a charming space, oozing with warmth and good vibes. I had tickets in the front row and didn’t dare bring out my camera out, lest I break the spell.

Courtney Keil was already on stage when I found my seat. She’s got a sweet voice and a youthful energy that’s perfect for her brand of country-pop. Cass Hopetoun was next, another country act but one I connected with instantly. Her songs were much quirkier, with plenty of sass and edge. She’s also a really compelling performer. Watching her interact with her fiancé on guitar was so special. I’ve been blasting her album since the show.

While the walk-on music was familiar, this was a very different Whitlams show to any other I’ve seen. With only two-fifths of the outfit Whitlams regulars, the band could best be described as an offshoot. While Rod McCormack, Matt Fell, and Ollie Thorpe are new additions, they’re such accomplished musicians that they sound as if they’ve been playing with Tim and Terepai, and playing these songs, for years. I’d heard a couple of the new arrangements through single releases, but getting to hear so many great Whitlams songs in new ways was thrilling. I hadn’t imagined slide guitar, banjo, or steel guitar on these tracks, but I’m so glad I got the opportunity to hear them that way. Certain songs also suit a more countrified treatment than others, so the show featured some tracks that don’t usually make the set list. If you’re a die-hard Whitlams fan, that alone is worth the price of admission. We were also treated to covers from artists like Kris Kristofferson and Neil Young. As I said before, this was not your typical Whitlams gig.

There’s something special that happens when a band are really vibing. You can tell that these guys love making music together. When the band loves what they do, the audience always has a good time. The Whitlams always bring the party, but the novelty of this new project takes these songs to another level. If you consider yourself a Whitlams fan, make sure you see the Whitlams Black Stump Band at one of their upcoming shows:
1 December 2022 – Royal Oak Hotel, Therrernotepanner, Leterrermairrener and Panniher Country/Launceston
2 December 2022 – LongHouse, Nipaluna/Hobart
3 December 2022 – Palais Theatre, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Franklin
20 January 2023 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
18 March 2023 – Adelaide Fringe, Spiegeltent, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 March 2023 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
25 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
26 March 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
31 March 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
1 April 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yorke Drops Poptastic Single “when the honeymoon is over” Ahead of EP Release

Yorke has dropped another taste of her new EP which has me even more excited about its launch later this week. With the release of new single “when the honeymoon is over,” we’ve now heard three stellar pop gems from this five-track EP. While I’m really looking forward to hearing the final pieces of the puzzle, I’m also relishing this song for a little while.

I also love the video, the second Yorke’s created with her director and partner Kyle Caulfield. I hear it took a month of long days and nights, including countless trips to Bunnings, but it’s come together beautifully.

“Love can sort of just sneak up on you at the least expected of times, these heart balloons are the visual metaphor for those feelings of love starting to introduce themselves into life, in a way that can’t be ignored,” Kyle explained.

Yorke’s new EP ten feet tall drops on December 2. Fresh from supporting Peach PRC, she’ll play the following headlining shows along the East Coast in the New Year to support its release.

3 February 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 February 2022 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
10 February 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie Needs Braces Drops Delightful New Single, “Yanoo”

Charlie Needs Braces is bringing the good vibes to your Saturday with her latest single “Yanoo”. It’s an easy breezy summer song that encourages us all the embrace the endings rather than holding on to relationships that no longer serve us.

“Yanoo means goodbye in my mob’s language and is inspired by all the inevitable and natural endings we all go through at some point in relationships,” explained Charlie, a proud GuriNgai woman, a descendant of Bungaree and Matora.

“Yanoo” comes from Charlie’s forthcoming album Saltwater People, which drops on February 10. Before that she’ll support Squid Nebula at Shotkickers in Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung/Thornbury on December 30.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tiffany Garvie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The ARIA Awards 2022 Wrap

So the dust has settled on the ARIA Awards for another year and it seems like everyone has an opinion. I can’t help but feel like most of those opinions come from people who haven’t taken the time to listen to a new Australian album in years who simply want to reminisce about the “good old days”. That’s not to say that the awards were perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but I hardly think they’re the shambles that many made them out to be. Most of the performances were solid and a fantastic showcase for the diversity of Australian music today. I also thought Natalie Imbruglia, G-Flip, and Ruel, who stepped in at the 11th hour when Lewis Capaldi pulled out, were personable hosts.

Having said that: Christian Wilkins and Froomes – you had one job. I don’t know whether a few glasses of vino made them a little too relaxed, but there’s really no excuse for getting album names wrong. Multiple times. While they got the tributes for Uncle Archie Roach and Judith Durham so right, Olivia Newton-John deserved better. It felt like a number from the Schools Spectacular, not a professional celebration of the life of one of Australia’s most loved artists. I was disappointed to see Gang of Youths go home empty-handed, but thrilled for Baker Boy and The Wiggles’ wins.

Anyway, if you missed the awards or you simply want to check the correct names of those albums, here are all the winners.

Album of the Year: Baker Boy – Gela
Best Solo Artist: Baker Boy
Best Group: Amyl and the Sniffers
Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist: King Stingray
Best Independent Release: Archie Roach – One Song
Best Pop Release: The Kid LAROI – “Thousand Miles”
Best Hip Hop Release: Baker Boy – Gela
Best Soul/R&B Release: Budjerah – Conversations
Best Dance/Electronic Release: Luude feat. Colin Hay – “Down Under”
Best Rock Album: Amyl and the Sniffers – Comfort To Me
Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album: The Chats – Get Fucked
Best Adult Contemporary Album: Julia Jacklin – Pre Pleasure
Best Country Album: Casey Barnes – Light It Up
Best Blues & Roots Album: William Crighton – Water And Dust
Best Children’s Album: The Wiggles – Rewiggled
Best Classical Album: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Sir Andrew Davis – The Enchanted Loom: Orchestral Works By Carl Vine
Best Jazz Album: Mildlife – Live From South Channel Island
Best Original Soundtrack/Musical Theatre Cast Album: Australian Chamber Orchestra and Richard Tognetti – River (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Best World Album: Joseph Tawadros with William Barton – History Has A Heartbeat
Best Video: William Bleakley – “Every Side Of You” (Vance Joy)
Best Australian Live Act: The Wiggles
Song of the Year: Tones and I – “Cloudy Day”
Most Popular International Act: Harry Styles
Music Teacher Award: Matt Orchard (Apollo Bay P-12 College)
Best Cover Art: Adnate – Gela (Baker Boy)
Best Mixed Album: Pip Norman, Andrei Eremin & Dave Hammer – Gela (Baker Boy)
Best Produced Album: RÜFÜS DU SOL – Surrender (RÜFÜS DU SOL)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Keogh Amps Up His Sound With “Ketamine”

Nick Keogh charmed me with the folky, acoustic-driven songs on his debut EP, 20 & Bored. He’s kicked things up a few notches with his latest single “Ketamine,” and I’m here for it. Switching his acoustic guitar for a telecaster has made his sound much bigger. The witty lyrics are also brilliantly biting, with Nick checking his privilege and in the process reminding others to do the same.

“I wrote Ketamine after I watched a Tik Tok by Lucy Holz where she discusses people at Melbourne Uni ‘fetishising poverty’ and I had a bit of a ‘woah’ moment because that’s something that I do,” he admitted. “It was around the time where I was reassessing my privilege as a white cis-het man in the music industry and didn’t really know what to say. So, I decided to write about just that, from the perspective of a lad in the style of music they’d probably listen to.”

Nick will launch the single for hometown fans in Naarm/Melbourne at NoNo (formerly Penny’s Bandroom) on December 8.

Image used with permission from Nick Keogh

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality” – Sick Visor

As if they understood just how challenging Thursdays can be, Naarm/Melbourne indie-punk duo Sick Visor have dropped their debut EP For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality, and yes, it’s every bit as fabulous as its title. In fact, it’s an absolute joy.

Indie-punk and joy don’t often go hand in hand, but this isn’t your average collection of punk songs. There’s the energy, driving drums, and big chords we associate with the genre, but these songs are more about celebrating life than complaining about what’s wrong with it. I’m not sure I’ve ever related more to a punk song than the opening track, “Happy Pessimistic People Person Introvert”. “My Legs Feel Good In My Pants” reminds us all to appreciate the now and all its little wins. Want more positivity? “Love is Free” brings it in spades. Not that Sick Visor view the world totally through rose-coloured glasses. “Shit for Brains” is a self-deprecating anthem for musos all too aware of their shortcomings. “Sticky Tape” rounds out the EP. If ever a song was the equivalent of a big warm hug, this is it. Again, it embraces the flaws, reminding us that while we might be holding ourselves together with sticky tape, we’re far from the only ones.

After supporting the likes of Bugs and TOWNS in Melbourne, Sick Visor have announced some headlining gigs to support today’s release of For Wise People Who Appreciate Quality. Catch them at one of the following shows:

25 November 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
2 December 2022 – Penny’s, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Simple Cider, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting the Sleepyheads)
5 December 2022 – MONA Lawns, Nipaluna/Hobart


Images used with permission from Habit Music Co; main image credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Cornell on Solo Comeback Trail With “Stick Around

It’s been five years since his last solo single, but five-time Golden Guitar nominee Matt Cornell is coming back with a vengeance. After focusing on his work with duo Cornell & Carr and playing with acts like Shannon Noll and Adam Brand, Matt’s latest track “Stick Around” is a real return to form. It’s a country-rock anthem with a classic feel that draws on Matt’s love of ‘80s music.

“‘Stick Around’ explores the weird phenomenon that True Love often strikes when we least expect it,” Matt explained. “The idea that something so solid and long lasting can be borne out of one boozy fleeting flirty moment. I feel in a way, where I’m at in my life, ‘Stick Around’ is kind of a wish for me personally, I’m currently single, & wanting to settle down to start a family one day, in this song, the guy meets his life partner, has the two kids & a dog, there’s hope for me yet.”

On the back of the single, Matt will play a string of big shows in 2023. Check him out at the following events:
18 February 2023 – Sydney Harbour Cruise, Eora/Sydney
11 March 2023 – The Stock Route Country Music Festival, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
14 July 2023 – Country on Keppel, Woppa/Great Keppel Island

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity