Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stormy-Lou Exorcise Their Demons With “Nothing To Me”

Kaurna Land/Adelaide four-piece Stormy-Lou are bringing a little angst to your day with their new single “Nothing To Me”. It sounds like a classic alternative rock track, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear the optimism coming through. It might be a breakup song, but it reminds us that an ending is so often a new beginning.

“Nothing To Me is our way of saying “f*** you, we’re better now,” the band explained. “All four of us have experienced awful relationships in some shape or form and so this was a really collaborative song for us to express the post-breakup feels. We’re all super confident, bubbly people and that has come from beating hardships and kicking out bad ties in life.”

After wowing hometown crowds with a recent headlining show at the Crown and Anchor, Stormy-Lou will return to the venue to support Sophisticated Dingo on December 1.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Eve Burner

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Queency Releases Retro Single, “Purple Diamonds”

I miss Prince terribly. The world is a little darker without him. His legacy extends beyond the music he left to the artists he influenced. One such artist is Queency, a Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter who isn’t afraid to wear his influence on his fabulous sleeve. His new single “Purple Diamonds” is as close to a new Prince song as we’re ever going to get. While it’s pretty derivative, it’s also a whole lot of fun.

“Purple Diamonds is a metaphor for what you have most precious to give to someone you find irresistibly attractive. You know, when they’re just your type and the chemistry is right, you just wanna give that person purple diamonds all night!” Queency enthused. “This song is about feeling so in tune with your partner that you’re ready to truly express yourself in the intimacy you have built and may even fall if you keep entertaining this situation. It’s about being vulnerable, yet insatiable! Look, let’s stop sugar coating: it’s a booty song! And surprise, surprise, I wrote it as I was falling in love with my partner, so he’s definitely inspired it. It’s a shameless synth heavy and vocally stacked retro pop track modernised to 21st Century’s flavours. It’s definitely an ode to 80s pop, but I wanted it to be seasoned to the taste of today! And I like it extra spicy – so we turned the heat all the way up!”.

“Purple Diamonds” is the title track from Queency’s forthcoming EP, which drops on November 24.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jeff Ettridge

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City” – Jacob Fitzgerald

I must admit, I listened to Jacob Fitzgerald’s new EP, Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City, more out of my own interest than any serious desire to write up a review. I’ve already fawned over three of the EP’s six tracks, so what more would I have to say? There’s probably a point where continuing to praise an artist gets boring, but once I listened to this EP I knew I’d have to put my fingers to the keyboard and get typing.

Jacob had already shown incredible diversity, delivering rock swag with his song “Muse,” then showing his softer side with softer, more pop-influenced tracks “The Long Way Home” and “Shame on You.” The EP delivers more pieces of the Jacob Fitzgerald puzzle. The opening track and current single “My Girl” reminds me a little of “Jessie’s Girl,” both thematically and in terms of its instant radio-friendly appeal. “The Electric City” is a brooding synth-driven number that has me thinking of classic 80s tunes from Don Henley and Tears for Fears. It’s really cool. After the bravado of “Muse,” the vulnerability he shows in “Peter Pan” is even more striking.

Jacob Fitzgerald & The Electric City shows Jacob is such a multi-faceted artist with plenty to show us. Something tells me that while this EP is diverse, something tells me there’s plenty more to come. That’s exciting. Jacob is about the embark on the shows in the major capitals supporting Loose Bricks. Rest assured, you want to turn up early enough for his set.

25 November 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 November 2022 – Hiway Enmore, Eora/Sydney
16 December 2022 – Crown and Anchor, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 December 2022 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessey Napa Drops Cool New Single, “Only Thing I Needed”

Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Jessey Napa has released his summery new single “Only Thing I Needed.” With a groove that just won’t quit and uplifting lyrics about following your bliss, it’s bound to make you feel better about the world.

“I was in a bit of rut songwriting-wise when a friend of mine encouraged me to change up the way I was writing,” Jessey explained about the song’s creation. “That night I put down the guitar (my usual instrument of choice) and laid down a bass, drum, and piano groove on my laptop. The instrumental must have opened something inside me because the lyrics poured straight out of me. The song remained quite bass and piano heavy until I decided I wanted to up the energy of the track for the live show. By adding guitars reminiscent of Kings of Leon and Catfish and the Bottlemen, I was able to take the energy of the song to a new level”

“Only Thing I Needed” is such a great follow-up to Jessey’s last single “Dixie.” I’ll be listening to this one for a while, but I also can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Image used with permission from Jessey Napa

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Allen Stone @ Enmore Theatre, Eora/Newtown – 15 November 2022

It takes a lot to get me to a midweek gig. And I’m not just talking about the two trains that I need to catch to get to venues like the Enmore. I always know I’m going to be sluggish the next morning, so it’d better be worth my while. Having seen Allen Stone play The Metro back in 2019, I knew he would be. So last night I put on my best dress, dragged myself out of the house on a Tuesday (!), and prepared myself for the party.

Since we couldn’t leave Darkinjung Country/Central Coast until after my husband had finished work, I had to make the choice between getting a decent dinner or seeing the support act. Sorry WILSN, but my stomach won. We arrived with just enough time to settle ourselves in for Allen and admire the theatre. It was my first trip to the Enmore since its renovations. Gee the old girl scrubs up beautifully.

“Uncle Al” always brings the party. He’s such a natural on stage, dancing up a storm and playing off his band. His voice is so rich, warm and textured, perhaps even better in person than on the albums. He had us in raptures with upbeat singles like “Brown Eyed Lover” and “Taste of You.” I’m not sure if everyone was across the new single “5 Minutes”, but they were certainly happy to take Allen’s lead and engage in a little call-and-response. While we love grooving along with him, we’re also happy to swoon at his romantic ballads. Al knows how to write a real love song, ballads that speak from the heart and avoid the cliches. I found myself squeezing my husband’s hand tightly listening to “Consider Me” and “Bring You Blue”. Choice covers like Stevie Wonder’s “A Place in the Sun” and an epic version of Farnsy’s “Two Strong Hearts” had us in raptures.

I’ve got to take a moment to shout out to the audience. There’s often something really special about the crowds who go to see shows from artists who haven’t made an impact on the Australian charts. There are no casual fans, like when you see the latest big thing or an artist who’s been a radio mainstay for decades. They go because they really go. They also tend to be pretty passionate about great music, because they’ve sought this artist out rather than just waiting for radio to deliver them. I love being part of crowds like this. They cheered rapturously, but you could hear a pin drop in those quiet moments. Everyone was in the moment, lapping up every second. Allen praised the audience several times, and even declared we were the best crowd of the tour. Sure, he might say that in every city, but I’ll take it.

When crowds are that good, you can’t leave without an encore. I’m sure I read once that the Enmore’s residential neighbourhood restricts shows from going on too long, but Al insisted he wanted to play two more. I finally got my chance to see the support act WILSN when she joined Al on stage for “Naturally”. She was brilliant. I promise I’ll try to see her next time. Most artists would prefer to end with their own material, but on a night when there were such good vibes in the room, a singalong cover of Bob Marley’s “Is This Love” was the perfect closer.
I didn’t get home until close to 1:30 a.m. Since there are fewer trains and everyone needs to get home, they stop at all stations on the way back home. We can also count on a long wait between connections. I’m very sluggish today, but I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Uncle Al is just that good.

Allen Stone’s The New Normal tour continues tonight in Naarm/Melbourne. I know midweek gigs are tough, but if you’re ever going to do it, make it for one of these shows:

16 November 2022 – Northcote Theatre/Naarm/Melbourne
19 November 2022 – Harvest Rock Festival, Tartanya/Adelaide
20 November 2022 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 November 2022 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crystal Cities Make Welcome Return With “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”

After a hiatus of almost a year, Crystal Cities are back with a bang. Their latest single “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore” is a big anthemic rock track that ticks all the boxes. In fact, it might just be the best thing they’ve ever released. It’s amazing to think when you realise just how close frontman Geoff Rana came to leaving the industry for good.

“I happened to be going through one of those ‘down’ moments where giving up music and writing songs seemed like the best option for moving forward with my life… Wild peaks of motivation followed by troughs of listlessness are simply part of the experience of being a creative person struggling to find some semblance of success in an ever-changing world… Ironically, it was when I was feeling at my lowest that I happened to sit down with my guitar and start strumming the opening chords for ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’,” he explained. “It was through this song that I found myself reuniting with why I write songs and why I love it so much. ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’ is about the experience of losing something or someone you once loved and then the joy you get from reconnecting with, or rediscovering that something or someone.”

This song is also the first featuring Crystal Cities’ newest member, drummer Neel Shukla who replaced Daniel Conte. Opening with “Love Don’t Live Here Anymore”, this new Crystal Cities’ chapter seems pretty bright.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darcy Lane Celebrates Single Status With “2022 Without You”

For many of us, 2022 has been a year of celebration. With lockdowns seemingly behind us, the world opening up, and the live music scene getting back to some kind of normal, we’ve all had some highlights. For Eora/Sydney Darcy Lane, her single status has been reason alone to embrace this year. “2022 Without You” is an upbeat ode to saying goodbye to relationships that don’t serve you and embracing life unencumbered.

“‘2022 Without You’ is ultimately a celebration of being single in 2022. I started writing it in January and have been adding to it throughout the year,” Darcy explained. “Initially inspired by the aftermath of a breakup, this song is about embracing the changes that life throws at you, moving on, and caring less. In a world where we receive constant reminders of our ex’s existence, it can be hard to ignore what they are doing and who they are doing it with. However, this song is a reminder to me, and hopefully some other people, that it actually does not matter what they are doing as long as you are living your best life.”

As we start gearing up to bid 2022 farewell, this fun track is a great reminder of the year that was. Hopefully we’ll hear a lot more from Darcy Lane as we kick off 2023.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella Deer Blossoms With Debut Solo Single “Bloom”

Bella Deer is one of those rare artists who sounds like a seasoned pro straight out of the gate. “Bloom” is her debut single, but you wouldn’t know it by listening to it. Her vocals are powerful and confident, and the song’s lyrics are outstanding. I’m going to be humming that melody for the rest of the day too.

Bella isn’t quite a novice though. She’s shared stages with Husky Gawenda, Thando, and Emma Donovan and The Putbacks. However, this is her first time stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. Listening to “Bloom”, I’d say it’s about time.

“This song is about struggling with self-confidence and mustering the courage to simply be yourself and accepting who you are and what you stand for,” Bella explained. “When you start to do this, you find that you’re accepted despite those fears. It also explores the frustrations with the lack of meaningful human connections in our society in a tech-obsessed world.”

Bella will play Door Gallery Café in Wathaurong/Fyansford on November 19.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Lucinda Goodwin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Fearless” – Is MAN KIND

Most of the time the music that is polished within an inch of its life. In some cases, it might be too polished. I can be refreshing to hear something that’s a little rawer and less refined. I think that’s one of the reasons I’m really enjoying Fearless, the debut EP from Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast outfit Is MAN KIND.

I must admit, it took me a couple of songs to get on board. But by the time the nostalgic “1984” kicked in, I was a fan. This is really music of a different time, old school rock that doesn’t need the bells and whistles. I can’t imagine many bands recording a track like “Super Sexy Satisfaction,” which is every bit as wild as it sounds, but it’s delivered with so much swagger that you can’t help but like it. Closing number “The Impossible Dream” is a big gospel-rock ballad that’s just so much fun.

Listening to these songs, you get the sense that Is MAN KIND are just a few blokes who make music because they enjoy it. They’d probably be more at home at your local pub than an arena, but there’s a real honest charm about that. If I ever saw them in my local, I’d definitely buy them a beer or two. Leave your expectations at the door and I think Fearless might just win you over too. As you might imagine, is MAN KIND have some gigs coming up. Get yourself along to one of the following shows, because I’m sure it’ll be a good time.

27 November 2022 – Last Night on Earth, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (Free album launch)
11 December 2022 – Hotel Brunswick, Durring/Brunswick Heads
17 December 2022 – Xmas Cheers ‘n’ Beers @ Madocke Beer Brewing Company, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
5 February 2023 – Hotel Brunswick, Durring/Brunswick Heads

Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jelly Oshen Releases Your Summer Soundtrack, “Good Days”

It’s starting to feel like summer is approaching. The days are longer, the warm weather seems like it’s sticking around, and I’m enjoying sticking my toes in the ocean and having weekend brunches at outdoor cafes. If you’re celebrating an early summer too, you’re going to love Jelly Oshen’s new track “Good Days.” This one is all about the good vibes, with a cool reggae-tinged R&B groove that I know you’re going to love. Jelly was inspired to write this after watching the last episode of The Office.


“There was a quote from the character I hated the most which said, ‘I wish there was a way to tell that you are in the good ole days, before you’ve actually left them…someone should make a song about that quote’, so I made a song about it. But in general, it’s about enjoying the moments before they pass,” he explained. “I used the usual process of thinking about the topic and emotions, creating the music to set the mood/tone and then write the lyrics as I go along. The difference in this song is that I didn’t line it with any lesson to learn besides that life can just be sad and hard and confusing and that’s just how it is sometimes, which in itself is still an important lesson I guess”.

Jelly will play Rolling Hills at Eatons Hill Hotel in Meeanjin/Brisbane on November 19 and Reggaetown Festival in Ngunbay/Kuranda on November 20.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music