Posted on by Lauren Katulka

thndo Drops Captivating New Single, “Fall”

Many of us met Thndo when she appeared on The Voice earlier this year. However, I didn’t feel like I really got to know her musically until the release of her Life in Colour EP a few months back. She’s continuing to reintroduce herself to audiences with the release of her new single “Fall”. It’s an utterly captivating piece of neo-soul that perfectly showcases the creativity and vocal chops of this exceptional artist.

“I’m really excited for people to hear my latest offering,” she enthused. “I completely wore my heart on my sleeve with this track, and said all the things I felt I couldn’t when I was still in my last relationship.”

I let you know about thndo’s The Reintroduction tour months ago, but if it slipped your mind you can still get tickets to the remaining dates.

27 October 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
29 October 2022 – Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta
17 November 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2022 – Imperial Hotel Eumundi, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
19 November 2022 – Wynnum Fringe Festival, Wynnum

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit Leila Maulen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nocturnal Animals Drop Anthemic New Single, “Passive Tone”

Nocturnal Animals has released their latest track “Passive Tone”, an anthem for anyone who’s ever weathered a rocky relationship. It starts out like an acoustic guitar ballad, but those drums and aggressive vocals kick in soon enough.

“Passive Tone is about the feeling of someone not being able to say it to your face; they speak in a passive tone making you feel like you aren’t worth their time,” the band explained.

There’s more where this came from, with Nocturnal Animals dropping their long-awaited debut EP Paint a Picture on November 4.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunday Lemonade Release Gorgeous New Single, “Runaway”

Sunday Lemonade are back to charm you all over again with “Runaway.” If you’re familiar with this Naarm/Melbourne duo, you know what you’re getting. Their organic folk songs are super sweet, with melodies that instantly lift you up and make you feel better about the world. This single doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but if it ain’t broken, why try fixing it?

“‘Runaway’ is a pop/folk story of reciprocated but unspoken lust, exploring the fascinating hints and moments with another human yet frustrating lack of courage to actually act on it,” the twosome explained. “The fairy tale dream of what would happen if that person would hurry up and grab your hand, take you on an adventure and you’d finally have the chance to fall in love.”

Sweet Lemonade will perform at the Passport To Airlie 2022 Finals, part of the Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Whitsunday Sailing Club in Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach on November 3.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Machines of Love & Grace” – Kav Temperley

I was a casual Eskimo Joe fan. I’d sing along to “To The Sea” or “Black Fingernails, Red Wine” as enthusiastically as any Aussie, but I wouldn’t buy the albums or see the band live. Then in 2018, Kav Temperley dropped his first solo album, All Your Devotion, and I felt I finally understood what all the fuss was about. I bought the vinyl, I went to a gig, and I named that album my favourite of the year. With Ben Lee and Amy Shark releasing incredible music in the same year, it was no mean feat. So understandably, I had some pretty high expectations for Kav’s new solo effort, Machines of Love & Grace.

This album has been two and a half years in the making. The global pandemic had a way of slowing down so many things, including this release. However, like a good cheese or red wine, a little time leading up to the finished product is far from a bad thing.

“Machines Of Love & Grace started its life in the very first week of COVID,” he explained. “Myself and my wife had just returned from the US and then one day later the whole entire world shut down. At the same time, I also came down with a mystery virus that was too early in the pandemic to test for COVID. So while everyone went into lockdown, I began to isolate myself in my bedroom only talking to my family through a small crack in the bedroom window.”

Without the distractions of the outside world, Kav could focus on the lyrics, producing some of the best-written songs of his career. As someone who fell so deeply for the songs on his debut, I don’t say that flippantly. Kav tackles some big stuff here. The opening track “Emergency in D Minor” ruminates on self-isolation. The title track was inspired by the screen addiction so many of us experience, not just during lockdown but through the modern age. The most recent single “Last of the Wine” paints a portrait of alcoholism and domestic violence. “The Fence” touches on anti-vaxxers and the environment. Machines of Love & Grace is a weighty album, but Kav’s knack for creating catchy melodies ensures it doesn’t feel too heavy. It makes you think, but also encourages you to keep listening.

Coming out of a time of isolation, the choice collaborations feel even more poignant. Kav teams up with some of Western Australia’s best musicians: John Butler, Katy Steele, and Siobhan Cotchin. Hearing their voices combine and the energy in their connections is a beautiful thing.

Machines of Love & Grace is an incredible follow-up to All Your Devotion. I’m falling just a little more in love with every listen. Kav plans on touring this album with shows in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth. Check his website for show details and tickets from 10am on Tuesday October 25.

Images used with permission from On the Map PR; main image credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Day Wows Me With “Psych or the Priest”

Whatever you’re doing right now, stop and take a moment to listen to Michael Day’s new single “Psych or the Priest.” It’s a gorgeous folk song with such subtlety that you might miss its beauty if you don’t pay attention. Give it your full focus though and I know you’re going to fall as deeply as I have.

“The song started as a reflection on the emotions I had around the time, specifically the feeling of drowning,” Michael explained. “As I sat on a train, thinking about the past number of years, thinking ‘What just happened?’, I felt like I was watching life as a montage and had no control over any of it, which left me feeling somewhat sad and useless, and maybe for the first time, I felt the feeling of hopelessness.

“I think this is me processing life and reflecting on my own actions and how they affect others. I hope others would hear it and be encouraged to self-reflect on how their actions influence and even hurt others, that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Maybe this song is just me feeling sad feelings and saying it’s OK to sit here for a moment.”

Michael recently celebrated the release of “Psych or Priest” with some shows around his home state of Western Australia. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some dates around the rest of the country. We all deserve to hear more of his music.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Rhyan Lyndon-James

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PRETTY TALKS Wow Me With “Hurt Me”

Sounding like the lovechild of LANY and The Band Camino had a baby, local outfit PRETTY TALKS has really impressed me with their sophomore single “Hurt Me”.

“’Hurt Me’ is a snapshot of a relationship in its most tumultuous moments, a relationship breaking down, where neither person is necessarily at fault,” the band explained. “The outcome being that one person decides to put everything on the line whilst the other has already mentally checked out. It’s that feeling of “I know we’ve both made mistakes in this, but let’s give it one last chance”. It’s also about the moments of weakness; when you realise it’s not evolving in a positive way and you wish you could pretend it was just how it used to be”.

The single’s release also comes with a video filmed in and around bassist Hadi Ansell and drummer and backing vocalist Tommy O’Brien’s previous place in Sydney’s inner West. The clip brings to life a concept from singer and guitarist Liam Deans, who has a keen interest in filmmaking and screenwriting.

“The Hurt Me music video is aesthetically inspired by the English television show ‘Skins’, combined with an early-2010’s Tumblr-esque Pinterest board,” he said. “An emotional, volatile and messy relationship paired with a dirty, youthful abandon. It felt like an honest and real song to write and a beautiful thing to create on film. I scripted, storyboarded, directed and edited the music video, so it was great seeing all my tiny little concepts slowly come to life. We endeavour to build a world around our art and band, so we played with the ideas of hiding Easter eggs and band member cameos throughout this clip, adding another layer of meaning in which we are part of this universe that we build our songs in.”

Another single will drop in the not-too-distance future, but until then, PRETTY TALKS are feeling pretty proud of this one. As well they should!

“From writing, producing and recording the song, to developing, writing, shooting, editing the music video, it all feels like a joyful sigh of relief. It feels like we’ve created a real piece of well-rounded art with ‘Hurt Me’,” Lian added. “Something that conveys the story in the gritty romantic aesthetic that we wanted.”

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Megan Donnelly @megs_and_the_negs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DOWNGIRL Drops Rocking New Single “Manic”

Femme nu punk/grunge act DOWNGIRL prove they’re a real force with their latest single “Manic.” The press release says “the song hits like shots of cinnamon whisky – hard, fast and to dizzying effect, with a sweet but spicy aftertaste.” Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

“‘Manic’ was written during Sydney’s last pandemic lockdown as a back and forth via the WWW,” the band said. “It explores mental health issues and the responsibility we must take for them during a time which is insular and introspective.”

DOWNGIRL will take their “Manic” tour to The Lass in Mulubinba/Newcastle on November 12 before wrapping things up at Cherry Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on November 19.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophisticated Dingo Start Your Week Right With “The Job I Took”

If you’re finding it a little hard to get moving this Monday morning, Sophisticated Dingo’s new high-energy rock single “The Job I Took” is just what you need. The track sees the duo encouraging listeners to focus on what’s important and follow their passions.

“We wanted to celebrate choosing simplicity in a life that is inexplicably confusing… When pouring yourself into something, you might come to realise that you’re no longer doing it out of passion, but instead for the greater good,” explained vocalist Lewis Matte. “It can make sense to follow a path of idealisation when forging ahead however this path may well fall apart as one discovers what is most important. Don’t chase ideals, focus on what is real and present.”

Fresh from supporting Dear Seattle, Sophisticated Dingo will headline their own national tour in November. Catch them in a city near you:

5 November 2022 – Singing Bird Studios, Bunurong Country/Frankston (ALL AGES)
18 November 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2022 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
26 November 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
27 November 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
1 December 2022 – Crowd & Anchor Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
2 December 2022 – Gage Roads Freo Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 December 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
9 December 2022 – King Lear’s Throne, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Will Bush

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Satin Cali Drop Your New Favourite Rock Song, “One of These Days”

There’s nothing quite like hearing a really good rock song. The epic vocals, soaring electric guitars and driving rhythm section just make you feel alive. I know you’re going to get that feeling listening to Satin Cali’s new single “One of These Days.” Crank up the volume and give this one the treatment it deserves.

“One of these days is about believing in your goals and sticking to your guns, no matter what obstacle is in front of you,” explained the band’s lead vocalist Zac. “We decided to chill this song out sonically a bit more than some of our previous releases, while keeping that Satin Cali grit relevant throughout. A lot of that magic we can credit [producer and mixing engineer] Jack Nigro for too. Super pumped for this next release! Easily our best work yet.”

The film clip sees the lads raising hell around their local area of Woolyungah/Wollongong.

“I had such a good time shooting the music video for ‘One of these days’, getting to shred my axe and cause a bit of chaos around Wollongong,” added Gordo. “The video shows that we are truly willing to play anywhere to have our music heard. A bookstore, intersection of a busy street, etc. Also, being able to showcase some of the epic locations our local community has was special. Super keen to show the world this one”

Satin Cali have been touring along the East Coast in recent weeks. They’ll wrap up the tour with a show at The Gasometer Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on October 22. Get on down and make it a big one!

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Chris Frape

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

NEAV Shares Powerful Single “Say Goodbye”

Central Coast artist NEAV has wowed me with her latest single “Say Goodbye”. It’s a haunting modern pop track that reminds me of other local talents Vera Blue and Gretta Ray. I love the way NEAV’s gorgeous voice blends with the piano and beats on this one. The confessional lyrics charting the 18-year-old singer-songwriter’s personal journey are also so insightful.

“Transitioning into adulthood has been as exciting as it has been terrifying,” NEAV admitted. “During my experience of shifting in every facet of my life I’ve encountered the strange and emotional, yet therapeutic process of letting go of your past self. Say Goodbye channels this experience of the fear of the unknown, grieving our past selves and the sense of hope we cling onto to get through it and progress into a new stage in life. I have found the song to represent my feelings deeply, expressing my internal monologues melodically, lyrically and even rhythmically.”

If you love “Say Goodbye,” you won’t be waiting too long to hear more fresh music from NEAV. Her debut EP ELEGY drops on November 3.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Nick Langley