Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dream Dali Drops Wicked New Single, “Wicked Sunday”

Its name suggests I should wait until the weekend to share, but Dream Dali’s latest track “Wicked Sunday” provides the sort of pick-me-up most of us need midweek I think. With glorious synths and electric guitars, it’s a total retro throwback, in the best possible way. If you love ‘80s acts that combined new wave and rock sounds like Icehouse and Pseudo Echo, this will be right up your alley.

“‘Wicked Sunday’ is written about those times when you wake to a huge weight of the day,” explained the band’s lead singer, Aldous Emerson. “Exploring depression and trying to build yourself back up when you feel people have let you down.”

Is it time for a mid-morning dance break? I think so!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nocturnal Animals Offer “A Simple Fuck You”

Around Hump Day, it’s normal to feel a little angsty. Whether the working week is grinding you down or you’ve got other stresses in your life, you’re going to love the high-energy, hilariously tongue-in-cheek new single from Tarndanya/Adelaide punk act Nocturnal Animals. Called “A Simple Fuck You,” this track is made to be played loud. Although, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got headphones if you share an office!

“‘A Simple Fuck You’ is a song that keeps it short & sweet,” the band said. “It’s a simple fuck you done with a smile.”

Fresh from supporting Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Nocturnal Animals are ready to headline their own shows. Check them out on their single tour:

20 August 2022 – Bendigo Hotel (Upstairs), Naarm/Melbourne
27 August 2022 – Low Life Bar (Downstairs), Tarndanya/Adelaide
3 September 2022 – Bootleggers (Kelly’s Upstairs), Warrane/Sydney

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Olivia Newton-John

My Dad only calls before 9 if it’s really important. He called me before 9 today to let me know Olivia Newton-John had passed away. He knew this one would hit, because he was the one that taped “Grease” off the TV onto a Beta tape and was around when I played that movie every single day after school, for weeks. And he probably heard me singing this song at top note in our backyard, channelling “our Livvy.”

I thought she was the most beautiful person I’d ever seen. And she was an Aussie! She was such a part of my formative years. I always admired the way she carried herself, the way she helped others despite her own ongoing health battles, the way she was such a proud Aussie ambassador on the world stage. Looking at my Facebook feed this morning, it was heartening to see what an immense impression she made on so many people I knew too. What a legacy. Vale Olivia Newton-John.

Image source: FESTIVALDEVINACHILE/Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths @ Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney – 6 August 2022

More than a few times I wished I wasn’t going to Saturday’s Gang of Youths show in Eora/Sydney. It’s not that I didn’t want to see the band – far from it. But I hate Qudos Bank Arena. It often seems too big and impersonal. I have to take three trains to get there and it’s a hassle. But I bought the tickets anyway. I cursed that decision when the band announced a show in Mulubinba/Newcastle, and again when they announced an intimate acoustic gig at the Enmore. I had another little grumble when I stacked it on the uneven ground outside the venue before I even got inside. But you know, sometimes I think the universe puts you exactly where you’re meant to be.

Gretta Ray herself remarked on how grateful she was that a rock act like Gang of Youths enlisted a pop act like her for their support act. It certainly seemed a strange choice on paper, but the crowd lapped up her performance, singing along to the hits and listening attentively to the ones they weren’t familiar with. I unfortunately missed most of her set, but I really enjoyed what I did catch. Her music has mostly passed me by, but it gets a little extra something watching her twirl around and own the stage. I got to admire her voice a little more without studio production. I think I’ll have to delve into her catalogue a little more.

Gretta impressed me, but I was more than ready to enjoy Gang of Youths. As they kicked off with “angel of 8th ave.” I realised how long it’s been since I’ve been to a big rock show. It was definitely pre-pandemic. I’ve missed that energy, the real fire that comes when a crowd feeds off that music and gives all the love back to the performers. David Le’aupepe is such an incredible frontman, dancing up a storm, singing like a dream, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He seemed genuinely moved at the warm reception hometown fans delivered, and wanted to give back to us all whatever he could.

The set list leant heavily on their magnificent new album angel in realtime. After being so moved by that album, it was a bit jarring to hear it cut up for a show. I’d love to hear them play it in its entirety, in order, but that might be a concept for another time. For now, delivering those songs interspersed with the hits from Go Farther in Lightness kept the crowds happy. I loved hearing some of my favourites from that album, “What Can I Do When the Fire Goes Out?”, “The Heart is a Muscle,” and “The Deepest Sighs, The Frankest Shadows” with Dave sharing the lead vocals with Gretta Ray. The cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Boys are Back in Town” was the perfect nod to their Sydney return.

Angel in realtime. is such a powerful album and it gave the show some of its most poignant moments. You could hear a pin drop as Dave sat at the piano and played the gentle “brothers,” which he dedicated to his family in attendance. “Hand of god” was as close as I might get to a religious experience. “Goal of the century” is such an epic song, but Gang of Youths brought it to life without studio wizardry. What a way to close such a special show.

Gang of Youths’ music has taken them all over the world. Time away makes coming home so much sweeter. I might have begrudgingly dragged myself out to Qudos, but I am so thrilled I got to be part of the homecoming party. Gang of Youths’ tour continues in Melbourne on Friday night. There are limited tickets for the remaining shows on this tour:
12 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
13 August 2022 – Rod Laver Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
14 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ MAC 2, Nipaluna/Hobart
16 August 2022 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
17 August 2022 – Powerstation, Auckland
20 August 2022 – A More Perfect Union Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Yarun/Sandstone Point
22 August 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
2 September 2022 – Electric Picnic Festival @ Stradbally, Ireland
13 September 2022 – The Rave II @ Milwaukee
14 September 2022 – First Avenue – Mainroom @ Minneapolis
16 September 2022 – Delmar Hall @ Saint Louis
17 September 2022 – The Bottleneck @ Lawrence
19 September 2022 – Gothic Theatre @ Englewood
20 September 2022 – Urban Lounge @ Salt Lake City
22 September 2022 – Revolution Hall @ Portland
23 September 2022 – Rickshaw Theatre, Vancouver (SOLD OUT)
25 September 2022 – Neumos, Seattle
27 September 2022 – Ace Of Spades, Sacramento
28 September 2022 – The Ritz, San Jose
30 September 2022 – Ohana Fest, Dana Point
1 October 2022 – 24 Oxford, Las Vegas
25 October 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
26 October 2022 – Gloria Theater, Cologne
28 October 2022 – Zoom Frankfurt, Frankfurt
30 October 2022 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
31 October 2022 – De Oosterpoort, Groningen
2 November 2022 – Gruenspan, Hamburg
3 November 2022 – Kesselhaus, Berlin
6 November 2022 – AB – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels
7 November 2022 – Badaboum, Paris
9 & 10 November 2022 – Outernet, London
12 November 2022 – Academy, Manchester
13 November 2022 – The Academy, Dublin
15 November 2022 – Limelight, Belfast
17 November 2022 – The Leadmill, Sheffield
18 November 2022 – Rock City, Nottingham
20 November 2022 – Great Hall, Cardiff

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Swipe Right on Sunday Sesh’s “Tinder”

Given the end of the weekend is here, I thought it was the perfect time to introduce you to the latest Sunday Sesh single. Called “Tinder”, it’s an energetic indie punk-rock track that deserves to be heard loud.

These guys have spent the last year playing gigs with the likes of Radolescent, Ruby Fields, and Drunk Mums. With tracks like this, it’s only a matter of time before we see them headlining their own shows.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Adam Harvey and Beccy Cole Reunite For Another Album and Tour

Everyone deserves a friend like Adam Harvey. A friend who doesn’t just reach out when you’re doing it tough, but really steps up to make you feel better.

“A few months ago when I wasn’t doing so well, my friend Adam Harvey checked in on me every week or so,” fellow Central Coast-based country artist Beccy Cole shared on social media. “He asked if there was anything he could do and I said ‘you could tour with me again, they are my happiest times.’ So he changed his year around and orchestrated this whole project. He said if I got better he would tour with me till the bloody wheels fall off! That’s what you call a friend.”

That project was The Great Country Songbook Volume 3, a sequel to the Great Country Songbook Volume 2 they released in 2017. I revisited that album yesterday and was so struck by the genuine love that radiates from these recordings. Adam and Beccy may be the closest Australia has to Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, and not just because they do a mean cover of “Islands in the Stream”!

As we await the album’s release, it’s time to get excited about that tour. Expect music, stories, and plenty of laughs when Adam and Beccy visit your town.

9 September 2022 – Northern Beaches Bowls Club, Yuibera Country/Mackay
10 September 2022 – The World Theatre, Gudjal Country/Charters Towers
11 September 2022 – Dalrymple Hotel, Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville
15 September 2022 – Brolga Theatre, Tuaggra/Maryborough
16 September 2022 – Twin Towns Services Club, Goodjinburra Country/Tweed Heads
17 September 2022 – Caloundra RSL, Cullowundoor/Caloundra
18 September 2022 – City Golf Club, Tawampa/Toowoomba
23 September 2022 – Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
24 September 2022 – Penrith Panthers, Darug Country/Penrith
29 September 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Warrnambool
30 September 2022 – York On Lilydale, Wurundjeri Country/Mount Evelyn
1 October 2022 – Palais Theatre, Wadawurrung Country/Geelong
8 October 2022 – Red Hill Auditorium, Boorloo/Perth
14 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
15 October 2022 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul
16 October 2022 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga

Image used with Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tommy Harris Releases Fantastic Pop Track, “Say Goodbye”

Tommy Harris has just dropped his poptastic new single “Say Goodbye,” and I can’t stop listening. Tommy’s voice has an honesty and warmth about it that’s so compelling. I also love the way he’s built on a simple acoustic guitar melody with fresh beats that drive the track along.

“‘Say Goodbye’ was actually one of those songs that just wrote itself in like a day cos the emotions and what I was feeling was hitting so hard. It’s about finding the right person at the wrong time and being forced to end things with someone really special even if neither of you want to,” Tommy explained. “The circumstances weren’t on our side and ending a connection like that when you’re only getting started is one of the hardest things to do. It’s all about having to say goodbye even though it’s the last thing you want.”

Tommy grew up near the ocean in Kulin Country/Sandringham but he recently packed up his childhood and headed for the big smoke in Eora/Sydney to focus on his music. Hopefully that means we’ll be hearing a lot more him soon.

Image used with permission from The PR Files

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Fitzgerald Rocks Out With “Muse”

Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Jacob Fitzgerald serves up a slice of classic rock with his bold new single “Muse”. This is an irresistible track with a killer bass line and plenty of swagger.

“Essentially, there are times where I’m writing about love/lust, but I’m not actively in love or possessing a similar feeling. In those situations, I found I naturally gravitate to basing the subject around this one particular person,” Jacob explained. “To be honest, I don’t even really know her, but she somehow is tattooed into my subconscious and is someone I can draw inspiration from EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I dunno, she just has the ‘thing’.”

A track this energetic is going to only get better in the live arena, so Jacob and his band are heading on tour. Catch them supporting Selfish Sons at the following shows:

6 August 2022 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2022 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 August 2022 – Hotel Carrington, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 August 2022 – The Bearded Dragon, Yugambeh/Tambourine
19 August 2022 – Burleigh Bazaar, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
20 August 2022 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SULT Release Fun New Single “Ick”

Woolyungah/Wollongong sister act SULT have just dropped their banger of a new single “ICK”. If you’ve recently experienced some ick in your life, you’ll want to blast this one.

“As a whole the song is inspired by the now popular term ‘the ick’ – where attraction to a current or potential partner is suddenly flipped to a feeling of disgust,” explained Cori York. “[Twin sister] Paige and I have both had multiple experiences of ‘the ick’.”

Experiencing the ick is no fun, but listening to this song about it really is. If you like what you hear, catch SULT at one of their upcoming gigs:

20 August 2022 – The Chippo Hotel, Eora/Chippendale (supporting Kingdom Calm)
27 August 2022 – Factory Theatre, Bulanaming/Marrickville (supporting Caravana Sun)
9 September 2022 – Beaches, Thirroul
1 October 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Newtown
3 December 2022 – Sunsets Festival, Kai’ymay Country/Manly

Image used with permission from Star Crossed

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordan Merrick Wows Me With “Fault”

He’s supported acts like C.W. Stoneking and Mia Dyson, but I can’t imagine it’ll be too long before Jordan Merrick is celebrated as a headliner. AAA Backstage has already called him Brisbane’s Bob Dylan, and after listening to his new single “Fault” I can certainly see where those comparisons come from. This is smart songwriting with a political message. But Jordan has his own unique perspective. And dare I say it, his voice is much better than old Bob’s! Jordan wrote this song in a recent time of turmoil.

“Brisbane had flooded. Putin invaded Ukraine. Lockdowns were happening around the world. Batman was cancelled,” he explained. “The world was changing for the worse, and like many I was sitting, watching on not sure what to do, yet determined to do something. ‘Fault’ is sitting on the back porch in the pouring rain left with pensive thoughts, yet optimistic in its sense of self and belonging.”

With a home studio on hand, Jordan quickly set about turning “Fault” into the song you hear today.

“The song initially started out as a demo the day I’d written it and quickly turned into a much more detailed song that I initially set out to create.”

He enlisted the talents of Toby Alexander for synth and strings and Maisy Taylor for backing vocals.

“Once the acoustic and vocals were in place, we set out to fill that black and white world with the colours of Toby’s strings and the honesty of Maisy’s voice. It really took on a life of its own!”

After the pandemic slowed his touring schedule, Jordan is itching to get out there and play for his fans. He’ll hit The Factory Theatre in Sydney on August 6 and Junk Bar in Brisbane on August 27.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity