Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella and Sienna Release First Track Since “The Voice”

Sister act Ella and Sienna were among my favourites on this year’s season of The Voice, so I’m thrilled to hear new music from this talented twosome. Their latest single “Saved” celebrates those harmonies you fell in love with while showcasing their songwriting talents. That’s right; these teens do much more than sing.

“We were so excited to finally record this track with Matt Fell in Tasmania this May,” the sisters gushed. “[it] was actually one of the first songs we wrote. It was such a beautiful experience to see it come alive in the studio.”

Ella and Sienna are playing shows in South Australia, Queensland, and Victoria in the coming months.

9 July 2022 – Port Noarlunga Arts Centre, Nurlongga/Port Noarlunga – SA (with Lucas Day)
12 August 2022 – Ekka, Barrambin/Bowen Hills (with Amy Sheppard)
13 August 2022 – Ekka, Barrambin/Bowen Hills
11 September 2022 – Three Brothers Arms, Kangowirranilla/Macclesfield
15 October 2022 – Acoustics in the Park, Meechi/Langhorne Creek
5 November 2022 – The Barn at Wombat Flat, Ngadjuri Country/Neales Flat (with Kristy Cox + The Weeping Willows)
19 November 2022 – Sale Country Music Festival, Wayput/Sale
20 November 2022 – Pig and Whistle, Boonwurrung Country/Main Ridge

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MATH Release Your New Favourite Song, “Break My Heart”

MATH have just dropped their second single “Break My Heart”, and it’s far more exciting than any high school lesson. It’s so catchy that you might just find yourself humming it for the rest of the day. You have been warned!

“It was during a songwriting session we decided we needed a fun, upbeat song to add to our repertoire,” the band explained. “We knew we wanted a feel good, wham bam song that had The Wombats and Paramore feel good vibes too it”.

MATH stands for Maddi and the Hoopers, as the band consists of frontwoman Maddi McDonald and the Hooper brothers: Clay, Dylan, and Sam. They’ve been doing big things around Queensland, supporting acts like Tia Gostelow and Thirsty Merc and warming up the crowds at the NRL semi-finals last year. Surely it’s only a matter of time before the rest of Australia discovers just how good they are.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DICE Drops Another Choice Cut, “The Search”

Whenever DICE release new music, it’s always a good time. “The Search” is another fabulous track from this Western Australian rock act. It’s hard to believe they’ve only been releasing tunes for a year and a half, because every one sounds like a classic.

“The Search explores the themes of uncertainty of the future ahead, which were heavily influenced by the ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions in Western Australia,” the band explained. “We also were influenced by climate change and the lack of action we see in today’s politics. This drove us to write a song where the meaning is deeper than previous songs we have written as we feel strongly about these issues.”

After playing plenty of East Coast shows, DICE are rewarding their local fans with a big launch show tonight at The Rosemount in Boorloo/Perth.

“The four of us are extremely grateful for having the opportunity to travel to the other side of Australia to play our tunes and we owe it all to the fans! Leaving the Perth music bubble was definitely daunting at first because of the tight knit community that has formed, however from the get go we felt right at home on the east coast. It was the most surreal and humbling experience to play in front of crowds where we knew not a single person”

Don’t worry Eastern Australia; we’re not missing out. DICE will hit the road in October. Before that Western Australia will have a couple of extra chances to see them play. Here are all the dates you need:

9 July 2022 – The Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
12 August 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Chi Sippi/Scarborough (with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers)
13 August 2022 – Mojos Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle (with Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers)
6 November 2022 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast (with Great Gable)
11 November 2022 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Great Gable)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Michael Tartiglia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley and Katy Steele Duet on “Graduation Day”

Western Australian music royalty Kav Temperley and Katy Steele have teamed up for a gorgeous new single “Graduation Day.” I’m a sucker for a high-quality duet, and this track definitely fits the bill. You can feel the connection between these long-time friends as they bring this nostalgic tale to life. Recording the song in Kav’s own Fremantle studio no doubt helped it feel a little more intimate and familiar.

“Growing up in Fremantle, it used to be a right of passage to jump off the old traffic bridge into the river on graduation day,” Kav explained. “People would pull over their cars and yell at you for being reckless and dangerous. The song Graduation Day is the story about someone who stayed behind and somebody who chose to leave, and about how no matter how far you go – there is always this tether pulling you back”.

“Kav is such a great writer and musician and I’ve always had a tonne of respect for him,” Katy added. “This song showcases what a great writer he is so I am truly honoured to be on it! We’ve been hanging out a little recently working on stuff and Kav played me the song in the studio. I guess we share a slight affinity both being the ‘lead singers’ doing solo stuff and all the feelings, pressures and emotions that come with it. It’s been so nice sharing those feelings together, it’s made me feel less alone”.

“Graduation Day” is the latest track lifted from Kav’s sophomore solo release, Machines of Love & Grace. It’s out in September, but if you can’t wait until then to hear more new music I suggest getting along to one of his upcoming shows. If your hometown isn’t listed, don’t despair. It’s only part one of his regional tour, so he might just be on his way to your neck of the woods soon.

14 July 2022 – Froth, Ningaloo/Exmouth
4 August 2022 – Golden Vine, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo
5 August 2022 – Our Friends Farm, Tallarook
6 August 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre (Studio), Warrnambool
10 August 2022 – The Gal, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
11 August 2022 – Drifter’s Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
12 August 2022 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre @ The Music Lounge, Illawarra
13 August 2022 – Canberra Theatre Centre @ The Studio, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paulina Impresses with “Untouched”

At just 17 years old, Meanjin/Brisbane-based, German-born singer-songwriter Paulina is proving she’s got a big future ahead. Her new single “Untouched” showcases her stunning voice, which instantly draws you in and doesn’t let go until that last note.

“‘Untouched’ is about a secret bond between two people who embrace vulnerability, safety, and trust,” Paulina explained. “It focuses on one being the person the other can confide in during the night, and the purity of their good intentions. You could say this song is an act of love.”

Paulina recently claimed the Youth Award at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards, a testament to her songwriting ability. She’s also earned support for her music from Spotify, triple j, The Music, The AU Review, MTV (AU), and heaps more. With songs like this in her repertoire, you can guarantee we’ll hear a lot more from Paulina.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vermantics Rock Our With “Rome”

Recent Universal Music signing Vermantics are making a splash with their latest single “Rome.” This is straight-up rock and roll delivered with confidence and plenty of heart. The Naarm/Melbourne band says the song draws influence from their Italian ancestry. The European capital acts as a metaphor for the emotional to-and-fro many people feel coming out of a relationship.

“Everyone has a place that they use to love, but it’s now ‘unliveable’. Wishful thinking doesn’t help. [confusing starts with satellites],” explained Damian Rustico, who plays guitar and keys. “The line ‘I don’t wanna be there is a plead that you want to be anywhere else, but you’re still drawn to those memories and places, even though you know she’s not thinking of you or feeling the same.”

Vermantics will headline two shows in the coming weeks to celebrate the release of “Rome”. Catch them at Penny’s Band Room in Naarm/Melbourne on July 29 or Low Life Bar in Kaurna Land/Adelaide on August 12.

Image used with permission from R&R Worldwide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Talk Talk” – The Faim

I wasn’t sure that I’d write a review for The Faim’s sophomore album Talk Talk. I’ve already raved about four singles, so how much more could I say? As I listened to this superb album, again and again, I realised I couldn’t let its release pass without saying something. It’s just that good.

I’ve mentioned it before but it bears repeating: The Faim are creating some of the best pop-rock anthems you’re going to hear. They’re somehow polished but full of heart, the kind of tracks that make you want to punch your fists in the air and sing along to those catchy choruses. After releasing so many fabulous songs, you might wonder what The Faim have left in the tank. But the other tracks are anything but filler. I discovered new favourites like “You (And My Addiction)” and the epic closer “ERA” which are every bit as good as those singles that came before. I remembered just how good those singles are too. I’ve heard tracks like “The Hills” and “Me Because of You” so many times since their release, but they’re showing no signs of fatigue.

If you already know how good The Faim are, Talk Talk is everything you hoped it would be. And if you’re yet to jump on the bandwagon, this album is the perfect introduction. Press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy it. Just don’t be surprised if you hit the play button a few more times before the day is through.

Talk Talk is out now. After delighting crowds in the United Kingdom and Europe, The Faim are about to set off on an Aussie tour with fellow Whadjuck/Perth act Bad Weather and Naarm/Melbourne band Terra.

15 July 2022 – Vision Studios, Boorloo/Perth (ALL AGES)
16 July 2022 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth
21 July 2022 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 July 2022 – Newcastle Hotel, Mulubimba/Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 July 2022 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
29 July 2022 – Transit Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
30 July 2022 – Evelyn Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
31 July 2022 – Enigma Bar, Kaurna/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Good Intent; feature photo credit: Jake Crawford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karen Harding Starts Releasing Songs From Debut EP

Karen Harding has already released six singles, and there’s plenty more on the way. Today marks the release of “I’ve Got a Secret,” the title track of her debut EP. I think this haunting number might be Karen’s best yet. I love the dramatic instrumentation, which adds an extra level to her haunting vocals. Written during last year’s lockdowns, it explores the fear and anxiety so many of us experience when we let ourselves be vulnerable.

Karen will drop one track from the EP every month until all four songs are out in the world in October. You can purchase the EP in digital or EP forms through her Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Karen Harding

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yb. Strips it Back For “Sleeping Without Me”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based artist Yb. has taken a sonic left turn for his sophomore single “Sleeping Without Me”. With earthier, more acoustic-driven sound than his first single “Change Your Mind”, Yb. shows he’s an artist who loves to keep fans guessing. This track explores the difficulties of sustaining a relationship when one person is emotionally distant.

“While one party has so much love to give, the other struggles to tap into their emotional side. It almost always leads to complications,” he explained.

“Sleeping Without Me” comes from Yb.’s forthcoming EP, which is out later this year. There are plenty of opportunities to see him live before then, so make sure you don’t miss out!

20 July 2022 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Biig Piig)
21 July 2022 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Biig Piig)
28 July 2022 – The Royal Bondi, Boondi/Bondi
29 July 2022 – Vic on the Park, Bulanaming/Marrickville
5 August 2022 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Golden Vessel)
12 August 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Golden Vessel)
13 August 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney (supporting Golden Vessel)

Image used with permission from Gyrostream PR; credit: Nanda Soe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Build You Up With “D.R.E.A.M.S”

It’s always a good time with Eora/Sydney pop-punk act SoSo releases a new single. The band might insist they’re “offensively average”, but when keep releasing quality tracks like “D.R.E.A.M.S” I have to respectfully disagree! Like so many great pop-punk anthems, “D.R.E.A.M.S” gives the middle finger to the naysayers. However, rather than dwelling on the negatives, it celebrates people who refuse to listen to the critics and keep forging on.

“So-called friends told me music wasn’t for me, to give up, that I could never get anywhere with it.” Rhys de Burgh, lead singer of SoSo explained. “If I had taken the advice of those ‘friends’ and given up way back then instead of following my dream, then we’d never have created SoSo. To whoever listens to ‘D.R.E.A.M.S’ – if you want to create, if you want to chase something different and unique, just go and do it. Don’t give a fuck whether those around you approve or not, just go do what you love.”

“D.R.E.A.M.S” is the second track lifted from SoSo’s sophomore album, which is slated for release in February 2023. It can’t come soon enough!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR