Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tomboi Records Launches to Nurture Underrepresented Artists

Pride Month is the perfect time to celebrate the launch of Tomboi Records, a local record label that aims to be a safe space for women, LGBTQIA+, and POC. The label’s roster features Sounds of Oz favourites Greg Gould and Parker, along with some artists we can’t wait to get to know: Lion, Joan & The Giants, Forces & Fury, and Benedict.

“We are here to start a new safe space in the music industry and shake it up a little! We are the first record label in the world created to be specifically a safe label for Women, LGBTQIAplus and POC in music and beyond and we are so excited to bring incredible artists to light and let them shine the best way we know how,” confirmed the label’s founder Alexis Benedict, an industry veteran with 25 years in music management, production, performance, writing, and recording. “Our hope is that other teams can adopt this approach that we do and see that there is a gap in the industry and it is a must for real change and to genuinely create inclusive elements to the music industry.”

It’s so exciting to see a label like Tomboi Records shaking things up and nurturing artists who are often underrepresented. If you love what they’re doing and want to support the label and its artists, you can get along to the upcoming Tomboi Records Showcases. All six artists will play a showcase at Melbourne’s The Toff in Town on June 30 and Sydney’s The Great Club on July 14.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matthew Gilbert Impresses with Epic Single, “Out of the Contempt”

Matthew Gilbert has really impressed me with “Out of the Contempt,” an epic slice of indie-folk. It’s got a soaring score, created by overlaying more than a hundred audio tracks sourced from around the world. Its introspective lyrics anchor this beautiful song written and recorded last year during Melbourne’s stage four lockdowns.

“‘Out Of The Contempt’ is the crowning jewel of my upcoming album Getting Over All Of It,” Matthew admitted. “It completes the story of moving through the last five years of my life. Filled with depression, relationships, church hurt and restoring faith. ‘Out Of The Contempt’ sings about moving on from all the hurt, regardless of getting closure, for the sake of healing. ‘Out Of The Contempt’ is an alternative cinematic soundscape full of orchestral elements and authentic ambient tones.”

If you love what you hear, you won’t have to wait too long for more. The album, Getting Over All of It, drops on June 23. Matthew will celebrate its release with a launch show at The Wesley Anne in Melbourne on June 30.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

P.Smid Drops Awesome New Single, “WESSIDE”

Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious program is delivering the goods, nurturing fresh talents like P.Smid. Otherwise known as Perrie Florian E’E’, P.Smid is a proud Polynesian artist who hopes her music will inspire other Pacific Islander youth. Her latest track “WESSIDE” articulates her hope that the Polynesian community of Western Sydney can come together and live in harmony.

“A Polynesian being by the shore is a Polynesian being in their element, and unfortunately in Australia living close to beaches is a luxury not many can afford,” she explained. “Being by the shore seemed to be the only place many of my people – who live by a postcode – set down differences and realise they are one and the same. I want my people to feel this moment and understand the violence that revolves around postcode wars and area beef is unnecessary, especially when looking at the bigger picture in life.”

While P.Smid hopes her music will inspire the next generation, she’s inspired by fellow Conscious artist A.GIRL.

“Having witnessed A.GIRL’s strong work ethic and drive, I’m inspired by her vision of Western Sydney,” P.Smid added. “I am also driven by the trials and tribulations that I have had to overcome in my life to get to where I am now.”

The Conscious program is bringing some great Western Sydney artists to the fore. I can’t wait to see who the program unearths next.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Jade D’Amico

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boo Seeka Drops Awesome New Dance Track, “Real”

It’s an exciting couple of months for Boo Seeka fans. He’s just dropped a killer new single “Real”, and his new album and tour supporting Hayden James are mere weeks away.

“’Real’ is definitely one of my favourites on the record for me and has so many different messages embedded in the meaning. I wrote this song at a bit of a low point, with the idea of creating a song that can be a bit of a sing-a-long wherever the listener may be,” Boo Seeka explained. “My album, Between The Head & the Heart, is twelve separate messages that I wrote throughout the COVID period. I really needed to do this for myself, and it has undoubtedly helped me get through the last 12 months. I never want to give away the exact message or meaning of why I wrote a song, firstly, because some things are incredibly specific and personal, but mainly, I love the idea of a listener creating their own meaning to the track. That’s the most important thing about art and music to me.”

Between The Head & the Heart drops on June 30. That’ll give fans a few weeks to familiarise themselves with the new material before Boo Seeka joins Hayden James on his Aussie tour in August.

12 August 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
19 August 2022 – John Cain Arena, Melbourne
20 August 2022 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
27 August 2022 – Redhill Auditorium, Perth
3 September 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Ned Kelly

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GENIIE BOY Brings Good Vibes With “Shaky Ground”

Gold Coast act GENIIE BOY have delivered the goods with their latest track “Shaky Ground.” From the quirky percussion to lead singer Alisha Todd’s sunshiny vocals, this is a song guaranteed to put a smile on your face as you race towards the weekend. Just see if you’re not joining in with a jubilant “Woohoo” by the end! This is a song about embracing life’s joys before they fade away.

“Ever felt like one day you just woke up from a dream, a really good dream, and ever since you woke up, you keep losing fragments of that dream somewhere in your mind?” the band ask. “Sometimes little rays of sunshine from that dream replay in your memory then you snap back to the moment. You think to yourself, wow we had it so good, then you release that the moment right now isn’t that bad either … just different.”

GENIIE BOY have some big gigs coming up. Queenslanders can catch them at the following events.

18 June 2022 – The Golden Weekend @ Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh Heads
26 June 2022 – Creekfest @ Currumbin RSL, Currumbin
7 July 2022 – Big City Lights, Mr PP’s
4 September 2022 – Springtime Festival, Surfers Paradise

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Peach Fur Release Tasty New Single, “Yummy”

From the moment that cool bass line kicks in, you’ll be hooked on “Yummy,” the delicious new single from Peach Fur. These guys have come a long way since 2015, when they were high school students who started jamming at lunch to pass the time.

“‘Yummy’ is a colourful disco-funk number that explores the chemistry between two people that have a connection beyond words; on a physical, mental and spiritual level,” explained the band’s frontman, Denny Hilder. It’s been over two years since we’ve released music, our last release was an EP called Awake, which was dropped the week before we all ended up in lockdown. Like I think every single human on this planet experienced, we went through so many changes over the last two years individually and as a band, which has proved very challenging. With the leading single ‘Yummy’ off our debut album, we really wanted to come out with something that was fun and light-hearted that people can groove to. I guess, with this one, we have attempted to deviate from the pensiveness and chaos of the world just for a second – or four minutes and three seconds to be exact.”

You can see why Peach Fur recently took out Live Act of the Year at the recent Gold Coast Music Awards when the band hit the following East Coast venues in June and July.

24 June 2022 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
26 June 2022 – The Zoo, Brisbane
1 July 2022 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
9 July 2022 – Burleigh Bazaar, Burleigh Heads
29 July 2022 – The Basement HOTA, Gold Coast (UNDER 18s)
30 July 2022 – Tomcat, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Northeast Party House and Thundamentals Headline Brisbane’s Let the Music Play

In case you hadn’t heard, big events are back! Among them is Let the Music Play, the largest ticketed single-day festival in the history of the Fortitude Valley. It makes its triumphant return to Brisbane’s entertainment precinct this August.

Such a massive event needs a massive lineup and Let the Music Play doesn’t disappoint. Think Northeast Party House, Thundamentals, Wafia, Jesswar, Mash’d N Kutcher encouraging you to get on the beers, and heaps more. You’re also going to love Warner Street’s makeover as Unicorn Alley, an inclusive new space helmed by DJ and Fluffy promoter Harry K. Think drag queens, street performers, a whole lot of colour, and some fabulous disco tunes.

“We are proud to be able to announce the return of Let The Music Play,” confirmed Mark Gibbons, the event’s co-curator and head of programming at the Fortitude Music Hall. “After a critical few years for the live music industry, it is our duty to continue to support the Fortitude Valley, Brisbane live music venues, and the creative arts. This event honours past and present partygoers that frequent our creative spaces and show collective resolve against whatever the next obstacles thrown at us are – be it fire, flood, plague.”

Let the Music Play is so big that it’s going to take four venues to handle the stacked lineup. Catch it from 3 pm on August 13 at the Fortitude Music Hall, The Zoo, Brightside Outdoors, and Warner Street. Tickets are on sale via Ticketmaster now.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Animals, Eskimo Joe, Rick Price Heading to Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 10th Birthday

Airlie Beach Festival of Music promises one hell of a party when the event celebrates its 10th anniversary this November. Organisers have just announced killer additions to the line-up including Rick Price, Eskimo Joe, and British superstars The Animals.

“I’m sure the weather will be perfect and everybody there will be up for a good time,” said The Animals’ original drummer John Steel, who can’t wait to visit Airlie Beach for the first time. “The onstage setup and the crew will be top class … fans can expect to see and hear a cracking good band performing timeless classics from The Animals repertoire – just sit back and enjoy it; we won’t let you down.”

These acts join those already announced including Ben Lee, Rogue Traders, the Badloves, Mi-Sex, and Bill Chambers.

The Airlie Beach Festival of Music hits Airlie Beach from November 4 to 6. That sounds like a long time away, but with such an amazing line-up the event is sure to sell out. I’d nab some tickets sooner rather than later if I were you!

“The Airlie Beach Festival of Music is the perfect event for visitors to package with a diverse array of accommodation and tours, but due to its ever-increasing popularity I would suggest booking now to avoid disappointment,” added Rick Hamilton, Tourism Whitsundays’ CEO. “This is one of those weekends you don’t want to miss and a unique chance to experience live music in the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef.”

You heard the man. Get on it! Tickets are available now from the Airlie Beach Festival of Music website.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Lekker Releases Retro Single, “Pretty Boys”

If you love all things ‘80s, you’ll appreciate the retro vibe of Good Lekker’s latest single “Pretty Boys”. It’s a synthy pop-rock banger that will have you busting out those old-school dance moves before you know it.

“‘Pretty Boys’ is our reflection on narcissists and their impact on those around them,” the Sydney band explained. “It quietly frowns at those who continually seek to benefit themselves at the expense of others. By going after these people, we hope to motivate ourselves and others to interact with one another in more healthy ways and, ultimately, create awareness through our music and shows.”

Good Lekker expands on the theme with their fantastic new music video, which was shot across Sydney and Wollongong with director Nicholas Isaksson. The clip highlights the narcissistic stereotype with its two protagonists.

“Their relationship throughout the film highlights the ups and downs that many people have with partners, friends and family,” the band added. “We see that these events shouldn’t define us nor stop us from moving on with our lives. The film clip inspired the meaning and the lyrics of the track. Nicholas came to us with the storyline, and then we wrote the song; usually, it’s the other way round. This was a challenge when it came to re-writing the song in the studio and keeping the message coherent.”

Good Lekker are currently travelling all around the East Coast and Tassie supporting local legends Shag Rock and British India. You can still catch them at the following venues:

17 June 2022 – Crowbar, Sydney (supporting British India)
18 June 2022 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (supporting British India)
24 June 2022 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (supporting Shag Rock)
25 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane (supporting Shag Rock)
26 June 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Shag Rock)
2 July 2022 – Altar, Hobart (supporting Shag Rock)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Generational” – Rya Park

Rya Park speaks to the heart of the millennial experience with her debut EP Generational. It’s a powerful collection of songs documenting the highs and lows of your 20s.

My 20s are far behind me, but I still connected to this material. It opens with the title track “Generational.” References to cigarettes, shit house parties, and drinking all night evoke a time of excess, being “way too young” to worry about what comes next. The next track “call it a year xo” starts by stripping away the beats. The opening verse leaves us with gentle piano chords and Rya’s voice, moments of quiet after the storm, moments to hear the darker voices that get drowned out in the crowds. “LONDON” may be my favourite song on the EP, a touching track about the power of friendship and the pain of keeping it alive when you’re separated by distance. With separation from lockdowns still fresh in all our minds, this song really resonates.

Most songs on this EP are tinged with sadness. However, “Everything We Want” is pure joy, a celebration of the love that Rya’s found with Kill Bell guitarist and photographer Nick Tam. Rya wrote “Silver Lining” several years ago, but it’s found the right home here. Generational is an EP that shines a light on life’s highs and lows. This song embodies that message, revealing Rya’s struggles with mental illness and her hope that there may be a silver lining to it all. It makes such a strong statement that it might have been the EP’s final track, but that honour was reserved for “I’ve Tried it ALL,” a powerful song co-written with Alex Lahey and Gordi. While it was a collaborative effort, it’s an incredibly personal song about Rya’s mental health journey.

“When I wrote this song I was barely sleeping and didn’t have the energy for the life I wanted to live,” she admitted. “I was embarrassed and ashamed to present a version of myself that deep down I didn’t recognise or resonate with. I remember saying in this session that I know what I want my music to really be about – the true parts of my life, the good the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful.”

Generational is a moving EP that puts Rya’s vocals and lyrics front and centre. She’s careful to avoid overproduction. The gentle beats ensure it feels contemporary, but they never steal focus. Every song is so strong in its own right. Together they capture a moment in time and an artist on the verge of greatness. Whether you’re living through your 20s right now or like me they’re a distant memory, I’m sure this EP will resonate with you.

Images used with permission from Hunger Digital