Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wake Up to DICE’s “Double Espresso”

I am not an early riser. Normally my husband’s alarm goes off at 7 and I sleep for a couple more hours. So I’m as surprised as anyone that I was wide awake at around 6:30 this morning, obsessing about the work on my agenda today. I don’t do coffee, but I figure DICE’s new single “Double Espresso” is the musical equivalent. Just like the best coffee, or so I’ve been told, it’s totally smooth without a hint of bitterness.

“‘Double Espresso’ explores the exhaustion that results from partying too hard going hand in hand with playing consecutive shows and the consequences of relying on coffee to get through the seemingly never-ending weekend resulting in countless sleepless nights,” the band explained.

After releasing six singles now, DICE promise that their debut EP isn’t too far away. In the meantime, they’ll launch this track at Mojo’s Bar in Fremantle on February 18.

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Christina Castle Drops Pop Banger, “FFFree”

Sydney-based pop artist Christina Castle is rubbing shoulders with all the right people. Matt Pauling, who’s worked with blink-182, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Twenty One Pilots, produced her latest single “FFFree” in Los Angeles. She’s also collaborated with blink’s Travis Barker and Linda Perry of 4 Non Blondes and toured internationally with Run The Jewels, Yelawolf, and Mikey Mike. Taking a listen to that single, I can understand why she’s generating such buzz. It’s so much fun. I love the rebellious pop vibe that doesn’t take itself too seriously. This is the sort of music that makes you want to grab a hairbrush and belt it out.

“It’s about freedom – in a time where the world can feel like a crazy overwhelming place to live in, finding comfort in the fact that true freedom is found within yourself,” Christina explained.

Christina will play the following shows next month:

4 February 2021 – West HQ, Rooty Hill
25 February 2021 – West HQ, Rooty Hill
26 February 2021 – Mounties Terrace Bar, Mount Pritchard

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mermaid Avenue Releases Stunning Sixth Single From “Sugartown”

Most albums have a few strong singles and a whole lot of filler. So it’s impressive that Mermaid Avenue are still delivering the goods with “Prisoner,” the sixth (yes, sixth!) single from their soon-to-be-released album Sugartown.

This track has got everything you want to hear. Incredible multipart harmonies, a soaring slide, killer guitar solos, incredible lyrics about the human condition. It’s all here, and it’s glorious.

Mermaid Avenue have definitely left us waiting a long time for Sugartown, but they should stop teasing us soon. I hear it’s dropping sometime early this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Raging Hormones Are Definitely “Worth Your While”

In their press release for their latest single “Worth Your While,” Melbourne five-piece Raging Hormones encourage you to “Check your baggage at the door. Or, drag it in and destroy it altogether.” Either way, the bold energy of this track is all you’re going to need to forget about your problems, at least for a little while. It’s so much fun, so press play and turn that volume right up.

The press release also shares the urban legend that seeing Raging Hormones live “gets you the equivalent of 12 hours sleep, a shot of adrenaline to the heart, a two-week beach holiday, and a giant bear-hug.” I understand the source is a little biased, but until I see them live I’m just going to believe it.

Raging Hormones were all set to take over a Lygon Street shopfront and write and record an EP in front of passers-by this month, but COVID got in the way. Give their Facebook page a follow to find out all about other exciting plans they’re making as they’re announced.

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seph Cove Releases Beautiful New Single, “Helen”

The last couple of years have been pretty tough on most of us. We’ve had lockdowns, letdowns, and with the threat of the virus still looming it seems there’s a lot more in store. Seph Cove gives voice to these challenges in “Helen,” a song he penned for a friend who suffered through recent lockdowns. It might have been written with a certain person in mind, but I’m sure it’s going to resonate with so many of you.

“I wrote this song in response to learning about the upsetting half-year a friend of mine had during the lockdown in 2020,” Seph explained. “It was such an important reminder to have perspective. I wanted to let my friend know they had support and that despite everything, they were a very, very good person.”

In good news for Seph fans, there’s more new music on the way. He’ll drop his latest EP, Unsafe Passage, on February 18.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tessa Thames Joins Fellow First Nations Artists For “Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo”

Australia Day seemed like the right time to shine a light on some of this country’s most exciting First Nations artists. “Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo” came out of APRA/AMCOS’s first First Nations Songhub event, RESONATE. During the four-day songwriting camp, Tessa Thames ended up in a room with 18YOMAN and Becca Hatch. Tasman Keith stuck his head into the studio and the magic happened.

Getting artists with such different styles together is always exciting to me. Tessa usually creates bedroom-pop numbers, but the influences of her collaborators have brought a little hip-hop, R&B flavour to this song. It’s totally addictive.

“A lot of times you can end up in the studio with people you love and think they’re the best and then not come up with anything! Just being lucky enough to work with these guys was such a blessing, but to click like we did and create something I really love is a crazy bonus,” Tessa said. “Vin (18YOMAN) is such a genius and just a lovely calming presence in the studio and Becca and I were bouncing off each other with melodies and harmonies and lyrical concepts … it was such a fun time! Then having Tas stick his head in the door and be like ‘I think I can do something here…’ it’s just incredible. Not to mention after all that, Tas passed the track onto his boy Kwame who then shared it with Kymie and they both added these slick, cool production elements to 18YOMAN’s already ridiculous foundation … I feel like I’ve accidentally assembled the Avengers on this one!”

“Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo” has become Tessa’s biggest single after being added to Spotify’s New Music AU & NZ, Indie Arrivals, and Local List playlists.

Image used with permission from August MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden Gets Nostalgic With “My Old Friend”

I’ve forgotten most of the people who won The Voice in recent years, but I can still remember Karise Eden’s appearance on the show all those years ago. The streamlined format of recent years which gives contestants very little airtime is a factor, but Karise’s unique, powerful voice is certainly another. As much as I have enjoyed other artists, no one left such a big impression on me. The good news is that we don’t just have to get nostalgic about Karise; she’s still releasing amazing music. Her current single “My Old Friend” is the perfect reminder of just how awesome she is.

“My Old Friend. There is a lot of raw, honest power in that track,” Karise admitted. “ It is still painful for me to sing. I’d hope that anyone who has lost someone they love, can find comfort in this song. Grief is a tricky emotion to experience but know that you are not alone. I’d hope you could listen, raise a glass and remember those we love so dearly that are no longer with us.”

“My Old Friend” is the first track Karise has released since 2018, but she won’t leave us waiting too long to hear more new material. This is the first song lifted from her new EP, which will drop really soon.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Comfort is King” – MARVELL

After heaping effusive praise on their singles “19 Homes” and “Selfish You,” I wasn’t sure what I had left to say about MARVELL. However, the more I listened to their EP Comfort is King, the more I knew I had to find the words. Because this is one of those EPs that deserves to be celebrated.

The EP serves up those two singles first, reminding us just what we loved about them before launching into new material. I’ve listened to both tracks so many times but they’re still sounding fresh. Those songs have a blues-rock energy that just won’t quit, ensuring we’re having fun before MARVELL hits us with the heavy stuff. The next track “Needle” introduces a very different side of Marvell, the band who’s unafraid to expose their vulnerabilities. Its lyrics recount the drummer’s journey with testicular cancer, and it hits every bit as hard as you might expect. “Honey” and closing number “All Of It” are unexpectedly sweet. You won’t find love songs more authentic or romantic.

No matter what MARVELL turns their hands to, it sounds so good. They are in their element with a big horns section, delivering an energetic mix of blues, rock, and soul. But they’re also not afraid to show their softer side. It all sounds so easy, dare I say it, comfortable. If this is the magic these guys can create in their comfort zone, I’m not sure I ever want to hear them out of it.

Comfort is King is out now. MARVELL will play the following shows in February and March to celebrate its release.

10 February 2022 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 February 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane
25 February 2022 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 March 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
26 March 2022 – Narrabeen RSL, Narrabeen

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Listen to “Mum’s Advice” From Little Guilt

Western Australia’s Little Guilt have just dropped their cracking new single “Mum’s Advice,” and it’s bound to resonate with anyone who pursued relationships their folks warned them about. This relatable indie-pop ditty has taken me back to a time when bad boys seemed so appealing.

Little Guilt started like so many new music acts, in a suburban bedroom. The brainchild of lead guitarist Joe Knowles, the band members came together like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, creating something so special and authentic. They’ve built a name for themselves on the local circuit and now that they’re recording music that reputation is sure to spread. I’m sure I’m not the only one hoping those borders open soon so the rest of us can see them on stage. If you’re local, you can catch them at Ludic Fest at Mandurah Performing Arts Centre on February 5.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Eyes Forward” – Tracey Barnett

You feel like you’re in good hands when you listen to Tracey Barnett’s latest album Eyes Forward. It’s the sophomore album from this Western Australian singer-songwriter, a collection of songs that hums with the confidence of someone who has lived a life.

Tracey is fierce. The opening lap steel guitar notes of the first track “Worth It” tell you that. They create the sort of tension you get when a cowboy steps into frame for the big Western movie gunfight. By the moment her bluesy voice joins in, you know she’s the hero of the story here, the one bound to come out on top. This song is so full of grit and guts. Tracey is in her element here. We see that uncompromising brashness again with other tracks like “Gotta Get Out” and “Phoenix.”

But there’s a much softer side to Tracey’s music too. When she’s not kicking arse, she’s sharing the wisdom that comes from being around the block a few times. The title track is a rousing call to arms that reminds listeners to keep their eyes forward and trust their feet. Keep on going, rather than looking back at what has been. “Five Year Plan” is a tender ballad that paints the portrait of a couple just trying to survive the best way they can so vividly. I’ve never been to Western Australia, but I feel I can imagine its serenity so much more clearly after hearing the stunning companion closing numbers, “Calling Me Outside” and “A Taste of Morning.”

Tracey fuses traditional blues and country elements with modern rock sounds. It’s such an intriguing and compelling mix. At times Eyes Forward feels like a real throwback, in the best possible way. Classic sounds are classics for a reason. But there’s a fresh fire about her sound that kept me captivated. Whether she’s delivering a song full throttle or giving her audience the chance to catch their breath, it’s always special. Eyes Forward is only Tracey’s second album, but it shows such maturity. She sounds like she’s at the height of her powers, an amazing thought when you consider that her career likely has a long way to go.

Eyes Forward is out now. Tracey will play the following Western Australian shows in the coming weeks:

22 January 2022 – Denmark Arts Market, Denmark
27 January 2022 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
28 January 2022 – Rocky Ridge Brewing Co (cellar door), Busselton
18 February 2022 – The Parade Hotel Bunbury, East Bunbury
19 February 2022 – Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Boyup Brook

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music