Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aussie Rock Royalty Become Truck

With Andy McLean from Horsehead and Dave Leslie of Baby Animals in the line-up, you know new act Truck is going to be a serious rock outfit. Just take one listen to their debut single “Make Hay” and you know you’re in good hands. This is Aussie rock the way it used to be done, the kind of music you want to hear in a sweaty pub with a sticky floor. Of course, it’s almost as enjoyable cranked at home with a cold beer in hand!

“When Horsehead were starting out, Baby Animals were the biggest band in the land,” Andy recounted. “We were lucky enough to do some shows with them and as soon as I saw Dave on stage, I thought, ‘What a mighty player – who wouldn’t want to be in a band with him?’ And here we are, in 2021, and our stars aligned.”

“Make Hay” is our first taste of Truck’s EP Lighthill, which will be released really soon. They’ll preview their new tracks at Bendigo Hotel on January 16. Get along so you can tell everyone you saw them before they got big!

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brock Makes Her Mark With “Drunk”

After spending most of 2020 as a songwriter, Brock is ready to spend time behind the microphone. Her debut single “Drunk” is an all-too-relatable pop ballad about the alcohol-induced mistakes many of us make when we’re trying to move on.

I can imagine this song sitting comfortably on the charts with tracks from Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo. Expect to hear a lot more from Brock this year.

Image used with permission from Brock

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliza & The Delusionals Release “Nothing Yet” Single Against the Odds

The pandemic has posed more than its fair share for musicians around the country, but few acts had it as tough as Eliza & The Delusionals. The band had members living on either side of the New South Wales and Queensland borders, but it wasn’t going to stop them from making fabulous music together. Their latest single “Nothing Yet” is a fantastic indie-rock track that takes me right back to the late ‘90s and early ‘00s. Its fun nostalgic feel is the perfect counterweight for its heartbreaking lyrics.

It’s a sign of the times that Eliza & The Delusionals have had to postpone their single launch shows, which were due to kick off in Sydney tonight. Stay tight for the rescheduling, but it looks like international fans may get the opportunity to see them first. Eliza & The Delusionals will head to Napa Valley to play the Bottlerock Festival this May.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Luke Henery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Satin Cali Deliver With “Fool”

Satin Cali are one of Wollongong’s best-kept secrets, selling out multiple headline shows in their hometown. However, with the release of their latest track “Fool,” it’s time for the rest of the country to catch up. This is such a good rock track, I can’t stop listening.

“Fool is a failed love story, taking inspiration from the perspective of letting someone go, only to realise later that they may have been perfect for you all along, and living with the regret of letting that person go and watching them move on without you. Constantly questioning what could have been and the what-ifs of everything in between, while reminding yourself how foolish you can be,” the band explained. “We decided to accompany these lyrics to a more upbeat, happy-ish instrumental piece we had been working on, to counteract and balance the song out a bit and hopefully give a different perspective to the “broken heart” stereotypical tune we all have heard before.”

Satin Cali have a stack of shows coming up including festival appearances and dates with The Terrys, if coronavirus doesn’t get in the way. Here are all the places you can (hopefully!) see them play!

21 January 2022 – The Red Steer Hotel, Wagga Wagga (with The Terrys)
22 January 2022 – Wombarra Bowlo, Wombarra (with The Terrys)
29 January 2022 – Full-Time Festival @ Ron Costello Oval, Shoalhaven
4 February 2022 – The Espy, Melbourne (with The Terrys)
5 February 2022 – Hotel Westwood, Melbourne (ALL AGES – with The Terrys)
11 February 2022 – Thirsty Chiefs Brewing Co, North Lakes (with The Terrys)
4 March 2022 – University of Canberra, Canberra (with The Terrys)
24 March 2022 – Jive, Adelaide (with The Terrys)
26 March 2022 – Milk Bar, Perth (with The Terrys)
27 March 2022 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with The Terrys)
3 April 2022 – Yours & Owls @ Stuart Park, North Wollongong

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Chris Frape Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yazmindi Gets Nostalgic With “Avocado Latte”

No matter how long you’ve been away, the ties you feel to your hometown are strong. Yazmindi celebrates them with her latest single, “Avocado Latte.” This nostalgic, funny, and relatable folk song is an ode to Far-North Queensland and the acceptance she found there. Yazmindi was born in Cooktown, but moved to Melbourne in 2018. She now lives in Byron Bay, but this song comes from her time in the Victorian capital.

“A love song for Far North Queensland which I wrote while working at a café in Melbourne, homesick!” Yazmindi said. “Raw and honest, a song straight from my heart, yet tongue in cheek teasers playing with Melbourne’s city stereotypes.”

Yazmindi returned home to record the single with renowned producer Mark Myers (The Middle East, Emma Louise).

“It was so special recording ‘Avocado Latte’ back home in North Queensland, surrounded by people I grew up with and love,” Yazmindi added. “I had always dreamed of producing music with Mark from growing up listening to his band’s music, The Middle East. Everything felt natural and flowed smoothly in the studio and I had so much fun bringing the final version to life, exactly as I had envisioned it, in my head and my heart.”

2022 is shaping up to be another year of uncertainty for artists, but Yazmindi won’t let the virus stop her. She hopes to crowdfund $10,000 to support the production of her debut album. She’s also planning some concerts and live streams to support her goal.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Plane Sailors Go Their Own Way With “Bell Curve”

If you’re sick of the musical cliches, The Plane Sailors are the band for you. This Brisbane indie-rock act feel the same way, so you won’t find the same old lines in their latest track “Bell Curve.” At just a little over two minutes, it’s a great reminder that sometimes less is more.

“This is not your cliche story, I’m sick of happy endings, they feel so boring” singer Curtis Hooper declares in this super catchy single.

Curtis recorded the track in his bedroom before moving to complete it in bassist James Glenleft’s spare room. According to the press release, the recording process was “a labour of love (with sprinkles of frustration), that ultimately resulted in a track the band could be immensely proud of.”

“You’re likely gonna have to do a lot more for yourself in the studio than you think,” added guitarist Joseph Floyd. “Whether it’s adding in the extra layers, redoing your mate’s part for them that they hastily punched in on their lunch break, or spending time alone because the others forgot to show up to press the record button for you; it’s all worth it in the end.”

The Plane Sailors recently launched the single in their hometown. Hopefully it won’t be too long before they take their live show to the rest of the country.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bloom Lays Her Heart Bare With “One More Place”

Bloom channels vintage vibes in her latest single “One More Place.” This track is the ultimate breakup anthem, a melancholy rumination on the memories that hold us hostage as we try to move on.

“I’ve had a few (too many) breakups, as most of us can relate to at some point in our lives,” Bloom admitted. “There is always that one place that reminds you of your ex, or that raw phase you go through post break up where you are wondering who they are with and have a bunch of unanswered questions while coming to the realisation that it is really over.”

Most artists have a fairly bare concert calendar at the moment, but not Bloom. She’s playing covers at the following shows all around Australia and New Zealand:

17, 18, 19, 20, 21, & 22 January 2022 – Downstairs at the Maj, Perth (Adele & Amy Songbook)
18 February 2022 – Norwood Hotel, Adelaide (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
19 February 2022 – Norwood Hotel, Adelaide (Adele & Amy Songbook)
4 March 2022 – The Lounge, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
5 March 2022 – Kings Beach Tavern, Sunshine Coast (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
11 March 2022 – Springlake Hotel, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
12 March 2022 – Wallaby Hotel, Gold Coast (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
18 March 2022 – Jindalee Hotel, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
19 March 2022 – Beenleigh Tavern, Brisbane (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
31 March 2022 – Camelot Lounge, Marrickville (Eva Cassidy Songbook)
1 April 2022 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (Eva Cassidy Songbook)
2 April 2022 – North Ryde RSL, Sydney (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
29 April 2022 – York on Lilydale, Melbourne (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
7 May 2022 – Laycock Street Community Theatre, Wyoming (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
21 August 2022 – Salt Village, Kingscliff (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
9 September 2022 – New Plymouth Club, New Plymouth (Adele & Amy Songbook)
10 September 2022 – Upper Hutt Cossie Club, Wellington (Adele & Amy Songbook)
11 September 2022 – Globe Theatre, Palmerston North (Adele & Amy Songbook)
15 September 2022 – Ashburton Trust Event Centre, Ashburton (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
16 September 2022 – Oamaru Club, Oamaru (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
17 September 2022 – Wunderbar Lyttelton, Christchurch (Stevie, Linda & Carole Songbook)
18 September 2022 – Wunderbar Lyttelton, Christchurch (Adele & Amy Songbook)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELEEA Releases Emotional Single “Stings”

If you’re trying to move on from a breakup, consider waiting to hear ELEEA’s new track “Stings.” This bittersweet track has got me right in the feels. It’s drenched in nostalgia, with powerful lyrics that might just have you thinking about the one that got away.

“My writing is always very raw, but ‘Stings’ feels particularly autobiographical,” ELEEA admitted. “It captures those very confusing moments when you are overjoyed that someone you’ve loved is happy again in their next relationship, while simultaneously agonising over how their new partner has fit straight into your old life… that can really sting.”

“The verses are so simple and capture such ordinary moments, but I feel like they paint a really precise picture. It’s not a typically angry or sad breakup song, because that wouldn’t have been true to my situation. But the whole song is wrapped in sentimentality, which can be a really chaotic thing to feel.”

ELEEA wrote the song in 2019, but it’s the sort of material that will never date. Take a listen, but keep those tissues handy just in case.

Image used with permission from The Big Note

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“…34 Minutes on the Northside” – Sonz of Serpent

I planned to use the last couple of weeks before many people returned to work catching up on all the music I hadn’t gotten to last year. Instead I found myself stuck on Sonz of Serpent’s brilliant debut album …34 Minutes on the Northside. It might have derailed my plans, but I couldn’t be happier about it.

My husband, who grew up on America’s East Coast, paused to stop at my office door and listen to the music blasting from my speakers. After nodding his head in agreement, he asked me who the band was. I told him they were a new trio from Adelaide and he was shocked, commenting that they sounded like one of the classic hip hop acts he grew up listening to. There’s certainly a throwback to the acts of the ’80s and ’90s. The sound of brass instruments and piano tones adds a hint of soul to these tunes which feels so familiar. However, these guys have a uniquely Australian voice that separates them from the US pioneers that brought hip hop to the masses decades ago. Beyond that, they’re Indigenous voices, strong voices that don’t get enough opportunities at the mic.

The name Sonz of Serpent refers to the Rainbow Serpent, the water spirit who brings rain, healing, fertility, and new life. Think of these guys as a glass of water for minds thirsting for guidance and knowledge.

“We wish to speak to those absent from leadership and purpose,” Sonz of Serpent explains. “Acting as a current, moving some in the right direction through well thought out rhymes, witty metaphors, cool flows, range of content and energy.”

There are some powerful songs here. “CHECKING IN” and “TRUTH” really pack a lyrical punch. However, this album is far from preachy. I love the swag of “NOT MANY.” “LIFE” and “ALRIGHT” find silver linings among the struggle. This album is all about light and shade, sharing knowledge without lecturing so we keep our ears open, right to the end.

…34 Minutes on the Northside is out now.

Images used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Trip With VOH’s “Away”

I don’t know about you, but I am absolutely ready for a break from the COVID shitstorm right now. A few weeks in a tropical destination would do it I think, if I only felt confident enough to get on a plane! Listening to “Away,” the debut single from Sydney talent VOH, is the next best thing. Hit play, close your eyes, and enjoy a few stress-free minutes.

“If you picture a dial of sadness to joy, I start in that place of rock bottom and then I sing with the attitude of healing and celebration, until we’re all surfacing for air,” she explained. This track definitely has that cathartic quality. Listening to it I could feel all the stress and worry melt away for a little while.

“Away” is the first in a series of songs VOH created in lockdown with writer and producer Tremolo Switch. I can’t wait to hear what other gems came from their collaboration, because this song is really special.

Image used with permission from KAOS