Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sydnee Carter Drops Stellar New Single “Drug Was You”

If you’ve ever felt addicted to someone else, especially if it wasn’t good for you, Sydnee Carter’s new track “Drug Was You” is sure to strike a chord. This vulnerable pop single explores the addictive nature of the most powerful narcotic on the planet: love.

“I wanted to write a song about longing for a lifetime past, after the love that is supposedly gone,” she explained. “Instead of drawing to a close, the hurt keeps brewing into a driving infatuation, culminating into an emotional cataclysm and realisation. My drug was always you. But of course, listeners can interpret how they like.”

Since winning the prestigious Western Australian Music Song of the Year at the age of 17, Sydnee has rubbed shoulders with the right people, including Duke & Jones, Paces, 360, Slumberjack, and her “Drug Was You” collaborators Wasteland and Justin Martins. Now at 23, Sydnee’s showing she’s got some serious talent. See her launch the single at The Aardvark in Fremantle on February 6.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Goes Semi-Acoustic For COVID-Safe Shows

The last year has taught us all to pivot as we’ve attempted to thrive in this new normal. If you’ve had told me 12 months ago that The Smith Street Band were planning semi-acoustic seated shows I’d have laughed, and yet here we are. And funnily enough, it all makes perfect sense.

As soon as Victorian restrictions were eased, the band set about rehearsing and rewriting many of their songs to suit a more mellow, COVID-safe environment. The band will take these reworked tracks to fans across Victoria and New South Wales in the coming months.

The shows coincide with an album of those reworked tracks, Unplugged in Wombat State Forest. The first single, “It’s OK” isn’t too dramatic a departure from the original, but I expect we’ll hear a few left turns when the album drops on March 5. If you love what you see, you can also stream a video featuring all the songs here. And remember to get on to those The Smith Street Band Unplugged shows. With limited capacity in all venues and some shows already sold out, the remaining tickets won’t last long.

26 February 2021 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
27 February 2021 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
4 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2021 – The Enmore, Sydney
17 April 2021 – Yours + Owls Festival, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Portia Clark Duets With Darius Rucker on “Ready to Fall”

Zambian-born, Perth-based singer Portia Clark has teamed up with Darius Rucker for a gorgeous new country single “Ready to Fall.” Portia met the Hootie & The Blowfish singer by chance backstage in Minneapolis. She pitched the idea of collaborating then and there, something they talked more about when Darius toured Australia in 2018. Portia later flew to Nashville to lay this song down.

I love the way Portia’s powerful, pure voice matches Darius’s unmistakable warm delivery. Hopefully, his inclusion will introduce our adopted Aussie’s talents to a few more folks around the world.

Portia is currently working on a new live show saluting great women through musical history. With her versatile voice, I imagine it’ll be fantastic!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tia Gostelow Takes Acoustic Album Launch Online

The COVID-19 pandemic put the pin in the concert experience as we knew it, and even here in Australia where cases are relatively low, the industry is still getting back on its feet. I miss the rush of being in a crowd, but I have loved coming together with music fans around the world for virtual gigs. Sharing that online space with fans I wouldn’t normally see shows with has been really special. I thought as the local industry recovered, those gigs would go by the wayside, but I’m thrilled to see Tia Gostelow allowing fans to enjoy the best of both worlds next month.

Chrysalis dropped back in October, but Tia’s virtual acoustic launch show is an exciting chance for people all around the world to hear its songs in a more stripped back, organic way. Tia is also promising some old and new fan favourites and a few surprises too. Tickets for the livestream are available here. The Aussie stream happens on February 5 at 7pm AEST (that’s 8pm in New South Wales and Victoria). The ticket website also has separate stream times for Europe and the United States.

If you happen to be in Brisbane, you can see Tia that same night in full-band mode at Fortitude Music Hall’s A Carry 4 Coins show. Featuring the likes of Camp Cope, WAAX, Emily Wurramara, and Mo’ju, this year’s event raises funds for Black Rainbow. Check out more about this organisation, which looks to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ individuals, here. And as for the tickets, you can get those here!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Space Between” – Illy

I’ve spent most of this week crushing on The Space Between, Illy’s long-awaited sixth album. I’ve always loved the way he creates music which is so thoughtful and positive. This album’s his most introspective yet, with tracks offering a fascinating insight into his thoughts and experiences.

“The Space Between is about change. How much there is from one point to the next, and how those trips – not the destinations – define us,” he explained. “My music has always been about real life, and since last time we spoke, mine happened between albums, relationships, parties, therapy, triumphs, breakdowns, celebrations, mourning … all of it.

“I learnt a lot. About me and people around me. Who’s there for a good time, who’s there for a long time, and who was never really there at all. I learnt to keep it moving, but also to stop and appreciate where you’re at, because the one constant is change. I’m thankful for all of it. It all made this album.”

While this album isn’t as consistently upbeat as many of Illy’s other recordings, I think it’s the album we need right now when the world is so challenging. And while there’s some darker material, there are still definitely those moments to party! While I love what Illy creates solo, the collaborations on this album are really off the chain. While I have a soft spot for “Loose Ends” with G-Flip and “Lean on me” with Robinson, I think my favourite is the current single “Mirror,” featuring American singer-songwriter Wrabel. It’s so raw and powerful, a true indication of the diverse music Illy treats us to on this album.

Check out this song, but don’t stop there. The Space Between is out now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Nick de la Hoyde’s Dreamy New Single, “Night Stuff”

Sydney singer-songwriter Nick de la Hoyde has given me all the feels with his latest single “Night Stuff.” I’ve been listening to new music all day waiting for something to hit; something like this sweet synthy pop number.

The track is about those sleepless nights we’ve all spent, tossing and turning while thoughts of that special someone race through our minds. It’s so relatable and real, and I can’t say enough good things about it.

More like this please!

Image used with permission from Gatcombe Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELKI Releases Uplifting Pop Smash, “Spend Your Life”

Mondays are hard work, but ELKI has just what the doctor ordered. Her smashing new pop single “Spend Your Life” is an uplifting track with cool Scandi vibes.

After spending 2020 working in a mental health institution, ELKI knew her return to music had to make a difference to people. And so, she dropped this track, which she believes is “something different and important … a mental health song that jump-starts action and gets you out of a rut.”

I think I could listen to this song anywhere and love it, but ELKI insists “It’s a song to listen to while you’re moving. Get up from your
desk and jump in your car. Blast it with the windows down, with fresh night air on a lonely freeway.”

You heard her! Crank this up, have a dance and get those feel-good endorphins flowing!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lakelend Shines Bright With “Supernova”

Melbourne pop act Lakelend has got me grooving with his latest single “Supernova.” This is an irresistible synthy pop track that takes its cues from acts like Lauv, LANY, and The Chainsmokers. It’ll definitely get you dancing, but its romantic lyrics might tug at your heartstrings too!

“Sometimes that new person falls into your lap when you least expect it. A breath of fresh air. Something that you haven’t experienced before,” Lakelend explains of the song’s inspiration. “I was all in. Never in my life had I experienced a love for someone that built up so incredibly quickly. I think it’s only human to return love and affection if it’s received well and is something you’re capable of giving back. In hindsight, there were certain moments that I was blind to everything happening around me. My close friends, my family and even my own goals and ambitions. I don’t regret it, but I’m just being honest.”

“Supernova” is only Lakelend’s second single, but he’s already showing big promise.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boleyn Releases Provocative Single, “Violence”

Sydney pop act Boleyn smoulders with his latest single “Violence.” It’s got such a cool, soulful sound and lyrics that confront and make you think about how we get what we want out of relationships.

Boleyn explained the song came about after a frank conversation with a friend. “’If he loves me, why won’t he hurt me?’ A friend was complaining her partner wasn’t being aggressive enough in the bedroom and that seed buried itself in my mind. ‘Violence’ is fundamentally about consent. How do we communicate our sexual needs? What boundaries do we set? How is that expressed? What anxieties do we harbor about communicating our true desires? ‘Violence’ is about letting go everything except your needs and communicating those with honesty – you want bruises? You want it to hurt? To leave a mark? Cool, I’m game – you just need to ask,” he explained.

If you love “Violence,” there’s more where that came from. Boleyn has spent the pandemic working on new material with Xavier Dunn (Peking Duk, Jack River, CXLOE) and Guy Stacey (GVY), so he’s got a stack of new material waiting to be unleashed. I for one can’t wait.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Celebrates “Parking Lots”‘ 15-Year Milestone

Mia Dyson is celebrating the 15th anniversary of her acclaimed album Parking Lots with a reissued vinyl release, a brand-new EP, called Parking Lots (Revisited) which reimagines some choice cuts, and a tour. All this excitement is a timely reminder of just how good that album is. While it was recorded so many years ago, the songs prove timeless. I found myself bouncing backwards and forwards between the original album and the new EP, marvelling at the way the different treatments brought out each song’s nuances. I encourage you to do the same.

The new white vinyl copies of Parking Lots were so popular that they sold out almost instantly, but you can stream the album and its companion EP now on your favourite platforms. There are still tickets left for her upcoming East Coast shows, but as COVID has reduced venue capacity, you’ll want to get in quickly to secure yours via her website.

12 March 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
13 March 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
19 March 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
20 March 2021 – TBA, Surf Coast
21 March 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon Ranges
26 March 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
27 March 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
28 March 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
1 April 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from This Much Talent