Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Live” – Ian Moss

Like many music lovers, I miss attending concerts most of all in these pandemic times. Live streams fill the void somewhat, but who knows how long it’ll be until I’m sitting in a room with other music lovers watching one of my favourite artists perform once again. The cravings are real, but Ian Moss has gone some way towards satisfying them with the recent release of his live album, simply called Live.

Recorded over two shows at Canberra’s Playhouse and Sydney’s Enmore Theatre in July 2018, the album captures all the electricity of one of Mossy’s live sets. The tracklist balances popular Cold Chisel and solo singles with some unexpected gems. Well-known tracks like “Choir Girl” and “Tucker’s Daughter” are perfect for singalongs while the less familiar numbers give Mossy space to spread out and experiment. I found myself marvelling as he jammed out with his six-piece band on tracks like “Janelle” and “One Long Day.” This album captures so beautifully those moments that would floor you in the room, where the musicians are so totally caught up in the groove.

“It was great to be back out and touring Australia with a big band full of extraordinary talent and exceptional musicians and playing to some of the best audiences I’ve ever played to,” Ian reminisced. “The crew we had on the road with us were some of the best in the business and of course, having the new studio album, Ian Moss, full of songs, with me at the helm of the songwriting to play was fantastic”.

Ian Moss’s Live is exclusively available from digital services including Spotify and Apple Music. If you love what you hear, remember Ian Moss will be back on the road next year. Here are all the shows we can look forward to in early 2021.

24 & 26 February 2021 – Jetty Theatre, Coffs Harbour
27 February 2021 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree
5 March 2021 – The Art House, Wyong
6 March 2021 – The Glasshouse, Port Macquarie
26 March 2021 – Latrobe Performing Arts Centre @ Town Hall, Traralgon
27 March 2021 – The Wedge @ Performing Arts Centre, Sale
7 April 2021 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Swan Hill
9 April 2021 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
10 April 2021 – Broken Hill Civic Centre, Broken Hill
16 & 17 April 2021 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
23 April 2021 – Dubbo Regional Theatre & Convention Centre, Dubbo
24 April 2021 – Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth
1 May 2021 – Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga

Images used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM; header image credit: Daniel Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shayne Cook Unleashes Two Superb Singles Ahead of Album Release

Why release just one single to generate buzz about your new album when you can drop two? Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Shayne Cook isn’t doing things by halves, dropping two new tracks ahead of the October release of his album Epiphonetics.

The first track, “Matters of the Heart” is a sweet folky love song exploring the way the heart can wrestle with the head when it comes to relationships. The demo almost fell through the cracks but album producer Simon Moro saw its beauty and developed it into the special song it is today.

The second track “Stawell Gift” is a little darker and moodier. It’s a personal song that details the story of Shayne’s dad and his adoption was the town of Stawell.

“Three years ago, my brother put out a search for the real parental background of our father. His history was traced back to a Greek immigrant who had previously been the captain of a ship in the Greek prior to emigrating and establishing a restaurant in the country Victorian town of Stawell with his wife. During this period his paternal father had an extra-marital affair with a lady working at the restaurant. Our dad was the result and he was sent to live in an orphanage after his birth,” Shayne recounted.

“Dad’s life parents were Christian missionaries and they originally came to the orphanage in search of a girl for adoption. However, they saw dad standing up in his cot looking at them with his big brown eyes and their choice was made on the spot. Dad had loving parents and a good life with them. Whilst both his biological parents had passed at the time of finding out his background – Dad’s heritage was survived by his half-brother and sister. He now has a great relationship with both and had an instant connection. His half-brother George, as it turned out, is a prominent Australian musician who has played with the like of the Black Sorrows, Zydeco Jump and Robyn Archer amongst many others.”

These songs are so different, but they’re both brilliant. They’ve certainly got me excited for Shayne’s album Epiphonetics, which drops on October 23.

Image used with permission from Annie Johnsson Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Farriss Releases Funky First Single, “All The People”

Grace Farriss is the daughter of INXS legend Andrew Farriss, so it should come as no surprise that she’s got some serious musical chops. Her first offering is “All the People,” a fun and funky little number that is just the thing we need to make the world seem brighter.

“’All The People’ came about while I was thinking deeply about the larger and more worldly aspects of life,” Grace explained. “The chord progression and rhythm of the song came first, very strongly, and then I put the melody and the lyrics over the top at the same time. I ended up singing the ‘All The People’ lyrics unknowingly and the meaning became more obvious the more the song took life.”

She’s much more than just a voice. Grace is also a songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. As if her musical talents weren’t enough, she’s releasing a book, “Poetry, Sayings and Stories” later this year. She’s also a painter, an ambassador for the Jane Goodall Institute and SeaShepherd, and she founded her own environmental institute, The Grace Earth Organisation. In addition, she’s studying her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine. Is there anything this woman can’t do?

“All the People” comes from her new album, Grace, which will drop later this year. It features some of the world’s best musicians, including Matt Johnson (Jeff Buckley) on drums, Joey Waronker (Beck) on drums, Abe Rounds (Andrew Bird, Meshell Ndegeocello, Birds of Prey Score) on drums, Benji Lysaght (Adele, Father John Misty) on guitar, Ralph Carney (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello and the B-52’s) on saxophone, John Kirby (Solange) on keys, and Todd M. Simon (Angel City All-Star Brass Band) on horns. It definitely sounds like one to listen out for!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kita Alexander Releases Fun Single, “I Miss You, I’m Sorry”

Kita Alexander shows she’s not afraid of apologizing with her poppy new single “I Miss You, I’m Sorry.” Her latest track is a more upbeat affair than the music she typically releases, but I think this sound is just what we need to combat the current climate of bad vibes. It also comes from an honest place, just like her trademark ballads did.

“The song is very truthful, and almost word-for-word, to be honest,” she admitted. “I really looked at myself. ‘I Miss You, I’m Sorry’ is a reflection of turning inwards rather than pointing the finger at someone else. Because I’ve realised you can’t control anyone or anything. You can only control your reactions and your emotions.

“Writing this was a real experience for me,” she added. “It was an easy song to write because it came from experience. But it was hard to look in the mirror and realise you messed up. I don’t know if everyone has that epiphany, but on this occasion, I saw my mistakes and flaws.”

Crank this one and let it chase away those Monday blues!

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marvell Gets Me Excited With “19 Homes”

Sydney band Marvell is definitely on my must-see list when the pandemic is over and we’re all getting together again. Their latest track “19 Homes” has an infectious blues-rock feel that I can’t get enough of. There’s a little Kings of Leon, a little Nathan Rateliff and the Night Sweats, and a whole lot of heart in this one.

Marvell is the brainchild of brothers Max and Tom Marvell. The pair delivers emotionally raw vocals and an energetic rhythm section that just doesn’t quit. The band is keen to get out there and play for us all again. The “19 Homes” music video gives us a hint of what’s to come when they get back on stage, with footage from the very best open house. Settle in for the clip and get excited about the time when we can party with Marvell for real.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mike Waters Touches on Mental Health Struggles With “I’m Doing Fine”

The physical toll of COVID-19 dominates the headline, but most of us are more likely to suffer mentally from the pandemic. I know I’ve personally been on a bit of an emotional roller-coaster, alternating between feeling totally in control and at peace with the situation and finding myself paralysed by anxiety. In this time of uncertainty, Mike Waters’ new single “I’m Doing Fine” really resonates.

The Melbourne singer-songwriter gets honest about his own mental health struggles, including how difficult speaking up about them can be when men are taught to simply suck it up.

“It came from me telling my own story of when I was hit by a really intense bout of deep, dark depression, that I’ve never experienced before,” he explained. “I learned that the thing I needed to do to get through that was to talk to people. This song is about people who say to their friends that they are fine but on the inside they are falling apart.”

Many of us are feeling isolated right now, whether you’re under a mandated lockdown or you’re playing it safe and staying in like me. If you’re struggling, remember help is always available. I find I’m calling home more than usual and video chatting with friends, but there are also plenty of support services available if you’d rather talk to someone you don’t know. Call the following numbers for 24/7 help:

beyondblue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Double Vanity Brings the Feels With “Escalator”

Melbourne trio Double Vanity has given me chills with the release of its new track “Escalator.” The lush synths and Kate Bush-esque vocals give it a cool retro feel, but there’s an immediate emotional intensity that grounds it in the now.

“Escalator thematically questions the daily espresso grind and the linear metal stairs of a bustling escalator, appearing and disappearing like a horizontal rotisserie,” explained Double Vanity singer Zec Zechner.

The film clip is also worth a few minutes of your time. It’s the brainchild of Melbourne-born, New-York based filmmaker Stephanie Gould and local painter and performance artist Billi Lime.

“Escalator” is the latest release from Double Vanity’s full-length vinyl album, which should drop later this year. While you’re waiting for that, you can show your support and score Double Vanity T-shirts from the trio’s Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Psychic Hysteria; credit: Kalindy Williams

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Benjamin Trillado Wows Me With “Worth”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Benjamin Trillado recently released his brand new single “Worth,” and it’s the kind of song that demands a few minutes of your time.

Don’t just press play and go back to your day, or you might miss the beauty of this subtle song. It’s definitely a slow burner, but if you tune in to those lyrics and the gentle music that surrounds it, you’ll understand why I’m raving about this song. Those lyrics explore Benjamin’s need for acceptance as a queer person from the people around him and himself. It should resonate with anyone who’s struggled finding their place in the world.

“This song is about understanding your own self-value and accepting that you deserve a place in this world,” Benjamin explained. “As a queer person, I grew up struggling to come to terms with my sexuality and often resented myself for it. ‘Worth’ shares the struggles I faced in accepting myself and the empowerment that lies in embracing one’s identity. This song is a love letter to the LGBTQIA+ community and goes out to anyone who needs a reminder to love and accept themselves for who they truly are.”

This is Benjamin’s first release of the year, his follow-up to the 2019 tracks “Glue” and “First Kiss.” Hopefully it won’t be the last.

Melbourne might be in lockdown, but Benjamin won’t let that stop him playing for fans. Catch him on Instagram playing the following shows. Both virtual events start at 8 pm AEST.

30 July 2020 – Songwriters of Melbourne Live (@rsomelbourne)
31 July 2020 – Benjamin’s Kitchen (@benjamintrillado)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Locked in Lummo Releases Stellar Second Single “Main Thing”

Sydney band Locked in Lummo prove they’re no one-trick ponies with the release of their sophomore single “Main Thing.” Just like the band’s debut “Two Shoes,” this track is super catchy with irresistibly warm vocals from Hayden Smith. The four-piece insists “raw emotion” is their fifth member, and listening to the way this track builds I can’t dispute it.

“‘Main Thing’ was written from the perspective of my girlfriend as she arrives to my house feeling like I’ve been treating her like a chore and not making any space in my schedule for her. Highlighted by the lyric ‘If the screen door’s left shut, this is on, this is it,’” Hayden explained. “She’s taken it, as I haven’t even left enough time to make sure the screen door is open for her to let herself in and she will be literally left outside in the cold as I’m too busy doing other things to run to the door straight away. As I realise my actions, even though not meant to be hurtful, can still cause REAL hurt.”

I am so into everything these guys release. While it frustrates me that opportunities to see bands like this are few and far between, the music coming from Locked in Lummo is a great reminder of what awaits us when this pandemic is over. Until then, crank this one up.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Witkowski Drops Superb Single “Lucky Land”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Ben Witkowski has knocked it out of the park again with his second single of the year “Lucky Land.” The follow-up to the fabulous “Mountain Man,” this track is an epic slow-burner that reminds me of Gang of Youths and Bon Iver. When those vocals really kick in, I swear it’ll give you chills.

Ben wrote this track two years ago after taking a “life-changing” journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

“I was sitting alone on the longest train journey in the world, watching the world go by, thinking how unbelievably lucky I was to be enjoying such a moment. Travelling through Siberia gave me time to think about what I really wanted in life, and allowed me to make some decisions to change it for the better. As we travel, not only do we get to experience new people, places, and cultures, but sometimes we also discover a new, pure side of ourselves. I wanted to capture that moment forever, and that’s how ‘Lucky Land’ was born.”

Remember travel folks? Thankfully we at least have great music like this to take us away while we’re waiting for the borders to open up again. The release of “Lucky Land” also brings us one step closer to the release of Ben’s debut EP, which should drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Ben Witkowski