Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lulu Raes Release Feelgood New Single, “Can’t Run No More”

After getting the sad news that Dave Matthews Band is the latest act in a long line of cancelled shows for me, I needed a bit of a pick-me-up today. Enter The Lulu Raes with a catchy new single “Can’t Run No More.”

This track has such a fun folky feel to it. If you loved The Lemonheads or The Shins, I think it’ll be right up your alley.

“’Can’t Run No More’ is about loving a person, but not being able to talk about it or fully comprehend the feelings, because the person is just one of those individuals who work so hard, accomplishes everything and seems a cut above regular people,” the band explained.

The Lulu Raes is scheduled to play shows at The Grace Darling in Melbourne on April 17 and the Lansdowne Hotel in Sydney on April 24 at this stage. However, in these crazy times make sure you watch The Lulu Raes Facebook page a little closer to the date to check whether they will go ahead.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Locked in Lummo Put Best Foot Forward With “Two Shoes”

I’m sure most of us can agree that life is a bit shitty at the moment. Those concert cancellations are coming left and right, and while we understand that they might be for our own good they’re bitter pills to swallow. Social distancing is tough, but thankfully there is some great music to get us through. The latest to catch my ear is “Two Shoes,” the debut single from Sydney indie rockers Locked in Lummo.

This track is so catchy, full of irresistible hooks and introspective lyrics. I love the way the synth works with the driving drumbeats. Hayden Smith’s voice can also seem to do absolutely anything. That falsetto is flawless!

“It’s about getting to 23 and not being where I thought I’d be in life,” he explained, “watching my friends get ‘real jobs’, and being sick of doing the same thing every day.

“The lyrics in the song are personal and raw, and I chose to write about ordinary parts of my every day that I think most people also experience,” he says. “It’s the first song I’ve been proud of writing because it’s honest and authentic to what message I was trying to convey. Ultimately, it’s about feeling spread too thin, and how that takes its toll on the things you are trying to achieve.”

They’ve got a couple of upcoming shows which will hopefully still go ahead. Follow Locked in Lummos’ Facebook page to see if the situation changes though!

27 March 2020 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
9 April 2020 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marco Drops Gorgeous New Track “Harder to Breathe”

It feels vaguely inappropriate to plug a track called “Harder to Breathe” during a health pandemic causing respiratory issues, but Marco’s new single is so good that I just can’t resist. He was a wee young thing when he released his last track more than a year ago. Now at the age of 18, this single from the Brisbane artist feels like a coming of age. This song is dazzling in its simplicity. Its melody is super catchy and those lyrics are so beautifully introspective.

“After releasing my last song over a year ago, ‘Harder To Breathe’ feels like an amazing way to kick off 2020 and for people to hear the new music I’ve been working on,” he explained. “This is only the first of many releases this year and I’m certainly looking forward to each and every one of them.”

Marco is scheduled to play Limelight Brisbane at Black Bear Lodge on March 27.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Speed of Life” – Adam Brand

When I received a press release declaring Adam Brand’s new album Speed of Life was “his best and most positive work yet,” I expected it was more of the same promotional spin. I’ve never really considered myself an Adam Brand. I thought he was a competent country singer, but for me he kind of blended into the Tamworth scene, never standing out the way a Keith Urban or Kasey Chambers does. Yet as I listened to his new album Speed of Life, I realised his marketing team was onto something.

Adam has no doubt benefited from working with Luke Wooten, who has produced albums for country luminaries including Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley. His work gives this album a real polish, but as the old saying goes you can’t polish a turd. You need quality material to work with and this album has that. The songwriting is first-rate, reflecting Adam’s content in a happy marriage after the birth of his first child. There’s a persistent myth that you need pain and heartache to fuel the best music, but this album proves that’s simply not so. There is so much wisdom here, so much meaty material that can only come when you’ve lived a life and found some peace.

Speed of Life opens with the title track, a country-rock ballad reminding us all to take time to slow down and enjoy the ride. The first single “Life’s Been Good to Me” comes next, anchoring the album with its positive, personal reflections on his good fortune. “Just a Love Song” notes the inadequacy of the three-minute love song to really encapsulate the love he feels for his wife, while “Don’t Wanna Let You Down” is a beautiful vow to his daughter. Everything Casey Donovan touches seems to turn to gold, so it’s unsurprising that Adam’s duet with her, “You Are Not Alone” is one of the album’s strongest tracks. Don’t think Adam has gone completely soft though. “Freakin’ Weekend” should satisfy the listeners looking for a good old-fashioned country party anthem. It feels a little out of place on this collection, but it’s still a hell of a lot of fun.

Speed of Life is out today. Sadly, Adam has had to cancel his upcoming tour due to a throat and vocal cord condition, but hopefully he can get out and play these songs for fans once he recovers. It’s a real shame because these songs are some of the best he’s written and they deserve to have the biggest audience possible. Until then, fire them up on your favourite streaming service or get the album from all your local music store now!

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Like Bear Drops Sophomore Single, “Usually Does”

Melbourne songwriter and engineer Nayomi Pattuwage got her start working behind-the-scenes of the music industry. However, with her solo project Like Bear, she’s stepped into the spotlight. And aren’t we glad she did! “Usually Does,” her second single, is an optimistic piece of indie pop that should help you get through your working week.

“I wrote Usually Does two years prior to contacting James [Seymour, who produced the song], so I hadn’t touched on any production ideas since that acoustic demo,” Nayomi explained. “My biggest fear with resurrecting this song was that it had solidified into the acoustic demo that I knew it to be, and I wouldn’t be able to hear anything outside of what it already was. James just tackled it head-on. He is super easy to work with, and ridiculously quick – ideas pour from his fingertips.”

No matter how your week is going, I swear Like Bear’s new single “Usually Does” will make it better.

Image used with permission from Like Bear

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thelma Plum Returns For Homecoming Queen Tour

In case you missed it, Thelma Plum is hitting some of Australia’s most beloved venues mid-year to cap off a bumper 12 months. During that time she released her acclaimed debut album Better in Blak, placed second in the triple j album of the year poll, because the highest fan-voted Indigenous artist in the Hottest 100’s history, and earned nominations for the Australian Music Prize Album of the Year, ARIAs, and APRA Song of the Year. She’ll cap it off with the Homecoming Queen tour, which borrows its name from one of her album’s more poignant moments.

“The last year has been pretty crazy for me since people started to hear Better in Blak, both the song and the album, and it’s been amazing to have the stories which were inside my head resonate with so many people,” Thelma explained. “It’s given me the opportunity to do some travelling and touring overseas, but it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t celebrate where we are going, but more importantly where we have been, I cannot wait to return and take my little band family and the wonderful Kira Puru on the road for the Homecoming Queen Tour.”

With the superb Kira Piru coming along for the ride, these shows are sure to be stellar. Tickets are on sale for Thelma’s headlining Homecoming Queen shows and festival appearances.

28 May 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
29 May 2020 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
30 May 2020 – Big Pineapple Festival, Sunshine Coast
5 June 2020 – The Metro, Sydney
6 June 2020 – UC Refectory, Canberra
7 June 2020 – Deadly Hearts, Adelaide
11 June 2020 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
12 June 2020 – Astor Theatre, Perth
13 June 2020 – The River, Margaret River,
19 June 2020 – Forum, Melbourne
20 June 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
26 June 2020 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
27 June 2020 – NEX, Newcastle
3 July 2020 – Gilligan’s, Cairns
4 July 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24-26 July 2020 – Splendour in the Grass 2020, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Van Walker Drops First Tunes in a Decade

Van Walker hasn’t released a new album in a decade. But the wait is nearly over for dedicated fans, with the talented singer-songwriter preparing to release Ghosting, a collection of brand new material. The new single “Spirit World” gives us a taste of what we’re in for.

This is such a beautiful song, heartfelt and evocative. I’ve lost of the number of times I’ve listened to it today, marvelling in its lyrics and the deceptively simple folky melody. It’s something special. The song has hit your favourite streaming services accompanied by two B-sides: “Crystal Ball” and “I Gotta Worry.”

Ghosting will be released in August, but fans can look forward to hearing a few more new tunes when Van Walker plays single launch shows all around the country in the coming months.

18 March 2020 – The Welcome Swallow, Brunswick (FREE)
20 March 2020 – Altar, Hobart
21 March 2020 – Two Oaks, Somerset
3 April 2020 – The Wheatchief, Adelaide
11 April 2020 – The Eastern, Ballarat
12 April 2020 – Archie’s Creek, Gippsland (FREE)
17 April 2020 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
18 April 2020 – Major Toms, Kyneton
23 April 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra
24 April 2020 – Marrickville Bowls Club
25 April 2020 – Gumball Festival, Dashville

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brayden Sibbald Shines With “Thin Air”

Up-and-coming producer Brayden Sibbald has got a big future ahead of him if his latest single “Thin Air” is any indication. It’s a beautiful ballad that showcases Brayden’s haunting vocals so perfectly.

“’Thin Air’ is a track about letting go of the self-created things that hold you back, and prevent you from moving forward,” he explained. “I find it really easy to create things or situations in my head which hold me back from further development. I think writing about it is my way to make myself really aware of that, and try and catch myself doing it.”

After supporting The Temper Trap in February, Brayden is back headlining gigs around his native Western Australia. Catch him at Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough, on March 15 and follow his Facebook page to learn about more gigs happening really soon.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Esimorp Bassist Paul Roth Goes Solo With “Still”

Esimorp was one of my favourite musical discoveries last year so I was keen to discover what the solo music from bass guitarist Paul Roth sounded like. I got my first taste recently when the Central Coast-born Hong Kong-based singer-songwriter released his first single of the year, “Still.”

“Still” is such a cool track. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but you just see if you’re not tapping your toes in time as it builds. I hear a touch of gospel and soul influences that add richness to the track’s infectious groove.

“This was one of those songs that really all just came together in one sitting, I instantly fell for the rhythm and harmony combo and each melody flowed exactly how I would like,” he explained.

“Still” is the first of several songs Paul plans to release this year. I can’t wait to hear what else he’s got in store for us!

Image used with permission from Paul Roth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Raise a Glass to New Material From Ella Fence

It’s Saturday, time to put the stresses of the working week and the woes of the world to the back of our mind and kick up our heels. For many of us, our merry-making might involve a cocktail or two. No judgement! However you’re celebrating, “Pink Mojitos” by Ella Fence goes down just as easy as the beverage it’s named after! Sublime vocals, an infectious groove, and the kind of NSFW lyrics that you can crank up now the office is a distant memory!

“Pink Mojitos” is the opening track from Ella’s new mini-EP All I Do is Think. With just three tracks it shows so many sides of this exciting singer-songwriter. “She’s Looking Pretty” is as poignant and heartbreaking as “Pink Mojitos” is frothy and feelgood. “Japan” rounds out the trio on a sombre, introspective note. It’s beautiful.

Ella will play a stack of gigs over the coming months to support her new material. Get out and support her at the following venues.

8 March 2020 – Southport Sharks, Gold Coast (2-6 pm)
14 March 2020 – Brisbane City Sounds, Queen Street (12-2:30 pm)
17 March 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
20 March 2020 – Post Office Hotel, Sandgate (6:30-9:30 pm)
22 March 2020 – Scottish Prince, Gold Coast (7 pm)
27 March 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 March 2020 – Rics Bar, Brisbane (supporting Cheeky Velvet @ 7 pm)
5 April 2020 – Brunswick Hotel, Brisbane (1-4 pm)
16 April 2020 – The Archive (7-10 pm)
17 April 2020 – Scottish Prince Friday (7 pm)
18 April 2020 – The End, Brisbane (7 pm)
25 April 2020 – Burleigh Brewing Co., Gold Coast (4-8 pm)
28 April 2020 – Cambus Wallace, Gold Coast (7 pm)
3 May 2020 – Komune, Coolangatta (late afternoon, time TBC)