Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Cover My Eyes” – Little Quirks

In a world where heavily produced music created by computers seems to dominate the charts, the back-to-basics tunes from the Central Coast’s Little Quirks are a revelation. There is no studio trickery here on their EP Cover My Eyes. It’s simple music, organically created, and that’s what makes it so special.

In five tracks the Little Quirks will make you fall in love with them. In fact, if you listened to the single and opening track “Life Wouldn’t Be” before, you’d know it takes just one. But what comes later isn’t just making up the numbers. Neither is it more of the same. The essential ingredients are there: those sublime familial harmonies, the strums of acoustic guitars and mandolin giving the music a country-folk flair. But the tracks help give us a complete picture of this exciting new band and their capabilities. “Cover My Eyes” really brings those harmonies to the fore, with a slightly more delicate touch than the single. There’s a cool bluesiness to “Where We Hide.” “Bury Our Bones” is eerily brooding, with a quiet intensity that draws listeners in. “Devil’s Ivy” is a real charmer, the kind of song you might imagine the sisters singing around a burning campfire. There’s an innocence about it which is so appealing.

Cover My Eyes is like a breath of fresh air, a reminder of the beauty of quality music stripped back to basics. It’s also a reminder that these Central Coast teens have massive futures ahead of them. The trio will celebrate the EP’s recent release with the following shows along the East Coast in the coming months.

8 February 2020 – Love Lanes Festival, Wyong
14 February 2020 – Courtyard Sessions, Sydney
28 February 2020 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
29 February 2020 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne
14 March 2020 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford
15 March 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
27 March 2020 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9-13 April 2020 – National Folk Festival, Canberra
19 April 2020 – Scotts Head Festival, Scotts Head

Images used with permission from Ditto Music; feature image credit Adam Toole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brandon Dodd Drops New Single Ahead of Patti Griffin Tour

He’s just 24, but Central Coast artist Brandon Dodd sings with the sort of soul most industry veterans wish they could muster. Close your eyes when you listen to his latest single “Whiskey Room Shuffle” and you’ll be transported back to a time when the blues was king.

“Whiskey Room Shuffle” is just one of the tracks you’ll hear on Brandon’s debut solo album What a Way to Die, but a family connection makes it one of the most meaningful.

“This was probably the highlight of the whole recording process for me because we recorded it with my big brother Chris playing the drums,” he explained. “He doesn’t play a lot of music these days, but it reminded me of when we used to jam when we were younger, and I’m so happy we were able to capture that on this song.”

What a Way to Die drops on February 14. He’ll warm up with a few solo dates around its launch so he’s in fine form for his prestigious Patti Griffin support slots. Catch him at the following venues next month.

14 February 2020 – Howlin’ Wolf Whiskey Bar, Wollongong
15 February 2020 – Hardy’s Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay
1 March 2020 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan (supporting Patty Griffin)
3 March 2020 – Melbourne Recital Hall, Melbourne (supporting Patty Griffin)
5 March 2020 – The Capital, Bendigo (supporting Patty Griffin)
10 March 2020 – City Recital Hall, Sydney (supporting Patty Griffin)
12 March 2020 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Patty Griffin)
13 March 2020 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore (supporting Patty Griffin)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Happy Australia Day, Sort Of …

It’s January 26, a day when many Australians will be firing up their barbies and preparing to celebrate while others mourn. Australia Day has become a day of mixed emotions for me. I think it is important to celebrate this great nation of ours, but it doesn’t worry me when we do it. For that reason, I really hope the government gets on board and shifts the date in the coming years. I think this change is as inevitable as marriage equality, and the sooner we do it so we can all enjoy the festivities, the better.

It doesn’t feel right to let Australia Day go unacknowledged, but it also doesn’t feel right to do it by trotting out all the standard white Aussie rock. I’ll leave that to the commercial radio networks. So instead I thought I’d bring you “Together,” the latest single from rising First Nations artist Mitch Tambo. I usually try to avoid the Eurovision – Australia Decides songs until the big night, but when this landed in my inbox I couldn’t resist. I’m glad I have no self-control because this really is the perfect song to play today. I love the way he celebrates togetherness, especially by incorporating the Gamilaraay language with English and melding a didgeridoo bassline with the piano.

“’Together’ is a really important song to me. It’s the culmination of everything I want to do with my music – to bring people from all walks of life, cultures and creeds together with a message of love, especially when so many are going through such tough times,” Mitch explained. “It’s the perfect song for Eurovision, which is all about uniting people through music no matter what language they speak – or sing. I can’t wait to get out on that stage and perform this song for Australia, and the world.”

Mitch will perform “Together” on Eurovision – Australia Decides 2020 on February 8. Tune in to see his performance and vote on SBS. I haven’t heard the other songs yet, but I’m not going to be disappointed if this takes it out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Venice Queens Back With “Punchdrunk”

I raved about Adelaide’s Venice Queens way back in 2018, but didn’t hear anything from them since. Thankfully the drought has been broken with the release of their latest single, “Punchdrunk.” It’s just as summery and upbeat as their last offering, the sort of track that makes you want to see these guys live in a buzzing pub with beer in hand.

“We’re so excited to share ‘Punchdrunk’ with the world. It’s been a long time coming and it’s one we really felt we couldn’t rush,” the band said in a press release. “It’s been awesome having the opportunity to get both Simon (Kither) and Adrian’s (Breakspear) input and really achieve our live sound in the studio.”

“Punchdrunk” comes from the EP Venice Queens are currently working on. The lads are currently on tour giving fans a sneaky listen to more new tracks to come. Catch them on their remaining dates.

25 January 2020 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (with Hey Baby, Flora Link, The Fools)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Bootleg Rascal)
15 February 2020 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (with Teenage Dads, Soda, Stacy Says)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Du0 Collaborates for Double A-Side Single

Brisbane-based producer du0 has teamed up with exciting new vocalists Emily Coulston and Cloe Terare for a double A-side release, “Come Home/Better Place.” Both songs are so strong, with stellar vocal performances, dynamic instrumentation, and real heart. They also show you what magic can come out of songwriting sessions, as du0 explained.

“All three of us (along with six other musicians) got invited to attend QMusic’s exclusive Songwriting Retreat, AMPLIFY, that took place over three days at Heliport Studios in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland,” he explained. “We were rotated in groups of threes and had to come up with a song from scratch, then produce and record it in the four hours we were together. We did this five times over the three days and we were given a mentor in each session who helped us get this massive task done. These two tracks were born out of those sessions.”

Du0 will release some remixes of these tracks in the coming weeks. I can’t wait to hear how the songs evolve with his production expertise.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Announce Tasty New Single “Bittersweet” and Aussie Tour

Kingswood have delivered our first taste of their third studio album, Juveniles, and it’s absolutely delicious. The new single “Bittersweet” has an irresistible rock flavour that leaves you satisfied, yet just a little hungry for more.

“The thing that makes us who we are is the fact that we can do whatever we want, musically,” acknowledged lead guitarist Alex Laska. “We’re not doing it to be vindictive or to piss people off. We’re [just] not being confined. It’s like we’ve opened Pandora’s Box and have looked in every room; it’s mental.”

Juveniles hits stores and streaming services on March 13, the day after Kingswood’s latest Aussie tour kicks off. Tickets for that go on sale tomorrow at 11 am local time via Live Nation and the band’s website.

12 March 2020 – Barwon Club, Geelong
13 March 2020 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
14 March 2020 – Volta, Ballarat
18 March 2020 – Kambri ANU, Canberra
19 March 2020 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong
20 March 2020 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
21 March 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
26 March 2020 – The Gov, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – The Rosemount, Perth
28 March 2020 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
29 March 2020 – Freo Social, Fremantle
2 April 2020 – The Triffid, Brisbane
9 April 2020 – Republic Bar, Hobart
11 April 2020 – Saloon, Launceston
12 April 2020 – Forth Pub, Devonport
16 April 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay
17 April 2020 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
25 June 2020 – The Jack, Cairns
26 June 2020 – Otherwise Bar, Townsville
27 June 2020 – CBD McGuires Hotel, Mackay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Judith Owen Announces Aussie Sideshows

Welsh singer-songwriter-pianist Judith Owen will make the most of her time in Australia after announcing sideshows to complement her set at the Port Fairy Folk Festival. While she’s best known for her original music, which has earned the praise of musical heavy-hitters including Bryan Ferry and Jackson Browne, Judith is currently making waves with the release of her new album redisCOVERed.

This album has only just hit my radar today and I’m already a bit obsessed. Judith puts her stamp on some surprising material a world away from her usual fare. Think Soundgarden, Donna Summer, and Drake, all with that unmistakeable Judith Owen flair.

Expect Judith to play some of those clever covers and her own original material at the following shows:

7 & 8 March 2020 – Port Fairy Folk Festival, Port Fairy
14 March 2020 – Utzon Room @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney
21 March 2020 – Fyrefly, St Kilda

Images used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vanns Drop Alternate Version of “Jules Said” Ahead of Red Eye Tour

I loved The Vanns’ Through the Walls so much that I named it my favourite album of the year. Several months after its release, I still have it on regular rotation. I love the big rock numbers, but I have a special spot in my heart for one of the more reflective songs, “Jules Said.” Perhaps it’s because The Vanns first hit my radar when Jules showed off the tattoo he got celebrating the band on The Bachelorette. Maybe it’s just because it’s beautiful to hear a softer side to their music. At any rate, it’s a top song and I’m so thrilled to see it released as a single. Not content to rest on their laurels, the single is a brand new version of “Jules Said” recorded with Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning producer Adrian Breakspear (Gang of Youths, Pharrell Williams).

“Jim (Vann) and I wrote ‘Jules Said’ in my bedroom in under an hour. It was the first song we finished writing for Through The Walls. We were doing a lot of writing on Logic and trying to come up with ‘cool sounds’ for a while, and then we went out to lunch and were like, ‘When we get back, let’s just try and write something with two guitars and no computer,’” explained guitarist Cameron Little.

A new single release is as good a reason as any to gig, so The Vanns have also announced their Red Eye tour. Catch them at the following venues this autumn.

19 March 2020 – Altar Bar, Hobart
20 March 2020 – Howler, Melbourne
21 March 2020 – Unibar, Adelaide
27 March 2020 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
28 March 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
3 April 2020 – Unibar, Wollongong
4 April 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
17 April 2020 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MOBS Drops New Single Ahead of North American Shows

Melbourne indie-pop act MOBS are preparing to play shows in North America and they’ve got a new single to celebrate. “I’ll Be Back” is pure pop pleasure, with ‘80s inspired orchestration and a finger-clicking chorus. Just don’t blame me if you’re humming it for the rest of the day.

“This is based on the character Kyle Reese coming back in time to protect Sarah Connor from the Terminator,” explained lead singer Jordan Clarey. “It’s about loving someone despite the space, time or distance between them. It’s still subtle enough to feel like a love song, while also giving props to the characters from the film.”

Fresh from playing shows in China, MOBS can’t wait to bring their brand of retro pop to American and Canadian audiences.
“The nostalgic pop sound that we have created is something that we have been working on for a long time and it’s amazing that we have the opportunity to take these songs overseas and showcase them to people on the other side of the world,” said bass player, Scott MacDougall.

Check MOBS out at the following shows.

9 February 2020 – Phantasy Niteclub, Lakewood
11 February 2020 – Majestic Theatre, Madison
12 February 2020 – The Music Venue, Dilworth
13 February 2020 – The Park Theatre, Winnipeg
15 February 2020 – The Rec Room, Calgary
16 February 2020 – Temple, Edmonton
18 February 2020 – The Bitmore Ballroom, Vancouver
19 February 2020 – Holocene, Portland

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Back With “Lonely Times” and Tour

It wasn’t so long ago that Bootleg Rascal were wowing me with their double A-side single “Yin & Yang.” Now they’re back with a track that’s every bit its equal, “Lonely Times.” It’s fresh and funky, with reggae, hip hop, and dub influences combining to create an irresistible summer feel.

It wouldn’t be a Bootleg Rascal release without a tour to match. You’ll have plenty of chances to see these guys bring the party vibes in the coming months. It all kicks off tonight at Miranda Hotel with a bushfire benefit show. 100% of the profits will go to the NSW Rural Fire Service, so get along and support it!

17 January 2020 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
w/ A.GIRL + TIMI TEMPLE
18 January 2020 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (with A.Girl and Timi Temple)
19 January 2020 – Park House, Mona Vale (with A. Girl and Grace Grove)
24 January 2020 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
25 January 2020 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with Drop Legs and Saint Lane)
26 January 2020 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore (with Saint Lane and Venice Queens)
30 January 2020 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Richysand and Alex Hosking)
31 January 2020 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
1 February 2020 – Indi Bar, Perth (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
2 February 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle (with T$oko and The Bambuseae Rhythm Section)
7 February 2020 – The Beery, Terrigal (with Nelipot, Saint Spook, and Deadshowws)
8 February 2020 – Transit Bar, Canberra (with Liv Li and Muddy Wolfe)
21 March 2020 – A Day on the Lawn, Hobart (with Boy and Bear and Meg Mac)
27 March 2020 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane (with Shag Rock and Scabz)
2 April 2020 – Marrickville Bowls Club, Sydney (with Shag Rock and Scabz)
3 April 2020 – Howler, Melbourne (with Shag Rock and Scabz)

Image used with permission from Good Intent