Posted on by Lauren Katulka

David Campbell @ State Theatre, 4 October 2019

In the early 2010s, I’d see David Campbell several times a year. He’d regularly pack out RSLs on the back of his swinging cover albums, and I’d come back for more every tour. Then he got those pesky gigs on morning TV and radio and shows became few and far between. Looking back through my records, I hadn’t seen David perform since he was part of George Michael Praying for Time in 2017. My drought between solo shows stretched back to 2012. So, when he announced a limited number of shows supporting his Back in the Swing album, I snapped up tickets.

Things have certainly changed since the time I started seeing DC. He’s got little ones, and talk of them and his wife tends to dominate between-song banter. He’s so much busier. He sells out theatres now, and I can’t imagine him going back to an RSL any time soon. But in some ways, nothing has changed at all. I appreciate his steady gigs, but on stage is where he feels most at home. He’s mesmerising to watch, such a giving performer who always seems so in the moment.

This show really felt like a catch-up. If you hadn’t seen Dream Lover, or like me you just wanted to relive his starring turn in that musical, there was an extended section of Bobby Darin tunes. Ordinarily playing several songs from a new album is a risk, but when you’re returning to swing standards, arguably David’s most popular covers, it just makes sense. I loved hearing those new songs from his latest record: “Buona Sera,” “Make Love,” and “New York State of Mind” were highlights. Although I couldn’t help but feel a wee bit disappointed that Ian Moss didn’t surprise us and duet on my favourite song from the album, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” And you know DC can’t ever play a show without giving us a little Johnny O’Keefe.

But it was the songs that I didn’t expect to hear, that I was truly surprised by, that made the biggest impression on me. After seeing an artist so many times you assume everything but the new album tracks will feel familiar, but DC likes to throw in a few curveballs. I’d heard him play a few Louis Prima tracks in the past, but an extended passage of songs from my husband’s favourite swing artist had us in raptures. I was right there with David, wiping away a few tears when he sang Charles Aznavour’s “She” for his daughter Betty.

Watching David Campbell live again reminded me why I didn’t let a tour go by back in the day. I understand he’s a busy man these days, but I really hope he finds more time to get back on stage. It’s where he shines brightest.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Stage Charity Festival, A Day for the Beaches

Ocean Alley are giving back to their native Northern Beaches, curating and headlining a fantastic festival for charity next month. A Day for the Beaches is an all ages, drug- and alcohol-free event raising funds for Cerebral Palsy Alliance and One Eighty, a grassroots organisation working to prevent youth suicide.

They aren’t doing it alone though. Ocean Alley will share the stage with Dear Seattle, Eagle Eye Jones, Stump, Liquid Time, The Brights, Monkey Knife Fight, and BUTTERBOX. The event will also feature food trucks, market stalls, and local art displays.

A Day for the Beaches will take over Narabeen’s Rat Park on November 16. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato; credit: The Sauce

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shelley Segal Explores Consent in “No”

Aussie expat Shelley Segal is back with a brand new single and an EP on the horizon. “No” is a modern #metoo anthem giving a voice to the problems many women face when turning down sexual advances today. It gives us a great taste of the kind of thought-provoking music that’s in store for us when her EP Holy drops on November 1.

“No is a song about consent and the subtleties surrounding it,” she explained. “It describes three different scenarios in which the protagonist finds it difficult to say no to sexual advances. I wrote the song because even though it’s 2019 and so many women feel comfortable asserting themselves and speaking up for themselves, and even though there has been so much public discourse and progress on these issues, there are still scenarios where it feels hard to say ‘no’. You can find yourself in a situation that you don’t want to be in and yet be unable to express that. It’s not always easy in the moment to process the potential consequences that may come from your reaction. Like the examples in the song for instance, in a work environment, in the street with a stranger. Saying ‘no’ can create adverse outcomes like risking your job, or your safety. This discussion around consent is not as straightforward as maybe we would like it to be and I wanted to reflect on those nuances.”

Shelley has been living and working in the United States since 2016. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see her back on our shores for some shows. Until then, listen out for Holy on its release next month.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Coyote Rocks Out With “Coca Cola”

Put a shot of caffeine into your morning with King Coyote’s high-octane new single “Coca Cola.” One for all the rock fans out there, its chunky guitar riffs and hooky vocals strike all the right notes.

“This song is a bit of old time rock n roll, a throwback with our twist,” explained frontman Sunny Rowlands. “’Coca Cola’ was inspired by true love, about seeing the red flags and acting on it, before you lose too much time … or whatever the listener thinks it’s about. We like both!”

“Coca Cola” comes from the Port Macquarie band’s upcoming EP Wild. Hometown fans can catch them at the following shows in the coming months.

18 October 2019 – Finnians, Port Macquarie (with Slippery Gypsees and Scuffy)
1 November 2019 – Art of the Empire, Port Macquarie (Acoustic)
28 December 2019 – Tacking Point Tavern, Port Macquarie (supporting Thirsty Merc)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Young Lions Heading Out On the Road for “Golden” Release

The hard-working lads from Young Lions are ready to rock you with the release of their latest single “Golden” and not one but two tours. The track is an anthem for self-reflection and self-care, as vocalist Zachary Britt explained.

“Life can get crazy sometimes and we all know what it’s like to be burnt out and on the edge. For me personally, I know there’s a few people, songs and places in my life that bring me back up again when this whacked-out world gets overwhelming … You don’t have to act like everything’s fine around these friends as they help you recharge. This song is an anthem for those moments. When it’s all a little fucked up it’s OK to rest and stay until you’re golden.”

Tonight Young Lions commence a string of dates supporting Hands Like Houses. Then they’ve barely got time for a breather before they start their own intimate headlining shows. Here are all the dates you need music lovers!

18 October 2019 – Narrabeen RSL, Narrabeen (supporting Hands Like Houses)
19 October 2019 – Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford (supporting Hands Like Houses)
24 October 2019 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (supporting Hands Like Houses)
25 October 2019 – Cooly Hotel, Coolangatta (supporting Hands Like Houses)
26 October 2019 – Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba (supporting Hands Like Houses)
27 October 2019 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (supporting Hands Like Houses)
30 October 2019 – Harvey Rd Tavern, Gladstone (supporting Hands Like Houses)
31 October 2019 – Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay (supporting Hands Like Houses)
1 November 2019 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville (supporting Hands Like Houses)
2 November 2019 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (supporting Hands Like Houses)
7 November 2019 – Beer Deluxe, Albury (supporting Hands Like Houses)
8 November 2019 – Pier Hotel, Frankston (supporting Hands Like Houses)
9 November 2019 – The Tah, Hobart (supporting Hands Like Houses)
10 November 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (supporting Hands Like Houses)
6 December 2019 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
12 December 2019 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
13 December 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 December 2019 – Sly Fox, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marloe. Releases New Pop Bop, “Ruminate”

Brisbane-based pop prodigy Marloe. has captured the first flush of love with her smashing new single “Ruminate.” This track is so dreamy, from Marloe.’s heavenly vocals to the way the synths work with that banging bass beat.

“‘Ruminate’ is about the emotional and physical reaction your body has when you start to fall for someone,” she explained. “It’s about that connection you create when a person goes from being a total stranger, to someone you want to know every single thing about.”

With ear-pleasers like this in her arsenal, Marloe. has the right ingredients to become the next big thing.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chitra Stands Up For Herself With “A Kind”

Melbourne songstress Chitra issues a brutal takedown with her latest single “A Kind.” It’s a song full of sass about having the self-confidence to realise when someone isn’t the one for you.

“A Kind’ is a song of frustration whilst being a little bit sarcastic about it,” Chitra explained. “To me, it’s a song about standing up for yourself and realizing your self worth, it’s almost cathartic to be putting it out.”

If you love Chitra’s rich haunting vocal tones as much as I do, and you live in her hometown, you’re in luck. She’ll launch the single at the Gasometer Upstairs on November 29.

Image used with permission from Our Golden Friend

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie-Moon Meader Releases Soulful new Single, “I Wanna Go Home”

Perth soul singer Charlie-Moon Meader lays his heart bare with his brand new single “I Wanna Go Home.” There’s so much longing in this cool track. I love the way Charlie-Moon’s rich, warm voice sits in that deep R’n’B groove.

If you’re flipping out over this song as much as I am, you’ll be thrilled to hear there’s more on the way. “I Wanna Go Home” is our first taste of Charlie-Moon’s forthcoming EP.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pretty Bleak Deliver Your Perfect Morning Soundtrack

Getting moving in the morning is always a challenge, but Melbourne’s Pretty Bleak are here to make the task a bit easier. Their latest single “Jawline” has the shimmery pop synths and singalong chorus you need to get fired up.

This song sounds so slick it’s hard to believe it’s the band’s first release. It’s a little poppy, a little punky, a little dancy, and a whole lot of cool.

“The song is about finding a personal balance between vanity and pragmatism. Being able to utilise hedonism and direct it towards something beneficial, rather than frivolous or trivial,” explained lead singer Sam Thomas. “I wrote and recorded two and a half different demos of this song before I finally got it to a place where I was happy with the blend of interesting pop conventions, and more self-indulgent abstract sounds and compositions. The intention of it was to try and write something that could be seen as a more straight-forward kind of mainstream single, without compromising the more unique aspects of the sound.”

Pretty Bleak will launch the single for hometown fans at Grace Darling Hotel on November 15.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eaglemont Touring All Over With “Heteronormative Nightmare” Single

Melbourne music maker Eaglemont unpacks queerness in her latest track, “Heteronormative Nightmare.” I love its insightful, witty lyrics and those fuzzy rock guitars.

Eaglemont sets the scene for the single. “Picture this. You’re in the back of a limousine, your mum’s taken you to Myer to get your makeup done, you have a corsage on your wrist and you’re seated next a handsome formal date surrounded by your peers, a more perfect picture could not be painted. Alas a stark realisation dawns upon you. You’re stuck in a Heteronormative Nightmare and you’re gay.”

Eaglemont is currently travelling all over the country supporting Bec Sandridge. Never one for sitting still, she’s also got her own single launch shows and a few other gigs besides ahead. Catch her in all the following places over the coming months.

18 October 2019 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide (supporting Bec Sandridge)
19 October 2019 – Howler, Melbourne (supporting Bec Sandridge)
25 October 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney (supporting Bec Sandridge)
26 October 2019 – UC Hub, Canberra (supporting Bec Sandridge)
8 – 10 November 2019 – Not Fest @ The Tote, Collingwood
8 November 2019 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong (supporting Bec Sandridge)
15 November 2019 – Major Toms, Kyneton (single launch)
16 November 2019 – The Eastern, Ballarat (single launch)
22 November 2019 – Howler, Brunswick (supporting Bugs)
30 November 2019 – The Grace Darling Basement, Collingwood (single launch)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent