Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conrad Sewell Releases Another Super Track From LIFE

The hits keep on coming from Conrad Sewell’s LIFE album. If you weren’t one of the music lovers who took this album to the top of the charts, make sure you take a listen to his new single “Big World.” I think this might be my favourite on the album, a sentiment that I share with Conrad himself!

“I wanted to write a song that summed up my life to date, and how many up and downs you go through to make your dreams come true,” he explained. “Starting from the day I was born, ending with what I want written on my gravestone. It’s a song that really sums me up as a person, from my love of the ‘90s and California to the fact I think anything is possible in this great big world of ours.”

Take a listen, and if you love what you hear, remember there’s more where that came from. Conrad’s LIFE album is in stores and on your favourite streaming services now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Free Time” – Ruel

They say you have a whole lifetime to create your first release. The second is much harder, because it typically comes with the pressure of time. Leave it too long and no one will remember you. Rush it though, and the quality may suffer. If Ruel experienced any angst in creating his sophomore EP Free Time, it doesn’t show. At 16 years old, he’s releasing music with more confidence and swagger than many musicians twice his age.

Three of the seven tracks from Free Time were released as singles, so I wondered whether I’d have much to say by the time the EP dropped. But there’s plenty more to fall in love with here. Speaking of love, it’s the dominant theme here, but it’s explored with a maturity beyond Ruel’s tender years. That makes his music so relatable, whether you’re discovering love for the first time as Ruel might be or you’ve got a wealth of experience behind you.

You might assume that Ruel released his strongest songs as singles, leaving lesser tracks behind. But every song on this EP has such quality. There’s real variety too, from the joyous soul-pop stylings of “Painkiller” to the poignant piano ballad “Hard Sometimes.” No matter the tone, Ruel’s distinctive, emotive voice is front and centre. It’s easy to get lost in it, but make sure you tune into the lyrics, which Ruel says are his most personal to date.

Free Time is a stunning EP which celebrates the evolution of this promising Australian talent, and hints at even better things to come. Ruel has a few more headlining shows at home and in New Zealand before heading to the United States and Europe. Somewhere in there he also finds time to come back home and support Shawn Mendes! Here are all the dates you need!

22 September 2019 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 September 2019 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
28 September 2019 – Shed 10, Auckland
1 October 2019 – Odeon, Hobart
4 October 2019 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
5-6 October 2019 – Yours & Owls Festival, Wollongong
8 October 2019 – Great American Music Hall, San Francisco
10 October 2019 – Columbia City Theater, Seattle
12 October 2019 – Holocene, Portland
14 October 2019 – The Biltmore Ballroom, Vancouver
19 October 2019 – Subterranean, Chicago
21 October 2019 – Velvet Underground, Toronto
22 October 2019 – The Foundry at the Fillmore, Philadelphia
25 October 2019 – Songbyrd Vinyl Lounge, Washington, DC
28 October 2019 – The Bowery Ballroom, New York
29 October 2019 – The Loft, Atlanta
31 October 2019 – The Studio at Warehouse Live, Houston
1 November 2019 – Cambridge Room @ House of Blues, Dallas
3 November 2019 – Fonda Theatre, Hollywood
6 November 2019 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (supporting Shawn Mendes)
9 November 2019 – Spark Arena, Auckland (supporting Shawn Mendes)
14 November 2019 – Vulkan, Oslo
15 November 2019 – Vasateatern, Stockholm
17 November 2019 – DR Koncerthuset @ Studie 2, Copenhagen
19 November 2019 – Huxleys Neue Welt, Berlin
21 November 2019 – La Gaîté Lyrique, Paris
23 November 2019 – Manchester Academy 2, Manchester
25 November 2019 – Electric Brixton, London
26 November 2019 – O2 Institute 2, Birmingham
27 November 2019 – Saint Luke’s Glagsow, Glasgow
30 November 2019 – The Academy, Dublin
2 December 2019 – Die Kantine, Cologne, Germany
4 December 2019 – Melkweg Max, Amsterdam, Netherlands

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Building Blocks” – THIA.

THIA. lays her heart bare with her new EP Building Blocks. This collection explores heartbreak and loss, the moving on and the difficulties that come with doing so. The opening track, “Intro,” introduces us to her angelic voice, but there’s so much more to this talented singer-songwriter.

“Breathe” is a heartbreaking look at the aftermath of a relationship, those moments when you feel like you have lost not just the object of your affection but every single part of yourself. Its lyrics are devastatingly raw and so compelling. “Holding Your Hand” explores similar territory but with a different attitude. Rather than the desperation and devastation, there’s a steely resolve here. THIA. understands her worth and refuses to accept less than she deserves. There’s a cool confidence here, despite the chaos. “Higher Ground” is a natural progression and the most joyful track on the EP. There’s an acknowledgement of loss but also acceptance and an optimism that something better is just around the corner. I love its vibrant trumpets and cool groove.

The EP closes with the stunning “Stuck,” an eloquent exploration of that limbo so many of us find ourselves in when a relationship is failing, yet we’re not quite ready to say goodbye. Here THIA. gives her most emotional and vulnerable performance on the EP. It’s utterly affecting, and leaves a lasting impression long after the final guitar chord.

Building Blocks is available on all major streaming services now. THIA. will play The Workers Club in Melbourne on October 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2019 Australian Women in Music Awards Just Weeks Away

Women are really kicking goals in the local music scene, so it’s fantastic to see their diverse and exciting contributions acknowledged with the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA). Taking place in Brisbane on October 9, the awards celebrate all the incredible things women are doing in the industry. Looking through the list of contenders, it’s thrilling to see such diversity represented with women of all ages, races, and sexual identities in the mix.

“As well as the opportunity to celebrate tremendous talent, AWMA provides a platform for artists and music practitioners including those in regional and remote areas, to come together, to learn and empower one another. We received almost double the nominations this year, from every state and across all areas of diversity, reflecting the urgent need for change in the Australian music industry,” said AWMA Founding Director and Executive Producer, Vicki Gordon.

Only a select few will come away with awards on the night, so I want to publish the names of all the finalists here now. If you’re not across their work, take the opportunity to see what they’re all about.

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
Christine Anu
Nai Palm
NGAIIRE

CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Claire Edwardes
Elaine Chia
Katie Noonan

DIVERSITY IN MUSIC AWARD
Christine Anu
Lisa Cheney & Peggy Polias (Making Waves)
NGAIIRE

EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
Alice Skye
Ella Fence
Lisa Caruso

EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD
Caroline Almonte
Claire Edwardes
Sarah-Grace Williams

EXCELLENCE IN IMAGE MAKING AWARD
Chloe Jean
Melaine Knight
Ntombi Moyo

FILMMAKER AWARD
Aimée-Lee Xu Hsien Curran
Tashi Hall

HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Alison Hams
Dami Im
Lindy Morrison, OAM

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Joy McKean, OAM
Marcia Hines, AM
Vika and Linda Bull

LIVE PRODUCTION AWARD
Jenny Moon
Kait Hall
Laurie May

MUSIC JOURNALIST AWARD
Ange McCormack
Jane Gazzo
Jules LeFevre

MUSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen
Lynette Irwin
Sue Telfer

MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD
Jessica Vaini
Kerrie Geier
Tashi Hall

SONGWRITER AWARD
Mojo Juju
NGAIIRE
Thelma Plum

STUDIO PRODUCTION AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen (Feels)
Kathy Naunton
Virginia Read

In addition to the awards night, the AWMAs will host a thought-provoking program at Brisbane Powerhouse on October 8 and 9 with forums exploring women’s visibility in hip hop, the intersection of music and politics, and more. If you’re local or travelling to Brissie for the awards, make sure you get amongst it.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im Stuns With “Crying Underwater”

Watching Dami Im perform her new single “Crying Underwater” before its release was one of the highlights of her recent Wyong show. She was clearly so proud of this introspective number and thrilled by our rapturous response. The song was co-written with Michael Tan, but Dami wrote most of it at home on the piano. It’s been given some modern production in the studio, but at its heart it really is a classic, confessional piano ballad.

“There is so much pressure in today’s society to always look happy so we end up feeling like we’re not allowed to talk about how we really feel. Just like you’re crying underwater where no one can see you crying,” Dami explained.

Dami still has plenty of shows left before she wraps up her Dreamer tour. Catch her singing this song and all your favourites at the following venues.

27 September 2019 – The Palms at Crown Melbourne, Southbank
28 September 2019 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wendouree
4 October 2019 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
5 October 2019 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham
6 October 2019 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
19 October 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
24 October 2019 – The Metro, Sydney
25 October 2019 – Nelson Bay Diggers, Nelson Bay
26 October 2019 – Belmont 16s, Belmont
14 November 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
15 November 2019 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
16 November 2019 – Astor, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GOSH Deliver the Goods With “Take Me Home”

Wollongong four-piece GOSH have released their latest single “Take Me Home,” a fantastic slice of straight up indie-rock which should have you tapping your toes in no time. It goes down so easily, but it was never meant to be a single!

“The plan was never to make it a single, but it sort of took on this whole new feeling in the recording process, and every section just came to life and ended up turning the whole piece into a journey, so to speak,” the band admitted. “Each section of the song, both musically and lyrically reflects a shift in mindset, and depicts the mental circles one goes through when faced with an emotionally charged decision. ‘Take Me Home’ is a song about reaching a breaking point in a relationship, and the wavering confidence that comes with ending something that once brought so much happiness.”

“Take Me Home” comes from GOSH’s forthcoming EP, Frankenstein. Hometown fans can catch them at Howlin’ Wolf Bar on October 4. They’ll also support Tyne-James Organ at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on October 25.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Van Rullen Rocks With “Going Away”

Melbourne’s own Van Rullen takes me back to my youth with his latest single “Going Away.” I love the emo-rock feel of this song, which really kicks in when it reaches that killer chorus. I can just imagine fans singing it out in an overcrowded venue in the not-too-distant future.

Van Rullen has certainly come a long way from his formative years, where he served as music director of a large church. While the tunes might have been vastly different, that experience helped Van Rullen grow as an artist. After leaving the church in 2017, Van Rullen explored techno sounds and ambient loops. With this song he shows he’s got a smart pop sensibility and a knack for creating modern anthems. I can’t wait to hear more from this eclectic local artist!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Burke Wows Me With “Calm Before the Storm”

One of the hardest parts about writing my blog is keeping my mouth shut about music until it’s officially released. While I love hearing music first, I’ve never been great at keeping secrets. However, with Lucy Burke’s stunning new single “Calm Before the Storm” now out on all your favourite digital platforms I can finally spill the beans.

This song is really something special. It’s dramatic and complex, and ultimately beautiful. I couldn’t help thinking about artists like Katie Noonan, Florence + The Machine, and Lana Del Rey as I listened to what Sydney-based Lucy has created here.

“It’s about embracing the unknown and confronting one’s fears,” she explained. “We all have storms to face in life. What’s important is that you rise up to face them.”

Lucy will launch “Calm Before the Storm” in front of hometown fans at The Vanguard on September 22.

Image used with permission from Fyne Cutz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Setterfield Bares His Soul With “The Way God Made Me”

When I learned Aussie country artist Josh Setterfield had released a new single called “The Way God Made Me,” I expected yet another track giving thanks to the lord above. However, Josh flips the script here with his surprisingly dark, vulnerable lyrics about depression.

“They say country music is all about the truth. So I wrote the truth,” Josh explained. “’The Way God Made Me’ is about my struggle with depression and not knowing how to get out or explain it to people when they ask. I hit rock bottom one day and thought it was time to address it.”

I love the raw honesty here. Opening with just an acoustic guitar and Josh’s vocals, you can imagine you’re just listening to a guy pouring his heart out at home. Josh wrote, recorded, and self-produced the track, and that ownership really shines through. There should be more country music like this. If you agree, check out Josh live at his upcoming shows.

21 September 2019 – Sydney Harbour Cruise with Viper Creek Band (Acoustic set)
5 October 2019 – Lights On The Hill Memorial, Gatton Showgrounds
23 November 2019 – Hometown Festival, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

Image used with permission from DWM Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kiwi Indie Pop Act Thomston Ready for Aussie Tour

Rising Kiwi pop sensation Thomston is heading your way Australia. New Zealand bred and Los Angeles based, Thomston has really impressed me with his latest single “Casual” and the B-side “Middle Name.” I’m impressed enough when anyone drops a B-side these days, but when it stacks up like this one does you’ve got a fan in me. “Casual” comes from Thomston’s forthcoming double EP, Los Angeles and London.

“People are all over the place. One second, I want marriage and kids and a dog and a house, and the next I want to be alone. I want commitment until I don’t. ‘Casual’ is about being in a relationship with a person of a similar temperament that is just terrible on paper but part of you wants to give into the ‘what-ifs’ of a future together. It’s about wondering if commitment is all it takes,” Thomston explained.

This guy is going to be massive, so make sure you get along while he’s still playing intimate venues!

19 September 2019 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
22 September 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane