Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Reyne Announces “Boys Light Up” Anniversary Tour

It’s been 40 years since Australian Crawl dropped one of their most enduring songs, “The Boys Light Up,” the title track from their 1980 album. That seems as good a reason as any for James Reyne to load up the van and see fans around the country.

“Boys Light Up is turning 40! By Jove, who woulda thunk it. If I’d known what gave it legs I would’ve bottled it and drunk it. And I’m delighted that so many take this song into their hearts ‘cause it never really was a hit – it just SCRAPED into the charts. But it seems to hit a nerve, a chord, a nail, a bell, a spot ‘cause I tell ya, we don’t play it I’m likely to get shot! Or met by blokes in car-parks full of vinegar and piss who wanna know what game I’m playing, wanna know, “What game is this?!” They say they’ve got it on the record on CD, 8-track, cassette and they drove 500 miles not to hear it! Most upset!” James said.

“So it’s always fun to play tub-mother-thumping with the band and these are the good old days so c’mon and clap a hand. It’s bigger and it’s brighter with god-damned age some guile; And grand! And once upon a time remember? It got banned. ‘Cause I think “they” thought the title celebrated smoking dope! But it had nothing to do with it – it’s what you’d call a TROPE. A figure, then, of speech for euphemist results and irony of ironies and censorship and tyrannies. It’s about a fab and natural act for CON-senting adults. So, we’re coming to your town to celebrate it’s Come-Of-Age – bring all your bells and whistles ‘cause we’ll be BLISTERING the stage. There’ll be thrills and there’ll be spills as we fill that ROCKING cup ‘cause those Boys are turning 40 so c’mon and light them up!!”

You heard the man! Tickets are available now for all the following shows.

30 October 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
31 October 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
7 November 2019 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
14 November 2019 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
20 November 2019 – Astor, Perth
21 November 2019 – Astor, Perth
27 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
28 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Geowulf Gets Us Excited About New Album With “Lonely”

Aussie expats Geowulf have just dropped their charming new single “Lonely.” The coming-of-age track about knowing your worth gives us a sweet taste of their forthcoming album My Resignation, which drops on October 25.

“In a way, ‘Lonely’ epitomises a lot of what this album means to me” explained vocalist Star Kendrick. “A bold and welcomed acceptance of myself and my own company. Feeling less and less like I need the approval of others. That’s one of the many nice things about getting a bit older.”

Geowulf are kicking major goals overseas. Hopefully we see them back on our shores really soon, but before that they’ve got some shows in North America and the United Kingdom in the coming months.

7 November 2019 – Schubas, Chicago
8 November 2019 – The Drake Hotel, Toronto
11 November 2019 – Mercury Lounge, New York
13 November 2019 – The Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles
14 November 2019 – Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
15 November 2019 – Barboza, Seattle
18 November 2019 – Oslo Hackney, London
25 November 2019 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
26 November 2019 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
27 November 2019 – Exchange, Bristol

Image sued with permission from PIAS; credit: Quinn Warton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brittany Maggs On the Up With “Reasons”

After seeing Brittany Maggs strut her stuff supporting Dami Im last week, I’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for this Sydney songstress. She’s got such an angelic voice and a fresh sound reminiscent of current pop darlings like Ariana Grande and Bebe Rexha. If you like those artists, I think Brittany’s latest track “Reasons” will be right up your alley.

“Reasons” is a beautiful ballad about the collapse of a relationship. It’s one of the songs that really struck me in Brittany’s set. She co-wrote the song with members of Darling Brando and you can hear she’s really put her heart into it.

If you’ve got tickets to one of Dami Im’s upcoming shows, make sure you arrive early enough for Brittany’s set. She’s definitely an act on the rise.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

EGOISM Release Stellar New Single “What Are We Doing?”

Sydney dream pop duo EGOISM continue their winnings ways with the release of “What Are We Doing?” The song is brand new but it’s already zoomed to number two on Hype Machine’s 10 most-posted artists chart and gained airplay on Triple J. With its poignant lyrics and epic chorus, it’s not hard to see why it’s receiving so much love.

“This song is literally about making music with each other; but really it’s about letting out all the little worries you keep to yourself, and then taking a deep breath and realising ‘you and I, we don’t know what the fuck that we’re doing with this’. It can apply to our entire relationship, and to any relationship between two people really,” explained one half of the super-duo, Olive Rush.

Fresh from acclaimed appearances at BigSound, EGOISM will play some hometown shows this month. Catch Olive and Scout Eastment supporting Girlpool at the Lansdowne Hotel on September 15 or at Step Aside at the Roundhouse on September 26.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boom Crash Opera Join Machinations for Anniversary Tour

Hearing that Boom Crash Opera are heading back on the road with original lead singer Dale Ryder to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough album These Here Are Crazy Times, several thoughts went through my head. Firstly, I was shocked it’s that old. I’ve been giving it another listen this morning with the news, and that album hasn’t aged a day, unlike so many records of the ‘80s. And perhaps the term records.

Then I thought how good these shows are going to be. These Here Are Crazy Times could be a best of album, with hits like “Onionskin,” “The Best Thing,” and “Dancing in the Storm” all featured. And Dale Ryder is back with the band. While I have mad respect for Andrew de Silva, he’s always felt a little like a fill-in for this act in my mind. Did I mention Machinations are on the bill too?

Relive all your ‘80s memories and make some new ones at the following shows.

1 November 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
8 November 2019 – Southport RSL, Southport
9 November 2019 – Hamilton Hotel, Hamilton
15 & 16 November 2019 – Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
17 November 2019 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle West
22 November 2019 – Yarraville Club, Yarraville
23 November 2019 – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im @ The Art House, Wyong – 6 September 2019

Since opening just three years ago, The Art House has attracted a steady stream of talent to the Central Coast and the region is much better for it. I might not have ventured out on a stormy, windy Friday night if I had to travel all the way to Newcastle or Sydney for entertainment, but knowing this modern venue was just a short trip up the freeway inspired me to shake off my fatigue and chill and see Dami Im live.

I even arrived early enough for the support act, Brittany Maggs. The theatre’s “no photos” policy means I don’t have a shot, so you’ll just have to take my word for it. She has all the makings of the next pop princess, flawless good looks and a delicate but pitch-perfect voice. With her guitarist H playing over a backing track, the performance felt a smidge karaoke but her catchy songs are strong. Even the oldies keeping company with me in the theatre box said they were impressed, even though they clearly weren’t the intended demographic of Brittany’s upbeat tunes.

Dami was the one we were all there to see though. She arrived looking every inch the superstar with a sparkly jumpsuit and flaming red hair. Then she opens her mouth and nothing else matters. Her voice is undeniable, just as clear and strong as it is on records and her TV stints. There’s no trickery here; what you see is what you get with Dami. And that’s a large part of her charm.

Dami might have been in the public eye for five years now, but she’s retained the quiet humbleness that endeared her to X Factor audiences. She takes time to ask the audience if she can play new songs and seems genuinely shocked when they are well received. She’s so thankful of the support of her fans that she promises souvenir towels to anyone who shows her they’ve pre-ordered her amazing new single, “Crying Underwater.” She encourages us to break that no photos policy and whip out our phones for selfies during one song. She joins us too, wanting to capture her appreciative audience as much as they want to take photos of her.

Dami has evolved greatly as an artist since she took the X Factor title. She released the prerequisite pop material early in her career, but that has given way in recent years to jazzy tunes and introspective piano ballads. The different ends of her catalogue don’t always marry naturally. However, I appreciate that she wants to cater for those fans who have supported her from the beginning, even as her musical journey takes her in new directions.

Dami Im’s Dreamer tour continues winding its way around regional Australia for the next couple of months. Limited tickets are still available for the following shows.

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

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Esimorp Here to Rock You With “The Minutes”

With Sydney’s Paul Roth on bass joining two Americans and a Hong Konger making fantastic music in Hong Kong, alternative rock band Esimorp is a truly international affair. They might also just be the best band you’ve never heard of.

Their debut album Roar Like the Ocean will hit digital platforms around the world on November 15, but the lads are whetting our appetite with the stellar new single “The Minutes.” It’s like Coldplay on steroids, with haunting vocals and an irresistible energy. Look out for my album review in the coming months, but until then wrap your ears around this track. You will not be disappointed.

Image used with permission from Esimorp

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Client Liaison Release “The Real Thing” Music Video Ahead of Aussie Tour

Client Liaison have just dropped the video for their fab new single “The Real Thing,’ and it’s the perfect release for your weekend. If this doesn’t have you dancing around in anticipation of all the fun you’ll have tonight, I don’t know what will.

It’s also the perfect time to remind you Client Liaison are bringing their party to venues all around the country next month. Some shows have already sold out, so if you’re keen make sure you jump on the remaining tickets.

17 October 2019 – Grand Hotel, Mornington (SOLD OUT)
18 October 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay (SOLD OUT)
19 October 2019 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
24 October 2019 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
25 October 2019 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
26 October 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
31 October 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
1 November 2019 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
2 November 2019 – Metropolis, Fremantle
7 November 2019 – The Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba
8 November 2019 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
9 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Don’t Miss Out on The Run’s Soulful New Single

Melbourne indie-pop act The Run have released their sublime new single “Missing Out On.” It starts small, with just the vocals from Connor Morel and a gentle electric guitar keeping his voice company, but builds to a soulful crescendo. I couldn’t help thinking of Sam Smith as I listened to this track’s awesome falsetto notes.

“This year has been our best one yet with people really loving what we’re doing and really wanting new material from us,” the band explained. “‘Missing Out On’ is our way of giving back and thanking people for their reception to our music.”

If you love what they do, get to The Run’s single launch at The Gasometer in Melbourne on September 12.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maddy Jane Releases Superb New Song, “Something Old and Something New”

Tasmania’s Maddy Jane has captured my heart with her relatable new single “Something Old and Something New.” This charmer should resonate with anyone who’s fallen for someone at the wrong time. Let’s face it, who hasn’t been there?

“‘Something Old And Something New’ is about meeting someone when you’re not looking for a relationship and all the conflicting thoughts that come out of that situation,” she explained. “I think there’s an outdated assumption that women always want a relationship and this song’s basically like, we can not want it just as much as the boys.”

“Something Old and Something New” comes from Maddy Jane’s debut album, which is due out early next year. Until then, she’s playing a string of launch parties to celebrate the single’s release. Catch her at the following gigs.

2 November 2019 – Til the Wheels Fall Off, Launceston
8 November 2019 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
9 November 2019 – Forum, Melbourne (supporting Spiderbait)
16 November 2019 – Vic on the Park, Sydney (FREE)
5 December 2019 – Prom in the Gong @ Unibar, Wollongong