Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Gifted in Gold” – Dan Vogl

Winter weather is here, but Melbourne’s Dan Vogl has brightened my day with his debut EP, Gifted in Gold.

It might be his first offering, but Dan’s music has an appealing polish about it. While acclaimed Joel Quatermain has no doubt worked his magic, Dan’s own skill at creating ear-pleasing indie-pop can’t be overstated. His songs are so irresistibly catchy, with singalong choruses and toe-tapping beats. Vocally he reminds me of Gavin Degraw and Eric Hutchinson; there’s a compelling warmth to his delivery that matches the feel-good music perfectly. His songwriting is also top-notch, whether he’s being romantic in “Carousel” or “Poppy,” the songs that book-end this EP, or lamenting the daily grind the title track.

Gifted in Gold goes down easily. It’s the sort of EP you enjoy from the get go and want to listen to again as soon as it’s over. It’s the perfect introduction to Dan Vogl’s work and enticing glimpse into his potential. Dan will celebrate its release with an intimate show at The Penny Black on August 30.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eilish GIlligan Wins Josh Pyke Partnership

Melbourne singer, songwriter, and producer Eilish Gilligan has taken out this year’s Josh Pyke Partnership. A collaboration between Josh Pyke and APRA AMCOS, the partnership provides funding and mentorship for one unsigned musical act each year.

I must admit, Eilish wasn’t on my radar until this morning. The first thing I did after hearing the news was check her out on Spotify. Take a listen to her latest single “Someone Else” and you’ll soon understand why she took out the top prize. Her voice is absolutely stunning and she has such a great artistic sensibility. This track is an absolute banger, and there’s plenty more where it came from.

“I am so, so humbled, grateful and excited to be the winner of the 2019 JP Partnership,” Eilish said. “This vote of confidence from Josh Pyke, APRA AMCOS, Wonderlick and Select means a lot to me as an artist, and it also means that I will be able to continue to work towards my musical, artistic and professional goals for 2019, now with the extra guidance of these industry veterans.”

“Eilish Gilligan is an artist that has achieved a hell of a lot under her own steam, but it’s the potential in Eilish that’s truly exciting,” added Josh. “I’m a huge fan of multi-faceted artists, and in 2019, having more than one string to your bow is paramount to having longevity in the creative arts. Eilish is a songwriter but also a gifted technical producer, collaborative songwriter, as well as being the star of her own show. This is what makes for a long and fruitful career. Being not just a “musician,” but a “creative”.

Eilish has plenty of shows coming up. Discover her music for yourself at the following gigs.

24 August 2019 – UC Refectory, Bruce
29 August 2019 – HQ Complex, Adelaide
30 August 2019 – Metropolis, Fremantle
6 September 2019 – The Goods Shed, Hobart
7 September 2019 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
13 September 2019 – UOW UniBar, Wollongong
14 September 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
21 September 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wonderlick Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hallie Wears Her Heart on Her Sleeve With “Nice Like Rice”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Hallie makes a splash with her stellar new single “Nice Like Rice.” It’s got a sweet, melodic sound, but listen to the lyrics and you’ll soon discover its dark underbelly. She gives voice to the emotions so many of us have felt walking away from a relationship that doesn’t serve us any more.

“’Nice Like Rice’ is about losing a friend,” she explained. “It’s about realising a friendship has been one sided, and finally allowing yourself to let go and move on from someone who you once considered to be close to you. When I wrote it, I was angry and finally felt I had the strength to say exactly how I had been feeling about the situation.”

“Nice Like Rice” comes from Hallie’s debut EP Wink Wink Nudge Nudge, which drops on September 27. Hear a sneak peek of more new material at one of her upcoming shows.

5 July 2019 – Vinnie’s Dive, Gold Coast (supporting Eliza & The Delusionals)
1 August 2019 – The Junk Bar, Brisbane (supporting Gena Rose Bruce)
13 September 2019 – Nimbin Roots Festival 2019, Nimbin

Image used with permission from Habit Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Isaiah Gets Spiritual With New Single and Tour

Isaiah seemed to have the world at his feet, a young artist with a voice beyond his years introduced to a national audience through the X Factor and an international one through Eurovision. But all that hasn’t quite equated to chart success. I’m not sure fame and fortune matters quite as much as releasing quality music, and I think his latest single “Spirit” is one of his best. Penned by Isaiah and Andrew Lowden, this beautiful ballad speaks of rediscovering your spiritual side after time in the emotional wilderness.

“‘Spirit’ is such a special song for me and I am so happy that I get to share it with the world,” he said. “The song is about coming out of a difficult and dark time and being able to reconnect with yourself, which I think everyone can relate to. The last year has been a year of self-discovery for me and I hope that my fans enjoy this song and all of the new music I will be releasing soon. ’Sprit’ is very close to my heart and I’m sending it into the world with love…”

Isaiah kicks off his Spirit and Beyond tour tomorrow. It’s an extensive tour which skips the capitals and touches regional centres around the nation. Catch him at one of the following shows.

6 July 2019 – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Wonthaggi
7 July 2019 – The Bowery Theatre, St Albans
9 July 2019 – Mount Isa Civic Centre, Mt Isa
13 July 2019 – World Theatre, Charters Towers
26 July 2019 – Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg
29 August 2019 – Gladstone Civic Centre, Gladstone
31 August 2019 – Events Centre, Caloundra
1 September 2019 – Darebin Community Festival, Darebin
6 September 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
12 September 2019 – Bunbury Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
14 September 2019 – Cummins Theatre, Merredin
17 September 2019 – Moora Performing Arts Centre, Moora
20 September 2019 – Carnarvon Civic Centre, Carnavon
24 September 2019 – Broome Civic Centre, Broome
12 October 2019 – Paramount Theatre, Echuca
19 October 2019 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
26 October 2019 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Hitch to the Sticks Back With Big Local Line-Up

A Hitch to the Sticks is back and better than ever this year with an eclectic, electric line-up heading to Wangaratta this November. Tex Perkins & His Fat Rubber Band, Magic Dirt, Stonefield, Ella Hooper, Dallas Crane, Bachelor Girl, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, Davidson Brothers, Emilee South, and plenty more will all make this one music event you won’t forget. Dr. Karl from Neighbours will even be there! I’m not even kidding!

A Hitch to the Sticks is no ordinary music festival. Just 50 punters will make the once-in-a-lifetime trip from the Melbourne CBD to the Wangaratta region. Bus ticket holders enjoy access to nine events running from November 1 to 3, including six exclusively for VIPs. As one lucky punter put it last year, it was “not so much a ticket, but a portal to the best weekend of my life.”

If you can’t get a space on the bus, you’re still welcome to check out the public events. Attend all three for less when you snare a weekend pass. Head to the A Hitch to the Sticks website for all the deets!

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Superjesus Back on the Road for Live SUMO Album Release

More than 20 years have passed since The Superjesus released their debut album Sumo, but this groundbreaking Aussie act rocks just as hard as ever. They’re heading back out on the road in September to celebrate the release of a new double live album Sumo 20 LIVE, recorded during their massive 20th anniversary tour.

“2018 was the year that marked the 20-year anniversary of our debut album Sumo. To celebrate, we put together a show that encompassed a jurassic back catalogue of material that rolled out a two-and-a-half hour show. After smashing this set out night after night, it became obvious to us that we had become a pretty good band!” frontwoman Sarah McLeod reminisced. “Three-quarters of the way through the tour we decided that we should document where we were at, because it was surprising even us! Also, and more importantly, the crowds were singing along with us with enthusiasm like we’d never heard before. This shit needed to be recorded, so we set it up to film and record two shows. We were playing two sets per night, set one was Sumo, set two was hits and rarities. We recorded set one at the Manning Bar in Sydney and set two at The Zoo in Brisbane and were stoked with how it came up.”

Sumo 20 LIVE hits stores and your favourite digital outlets on September 6. All the hits are there, alongside the B-sides and other rarities diehard fans love. It’s the sort of album that reminds you just how good these guys are on stage and why you need to see them again. Purchase it on vinyl, buy a ticket to the show, or get a ticket and vinyl bundle and you’ll receive a free download of a brand new, never-before-heard song called “The Impossible.” Get onto it Superjesus fans! Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10 am from the Superjesus website and Oztix outlets.

6 September 2019 – Badlands, Perth
7 September 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
20 September 2019 – Max Watts, Melbourne
21 September 2019 – Crowbar, Sydney

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Nix Cartel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Augie March Reprises On the Quiet Tour 10 Years Later

In 2019, Augie March stripped their music back to its roots for their acclaimed On the Quiet tour. The largely acoustic shows were the talk of the town, the kind of events that you wished you got tickets for. Now 10 years later, Augie March are giving us the chance to do it all again.

“The On The Quiet format allows us to interpret the songs in their most direct and potent form … minimal instrumentation and 4 voices … It’s like the audience is sitting in on a stripped back rehearsal in our studio space … intimate and homespun… performing this show to audiences around Australia back in 2009 was a fun and inspiring experience for us … it promises to be an equally exciting prospect in 2019,” said drummer Dave Williams.

Augie March’s brand new On the Quiet tour will visit their favourite venues in and around Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, and Brisbane. Along the way they’re revisit tunes from their esteemed 23-year back catalogue, playing crowd pleasers and rarities for keen punters. It could be another 10 years or more before you experience Augie March quite like this. Tickets are on sale now.

8 August 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
9 August 2019 – The Espy, St Kilda
10 August 2019 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Meeniyan
15 August 2019 – Transit Bar, Canberra
16 August 2019 – Paddo RSL, Sydney
17 August 2019 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
25 August 2019 – Howler, Brunswick

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Evolent Gives Me Goosebumps With “Shiver”

With the release of his debut album Wanderous approaching, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to the musical stylings of Darwin’s own, Ben Evolent. He’s just released the lead single “Shiver,” a jangly feelgood piece of folk-pop that goes down easy.

“’Shiver’ was written in Timor Lest’e in 2017 after walking around the island of Atauro,” Ben explained. “’Shiver’ is about the moments in life where a choice of left or right can be made. It is you taking the plunge knowing that you are in the right place doing the right thing.”

You might not know him yet, but Ben is a big deal up in the Territory. He’s garnered several NT Song of the Year Award nominations, played a sold out EP launch at the Darwin Railway Club, and clocked up more than 100,000 Spotify streams. He’s supported everyone from Boo Seeka to Busby Marou and his songs have served as the soundtrack for Tourism NT social media campaigns. I’m sure you’ll agree, the time seems right for the rest of Australia to discover this awesome singer-songwriter.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Now I’m Ready to Start” – Sinclaire

Just a few weeks ago I was waxing lyrical about Sinclaire’s single “It’s Not Enough,” eagerly anticipating their EP. This Sydney band set the bar so high with that release. Could I possibly love the EP as much? The answer is a resounding hell yes.

Frankly, Now I’m Ready to Start has been what’s kept me sane over the last few days of work. I can’t remember the last time I took a day off and burn-out has well and truly set in. But this EP has lifted me up with its incredible songs.

According to front man Michael Cross, the songs draw from his own “mistakes, insecurities, and negative personality traits.” Those big issues provide the perfect fodder for songs that really connect with the listener. There’s a darkness to the lyrics, but Sinclaire wraps them up in such feelgood packages, with retro synths and driving drumbeats encouraging you to get up and dance your way out of the gloom. I can hear influences of The National, Phoenix, and our own Gang of Youths in the music. Yet the deeply personal nature of these songs ensures they retain their own identity.

Now I’m Ready to Start has just five songs, just enough to ensure each one is outstanding. Just enough to leave us wanting more. Sinclaire will officially launch Now I’m Ready to Start with two launch shows next month. Catch them at Greaser in Brisbane on August 1 and The Chippo Hotel in Sydney on August 3.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ivey Release Perfect Pop Single, “Bodies”

Mondays can be hard, but Ivey is here to lift you up with their new single “Bodies.” This song is all shimmery pop goodness, the kind of track that encourages you to take a spontaneous dance break. You know you deserve it!

“I wrote Bodies about both my own curiosities about love and sexuality and also a reflection on my good friends’ relationship,” explained lyricist Lachlan McGuffie. “I’ve always been curious about open relationships, bisexuality and what the meaning of love is and exploring that”

Ivey will play for home town fans at Elsewhere on the Gold Coast on September 13. I know it’s a long way away, but considering the band sold out their last show at The Foundry, I’d get tickets sooner rather than later!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company