Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Let A Star Pilot From Saturn Transport You With “Byeee”

I expected a psychedelic number when I pressed play on A Star Pilot from Saturn’s latest single “Byeee.” What I got instead was so much better.

This track from the Sydney act with a trippy name is so powerful in its simplicity. There are no bells and whistles, no artifice. Instead it delivers the elements that really matter in music. A compelling story. An honest lyric. Emotional vocals. It’s moving. It draws listeners in with its delicacy, ensuring that by the time the music swells we’re all on board.

A Star Pilot from Saturn initially seemed like an odd name for an act with such a classic sound. But when you consider that songs like “Byeee” really out of this world, it all makes perfect sense.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Return to Oz Before More European Shows

They’re not quite household names here yet, but The Faim are destined for greatness. They sold out shows around the United Kingdom and Europe earlier this year and are getting rave reviews in leading publications like Forbes, NME, and Billboard. Not bad for a couple of mates from Perth, right?

If you love big anthemic rock tracks from the likes of Fall Out Boy and Panic at the Disco, you’re going to adore these guys and their most recent single “Amelie.” Take a listen and if you dig it, make sure you get along to one of their upcoming Aussie shows. Something tells me they’ll be playing larger venues and spending less and less time in Australia as time goes on!

12 July 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
12 July 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)
13 July 2019 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
14 July 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
14 July 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
17 July 2019 – The Factory, Sydney
19 July 2019 – Vision Studios, Perth
20 July 2019 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
17 August 2019 – Frequency Festival, St Polten
19 August 2019 – Colos-Saal, Aschaffenburg
20 August 2019 – Melkweg, Amsterdam
21 August 2019 – Den Eglantier, Antwerp
23 August 2019 – Leeds Festival, Leeds
25 August 2019 – Reading Festival, Reading
27 August 2019 – Academy 2, Dublin
28 August 2019 – Oh Yeah, Belfast
29 August 2019 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
30 August 2019 – Arts Club, Liverpool
31 August 2019 – Corporation, Sheffield
1 September 2019 – Epic Studios, Norwich
4 September 2019 – Den Atelier, Luxembourg
5 September 2019 – Skaters Palace, Munster
7 September 2019 – Hydrozagadka, Warsaw
8 September 2019 – Lollapalooza, Berlin
10 September 2019 – Tower, Bremen
11 September 2019 – Meetfactory, Prague

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lahey Shows Softer Side With New Single Ahead of Album Tour

Most Alex Lahey singles are cathartically energetic, full of edge and attitude. However, she shows us a softer side with the release of her latest single “Unspoken History” from her recently released album The Best of Luck Club. This tender ballad is somewhat of a departure for Alex, however it retains that honest, storyteller quality we’ve come to know and love.

“When I was in Nashville, I spent some time in a tiny writing room creating songs for this record. Towards the end of that time, I felt as though I was starting to exhaust my output and was starting to become complacent about what I had left to give. On one of my last days there, I was lent a guitar that was set up in a variation on open D tuning, which is something I never play in. In the process of nutting out chords and voicing in this tuning, the melody to the verses just came out. When I started putting words to it, it started off as being about one thing, but then morphed into something else, creating its own path very organically,” she explained of the song’s inspiration.

After recently wowing crowds in the United Kingdom, Alex is in fine form for her The Best of Luck Club tour, which kicks off next week.

6 June 2019 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
7 June 2019 – Rock Rover, Fremantle
13 June 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
14 June 2019 – The Basement, Canberra
15 June 2019 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
22 June 2019 – Forum, Melbourne
23 June 2019 – NSC, Melbourne (1pm under 18s matinee show)

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Born Lion Tackle Mental Health Issues in “Sunshine”

Suicide is one of those taboo topics we don’t talk about enough in society. But Born Lion have never been a band that shies away from the big issues. In their new single “Sunshine,” the band starts the conversation by putting themselves in the shoes of someone ready to end their life.

“The lyrics are written to read as a suicide note. The person writing the note is fine with the decision however and is ready to go. The song serves as a celebration for all that has been and for all that awaits,” explained frontman John Bowker. “I’m kind of fascinated by the act of suicide. Like how can someone reach that point and carry it out? I think the deaths of icons like Chris Cornell and Keith Flint who seem almost immortal to me, triggered the theme for the song.’’

Tired Lion are supporting Ezekiel Ox along the East Coast this month before taking up residence at Sydney’s Hideaway Bar in July. Catch them at all the following venues in the coming weeks.

7 June 2019 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
8 June 2019 – Vanguard, Sydney (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
9 June 2019 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
12 June 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
13 June 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
14 June 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
5 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore (with Ebolagoldfish,Operation ibis,Idle Threat,Vetty Vials and Born Lion DJs)
12 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore (with Dropping Honey and Hatakaze)
19 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore (with Life After Football and The Dead Riders)
26 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Embrace the Pop Stylings of Skyepaint

Newcastle is better known for breeding rocking acts like The Screaming Jets and Silverchair than synth-driven pop, but Skyepaint is breaking the mould. This talented local has just written, produced, and mixed his own double A-side single. “Light Years Away” is the stronger track for my taste; it’s so catchy that I’ve found myself humming it random moments through the day. However, I encourage you to listen to it and its companion, “Endless Nights,” then make up your own mind.

Skyepaint has performed at top festivals including Groovin the Moo and Up Down and supported big names like Boo Seeka and Raave Tapes. It’s only a matter of time before he takes top billing. Until then, hometown fans can see him launch the single at Hamilton Station Hotel on June 14.

Image used with permission from Big Pigeon Publicity; photo credit: Regan Pickles

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chill Out With Phil & Tilley’s New Single, “New Day”

Byron Bay is such a fertile breeding ground for musical talent. Just a couple of days after getting excited about PLTS’ new EP, I’m falling for another Byron Bay act, Phil & Tilley. These guys create music that’s a little more like you might expect from a duo from up north. It’s folky and relaxed, just the thing you need to keep your cool on a working Thursday.

Phil & Tilley have just released their fourth EP Time Won’t Wait, a beautiful collection of alt-folk tracks. For me, the single “New Day” is the standout. It’s got such smart introspective lyrics and beautiful, easy harmonies.

Phil & Tilley will play the following shows in the coming week to support Time Won’t Wait’s release.

31 May 2019 – The Potting Shed, Alexandria (from 6:30pm)
2 June 2019 – Soda Factory, Surry Hills (from 6:45pm)
3 June 2019 – Tokio Hotel, Darling Harbour (from 7pm)
5 June 2019 – Elements Bar, Coffs Harbour (from 6:30pm)

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oly Sherman Hits the Right Notes With “Bones”

Sydney singer-songwriter Oly Sherman has thoroughly charmed me with his acoustic-driven new single “Bones.”

Good looking men who play guitars have long been my kryptonite, but in an over-saturated market its tough for them to stand out. The powerful, heartfelt vocals are what’s really won me over here.

“‘Bones’ to me is about the feeling that something’s coming within yourself, and you don’t know whether it’s something great or something that could break you,” Oly explained. “It’s been a big year for me emotionally, and I wanted to create something that people could just dance to. I feel like whatever headspace people are in, songs like this can make people feel stronger and happier.”

Oly has a string of hometown shows lined up. Sydneysiders can catch him at the following venues.

29 May 2019 – Hotel Ravesis, Bondi
13 June 2019 – Hotel Ravesis, Bondi
20 June 2019 – UNSW Roundhouse Beergarden, Sydney
26 June 2019 – Hotel Ravesis, Bondi
27 July 2019 – Low302, Surry Hills

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lust and Longing Fuels Jack Runaway’s Stellar New Single

Winter seems to have arrived early, but Jack Runaway has warmed my heart with their brand new single “Never Know.” It’s an incredible slice of blues-rock with plenty of grit and soul.

“What started out as a simple jam during rehearsal naturally developed into a track that at first was mostly an opportunity for us to get super loud and have some fun on stage,” explained frontman Christopher Hoskin. “Lyrically the song is about lust. Meeting someone that you’re vibing and riding out the night with without knowing where and when it will end up. At the time of writing I was just out of a relationship and diving head first into the wonderfully scary world of modern dating. The song is also a throwback to a time and place where dating was about spontaneity and not yet ruled by apps and media. I’m an old soul at heart and Never Know in a way is my rugged and romantic ballad for all.”

“Never Know” gives us our first taste of Jack Runaway’s new EP, due out this winter. Hometown fans will get a sneaky listen to more new material when the band launches their new single at Perth’s Bar 459 this Saturday, June 1.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lonely Leaves” – PLTS

I love writing a music blog, but sometimes it’s a struggle. Sometimes you just want to listen to the album that’s currently revving you rather than sorting through the press releases and delving into the unknown. And sometimes you find a recording like Lonely Leaves, a release that’s so good that it makes you forget all about that thing you thought you wanted to listen to for the umpteenth time.

I’ve played Lonely Leaves for the last couple of days straight without putting my fingers to the keyboard. Why? Because once I did I’d have to move on, start sorting through the press releases and delving into the unknown again. Now this is the album that’s currently revving me.

Byron Bay band PLTS call Lonely Leaves an EP, but at seven tracks it feels more like a mini album. The songs explore feelings of nostalgia. Heartbreak and longing bookends the EP with “Without You” and the title track. But PLTS also know how to lift you up. “Young Ones” is an anthemic stadium rock banger about our youth. “A Play About the Ocean” soars. The frenetic energy in “August” perfectly captures a moment in time. The sombre “Silhouettes” is even more poignant coming after such an explosive track.

I’m waxing lyrical over these songs because there are no fillers. I’m hitting repeat constantly because there are no fillers. This is incredible stuff, accessible from the first listen but just a little more special with every subsequent play.

Lonely Leaves is out now. After recently supporting Dear Seattle, PLTS will headline their first shows in a year with a performance at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge on June 1 and another gig at Sydney’s OAF Gallery Bar on June 13.

Image used with permission from Macro Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conrad Sewell Tops Albums Charts

Conrad Sewell has become the latest Aussie to top the album charts. His long-awaited debut Life, which features the number one singles “Start Again” and “Healing Hands,” stormed straight to number one in its first week of release this week.

“This is a dream come true, it’s taken me such a long time to get this album out and it means so much to know that people are enjoying it,” he said. “It’s not easy for an Australian artist to get a number one album on debut, I’m completely humbled and I’m really going to soak up this moment, it’s taken me a long time to get here.”

Conrad’s keeping company with Dean Lewis, whose album A Place We Knew is still in the top 10 nine weeks after its release. It falls a few positions to sit at number nine this week.

Check out all this week’s top 10s.

Top 10 Albums
1. Life – Conrad Sewell
2. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? – Billie Eilish
3. Igor – Tyler, The Creator
4. Hurts 2B Human – P!nk
5. Rammstein – Rammstein
6. I Am Easy to Find – The National
7. Father of Asahd – DJ Khaled
8. Free Spirit – Khalid
9. A Place We Knew – Dean Lewis
10. Divinely Uninspired to a Hellish Extent – Lewis Capaldi

Top 10 Singles
1. “Old Town Road” – Little Nas x
2. “I Don’t Care” – Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber
3. “Bad Guy” – Billie Eilish
4. “If I Can’t Have You” – Shawn Mendes
5. “Someone You Loved” – Lewis Capaldi
6. “3 Nights” – Dominic Fike
7. “SOS” – Avicii feat. Aloe Blacc
8. “Sucker” – Jonas Brothers
9. “Sunflower” – Post Malone & Swae Lee
10. “Talk” – Khalid

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia