Sounds of Oz

Posted on 02/01/2019 by Lauren Katulka

Kezra Strikes an Emotional Chord With “Missing You”

Kezra bowled me over with her debut single “Better Place” last year. She proves she’s no one-trick pony with the release of her latest song “Missing You,” a track that’s every bit as compelling as the first.

Kezra is such a special artist. Her voice is so angelic and pure, her lyrics so intimate and exposed. I love the way this track builds to such an emotional crescendo. The song explores the lingering grief we have when we lose loved ones, especially when we’re enjoying success and moments we wish they could share.

“This would have to be one of my most personal and vulnerable songs I have released and I’m so happy to share a little bit of my heart and soul with you,” Kezra said in a statement.

Kezra will launch “Missing You” at The Grace Darling in Melbourne on January 18.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on 31/12/201821/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

2018: A Year in Review

So that’s another year done and dusted! As I look through the pages of Sounds of Oz, I’m reminded of the incredible shows and albums that served as my soundtrack throughout 2018. Before we all head out and party, take a trip down memory lane at some of my favourites for the year. I’d love for you to leave a comment and tell you what music revved you this year!

Top 10 Aussie Albums/EPs

Top 10 Aussie Tours

Alanis Morissette
Cher
Joshua Radin
Nothing Compares 2 Prince
Mr Big & Extreme (almost exclusively for Extreme!)
Jimmy Barnes
New Power Generation
Thirsty Merc
Kav Temperley
Boyz II Men & TLC

Image source: coquetboy @ Flickr.com

Posted on 30/12/201829/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Tuesdays Get Raw With New Single

Wollongong outfit Ruby Tuesdays wear their heart and influences on their sleeve with their epic new rock single, “Why You Always Gotta Fight Me.”

It’s such an emotional track, with blues and soul influences driving it along to its searing crescendo. I love the way this one builds with crashing percussion, wailing guitars, and those ever-more urgent vocals from Mate Jones.

The film clip is a creative departure for Ruby Tuesdays, which works beautifully, as guitarist Shaun Snider explained.

“For the ‘Why You Always Gotta Fight Me’ video, we thought we’d do something different to our other clips, which are basically just us miming to the songs …Somehow we were lucky enough to trick former Miss Earth, Lyndell Kean, to get on board. We shot a story that gives you snapshots into the dissolution of a relationship. We also wanted to capture and relay the energy from our live shows. Once we mixed footage from the two to make what I think is our best clip yet.”

Ruby Tuesdays will play shows early next year, although right now the single launch is the only one locked in. Catch Ruby Tuesdays at the Heritage Hotel, Bulli Bulli, on February 23.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on 29/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Broads Stun With “I Fed the Horse”

I urge you to take a few minutes out of your day to listen to “I Fed the Horse,” the latest track from Melbourne indie darlings Broads. This isn’t one of those songs that should serve as the background to your housework or holiday socialising. It’s the kind of single that should really be listened to, with complete and utter attention.

Crooning vocals are one of Broads’ trademarks, but the sublime harmonies on this track are some of the best I’ve heard. They wring every inch of emotion from this song. They anchor the song, drawing you in so that by the powerful climax, you’re totally invested.

“I started writing ‘I Fed The Horse’ with just a feeling in mind. Or a lack of feeling – an emptiness, a detachment from everyone around me. For a while I was worried something inside was incurably broken. Of course, I’ve come to realise this was not the case. But such a feeling can be drawn out of you by its own strong will, and the song seemed to just grow into itself.”

“I Fed the Horse” is the second single lifted from Broads’ sophomore album, which will be released early next year.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on 28/12/201829/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Max C Bud Releases Cool New Single “I Guess it has to Be That Way”

Sydney-based urban act Max C Bud shows he only gets better with age with the release of his sophomore single, “I Guess It Has to Be That Way.” Personally I prefer the extra lyrical edge and melodic core this song has over Max’s debut single “Temptress.” Once again the track sees him collaborating with Sam Croft of Boo Seeka, who is helping him push himself and develop as an artist.

“IGIHTBTW is my most boundary pushing track to date,” Max explained. “Sam and I wanted to use a range in my vocals that I hadn’t explored before, and the result is a cruisy melody that is a lot of fun to sing, and hopefully gets people moving along.”

“I Guess It Has to Be That Way” is available at all your favourite digital outlets now.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on 27/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

The Skelton Collective Inspires With “She”

Perth-based family band The Skelton Collective are spreading good vibes with their inspirational new single “She.” The track champions self-discovery, confidence, and the quiet power of choosing a path of happiness.

“When you listen to it, you simultaneously want to be She and feel like She already,” explained the group’s lead singer and saxophonist Jess Skelton.

The Skelton Collective will play a few shows in their home state and Victoria next year to celebrate the recent releases of “She” and the EP it comes from, Choosing Happy. Catch them at the following venues.

24 January 2019 – Moldy Fig, Brunswick East
25 January 2019 – Relux, Reservoir
26 January 2019 – Mr Boogie Man Bar, Abbotsford
23 March 2019 – Toodyay Music Festival, Toodyay

Image used with permission from the A&R Collective

Posted on 26/12/201822/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Kids at Midnight’s Single “By Your Side” is One for Retro Music Fans

Kids at Midnight, the alter ego of Melbourne’s Jane Elizabeth Hanley, is giving me serious nostalgia with her latest single “By Your Side.” It’s an unashamed ‘80s throwback with lush synths, a killer pop sensibility, and ethereal vocals that would make Kate Bush jealous.

“I’ve spent a long time toiling on producing the sound that I want. It’s been years trying to get there. I think I’m finally at the place that I can faithfully reproduce the sound I hear in my head. It’s really exciting for me to know that what I’m releasing to the world is what I wanted the song to sound like,” Jane enthused. “ ‘By Your Side’ is a very special song to me; it’s the first single from my debut album and I’ve written, recorded, engineered, produced and mixed it myself. So it’s all Kids At Midnight, it’s really my heart out there for everyone.”

Listen out for that Kids of Midnight debut album, scheduled to drop early next year.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on 25/12/201822/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! If your ears need a break from the overplayed Mariah Carey and Wham! Numbers, I’ve got you covered. Wollongong’s Kay Proudlove has released a somewhat more cynical track delving into the more cynical parts of the holiday. “Gift Card” has enough wit and wisdom that it’s not as dour as it seems on paper!

“The inspiration for ‘Gift Card’ came on a day when three separate people told me they couldn’t believe it was nearly Christmas. This was in October. It struck me that it’s something people say every year, which got me thinking about what people go through around Christmas – good and bad,” she explained. “I feel like there’s always this sense of time slipping away and that no one is ever prepared. But it can still be kind of exciting, which is where the lyrics ‘magical and desperate’ come from. There are so many mixed feelings about the festive season and I tried to capture some of those in this song. It’s very much a biographical track and I have definitely attended church straight after Christmas Eve drinks before.”

I hope you all have more of the magic than the stress this Christmas, and that you enjoy the final days of 2018 before another big year of music. If your concert calendar is looking a little bare, don’t worry; Kay Proudlove will play the following shows through the New Year.

31 December 2018 – 19-twenty NYE Party @ Shoalhaven Heads Bowling and Recreation Club, Shoalhaven Heads
6 January 2019 – Summer Meadow Music @ Marakoopa Cafe, Mole Creek
11-13 January 2019 – Cygnet Folk Festival, Cygnet
19 January 2019 – Illawarra Folk Festival, Bulli
23 January 2019 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (with Wolf and Willow + Rob Edwards)

Posted on 24/12/201822/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Cavaleri Covers Cold Chisel

Nathan Cavaleri has put his bluesy stamp on the music of Cold Chisel with his new reimagining of “Rising Sun.” Featuring Diesel on backing vocals, the cover is Nathan’s nod to Jimmy Barnes, the man who helped him land his first record deal at just 10 years old.

“When attempting to renovate a classic, Cold Chisel is like Led Zeppelin – approach with caution, but I guess my creative intuition wanted the challenge,” Nathan explained. “The words of their most bluesy song spontaneously found its way on top of a saucy half-time riff that I’d been jamming with for months. It’s a banger in a recliner seat and one of the crowd favourites live!”

“Rising Sun” is the latest track lifted from Nathan’s forthcoming EP, Demons. Expect tour and festival announcements from Nathan in the New Year to celebrate its release.

Posted on 23/12/201822/12/2018 by Lauren Katulka

Listen to Dami Im Live With New EP & Tour

Dami Im is one of this country’s most talented vocalists, a singer who doesn’t need studio wizardry to sound sublime. She’ll prove just how good she is without the heavy production with the release of her new Live Sessions EP next year. Her new single “Dreamer” offers a taste of that six-track recording. You’ll get your own copy now if you preorder the EP.

“Dreamer is a really personal song for me,” Dami explained. “At the time I felt like there were so many opinions and voices around me and slowly I was getting lost. I wrote the first verse and chorus in fifteen minutes and it felt great to get it off my chest. It’s was the most empowering feeling.”

The EP celebrates Dami’s extraordinary gift for covering songs and her original material. Highlights include her take on “Amazing Grace” and her big Eurovision hit, “Sound of Silence.”

Dami Im’s Live Sessions EP will drop on January 11. She’ll get back on the road for her Dreamer tour next August. She’ll warm up those vocal chords supporting Human Nature on their A Little More Love: a 30-Year Celebration tour in April.

26 April 2019 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast (with Human Nature)
27 April 2019 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (with Human Nature)
29 April 2019 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (with Human Nature)
1 & 2 May 2019 – Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne (with Human Nature)
4 May 2019 – Perth Area, Perth (with Human Nature)
6 May 2019 – AIS Arena, Canberra (with Human Nature)
7 May 2019 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong (with Human Nature)
9 May 2019 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle (with Human Nature)
10 & 11 May 2019 – ICC Sydney Convention Centre, Sydney (with Human Nature)
2 August 2019 – Ballina RSL, Ballina
3 August 2019 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton
9 August 2019 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
10 August 2019 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
16 August 2019 – Armidale RSL, Armidale
17 August 2019 – Club Forster, Forster
23 August 2019 – Wagga Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
24 August 2019 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
30 August 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
31 August 2019 – Canberra Southern Cross Club, Canberra
6 September 2019 – The Art House, Wyong
7 September 2019 – Port Macquarie Panthers, Port Macquarie
27 September 2019 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
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 Theatre, Mount Lawley

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia