Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Timi Temple Releases Thought-Provoking New Single “Pretty Boy”

2018 may be remembered most for the visibility women gave to their issues and their strides towards equality. With so much media buzz about the plight of women and the way they’re seen, we often forget that it can run both ways. Sydney artist Timi Temple tells the other side with his single “Pretty Boy,” lifted from his recently released EP Phuzz Boy.

Timi says the track was “inspired by the dichotomy between gender representation in the music industry. The impetus to this song was a male musician friend of mine, complaining that everyone ignores his music because he’s arguably very attractive. This struck me as horribly ironic, because it’s an exact reflection of the day-to-day struggle women in the music industry are exposed to.”

You’ll find “Pretty Boy” and the rest of the songs from Phuzz Boy on your favourite digital music outlets now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sanctuary” – Magpie Diaries

A sanctuary is a place to hide, a refuge from the negative forces in our lives. Great music can be that special place for so many of us, so it’s fitting that Sanctuary is the title of the latest album from Magpie Diaries. It’s great music, the kind that’s instantly comforting with its familiar Americana sound.

While this album is instantly accessible it’s not without surprises. The opening track “Beat Myself Up” is a heartbreakingly honest ballad but Magpie Diaries doesn’t keep us in that place too long; the follow-up number “When Love Comes” is a playful jam. Tracks like “Beautiful Beetroot” and “Irresistible Pie” are delivered with enough conviction that they never feel like novelties. Another tasty song, “Strawberries & Cream” is a real romantic charmer. “If You’re Hurting” feels like it could have been played in an authentic Western saloon. What a change of pace this retro track is to the energetic “Honey” that came before it. Magpie Dreams save the best for the last though; “Don’t Give Up Now” is an arresting plea.

Matt “Magpie” Johnston has such a distinctive voice and he’s ably supported by his musicians. I love the honky-tonk piano, the cry of a slide guitar … there’s such a nostalgia about these sounds. Magpie Diaries delivers organic, blues-folk music done right. Spend some time with their new album Sanctuary today.

Magpie Diaries will play shows around the country celebrating Sanctuary’s release. Catch them at the following venues.

29 December 2018 – 1 January 2019 – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford
3 January 2019 – Nimbin Bush Theatre, Nimbin (1-4pm)
3 January 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
4 January 2019 – Federal Hotel, Bellingen
5 January 2019 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
11 January 2019 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
12 January 2019 – Sly Fox, Enmore
13 January 2019 – Hardys Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay
18 January 2019 – Muswellbrook Hotel, Muswellbrook
19-20 January 2019 – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth
20 January 2019 – Junkyard, Maitland
24 January 2019 – Servo Food Truck, Port Kembla
25 January 2019 – Tomerong Hall, Jarvis Bay
31 January 2019 – Stag and Hunter, Newcastle
6 February 2019 – Transit Bar, Canberra
7 February 2019 – The Old Bar, Fitzroy
8 February 2019 – The Eastern, Ballarat
9 February 2019 – Barwon Hotel, Geelong
10 February 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
15 February 2019 – Dashville, Lower Belford
2-3 March 2019 – Nannup Festival, Nannup

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Screaming Jets @ The Factory Theatre, Marrickville – 14 December 2018

December always seems to fly by in the blink of an eye. It’s a seemingly endless stream of deadlines, family obligations, and parties that can all leave you feeling fatigued. Somewhere in all of that I found a little time for me, for indulging in my passion for music. I’m glad I bought tickets for The Screaming Jets at The Factory in Marrickville some time ago. Locking the show in made sure exhaustion and terrible weather couldn’t talk me out of attending.

The rain did see me arriving a little later than I’d like. Palace of the King were already in full swing when I walked through the doors, but it didn’t take me long to become enthralled by their set. They were the young guns on this bill, established just six years ago rather than in the ‘80s. However, their psychedelic rock sound was a hit with the older crowd. These lads from Sydney can really play. I hope I get to spend more time with them at another show.

The Poor burst onto the stage next, taking me right back to my teenage years. I remember buying their album Who Cares? on cassette while I was shopping with my grandma. I was just 14, so I remember frantically trying to peel off that explicit lyrics sticker before she spied it. That cassette didn’t leave my stereo for months. I worried every time my parents walked in that they might cotton on to those choice words. I was too young to catch The Poor play live in their hey day, but watching frontman Skenie bounce around, it was like no time had passed. They delivered a high-octane set punctuated by tracks from that album I adored all those years ago. It was bold and ballsy, and I lapped it up. The banter between songs was every bit as colourful as my inner teen hoped for.

As a girl from Newcastle, I’ve seen The Screaming Jets countless times. This band is part of my DNA, one of the first acts I remember seeing as I started to see shows without my parents. But this set might have been one of my favourites simply because it was so fresh.

The Jets are no stranger to touring a new album. But ordinarily they try not to push the new material too hard. They don’t want to alienate the punters who are there to see them play the hits. The beautiful thing about releasing an album like Gotcha Covered though is the level of familiarity the audience already has with the songs. It’s genius really. The Jets could play a bunch of new material, delivering a set that felt totally fresh, while keeping everybody on side. They seized the opportunity with both hands, treating us to classic rock bangers like “Rain,” “Razor’s Edge,” “Wedding Ring,” and the Radiator’s cheeky hit “Gimme Head,” a suggestion from “the wheel.”

The wheel was another inspired idea, a chocolate wheel that The Jets trotted out with glee throughout the set. Frontman Dave Gleeson picked excited punters to come up and spin the wheel, which displayed the titles of tracks from the new album. We got another great track, the spinners got T-shirts, and we all had a lot of fun. Win, win, win.

Dave told us that new music was on its way, but the lads simply released their latest album so they’d have an excuse to tour again. The joy they get from playing live is evident. This band is so tight; despite many line-up changes since their 1989 inception Dave and fellow founding member bass guitarist Paul Woseen keep things ticking along. They’re a generous band too, one that gives the punters exactly what they came for, a big rock show peppered with hits. Age shall not weary them. I was feeling ready to call it a night after “Shiver” came out in the encore, but the Jets had other ideas, treating the enthusiastic crowd to some Johnny Cash even though it was nearing 1 am.

Most tours are winding down for the year, but The Screaming Jets aren’t nearly done yet. Their Gotcha Covered tour will hit the following venues throughout the festive season.

21 December 2018 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Hindmarsh
22 December 2018 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
28 December 2018 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
29 December 2018 – Aussie World, Palmview
4 January 2019 – Wyong Leagues Club, Kanwal
5th January 2019 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
11 January 2019 – Matthew Flinders Hotel, Chadstone
12 January 2019 – York On Lilydale, Mount Evelyn
17 January 2019 – Shoal Bay Country Club, Shoal Bay
18 January 2019 – The Bridge Hotel, Rozelle
19 January 2019 – Pittwater RSL Club, Mona Vale
25 January 2019 – The Basement, Canberra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

This Time Only Rocks Out With “Marco Avenue”

On my last working day of the year, holidays feel so close, yet so far. Firing up on mornings like this can be challenging, but This Time Only has me covered with their high-energy new single “Marco Avenue.”

“The song centres around a park where we used to hang out as kids. It’s a look back on the relationships we had in the past that have deteriorated has we have grown and moved away from the local area we grew up in,” the Sydney punk-rockers explained. “It’s significant to us because it’s our youth, and we’re at an age now where those things are getting further and further away from us.”

“Marco Avenue” is our first taste of music from a more mature This Time Only. We’ll hear more when the band releases their new EP next year.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Groove Along to Wanderers’ New Single “What I Do”

I love this time of year. After a few stressful weeks when everyone wants everything done by the end of the year, companies start going on holidays and my own break starts feeling within my reach. I’m a big believer in the right song hitting my ears at the right time. Today I’m enjoying a soulful soundtrack courtesy of Wanderers and their feelgood new single “What I Do.”

This track has all the confidence and swagger of a hit from the ‘70s. I just love its upbeat groove and those killer vocals from Dusty Lee Stephensen. The Adelaide duo has released much funkier stuff in recent months, but they’ve still found themselves playing the Woodford Folk Festival. If you’re heading to the festival, make sure you catch their set.

Image used with permission from Little Acorn Music/credit Morgan Sette

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Betty Who Gives Exciting Taster of First Independent Album, “Between You & Me”

Betty Who burst onto the music scene with her cover of “I Love You Always Forever” in 2016. However, it’s been a little quiet from the Betty Who camp for a while. Since parting with RCA she’s released a few independent singles, but none of them have really made a splash. “Between You and Me” might be the song to put this Sydney-born artist back on your radar.

The lead single from her forthcoming album Betty, she says “I wanted ‘Between You & Me’ to come first because it felt so reminiscent of my early singer-songwriter days. When I listen to it, I imagine that 15-year-old me would love this song. Especially since it’s about not being able to put into words how you feel when you’re around the person you’re singing to. It’s not a confession of love, it’s a voice in your head narrating your time with them.”

It’s that return to a singer-songwriter vibe that makes this song really resonate with me. Yes there’s a catchy poppiness about it, but it’s backed up with a real message that ensures it makes a more lasting impression than most chart toppers.

Betty Who will start 2019 with a bang, supporting Panic! At the Disco on their North American tour. It wraps up on February 14 in Anaheim, the day before her new album Betty drops. Then a few days later, Betty will cruise the Bahamas as part of the Kesha’s Weird & Wonderful Rainbow Ride cruise.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Adelaide Family Band Red Morning Light Ready to Rock

Brothers Stefan and Daniel Fedele and cousin Mathew Fedele have spent most of their lives making music together. They had an average age of just 11 when they burst onto the Adelaide scene as Forbidden Envy. Now they’re back with a new grown-up moniker and sound. Meet Red Morning Light.

Inspired by the likes of the Foo Fighters and Kings of Leon, the lads have just released their brand new single “Over and Confused.” It’s got a super catchy rock sound with chunky guitar riffs and killer harmonies. The track explores heavy thematic content of betrayal and regret, but there’s an optimism to its sound that lets you know better times are ahead.

Red Morning Light say they have plenty of new material ready for release in the coming months. I’ll be waiting for it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Alana Wilkinson’s New Single “Closer”

Prepare to fall in love with Alana Wilkinson’s newest ditty “Closer.” This laidback pop-folk track is a real charmer which perfectly captures the giddiness of falling in love.

“It’s equal part terrifying and exhilarating and for me ‘Closer’ is about the sunshiny pockets of just enjoying those moments as they come,” she explained.

The music video is the perfect accompaniment, with Alana dancing her way through the streets of Melbourne like she doesn’t have a care in the world.

Festival goers take note. With an EP on the way in early 2019, Alana will roadtest some new material with just her guitar and uke for accompaniment at some of the country’s hottest events soon. Catch her at Woodford Music Festival, which runs from Boxing Day to New Year’s Day, and Nannup Music Festival from March 1 to 4.

Image used with permission from GYROstream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hunter deBlanc Drops Stellar New Single, “Radelaide”

It wasn’t so long ago that my favourite adopted Aussie Hunter deBlanc was singing the praises of New South Wales’ capital with his last single “Sydney.” Now it’s Adelaide’s turn to feel some love with his latest track “Radelaide.”

This song is making me super nostalgic recalling my own time in the City of Churches. It’s often seen as a poor cousin to Sydney or Melbourne, but Hunter’s lyrics beautifully capture Adelaide’s charm. Adding to the nostalgia, we’ve got those saturated synths and delicate electric guitar chords. It all adds up to something pretty special.

“Radelaide” is out on all your favourite digital music platforms now. Wrap your ears around it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zoot Release Best Of Album With Brand New Song

Zoot might have been one of Australia’s greatest reverse supergroups. Beeb Birtles became a founding member of Little River Band, Rick Brewer joined The Ferrets, Darryl Cotton had a smash hit “Same Old Girl” and an illustrious stage and TV career, and Rick Springfield was responsible for a little ditty called “Jessie’s Girl.” But before all that, they were a force in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.

Fifty years after releasing their debut single, the remaining members of Zoot have signed a brand new deal with EMI and released a career defining best-of album, Zoot Archaeology. It includes all the hits you love and a brand new cover of The Dream Academy’s “Life in a Northern Town.”

The album is dedicated to Darryl Cotton, who succumbed to liver cancer in 2012, just one year after rejoining his bandmates on the Rick Springfield and Friends Cruise in the Caribbean. After he passed away, Rick discovered both he and Darryl had recorded versions of “Life in a Northern Town.”

“Sitting in the studio listening to Darryl’s solo vocal gave us all goosebumps,” Rick recalled. Producers combined the two versions and Beeb added a third verse. “Fifty-four years after I met Darryl, we have a new Zoot song,” Beeb said. “Thanks to Rick, I got to sing one more time with my best friend.”

Zoot Archaeology is out now.

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute