Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brother Brad Spread Good Vibes With “My Girl”

Brother Brad are set to make your day a little funkier. This Sydney soul-pop outfit has just released its brand new single “My Girl,” and it’s the perfect thing to get you out of your Thursday slump.

As well as being an absolute banger, this upbeat groover reminds us that no matter what bad times we face, we’ve always got to keep moving towards the good times that lie ahead.

“My Girl” comes from Brother Brad’s debut EP Get Around, which dropped earlier this year. Fresh from recent writing sessions in New York City, Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans, Brother Brad are preparing to announce some interstate shows and festival slots in the new year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Have/Hold Ready to Tour Epic New Album

When you Google Melbourne band Have/Hold, their genre is listed as alternative/indie. I’ve quickly learned that these are the kid of vague descriptors bands get when they can’t be put in neat boxes. The best way to figure out what these acts are all about is to listen. With Have/Hold just releasing their new album We Are a Ghost Now, You & I there’s no better time.

The album conveniently kicks off with the single “Keepsake,” perhaps my favourite song on this release. It’s a perfect snapshot of their epic sound, at parts tender, at parts anthemic. It’s quality stuff.

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On With Jackie Brown Jr

It’s easy for a case of midweek-itis to creep in early as we crawl towards the end of the year. Sydney indie rock-soul outfit Jackie Brown Jr has what it takes to put the pep in your step this Tuesday though. Their new EP Over Abroad is stellar, but I’ve especially warmed to the latest single “Really Wish You Were Here.” This feel-good track was inspired by the band being split up across the world through study exchanges and other overseas adventures.

“Rather than stifling our creativity, and stumping ourselves as a band, this has simply shaped the stories we tell in our music,” vocalist Maddy Mallis explained.

Nothing helps you shake off the responsibilities of day to day life like a gig. If it’s been too long since you’ve seen some live music, see Jackie Brown Jr all together in one place at one of their upcoming shows. Here are the remaining dates on their Over Abroad EP tour.

22 November 2018 – 5 Church St, Bellingen
23 November 2018 – Heya Bar, Brisbane
24 November 2018 – Sonic Sherpa Instore, Brisbane
24 November 2018 – Bohemian Beatfreaks Festival, Byron Bay Hinterlands
7 December 2018 – The Chippo Hotel, Sydney
9 December 2018 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 December 2018 – Park House Food & Liquor, Mona Vale

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thirsty Merc @ Lizotte’s, Newcastle – 16 November 2018

I first saw Thirsty Merc way back in 2004, when they supported Maroon 5 at the Gaelic Club. Incidentally Maroon 5 were bland, failing to excite me the way their debut album Songs About Jane did. I became an instant Thirsty Merc fan though. I’ve seen them countless times over the last 14 years, but I think last Friday’s show at Lizotte’s might just be the best.

Owen Campbell warmed up the stage, delivering a stellar set of swampy blues. Brian Lizotte had given him a big wrap before he stepped out, and he certainly lived up to that hype. Originals made up the bulk of his set, but they were so good that it didn’t matter that we couldn’t sing along. While the originals slayed, a cover of Van Morrison’s “Crazy Love” was a real highlight for those of us in the know. As I listened to Owen play I noticed there was none of the murmur that normally hums in a room while support acts play. I think most of us were as transfixed as I was on his set. Either that or they were just too busy filling their face with some of Lizotte’s legendary food.

I might not have used my voice much during Owen Campbell’s set, but I made up for it during Thirsty Merc’s. What a treat it was for long-time fans like me. “Undivided Love,” a personal favourite my husband and I can’t remember hearing live, came out early. Another favourite we never expect to hear, “Build A Bridge” was delivered with such passion. A crowd request for “Tommy and Krista” was another highlight. A slowed-down version of “My Completeness” revealed the tenderness of the lyrics. Not that there wasn’t anything for casual radio fans though. Thirsty Merc delivered hits like “In the Summertime” and “20 Good Reasons” with just as much gusto as the more obscure numbers.

I joked to my husband as we left that it’s almost as if the band had intel on exactly what he’d want to hear. A killer set takes you a long way towards a great show. But there was something more at play. Rai told us how much he loves Lizotte’s, so maybe the joy that comes from playing a favourite venue played a part. Perhaps the lads are simply enjoying playing a bit more now they’re not touring as relentlessly as they used to. Whatever the case, I’m so glad I caught the show. If you haven’t seen Thirsty Merc before or it’s been a while between shows, check them out on their Summer 2018 tour. Right now it seems they’re better than ever.

23 November 2018 – SS&A Club, Albury
24 November 2018 – Mulwala Ski Club, Mulwala
25 November 2018 – One Electric Day Festival, Werribee
30 November 2018 – O’Donoghues, Emu Plains
1 December 2018 – Bathurst RSL, Bathurst
7 December 2018 – Moruya Waterfront Hotel Motel, Moruya
14 December 2018 – Days of Summer, Chelsea Heights (with Daryl Braithwaite)
15 December 2018 – The Palms @ Crown Melbourne
Southbank (with Daryl Braithwaite)
28 December 2018 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
29 December 2018 – Moonee Beach Tavern, Moonee Beach
30 December 2018 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
31 December 2018 – The Ville Resort-Casino, Townsville

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Baby It’s Christmas” – David Campbell

I read somewhere recently that once Halloween is over, it’s time to embrace the festive season. I haven’t trimmed my tree yet, but I’m almost done with Christmas shopping (yes, I’m one of those stupid organised people) and I’ve been happily blasting David Campbell’s new holiday album, Baby It’s Christmas since its release a couple of weeks ago.

I honestly wonder why it’s taken so long for DC to release a Christmas album. His performances at the Melbourne Carols by Candlelight are among the show’s highlights each year. And I’ve always seen him as our answer to Michael Buble, an artist who regularly tops the Aussie charts each year with his own Christmas release. He’s got a similar old-school sensibility, with bucket loads of charisma and a smooth, effortless voice.

Baby It’s Christmas is a wonderful collection of seasonal favourites delivered flawlessly. Cheery opening track “Holly Jolly Christmas” sets the scene, putting a smile on your face before the swinging title track, “Baby It’s Christmas,” penned by our own Rick Price, kicks in. Originals are always a bit risky on a Christmas album, but this one already feels like a classic. Anyone who loved David’s Swing Sessions albums will appreciate the inclusion of classic material in a similar vein like Dean Martin’s “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm” and Harry Connick Jnr’s “When My Heart Finds Christmas.” Most of the album keeps things light, with upbeat favourites like “Jingle Bells,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” and “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” But purists will appreciate the inclusion of some traditional carols. Tracks like his gospel-inspired “Silent Night” and “O Come All Ye Faithful” let DC really showcase his vocal prowess.

I think Michael Buble’s Christmas album is getting a little tired after seven years. I think it’s about time his annual silly season stint at number one came to an end. Baby It’s Christmas is a worthy successor. It’s in stores and your favourite digital outlets now.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ross Henry Releases Dreamy New Single, “The Birds and The Breeze”

Sydney artist Ross Henry has blown me away with his fresh new single “The Birds and The Breeze.” It’s electronic pop, but Ross takes some risks here, with a unique melodic structure, ambient beats, and nature soundscapes carefully woven together to create something so original and irresistible.

Speaking of the track’s inspiration, Ross noted “You can hoard all the oxygen in the atmosphere, water in the oceans, write your name in the sky, build a pyramid or two. However, your name will fade over time. Life as it presents itself will transform and keep on rolling into many other embodiments, as it did long before the idea of ‘you’ came about. It’s all quite funny really. Running away from death has become a very serious style of living. Humour is a wonderful blessing”.

If you love this track, get along to Ross’ intimate single launch at Staves Brewery in Glebe on December 8.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXON Stuns With “History”

MAXON has stolen my heart with her powerful new single “History.” It’s one of those tracks that just stops you in your tracks with the right combination of emotional lyrics and gut-wrenching vocals.

“I have done so much growing over the past two years and I think ‘History’ is simply a diary entry in a melody. This song is the first step I’ve ever taken towards bravery and self-acceptance,” MAXON reflected. “It’s long over-due and represents a major turning point in my life and I hope my career as well. I’m breaking free from a long standing history of self-doubt, inflicted upon me throughout my life, and I’m burning all those bridges behind me to focus on a productive future full of bravery and self-love. It’s extremely hard to live a full and happy life when a person you love is constantly putting you down. I’m learning to reflect those things now and accept everyone for who they are – because we don’t know what they’ve been through to get to that point. And in turn, accept myself and reward myself more for the progress I am making with my mental health.”

The clip, directed by MAXON and filmmaker Josh Mitchell-Frey, is also so special. Shot in the Australian bush, its single take provides an unflinching look at the raw emotion driving this stunning song.

MAXON will celebrate the release of “History” with a show for hometown music lovers at Melbourne’s Paris Cat Jazz on November 22.

“I’m really excited about the launch,” she confirmed. “I just feel better when I sing – doesn’t everyone? Music is the one thing that brings us all together – I have good friends Ruby Gill, NUSSY, Plazza, Eaglemont and Magnets joining me on the night, performing renditions of both songs from my catalogue and their own. It’s a two-hour show with an intermission and it’s going to be full of harmonies and empowering female pop music. I’m so excited to get stuck into rehearsals!”

If you’re in Melbourne next Thursday, make sure you check it out!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Swipe Right For the Milkshakes: Australian Exclusive!

The Milkshakes are two high school friends from Bellingen living the dream. They’re based in Sydney and Berlin, but spend their time travelling around the globe seeking the best surf breaks, festival, and venues needing “a little bit of extra froth.” Somewhere in there they find time to make some music.

In keeping with their ethos of going their own way, The Milkshakes add some electro sounds to the roots genre, ensuring their sound is a little more modern than what came before. So it’s only fitting that they’ve delivered a love song for the ages with their latest single, “Love at First Swipe.” The song, which takes a light-hearted look at finding love in the time of Tinder, was produced in Sydney. The music video takes us to the streets of Berlin, but it’s making its Australian debut here on Sounds of Oz.

Hopefully it won’t be too long before we hear these digital-age romantics playing shows on home soil!

Image used with permission from The Milkshakes