Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Late 90s Release Rock Belter, “Low”

Boorloo/Perth rock act Late 90s have really impressed me with their latest single “Low.” It’s a little heavier than the music I usually go for, but if it’s good, it’s good, right? And this epic rock anthem is really good.

“‘Low’ is about that internal monologue of self-love and self-loathing – knowing you’re heading off course and wanting to be better but you just don’t know how to be a better version of yourself and then beating yourself up for it,” the band explained.

Guitarist Stephen Loreck added “Last year I struggled a bit with self-esteem and valuing myself. Sometimes you don’t know where to start to get better, maybe you’re waiting for someone or something to happen for you to get your shit together.”

Stephen didn’t just play on “Low”; he also took over production duties for the first time. The band looked to their live sound engineer Emmett Carroll for mixing and entrusted the mastering to Brodie Stewart.

“The process of making ‘Low’ was so different to any other song we have done as we took way more of a DIY approach, with me producing the song,” Stephen explained. “We started recording this song before our previous EP came out, so we had a bit of time to obsess over all the parts, trying everything we could to just give the song an extra 10% for example tracking vocals three different times and bass twice haha. Some of our favourite parts of the song we wrote in the studio, just trying out random stuff, so having the time and freedom to experiment more was something we really valued. It was also really beneficial to have Emmett Carroll involved as he provided a lot of technical support, engineering when I was playing guitar or singing and coming up with some good ideas.”

Next up Late 90s will play for hometown fans at Sidefest, which will hit Rosemount Hotel from November 21 to 23. Catch them on the first day alongside top artists like Stand Atlantic, Dear Seattle, and heaps more. Or buy a weekend pass to catch all the action!

Photo credit: Mitch Love

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Malaika Mfalme Wows Me With “Berlin”

I really appreciate artists who prioritise quality over quantity. I’d much rather musicians take time to create something meaningful than churn out substandard work. Malaika Mfalme’s album Yasmin was one of my favourites of 2023, and now he’s back with “Berlin.” This is a stunning, stripped-back track that explores friendship, grief, and the freedom of anonymity against the backdrop of Germany’s capital.

“I wrote this song about three years ago, when I was in Berlin. I’d just lost my passport, was feeling disconnected from friends, and realised how freeing it can be to be unknown,” Malaika said. “There’s a line in the chorus that still hits me: ‘Maybe I won’t apologise for who I am in a place that don’t give a damn.’”

As a proud trans artist, Malaika’s work has consistently celebrated Black queer joy and resilience. He explained that they found the joy that helped them through such a challenging time in Berlin’s party scene. “It made me feel at home and fully accepted within the queer community there. That sense of joy and belonging was such a contrast to the heaviness I’d been carrying.”

“Berlin” is our first taste of Malaika’s new EP Forthcoming, which is slated for a November release.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Touring Oz and NZ After “Street Shark” EP Release

One of Australia’s hardest working bands, Bootleg Rascal are back with a brand new EP and tour. Street Shark is a genre-bending seven-track collection of songs featuring Sounds of Oz favourites “Stepping,” “From the Very Start,” and “Drip Your Love.” With so many twists and turns, I know you’ll find some tunes to vibe with on this one.

It seems like Bootleg Rascal are always on the road, so they weren’t going to miss the opportunity to play for you all to support Street Shark’s release. After wrapping up their Western Australian shows last weekend, they’ve got their sights set on the East Coast and Aotearoa/New Zealand. Catch Bootleg Rascal at one of the following shows:

10 October 2025 – Beach Road Hotel, Eora/Sydney
11 October 2025 – Oktoberfest @ Polytech Stadium, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (11am session)
24 October 2025 – Finnian’s Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie
25 October 2025 – The Station Board Store, Dhanggati/Crescent Head
6 November 2025 – The Loons, Christchurch
7 & 8 November 2025 – Dunedin Beer Festival @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Ōtepoti/Dunedin
9 November 2025 – Yonder, Queenstown
27 November 2025 – Bombies @ Harbord Hotel, Garigal/Freshwater
29 November 2025 – Kahibah Sports Club, Awabakal Country/Kahibah
5 December 2025 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
6 December 2025 – Punters Club, Eora/Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Gould & Karise Eden @ Flamingos Live, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 27 September 2025

Greg Gould and Karise Eden are long-time favourites of mine, so when I heard they were teaming up for their Lady and the Tramp shows, I couldn’t resist heading up the freeway to Flamingos Live. The poster promised a celebration of “the greatest jazz, blues, and soul.” These two talented Coasties delivered that and so much more.

I must admit, given the tagline and references to Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, and Etta James in the marketing materials, I expected a show that played mostly in the old-school standards space. While vintage classics were certainly represented, Greg and Karise delivered a much wider retrospective of the songs that made them.

There were reality show favourites like Greg’s masterful performances of “Feeling Good” and “Purple Rain” and Karise’s show-stopping take on “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” I’ve heard it so many times before, but I’m always floored. There were the crowd favourites, like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Knew You Were Waiting For Me.” And then there were deep cuts, like Etta James’ “Damn Your Eyes,” which Karise said she would have preferred singing on The Voice to “I’d Rather Go Blind.” As a massive Janis Joplin fan, I was in raptures when she took on “Cry Baby” instead of the more predictable “Piece of My Heart.” While most song choices were nostalgic, a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” was an unexpected delight.

Greg and Karise are both incredible talents in their own right. This show gave them many opportunities to wow and charm us with solo performances. But my favourite parts of the night were the moments when they came together. Their Darkinjung Country/Central Coast roots and big breaks on reality TV have helped cement a natural rapport that’s wonderful to witness. To say nothing of their fantastic voices, which come together more naturally than you might think. Greg’s showmanship helped bring out a playfulness in Karise that I loved to see. For a night of sing-along fun with some of Australia’s best talents, make sure you catch one of Greg and Karise’s upcoming Lady and The Tramp shows:

7 November 2025 – Camelot Lounge, Eora/Sydney
8 November 2025 – Memo Music Hall, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
6 December 2025 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Redemption Arc” – Siobhan Cotchin

Vulnerable and unapologetic, Siobhan Cotchin presents her heart to listeners through the five tracks that make up her latest EP, Redemption Arc. That heart’s clearly been stomped on, but Western Australia’s rock ‘n’ roll cowgirl reminds us that it’s still beating through her powerful music.

Redemption Arc sees Siobhan in the aftermath of a devastating breakup, trying to make sense of her loss and forge a path forward. She says the songs explore “the fight to become better – not perfect, not fixed, but real.” The tracks are brutally honest and although they’re introspective, the flaws and insecurities Siobhan reveals are so relatably human that I connected with them instantly.

The opener, “Ghost of Us,” speaks to the confusion so many of us have felt when a lover seems to go cold without warning. “The Truth Always Comes Out” perfectly encapsulates the frustrating cycle of being let down, then reeled back into the relationship only to be disappointed all over again. My heart broke for the self-loathing in “Redemption Arc,” a result of hearing the negative messages from the wrong partner for too long. “I’m Not Finished Yet” strikes another powerful blow as Siobhan wrestles with her head and heart. “Consolation Prize” offers a moment of quiet reflection. With just her voice and an acoustic guitar, Siobhan reflects on the relationship lost and what she’s left with. However, with any redemption arc, there needs to be a triumphant end. For Siobhan’s EP it comes with the blues-rock closer, “Overdrive.” Listening to this anthemic track, you know that even if things aren’t OK for Siobhan right now, in time they will be.

Redemption Arc is a powerful release from one of Australia’s most compelling female voices. It’s out now. Next up she’ll support Rob Thomas on his two shows in Boorloo/Perth. Catch them both at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre on October 24 and October 25.

Main photo credit: Jarrad Levy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Billy Ocean @ ICC Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 23 September 2025

When I saw Billy Ocean for the first time in 2023, I wrote “Now I’ve discovered how good he is live, I can only hope that he’s got a few more tours left in him.” I raved so enthusiastically about that concert my mum said she’d love to see him next time he was in town. So on Tuesday, we headed to Eora/Sydney for a girls’ night out.

As with the last tour, Billy partnered with an emerging artist with an impressive collection of originals. Western Australian artist Jason Ayres came armed with plenty of charm and an easy blend of rock, folk, pop, country, and blues. His bio cites John Mayer, Ryan Adams, and Keith Urban as influences, which makes total sense when you see Jason live. He’s got a similar earnestness about him. While he’s quick with a smile for the crowd, you know he’s serious about his craft. His originals are very good, but he also sweetened the deal with stellar covers of Cher’s “Bang Bang” and Chris Isaak’s “Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing.” I wasn’t sure how his set of largely originals would go down with the crowd here for a nostalgic show, but I needn’t have been concerned. By the final song, they were enthusiastically clapping along to the beat, totally unprompted. You can’t ask for more than that.

I must admit, I felt a little sense of déjà vu seeing Billy. He opened with the same three songs as the last tour: “One World,” “Love Really Hurts Without You,” and “Nights (Feel Like Getting Down).” While the set has changed a little – “There’ll Be Sad Songs (To Make You Cry)” was a notable omission this time around and “Stay the Night” and “Daylight” are new inclusions – essentially what you get when you see Billy is the greatest hits show every time. And honestly, you can’t be mad at that.

Billy’s songs are fantastic and he performs them with such joy that it’s a pleasure to bask in his aura. I’m not sure I’ve seen many artists who take such clear delight singing songs they wrote decades ago. He tours relentlessly, he’s performed them countless times, yet his genuine smile never wavers. He’s authentically grateful to the crowd who lets him do this and he wants to give back, whether it’s with those still impressive vocals or a little shimmy and shake as he dances across the stage with more confidence than most 75-year-olds would. And they love him back, rushing the stage near the end to dance along to hits like “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going” and “Caribbean Queen.” Being amongst such a rapturous crowd enjoying songs like that is just such good pure fun.

While Billy Ocean didn’t reinvent the wheel with this concert, he didn’t need to. He gives the people what they want, singalong hits delivered exceptionally well with a healthy dose of charm and joy. You can’t ask for more than that.

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beddy Rays Headlining Crafted Beer Festival

After a massive debut last year, Crafted Beer Festival is heading back to Mulubinba/Newcastle this November. If enjoying some fine craft frothies while you vibe to some of the country’s best bands sounds like your idea of a good day out, you’ll want to get on this.

There’ll be more than 30 different breweries pouring more than 250 individual brews, from industry heavyweights like 4 Pines and Sydney Brewery to boutique names like FELLR, Wandana Brewing Co, and the city’s own Foghorn Brewery. The entertainment lineup is already stacked with the likes of Beddy Rays, Le Shiv, Jet City Sports Club, and Thirst Trap, but we’ll see more announcements closer to the event. And of course you can’t have a festival without food. The Mexican Cantina, Lambda Sydney, Smokin Swine BBQ, The Burger Head, and G-free Donuts will all be on hand to satisfy your craving. Not a beer drinker? Don’t sweat. There’ll also be wine and festive libations from Granddad Jack’s Cocktail Bar.

Crafted Beer Festival hits Newcastle Foreshore on 22 November 2025. General admission tickets are available from Oztix now.

Image used with permission from Gyrostream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

George Clinton with Parliament Funkadelic @ Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney – 21 September 2024

The word legend is bandied about far too freely in the music industry for my tastes. Very few deserve the title, but the crowd at the Enmore Theatre last night knew the man they came to see was one of those rare talents. You could feel the energy crackling through the air, that certain something that told us we were in the presence of greatness. That man, the myth, and the legend was the one and only George Clinton.

While the tickets told us the show started at 8, Kiwi band Drax Project were already lighting up the stage as we found our seats. I became an instant fan, impressed by their easy blend of soul, funk, and pop and youthful energy. Shaan Singh’s vocals gave me chills and his saxophone skills were the cherry on top. Watching him vibe with his bandmates was such a thrill. Apparently George Clinton and his crew have been so impressed by Drax Project’s sets that they’ve given them a little more time each night. The extended set gave them the opportunity to road test new material, which the crowds lapped up. I can’t remember the last time I heard an audience cheer when a band announced they’d play fresh originals. Being amongst such receptive music lovers hearing such incredible music was a joy.

After such an explosive opener, my expectations were sky high but if anyone could meet them it’s a legend like George Clinton, the Grandmaster of Funk. From the moment he took the stage with Parliament Funkadelic, the show was a total vibe. George was there in glitzy regalia, encouraging us all to put our hands in the air. His granddaughter Patavian Lewis was blowing bubbles and dancing up a storm in heels I could never contemplate walking in. The horns were tight, the vocalists were incredible, and I was living!

Sustaining that energy isn’t easy, but George and his crew somehow managed to keep the crowd in that rapturous space throughout their funktastic set. Big hits like “Flashlight” and “Atomic Dog,” fittingly saved for the final medley, were highlights, along with a delightfully unexpected cover of House of Pain’s “Jump Around,” but as with Drax Project the crowd lapped up everything this colourful crew delivered.

I didn’t get to see George in his prime, but no doubt he’s slowing down a little these days. There was a chair conveniently placed on the stage for him to rest whenever he needed. He’d take a moment to gather his breath before moving back to the front of the stage and continuing to give it his all. His vocals are limited these days, but he surrounds himself with exceptional singing talents, taking on the role of the captain overseeing a super-talented ship. On a personal note I was thrilled to see Uche, who I cheered on during American Idol in 2019, is now a part of Parliament Funkadelic. His exceptional vocals and dance moves, which the judges sometimes criticised for being too much, are perfect for a show like this. But every member of Parliament Funkadelic was exceptional.

Last night’s George Clinton show was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It was a total vibe. I feel privileged to have spent a few hours basking in the aura of George Clinton and the incredible musicians he gathered for us on this Aussie tour.

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Chérie Impresses With “Dishes in the Sink”

After wowing me with her cinematic, genre-bending singles “Darkness & Gold” and “Don’t Compare Yourself” last year, I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around fantastic new music from My Chérie. Her latest release “Dishes in the Sink” is a haunting and poetic exploration of relationship friction and the longing for peace. Take a moment to really absorb this one, because you won’t want to miss a single note.

“This one came from a place of grief and self-reflection,” My Chérie explained. “It’s about sitting with the parts of ourselves we’re still learning to love, and the disconnect that can exist even in the closest relationships. We crumble into old selves we swore we’d outgrow … but healing isn’t linear, and love isn’t always simple.”

My Chérie is establishing herself as such an important voice on the contemporary music scene. Hopefully “Dishes in the Sink” is the first in a whole lot more new material from this exciting artist.

Photo credit: Clementine’s Gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Always Here” – OhMaSoul

As the working week winds down, I’ve found myself looking for a comfort listen. The kind of music that would wrap around me, nurture me, and help carry me through to quitting time. I found just what I was seeking with Always Here, the beautiful debut EP from Anaiwan Country/Armidale trio OhMaSoul.

As their name suggests, OhMaSoul make music that speaks to the heart. Vocalist Jemimah Hiscox has one of the best neo-soul voices I’ve heard in some time, pure and effortless, with a beautiful freedom that soars as it plays with the melodies. You can almost hear the energy crackling between Jemimah, keyboardist James Brinkhoff, and drummer Thomas Hogarth. They might be just releasing their debut, but this is a trio that understands one another intimately.

Neo-soul and jazz are often closely linked, and OhMaSoul fuse these genres beautifully. The EP opens with the title track, a gentle ballad which shows just how special the blend can be. “What Is This” is a little more progressive, with a melody that keeps listeners on their toes. “My Cup” is straight-up neo-soul, a track that gives these three performers space for creativity and connection. It feels so natural, almost unrehearsed, like a beautiful jam session has been captured. “Rollin” sees OhMaSoul at their funkiest and most upbeat. It’s a sunny spot before OhMaSoul shift back to a quieter space with the poignant closer, “Whisper.”

Always Here is a testament to the talent of this rising trio. It’s an independent release, so it doesn’t have the big-budget backing of a major label, but it sounds incredible. While mixing and mastering from Australian jazz guitar great Jim Kelly no doubt plays a part, the natural talents of OhMaSoul are what really shine through.

Always Here is out now. OhMaSoul will play the following local shows in the coming months to support its release:

17 October 2025 – Creative Streets Festival, outside Signor Vertelli, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE at 7:45 pm)
26 October 2025 – Markets in the Mall @ PCYC Armidale, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE at 10am)
8 November 2025 – Black Gully Festival @ Black Gully Reserve, Anaiwan Country/Armidale (FREE)

Images used with permission from OhMaSoul