Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Canyon Songs” – Slow Fades

Slow Fades showcase a classic sound and songwriting skills with their new EP Canyon Songs.

This six-track EP is a new release out of Melbourne, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it was penned in Laurel Canyon in the 1970s. Did the guys from Slow Fades manage to time travel and rub shoulders with talents like Carole King, Neil Young, and the Eagles? I can’t confirm or deny it. References to Aussie icons like eucalyptus root this music here at home, but the classic blend of piano, drums, and jangly guitar gives these songs a great Americana feel.

Vocalist and key songwriter Ben Birchall has an easy vocal style which reminds me a little of Tom Petty or Bob Dylan. The lyrics too have a similar poetic appeal to those created by these artists. These “Canyon Songs” are full of those lines that you chew on, turning them over and marvelling at them before something equally as impressive catches your ear.

Six tracks doesn’t give us a lot of time to get to know Slow Fades, but this EP really serves as a great introduction. It’s got upbeat crowd pleasers like opening track “Leave the Canyon” and more subdued, introspective numbers like “Vikings.” “Fall, Fall, Fall” oozes regrets, while “My Damn Life” celebrates existence. It’s all about balance.

Canyon Songs feels a bit of a throwback, but that’s far from a bad thing. It’s available today. Slow Fades will play a hometown launch show at the Thornbury Theatre on November 25.

Image used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kid Fiction Releases Spellbinding New Single Ahead of Local Shows

Sydney-based producer and vocalist Kid Fiction grapples with the big issues on his latest track “What Defines You.” He creates a complex and beautiful soundscape here, the perfect backdrop for his pure, mesmerising voice. But it’s those lyrics that really elevate this number.

“‘What Defines You’ was like wrestling a gorilla,” he recalled. “It’s really big, the themes, the concept and production … it was actually quite intimidating. No place for half measures.”

Kid Fiction has been wowing crowds across the United Kingdom and Europe over the last few months, and he’s ready to do the same here. Catch him doing what he does best at the following shows.

30 November 2018 – Subsonic Music Festival, Monkerai Valley
7 December 2018 – Rael Haus, Newcastle
9 December 2018 – North Wollongong Hotel, Wollongong

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dave Wells Releases Sublime New Single “Aching Hearts”

Dave Wells proves he really can’t put a foot wrong with the release of his latest single “Aching Hearts.” This is the third track released from the Hunter Valley singer-songwriter’s self-titled album, and it’s every bit as strong as the singles that came before. The poetic lyrics, the stellar vocals, the superb pop-rock sound; everything here is just as it should be.

Dave is currently playing shows all around the country on his The Run Free Tour.

“I always enjoy the intriguing challenge of making a connection with people through song,” he said of performing live. “There’s something about the tension in the room, our spirits gather as unsettled strangers, excited yet uneasy, unshackled from our daily storm. Somehow, music can tame this, and collectively we experience something unique and memorable.”

Catch Dave at the following shows.

16 November 2018 – The Aztec, Forster
17 November 2018 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
22 November 2018 – The Republic, Hobart
23 November 2018 – Willie Smith Brewery, Hobart
29 November 2018 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
7 December 2018 – Merri Creek Tavern, Melbourne
8 December 2018 – Hardy’s Bay Club, Hardy’s Bay

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ashley Iona Takes Control on “Leaving”

Ashley Iona wears her heart on her sleeve with her beautiful new single “Leaving.” She wrote the track about finding the courage to leave a bad relationship while living in Los Angeles.

“I wrote leaving when I knew I had to get out of a toxic relationship but the other person didn’t want it to end. I felt trapped and like I was fighting for what I wanted every day,” she recalled. “This song came out of that exhaustion and needing to find more strength. The opening lyrics, ‘Feels like I’m losing a battle’ was where I was started and by the end of the song I’ve found my feet again. Writing it helped me actually get there.”

You don’t want to trust such a personal song with just anyone, so Ashley co-produced the track herself, marking her first time in the producer’s chair.

“I’ve always hired a producer, but then felt like by the end of the process, I was negotiating for what I wanted,” she said. “I already knew how I wanted this song to sound, so I decided to ask Johnny [Romeo, her guitarist and co-producer] if he’d help me make it.”

She also worked closely with recent Sydney College of the Arts graduate Harry Klein on the clip.

“I had this image of being a dark space, so you could barely see me. The video is an intimate journey through that dark place.”

Ashley is currently studying speech pathology at the University of Sydney. If she keeps producing music of this quality, she’s not going to need that degree!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Acclaimed Violinist Emma Beau Goes Solo

Gympie girl Emma Beau might be a new solo artist, but she delivers “Wild Heart” the first single from her forthcoming self-titled debut album with all the confidence of a seasoned professional.

She’s got no reason for nerves though. While she hasn’t played solo for very long she’s no stranger to crowds, spending the last five years as a violinist for artists like Kasey Chambers, Jon English, Sara Storer, and Shane Nicholson. It also seems plenty of people are behind her, which must do wonders for her confidence! Fans generously donated the $13,000 she needed to record this LP through a crowdfunding campaign.

“I’m so grateful to my crowdfunding team for making this album possible – they are my record label,” Emma gushed. “It’s always in the back of my mind when I make clips, music and do photoshoots … I want my fans to be part of every bit of the process and I think we’ve achieved that.”

The clip for her beautiful new single “Wild Heart” is close to her own heart, as it was shot around her hometown. The video was also directed and produced by local filmographer Jazmyn Smith.

“We shot the video in and around Gympie – the pine forests you see in the clip are exactly as I dreamt when I was writing ‘Wild Heart’ when I was in a Melbourne hotel room playing fiddle for Jon English,” she explained. “I was homesick and kept thinking about how I wanted to drive through the pines again – so here we are!”

Emma Beau’s self-titled album will be released early next year. Until then, give “Wild Heart” another listen!

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Listen Up Music: Songwriters’ Festival Celebrates Local Talent for Mental Health

Australia has produced some sensational songwriters over the years. Names like Vanda and Young, Don Walker, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, and Sia barely scratch the surface. Discover the next great songwriting talent at the Listen Up Music: Songwriters’ Festival.

Each year entrants create a song which spreads positive messages about mental health and suits the annual theme; in 2018 that theme is “I am here.” Three finalists have been chosen from each event in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney, along with three wildcard artists. The final 12 songwriters, are as follows (in alphabetical order):

  • Abbey Gardner – “War Child” (NSW)
  • Ben Leece – “Stuck To My Guns” (NSW)
  • Ben Stafford – “Breaking Point” (WA)
  • Chelsea Cullen – “Edge of Myself” (WA)
  • Jess Stillone – “Fall” (NSW)
  • Leonie Kingdom – “Night Terrors” (QLD)
  • Old Cities – “Again” (NSW)
  • Romisounds – “Inclination” (NSW)
  • Seb Mont – “Who I Am” (VIC)
  • SPENCER – “Another Girl” (NSW)
  • Sung Loh – “Someday” (VIC)
  • Talitha – “I’m Right Here” (QLD)

See all these talented acts perform their songs at the Listen Up Music: Songwriters’ Festival grand final at the Factory Floor in Marrickville on November 15. Listen Up Music Ambassador Mitch Garling will MC the night, which will be judged by an all-star panel featuring Alfie Arcuri, Imogen Clark, LANKS, and Socratis Otto. Tickets are on sale now from the Factory Theatre website. The event helps support R U OK Day, so it’s a great opportunity to support some up-and-coming talent and a great cause.

Image used with permission from Listen Up Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teischa Wears Heart on Her Sleeve With “haunt me” Single

Aussie expat Teischa has just released her powerful new single “haunt me.” It’s an emotional sucker punch with layered electronic sounds and vulnerable, raw lyrics.

“’haunt me’ is about moving on and finding closure within yourself to let go of the lingering memory and feeling of a person once they are no longer in your life,” Teischa explained.

Based in Los Angeles since July, this Fremantle-born talent is taking more creative control over her work than ever before. She set up a small studio in Cypress Park where she’s been working with a creative community on the songs and sketches that will come together on an album next year. She also produced the music video and artwork for “haunt me” there.

“haunt me” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company/Photo credit: Korey Waggoner

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Cavaleri @ The Rhythm Hut, Gosford – 4 November 2018

When Lizotte’s closed the doors of the “cubbyhouse” in Kincumber around three and a half years ago, I worried the Central Coast might start missing out on shows. I don’t mind driving up and down the Pacific Highway if I need to, but there’s something so lovely about seeing gigs close to home. Rather than missing out though, other venues have stepped up to fill the void. Laycock Street Theatre is securing more musicians, and Wyong’s built The Art House. These venues are wonderful, but they don’t quite have that welcoming, comforting quality a night out at Lizotte’s had. So last night I was thrilled to discover a venue that does: The Rhythm Hut.

I’ve been intending to visit this Gosford arts space for some time, but the stars never quite aligned. When I was offered a pair of tickets for the Nathan Cavaleri show last night, I couldn’t refuse. The Rhythm Hut isn’t like most music venues. You feel like you’re heading towards someone’s house for a backyard barbeque rather than performance space as you walk down the steps to its outdoor patio area bordered by succulents. Inside there are mismatched couches at the back and along the sides and pillows and beanbags around the front near the stage. One half of the bar is for drinks, like the local Six Strings beers and decent wine served in real glasses, while the other serves hearty dishes and desserts. Last night it was vegetarian or chicken paella and brownies, but I hear the menu changes depending on what the volunteers make.

That’s right: volunteers. The Rhythm Hut is a non-profit performance space. When it’s not hosting local and international musicians, there are open mic nights and drumming workshops. Everyone seems to know everyone, and even if you’re a newcomer you’ll feel you’re going home part of the community. The hosts encourage the audience to make new friends between acts. So it seemed totally natural that I got chatting to the gentleman next to me and his adorable long-haired chihuahua. He wasn’t even the only dog enjoying the music.

This unique space really was the perfect venue for this show. Support act Dylan Wright might have gotten swallowed up in a larger venue, but here you could have heard a pin drop as he delivered his spine-tingling folky tunes. His original songs were outstanding, but I couldn’t help smiling at his slowed-down take on Rick James’ “Super Freak.” I was excited to see Nathan, but I must admit I was a little disappointed when his set ended. I snapped up his EP so I can listen more. I’m an instant fan.

Nathan Cavaleri has been out of the spotlight in recent years, but when I was growing up he was a household name, the cute kid who had leukemia and a natural gift for the guitar. It’s a gift that has taken him all over the world and seen him share bills with BB King, Elton John, Robert Plant, and Jimmy Page, to name but a few. As you can imagine, now all grown-up Nathan has some stories to tell. While there were the superstar anecdotes, he wasn’t afraid to reveal more personal tales of his battles with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt.

The stories helped punctuate a set that was truly something special. With good mate Kenny by his side, Nathan left no doubt that the guitar skills he showcased as a kid on numerous TV shows haven’t gone anywhere. In fact, he might play even better now, combining his natural flair with a dirtier blues sensibility. Originals sat comfortable among tributes to his influences, including Ben Harper, Fleetwood Mac, and of course, the great BB King. They were played with such joy and the whole crowd responded, whether they were nodding their heads from their seats or dancing with wild abandon around the sides of the venue.

Last night Nathan Cavaleri put on one of those performances that just feels good for the soul. I can’t imagine a better venue for this show or to wrap up his “Demons” tour. It felt like a house party, one of those nights where someone has a guitar and starts to jam spontaneously. Except as we all know, Nathan is much handier with an axe than your average party guest.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Heading to Regional Venues for Acoustic Shows

I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to listen to Ian Moss’ most recent album. He released the self-titled work in March, yet it’s taken me until now to give it a spin. I blame the lack of fanfare, but that’s kind of the way this unassuming Aussie artist prefers thing. If like me it passed you by, do yourself a favour and fire it up on your streaming service of choice. With bluesy tracks filled with melodic hooks and sublime guitar parts, it’s classic Mossy, just the way you like him.

Mossy will bring songs from the new album and all your old favourites to regional venues all around the country next year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates on the National Solo Intimate and Acoustic Regional Tour.

8 February 2019 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
9 February 2019 – Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
22 February 2019 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta
23 February 2019 – Paramount Theatre, Echuca
1 March 2019 – Goldfields Art Centre, Kalgoorlie
3 March 2019 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
6 March 2019 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
8 March 2019 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
9 March 2019 – Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
15 March 2019 – Capital Theatre, Bendigo
16 March 2019 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
20 March 2019 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Mount Gambier
22 March 2019 – Northern Festival Centre, Keith Michell Theatre, Port Pirie
23 March 2019 – Barossa Arts and Convention Centre, Barossa Valley
27 March 2019 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland
29 March 2019 – Ipswich Civic Theatre, Ipswich
30 March 2019 – Empire Theatre, Heritage Bank Auditorium, Ipswich
3 April 2019 – Mackay Entertainment Centre, Mackay
5 April 2019 – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
6 April 2019 – Brolga Theatre, Maryborough
26 April 2019 – Laycock Street Theatre, Gosford
27 April 2019 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock
3 May 2019 – SkyCity Darwin Concert Lawns, Darwin
4 May 2019 – Araluen Centre, Alice Springs

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM/Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fanny Lumsden Declares War on Pride With New Single

Men’s mental and physical health is in the spotlight this month as blokes all around the country get hairy for Movember. Men’s health is something we don’t talk about enough, especially in Australia where so many have an attitude they must be stoic, no matter what comes. Fanny Lumsden challenges this notion in her new single “Real Men Don’t Cry (War on Pride),” the third track lifted from her number one ARIA country album Real Class Act.

The song is a poignant country ballad with some of the most stirring lyrics you’ll hear all year.

“Pride is a funny thing. It makes us stand up for things and it also makes us hide. However, it can become a wall that’s prevents us asking for help, telling people we love them, letting loved ones know we are not okay, we need a little support, a little help. It prevents us showing our vulnerability,” Fanny explained.

“So, I call a war on pride. That type. The type that’s preventing a father telling his son he has done a good job. The type that stops you asking for a hand. That prevents you from showing that vulnerability.”

Fanny is currently playing shows around the country on her Under Our Hills Hoist tour. Catch her at the following venues over the coming weeks.

3 November 2018 – Lonsdale Reserve, Mulwala
10 November 2018 – Private show, Canberra
11 November 2018 – Smiths Alternative Book Store, Canberra (@1 pm)
18 November 2018 – Private show, Thurgoona
22 November 2018 – The Newsagency, Camperdown
23 November 2018 – On the Beach Sessions @ Franks Wild Years, Thirroul
6 December 2018 – The Lost Ones, Ballarat
7 December 2018 – Royal Oak Hotel, Penolasa (FREE)
14 December 2018 – Sandigo Hall, Sandigo
15 December 2018 – Cudgewa Hall, Cudgewa

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute