Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Continue Winning Ways With “Knees”

Sydney band Ocean Alley can seem to do no wrong, and the rest of the world is beginning to take notice. They’ve just dropped another stellar single, “Knees,” from their critically acclaimed sophomore album Chiaroscuro, and I can’t stop listening.

It’s the perfect blend of soul and rock, full of yearning and honesty.

Ocean Alley are currently in the midst of a massive North American tour. If you’re in that part of the world, here are the remaining dates. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see some shows back here in Oz.

19 June 2018 – Brighton Music Hall, Allston
20 June 2018 – The Foundry at The Fillmore, Philadelphia
22 June 2018 – Mercury Lounge, New York
23 June 2018 – DC9, Washington
25 June 2018 – Blueberry Hill, University City
27 June 2018 – Larimer Lounge, Denver
29 June 2018 – Valley Bar, Phoenix
30 June 2018 – Constellation Room, Santa Ana

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maya Releases Bold New Single “Blackout”

Melbourne’s Maya might just have one of the most soulful voices in the country. It’s used to full effect on her latest single “Blackout.”

“Releasing this single has got to be one of the most exciting times of my career,” she said. “’Blackout’ means so much to me lyrically and I feel like the production is the next step sound that really represents my aesthetic … Most people have ‘blacked out’ before, whether it’s when they drink, if they black out a bad memory, or if they just forget certain things. This song takes you through my perspective and how I felt when it happened to me – it was inspired by so many moments of blackout in myself that I still fight every day.”

“Blackout” saw Maya collaborating with producer Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, Meg Mac) and director Grace Moore, who helped her put together this dramatic video.

“The ‘Blackout’ video shows a cross between the dark reality and positive space,” Maya explained. “It captures a representation of the dark energies that are felt in those fragile times, juxtaposed with a bright, welcoming space that leads to happiness. The video, set the morning after the night before, features the Blackout Girls chasing me out of my dark memories until finally I arrive at a space where there is no black. There I’m free from the watchful eyes of the blackout, and surrounded by positivity and light.”

Maya is currently in New York City working with some of the world’s best writers and producers, but it won’t be too long before she’s back home putting the finishing touches on some fresh new music for us all.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sing With Katie Noonan and Teddy Tahu Rhodes

Have you ever wanted to sing with Katie Noonan or Teddy Tahu Rhodes? The Queensland Music Festival (QMF) is giving you the chance!

QMF is assembling a choir of singers to join the talented vocalists, and musical director Dr. Johnathon Welch (Choir of Hard Knocks), at its upcoming Voices of Remembrance concerts in Toowoomba and Cairns. Interested choirs or individuals can apply to be part of these events at the QMF website until June 29.

“This concert will help everyone reconnect with moving stories from the First World War and celebrate the peace that came with the signing of the Armistice,” explained Katie, who’s currently serving as QMF’s artistic director.

If like me your vocal chords aren’t blessed, you can still catch these special Armistice Day shows in Toowoomba on November 9 and Cairns on November 10. Tickets will be free, although you’ll need to book them through the QMF site later this year.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Summerfield Does Pop Right With New Single “Shelter”

Pop has gotten to be a bit of a dirty word in recent years. A few local artists like Troy Sivan, Sia, and The Veronicas have earned the respect of critics, but by and large pop has become a genre that’s easy to poke fun at. However, when done right pop music can be sublime. Sydney’s Nick Summerfield shows the Australian pop scene has another artist worth taking seriously with the release of his new single “Shelter.”

“Shelter is a story of my personal growth,” Nick explained. “I was in a pretty unhappy place when I started writing, but I knew the only person that could change that was me. The lyrics talk about facing truth and confronting yourself – I had to look at myself, my flaws and questioned if I was good enough during those times of instability and vulnerability.”

This is such good stuff. I can’t wait to hear more from this self-taught talent.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mirabel Foundation Assembles Amazing Line-Up For 20th Birthday Party

For the last 20 years, the Mirabel Foundation has helped children orphaned or abandoned as a result of parental drug abuse. They are still the only organisation in this country dedicated to this vital work. That makes their milestone birthday a reason to celebrate, and they’re bringing some of Australia’s best musicians together for the party.

The Mirabel Foundation’s star-studded birthday bash will feature performances from Paul Kelly, Deborah Conway, Mark Seymour and Cameron McKenzie, Ross Wilson, Vika and Linda Bull, Clare Bowditch, Dave Larking, Davey Lane, Benny Walker, Dan Kelly, Bill McDonald, and Pete Luscombe and Clio Renner from the RocKwiZ band. Brian Nankervis will host the event which is sure to be an absolute cracker.

It all goes down at the Prince of Wales in St Kilda on July 6. Tickets are an absolute steal at $70 plus booking fee. Get yours before they’re all gone to support this amazing cause!

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Family Fold Releases Pop-Rock Gem “Crying in the Carwash”

Family Fold, the latest musical venture from Paul Andrews of Lazy Susan fame, has just dropped their brand new single “Crying in the Carwash.” It’s a straight-up pop rock pleaser with a soaring string section and solid lyrics.

“I recorded the track in Nashville with a guy called Brad Jones who has worked with lots of Australian artists like Bob Evans, Missy Higgins and Melody Pool,” Paul explained. “When it came to recording the solo … we were stuck for what instrument we should use. I suggested strings and Brad’s face immediately lit up. ‘I have a guy in Kentucky,’ which sounded so awesome I wouldn’t have cared if it was someone scraping a piece of cut glass across a toy ukulele, I had to go with it.

“We sent the track away, with no parts having been written, to this ‘guy in Kentucky’ and it came back magically a few days later with the most stunning string parts. ‘I have a guy in Kentucky’ has now entered my every day vocab for something a bit ‘on the down low’ that comes through with the goods.”

“Crying in the Carwash” gives us our first taste of Family Fold’s new album Ashfield Skyline. It’s set to drop in August, but you can get a cheeky sneak peek when the band played The Hideaway Bar in Enmore on July 21.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

5SOS and Sheppard Make It an Aussie Double on the ARIA Charts

I honestly can’t remember the last time we saw Aussie acts on top of the albums and singles charts. But this week we’ve been supporting our own, keeping 5 Seconds of Summer at number one on the singles charts with “Youngblood” and propelling Sheppard to number one on debut with their sophomore album Watching the Sky. This is 5SOS’s fourth consecutive week at number one with their new album’s title track. That album dropped on Friday. Expect it to make a big impact on the charts next week. Meanwhile, Watching the Sky is Sheppard’s first number one album, and the fifth Aussie album release to top the charts this year.

Amy Shark is holding steady on the singles charts, staying at the number six spot with “I Said Hi.” This track has been getting a truckload of airplay at the moment, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it climbs a little higher next week.

The Presets are the only other Aussie act on the charts. Their latest album Hi Viz is at number nine this week, after debuting in the fifth position last week.

Top 10 Albums
1. Watching the Sky – Sheppard
2. Beerbongs & Bentleys – Post Malone
3. The Greatest Showman – Soundtrack
4. Kids See Ghosts – Kids See Ghosts
5. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
6. ye – Kanye West
7. Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes
8. No Shame – Lily Allen
9. Hi Viz – The Presets
10. X – Ed Sheeran

Top 10 Singles
1. “Youngblood” – 5 Seconds of Summer
2. “Better Now” – Post Malone
3. “Girls Like You” – Maroon 5 feat. Cardi B
4. “Back to You” – Selena Gomez
5. “One Kiss” – Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa
6. “I Said Hi” – Amy Shark
7. “No Tears Left to Dry” – Ariana Grande
8. “2002” – Anne-Marie
9. “Love Lies” – Khalid & Normani
10. “All Mine” – Kanye West

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Indiago Drop Soulful Rock Single “Gusto”

South Australia is such fertile rock ground, giving birth to such legendary names as Cold Chisel, The Angels, The Mark of Cain, Sarah McLeod, and Masters Apprentices. The latest SA act to catch my attention are Indiago, a four-piece who are giving me serious Kings of Leon vibes with their latest track “Gusto.”

“We’ve been through a lot of changes over the past twelve months,” says frontman Will Solomon. “I think this is a perfect example of where we’re at musically, and the song stands as a dedication to those who’ve stuck with us.”

It’s still a little rough around the edges, but Indiago have definitely got some skills. I’m looking forward to hearing more from this talented South Australian act.

Image used with permission from Mixed Muse PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Opera Stars Headline Opera Romance in Brisbane

Queenslanders can enjoy a little culture at the QPAC’s Lyric Theatre on June 28, when Opera Queensland stages its very special one-off concert Opera Romance.

Acclaimed vocalists Antoinette Halloran and Rosario La Spina will headline the event which promises soaring arias, stunning duets, and the opportunity to hear more about the lives and passions of these revered entertainers. They’ll be joined on stage by members of Opera Queensland’s Open Stage Community Chorus.

Tickets are available now through the Opera Queensland website. At just $69 plus booking fee, they’re an absolute steal.

Image used with permission from Agency North

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mustered Courage Countrify “Run to Paradise”

I know a bluegrass version of “Run to Paradise” sounds pretty far out, but open your ears and your minds to this cover from Melbourne’s Mustered Courage. Featuring none other than Mark Gable, it’s the cover you never knew you needed to hear.

It all came about after Mark had a chance meeting with the band during the 2012 Country Music Festival in Tamworth. He praised their work, and a fast friendship was formed.

“Being a young band and our first ever trip to the Festival, it really meant a lot to us,” explained guitarist Julian Abrahams. Their paths crossed paths for several years until the band “mustered the courage” to ask Mark to sit in on one of their sets in 2014. The crowd went wild, and they knew they were onto something special.

“The chord progression lends itself very well to the traditional bluegrass sound so it made a lot of sense and Aussies love this bloody song and we loved delivering a version that the country and bluegrass people could get into as well. That audience absolutely brought the house down after we played it with Mark.”

“Mustered Courage fans are no strangers to us doing left of centre cover versions, so we think this should be a nice addition to our repertoire. Maybe even a new country anthem that opens the doors of Aussie rock fans to a genre they don’t yet know they love. Time will tell … bluegrass paradise.”

It’s very different, but I think this cover is genius. How about you?

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment