Posted on by Lauren Katulka

There’s Nothing Fishy About The Montreals’ New Single, Sardines

Adelaide band The Montreals are spreading a healthy dose of feel-good weekend vibes with their new single “Sardines.” Its title gives nothing away, but this is such a catchy indie-pop number. Rest assured, I like it a lot more than the fish!

The release of “Sardines” comes in the midst of a purple patch for The Montreals, who last year shared a stage with Duke Damont and Safia as part of Oh Yes Festival in Adelaide and supported Northeast House Party and The Creases. They’re now welcoming the next stage of their career, stepping up as headliners on a capital city tour to promote the single’s release. Catch The Montreals on their Sardines tour next month.

12 April 2018 – Moonshine Bar, Sydney
13 April 2018 – Selina’s, Sydney
15 April 2018 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
20 April 2018 – Fat Controller, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steph Fischer-Ivanscy Rocks Out on “Warning Signs”

Melbourne’s Steph Fischer-Ivancsy has released a foot-stomping new single “Warning Signs,” and it holds nothing back.

This is a swampy track, with gritty guitars, big, booming drums, and powerhouse vocals from Steph. It reminds me of something you might hear in a pub in some far-flung Aussie location, just before trouble goes down.

“There’s a whole bunch of things in this song. It’s all about realising it’s okay to stuff up every once in a while, but we just need to keep going and to not always believe the lies people tell,” Steph explained. “Also to be cautious because we never really know someone.”

Steph’s single suggests to me she’s one of these artists who is even better live. See her let loose next month on one of the following stages near you.

12 April 2018 – Hume Blues Club, Coburg
28 April 2018 – Jamieson Autumn Festival, Jamieson
12 May 2018 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh (with Shaun Kirk)

Image used with permission from A & R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Embrace the “Chaos” With Asha Jefferies

Brisbane’s Asha Jefferies continues to impress with the release of her latest single “Chaos,” a powerful ballad about recognizing, accepting, and embracing the failings of the people around you, then moving forward together.

“Chaos captures everything I felt driving to a party one night last year. I remember watching my friend behind the wheel, realizing they were driving me into a lot of chaos and wherever I followed them, that chaos came too,” Asha explained.

“I write music music to capture and anchor a feeling or a period of time in my life. I like to think I can hold it hostage, forever. Music has always used itself as a memory clock to me.”

It might have been written about a specific moment in her life, but “Chaos” is so easy to relate to. I was so drawn into this world she’s created, and all the emotions that go along with it. This is another strong single in a long line from this exceptional Brisbane talent.

Image used with permission from Major Minor

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Exile – Songs & Tales of Irish Australia” – Various Artists

I’m not sure where I was in 2016, when a wealth of Australian and Irish talents played the ABC’s Radio National of Exile shows in Melbourne and Brisbane, but the concerts certainly passed me by. Hearing about them doesn’t even trigger a vague memory. However, I’m glad the songs performed as part of these shows are now seeing the light of day as Exile – Songs & Tales of Irish Australia.

This is such an intriguing recording, with songs that tell the story of Irish immigration to Australia, the impact that relocation had on the Irish people who decided to call Australia home and the difference their presence made to our wide brown land.

It’s a diverse album which captures the spirit of Irish people so well. Normally I gravitate to songs with lyrics I can latch onto, but I loved the beautiful instrumental pieces like “O’Carolan’s Welcome” and the stirring “The Orphan/Australian Waters.” “Na Conneries,” performed by Pauline Scanlon, shows the power of a single, pure, beautiful voice. It gave me chills.

Songs like “Moreton Bay,” performed by Declan O’Rourke, and “Mary Kate,” performed by Lynelle Moran, have such a timeless quality. There’s a gravitas about these songs we rarely hear in modern music.

“Silvermines” drew me in to its story of a young Irish woman making her way through the world in such challenging circumstances. Leah Flanagan shines on this track, which may be my favourite on Exile. I also felt my soul stir listening to “Cry of A Dreamer” performed by Sean and Aine Tyrrell.

And you know you’re in good hands when industry legends Paul Kelly and Shane Howard team up for “Farewell Dan and Edward Kelly.” John Spillane’s “Ireland and Australia” is such good fun, the kind of raucous track that calls for a sing-along with pint in hand.

With almost a third of Australians claiming some degree of Irish ancestry, this is an album sure to resonate with many people living here. Exile – Songs & Tales of Irish Australia is out now. Find it in digital stores and physical record stores, where it’s bundled with a live DVD.

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Verge Collection Release “Feelin’ Old” Ahead of Album Shows

I’ve been feeling every one of my years of late. Aches and pains are starting to linger, busy weekends and late-night drinking sessions are taking longer to recover from. In short, “Feelin’ Old” from Perth rockers Verge Collection is striking a real chord with me!

This is such a great track, with jangly guitars and a chorus that will have you singing along in no time. It comes from Verge Collection’s new album Flaneur, set to drop on March 30. The lads will celebrate its release with their largest national tour to date. Good buddies White Blanks will be along for the ride, so make sure you arrive early to check out their set.

13 April 2018 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
14 April 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
19 April 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
20 April 2018 – OAF Factory Floor, Sydney
21 April 2018 – The Foundry, Brisbane
22 April 2018 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
27 April 2018 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
28 April 2018 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Halcyon Drive Start Single Tour Tomorrow!

After hearing “Silver Ray,” the awesome new single from Melbourne indie rockers Halcyon Drive, the release of their debut album can’t come fast enough.

This track has such a great energy. It’s accessible with a pop edge, but it also sounds so fresh. There’s a lot going on sonically, but it never gets muddled. It’s really clever stuff.

Halcyon Drive’s album won’t hit stores until later this year, but you can get a taste of their new material on their single launch tour which kicks off in their home town tomorrow night!

22 March 2018 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
25 March 2018 – The Hills Are Alive, Wonthaggi
13 April 2018 – Rare Finds @ Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
14 April 2018 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
20 April 2018 – Rare Finds @ The Penny Black, Melbourne
21 April 2018 – Rare Finds 3rd Birthday @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
22 April 2018 – North Wollongong Hotel, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gabriel Vargas Releases “Like Wolves” For White Ribbon Foundation

Melbourne singer-songwriter Gabriel Vargas is using his musical gifts for good with the release of his new single “Like Wolves.” It’s a powerful track which touches on the impact of sexual abuse and our power to move past trauma.

We’ve heard a lot of people exploring these kinds of issues lately, but Gabriel isn’t simply jumping on a bandwagon. This song marks the first time he’s spoken out about the sexual abuse within his own family. He hopes this personal song will give power to others who’s suffered by encouraging strength through growth. He’s also refusing to line his own pockets either, with all online earnings from the song benefitting the White Ribbon Foundation. You can find “Like Wolves” at all major digital outlets including iTunes and Spotify.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Do Yo Thangs Deliver Stellar New Single, “Sucka”

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the slow jam tunes of the ‘90s, wrap you ears around “Sucka,” the funky new single from Melbourne’s The Do Yo Thangs.

“It’s about those super fun/exciting early stages of falling for someone,” explained Hugh Rabinovici, the band’s drummer, songwriter, and producer. “The kind of sitch where it’s out of your control and you’re just dumb in love.” I love it’s synthy groove and those smooth vocals from Audrey Powne.

“Sucka” comes from The Do Yo Thangs debut album Mind Full, set to drop on May 25. The band will launch the single at Max Watts in Melbourne on March 24.

Image used with permission from HopeStreet Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clare Hennessy Delivers Classic Folk Sounds With “April”

There’s a beautiful classic quality to Clare Hennessy’s new single “April.” I was reminded of the kind of artists my parents used to play me, like Joni Mitchell and Jim Croce, where the song and lyrics are delivered simply and from the heart. The kind of musicians who didn’t perform vocal gymnastics or try to do too much in the studio. What Clare is doing isn’t common these days, but it may be just why she stands out.

There’s a truth and warmth to this song that I really respond to. I love its simplicity, that you can hear every colour in her voice and every touch of the guitar. Like all the songs on Clare’s new EP, also called April, it was recorded entirely in her bedrooms, which perhaps adds to its intimacy.

Clare Hennessy’s single “April” and the EP are available in digital stores now.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Donnarumma Are Back With “Alien”

I raved about Donnarumma’s music last year, so I’m thrilled to see the Adelaide band isn’t resting on its laurels. New single “Alien” is killer, with crashing drums, fuzzy guitars, and a healthy dose of angst.

The band took total control of this one to fulfil their creative vision.

“There’s a special love for this song,” confirmed Louis Donnarumma. “We recorded at our home studio, self-mixed and produced it. We did it our way, and we’re super stoked on it.”

Donnarrumma will celebrate the single’s release with a few shows next month. Here are all the places you can catch them play.

5 April 2018 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney (FREE)
6 April 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
12 April 2018 – Bar Open, Melbourne
21 April 2018 – Ed Castle, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Beehive PR