Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Lee Kendall is Back With “No Longer Time to Pretend”

It’s been three years since we heard any new music from Daniel Lee Kendall. In fact, in a press release the Central Coast singer-songwriter said he killed off his public persona. But now he’s making a welcome return to the spotlight with a brand new single, “No Longer Time to Pretend.”

“Killing Daniel Lee Kendall was an attempt to be free. Free of shyness, free of anxiety, free of uncertainty. Free from the mental prison I often found myself in,” he explained. “But then, what if it’s my shyness that allows me to be vulnerable, and that vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity? – the place where we dance with the divine. What if it is my anxiety that allows me to be sensitive, and sensitivity the path to experiencing some of life’s best moments? What if uncertainty allows me to question and become curious about this bizarre life, which for me is one of life’s greatest joys.”

Wrestling with all these questions, Daniel Lee Kendall has decided to return to us with “light and new insight.” His return to the music scene isn’t a return to the past, but an attempt to embrace what comes next. Hopefully that is more quality music like this with resonant lyrics. I for one am thrilled for his return.

Image used with permission from Daniel Lee Kendall

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Drew McAlister and Melinda Schneider Perform For Voice Awareness Month Charity Shows

Most of us probably take our voices for granted. I’m not one of them. I tend to get badly affected by cigarette smoke and my voice suffers for a few days after concerts where people smoke. About a year ago the problem was so bad that I lost my voice for several weeks. When I say that, I don’t mean my voice was squeaky or rough. I mean that literally no sound would escape my lips. I’d rely on notes and pointing at things. I was sure the problem would improve on its own, but it took me swallowing my pride and getting to the doctors for a course of prednisone to sort things out. I know I’m lucky, because my problem was only temporary, but it gave me a unique insight into what life might be like if I had no voice. So I’m a big believer in the work the Australian Dysphonia Network does, especially during April, which is Voice Awareness Month. The Australian Dysphonia Network will stage two concerts this year during the celebrations.

First there’s Voices in the Valley at the Q Theatre in the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre. Held April 7, the show will feature professional musicians, including World Voice Day ambassador Drew McAlister, and community members. Tickets cost $25 per person, or $20 for concession holders, and are available from the Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre.

On April 29, the celebrations head north for Hunter in Harmony at the Newcastle Conservatorium of Music. World Voice Day ambassador Melinda Schneider will appear at this show hosted by acclaimed performer Francine Bell. Tickets are $35 per person, or $25 for concession holders. Get yours from the Eventbrite page.

All money raised by both events will help The Australian Dysphonia Network raise awareness of voice issues and fund research into early diagnosis and management.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Out of the Oddness” – Tom-Lee Richards

I’ve been intending to review Tom-Lee Richards’ album Out of the Oddness for a few days now. But every time I went to start typing I couldn’t bring myself to do it. This is the kind of music that is just made to be appreciated. It casts a spell which would be broken by the tap-tap-tapping of my fingers on my keyboard. I worried the magic might not be as potent if I started to analyse it, in much the same way that a magician’s tricks lose their wonder once you know how they’re done.

But if I didn’t review it, I told myself, you wouldn’t know how special it is. It’s not a big blockbuster release, so you won’t hear its songs on radio. It would have been buried by all of the other albums on your streaming service. You’d never find it, and that would be a great shame. So after spending days just listening, I reasoned that it really was important I stepped out of that bubble of appreciation and little and put my thoughts down.
From the opening strains of “Beside You,” you know you’re in for something unique. It’s striking in its stripped back soundscape, with just a gentle acoustic guitar and Tom-Lee’s voice easing you in before you’re picked up by the groove of the chorus. From that moment, if you’re lucky, you’ll find yourself like me, carried away by the beautiful music Tom-Lee creates.

He has a gift for creating unique soundscapes which sound so pretty and original. Sonically, this is such a strong album. The instruments come together so beautifully, and Tom’s voice has such a special quality. But there’s more than that at play. The lyrics of these songs are so moving. I felt so caught up in the tracks, whether Tom-Lee is singing of longing in “Beside You” or social isolation in “Madness.” Upbeat fare like “As Far as India” help balance more sombre moments like the title track.

Out of the Oddness is like no album I can remember hearing. It’s truly captivated me. It’s very early in the year to call it, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up being my favourite release for 2018.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sally-Anne Whitten Releases Hot New Single “Watch It Burn”

Following in the footsteps of so many strong female country voices, Sally-Anne Whitten has delivered an anthem for the ages with her latest single “Watch it Burn.”

The track has some fantastic lyrics exploring the concept of staying true to yourself and never bowing to society’s expectations. It’s an empowering song with a cool bluesy feel.

“Watch it Burn” comes from Sally-Anne’s new album Burgundy Street, which is available in all digital outlets and selected record stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elisa Kate Drops New Piano Pop Smash, “Promise Me”

Newcastle’s own Elisa Kate has released a dreamy new piano pop single, “Promise Me.” It’s a got such a classic feel which instantly draws you in from the first listen. I also love Elisa’s smoky vocals and accessible, heartfelt lyrics.

“We surround ourselves with so many ‘things,’ and sometimes it takes losing it all for us to find clarity within,” Elisa explained. In those sobering moments, I find myself listening more intently to the unshakable voice that was there all along, crowded out.”

Hopefully we’ll hear a lot more from this promising New South Wales singer-songwriter soon.

Image used with permission from The A & R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Releases “Suburbia” Ahead of Smith Street Band Support

For a rough and raw slice of Australiana, look no further than “Suburbia,” the latest single from Brunswick band Press Club.

The third single lifted from the band’s forthcoming debut album Late Teens, “Suburbia” explores our need for belonging and search for self-identity. Plaintive vocals from Natalie Foster bring this powerful track to life.

Press Club is one of those bands that works hard to maintain creative control of its sound. “Suburbia” was recorded in just one day, the self-produced by the band and engineered by its guitarist Greg Rietwyk.

Press Club will launch the single this week before joining The Smith Street Band for their national tour.

16 March 2018 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne (single launch)
21 March 2018 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle (with The Smith Street Band)
22 March 2018 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong (with The Smith Street Band)
23 March 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra (with The Smith Street Band)
24 March 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
25 March 2018 – Long Jetty Hotel, Central Coast (with The Smith Street Band)
29 March 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough (with The Smith Street Band)
31 March 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth (with The Smith Street Band)
1 April 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle (Under 18s with The Smith Street Band)
5 April 2018 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool (with The Smith Street Band)
6 April 2018 – Shadows, Mount Gambier (with The Smith Street Band)
7 April 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
11 April 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with The Smith Street Band)
12 April 2018 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (with The Smith Street Band)
13 April 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (with The Smith Street Band)
14 April 2018 – The Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (with The Smith Street Band)
18 April 2018 – Giddy Goat Hotel, Rockhampton (with The Smith Street Band)
19 April 2018 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach (with The Smith Street Band)
20 April 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville (with The Smith Street Band)
21 April 2018 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with The Smith Street Band)
27 April 2018 – Discovery, Darwin (with The Smith Street Band)
28 April 2018 – Gap View Hotel, Alice Springs (with The Smith Street Band)
4 May 2018 – Saloon Bar, Launceston (with The Smith Street Band)
5 May 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
9 May 2018 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (with The Smith Street Band)
10 May 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave (with The Smith Street Band)
11 May 2018 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights (with The Smith Street Band)
12 May 2018 – Hawthorne Arts Centre, Hawthorn (Under 18s with The Smith Street Band)
13 May 2018 – Theatre Royale, Castlemaine (with The Smith Street Band)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angie McMahon Playing Everywhere With New Single Release

Angie McMahon is scoring some high-profile supporting gigs of late, warming up crowds for Alanis Morissette earlier this year and preparing to do the same with Angus and Julia Stone later this year. But if she keeps releasing songs the calibre of new single “Missing Me,” the follow-up to “Slow Mover,” she’s going to graduate to permanent headliner before too long.

“Missing Me” is another strong indie rock ballad that packs a serious emotional wallop. There’s so much tension and angst in Angie’s resonate, husky voice. It’s a different kind of female voice than the one we typically hear in music, and it really strikes a chord with me.

Angie says “’Missing Me’ is about releasing all that punchy sass and angst that bubbles under the surface when somebody isn’t listening to you, or they’re letting you down, or breaking your heart.”

Angie has plenty of dates scheduled between headlining her single shows and supporting Angus & Julia Stone. Here are all the places you can catch her in the coming months.

14 March 2018 – The Gasometer, Melbourne
15 March 2018 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
17 March 2018 – The Peninsula Picnic, Mornington
29 March 2018 – Nan’s Birthday, Bendigo
28 April – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane (with Angus & Julia Stone)
29 April – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton (with Angus & Julia Stone)
1 May 2018 – Entertainment Centre, Mackay (with Angus & Julia Stone)
2 May 2018 – Entertainment Centre, Townsville (with Angus & Julia Stone)
4 May 2018 – Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns (with Angus & Julia Stone)
5 May 2018 – Ski Club, Darwin (with Angus & Julia Stone)
9 May 2018 – Anitas Theatre, Thirroul (with Angus & Julia Stone)
10 May 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra (with Angus & Julia Stone)
11 May 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle (with Angus & Julia Stone)
12 May 2018 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (with Angus & Julia Stone)
15 May 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with Angus & Julia Stone)
17 May 2018 – Ulumbarra, Bendigo (with Angus & Julia Stone)
18 May 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong (with Angus & Julia Stone)
19 May 2018 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (with Angus & Julia Stone)
20 May 2018 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (with Angus & Julia Stone)
22 May 2018 – Odean, Hobart (with Angus & Julia Stone)
23 May 2018 – Princess Theatre, Launceston (with Angus & Julia Stone)
25 May 2018 – Flinders University Plaza, Adelaide (with Angus & Julia Stone)
26 & 27 May 2018 – Arts Centre, Fremantle (with Angus & Julia Stone)
9 June 2018 – Sea N Sound, Mooloolaba
6 July 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
7 July 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgia June Drops Fab New Single “Pressure”

Prepare to grab your hairbrush and dance around the room, because Sydney indie pop-rocker quintet Georgia June have released a fantastic new track, “Pressure.” This song has the right amount of angst and retro charm.

It’s a promising sign of what came out of Georgia’s mentorship under Billboard, which saw lead singer Georgia collaborating with Joel Wittenberg (Surf Rock is Dead) and Ayad Al Adhamy in New York City.

“Pressure is about the indecision and doubt that comes with pursuing what you love,” Georgia explained. “I had just decided to go overseas after deferring my university degree and was stressed about disappointing people if things didn’t work out, or if I didn’t amount to the person I wanted to be. But when producing the track, I wanted it to be a feel good groove song that people can dance to at our shows. “

You’ll get an opportunity to dance along when Georgia June launches the single at Sydney’s Lady Hampshire on March 24.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Xavier Rudd Drops New Single Ahead of Aussie Tour

Xavier Rudd is one of those musicians who can seemingly do no wrong. He releases a single or album, and you can probably feel confident you’re going to dig it. Such is the case with his latest effort “Walk Away,” the first track lifted from his forthcoming new album Storm Boy. It’s a got a little more intensity than a lot of Xavier’s material, more power and less hippie vibes, but I’m embracing the new direction.

Storm Boy isn’t released until later this year, but you can bet fans will hear more tracks from it when Xavier plays shows in capital cities around the country next month. It’s the first time in a decade he’s played such small intimate venues, so fans are in for a real treat. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.

12 April 2018 – Triffid, Brisbane
13 April 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
14 April 2018 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
15 April 2018 – Reverb Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neon Queen Releases Soulful New Single “Free My Mind”

Mondays can be difficult, but I’m easing into the working week thanks to the release of “Free My Mind,” the soulful new track from Melbourne’s Neon Queen. With smooth as chocolate vocals from Kriss Lisati, beautiful harmonies, and shimmering synths, it feels a classic song given a fresh modern makeover.

“‘Free My Mind’ marks a reinvention of Neon Queen’s sound for 2018 fully embracing our R&B and Rock roots and bringing the past into the present with Melbourne soul,” the band says.

I hear these guys are phenomenal live, so if you get a chance to see them next month, don’t hesitate. With most shows offering free entry, you’ve got nothing to lose!

7 April 2018 – Exeter Hotel, Adelaide (FREE)
21 April 2018 – The Evelyn, Melbourne
27April 2018 – Botany View Hotel, Sydney (FREE)
29 April 2018 – North Gong, Wollongong (FREE)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR