Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Acclaimed South African Singer-Songwriter Jeremy Loops Announces May Tour

Ordinarily when I tell you to go check out a touring artist, it’s because I’ve heard their new music and fallen love. Funnily enough, that’s not what’s happened with Jeremy Loops. The new single from this South African singer-songwriter, “Waves” is a little predictable for my tastes. It sounds like the sort of thing that could do very well on the charts, but there was nothing to really get me excited.

But then Spotify kept playing and I heard some of Jeremy’s earlier material. Songs like “Sinner,” “Skinny Blues,” and “Trip Fox” had this cool rootsy folky vibe that I really love. So if like me “Waves” isn’t thrilling you, please dig a little deeper. You might just find yourself heading to one of the following shows.

22 May 2018 – The Capitol, Perth
23 May 2018 – Fowlers Live, Adelaide
24 May 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
26 May 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane
27 May 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurst Impresses With New Single “Rattle Kids”

Hurst have a couple of singles under their belt which earned some airplay on community radio, Triple J, Triple M, and other channels, but they’ve escaped my attention until now. There’s no chance they’ll stay under the radar though with the release of “Rattle Kids,” a bold alterna-pop track that takes me right back to the ‘90s. And can I just take a moment to praise those insane vocals from Ana Veira?

The Western Sydney four-piece releases “Rattle Kids” on February 9. See Hurst at one of the following upcoming gigs.

27 April 2018 – The Hideaway Bar, Sydney
10 May 2018 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
11 May 2018 – Lass O’ Gowrie, Newcastle
12 May 2018 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Jared King PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YouTube Sensations Maari Release Stunning New Single “Heartbreaker”

After wowing fans with their YouTube covers, Sydney duo Maari are showing us just how good their originals are. Their latest single “Heartbreaker” packs a real punch with its powerful blend of R’n’B, electronica, and indie pop. Its musical strength is matched with emotionally charged vocals.

“At first listen, HeartBreaker comes across as a powerful declaration of independence and sexuality… but the song is littered with confessions of pain, loss and insecurity,” the Sydneysiders explained. “We wanted to create an erratic fusion of aggression and vulnerability, which is accentuated in the intense highs and lows of the production.”

We’re clearly dealing with a band with a strong musical vision here, as Maari recorded and self-produced the track in their home studio, dubbed The Maari Kitchen. Hopefully we hear them cook up more music soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Apia Good Times Announces Superb 2018 Lineup

The folks behind the Apia Good Times tour have assembled another cracker lineup for its 6th year, with Brian Cadd, Marcia Hines, Russell Morris, Leo Sayer, and John Paul Young joining forces for this year’s nostalgia-fest.

While the shows will be wonderful, Sydneysiders get the chance to get up close and personal with the artists on the bill next month. They’ll be signing autographs at the Suncorp Discovery Store in Pitt Street from midday on February 6.

The Apia Good Times tour will take in capital cities and key regional centres around the country. Apia and Frontier Touring members can get presale tickets from January 31 ahead of the February 5 general sale.

16 May 2018 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin
18 May 2018 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth
19 May 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
25 May 2018 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
26 May 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
27 May 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
31 May 2018 – Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
1 June 2018 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
2 & 3 June 2018 – Twin Towns Services Club, Tweed Heads
7 June 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
8 June 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
9 June 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
10 June 2018 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
15 June 2018 – Princess Theatre, Launceston
16 June 2018 – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Camp Cope Release Stand-Out Album Title Track

I’m working on a Saturday. On a long weekend nonetheless. Despite resolving to get better work-life balance this year. It’s frustrating that after working myself into the ground last year, taking Friday afternoon and tomorrow off seems like some kind of balance. Also, my air-conditioner is broken so my husband and I are fighting over possession of the tower fan. Anyway, long story short hearing the new Camp Cope track “How to Socialise & Make Friends” is just what I needed right now.

I love the heart of this band. They’re so good at speaking of life’s frustrations, yet expressing hope and defiance at it all. This track was recorded in just three takes, which gives it this delicious spontaneous energy.

“How to Socialise & Make Friends” is the title track from Camp Cope’s forthcoming album, due March 2. They’ll tour the album after its release, but if you haven’t got your tickets, good luck. Many shows are already sold out, and the rest are selling fast!

14 March 2018 – Republic Bar, Hobart
15 March 2018 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
16 March 2018 – – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 March 2018 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
20 March 2018 – Jive, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2018 – Basement, Canberra
22 March 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli (SOLD OUT)
23 March 2018 – The Metro, Sydney (All Ages)

Photo credit: Naomi Beveridge; used with permission from Super Duper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Woodes’ Twitter Letter Clinches Sylvan Esso Support Slot

Melbourne’s Woodes has shown us all that when you want something badly enough, it can happen if you only ask. She’s been handpicked by American duo Sylvan Esso to support them on their upcoming shows after she reached out to them via an open letter on Twitter.

Apparently Woodes was one of several contenders for the coveted support slot, but her sweet letter about how the American duo inspired her own musical journey is what got her over the line. You can read that letter in full here.

See Sylvan Esso and Woodes at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on January 31 or Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on February 8.

Images used with permission from RiSH Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joshua Radin Announces Aussie Tour

American singer-songwriter Joshua Radin is far from a household name here in Australia, but he’s been a regular visitor to our shores since I first saw him live in 2009. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of catching him on three different tours, each one showcasing the new folky music he’s released while never failing to dive back into the vault and play the old favourites the audience loves. Nearly three years since his last visit, Joshua is preparing to return to Australia on the back of 2017’s The Fall.

If you love music that moves you and soothes your soul, now is the time to get into Joshua Radin. A presale starts today, but you’ve got time to fire up Spotify and discover him before the general sale on January 29. As a taster, check out this video of featuring Josh playing “Falling,” from The Fall, in his kitchen. When someone delivers without all the bells and whistles, you know seeing them on the stage will be special.

18 May 2018 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
20 May 2018 – The Gov, Adelaide
22 May 2018 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
24 May 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
27 May 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Too Many Zooz Announce They’ll Be Back in Oz

Quirky New York trio Too Many Zooz haven’t long wrapped up their first Aussie tour, but they’re keen to do it all again. Leo P, Matt Doe, and David “King of Sludge” Parks will bring their unique BrassHouse music back to Australia next month.

For a sign of what’s in store, check out this cover of TNT the band fittingly recorded in Melbourne’s AC/DC Lane. There’s more where that came from; join the party at the following Too Many Zooz shows.

16 February 2018 – Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
18 February 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
19 February 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
21 February 2018 – Perth Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ScoreIT! Competition Nurtures Young Queensland Composers

If you’re a Queensland high school student with dreams of becoming the next Ennio Morricone or John Williams, make sure you enter the ScoreIT! Competition. Part of the Queensland Music Festival (QMF), the competition encourages budding composers to score a short animated film produced by the Griffith Film School. The winning entry will be performed by a live orchestra in July. Winners will also take home RØDE Microphones recording gear. Finalists will also benefit from composition workshops and masterclasses led by experts from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University and a half-day workshop from leading video and digital agency PixelFrame.

Your entry will be judged by an all-star panel including acclaimed vocalist and QMF artistic director Katie Noonan, award-winning film composer Cameron Patrick, and industry leaders from the Griffith Film School, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, and the Queensland School of Film and Television.

“Music speaks – without words. I can recall many film scores that have moved me throughout the years, and I can’t wait to hear what our talented young composers come up with for the three beautiful animations produced by Griffith Film School students,” Katie Noonan said. “Many past Score IT! participants have gone on to study music at university and are still following their passion, which is exactly why we started this Queensland Music Festival project in the first place.”

There are three ScoreIT! categories: Junior (year 7-10), Senior (year 11 and 12), and Plus, which has the added challenge of composing for a specified instrumentation (year 7-12). Make sure you get yours in before May 18. Visit the Queensland Music Festival website for more information and to view the animated show films.

Image used with permission from Queensland Music Festival

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LA Faithfull Releases Power Synth-Pop Single, “Heart Back”

Melbourne singer-songwriter LA Faithfull bares her soul on her brand new single “Hear Back.” On the surface is sounds like a sweet electro-pop song, but the lyrics and LA’s powerful vocal delivery help it back a real emotional punch. Anyone who’s ever felt vulnerable is sure to relate to this gut-wrenching track.

“Heart Back is about the moment when you fall apart and realise that maybe no one will ever be able to put back together those tiny pieces of your heart that feel like they are lost when tragedy strikes,” LA explained. “ I actually wrote the lyrics the night I found out my dad had prostate cancer…I was going through the motions of looking at my dad’s face when he had to tell us, and watching my mum’s reaction of pure fear – and then feeling that it will never be the same again…even when you have good days, you’re always worried about the next bit of bad news.”

LA Faithfull can’t wait to show Australia what she can do in person, with a tour set to be announced really soon. Until then, give this great song another listen.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR