Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Timber” – Liv Cartledge

Sometimes a single grabs you but the album or EP it comes from doesn’t live up to that promise. However, sometimes it takes a few more songs for you to really understand an artist and the longer release exceeds your expectations. I love when that happens, so I was thrilled to hear Liv Cartledge’s EP Timber.

It’s not that the single “Heard Your Name” didn’t impress me, because it did. I liked its cruisy vibe and I thought Liv’s voice has a really distinct huskiness to it. But if I heard an EP of five songs in the same vein, it might have become one of those pleasant background releases that I’d like well enough, but didn’t feel compelled by. However, Timber is such an intimate, special recording. Lyrically it lays everything bare. It’s at its best in its quieter moments, like “Running” and the title track, a sublime closer.

It was only on listening to Timber that I felt I got a real sense of who Liv Cartledge is. The soft husky tone I loved first is showcased well, but what impressed me most is her intimate and raw songwriting talents. She’s not afraid to show us who she is and what’s been through, and that’s powerful. There’s darkness, strength, fragility, and true beauty in this release.

Timber is out now. Liv is currently touring the EP around the country. You can still catch her at the following gigs.

12 October 2017 – Porch Light Sessions, Sydney
13 October 2017 – Parlour Show, Sydney
21 October 2017 – Swagger Music Festival, Wandiligong
3 November 2017 – Happy Wanderer Festival, Benalla
5 November 2017 – Parlour Show, Benalla
10 November 2017 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
18 & 19 November 2017 – Brown Brothers, Milawa
24 November 2017 – The Taphouse, Bendigo

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Banff Releases Beautiful New Single “Renew”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Banff lays it all bare with his powerful new single “Renew.” It digs deep with vulnerable lyrics and a dreamy electro pop-folk sound.

“‘Renew’ kinda talks about the insecurities that I felt as an artist just deciding that I’d launch new music into the world, and waiting to really change the traditional treatment that I’d given all of my songs,” Banff explained. “It’s like a love story with the art of writing songs.”

Banff will support the release of “Renew” with shows in the East Coast capitals. Catch him at the following venues.

16 November 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane BLCK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD
24 November 2017 – The Gasometer (Upstairs), Melbourne
2 December 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Xander Holmes Releases “Something Real”

17-year-old Xander Holmes caught my attention earlier in the year with the release of his EP Ocean. Now the Brisbane singer-songwriter is ushering in a new chapter with the release of “Something Real.”

It picks up where Ocean left off, a strikingly mature song that explores life and what happens when things don’t work out as planned. I just love Xander’s voice and the originality he’s bringing to his music. We don’t often see such a unique take at such a tender age. With every release from this young talent, I’m more impressed.

“The song is about discovering or getting into something when it is still new, fresh and exciting. Things like relationships, friendships, new opportunities and projects. That really freeing feeling of Something New,” Xander explained.

With “Something Real” Xander proves the EP was no fluke. This young man is the real deal.

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evanescence Teams Up With Local Symphonies For Aussie Tour

In the ‘90s, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing Evanescence’s big hits like “My Immortal” or “Bring Me To Life.” Now decades later, Amy Lee and her bandmates hope you’ll be singing them again with the announcement of a brand new East Coast tour.

This is no mere excuse for nostalgia. While we’ll doubtlessly hear the hits, Evanescence will visit Australia to showcase songs from their fourth studio album Synthesis, out November 10.

Evanescence has always had an epic, dramatic sound, so it’s only fitting that they’ll be joined by some of the country’s best orchestras. No doubt that symphonic sound will take the classics and new songs to the next level.

Tickets for Evanescence’s Synthesis Live With Orchestras tour are available from Ticketek now.

11 February 2018 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane (with Queensland Symphony Orchestra)
13 & 14 February 2018 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney (with Sydney Symphony Orchestra)
16 February 2018 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne (with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Siki Daha Releases Stripped Back Single “Certain Someone”

Sydney’s Siki Daha lets his soulful voice do all the talking with his new single “Certain Someone.” In a world where so much soul music is layered up, its simple delivery, with just an acoustic guitar keeping Siki company, is refreshing.

“The song is about asking the question of ‘What does it feel like to be in love?’ Since writing it I’ve fallen in love once and can happily say it’s the best thing in the world,” said Siki. “The lyrics talk ‘bout the feeling of love, the idea and the thought of how it all feels comparing it to the blue skies and the green grass, very Disney but kinda sweet,” he said.

“Certain Someone” comes from Siki’s forthcoming studio album, which will drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Stimulated Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Support LGBTQI+ Kids With Thirty Days of Yes

Some of the coolest acts in the country are joining forces to show their support for the Yes campaign and the nation’s LGBTQI+ community. They’ve lent their voices to Thirty Days of Yes, a subscription mixtape that will feature 30 songs released over 30 days.

The mixtape features songs from Cub Spot, Hockey Dad, Sui Zhen, Courtney Barnett, Jess Ribiero, Jen Cloher, The Murlocs, and heaps more. It’s also cheap as chips, costing just $15. However, if you want to give more to the cause you certainly can!

All of the profits will benefit LGBTQI+ youth organisations Minus18 and twenty10. That’s money well-spent in my book. Get yours from the Thirty Days of Yes Bandcamp page. And remember to send back those yes postal votes!

Image used with permission from Inertia Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Family Band The Buckleys Releases New Single “Run”

There’s something so special about a family band. The way their voices and instruments combine is unbelievable. It’s like they were made to play together. Australia’s latest is The Buckleys, a country-pop trio from New South Wales’ Northern Rivers who’ve just released their new single “Run.”

The track is one of the sweetest country-pop songs I’ve heard in some time. It’s got such charm and optimism, as well it should considering these guys aren’t even old enough to drink or vote. Singer and guitarist Sarah Grace is 17, the electric and slide guitarist Lachlan is 16, and little sister Molly on vocals and mandolin is just 14. Perhaps it’s not surprising they’re so gifted though, because their dad used to be the drummer in the Radiators!

With such talent at such a tender age, expect to hear big things from The Buckleys.

Image used with permission from Golden Robot Global Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paddy McHugh Delivers Music With a Message in New Single “Meanwhile in Wilcannia”

Paddy McHugh offers a powerful message about our country in his excellent new single “Meanwhile in Wilcannia.” It’s a fine example of the superb stories spun on his sophomore album City Bound Trains. Listen out for the guitar solo by country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley.

“For Aboriginal men living in the NSW town of Wilcannia, the life expectancy is only 38 years of age,” Paddy explained. “This song is a direct challenge to everyone (myself included), to put their problems into perspective and to acknowledge the ongoing struggles of our Indigenous brothers and sisters. No matter how bad you have it, there is someone doing it tougher.”

Tamworth raised and Brisbane based, Paddy McHugh takes music back to basics. His songs bring together exceptional lyrics, great melodies, and heartfelt vocals. It’s as simple as that. He’s currently touring the country on the back of the single and album’s release. The following shows are still to come!

7 October 2017 – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
8 October 2017 – HoboFopo Festival, Hobart
14 October 2017 – Café 2340, Tamworth
20 October 2017 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
22 October 2017 – The Old Museum, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Colin Hay Brings Band to Australia for East Coast Tour

Colin Hay was the real standout for me amongst a stellar line-up at this year’s Good Times shows. So it’s great to hear he’ll be back on our shores sooner rather than later to celebrate the recent release of his 13th solo album, Fierce Mercy.

Recorded in Los Angeles, Fierce Mercy explores themes of love, loss, mortality, and even UFO sightings with Colin’s unique insight into the workings of the world.

This tour will be a little different to his set at Good Times, as he’s bringing his band with him. San Miguel Perez, Yosmel Montejo, Scheila Gonzalez, Cecilia Noel, and Jimmy Branly are first-class musicians who’ll inject a little Latin flavour into the Men at Work and solo Colin Hay catalogue.

“Of course I am excited to be coming down to Australia, and playing both new and old songs, in the heat of the summer in January and February,” Colin said in the press release. “How could I not be? I will be accompanied by my LA based band of immigrants, hailing from Cuba, Guatemala and Peru. By now it’s more or less a family affair, and they are my favourite people, both to play and tour with. Step out and come see us, you won’t regret it.”

You heard the man! Tickets go on sale on Monday, 9 October.

31 January 2018 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
1 February 2018 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
2 February 2018 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
3 February 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
9 February 2018 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
10 February 2018 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Southbank

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz Party Delivers With “Drowning”

Melbourne’s Jazz Party takes listeners on a wild ride with its new single “Drowning.” Released today, the track travels at a frenetic pace, with driving drums, heavy-handed piano, bold horns, and sexy, sassy vocals from Loretta Miller.

She says “Drowning” is “about finding a release and revelling in your darkest places. The kind of song you can join in on and dance around your room in an ecstatic way.”

“Drowning” comes from Jazz Party’s forthcoming debut album Monday Night, which gets released on November 3. The band will celebrate its launch with the following shows.

11 November 2017 – The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne
16 November 2017 – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane
16-19 November 2017 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby
24–26 November 2017 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff