Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Johnny Rock Covers Beatles for Marriage Equality

I’ve been a passionate supporter of marriage equality for years before we were debating plebiscites and postal surveys. I remember vividly when America granted marriage equality so quickly and decisively thinking perhaps the tide was turning and we wouldn’t be kept waiting too much longer. But here we are, in the middle of a period of Australian history that has unearthed so much hate and bigotry.

The sunny spot though has been the heartfelt messages of support for the Yes campaign, the way that people from all walks of life have banded together and been so vocal in solidarity for this cause. Johnny Rock of Pretty City added his voice and a whole lot of glitter to the Yes campaign recently with his cover of The Beatles “Real Love.” Because spreading a little love when there’s so much hate and anger can only be a good thing.

Johnny hopes to start a movement and encourage other musicians to record their own love song covers to help balance the hateful rhetoric. If you do, make sure to use the hashtag #lovesongsforequality. And if you’re not musical, why not lip sync something?

“I’ve have many friends who have become really upset about the negativity out there. I’ve had friends deactivate their social media accounts because it was all getting too much,” he explained. “You can support your mates with likes and hearts all you want but there’s a point where even the strongest people start to break down. So as a muso I thought I could do something else to not only support marriage equality but maybe ease some of the pain out there.”

So however you can, get involved. It’s a dark time in Australia, but your efforts can make it a little brighter.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Spend Your NYE With Frenzal Rhomb and The Bennies

Countdowns to Christmas have already started, which means New Year’s isn’t far behind. How will you be ringing in the New Year? I’ll be lucky enough to be somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean with a glass of bubbles from my beverage package in hand. If you don’t have such extravagant plans though, you’ll want to get yourself to Max Watts in Melbourne. Because Frenzal Rhomb and The Bennies are joining forces for what they’re calling The Best New Years Eve Party That Ever Existed … Extreme.”

Both bands have had a bumper year. Frenzal Rhomb released Hi Vis High Tea and toured Canada and all over this country, while The Bennies kept company with The Living End in Oz and The Smith Street Band in Europe. So they’re ready to celebrate!

Make sure you come early, because Hightime, Antonia & The Lazy Susans, Cosmic Kahuna, and DJ Snesmega will also take the stage. Tickets are on sale now from Poolhouse Records.

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXO Does Pop-Rock Right With “Without You”

Love songs are a dime a dozen. In an oversaturated market, it’s easy to let them wash over you, then just wait for the next one. But Canberra’s MAXO has released a love song that deserves a little more time and attention, his brand new song “Without You.”

MAXO isn’t reinventing the wheel here. The song’s exploration of the craziness of love and the empty feelings that come when the object of your affection isn’t there doesn’t really cover any new ground. But MAXO’s emotional vocals give it that little extra something. It’s also super catchy, the kind of thing I can imagine commercial radio stations adding to their playlists if they were willing to take a chance on an up-and-comer.

Hopefully we hear more from this local talent soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KG Sounds Off With “Mabo, Martin, Mandela”

NFL players and people supportive of them taking a knee across America this week, and the backlash they’ve faced from certain sectors including their own president, has highlighted that race is still an important topic in modern society. The issue has dominated my Facebook feed this week with passionate discussion. I made the comment at the time that I wondered where all the good protest music was today, because if anything should come from this difficult time it’s good music.

My friends didn’t seem to know, so I was thrilled to see “Mabo, Martin, Mandela,” the latest track from South African born, Australian raised rapper KG in my inbox this morning. This is the protest music I’ve been looking for. Bold, defiant, articulate, unashamed, it’s what the world should hear right now.

“Mabo Martin Mandela is my tribute to three of my favourite black leaders in history,” KG explained. “I created the song to educate people on who they are and get an emotion of pride from the black community as well as a reaction from people of all races. In the current climate and fight for equality worldwide, it’s important that we learn from the past.”

KG will play The Gasometer Hotel in Melbourne on October 6 and Transit Bar in Canberra on October 25.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leopold’s Treat Playing Hometown Show at Tally Valley Hall

Tallebudgera Valley’s own Leopold’s Treat are giving back to their local community with a very special show on October 7.

Music lovers can expect an evening of acoustic tunes in a family-friendly atmosphere. There’ll be a meditation session at sunset, fabulous food, and plenty of good vibes. Another local talent, Felicity Lawless, will also play a set. Money raised will also benefit animal and environmental charities. What a great opportunity to come together with your neighbours and hear some great music from your backyard? This video gives you a little indication of the kind of fun you’re in for!

If you live in the area, make sure you get along to Tallebudgera Valley Community Hall on October 7. It all kicks off at 4 pm, and with tickets costing $30 for adults and $10 for kids, it’s a pretty affordable night out. Get yours now from Yapsody.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes Join Shanley Del For Beautiful New Single

I don’t always warm to country music, especially the kind of country that sticks to the genre’s roots. Yet in spite of that, “The Basics of Love,” a new collaboration from Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes and ARIA award winner Shanley Del has won me over.

It’s the strength of the songwriting that does it for me I think. It’s so true and vivid, creating the story of these two people making their way through the world and their emotions. Lachlan cowrote the track with his Wildes bandmate Damian Cafarella and Melbourne songwriter Nia Robertson.

“Nia had the original idea for the song and I loved it immediately,” Lachlan said in a press release. “It’s kind of like a scene from an old film – just a moment in time where a couple of characters are replaying all their mistakes in their heads. They’re at the bar together, but they’re very much alone – for now.”

Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes will capitalise on the release of “The Basics of Love” with a run of shows next year, including appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I’m Kinda Buzzed And It’s All Because I Love the ’90s is Back!

I had a ball at this year’s I Love the 90s show, so I’m thrilled to hear it’ll be back in 2018 with a lineup that might just be better than the original! Naughty by Nature, Blackstreet, Sisqo, Montell Jordan, All 4 One, Rob Base, C&C Music Factory, and Snap all on the same bill? Sign me up!

My only real gripe is the choice of venues this time around. While I’ve never been a fan of Allphones Arena, at least it gave seats to the people who wanted them. While the shows were a great big party and those dancing on the floor looked like they were having a ball, perhaps promoters should have remembered that these musicians had their heyday 20 years ago. Now a large section of the target audience is pushing 40! We like getting up and dancing when we want to do but knowing there’s a seat when it all gets too much. Perth and Adelaide, consider yourself lucky that you’ll have a seated option!

There are presales happening for some shows RIGHT NOW and more on Wednesday, or you can wait for the general sale on Friday September 29.

11 March 2018 – Redhill Auditorium, Perth
14 March 2018 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
16 March 2018 – Melbourne Showgrounds, Melbourne
17 March 2018 – Parramatta Park, Sydney
18 March 2018 – Eatons Hill Outdoor, Brisbane
20 March 2018 – Reid Park, Townsville

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get On Board With The Northern Folk’s New Single

Genre-bending Melbourne-based band The Northern Folk is preparing to release an exciting new single “Get On,” and I can’t stop listening. It won’t officially drop until October 12, but you can wrap your ears around it early here.

Like so many of the best songs, “Get On” came out of feelings of frustration.

“Frustration with religion, politics and absurdly priced scones,” according to male vocalist Paul Dyason. “The consequence was less of a sermon, but more an informative manual that outlines fun ways to not be a dick.”

The track reminds me of something Ed Sheeran might do if he wasn’t a solo act. It builds on that honest, rhythmic lyrical base with lush harmonies, heavy-handed piano, and a rich horns section. The sound is so intricate, with so many elements coming together, but it works so well.

The Northern Folk will take up residency at The Gasometer Hotel in October and tour the East Coast over the coming months.

4 October 2017 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne (with Rose Burgess Trio & Zac Saber)
8 October 2017 – Beer Deluxe, Albury
10 October 2017 – UMSU Tuesday Bands @ Melbourne Uni, Melbourne
11 October 2017 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne (with The Peeks & Domini Forster)
15 October 2017 – Spring Fling St Festival, North Melbourne
18 October 2017 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne (Single launch with Ben Whiting & Joyce Prescher)
19 October 2017 – Transit Bar, Canberra
20-22 October 2017 – Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley
23 October 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
25 October 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
26 October 2017 – The Black Malabar, Newcastle
27-29 October 2017 – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Dorrigo
9-11 November 2017 – Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival
12 November 2017 – Healesville Music Festival, Healesville
9 December 2017 – By The Banks Festival, Albury
27 January 2018 – Summer Sounds Festival, Bermagui
2-4 March 2018 – Cobargo Folk Festival, Cobargo

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sun Sap’s Dreamy Single Comes to Life

With a healthy dose of honky tonk and a cool, laid back vibe, Sun Sap’s “Miss Behind” has me anticipating warmer weather. It’s that perfect lazy summer weekend song, with classic influences given a modern twist.

The song came to the Illawarra band’s Shaun Gaida after a wacky lucid dream.

“I was eating pancakes served on the face plate of a Baldwin piano while Burt Bacharach himself sung ‘Miss Behind’ to me the whole time never breaking eye contact,” he said. Whether their take is better than Mr Bacharach’s we may never know, but you can hear Sun Sap’s version live at their upcoming shows.

30 September 2017 – Yours & Owls Festival, Wollongong
4 October 2017 – Rad, Wollongong (with Julia Why?)
14 October 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
27 October 2017 – Rad, Wollongong (with The Ruiins)
9 November 2017 – Rad, Wollongong (with Heart Beach)

Image used with permission from Future Popes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly’s New Single is Out of This World

Melbourne rockers Slowly Slowly continue their winning ways with their epic new single “Aliens.”

I absolutely love this track. It starts small but builds to the kind of crescendo that encourages you to punch your fist in the air and sing along.

Slowly Slowly frontman Ben Stewart says “”the song is a stream of consciousness, equal parts self-loathing and self-pity. I wrote it in my car on my phone in about four minutes. I guess that’s why it kind of sucks.”

It doesn’t.

“Aliens” comes from Slowly Slowly’s forthcoming second album. If you love the song, you can score a 7” with two versions of “Aliens” and the live track “Dinosaurs” from Slowly Slowly’s Bandcamp page. They’ll launch the single in front of hometown fans at Howler in October before joining Something for Kate on their national tour.

6 October 2017 – Howler, Melbourne (single launch)
10 November 2017 – Manning Bar, Sydney (with Something for Kate)
11 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane (with Something for Kate)
17 November 2017 – The Gov, Adelaide (with Something for Kate)
18 November 2017 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (with Something for Kate)
24 November 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (with Something for Kate)

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR