Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phia Breaks the Mould With “Oxide” Ahead of EP Release

Like Melbourne’s Phia, I was interested to see Björk writing last year about the criticism female artists face when they write music that departs from exploring relationships and touches on atoms, galaxies, or activism. I’m also thrilled that Phia used Björk’s comments as a songwriting challenge. While she face backlash? Who knows, but she’s delivered “Oxide” anyway!

With her words in mind, Phia read of scientists who discovered 60,000-year-old bacteria inside subterranean caves in Mexico. “Oxide” is told from the perspective of that ancient micro-organism. It definitely thinks outside the box of acceptable female songwriting, but that’s a big part of its appeal.

“Oxide” comes from Phia’s EP The Woman Who Counted The Stars, which will drop on September 29. The EP’s title refers to astronomer Vera Rubin, the first scientist to quantify dark matter. To celebrate its release, Phia is playing throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, and here in Australia in the coming months. Catch her at the following venues.

16 September 2017 – The Gladstone, Brighton
17 September 2017 – The Betsey Trotwood, London
20 September 2017 –Café Galao, Stuttgart
21 September 2017 – Die Wohngemeinschaft, Cologne
22 September 2017 – FZW Das Hochste Der Gefuhle Festiva, Dortmund
25 September 2017 – Tonfink, Lubeck
26 September 2017 – Norgelbuff, Gottingen
29 September 2017 – Anlangencafe, Schwabisch-Hall
30 September 2017 – Rang Teng Teng, Freiburg
1 October 2017 – Hafen 2, Offenbach
6 October 2017 – Moritzhof, Magdeburg
7 October 2017 – Badehaus, Berlin
12 October 2017 – Kramladen, A-Wien
13 October 2017 – Fumreif, A-St. Georgen
30 November 2017 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
2 December 2017 – The Newsagency, Sydney
3 December 2017 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
8 December 2017 – The Flying Cock, Brisbane
9 December 2017 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neighbourhood Youth Knock It Out of the Park With “Lately”

After selling out their Melbourne EP launch and supporting big name acts like British India and Dappled Cities last year, Melbourne’s Neighbourhood Youth have generated plenty of buzz. They show us why with the release of new single “Lately.”

It’s a whirlwind of track clocking in at just over two minutes, but what the band achieves in a short space of time is mesmerising. It rocks hard with a frenetic energy that should have you punching your fists by the time the chorus rolls around.

Melbournites are in luck with a couple of hometown shows announced for the coming weeks. Catch them at Old Bar tomorrow, September 17, and Yah Yah’s on October 7.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Anywhere With a Rooftop” – Patrick Wilson

Patrick Wilson shows an appreciation for the music that came before with his stellar EP Anywhere With a Rooftop. His beautiful, soulful voice soars throughout the collection of songs, complemented so well with a tight band of horns and fiddles and silky-smooth backup vocals from the Bare River Queens.

It’s called an EP but it seems more like a mini-album really, with seven tracks leaving no doubt about Patrick’s talent. The first two songs, “Nobody” and “One Single Moment,” are upbeat crowd-pleasers guaranteed to get your toes tapping.

It shifts gears with “Anywhere,” a lovely country ballad that shows the true breadth of Patrick’s artistry. While the previous songs had strong vocals, it wasn’t until listening to him crooning over this song that I truly understood just how good his voice is.

“Rosemary” is another real standout for me, an aching song of betrayal, so heartbreaking yet with just the right amount of restraint to keep its class. “Hide by the River,” the EP’s final song, proudly wears its classic influences on its sleeve, with lyrics referring to daddy with his shotgun seeking vengeance against his daughter’s suitor. The electric guitars help contemporise this musical Western.

Listening to Anywhere With a Rooftop, it struck me how old school it is. It’s a little bit soul, but in the purest sense. It’s a little bit country, but not as we understand the term now. There’s no hint of crossover here. Again, it’s pure, influenced by the greats. Patrick Wilson is a musical throwback in the very best sense of the word. Someone who reminds us of where music came from and why classic sounds are still celebrated today. When so many artists are following trends, it’s refreshing to hear an EP like Anywhere With a Rooftop which reminds true to its musical roots.

Anywhere With a Rooftop is released on September 22. Patrick will launch the EP with a hometown show at the Union Hotel, Brunswick, on October 7.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah McLeod Releases “Wild Hearts” And Extends Tour

Female rock voices don’t come much stronger than Sarah McLeod’s. Even when she’s releasing ballads like her new single “Wild Hearts,” there’s a power to her vocals that’s undeniable.

This song has much more than powerhouse vocals on its side though. It also demonstrates Sarah’s knack for simple but powerful storytelling through her lyrics. The understated guitar lets you take in those words and the special way Sarah delivers them.

“Wild Hearts” comes from Sarah’s recently released, self-produced album Rocky’s Diner, her first solo effort in 12 years. As you can imagine, after such a long wait fans are keen to see Sarah doing her thing. So she’s extended her national tour with many more dates. Here are all the places you can see her play near the end of the year. Tickets to the new shows, the ones from November 5 onwards, go on sale through Oztix on September 21.

5 October 2017 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
6 October 2017 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
7 October 2017 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
8 October 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
12 October 2017 – 48 Watt, Newcastle
13 October 2017 – The Baroque Room, Katoomba
15 October 2017 – Miranda Hotel, Miranda
25 October 2017 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
26 October 2017 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
27 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
3 November 2017 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
4 November 2017 – Club 54, Launceston
5 November 2017 – Jive, Adelaide
29 November 2017 – The Curtin, Melbourne
30 November 2017 – The Basement, Canberra
2 December 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane
7 December 2017 – The Hen House @ Badlands Bar, Perth
8 December 2017 – The Odd Fellow, Fremantle
9 December 2017 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
15 December 2017 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
16 December 2017 – The Lansdowne, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jess Fairlie Releases Stunning New Single “White Coats”

Melbourne’s Jess Fairlie shows she’s one to watch with the release of her soulful new single “White Coats.”

The track explores the confusion so many of feel as we battle our inner voices. I can hear some jazz and rock influences creeping in to this dynamic track. What a great groove it’s got. And her tone is so interesting. I could listen to Jess sing all day.

“White Coats” is officially released on September 29, but you can listen to it first here. Jess will launch the song at a Melbourne venue, to be determined, in late October.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Day on the Green Celebrates the ’90s With Veruca Salt, The Lemonheads, & More

Once upon a time the Day on the Green concerts were aimed squarely at the baby boomers. However, it seems organisers have well and truly realised younger folks love great music and wine too, because their latest tour announcement is aimed squarely at people growing up in the ‘90s. The bumper bill features international acts Veruca Salt and The Lemonheads and our own The Living End, Spiderbait, Tumbleweed, and The Fauves.

Between them these alterna-rock legends have notched up eight ARIA Awards, had 12 top 10 albums, and 19 top 40 singles. That’s some serious talent on one bill. Don’t miss out when tickets go on sale on September 25 at 10 am from Ticketmaster.

24 February 2018 – Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley NSW
25 February 2018 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton QLD
3 March 2018 – Petersons Winery, Armidale NSW
10 March 2018 – Josef Chromy Wines, Launceston TAS
11 March 2018 – Mt Duneed Estate, Geelong VIC
17 March 2018 – Leconfield Wines, McLaren Vale SA (The Lemonheads not performing)

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Silk ‘n’ Oak Drops Awesome New Single “What They Said”

Silk ‘N’ Oak is keeping fans on their toes with the release of a brand new single “What They Said.” One half of the Queensland duo Ricky Saunders says “I think it’s one of our most unique songs, mainly because I came up with the melody without a guitar in my hands.”

It might be a bit of a departure for the band, but I think the gamble has paid off. It’s a big brassy song with boundless energy and a great sound that’s somewhere between the Arctic Monkeys and classic Americana.

After recently wrapping their fifth East Coast tour, you might assume this band of brothers would be tired of playing shows. Not so. You can catch them at the following venues this month.

16 September 2017 – Bowen Family Fishing Classic, Bowen
26 & 29 September 2017 – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane
30 September 2017 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wallace Releases Gorgeous New Single “Black Lake”

Sydney-based Kiwi Wallace offers us an irresistible taste of her debut EP in the form of her brand new single “Black Lake.” It’s a seductive, simmering song which shows off her unique vocal talents so beautifully. You can hear Wallace’s jazz training coming through, but there are other influences at play here that make this song so special. Just try getting that marimba-led riff out of your head after hearing it.

“’Black Lake’ attempts to capture the thoughts of someone who is in love and ready to commit to a person who isn’t,” Wallace explained of the song she co-wrote with Eskimo Joe’s Joel Quartermain. After finishing the tune, I was re-watching one of my favourite comedies, The Mighty Boosh, and realised with all the water imagery we’d weaved into our story, we’d accidentally written the song from the point of view of Old Gregg. We hadn’t landed on a title at this point so I suggested Black Lake, the home of the Baileys drinking, watercolour painting man himself.”

“Black Lace” comes from Wallace’s debut EP Pole to Pole, which is released on October 13. She’ll celebrate the release with shows in the major capitals.

13 October 2017 – Hudson Ballroom, Sydney
14 October 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
20 October 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
21 October 2017 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Lekker Collective

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony” – Anthony Callea

I must admit, I don’t follow the singles charts as much as I used to. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia that comes with old age, but I remember growing up listening to the charts on the radio, recording song after song because every one was a winner. Now I see what’s charting and wonder who or earth is buying that. It seems Anthony Callea has a similar affection for the good old days when browsing the track listing of his latest album ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony.

The album celebrates Anthony’s favourite singles that topped the ARIA charts. Most of the tracks come from the late ‘80s and ‘90s, although Anthony does dabble in more recent musical history with his covers of “All of Me,” “Someone Like You,” and “Bleeding Love.” Thankfully he’s given “Despacito” a wide berth. The more recent covers are songs that could have been written in another time, beautiful ballads that suit this album’s mellow feel. Don’t confuse mellow with sleepy though. John Foreman should be applauded for his magical arrangements of these songs. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra execute his arrangements flawlessly. Then there’s Anthony’s sublime voice in the centre of it all. What a voice he has, powerful and rich. If anything I think it’s only gotten better over the years.

It’s interesting that Anthony has chosen to release this album which has such a layered, rich sound as his follow-up to Backbone, an album which stripped back the production. While they’re very different albums, both contain see Anthony breathing new life into some excellent source material, putting his own stamp on the songs while remaining faithful to the original. And just like Backbone, I wouldn’t be surprised if this one goes to the top of the charts.

ARIA Number 1 Hits in Symphony is in stores now.

6 July 2018 – Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide
7 July 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth
27 & 28 July 2018 – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne
3 August 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
4 August 2018 – The Star, Gold Coast
11 August 2018 – State Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On With Levingstone

Sydney soul group Levingstone are back with an awesome new single “Ritual.” It’s such a slick track, with a killer groove and big bold horns providing a great contrast to those pure vocals from Sammii Su. The horns are brand new for Levingstone, and I think they add some exciting depth to this already stellar act.

Levingstone describes “Ritual” as “A song about death that you could dance to.”

“Ritual” comes from Levingstone’s EP Overland, which will be released in November. Expect to hear word of some shows soon to coincide with Overland’s release.

Image used with permission from Stimulated Media