Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oxford Art Factory Turns 10

With so many live music venues closing their doors of late, Oxford Art Factory’s 10th birthday is something to be celebrated.

What a wild ride this Sydney space has had since opening its doors in 2007. The venue hosted Lady Gaga’s very first Australian show and recently it was the venue of choice for Dave Grohl’s cover band Chevy Metal. On the home front, OAF has nurtured the likes of The Rubens, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, The Preatures, and Nick Murphy (Chet Faker), booking them before they became household names.

OAF will mark its milestone birthday with an eclectic selection of local and interstate favourites including Gum, Palms, ORB, Green Buzzard, Party Dozen, and heaps more on October 14. Tickets are free but you’ll need to RSVP to confirm your attendance at Moshtix. Get on it!

Image source: James Dennes @ Flickr.com

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cub Sport and Middle Kids Announce Free Summer Shows

As the countdowns tell us Christmas is less than 100 days away, it’s probably time to start knuckling down and saving a bit of money. You don’t need to sacrifice some time out though, with Cub Sport and Middle Kids joining forces for a string of free gigs next month thanks to Summer Bright Lager. The Aussie acts will travel around together playing free afternoon gigs through October and November.

These shows come at an exciting time for both bands. Cub Sport has just released the album BATS, featuring the singles “O Lord” and “Chasin” while Middle Kids are fresh off the plane from three months touring in the United States. The headliners will be joined by a local up-and-coming act each afternoon, so make sure you get out early to discover the talent in your own back yard.

Mark the dates on your calendar and head to the Summer Bright Lager website for more details.

21 October 2017 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Wollongong (from 3pm)
22 October 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (from 3pm)
28 October 2017 – The Bucket List, Sydney (from 1pm)
29 October 2017 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta (from 3pm)
4 November 2017 – Tasman Way, Byron Bay (from 1pm)
5 November 2017 – Secret Location, Sunshine Coast (from 1pm)

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Ready For Summer With Reuben Stone’s “Brighter Than the Sun”

Summer doesn’t seem so far away when you’re listening to Reuben Stone’s new single “Brighter Than the Sun.” Its release is the latest highlight in a busy year for the Melbourne reggae artist, who has toured the country with Tash Sultana, the Pierce Brothers, and the one and only UB40.

It’s such a cool track, with husky vocals, a great groove, and bright and bold horns.

“’Brighter than the Sun’ was written about love, life, the highs and lows of existence,” Reuben explained. “Struggles that come out of nowhere can be fixed with self-reflection while looking deeper inside yourself you can mentally step back and take an outside perspective.”

Reuben’s live shows are always something special with their blend of acoustic and electronic sounds. Find out for yourself at the following gigs, kicking off with a Sydney show tonight!

21 September 2017 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
22 September 2017 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 October 2017 – Birregurra Festival, Birregurra
18 November 2017 – Brown Brothers Spring Wine & Food Festival, Milawa
14 December 2017 – Waywards Hotel, Sydney (Single launch)
15 December 2017 – The Penny Black, Melbourne (Single launch – FREE)
16 December 2017 – Noosa Oval, Noosa (with Tash Sultana)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lenka Releases Stunning New Single “Heal”

Lenka has offered us a taste of her new album Attune ahead of its October 13 release. The lead single “Heal” is a gentle pop ballad with introspective lyrics, the result of a collaborative songwriting session over tea with Sally Seltmann.

If you love “Heal,” you’re in luck. Preorder Attune now and you’ll receive a digital copy of “Heal” and another song “Lucky” to enjoy while you’re waiting for the album. Speaking of the album, it sounds very cool with a papercraft diorama sculpture piece part of its unique packaging. As someone who’s long bemoaned the death of interesting liner notes, I’m impressed.

Lenka will celebrate Attune’s release with a show at Los Angeles’ Hotel Café on October 17 and another at New York’s Mercury Lounge on October 19. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see her back on home soil.

Image used with permission from Wiking PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Bloodline” – Run Rabbit Run

Ordinarily when a band releases its EP, it’s finding its feet. Perhaps it feels too safe. If there are risks, they don’t always pay off. The sound might show promise, but often it’s not quite there. And then every now and then you hear an EP like Bloodline from Melbourne folk act Run Rabbit Run.

This is self-assured music that challenges the boundaries of folk. It’s bold, confident, and oh so good, right from the opening strains of “Into the Woods.” It’s a lushly layered track with an ethereal quality that instantly piqued my curiousity about what I might hear next. Its plaintive choir-like vocals really speak to the heart.

“Sticks” is a traditional rollicking folk ditty, a great ride that compels you to clap along to the driving drums and join in the “woah ohs.” “Old Soul” is stunning in its simplicity. All the right ingredients are here, a relatable narrative, powerful vocals enhanced when lead singer Casey Martin’s voice harmonises with his bandmates. As the music reaches its crescendo, it takes an unexpected musical turn; I didn’t expect it but I was so captivated I went along willingly.

We’re surprised again in “We Don’t Know What It’s Like,” when electric guitars take over from the banjos. Those modern instruments don’t normally find a role in such folky Americana fare, but in a brooding song like this they make perfect sense.

We’re taken on another journey with the final track “Lights.” It speaks so eloquently of the struggle to gain our independence, yet the draw we always feel to the past. At first the song is gentle, sparse and delicate, but it builds to a compelling climax.

Bloodline is a powerful EP. If this is what Run Rabbit Run can produce first up, I can only imagine the accomplished music these guys will make 10 or 20 years from now. See them on tour at the following shows this October and November.

7 October 2017 – The Hotel Metro, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – The Loft, Warrnambool
19 October 2017 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
12 November 2017 – World Vegan Day Festival, Melbourne
25 November 2017 – The Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ricki-Lee Releases Incredible New Single “Not Too Late”

When Ricki-Lee was unceremoniously booted from Australian Idol well before her time, it was called one of the great scandals of TV history. People still talk about how she was robbed. There’s no doubting her talent, yet somehow despite all that chatter her career has never quite taken off as the careers of some other former Idols have.

My theory is that she’s never released the right song. Her upbeat pop numbers have been fun but ultimately forgettable. But I think she’s on to a winner with “Not Too Late.” On her Facebook page, Ricki-Lee wrote that she poured her heart into the track, and it shows. It’s such a special song and hopefully signals a new, more soulful era of music from this talented Aussie.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lahey Drops Indie-Pop Gem “I Haven’t Been Taking Care of Myself”

There’s no sign of second single syndrome from Alex Lahey, who’s just released her brand new pearler “I Haven’t Been Taking Care of Myself.” The second cut from her forthcoming debut album, I Love You Like a Brother, this track is absolutely irresistible. I just love its pop energy and introspective lyrics.

“A lot of the songs on the record are about the relationships that we engage in with other people. ‘I Haven’t Been Taking Care Of Myself’ deviates from that in that it’s about the relationship that we have with ourselves and how that is reflected in the way we bring others into our lives,” Alex explained. “If you feel shit about yourself, you’re generally going to get off on the wrong foot with someone else.”

The single will no doubt encourage more people to see Alex on her I Love You Like a Brother tour, celebrating the album’s October 6 release. Catch her in the capitals and major regional centres next month.

4 October 2017 – 48 Watt St, Newcastle
6 October 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
7 October 2017 – The Zoo, Brisbane
11 October 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
12 October 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
13 October 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
14 October 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
18 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
19 October 2017 – Rosemount, Perth
20 October 2017 – Mojos, Fremantle

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Corner Hotel Hosts Grand Final Eve Fundraiser for Kids with Cancer

I’ll be honest with you, I don’t “get” AFL. I was raised on rugby league, so perhaps it’s just not in my genes. So when I heard The Corner Hotel was throwing a Grand Final Holiday Eve party, I nearly deleted the press release. But then I spotted that the event has some kickarse bands and it’s raising funds for kids with cancer. That’s the sort of stuff you just can’t ignore.

The Great Rock ‘n Roll Pie Night features entertainment from Dallas Crane, Chris Russell’s Chicken Walk, The Draught Dodgers feat. Tim Rogers, The Pretty Littles, and You Am I’s Davey Lane as guest DJ. Warwick Capper will MC the event which raises funds for the Challenge Organisation, Victoria’s first organisation providing support and recreational opportunities for families living with cancer.

Get behind the Challenge Organisation and enjoy some superb music and pies at the Corner Hotel on September 28. Tickets are on sale now.

Image used with permission from Chrissie Vincent Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea’s Symphony Album Tops the Charts

When I reviewed Anthony Callea’s newie ARIA Number 1 Hits In Symphony during the week, I said I wouldn’t be surprised if it does as Backbone did and found itself at the top of the ARIA charts. So I’m not shocked to see it’s pushed Ed Sheeran’s ÷ off its perch, but I am thrilled. It’s a really special album that deserves all the accolades.

Paul Kelly’s Life is Fine has also slipped a little this week, from number two to number five. But it’s far from a bad result five weeks after its release.

Another outstanding former number one Go Farther Into Lightness by Gang of Youths rounds out the top ten.

Sadly our Aussies aren’t doing so well on the singles charts. Hopefully “Lay It On Me” by Vance Joy can continue its ascent and end up in the top 10 soon.

Top 10 Albums
1. ARIA Number 1 Hits In Symphony – Anthony Callea
2. Sleep Well Beast – The National
3. All the Light Above it Too – Jack Johnson
4. ÷ – Ed Sheeran
5. Life is Fine – Paul Kelly
6. Slowheart – Kip Moore
7. Moana – Soundtrack
8. Villains – Queens of the Stone Age
9. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 – Soundtrack
10. Go Farther in Lightness – Gang of Youths

Top 10 Singles
1. “Too Good at Goodbyes” – Sam Smith
2. “Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift
3. “… Ready for It?” – Taylor Swift
4. “New Rules” – Dua Lipa
5. “What About Us” – P!nk
6. “Glorious” – Macklemore feat. Skylar Grey
7. “Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
8. “Dusk Til Dawn” – Zayne feat. Sia
9. “Friends” – Justin Bieber & BloodPop
10. “1-800-273-8255” – Logic feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

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