Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maxine Jones & Greg Gould @ Crowne Plaza, Terrigal – 18 July 2017

Living on the Central Coast, we don’t get a lot of big name musical acts. Aussie bands will occasionally stop by, but locals usually have to head to Sydney or Newcastle to see international artists. And a free show? It’s virtually unheard of. So when I heard that Maxine Jones from En Vogue was set to perform with our own Greg Gould at the Crowne Plaza in Terrigal last Tuesday night, I was a bit floored. Our Crowne Plaza? And for free? I wouldn’t normally venture out on a Tuesday night, but I couldn’t resist.

I must admit, when I stepped into the Lord Ashley Room, I wondered whether I was in the right place. The small stage, with its kitschy gold backdrop, hardly seemed befitting of soul royalty like Maxine. I’ve never been to a gig where employees were scrambling to find seats for people, pulling in couches and chairs from neighbouring rooms! The Facebook event said it all kicked off at 6, but hours later I was still waiting. That did give me time to savour the delicious wine and tapas the venue offered though.

This show was really worth the wait though. Although it was modest in presentation, the talent of both Maxine and Central Coast local Greg Gould shone through. Greg put me onside from the get go with a cover of “Euphoria,” a Eurovision winner from Sweden’s Loreen, that he dedicated to LGBTQI people still struggling for acceptance and love. I must admit, I missed Greg’s stint on Australia’s Got Talent, but I was wowed by him. What a talent the Central Coast has produced. Greg could have enjoyed more time in the spotlight, but he graciously stepped aside for Maxine to remind us all exactly what we love about her. I didn’t expect to hear “Free Your Mind” brought out so early, but she slayed it. Her voice has lost nothing over the years and her attitude is every bit as fierce.

Greg and Maxine graciously shared the stage for the rest of the evening, alternating between taking the lead and contributing back-up vocals. They sang like divas but certainly didn’t have the attitudes we associate with the term. Clearly appreciative of one another’s talents, they seemed happy to step back and take in what the other could do.

Greg treated us to a mix of his superb originals and covers of soulful songs like “Lay Me Down” and “American Boy.” Maxine’s work with En Vogue left her plenty of solo material to play with, but her cover of “Imagine” showed a deeper, more emotional side of this sassy performer. They came together for duets a couple of times, first to close the first set and again to close the night. I hadn’t heard their new single “Do You See Me Now” before, but I was spellbound by it. “Don’t Let Go,” the song Maxine made famous with En Vogue, was much more familiar to me, but hearing what Greg brought to the track helped me experience it with fresh ears.

Greg and Maxine will tour Europe and the United States together. If you get the chance to see them play together, take it. Nights enjoying voices like these are so rare and so special.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Remembering Dr G Yunupingu

Like so many music lovers, I was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr G Yunupingu this morning. He was one of our most special musical artists, who is just 46 years made his mark, first with Yothu Yindi and then with his solo career.

He was born on Elcho Island, off north east Arnhemland. Despite being born blind, music was in his veins and he taught himself how to play the drums, keyboards, guitar, and didgeridoo. But it was his voice that I’ll remember most. Though I didn’t speak a word of his Yolngu language, I felt like I understood his music. He communicated with us all with something more than words.

Dr G Yunupingu went on to sell over half a million copies of his albums across the world. He played for everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Barack Obama. Yet he remained connected his community. He passed away yesterday in Darwin Hospital after a long battle with illness.

I want to share this video with you, his music with you. Take a moment just to stop and appreciate the legacy he left for us.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kinky Boots @ Capitol Theatre, Sydney – 15 July 2017

With just a few weeks left of its Sydney run, I finally caught Kinky Boots at the Capitol Theatre recently. This was one of those musicals I knew I had to see. It ticked so many boxes for me. It was based on a movie that thoroughly charmed me. Cyndi Lauper, one of my greatest musical idols, wrote the songs. Harvey Feirstein, another one of the world’s special talents, wrote the book. It promised glitter, sequins, and pizzazz. Tick, tick, and tick. My expectations were high, yet this very special production exceeded it.

If you’ve seen the movie, you’re already familiar with the story. Boy grows up around his father’s shoe factory, but wants to carve out his own destiny rather than living his dad’s life. Father dies. The boy, now a man, is torn between his desire to find his own path and his wish to save his father’s legacy. He discovers he can do both when he breaks with tradition and turns his father’s factory into the most fabulous production facility for drag queen boots. Throw in a love triangle and a touching friendship between two very different principle leads and you get the idea.

The story of Kinky Boots is a simple one, but it’s one with real heart. Cyndi Lauper builds on the tale beautifully with one of the best original music soundtracks I’ve heard in some time. Needless to say, I bought the CD before I left the theatre. The building blocks are there, but the Australian production has helped this music live up to its potential. Toby Francis’ Charlie is sweet yet complex. Sophie Wright as Lauren is endearing and so relatable. Teagan Wouters’ Nicola is frustratingly self-absorbed, but she plays the piece’s villain well. But it is Callum Francis as Lola who fittingly steals the show. He understudied the role in London but he’s now relishing the spotlight. Every time he was on the stage, I couldn’t take my eyes off him. What a talent he is.

If like me you’ve procrastinated about getting your tickets, do not delay. Kinky Boots is a special musical. The songs are first rate, the actors incredible, and the story one that nourishes your soul. Don’t miss it. It closes in Sydney in August, when it hits the Brisbane’s Lyric Theatre.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Self Talk Releases “Beside Dictionary” Ahead of EP Tour

I’ve had one of those days where the little things don’t go right and molehills seem like mountains. What’s the best way to deal with a day like that? Experts might advocate meditation or slow breathing, but I find grabbing a hairbrush and bouncing around my bedroom singing out a track like “Bedside Dictionary,” the latest track from Melbourne indie-poppers Self Talk, so much more therapeutic.

This music sounds so fresh but it also reminds me of some of the angry girl music I was listening to in the ‘90s like Juliana Hatfield, Letters to Cleo, and The Breeders. This nostalgic track is about “relationships that don’t really get past the beginning, not because they don’t work or the people involved don’t like each other, but it just doesn’t go any further,” the band explained. “It’s about the various things that come with that, how it might feel, the frustration or disconnection, or even just acceptance really.”

“Bedside Dictionary” comes from Self Talk’s EP Almost Everything, which drops on August 11. Preorder the EP and you’ll get instant downloads of “Bedside Dictionary” and “Old Habits.” Self Talk will support its release with shows all around the country next month.

12 August 2017 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
18 August 2017 – The Phoenix, Canberra
19 August 2017 – The Record Crate, Sydney
25 August 2017 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
26 August 2017 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Paris is Patient

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lance Ferguson Drops “Back to You” Single From Wild Remixed Solo Album

Melbourne soul pioneer and Bamboos founder Lance Ferguson has offered us a taste of his first solo album Raw Material with the release of the single “Back to You.”

The funky, feel good track is really the perfect showcase of what this album is all about. It samples “2+1,” which Lance recorded with his Bamboos vocalist Kylie Auldist. Lance loves working with samples, taking the original song and recutting it and recreating it until it’s something fresh. “Back to You” also sees Lance working with One Above, EMRSN, and Melbourne MC Mosé. This album might be technically a solo endeavour, but Lance does his best work when he’s bouncing off the creative energy of others.

The album is one of the more unique on the musical landscape. The creative process say Lance writing and recording twelve new songs. He pressed each one onto individual vinyl singles. He kept the first and sent the second to his favourite producers, encouraging them to sample the song they received and use it to start a new track. The first disc gives us the reworked versions, including six songs remastered by Lance. The second shows us the original recordings.

Raw Material drops on August 4.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophisticated Dingo Gives You “Head Talk”

A band with a name as fantastic as Sophisticated Dingo was always going to get me on side. Happily the Melbourne duo has backed up the moniker with a totally catchy new single “Head Talk.”

It’s got a great spontaneous energy about it that really cuts through. I love the big chunky guitars and heavy drums on this one. The gang-vocals of the choruses were actually recorded in the kitchen and living room of their producer’s house to give the track a more DIY sound.

It sounds fun, but all that raucous enthusiasm is wrapped around some fairly heavy lyrics about feelings of isolation.

“Even stupid little things like drunken fights over the phone can take a toll on your psyche if you don’t have clarity and closure in situations,” explained Sophisticated Dingo’s frontman Lewis “Lew” Matte. “It’s important to clear the air wherever possible and to understand the situation so you don’t falsely interpret things, for your own wellbeing.”

Mark your calendars Melbourne, because Sophisticated Dingo will launch “Head Talk” at The Tote Hotel (Upstairs) on September 1.

Image used with permission from Pompadour PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The New Buzz’s New Single Has Me Buzzing

If there’s one new band you should be hearing buzz about, it’s The New Buzz. “Valley of Silence” is only the Brisbane band’s second single, but it sounds like it might have been recorded after the band were playing together for many decades.

That’s partly because their sound is so tight and partly because their sweet soul is the best kind of throwback. The band wears influences like Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding on its sleeve, and I love it. “Valley of Silence” was also recorded on vintage equipment to give it that authentic old school sound.

“Valley of Silence” features wild, passionate vocals from alt-country crooner Karl S. Williams. He’s a big part of the reason this song is so strong, which worries me a little. Without him in the band, will the songs have the same impact? It seems unfair to judge based on “Brisket Bits,” because B-sides are invariably not as strong as A-sides, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. For now though, let’s just appreciate how good “Valley of Silence is.

If you love the track, snap up one of the ultra-limited edition vinyl versions. There are just 30, all hand-numbered and featuring a unique hand-drawn sketch from Karl.

Image use with permission from Valley Heat Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maja Makes Her Mark With “Wake Up and Find”

Iconic artists need just one name. Think Madonna, Prince, Beyonce, and Cher. Now we have a new name to the list: Maja. This Serbian-born, Melbourne-based chanteuse might be far from a household name yet, but her new single “Wake Up and Find” shows she’s got the talent to get there.

The tone of Maja’s voice is exquisite. I also love this song’s retro feel. There’s a really intriguing blend of surf rock, country, jazz, and soul that strangely works here.

“Wake Up and Find” comes from Maja’s EP Still Bleeding, which drops on August 4.

Maja will play Bar 303 in Northcote on July 30. She’s also planning some intimate shows across the country in September to support her EP’s release.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Donovan Triumphs With “The Villain”

Casey Donovan continues her musical comeback with her impressive new single “The Villain.” It’s such a powerful piece of music which isn’t afraid to leave the singer-songwriter exposed. I love its vulnerability and her vocals, as always, are on point.

Casey lets us interpret “The Villain” in two equally poignant ways. On one level, the titular villain is an ex-lover, but it’s also the anxiety that keeps her and a quarter of all Australians imprisoned at some point in their lives.

“The Villain” is incredible stuff from one of Australia’s best talents.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daggy Man Announces Intimate Album Shows

Daggy Man creates low-key, intimate folk songs that speak to your heart. He’s the kind of performer that can be appreciated best in the kind of places where people are there to really hear music rather than just sink back a few drinks. So it’s exciting to see Daggy Man will play tiny little venues in the East Coast capitals to support the release of his debut album A Lazy Kind of Pain.

See Daggy Man in acoustic mode at the following shows.

11 August 2017 – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne
12 August 2017 – Leadbelly, Sydney
24 August 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Daggy Man