Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Friends for Christmas” – John Farnham & Olivia Newton-John

It’s officially the silly season, a time when we can unashamedly enjoy a little schmaltz and sweetness. We get both in abundance in Friends for Christmas, a new holiday release from good pals and Aussie legends John Farnham and Olivia Newton-John.

This is the ideal album to slip on while you’re trimming your tree or entertaining the family on Christmas Day. It’s merry, joyful, and full of cheer. Old favourites like “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” are delivered with childlike enthusiasm. But for me the real standouts are the songs that allow these two incredible voices to soar. You can’t help but be captivated by more traditional choices like “The Little Drummer Boy” and the closing number, “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” hits all the right notes; it’s tender and so exquisitely executed.

There’s no disputing the talent of these artists. Separately they’re amazing, but listening to them harmonise and feed off one another’s energy takes things to another level. When they get together, magic happens. And isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Friends for Christmas is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aquila Young Charms with “Crimson Criminal”

Queensland songbird Aquila Young has unleashed her seductive new single “Crimson Criminal.” This is one of those songs that gets underneath your skin with its raw, dark lyrics and lush synth sounds. It’s given me chills.

Aquila will play NightQuarter on the Gold Coast on New Year’s Eve. Seeing her set sounds like a wonderful way to ring in 2017!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom West Unleashes First Single From New Album

Tom West has gone back to the vault for his latest single “All My Friends are Scientists.”

“This is an older song that has lingered around the edges of my repertoire for ages without ever settling into a place,” he explained. “As I was writing the music for the new album, ‘Scientists’ seemed to fit amongst the newer tracks and it began to take on a new life as all the arrangements developed.”

I’m thrilled he went back to the track, because it’s stunning. I love its ominous driving rhythm and darkly poetic lyrics.

“All My Friends are Scientists” is the first track lifted from Tom’s forthcoming album, which should get released in the middle of 2017. It was recording in an ad-hoc cottage studio in the Adelaide Hills, which sounds like a pretty fabulous place to lay some songs down.

Tom West has big plans for this album, which shows planned in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and here at home.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harts Announces Aussie Tour

Fresh from signing a deal with massive American indie music label Razer + Tie, Australia’s own Harts has announced he’ll tour around the country early next year.

The shows are promoting Harts’ album Smoke Fire Hope Desire, which features a slew of singles including the newie “Fear in Me.” The song’s clip gives you a little taste of the kind of rock star energy you can expect at these gigs.

17 February 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
18 February 2017 – SS&A Club, Albury (FREE)
24 February 2017 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
25 February 2017 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
2 March 2017 – The Beery, Terrigal
3 March 2017 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
4 March 2017 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
5 March 2017 – Urban Jungle Festival, Perth
11 March 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ILUKA Releases Feelgood Single “Blue Jean Baby”

Sydney songstress ILUKA has got my toes tapping with her new folk-pop single “Blue Jean Baby.” It’s an irresistible track which bounces along with the help of a driving acoustic guitar and ILUKA’s angelic voice.

“Blue Jean Baby” comes from ILUKA’s forthcoming EP, Blue My Soul. It explores similar themes of breaking away from the ordinary and the self-discovery that can come from such escape. Look out for it in February 2017.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fat Freddy’s Drop Playing Aussie Festivals

Those funky fellows from Fat Freddy’s Drop will return to Australia for the festival season.

We’re the latest stop for the Kiwi band, who are still promoting their fourth studio album, BAYS. That album features the incredible new single “Fish in the Sea.” While the song references the poetry of Pushkin, the clip is inspired by Maori and Polynesian mythology.

Make sure you don’t miss Fat Freddy’s Drop’s set at the following festivals.

29 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Lorne
30 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, Tasmania
31 December 2016 – Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley
2 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Byron Bay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Meltdown Releases Killer New Single “Colours in the Sky”

The Meltdown are best known for creating floor fillers, but it shows it can create one hell of a soul ballad with the release of new single “Colours in the Sky.” The track reminds me a little of something Amos Lee or Ray LaMontagne might release, with its rich, raspy vocals and genuine heart.

“Colours in the Sky” comes from The Meltdown’s self-titled debut album, which is scheduled for an early 2017 release.

The Meltdown will play Summer of Soul on January 7 and Riverboats Music Festival on February 17 to 19.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Better Hold On” – Tullara

Tullara shows she’s an artist that’s impossible to pigeonhole with her debut EP Better Hold On.

I thought I had her pegged with the opening track “Too Many.” It’s a jaunty folk song, complete with a fiddle, an acoustic guitar, and a banjo. I imagined she was something like the second-coming of Jewel, but with a richer, huskier voice that reminded me a little of Dido.

But when I heard “Jailbreak” I knew I was wrong. It’s a wild, bluesy ride, with a funky bass line and killer vocals from Tullara. It’s as far from folk as you can get, the kind of rock star turn you’d expect a tough chick to deliver in a dark, sweaty pub with sticky floors.

That frenetic performance took my breath away, yet I wondered whether it was all a dream as I listened to the delicate “No Time.” It’s a calm folk song, delivered with the resignation of someone self-aware enough to understand a relationship is just not working.

“Five Weeks” sees Tullara shifting gears again. It’s entirely instrumental, with a real international flavour. It transported me to the bazaars of India in minutes.

The final track “Six Months” might be my favourite. It’s also perhaps the most intimate and stripped back we hear Tullara. The lyrics are vulnerable and given space to breathe with just an acoustic guitar to keep time. It’s a heartbreaking exploration of lost love that most of us will find so painfully familiar.

Tullara shows that she’s an artist with so much in her back pocket. She goes where the music takes her, and hopes her listeners will come along for the ride. I’m only too happy to follow.

Better Hold On is currently available from digital outlets. Tullara is touring the country to support its release. Here are her remaining dates.

8 December 2016 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
9 December 2016 – Leche Café, Yamba
10 December 2016 – 63 First Ave, Sawtell
11 December 2016 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle
26 December 2016 – 1 January 2017 – Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lisa Richards Moves On With “A Light From the Other Side”

Lisa Richards has lived one hell of a life. She battled drugs and alcohol before moving from her hometown of Townsville to the States in her mid-20s. There she released five albums and toured relentlessly over more than 20 years before her husband was sent to prison. Heartbroken, she returned to Australia to rebuild her life. With all that experience behind her she’s created a brand new album, A Light From the Other Side.

It features the song “You Got the Power,” which encompasses everything the album is about. I love its strength, insightful lyrics, and jazzy instrumentation. Lisa’s voice is also so unique, with the kind of tone that stops you in your tracks and demands you listen in.

Lisa will showcase songs from A Light From the Other Side at her upcoming shows.

8 January 2017 – Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
28 January 2017 – The Brookfield Shed, Hobart
10 February 2017 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
18 February 2017 – Gasoline Pony, Sydney
23 February 2017 – Paris Cat, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Buchanan Releases “The Beep Test” Ahead of Keith Urban Tour

After Buchanan starts playing shows with Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood tomorrow, you can expect to hear a lot more from this act from Melbourne. It’s just because a lot of people will discover Buchanan, which they will, but also because this outfit has some killer songs like new single “The Beep Test.”

If this song sounds slick, it’s because it was mixed in Los Angeles by Anthony Kilhoffer, who produced all of Kanye’s albums. Buchanan recently relocated to the City of Lights, but will not doubt be looking forward to getting back on home soil for the dates with Mr Urban. Limited tickets are still available for those shows.

6 December 2017 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
8 & 9 December 2017 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
10 December 2017 – GIO Stadium, Canberra
12 December 2017 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
14 December 2017 – ICC Theatre, Sydney
16 & 17 December 2017 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Remedy PR