Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko Touring “Eternal Return”

With Sarah Blasko’s tour just around the corner, it’s worth taking at a look at the most recent single from her sixth studio album Eternal Return.

“I Wanna Be Your Man” is one of the most accessible songs Sarah’s released in some time, and I think it’s also one of her best. As a woman working in the music industry, Sarah probably knows what it feels to be marginalised because of your gender better than most. However, you don’t need to be in a male-dominated field for the lyrics to resonate. Perhaps there’s even something in this song for the lads too.

Sarah Blasko kicks off her Eternal Return tour on April 6. Here are all the Aussie and international dates. Tickets are still available for selected shows.

6 April 2016 – The Abbey, Canberra
7 April 2016 – Anita’s Theatre, Wollongong
8 April 2016 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
9 April 2016 – City Hall, Newcastle
15 April 2016 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
22 April 2016 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
23 April 2016 – The Forum, Melbourne
29 April 2016 – Norwood Concert Hall, Adelaide
30 April 2016 – Astor Theatre, Perth
10 May 2016 – Union Chapel, London
12 May 2016 – Ruby Lounge, Manchester
16 May 2016 – Hope & Ruin, Brighton
17 May 2016 – Thekla, Bristol
19 May 2016 – Les Etoiles, Paris
21 May 2016 – Les Nuits @ Botanique, Brussels
23 May 2016 – People’s Play, Amsterdam
24 May 2016 – Grand Theatre, Groningen
26 May 2016 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
27 May 2016 – Stadtgarten, Cologne
28 May 2016 – Zoom, Frankfurt
30 May 2016 – Kranhalle, Munich
31 May 2016 – Privatclub, Berlin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kirsty Lee Akers Is Country’s Brightest Star

With a new album scheduled to drop on April 1, it’s the perfect time to remember why Kirsty Lee Akers is one of the darlings of the country music scene. She’s the only person to win the Australian country industry’s three biggest honours: Toyota Star Maker, Telstra Road to Discovery, and a Golden Guitar. Her fun new single “When I Miss You Most” proves why. It’s such a bubbly little song, with an upbeat feel that helps mask the pain of its lyrics.

“When I Miss You Most” comes from the new album Burn Baby Burn. Most of it was recorded in Nashville to give it that classic country feel. This is the first album Kirsty’s released through Maven/Sony Music Australian, and critics are already buzzing that it may be her best yet!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Spread Good Vibes with “Edge of Nowhere”

It’s pretty easy to feel good on days like today. That long weekend is fast approaching, and if you’re in New South Wales like me the gloomy weather we’ve been plagued with has started to clear. It’s like Mother Nature knows we’ve got time off!

All those good vibes deserve a track like “Edge of Nowhere,” the killer new single from Perth band Pacific. It’s got awesome harmonies and such a chill summery vibe. Even in autumn, it goes down a treat.

The single officially drops on April 1, the same day Pacific releases their self-titled EP. Apparently we can look forward to more catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and honest lyrics on the five-track release. You can get the single as an instant download when you pre-order Pacific’s EP.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Swim Season in Stripped Back Mode

Swim Season are showing they’re one of the most consistent indie-pop acts in the businesses, releasing awesome track after awesome track. The latest is “Gold Cloak City,” A hooky little number with beautiful harmonies and a toe-tapping beat.

The original plugged-in version is awesome, but considering how Triple J supported the last single “Soldiers” you’re probably going to be hearing it soon anyway. So I thought I’d go a different route and post this acoustic video instead. I’m a sucker for a stripped back treatment, and that Aireys Inlet backdrop just can’t be beat.

It’s also fitting that I’m posting this now because Swim Season are playing a free, acoustic, all ages gig at the Kit & Ace tonight. This will be an excellent warm-up for their slot at The Hills are Alive on Sunday.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“With Love and Fury” – Brodsky Quartet & Katie Noonan

In this world of digital downloads and shuffle modes, I’ve heard many people say that the concept album is dead. But it seems they forgot to tell Katie Noonan. She’s created what is arguably one of her most ambitious albums to date with her new release With Love and Fury.

With Love and Fury sees Katie and the Brodsky Quartet collaborating for the first time on songs with lyrics drawn from the poetry of the late Judith Wright. The pieces were composed by a who’s who of the classical world including Richard Tognetti, David Hirschfelder, Carl Vine, Elena Kats-Chernin, and even Katie herself.

I must admit, when I first slipped this album on, I just wasn’t sure whether I’d write about it or not. It’s so different to anything I’ve heard Katie Noonan doing before. I couldn’t quite get it. But Kate is one of those artists that is ever evolving, producing quality music and moving on to the next project before things get stale.

The Brodsky Quartet are some of the UK’s best musicians, and Katie Noonan arguably has one of the best voices in this wide brown land. I’ve always known that, but listening to this album I think even I had underestimated her. She hits heights I’ve never heard, delivering songs that are impressively operatic.

I’m still not sure this is the kind of music I’ll reach for time and time again. It’s just so different, with songs that veer wildly from the classic structure of verses and choruses. While that meant I struggled to get into some songs, others really moved me. This album is brave and creative. And in a musical landscape that has a little too much beige, those virtues count for something.

With Love and Fury is released on April 1. Kate will tour the album with the Brodsky Quartet all around the country.

28 April 2016 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
29 April 2016 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
30 April 2016 – Canberra International Music Festival, Canberra
1 May 2016 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
2 May 2016 – City Recital Hall, Sydney
4 May 2016 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
5 May 2016 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Better Believe It, Meredith’s the Real Deal

Brisbane songstress Meredith fuses folk and electronica to dramatic effect with her latest single “How Could You Believe That.” I love what a slow burner this is, with resentment just simmering underneath the surface. Make sure you listen to the lyrics, which nail how a toxic relationship can affect everyone in the couple’s orbit.

There’s apparently an EP and some live shows to come, so no doubt we’ll be hearing a lot more from Meredith soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Coyote Gets it Right with “Neverending”

I missed Little Coyote when they released their debut EP, but I won’t make the same mistake with EP number two. The lead single “Neverending” has convinced me this Sydney band is the real deal.

Vocalist Judd English has got such a compelling voice, and he’s supported beautifully by drummer Anto Dinh, bassist Gareth Bussey, and guitarist Matt Coates. There’s a rock sensibility here, but elements of funk and blues give it an exciting fresh flavour. It’s one of those tracks you put on and you want to hear again as soon as it’s over.

“Neverending” is officially released on Friday, and we’ll see the EP at some point in the not too distant future.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Tops Albums Charts

Matt Corby fans have sent his long awaited debut album Telluric to the top of the ARIA charts this week. It’s his best chart result to date, after “Brother” peaked at number three and “Resolution” got to number five.

The Molly soundtrack is proving to have more staying power than most. It’s at number three this week, 16 weeks after its release. It’s also gone platinum.

Hilltop Hoods are also lingering in the charts, with Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung sitting at number five this week. The Adelaide hip hop act is also making their presence felt on the singles chart. “1955,” a track recorded with Montaigne and Tom Thum, is at number three. The Cat Empire’s new album Rising With the Sun, which like all these releases is also a former number one, now sits at number nine.

The singles charts has more of a local flavour than it usually does. “Never Be Like You” by Flume featuring Kai is at number seven, and Sia rounds out the top ten with “Cheap Thrills.”

Top 10 Albums
1. Telluric – Matt Corby
2. You and I – Jeff Buckley
3. Molly – Soundtrack 
4. 25 – Adele
5. Incarnate – Killswitch
6. Drinking From The Sun, Walking Under Stars Restrung – Hilltop Hoods
7. This Unruly Mess I’ve Made – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
8. Have It All (Live) – Bethel Music
9. Rising with the Sun – The Cat Empire
10. Purpose – Justin Bieber 

Top 10 Singles
1. “7 Years” – Lukas Graham
2. “Faded” – Alan Walker
3. “1955” – Hilltop Hoods feat. Montaigne & Tom Thum
4. “Stressed Out” – Twenty One Pilots
5. “One Call Away” – Charlie Puth
6. “Work From Home” – Fifth Harmony feat. Ty Dolla $ign
7. “Never be Like You” – Flume feat. Kai
8. “My House” – Flo Rida
9. “Hide Away” – Daya
10. “Cheap Thrills” – Sia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan Back with New Single “Glow”

So many different musicians have crossed my path since I started this music blog. Many of them I forget about if I don’t hear from them for a while, but the best stay with me. One of those artists is Amanda Merdzan. I still remember how I felt listening to her debut album years ago, and I’ve loved listening to her music evolve from minimalist folk to lush electronic music. Throughout it all, the heart in every one of her songs has kept me coming back for more.

Amanda’s moved to London since the last time we heard from her, and it seems the change is doing her good. While she admittedly misses the sunshine, her latest single “Glow” may be her most accomplished yet.

This is the latest single from Amanda’s forthcoming EP Commands. I can’t wait to hear it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luca Brasi Releases New Single Ahead of Album

Tasmanian punk act Luca Brasi has never put a foot wrong with me and the trend continues with the brand new single “Anything Near Conviction.” It has everything I loved about the previous singles: insightful lyrics delivered with plenty of passion and a proper punk ethos.

Luca Brasi frontman Tyler Richardson says it’s “The song that centres around giving yourself a kick in the arse to do better in life and for those you love. A not-so-gentle reminder that you gotta give everything you can.”

“Anything Near Conviction” comes from Luca Brasi’s third album If This Is All We’re Going to Be, which will be available on CD, LP, and for digital download April 29. If everything we’re heard from the band of late is anything to go by, it’s going to be a corker.

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR