Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jason Owen Hits His Stride With “Run”

When Jason Owen appeared on The X Factor, he was a diamond in the rough. He did well on the TV talent show, but I honestly thought he wasn’t ready for the big time. He seemed so unsure of himself, and his voice had some growing to do.

However, Jason’s worked hard on his craft since leaving the show and he’s now producing country-rock music equal to anything coming out of Nashville. His latest single “Run,” the first lifted from his third album Proud, has a real Keith Urban vibe that really resonates with me. I think it’d be the perfect road trip soundtrack, with its rollicking guitar chords and message of escaping the day-to-day humdrum of life.

Proud hits stores in April. If “Run” is any indication, it could be Jason Owen’s best work yet.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luca Brasi Back with “The Cascade Blues”

Tasmanian punk act Luca Brasi have been killing it lately, selling out shows all across the country and receiving plenty of radio love for their single “Aeroplane.” Now they’re back with a band new tune “The Cascade Blues.”

“The Cascade Blues is meant to be a reminder that life is there to be lived,” say the band. “It’s easy to fall in to a negative mindset when things aren’t going right; sometimes I need to tell myself to snap out of it. Life’s pretty bloody short and reminding myself of how lucky we are to live it so easily, and to be young while we’re young, is the message in this song.”

I love the raw emotion of this track. While I was spinning it for the second time, my husband remarked that it sounded a lot like Third Eye Blind. There’s certainly a similar combination of insightful lyrics and passion-filled vocals.

“The Cascade Blues” comes from Luca Brasi’s new album, due later in the year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Halcyon Drive Release Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

Melbourne’s Halcyon Drive has put a smile on my dial with the laidback groove of their latest single “Untethered,” the second track lifted from the band’s forthcoming EP.

The track was recorded in a makeshift studio in Victoria’s Otways National Park with producer Steve Schram, known for his work with San Cisco and Eagle & The Worm.

The EP doesn’t drop until May, but fans can hear a sneak peek when Halcyon Drive hit the road later this month. Catch them at the following shows.

27 February 2016 – Shebeen, Melbourne
4 March 2016 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
5 March 2016 – Milk Factory, Brisbane
10 March 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
11 March 2016 – Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney
12 March 2016 – Lord Gladstone, Sydney
13 March 2016 – Rad Bar, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Opia’s EON Available Today

Perth rockers Opia are making a splash with a brand new single and album. The epic “Standing Still” is the third track lifted from the band’s album EON, which was released today.

Like the other album tracks, “Standing Still” was recorded and engineered at North Fremantle’s Electric City Studios. It somehow manages to sound polished without losing its guts, which is a tricky thing to achieve.

Opia will launch EON for their hometown fans at Amplifier Bar on February 26.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Dempsey Back with Brand New Solo Single “Morningless”

Paul Dempsey has given fans their first taste of his sophomore solo album with the release of its lead single “Morningless.” This is another solid bluesy rock effort from the Something for Kate frontman. And how fabulous is the retro-inspired music video?

Along with the other album tracks, “Morningless” was recorded in Wilco’s The Loft studio in Chicago while they were on tour together. To celebrate the single’s release, Paul will tour the East Coast later this month. Limited tickets are still available for many of these shows, but you’d better get in quick!

13 February 2016 – Taronga Zoo, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
17 February 2016 – Hamer Hall, Melbourne (supporting Missy Higgins
19 February 2016 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
20 February 2016 – The Zoo, Brisbane
26 February 2016 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
19 March 2016 – West Kentish, Tasmania

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Arpier Make a Splash with Debut Single “Future”

I’m not sure I could have found you too more different singles today if I tried. But if Pro Vita was a little heavy for your taste, Arpier may be a bit more your speed. If like me you love a little of everything, do yourself a favour.

“Future” is the debut single from Arpier, a duo from Brisbane who met way back in year five. Liam Morton and Robert Hill were jamming together in the music rooms by year nine, and by year 12 Arpier was a reality.
I really love the blend of mellow jazz and alt-rock the band plays with here. Their music’s like nothing I’m hearing at the moment, and that’s a really good thing. It’s easy to get swept up in how good it is musically, but make sure you take a listen to those incredible lyrics too.

Liam said the track was“written during that weird phase where you’re happy and going out to parties, drinking etc, but it’s conflicted with the sadness that you’re actually about to finish school and leave the comfort of childhood behind. I guess it’s just the general sadness of growing up and having to start worrying about the future”.

Arpier will release their debut EP in the middle of the year. You can hear a feew tracks from it when Arpier launch the single tomorrow night, February 11, at Brisbane’s Black Bear Lodge.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pro Vita Release Rocking New Single “Find Me”

“Find You” is the fourth single from Sunshine Coast quartet Pro Vita, but if like me their earlier efforts passed you by it’s worth listening up now.

Apparently this track has a heavier sound than previous efforts. I really respond to that earnest raucous energy that forgoes vocal perfection for heart. It’s so endearing and honest, perfect for this track which captures the passion of a messy breakup beautifully.

My angsty teen days are far behind me, but Pro Vita has helped tap into that girl lurking deep within. This is a really solid effort from a band to watch.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fun Lovin’ Criminals Head to Australia for Album Anniversary

Fun Lovin’ Criminals are the latest band to head Down Under for a nostalgia tour. The New Yorkers who rose to prominence with their single “Scooby Snacks” are heading our way to promote the 20 year anniversary of their album Come Find Yourself.

Huey Morgan, Brian Leiser, and Frank Benbini promise to play the album live in its entirety for the first time since its release. The album was revolutionary for the way it melded genres including rock, blues, hip hop, jazz, funk, and soul.

“Our debut album burned a path for crossing genres that we now take for granted,” Huey Morgan said in a press release. “The music is now part of our collective lexicon and we are very proud to be able to play it live and share our love of diversity which we have always, as a band, championed.”

Tickets are on sale now from Oztix for the following shows.

30 September 2016 – Big Top, Sydney
1 October 2016 – Eatons Hill, Brisbane
2 October 2016 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
4 October 2016 – HQ, Adelaide
5 October 2016 – Metropolis, Fremantle

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Prince Announces A Piano and a Microphone Australian Tour Dates

Yesterday was a pretty exciting day on the concert front for me. Not only did Rob Thomas add an intimate show at the State Theatre to his tour (!!!!), but Prince announced he’d bring his A Piano and a Microphone tour to Australia THIS MONTH. Talk about springing things on us oh Purple One.

Now I don’t know about you, but my calendar was already looking pretty full. I was convinced I’d miss out because his shows would clash with others I have booked. But this morning we have dates, and remarkably Prince has picked a weekend I’m free. To get the chance to see Prince playing hits, rarities, and covers in such an intimate setting, in such an intimate way is bound to be truly special. I loved his big bold show in 2012, but I am so excited to see Prince in a different mode.

Tickets will go on sale at noon February 9 for these once in a lifetime shows.

16 & 17 February 2016 – State Theatre, Melbourne
20 February 2016 – Opera House, Sydney
21 February 2016 – State Theatre, Sydney

Image source: JoeLodge @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling – Luke Daniel Peacock

After being impressed by Luke Daniel Peacock’s single “We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling,” I couldn’t wait to wrap my ears around his album. I was thrilled to find more of the husky vocals and first-class songwriting that delighted me on the lead track.

As I wasn’t aware of the first single “Dreambox,” I found it interesting that the most recent single and title track doesn’t make an appearance to the very end of this album. It meant that for most of the recording I was listening to music that for me felt brand new. Despite this, this collection of songs felt very familiar. Not in a “I’ve heard this all before” way, but in a comfortable, accessible way that’s so appealing. This is an artist who knows what he’s doing, and he does it so well that you’re instantly put at ease.

The opening track “Dreambox” grabbed me from the get go with its hooky guitar-driven melody and relatable lyrics. “Alphabet City” is a stand-out with its stirring instrumentation and gritty, yet hopeful, lyrics. The delicate instrumentation of “Trees” really let the message of this special song shine through. “My Shit” might not have the most eloquent of titles, but it’s a powerful number about loving through the hard times.

There are shades of Bruce Springsteen and Ryan Adams in this album, yet Luke Daniel Peacock’s own original voice rings out so strong. We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling is a remarkable album from one of Australia’s most promising new singer-songwriters.

We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling is available on CD, vinyl, and as a digital download today.