Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luke Daniel Peacock Impresses Ahead of Album Release

Luke Daniel Peacock has already made his mark on the music scene through his work with Brisbane band Halfway and development on the AIR nominated Vic Simms’ tribute The Painted Ladies Play Selections. But with his first solo effort We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling, he may just get the props that he deserves.

“We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling actually came together very quickly,” he explained. “Myself and some good friends (Rohin Power, Jhindu Lawrie, and Greg Cathcart) had a window of free time, so over a few days we got access to a studio, picked ten of my songs, and jammed them out. It was quick, spontaneous, and all in-house,” Luke says.

That spontaneity certainly comes through in the current single “Fruits of Our Labour.” I’m hearing a little Springsteen in its bluesy grittiness. The lyrics are also first class.

We’ve Come a Long Way, Darling gets a CD, digital, and vinyl release on 5 February.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cub Sport Offer Karaoke Party for Album Pre-Orders

The weather plaguing my local area has just been miserable. But Cub Sport’s latest single “I Can’t Save You” is the perfect antidote, a shimmery summery gem that is virtually guaranteed to get your toes tapping.

The track is the latest lifted from Cub Sport’s forthcoming album This Is Our Vice. If you love the track, it’s probably worth pre-ordering the album. Not only do you get an instant download of “I Can’t Save You” and “Only Friend,” you’re also in the running to win a karaoke party with Cub Sport.

If you fancy pitting your vocal talents against the band, head on over to the JB Hi-Fi website. And remember that Cub Sport are playing the following shows with Saskwatch later this year.

2 March 2016 – Studio Six, Sutherland
3 March 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
4 March 2016 – Baroque, Katoomba
5 March 2016 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
6 March 2016 – 5 Church Street, Bellingen
12 March 2016 – The Triffid, Brisbane
26 March 2016 – Fat Controller, Adelaide
1 April 2016 – Club 54, Launceston
2 April 2016 – Republic Bar, Hobart
6 April 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
7 April 2016 – Workers Club, Geelong
8 April 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
9 April 2016 – Theatre Royale, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jade Alice Releases Catchy Single “Kick Drum”

Jade Alice has finally released the song that earned her the 2015 Melbourne Music Bank title, “Kick Drum.” It’s a ridiculously catchy and quirky slice of indie pop. Personally I could have done without the trippy bits at the end, but its catchy melody is so addictive that I can overlook its flaws.

It turns out that melody actually came to Jade in a dream. She says “The song is simply about a feeling of uncontrollable happiness; a feeling I hope resonates with others when they listen to it…. The greatest reward for me as a musician is evoking the same emotion in people as the one you felt when you created that song. If you listen to the music I’ve written and you see me, then you aren’t really getting much out of it, but if you listen to that music and you see yourself, then you may learn things about yourself and the song’s purpose.”

A student at the Victorian College of the Arts studying Interactive Composition, Jade Alice has a big future ahead of her. She’ll launch “Kick Drum” at Shebeen in Melbourne on February 18.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clairy Browne Releases Stellar Second Single Ahead of Album Release

Excitement for Clairy Browne’s forthcoming debut solo album Pool is reaching fever pitch with the release of its second single “Still Goodbye.”

“Still Goodbye” is a cleverly written, emotionally performed ballad about what it’s like to move on and let go after the end of a relationship. It’s painful, but there’s also an undercurrent of strength that’s lacking is so many breakup songs. This is really great stuff.

We’ve still got a little while to wait until we hear the rest of Pool’s tracks. It’s due out on April 15.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The McClymonts Celebrate 10 Years of Hits

They look like they’ve barely aged a day, but The McClymonts are ready to celebrate a decade of great music with their 10 Years of Hits tour. The country sisters will hit the road this July and August to celebrate the milestone with their fans.

After the last decade, Brooke Sam, and Mollie have recorded 19 charting singles from a range of gold albums, earned multiple awards, and sold out shows here and in the United States.

Relive all those hits at the following shows.

22 July 2016 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
23 July 2016 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
29 July 2016 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
30 July 2016 – The Vikings Club, Canberra
5 August 2016 – Saraton Theatre, Grafton
6 August 2016 – Wests New Lambton, Newcastle
19 August 2016 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
20 August 2016 – The Cube, Campbelltown
26 August 2016 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
27 August 2016 – Gympie Muster, Gympie

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“City West” – Davey Craddock

Just a few days ago I was raving about Davey Craddock’s single “Peaceful Bay.” I really enjoyed this mellow folk-tinged number, and couldn’t wait to learn more about him on the album’s release. On hearing City West, I’m hooked.

When you hear a single, you’re given just a glimpse of what an artist can do. I knew Davey was an impressive songwriter and that he knew he had a beautiful soft side, but I didn’t really get a picture of who he was. I certainly didn’t expect the attitude and grit of this record, reminiscent of the stuff Ryan Adams produced in his heyday with its easy blend of country and folk influences. And then there’s the joy of discovering tunes featuring some of my favourite instruments, like harmonicas and slide guitars.

Often when I hear an album it becomes clear why the lead single is the single. It usually stands above the other tracks, separating itself with its heart or catchy melodies. But that’s not the case here. In fact, I found myself more captivated by other numbers, like the raucous “Three Sprays” and the plaintive “Number 9.” My favourite track is undoubtedly the gospel-tinged “There Will Be Light,” with its depiction of suburbia and its trappings. “Ayers Rock” is another delight, a gentle and poignant closer.

I liked Davey Craddock’s single, but on hearing his album I discovered there was so much more to him than I’d first realised. You’ll struggle to find better songs than the ones he’s composed here and the passion with which he delivers them is compelling. It might be only January, but I’ll be surprised if an album speaks to me more this year.

City West is released on 5 February. He’ll support its release with the following shows.

26 February 2016 – Major Toms, Kyneton
27 February 2016 – Junkyard, Maitland (FREE)
28 February 2016 – Django Bar, Sydney
5-6 March 2016 – Nannup Festival
12 March 2016 – RADA Studios, Perth
15-17 April 2016 – Fairbridge Festival, Fairbridge Village
29 April – 1 May 2016 – Mount Beauty Festival, Mount Beauty

Image used with permission from Thrillhill Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sons of East Ready to Embark on Aussie Tour

Sons of the East slipped under my radar last year when they released their EP Already Gone and beautiful single “Into the Sun.” And apparently when they were releasing other stuff for the past four years. But you know what they say about things being better late than never, right?

These guys are making such quality modern folk music. Their experience shows, as it no doubt will when they hit the stage on their upcoming Australian tour. Here are all the places you can see them doing their thing over the coming months.

28 January 2016 – Moonshine Steyne, Manly (FREE)
29 January 2016 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
31 January 2016 – Open Air Cinema, Canberra
3 February 2016 – The Foundry, Fortitude Valley
5 February 2016 – Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
6 February 2016 – Sol Bar, Noosa Heads
20 February 2016 – RadLivin, Sydney
21 February 2016 – Open Air Cinema, Bondi
23 February 2016 – Factory Theatre, Marrickville (supporting JD McPherson)
24 February 2016 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul (supporting JD McPherson)
28 February 2016 – Porch Sessions, Adelaide
4 March 2016 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
5 March 2016 – Noosa Surf Festival, Noosa Heads
19 March 2016 – Party in the Park, Sydney
1 April 2016 – The Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steve Clisby Covers “I Still Call Australia Home”

I might be a little biased, since my husband is American, but I think there’s something so special about people who choose to live in our country. I love Australia, but I’ve also not known what it’s like to live anywhere else. I was taught my country was the best, and I never questioned it. But when people have lived abroad and they choose to make Australia home, they’re doing it because they’ve seen what else is out there and they truly know Australia is the country for them. Like me they were probably told the place they grew up is superior, but they explored beyond their immediate environment and rejected what they were told.

Perhaps that’s why I warm so much to Steve Clisby’s version of “I Still Call Australia Home.” I can truly feel his dedication to our country coming through this performance. And is there a more beautiful backdrop than Sydney Harbour?

Steve said he recorded the iconic Peter Allen song because he wanted to give back to the supporters he’s found in his adopted home. “I’m originally from California, but have lived in this beautiful country for over 16 years now – I fell in love with it the moment I arrived. I definitely call Australia my home and being able to do this now is very powerful for me,” he said in a press release.

I can’t think of a more appropriate time to share this single with you. Happy Australia Day!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Broadhurst Stuns with “Little Lover” Single

Sydney-based musician Broadhurst actually dropped this single “Little Lover” online before Christmas, but it’s only come to my attention on its official release. I’m kind of glad I waited though, because now I don’t get just an incredibly powerful song but also a stunning video. It’s such a moving combination that I’m glad I experienced this song in this way.

Given the creative vision Broadhurst has shown here, the live show he’s currently developing should be truly something special.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Foundry Honours David Bowie

Like so many music lovers, I’m still feeling the loss of so many musical luminaries of late. Glenn Frey hit me hard. I only saw the Eagles live last year, and I’d have put money on him being the last man standing. He seemed so vibrant and full of life. And then of course there was the loss of David Bowie. I’d wanted to see him live when he came out in 2004 but I’d already booked tickets to the US to meet an online boyfriend at the same time. Thank goodness I ended up marrying that boy, because otherwise I’d really be sore about that missed opportunity.

But I digress. There are so many Bowie tribute nights being organised, and quite rightly so. But I wanted to make sure to promote the show at The Foundry next month. The good folks at this venue aren’t profiting from the event, which is sure to be a sell-out, but donating all proceeds to cancer charities. In light of the way we lost Bowie, this seems like the best way to really honour his memory and contribution to the music world.

If you want to get together with like-minded people who know just how much Bowie’s music meant and see it performed by some of Brisbane’s brightest young talents, get along to The Foundry in Fortitude Valley on February 21. Doors open from 5 p.m.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado