Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jazz in the Vines Announces Line-Up for Final Festival

I still can’t quite believe that this year the Hunter Valley will host its last ever Jazz in the Vines. My favourite music festival is going out with a bang though, with arguably its best line-up. Announced today, James Morrison, Leo Sayer, Mental as Anything, John Morrison’s Swing City Big Band, Monica Trapaga, Emma Pask, and Lisa Hunt are all on the bill. And that’s just for starters!
Add some amazing wine from Tyrell’s, fantastic food from some of the Hunter’s best restaurants, and good vibes into the mix and you’ve got a recipe for a superb day out.

Jazz in the Vines hits Tyrell’s Winery in the Hunter Valley on October 29. Tickets are on sale now and are bound to sell out, so get yours via the Jazz in the Vines website today.

Image source: own photo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jesse Redwing Brings Back Blues

After cutting his eye teeth in Sydney jazz and blues clubs for the last three years, Jesse Redwing is preparing to unleash his music on the rest of Australia. The new single “Crawlin’ Up the Walls” gives you a taster of what you can expect on the EP he’s currently working on. This is old school blues, dirty and honest, with a modern swagger.

If you like what you hear, catch Jesse Redwing playing Yah Yah’s in Melbourne on 22 April or in Sydney at the Brighton Up Bar on 24 April.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tanzer Charms with New Single “Johnny”

Melbourne chanteuse Tanzer gives classic 60s soul music a modern twist with her delightful new single “Johnny.”

The track tells the story of a performer whose larger than life persona is at odds with the man behind the image. I love its big brassy orchestration and Tanzer’s sultry vocals.

“Johnny” comes from Tanzer’s debut EP Four Love Songs, which will drop on May 16. She’ll launch it for hometown fans at the Toff in Town on May 28.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Hiding Provides Your Sunday Soundtrack

Lazy Sundays are ideal for listening to the laidback groove of a tune like “Karma My Life,” the new single from Melbourne band The Hiding.

I just love this song’s carefree, roadtrippy vibe. It makes sense that it reminds me of travel, because the folky percussive guitar sound was influenced by the acoustic performances the lads saw in Central Park whilst living in New York.

The lyrics are also full of positivity and wisdom.

“Life can throw so many speed bumps and The Hiding has experienced its fair share of these,” explained lyricist and guitarist Anthony Salce in the press release. “It can be deflating and soul damaging, however, these are life lessons we all experience and Karma my life is about accepting these journeys, appreciating the turning point and celebrating the ‘positive experience’ that changed your life.”

And can I just take a moment to talk about the mesmerising music video? It features the work of renowned sand artist Fatmir Mura. “As Karma My Life is an honest and emotive piece, we wanted the video to represent the changing nature of the band and the need to adapt to your surroundings, which Fatmir delivers very well in his sand art,” Anthony explained. I couldn’t take my eyes off this video. It’s truly stunning.

If you’re digging what The Hiding do too, and you live in their home state, you can catch them at the following upcoming shows. Hopefully they won’t leave the rest of Australia waiting too long to see them!

29 April 2016 – Rifle Brigade Hotel, Bendigo
6 May 2016 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee
21 May 2016 – Revolver, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

WULFE Does “Dallas”

Listening to “Dallas,” the debut single from Perth one-man electronic project WULFE was an interesting experience for me. I’m used to thinking of electronic music as the stuff they play in the clubs that gets people up on the floor and dancing until dawn. However, “Dallas” shows a different side of electronica, something more subtle, delicate, and really quite beautiful.

Even though I didn’t have lyrics to cling onto, I found myself going on a real emotional journey with “Dallas.” I love how the piano anchors it, an organic heart supporting the shimmery synths.

I was already impressed by this track, but when I noticed WULFE is just 18 I became even moreso. This is one young artist with a big future ahead.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tully on Tully Touring “Miles Away”

This might be the rantings of a child of the ‘80s looking back at the decade she was born with rose-coloured glasses, but I’m convinced the women of the music world we looked up to were so much cooler than young ladies that serve as musical role models today. We had Pat Benatar, the Wilson sisters of Heart, the Bangles … I was almost feeling like they’d broken the mould until I heard “Miles Away,” the title track of Tully on Tully’s EP.

It seems I’m not the only one digging this 80s-inspired power pop anthem. Rage recently chose the video as its indie clip of the week.

Tully on Tully are currently on tour to support the Miles Away EP’s recent release. You can still catch them at the following venues.

15 April 2016 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
16 April 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne
22 April 2016 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee
26 May 2016 – Bar On The Hill @ University of Newcastle, Newcastle (lunchtime gig)
26 May 2016 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 May 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Chiapello Releases Long-Awaited Second Single

Greg Chiapello has certainly taken his time to release a follow-up to his debut single “Hot Coffee.” The Queensland singer-songwriter has kept us waiting since last February to hear something new, but it’s worth the wait.

“Around the World” showcases the same stellar falsetto and quirky pop sensibility that drew me to Greg’s music all those months ago. I love its retro 70s vibe and easy groove.

Hopefully Greg won’t leave us waiting so long for the follow up to this one!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RÜFÜS Album Tour Approaching

We’re only four months in, but already 2016 is shaping up to a be a big year for RÜFÜS. Bloom topped the ARIA charts in January, kicking Adele off her perch, the singles “You Were Right” and “Like an Animal” were both in the top third of the triple j Hottest 100, and they’ve been selling out shows across Europe, the UK, and North America.

But it’s all been building to this, the start of their national Bloom tour.

“When we approach the live show I think a really exciting thing for us is to re-imagine the songs and try to bring a new dimension and new journey to our music. A big part of what we do whether it be writing a record or performing it live, is that sense of progression and that sense of tension and release,” drummer James Hunt explained. “We’ve been absorbing so much live music lately so there are a million little things we want to try.”

Some shows are sold out, but if you’re quick you should be able to get yourself to one of these gigs.

29 April 2016 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
30 April 2016 – Red Hill Auditorium, Perth
4 May 2016 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
5 May 2016 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
6 May 2016 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
7 May 2016 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart (SOLD OUT)
12 May 2016 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
14 May 2016 – River Stage, Brisbane

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daggy Man Releases Video for “Little Whip”

It’s been a long wait, but some six months after dropping the single Daggy Man has released a video for “Little Whip.” I don’t think it’s a bad tactic, because it’s encouraged me to revisit this song and reminded me what I liked about it in the first place. The film clip is simple but effective, as understated as this slow-burning song demands.

While it’s taken a long time for Daggy Man to release the video, he promises he won’t leave fans waiting too long for something else new. He plans to release a new single really soon.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Selahphonic Release Killer Track “Ghosts of 1999”

Hump Days are never easy, but when you’re battling a cold as I am pushing through a work day is that much harder. If you’re struggling today, take a moment to press play and let the feel-good power-pop vibes of “Ghosts of 1999.”

The track comes from Sunshine Coast indie-rock act Selahphonic, who’ve spend the better part of 2015 touring Australia and the United States. All that experience is paying off, because they’re sounding like they’ve got years of experience under their belt. It’s polished without feeling bland. At this relatively early stage in their career I can already imagine them selling out stadiums.

See Selahphonic before they blow up at the following single launch shows.

15 April 2016 – The Foundry, Brisbane
30 April 2016 – Moonshine, Manly
6 May 2016 – The Helm, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2016 – Sea N’ Sound Festival, Mooloolaba

Image used with permission from Rare Finds