Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rob Thomas Tour On Sale Soon

I’ve been bouncing off the walls this week with the news that Rob Thomas is finally touring this country again. It’s been too many years since he was here with Matchbox Twenty, and even longer since we were treated to solo shows. But finally, fans like me have some dates to start looking forward to.

Rob’s heading our way to promote The Great Unknown, a fantastic album that really should have lingered longer in the charts. Hopefully his recent promo tour can put it back in the top 50, because it really deserves to be heard. I’ve been playing it most days since its release and while my husband’s probably over it, I’m still not sick of it.

Rob seems to love a winery as much as I do, so there are a few winery shows as with his tours in the past. He’s playing traditional entertainment centres as well, but the real pick of them is bound to be his show on the steps of the Opera House. During his promo tour this week I’ve heard him talking about the fond memories he has of that Crowded House farewell show on the steps, and how consequently that gig has some real significance for him. I wouldn’t be surprised if we hear a Crowded House cover on the night.

As a member of the fan club, I’ve already got my tickets, but there’s a Live Nation presale on November 23 ahead of the general sale on November 25. To get you in the mood, here’s the charming video for his new clip “Hold On Forever.”

20 February 2016 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
22 February 2016 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
24 February 2016 – ‘On The Steps’ Sydney Opera House Forecourt, Sydney
27 February 2016 – Hope Estate Winery, Hunter Valley
28 February 2016 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton
2 March 2016 – Kings Park & Botanic Garden, Perth
5 March 2016 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley
6 March 2016 – Clipsal 500, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vinten Releases Amazing Single “You Don’t Know Me”

Sometimes you listen to new music and you know before it even really starts that it’s going to be your thing. It was like that when I started to play “You Don’t Know Me,” the latest single by Melbourne singer-songwriter Vinten. It had me at the strings and folky sounds, but the track backed it up with much more than these winning elements.

Apparently Vinten has been in something of a writing frenzy of late, and his inspiration is creating greatness. The song is so lush and organic, with such a strong emotional core. The lyrics which reference a childhood love and that longing we always have, despite knowing we can’t go back, are so relatable. This is quality stuff.

The time leading up to Christmas is always busy, but Vinten’s encouraging us all to put his EP launch date in our calendars. He’ll launch his debut EP What Has Been, featuring “You Don’t Know Me,” on December 19 at The Public Bar in North Melbourne. It sounds like an excellent way to take a break from all of the pre-Christmas frenzy to me!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fieu Releases “Running”

Some days you just feel taking off, leaving behind all of the responsibility and baggage and bullshit and starting over. Queensland pop act Fieu taps into that desire in her brilliant new single “Running.”

It’s a bolder and more commercial sound than we’ve seen from Fieu at the past, which could be the influence of her collaborator Joel Quartermain of Eskimo Joe shining through. Either way, I like it. If you do too, make sure you catch Fieu at one of the remaining shows of her east coast tour.

18 November 2015 – The Pier, Port Macquarie
19 & 20 November 2015 – Australian Music Week, Sydney
22 November 2015 – Element Bar, Coffs Harbour

Image used with permisison from Fieu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Barry Conrad Shows There’s Life After X Factor

X Factor fans might know him as Barry Southgate, but Barry Conrad is quick to let music lovers know that chapter of his life is firmly behind him. As if to prove the point he’s emerged with a brand new name (dropping his surname in favour of his middle name) and a brand new single “Anywhere We Go.”

I listened to the single version first, and honestly I wasn’t that impressed. It was a bit overproduced and too polished for my taste. But I’ve always loved Barry, so I decided to give the song one more try and listen to the version he did on The Morning Show.

This is where it’s at. Without the bells and whistles of a studio, the song’s laid bare and it’s better for it. Changing his name late in the game means Barry really has to start again in terms of building his brand, but he’s got the talent to do just that.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgi Kay Explores Dark Side with “God of a Girl”

Georgi Kay’s single “In My Mind” might have earned has an ARIA and a Grammy nomination, but it didn’t really get me going. I was looking for a bit more meat from this Aussie songstress, and I found that in abundance in her new single “God of a Girl.”

This is a dark and powerful number which explores the mind of an abuse victim and what happens when you push someone past their breaking point. It’s much more stripped back than “In My Mind,” which allows you to really appreciate Georgi’s smoky tones.

It might not fill a dancefloor like her previous single, but I think it’s great stuff. Unfortunately I only have access to a sample to play for you, but if you like what you hear head to Georgi Kay’s website and sign up to her mailing list to get a free download of the song.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Falls Get Nostalgic With “When We Were Young”

Former Sydneysiders Falls might be living in Los Angeles now, but when they’re releasing music as beautiful as their latest single “When We Were Young,” I’m happy to keep on covering them on Sounds of Oz.

This track sees the band back to their country-folk best after the release of the previous single, the cinematic “Let In The Light.” Both tracks come from Falls’ most recent album Omaha.

They were slated to come back home to play the Gorgeous Festival, but after that was cancelled I’m not sure they’ll be making the trip. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see this talented twosome back on Aussie soil.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Psalm IV: Den Sista Sorgen” – Lindsay Phillips

Folk’s one of my favourite genres, but I don’t often hear a voice that brings something new to the mix. Lindsay Phillips does that with songs that he dubs Gothic folk on his new album Psalm IV: Den Sista Sorgen.

I could imagine a king’s servant playing this sort of stuff in a medieval court. There’s a real romance about the songs, which make reference to royalty, honour, and sacrifice. The lyrics are truly poetic. Lindsay’s rich deep voice is also something I haven’t heard from a lot of folk singers. The opening song “Two Princes” drew me in immediately. “Mourning of a Golden Age” also really resonated with me. It painted such a vivid picture in my mind when I heard it.

I do love stripped back songs anchored by the strum of an acoustic guitar. However, as the album wore on I found myself wanting to hear a little bit more, some light and shade, some variation. While the lyrics were so well crafted the melodies started to feel a little samey.

Psalm IV: Den Sista Sorgen is a bit of a snowflake in the modern folk scene. I appreciate its uniqueness, and it shows Lindsay Phillips has certainly got talent. But I think I would have loved it more as an EP. As a full-length album, there’s just not enough variety to keep me interested.

Psalm IV: Den Sista Sorgen is available now from Lindsay Phillips’ Bandcamp page.

Image source: Lindsay Phillips Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owen Rabbit Wows Me with “Denny’s”

Melbourne’s Owen Rabbit’s one of those artists that’s intrigued me for some time. I find the soundscapes he crafts captivating, but often his songs haven’t packed the emotional punch I’m looking for. He’s gotten it so right with his new single “Denny’s” though.

I just love this song. I play it and get to the end and play it again. The presser calls it abrasively pop-infused, which is such a great turn of phrase for this raw and utterly compelling track.

“I suffer from depression and anxiety. One night of panic attacks and delirium in Los Angeles was a catalyst for a long journey through different therapists, doctors and dosages,” he explained of the song’s inspiration. “I’m in a better place now. I’m glad I got help. I’m lucky that I have music in my life. Denny’s is about that night and how I changed. ”

Owen Rabbit is kicking off a tour supporting JOY tomorrow night, so if you love what you hear make sure you arrive at the venues early to support him.

13 November 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane
14 November 2015 – Beaufort St Festival, Perth
14 November 2015 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
20 November 2015 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
28 November 2015 – End of the Line Festival, Belgrave

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Archie Roach Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Charcoal Lane

Archie Roach is one of Australia’s most beloved artists, a veteran of the industry after 25 years in the business. Charcoal Lane is the album that kicked it all off, and a quarter of a century after its release Archie is celebrating with a reissued album and shows all around the country.

The new deluxe edition of Charcoal Lane features new versions of the songs with guest vocals from some of Archie’s best mates including Paul Kelly, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, Gurrumul, and Dewayne Everett-Smith. His 1990 Triple J Live at the Wireless records are also included, along with a booklet full of previously unseen images from the era and insightful liner notes. Isn’t it exciting to get a CD with decent liner notes these days? I think so.

The reissued version of Charcoal Lane is in stores now. Tickets are still available for the following shows.

21 November 2015 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
22 November 2015 – Homeground 2015 @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney (FREE)
3 December 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
4 December 2015 – The Thornbury Theatre, Thornbury
6 December 2015 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
11 December 2015 – Fremantle Arts Centre Front Garden, Fremantle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Down with EMRSN’s Soulful New Single

Aussie soul singer EMRSN has teamed up with Soulection producer Jarreau Vandal for his groovy new single “Down.”

I really love all the flavours on this. At times it’s playful, at others it’s so raw and emotional. The lush instrumentation is gorgeous, and EMRSN’s vocals always impress.

“Down” is lifted from EMRSN’s forthcoming debut album TMRW, which is scheduled for an early 2016 release.