Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Triple Treat for Flying Doctor Fundraiser

There’ll be three times the divas at this year’s Altitude event, as Jessica Mauboy, Reigan Derry, and Dami Im join forces to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) of WA.

“We are very excited that these wonderful Australian artists are performing at Altitude in what is a very special year for us – the RFDS celebrating 80 years of service in WA,” explained the state’s RFDS chief executive officer, Grahame Marshall. “The number of people needing our services are today at record levels and growing every single year with us managing 35,000 patient contacts around the state last year alone, and we want to ensure that we’re still here responding to the needs of the people of WA for another 80 years at least.”

To achieve that, the RFDS needs your help. Tickets to the event aren’t cheap, but you’ll be treated to first-class entertainment and the knowledge that you’re doing good.

Altitude hits Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom on July 25. Tickets are available online now.

Image source: The Harbour Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ainslie Wills Wows me with “Hawaii”

When I think of Hawaiian music I think of ukuleles and laidback vibes. So I wasn’t quite prepared for Ainslie Wills’ single “Hawaii” to be quite so powerful. It might not be what I was expecting, but god it’s good. Heartfelt lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and stirring instrumentation all combine for this corker of a track, the second lifted from Ainslie’s Oh the Gold EP.

It won’t be released until late in 2015, but music lovers can get a little sneak peek on Ainslie’s current residency shows at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel. She’s playing every Tuesday this month, and I can’t think of a better reason to get yourself out on a school night.

Image used with permission from Wondercore Island

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brother Fox Warm Me Up with “Feeler”

Summer might be far too long away, but I feel like Brother Fox have already got our warm weather soundtrack sorted with their brand new single “Feeler.”

This is such an uplifting, positive track that’s instantly accessible. I love its easy groove and the chorus had me singing along from the first listen. It was produced by Paul Pilsneniks (Powderfinger, Silverchair) at Byron Bay’s Studio 301, and you can really hear its laidback surroundings coming through.

It might not be the right weather for this kind of music, but when it sounds as good as “Feeler” I don’t mind one bit.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Cruising with Sea ‘N Beats

After taking my first cruise last month, I’m a true convert. I love not having anything that I need to do, choosing from fancy food prepared every night of the week (without the need for washing up), and playing trivia twice most days. Maybe it’s time to start planning the next one, as Australia’s first electronic cruise, Sea ‘N Beats, has just been announced.

The boat will be jam-packed with massive electronic acts including Alison Wonderland, Peking Duk, Cyril Hahn, Hot Dub Time Machine, Jawz, Young Franco, Hayden James, Safia, The Kite String Tangle, and heaps more, who’ll play over seven floating stages. It’ll depart from Brisbane on March 5, 2016, and spend four days cruising around local waters entertaining music lovers. It’ll even make a stop on a mystery Queensland island. Sounds like a pretty awesome way to spend a holiday if you ask me.

More details, including how you can secure your tickets, are available at the Sea ‘N Beats website.

Image used with permission from 5/4 Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dolly Denko is Doctrin

Multi-talented Melbourne musical force Dolly Denko is giving us our first taste of her new musical project Doctrin with the exquisite single “Take Me,”  released today. This over-achiever serves as vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and writer on the track which was born from an existential crisis, as so many of the best songs are.

“After binge watching The Craft and Charmed and with already a rough idea for what I wanted the music video to be,” she explained. “I thought that a throwback to magic and occult which I grew up with would represent the theme and story of the song.”

Apparently the song wasn’t just influenced by 90s TV and film, but music as well like Hole and Garbage. However, it certainly doesn’t sound like a throwback. More like this please!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mike Waters Gambles on Musical Career

It’s amazing to think that Mike Waters has spent the last decade working in a corporate job, keeping his musical light hidden under a bushel. He wrote songs in secret in his bedroom, and floored his family members, friends, and colleagues when he showed them exactly what he could do.

His debut single is “Gambling Man” and it’s just incredible. It’s folky and honest and accessible without being boring. It’s such an appropriate song too with its lyrics about diving headfirst into life and taking chances even when the odds seem to be against you.

“Gambling Man” comes from Mike Waters debut EP Life, which will be released independently tomorrow, May 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Born Joy Dead Announce EP Launch Shows

Former Hungry Kids of Hungary frontman Ben Dalton teased us with new music from his latest endeavour Born Joy Dead with last year’s release of the single “Upside Down Inside Out.” Now with the official release of the EP Stones in My Shoe I’ve had the chance to hear a little more.

The single sets up the EP nicely. The music is upbeat and light-hearted, with a grungy fuzziness that roughens up its pop core. Born Joy Dead will showcase their new material at the following launch shows.

8 May 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
16 May 2015 – Little and Oliver, Melbourne
7 June 2015 – Livespark @ Powerhouse, Brisbane (FREE)
19 June 2015 – Mum @ The World Bar, Kings Cross

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ayla Makes an Impression with “Waiting”

There’s not a lot of fanfare surrounding the release of Queensland chanteuse Ayla’s new single “Waiting”. Her PR company didn’t organise an online premiere, and there aren’t any launch shows. Instead it’s going to be one of those songs that gets out there because of word of mouth, because it’s just that good.

It’s such a powerful song with a Jezabels meets Florence and the Machine kind of vibe. I also love that those searing lyrics match up to the driving drums. It’s staggering to think that Ayla already sounds so seasoned at just 19 years old.

“Waiting” is lifted from Ayla’s new EP, which will be released later this year.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Kelly, Gurrumul, and More to Play 30th Barunga Festival

The Barunga Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a bang this year. Paul Kelly, Gurrumul, Neil Murray (ex-Warumpi Band), and Sammy Butcher will all make appearances at the event, which will take over the Barunga area, two hours south of Katherine, over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

The festival will also deliver a great line-up of cultural performances, sporting events, workshops, and kids’ activities.

“Barunga Festival is a celebration of culture,” said festival director and Skinnyfish Music CEO Mark Grose. “The event is stronger than ever and attracts Indigenous clans from across the Northern Territory and beyond where they can meet, compete, discuss and celebrate their links and their diversity. It’s also a place for non-Indigenous people to come and get a taste of the real Australia with their families”.

If you’ve never been, the 30th anniversary is the time to change all that. The Barunga Festival runs from June 5 to 7. Tickets, which include camping, are available through Moshtix or at the gate.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LAMA Make Me Smile with “Eat!”

I think my work is trying to tell me something. I’ve been typing away for hours and putting off breakfast, but after listening to “Eat!,” the debut single from Melbourne eight-piece LAMA I think it might be time to fry up some eggs.

It might be making me hungry, but I think I’d love it just as much with a belly full of food. “Eat!” has such a great positive vibe which demands repeat listens. I love those horns too! It’s not officially released until May 22, but LAMA is getting a jumpstart on promotions with shows in their home state starting this Friday.

The following shows should give music lovers a chance to hear tracks from LAMA’s new album, which is due out later this year.

8 May 2015 – Music Man Megastore, Bendigo
15 May 2015 – The Royal Theatre, Castlemaine
22 May 2015 –24 Moons, Northcote
23 May 2015 – God’s Kitchen, Mornington
11 June 2015 – Farmer’s Place, Anglesea