Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Áine Tyrrell Charms Me with “Where Were You”

As you might guess after listening to the charming lilt in Áine Tyrrell’s voice, this singer-songwriter wasn’t born on our fair shores. She’s an Irish lass, but she’s living here now and I’m perfectly happy to claim her as one of our own.

After all, her name is pronounced Onya, and you can’t get more Australian than that. And like any good Aussie, she went on a pilgrimage to the Outback to find herself. While she was there she recorded her debut album Queen of Swords in odd places like abandoned mines and under the stars. She did it all after raising an incredible $15k via Pozible, so clearly she’s got a loyal following.

The first track lifted from the album is “Where Were You,” and I love it. It sings of a crisis of faith in the face of deep tragedies, yet it’s ultimately so uplifting. And I never could resist an Irish accent.

Áine will launch “Where Were You” at The Toff in Town on June 25.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Pyke Treats Fans with Exclusive Album Packages and Shows

I just love Josh Pyke. And after listening to “There’s a Line,” the first song lifted from Josh’s fifth studio album But for all These Shrinking Hearts, I think I love him just a little more. And I love that he loves his fans. His social media followers were the first to clamp eyes on the video for the track, and to get a live link to pre-order the new album.

The fans-first album pre-orders get a deluxe edition of the album plus two exclusive tracks, a collector’s lyric magnet set, and a ticket to one of his special fans first shows. These gigs aren’t ticketed and they’re only available to people who pre-order the package.

“Writing and making this record has been one of the most pleasurable and creatively challenging things I’ve done, and I bloody well love the end result,” Josh explained. “After the making of the record, it’s pretty much up to you guys whether it travels and is shared and becomes part of people’s lives, so please share the news, the music, your thoughts. As always I owe any kind of continued success to you all, so thank you!”

If you’re not pre-ordering, you can get your hands on But for all These Shrinking Hearts on July 31. But seriously, why wouldn’t you pre-order when it’ll get you in to one of these shows?

29 July 2015 – The Soda Factory, Sydney
5 August 2015 – Bella Union, Melbourne
6 August 2015 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 August 2015 – The Foundry, Brisbane

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montaigne Blows Me Away with “A Cinematic Plea for an End”

I am feeling so privileged to come across some gorgeous music from incredible female performers of late. A day after discovering Alanna Eileen, I’m now about to wax lyrical about Montaigne and her stunning song “A Cinematic Plea for an End.”

This is truly incredible. It’s dramatic without being overblown, so honest and angsty and real. I’m really glad that she chose to release a live video, because it captures the emotion so much better than something that’s been tamed in the studio might.

“Cinematic the song basically expresses several issues with idealism, both in platonic and romantic relationships,” Montaigne explained. “It is pretty much a letter to myself which is me trying to ensure that I don’t create unreasonable and idealistic expectations of situations and relationships, so that I don’t hurt myself nor others.”

Do you love it as much as I do?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Palace of the King Release Rocking Debut Album

Melbourne rock act Palace of the King take me back to the 70s with their new track “Another Thing Coming.” It’s got a great classic rock feel, with chunky guitars and a chorus that just begs you to sing along.

The song comes from the band’s debut album White Bird/Burn the Sky, which was released today. They’re currently touring it around the country before they head to Europe for shows in October. Those international dates are yet to be finalised, so keep your ear to the ground if you’re living abroad!

19 June 2015 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
4 July 2015 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
12 July 2015 – Frankies Pizza, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Absence” – Alanna Eileen

Every now and again you encounter a voice that stops you in your tracks and songs that tug at your heart. You listen to them and instantly you want to tell everyone you know that they have to hear them too. I’m lucky, because I have a blog and I can share not just with the people I know, but a whole bunch of strangers. Because I don’t care if I know you or not; I need to tell you about Alanna Eileen and her stunning EP Absence.

The first thing that struck me about this Melbourne folk singer was her voice. It’s so gorgeous, ethereal and delicate, almost fragile but with a quiet strength too. I could listen to it all day and not tire of it. It’s paired beautifully with simple instruments like a strumming acoustic guitar and a gentle piano. The instrumentation gives the EP its fullness, but it never threatens to steal focus. That’s a good thing too because the lyrics need to be heard. Alanna has such a gift. Her words are poetic without being flowery. They get to the heart of things and leave such an impression.

I especially loved the longing of “Absence Tonight,” a heartbreaking ode to a soured relationship. “The Mirror and the Mime” is another standout, a song of self-reflection that’s so eloquently realised. “Stranded” is such a tender, poignant way to close this exquisite EP.

Absence is such a special collection of songs. It’s intimate and personal, with lyrics that show Alanna’s heart and draw you in. The songs have such a magical quality to them. They certainly cast a spell on me, because the moment Bandcamp prompted me that maybe I should buy it rather than simply hearing it for free, I coughed up my Paypal details.

Alanna is preparing to record her first full-length album. It’s a good thing too, because I need to hear more music from her.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Save the Date: Melbourne Guitar Show

If you love guitars (and who doesn’t?) get yourself to this year’s Melbourne Guitar Show.

It’s set to be the country’s largest pop-up guitar shop with all the biggest brands on sale, collector’s items, workshops, and performances from local guitar gods like Jeff Lang, Lloyd Spiegel, Davidson Brothers, James Ryan, and heaps more. Along with acoustic and electric guitars, you’ll also find ukuleles, amps, traditional stringed instruments, and heaps more.

“We are excited to showcase our industry’s products and the wealth of local talent that Melbourne and Australia has to offer,” said Australian Music Association CEO Rob Walker. “We seek to grow our guitar community, educate and entertain.”

Thousands are expected to attend the show at Melbourne’s Caulfield Racecourse on August 8 and 9. Will you be one of them? Adult tickets are $20 at the gate or $17 if you pre-order.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Japanese Wallpaper Releases Debut EP

Local electronic prodigy Japanese Wallpaper will release his self-titled debut EP tomorrow. It’s a celebration of the incredible music he’s produced over the last 18 months, including the dreamy recent single “Forces ft. Airling.”

Japanese Wallpaper will mark the EP’s release with a string of shows to warm up for his big Splendour in the Grass slot. These will be his last shows for the year as he hits the books and prepares for his final exams.

2 July 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
4 July 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (18+)
5 July 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney (ALL AGES)
11 July 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+)
12 July 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
24 July 2015 – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Inertia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Ultimate Neighbours Guide to Melbourne

Much more than a soapie, Neighbours is a national institution, as important to music fans as it is to TV addicts. What music lover could resist seeing the place where talents like Kylie Minogue, Delta Goodrem, and Natalie Imbruglia got their start? If thoughts of Erinsborough have you dreaming of a Melbourne holiday, here’s how to make the most of your stay.

Book a Neighbours Tour

A Neighbours tour is the best way for you to really discover what Neighbours is all about. Bunyip Tours operates the original official Neighbours tour. It will take you to Global Television film studio in Nunawading. There you’ll see the Lassiter’s Complex, Fitzgerald Motors, Harold’s Store, and of course Charlie’s Bar where so many great acts like Ben Lee and The Wombats have played over the years. You’ll also get a Neighbours postcard to take home as a souvenir.

Visit Ramsay Street

Image via Flickr by snoozeuk

The exterior shots of Ramsay Street aren’t created in a studio though. All the houses you’re familiar with are actually in a place called Pin Oak Court in the Melbourne suburb of Vermont South. Remember that these are real residences, so you should be respectful of the people who own these homes. They’re used to tourists though, so they won’t mind you snapping a photo or three.

Head to Erinsborough High

There have actually been a couple of Erinsborough High Schools over the years. Blackburn English Language School and Coburg Senior High School have both been used for exterior shots. Since they’re real schools you won’t be allowed on the grounds, but you can admire them from the street.

Put Your Neighbours Trivia Knowledge to the Test

Image via Flickr by timparkinson

Discover whether you’re a true Neighbours buff at the Neighbours trivia nights held most Mondays from 7 at St Kilda’s Elephant & Wheelbarrow. Neighbours stars mingle with fans during the trivia questions, so it’s a great opportunity to get a photo with your favourite actor. Don’t get too distracted by the stars though; there are big prizes on offer like trips to The Whitsundays and New Zealand, so it pays to have your wits about you.

After three rounds of trivia, Alan Fletcher (Dr Karl Kennedy) entertains the masses with his band The Waiting Room. Stefan Dennis (Paul Robinson) often jams with the band too. Tickets for the Neighbours trivia nights are available at the Elephant & Wheelbarrow door on the night for $40.

Stay in the City

You might think you need to head to the suburbs to get closer to fictional Erinsborough, but it’s actually smarter to stay in the centre of Melbourne. Bunyip Tours’ Neighbours tours leave from Flinders Street, so you can walk to the meeting point if you stay at Holiday Inn Melbourne on Flinders or the Great Southern Hotel. The trivia night also runs a courtesy bus which will pick you up from inner-city accommodation. These hotels aren’t just well located, they’re also very affordable unlike so many Melbourne accommodation options!

This post was written as part of the #HipmunkCityLove project. What Neighbours musical moment did you love most?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sex on Toast Go Vintage with “Oh Loretta!”

Sex on Toast take us way back to the days of pastel dinner jackets and warm vintage keys with their latest single “Oh Loretta!”

It feels like it’s come from a cheesy lounge club, but I can’t imagine the lyrics going down to well in that kind of environment! This single’s just so much fun, I can’t help wondering whether there’s more like this on the band’s Ready EP, which will hit stores later this year.

Sex on Toast will launch the single with a show at Sydney’s Good God Small Club on 19 June and another at Melbourne’s The Toff the following night.

Image used with permission from Wondercore Island

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eves the Behavior Releases Electric New Single


Local chanteuse Eves the Behavior has blown me away with her gorgeous new single “Electrical.”

It’s a powerful slice of indie pop, and the latest lifted from her debut EP, which will be released later this year. Eves’ impassioned vocals are sublime, the perfect foil for her poetic lyrics and the lush instrumentation.

“I feel like it’s commenting on the friction between the organic / analogue and the synthetic / digital and the quest to find a meaningful connection between the two. The song is triumphant but it’s also bittersweet. I stumbled out of a sort of numbness into both beauty and gloom. And the simple fact of feeling something made me woozy and victorious at the same time,” Eves explained.

Eves the Behavior hasn’t announced any shows to support the single, but if you’re heading to Splendour you won’t want to miss her set.

Image used with permission from Dew Process