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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall for Marianne Digs

Why on earth don’t more bands use harmonicas? That’s the big question I’m taking from my multiple listens of “I Will Love You Till I Don’t Love You Anymore,” the folky Australiana track from Melbourne outfit Marianne Digs.

The song’s got such visceral lyrics about love and heartache and a real singalong appeal. You’ll want to bust this out next karaoke night with the few bevvies under your belt.

“I Will Love You Till I Don’t Love You Anymore” is one of five tracks set to form Marianne Digs EP when it launches in July. If the other numbers are half this good, it’s going to be worth a listen.

Image used with permission from Small Fry

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Piranha” – Naked Bodies

A band called Naked Bodies was probably never going to release an album that was middle of the road. But their name still didn’t quite prepare me for the eclecticism of Piranha, a collection of songs that may be more diverse than any I’ve encountered this year. A harsher critic might say it’s too diverse, but I’ve got to admire its boldness.

The opening “Ugly Morning” has a bluesy gangster feel while the follow-up track “Ride On” has more of a surf rock vibe. “Hollywood Boulevard” feels like a cut from a Tom Petty album, all jangling guitars and easy sun-drenched vocals. The single “Dirty Plate Blues” is every bit as dirty and bluesy as you might expect from its name. “Moonlight Love Song (For the Folks)” feels like it could have come from a classic film score, although it’s got a psychedelic bent that makes it just a little more unhinged than “My Favourite Things.” “Monkey Blues” has the sort of title that makes you think it’s going to be a novelty track, but this proud blues number is so profoundly moving. “Circus Song” is just as kooky as a song closing such an eclectic album should be.

Piranha’s not the perfect album. It’s a bit rough and raw, and it’s so diverse that it risks alienating listeners. However people with an open mind will appreciate that this is an album that pushes the boundaries and always entertains.

Naked Bodies will support Piranha’s recent release with the following shows in June.

5 June 2015 – Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood
6 June 2015 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
7 June 2015 – Barwon Club, Geelong
12 June 2015 – Miami Marketta, Gold coast
13 June 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
19 June 2015 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
20 June 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
21 June 2015 – Front Bar and Gallery, Canberra
27 June 2015 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
4 July 2015 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Naked Bodies