Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brace Yourself for Bill Parton Trio’s “Stalker Man”

Bill Parton Trio’s new music video for “Stalker Man” does warn viewers that it contains explicit content, but I didn’t quite expect the overweight naked man eating an apple that greeted me in the clip. The funny thing is, I’m not even sure that he’s the most disturbing man in this music video.

It’s the brainchild of award-winning film maker Tim Pine, who’s now worked with the South Australian outfit four times. And according to the band, they’re planning to collaborate again at least once more before the year’s out.

I like “Stalker Man” and its clip, but they’ve also thoroughly creeped me out. Right about now I’m thrilled that I’m happily coupled up and not out there dating!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rare Finds and Mountain Goat Beer Launch Free Indie Shows in Sydney

Sydney PR company Rare Finds and Mountain Goat Beer are encouraging more music lovers to discover new bands with the launch of their free-entry indie club nights. On the last Friday of every month an exciting line-up of emerging artists will take the stage at Enmore’s Sly Fox from 8 pm.

It all kicks off this Friday, April 24, with Jenny Broke the Window, Food Court, Hedge Fund, and Winston Surfshirt. With no cover charge and a full weekend to follow for recovery, there’s no excuse for staying home!

Image source: Newtown Graffiti @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Héloise Speaks to me with “This is Home”

It’s kind of appropriate that the first song that’s caught my attention since returning home and getting back to blogging is called “This is Home.” Héloise’s latest single officially dropped yesterday, but it’s already caught the ears of critics who awarded it the major prize at the 2014 Melbourne Music Bank. As part of the prize the song was rerecorded at Sing Sing Studios, a process which has given it the spit and polish it deserves.

I like that Sing Sing didn’t try to do too much to this song. It’s still got an earthy, organic folkiness, a purity that lets the lyrics and Héloise’s lovely voice shine. Those lyrics really speak to me. Héloise is Tasmanian born and bred, but the creative culture of her adopted home of Melbourne, the place she now calls home, inspired the tune. I felt the same way coming back to the Central Coast this week. I was raised in Newcastle and there’s part of me that will always be in the Steel City, but getting back to this place where I laid down roots and bought a house was pretty special.

Héloise will launch “This is Home” at Melbourne’s Workers Club on April 30. She’ll release her debut EP later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In Hearts Wake Release Doco Ahead of Skydancer Release

Byron Bay metalcore act In Hearts Wake are set to release their new album Skydancer, a companion piece to last year’s Earthwalker. Both albums were actually recorded in the same session back in 2013. Skydancer’s release was hinted at last year, when a hidden booklet in the Earthwalker CD contained the lyrics to current single “Breakaway,” but fans didn’t really know what they were until now.

I was fascinated to hear vocalist Jake Taylor talking about the relationship between the masculine and feminine worlds that inspired this twin release. At close to nine minutes, the documentary accompanying Skydancer’s release might be a little long for an internet audience, but it makes for compelling viewing. Seriously, grab yourself a cup of tea and check it out.

Skydancer will hit stores on May 1. In Hearts Wake will celebrate the album’s release with the following shows.
28 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (Under 18)
29 May 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane (18+)
30 May 2015 – Roundhouse, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
31 May 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (Licensed/All Ages)
2 June 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (All Ages)
3 June 2015 – Metropolis, Fremantle (18+)
4 June 2015 – HQ, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)
5 June 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (18+)
6 June 2015 – Arrows, Melbourne (All Ages)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths Bowl Me Over with “Radioface”

You know those times when you hear a song and it’s so good that you’re convinced the album’s going to be amazing? I’m feeling that way after listening to “Radioface,” the anthemic lead single from Gang of Youths’ forthcoming album The Positions.

The album comes from some heavy stuff. It was original conceived as a passion project detailing frontman David Le’aupepe’s four-year relationship with a woman battling stage 4 cancer. The songs are personal, gritty, and real, and I can’t wait to listen to them.

I’ll be able to do that when The Positions hits stores on April 17. It’ll be available for digital download and on CD and vinyl with exclusive B-sides, rarities, and other goodies.

Image used with permission from Spark and Opus

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dex Releases Fly Tune

One of the greatest things about the Australian hip hop scene is that it remembers what the genre should be about. Most American rappers might care more about bling and bitches, but our local acts are penning poignant songs with real substance.

The latest of this new breed is Dex, a 16-year-old wunderkind from Melbourne. He loves Bliss & Eso and Hilltop Hoods, but he’s no copycat. With his new single “Fly” he showcases his gift for crafting heartfelt lyrics and delivering cutting rhymes. He’s not just good for 16; he’s just good.

“Fly” comes from Dex’s mixtape Something to Say, which drops on April 20. He’ll launch it with shows at Fitzroy’s Laundry Bar on April 10 and 11.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Peep Tempel Tour New Single

Melbourne’s The Peep Tempel are in fine form on their latest single “Gettin’ On By.” It’s got such an awesome energy and some deliciously dark lyrics, you can’t help but be swept along for the ride.

The Peep Tempel will support “Gettin’ On By’s” release with the appropriately named Gettin’ On By tour, which will take in the following venues.

2 May 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
7 May 2015 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
8 May 2015 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
9 May 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
10 May 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle
15 May 2015 – The Miami Tavern Shark Bar, Gold Coast
16 May 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane
23 May 2015 – Howler, Melbourne
30 May 2015 – The Railway Club, Darwin
5 June 2015 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide
6 June 2015 – The Eastern, Ballarat

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hiatus Kaiyote Wow Me With “Breathing Underwater”

Melbourne act Hiatus Kaiyote are still largely unknown here, but their debut album Tawk Tomahawk spawned a Grammy nominated single “Nakamarra” and earned the respect of music heavyweights like Prince, Pharrell, and Erykah Badu.

Maybe they’ll get the attention they deserve at home with album number two, Choose Your Weapon, which drops next month. It features the amazing single “Breathing Underwater.” I must admit, I wasn’t sure about it when I first listened, but give it some time and let it build. It’s brilliant.

We’ll find out just how good the rest of the new album is when Choose Your Weapon is released on May 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sounds of Oz on Holiday

After many many years of working hard as a freelancer, I’m finally taking a holiday. I’ve put in far too many weekends and late nights on a variety of writing projects, this blog included. I love it, but I need a break.

So today I’m heading off to New Zealand for a two-week cruise. My parents are housesitting, which makes me feel a lot more comfortable announcing travel plans online! I’ve never cruised before, but I figure the New Zealand one’s a good opportunity to test whether I’m the cruising type considering we can get off the ship every day once we arrive. I imagine I’m going to spend a lot of time on board hanging around the piano bar drinking wine. It sounds like heaven.

I’ve scheduled some posts for the time I’m gone, but things will be a little quiet. I won’t be commenting on the things you say, and the posts won’t be as frequent. So hang tight, enjoy the blog at a more leisurely pace, and I’ll be back before we all know it.

Image source: Peter Mackey @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Betty & Oswald Wow Me with “King of Bohemia”

I hear a lot of music, but I can’t remember hearing anything quite like “King of Bohemia,” the new single from Sydney duo Betty & Oswald.

It’s retro and jazzy, but also so much grungier and dirtier than anything you’d hear at a smoky speakeasy. That grittiness makes it feel completely fresh, while its classic influences make it instantly accessible.

In short, I want to hear more. If you do too, make sure you catch Betty & Oswald as they travel around the country next month in support of “King of Bohemia.”

10 April 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
11 April 2015 – The Brewery, Wollongong (FREE)
17 April 2015 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (FREE)
18 April 2015 – The Espy, Melbourne (FREE)
22 April 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (FREE)
23 April 2015 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen NSW
25 April 2015 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (FREE)
26 April 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane (FREE)