Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Grates Win Me Over with “It Won’t Hurt Anymore”

I must admit, I’ve struggled to warm to the most recent music from The Grates. I longed for the fun punky-pop they released all those years ago and didn’t quite get their new direction. But their latest single “It Won’t Hurt Anymore” really resonates with me. It’s raw, powerful, and passionate.

“This was the final song we wrote for the album,” explained The Grates’ frontwoman, Patience Hodgson. “Around then, I’d wake most mornings and watch a reality show on arranged marriages. Even though the show was repetitive and annoying I was completely captivated by the relationship baggage that burdened the participants, who all claimed to ‘do anything for love’ as long as they could all still hold their past hurts tightly. John and Ritchie were under the house playing, and I crammed my head next to the floor boards to hear them, and started to form what became the vocal melody.”

“It Won’t Hurt Anymore” is the second song lifted from The Grates’ fourth album Dream Team, which is in stores now.

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Music and Fun at Black Harmony Gathering

Aussies from all walks of life will come together next month to celebrate the 12th annual Black Harmony Gathering.

This event is all about great music, delicious food, and positivity. Kutcha Edwards and Friends, the Funkalleros, Dave Arden, the Burundian Drummers, Sounds of Polynesia, and Lawrence Austin Jnr will keep crowds entertained on the day. There’s also be a special Koorie BBQ with kangaroo and emu, dance workshops, activities for the kids, and heaps more.

Bring a picnic rug and your dancing shoes to the Fairfield Amphitheatre for this year’s Black Harmony Gathering. This free event kicks off at 1 pm on Sunday March 15.

Image used with permission from Multicultural Arts Victoria

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rowena Wise Wins My Heart with “Words”

I have fallen hard for the musical stylings of new Aussie indie-folk act and the latest Heartstop Music sign Rowena Wise. She’s just released her debut single “Words” and it’s absolutely darling.

I received the Soundcloud version but decided I’d post this live one here so you can see her and her ukulele. I already have a weakness for the instrument, but when you add in Rowena’s superb lyrics and sweet voice it’s magic.

“Words” comes from Rowena’s debut EP, which is scheduled for a March release. You can help her release it by giving generously to her Pozible campaign, which is achingly close to reaching its goal.

There are plenty of places you can see her play in the near future, including festival appearances, support slots for Jordie Lane, and headline shows in the major capitals to support the single’s release.

20 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 February 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 February – 2 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
13-15 March 2015 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Blue Mountains
26 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (supporting Jordie Lane)
27 March 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney NSW (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 March 2015 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (supporting Jordie Lane)
17 April 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra (supporting Jordie Lane)
18 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
19 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
22 April 2015 – Ararat Live, Ararat (supporting Jordie Lane)
23 April 2015 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong (supporting Jordie Lane)
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maximo Shows Serious Skills with “Hesitate”

Bands like The Go-Betweens, The Saints, Powderfinger, and The Butterfly Effect helped cement Queensland’s reputation as the perfect breeding ground for rock bands. However, lately the Sunshine State is punching well above its weight when it comes to R&B music. Generally Australia doesn’t produce a lot of these artists, but acts like Bec Laughton, Travis Lee, and now Maximo are breaking the mould.

Maximo’s just hit the scene with his debut single “Hesitate.” It’s got some sexy lyrics and really interesting instrumentation. Noting that Maximo produced the track himself makes it all the more impressive.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Trio, The Jezabels Headline Big Pineapple Music Festival

I thought that the Big Pineapple was just a place for tourists to snap a few photos. But it turns out it’s also been hosting a sold-out music festival for the last couple of years. It’s little wonder the event’s so popular when organisers can put together a lineup featuring the John Butler Trio, The Jezabels, Thundamentals, Violent Soho, Jebadiah, and helps more.

This year it’s got a brand new site with space for 2500 people to camp, three stages, and plenty of car parking.

“We were given the opportunity to move to the land just across the road, which now gives us a stunning panoramic view to main stage area,” explained festival organiser Mark Pico. “We also gained two more beautiful areas for our smaller stages, double the site space, and the camping is now very close by – bringing the whole festival together.”

The third annual Big Pineapple Music Festival hits Nambour on May 30. Early-bird tickets go on sale tomorrow from the festival website for the bargain price of just $69.95 plus booking fees.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Deed’s Stormy Second Single

It’s taken a long time to hear new material from Sydney’s Little Deed, but it was worth the wait. She posted her debut “Neon” on Soundcloud in mid-2014. Now we get another taste in the form of the feisty “Storm in my Cup.” This has got such power. I love Little Deed’s vocals which work so beautifully with those thundering, driving drums.

Apparently Little Deed has spent summer fine-tuning her live show and we should hear word of her very first shows soon. If she sounds half as good live as she does on the record they’re going to be awesome.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sheppard Make Play for U.S. Market

After winning over Australian audiences, Sheppard are determined to make music lovers in the United States fall for them as well. The band from Brissie are capitalising on the buzz their appearance on Ellen created last year and launching a full-scale attack on the U.S. market.

They’ve booked a slate of big name TV appearances, including a spot on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on February 9, The Today Show on March 10, and LIVE! with Kelly & Michael on March 13. There’s a big gap there, but that’s because come February 11, Sheppard will be supporting Meghan Trainor on her sold-out The Bass tour.

Do you think Sheppard have what it takes to be the next bit Aussie success story?

Image used with permission from SCG Media
Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Black Cat” – Deena

Brisbane-based chanteuse Deena shows her versatility in her sophomore album Black Cat. This release builds on the acoustic-folk sound that she showcased on her debut album Lone Wolf, with a full band helping her create something much bigger, grittier, darker, and bluesier.

The opening song “Cupid” is a steamy number that starts sultry before erupting with a cacophony of guitars. There’s a lot of that pattern in this album. I think I’m hearing something small and intimate, but somewhere along the way Deena takes a left turn and really lets loose. It’s as if her emotions can only be contained for so long before brimming and bubbling over. There so much good stuff on here, but Deena floored me with “Curve.” That song may have some of the most heartbreaking lyrics that I’ve ever heard.

If I had any criticism of the album, it’s that I could have done without the final track, a remix of “Uncut Diamonds II.” This electronic makeover doesn’t do the song any favours, and doesn’t seem to gel with the rest of the album. I suppose it shows another side of Deena, but it feels like a wasted exercise considering how good the other version is. That said, you’ve got to admire an artist that takes risks as Deena does, especially when so many of them pay off as they do on this album.

Black Cat hits stores on 13 February. Deena will promote its release with the following shows.

8 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
11 February 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (FREE)
12 February 2015 – The Publishers Hotel, Adelaide
13 February 2015 – The Vinyl, Adelaide
15 February 2015 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
18 February 2015 – Brisasia Festival, Brisbane
20 February 2015 – Queen St Mall, Brisbane (FREE)
8 March 2015 – Kettle & Tin, Paddington, Brisbane
15 March 2015 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
20 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Swift Reminisces with “Sound the Alarm”

Melbourne single-songwriter Andrew Swift has always penned songs from the heart, but he believes that his latest single “Sound the Alarm” is “as honest and personal” as he’s ever been.

“It was written during the hardest break up I’ve had to go through, but rather than write a heartbroken, ‘woe is me’ type of break up song, what came out was a reflection of the night that that we met,” he explained.

Hearing the story behind it makes this song that much more poignant. I love a story song, and this one tells a tale so vivid that I felt a bit choked up reading that it didn’t work out.

Andrew Swift will promote the release of “Sound the Alarm” with a string of shows kicking off tomorrow night in Footscray.

8 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
21 February 2015 – Berwick Show, Berwick (ALL AGES)
21 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 February 2015 – Bonnie Doon Music Festival, Bonnie Doon
26 February 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
19 March 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
20 March 2015 – Crown + Anchor, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Workers Club Geelong Opening in March

I’m of the belief that there aren’t enough great venues celebrating live music these days. So I’m thrilled for Geelong that they’re about to get another great place to see people play. The Workers Club Geelong is a joint venture between Melbourne’s The Workers Club and Geelong music bookers Spinning Half.

“We are driven to provide Geelong with a sustainable and reliable music venue that can service the country’s touring artists, along with showcasing local talent, while focused on helping grow The Workers Club brand,” explained Spinning Half director, Steven Nichols.

“With Spinning Half’s years of local experience and street cred, it is obvious that us pivotonians love good music, food and drink here in the city of dreams,” added The Workers Club Melbourne co-owner and Geelong resident John O’Brien. “We are confident that this will tie in with The Workers Club philosophy and look forward to sharing our mutual love of music.”

The twosome say that artist comfort, sound, and punter satisfaction are their top priorities, but they’re also promising awesome food, great beverage options, no TVs, no cover bands, no nightclub DJs, and no parmies. I was with them right up until their no parmies policy!

The Workers Club Geelong will open on Little Malop Street in late March. Northeast Party House and Jake Clemons are already confirmed to play there, and we can expect plenty more announcements in the coming weeks.