Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nahko and Medicine for the People Spread Positivity on Aussie Tour

Is Monday kicking your arse right now? Then take a listen to Nahko and Medicine for the People’s “I Mua” in preparation for their Aussie tour this week. The Oregon act is all about good vibes. I think it’s probably scientifically impossible to feel down when you’re listening to this song.

It wasn’t that long ago that the band were here for Bluesfest, but it seems they can’t stay away from our fair shores. The upcoming shows give you a chance to see Nahko and Medicine for the People in more intimate venues, without all the festival sweatiness.

14 November 2014 – AWME @ The HiFi, Melbourne
18 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
19 November 2014 – The HiFi, Brisbane
20 November 2014 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
21 November 2014 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
22 November 2014 –Tanks Art Centre, Cairns
23 November 2014 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby (Nahko solo)
25 November 2014 – The HiFi, Sydney
26 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
29 November 2014 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff
02 December 2014 – The Governor, Hindmarsh
04 December 2014 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
06 December 2014 – Fly By Night, Fremantle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Echoes in the Aviary” – Jane Tyrrell

Most Aussies know Jane Tyrrell as the voice of local hip hop outfit The Herd. However, with her debut solo album Echoes in the Aviary she’s showing that there’s much more to her than a sweet voice.

She has that of course, and it’s showcased beautifully on these songs. However, while I loved her work with The Herd I found it much more exciting to listen to her in solo mode. You get a sense that she’s able to stretch out and be all parts of herself with this release, rather than simply fitting in with what a band needs her to be. It’s an eclectic release, with songs that blend modern electronica and primitive, tribal beats. I found the title track dreamy and romantic, and I really connected with lyrics of “The Rush.” “Among the Bells” is just grandiose enough to sound like it could be the next James Bond theme.

The songs are introspective and personal, yet they remain accessible. It’s clear that Jane’s put her heart and soul into this record, and it’s hard to avoid getting swept up in her passion for the project. I’ve listened to Echoes in the Aviary a couple of times now and it’s richer with every listen.

Echoes in the Aviary is in stores now. Jane Tyrrell will launch the album with a show at Newtown Social Club on December 4 and another at Northcote Social Club on December 5.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Robbie Miller Makes Me Swoon with “Sunday”

I was watching The Project last week and they said something about how men are 90 percent more attractive when they’re playing a guitar. I’m not sure quite how they measured that, but I’m not going to argue. Long-time readers have seen me falling for good looking men playing guitars time and time again in this blog, so it’s probably no surprise to anyone that Brisbane’s Robbie Miller is right up my alley. His song “Sunday” is sublime, and pretty appropriate for posting today if I do say so myself. Not just a pretty face, Robbie’s been playing guitar since he was 13. He’s been raised right on a musical diet of Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, and Neil Young. And as this performance and interview on Brisbane’s BalconyTV shows, he’s an absolute charmer. Colour me smitten.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Pearce Flexes His Creative Muscles with “Broken Bones”

Most of us know Guy Pearce as Aussie acting royalty, but he’s actually a pretty decent musician. This Jack of all Trades has just released his debut album Broken Bones. It features a brand new single “Taste,” which showcases his husky vocals and knack for catchy melodies beautifully.

“‘Taste’ digs into that illusive thing we call “identity”, and who we think we are, versus who we actually are – whatever that even means,” he explained in a press release. “We’re so malleable and contradictory at times, it’s often hard to be objective.”

Guy will play two launch shows to promote the release of Broken Bones. Wednesday’s show at The Toff is all sold out, but there are a handful of general admission tickets for The Basement on Wednesday, November 19, still available.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Travis Lee Brings 90s Soul Back with “Next 2 Me”

Back in the ‘90s I listened to a lot of soul and R’n’B music. Acts like R Kelly, Jodeci, Keith Sweat, and Blackstreet were always in my stereo. I hadn’t heard music like that in a long time until I discovered Australia’s own Travis Lee. There haven’t been a lot of Aussie acts that make music quite like this, not even in the 90s. So I’m impressed that this Brisbane singer is bringing back that old school sound with his new single “Next 2 Me.”

“Next 2 Me” is your classic boy meets girl story with a little twist as it goes beyond that by touching on the complications of what comes next. It’s the first song lifted from Travis’ debut EP, which was released yesterday. What do you think of it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Christine Anu Celebrates Festive Season with “Island Christmas”

I love Christmas. It’s only November but I’ve already started my Christmas shopping. I’ll be dragging out my decorations and Christmas CDs once my husband breaks down and decides it’s no longer too early. But I must admit, I feel about silly singing about winter wonderlands and sleigh bells in the snow when the mercury’s soaring. So I was thrilled to learn that Christine Anu is releasing her much more Aussie-friendly festive album Island Christmas tomorrow.

The album features duets with Steve Clisby and Jay Laga’aia, and even a cameo from her own kids Kuiam and Zipporah on the title track.

“I wrote the title track when my kids and their friends and cousins were quite young – we love singing – and I’d always get them to sing along with me. So even though they’re now a lot older, the inclusion of their voices on the album is incredibly nostalgic for me – it’s what Christmas is all about, in creating and recalling special memories each year,” said Christine in a press release.

“The song is a little tongue-in-cheek, with Aussie slang sound bites from Australian poetry and prose, conjuring up images of a unique summer Christmas spent at the beach, with family and friends, meeting up again for that one special time of the year.”

Look out for Island Christmas in stores tomorrow.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DXHeaven Goes Old School with “All The Time”

I’m an unashamed child of the 80s. Modern music might have generally moved on, but when I hear some synths and some earnest pop vocals I get weak at the knees. DXHeaven has delivered all that and more with his new single “All The Time.” The track is lifted from the Melbourne muso’s debut EP Aftertouch, which drops tomorrow.

I love its lush layers and the way DXHeaven’s smoother than chocolate vocals anchors it so beautifully. If you like what you hear too, get out and support DXHeaven when he launches the EP for his hometown fans at Hugs & Kisses on November 20.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rubber Records’ Best Play 25th Birthday Shows

From humble beginnings in a Melbourne bedroom, Rubber Records are just about to clock up 25 years in the Aussie music business. That means they’re still young enough to let their hair down, but they’re probably starting to regret it a little in the morning. No doubt there’ll be a few sore heads when the label celebrates the milestone with a string of very special shows featuring some of their most revered artists this December.

“I’ve always preferred being in the background and just releasing records by artists that I love working with,” explained label founder David Vodicka. “This series of shows is just as much a celebration of being around a long time and sticking with those artists, as it is an excuse to try and get some of them to play again!”

It all kicks off with The Casanovas, who will play their first show in several years at Northcote Social Club on December 3. Then Melbourne legends bZARK will reform albeit briefly, at Northcote Social Club on the 10th. Next cab off the ranks is Hamish Cowan, the Cordrazine singer who’s been living in exile in Scotland for the last couple of years. He’s also at the Northcote Social Club, on the 17th.

The final two shows will take us to Howler. 1200 Techniques will remind us what we’ve been missing with their reunion show on December 12, before undergroundLOVERS wrap things up on December 19.

It’s one hell of a month of music, and a fitting celebration for Rubber Records’ big birthday bash.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Philadelphia Grand Jury Ready for Recording Fundraiser Tour

It was a sad day for local music lovers when Philadelphia Grand Jury parted ways. Their single “Good News” was one of my favourite feel-good tracks for 2009. So I was thrilled to hear that Simon Berkfinger, Dan W Sweat, and MC Bad Genius have kissed and made up, and are ready to do it all again.

The Philly Jays are preparing to tour along the East Coast this month. If you’ve missed them, you’re going to want to get to these shows, not just to bask in the nostalgia but to give them the funds they need to record a follow-up to Hope is for Hopers. So dig deep folks and get yourself along to these reunion shows.

8 November 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
12 November 2014 – Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)
13 November 2014 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
14 November 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane https://www.facebook.com/philadelphiagrandjury

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sean Kirkwood One to Watch

New Zealand born, Melbourne based singer-songwriter Sean Kirkwood released his debut EP Tales for the Barman way back in April, but it didn’t exactly break through. It’s a shame, because the songs I’ve heard are incredible, including the gorgeous “Don’t Want to Own You.” I just love the way he marries folk, roots, and blues, and his no frills vocals. There’s something so compellingly raw and organic about what he does. If you love it too, you can grab a free download on Sean’s Bandcamp page.

Hopefully more people will sit up and take notice when Sean takes his songs on the road this month. If you like what you hear check him out at the following venues.

13 November 2014 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
14 November 2014 – Exeter Hotel, Adelaide
15 November 2014 – Babushka Bar, Ballarat
17 November 2014 – The Phoenix, Canberra
22 November 2014 – Cambridge Sidebar, Newcastle
23 November 2014 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
28 November 2014 – Cardigan Bar, Brisbane
29 November 2014 – Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi (afternoon)
29 November 2014 – Upfront Club, Maleny (night)
30 November 2014 – Milk Factory, Brisbane
2 December 2014 – The Rails, Byron Bay
4 December 2014 – Seaview Tavern, Woolgoolga
7 December 2014 – Menagerie, Sydney