Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luke Morris Takes Us to Mexico

I love discovering an artist with raw talent. I think that a gift for songwriting, solid vocals, and genuine musicianship are always much more impressive than bells and whistles. And that’s why I’m flipping out over young Byron Bay muso Luke Morris.

Listening to his track “Mexico” on his Triple J Unearthed page, I could feel the spirit of Byron informing his music. It’s so mellow and easy. Luke recorded the song and the others that make up his debut album in studios, bedrooms, car parks, and beach shacks last year. When it sounds this good raw, who needs fancy production?

The album is slated to hit stores in mid-July. Expect big things from Luke Morris.

Image used with permission from Luke Morris

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Sons of Dan Back with EP Number Three

It seems like only yesterday that Nine Sons of Dan were the new kids on the scene. However tomorrow they’re preparing to release their third EP Used Up. Where does the time go?

The six-track EP showcases a new edgier sound for the band. They were once a fun pop-punk act, but there’s a whole lot more attitude showcased on the lead single “Wrecking Ball.” Just listen to that scream!

“This EP was a chance for us to showcase the songs that we always wanted to have on our records,” explained singer Jay Bainbridge. “We took a lot of risks, we didn’t want to be safe and at the end of the day music is art and I think this EP will also allow us to meet some new people and the true NSOD fans to grow with us.”

They’ll start meeting those new fans and catching up with old ones soon. Nine Sons of Dan will play nine shows around the country this winter. No doubt they’re itching to perform after taking a hiatus of nearly ten months from the stage.

“We are all about high energy performances,” affirmed drummer Morgan “Flakey” Blake. “It was always in our mind to create an EP that would translate well live.”

You can see for yourself whether Nine Sons of Dan have delivered it when they play the following shows.

22 May 2014 – Hot Damn, Sydney, NSW (18+ Tickets at the door. Say “Nine Sons of Dan” at the door for discounted entry)
24 May 2014 – Tattersalls Hotel, Penrith (18+ FREE)
25 May 2014 – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney (ALL AGES)
6 June 2014 – POW, Werribee (18+)
7 June 2014 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
21 June 2014 – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour (18+)
3 July 2014 – Snitch, Brisbane (18+)
5 July 2014 – Racehorse Tavern, Ipswich (18+)
6 July 2014 – Swingin’ Safari, Gold Coast (18+)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amaya Laucirica Tours “Sway”

Amaya Laucirica will take her beautiful voice on the road this month to promote the recent release of her album Sway. The album features the previously released singles “Prettier Than The Sound” and “On the Air” and the newie, “Running Out of Time.”

Amaya will play regional centres and capital cities with her full band over the next month. All the ticketing information is available on her website.

15 May 2014 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
17 May 2014 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
23 May 2014 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide
24 May 2014 – Curtin Bandroom, Melbourne
31 May 2014 – Goodgod Small Club Sydney
8 June 2014 – MONA, Hobart (1pm)
8 June 2014 – The Republic, Hobart
13 June 2014 – Treehouse on Belongil, Byron Bay
14 June 2014 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hands Like Houses Cover Natalie Imbruglia

When I heard that Canberran six-piece Hands Like Houses had recorded a cover of Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” for the Punk Goes 90s Vol 2 compilation album, I expected a frenetic rendition of the Aussie classic. However, this is actually a surprisingly tender, powerful version of the iconic song. It seems I’m not the only one that thinks so, because since the album’s digital release it’s become the most downloaded song. That’s some feat considering that the compilation also features international heavyweights like Yellowcard and Falling in Reverse.

Hands Like Houses are attracting a legion of international fans at the moment. They’re currently headlining shows in the United Kingdom, and then they’ll be off to the United States to support Chiodos and play their own shows. Never fear though Aussie music lovers; they’ll be gigging back on home soil later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Isaac de Heer Unleashes Summer

I dragged out my tracksuit pants for the first time this year recently, so I know summer’s long gone. However, Isaac de Heer is attempting to bring a bit of its warmth back with his new album Summer, which hits stores on May 8.

It’s a unique album with hip-hop inspired musings about spaceships, piano ballads about time’s residue, and music set to his grandfather’s own poem, also called “Summer.” But we wouldn’t expect convention from the guy who grew up off the power grid in northern NSW and travelled around Asia, India, South America, and Europe. You can learn a little more about the making of the album in this video.

Isaac will celebrate the release of Summer with a tour of some fabulous intimate venues later this month.

15 May 2014 – Front Gallery, Canberra
16 May 2014 – Yum Yum Eatery, Hardy’s Bay
17 May 2014 – Newsagency, Sydney
18 May 2014 – Green Room Lounge, Sydney
22 May 2014 – The Junk Bar, Brisbane
23 May 2014 – The Treehouse, Byron Bay
25 May 2014 – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Acfields Have “Grabbed Me By the Heart”

Brother-sister duo The Acfields are back with a beautiful new song “Grabbed Me By the Heart.” It’s such an apt title, because I’ve fallen head over heels for it. It’s everything I’ve always loved about The Acfields, simply but stunning with sublime vocals and emotive lyrics. It’s also our first taste of The Acfield’s new album which will hit stores later this year thanks to a successful crowdfunding campaign.

Until then this talented duo will take “Grabbed Me By the Heart” around the country. Their new tour kicks off on May 15 in Melbourne, the day before the single gets its official release.

15 May 2014 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
23 May 2014 – Babushka Lounge, Ballarat
25 May 2014 – The Westernport Hotel, San Remo
29 May 2014 – Dowse Bar, Brisbane
31 May 2014 – Taps, Mooloolaba
1 June 2014 – Frankie Brown, Byron Bay
14 June 2014 – Mars Hill Café, Parramatta

Image used with permission from Pricewar Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Josh Pyke

After wowing crowds with his Lone Wolf tour earlier this year, Josh Pyke is set to do it all again with a regional run. I caught up with Josh ahead of the shows to talk about what he loves about performing, his latest album The Beginning and the End of Everything, and everyone’s favourite ’80s toy, Viewmasters!

1.    You’re just about to head off on an extension of your Lone Wolf tour. What made you want you want to extend this current leg of dates?
The first round of this tour was so overwhelmingly successful that I really wanted to take it out to regional areas. I’ve always focused on doing regional shows, but this feels like another level, going into more theater style venues. I’m really looking forward to it.

2.    I noticed you’re playing quite a few all ages shows on this run as well. How do they compare with the pub gigs?
They’re great! AA shows are hard to get off the ground sometimes, so it was great to see that the regional venues were set up and willing accommodate all ages shows. The kids that come to my shows are pretty cool and always handle themselves well at gigs so it’s not that wildly different from a normal show, except I feel heaps older!

3.    It seems like you’re always out on the road. How do you keep things feeling fresh when you’re playing so many shows?
You have to do something different every time. For every album I’ve done, I’ve made sure that my tours have incorporated something I haven’t done before. I’ve had string sections, rearranged heaps of songs to have different instrumentation, full band shows, solo shows, collaborations shows … Whatever it is, it needs to offer not only new songs, but new ways of presenting old songs, so people have a reason to come back.

4.    Clearly you must love being on stage. What’s your favourite thing about that?
It’s like the only time in my life that I’m totally in the moment. “Real life” is filled with conflicting things happening all the time, and you have to split your brain up to keep up with everything. But when I’m doing a show, I’m right there in the moment with the audience, and it’s a great feeling. Immediate and intimate and engaged. I love it.

5.    I’m sure fans will hear plenty of old favourites at these shows, but it must also be exciting for you to showcase your newer stuff from The Beginning and the End of Everything. What’s your favourite track to play live from that album and why?
“White Lines Dancing” is great to play solo. I use a loop pedal to add percussion and a piano line, and it just builds really well. Playing solo lets me muck around with the arrangements and dynamics of the song, and that works really well in that song.

6.    I read that you felt this album is actually your best. Why is that?
I just think it’s my most developed and most accomplished. I love every song on it, and it’s the only album I’ve made that I can actually listen to at home. I’m super proud of all my output, but I especially think this record is just the best one I’ve done. Simple as that!

7.    As a child of the ‘ 80s I’ve been pretty intrigued by the Viewmasters you’re going to be selling as part of your tour pack. They make a nice change from T-shirts! What was the thought behind them?
Years ago a fantastic supporter of mine made me a Viewmaster with photos from a show she’d been at. I thought it was awesome and thought if I ever had a chance to do something like that based around a specific tour it’d be very cool. So this seemed like the perfect chance.

8.    You’re barely going to have time to unpack before you’re out on the road again touring with Chris Cheney, Phil Jamieson, and Tim Rogers as part of The Beatles’ White Album tribute. It’s been five years since you all got together to pay tribute to The Beatles. Are you excited to be doing it all again?
I am! I started practicing the songs again today actually, and it all flooded back to me what a great time we had. It was really nerve wracking the first time, and I’m sure there’ll be some anxiety again this time, but with another five years of performing under my belt I want it to be even better than the last one.

9.    And clearly the Beatles must be a big part of your musical DNA. What is it about their music that really resonates with you?
For me it’s always been the harmonies and production. All the quirky sounds, the arrangements, the technical details like the tape delays and panning in some songs, (due to mainly mixing in mono back then). That stuff still blows my mind and engages me to this day.

10. After that tour wraps up, what’s next for you?
I have a studio at home I’m planning on renovating and will start writing and demoing for another album! There’s also a few more projects I’m trying to get off the ground, but they won’t kick off til next year.

Catch Josh on his Lone Wolf tour at the following shows.

6 June 2014 – Montrose Town Centre, Montrose (ALL AGES)
7 June 2014 – The Memo, Healesville (ALL AGES)
13 June 2014 – Fannie Bay Gaol, Darwin
15 June 2014 – Divers Tavern, Broome
20 June 2014 – Empire Church Theatre, Toowoomba (ALL AGES)
21 June 2014 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona (ALL AGES)
22 June 2014 – Byron Theatre, Byron Bay (ALL AGES)
25 June 2014 – Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Harbour (ALL AGES)
26 June 2014 – Pier One @ Panthers, Port Macquarie
27 June 2014 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree (ALL AGES)
28 June 2014 – Cessnock Performing Arts Centre, Cessnock (ALL AGES)
5 July 2014 – Milton Theatre, Milton (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Lee Kendall on the Comeback Trail

It’s been nearly three years since I reviewed Daniel Lee Kendall’s sublime sophomore EP Talk the Night Away. I raved about the five track collection, but insisted that such a small number of songs was merely a tease. I said that I couldn’t wait for the long player, but it seems I can.

Finally my patience has been rewarded with “Angelique,” the first new song Daniel’s released in years. It’s not that he hasn’t been creative, but it seems he’d been spending too much time in his head, worrying about whether the music would be embraced and whether commercial success would follow. And so his songs sat, gathering virtual dust.

It was clear something had to change, so Daniel set off for some soul searching in the Middle East and Sri Lanka. Then he headed to university, hoping to find the answers there. Finally he was in the right headspace to revisit some 50 demos that had sat idly. “Angelique” was one of those tracks which has been given a second chance as Daniel rediscovered his love of music.

“Here I am, with an album of songs that I once loved, and have learnt to re-love again. Though with a different love. It’s far more like I’m appreciating an old album of an artist in my youth,” he explained in a press release. “It’s almost as though someone else has written these songs, and I can appreciate and enjoy what this person has created and I wish to share them with people again.”

And once again, I can’t wait to hear more, or at least I’m excited that I won’t need to wait too long.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Something for Kate Announce Big Plans for 20th Anniversary

Hearing that Something for Kate are celebrating 20 years in the business makes me feel pretty old. Thankfully the band aren’t showing any signs of such fatigue. They’ll mark the milestone in style with the release of their entire back catalogue on vinyl, deluxe CD, and iTunes, as well as the release of a short film charting their career, a book Paper Trail doing the same, and a big national tour this July and August.

These shows are going to be something pretty special as the band plays two sets every night. The gigs will be jam-packed with delights for fans including B-sides, rarities, and of course those killer hits. The short film will play before each show, and the book will be available from the merch stands. If you can’t make it to the shows you’ll be able to buy it online.

Expect the merch stand to get pretty crowded as the band promises to stop by every night to meet fans and sign the stuff they’ve been collecting for the last two decades.
The re-issued music goes on sale on July 4, the same day the band kicks off their retrospective 20 Year Anniversary tour.

4 July 2014 – Astor, Perth
11 July 2014 – Tivoli, Brisbane
12 July 2014 – Enmore, Sydney
18 July 2014 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
19 July 2014 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
20 July 2014 – Forum, Melbourne
15 August 2014 – HQ, Adelaide

Image used with permission from International Music Concepts

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vernons Launch “Rollin’ Back to You”

After a busy six months making waves here and abroad, The Vernons are back with a brand new single “Rollin’ Back to You.” This is our first taste of the Queensland rockers’ forthcoming sophomore album Volume II.

I just love how gritty and dirty this track is. It’s all attitude and blues, and has one of the best bass lines I’ve heard in some time.

Fans will get to hear a little bit more from Volume II when The Vernons launch the single at the following shows.

8 May 2014 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
15 May 2014 – Boney, Melbourne
22 May 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Shake Appeal