Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Support SLAM Day

Have you made any New Year’s resolutions? Are you cutting back on the booze? Swearing you’ll stick to your exercise regime? Positive you’ll stop biting your nails? Yeah right!

Personally I’ve given up making plans I know I’ll probably break. Instead I make resolutions that will make me happy and easy to follow through with. Like intending to get out of the entertainment centres and see more live music in pubs and clubs.

If that resolution sounds pretty good to you, you’ll want to hear about the second annual SLAM (Save Live Australia’s Music) Day. Last year the event saw more than 150 gigs held in small venues across the country. On February 23, organisers hope to eclipse that effort.

So head to the SLAM Day website and see what’s happening near you. It’s much easier than counting calories!

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Sons of Dan Announce “Fun” Tour

Nine Sons of Dan will tour the East Coast this March to support their infectious new single “Fun (La Da Da Da Da),” which hits iTunes today.

As you might assumet from the title, there’s really no deeper meaning in the track. It’s just about shaking off the stress of everyday life and enjoying yourself. It was born out of the pressure the band felt while recording their latest EP, The New Kids.

“I was feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the recording until I came to the realisation that I’m here living my dream making music with my best friends,” explained Nine Sons of Dan’s singer-songwriter Jay Bainbridge. “We all have something we are chasing after – it’s a reminder to enjoy the here and now, if you get too caught up in the work of your passion you can kill it.”

And what better way to have fun than a national tour? You can have a good time with Nine Sons of Dan at the following shows.

1 March 2013 – The PA @ Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast (18+ – FREE)
9 March 2013 – Phoenix Youth Centre, Melbourne (Under 18s)
14 March 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)
16 March 2013 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
23 March 2013 – The Venue, Townsville (All Ages)
24 March 2013 – Mackay Entertainment Centre Foyer, Mackay (All Ages)
4 April 2013 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie (18+ – FREE)
5 April 2013 – C.Ex Coffs, Coffs Harbour (All Ages)
6 April 2013 – Live At The Brewhouse, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Webb Gives Away 12 New Songs in 2013

Christmas might be over, but Dan Webb doesn’t believe that’s any reason for the presents to stop. In 2013 he’s pledged that he’ll release a new song for free download every month. That’s 12 sparkly new songs to add to your music collection!

He’s set the bar very high with the first track “Departure,” a groovy number featuring Kylie Auldist of The Bamboos. If each song can live up to this one I’m going to be very impressed!

You can enjoy all the songs Dan is generously providing by logging on to his website this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Graveyard Train Deliver “The Sermon”

Australian chain gang balladeers Graveyard Train are ringing in the New Year with the release of their brand new single “The Sermon” and a string of summer festival dates.

“The Sermon”’s music video might have been better released around Halloween rather than the New Year, but it sets the scene for this song beautifully. Have you ever seen such creepy puppets?

Graveyard Train have passed over the big name festivals for some of Australia’s more interesting events. These shows are the last chance you’ll have to see the band for some time, as they’re preparing to head back in to the studio to record album number four.

19 January 2013 – Mona Foma, Hobart
2 February 2013 – The Garden Party @ Recital Centre, Melbourne
24 March 2013 – West Coast Blues ‘n’ Roots, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Don’t Mind the Heat – Try on Some Wintercoats!


If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’re probably staring at your computer screen bleary eyed, waiting for the pounding in your head to go away. You need to be eased into 2013 gently. Very gently. And so I figured I’d introduce you to “Halogen Moon,” the lead single from Wintercoats forthcoming EP Heartful.

That recording won’t hit stores until February, but this song gives you a taste of what’s in store. And it won’t upset your rather delicate state right now. That’s a win all round!

If you like what you hear you can see Wintercoats at the following venues this month:

3 January 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
12 January 2013 – The A & I Hall, Bangalow
30 January 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image source: Wintercoats Bandcamp page

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Young and Drunk

I’m not saying that I advocate the drunkenness and debauchery that goes on at on nights like this, but I know that it happens. And I figure if you’re going to overindulge on New Year’s Eve, you might as well have a soundtrack. I also figure it’s probably my job as a music blogger to provide it.

So in the interest of giving the readers what they want, wrap your ears around “Young Drunk,” the new single from The Smith Street Band. It’s as ocker as they come, with rough vocals and the kind of chorus you know you’ll start belting out later on tonight.

This is also the first time The Smith Street Band have treated us to a music video. Sure, it’s no work of creative genius, but it does capture the energy that comes when this band hits the stage. The footage here was captured at the band’s Sunshine and Technology album launch at The Tote in August.

If it has you itching to see this band live, you’re in luck. They’ll hit the following venues next year!

31 January 2013 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (18+)
2 February 2013 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (18+)
7 February 2013 – X&Y Bar, Brisbane (18+)
8 February 2013 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (18+ – FREE)
13 February 2013 – The Shed, Byron Bay (All Ages)
14 February 2013 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (18+)
15 February 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney (18+)
16 February 2013 – Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle (18+)
21 February 2013 – The Royal Oak, Lanceston (18+)
22 February 2013 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart (18+)
23 February 2013 – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
28 February 2013 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (18+)
1 March 2013 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (18+)
2 March 2013 – The Loft, Warrnambool (18+)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2012: A Musical Year in Review

2012 is winding down, so before we all head off for our New Year’s Eve parties I thought I should cast my mind back to the year that was. Here’s my annual wrap up of everything musical that made 2012 special for me.

Top 10 Aussie Albums
1. King of the Sun – Jamie Hay
2. Behind the Stars – Paul Greene & The Other Colours
3. The Moment – Mia Dyson
4. Missing Person – Diefenbach
5. Happy Home – Darren Percival
6. Tall Tales – The Perch Creek Family Jugband
7.The Sapphires – Soundtrack
8. Sins of the Blessed – Transvaal Diamond Syndicate
9. It’s an Endless Desire – Penny Hewson
10. Keep Left – William Street Strikers

Top 10 Aussie Tours
1. Matchbox Twenty
2. Prince
 3. Roger Waters: The Wall
4. David Campbell
5. Howie Day
6. Melissa Etheridge
7. Ben Harper
8. Darren Percival
9. Mumford & Sons
10. Busby Marou & Georgia Fair

Image source: Teresa Howes @ Stock.xchng

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trouble with Templeton @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 23 December 2012

Amongst the pre-Christmas baking, wrapping, and general craziness it was a pleasure to sit down and relax at my favourite musical haunt, Lizotte’s. It doesn’t matter who I’m going to see, or who’s keeping me company, the evening is always stellar. And it was no exception when I stepped out to see The Trouble with Templeton.

Before the Brisbane band took the stage we were treated to a performance from Sydney duo, The Falls. I loved their debut single “Home” and was thrilled to hear more of their pitch perfect harmonies and gentle folk melodies. Melinda Kirwan is an especially compelling performer who draws you in with her conviction. Their set was sublime, and over all too soon.

Then it was time for The Trouble with Templeton, an outfit that’s grown from solo act to ensemble in recent years. I became a fan in those early days when Thomas Calder adopted his moniker and released his impressive debut Bleeders. He seems at ease with his band, a bunch of talented performers in their own right, but I’m not sure they really fit a venue like Lizotte’s. And I’m not just referring to The Cubby House’s small stage! The sound was turned way up to eleven, a jarring contrast to The Falls’ more delicate set. There’s nothing wrong with being brash and bold, but sometimes less is more. Something tells me I’d have been better able to appreciate their songs if I could catch all the lyrics. It was also disappointing to see “Bleeders” so poorly represented. The cries for “I Wrote a Novel” fell on deaf ears; it would have made the perfect encore if they’d felt like giving us one. Encores are almost mandatory these days, so I was surprised the band didn’t return to the stage.

Any night at Lizotte’s is a good night, and The Trouble With Templeton are clearly a talented band. They just need to pare things a back a bit of they hope to make the impression of their stellar support act.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kiss Me! Play for the Kids

Sydney pop punk bank Kiss Me! will keep the kids entertained these school holidays with plenty of all ages shows up and down the East Coast.

The band will take the opportunity to road test some new material, but they promise to play all the favourites from the sold-out demo EP they released earlier this year.

If you’d prefer to get away from the screaming youngsters, Kiss Me! will also play an over 18s gig on the Gold Coast. If you live in another state, I suggest you bring your ear plugs!

6 January 2013 – Live At The Brewhouse, Sydney (All Ages)
13 January 2013 – Mars Hill Café, Parramatta (All Ages – Acoustic)
19 January 2013 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast (18+)
20 January 2013 – Upstairs at 199, Brisbane (All Ages)
16 February 2013 – Musicland, Falkner (All Ages)
17 February 2013 – Acoustic Cafe, Collingwood (All Ages – Acoustic)

Image used with permission from Insomniac Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas!

I hope you’re all enjoying your Christmas Day! Wherever you are in Australia, and whoever you’re spending the festive season with, I hope it’s merry, jolly, and all of those other positive adjectives that we only trot out at this time of year.

Personally, I’ll just hope my mother doesn’t find her Peppermint Candy Kids CDs. I’d much rather listen to something like this smooth version of “O Holy Night” by Barry Southgate. Who needs a band when you can do your own backing vocals like this?