Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sans Gras Get Under My Skin

I was pretty sure I wouldn’t write about Sans Gras as I listened to “Sun Come Up,” the opening track from their new EP Shed Your Woes. I admired its ambition and dynamism, but I was struggling to find something to hang on to. I appreciated the song on an intellectual level, but I just couldn’t connect with it. I really wanted to like it because it was so interesting and bold, but I didn’t.

I promise myself that I’d listen to the whole track before turning off the EP. But then a game of Angry Birds got intense, and I found myself listening to the next song “Left and Right.” It was soulful, and so much more cohesive than the first number. It didn’t take as many risks, but it was much more enjoyable to listen to. And so in spite of my initial assessment, I decided to try track three on for size. “Wildflower” sees the quirkiness that sets Sans Gras apart used to great effect. Again it’s more accessible than “Sun Come Up” and less daring, but it’s such good fun. It lost me a little in the middle, but that lacklustre bridge is sandwiched between brilliance.

Sans Gras are the sort of band that stretches out in many different directions. They’re so creative, and even the fans probably won’t like everything they produce. But that’s pretty cool. Greatness doesn’t come from playing it safe. Sans Gras aren’t there yet, but in just three tracks they’ve shown a special spark. Keep your ear to the ground, as Sans Gras will launch Shed Your Woes with an EP tour in the not too distant future.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saskwatch Chase Away Winter Blues with “Your Love”

Saskwatch look to blast us all out of our winter funks with their feel good new single “Your Love.”

The release of their latest 7-incher (yes boys and girl, this is a band firmly rooted in old school traditions) is the latest achievement in a big year for the band. They earned rave reviews for their performances at the Golden Plains and Falls Festivals, and scored the support slots for Earth Wind & Fire, and Maceo Parker.

“Your Love” is our second taste of Saskwatch’s forthcoming debut album Leave It All Behind, which will hit stores next month. If it’s any indication, that LP’s going to be a whole lot of fun. You can buy the vinyl or digital versions on the Saskwatch website.

Saskwatch will celebrate the release of “Your Love” with some launch shows in the major capitals. Melbourne can catch them at the Ding Dong Lounge on July 20. They’ll play the Beresford in Sydney on July 28.

Image used with permission from Show Off Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pluto Jonze’s Genre Bending New Single

I’m really impressed by “See What the Sun Sees,” the dreamy new single from Sydney music Pluto Jonze. The song gets a digital release today.

Pluto was influences by artists like Beatles and Bowie, and you can hear some of their epic qualities and love of theatre in this tune. It doesn’t fit neatly into any genre, and perhaps because of that feels really fresh. The closest I can come to categorizing it would be psychedelic pop, but perhaps it’s better to listen rather than agonising over labels.

Pluto is celebrating the release of “See What the Sun Sees” with a quickie tour around the East Coast. Catch him in the capitals later this month.

13 July 2012 – Workers Club, Melbourne
19 July 2012 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
21 July 2012 – Goodgod Small Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from Falcona

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carol George Back from the Brink with “I’ve Changed My Ways”

Melbourne urban artist Carol George has really touched me with her first single “I’ve Changed My Ways.”

This song is a brutally honest account of Carol’s struggles with marijuana addiction. It’s one of those drugs that so many people take lightly. Carol hope hers tale can shift those misconceptions and encourage others affected by pot to seek help.

“I want to get the word out there about the drug and if it’s affecting you like it affected me in the song then it shows you’re not the only one that’s going through it,” she explained. “Hopefully it gives people a chance to push themselves to make a difference in their own life.”

It’s rare to hear an artist release something so raw, with lyrics that refuse to shy away from the details. You can hear the pain and the power of change in equal measures here. What a brave release this is.

“I’ve Changed My Ways” is currently available through iTunes.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rick Astley Rick Rolls Australia

We’ve seen some strange tour announcements this year, but the news that Rick Astley is visiting our shores may be one of the most surprising yet. Sure Rick’s enjoyed another 15 minutes of fame with the rise of the Rick Roll, but a trip all the way to Oz still seems like it’s come out of left field.

Remember though, Rick didn’t just bring us “Never Gonna Give You Up.” He was responsible for a swag of 80s hits, including “Whenever You Need Somebody,” “Together Forever,” and the very underrated “Cry for Help.”

Rick hasn’t released a new studio album since 2005’s Portrait, so this tour will be all about the nostalgia. You can take a trip down memory lane with him at the following shows:

16 November 2012 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
17 November 2012 – Ipswich Civic Hall, Ipswich
18 November 2012 – Tivoli Brisbane, Brisbane
21 November 2012 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
23 November 2012 – Evan Theatre, Penrith
24 November 2012 – Waves Nightclub, Wollongong
25 November 2012 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
29 November 2012 – Kinross Woolshed, Albury
30 November 2012 – The Palace, Melbourne
1 December 2012 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Love Migrate’s Slow Burning Single

Love Migrate’s single “Plagued Are All My Thoughts” is one of those songs that finds its way under your skin.

I began listening to the Melbourne band’s song wondering where it was heading. It sounded nice enough, but it didn’t have any hooks to grab me. I continued to tune in, but I was sure I wouldn’t write about it. It just didn’t spark with me.

But then something changed as it built. I began to realise the beauty of this slow burner. It’s not a song about instant gratification, but it wraps around you and doesn’t let go. The song takes its time, so make sure you take yours and give it a proper listen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Butler Signs European Recording Deals

Jacob Butler continues to make inroads abroad. Just months after signing a recording deal in South Africa, the Australian Idol alumn has scored a swag of record deals across Europe.

Hamburg indie label Very Us Records has signed Jacob for a three-album deal which will see his next three albums, including his debut Reason, released in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Reason will hit those markets on August 24, and Jacob will tour around Europe in September to support its release.

“We’re very proud to welcome Jacob Butler,” affirmed Very Us Records’ head of A&R and Marketing, Dennis Grim. “He is an outstanding songwriter and bandleader, and his guitar-driven, seasonable repertoire fits perfectly with our roster.”

Jacob’s also signed a licensing deal with Universal Music Poland, which will see Reason released in Poland and Bulgaria. Jacob’s last single “Come My Way” is also making waves in Europe, where it hit number 47 on the country’s radio charts.

“I’m very excited to be gaining some traction in Europe” Jacob said in a press release. “The combined potential audience of these territories reaches over 150 million people, with Germany alone ranked as the world’s third largest music market.”

Congrats Jacob!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods Headline Sprung

Hilltop Hoods will headline this year’s Sprung Festival.

The annual all-ages event, which celebrates the best of hip hop music, will see the Adelaide act leading the charge at Brisbane’s RNA Showgrounds. Other artists on the bill include Illy, Pez, Evil Eddie, Tzu, Kerser, and Spit Syndicate.

The Sprung Music festival hits Brisbane on November 10. Tickets are affordably priced at $77; not bad for a day’s entertainment. You can get yours now from Oztix.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Another Slice of San Cisco Pop

San Cisco brings more good vibes with their latest single “Rocket Ship.”

The cheerful tunes from this Fremantle duo have a way of getting underneath your skin, and this song’s no exception. It’s every bit as catchy as their breakthrough song” Awkward,” with a driving African drum beat and simple singalong chorus that you’ll be humming long after you hear it.

The film clip is just as much fun, with off the wall footage captured by director Matt Saville around San Cisco’s hometown.

“Shooting Rocket Ship was really fun,” explained San Cisco singer Jordi Davieson. ”It was like a day in the life of San Cisco. We hung out with friends and family and did some crazy stuff, some legal, some not so. I have no idea who that is jumping off the bridge!”

Rocket Ship comes from San Cisco’s acclaimed EP Awkward. If you’re hanging out for new music, don’t worry. San Cisco are currently recording their debut album. Until then, this fresh music video should tide you over!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Falls Release First Single

The Falls show experience beyond their years as a recording duo with their debut single “Home.”

Not that the pair are newbies. They’ve honed their craft for years on the Sydney pub circuit, and that easily transfers itself to this single and others from their debut EP Hollywood, which hits stores on August 3. They are also former lovebirds. While their romance fizzled, their natural affinity for one another has endured through their music.

“Home” has such a gorgeous organic quality to it. You can hear the truth behind the lyrics as Simon Rudston-Brown and Melinda Kirwin’s vocals come together. The song feels warm, but if you listen to the words you realise it delves deeply into life’s struggles. That can be pretty dark stuff, but the song’s bittersweet and beautiful.

Do you love it just as much as I do?

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water