Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The East Pointers Playing Aussie Shows

Canadian indie folk duo The East Pointers are heading to Australia on the back of their recently released single “Anniversary.” This beautiful song honours their late bandmate Koady Chaisson, who died suddenly in January 2022.

“When Jake [Charron, keys, guitar, and vocals] and I sat down to write, ‘Anniversary’ was the first song that came out—it was as if Koady was in the room with us, it flowed so fast,” said Koady’s cousin and East Pointers vocalist, fiddler, and guitar player Tim Chaisson. “We want this song to give anybody permission to give themselves a pat on the back, for any of the wins or positive changes in their life. A celebration you continue to honour, especially when times get tough.”

“‘Anniversary’ is a song about how making one positive decision can change the rest of your life,” Jake added. “11 years ago today (on his birthday) our late band member Koady made some major changes to his life to improve his mental health, one of which was becoming sober. This is a song to celebrate fresh starts, milestones, and the wins that we have along the way, big or small.”

The East Pointers will play some of the country’s leading folk festivals and headlining shows in the coming months. Tickets are on sale now for all the following shows.

28 February – 2 March 2025 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
5 March 2025 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7-10 March 2025 – Port Fairy Folk Festival @ Southcombe Park, Pyipkil/Port Fairy
13 March 2025 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
14-16 March 2025 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Colomatta/Blue Mountains
19 March 2025 – Republic, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2025 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
21 March 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 March 2025 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
23 March 2025 – Old Museum, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Justin Rix

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Australian Guitar Quartet Bringing Classical and More to the Capitals

Music lovers are in for a real treat when Andrew Blanch, Vladimir Gorbach, and Slava and Leonard Grigoryan take their Bach, Bossa and Beyond show to the major capitals next month. These guys are all exceptional individually, but when they join forces as the Australian Guitar Quartet magic happens. Check out this video for just a taste of what you’re in for.

The quartet promises to play music spanning almost 300 years in these not-to-be-missed shows. They’ll take you on a journey through genres including classical music, opera, Latin, and modern jazz, so there’s bound to be something for everyone. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows:

11 February 2025 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm/Melbourne
13 February 2025 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Keith Saunders

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stamps Release Fire Single, “Slow Burn”

Meet your new indie-pop obsession, The Stamps. Originally beginning as a folk trio, Scarlett Graham, Rubina Bertolini, and Sofia Hourani showcase a more upbeat sound with their latest single “Slow Burn.” This super catchy song showcases their sublime harmonies and nostalgic sound.

Scarlett, who was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, explained the song’s inspiration, noting “I was missing the younger aspect of myself that existed in Canada; the carefreeness of being a child, and the many friends I left behind. One childhood friend of mine was on my mind after we caught up on Facetime. After weeks of missing each other’s phone calls, leaving ‘life update’ voice notes, we were finally able to find moments to connect. It was written when I was feeling frustrated about how difficult it is to keep in touch and the pride I can often have to not be the first one to call. I am guilty of how often I never want to be the ‘needy’ one.”

Scarlett met her fellow Stamps as an exchange student at a Walyalup/Fremantle high school. They formed an immediate bond and remained close even once Scarlett returned home, sending letters via snail mail. After years apart, they decided to start together afresh in Naarm/Melbourne. Their band name celebrates the way they stayed in contact despite their physical distance.

The Stamps will next play Hepburn Mineral Springs as part of Hepburn Shire Council’s free Sunset in the Springs concert series. Catch them alongside Dayfever and Sasha Taylor on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Photo credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Howlin Country Music Festival Making Debut Next Month

The Tamworth Country Music Festival may be Australia’s most well-known celebration of country music, but it’s far from the nation’s only country event attracting big-name talent. Mulubinba/Newcastle will keep the party going with its Howlin Country Music Festival next month.

The event features American country stars Tyler Childers, S.G. Goodman, and Willi Carlisle alongside local talents Brad Cox, Sons of the East, and Austin Mackay, plus heaps more. The two-stage setup will keep the tunes pumping. Everyone’s welcome, with organisers promising a family-friendly day out that country-music loving adults and kids can enjoy.

“City of Newcastle is a strong supporter of live music and committed to attracting and hosting major events,” said Alissa Jones, City of Newcastle’s Executive Director Creative & Community Services. “We’re proud to support events that contribute to a varied and diverse event calendar for Newcastle, generating economic activity for local businesses while utilising the wonderful assets our city has to offer, such as Foreshore Park.”

Howlin Country Music Festival hits Newcastle Foreshore on February 15. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Gyrostream

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Forgiving Spree” – Slowly Slowly

With Forgiving Spree, Slowly Slowly proves the old adage that quality is always better than quantity. Its nine tracks spanning will take you just a little over half an hour to listen to, but I guarantee you’ll be thinking about them long after the final note.

It’s no coincidence that Slowly Slowly released five singles from this album before its launch. It opens with the title track before moving on to “Gimme the Wrench” and “How Are You Mine?”, all so catchy and crowd-pleasing. You might expect a dip in energy as Slowly Slowly move on to those album tracks, but in all honesty, any song on this album might have served as a single. This is an album that sees Slowly Slowly leaning into their pop sensibilities, unafraid to take inspiration from more commercial influences like John Farnham and Bruce Springsteen. There are more love songs than gritty anthems here. Most songs encourage listeners to sing along, but with the closer “Born Free,” Slowly Slowly shows they have what it takes to silence you. It’s such an epic ballad, stripped back and vulnerable until its dramatic musical and emotional crescendo.

Forgiving Spree is Slowly Slowly’s fifth album and their most accomplished. It sees them taking well-educated musical risks that always land, yet still surprise listeners. They’re stretching themselves musically and proving that just maybe, they can do it all.

Forgiving Spree is out now. Slowly Slowly will celebrate their new release with shows in Europe, the United Kingdom, and here at home over the coming months. Get your tickets now because they’re bound to sell out.

6-9 February 2025 – Party in The Paddock Festival @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka/Launceston
28 February – 2 March 2025 – Feastival Falls Creek, Jaithmathang Country/Falls Creek
1-2 March 2025 – Yours and Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
9 March 2025 – Limestone Coast Beer & BBQ Fest, Berrin/Mount Gambier
14 March 2025 – Academy 2, Dublin
16 March 2025 – Cat House, Glasgow
18 March 2025 – Key Club, Leeds
19 March 2025 – Deaf Institute, Manchester
20 March 2025 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
22 March 2025 – Camden Assembly, London
24 March 2025 – AB Club, Brussels
26 March 2025 – Supersonic, Paris (FREE)
27 March 2025 – Rotown, Rotterdam
29 March 2025 – Artheatre, Cologne
30 March 2025 – Badehaus, Berlin
4 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
5 April 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
6 April 2025 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
10 April 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 April 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
12 April 2025 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne

Main photo credit: Marcus Coblyn

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daphnie Channels ’90s Nostalgia With Latest Single “Wanna Be (with) You”

Alistair Hayes of Daphnie and Max Jacobs of Loretta are some of the hottest up-and-coming pop artists in the country, so I knew anything they wrote together would be a total bop. I wasn’t wrong. Wrap your ears around “Wanna Be (with) You”. It’s the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.

“It’s inspired by the classic story of not knowing if you wanna be with someone, or if you just want to be them. Obsessing over them to an unhealthy degree, wanting to steal their perfume or clothes, date them, or just be as cool as they are,” Alistair explained. “It pays homage to classic ‘90s rom-coms like Ten Things I Hate About You (the famous bleachers scene), and makes fun of other tropes like somehow running through the airport without getting caught. We even played the movie on mute in the background while writing it to make sure it matched that ridiculous and nostalgic ‘being way too in love with someone’ energy.”

So crank that volume. “This one”Wanna Be (with) You” is a real vibe.

Image used with permission from Alistair Hayes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ama Drops Latest Perfect Pop Track, “Employee”

Prolific local pop act Ama continues to pump out the tunes, yet the quality never seems to dip. Her latest single “Employee” is an ultra-catchy bop that’ll resonate with anyone who’s suffered through a one-sided relationship.

“It’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone desperately giving their constant attention to a person; kinda like a full-time job,” Ama explained.

“Employee” is just one of the fresh tunes featured on my playlist Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. Stream them all on Spotify.

Image source: Ama’s website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“TOY” – Dear Seattle

Dear Seattle aren’t playing around with their latest album TOY. The band’s third studio album is packed with stellar rock tunes that will have you singing along in no time.

The album takes off with “Nothing’s Stopping Me Now,” an upbeat, feel-good banger that perfectly sets the tone for this release. Dear Seattle have a knack for creating big, anthemic earworms. Frontman Brae Fisher’s vocals have this raw, authentically Australian quality that encourages listeners to join in. The hooky guitar riffs are infectious. High-energy numbers are the band’s specialty and tracks like “Courtney Love” and “Sungazer” are some of the band’s best. The band doesn’t keep its foot flat to the floor though. Dear Seattle ensures this rock album never feels one note when it slows down the tempo for more introspective numbers like “Evergreen” and “Counting Hours.”

While Dear Seattle’s Like a Version cover of “The Special Two” is a lot of fun, it doesn’t quite gel with all this incredible original music. It’s a shame this bonus track couldn’t be delivered like the bonus tracks on old CDs, after an extended silence that let us digest this excellent album first.

The release of TOY feels like Dear Seattle have come full circle. This album saw them reunite with Fletcher Matthews, who produced their debut EP in 2017. This time they’re coming together with years of stage and studio experience under their belt. Dear Seattle have matured without losing that raw Aussie charm that first endeared them to punters. This fresh batch of songs are instantly accessible, but I feel I’m going to love them even more once I memorise all those lyrics and can sing along at top note.

TOY is available now on vinyl, CD, and streaming platforms.

Main photo credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kora Naughton Releases Gorgeous Country-Pop Single, “Last Call”

If you’ve ever felt like someone’s backup plan, I know you’ll connect with Kora Naughton’s latest country single “Last Call.” It’s a poignant track that exploration of what it feels like to be in a situationship with someone putting in the bare minimum.

While the song’s definitely bittersweet, its lyrics also encourage listeners to reflect on their self-worth and prioritise self-love over being in the wrong relationship. Because no one deserves to be anyone’s last call!

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Talented Teen Natasha Kate Releases “Chore”

The future of Aussie music is in safe hands with talents like Natasha Kate coming through the ranks. The 16-year-old from Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula has blown me away with her angsty new single “Chore.”

“‘Chore’ is about knowing your worth and not giving a second chance to someone who didn’t know what they had until it was gone,” Natasha said.

You can hear more of Natasha’s original music when she plays the Waterfront Festival in Monmar/Frankston on 8 February.

Photo credit: Natasha Kate Fraker