Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Short Stack Tour “This Is Bat Country”

The boys from Budgewoi better known as Short Stack are riding high on the success of their brand new album This is Bat Country. The disc has already gone gold and spawned three hit singles, so the lads are planning to celebrate with another national tour.

Short Stack are sure to be in fine form as they’ve just finished supporting Good Charlotte at their shows around the country. No doubt they’ll be hungry to be the headliners again. Heroes for Hire and Because They Can will join the Central Coast band on the road this July.

Short Stack have sold out their last four tours, so I suggest getting your tickets soon if you hope to catch them at the following venues!

1 July 2011 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 July 2011 – Festival Hall, Melbourne
8 & 9 July 2011 – Astor Theatre, Perth
15 & 16 July 2011 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
22 July 2011 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
23 July 2011 – Royal Theatre National Convention Centre, Canberra
29 July 2011 – Evans Theatre @ Penrith Panthers, Penrith
30 July 2011 – Newcastle Panthers, Newcastle

Image used with AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Q & A with Emery’s Toby Morell

Next week South Carolina rockers Emery promise plenty of attitude as they bring their We Do What We Want tour to Australia. I recently caught up with the band’s vocalist Toby Morell to chat about the upcoming shows, the new album of the same name, and why he loves Australia.

You’ve visited our shores before but this is your first time in Australia as the main attraction. How does it feel to step up out of  that supporting role?
It feels great. We love getting to headline. We get to play more songs  and really get to give the crowd our all. It is a little intimidating to do this in a different country but Australia always treats us really well.

This will be your fourth trip to Australia. What makes you want to keep on coming back?
It’s so fun. You guys have great sites, food, and the shows are always really fun to play. It could never get old.

You’ve got a pretty hectic schedule. Will you get any time to play tourist?
I hope so. We have seen a lot on our other trips but it is always nice to see things you’ve only gotten to read about in books or seen in pictures.  I wish we could actually go to the Outback once, but we are scared we will die.

One of the more interesting stops on your tour is EasterFest, which has one of the most eclectic festival line-ups I’ve ever seen. There’s everything from metal to pop to gospel on the bill. Are you looking forward to taking part in such a diverse event?
Yes! We have heard about EasterFest and cant wait to play with all the amazing bands. I think it’s more fun when the bands are so diverse. There is a different kind of music happening all the time. You can’t get bored. It’s impossible.

Given that diversity there’s likely to be a lot of people at EasterFest who aren’t familiar with your music. Why should they check out your set?
I hate to toot our own horn but we really put on a crazy live show. We want to bring the music to life and always try to create a show that you will never forget.

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Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Script @ Hordern Pavilion, Sydney – 8 April 2011

It’s been a year and a half since I first saw The Script live. After that show I was buoyed and excited, thrilled to see one of the greatest pop acts of our time doing their thing in the flesh. As they say in the classics, what a difference a year makes.

Let me make it clear: I still think that The Script are one of the greatest pop acts of our time. But walking out after their Sydney show on Friday night, I felt none of the same euphoria.
My mediocre night started with Tinie Tempah. I have no clue who thought it’d be a good idea to pair the inoffensive piano pop of The Script with the stylings of this brash Brit rapper, but it was a weird mix, to say the least. I hated his music, but was amused by his arrogant on stage persona. There’s something very contrived about a performer who demands crowd participation. People will wave their hands in the air and sing along if they feel like it; you really shouldn’t need to push it. I also feel a bit cheated when a performer merely raps over the work of other musicians, but that might just be me. The Video Hits loving crowd on the floor seemed to lap up his set, but I spent it giggling and cringing at his over-the-top antics. At least I was entertained.

Hearing the familiar piano driven music of The Script was a welcome respite from all that hip hop garbage. The Irishmen delivered a really solid set featuring tunes from their self titled debut and their sophomore effort Science and Faith in equal measures. They interacted with the crowd, and I couldn’t help melting every time they told us how much they appreciated our support and country. We sang along loudly to the big hits, no prompting needed. See Tinie? We’ll sing if we want to.

It’s hard for me to put my finger on exactly what was missing, but I certainly didn’t feel the adulation I did the first time around. The venue didn’t do them any favours. The Hordern is like a bit shed, with terrible acoustics and a lack of real intimacy. I certainly felt removed from the band, as often it seemed like they were just performing for the squealing girls in the first few rows. I don’t expect that I’ll get the same show sitting on the sides, but I expect a band used to stadiums to play the room a little more. Perhaps after such a brilliant Cyndi Lauper concert last week, most nights are going to pale in comparison. Either way, there was something missing. A night spent with The Script is always enjoyable, but this show wasn’t quite what it could have been.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emmure Reschedule Aussie Shows

When Emmure postponed their January tour, they swore they’d reschedule for later this year. Now the New York metal act is making good on its promise, announcing shows all around the place this June.

The band should be performing like a well oiled machine, as our shows will come off the back of dates in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Fans will be treated to tunes from all four Emmure albums, including the newie Speaker of the Dead.

Sydney’s Shinto Katana will join Emmure for their Aussie odyssey. Tickets go on sale on Monday April 18.

10 June 2011 – Expressive Grounds, Gold Coast (All Ages)
11 June 2011 – Thriller, Brisbane (18+)
12 June 2011 – Bald Faced Stag, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)
14 June 2011 – Oasis Youth Centre, Wyong (All Ages)
15 June 2011 – Tuggeranong Youth Centre, Canberra (All Ages)
16 June 2011 – City Band Hall, Mt Gambier (All Ages)
17 June 2011 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (Licensed All Ages)
18 June 2011 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (Under 18s – afternoon)
18 June 2011 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne (18+ – night)
19 June 2011 – HQ, Perth (All Ages – afternoon)
19 June 2011 – Amplifier Bar, Perth (18+ – night)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stan Walker Headlines New Ground Festival

Musicians from around the world will take over Griffith University’s Meadowbrook Campus on April 30 for the New Ground Festival. The event is designed to celebrate diversity, so it’s only fitting that it’ll take place in Logan, one of Queensland’s most culturally rich cities.

There are more artists to be announced, but already the bill is shaping up to be something special. Acts already announced include reigning Australian Idol Stan Walker, Sudanese singer Ajak Kwai, Sydney reggae act V Tribe, the Silk Girls Ensemble from China, and the Carribean’s Pantastic Steel Band. The musicians will be joined by dance crews, and an array of multicultural foods, arts, and crafts.

Tickets are on sale now through the New Ground Festival website, the Logan PCYC, and other venues around the city.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skipping Girl Vinegar Launch Album with Aussie Tour

Skipping Girl Vinegar will launch their new album Keep Calm Carry the Monkey with a massive winter tour.

The band’s sophomore album hits record stores on May 7, which should give us just enough time to become familiar with the new material before they hit town. They’ll play capital cities and major regional centers all around the place this June, July, and August.

No doubt Skipping Girl Vinegar will be keen to showcase their new tunes, which are a bit darker than those of their debut. However I’m sure we’ll hear plenty of old favourites too. I hear the shows will have a bit of a woodland set, complete with animals and homemade baked goods. Colour me intrigued!

Skipping Girl Vinegar are playing some small, intimate theatres this time around, so if you want to see them I’d get in and grab your tickets early!

4 June 2011 – The Arts Centre @ Fairfax Studio, Melbourne
11-12 June 2011 – Snowy Mountains of Music Festival, Jindabyne
24 June 2011 – Old Museum @ STUDIO 3, Brisbane
26 June 2011 – Hotel Great Northern, Byron Bay
30 June 2011 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
1 July 2011 – Notes, Sydney
2 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
3 July 2011 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
7 July 2011 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
8 July 2011 – Street Theatre, Canberra
21 July 2011 – Higher Ground, Adelaide
22 July 2011 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
23 July 2011 – Norfolk Basement, Fremantle
26 August 2011 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Warragul

Image used with permission from AUM Marketing

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DIG Back in Action

Does anyone else out there remember 90s acid jazz band DIG? Hell, does anyone out there even remember the genre known as acid jazz? It’s been eight years since DIG wowed local crowds, but they’re preparing to do it all again with a string of New South Wales shows to celebrate their 20th anniversary.

This isn’t one of those lame reboots where the band limps on stage without key original members. The shows will feature the original DIG lineup: keys man and vocalist Scott Saunders, Rick Robertson on sax, Tim Rollinson on lead guitar, Alex Hewetson on bass, and Terepai Richmond on the drums. They’ll be joined on tour by a new guest vocalist Laura Stitt.

The reunion tour kicks off this week at my favorite venues, Lizotte’s. Following the three intimate shows the band will return to some of their favorite Sydney haunts. I wouldn’t feel too put out if you’re living in the other states, because this isn’t just a final hurrah. DIG has been in the studio writing and recording a brand new album, which I’m sure they’ll want to tour around once its done.

In the meantime, you can catch DIG at the following New South Wales venues.

7 April 2011 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
8 April 2011 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
10 April 2011 – Lizotte’s, Central Coast
16 April 2011 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
24 June 2011 – Notes, Newtown

Image source: Revolutions

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lowtide Impresses with Debut 7″, “Underneath Tonight”

Melbourne band Lowtide are taking me back to my youth with their debut 7”, “Underneath Tonight.”

The track reminds me of something The Cure might have released, with its spontaneous energy and reverb drenched guitars. But the sweet vocals of Lucy Buckeridge take away the edge, softening the tune just a little without making it too saccharine. There are so many layers to this tune; I like it instantly but I feel it’s going to take some time for me to appreciate its true beauty.

The B-side “Memory No. 7” takes things down a notch, but it’s no less compelling. This atmospheric ballad assures us that Lowtide are no one-trick ponies.

The band will play shows along the east coast in April and May before cloistering themselves away to write and record their debut album which is scheduled for a 2012 release. Make sure you see Lowtide while you can!

29th April 2011 – Petersham Bowls Club, Sydney
30th April 2011 – Blackwire Records, Sydney
7th May 2011 – The Hangar, Brisbane
8th May 2011 – NSC, Melbourne (matinee show with Baptism of Uzi)

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Musos Cover Nick Cave with “Dig Cave Dig”

Some of Melbourne’s most exciting musicians have paid their respects to one of the city’s most influential artists, Nick Cave, with a new compilation album. Dig Cave Dig is a homage to Nick’s diverse body of work.

A handful of the contributing musicians will be familiar to you, including Little Red, the Vasco Era, and The Fumes, but the CD’s also likely to introduce anyone outside Victoria to a few new up-and-comers.

The selection of songs is stellar if somewhat predictable. That’s disappointing considering Nick Cave’s innovative output. I would have loved to see some new takes on earlier material, especially “Shivers.”  Thankfully though, we do get “Red Right Hand,” “Into My Arms,” and “Do You Love Me?” There was certainly potential to make this a double album, extending it beyond the existing 11 tracks. Still, with great songs and exciting new bands you really can’t go wrong.

Dig Cave Dig is in stores now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyndi Lauper @ State Theatre, Sydney – 31 March 2011

This review’s coming a little late by my standards, but I figured this is one of those articles best written once the high’s faded a little. If I’d sat down on Friday I’m not sure I could have written more than “I love Cyndi Lauper so much!” Even now I’m not really convinced I’ve got the necessary objectivity, but I’m going to try.

On Thursday night I made a pilgrimage to Sydney’s State Theatre to see one of my idols, Cyndi Lauper. Like many women of a certain age, I’ve been dazzled by Cyndi for as long as I can remember. In a musical landscape that is so often beige and homogenised, she’s always been a rainbow of color, fierce and fabulous. My expectations for her live show were sky high, but I’m thrilled to say she met every one.

But before she graced us with her presence it was Casey Donovan’s turn to charm us. I’ve been a fan of Casey’s since her Australian Idol days, and I was thrilled to see she’s only gotten better. Accompanied by a single acoustic guitar she delivered a stunning stripped back mix of covers and original material. Casey’s always been a master at delivering a song, but I’m thrilled to see her stage presence now matching her delivery. She’s come a long way from the quiet teen that wowed us in Idol. She bantered easily with the crowd between songs, charming us even more with her confidence. I was desperate to see Cyndi, but also disappointed to see her all too short set end.


I couldn’t be upset for too long though, because I was finally going to see Cyndi. The years certainly have not wearied this 80s icon. She bounced around the stage, dancing with wild abandon, a compelling figure with a shock of peroxide hair clad in black leather. From the first few songs we realised this show would be packed with songs from her Memphis Blues CD. I’m often put out when it seems an artist only wants to spruik their new material, but here it made perfect sense. I’ve never seen a supporting band as good as Cyndi’s. These guys are blues masters every one of them, and I wanted to hear the tunes that would show off that talent. Special mention must go to Charlie Musselwhite who blew my mind on harmonica.

Cyndi still played those songs we were desperate to hear though. It couldn’t be a Cyndi Lauper concert without a cheeky singalong in “She Bop,” a raucous extended version of “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” or poignant moments with “All Through the Night,” “Time After Time” and “True Colors.”

The mix of classic blues and retro pop was unusual, but that’s just what Cyndi’s always been. She’s a true musical artist who’s always rebelliously marched to the beat of her own drum. And in Sydney she performed her pants off, dancing about and jumping off the stage several times to be a bit closer to her adoring fans. How she could sing so flawlessly while delivering such an energetic show I’ll never know, but she did that too. She might be an 80s icon, but with this Memphis Blues album Cyndi’s shown her star certainly isn’t fading. It was incredible to bask in a little of that light for a while. Thank you Cyndi Lauper for one of the most enjoyable concerts I’ve ever witnessed.

Image source: Stephen Katulka