Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win Tickets to The Vines’ Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel Show!

Remember when I told you about The Vines show for Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel, and added that you could only win your way in through the Live at the Chapel website? Well, that wasn’t entirely true. I have a very special The Vines Live at the Chapel prize pack to give away to one of my readers!

The prize pack includes a double pass to the invite-only show at Sydney’s St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Sydney on May 26, a copy of The Vines brand new album Future Primitive, Russian Standard Original and a four-pack of the new Russian Standard Vodka Citrus RTD, and some free music downloads. This is a money-can’t-buy prize, and I’m thrilled to be able to offer it to one of my readers.

To enter just tell me in 25 words or less why you’d like to see The Vines play at the first Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel show of 2011. Too easy! Remember to leave your e-mail address in the comment so I can let you know if you’re our lucky winner!

Entrants must be over 18. The prize does not include transport or cover any associated costs. Competition closes at noon AEST on 19/05/11. Judging will take place on 20/05/11. Winners will be notified on 23/05/11. Prize packs will be distributed on or before 26/05/11.

Image used with permission from Burson-Marsteller

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out with Sister Jane

Blue Mountains’ blues rockers Sister Jane kick off a quickie tour tonight to promote their debut album Mercy.

This is really sexy stuff, the kind of music you’d expect to hear in some wild smoky bar where men get in fist fights over games of pool. There’s a little of The Doors circa Roadhouse Blues and a bit of Buffalo Springfield too. Put simply, this is the sort of music that they just don’t make any more.

The album’s amazing, but something tells me the energy kicks up a notch when Sister Jane takes the stage. And with many of these shows free, or close to them, there’s really no excuse. Do yourself a favour and put in an order for one of the vinyl copies of the album while you’re there. I imagine Mercy’s only going to sound better with that familiar record crackle thrown into the mix.


5 May 2011 – Phoenix Bar, Canberra (Free entry)
6 May 2011 – Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick (Free entry)
6 May 2011 – Pony, Melbourne (Late show at 2 am)
7 May 2011 – Old Bar, Fitzroy ($10 entry)

Image used with permission from Broken Stone Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brian McKnight Finally Returns to Australia

Modern soul music legend Brian McKnight is winging his way Down Under for a string of intimate shows this June.

The patience of fans has been rewarded, as this is the Grammy Award winner’s first local tour in more than a decade. We should get a sneak peek of his brand new album Just Me, which is scheduled to hit stores in July, as well as hear the big hits “Back at One,” “Anytime” and “Love Is.”

Brian will be joined on this tour by American soul singer Dwele and local talent and Sounds of Oz favourite Barry Southgate. So make sure you turn up early to catch their sets!

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on Friday May 6.

23 June 2011 – Astor Theatre, Perth
24 June 2011 – Trak Lounge Bar, Melbourne
25 June 2011 – The Metro, Sydney
26 June 2011 – The Arena, Brisbane

Image source: Andrew Bardwell @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy the “Garden of Youth” with Phia

It’s Wednesday, hump day, and if you’re anything like me you’re probably dragging your feet anticipating the weekend which right now feels too far away. Well allow me to brighten your mood a bit by introducing you to Phia.

This cheery Melbourne musician reminds me of a cross between Lisa Mitchell and Regina Spektor. She writes songs that are sweet and quirky and guaranteed to put a smile on your face, no matter how badly the week is treating you.

Phia’s preparing to unleash her EP Garden of Youth later this month, but she’s giving online fans a sneak peek. I particularly love the first single “Indecision,” but all the songs are so charming that it’s hard to choose.

If you’ve fallen for Phia like I have, and you’re lucky enough to live in her hometown, you can catch her spreading her positivity at the EP launch at Grace Darling on May 13.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Living Undesigned” – Trial Kennedy

You might remember me talking about Trial Kennedy’s new single “Best of Tomorrow,” and getting excited about the release of their latest album Living Undesigned. When I turned up in my mailbox I couldn’t get it into my stereo fast enough.

However as the new tracks washed over me I started to feel a bit let down. The energy I loved was there, thanks to the driving drum beats and squealing guitars. But the tunes felt a bit samey, almost like indie rock by the numbers. It seemed as if lead singer Tim Morrison felt it too, as his vocals didn’t quite seem to match the passion of the music.

Things took a turn for the better once “Best of Tomorrow” started. It reminded me of why I was so excited to hear this album. It had the hooks and melodic focus I was craving, and I was thrilled when the following track “My Own” also grabbed me. Finally there was some light and shade, with the band experimenting with strings and showing their softer side. More highlights came later, including the raw passionate vocals of “Arrest Room” and the upbeat closer “Two Dogs.”

Ultimately Living Undesigned wasn’t the stunner I hoped it would be. It’s uneven, with solid songs and some not so triumphant numbers. Those great songs make this album worth a listen, but you may want to wait until your mate buys it.

Living Undesigned hits record stores on May 13.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Indigo Girls @ State Theatre, Sydney – 28 April 2011

Ordinarily I go and see bands that I’m enthusiastic about, but on Thursday night I headed to the State Theatre to discover the Indigo Girls. I say discover because aside from a few tracks my husband had played me the weekend before, I really wasn’t familiar with their music. This was a band he adores, and I was happy to discover what inspired him so. It’s exciting to learn about a band in the flesh, and I had a blast.

But before Amy and Emily took the stage we were warmed up by Henry Wagons. And warm us he did with his quirky alt-country tunes. He was without his band, with only an acoustic guitar to accompany him, but his big personality filled the stage. My husband wasn’t too sure what to make of him at first, but by the time Henry got to his closing song “Willie Nelson” he was joining in the chorus.

There was less quirk to the Indigo Girls but a similar raw energy. This is music the way I like it best, without frills or fuss, back to basics. With only acoustic guitars, a mandolin and harmonica, and two sublime voices the American girls wowed me. I understood why they’re such legends in their home country, and wondered why they’ve never really caught on here. I felt privileged to be exposed to their exceptional songs and musical prowess, like someone had let me in on a secret. I have my husband to thank for that, and I do.

A poignant moment came near the end of the set, when Amy and Emily welcomed a guest speaker to talk to us about the fallout from uranium weapons. It might seem strange to incorporate this element into a concert, but the crowded tables surrounding the petitions at the end of the show spoke volumes. This was a night about being moved in so many ways.

I couldn’t sing along like the faithful fans, but I could clap and cheer and I did. What a wonderful introduction to an exceptional act. Amy and Emily say they hope to be back on our shores soon; I promise to get myself up to speed before then.

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Organic Folk Goodness from Ben Wells and The Middle Names

We’re only a few months in, but already 2011 has been a big year for Ben Wells and The Middle Names.

This cool indie-folk-pop outfit sextet from Tasmania has played sets at major festivals including Falls, MS Fest, and One Fine Day. The won three Amplified Awards, sold out some local shows, and just released their first single “Old Sea Salt.”

The song is stunning, and its B-side “Lullaby” is every bit as strong. I love the way that the vocal harmonies interplay with acoustic guitars and strings to create a lush, organic sound.

You can download “Old Sea Salt” for free on through the Triple J Unearthed website. Have a listen and let me know what you think!

Image source: Triple J Unearthed website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Introducing Behiye Suren

Turkish Australian singer songwriter Behiye Suren celebrates her rich cultural heritage with her debut EP Season of Plums, which hits record stores today.

There’s certainly an Eastern flavour to her sound, but it’s not so spicy that it’ll alienate Aussie audiences. There’s a folky, organic soulfulness about her music and a haunting quality about her vocals that calls to mind Aimee Mann, Lior, and Joan Baez. I’m particularly enamoured with “All I Am Seeing Is Your Face,” which you can hear on Behiye’s website, along with the other EP tracks.

With this EP Behiye hopes to introduce Australia to her music. She’s teasing us a bit, as she’s preparing to head to Istanbul and the Middle East to perform and write her debut album. But rest assures, she’ll be back in September to start preparing for a local tour. Bring it on!

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ooh La La Impress with “The Saint That Sinned”

After hearing Rebecca Black’s “Friday” one too many times I was a bit soured for teen female talent. But it’s important to remember that every young female songwriter isn’t going to unleash drivel upon us. And when we’re lucky, they’re as talented as the girls from Ooh La La.

Ooh La La are Laura Pattison and Lauren Hodge, two 15-year-old girls from Griffith who’ve just released their debut single “The Saint That Sinned.” It’s gorgeous stuff, with stunning vocals and great instrumentation. And yes, that’s Laura and Lauren playing the acoustic guitar and mandolin. These girls aren’t just good for their ages; they’re just good.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vines Play First 2011 Live at the Chapel Show

The Vines will kick off this year’s Russian Standard Vodka Live at the Chapel series will blistering set at Newtown’s St Stephen’s Anglican Church on May 26. It won’t be your typical church music, that’s for sure!

The show will allow the rejuvenated Aussie act to showcase tunes from their forthcoming album Future Primitive, which will hit stores on June 3. The disc features the brand new single “Gimme Love.”

“We’re stoked to play Live At The Chapel, following in the footsteps of some bands that we really admire, like Foo Fighters and Coldplay,” said the band’s lead singer Craig Nicholls. “Can’t wait to play the new album live!”

Head to the Live at the Chapel website to win your way into this exclusive show. It’ll later end up on TV screens, but we all know watching it on the small screen can’t compare to being there!

Image used with permission from Burson-Marsteller