Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Arabella and the Heist Rock Hard With “1769”

Hit that volume button and give yourself over to the frenetic energy of “1769”, the bold new single from Naarm/Melbourne punk outfit Arabella and the Heist. If there was any doubt, this band proves that acts with femme energy can do punk just as well as the boys, if not better.

“We wanted to write a track that felt like a night out in Melbourne, and we wanted to build that energy and tension,” frontwoman Arabella explained.

They’re bringing those vibes to Eora/Sydney next week for a free show at the Duke of Enmore on March 28. You won’t receive a better offer on a Thursday night!

Photo credit: Marcus Coblyn

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Petersham Bowling Club Announces Sham Fest to Raise Funds for Accessibility Upgrade

I’m a big believer in any measures that help more people enjoy live music. So I’m thrilled to see Petersham Bowling Club announce accessibility upgrade plans for the near future. They’ll form the largest and most important upgrades the venue’s seen in 1972. Of course that doesn’t come cheaply, so the not-for-profit venue will start rattling the tins to make it happen.

The club’s fundraising drive kicks off with Sham Fest, an accessible two-day music festival on April 6 and 7. Local acts including Crocodylus, Good Pash, The Crooked Fiddle Band, and The Morrisons will keep the crowds entertained. There’ll also be line dancing, sea shanty singalongs, lawn bowls, and finska games. In line with PBC’s commitment to accessibility, there’ll be Auslan interpretation for the main acts on both days. It’s free to attend, but make sure you dig deep to support those accessibility upgrades.

PBC is a club with a difference. There are no pokies and it’s run with a focus on sustainability and community. It’s thrived against the odds, and continues to be one of the most important live music venues in Sydney. If you’re local, make sure you attend Sham Fest to show your support. And if you’re not, you can still support the club’s fundraising efforts by clicking this link.

Photo credit: Yeah Rad

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“from my bedroom floor” – Kate Gill

The very best music makes you feel something. As the artist shares their stories and bears their soul, it triggers your memories and brings your emotions to the surface. Mine are sitting raw now as I spend time with Kate Gill’s EP from my bedroom floor.

The five songs on this EP feel like diary pages sharing secrets with the listener. They’re confessional, vulnerable, powerful. The title track opens the EP, drawing us in with its simple melody and Kate’s incredible lyrics about figuring her life out as she transitions to adulthood. It’s bittersweet, beautiful, and so relatable. From this introspective number, Kate takes us on a journey through key relationships. They’re messy, as relationships can often be in our early years. “toothbrush” introduces us to the one she can’t get over, “september” tells us about the one marred by infidelity. “friends” reminds us that platonic relationships can be every bit as complicated. The final song, fittingly called “the end,” actually gives us hope of a new beginning. A relationship that might be good, if only Kate can get out of her own head and stop comparing herself to the new partner’s ex. Full of self-doubt and self-loathing, it draws this EP to a powerful close.

With her debut EP from my bedroom floor, Kate Gill shows she’s more than ready to make the leap from TikTok phenom to mainstream success. These songs are some of the best I’ve heard. They encourage you to sit on that bedroom floor with Kate, empathise with her stories, and recognise parts of yourself in them. It’s only March, but I expect this will be one of my favourite releases of the year.

Main photo credit: Gabi Rankine

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy Dolce Blue’s Bittersweet New Single, “Sugar Free”

Dolce Blue have just dropped their cool new track “Sugar Free.” It’s billed as an alt pop-rock number, but I’m hearing a little jazz influence in this one. It ushers in a new era for the band, who say they feel it’s “a step up in production, songwriting, and skill level as musicians.”

“I wrote this song when I was meant to be working because I was dreaming of being famous, instead of doing my job (fulfilling famous musicians’ rider requests),” said the band’s singer, guitarist, and songwriter Veronica Zurzolo. “We (the band) really focused on getting our individual parts sounding slick, sexy, and punchy, for me musically it’s inspired by Måneskin, but with our own Dolce Blue spin.”

“Sugar Free” is our first taste of the new deluxe version of Dolce Blue’s Sweet Melancholy album, which is scheduled for a late June release. It’ll feature four new songs, including “Sugar Free,” and three alternative versions of tracks from the original album. Sounds exciting! But before then, Dolce Blue will launch “Sugar Free” at four5nine in Boorloo/Perth on March 23.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bailey Judd Drops Yacht Rock-Inspired Bop, “Helpless”

As a sucker for yacht rock, Bailey Judd’s latest single “Helpless” is right up my alley. It’s an easy, breezy tune, perfect for taking a little me time in your midweek.

“It’s a song about falling in love and ultimately fighting to keep it strong,” Bailey explained.

“Helpless” comes from Bailey’s EP Fool’s Gold, which drops in a couple of months. He’ll celebrate its release with the following shows.

23 May 2024 – Gasometer Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
6 June 2024 – Goulburn Club, Gundungurra Country/Goulburn
7 June 2024 – Lazybones, Eora/Sydney (with Vinyl 45)
8 June 2024 – Yulli’s, Eora/Sydney (with JAZZSCHOOLHURTME Jam)

Image used with permission from Bailey Judd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Choosing Sides Rock Out With “Penelope”

After a brief hiatus, Tarntanya/Adelaide alt-rock act Choosing Sides are back in action with a new single, “Penelope.” It’s an anti-love song which explores feelings of desire and delusion.

“Penelope is a continuation of the narrative that began in our single ‘Cardboard Seats’,” explained the band’s lead singer Will Wright. “After escaping the city from a supernaturally toxic relationship – our character is fractured by his desire to hear from Penelope despite all the negativity she brought into his life. Whilst Penelope’s curses and evil ways drove our protagonist out of town, he still has a sadistic addiction to hearing her ringtone, her voice, and her coarse language.”

The supernatural plot the band imagined comes to life in the song’s music video. This is a great return to form from Choosing Sides. Hopefully they won’t leave us waiting so long for the next one!

Image used with permission from Choosing Sides

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

EDIE Slays With “Villain”

There are few things I enjoy more than some angry girl music. I have a love-hate relationship with the term, because it feels so reductive, but no one has coined anything better for that incredible music that sees women venting their frustrations. Artists like Alanis Morisette and Tori Amos were so influential in my formative years, and I love that there seems to be a renaissance thanks to talents like Olivia Rodrigo, Gayle, and Noah Cyrus. While those big American talents grab the headlines, Aussies aren’t sleeping on the movement. The latest to pique my interest is EDIE, who’s not holding anything back with her new single “Villain.”

“‘Villain’ explores post-heartbreak frustration and the selfish desire for your ex to feel the same pain as you do,” EDIE explained. “This song highlights how sometimes you have to make someone the villain to be able to move on.”

The music video is also stellar, but not for the faint hearted. If blood makes you squeamish, you might want to look away. You have been warned!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vendettas Rock Out With “All So Dear”

From that bold electric guitar-driven opening, you know “All So Dear” by The Vendettas is a serious rock track. Pretty soon the relentless drums and boisterous vocals kick in and all you can do is hang on for dear life and enjoy the ride.

Turn this one up. Put your fist in the air. And don’t be surprised if after the four minutes is done, you want to press play and enjoy it all over again. If you like what you hear, make sure you get along to the album launch at The Evelyn Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on March 23.

Image used with permission from Golden Robot Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DL Drops Feel-Good Track “Dear Ma (Love in Return)”

Naarm/Melbourne rapper DL continues to celebrate the special women in his life with the release of “Dear Ma (Love in Return)”, a sweet salute to his mother. The track sees DL joining forces with local singer-songwriter Rowie J, whose soulful vocals provide the perfect foil for his flow.

You might remember DL dropped the track “LOVE” in 2021 to pay tribute to his wife and daughters. I love hearing him share more about the special relationships in his life. His brand of positive hip hop really goes against the grain. There’s certainly a place for rap which explores people’s challenges, but it’s wonderful to hear music like this that lifts you up to provide a bit of balance.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & The Giants Get Nostalgic With “Born in the Wrong Time”

As a teen I was convinced I was meant to be hanging out in the Haight-Ashbury district in the 60s, not in suburban Newcastle in the 90s. So I’m relating hard to Joan & The Giants’ latest indie-rock bop, “Born in the Wrong Time.”

“Raw in its bones, ‘Born In The Wrong Time’ is a song about tapping out from the modern world and yearning for a time when things were a bit more simple,” explained the band’s vocalist Grace Newton-Wordsworth. “Lyrically, I wrote this song about feeling like an outsider throughout every stage of my life. From being misunderstood throughout childhood, to never quite feeling part of whatever adulthood is – everything has always felt a little disconnected, like I’m an old soul trapped in this body.”

“‘Born in the Wrong Time’ was written with iconic music festivals like Woodstock ‘69 in mind, and it’s an exploration on how sometimes being in the modern world with all the social media and modern distractions can be intoxicating and make you feel really small as a person,” added guitarist Aaron Birch.

Fresh from supporting megastar P!NK at Optus Stadium, the Boorloo/Perth band are heading out on their own headlining tour to support the single’s release. It all kicks off in Naarm/Melbourne tonight, so don’t stall on those tickets.

15 March 2024 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
16 March 2024 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
23 March 2024 – Hyperfest, Boorloo/Perth
30 March 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR