Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Say What You Mean” – Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits

Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits impressed me with their single “Paper Boats” last month, raising my expectations for their sophomore album sky-high. There are so many bands that drop incredible tracks, but their albums just don’t meet your expectations. With Say What You Mean, Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits prove they’re one of the most exciting bands around.

Say What You Mean is one of those albums that grabs you from the first note. The music feels classic, and those textured vocals with just a hint of yodel are so compelling. I can imagine listening to “Misery Queen” at a smoky bar somewhere, whiskey in hand. It’s so much fun, but there’s a darkly humourous underbelly that runs through so much of Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits’ music. Their tongue-in-cheek lyrics bring to life the flush of infatuation in “Arrowhead”, the agony of terrible dates in “The Tallest of Tales,” and the difficulty of dealing with problematic people in “Bullseye”. It’s left of centre, and one of the big reasons that the music Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits creates it’s so appealing. This twosome knows how to create those sassy singalong songs so well, but everyone now and then they switch gears. Quieter moments like “Insomniacrobat” and “Tether” show a fragility that’s so compelling. These women might be bad-arse, but they’re not afraid to lay their hearts bare.

Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits sit in a rare space on the Australian music landscape. There aren’t too many acts making this kind of music. There are even fewer female duos delivering it here in this country. It’s alt-country, with rock and roll swagger, a dash of honky-tonk, and the heart of the blues. It’s authentic, without pretension, as good country should be. It’s organic. You get the sense that you could see them live and their harmonies would be just as flawless, the musicians would be just as tight.

Say What You Mean is available now digitally, and there’s a vinyl and CD to come. Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits will give us a chance to see just how good they are live when they play shows across four states this May and June.

27 April 2024 – Castlemaine Pride Festival @ Mechanics Lane, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
3 May 2024 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat
4 May 2024 – Trashcult Records, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
9 May 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston (FREE – duo show)
11 May 2024 – MONA, Nipaluna/Hobart (FREE – duo show)
17 May 2024 – The Grace Emily, Tarntanya/Adelaide
18 May 2024 – The Stone Pony, Wirruwarrungga/Willunga
24 May 2024 – Tanswells, Baarmutha/Beechworth (FREE)
25 May 2024 – The Old Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
30-31 May 2024 – Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, Gweagal Country/Cronulla
1 June 2024 – The Golden Barley, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
2 June 2024 – The Junkyard, Wonnarua Country/Maitland (FREE)
15 June 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
22 June 2024 – Odessa Leavers Hotel, Dja Dja Warrung Country/Creswick (duo show)

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reckless Coast Pay Tribute to Sharehouse Living With “Burn Street”

I’m feeling pretty nostalgic listening to Reckless Coast’s new single “Burn Street.” It’s indie-rock with a dash of pop, the sort of track that used to be all over radio in the 90s. I’m more than ready for this sound to return!

“‘Burn Street’ is the location of my first share house,” shared Reckless Coast’s lead vocalist Jaeden Ogston. “It was like a little family… picture the most ideal and perfect home/living situation and that’s what it was like. However, after only eight months, the lease came up for renewal and we all parted our separate ways. The share houses that followed never came close to being like Burn Street, and I realised that it would be the closest thing to a home I had.”

“Burn Street” comes from Reckless Coast’s debut EP, which is slated for a May 3 release. The band will waste no time bringing their music to the people; their Naked & Famous tour kicks off the following day.

4 May 2024 – The Catfish, Naarm/Melbourne
10 May 2024 – Elsewhere, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 May 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 May 2024 – MoshPit, Eora/Sydney (supporting Starcrazy)
25 May 2024 – Stag and Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LEF. Celebrates Heritage With “Ephesus”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter LEF. has teamed up with UK-based expat Chris Hyson (Jordan Rakei) for a dreamy new single “Ephesus.” It’s a beautiful soul-pop track about seizing happiness today rather than waiting for a payoff in the future.

“During my journey through Turkey, amidst the familiar quirks of family dynamics and the intricate layers of my relationship with my mum, I stumbled upon unexpected inspiration in the rhythmic hum of travel and the soothing aroma of Turkish tea, deeply intertwined with my cultural roots away from Australia,” LEF. explained. “It was within these ordinary yet profound moments that I crafted the initial beat and demo, laying the foundation for the genuine tone of my EP. I was extremely motivated creatively but also had a deep longing to reconnect with my family after a prolonged four years of separation, each lyric emerged as my most authentic and vulnerable expression, reflecting the complexities of our shared journey in a hopeful manner. The lyrics symbolise my visit to ancient Ephesus and the essence of my family ties.”

“Ephesus” is the second single lifted from LEF.’s debut EP, which he’ll release in the middle of the year.

Image used with permission from LEF.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bud Rokesky Breaks the Country Mould With “Newtown”

Country music can be a bit hit and miss for me. I’ve found plenty of local artists I love through this blog, but there are probably just as many that don’t gel with me. Someone I’m really excited about is Bud Rokesky. There’s something so subtle and honest and what he does. There’s a folky vibe to his brand of country, a focus on telling stories with his lyrics that resonates with me. His latest single “Newtown,” which comes with the also excellent B-side “Oars,” is the perfect gateway into his material.

“Newtown is about leaving something behind and letting go – even though you may not want to,” Bud explained. “In the end you can only control how you react at the time, and the perspective with which you look back at it. I truly believe you can learn from every experience and turn it into a positive.”

If you love this, there’s more where it came from. Bud plans on releasing two tracks a month in this A-side/B-side format for the foreseeable future.

“When thinking about a follow-up album to Outsider I had a list of 24 or so songs to choose from, except they seemed so varied from one another that I found it difficult to find a common selection, not to mention I really wanted to release them all. I thought- what would be the best way to introduce them to everyone, in a way they could follow along with the different changes in sound or style from song to song?” he said of the plan for monthly releases.

Bud is currently supporting Brad Cox on his Aussie tour. There are limited tickets available for all the remaining shows:

9 May 2024 – Broken Hill Civic Theatre, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill (supporting Brad Cox)
10 May 2024 – Mildura Arts Centre, Latji Latji Country/Mildura (supporting Brad Cox)
11 May 2024 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill (supporting Brad Cox)
14 June 2024 – Northern Festival Centre, Tarparrie/Port Pirie (supporting Brad Cox)
15 June 2024 – Chaffey Theatre, Erawirung Country/Renmark (supporting Brad Cox)
16 June 2024 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Berrin/Mount Gambier (supporting Brad Cox)
22 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lauren Daigle Adds Aussie Dates to World Tour

Lauren Daigle is a true force of nature. Very few Christian artists have ever been able to cross over into the mainstream charts, not just in their homeland but all around the world. “You Say” was her biggest hit here, propelling her 2018 album Look Up Child into the ARIA top 50. And in case you missed it, she’s coming out way.

Lauren will play four capital city shows in Australia this November after dates in New Zealand on her Kaleidoscope Nights tour. Expect to hear all your favourites from Lauren’s albums, including her self-titled third album released last year. Tickets are on sale now but will not last, so get onto it!

9 November 2024 – BCEC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 November 2024 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne
14 November 2024 – Aware Super Theatre, Eora/Sydney
17 November 2024 – Riverside, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jade Gibson Drops Feelgood New Single “Down the Road”

Victorian country starlet Jade Gibson has just dropped a fantastic and fun new single “Down the Road.” The upbeat track reminds listeners that finding your person might take time, but it could happen when you least expect it.

This song saw Jade reuniting with her long-time collaborator Tyler Bank and Naarm/Melbourne powerhouse producers MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis).

Jade is a fixture on the local country music scene and has played some of its biggest festivals, including Tamworth, Deni Ute Muster, and Gippsland CMF. You can see why she’s being touted as the next big thing at the following shows:

4 May 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
8 June 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
6 July 2024 – SS&A Albury, Bungambrawatha/Albury
13 July 2024 – The Terminus, Mulwala/Yarrawonga
20 July 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
27 July 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
21 September 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 September 2024 – The Terminus, Mulwala/Yarrawonga
2 November 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
9 November 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

total tommy Drops Stellar Second Single, “Losing Out”

Eora/Sydney artist total tommy has captivated me with her grungy new single “Losing Out.” Its lo-fi indie-rock sound has a nostalgic flavour reminiscent of acts like The Breeders and Veruca Salt. I love total tommy’s choice to keep the vocals hushed and brooding, expressing anger through the cutting lyrics rather than simply adding volume. It’s so compelling.

“Someone I respected completely broke my trust and left me paralysed for a little while,” she admitted. “I spent a lot of time going through the motions and feeling really thrashed about. I’d delayed writing about this time for a few months, but as soon as I started everything was super visceral and the lyrics formed in about fifteen minutes. The first day demo we had was really special because it was so raw. I didn’t want to touch it because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to replicate what we captured on that day. But then I got my friend to play live drums on the track and it lifted it to a whole other dimension. It’s my favourite song to play live, because I can rage about on the guitar and get out a lot of energy. I’m not angry anymore, but fuck that guy.”

This is just total tommy’s second single, but she’s quickly establishing herself as an artist to watch. Follow her socials, because I hear there’s plenty more new music on the way.

Photo credit: Andrea Veltom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Everything is Bigger Than Me” – Pierce Brothers

The Pierce Brothers have been one of Australia’s finest indie-folk acts for more than a decade. With the release of their third album Everything is Bigger Than Me, brothers Jack and Patrick Pierce are showing they can do more than simply write and perform incredible songs. They’ve co-produced this album alongside longtime collaborator Phil Threlfall and recorded it at Jack’s home studio. The resulting collection of songs may just be their best yet.

Of course, this album was always going to be wonderful. I’d already been wowed by the singles “Studio”, “Bottle”, “Wilder”, and “In the Water.” But they’re far from the only exemplary tracks on this album. I have relished getting to fall in love with each and every song showcased here. They’re built on a solid foundation of beautiful lyrics, irresistible melodies, and sublime harmonies, just as the Pierce Brothers’ music always has been. But the lads have added new, exciting layers this time around. The arrangements are so lush and textured, and the lyrics seem more revealing. The emotion in the vocals of “Blood” is palpable. And you won’t hear a more heartfelt love song than “White Dress.” This music is so intimate, encouraging you to step inside the Pierce Brothers’ world and stay a while. These gentle moments provide a counterpoint to those raucous singalong songs like “Bottle” and “Everything is Bigger Than Me” that this twosome does so well.

Everything is Bigger Than Me is a special album from one of Australia’s best acts. It encourages repeat listens, and there’s no better time to start than now. The Pierce Brothers are currently making their way around the country. Make sure you see them anywhere you can.

20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Main photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wolf & Chain Drop Fantastic New Single, “Not Giving Up”

Tarntanya/Adelaide emo outfit Wolf & Chain recently released an absolute anthem, “Not Giving Up.” This belter of an alt-rock track had me from its opening drum beats. If the members of My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco, and 30 Seconds from Mars ever formed a supergroup, their music might sound a little something like this.

“It can often feel like you have two sides, where you have moments of being really down and hopeless, feeling like an entirely different person, not happy with who you are. But, at the same time, you come out of it and you are not that person and you have these moments of clarity that urge you to push through and survive,” the band explained of the song’s inspiration.

I hear there’s plenty of new music on the way from Wolf & Chain this year, so make sure you listen out for it.

Photo credit: Michael Carver

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Odlaw Show Softer Side With “Car Door”

WA outfit Odlaw have stripped things back for their new single “Car Door.” A bittersweet track brimming with emotion, it makes for a powerful listening experience.

“This is a pretty simple tune,” admitted Odlaw’s singer, songwriter, and guitarist Mark Neal. “It was recorded in one take, it’s not overly complicated but the balance of sadness and love is what I really liked about it. It’s a little tender and foreshadowing, but it’s also actually a love song. Pulling off a song that’s emotional and sad, but actually happy at the same time isn’t particularly easy. We ended up stripping most of the other instruments away and leaving it really sparse. I never intended to release this as a single, but people really connected to it and I’m so thrilled about that.”

“Car Door” comes from Odlaw’s new album Mi(l)d Life Crisis, which will get released in June. You can expect to hear a few more tracks from that release when Odlaw take the stage at RTRFM in the Pines at UWA’s Somerville Auditorium on April 21.

Photo credit: Sethen Sheehan Lee