Tag: Karise Eden

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Gould & Karise Eden @ Flamingos Live, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 27 September 2025

Greg Gould and Karise Eden are long-time favourites of mine, so when I heard they were teaming up for their Lady and the Tramp shows, I couldn’t resist heading up the freeway to Flamingos Live. The poster promised a celebration of “the greatest jazz, blues, and soul.” These two talented Coasties delivered that and so much more.

I must admit, given the tagline and references to Frank Sinatra, Nina Simone, and Etta James in the marketing materials, I expected a show that played mostly in the old-school standards space. While vintage classics were certainly represented, Greg and Karise delivered a much wider retrospective of the songs that made them.

There were reality show favourites like Greg’s masterful performances of “Feeling Good” and “Purple Rain” and Karise’s show-stopping take on “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” I’ve heard it so many times before, but I’m always floored. There were the crowd favourites, like “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Knew You Were Waiting For Me.” And then there were deep cuts, like Etta James’ “Damn Your Eyes,” which Karise said she would have preferred singing on The Voice to “I’d Rather Go Blind.” As a massive Janis Joplin fan, I was in raptures when she took on “Cry Baby” instead of the more predictable “Piece of My Heart.” While most song choices were nostalgic, a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” was an unexpected delight.

Greg and Karise are both incredible talents in their own right. This show gave them many opportunities to wow and charm us with solo performances. But my favourite parts of the night were the moments when they came together. Their Darkinjung Country/Central Coast roots and big breaks on reality TV have helped cement a natural rapport that’s wonderful to witness. To say nothing of their fantastic voices, which come together more naturally than you might think. Greg’s showmanship helped bring out a playfulness in Karise that I loved to see. For a night of sing-along fun with some of Australia’s best talents, make sure you catch one of Greg and Karise’s upcoming Lady and The Tramp shows:

7 November 2025 – Camelot Lounge, Eora/Sydney
8 November 2025 – Memo Music Hall, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
6 December 2025 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Into the Black” – Karise Eden

While the country is captivated by the search for the next Voice superstar, Australia’s original winner Karise Eden has dropped a brand new EP, Into the Black. Its release doesn’t have the same fanfare as tonight’s winner’s announcement inevitably will, but it’s a timely reminder that it’s worth looking back at some of the talents who’ve come through the competition rather than simply seeking out the next big thing.

Into the Black is officially called an EP, but at seven tracks it feels more like a mini-album. And just like an album, this is a collection of songs with something to say. It starts strong, with rock-blues numbers “Beast” and “Black Crow”. They’re unflinching, uncompromising, the perfect vehicles for her trademark gravelly vocals. Karise reveals a more tender side with singles “My Old Friend” and “Gone”. No matter what type of song she’s singing, it’s all heart. This is a longer EP than most, but when the final note of “So Far” faded away I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. That’s a testament to the quality of every song included here.

Into the Black is Karise’s first collection of songs since 2018’s incredible Born to Fight album. Like a fine wine, she’s becoming even more compelling as time goes on. This is a brilliant collection of songs that reminds listeners of her unparalleled vocal talents and stellar songwriting ability.

Karise will play River Heads Rocks 2022 on June 25 and The Gathering of the Goddesses festivals in Victoria and Tasmania next year, but that’s not all. Expect a national tour announcement really soon.

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden Slays With “Gone”

When you search for Karise Eden on Spotify, the top five most popular songs are covers from her time on The Voice. Perhaps that’s understandable as the reality show catapulted her to stardom. However, that was 10 years ago. She’s released so many great original songs since then. If you’re just replaying that (admittedly incredible) cover of “It’s a Man’s World”, you’re missing the opportunity to really get to know what she can do. Instead of going back to the familiar, I encourage you to listen to her latest song, “Gone.”

This track is so beautiful. It’s everything we loved about Karise all those years ago. Pure soul, pure heart, pure passion. Her voice has never sounded finer. She puts so much emotion into it that I was sure she must have written it herself. Instead, it was a chance meeting that brought this song her way.

“This song was gifted to me by one of the most inspirational women I’ve met in a while … Stef Duzel, Publican of the Macedon Railway Hotel in Victoria. One in a million. A true songstress and songwriter,” Karise recalled. “I’m playing a gig at the pub. She takes me to a room at the back with this bed, guitar, and amps. We’re talking, laughing our heads off – music, life, kids, exes, her pub, you name it!

“She tuned her instruments up, while telling me her story, telling me about how she’d written this song, that she envisioned someone like me singing. Then she starts playing her guitar and out bellowed this voice like no other. The kind of voice you only hear from a life that’s been lived, a life that’s loved, been loved and a life that’s been broken more times before. When she began singing, the walls I have to hold everything inside, broke.

“She apologised for making me so emotional. I told her to keep singing. Every lyric that poured out of her spoke so deeply to me. I said I would absolutely love to sing this song and we worked at it, in a heartbeat. And so ‘Gone’ came to be.”

You can just tell this song will be even more powerful on stage. You can see Karise do her thing at one of the following shows:

19-22 May 2022 – Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival @ Kurrawa Pratten Park, Gold Coast
25 June 2022 – River Heads Rocks 2022 @ Hervey Bay
16 February – 2 March 2023 – The Gathering of the Goddesses, Riddells Creek
3 March 2023 – The Gathering of the Goddesses @ Fulton Park Campsite, Forth

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden Gets Nostalgic With “My Old Friend”

I’ve forgotten most of the people who won The Voice in recent years, but I can still remember Karise Eden’s appearance on the show all those years ago. The streamlined format of recent years which gives contestants very little airtime is a factor, but Karise’s unique, powerful voice is certainly another. As much as I have enjoyed other artists, no one left such a big impression on me. The good news is that we don’t just have to get nostalgic about Karise; she’s still releasing amazing music. Her current single “My Old Friend” is the perfect reminder of just how awesome she is.

“My Old Friend. There is a lot of raw, honest power in that track,” Karise admitted. “ It is still painful for me to sing. I’d hope that anyone who has lost someone they love, can find comfort in this song. Grief is a tricky emotion to experience but know that you are not alone. I’d hope you could listen, raise a glass and remember those we love so dearly that are no longer with us.”

“My Old Friend” is the first track Karise has released since 2018, but she won’t leave us waiting too long to hear more new material. This is the first song lifted from her new EP, which will drop really soon.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden @ Wests Leagues Club, Newcastle – 6 March 2019

Karise Eden enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame when she took home The Voice crown in 2012. She was just 19 then, although I imagine such exposure would be difficult at any age. She released the obligatory winner’s journey album, which went straight to number one, but then she seemed to disappear from the spotlight. There was little fanfare on the release of her first album of originals Things I’ve Done two years later. It peaked at number 65. It’s taken five more years for Karise to release another album. She was in Newcastle last week to promote that release, Born to Fight.

Local singer-songwriter Megan Core warmed up the crowd, gushing to us how she’d admired Karise since she was a teen and was so thrilled to support her. If she had any nerves surrounding the honour, they didn’t show. It’s brave to play so many originals as a newcomer, but Megan seized the opportunity to introduce us to her songs. Personally I loved her folky ditties. With just an acoustic guitar as accompaniment, I found myself really taking in her lyrics. I’ll jump at the chance to see her again. What a talent.

Karise’s set was a similarly low-key affair. Her band was small, just a keyboardist and a guitarist, but she’s not one who needs a lot of support. The stripped back instrumentation put her voice front and centre. And what a voice it is. It’s what got me and so many other Australians excited when Karise was on The Voice. After recent weight loss, Karise thinks its stronger than ever. Having witnessed it myself, I’m not about to argue with her. Countless times I found myself with goosebumps. It’s just that good.

This concert was really a showcase of the work from her new album Born to Fight. I’m such a fan of that release that I was thrilled to hear so many of my favourite new songs. My parents hadn’t heard the new album, but they didn’t feel slighted by her song selections in the least. In fact, Mum has asked me to pick her up a copy next time I’m shopping! When you can not just get people interested in your new material, but make them want to spend money on it, you know you’re on the right track. There was the occasional track from the first album and some choice covers. “Landslide” was just as beautiful as it was on The Voice. She’s long been compared to Amy Winehouse, and her cover of one of the late British singer’s tracks shows she’s every bit as good. Her take on “Hallelujah” was a breathtaking closer.

The songs only tell half the story of any concert experience though. When we first met Karise she seemed uncomfortable with the glare of the spotlight, a nervous teenager. The years have seen Karise blossom into a confident woman. She was relaxed, funny, and open. There was a great natural charm about her that brought the audience on side instantly.

It’s just a shame there wasn’t more of us. My mum remarked that she should have sold out the venue, because she’s every bit as good as singers she’s compared to like Amy Winehouse and Janis Joplin. In fact, mum said she should be playing much bigger venues. I don’t disagree. However, I love an intimate gig. What a thrill to witness a world-class performer in a place so small. If there’s any justice, Australia will remember why they fell in love with Karise and start turning up in their droves to see her. Until then, I’ll enjoy the intimacy that comes with small gigs like this.

There are a couple of dates left on Karise’s Born to Fight tour. If you can, make sure you go see her. She’s incredible.

23 March 2019 – York Theatre @ Seymour Centre, Sydney
24 March 2019 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Canberra
31 March 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image source: Stephen Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karise Eden on the Comeback Trail With “Born to Fight”

Karise Eden hasn’t released an album in four years. It’s been more than six years since she won The Voice. Taking time to create, avoiding becoming one of those reality stars that pumped up album after album, has been a good thing for Karise. She’s had time to reflect, grow, and release a stellar new album Born to Fight.

This is an album of warrior songs. Tracks like “Stop Fucking With My Head” and the title track are bold and defiant. More vulnerable numbers like “Hopeless” and “Ted” show there are chinks in the armour, but refuse to lie down. This is a special collection of songs that showcases one of the best soul and blues voices in the country.

Karise is celebrating the recent release of Born to Fight with shows all around the country. Catch her at one of the following venues in the coming months.

22 February 2019 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
23 February 2019 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
27 February 2019 – Burrinja Place Theatre, Upwey
28 February 2019 – The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
1 March 2019 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
2 March 2019 – SS&A Club, Albury
6 March 2019 – West Leagues, Newcastle
7 March 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
8 March 2019 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
23 March 2019 – York Theatre (Seymour Centre), Sydney
24 March 2019 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra
31 March 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Stays at Number One

Guy Sebastian stays at the top of the ARIA singles charts this week with “Battle Scars.” With four weeks at number one, the song is his most successful to date. His breakthrough single “Angels Brought Me Here” was only at number one for three weeks.

Guy’s keeping company in the top ten with fellow Aussies, Justice Crew. Their song “Boom Boom” shows no signs of fading. It’s at number four this week, a great effort after ten weeks in the charts.

The Sapphires soundtrack is still the best of the Aussie albums, although it’s dropped to number three this week. It’s outselling Missy Higgins‘ The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle, which sits at number six, andd Karise Eden’s My Journey, which is at number eight.

Click below for this week’s top tens.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Stays at Number One” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Equals Chart Record

Guy Sebastian has retained the top spot on the ARIA singles chart for the third consecutive week with “Battle Scars.” That equals his best chart performance, as “Angels Brought Me Here” also stayed at number one for three weeks way back in 2003. Do you think “Battle Scars” can eclipse its success?

The news isn’t quite as good for the cast of The Sapphires, as the soundtrack’s been bumped from the number one spot by Birdy. However it’s still at number two, which is no small feat.

Birdy’s doing great things on the singles charts too. She’s pushed Justice Crew out of the number two spot, but their track “Boom Boom” is still going gangbusters with a number three finish this week.

Timomatic’s enjoyed a big chart debut. His self-titled album has clinched the third spot on the albums chart. It’s sitting ahead of longstanding chart favourites The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle by Missy Higgins (4) and My Journey by Karise Eden (6).

Click below for this week’s Aussie top tens.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian Equals Chart Record” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian & The Sapphires Number Ones for Second Week

Aussie artists Guy Sebastian and the team from The Sapphires have maintained their dominance of the ARIA Charts this week. For the second week we see Guy’s “Battle Scars” at the top of the singles charts, and The Sapphires soundtrack at number one on the albums charts.

Justice Crew have also maintained the pressure on the singles charts. Their monster hit “Boom Boom” holds steady at number two.

Ricki-Lee’s new album Fear & Freedom has made a big impact in its first week with a number seven debut. Meanwhile Missy Higgins and Karise Eden are hanging onto the top ten by their fingernails. The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle is at number 9, and My Journey’s at number 10.

Click below for all this week’s top 10s.

Continue reading “Guy Sebastian & The Sapphires Number Ones for Second Week” →

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian and The Sapphires Top ARIA Charts

There’s some local joy on the ARIA charts this week, with two local releases topping the singles and ARIA charts.

The Justice Crew’s “Boom Boom” vacated the number one spot on the singles chart, but Guy Sebastian was only too happy to take their place with his new one, “Battle Scars.” Justice Crew are still respectable at the number two spot.

Meanwhile The Sapphires soundtrack has jumped up to push Ed Sheeran off the top spot on the albums charts. It’s keeping company in the top ten with fellow Aussies Adam Brand, Missy Higgins, and Karise Eden. There Will Be Love sits at number four, The Ol’ Razzle Dazzle is at number six, and My Journey’s at number seven.

Click below for this week’s complete top ten.
Continue reading “Guy Sebastian and The Sapphires Top ARIA Charts” →