Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly Join Frank Turner For “Show People”

If I’d have had my way, I would have told you about Slowly Slowly’s collaboration with Frank Turner months ago. That way you could have all gotten turned on to it before Frank visited Australia and played some capital city sideshows and slots at Good Things. However, the email came through while I was in New Zealand, and then I had my car accident days after my return, so things came a little … well … slowly. I considered just moving on, but I haven’t been able to get their take on “Show People” out of my head. And there’s so much new music out there, it’s so easy for releases to fall through the cracks. So while you might have already heard it, I thought I’d better share just in case it slipped under your radar.

“Show People” originally appeared on Frank’s most recent album, Undefeated. It was always a great song celebrating life as a touring musician, but it’s gotten an extra special something with the addition of our homegrown talent. Apparently the collab came about when Frank heard Slowly Slowly referenced him in a song. He reached out to frontman Ben Stewart and they became fast friends. So working together was the natural next step.

“I have been a monstrous Frank Turner fan for so many years,” Ben said. “After name checking him in ‘Turn It Around’ (a song from our 2022 record Daisy Chain), Frank reached out and it has now snowballed into me featuring on one his new tracks. Absolutely ecstatic to be able to call him a friend and so happy with how it all turned out – the song has a message I can really relate to. I hope we get to perform it live soon!”

“Slowly Slowly are one of my favourite Australian bands, ever, so when I reached out on a whim to ask if they’d be part of a collaboration, I was blown away when Ben said yes,” Frank added. “He brings such magic to his performance on what is one of the most important tracks from Undefeated, I kind of wish we could use this on the album proper. It’s an honour to have them involved.”

While I couldn’t get this news to you before Frank went home, I can bring it to you just before Slowly Slowly start their own tour to promote their latest album Forgiving Spree, which drops on January 23. They’re wasting no time playing some really cool acoustic shows with Q&A sessions and local festivals, then heading to Europe and the United Kingdom, before coming back home for a few more gigs. Here are all the dates you need!

27 January 2025 – Stay Gold, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (acoustic album release show – SOLD OUT)
28 January 2025 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney (acoustic album release show)
29 January 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (acoustic album release show)
6 February 2025 – Party in The Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka/Launceston
1 March 2025 – Falls Creek Alpine Resort, Jaitmatang/Falls Creek
2 March 2025 – Yours & Owls Festival @ Flagstaff Hill, Woolyungah/Wollongong
9 March 2025 – Limestone Coast Beer & BBQ Fest @ Mount Gambier Railway Lands, Berrin/Mount Gambier
14 March 2025 – Academy 2, Dublin
16 March 2025 – Cathouse Rock Club, Glasgow
18 March 2025 – The Key Club, Leeds
19 March 2025 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
20 March 2025 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
22 March 2025 – The Camden Assembly, London
24 March 2025 – AB Club, Brussels
26 March 2025 – Supersonic, Paris (FREE)
27 March 2025 – Rotown, Rotterdam
29 March 2025 – Artheater, Cologne
30 March 2025 – Badehaus, Berlin
4 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
5 April 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
10 April 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 April 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
12 April 2025 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Younique and Eamon Team Up For “I Won’t Let You Go”

The weekend is still days away, but you can get in the spirit early listening to “I Won’t Let You Go,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based producer Younique. In the vein of artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL and Hayden James, this track features soulful vocals from Eamon. I think it beautifully captures the energy and euphoria of a large-scale music festivals. And if, like me, it’s been far too long since you attended one of these events, this single is going to take you back.

“It’s crazy to think that I first connected with Eamon at a gig where he was playing an acoustic set,” Younique said. “I remember thinking, ‘He’d absolutely crush it on a festival track.’ Fast forward a month, and we started working on this record. It was my first time creating an entire song with someone purely online. We spent ages perfecting the drop—I must’ve made 10 different versions, each time sending them to him with excitement. Then my gut told me to let him write the lead melody for the chorus, and I was right. The next file he sent had a world-class hook.”

“I Won’t Let You Go” is one of the most interesting tracks I’ve heard in some time. I’ve added it to my Sounds of Oz Loves Pop playlist, although with its electronic, dance, and soul elements it doesn’t quite fit into that box. I love it when music defies classification though. Whether you’re a fan of classic pop or you’re looking for something a little bit different, check out this song and the rest of the tunes on my Spotify pop playlist.

Image used with permission from Younique

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Metro Social Makes Wednesdays Better With Metro A.i.R

By now you’re probably back at work after the festive period and slogging through the daily grind. The weekends, and the promise of live gigs, likely feel far too far away. But if you live around Eora/Sydney, they don’t have to be. Every Wednesday night, Metro Social hosts its new residency program, Metro A.i.R (Artists in Residence).

This month, Metro Social is celebrating Country’s Always Been Cool with exciting country stars Raechel Whitchurch tomorrow night, Denvah next Wednesday, and Kiwi artist Jenny Mitchell the Wednesday after that. In February the vibe switches with BNDT MNTN. Timothy Powles, AKA The Bandit, will play shows every week with special guests including the Beauty Queens,

YSKA, and William Bowden. Keep an eye on the Metro Theatre website to see all the latest announcements.

These shows are totally free but make sure you RSVP online to guarantee your spot. The action kicks off every Wednesday from 7:00 pm.

Photo credit: Scottb111, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Velvet Bloom Releases Soul Single, “Best in You”

Velvet Bloom is giving you a soulful start to your working week with her latest single, “Best in You.” It’s an uplifting, feelgood number that sees Velvet Bloom working with a horns section for the first, and hopefully not the last, time.

“We were lucky enough to have Brennan Hamilton-Smith (composition and saxophones) and Ben Harrison (trumpet) on board to perform these compositions,” Velvet Bloom said. “I loved stacking the vocal harmonies around the horns with Jay (Jarome, regular collaborator and guest backing vocalist) and Alex (Marko, bandmate) because we had to be a lot more strategic about placement than we usually are.”

The song encourages the listener to see the best in their loved ones, even in their worst moments.

“When you know people well enough (yourself included) you are exposed to their best and worst qualities. ‘Best In You’ is about showing compassion to the ones you love when they mess up forgivingly,” Velvet Bloom explained.

“Best of You” gives us a sneak peek at Velvet Bloom’s forthcoming album, which drops on March 28. Expect to hear more new tracks when Velvet Bloom plays the St Kilda Festival on February 16.

Image used with permission from Valentina Moroney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turn Up the Volume on Robbie Mortimer’s “Good Times & Tan Lines”

“Good Times & Tan Lines,” the latest single from Robbie Mortimer, is the country summer anthem you didn’t know you needed. Robbie was inspired to write the song after attending a country music festival in Florida. He brings all the energy of that experience into this song.

“Everybody was smiling, loving their life and all gathered for the same thing, which was the love of country music,” Ribbie recalled. “I saw a sign that said ‘Good Times & Tan Lines’… I took a photo of it and thought, ‘I’m going to write a song about this exact feeling.’”

The single sees Robbie reuniting with producer Jared Adlam.

“I have a close working relationship with him, as we co-wrote my first release ‘Blow the Speakers’ together,” Robbie said. “Jared and I have worked tirelessly on who I am as an artist and the sound I want to deliver.”

Robbie will bring the party to some of Australia’s best country music events over the coming months. Make sure you don’t miss his sets at these shows.

23 January 2025 – Tamworth Country Music Festival, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (FREE)
24 January 2025 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (supporting the Wolfe Brothers)
22 February 2025 – Country Sounds Country Music Festival @ Cooke Park, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes
7 March 2025 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
15 March 2025 – A Night in Nashville @ Orange Showground, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
11 April 2025 – The Man from Snowy River Festival @ Corryong Recreation Reserve, Pallanganmiddang Country/Corryong

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucky Governors Celebrate The Art of Music With “Til the Day I’m Gone”

If you’re reading this blog, chances are that you feel the way I do that music is so much more than notes arranged into melodies. So I think you’ll appreciate “Til the Day I’m Gone,” the latest single from up-and-coming Eora/Sydney-based folk-indie rock group Lucky Governors. The band says this song is “a heartfelt anthem celebrating music as a journey of soul, expression, and purpose.”

“I do it for the love of the feel, of a song,” Lucky Governors’ founding member and songwriter Andrew Fischer shared. “I do it just to share, the joy and pain I got going on.”

“Til the Day I’m Gone” is one of the fantastic new tracks featured on my playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Rock. Wrap your ears around it on Spotify now.

Image used with permission from Lucky Governors

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evie Irie Wows Me With “Laila”

I am absolutely enamoured with Evie Irie’s latest track, “Laila.” The press release describes it as “a gorgeous pop lullaby; a letter of love and admiration for her best friend.” While it’s got the soothing sound you might associate with a lullaby, it’s anything but sleepy. Evie sings with such heart that it brought tears to my eyes. This song stopped me in my tracks, and I’m sure it’s going to make as big an impression on you.

“I originally wrote ‘Laila’ during the COVID-19 pandemic when I was back in Australia after leaving my life in LA,” Evie recalled. “Being away from my best friend, Laila, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. She is my rock and soulmate, and she’s been there for me through every dark moment. Not being able to be with her during that time was unbelievably difficult. It was her 18th birthday, and I struggled to find a present that could truly show my love. Since I couldn’t fly to see her, I ended up writing and gifting her this song. It’s a piece of my heart, a love song, that binds best friends together.”

“Laila” is just one of the awesome pop tracks I’ve included on my new playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. Give it a listen and follow on Spotify, pop music fans!

Photo credit: Ella Maximillion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

One Tree Hill Star Tyler Hilton Heading to Oz

It’s taken eight years, but Tyler Hilton is making his long-awaited return to Australia. Best known for his starring turn on One Tree Hill, Tyler is a super talented American singer-songwriter who’s blown me away with his latest EP No Man’s Land. It seems Tyler is every bit as excited about returning to ours as we are to have him.

“I have been DYING to get back to Oz since I came for the first time ever in ’17,” he said. “ Meant to get right back then the pandemic happened and it took a sec for me to get everything back on track. I had no concept of Australia before I came. No real idea of the culture or what the cities looked like … it just hadn’t really spent much time in my brain. I landed in Sydney, hit Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth and my life was changed. I was like, ‘What is this magical place?’

“The food! The people! The beaches! The coffee! I still drink flat whites as my daily drink to this day after that trip. I bought an acoustic guitar there from a local luthier to help commemorate my time there. I wanted to hold onto it so badly. Anyway, the point is, I’m BEYOND excited to be returning and so thankful to still have a fanbase there to justify the trip!”

Expect to hear songs from the incredible new EP and his entire catalogue, including many featured on One Tree Hill, at these East Coast shows.

6 February 2025 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 February 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
8 February 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Ryan Forsythe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Mutation” – RedHook

With the release of their sophomore album Mutation, RedHook show they’re a serious force to be reckoned with. This album builds on the promise of their debut Postcard From a Living Hell, with a killer selection of rock cuts that you’ll want to play again and again.

Some might call it an evolution, but mutation seems more appropriate for this spooky rock act who brings us songs like “Cannibal,” “Dr. Frankenstein, “and “Party/Zombie.” They’ve mutated into a band that consistently delivers the best parts of themselves.

“With this record, we wanted to crystallize all the most unique parts of RedHook’s DNA and then put that on steroids,” lead vocalist Emmy Mack explained. “Stronger hooks, braver lyrics, bigger production, wilder collaborations, bolder musical choices, just an evolution in every way. From moments of deep pain and heartbreak to moments of rage and defiance, to moments of joy, celebration and just pure fun, Mutation is an authentic statement of everything we are, and we hope you don’t get bored for a single BPM.”

Some of those wild collaborations include tracks recorded with Alpha Wolf, Holding Absence, and Vana. Their contributions are inspired, but RedHook are every bit as strong without their help. Emmy is one of the most exciting frontwomen in the business. I adore her strong vocals and convictions. You can almost guarantee that this band wouldn’t be calling out misogyny in “Bomb.com” or narcissistic abuse in “Scream 2” if it didn’t have a kick-arse female at the helm. I also appreciate the contributions of her bandmates. This outfit is tight. Without those big drums and big guitar chords RedHook wouldn’t sound nearly as compelling. Everyone has a role to play and they do it so well.

Mutation is everything I love about RedHook but better. If you’re a fan of this quirky rock outfit, I know you will adore this album. And if you weren’t already on the RedHook train, Mutation may be the album that encourages you to get on board. RedHook will support Stand Atlantic on their Was Here regional tour in March and April.

21 March 2025 – Forth Pub, Tommeginne Country/Forth
22 March 2025 – Uni Bar, Mouheneenner Country/Sandy Bay
27 March 2025 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 April 2025 – The Basement, Ngambri/Canberra
2 April 2025 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
4 April 2025 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
5 April 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston
6 April 2025 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Balug and Wurundjeri Willam Country/South Morang
9 April 2025 – King Street Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
12 April 2025 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
13 April 2025 – Solbar, Yuggera Country/Maroochydore

Listen to “HEXXX,” RedHook’s track with Vana, on my new playlist Sounds of Oz Loves Rock. It’s early days so I’m still adding tracks but I hope that playlists like this will be another way you can engage with my blog and discover some fantastic Aussie tunes.

Main photo credit: Luke Shadrick

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Jones @ Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach

Saturday night saw me back at my musical happy place, Avoca Beach Theatre. Here in Darkinjung Country/Central Coast we are so blessed to have this intimate “barn,” as co-owner Beth Hunter calls it, where some of the country’s best and brightest play. And it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, things seem to be ramping up. I visited on Saturday night to see Jack Jones, but what I got was a whole lot more.

For the first time our evening started outside the theatre, where the venue is hosting summer sessions before the main gig. They’re free events that welcome all members of the community, including non-ticket holders and their furry friends. I’ve often enjoyed a glass of wine before the show in this lovely courtyard area, but adding live music to the mix takes the experience up a notch. It’s also such a great platform for emerging artists like the lovely folk singer who entertained us with her mix of original songs and classic covers. I just wish the artist was better advertised. A little sign saying her name or a reminder from the artist herself every now and again would have helped us all remember to support her in future.

The talent kept coming inside when Piper Butcher warmed up the stage. I’ve appreciated her music for a long time, but my admiration has gone up a notch after seeing her live. She has such a beautiful, warm personality that’s incredibly endearing. I loved hearing her stories about her career and where it might go next as she prepares to head to the United States for a month. Her music was also incredible. It takes a special something to capture an audience with predominantly original tracks they don’t know, but she held us all captivated. The only cover in her set – a bluesy take on Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love” – hinted at what could have been had she stayed longer in the Australian Idol competition. Piper also treated us to a few yet-to-be-released songs she recorded with Australian country royalty, Kasey Chambers. If there’s any justice, they may just be the tracks to give her the mainstream attention she deserves.

I’ve seen Jack Jones perform solo a few times now, and I keep coming back because he always impresses. His voice is flawless and his songs bring back such beautiful memories. It’s hard to believe I was 10 years old when his band Southern Sons released their first album. It gave us so many smash singles Including the beautiful “Hold Me in Your Arms” which Jack opened the show with. It takes such confidence to play such a beloved song so early, but this beautiful number set the tone for this special night. I loved hearing it and watching Jack’s face light up as we sang a chorus for him so sweetly. I only wish our singing was as good on “Always and Ever.” It seems like less than half of us knew the words, and try as I might I couldn’t quite make up for those who had faded away.

The show wasn’t all about the hits though. I loved hearing favourite album tracks like “Something More” and “Wildest Love,” who he dedicated to his partner in the audience. He also treated us to some music from his time performing under his birth name, Irwin Thomas. I remember seeing him at that time supporting Matchbox Twenty and it wasn’t my thing. Hearing these songs stripped back though has helped me appreciate them all these years later. There were new songs too from an EP or album to come. That’s right readers; Jack Jones isn’t done creating music.

As with the last time I saw Jack, he regaled us with generous stories with many tangents. We heard all about his lock down experiences and the recent losses in his life which still bring tears to his eyes. He joked that chatting to us was like therapy; his walls were certainly down. I love when an artist lets us in like that and we get to see the human behind the music.

This was one of the longer concerts I’ve attended at Avoca Picture Theatre. Jack was so chatty that he had to ask whether there was a curfew because he understood his stories had taken up a lot of time. Thankfully there wasn’t and none of us had a better place to be. And so we all took our time, and yet it still felt like it wasn’t enough when Jack hit the opening notes of “Heart in Danger.” And yes, we all sang along.

Later this month Jack will start celebrating the 35th anniversary of Southern Sons with a string of shows around the country. Check back here for a review of the Darkinjung Country/Wyong gig after it happens. Tickets are limited so make sure you snap up yours soon.

31 January 2025 – Kings Theatre @ Event Centre, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra
1 February 2025 – Twin Towns Showroom, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
7 February 2025 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
8 February 2025 – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Boonwurrung Country/Wonthaggi
21 February 2025 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
22 February 2025 – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
28 February 2025 – The Art House Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
1 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
7 March 2025 – Yan Yean Theatre, Wurundjeri Balug and Wurundjeri Willam Country/South Morang
8 March 2025 – Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
14 March 2025 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
15 March 2025 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung/Bendigo
21 March 2025 – Country Club Showroom, Kanamaluka/Launceston
22 March 2025 – West Point Showroom, Nipaluna/Hobart
12 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
2 May 2025 – Alpine MDF Theatre WPACC, Bpangerang/Wangaratta
3 May 2025 – Palms at Crown, Naarm/Melbourne
19–26 October 2025 – Rock the Boat, leaving from Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Lyn Foreman and Lauren Katulka