Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dear Evan Hansen” – Roslyn Packer Theatre, Eora/Sydney

During the pandemic, my husband and I missed musical theatre hard. So starved for that experience, we’d watch anything we could find. While scouring YouTube we came across a recording of the original Broadway cast performing Dear Evan Hansen. It was a world away from Disney+’s Hamilton pro-shot, a basic video captured by an audience member on their mobile phone. But it was enough to trigger an obsession with this show. We listened to the soundtrack with those incredible Pasek and Paul songs more times than I could count, and when an Australian production was announced, we snapped up tickets for the first performance.

I am so thrilled that Australia gets a chance to see this musical. It’s a fantastic story that explores themes of mental health, connection, growing up, and the cult of social media so beautifully. I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s so powerful and beautifully realised by our Australian cast. Beau Woodbridge is a revelation as Evan. It’s such a demanding part, both vocally and in terms of the role itself, but he excelled, making us care about him all while the character’s flaws shone through. Georgia Laga’aia was also the perfect Zoe. While I’m torn, my husband insists she was even better than the original Broadway Zoe, Laura Dreyfuss. It’s a big call, but I really appreciated what she did with the role and the gorgeous timbre of her voice. Verity Hunt-Ballard is always outstanding, but I especially loved seeing her in a grittier role after watching her all poised and polished years ago in Mary Poppins. All the adults were excellent though. After their parts were slashed so substantially in the film version, watching our cast reminded me just how pivotal they are to this story. Side note: please don’t base your opinion of Dear Evan Hansen on that dreadful film adaptation.

I’ve also got to give shout-outs to set designer Jeremy Allen, lighting designer Matt Scott, and video designer David Bergman. Normally I don’t notice what these professionals do, but the way they have elevated this production even beyond the Broadway version we watched deserves praise. They brought us into the Hansen and Murphy homes, and the spaces in between, so beautifully. The virtual world, and the fallout of events there, was perfectly realised.

This is such a gorgeous production, and so worth the wait for Dear Evan Hansen fans like myself. I’m so glad the whole creative team did this musical justice and that Aussies will finally get to see it so beautifully brought to life. If you’re a longtime fan like me, do not hesitate. Snap up all the tickets. And if you’re new to this musical, take a chance on it. I know there are plenty of known quantities out there, but please get out there and support this production. It plays at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Eora/Sydney until December 1. It’ll be at the Playhouse Theatre in the Arts Centre in Naarm/Melbourne from December 14, Canberra Theatre Centre in Ngambri/Canberra from February 27, and finally Her Majesty’s Theatre in Tarntanya/Adelaide from April 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Celebrates Kiwi Heritage With “Coming Home”

Local country artists are absolutely killing it at the moment. It was only yesterday I was raving about Braeden Faint, and now I want to put another name on your radar: Jake Whittaker. Jake hails from Southern Queensland, but his latest track “Coming Home” is about his father’s hometown, Eltham, Aotearoa/New Zealand.

“I was having a chat with my co-writer, producer and best friend Jared Adlam about how I have this intrinsic feeling that every time I head back to Eltham, that I’m coming home,” Jake explained. “I didn’t grow up there, but I know all the stories of him growing up, all his friends are still there, my Kiwi family are still there and it feels like home. I feel like everybody has that town or place that when they spend time there, it feels like second nature going there whether it’s your favourite camping spot, grandparents’ place, or somewhere you used to holiday. It’s that place when you head there, it’s like coming home.”

Jake will play for his own hometown when he takes to the stage at the Monte Music Muster in Mungaree/Slacks Creek on November 23.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saif and Samin Al Sabah Collab on “Celebration”

Saif has teamed up with fellow Eora/Sydney-based Samin Al Sabah, the lead singer of Packing Dhaka, for a fabulous new single “Celebration.”

This is such an exciting fusion of genres. Saif brings his signature hip-hop rhymes which somehow pair beautifully with Samin’s cool jazzy neo-soul sound. And then when you dig into those lyrics, which look to empower the oppressed and encourage them to embrace their inner strength and rise up, you start to realise how truly special this single is.

“Power to you, my music for you, be liberated,” Saif enthused.

“Celebration” is such an exciting release from Saif. I can’t wait to hear what he does next.

Image used with permission from Saif

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baeden Faint Releases Mental Health Anthem “A Whole Lot More”

Baeden Faint has just released “A Whole Lot More,” a powerful and uplifting anthem for rising up when mental health issues take their toll. They’re themes that hit home for Baeden, who’s battled his own mental health issues and seen friends lose their fight.

“I was struggling, feeling isolated from friends and family” Baeden recalled of writing the song. “I tracked back home for a bit of a birthday bash to get my head straight and to see my friends, but sadly woke up the night after to find out that one of my mates had lost the battle himself.”

He wrote it with a melancholy tone in mind, but it shifted once producer Garth Porter got involved. “Garth saw it as a more hopeful and uplifting song, and so the music steered in that direction,” he said.

Baeden will bring his message and some great tunes to towns in regional and rural NSW at the following shows:

11 October 2024 – MusicNSW Outback Tour @ Wilcannia Golf Club, Barkindji Country/Wilcannia
12 October 2024 – MusicNSW Outback Tour @ Palace Hotel, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
22 February 2025 – Country Sounds Festival, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Whiskey Jack Comes Up Trumps With “Wild Card”

I’ve had one of those days where the music just doesn’t seem to stick. Every song either made me turn up my nose or just washed over me without making an impression. And then I heard “Wild Card,” the charming new single from Boorloo/Perth singer-songwriter Whiskey Jack. It’s a gentle, folky ditty that has a warm, nostalgic air that’s cast a spell over me. Amazing poetic lyrics, a distinctive, special voice; I’m sold.

“This song is about the highs and lows of going through things together, and being there for someone even while watching them repeat the same mistakes,” Whiskey Jack explained.

This is so special, hopefully we’ll be hearing a lot more from Whiskey Jack in the future.

Photo credit: Emma Smart

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Stingray Announce Aussie Shows to Support Second Album, “For the Dreams”

It’s taken some time, but King Stingray have finally given us a love song. “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” comes from the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album, For the Dreams. Like the other songs on that album, and indeed the album before, “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” is a joyous track that celebrates life.

“Nothing’s changed in the sense that we’re still who we are, we’re still playing music and enjoying things. But what I think is different about this one is there’s a little bit more lived experience,” the band explained. “We wanted a lot of singalong moments … We were thinking a little bit more about getting everyone in on the party.”

I definitely found myself singing along to this track by the end, so I’d say job done! King Stingray’s new album For the Dreams drops on November 8. You can preorder it now from various retailers by clicking this link. The band have got some American shows with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard coming up, but Aussies won’t need to wait too long to see them. They’ll play their biggest local shows to date in March. The pre-sale kicks off on Thursday, the same day the band will release “Light Up the Path,” another track from the album. Exciting times for King Stingray fans ahead! Whether you’re in the States or here in Oz, here are all the dates you need:

2 November 2024 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
9 November 2024 – Arizona Finance Theatre, Phoenix (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
15 November 2024 – Germania Insurance Amphitheatre, Austin (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
16 November 2024 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
19 November 2024 – Fox Theatre, Atlanta (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
20 November 2024 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 November 2024 – Factory Town, Miami (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 March 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney
22 March 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 March 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
29 March 2025 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
4 April 2025 – Freo Arts Centre (South Lawn), Walyalup/Fremantle

Photo credit: Sam Brumby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Those Who Dream Announce East Coast Shows

News of Those Who Dream’s upcoming tour has me deep-diving into their back catalogue this afternoon. The Boorloo/Perth emo-pop-rock act conceived by siblings Josh and Hazel Meyer are making the long trip to the East Coast to play the capitals following the October 11 release of their new EP Therapy Machine.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring our upcoming EP Therapy Machine to intimate venues around the East Coast and have a crazy once-in-a-lifetime experience that leaves all of us fundamentally changed as people,” the band said. “Expect 117% energy, alt-rock with sprinklings of nu metal, pop and 15 other genres, a LGBTQ+ safe space, and inescapable infectious joy.”

Who could resist that, right? Those Who Dream have supported some massive acts like Mayday Parade, Nothing But Thieves, and our own Short Stack. They even played Good Things in 2022. They’re the real deal, so make sure you catch them at those intimate venues when you can!

18 October 2024 – Cherry Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
19 October 2024 – Bootleggers, Eora/Sydney
20 October 2024 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“222” – Renee Naccari

Renee Naccari impressed me with her cathartic pop singles “Looking For Myself” and “Perfect Storm.” She continues the trend with her breathtaking debut album 222.

It’s a concept album released at a time when those long-players are becoming increasingly rare, especially in the pop world. Don’t even be tempted to skip to the singles or hit shuffle, because you’ll miss the story that unfolds. The beautiful opening soundscape “Intro – an angel number” leads naturally into the gentle “Starlight.” It’s a beautiful jazz-infused number, romantic and peaceful. The story heats up with the steamy “Sensations.” It sounds so current it could have come from the next Arianna Grande record. It would be easy for Renee to sit in that space. It’s the music people are buying right now, after all, but there’s more of this story to tell.

The album takes a turn with “Exposed.” We’re moving from the heat to vulnerability. It’s where the real stuff is, a place where a relationship can either solidify or crumble. Once those walls come down they can really love you, but they can also hurt you. Renee explores all of that so eloquently on this track. But she’s just getting started.

“Perfect Storm” is a moment of calm as the relationship crumbles. It’s a gentle ballad, but make sure you listen to those lyrics which reveal the surrounding chaos. We sit in those feelings a little longer, as so many people do when they’re in the wrong relationship. “Sometimes I Wish” is dripping with longing, dreams unfulfilled, sadness, and ultimately a goodbye.

The final two tracks see Renee moving forward. It’s a different kind of love story now, one that sees her connecting with herself rather than someone else. The title track is an epic pop anthem, creative and experimental, and above all fierce. “Looking for Myself” is an introspective, super catchy closer. Renee’s not claiming to have all the answers. She’s still a work in progress, she’s still looking, but she’s getting there. And along the way, she might just have a dance.

“‘222’, both the number and the project, mean so much to me,” Renee said. “Rather than ending with a couple, it’s about realising that when I thought I needed a relationship, which turned toxic, I needed to love and find myself first. I had to bring my positive and negative mind together and accept it, like yin and yang coming together to form one. 1 + 1 = 2; it is duality in oneself.”

222 is such a strong debut album from an artist who refuses to play safe. With this release, Renee Naccari shows she’s a force to be reckoned with and a talent with a big future ahead.

Images used with permission from Renee Naccari

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Foley Bring the Fun With “Time Of My Life”

Originally from Aotearoa/New Zealand, indie-pop Foley are now based in Australia and bringing plenty of sunshine to break through the gloom with their latest single “Time Of My Life.” It’s such a catchy, feel-good track I’m sure you’ll be grinning ear-to-ear by the time the first chorus kicks in.

“We are so confident now in what Foley’s sound is after releasing our first album … ‘Time Of My Life’ is a pivotal part of that because it’s so joyous, so unapologetic, and so genuinely aspirational,” the twosome explained. “The song starts from a place of wanting more for yourself that the mundane day to day life you are living. It’s truly born from ambition and dreaming of a ferociously chaotic and AWAKE life.

“We wanted to lean into a feeling of need and desperation for some excitement – which led to a lot of quite dramatic lyrics like, ‘At the end of the night, I kind of feel like I’m dying,’ talking about being stuck in your hometown at the same old party with the same old people, being pleasant to everyone but inside absolutely screaming to leave.

“The song is a craving for new memories, new stories, and letting yourself be free to make mistakes and learn from them. The production is just as chaotic and loose as the song’s meaning which was such a pleasure to work on. Josh Naley, our wonderful producer, absolutely let it rip and made the song such a joy to listen to and play because it feels so free.”

I hear there’s plenty more new music on the way, so it’s time to jump on the Foley train!

Photo credit: Jared Tinetti

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heath Burdell Impresses With “I’ll Be Yours”

Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Heath Burdell has really impressed me with his latest single “I’ll Be Yours.” Indie country label RTC Records, but I wouldn’t put Heath in the country box.

This track has got a lot more of a nostalgic rock feel than anything they’re playing on country radio. I love the rasp of Heath’s voice and the infectious melody that sticks in your head like glue. You’ll be humming this for the rest of the day, mark my words!

Image used with permission from Rock This Country