Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Drop “Heart Pumps Blood” Ahead of Album and Tour

2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Meeanjin/Brisbane-based alt-rockers Bad Neighbour. They’ve already toured with American acts Hot Mulligan and Free Throw and just dropped a fantastic new single “Heart Pumps Blood.” That track gives us our latest taste of the band’s debut album Millions, which drops on September 20. But before that they’ll hit the road with another choice American act, Badflower.

“We’re incredibly excited to share this release with the world,” the band said in a press statement. “Writing this record was very cathartic for us and to have something palpable we can share with people is very special to us.”

If you want an early listen to some more new tunes, make sure you see Bad Neighbour supporting Badflower next month. Some shows have already sold out, and the others aren’t too far behind!

6 August 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
8 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
9 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
10 August 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
11 August 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saint Ergo Releases Sweet Soul Single “Falling So Hard”

Saint Ergo has really impressed me with her latest single “Falling So Hard.” It’s a cool soulful number that perfectly showcases her rich voice. I also love the lyrics which explore the idea of pushing forward with desires and attempting to pursue relationships in spite of taboos.

The soon-to-be-released music video for “Falling So Hard” celebrates all kinds of consensual relationship configurations, including many that seem taboo. As a transgender woman living with a disability, advocating for all kinds of people and creating safe, inclusive spaces for them is something Saint Ergo is so passionate about.

To that end, absolutely everyone is welcome when Saint Ergo launches “Falling So Hard” with two very special shows. Both venues are accessible for people with mobility aids and sensory challenges, with easy, wide access, separate sensory supportive spaces, and moderate sound levels. Tickets are available now for the following shows:

28 July 2024 – Tecoma Uniting Church, Wurundjeri Country/Tecoma
10 August 2024 – Black Spark Culture Centre, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote

Image used with permission from Tibi Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton Team Up Again for “burning alive”

With the release of “burning alive,” Mulubinba/Newcastle singer-songwriters Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton have provided us with the final puzzle piece of their EP, if it all burns down. I’ve already covered previous tracks “church” and “i don’t want to do this forever” on Sounds of Oz, and this one is every bit as good.

“burning alive” sits sandwiched between the past singles on this EP, acting as a kind of bridge between them. I love the natural chemistry between Dane and Jen’s very different voices, the way her pure tones soften his hard edges. The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone battling mental health issues, are also so powerful.

“Myself and so many people around me are or have been affected hugely by these things (suicide and mental health), I couldn’t help writing about it,” Dane explained.

While Dane and Jen haven’t announced any shows together at this stage, they also haven’t ruled them out. Here’s hoping. Until then, wrap your ears around “burning alive,” then revisit the rest of their music on if it all burns down. And if you or anyone you know is struggling with the mental health issues “burning alive” explores, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional resource. Lifeline offers 24/7 support on 13 11 14.

Photo credit: Shades of Blue Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Casts a Spell With “don’t mean a thing”

Alexander Biggs is easing me into my working week with his gorgeous new single “don’t mean a thing.” I’ve long been a fan of his gentle folky music, and this latest track is no exception.

This track perfectly captures the melancholy that can wash over you when seemingly insignificant things seem to resonate a little more deeply with your head and heart than they should. No wonder Alexander’s received support from exciting acts like Julien Baker and Evan Dando. Check it out!

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lustre” – The Buoys

For the last few days, I’ve been cranking Lustre, the debut album from Aussie rockers The Buoys. There’s not enough women making rock music in the world these days. There are even fewer examples of really good all-female rock acts. But these women are making some of the best I’ve ever heard.

I’ve been rocking out to The Buoys for some time, lapping up singles like “Check Mate”, “Guard My Heart”, and so many more. In fact, I’m not sure I’ve come across a track from The Buoys that hasn’t inspired me to put my fingers to the keyboard and share it with you all. After listening to Lustre, I’m convinced they just don’t have a bad song in them. Sustaining the quality over 14 tracks is no mean feat, but it proves just how good these women are.

I could call out individual tracks, but that would feel unfair to the rest. In actuality, this album grabbed me with the first honest, impactful lyrics of “Settle Petal” and didn’t let go. I was in raptures right until the final singalong notes of “Totally Completely Fine.” And then I hit play again. And again. And again. In fact, I’ve had to convince myself to stop procrastinating and write about this album so you could all get onto listening to it. So do it. Honestly. Don’t waste another moment before getting it on.

Lustre is out now. The Buoys will celebrate its release with shows in the major capitals in August and September. Tickets are on sale now for all of the following dates:

16 August 2024 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
17 August 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
23 August 2024 – The Valley Loft, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 August 2024 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
6 September 2024 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 September 2024 – Jack Rabbit Slim’s, Boorloo/Perth
19 October 2024 – Stonefest @ University of Canberra, Ngambri/Canberra

Main photo credit: Dougla Gorman

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ISHAN Shows His Star Power With “Supernova”

After impressing me a few months back with “My Mouth (la la la),” ISHAN has done it again with his latest single “Supernova.” It’s got a similar acoustic pop vibe that perfectly translates the simmering story of two people who cross that sometimes murky line separating platonic love and sexual attraction.

“‘Supernova’ is about a deep friendship shattered by passion,” explains ISHAN. “Reacting to an unexpected kiss and trying to figure out if your love for that person extends beyond the platonic is really difficult in a split second. The song explores the somewhat precarious and practically autonomous response ‘kiss her back now and unpack the consequences later’. It touches on the confusion and uncertainty of the moment in trying to determine what it is you really want and questions whether sacrificing a friendship is a risk worth taking in the pursuit of love.”

ISHAN has already had a big year selling out the Workers Club and playing Tenerife Festival and his first Eora/Sydney headlining show. I can’t wait to hear what’s next for this talented Naarm/Melbourne artist.

Photo credit: Ashlea Caygill

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Renee Nacari Wows Me With Latest Single, “Looking For Myself”

Renee Nacari has given me goosebumps with her stunning new single “Looking For Myself.” This track builds so beautifully, with lush layered vocals that cast a spell. Aside from its sonic appeal, it’s also got a great message about self-discovery and self-love.

“The backing vocals at the ends of the chorus and song are crafted to envelop the listener in a vast soundscape,” Renee explained. “This emulates the feeling of being alone and lost, with echoes that reflect a large, expansive area. I wrote this song whilst I was traveling alone. During that trip, I truly began to understand myself and confront my past. It was an eye-opening journey that allowed me to find and learn to love myself, a process I continue to engage with every day.”

“Looking For Myself” comes from Renee’s upcoming album 222, which further explores the idea of finding yourself and growing into the person you’re meant to be. Follow her on Instagram to learn more about that album and future shows.

Image used with permission from Renee Nacari

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LORNA Releases Post-Breakup Tune “Underachiever”

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite measure up, I know “Underachiever”, the latest track from East Coast New South Wales singer-songwriter LORNA, the musical alter-ego of Erin Condon, will resonate with you. It’s a gorgeous alt-country/folk ballad that explores the impact of the labels we’re saddled with.

“’Underachiever’ was written at the exact moment I thought my life was over. Following a pretty rough breakup, I had made such a big deal about being alone for Valentine’s Day so I did the inevitable Tinder download and began vetting my next date,” Erin recalled. “This series of events summed up the months following this breakup; completely distraught and looking for any light at the end of the tunnel, even if that light took the form of a complete stranger … just so that you don’t have to buy yourself flowers and a Twix bar from the Coles Express on your way home.”

LORNA will showcase her music, including “Underachiever”, at The Baso in Ngambri/Canberra on August 1, followed by The Victoria in Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst on August 8.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teenage Wrist Ready to Rock Aussie Capitals

In just a few weeks, Los Angeles duo Teenage Wrist will play their first Australian shows. The band will showcase songs from their three studio albums, including 2023’s Still Love.

“Honestly Australia is a place we never thought we’d make it to,” said the band’s vocalist and guitarist Marshall Gallagher. “But we keep getting all these comments and messages about coming, and somehow we have a listener base there and will be fairly close by in Asia, so we figured this was our opportunity! We can’t wait, it’s a literal dream come true!”

Tickets for all shows are still available, but I wouldn’t wait too long. These venues are so intimate, I wouldn’t be surprised if some sell out.

1 August 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
2 August 2024 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
3 August 2024 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
4 August 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobby Uncle Releases High-Energy Pop Track “Coffee”

The end of the working week is tantalisingly close, but it still feels too far away. Never fear! Bobby Uncle’s latest feelgood single “Coffee” is as effective a pick-me-up as its caffeinated namesake.

“I wrote the melodies to the entire track on acoustic guitar around late November,” Bobby recalled. “I had a gig on December 9th and wanted to advertise it on my Instagram by singing an unreleased song. At the time, I only had written lyrics for the chorus as I was anxiously into this girl I was seeing. I laid down the guitar riff in Logic and started filming myself singing over it. I was quite emotional at the time which added cadence to the chorus which I would not have added previously. Fast-forward, the gig was a successful night musically, but not for my relationship with this person. A few days later, I wrote the lyrics for the verses and pre-chorus.

“I started by sound designing the lead synth. I needed something harsh and dark to capture anger and sadness for the central melody but to keep the track happy and upbeat,” he went on to explain. “One of my good mates is a metal drummer and he carefully uses the Toms to create build-up and tension. Hence, the Toms were used in certain sections but predominantly in the chorus where each part is more intense than the next. I mirrored the hi-hats with the acoustic guitar to drive the central groove. The electric guitars provide that summer indie pop feel. The pace of the track of 170 bpm reflects the sensation of taking a shot of concentrated caffeine. I wanted people to hear the track and feel like they needed to move, where it’s uncomfortable to be idle.”

Just like this song, Bobby shows no signs of slowing down. He’ll play the House on Fire show at The Loft in Eora/Ultimo on July 20.

Photo credit: Joshua Bisset