Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LOONS Deliver the Goods With “Money Honey”

I was born and raised in Mulubinba/Newcastle, so I get pretty excited when I see awesome bands coming out of my hometown. LOONS are the latest to prick my ears up with their incredible new track “Money Honey.” It’s a rock song with a little surf influence that could only come out of Newy.

“Elijah [Cairns, LOONS’ frontman] wrote it at a time when he felt that his world was collapsing around him and his partner at the time had seemingly changed her priorities and values in the relationship to achieve financial success,” the band explained. “After much work, the song came together and each member wrote fresh parts on their selected instruments to change what had been a raw acoustic song into an indie rock anthem.”

LOONS have shared states with local surf rock acts like The Terrys, Shag Rock, Dune Rats, The Grogans, and The Rions. They’ll play a string of shows this month, kicking off with their hometown single launch this weekend.

7 September 2024 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 September 2024 – The Catfish, Ngar-go/Fitzroy (supporting Backo)
14 September 2024 – Wizard Water showcase @ The Workers Club, Ngar-go/Fitzoy
20 September 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
21 September 2024 – Shark Bar, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
28 September 2024 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (supporting Oniera)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Liam Keates-Ryley Makes Impressive Debut With “RUNNIN'”

After making a splash on The Voice Australia in 2022, Liam Keates-Ryley has taken his time to release his debut single “RUNNIN’”. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. In waiting for inspiration to strike, Liam has made sure that his first release is a fantastic slice of indie-pop.

“‘RUNNIN’’ is the first full song I’ve written since 2019,” he admitted. “Over the past few years, I’d spent so much time playing instruments for other incredibly talented artists that I lost sight of my true passion, which is making music for myself and you! It not only refers to themes about commitment issues within forming relationships, but also commitment issues within life as a whole. Sometimes you just wanna run away from a sticky situation and that’s what this record attempts to encapsulate.”

Liam took inspiration from the period of time after The Voice, when he was a lot more recognisable and unsure whether people appreciated who he was or his new profile.

“There was a period of time in 2022 when meeting new people (whether in relationships or just friends) where I was always wondering, ‘Are these people just hanging out with me cause I was on TV one time or do they actually enjoy my company?’” he recalled. “This song takes inspiration from that and running away from some of those not-so-trustworthy people.”

Liam has previously supported the likes of Pacific Avenue, JUNO, and Lachie Gill. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some more shows on the back of this release.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YAGKI Releases Powerful Single “Just a Ghost”

Western Eora/Sydney act YAGKI has just released a fabulous new single “Just a Ghost.” It sounds like an absolute bop, but it’s also got some powerful lyrics behind it.

“‘Just A Ghost’ reflects my journey of running away from home at 16 to escape a difficult upbringing in housing commission and foster care,” YAGKI explained. “It also delves into the guilt of leaving my family behind in severe hardship and highlights the generational trauma that traps families in these environments.”

The single’s release also comes with an emotionally-driven video directed and filmed by Max Pasalic of BESTIES which stars YAGKI and her younger sister Ella. It also features short VHS cuts of the artist in her younger days.

YAGKI will open up for Merci, Mercy next month before headlining at Oxford Arts Factory this October.

21 September 2024 – Bootleggers, Eora/Newtown
26 October 2024 – Oxford Arts Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kent Dustin’s New Single Will “Impress You”

Kent Dustin has put a big smile on my face with his latest single, “Impress You.” It’s a cool blues-rock track about the early stages of a relationship where knocking your partner’s socks off is top priority.

“’Impress You’ emerged as I explored investment strategies for money, but during the songwriting process, I pondered how I could impress a lover by investing my efforts into doing everything and anything for them, like getting their name in a heart tattoo,” Kent admitted. “This lyric from the second verse inspired the merch design as well.”

This is the latest in a string of Kent Dustin tracks that encourage listeners to find beauty in the ordinary and celebrate life’s little wins.

“I believe we get one shot at life and often spend our time and energy on things that don’t truly celebrate what it means to be human,” he explained. “Whether it’s a flirty interaction that makes your heart flutter, waking up and choosing optimism, or realizing you can trust someone else in a relationship after previous hurt—if my writing connects with people because it resonates with those little moments that mean so much but are often overlooked, then I’m fulfilling my role as an artist.”

Kent is currently prepared to release more raw, acoustic music on his forthcoming EP.

Image used with permission from Kent Dustin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Shoulders & Margo Cliker Team Up for Aussie Shows

Two of America’s most exciting emerging country artists are teaming up for one big tour this October. Arkansas “punk cowboy” Nick Shoulders and Columbia River native Margo Cliker will join forces for some performances at the Out on the Weekend festivals and a very special show in Eora/Sydney.

I’m especially excited about Margo gracing our shores after listening to her OurVinylSessions EP a few times this morning. She’s really something special. I imagine her gentle folky sound will be a great foil for Nick’s darker, grittier music.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now.

9 October 2024 – Factory Floor, Eora/Sydney
11 October 2024 – Out on the Weekend Festival @ Itinerant Spirits, Ballaarat/Ballarat
12 October 2024 – Out On The Weekend Festival @ Seaworks, Naarm/Melbourne
13 October 2024 – Out On The Weekend Festival @ Coal Creek Community Park & Museum, Bunurong Country/Korumburra

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay J Gladstone’s the “Talk of the Town” Ahead of Sienna Skies Shows

Clay J Gladstone have come to kickstart your Wednesday with their rocking new single “Talk of the Town.” This angsty track about struggling to break through in the music industry sounds best loud, so crank that volume!

“Talk Of The Town is my uppercut to the business side of the music industry,” vocalist Tim Wisbey explained. “Targeting those elitists and gatekeepers that decide whether your social media is vogue and colossal enough to give you a shot. It makes me sick thinking how tough it is for younger bands coming through, or any band really.

“It’s not just about the music – though I guess it never really has been. You basically need to be an expert in marketing, sales, relationship management, bookings, or even dance choreography to cut through the fog. Anyway, I’m not whining. I could die tomorrow and be happy that I got to write this song, pretending I’ve made it and giving the middle finger to any creature that’s tried to cut us at the knees along the way.”

“Talk of the Town” is the latest single lifted from Clay J Gladstone’s forthcoming debut album, set to drop later this year. The band have a stack of shows coming up supporting Sienna Skies all around the country, where you just might hear some of those new songs.

2 November 2024 – Lynotts Lounge, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Sienna Skies)
6 November 2024 – The Basement, Ngambri/Canberra (supporting Sienna Skies)
7 November 2024 – The Jungle Duke, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (supporting Sienna Skies)
8 November 2024 – The Leadbeater Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Sienna Skies)
9 November 2024 – Froth & Fury Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Sienna Skies)
14 November 2024 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (supporting Sienna Skies)
15 November 2024 – The Red Rattler, Eora/Sydney (supporting Sienna Skies)
16 November 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Sienna Skies)

Photo credit: Hayden Nixon

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Strings Attached” – Greg Gould

Australia met Greg Gould in 2013, when he came second in that year’s season of Australia’s Got Talent. He might not have claimed the title, but his incredible covers of tracks like “Purple Rain” and “Feelin’ Good” stuck in the public consciousness. His debut album 1998, jampacked with covers of the year’s biggest hits, topped the charts. He toured the country with En Vogue’s Maxine Jones on the back of their cover of “Don’t Let Go.” Covers have served Greg well. He has a knack for inhabiting a familiar song and making it his own. But Greg has much more than an amazing multi-octave voice to offer the music scene. With the release of Strings Attached, his first album of original music, he shows us he’s got plenty to say.

Pop is so often accused of being a lightweight musical genre. Musicians who come through the reality system are often dismissed by their industry peers. Greg seems to relish busting those myths and showing exactly what he can do. He doesn’t shy away from weighty material, tackling issues like sexual assault, the fight for equality, and the violent deaths of his friends Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. And that’s just the singles. Some songs can be confronting, but they’re also incredibly moving. Greg’s rich voice and knack for pop melodies draw you in, encouraging you to listen even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s not all heavy-going though. “Hurricane” is an uplifting dancefloor anthem about trusting the right relationship. The earnest message and sweet piano melody of “You Are Enough” wrap around you like a big, self-affirming hug. “Love It All Out” is a beautiful torch song, a simple romantic ballad elevated by the musical chemistry Greg shares with Asian superstar Phoenix Morissette. She’s one of several big names on the album. There’s Broadway icon Shoshana Bean, Australian Idol Kate DeAraugo in her first pop appearance in nine years, Drag Race royalty Kween Kong, and a massive list of talent working behind the scenes. It’s a testament to Greg’s talent that all these luminaries have clamoured to work with him.

Strings Attached may well be the most powerful pop album I’ve ever heard. Greg takes the opportunity to tackle some big issues here, but he perfectly balances the darker songs with the light usually associated with the genre. With this album, I feel like we’re finally seeing the true depth of his talent, and it’s glorious.

Strings Attached is out now. You can see Greg live at one of the following shows:

13 September 2024 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated)
20 September 2024 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated)
27 September 2024 – Flamingo’s Live, Mulbinba/Newcastle (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show)
28 September 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show)
30 September 2024 – Reef Casino, Gimuy/Cairns (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show – FREE)
31 September 2024 – Reef Casino, Gimuy/Cairns (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show – FREE)
8 November 2024 – Athenaeum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (Immortality Celine Dion & Bee Gees show)

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & The Giants Release “Feels Like Heartache” Ahead of Belinda Carlisle Tour

Sometimes a beautiful song doesn’t hit you immediately. If it’s too subtle, it can lost in all the noise of the day-to-day. But when it does hit you, when it catches you in a moment of quiet, the payoff is so rewarding. That’s how I’m feeling about “Feels Like Heartache,” the latest single from Joan & the Giants. It’s such a beautiful, bittersweet ballad about a doomed romance moving towards its inevitable demise.

“’Feels like Heartache’ is the most deeply personal and honest song we’ve written,” lead vocalist Grace Newtown-Wordsworth said. “It’s centred around longing for the person you love more than anything but knowing it’s an addiction and isn’t good for you. Being brutally honest isn’t easy, but honesty to us is a very important thing, especially in our songwriting.”

Joan & The Giants usually headline shows these days, but they’re stepping into the support role on Belinda Carlisle’s upcoming tour, which kicks off in their hometown next month. Here are all the dates you need for those gigs:

18 September 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
20 September 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
21 September 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
24 September 2024 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
27 September 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
29 September 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
30 September 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
3 October 2024 – Twin Towns, Goodjinburra Country/Tweed Heads (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
5 October 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
6 October 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Belinda Carlisle)

Photo credit: Isabelle Haubrich Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurray for the Riff Raff Heading Down Under

New Orleans-based Americana sensation Hurray for the Riff Raff, aka Alynda Segarra, is heading to Australia this October for a string of headlining shows and festival appearances.

Since I heard the news, I’ve had Alynda’s fabulous 2024 album The Past is Still Alive on repeat. It’s so good. Recorded just a month after the passing of their father, the songs see Alynda grappling with love, loss, time, and the memories we make. Honestly, make sure you take a listen because you don’t want to know how good it is after the shows are done!

You can catch Hurray for the Riff Raff at one of their local shows:

4 October 2024 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley
5 October 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
6 October 2024 – The Eltham Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Eltham
9 October 2024 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane
11 October 2024 – The Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
12 October 2024 – Out On The Weekend Festival @ Seaworks, Naarm/Melbourne
13 October 2024 – Out On The Weekend Festival @ Coal Creek Community Park & Museum, Bunurong Country/Korumburra

Photo credit: Tommy Kha

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Braydin Good Drops “Honest” New Single

There are few qualities I value more in music than honesty. You give me the truth and I can overlook a less-than-perfect vocal or raw production values. So I had pretty high hopes for Braydin Good’s new single, called “Honest.” Thankfully this beautiful country ballad delivers just what its title promises.

Braydin has honed his craft supporting artists like Christie Lamb and Casey Barnes. “Honest” is only his second single, but it suggests he won’t be playing second fiddle to other acts for too much longer.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country