Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stems Announce 40th Anniversary Tour

When I think about my favourite songs from the ‘80s, “At First Sight” by The Stems is always near the top of my list. It’s criminally underrated and still sounds fresh as a daisy while so many other tunes from the decade have dated. Unlike so many bands from the era, they’ve resisted the urge to tour the scene relentlessly, which makes their recent announcement of a 40th anniversary run pretty special.

Original members Dom Mariani, Julian Matthews, and Dave Shaw haven’t toured Australia since 2019. This time around, they’ll be joined by Ashley Naylor, of Even and The Church fame. Together they’ll celebrate four decades since they made their debut in 1984 supporting The Saints and The Triffids.

This isn’t simply a nostalgia tour either. While there’ll certainly be an element of that, the band are preparing to release a brand-new single and a live LP. Stay tuned fans, and make sure you get your tickets to the following gigs:

24 August 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
25 August 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
31 August 2024 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
6 September 2024 – Freo. Social, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobi Andonov Releases Funky New Single, “Between the Lines”

Bobi Andonov has floored me with his latest single “Between the Lines.” It’s bold and sexy, with some of the best falsetto you’re likely to hear from a modern artist. I can definitely hear a Prince influence shining through those passionate vocals and funky guitar licks, but as a major fan of the Purple One I appreciate the nod to his genius.

“This was one of the initial compositions within the project, marking the inception of the ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ trilogy. While numerous songs delve into two-person relationships, be they love affairs or tumultuous scandals, we aimed to craft a narrative portraying an intensely complex relationship with oneself. Such internal dynamics can prove to be the most disastrous, co-dependent and damaging relationship that any individual must navigate,” Bobi explained. “Drawing inspiration from artists like Jai Paul, Dijon, Blood Orange, as well as the funk sounds of David Bowie and Prince, this groundbreaking experiment laid the groundwork for some of the core elements of the entire project.”

Ready to hear the rest of the project? You don’t have too long to wait. Bobi will release his EP, SAINT, on May 9.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dreggs Release New Folk Charmer, “Peeps With the Goods”

The Dreggs are bringing all the good vibes to your weekend with their gorgeous new single “Peeps With the Goods.” This one is definitely the goods, with a simple piano melody and gorgeous, easy breezy vocal harmonies from the duo. It feels like an instant classic.

“Matt Corby was a huge influence for this track. We were given the opportunity to write and record with Corby and this song is the result of that collaboration,” explained one half of the duo, Patty McRae. “The song is about the push and pull a lot of independent artists have to confront within the music industry. It’s an anthem to those who have experienced equal parts joy and frustration with their career, but also a reminder that persevering is the only way to push through and find that ‘happy place’, whatever that might mean for them.”

“Peeps With the Goods” comes from The Dreggs long-awaited debut album, Caught in a Reverie. Wrap your ears around it on April 26. The Dreggs will play shows in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Europe to support its release.

“It wouldn’t be a Dreggs show without a singalong and we’ve made sure there are plenty of magical moments throughout the set. One of the goals we have been working on is incorporating a lot of moments where we can involve the crowd,” Paddy assured fans. “On top of that, we are excited to be bringing the energy onstage with the addition of other band members. Don’t worry, it’ll still be Paddy and Zane, the folk duo, that we started out as, but just with some friends with us to turn it from a ‘performance’ to a ‘show’!”

I wouldn’t wait until the album drops to get your tickets. Something tells me they’ll sell out before that, so get in early to avoid disappointment.

6 April 2024 – Ride the Soundwave Festival @ Town Beach Park, Guruk/Port Macquarie
21 April 2024 – Long Jetty Festival 2024, Darkinjung Country/Long Jetty
1 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay
10 May 2024 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
11 May 2024 – Eiger Music Studios, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
12 May 2024 – Whelan’s, Dublin
15 May 2024 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham (SOLD OUT)
16 May 2024 – Lafayette London, London (SOLD OUT)
17 May 2024 – Tunes in the Dunes 2024 @ Perranporth Beach, Perranporth
21 May 2024 – Kavka, Antwerp
22 May 2024 – Melkweg, Amsterdam
24 May 2024 – Artheater, Cologne
25 May 2024 – Bahnhof Pauli, Hamburg
27 May 2024 – Privatclub, Berlin
29 May 2024 – Café V lese, Praha
30 May 2024 – Fluc und Fluc Wanne, Vienna
1 June 2024 – Strom, Munich
2 June 2024 – Papiersaal, Zurich
3 June 2024 – Muhle Hunziken, Rubigen
14 June 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 June 2024 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth
21 June 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 June 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
26 July 2024 – The Church Pub, Christchurch
27 July 2024 – U Bar, Dunedin
28 July 2024 – Yonder, Queenstown
1 August 2024 – San Fran, Wellington
2 August 2024 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland

Photo credit: Jordy Wydra

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Please Leave Quietly” – Leo

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Leo has impressed me with their debut EP Please Leave Quietly. The five-track EP delivers the perfect combination of infectious melodies and lyrics that speak from the heart.

“It is incredibly introspective and focuses on the feelings associated with loss, abandonment, and isolation” Leo explained. “The title was chosen to serve this introspective motion with the idea of ‘I know you’re going to leave and that’s okay – I would too. But when you do, the only thing I ask is that you do it quietly.’”

Leo is exactly the kind of songwriter that I love. Their lyrics are brutally honest. They’re unafraid to lay bare their own emotions and stories of pivotal moments with other people. These lyrics don’t shy away from the hard stuff, and Leo acknowledges that when you’re young and just trying to figure stuff out, so much of it is hard stuff. There’s pain and pathos in these lyrics, but the melancholy moments are typically balanced out with Leo’s wry sense of humour. A defense mechanism, maybe. But it gives these songs such a distinctly Australian flavour. They’re so relatable that they’re instantly endearing.

These songs are also total earworms. I’ve been lucky enough to listen for a few days, and I catch myself humming the tunes at random moments. They’re so catchy, in the best possible way. It feels unfair to single out these songs because they’re all incredibly strong, so I’m just going to let you listen and decide which one’s your favourite.

Please Leave Quietly is out now. Leo and their live band will launch the EP for hometown fans at The Old Bar on April 19.

Main photo credit: Claire Giuffre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“SH!T YEAH” – Between You & Me

Between You & Me are ushering in a new chapter with the release of their first independent body of work, SH!T YEAH. Made of six absolute pop-punk bangers, this release shows these guys are more than capable of forging their own path in the music scene.

They make a strong statement opening with “Kill My Vibe”, a collaboration with their former touring partners Knuckle Puck. Between You & Me go toe to toe with the U.S. heavyweights, proving they’re just as big a force to be reckoned with. It’s such a fun, feel-good song which gets backed up with the single “In The Middle”. “Nevermind” celebrates the simple things in life. It’s an anti-rock star anthem if you will about being content with your material lot even as you strive for musical success. “Every Morning” (no, not the Sugar Ray song) sees Between You & Me at their sexiest. If the lyrics didn’t already get me excited enough, the electric guitar solo takes this track over the edge. “YEAH!” takes a little dig at Insta culture while reminding us what really matters. “Sad Songs” rounds out this EP which is the definition of all killer, no filler. With big chords and a singalong chorus, it leaves the listener on such a high.

With most tracks clocking in at around the three-minute mark or less, SH!T YEAH is short and oh so sweet. As if there was any doubt, it establishes this band as one of the best modern pop-punk outfits, not just in Australia but on the world stage. They’ve got the goods. Listen, enjoy it, and make sure you snag a ticket to one of their upcoming shows.

5 April 2024 – The Rebel Lounge, Phoenix
6 April 2024 – Chain Reaction, Anaheim
17 May 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
18 May 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 May 2024 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
24 May 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
25 May 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Main photo credit: Max Pasalic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Robbie Mortimer Releases Country-Rock Banger, “Blow the Speakers”

A grand finalist in last year’s Toyota Star Maker competition, Robbie Mortimer is making good on his promise. His latest single “Blow the Speakers” is a high-energy country anthem that sounds like Robbie has been doing this for years. Robbie had nothing for praise for his partner in crime Jared Adlam, who co-wrote the song and produced it at his Machine Lab studios.

“Jared truly brought the best out of me as an artist and songwriter,” Robbie enthused. “Nothing was too hard. There were no silly ideas, just opportunities to make a high-energy country anthem and we did just that. I’m proud of what we created together.”

Robbie has a stack of gigs coming up as a feature artist for the Professional Bull Rider’s Association Monster Energy Tour. He’ll also play a few cool country festivals in the coming months. Here are all the places you can see him play.

5 April 2024 – Way Out West Festival @ Eric Lenton Memorial Recreation Ground, Koa Country/Winton
20 April 2024 – Stock Route Festival @ Lazy River Estate, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
28 April 2024 – Carnival of Cups @ Goulburn Paceway, Gundungurra Country/Goulburn (FREE)
18 May 2024 – Music in the Mulga @ Wandilla Station, Kalali Country/Eulo
8 June 2024 – PBR Monster Energy Tour @ Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 June 2024 – PBR Monster Energy Tour @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 July 2024 – PBR Monster Energy Tour @ Cairns Convention Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
28 September 2024 – Heartbeat Of The Hunter Festival, Wonnarua Country/Tocal
26 October 2024 – PBR Monster Energy Tour @ Equine & Livestock Centre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
2 November 2024 – PBR Monster Energy Tour @ Townsville Entertainment Centre, Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bryan Estepa and Melita Team Up For “Is There Anybody There?”

Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Bryan Estepa has got no time for musical trends. His latest single “Is There Anybody There?” feels like a total throwback to the late 70s, but that music’s classic for a reason. This song, which features guest vocals from Melita, doesn’t try to be anything that it’s not. If you’re still sneaking vinyl from your father’s or grandfather’s record collection, I know you’ll love this one.

Bryan hasn’t released music since “Back to the Middle” in 2021, noting that “The well kinda went dry after that. I’d normally be a little worried but I threw myself into learning a tonne of new concepts on guitar and got obsessed over my instrument like I did in my teens. I kinda forgot about my songwriting for a while. But ‘Is There Anybody There?’ came out of nowhere during that period and it formed pretty quickly. One of those truly inspired moments that as a songwriter that you dare not question.”

“It’s a song about loneliness and how we as individuals are just a miniscule number in the sea of humanity,” Bryan explained. “In those moments of realisation, we might wonder if anyone is there or listening to us.”

If you’re in Eora/Sydney, you can catch Bryan supporting Ashley Naylor Spaceship at MoshPit Bar tonight! Limited tickets are still available through trybooking.

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Savour a Taste of Creature Fear’s “Sorbet”

“Sorbet”, the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne outfit Creature Fear feels like a sweet treat on the first listen, but this cool retro-pop track has got a bit of bite. It wasn’t until I stopped and paid attention to the lyrics, which explore mental health and how we manage it, that I really appreciated this release.

“The song paints a picture of an unhealthy relationship with food, using it as a coping mechanism and the complications that surround it,” explained songwriter and vocalist Cameron Graham. “While it was written in a way that’s somewhat ambiguous, ‘Sorbet’ expresses determination to break free from difficult patterns and persevere through mental health challenges, though at the same time expresses a lot of self doubt.”
With a refreshed line-up, featuring new vocalist Louis Gaul and bassist Liam Brennan, and a bunch of fresh new material, Creature Fear will make their long-awaited return to the stage next week with a hometown gig, followed by some New South Wales shows in May. Here are all the dates you need:

12 April 2024 – Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
17 May 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
18 May 2024 – New Brighton Hotel, Eora/Sydney (FREE)

Photo credit: Hana Schlesinger

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRAACE Returns With “Jealous Type”

It’s been two years since GRAACE released new music, but she’s back with a brand new single. “Jealous Type” is a brilliant return to form, with all the pop vibes you need to dance through your weekend. It’s a timely release from GRAACE, who grapples with coming of age and self-discovery in this song’s insightful lyrics.

“I learned in my early twenties that I wasn’t loving all the versions of myself yet” GRAACE admitted. “I can be a bitch and also be kind. I can be creative and also be lazy. I can be, and do, all of these things. As women, we’re so diverse and I was so sick of being pigeonholed. It feels so much more powerful and in tune with myself than a lot of stuff that I’ve released before. I’ve shielded away from talking about a lot of things in the past, but this time around I wanted to be very candid. I’m accepting that I’m not always the chill partner in a relationship, that sometimes I can become jealous, and that it’s OK to honour those two sides of myself.”

Expect more truth bombs when GRAACE releases a larger body of work later in the year. GRAACE also has a stack of shows coming up supporting Stephen Sanchez later this month and The Dreggs in June.

26 April 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Stephen Sanchez)
28 April 2024 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT – supporting Stephen Sanchez)
29 April 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT – supporting Stephen Sanchez)
30 April 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT – supporting Stephen Sanchez)
1 May 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Stephen Sanchez)
14 June 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting The Dreggs)
15 June 2024 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth (supporting The Dreggs)
21 June 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting The Dreggs)
28 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Dreggs)
29 June 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Dreggs)

Photo credit: Vasili Papathanasopoulos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordy Burns Impresses With “Second Chances”

Jordy Burns proves that her strong debut single “Walls” was no fluke with the release of the follow-up “Second Chances.” This an upbeat pop number sounds so different from her more sombre debut, but its lyrics are every bit as powerful as its predecessor.

“‘Second Chances’ fell out of my brain on a pretty poignant day in a toxic relationship when I finally realised that this person wasn’t going to change,” Jordy admitted. “After a really heated discussion, as many pained artists do, I found creativity in some intense journaling and suddenly I was staring at the lyrics of my next song.”

“Second Chances” is the second single lifted from Jordy’s debut EP Games, which drops on April 18. She’s got a couple of local shows coming up this month, so get onto it Eora/Sydney!

6 April 2024 – Tokio Hotel, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
27 April 2024 – Bucketty’s Brewing Co, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent