Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy Dolce Blue’s Bittersweet New Single, “Sugar Free”

Dolce Blue have just dropped their cool new track “Sugar Free.” It’s billed as an alt pop-rock number, but I’m hearing a little jazz influence in this one. It ushers in a new era for the band, who say they feel it’s “a step up in production, songwriting, and skill level as musicians.”

“I wrote this song when I was meant to be working because I was dreaming of being famous, instead of doing my job (fulfilling famous musicians’ rider requests),” said the band’s singer, guitarist, and songwriter Veronica Zurzolo. “We (the band) really focused on getting our individual parts sounding slick, sexy, and punchy, for me musically it’s inspired by Måneskin, but with our own Dolce Blue spin.”

“Sugar Free” is our first taste of the new deluxe version of Dolce Blue’s Sweet Melancholy album, which is scheduled for a late June release. It’ll feature four new songs, including “Sugar Free,” and three alternative versions of tracks from the original album. Sounds exciting! But before then, Dolce Blue will launch “Sugar Free” at four5nine in Boorloo/Perth on March 23.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bailey Judd Drops Yacht Rock-Inspired Bop, “Helpless”

As a sucker for yacht rock, Bailey Judd’s latest single “Helpless” is right up my alley. It’s an easy, breezy tune, perfect for taking a little me time in your midweek.

“It’s a song about falling in love and ultimately fighting to keep it strong,” Bailey explained.

“Helpless” comes from Bailey’s EP Fool’s Gold, which drops in a couple of months. He’ll celebrate its release with the following shows.

23 May 2024 – Gasometer Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
6 June 2024 – Goulburn Club, Gundungurra Country/Goulburn
7 June 2024 – Lazybones, Eora/Sydney (with Vinyl 45)
8 June 2024 – Yulli’s, Eora/Sydney (with JAZZSCHOOLHURTME Jam)

Image used with permission from Bailey Judd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Choosing Sides Rock Out With “Penelope”

After a brief hiatus, Tarntanya/Adelaide alt-rock act Choosing Sides are back in action with a new single, “Penelope.” It’s an anti-love song which explores feelings of desire and delusion.

“Penelope is a continuation of the narrative that began in our single ‘Cardboard Seats’,” explained the band’s lead singer Will Wright. “After escaping the city from a supernaturally toxic relationship – our character is fractured by his desire to hear from Penelope despite all the negativity she brought into his life. Whilst Penelope’s curses and evil ways drove our protagonist out of town, he still has a sadistic addiction to hearing her ringtone, her voice, and her coarse language.”

The supernatural plot the band imagined comes to life in the song’s music video. This is a great return to form from Choosing Sides. Hopefully they won’t leave us waiting so long for the next one!

Image used with permission from Choosing Sides

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

EDIE Slays With “Villain”

There are few things I enjoy more than some angry girl music. I have a love-hate relationship with the term, because it feels so reductive, but no one has coined anything better for that incredible music that sees women venting their frustrations. Artists like Alanis Morisette and Tori Amos were so influential in my formative years, and I love that there seems to be a renaissance thanks to talents like Olivia Rodrigo, Gayle, and Noah Cyrus. While those big American talents grab the headlines, Aussies aren’t sleeping on the movement. The latest to pique my interest is EDIE, who’s not holding anything back with her new single “Villain.”

“‘Villain’ explores post-heartbreak frustration and the selfish desire for your ex to feel the same pain as you do,” EDIE explained. “This song highlights how sometimes you have to make someone the villain to be able to move on.”

The music video is also stellar, but not for the faint hearted. If blood makes you squeamish, you might want to look away. You have been warned!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vendettas Rock Out With “All So Dear”

From that bold electric guitar-driven opening, you know “All So Dear” by The Vendettas is a serious rock track. Pretty soon the relentless drums and boisterous vocals kick in and all you can do is hang on for dear life and enjoy the ride.

Turn this one up. Put your fist in the air. And don’t be surprised if after the four minutes is done, you want to press play and enjoy it all over again. If you like what you hear, make sure you get along to the album launch at The Evelyn Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on March 23.

Image used with permission from Golden Robot Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DL Drops Feel-Good Track “Dear Ma (Love in Return)”

Naarm/Melbourne rapper DL continues to celebrate the special women in his life with the release of “Dear Ma (Love in Return)”, a sweet salute to his mother. The track sees DL joining forces with local singer-songwriter Rowie J, whose soulful vocals provide the perfect foil for his flow.

You might remember DL dropped the track “LOVE” in 2021 to pay tribute to his wife and daughters. I love hearing him share more about the special relationships in his life. His brand of positive hip hop really goes against the grain. There’s certainly a place for rap which explores people’s challenges, but it’s wonderful to hear music like this that lifts you up to provide a bit of balance.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & The Giants Get Nostalgic With “Born in the Wrong Time”

As a teen I was convinced I was meant to be hanging out in the Haight-Ashbury district in the 60s, not in suburban Newcastle in the 90s. So I’m relating hard to Joan & The Giants’ latest indie-rock bop, “Born in the Wrong Time.”

“Raw in its bones, ‘Born In The Wrong Time’ is a song about tapping out from the modern world and yearning for a time when things were a bit more simple,” explained the band’s vocalist Grace Newton-Wordsworth. “Lyrically, I wrote this song about feeling like an outsider throughout every stage of my life. From being misunderstood throughout childhood, to never quite feeling part of whatever adulthood is – everything has always felt a little disconnected, like I’m an old soul trapped in this body.”

“‘Born in the Wrong Time’ was written with iconic music festivals like Woodstock ‘69 in mind, and it’s an exploration on how sometimes being in the modern world with all the social media and modern distractions can be intoxicating and make you feel really small as a person,” added guitarist Aaron Birch.

Fresh from supporting megastar P!NK at Optus Stadium, the Boorloo/Perth band are heading out on their own headlining tour to support the single’s release. It all kicks off in Naarm/Melbourne tonight, so don’t stall on those tickets.

15 March 2024 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
16 March 2024 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
23 March 2024 – Hyperfest, Boorloo/Perth
30 March 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits Blow Me Away With “Paper Boats”

I’ve got chills listening to “Paper Boats,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based country-soul duo Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits. It offers a delicious taste of what’s in store when the pair drop their sophomore album, Say What You Mean, next month.

I can’t stress how good this is. I’m not sure why they’ve slipped under my radar, but after hearing “Paper Boats” I’m not going to forget them in a hurry. The vocals are so strong, and Jessie-Lee’s distorted Gretsch guitar is absolutely epic. Honestly, I’ve listened to it four times in a row and I’m just about to press play again. We’ll hear more new music from Hana & Jessie-Lee’s Bad Habits’ when Say What You Mean drops on April 12. They’ll play the following shows around the country to support its release.

7 April 2024 – Summer Sapphic @ Little Foot, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Footscray
24 April 2024 – TBA, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
3 May 2024 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat
4 May 2024 – Trashcult Records, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
9 May 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston (FREE)
10 May 2024 – TBA, Nipaluna/Hobart
11 May 2024 – MONA, Nipaluna/Hobart (FREE)
17 May 2024 – The Grace Emily, Tarntanya/Adelaide
18 May 2024 – The Stone Pony, Wirruwarrungga/Willunga
24 May 2024 – Tanswells, Baarmutha/Beechworth (FREE)
25 May 2024 – The Old Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
30-31 May 2024 – Cronulla Jazz & Blues Festival, Gweagal Country/Cronulla
1 June 2024 – The Golden Barley, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
2 June 2024 – The Junkyard, Wonnarua Country/Maitland (FREE)
15 June 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
22 June 2024 – Odessa Leavers Hotel, Dja Dja Warrung Country/Creswick

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Queenie Releases Incredible Single, “Not Divine”

Queenie’s wowed me with her stunning new single “Not Divine.” It’s an incredibly crafted song which draws listeners in, then takes them on an emotional rollercoaster as it draws to its stunning conclusion. With its raw lyrics and vocals, it perfectly captures a relationship’s transition from idealised perfection to something more humanly imperfect.

“It’s a story of being put on a pedestal and idolised in a relationship when really, I’m not some divine being; I’m human,” Queenie explained. “After coming out the other side I realised I was trying to be someone I wasn’t and change someone who didn’t want to be changed. A deeply intense blossoming romance until the cracks began to show.”

The music video, directed by Marcus Coblyn, sees Queenie donning her mother’s 80s attire as she battles the image imposed on her.

“I wanted to create divine, ethereal, and otherworldly visuals and conclude the clip with a shot of me sitting alone in a cabin – not divine; just a girl with her thoughts,” she said.

Queenie will officially launch “Not Divine” with a show at Thornbury Bowls Club on April 5. Tickets are on sale now from Humanitix.

Image used with permission from AAnthologies

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Gallant and Ladi Abundance Bounce Back From Heartache With “Mr”

What do you do when you discover your man has been two-timing you? Well if you’re Lucy Gallant, and you discover the other woman is fellow creative Ladi Abundance, you join forces and write a song about it. Their new neo-soul single “Mr” explores their collective feelings of hurt and betrayal along with their newfound bound.

“Obviously this was an awkward and challenging situation to find ourselves in, and we chose to channel the hurt into something positive and powerful,” Lucy said.

This track is a bit of a slow burner, but just wait until you get to the chorus. When that groove sets in and Lucy and Ladi’s voices combine, it’s absolute magic.

Image used with permission from Lucy Gallant