Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Ibis Start “Cooling Embers” Single Tour Tonight

Boorloo/Perth-based indie-pop/rock act King Ibis have got my toes tapping with their latest single “Cooling Embers.” This song is just so effortlessly cool, with killer vocals from Nadene Burchell.

She says “‘Cooling Embers’ is about feeling disillusioned with pursuing a career as an artist and the moments of uncertainty. It also is about the drive to continue finding the things that make me feel inspired and connected to the people I get the opportunity to share the experience with.”

King Ibis have been doing big things in their home city, including opening for Coldplay late last year. Now music lovers on the other side of the country get the chance to see what they’re all about with their first East Coast tour kicking off tonight. That’s right Meeanjin/Brisbane, cancel all your plans because you won’t want to miss them!

14 March 2024 – Stranded Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 March 2024 – Booty Block Party @ The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Camperdown
17 March 2024 – Y&O Sundays X GSN @ North Gong Hotel, Dharawal/Wollongong (FREE)
21 March 2024 – Espy Basement, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda (FREE)
20 April 2024 – Mojos Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle (official single launch)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Cummings Wows Me With “Common Man”

Absolute force of nature Grace Cummings has just released “Common Man,” a fantastic bluesy number about daring to be different.

“This song is about being a colourful bird and never, ever wanting to be a pigeon,” she said. “Somebody I used to know wrote a song called common man about working nine to five and coming home and having a cup of tea and going to bed and it made me want to have a fucking panic attack. I wish I could tell people it was about riding off into the distance on the back of a white horse with a Cowboy in Austin Texas, but it’s not.”

“Common Man” is the latest single from Grace’s new album Ramona, which will be released on April 5. She’s just announced a string of headlining shows in the United States. After that she’ll head to the United Kingdom and Europe to play her own dates and support King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, but hopefully she’ll be back on home soil really soon.

1 May 2024 – Gold Diggers, Los Angeles
4 May 2024 – Shaky Knees Music Festival @ Central Park, Atlanta
5 May 2024 – Cat’s Cradle Back Room, Carrboro
7 May 2024 – DC9, Washington
8 May 2024 – Arden Gild Hall, Wilmington
9 May 2024 – Public Records, Brooklyn
15 May 2024 – Forest National, Brussels (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
16 May 2024 – Stadthalle, Offenbach (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
18 May 2024 – Forum Karlin, Prague (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
19 May 2024 – Arena Wien, Vienna (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
20 May 2024 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
21 May 2024 – Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
23 May 2024 – AFAS Live, Amsterdam (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
24 May 2024 – The Lexington, London
25 May 2024 – Wide Awake Festival @ Brockwell Park, Herne Hill
26 May 2024 – Olympia, Liverpool (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
27 May 2024 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh (SOLD OUT – supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
29 May 2024 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
30 May 2024 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
31 May 2024 – We Love Green @ Bois de Vincennes, Paris
2 June 2024 – Maifeld Derby @ Maimarktgelände Mannheim, Mannheim
3 June 2024 – Import Export, Munich
4 June 2024 – Unaltrofestival @ Circolo Magnolia, Milan (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
7 June 2024 – La Boule Noire, Paris
7-9 June 2024 – Best Kept Secret Festival, Hilvarenbeek
12 June 2024 – Bergenfest @ Bergenhus Festning, Bergen

Photo credit: Tajette O’Halloran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lorenzo Guevarra Releases Stunning Debut Single, “As Well As I Do”

When life starts getting on top of me, I can always count on the right music to calm me. If the daily grind is wearing you down too, make sure you listen to “As Well As I Do,” the beautiful debut single from Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Lorenzo Guevarra. It’s a gorgeous acoustic folk number inspired by watching two uni friends in a volatile relationship realising they were better off apart.

“The song was written on acoustic guitar and has seen little change over the years,” Lorenzo said. “At the time of writing, I was obsessed with Passenger and loved his way of fingerpicking the melodic lines of his songs before the words came in … At the time of recording I was listening heavily to Damien Rice’s My Favourite Faded Fantasy record and drew some inspiration from its production, particularly the orchestral arrangement of the tracks. The string section ideas came organically as we kept replaying what we had. The song’s melody left much space to experiment so we didn’t have to force anything.”

Debut singles are rarely this strong. Rest assured, Lorenzo is definitely one to watch.

Photo credit: Tom Southey

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lara Villani Releases Strong New Single, “Ghost of You”

Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Lara Villani has just dropped her fabulous new single, “Ghost of You.” It’s got more of a rock edge than her debut “STOP”, so make sure you crank it up. If you’ve ever had to pick yourself up after someone broke your trust, I know this track will resonate with you.

“This song was really fun to write and it reflects a journey of healing and self-discovery after experiencing the haunting echoes of past relationships and betrayal,” Lara said.

The single’s accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Mertcan Damoglu and produced by Caleb Keyte from Tier One Productions.

“In the music video I am portraying a figment of someone’s imagination,” Lara explained. “So many times when you’re in a toxic relationship you can have your blinkers on, but there’s always that little voice in your head telling you to get out. I wanted to portray this in a visual way for the song.”

With two songs out in the world, Lara assures us that she’ll step onto the stage for the very first time really soon. Keep an eye on her socials for all the details on that when they drop.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

You & Me Drop “In the Middle” Ahead of EP Release and Aussie Tour

I’m buzzing over the release of Between You & Me’s latest single “In the Middle.” This pop-rock ticks all the boxes, delivering big chords, relatable will-they-won’t they relationship lyrics, and a hook that refuses to quit.

“In the Middle” is the latest single from Between You & Me’s forthcoming EP, SH!T YEAH, which drops on April 5. The lads are currently wowing crowds across North America, but they’ll be back to play headlining shows on home soil in May. Make sure you see them anywhere you can!

13 March 2024 – Marquis Theatre, Denver
15 March 2024 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
16 March 2024 – The Loving Touch, Ferndale
17 March 2024 – Ace of Cups, Columbus
18 March 2024 – Mahall’s, Lakewood
20 March 2024 – Hard Luck, Toronto
21 March 2024 – Empire Underground, Albany
22 March 2024 – Brighton Music Hall, Boston
23 March 2024 – Le Poisson Rouge, New York
24 March 2024 – Ottobar, Baltimore
25 March 2024 – Foundry @ The Fillmore, Philadelphia
27 March 2024 – Canal Club, Richmond
28 March 2024 – Amos South End, Charlotte
29 March 2024 – The Masquerade (Hell), Atlanta
30 March 2024 – The Abbey, Orlando
2 April 2024 – Sons of Hermann Hall, Dallas
3 April 2024 – Paper Tiger, San Antonio
5 April 2024 – 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

Photo credit: Max Pasalic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Impresses With “pocket protector”

Listening to ‘pocket protector’, the latest single from Alexander Biggs has reminded me just how good he is. I’m not sure whether it’s just new song euphoria talking, but beautiful understated piano ballad might just be his best yet.

The lyrics, which explore the conflict in a relationship between two people with contrasting lifestyles, are so bittersweet. And then there’s that deceptively simple piano melody which just sweeps you away as it builds to a sonic crescendo. I could not love this more.

Alexander is currently in Austin for SXSW, but hopefully it won’t be too long before he’s back home treating us all to more music of this calibre.

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josh Setterfield Brings New Party Anthem To CMC Rocks 2024

CMC Rocks 2024 kicks off tonight! While international acts like Lainey Wilson and Chris Young will grab the headlines, I’m music more interested in up-and-coming local talents like Josh Setterfield. He’s just released a cool new party anthem “Something That You Just Might Like” which is perfect for the occasion.

“I wrote a pretty laidback party track to get myself out of writer’s block, I played it at some shows and people went WILD for it, singing along before it had even ended,” he said. “It’s been the best response I’ve EVER had for an unreleased song and people have said it reminds them of early Florida Georgia Line vibes. Bro country revival 2024, what’s good!? Haha!”

Josh will play the tailgate stage at CMC Rocks 2024 tonight exclusively for campers before taking the event’s main stage on March 17.

Image used with permission from DWM Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Nothing to Lose” – Hollow Coves

The mercury might be falling, but Hollow Coves are keeping the summer vibes flowing with their cool new album Nothing to Lose. Full of chilled out tunes that will have you thinking of the sun, surf, and sand, this album sounds good at any time of year.

The first thing that struck me about this album is how accessible it is. These acoustic-driven folk-pop songs feel familiar, a little nostalgic, from the very first listen. It’s a gift to create music that feels so comforting, while remaining fresh. Most of these songs aren’t singles, but they still manage to evoke memories and feelings of peace from the get-go.

The first couple of listens I just let myself get swept away by the sound. However, the more I listened (and trust me, I’ve listened a lot) the more I heard the wisdom of these songs. Tracks like “Nothing to Lose” and “Harder to Fake It” remind us of the importance of making the most of moments and living our most authentic self. The single “Photographs” celebrates physical photos and the simplicity of a time before mobile phones were so ubiquitous. “Let’s Go” and “Purple” are beautiful love songs, but they also emphasise the healing power of travel and escape from the daily grind. “On the Way” reminds us that we don’t need to have it all figured out, that we can continue to grow and find our feet as we journey forward. You can’t make an album like this as a band starting out. It takes some seasoning to gain such maturity in music and message.

Nothing to Lose sounds good from the first listen, but sit with it a while and I know you’ll discover its deeper beauty. Hollow Coves are celebrating its release with shows all over the country. Check them out anywhere you can.

26 March 2024 – Gloria-Theatre, Cologne
28 March 2024 – Muziekgieterij, Maastricht
29 March 2024 – TivoliVredenburg – Ronda, Utrecht (SOLD OUT)
30 March 2024 – Zeche Carl, Essen (SOLD OUT)
31 March 2024 – Uebel & Gefährlich, Hamburg
2 April 2024 – Columbia Theater, Berlin
3 April 2024 – MeatFactory, Prague
4 April 2024 – Simm City, Vienna
5 April 2024 – Technikum, Munich
7 April 2024 – Magazzini Generali, Milan
8 April 2024 – Komplex 457, Zurich
9 April 2024 – Les Docks, Lausanne
11 April 2024 – Halle02, Heidelberg
12 April 2024 – Opderschmelz, Dudelange
13 April 2024 – Le Trabendo, Paris (SOLD OUT)
14 April 2024 – AB Ballroom, Brussels
16 April 2024 – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
17 April 2024 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (SOLD OUT)
18 April 2024 – Academy 2, Manchester
5 June 2024 – Union Stage, Washington DC
6 June 2024 – The Foundry, Philadelphia
8 June 2024 – Warsaw, New York City
10 June 2024 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
11 June 2024 – MTELUS, Montreal
12 June 2024 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
14 June 2024 – Lincoln Hall, Chicago
15 June 2024 – Fine Line, Minneapolis
17 June 2024 – Gothic Theatre, Denver
19 June 2024 – The Grand at the Complex, Salt Lake City
22 June 2024 – El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
23 June 2024 – Venture Music Hall, Ventura
24 June 2024 – Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco
26 June 2024 – Aladdin Theater, Portland
27 June 2024 – The Crocodile, Seattle
29 June 2024 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver
30 June 2024 – Capital Ballroom, Victoria
24 October 2024 – The Church, Christchurch
25 October 2024 – Tuning Fork, Auckland San Fran, Wellington
26 October 2024 – San Fran, Wellington
2 November 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 November 2024 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
9 November 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 November 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
16 November 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
22 November 2024 – Freo.Social, Boorloo/Perth
23 November 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River

Main photo credit: Catherine Bernier

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flight Path Theatre Hosts Theatre and Bands for Broke Down Music Box

For nine days this month, the Flight Path Theatre in Bulanaming/Marrickville will host an arts festival with a difference. Each night of Broke Down Music Box, which runs from March 21 to 30, will see a performance of “Cowboy Mouth”, a one-act play from Sam Shepard and punk trailblazer Patti Smith, followed by live music from some of the area’s best independent bands.

“Cowboy Mouth” is an urban fable about a woman who kidnaps a young man at gunpoint to make him a pop prophet, “like a rock-and-roll Jesus with a cowboy mouth.” Critics have described it as “a sizzling, surrealistic 70 minutes”, and “weird, wild, and rather wonderful.” Directed by Anna Houston, Natassa Zoe and Austin Hayden star in the production. Then each show will close out with one of the following acts.
21 March 2024 – Dande and The Lion (Preview)
22 March 2024 – Dande and The Lion (Opening Night)
23 March 2024 – Day Release
24 March 2024 – The Bernies
26 March 2024 – Georgie Jones
27 March 2024 – Locked in Lummo
28 March 2024 – The Polymics
29 March 2024 – Dear Scarlett
30 March 2024 – Elysae

Flight Path Theatre is at Addison Road Community Centre, 142 Addison Road, Bulanaming/Marrickville. Tickets for the Broke Down Music Box events are on sale now from the theatre’s website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Audrey Powne Goes Solo With “From the Fire”

Vocalist, songwriter, and trumpet player Audrey Powne has been a force of the Naarm/Melbourne jazz scene for years, fronting acts like Leisure Centre and Au Dre and playing as a session musician for everyone from Vince Jones to the Teskey Brothers. Now she’s stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. Her latest single “From the Fire” gives an exciting taste of her forthcoming debut album. This single is so unique, but it really casts a spell. Leave your expectations at the door, because I know this song will blow them all away.

“The groove and harmonic content is inspired by the music of Herbie Hancock, particularly his 70s albums Secrets and Sunlight which have been a huge influence on me and from which I absorbed a lot of language,” Audrey said. “The layered, harmonised trumpet solo is directly inspired by late, great trumpet player Roy Hargrove who is the most profound influence on me as a trumpeter and who employed similar recording techniques on his records with The RH Factor.”

This track is so impressive, I can’t wait to hear more. Audrey won’t leave us waiting too long for that, as she’ll release her debut album on April 26.

Photo credit: Bianca Milani and Kayzar