Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Worm Girlz Release Latest Power Punk Anthem “Cool Girl”

Crank up your speakers and then press play. Worm Girlz’ latest single “Cool Girl” demands to be played loud. It’s a fierce, frenetic rocker that is bound to put a smile on your face and your fist in the air. If this is the new wave of grrrl power, I’m here for it!

“We wrote ‘Cool Girl’ as a call to action to hold your mates responsible and call them out when you witness inappropriate behaviour,” explained vocalist Lauren. “Again and again we’ve had to sit and listen while people we know attempt to justify the manipulative, discriminatory, or even abusive acts of their shitty friends and there’s not much more we can take, so we channelled our upset and frustrations into writing this song. We urge listeners to raise the bar by being better bystanders and speaking up in abusive situations or else the consequences can be deadly.”

Worm Girlz recently declared on social media that 2024 is the Year of the Worm, and with strong tunes like this in their arsenal it’s hard to disagree!

Photo credit: Georgia Griffiths

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Moments Between Dreams” – Ella Haber

Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Ella Haber has wowed me with her new EP, Moments Between Dreams. It’s an exquisite collection of songs so that are both expertly crafted, yet so heartfelt.

It’s one of those EPs that transfixed me from the first atmospheric notes. The opening track “Hynogagic Bloom,” is so unique and dreamy, I felt like it cocooned me in a beautiful bubble. Its lyrics and gentle melody just wrapped me up and held me. I was in. It’s special, but so is every song on this EP. They explore relationships, from the paternal in “My Father” to the romantic “My Lover” and “Good For Me.” Ella’s voice is so striking and it can seemingly do anything. It’s got a great storyteller quality which is perfect for these revealing songs conceived in bedrooms on her piano. They’re often quiet, drawing you in and capturing you with their intimacy.

On writing this material in the summer of 2021-2022, Ella said “I needed to release myself from my own numbness, isolation, inactivity and loneliness induced by successive lockdowns, a long-term relationship coming to a close and a disconnection from my own body and heart. As soon as lockdown ended, I found new love, threw myself into activism and connected deeply with new friends for the first time in years. I felt a profound hope for the future, and I felt a restlessness to dive into the next chapter of my life with all senses open and alive with feeling.”

Moments Between Dreams is the sort of EP that deserves to be savoured. So make yourself a cup of tea. Grab a blanket. Turn it on. Take time to listen to every lyric, to catch every note. You can thank me later. You’ll find it on all the streaming services and you can buy a limited edition vinyl copy here. Ella will celebrate its release with a sold-out show supporting CYMANDE at Liberty Hall in Eora/Sydney on March 4.

Main photo credit: Thea Elder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Davey Releases Feelgood New Single “Second Chance”

If you’re need a little pick-me-up today, look no further than “Second Chance,” the latest single from Jake Davey. It’s an upbeat country-pop anthem about moving forward, despite the odds. Just see if you’re not feeling inspired by the time the song ends.

If you want to keep the good times flowing, make sure you grab a ticket for the Viper Creek Band’s Sydney Harbour Cruise on November 2. Jake will be one of the special guest entertainers on what’s sure to be a stacked event.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sin City Rock My Socks Off With “Candy”

Sin City, a Naarm/Melbourne-based Kiwi band formed in Spain, are making the kind of country-rock that we just don’t hear enough of. Their latest single “Candy” is a raucous track that’s all the better for being a little rough around the edges. It was recorded on an analogue reel to reel tape, which gives it such a cool vintage feel. Singer and keyboardist Nick Armstrong said the band wrote the song about a romance cut short due to the demands of being a travelling musician.

“When you eventually see they’ve moved on and are happy, you can’t help but be a little bit disappointed!” he admitted. “But passing flings can’t last, and you have to accept it. That’s what this song is about.”

You can hear more from Sin City when they release their sophomore album Another Round in April.

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Critiques Modern Life With “Cyclone”

Joe Mungovan continues his musical evolution with the release of “Cyclone.” It’s a world away from the laidback romantic tunes that turned me on to his music, but it’s so cleverly written and sonically interesting that I just don’t care. I’m sure it’ll turn off some of the fans he made in the start of his career, but I love listening to the twists and turns his career’s taking.

“Cyclone” comes from Joe’s forthcoming album SUGAR, CANDY, LIPS, which drops on March 15. He’ll waste no time taking these songs on the road.

“We knew (the band and I) that we couldn’t wait to get these songs in front of a crowd as soon as we were recording them – they’ve got big, electric energy that screams for a live audience to get amongst it and have a boogie,” Joe enthused. “We’re stoked to return to some old haunts on this East Coast line up, and play some new venues too. The boys in the band absolutely kill it and while this is our most ambitious headline tour yet, and we are itching to get on the road and bring the show to a city near you.”

Joe will play a string of shows with The VANNS before kicking off his headlining tour. Here are all the dates. You know what to do!

29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
5 April 2024 – Stag and Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
6 April 2024 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
19 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
20 April 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne
28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley
3 May 2024 – It’s Still A Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo Credit: Ben Develin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baeden Feint Makes Strong Debut With “Hometown Fantasy”

Baeden Feint had me at the harmonica opening of his debut single “Hometown Fantasy.” He’s a classic country troubadour, the kind of artist who paints a story with his words and brings it to life with honest vocals. This single is about the little “map dot” where he grew up, the place where he learned to love people and music.

“This song is essentially me reminiscing on past relationships where it seemed everything was laid out. Ready for the white picket fence and kids. But also, that it was like having blinders on, as to whether it was a good thing or not,” he explained. “I wrote this song like a lot of other songs – with a bottle port, smoking alone late at night, with too much time for thinking.”

If you’re into the current wave of American country artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers, I know you’re going to be into this. If you want to hear more, catch Baeden performing at Mount Hope’s The Royal Hotel on March 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melanie Cowmeadow Releases Heartfelt New Single, “Dear Dad”

After losing a loved one, most of us would do almost anything for one last conversation. Melanie Cowmeadow used that desire as the inspiration of her latest single “Dear Dad.” Melanie penned this tender ballad two years ago after the unexpected death of her father.

Hailing from Tarntanya/Adelaide, Melanie has explored everything from alt-rock to music theatre. However, her voice and ability to paint vivid stories with her lyrics really suit this acoustic, singer-songwriter vibe. Hopefully this is just the start of many exciting releases from Melanie in the coming year.

Image used with permission from Melanie Cowmeadow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Veruca Moon” EP – Veruca Moon

Boorloo/Perth-based group Veruca Moon have been building a strong following through performances at Western Australian events like Nannup Music Fest, WAMFest, and RTR’s Winter Music Fest. Now with the release of their self-titled debut EP, it’s time for the rest of the country to hear what they can do.

A great debut EP should serve as the perfect introduction. This EP does that beautifully. From the atmospheric soundscape that ushers in the opening song “War,” we know instantly that Veruca Moon are doing things their way. This track is so cool and brooding, with spine-tingling harmonies and a driving, almost primal rhythm. Talk about making a strong first impression.

“Let Me Go” is a bit of a left turn, a rock ballad with an easy groove and insightful lyrics about the wrong relationship. “About You,” has such a playful feel that you might mistake it for a love song if you weren’t paying attention to the lyrics. Don’t miss them, because they’re superb. Veruca Moon leave us waiting until “Winter Solstice” to deliver a song about a pure, beautiful love. I’m unsure whether it’s about finding yourself in the right relationship or learning to love yourself, because it works both ways, but I’m not sure it matters much. Instead, it’s more important to tap into those lyrics and let yourself get swept up in the cinematic, cathartic instrumentation.

It could be the ideal closer, but instead Veruca Moon reprises “About You.” This acoustic version, recorded at the Vinyl Café, really shows how good this band is. When you can create music this good away from the studio, with simple instruments, it’s really special. I loved revisiting this song and hearing it presented in such a new way.

In this introduction, Veruca Moon give us a tantalising taste of what they can do. This EP takes so many twists and turns that I’m sure there’s plenty more in their arsenal. While the songs are quite sonically different, they’re drawn together by exceptional lyrics that aren’t afraid to get raw and real. It’s an excellent EP and one that shows the promise of this exciting WA outfit. Veruca Moon will launch the EP tomorrow night at The Bird in Noongar Country/Northbridge.

Images used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordy Burns Shows She’s a Force With Debut Single “Walls”

South African born and Australian raised, queer Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Jordy Burns has made a massive impression on me with her debut single “Walls.” Yes, that’s right, debut single. I want to emphasise that, because this is one of those tracks delivered with such heart and confidence that you’d swear she has an exhaustive back catalogue if you didn’t know better.

“‘Walls’ is about heartbreak and broken trust,” Jordy admitted. “A person I was seeing convinced me that I was safe to open my heart and that they wanted what I wanted. As it turns out, as soon as I let down my guard, they all too quickly realised that they weren’t ready to move on from their last relationship. In saying that, they continued to stay with me and we made a mess of things… it was a rollercoaster, to say the least.”

Jordy will celebrate the release of “Walls” with a hometown show at Tokio Hotel on April 6.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Exclusive: Mars on Holiday Share Their Favorite WA Up and Comers

Boorloo/Perth band Mars on Holiday are one of the hottest acts coming out of Western Australia right now. So you might wonder, who are they vibing? They sat down to share their five favorite new acts from their home state, exclusively for Sounds of Oz.

Make sure you check out Mars on Holiday’s new track “We’re Gonna Change,” available on all your favorite streaming services right now. You can also see them support Stem Stellar at Jack Rabbit Slims on March 2.

Image used with permission from beehive