Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Benny Elder Releases Gorgeous New Single, “Coffee Don’t Taste the Same”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Benny Elder is building hype for the release of his debut album by dropping a fantastic new single “Coffee Don’t Taste the Same”. It’s such a well-written track with excellent vocals from Benny.

“‘Coffee Don’t Taste The Same’ is about longing to belong and have purpose in life. It’s about the feeling we all have growing up, where we are figuring out who we are, where we belong and what we want in life,” Benny explained. “I hope that it helps a few people that feel like they don’t belong to relate and realise there are others feeling the same. You are not alone, and you can find your peace.”

“Coffee Don’t Taste the Same” comes from Benny’s debut album, For Now and Until Then, which hits all the streaming services on February 23. He’ll launch the album for hometown fans at It’s Still a Secret on April 6.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Gill Calls Out Toxic People with “friends”

Kate Gill is one of those TikTok sensations who deserves to make the leap into the mainstream. The Meeanjin/Brisbane-based singer-songwriter has just released her latest single “friends,” and I know it’s going to blow you away. It’s a catchy alt-pop number, but its astute lyrics which call out toxic relationships are what’s really impressed me.

“At its core, ‘friends’ is about sticking up for yourself and knowing when to leave a toxic situation. In my personal life, I have found this particularly hard with friendships, and (as much as I try not to) I really care what other people think about me. I have this fear of coming across as a bad person for leaving a relationship, even if it’s what’s right for me,” Kate explained. “After being with this person, I always left feeling more and more frustrated and exhausted each time, and eventually I just snapped and decided to do what was best for me. It’s bittersweet because even though I was so angry with this person, deep down I still love and care about them, which is why the song’s climax comes to a soft resolve, which to me is like a huge sigh.”

“friends” provides a taste of Kate’s upcoming EP, which should hit streaming services in early March.

Photo credit: Gabi Rankine Creative

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

THE VANNS Announce Mini-Festival As Part of Next Week’s Regional Tour

The VANNS’ regional tour just got even cooler. Fans in Woolyungah/Wollongong have just had their show upgraded to a mini-festival. Curated by The VANNS, the Bring it on Home Festival will feature some of their favourite local acts including Tyne-James Organ, The Moving Stills, Surely Shirly, The Colliflowers, and GOSH. And after all that fun, punters will still get a headlining set by hometown heroes, The VANNS!

“We’ve always wanted to put on a hometown mini-festival show in the Gong and have some of our best mates/favourite artists be apart of it, The VANNS enthused.

Tickets for that event and all the other shows on The VANNS’ upcoming tour are on sale now. This tour marks the first time The VANNS have played in many of these regional centres, so you won’t want to miss it.

22 February 2024 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
23 February 2024 – Westernport Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/San Remo
29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
2 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
8 March 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
9 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
10 March 2024 – Indi Bar, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough
15 March 2024 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
16 March 2024 – Moonshiners Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2024 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie
22 March 2024 – Basement, Ngambri/Canberra
23 March 2024 – Bring it on Home Festival @ Waves, Woolyungah/Wollongong
28 March 2024 – King St Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
4 April 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
5 April 2024 – Dalrymple Hotel, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
6 April 2024 – Edgehill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
18 April 2024 – Cleveland Sand Hotel, Quandamooka/Redlands
19 April 2024 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
20 April 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Photo credit: Jye Talbot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobi Andonov Impresses With “Anymore”

Naarm/Melbourne-born and LA-based artist Bobi Andonov has given me chills with his latest release, “Anymore.” His incredible voice wows from the first note, but it’s also an incredible well-crafted pop song. Can you believe he’s never released music using his falsetto before? He’s out here sounding like the love child of Prince and D’Angelo, yet someone managing to avoid being derivative. I’m impressed.

“It was the song that I needed to write. It sucks to love someone whose reasons for your relationship are so much more casual and self-serving than your own needs. The chorus lyric ‘I just can’t do this anymore’, was of those things I always wanted to say but couldn’t,” Bobi admitted. “I wanted to explore a complex, ambiguous, and even poetic lyric with the feel of a Bee Gees like stacked melody, thrown into a stripped, alt/bedroom mix. I loved the exercise of writing an entire hook in high, falsetto harmony. I like the contrast between that and the rougher part of my voice”.

“Anymore” comes from Bobi’s sophomore EP SAINT, which drops on May 9.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oliver Cronin Drops Fire New Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

Following a massive 2023, Oliver Cronin looks set to do it all over again with the release of his latest single “Hello Goodbye.” The release of this dark pop banger comes ahead of his very first headline tour.

“’Hello Goodbye’” is the first song I linked with Nick and Skimmy on in LA. They saw something in me in that session that I hadn’t seen in myself,” Oliver shared. “It’s a song that is sonically in this early 00s alt pop space that I never would have thought of making if I hadn’t linked up with them. In the same room we wrote ‘Hello Goodbye’, the guys wrote ‘The Nights’ with Avicii. We talked about creating something like that track that became a timeless record, and capture the feeling that song gives you. Nick and Skimmy ended up playing a pivotal part in the album, so this track was the start of that journey together.”
Oliver will play all-ages shows in the East Coast capitals next month. Tickets are still available, but don’t be surprised if they don’t last long!

7 March 2024 – Marys Underground, Eora/Sydney
9 March 2024 – MIC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 March 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Satoru Takamatsu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chanel Loren & Kota the Friend Reunite For “Carelessly Doomed”

Just over a year after supporting Kota the Friend on his Australian tour, local talent Chanel Loren has released a single featuring the American rapper. “Carelessly Doomed” is a cool alt-pop track that perfectly showcases Chanel’s signature soulful vocals.

“‘Carelessly Doomed’ is an intimate conversation to myself about owning my overthinking and perfectionist tendencies (which I do a lot!). It’s me consciously trying to let things go and accept the process – even if it scares me. I’m in my ‘Que Sera’ era,” Chanel explained. “The feature with Kota The Friend happened really organically. I opened for him on tour at the end of 2022 and we got along super well. Shortly after I started teasing ‘Carelessly Doomed’ and he heard a snippet and immediately DM’d me asking for the instrumental. The rest is history!”

2023 was a massive year for Chanel. She was named an Acclaim All Star, received an ARIA nomination for best soul/R&B release, played Souled Out festival, SXSW Sydney, and The Great Escape in the UK, and also supported IDK, Sudan Archives, and Masego. With this release though, 2024 is shaping up to be even bigger!

Photo credit: Minori Ueda

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Moonsea Entrances With “Violins”

Doctor by day, alt-pop/indie artist by night, moonsea is full of surprises. Her latest is “Violins,” a dreamy, romantic ditty that is bound to captivate you.

“I’ve always been the sort of person that falls in love fast and completely. It’s quite the health hazard,” moonsea joked. “With this song, I wanted to take those feelings of infatuation and desperation and ramp them up to the extreme. My idea for the instrumentation was romantic symphony meets indie rock band, and I really love how seamlessly it evolves from one to the other. The last lyric ‘Please look at me!’, pretty much sums up what this song about at its heart; the deep and terrible need to be seen.”

This beautiful single comes with a gorgeous music video, which moonsea filmed on a Sony Handycam in San Diego and her hometown of Naarm/Melbourne, then edited flawlessly. Talk about a creative talent!

Photo credit: Barbara Luyza

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Troy Cassar-Daley Previews New Album With “Let’s Ride” Single

You always know you’re in such good hands when Gumbaynggirr/Bundjalung artist Troy Cassar-Daley drops new music. In May he’ll release his 12th studio album Between The Fires, but he’s giving us an early taste with the release of a new single “Let’s Ride.” Featuring guest vocals from Kasey Chambers, it celebrates Troy’s love of cars and the freedom the open road provides. Like the other songs from Between The Fires, Troy wrote this song after the loss of his parents, when he found himself as a personal and professional crossroads.

“The new album was recorded at my late mum’s old place at Halfway Creek and is incredibly special on many levels. It’s the place I moved to when my Nan Daley died in 1979 and where I lived for many years,” Troy explained. “The reason I wanted to record there was that after losing Mum and going back with a very heavy heart, I started to write songs. I started to feel that this was the centre of my musical universe again, just like it was growing up. I came to realise that I still have music in me. All I had to do was return to the well and that record collection in our old house on beautiful Gumbaynggirr country which soothed me during my sorry business. I want this album to reflect that there isn’t a more powerful place in the world than a childhood home. To know Mum was there in spirit to help guide this record was a true gift.”

Between The Fires is slated for release on May 10. Troy’s got a couple of festival appearances coming up before its release, when he’ll embark on a national tour.

16 – 18 February 2024 – Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, Bibbulmun Country/Boyup Brook
16 April 2024 – QMF Outback Trails, Kunja Country/Cunnamulla
30 May 2024 – RSM Club, Djanangmum/Casino
31 May 2024 – Twin Towns, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads
6 June 2024 – Country Club, Dunghutti Country/South West Rocks
7 June 2024 – CEX, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
8 June 2024 – Yamba Bowls, Yaegl Country/Yamba
9 June 2024 – Coronation Hall, Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl Country/Coutts Crossing
13 June 2024 – Gulgong Bowling Club, Wiradjuri Country/Gulgong
14 June 2024 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
15 June 2024 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
28 June 2024 – Boab Festival, Nyiginka Country/Derby
29 June 2024 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Rubibi/Broome
12 July 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 July 2024 – Old Mill, Bukartilla/Hahndorf
14 July 2024 – Big Easy Radio, Kaurna Country/Aldinga Beach
19 July 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
2 August 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
3 August 2024 – The Factory, Eora/Sydney
9 August 2024 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Candariro/Gundaroo
10 August 2024 – Milton Theatre, Yuin Country/Milton
16 August 2024 – Commercial Club, Bungambrawatha/Albury
17 August 2024 – Civic Theatre, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
11 – 13 October 2024 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
18 October 2024 – The River Hotel, Wooditup/Margaret River
19 October 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
20 October 2024 – Bridgetown Pottery, Geegelup/Bridgetown
8 November 2024 – Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
9 November 2024 – Butter Factory, Bunurong Country/Kingston
10 November 2024 – The Dag Pub, Turrbal, Garumngar and Jinibara Country/D’aguilar
21 November 2024 – Bairnsdale RSL, Gunaikurnai Country/Bairnsdale
22 November 2024 – Noojee Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Noojee
23 November 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
24 November 2024 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Anglesea

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Harrison Releases Inspiring New Single, “Start Again”

There are few things I enjoy better than listening to really great folk music. You know the type, with well-crafted lyrics and gentle instrumentation. There’s always an acoustic guitar, but if you get lucky and there’s some strings and a piano in the mix, heaven. So you can bet I’ve fallen hard for Tom Harrison’s latest single, “Start Again.”

Starting again is something Tom knows about all too well, as he decided to branch out from his band Hugo Stranger and the Rattlers, build a home studio, and revisit a long-shelved concept album about a year-long road trip across North America. Travelling with his wife, Tom lived in a Chevy van and explored Canada and the United States.

“If my first song ‘How Long’ was about reflecting on this overseas trip I took and how I spent my time, ‘Start Again’ is very much about the start of the journey and telling myself that there’s so much out there to explore and create or recreate in myself. Seize the day!” Tom enthused.

“Start Again” comes from Tom’s debut EP Old Growth, which should land in the first half of this year. You can see him playing the single and others from that release at Little Big Fest at Dunder in Meeanjin/Brisbane on March 9.

Image used with permission from Tom Harrison

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers & LULLANAS Team Up For “Wilder”

Our own Pierce Brothers have teamed up with another sibling duo, Philadelphia-based LULLANAS, for their latest single “Wilder.”

“’Wilder’ is a track that I have been so excited about for such a long time. I knew we could make something special with it! It’s a song about the passing of time while looking in the eyes of your child, and I wanted the vibe and energy to build up to the very best of what Pierce Brothers can do,” said Jack Pierce. “Taking the song from a quiet, thoughtful place to a rambunctious and raucous indie folk explosion was always the plan, but bringing in LULLANAS was an absolute game changer! Their spectacular vocals really added something that I didn’t know I was missing! They’ve been the best to work with!”

“Being able to collaborate with The Pierce Brothers all the way from Pennsylvania felt like crossing oceans without actually crossing them, making this collaboration extra special,” LULLANAS added. “We were so excited when Pierce Brothers invited us to collaborate on this track! Working with another twin duo was a unique experience. Hearing their voices blend seamlessly, and adding our layers to it, was truly cool. We adore the infectious energy and uplifting vibes of this song. The combo of upbeat melodies and positive tones really makes us want to hop in the car and drive for miles!”

“Wilder” is the fourth release from Pierce Brothers’ upcoming studio album Everything is Bigger Than Me, and it’s certainly ramping up the anticipation. The brothers recorded and co-produced the release (with Phil Threlfall) at Jack’s home studio, a process which provided some real perks.

“Being able to bring the team out to us and set up shop for a month without having to do setups each day or even really travelling to the studio was so freeing!” said Pat. “We were really able to dig into so many cool ideas and then sit with them over dinner, then get back into the studio to break them down and tear them apart! It was the best way for us to explore what we wanted to share!”

Everything is Bigger Than Me drops on March 28. Pierce Brothers will embark on a massive eight-month national tour with headlining shows and festival appearances to celebrate its release.

2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
3 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
14 March 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston
15 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 March 2024 – Hobart Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
30-31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
11 April 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
12 April 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
13 April 2024 – Riverview Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Tarwin Lower
14 April 2024 – Live in the Glen, Brayakaulung Country/Glengarry (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Photo credit: Dara Munnis