Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Raise a Glass to Pierce Brothers’ “Bottle”

The Pierce Brothers might be one of the most consistent bands on the Aussie music scene. I fall instantly in love with everything they release, and their latest single “Bottle” is no exception. Often their tracks are slow burners, but this one brings the party vibes from the jump. And it’s got horns! Yes please.

“We really wanted to give the song a blues, almost Motown feel. Kicking things off with the horns gave it such a vibe, and we absolutely love it!” Jack Pierce enthused. “When I wrote the track, I knew the exact part the horns were going to play, but when we got into the studio, it was Phil [Threlfall, the band’s longtime collaborator] who pitched that opening, and I‘m so happy he did!”

The video, filmed at the King of Tonga Bar in Euro-Yroke/Elwood, shows you how much fun seeing the Pierce Brothers can be.

“It’s a pretty heavy subject matter, but I wanted to use a dark moody setting and have a bit of levity in there. We liked the idea of Jack going hell for leather, while I was slowly coaxed into the song,” explained Jack’s brother and band mate, Pat Pierce. “Much like a night at a pub can be. It was such a quick shoot and edit, and came together really well! Just vibes for days!”

Pierce Brothers have a couple of local dates before they jet off to Europe for their Studio tour. Catch them anywhere you can:

13 January 2024 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Wada Wurrung Country/Queenscliff
25 January 2024 – Oak & Anchor Hotel, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy
27 January 2024 – Westernport Hotel, Bunurong Country/San Remo
13 February 2024 – The Garage, London
15 February 2024 – Reflektor, Liege
16 February 2024 – Badehaus Szimpla, Berlin
17 February 2024 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
18 February 2024 – Artheater, Cologne
20 February 2024 – Rotown, Rotterdam
21 February 2024 – Vera, Groningen
22 February 2024 – Soornroosje, Nijmegen
23 February 2024 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
25 February 2024 – Strom, Munich
27 February 2024 – Supersonic Records, Paris
28 February 2024 – PAARD, The Hague
2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Wadawarrung, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
30-31 March 2024 – Byron Bay Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
2-4 July 2024 – Birdsville Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15-17 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bumpy Releases Soulful New Single, “Overdrawn”

Ultra-cool Naarm/Melbourne-based Noongar superstar Bumpy is back with her latest single “Overdrawn.” I’m not sure if it’s Bumpy’s incredible vocals or that horn section, but this one’s given me goosebumps.

“‘Overdrawn’ draws parallels between self-indulgence, overexertion and projected expectations. Too many times (especially as blak women) we are told how to present and provide, often pushing our boundaries to accommodate others,” she admitted. “I wanted to create a playful world for me to take back ownership and reflect on my capacity and where it should be directed. Allowing myself to indulge a little, knowing that we are worthy of taking up space and learning how to juggle expectations vs. capacity”.

Bumpy is making the most of the summer festival season with some really cool slots in the coming months. Make sure you check out her set at one of the following events:

27 December 2023 – Woodford Folk Festival, Mulgumpin/Moreton Bay
30 December 2023 – 1 January 2024 – NYE on the Hill, Gunaikurnai Country/South Gippsland (SOLD OUT)
8-11 March 2024 – WOMADelaide @ Botanic Park, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: James Morris

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Morgan Evans Releases Another Festive Bop, “Christmas in the Backyard”

Morgan Evans loves a Christmas song. In 2021, he dropped his Aussie-flavoured festive fave, “Christmas in the Sun.” Now he’s released a follow-up “Christmas in the Backyard.”

It’s a little by the numbers, with a simple melody and more references to Aussie Christmas traditions than you can poke a stick at. But there’s also something comforting about a song that encourages you to start singing along to the chorus from the first run-through. And Morgan is an absolute charmer.

“Christmas in the Backyard” is a worthy addition to your holiday playlist this year.

Image used with permission from Chugg Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BOY SODA Releases New Single & YouTube Series Episode

BOY SODA is quickly establishing himself as a real force on the local music scene. Fresh from his showcase at SXSW Sydney, he’s just dropped a fabulous new single “Company.”

“Making this song was a really cathartic experience as I was basically journalling about my personal boundaries with people, and a sense of self-respect,” he explained. “I think there’s always a balance in life of empathy for others and respect for your own time and energy and learning where those lines begin and end is extremely important for your inner peace.”

BOY SODA has also recently launched a collaborative new series, dubbed SODA SESSIONS, in partnership with Converse. The series sees SODA BOY chatting and performing music with fellow artists. The latest episode, featuring Boomchild, is out now on YouTube.

I’m not sure what 2024 holds for BOY SODA, but with his talent and work ethic, it’s bound to be another big one.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Northern Folk Explore New Sound With “Thank God”

The Northern Folk have charmed me with their gorgeous new single, “Thank God.” It’s a bit of a departure from the sound we’re used to from this Naarm/Melbourne-based ten-piece, more pop ballad than alt-folk, but I think it sounds good on them. And you can’t go wrong when their instruments and harmonies combine.

“’Thank God’ is about trusting yourself, an anthem to self-assurance,” explained the song’s co-writer, Paul Dyason. “It explores the idea of being so lost in a relationship that you begin to forget your own voice. But it doesn’t hide from all the ruminating and ruin that may come with finding your way back to clarity; rather, it turns up its collar and leans into the blizzard, knowing there will be better days ahead.”

Take a moment to stop what you’re doing and really appreciate this song. It deserves better than simply becoming the background to your daily tasks. You can thank me later.

Photo credit: Simon Pickering

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Cleverdon Has Me Swooning With “Late Night Trance”

I’m convinced Harry Cleverdon can do no wrong. Every song he releases is the perfect blend of country, folk, and pop. If you go wild for singer-songwriter types like me, I know you’re going to flip for his dreamy new single “Late Night Trance.”

Harry says “It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt lost, out of control, or in search of their purpose.”

Harry has released so many great songs in 2023, I can’t wait to hear what he’s got in store for us in the New Year.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ama Releases Relatable New Bop, “Unavailable”

If you’ve ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to someone that’s emotionally unavailable, you’re going to love Ama’s new song “Unavailable.” It’s got a bit of a rock edge with all the pop vibes that made me love her last track “Car Sex.” Because if you’re going to torture yourself over someone, you at least want to have a good time singing about it, right? Whether you’re still pining over the wrong person or glad you’ve cut ties, you’ll want to turn “Unavailable” up.

Image source: Ama website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Xavier Rudd Charms With “High Times”

Xavier Rudd turns the romance all the way up to 11 with his new single “High Times.” It’s a tender acoustic guitar ballad which celebrates the beauty of long-term love.

“I’m stoked to release this song for summer,” Xavier enthused. “No matter what’s going on in our lives we can be thankful for the natural beauty that surrounds us and the freedom to take a breath in those spaces when we can find a little time. The high times.” 

After recently touring around Europe, Xavier is back on home soil. Make sure you catch him at one of his local shows before he jets off again.
6 January 2024 – Ocean Sounds Festival, Moonahmia/Churchill Island
1 March 2024 – Fremantle Prison, Walyalup/Fremantle
2 March 2024 – SummerSalt @ Castelli Estate, Koorabup/Denmark
3 March 2024 – SummerSalt @ Castelli Estate, Koorabup/Denmark

Photo credit: Nathan Hughes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“23” – Archer

After wowing me with her single “Bittersweet” a few months ago, Archer has dropped her fabulous debut EP, 23. The five tracks encapsulate Archer’s experiences as a young woman navigating relationships and her journey to adulthood.

“The whole EP explores themes of nostalgia and reflection. I guess it was just a period of my life where I was feeling really reflective and it kind of came out in my music. It’s kind of like standing still and looking at the past and the future and recognising where you’ve come from and where you see yourself going,” Archer explained. “I’ve discussed 23 being a significant number. The name of the EP came from the fact that I was 18 when I first started releasing music and now I’m 23. Again it’s just me being nostalgic and thinking about all the time that has passed since dropping Malibu and all the things that have changed since being 18.”

This EP reminds us of the importance of quality over quantity. The five tracks clock in at just over 15 minutes. It’s short and, it’s got to be said, bittersweet. The first three songs are absolute bops, anchored by electronic beats and Archer’s confessional lyrics. I’m a long way from 23, but I really connected to her words. Just when you think you’ve got her pegged as an artist, she takes a left-turn with “Slowly,” a beautiful piano-based ballad that shows a much softer side. While the other tracks got me moving in my seat, this is the one that made me really sit up and take notice. The closing track “Overgrown” makes such a strong final statement. A genre-bending number with some of the EP’s most powerful lyrics (and that’s saying something), it leaves no doubt that Archer is a force to be reckoned with.

23 is out now.

Images used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mathilde Anne Teams Up With Des Cortez Frontman For “Break”

Mathilde Anne has a knack for creating indie pop music with real depth. Her latest effort is “Break,” a super catchy number with some of the most vulnerable lyrics you’re likely to hear and special guest vocals from Des Cortez’ Sam Knight.

“I wrote ‘Break’ in my shower at 12am after a Finneas concert. I was sitting in the shower listening to my “depressing hot girl heart-break” playlist and thinking about a conversation I’d had with my partner,” Mathilde recalls. “In that conversation we came to the conclusion that both of us (me in particular) had a lot of walls up and had kept myself somewhat reserved for fear of having my heart broken again. I wrote it as a way to come to terms with this idea I had during my sad-girl shower that I didn’t want him to not really know me or the way I love”.

Mathilde Anne has had a massive year releasing a stack of new material, scoring a Music Victoria Award nomination, and sharing stages with Cub Sport and Telenova. She’s hitting the ground running in 2024 with a couple of shows in the first week of January. Add these to your calendar, and save room for the other dates that will inevitably follow:

13 January 2024 – Coastal Jam Festival @ Rosebud Village Green, Boonwarrung/Mornington Peninsula
19 January 2024 – The Toff, Naarm/Melbourne (co-headline with Des Cortez)

Photo credit: Max Fairclough