Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boo Seeka Drops “Come With Me” Ahead of Album Release and Tour

Boo Seeka has just released his hypnotic new single “Come With Me,” and I just know you’re going to love it. It’s such a cool slow burner, the kind of song that sneaks up on you as it builds so beautifully. It’s got a great chill vibe that makes me think of kicking back with drinks and friends by a pool or on some happening rooftop bar.

“Come With Me” will feature on Boo Seeka’s new album Midnight Highlight, which drops on January 19.

“Midnight Highlight means a new chapter has been written for me personally, and I can’t wait to go share it with people who want to be part of it,” Boo Seeka said. “I’m not saying we are reinventing the wheel here, but I don’t think anyone can say we sound exactly like any other artist, which is what I think any creative person should strive for. Each album (and each track to be honest) will change, and we are not going to put ourselves in a box for the years to come. What sounds good to us in that moment is what we write and record!”

After playing a bunch of summer festivals and supporting Boy and Bear around Europe and the United Kingdom, Boo Seeka will head out on a massive Aussie tour. I know that sounds like ages away, but the shows are in such small venues I’d probably grab my tickets now while you still can.

16 February 2024 – Solbar, Jinbara Country/Maroochydore
17 February 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 February 2024 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
24 February 2024 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
25 February 2024 – Miami Marketta Laneway, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
1 March 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
2 March 2024 – HABA, Bunurong Country/Rye
3 March 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
8 March 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
9 March 2024 – Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 March 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
16 March 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
17 March 2024 – Freo.Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
21 March 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
22 March 2024 – Otherwise Bar, Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville
23 March 2024 – Gilligans, Gimuy/Cairns

Photo credit: Ned Kelly

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Sanders and Padmanabham are Scratching

I am swooning over “Peter,” the first single from Grace Sanders and Ezekiel Padmanabham’s new creative project Scratching. In the past few years we’ve seen this duo release a couple of EPs and support diverse artists including Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Winston Surfshirt, Katy Steele, and Boo Seeka. Their experience shows in this release, which was inspired by the story of Peter Pan, but the new direction for their music adds some real excitement. It’s cinematic, a little folky, a little orchestral, and just downright beautiful.

“This song was initially written as a poem and was inspired by old soundtracks from musicals such as The Sound of Music and the woeful crooning of singers such as Doris Day, Skeeter Davis and the Mellowmen,” Grace explained. “We wanted to create something floaty and dreamlike that referenced that feeling of dissociation within the naive optimism of music from the 50s/60s. The song later became much more influenced by artists such as Lana del Rey and beach house as we put our own modern spin to those initial references and discovered how the story wanted to be told.”

After one release, I’m hooked. I can’t wait to hear more from Scratching.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kobie Dee and Stan Walker Team Up For “Father’s Eyes”

Gomeroi man Kobie Dee channels the frustrations and lessons learnt from his childhood into his powerful new single “Father’s Eyes.” Featuring former Australian Idol champ Stan Walker, the lyrics touch on breaking familiar cycles, creating generational change, and beating the system. It’s hard-hitting, but ultimately so uplifting.

Kobie and Stan traveled to unceded Bidjigal Lane for the video, directed by Kieran Satour of GARUWA, who is a Gurindji, Pertame Arrernte, and Worimi man.

“Working with Kobie and Stan on this clip was such a blessing,” Keiran said. “This special song, deeply grounded in their own experiences as Indigenous fathers and sons, is about highlighting the strength and resilience of all the families out there striving to break cycles.”

“It was really important to me to work with someone I trust and have a Creative Director like Kieran lead this project and help apply a cultural lens and make sure both our Aboriginal and Māori cultures were represented appropriately and in a strong, beautiful way,” Kobie added. “It was a great collaboration and I feel everyone that was involved really resonated with what the track was about and really captured the vision for the video clip.”

“Father’s Eyes” is Kobie’s first solo release since he dropped “Basics” in 2022. Way to come back to the game!

Photo credit: Tristan Stefan Edouard

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Ibis Drop “Watch My Mind Bend” Ahead of Coldplay Support

Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock act King Ibis are poised for the big time after winning Coldplay’s recent competition for a local support act. These guys have been playing local pubs and clubs supporting local legends like Spacey Jane, Jebediah, and Dulcie, but those stages are much smaller than the one at Optus Stadium that awaits them. Listening to their new single “Watch My Mind Bend” though, I know they’ve got the goods. Controversial opinion, but I like them a lot better than Coldplay!

“‘Watch My Mind Bend’ is about trying to quit a bad habit,” the band explained. “In this case, the habit is a friends-with-benefits situation that you know will end in tears, but the allure of that physical connection is still too powerful to resist.”

Along with that Coldplay support, King Ibis are supporting Green Pools and playing slots at the Balmy Nights Festival later this month. Catch them anywhere you can:

11 November 2023 – The Bird, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Green Pools)
19 November 2023 – Optus Stadium, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Coldplay)
24 November 2023 – Balmy Nights Festival @ Youth and Arts Space Hopetoun, Boorloo/Perth
25 November 2023 – Balmy Nights Festival @ Cannery Arts Centre, Kepa Kurl/Esperance

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SANNIA Slays With “august”

SANNIA is serving up a serious dose of nostalgia with her latest single “august.” It’s a beautiful track about how first love often lingers no matter how many years pass. If you still think about the one that got away, you’re going to connect with this song.

“‘August’ is the quintessential love letter to your teenage flame. It’s a song about the one that got away; the high school boyfriend that deserved better; the one you thought you’d spend forever with; you never forget your first,” said SANNIA. “I wrote ‘august’ in the middle of that Melbourne lockdown during August itself when I was looking back to better times perhaps with rose tinted glasses on. It’s a windows down, driving down the coast, wind in your hair, jasmine in the air sort of song. As a self-appointed sad girl, it’s been liberating and exciting to write my first ever love song.”

This is the third song released from SANNIA’s forthcoming debut album, James, which I’m anticipating more and more with every single I hear. We’ll get to listen when it drops on November 17.

Image used with permission from Gyro PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Corby Releases Smooth Summer Anthem, “Desert Land”

Matt Corby is bringing some serious summer vibes with his latest track “Desert Land.” It’s a cool, breezy number that makes me think of sipping cocktails and relaxing in the sun. It takes its cues from classic yacht rock, but there’s a modern freshness that I know you’re going to love.

Matt says the song was “inspired by the close relationships we have that operate in tandem with our vices and addictions, and how both of those things influence each other”.

Matt wrote this one with his good friends and regular collaborators Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Middle Kids, Skegss) and Nat Dunn (Rita Ora, Charli XCX, Tkay Maidza). Matt and Chris also produced “Desert Land.”

Following recent shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America, Matt should be in fine form when he plays some solo shows and festivals here and in New Zealand in the coming months.

1 December 2023 – Powerstation, Auckland
2 December 2023 – Anderson Park, Wellington (with Allen Stone)
8 December 2023 – Fremantle Prison, Walyup/Fremantle
10 December 2023 – Fremantle Prison, Walyup/Fremantle
14 January 2024 – SummerSalt @ Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington
28 March – 1 April 24 – Bluesfest 2024, Cavanbah/Byron Bay

Photo credit: Matt & Madeline Johnson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

CUB Launches LIV LOUD 2023 Events For Support Act

Carlton & United Breweries are doing their bit to support the local live music scene through their LIV LOUD 2023 program. In partnership with Ausmusic T-Shirt Day, CUB will donate around $100,000 to venues hosting LIV LOUD events around the country. That’s great news for you, because it means plenty of gigs this month!

CUB hasn’t forgotten about Support Act, Ausmusic T-Shirt Day’s chosen charity. It’ll donate funds directly in December to support their crises relief efforts and mental health programs for our local music industry.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Support Act to deliver this initiative and continue our long-standing tradition of supporting Aussie pubs,” said Marcus Knight, the artists and events manager for CUB. “Venues will use the grants to bring these events to life, including paying the performers, production costs and hiring some extra staff. This will help bring punters through the door on off-peak nights when they might otherwise have stayed at home and help ensure they have a great time. Bands, trivia nights and live performances are a quintessential part of the pub. LIV LOUD 2023 not only supports them, but the broader hospitality industry too.”

“We are really looking forward to playing as part of the inaugural LIV LOUD lineup alongside so many other great acts supporting Ausmusic month, AusmusicT-shirt day and Support Act,” added Dave Hosking, whose band Boy & Bear will play Kings Beach Tavern next Wednesday as part of the initiative. “And it’s so good to see so many gigs and tours coming out to regional venues after such a rollercoaster few years for the music industry.”

Here are all the LIV LOUD 2023, so get out and support one near you. And remember, November 30 is Ausmusic T-Shirt Day. I’ve already got my T-shirt lined up, have you? If not, there’s an awesome range on the Ausmusic T-Shirt Day website. Or you could do what I’ve done and buy something from the merch your favourite up-and-coming Aussie act sells online.

5 November 2023 – Andy Murphy @ Temperance Hotel, Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/South Yarra (FREE)
6 November 2023 – Sgt Slick @ Trinity, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda (FREE)
7 November 2023 – The Bad Penguins @ PJ O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Southbank (FREE)
7 November 2023 – Emma Volard @ The Toff, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
8 November 2023 – Boy & Bear @ Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Kings Beach
9 November 2023 – Hockey Dad @ Beer Deluxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
12 November 2023 – Touch Sensitive @ Beachcomber Hotel, Darkinjung Country/Toukley
12 November 2023 – The New Now @ Wembley Hotel, Mooro Country/Wembley (FREE)
12 November 2023 – Erin McKinney @ Woodside Beach Hotel, Whadjuk Country/Woodside (FREE)
14 November 2023 – Ausmusic Trivia @ Barwon Club, Djilang/South Geelong (FREE)
15 November 2023 – Bayang @ Botany View Hotel, Eora/Newtown
16 November 2023 – The Butterfly Effect @ Beer Deluxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
16 November 2023 – Sneaky Train @ Bojangles Saloon & Dining Room, Mparntwe/Alice Springs (FREE)
19 November 2023 – Jem Pryse @ Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
19 November 2023 – Psycho Fox @ The Brook Bar & Bistro, Noongar Country/Ellenbrook (FREE ALL AGES)
19 November 2023 – Hans Fiance @ The Henley Brook Bar & Bistro, Moorditj Noongar Country/Henley Brook (FREE ALL AGES)
23 November 2023 – Keli Holiday @ Beach Road Hotel, Gadigal Country/Bondi (FREE)
23 November 2023 – 360 @ Beer Deluxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
23 November 2023 – Bakers Eddy @ Leadbeater, Quo-yung/Richmond
26 November 2023 – Bob Brisbane Duo @ The Ashby Bar & Bistro, Noongar Country/Ashby
26 November 2023 – Monty & The Thread @ The Gate Bar & Bistro, Beeliar Boodjar/Success
26 November 2023 – Tandro Duo @ The Lucky Shag Waterfront Bar, Boorloo/Perth (FREE Under 18s permitted with an adult)
26 November 2023 – Chris Murphy/Mullaloo Beach Hotel, Yellagonga Country/Mullaloo (FREE)
26 November 2023 – Luke Parry @ Sports Garden Hotel, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston (FREE)
27 November 2023 – Hot Apple Band @ Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote (FREE)
29 November 2023 – Ausmusic Trivia Night @ Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Kings Beach (FREE)
29 November 2023 – Bligh @ Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Miami (FREE ALL AGES)
30 November 2023 – Garage Noise @ Burdekin, Gadigal Country/Darlinghurst
30 November 2023 – You Am I @ Cleveland Sands Hotel, Bindal and Wulgurukaba Country/Cleveland
30 November 2023 – Bananagun @ Hotel Esplanade, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
30 November 2023 – Crooked Colours @ Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi Country/Kings Beach
30 November 2023 – Matty O’Gorman @ Mountain Goat, Quo-yung/Richmond (FREE)
30 November 2023 – Midnight Alibi @ Sodens Hotel, Bungambrawatha/Albury
30 November 2023 – Pacific Avenue @ Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
30 November 2023 – Touch Sensitive @ Waves, Dharawal Country/Towradgi

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Never Thought of Growing Up” – Loretta

Loretta have put a big smile on my face today with the release of their long-awaited debut EP, Never Thought of Growing Up. Featuring the brilliant singles “All My Friends (Are Your Friends)” and “Wish I Could Show You,” it’s some of the best and most uplifting indie-pop you’ll hear.

When you introduce an EP with such good songs, sometimes the rest of the recording can fall flat. But Loretta have a real knack for creating anthemic, optimistic music that gets stuck in your head and under your skin. The Eora/Sydney-based band could easily have released “Hope You’re Happy” and “How to Swim” as singles, because they’re every bit as good. Clocking in at around a minute and a half each, Loretta also show versatility with the introductory track “What Do We Become” and the beautiful instrumental interlude, “Halfway Home”. Everything works so beautifully together here, like the pieces of a technicolour jigsaw.

I have been a Loretta fan for a while, and I love to see the way they’re evolving. Notice that I very carefully avoided the word maturing there, because this is a band that retains its youthful energy. This EP is called Never Thought of Growing Up for a reason! They may have a few years on the clock these days, but they still make music that feels so fresh and fun. Right now they’re just doing it better than ever.

After waiting so long for an EP, I just wish there was a little more here. At around 15 minutes, it’s definitely one of the shorter EPs I’ve listened to. However, as more artists start extending the format into mini-albums, it’s probably not a bad thing that Loretta leaves us wanting more. Never Thought of Growing Up certainly delivers quality over quantity. I just hope a full-length album isn’t too far away.

Never Thought of Growing Up is out today. Loretta are wasting no time and kicking off a national tour to celebrate its release tomorrow. There are still some tickets available, so what are you waiting for?

4 November 2023 – Yah Yah’s, Naarm/Melbourne
9 November 2023 – Stranded Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 November 2023 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong
23 November 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 November 2023 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Images used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Public Fun – Part 2” – Raging Hormones

On the release of Raging Hormones’ Public Fun – Part 1 EP earlier this year, I found myself hoping a sequel may be on the way. My dreams have been answered with the release of Public Fun – Part 2. And yes, it’s every bit as much fun as its predecessor.

Keen fans may have noticed Raging Hormones dropping singles from their latest EP every Friday for the last few weeks. However, now that they’re all out in the world it feels like the right time to celebrate them. While every song stands alone, listening to them together is such a treat. Just like the first Public Fun EP, this one goes hard. From the moment the drums and guitars come together to introduce “River of Ants,” the band has the power turned up to 11. It’s fast and frenetic and, there really is no better word for it, an awful lot of fun. I love the punky edge of “Milk Moustache” and couldn’t resist singing along to the big anthemic chorus of “Burning at Both Ends” before long. “Winnebago” is pure nostalgic joy and the closer “Guided by Vices” has such a cool attitude and snaky bassline.

With just five tracks, it’s all killer and no filler. However, with just five tracks it’s all over too quickly. There’s only one solution; to press play again. At least until the release of Part 3. Yes, I’m daring to dream again.

Public Fun – Part 2 was released today. Raging Hormones will celebrate its release in front of hometown fans at the Evelyn Hotel in Naarm/Fitzroy on November 10.

Main photo credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live Like Animals Pull Out All the Stops With “Modern State of Mind”

Eora/Sydney-based band Live Like Animals will release their debut album Modern State of Mind tomorrow, but I couldn’t wait to share something with you. The single “Bloom” is probably my favourite track from the album, a big rousing number which combines pop, rock, emo, and metal sounds with style. Just see if you’re not punching your fist in the air by the time the chorus rolls around.

This genre-bending track goes some way towards telling you what you can expect when Live Like Animals’ album, Modern State of Mind, drops tomorrow. The band’s press release describes them as a pop-rock band, but that doesn’t tell half the story. These guys love playing with genre. There are some serious twists and turns as the band’s high-level concept plays out.

“Modern State Of Mind is about six different rooms of the mind,” they explained. “Visually, the concept centres around the mind being like an multi-levelled office suite with the first track, Modern State of Mind being like the elevator music as you take it up to the different songs, the different states of mind, if you will.”

This album is so bold that I can really appreciate the attempt, even if the music isn’t all to my taste. When you take risks like Live Like Animals does, you’re probably never going to please people all of time, but you will create art.

You can hear for yourself when Live Like Animals release Modern State of Mind tomorrow. They’re also embarking on a mini-tour next week to support its release.

10 November 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting RinRin)
15 November 2023 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Awabakal/Newcastle (FREE)
16 November 2023 – The Basement, Ngunnawal/Canberra
18 November 2023 – The Burdekin Hotel, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Last Martyr)

Image used with permission from Good Intent