Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Electric Fields with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra @ Sydney Opera House, Eora/Sydney – 19 October 2024

There was a hum of excitement around Warrung/Circular Quay yesterday as the city showcased blak excellence. DanceRites, the country’s only First Nations dance competition had taken over the Opera House forecourt. And inside the House, Electric Fields joined the Sydney Symphony for a very special show in the Concert Hall.

The Opera House and the Symphony are cultural icons, not just for this city but for this nation. But Electric Fields are quickly establishing themselves as an act that’s every bit as important for this country. Witnessing the Symphony and Electric Fields coming together in this iconic place is something I’ll forever hold close to my heart.

There was a reverence in the air as Zaachariaha Fielding, Michael Ross, and their backing vocalists took their places in front of the Symphony. It hung in the air as they opened with “Anpuru Maau Kutjpa,” an Inma in the Yankunytjatjara language passed down through generations. The idea that music is a universal language has become somewhat of a cliché. But listening to this traditional song featuring lyrics that I didn’t understand rendered so beautifully here, all I could do was feel.

It was magic, leaving us all in a bit of a dream state, until Electric Fields woke us up with “Shade Away” and encouraged us all to get on our feet. We were happy to oblige, feeling the music in a different way as we moved in time with the irresistible beats. Electric Fields know how to create a dancefloor banger and they turned the Concert Hall into a party.

We bounced between those energetic bops and more sombre moments, embracing the twists and turns. I got goosebumps listening to their beautiful rendition of Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody’s “From Little Things Big Things Grow.” As a Eurovision fan, I relished dancing along to “2000 and Whatever” and “One Milkali (One Blood).”

I marvelled at Zaachariaha Fielding’s incredible voice. I knew it was good from those recordings and live performances on TV, but sharing space with him made me appreciate its commanding beauty even more. The orchestral backing elevated this music, giving it extra gravitas. There was something so beautiful about the coming together of the Symphony, a white symbol for arts and culture, and the oldest living culture on the planet. I loved being a part of that too. Zaachariaha encouraged us to sing along, taking the time to teach us some of those Indigenous lyrics and explain their meaning. It was all just so special.

This show with Electric Fields and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra was transformative. To witness such talent on stage in such a welcoming space, to feel moved and energised in equal measures, was incredible.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly Release Rock Banger “Forgiving Spree”

Naarm/Melbourne outfit Slowly Slowly have knocked it out of the park with their fantastic new single “Forgiving Spree.” It’s such a great rock tune with fabulous lyrics and a catchy AF chorus that should have you singing along and punching the air soon enough. It’s such an earworm, I must have listened to it at least five times straight and I’m definitely preparing for round six.

“Forgiving Spree” is the title track from Slowly Slowly’s forthcoming fifth album, which drops on January 24. “‘Forgiving Spree’ was written at the end of the writing period for the album,” explained the band’s frontman and songwriter Ben Stewart. “It’s a song about moving on, real deep lasting change, and the act of forgiveness as a tool to achieve it. It is also a reminder that forgiveness can be a tool used to move forward, let go, grow, and not look back.”

Slowly Slowly have bundled “Forgiving Spree” with a couple of other album tracks on the streaming services, so make sure you give those a listen too. They’ve certainly got me anticipating this release!

Fresh from European and UK shows supporting Stand Atlantic, Slowly Slowly have announced a stack more. Aussie dates are a little light on, but watch this space and I’m sure they’ll announce some more local gigs soon enough.

2 December 2024 – SWG3 Warehouse, Glasgow (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
3 December 2024 – Gorilla, Manchester (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
4 December 2024 – O2 Academy, Liverpool (supporting Crawlers)
6 December 2024 – O2 Institute 2, Birmingham (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
7 December 2024 – The Dome, London (supporting Crawlers – SOLD OUT)
6-9 February 2025 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Lutruwita/Tasmania
9 March 2025 – Limestone Coast Beer & BBQ Festival, Bungandidj Country/Mount Gambier
14 March 2025 – Academy 2, Dublin
16 March 2025 – Cat House, Glasgow
18 March 2025 – Key Club, Leeds
19 March 2025 – Deaf Institute, Manchester
20 March 2025 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
22 March 2025 – Camden Assembly, London
24 March 2025 – AB Club, Brussels
26 March 2025 – Supersonic, Paris (FREE)
27 March 2025 – Rotown, Rotterdam
29 March 2025 – Artheatre, Cologne
30 March 2025 – Badehaus, Berlin

Photo credit: Kane Hibberd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nocturnal Delivers 80s Vibes With “Cold Hearts”

When I find myself saying “They just don’t write songs like that anymore,” I hear my dad’s voice ringing in my ears. I enjoy listening to the evolution of music, but there’s an irresistible pull to those tunes that sound like throwbacks to my youth. So you can bet that “Cold Hearts,” the latest track from Boorloo/Perth-based act Nocturnal is right up my alley. It’s got a classic ‘80s pop-rock sound that I’m convinced will never really go out of style.

The production values could go toe-to-toe with any of the era’s popular tunes, so it’s impressive to learn that Nocturnal recorded and produced it in his home studio. The song was later mixed by Dave Parkin at Blackbird Studios, followed by a mastering session with Simon Struthers at Forensic Audio.

“Cold Hearts” comes from Nocturnal’s forthcoming EP HEARTATTACK, which will be released really soon.

Image used with permission from Nocturnal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RocKwiZ “Never Mind the Buzzers” @ The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong – 15 October 2024

RocKwiZ is an Aussie institution. It’s been a part of our lives for nearly 20 years, in fits and starts on TV, but for many years as a touring franchise. It’s been one of those things I always meant to see but never quite got there, until the gang finally made their way to Darkinjung Country/Wyong this week.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but we got everything I loved about the TV show and more. When I arrived at The Art House Brian Nankervis was already encouraging people to sign up to play. Those who put down their names and a few wildcards with invitations under their seat made their way to the stage to battle it out in a stripped-back version of the show. The questions came thick and fast, along with a splash of karaoke and dancing. The best of the best then prepared to face off in the main event.

Watching the night unfold, I was reminded how much I love the original format. With more time to play than Foxtel allows, we could really get to know our contestants, experience the undeniable chemistry between Julia Zemiro and Brian, and appreciate the music from the superb RocKwiz orchestra and our talented celebrity guests. I don’t want to reveal them, because that would spoil the fun for anyone who happens to see the same line-up at their show. Because gee it’s exciting to hear those “Who Can It Be Now?” clues, then get that big reveal that a favourite star is joining you! I will say that there was something for everyone among the line-up: an emerging artist generating plenty of buzz, a more established talent who’s spent plenty of time abroad, and a bona fide Aussie legend. I’ll also add that I’ve covered every one of them here on this blog, so watching them perform together and solo, a mix of their originals and some choice covers was really something special. I appreciated that this longer format allows time for more music, the very thing that brought this show together.

A night out with the RocKwiZ crew is bloody good fun. We sang along to classic songs, we laughed (a lot!), and we marvelled at the talent on stage. It’s so beautiful to see this team in action, continuing to keep this program’s legacy alive whether it’s on TV or not. If like me you’ve been thinking you should see one of their shows, but never quite gotten there, just buy the tickets. You won’t regret it. You’ll get plenty of opportunities too, with plenty of shows left on the Never Mind the Buzzers tour:

19 October 2024 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 October 2024 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
23 October 2024 – Riverside Theatre, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
24 October 2024 – The Pavilion Performing Arts, Dharawal Country/Sutherland (SOLD OUT)
25 October 2024 – Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Yuin Country/Nowra
26 October 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural Country/Thirroul
29 October 2024 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Wulgurukaba Country/Townsville
31 October 2024 – Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
5 November 2024 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
6 November 2024 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Country/Bundaberg
7 November 2024 – The Events Centre, Kabi Kabi Country/Caloundra (SOLD OUT)
8 November 2024 – HOTA Theatre, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
9 November 2024 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Matinee)
9 November 2024 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Evening) (SOLD OUT)
10 November 2024 – Empire Theatre, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
14 November 2024 – Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
15 November 2024 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
16 November 2024 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragal
17 November 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon (SOLD OUT)
20 November 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural Country/Thirroul
21 November 2024 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
22 November 2024 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
23 November 2024 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
24 November 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
26 November 2024 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury (SOLD OUT)
27 November 2024 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo
28 November 2024 – Ballarat Civic Hall, Ballaarat/Ballarat
29 November 2024 – Palais Theatre, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
30 November 2024 – Swan Hill Soundshell, Wamba Wamba, Latji Latji, Tatti Tatti, Wadi Wadi and Barapa Barapa Country/Swan Hill
3 December 2024 – Chaffey Theatre, Naralte Country/Renmark
4 December 2024 – Northern Festival Centre, Nukunu Country/Port Pirie
5 December 2024 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Dear Evan Hansen” – Roslyn Packer Theatre, Eora/Sydney

During the pandemic, my husband and I missed musical theatre hard. So starved for that experience, we’d watch anything we could find. While scouring YouTube we came across a recording of the original Broadway cast performing Dear Evan Hansen. It was a world away from Disney+’s Hamilton pro-shot, a basic video captured by an audience member on their mobile phone. But it was enough to trigger an obsession with this show. We listened to the soundtrack with those incredible Pasek and Paul songs more times than I could count, and when an Australian production was announced, we snapped up tickets for the first performance.

I am so thrilled that Australia gets a chance to see this musical. It’s a fantastic story that explores themes of mental health, connection, growing up, and the cult of social media so beautifully. I don’t want to give too much away, but it’s so powerful and beautifully realised by our Australian cast. Beau Woodbridge is a revelation as Evan. It’s such a demanding part, both vocally and in terms of the role itself, but he excelled, making us care about him all while the character’s flaws shone through. Georgia Laga’aia was also the perfect Zoe. While I’m torn, my husband insists she was even better than the original Broadway Zoe, Laura Dreyfuss. It’s a big call, but I really appreciated what she did with the role and the gorgeous timbre of her voice. Verity Hunt-Ballard is always outstanding, but I especially loved seeing her in a grittier role after watching her all poised and polished years ago in Mary Poppins. All the adults were excellent though. After their parts were slashed so substantially in the film version, watching our cast reminded me just how pivotal they are to this story. Side note: please don’t base your opinion of Dear Evan Hansen on that dreadful film adaptation.

I’ve also got to give shout-outs to set designer Jeremy Allen, lighting designer Matt Scott, and video designer David Bergman. Normally I don’t notice what these professionals do, but the way they have elevated this production even beyond the Broadway version we watched deserves praise. They brought us into the Hansen and Murphy homes, and the spaces in between, so beautifully. The virtual world, and the fallout of events there, was perfectly realised.

This is such a gorgeous production, and so worth the wait for Dear Evan Hansen fans like myself. I’m so glad the whole creative team did this musical justice and that Aussies will finally get to see it so beautifully brought to life. If you’re a longtime fan like me, do not hesitate. Snap up all the tickets. And if you’re new to this musical, take a chance on it. I know there are plenty of known quantities out there, but please get out there and support this production. It plays at the Roslyn Packer Theatre in Eora/Sydney until December 1. It’ll be at the Playhouse Theatre in the Arts Centre in Naarm/Melbourne from December 14, Canberra Theatre Centre in Ngambri/Canberra from February 27, and finally Her Majesty’s Theatre in Tarntanya/Adelaide from April 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Celebrates Kiwi Heritage With “Coming Home”

Local country artists are absolutely killing it at the moment. It was only yesterday I was raving about Braeden Faint, and now I want to put another name on your radar: Jake Whittaker. Jake hails from Southern Queensland, but his latest track “Coming Home” is about his father’s hometown, Eltham, Aotearoa/New Zealand.

“I was having a chat with my co-writer, producer and best friend Jared Adlam about how I have this intrinsic feeling that every time I head back to Eltham, that I’m coming home,” Jake explained. “I didn’t grow up there, but I know all the stories of him growing up, all his friends are still there, my Kiwi family are still there and it feels like home. I feel like everybody has that town or place that when they spend time there, it feels like second nature going there whether it’s your favourite camping spot, grandparents’ place, or somewhere you used to holiday. It’s that place when you head there, it’s like coming home.”

Jake will play for his own hometown when he takes to the stage at the Monte Music Muster in Mungaree/Slacks Creek on November 23.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saif and Samin Al Sabah Collab on “Celebration”

Saif has teamed up with fellow Eora/Sydney-based Samin Al Sabah, the lead singer of Packing Dhaka, for a fabulous new single “Celebration.”

This is such an exciting fusion of genres. Saif brings his signature hip-hop rhymes which somehow pair beautifully with Samin’s cool jazzy neo-soul sound. And then when you dig into those lyrics, which look to empower the oppressed and encourage them to embrace their inner strength and rise up, you start to realise how truly special this single is.

“Power to you, my music for you, be liberated,” Saif enthused.

“Celebration” is such an exciting release from Saif. I can’t wait to hear what he does next.

Image used with permission from Saif

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baeden Faint Releases Mental Health Anthem “A Whole Lot More”

Baeden Faint has just released “A Whole Lot More,” a powerful and uplifting anthem for rising up when mental health issues take their toll. They’re themes that hit home for Baeden, who’s battled his own mental health issues and seen friends lose their fight.

“I was struggling, feeling isolated from friends and family” Baeden recalled of writing the song. “I tracked back home for a bit of a birthday bash to get my head straight and to see my friends, but sadly woke up the night after to find out that one of my mates had lost the battle himself.”

He wrote it with a melancholy tone in mind, but it shifted once producer Garth Porter got involved. “Garth saw it as a more hopeful and uplifting song, and so the music steered in that direction,” he said.

Baeden will bring his message and some great tunes to towns in regional and rural NSW at the following shows:

11 October 2024 – MusicNSW Outback Tour @ Wilcannia Golf Club, Barkindji Country/Wilcannia
12 October 2024 – MusicNSW Outback Tour @ Palace Hotel, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
22 February 2025 – Country Sounds Festival, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Whiskey Jack Comes Up Trumps With “Wild Card”

I’ve had one of those days where the music just doesn’t seem to stick. Every song either made me turn up my nose or just washed over me without making an impression. And then I heard “Wild Card,” the charming new single from Boorloo/Perth singer-songwriter Whiskey Jack. It’s a gentle, folky ditty that has a warm, nostalgic air that’s cast a spell over me. Amazing poetic lyrics, a distinctive, special voice; I’m sold.

“This song is about the highs and lows of going through things together, and being there for someone even while watching them repeat the same mistakes,” Whiskey Jack explained.

This is so special, hopefully we’ll be hearing a lot more from Whiskey Jack in the future.

Photo credit: Emma Smart

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Stingray Announce Aussie Shows to Support Second Album, “For the Dreams”

It’s taken some time, but King Stingray have finally given us a love song. “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” comes from the band’s highly anticipated sophomore album, For the Dreams. Like the other songs on that album, and indeed the album before, “Cat 5 (Cyclone)” is a joyous track that celebrates life.

“Nothing’s changed in the sense that we’re still who we are, we’re still playing music and enjoying things. But what I think is different about this one is there’s a little bit more lived experience,” the band explained. “We wanted a lot of singalong moments … We were thinking a little bit more about getting everyone in on the party.”

I definitely found myself singing along to this track by the end, so I’d say job done! King Stingray’s new album For the Dreams drops on November 8. You can preorder it now from various retailers by clicking this link. The band have got some American shows with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard coming up, but Aussies won’t need to wait too long to see them. They’ll play their biggest local shows to date in March. The pre-sale kicks off on Thursday, the same day the band will release “Light Up the Path,” another track from the album. Exciting times for King Stingray fans ahead! Whether you’re in the States or here in Oz, here are all the dates you need:

2 November 2024 – The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
9 November 2024 – Arizona Finance Theatre, Phoenix (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
15 November 2024 – Germania Insurance Amphitheatre, Austin (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
16 November 2024 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
19 November 2024 – Fox Theatre, Atlanta (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
20 November 2024 – St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 November 2024 – Factory Town, Miami (supporting King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard)
21 March 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney
22 March 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 March 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
29 March 2025 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
4 April 2025 – Freo Arts Centre (South Lawn), Walyalup/Fremantle

Photo credit: Sam Brumby