Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Catholic Guilt

Naarm/Melbourne alt-rock act Catholic Guilt have just released their fantastic new song “Can You See Me?” It’s brand new, but there’s a beautiful nostalgia about it. It feels instantly familiar and accessible, the sort of song you immediately like and want to turn right up. The lyrics, which deal with feeling like you’ve lost your identity, are also so relatable.

“For me personally, that feeling was brought on by a period of intense emotional and physical upheaval caused by a variety of interpersonal issues and a few serious life and career setbacks,” explained Catholic Guilt frontman Brenton Harris. “All of these issues coalesced around the time of the lockdowns and ended up impacting life on the other side of it, resulting in me living life as a version of myself that felt so unfamiliar, so unconfident, so shaken, so entirely unlike ‘me’. Writing the song allowed me to process and heal and move onto the next evolution of ‘myself’. It’s our ‘feel sad hit of the summer’.”

Catholic Guilt will launch “Can You See Me?” tomorrow night at The Tote. There are still some tickets remaining, so grab them while you can! If you miss out, don’t stress. You can catch them supporting Guttermouth next year.

18 November 2023 – The Tote, Naarm/Melbourne
15 Match 2024 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Guttermouth)

Photo credit: Dean Gordon

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeremy Turner Drops Stellar Second Single “Try to Stop Me”

Australia’s answer to Chris Stapleton, Jeremy Turner is back with his sophomore single, “Try to Stop Me.” I don’t know how he got this good this fast, but this guy is a serious talent. His voice has such grit and heart and honesty, it’s a pleasure to listen to.

Jeremy Turner has been spending time in Nashville honing his craft recently, but he’ll be back home and on stages really soon.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers Rock Out With Double A-Side Single

Eora/Sydney outfit Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers are leaning into more of a country-rock sound with their new double A-side single “Self-Taught Medicine Man/Everyone’s an Asshole (In Someone’s Story)”. I heard their talent when they released The Bluegrass Sessions Vol. 1 earlier this year, but their sound was a little too traditionally country for my tastes. However these edgier songs that showcase the band’s wicked sense of humour are something I can really get behind.

“Self Taught Medicine Man” is a Zane Banks composition about a man who decides that rather than fight his demons, he’s just going to embrace them. Then there’s “Everyone’s An Asshole (In Someone’s Story)”, a Michael Carpenter-penned track that reminds us that as much as you might complain about a lost love that did you wrong, the other party is probably equally critical of your character.

It’s amazing how quickly these guys are evolving as a band. I can’t wait to hear what the next Michael Carpenter and the Banks Brothers release might bring.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton Duet On “church”

Mulubinba/Newcastle alt-folk artist Dane Tutty has teamed up with fellow Novacastrian Jen Buxton for a fantastic new single “church.” I love the way Dane’s textured vocals contrast with Jen’s sweeter ones. You can hear the emotion in their voices as they sing this powerful duet. It’s really good stuff.

“church” gives us our first taste of Dane’s upcoming EP. If this song is any indication, it’s going to be pretty special!

Image used with permission from Dane Tutty

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

This Space is Ours Release Epic New Single, “All the Things I’ve Been Avoiding”

We’re used to hard-hitting songs from Naarm/Melbourne emo act This Space is Ours, but they’re showing us a softer side with their latest single “All the Things I’ve Been Avoiding.” Frontwoman Gemma Dunsmore’s delicate vocals draw you in before the song shifts gears and those trademark drums and guitars kick in. This one’s given me chills.

“The lyrics are written about mental health struggles and the gruelling path to getting better; when you’ve come to terms with there being something wrong but only just begun the journey to fix it,” Gemma explained. “Over time, the personal meaning of this song has transformed for me. When I first wrote it, it was almost an apology, as if to say, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’m trying.’ I’ve since been diagnosed with being on the Autism spectrum, and now when I sing it, it feels more like I’m saying something along the lines of, ‘There is nothing wrong with me, this is who I am and I’m still learning about myself.’”

“All the Things I’ve Been Avoiding” is the fourth single from This Space is Ours’ collaborative efforts with producer Beau Mckee. There’s one more left from their time with Beau, so keep an ear out for that in the near future.

Photo credit: ActFour

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & The Giants Release Fantastic New Single, “Beg”

The always fabulous Joan & The Giants have just dropped a fantastic new single, “Beg.” As if that wasn’t exciting enough, it comes packaged with an old-school B-side, “Narcissist.” Get your ears around them both, because they’re brilliant.

“‘Beg’ was written about a breaking point in my own relationship where we had two choices: either fight to make it work, or it’s over,” recalled Joan & The Giants’ frontwoman, Grace Newton-Wordsworth. “You shouldn’t have to beg for someone’s love, and this song is about those last moments when you really don’t want to walk away from the person you love most in this world, but everything in your body and soul is telling you, you might have to.”

As for “Narcissist,” Grace said “I wrote this song on acoustic guitar and it was one of those experiences where the lyrics all came in about 10 minutes and the story was just there – it was complete. It was recorded raw in one to two takes and we kept it quite stripped back, which allowed space for the vulnerability of the lyrics to powerfully creep through.”

Fresh from dates supporting home state heroes Eskimo Joe, Joan & Giants have a few more local gigs. Catch them anywhere you can!

18 November 2023 – WAM FEST – Museum Stage, Boorloo/Perth
24 November 2023 – The Bird, Boorloo/Perth (“Beg” launch)
9 December 2023 – Music in the Park @ Bramston Park, Oor-dal-kalla Country/Burns Beach (FREE)
17 December 2023 – Sunday Music @ Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE with Stacey Ann)

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clinton Kane Gets Real With “PANIC ATTACK”

Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Clinton Kane shows he’s a force to be reckoned with with his gorgeous new song “PANIC ATTACK.” This is up there with some of the best pop music I’ve heard. It’s super catchy with vulnerable lyrics that give it real substance.

“Panic attacks are something I’ve struggled with for the longest time but it’s literally the only reason I’m here writing songs,” Clinton admitted. “A year has gone since I wrote this and I feel completely different about it now. I weirdly see panic attacks in a more positive light where whenever it happens, it’s as if the world is telling me to take a breather and stop stressing over things I can’t control.”

When you’re streaming it, make sure you stick around for Clinton’s previous single “Bittersweet.” They’re both so good. You’ll find them on Clinton’s forthcoming EP, AND ALL I LOVED, I LOVED ALONE, which drops really soon.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Revision for Regrowth” – JK-47

Bundjalung artist JK-47’s long-awaited sophomore album Revision for Regrowth is one of the most ambitious albums I’ve heard in some time. It’s a concept album, one that plays with genre and while celebrating the power of hip hop as a storytelling medium. Its lyrics are some of the most powerful I’ve heard in a while. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s so good that it encourages repeat listens.

From the opening of “Introspect” you know this is no ordinary hip-hop album. Are they panflutes? And an angelic choir? They’re not a conventional backing for a rapper’s rhymes, but they elevate JK-47’s words in an unexpected way. JK-47 continues pushing the envelope, adding string sections, harps, and other instruments rarely associated with urban music into the mix. Then we hear the sounds of the bush and an Indigenous elder speaking in native language as “ReGrowth” opens, anchoring this music to country. The bold instrumentation of “Avalanche” wouldn’t sound out of place in a modern Broadway musical. The beautiful closer “Zuriel,” an ode to JK-47’s own family, features a gorgeous piano accompaniment that wouldn’t be out of place in a jazz composition.

The songs are introspective, personal and thoughtful ruminations about acknowledging the mistakes of the past, learning from them and moving forward as a better person. They speak of JK-47’s own experiences, but also universal human experiences that resonate so deeply.

“You realise you can’t do things the way you’ve been doing them because it’s not healthy but if you hadn’t lived the experience you wouldn’t have that perspective,” he explained. “When you cut something off you gotta learn how to regrow,”

The making of Revision for Regrowth was a truly collaborative process. JK-47 worked with his long-time creative partner and ARIA-Award winning hip-hop producer Jay Orient on every track. Their ties run deep, with the pair growing up as neighbours on the New South Wales coast. Education took them in different direction, but their love of music has brought them back together. This album also features special appearances from Tasman Keith, Adrian Eagle, Emily Wurrumara, Sachem, ECB Crew, and so many more. Their voices add energy and elevate the songs they’re involved in.

Revision for Regrowth is a triumph. It’s out now. Listen up.

Images used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Somber Hills Releases Newest Banger, “Some Say”

Prolific Eora/Sydney-based pop-punk artist Somber Hills is back with his latest anthem, “Some Say.” It takes me right back to the early ‘00s with its infectious riff and angsty but uplifting lyrics about picking yourself up and moving forward after being knocked down for the umpteenth time.

“When I wrote this record, the producer and I were playing a lot of Tony Hawks Underground 2. We got to the studio and I said something along the lines of ‘Let’s make a soundtrack for Tony Hawks’, Somber Hills said. “The song came together in a few hours and instantly felt reminiscent of Sum41, The Pixies, and Nirvana.”

“Some Say” comes from Somber Hills’ second project for the year, where’s my guitar?, which drops on November 24. That night Somber Hills will play the Nu Wave event at Bad Decisions Bar in Ngár-go/Fitzroy. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Photo credit: Max Pasalic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Future Static Drop Electric New Single “Chemical Lobotomy”

Naarm/Melbourne metal act Future Static have blown me away with their latest single “Chemical Lobotomy.” It hits hard, with big thrashing drums and furious guitar riffs, and lead singer Amariah Cook has never sounded better. At times powerful, at times angelic, her voice can do absolutely anything.

“It’s no mystery that this song is about getting a little too excited with substances during lockdown. It was a boring time and, apart from writing music, there really wasn’t much else to do,” Amariah said. “I had a massive bout of inspiration and decided to start writing the vocals to the instrumental (written by Ryan) when I was suffering from a massive hangover. I got up out of bed and decided to write about my lack of control in the hopes it would help me understand why I was putting myself through this and how to get out of it. As the song developed, I realised that if I just sang the chorus a third time at the end, it would allude to nothing changing, whereas I wanted to write something ending on the positive side of these experiences: the connection with my friends and how we were all in this situation together.”

“Chemical Lobotomy” comes from Future Static’s upcoming debut album Liminality, which drops on November 24. It’ll be an exciting time for Future Static, who will kick off their sold-out national tour with Electric Callboy the next day. Here are all Future Static’s upcoming shows.

25 November 2023 – Metropolis Fremantle, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Electric Callboy)
27 November 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarndanya/Adelaide (supporting Electric Callboy)
29 November 2023 – PICA, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Electric Callboy)
30 November 2023 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (supporting Electric Callboy)
1 December 2023 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Electric Callboy)
5 April 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting CLOWNS)
26 July 2024 – Radar Festival @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester

Photo credit: Beth Morrison