Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wayside Drop Killer Double Single, “Parallax Error/Asymmetry”

Naarm/Melbourne band Wayside are bringing the angst to your weekend with their new double A-side single, “Parallax Error/Asymmetry.” I love that these two tracks give anyone new to their music a great introduction. “Parallax Error” is a hard-hitting song that takes me back to classic emo and nu-metal sounds. “Asymmetry” is a brooding ballad that’ll send shivers up your spine.

Recording these songs and others from their forthcoming sophomore album helped Wayside tick an item off their bucket list: working with Will Yip. That’s right; the Grammy-nominated producer has worked with the likes of Panic! At the Disco, Circa Survive, Anthony Green, mewithoutYou, and now our own Wayside.

“We were asked what our number one goal as artists were, to which we both replied … to work with Will Yip,” said vocalist/guitarist Thomas Davenport says. “From the very beginning songwriting was always our number one focus, so to be given the opportunity to work with Will was quite literally a dream come true. We both followed his career and had tremendous
respect for him as a producer, but more importantly, as a songwriter.”

After touring with Don Broco, The Comfort, and the massive Movements and Boston Manor shows, Wayside are about to join Dream on Dreamer on their upcoming dates. Make sure you arrive early to hear more music from their upcoming album, due out later this year.

11 August 2023 – Max Watts, Melbourne
12 August 2023 – Uni Bar, Adelaide
25 August 2023 – The Triffid, Brisbane
26 August 2023 – Crowbar, Sydney

Image credit: Cian Marangos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eaglemont Releases “Vodka Pineapple” Ahead of Cry Club Support

Eaglemont has offered up a tasty sample of her upcoming debut album with the release of her latest single “Vodka Pineapple.” It’s got an uplifting indie pop-rock vibe, but make sure you clock those confessional lyrics. They’re really something special.

“Vodka Pineapple’ is inspired by a painful realisation I had where I was the protagonist in the downfall of my relationships and it was all my fault… and then somehow we turned it into a pop song,” explained Bridg Jessop, the talent behind Eaglemont. “In line with the thread that runs through the entire record it’s a glorified diary entry that recounts events, often with haunting hindsight. Not that you should use creating art as therapy singularly (you should probably just go to therapy).”

Expect to hear a little bit more from her debut album and your old favourites when Eaglemont launches the single and supports Cry Club next month.

5 August 2023 – The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
25 August 2023 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
26 August 2023 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 September 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 September 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Kaurna/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tim Lambert

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meres Delivers Powerful New Single, “Ocean View”

When you think about ocean views, you probably feel a sense of calm. Banish that thought. “Ocean View”, the latest single from Kanamuluka Lutruwita/Launceston-based punk quartet Meres isn’t more likely to fire you up than soothe you. Vocalist Mary Shannon penned the song after reading an article predicting the environmental damage humans are likely to cause by 2050.

“This song is fuelled by a sort of ‘exhausted by it all’ anger and feelings of disempowerment, while trying to balance these feelings with the narrative that we are responsible for our own well-being and our own happiness,” she explained. “Who cares if young people don’t have a future? At least the internet and fat cats can remind them that it’s their own fault, even though real change is in the hands of corrupt pollies who couldn’t give a fuck about life beyond their own.”

It’s got some heavy subject matter, but “Ocean View” is also a damn good time. If you love grunge music with a message, you’re going to love this one.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Cameron Jones

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophian Bringing Back Summer With “Moments”

Winter’s chill has well and truly set in, but “Moments,” the latest track from Boorloo/Perth indie-rock act Sophian is bringing the sunshine. It’s such a cool summery track, with a great guitar groove and celebratory lyrics. And it’s always the right time of year for that.

“Those dreamy and lush guitar tones make you feel like you are just enjoying a day down at the beach or driving down the coastline. A song that makes you feel at peace and lets you just enjoy the moment,” the band confirmed. “Sometimes all you want to do is slow down and just enjoy the moment you are in. The way we live life today sometimes makes it hard. We’ve been programmed to move so fast, and it’s created this feeling of having to constantly keep moving. It can get tiring. You can be your own worst enemy sometimes. ‘Moments’ focuses on those feelings and is a song about learning to enjoy the moment no matter how hard it can be sometimes.”

After supporting acts like COTERIE, Bootleg Rascal, and DICE, Sophian are stepping into the spotlight with a string of headlining dates. Catch them when you can!

5 August 2023 – Old Habits Neighbourhood Bar, Boorloo/Perth
1 September 2023 – The River, Noongar/Margaret River
2 September 2023 – Froth Craft Brewery, Noongar/Bunbury

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

JHM and Fractures Team Up For “Fever Dream”

It’s not even lunchtime yet, but I’m already anticipating letting my hair down at the end of the working week. If you’re feeling those Friday vibes, take a listen to “Fever Dream,” the latest single from up-and-coming artist JHM and acclaimed producer Fractures. It’s a match made in heaven, with JHM’s incredible soul vocals the perfect foil for Fractures’ sound. It’s so fresh, but there’s a cool disco funk about it that makes it feel totally nostalgic.

“‘Fever Dream’ captures the feeling of locking eyes with a stranger and knowing something is about to happen between you” JHM explained. “It was inspired by a movie I saw about fairy rings and being tricked into dancing all night. In my head it was like the idea of how sometimes being around that person can feel like you almost can’t look away.”

After supporting acts like Hiatus Kaiyote, PANIA, Queen P, and Kira Puru, you can guarantee we’ll be seeing a lot more of JHM really soon. Follow her on the socials to learn all about her gigs and new music first.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Sad King Billy” – Sad King Billy

After honing his craft with Western Australian bands like Old Blood and the Southern River Band, Julian Peet is striking out on his own. Recording under the moniker Sad King Billy, he’s just dropped his self-titled debut. This diverse collection of songs serves as the perfect introduction, or perhaps reintroduction, to this talented artist.

The opening track “Bad Man” drew me in with its chilled guitar groove and poetic lyrics. I’m such a sucker for a great turn of phrase. But this is just the start of the journey. Sad King Billy doesn’t like to keep us in the same place too long. He plays with genres, keeping us guessing with every track. “Lately” starts like a simmering rock song but explodes with a psychedelic guitar crescendo. “Every Part of Us” is one of the most exquisite acoustic guitar ballads you’re likely to hear. I found myself on the edge of my seat, wondering what Sad King Billy would serve up next. “Don’t Come Back” has the cool country-inspired rock feel of a Tom Petty track. “Runneth” has a dark, bluesy feel that is so compelling. The album’s closing numbers, “The People Forgotten” and “Ode to a Dying Race”, are every bit as epic as their titles suggest. They’re the kind of experimental numbers you used to hear on classic albums from bands like Pink Floyd and Yes. It’s the sort of music you don’t hear these days. It’s too long for radio play and too polarising for audiences. I admire the bravery of leaving the listener with these final impressions.

Sad King Billy’s debut is an eclectic album, but that’s a great part of its charm. His compelling vocals and stellar songwriting stamp are ever present, ensuring that no matter what genre he plays with, it feels right. With so many twists and turns, you might not like it all, but I guarantee something will resonate with you. Take a listen.

Main image credit: Emelia Peet

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seb Szabo Drops Empowering Pop Anthem, “She’s a Mirror”

If you need a little extra energy to make it through the week, click play on “She’s a Mirror.” The latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Seb Szabo, it’s a total bop. With unashamed pop vibes a hint of rock edge, it’s perfect for those impromptu dance breaks. You know you want to.

“The song was inspired by workplace bullying a friend of mine had experienced working for a makeup company. The boss made a number of shitty and gaslighting comments about her appearance and personality, saying she had a ‘resting bitch face’, encouraging her to be more extroverted and loud (which went against her natural personality-type) and encouraging her to wear red lipstick like in her interview because she thought it made her look more confident,” Seb recalled. “She went so far as to say the lipstick had made her think my friend was ‘this confident person… where’s she gone?’ All of this was completely unprompted and frankly just mean.”

Hearing about his friend’s experience brought back a flood of memories for Seb, who had his own struggles with bullying.

“I was bullied in my early years of high school for refusing to fit into a box and for having a more sensitive personality that didn’t align with a lot of the uber-masculine attitudes prized at my high school,” he explained. “This song is for anyone who’s copping shit for existing as themselves, and turning the fight back on anyone who’s trying to make someone else feel small.”

Seb has an exciting couple of months ahead with shows lined up in the United States, the United Kingdom, and a special showcase at home. No doubt this guy is going to be big! Here are all the dates you need!

11 August 2023 – Sofar, Milwaukee
20 August 2023 – Sofar, Chicago
25 August 2023 – UW Madison’s The Terrace, Madison
25 September 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
3-30 November 2023 – Sofar London Artist Residency

Image used with permission from Sandhill Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lavender Marriage” – William Street Strikers

Never one to rest on their laurels, Tarntanya/Adelaide rockers William Street Strikers have released Lavender Marriage, the follow-up to their 2022 album Baltimore Train. With just six tracks, it’s all killer, no filler.

This is the seventh release from William Street Strikers. At this point, they’re a well-oiled machine, confident in their sound and their connections. The band strikes the right balance between being tight and just loose enough for real rock and roll. Their harmonies are always on point. Listening to the way their voices naturally come together reminded me just how few rock bands harmonise these days.

Those harmonies aren’t the only element of William Street Strikers’ sound that is delightfully old school. The straight-up rock of the opening track “Candles” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on a record by The Kinks or The Easybeats. “Hands of My Paper” reminded me a little of The Rolling Stones in their heyday. Don’t mistake this band for imitators though. While their sound celebrates nostalgia, none of those classic bands could pull off the cheeky lyrics of tracks like “Tammy” and “I’ll Be Okay.” After bringing solid rock vibes through most of Lavender Marriage, the final track “Pieces” is a real left turn. A gentle piano ballad with strings, it’s not what you expect from William Street Strikers. But this isn’t a band that ever wants to become predictable. By keeping things fresh, they ensure we’re always interested in what comes next, whatever that may be.

Lavender Marriage is available to stream now from the William Street Strikers website. Alternatively you can buy the album on CD for $15 plus postage by emailing the band at thewilliamstreetstrikers@yahoo.com.

Images used with permission from William Street Strikers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Northern Folk Wow Me With “Keep On Coming Over”

Bungambrawatha/Albury-born, Naarm/Melbourne-based band The Northern Folk has blown me away with their new single “Keep On Coming Over.” We’re used to music that’s a little gentler from this awesome act, but they’ve brought a rock edge to this song. It’s fabulous. I love a band that can keep us guessing while continuing to deliver fantastic music. Some acts struggle when they play with genre, but it seems like The Northern Folk really can do it all. The punchier sound reflects the darker themes of isolation brought on by mental illness that the song explores.

“’Keep On Coming Over’ was written in a particularly turbulent period,” explained songwriter Paul Dyason. “It captures moments in a fledgling love where the facade falls away and you hope that what is left is enough. It is a plea for persistence and patience, a snapshot of the hope that accompanies an honest revelation and ultimately an ode to those who feel like their baggage is too much for others to handle.”

The song comes with a gorgeous music video produced by The Northern Folk vocalist Georgie Currie and directed and filmed by the band’s long-time collaborator Mark Day of Another Life Productions. There’s so much to love about this release.

Image credit: Simon Pickering

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

TALLOU Not Playing Games With “marco polo” Release

TALLOU might be a new name on the scene, but she’s no novice. Under her birthname Tiana Dennis, she signed one of her originals to Sony ATV at the tender age of 14. She also played big events like the Woodford Folk Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival. Then as part of the duo Oh Harlow, she supported Sheppard and Taylor Henderson and even took home a Queensland Music Award. It’s all led her to this moment. Now she’s recording under her new moniker TALLOU and embracing more of an indie-pop sound. Her latest single “marco polo” is fresh and fabulous. Take a listen.

“‘marco polo’ was inspired by a close friend and his constant journey of losing and finding himself through different relationships,” she explained. “We were at the gym one day debriefing about the latest heartbreak and he literally said “I feel like I’m playing Marco Polo with myself”. I thought it was great and immediately wrote it down in my notes app.”

TALLOU will show what she can do live when she supports Sarah Yagki at Black Bear Lodge in Meeanjin/Brisbane on September 10.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR