Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Outloved and Ocean Sleeper Team Up For “Tourniquet”

Alternative rockers Outloved have teamed up with metalcore act Ocean Sleeper on their latest single “Tourniquet,” and it’s a doozy. I usually prefer my music a lot more mellow, but I can’t deny that this is fantastic.

I love the way this song plays with genre. There’s definitely some pop punk, heavy rock, and metalcore in there. The vocalists from both bands also have their moments in the spotlight, creating a track that’s totally unforgettable.

Outloved have more new music on the way, with their new EP DROWNER dropping this month. Expect to hear more songs from that recording when the band supports Windwaker at Max Watts in Naarm/Melbourne on July 22.

Image used with permission from Big Mouth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paulina’s New Single “Maybe We’re Running” Will Give You Goosebumps

Meeanjin/Brisbane artist Paulina casts a spell with her stunning new single “Maybe We’re Running.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but give it time. I know this song, inspired by the recent decision to overturn Roe vs Wade in the United States, will get under your skin.

“It was a real punch in the gut when Roe v. Wade was overturned in the US last year, stripping women of their reproductive rights,” Paulina recalled. “I remember sitting in the studio when this had happened, feeling so angry and overwhelmed by the fact that it was possible for us to yet again take such a huge step backwards, in 2022. Even though I live in Australia, far away from those restrictive laws, it makes you question your power as a woman, anywhere.”

If you’re as captivated by Paulina as I am, it’s exciting to learn she’s got more new music on the way. Her debut EP Just Know, It’ll Be Okay will be released on August 11.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Get Raw With “Never Saw It Coming”

We’re used to hearing Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers rocking out, but the new single shows us a different side. “Never Saw It Coming” is heartbreakingly raw and vulnerable, with a stripped-back sound that ensures you don’t miss a lyric.

“Never Saw It Coming took me over a year to finish writing,” said Neve van Boxsel, the band’s drummer who also sang on this track and directed and editing the video. “It’s about a very difficult topic that unfortunately is not just my story but many others. It’s one of the first songs I brought to the band and the first song I’ve ever sung lead on so having Anna, Jaida and Scarlett support me so much with such a personal song made something that was really difficult, a lot easier. I hope this song helps anyone feel less alone in what they’re going through because having this support from my three best friends helped me endlessly.”

“Never Saw It Coming” comes from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ debut album I Love You, which drops on September 8. They’ll be back in full rock mode a few months later when they support the Foo Fighters at AAMI Park in Naarm/Melbourne on December 4. Some general admission tickets are still available, but they won’t last long!

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: @sheisaphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heterochromia Shares Exciting New Single, “Plastic”

Eora/Sydney act Heterochromia combines elements of rock and bubblegum pop for her feel-good new single “Plastic.” It’s super cathartic, with energetic riffs, a singalong melody, and some of the most biting lyrics I’ve heard in some time. It’s all about the balance, and if your Tuesday has been anything like mine, I know it’s going to hit the spot.

“’Plastic’ laments a time in my life where I was feeling very ornamental and used by various characters in my life, which served as a catalyst for the toy motif we’ve been playing with so far,” said the woman behing Heterochromia, Bree Vane. “Plastic has a very cathartic ‘f*ck you I’m a whole person’ chorus that makes it a lot more positive, and it’s definitely the most upbeat song we’ve written. I’m really excited for people to dance to this one”

“Plastic” comes from Heterochromia’s new EP, Cracked Porcelain, which should drop later this year. They’re about the head off on the Cracked Porcelain tour, which wraps up with a hometown EP launch. Catch Heterochromia at the following venues:

27 July 2023 – The Basement, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
28 July 2023 – Bar Open, Naarm/Melbourne
5 August 2023 – Servo Food Truck, Dharawal Country/Port Kembla
6 August 2023 – Hamilton Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
19 August 2023 – Backdock Arts, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 September 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Big Mouth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Public Fun Part 1” – Raging Hormones

I’m having a ball rocking out to Public Fun Part 1, the debut EP from new Naarm/Melbourne band Raging Hormones. If you love your rock music raw and gritty, these guys will be right up your alley.

The frenetic pace, rebellious lyrics, and scorching guitar solo of the opening track “Power Hour” set the tone. I must admit, this one rocked a little hard for me at first, but the more I listen the more I love it. I found the remaining tracks instantly accessible though. They’re a little more melodic without losing that all-important rock edge. “Going Out in Style,” released as a single in May, is the sort of track you can imagine igniting a room with its driving drums and singalong chorus. Raging Hormones keep the foot on the throttle for “Shake It Up” and “Everything Opens Up”. The closing track “Sunglasses” is perhaps Raging Hormones most radio-friendly. It’s a love song at its heart, with pop-rock elements that make it perhaps the band’s accessible song. This isn’t an EP with a lot of light and shade though, but it doesn’t need to be. If you want ballads, there are plenty of other bands that will give it to you. If you want to rock, Public Fun Part 1 is your EP.

The only thing that excites me more than this EP is that it’s named Part 1. Does this mean there’s more Public Fun on the way? We can only hope so! Until then, they’ll play for hometown fans at Stay Gold’s Beers for Bands event on July 14 to raise money for Support Act.

Images used with permission from Little Giant Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mid Drift Burst Onto the Scene With Debut Single “Know Your Name”

If their debut single “Know Your Name” is any indication, Meeanjin/Brisbane indie-pop act Mid Drift has a bright future ahead. This track is ridiculously catchy, with a snaky bass line that just won’t quit and seemingly effortless vocals from frontwoman Sarah Engstrom.

Mid Drift plans to release an EP early next year. After selling out their first headlining show in their hometown, they’re gearing up to tour the East Coast. Keep an eye on their socials to learn when they’re playing near you.

Image used with permission from Aviate

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“I Don’t Hear You Anymore” – The Money War

The Money War have come of age with the release of their gorgeous new EP I Don’t Hear You Anymore. Over the years they’ve created delicate folk music which was beautiful, but at times became a little sleepy. However, they’ve got the balance right with this collection of songs, creating a collection of songs that get under your skin without fading into the background.

A coming of age is only natural as Dylan Ollivierre and Carmen Pepper mature as a musical outfit and real-life couple. They’re raising three young children together now, trying to carve out time for their family, their relationship, themselves, and their music. Dylan is also a full-time producer, who says his commitment to other people’s music leaves limited time for The Money War. Being pushed and pulled in so many directions, quality becomes so much more important than quantity.

“Every now and then, I have this insatiable desire to create something that embodies my own vision and expresses Carmen and me as The Money War. In the past, we often had numerous songs to choose from, but nowadays, with three young kids, our time has significantly decreased. Therefore, a song only progresses beyond the ‘idea’ stage if it strongly demands to be realised,” he explained.

What we’re left with is four incredible tracks. The title track eases us in. It’s laidback and a bit of a slow burner, but it’s truly magical. “Was It Ever Really Anything?”, featuring FEELDS, is a gentle Americana-inspired track with a gorgeous slide guitar solo. I love the interplay between Dylan and Carmen’s vocals in the romantic “Ride.” The closing track “Somebody Loves You” is an uplifting love song without the schmaltz.

I Don’t Hear You Anymore is the EP I always knew The Money War had in them. It’s their strongest release to date, and a real sign of exciting things to come for this Boorloo/Perth band.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kwasi Releases Fire New Single, “Ready to Go”

Naarm/Melbourne artist Kwasi is bringing the hype with his latest single “Ready to Go.” If you need some pumping up to get through your workday, hit that volume button. You’re welcome!

I love the way this track combines hip-hop sounds with the energy of punk-rock. It pushes the boundaries of genre, but just far enough. After playing in the Philippines recently, it looks like Kwasi is going global. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some headlining dates back home.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ian Moss Releases “Nullarbor Plain” Ahead of Album Launch and Tour

Ian Moss is proving that his upcoming studio album Rivers Run Dry will be something special with the release of a new single “Nullarbor Plain,” which he co-wrote with country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley. I’d already raved about the title track, but this latest cut is every bit as good.

“The Nullarbor Plain is such an open and harsh part of Australia that I have driven I don’t know how many times with Cold Chisel and by myself. Whilst vast, the beauty of it never ceases to amaze me,” Mossy enthused. “I trust my co-writer Troy Cassar-Daley and I have captured a little of both in ‘Nullarbor Plain’. Who wouldn’t want to do that drive in a 351 shaker!?”

Rivers Run Dry will be released on 21 July 2023. That gives you a bit of time to familiarise yourself with all the new songs before Mossy heads out on his album launch tour which just got bigger. In addition to the full band shows in August previously announced, Mossy will also visit regional centres from October where he’ll play solo and acoustic. Tickets are on sale now for all those dates.

5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23-28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays
23 October 2023 – Glasshouse Theatre, Guruk/Port Macquarie
27 October 2023 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
28 October 2023 – Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong, and Bunganditj Country/Hamilton
3 November 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
4 November 2023 – The Capital Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
10 November 2023 – Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
23-26 November 2023 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
8 December 2023 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
9 December 2023 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
15 December 2023 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
16 December 2023 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunai Country/Traralgon
25 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eimhin Wows Me With Powerful Single, “The Lough”

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast artist Eimhin has totally floored me with his new single “The Lough.” This is a stunning folky track with a haunting guitar melody and intimate lyrics. It’s a bit of a slow burn, but I know it’ll get under your skin.

“’The Lough’ is about the nature of my grandmother’s death, but it’s about my mother too, and the secrets we keep to try and protect each other,” Eimhin explained. “There is a poem by Helen Steiner Rice that was chosen for my grandmother’s prayer card at her funeral called “When I Must Leave You”. The sentiment is such that one should keep on living even in the face of the grief that comes with the death of a loved one. That’s where I drew the inspiration for the end of the song.”

Eimhin is just about to wrap up his first European dates with a show at Barkett in Berlin tonight. We should be hearing a lot more from him when his debut album drops later this year.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR