Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kita Alexander Drops Pop Bop, “Queen”

Kita Alexander is embracing her inner pop diva with her fun new single “Queen.” This is the girl power anthem you need heading into your weekend! It’s a bit of a sonic left turn from Kita, but I think it suits her!

“’Queen’ was born out of a need to write an upbeat dance song. My dilemma with that was that I don’t think I can dance. I’m self-conscious about the length of my limbs and find it very hard to loosen up on the dance floor or in front of anyone for a matter of fact,” she admitted. “During the four months during Covid that my husband was away for the Olympics, I found myself alone in the kitchen more often than not. I discovered that I actually love to dance and really go for it when no one’s watching me. Even if one of my kids sneak out of bed and tries to watch me I get more conscious of the way my body is moving. I find this incredibly ironic because I perform for a living. This song is all about feeling like a superstar when you’re all alone.”

To celebrate the release of “Queen,” Kita will head out on her very first headlining tour next month. Expect to hear all your favourites from her three EPs and perhaps some more new songs from her forthcoming debut album. Meeanjin/Brisbane has already sold out and other dates won’t be too far behind, so make sure you grab these tickets while you can!

18 May 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
19 May 2023 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
20 May 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Rob Tennent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Say The Word” – DETOUR

Western Australian act DETOUR channel all the angst and energy of youth into their debut EP Say the Word. It’s an impressive first release from a band still in their teens.

You might expect performers so young to sound a little green, but DETOUR have been together since they were just 11. Through those years together they’ve created a sound that’s confident and strong, if not totally polished. Let’s face it though, punk should be a little rough around the edges.

I might be decades older than the members of this band, but I found their songs so relatable. If you’ve ever felt like the black sheep, you’re going to love “Hard 2 Please”. “Red Flag” is bound to resonate with anyone who’s made the wrong decisions in the name of love. The closing punk-rock anthem “Say the Word” brings back all the awkwardness and uncertainty of first crushes.

When I was growing up, so many of the performers who wrote the angsty songs I connected with were twice my age. How exciting to have a band like DETOUR exploring the frustrations of the teen experience as they’re living it. Their music is so authentic, and so powerful, whether they’re rocking hard or taking a moment for quiet contemplation. I love it as an adult, but you can bet I’ll be sharing it with my teenage niece.

Say the Word is out now.

Image used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Mitch Love

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Swift Farewell Drop Tasty New Single, “Salt”

Eora/Sydney pop-punk trio A Swift Farewell are back with their killer new single “Salt.” If you’re running low on energy today, this anthemic track, co-written by Yours Truly’s former guitar Lachlan Cronin, will give you the kickstart you need. Hit that volume, because this one sounds best loud.

“’Salt’ is the first track we worked with someone externally, and we were so excited when Lachlan Cronin wanted to work with us,” explained A Swift Farewell’s vocalist Ryo Sprott. “I’ve held on to these lyrics for a while now, and it was a time where I was constantly told I was weird, and no one liked me. But I realise why should I change to someone’s needs?”

Fresh from performances at Perish Fest and supporting acts like Yours Truly, Rumours, and Clay J Gladstone, A Swift Farewell will play AM/PM’s 6th Birthday show at the Burdekin Hotel in Eora/Sydney tomorrow night, April 29.

Image credit: Jasmine Tan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YARA Gets Honest With Soulful Single “Bad Behaviour”

We’re always encouraged to take the high road, but as YARA reminds us, it can be cathartic to get a little bitter! Her new single “Bad Behaviour” sees her embracing the devil on her shoulder and really speaking her mind about someone who did her wrong.

“When I wrote this, I enjoyed the freedom of thinking negatively about this person without limiting myself to being the bigger person (which I usually try to be),” she admitted.

This is a very different side of YARA than we heard in her dreamy single “Back of the Uber,” but I like it! Her vocals on this are just as sublimely soulful too. Couldn’t you just listen to her all day?

You’ll get a chance to hear more when YARA releases her debut EP, Lonely Love Affair, on May 3.

Image used with permission from Stagedive; credit: @clairegiuffre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DL Releases Feelgood Single “Freedom” With SB90 and Jackie’s Boy

Naarm/Melbourne rapper DL has teamed up with local talent SB90, L.A. singer-songwriter Jackie’s Boy (Madonna, Chris Brown, Flo Rida), and Grammy award-winning producer Corbett (Big Sean, Anderson Paak, Nas) for his latest single “Freedom.” Inspired by COVID-19 lockdowns, this vibey track is an empowering celebration of living your best life. The R&B influence reminds me of the jams I used to listen to in the mid- to late-90s, in the best possible way.

After winning Los Angeles Film Awards and Europe Music Awards for the music video for his previous single “Lost an Angel,” DL might just break internationally. Releasing world-class singles like this should help propel him into the global spotlight.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall In Love With Franjapan

I love falling down a musical rabbit hole. I intend on listening to a band’s current single, but end up devouring their entire back catalogue. The latest band to fire me up that way is Franjapan. Trust me, if your Hump Day is anything like mine, they’ll give you the pick-me-up you need to make it through. Sitting somewhere between The Strokes and Sam Fender, they make some of the catchiest rock music I’ve heard in some time. Take a listen to their new single “Lucy,” but don’t be surprised if like me you find yourself tuning in to the rest of their songs.

“The song was written about a night I had at a party,” explained the Naarm/Melbourne band’s guitarist and vocalist, Rhys Fraser-White. “It’s simply an observation of the activities or values that are ever-present in the youthful nightlife. I believe the essence of the song is an attempt to capture the lustful innocence of our youth before its impending end. A snapshot of a moment in time.”

“The guitar riff and chord progression came first. They’re heavily inspired by Sam Fender’s guitar playing (very tasty). We love Sam and his band. The verse lyrics followed shortly after. Once I had the riff and verse lyrics down, I showed Spencer [Ward, guitar/vocals] the song and we constructed a chorus and bridge in a matter of minutes. We brought the finished song to Dennis [Sehovic, guitar], Oli [Collins, drums], and Oscar [Macalpine, bass] who each added their own unique touches. The finished product is ‘Lucy’.”

Franjapan are currently touring the East Coast, headlining shows for the very first time. You can still catch them at the following gigs:
28 April 2023 – The Barrie, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
30 April 2023 – The North Gong Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (FREE)

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jontee Langton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Marsten Drops Empowering Anthem “I Am a Rich Man”

Hayley Marsten takes inspiration from the iconic Cher for her latest single “I Am a Rich Man.” Hayley wrote the song with Imogen Clark, celebrating the diva’s quote “I don’t need to marry a rich man, Mom, I am a rich man”. That’s right, these women can buy their own flowers too!

“I grew up in a very strong Cher fandom household,” Hayley explained. “I remember having my tiny mind blown listening to ‘Believe’ when I was five. I had always loved the interview she gave talking about how her mum said to her once that she should settle down and marry a rich man and she said ‘Mom, I am a rich man’. For me, I have been asked for so long ‘when am I getting married?’ and although I’m not against the concept I always thought it was weird because I was doing so many other exciting things that I thought were huge achievements and were just as valuable of milestones but weren’t celebrated in the same way. And in my opinion, whether or not a woman has a ring on her finger, she can have a whole and fulfilling life, and be her own rich man to settle down with”.

Hayley also created the concept for the video, which was directed by Jazmyn Produces.

“I really wanted to celebrate different versions of myself as a ‘successful woman’ – in the video I am the Stepford wife that many people in my life wanted me to grow up to be, I am rich enough to roll around on a bed covered in money with my face on it! I am a fangirl, writing in my diary and singing into my hairbrush fully embracing the things that I love and then I’m the version of me now that I worked really hard to become. A woman that my younger self could look up to,” she added. “We took some editing inspiration from Miley Cyrus’ ‘Mothers Daughter’ video and really leant into the Stepford wife trope with the manic hedge trimming. Everything for this video was really DIY with it all being shot at my house or family member’s homes, pulling costuming from my wardrobe and I did my own hair and makeup, very rich man to do it all that way I think! I loved this song from the moment I wrote it with Imogen Clark but this video is easily my favourite to date and I think my best work yet!”

“I Am a Rich Man” is also Hayley’s first release through Cheatin’ Hearts Records. It gives us an exciting taste of what’s to come on Hayley’s sophomore album.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ama Releases Stellar Debut Single, “Love Online”

When my husband and I got together in the early noughties, online dating was a bit taboo. We were always reluctant to divulge the way we met because we wanted to avoid the judgement. Now online dating is mainstream we’re proud of being pioneers, and also thankful we did it way back when. With catfishing, cloaking, and submarining all common, is it any wonder many people want to go back to the good old days? Independent Eora/Sydney artist Ama has channelled her experiences with the apps into her debut single “Love Online.” If you’ve ever looked for love, or something like it, in the digital world, this one’s for you.

“In a nutshell, ‘Love Online’ explores the familiar struggle of online dating and the many complications associated with trying to connect with people through a screen,” Ama explained.

This is such a strong debut from Ama. It’s incredibly catchy, with a great groove and relatable lyrics. Expect big things from this local talent!

Image used with permission from Ama

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Motion Below Impress With “Colour in the Grey”

I aim to cover all genres in this blog, as I’ve got pretty eclectic taste and I believe all music deserves to be celebrated. However, I probably cover a lot less metalcore than I should. It’s not often a genre that resonates with me, but sometimes a band cuts through. Naarm/Melbourne act The Motion Below are rising stars who’ve won me over with their new single “Colour in The Grey.” If you usually don’t go for metalcore either, I urge you to press play. The strong melodic core and emotion vocals make this song a winner.

“This song explores an individual’s experience with slowly losing touch with their childhood friends as they grow older, and the bittersweet rumination that follows,” explained the band’s heavy vocalist, Thomas Katgert. “The single is a reflective tune with a core theme of kinship, driving home the sentiment that not all bonds fade with time.”

The Motion Below have resolved to make 2023 their best year yet. With the release of “Colour in the Grey,” it’s off to a great start.

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeremy Beggs Teams Up With Matt Joe Gow For “Hurtful Ways”

Jeremy Beggs has blown me away with his latest single “Hurtful Ways.” I’m not surprised though, as Jeremy cowrote the song with one of Sounds of Oz’s favourite local artists, Matt Joe Gow.

“I feel so fortunate to have met Matt and am grateful for all the things I have learnt from him so far,” Jeremy enthused. “Before being thrust up on stage with Matt & The Dead Leaves in Tamworth last year, my music was really just floating around like a dream. Sharing the stage and watching and meeting wonderful artists made me really understand what this journey is all about.”

He said they wrote “Hurtful Ways” about the search for balance as a travelling musician.

“My family always comes first but the reality is as a musician, sometimes we are taken away from the ones we love. I’m constantly trying to find and keep that balance but unfortunately that sometimes tilts too far one way and requires recalibration.”

You can see Jeremy perform “Hurtful Ways” at the following shows:

6 May 2023 – Daylesford Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Daylesford
13 May 2023 – Red Door Pizza, Wathaurrung Country/Buninyong
28 May 2023 – Cinnamon Grove Cafe and Catering, Nillumbik/Greensborough
4 June 2023 – Edinburgh Castle, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity