Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Strings Attached” – Greg Gould

Australia met Greg Gould in 2013, when he came second in that year’s season of Australia’s Got Talent. He might not have claimed the title, but his incredible covers of tracks like “Purple Rain” and “Feelin’ Good” stuck in the public consciousness. His debut album 1998, jampacked with covers of the year’s biggest hits, topped the charts. He toured the country with En Vogue’s Maxine Jones on the back of their cover of “Don’t Let Go.” Covers have served Greg well. He has a knack for inhabiting a familiar song and making it his own. But Greg has much more than an amazing multi-octave voice to offer the music scene. With the release of Strings Attached, his first album of original music, he shows us he’s got plenty to say.

Pop is so often accused of being a lightweight musical genre. Musicians who come through the reality system are often dismissed by their industry peers. Greg seems to relish busting those myths and showing exactly what he can do. He doesn’t shy away from weighty material, tackling issues like sexual assault, the fight for equality, and the violent deaths of his friends Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. And that’s just the singles. Some songs can be confronting, but they’re also incredibly moving. Greg’s rich voice and knack for pop melodies draw you in, encouraging you to listen even when it’s uncomfortable.

It’s not all heavy-going though. “Hurricane” is an uplifting dancefloor anthem about trusting the right relationship. The earnest message and sweet piano melody of “You Are Enough” wrap around you like a big, self-affirming hug. “Love It All Out” is a beautiful torch song, a simple romantic ballad elevated by the musical chemistry Greg shares with Asian superstar Phoenix Morissette. She’s one of several big names on the album. There’s Broadway icon Shoshana Bean, Australian Idol Kate DeAraugo in her first pop appearance in nine years, Drag Race royalty Kween Kong, and a massive list of talent working behind the scenes. It’s a testament to Greg’s talent that all these luminaries have clamoured to work with him.

Strings Attached may well be the most powerful pop album I’ve ever heard. Greg takes the opportunity to tackle some big issues here, but he perfectly balances the darker songs with the light usually associated with the genre. With this album, I feel like we’re finally seeing the true depth of his talent, and it’s glorious.

Strings Attached is out now. You can see Greg live at one of the following shows:

13 September 2024 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated)
20 September 2024 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated)
27 September 2024 – Flamingo’s Live, Mulbinba/Newcastle (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show)
28 September 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show)
30 September 2024 – Reef Casino, Gimuy/Cairns (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show – FREE)
31 September 2024 – Reef Casino, Gimuy/Cairns (Keep the Faith George Michael & Whitney Houston show – FREE)
8 November 2024 – Athenaeum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (Immortality Celine Dion & Bee Gees show)

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & The Giants Release “Feels Like Heartache” Ahead of Belinda Carlisle Tour

Sometimes a beautiful song doesn’t hit you immediately. If it’s too subtle, it can lost in all the noise of the day-to-day. But when it does hit you, when it catches you in a moment of quiet, the payoff is so rewarding. That’s how I’m feeling about “Feels Like Heartache,” the latest single from Joan & the Giants. It’s such a beautiful, bittersweet ballad about a doomed romance moving towards its inevitable demise.

“’Feels like Heartache’ is the most deeply personal and honest song we’ve written,” lead vocalist Grace Newtown-Wordsworth said. “It’s centred around longing for the person you love more than anything but knowing it’s an addiction and isn’t good for you. Being brutally honest isn’t easy, but honesty to us is a very important thing, especially in our songwriting.”

Joan & The Giants usually headline shows these days, but they’re stepping into the support role on Belinda Carlisle’s upcoming tour, which kicks off in their hometown next month. Here are all the dates you need for those gigs:

18 September 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
20 September 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
21 September 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
24 September 2024 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
27 September 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
29 September 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
30 September 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
3 October 2024 – Twin Towns, Goodjinburra Country/Tweed Heads (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
5 October 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
6 October 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Belinda Carlisle)

Photo credit: Isabelle Haubrich Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurray for the Riff Raff Heading Down Under

New Orleans-based Americana sensation Hurray for the Riff Raff, aka Alynda Segarra, is heading to Australia this October for a string of headlining shows and festival appearances.

Since I heard the news, I’ve had Alynda’s fabulous 2024 album The Past is Still Alive on repeat. It’s so good. Recorded just a month after the passing of their father, the songs see Alynda grappling with love, loss, time, and the memories we make. Honestly, make sure you take a listen because you don’t want to know how good it is after the shows are done!

You can catch Hurray for the Riff Raff at one of their local shows:

4 October 2024 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley
5 October 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
6 October 2024 – The Eltham Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Eltham
9 October 2024 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane
11 October 2024 – The Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
12 October 2024 – Out On The Weekend Festival @ Seaworks, Naarm/Melbourne
13 October 2024 – Out On The Weekend Festival @ Coal Creek Community Park & Museum, Bunurong Country/Korumburra

Photo credit: Tommy Kha

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Braydin Good Drops “Honest” New Single

There are few qualities I value more in music than honesty. You give me the truth and I can overlook a less-than-perfect vocal or raw production values. So I had pretty high hopes for Braydin Good’s new single, called “Honest.” Thankfully this beautiful country ballad delivers just what its title promises.

Braydin has honed his craft supporting artists like Christie Lamb and Casey Barnes. “Honest” is only his second single, but it suggests he won’t be playing second fiddle to other acts for too much longer.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melody Pool on Tour to Promote “Changing” Single

If the working week has ground you down, you’ve got to press play on Melody Pool’s gorgeous new single “Changing.” Listening to this uplifting folk track and its beautiful lyrics about evolution and growth, I instantly felt lighter.

Melody said the song “is really mostly about accepting that the only constant in life is change. ‘Changing’, to me, is about finding a way to make the heavy stuff worth it, allowing it to change you. And allowing the darkest parts of yourself their time in the light so you can hear their needs and shift them into a healthier space in your life.”

Melody embraced old-school techniques, recording “Changing” live as a band, to tape, with no isolation.

“The process seems to make everyone a little more on edge, which ups everyone’s game,” she enthused. “It’s a special thing to rely on each other throughout a take when you are all in the same room, but it helps you lean into everyone’s energy and I believe that’s where the magic happens.”

Fans living abroad can expect a little more of that magic when Melody kicks off a string of shows in Germany and England today. But don’t worry Aussie fans. She’ll be back with some local shows in Setepmber and October as she works towards the release of her third studio album.

23 August 2024 – Klein Klang Festival, Eisenach
24 August 2024 – Folk Im Viertel Festival, Osnabrück
30 August 2024 – Wohnzimmer Live I’m Piepenstock, Dortmund
1 September 2024 – Litfass, Bremen
3 September 2024 – Tonfink, Lübeck
4 September 2024 – MALT, London
6 September 2024 – Zur Scharfen Ecke, Sande
7 September 2024 – Filou Die Kneipe, Steinhude
25 September 2024 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
27 September 2024 – The York Festival, Ballardong Nyoongar Country/York
9 October 2024 – Jazzlab, Naarm/Melbourne
11 October 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 October 2024 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
25-27 October 2024 – Nimbin Roots Festival, Whiyabul Country/Nimbin

Photo credit: Madeleine Becker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgia Lines Ready for First Aussie Shows

Kiwi singer-songwriter Georgia Lines is making her visit to Australia next week to support her beautiful debut album The Rose of Jericho. I’ve returned to this album so many times since its release, and I fall a little more in love with it every time I hear it. Take a listen if you’re not already across it, because you don’t want to discover how good she is once she’s gone home!

“A few of you have been wondering when I’m coming across to finally play some shows in Australia,” she said. “I’m verrrryyyy excited to announce I’ll be jumping across the ocean and playing two shows for you very soon!”

In addition to those two headlining shows, Georgia will also appear at BIGSOUND. Check her out anywhere you can.

30 August 2024 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney
31 August 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
4 and 6 September, BIGSOUND, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko Releases “The Way” From Upcoming Album

It’s been six years since Sarah Blasko released her last album Depth of Field. I really appreciate it when artists take the time to find inspiration and craft music that matters. It’s always worth the wait. Just take a listen to Sarah’s latest single “The Way,” the opening track from her soon-to-be-released album I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain, and you’ll know I’m right.

“The Way” was inspired by Sarah’s strict religious upbringing and reflections on her decision to turn her back on her faith at the age of 17. “I had been feeling like turning my back on god may have contributed to misfortunes in my life,” she said. “Looking back upon the death of my mother, a failed marriage, and then a failed friendship during a time that felt like the apocalypse. Makes sense considering I was raised to believe in the apocalypse when I was a teenager.”

I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain sees Sarah exploring goodbyes, griefs, new beginnings, and an important friendship that underpinned her childhood. She says “This album was probably the most relaxed & free feeling record I’ve made.” Album preorders and presaves are currently available ahead of its November 1 release.

Photo credit: Mclean Stephenson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Velvet Bloom Releases Dreamy Soul Single, “My Love”

There’s nothing like some good classic-sounding soul music to make your day feel better. With her latest release “My Love,” Velvet Bloom delivers just that. This song pays tribute to the traditions of Motown, but it’s got some extra special sauce that helps keep things fresh.

Lead vocalist Maddy Herbert produced the track and engineered and mixed it with her long-time collaborator and bandmate Alex Marko to bring their artistic vision to life.

“‘My Love’ is about accepting and loving people for who they are, meeting them where they are at and growing together,” they explained. “We really wanted to capture that classic soul sound for this release, leaning into lots of techniques and production styles used by engineers in that era of music.”

The press release says this single “is the first taste of the band’s step into a new era of the project, carving out their celestial niche in the musical cosmos.” It’s a pretty grandiose statement, but if it means we get more music like this I’m here for it!

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Mary Impresses With Latest Solo Effort, “The Lonely One”

In case you hadn’t heard, The Jezabels frontwoman Hayley Mary is gearing up to release her first solo album. But before she does, she’s dropped a fabulous new single, “The Lonely One”. This track has a cool retro feel that reminds me of strong female artists of the 80s like Chrissie Hynde, Kate Bush, and Annie Lennox.

Hayley co-wrote “the song”The Lonely One” at a house party with Reggie Goodchild of Confidence Man. She recalled “Goodchild and I started writing kinda by accident. We were partying and hanging out at the Con-man house a bit, and he had a few amazing demos that he thought would suit my 80s diva-style singing. We were jamming over this track, trying to flesh it out while everyone else was on the dance floor. It gave me the feeling of driving down a highway away from heartbreak, sadly but triumphantly.”

“The Lonely One” comes from Hayley’s solo album Roman XS, which drops on October 25.

Image used with permission from AAnthologies

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dylan Ollivierre Releases Debut Solo Single, “It’s Just a Shame”

Dylan Ollivierre, one-half of The Money War, is flexing his creative muscles with some new solo material. His debut single “It’s Just a Shame” is a fabulously nostalgic track with a cool Americana feel.

“The chorus just bubbled up one day when I was noodling on the guitar. It felt very personal, and I knew I had to go down the well myself to find the rest of the song and bring it to life,” Dylan said.

“It’s Just a Shame” was the first of several songs Dylan’s penned for an upcoming solo album. “The process of making these songs was as much for my own clarity and healing as it was about creating a song,” he explained.

Follow Dylan on Instagram to learn more about his solo material as his album release approaches.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink