Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The ARIA Awards Wrap

Pub trivia took precedence over the ARIA Awards last night so I’m only just catching up on all the goings on (thanks 9Now!). Honestly, I think it was one of the better award ceremonies. It was so exciting to see such a diverse range of talent honoured with the sharp pointy things. Guy Sebastian was such a superb host with the right mix of warmth and humour. I was thrilled to see him take out the Song of the Year title for “Choir.” What a top track that is.

I found myself getting unexpectedly emotional at Human Nature’s Hall of Fame induction. They were my boy band of choice in my teenage years, although I swore black and blue that they were a “vocal group” instead. I went to countless RSL gigs, shopping centre appearances, and the like. I lost track of them somewhere along the way, but watching them bust out those old hits before their induction took me right back. 30 years together is a massive achievement. Congratulations to them.

While Human Nature stirred my nostalgia, The Teskey Brothers delivered the performance of the night for me with “Rain.” I’ve long championed these guys and I can only hope the ARIA Awards puts them on the radar of people who might have been unaware of their talents. I was stoked to see them take home awards for best group and best blues and roots album for Run Home Slow.

I’m not going to run through every performance and accolade, because it’s so late on a Thursday that all that information has already been widely publicised. But it’d be remiss of me not to mention Tones and I. She’s smashed chart records and earned global fame this year, but four ARIA awards is such a fitting cherry on top. Hats off to her.

What did you think of the 2019 ARIAs? Who were you excited to see honoured and was there anyone you were disappointed to see missing out? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Stage Charity Festival, A Day for the Beaches

Ocean Alley are giving back to their native Northern Beaches, curating and headlining a fantastic festival for charity next month. A Day for the Beaches is an all ages, drug- and alcohol-free event raising funds for Cerebral Palsy Alliance and One Eighty, a grassroots organisation working to prevent youth suicide.

They aren’t doing it alone though. Ocean Alley will share the stage with Dear Seattle, Eagle Eye Jones, Stump, Liquid Time, The Brights, Monkey Knife Fight, and BUTTERBOX. The event will also feature food trucks, market stalls, and local art displays.

A Day for the Beaches will take over Narabeen’s Rat Park on November 16. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato; credit: The Sauce

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Young Lions Heading Out On the Road for “Golden” Release

The hard-working lads from Young Lions are ready to rock you with the release of their latest single “Golden” and not one but two tours. The track is an anthem for self-reflection and self-care, as vocalist Zachary Britt explained.

“Life can get crazy sometimes and we all know what it’s like to be burnt out and on the edge. For me personally, I know there’s a few people, songs and places in my life that bring me back up again when this whacked-out world gets overwhelming … You don’t have to act like everything’s fine around these friends as they help you recharge. This song is an anthem for those moments. When it’s all a little fucked up it’s OK to rest and stay until you’re golden.”

Tonight Young Lions commence a string of dates supporting Hands Like Houses. Then they’ve barely got time for a breather before they start their own intimate headlining shows. Here are all the dates you need music lovers!

18 October 2019 – Narrabeen RSL, Narrabeen (supporting Hands Like Houses)
19 October 2019 – Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford (supporting Hands Like Houses)
24 October 2019 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour (supporting Hands Like Houses)
25 October 2019 – Cooly Hotel, Coolangatta (supporting Hands Like Houses)
26 October 2019 – Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba (supporting Hands Like Houses)
27 October 2019 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (supporting Hands Like Houses)
30 October 2019 – Harvey Rd Tavern, Gladstone (supporting Hands Like Houses)
31 October 2019 – Seabreeze Hotel, Mackay (supporting Hands Like Houses)
1 November 2019 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville (supporting Hands Like Houses)
2 November 2019 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (supporting Hands Like Houses)
7 November 2019 – Beer Deluxe, Albury (supporting Hands Like Houses)
8 November 2019 – Pier Hotel, Frankston (supporting Hands Like Houses)
9 November 2019 – The Tah, Hobart (supporting Hands Like Houses)
10 November 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (supporting Hands Like Houses)
6 December 2019 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
12 December 2019 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide
13 December 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 December 2019 – Sly Fox, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

EVIE Releases Cool Throwback Tune, “For You I Would”

If you crossed Mazzy Star with Michelle Branch, you might get someone like Brisbane songstress EVIE. Her latest single “For You I Would” is giving me laidback ‘90s vibes, and I am absolutely loving the nostalgia.

EVIE penned the track in the wake of a breakup, when emotions are still raw but there’s also a sense of optimism towards the future. “The song was written with a heavy heart but shows the optimism found in these hard decisions and the confidence that is gained from moving forward,” EVIE explains.

Hometown fans can catch EVIE at The Milk Factory on October 24.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Music and More at Brisbane’s Free Hidden Lanes Festival

Exciting Aussie acts including Tyne-James Organ, The Vanns, Cry Club, and Greta Stanley will entertain crowds at this year’s The Hidden Lanes Festival in Brisbane. The event aims to celebrate the lanes of Fortitude Valley, shining a light on more than 80 local businesses operating in California, Winn, Bakery, Lucky, and Little Valley Lanes.

Aside from the musical acts, there’ll be plenty of food vendors, a fashion and beauty trail, an art and design trail, and nearly 20 master classes teaching you everything from how to make cocktails to how to braid hair.

All this is completely free, so get amongst it on October 26. The Hidden Lanes Festival takes over Fortitude Valley’s lanes from 10 am til late. Register for the master classes and heritage trail via the event’s website.

Image used with permission from Gyro PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2019 Australian Women in Music Awards Just Weeks Away

Women are really kicking goals in the local music scene, so it’s fantastic to see their diverse and exciting contributions acknowledged with the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards (AWMA). Taking place in Brisbane on October 9, the awards celebrate all the incredible things women are doing in the industry. Looking through the list of contenders, it’s thrilling to see such diversity represented with women of all ages, races, and sexual identities in the mix.

“As well as the opportunity to celebrate tremendous talent, AWMA provides a platform for artists and music practitioners including those in regional and remote areas, to come together, to learn and empower one another. We received almost double the nominations this year, from every state and across all areas of diversity, reflecting the urgent need for change in the Australian music industry,” said AWMA Founding Director and Executive Producer, Vicki Gordon.

Only a select few will come away with awards on the night, so I want to publish the names of all the finalists here now. If you’re not across their work, take the opportunity to see what they’re all about.

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
Christine Anu
Nai Palm
NGAIIRE

CREATIVE LEADERSHIP AWARD
Claire Edwardes
Elaine Chia
Katie Noonan

DIVERSITY IN MUSIC AWARD
Christine Anu
Lisa Cheney & Peggy Polias (Making Waves)
NGAIIRE

EMERGING ARTIST AWARD
Alice Skye
Ella Fence
Lisa Caruso

EXCELLENCE IN CLASSICAL MUSIC AWARD
Caroline Almonte
Claire Edwardes
Sarah-Grace Williams

EXCELLENCE IN IMAGE MAKING AWARD
Chloe Jean
Melaine Knight
Ntombi Moyo

FILMMAKER AWARD
Aimée-Lee Xu Hsien Curran
Tashi Hall

HUMANITARIAN AWARD
Alison Hams
Dami Im
Lindy Morrison, OAM

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Joy McKean, OAM
Marcia Hines, AM
Vika and Linda Bull

LIVE PRODUCTION AWARD
Jenny Moon
Kait Hall
Laurie May

MUSIC JOURNALIST AWARD
Ange McCormack
Jane Gazzo
Jules LeFevre

MUSIC LEADERSHIP AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen
Lynette Irwin
Sue Telfer

MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHER AWARD
Jessica Vaini
Kerrie Geier
Tashi Hall

SONGWRITER AWARD
Mojo Juju
NGAIIRE
Thelma Plum

STUDIO PRODUCTION AWARD
Elise Reitze-Swensen (Feels)
Kathy Naunton
Virginia Read

In addition to the awards night, the AWMAs will host a thought-provoking program at Brisbane Powerhouse on October 8 and 9 with forums exploring women’s visibility in hip hop, the intersection of music and politics, and more. If you’re local or travelling to Brissie for the awards, make sure you get amongst it.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Win a Recording Session at Sing Sing East Studio

Every musician knows recording time is expensive. So what if you didn’t have to pay to lay your latest tunes down? Box Hill Institute and Sing Sing East Studio are giving you the opportunity to enjoy free studio time with their latest competition.

Sing Sing East is a world-class studio which has hosted musical royalty. Just imagine recording in the same space as Paul Kelly, Nick Cave and the Badseeds, INXS, Missy Higgins, Temper Trap, Crowded House, Powderfinger, Lady Gaga, and Kiss, to name but a few! If you’re one of the lucky winners, you’ll get a two-day recording package in the studio, including the use of an engineer to make your tunes sound their best. The package is worth $2,400, so it’s nothing to sneeze at!

Visit the Box Hill Institute’s website or Facebook page to submit your entry by 11:59 pm on September 19 and you could be a winner. There’ll then be a People’s Vote, based on the highest number of YouTube views, and a Judges’ Award, selected by a panel of industry experts. Winners will be announced on Monday October 21.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliott Full Of Hope With “Find a Way”

Sydney based singer-songwriter Eliott is in fine form with “Find a Way,” the follow-up to her single “Shaking My Hips.” Just like her last release, this song has a beautiful vulnerability and heart to it. But while “Shaking My Hips” saw Eliott’s confidence rocked, “Find a Way” is about picking up the pieces and moving forward. I know there’s someone who needs to hear it today!

“Find a Way” is Eliot’s first track released through Downtown Music Publishing.
“So excited to be teaming up with Downtown music alongside so many talented artists and such a passionate team,” she said of recently being signed to the label. “I write music because it’s what I love to do, so thank you so much for helping my voice be heard on a larger scale.”

Eliot is currently working on the songs that will form her debut album, which will be released all around the world through Island Records.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

What’s Golden Opening in Brisbane’s Tivoli

The historic Tivoli is set to become a whole lot cooler with the opening of a new intimate performance space, What’s Golden. The 200-capacity space will sit in the Tivoli’s central foyer, allowing easy access to a new renovated box office area and bar serving craft beers and new cocktails.

What’s Golden opens on August 27 with an exclusive invitation-only concert featuring local A-listers and international special guests. It will then host a diverse selection of artists including CLEA, Sahara Beck, Good Boy, HONCHO DISKO, and Betty Grumble in the coming months. Get onto it Queenslanders!

Image used with permission from Aruga

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eilish GIlligan Wins Josh Pyke Partnership

Melbourne singer, songwriter, and producer Eilish Gilligan has taken out this year’s Josh Pyke Partnership. A collaboration between Josh Pyke and APRA AMCOS, the partnership provides funding and mentorship for one unsigned musical act each year.

I must admit, Eilish wasn’t on my radar until this morning. The first thing I did after hearing the news was check her out on Spotify. Take a listen to her latest single “Someone Else” and you’ll soon understand why she took out the top prize. Her voice is absolutely stunning and she has such a great artistic sensibility. This track is an absolute banger, and there’s plenty more where it came from.

“I am so, so humbled, grateful and excited to be the winner of the 2019 JP Partnership,” Eilish said. “This vote of confidence from Josh Pyke, APRA AMCOS, Wonderlick and Select means a lot to me as an artist, and it also means that I will be able to continue to work towards my musical, artistic and professional goals for 2019, now with the extra guidance of these industry veterans.”

“Eilish Gilligan is an artist that has achieved a hell of a lot under her own steam, but it’s the potential in Eilish that’s truly exciting,” added Josh. “I’m a huge fan of multi-faceted artists, and in 2019, having more than one string to your bow is paramount to having longevity in the creative arts. Eilish is a songwriter but also a gifted technical producer, collaborative songwriter, as well as being the star of her own show. This is what makes for a long and fruitful career. Being not just a “musician,” but a “creative”.

Eilish has plenty of shows coming up. Discover her music for yourself at the following gigs.

24 August 2019 – UC Refectory, Bruce
29 August 2019 – HQ Complex, Adelaide
30 August 2019 – Metropolis, Fremantle
6 September 2019 – The Goods Shed, Hobart
7 September 2019 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
13 September 2019 – UOW UniBar, Wollongong
14 September 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
21 September 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wonderlick Entertainment