Category: News

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Summit Release Doco Ahead of EP Tour

Boorloo/Perth band South Summit have just released a new documentary video that takes fans behind the scenes of their success. Called Climbing the Summit, the 10-minute vid was filmed between Eora/Sydney and Naarm/Melbourne while the band was on tour with Beddy Rays. It serves as a time capsule of this young band on the verge of big things.

“The band were a pleasure to work with,” said producer Vincent Trease. “It’s been such a great experience creatively and we got to witness South Summit at a pivotal time in their career as musicians. In such a time of division the message of unity that runs through this doco is in my eyes a great example of reconciliation.”

“I wanted to capture the way that music brings people together, and show that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe in, it’s all about just playing some tunes and having a good time,” added director Elliott Brown. “I firmly believe that South Summit will one day stand among the greatest Australian artists. I aimed to capture their beginnings, a moment I hope people will look back on in the future.”

“This documentary gives us an opportunity to tell our stories, share our messages, and showcase what we do behind the scenes on this crazy journey. We feel like this documentary lets people understand our journey with music, and what we want to be known for. We represent proud cultures throughout the band, but this is not the reason why we are here today. We are here for the love of music. The process was made super cruisy for us by the two guys who made it all happen. Big shoutout to Vince and Elliott for having the vision for the doco and all their hard work to make it happen!”

South Summit will be back doing what they do best next week playing shows in support of their fabulous third EP Tales of the Yeti. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait too long to get yours.

2 November 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
3 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
4 November 2023 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 November 2023 – Whammy Bar, Auckland
18 November 2023 – The Loons, Christchurch
19 November 2023 – Meow, Wellington
24 November 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Andrew Briggs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Speak Percussion: Assemblage Hits McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery

If you’re around Naarm/Melbourne and looking for something different to do this weekend, check out Speak Percussion: Assemblage. This is the latest show hosted by McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery as part of their Music at McClelland concert series, which brings music to the gallery on the third Sunday of the month. This concert features an exclusive showcase from Kaylie Melville. She’s appeared at festivals here in Australia, Indonesia, and the United States and is considered at the forefront of post-instrumental practice, so you certainly won’t forget her performance. See the show in the gallery’s Sarah and Baillieu Myer Education Pavilion in Bunurong Country/Langwarrin on Sunday October 22 from 2 pm.

In addition to the music, you can enjoy lunch or afternoon tea from the onsite eatery, Harry’s Café. While you’re there, make sure to stop and admire the sculpture park and the gallery’s latest exhibition celebrating the works of First Nations artists, including Gail Mabo, Lisa Waup, and Dominic White. Tickets for Speak Percussion: Assemblage are available now for $40. Gallery members can get theirs for just $32.

If you can’t make Speak Percussion: Assemblage, there’s one more Music at McClelland show for the year on November 19 before the series takes a short summer break. Keep an eye on the McClelland Sculpture Park and Gallery website to learn more about it and other upcoming events.

Photo credit: Bryony Jackson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Play On presents: Three Conversations Does Classical Differently in Naarm/Melbourne Next Week

If you’re around Naarm/Melbourne and looking for a concert with a difference, I suggest checking out Three Conversations next week. Presented by local classical music up-start Play On, who has taken their shows worldwide, this event sees violinist Kyla Matsuura-Miller delivering new commissions by modern Australian composers Sia Ahmad, Aaron Wyatt, and Kitty Xiao. Kyla handpicked these composers of colour to write music for her after she won the Freedman Fellowship, because when she was growing up she rarely came across music by composers who looked like her.

As with all Play On events, Three Conversations looks to reimagine and reinvigorate the classical music experience. All pieces performed integrate classical and electronic elements. The music will also be paired with long-form filmed interviews featuring the artist and composers showcased which explore the themes and memories associated with the music performed.

“Each story is deeply unique – from Sia’s reflection of growing up in a South Asian household and discovering her trans identity to Kitty’s relationship to the languages she spoke and experienced through her family and the wider community,” Kyla explained.

Play On presents: Three Conversations will hit Abbotsford Convent on October 27. Tickets start from $10 plus booking fee from Humanitix.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital; credit: Suzie Blake

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Good Intent Giving Indie Artists a Leg Up With Greater Good Program

Time’s running out to get your application in for Good Intent’s Greater Good program. This exciting initiative aims to nurture independent artists by providing a cash grant totally more than $25,000 and services from Good Intent and their partners, including Studios 301, Billy Zammit, Make Merchandise, Zenith Records, and Media Arts Lawyers.

“This all started with our passion for championing Australian music that we love, and we’re fortunate to be in a position to be able to give back to our community, connect dots and provide advice for artists on their journeys,” explained Good Intent’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Bridgman. “It’s challenging to catch a break in today’s climate, so we’re truly stoked with this year’s offering and linking up on a bigger pack with our partners.”

“Greater Good really changed the trajectory of my EP campaign,” added Peni Parker, who took home the grant 12 months ago. “Good Intent supported me with the first single ‘Disrupt’, giving me some great advice, a huge insight into digital marketing and really started me off with some big wins with playlisting, radio play, some fun interviews and even rotation on triple j Unearthed. It really was a total package though; a dream to work with Billy Zammit, who helped bring to life my visual concepts. Ben [Mitchell] helped rework my logo and a huge shout out to Make Merchandise too, always love working with that team. Every single element of the prize was so helpful to my year and allowed me to get to work with creatives, that I normally wouldn’t have the budget for as a fresh artist.”

Applications for this year’s Greater Good program close on October 12. For more information on the program and how to lodge your application, head to Good Intent’s website.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Paul Woseen

I was rocked yesterday as the news of Paul Woseen’s death filtered through social media. As a kid from Newy, the Screaming Jets were one of those bands so important to my independence. I saw them every chance I got. I remember an under 18s gig at the Cambo, shows once I turned 18 at Toronto and Newcastle Workies. They were always the most physical gigs. People say teenage girls are intense, but it’s nothing like a bunch of blokes at a rock show. I was always front row centre, and I’d stand my ground. Elbowing any hands that tried to move mine from the barrier was my go-to move.

My favourite gig by far was this one, the free gig they played in Civic Park to celebrate the Newcastle Knights victory. The atmosphere was like nothing I’ve ever felt. We were all riding that high, whether we were drinking bevvies like the blokes on stage or not. I love that “Candle in the Wind” was the number one selling single for 1997 everywhere in the country, except for in Newcastle where the EP released after this show outsold it. Yes, if you’ve got eagle eyes, you’ll see 17-year-old me in my plaid Sportsgirl hat, front and centre.

Rest easy Paul. I love that like Dave, you were the one to keep the Jets legacy alive. I don’t know what happens to the band now, but I’m keeping the memories I have a little closer. I hope the Knights smash out a win for you today.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sonora Studios Launches on the Central Coast

I’m pretty proud of my part of the world, so I’m always excited to hear of new developments on the Central Coast. The latest is the launch of Sonora Studios, the brainchild of acclaimed Aussie producer Jack Nigro. Jack’s worked with talents like DMA’s, Dune Rats, The Amity Affliction, Middle Kids, and stacks more, so it’s exciting to hear he’s set up shop here on the Coast.

His Sonora Studios is a two-story, purpose-built recording facility featuring Sound Space A’, an impeccably treated live room, alongside ‘Sound Space B’, a secondary production and mixing space. It hosts world-class recording equipment, including hardware from Neumann, Avalon, SSL, and Universal Audio, and in-house backline from Orange, VOX, Fender, Ampeg, and a 1975 Ludwig drum kit. In other words, it’s got the goods.

“Building my own studio was something I first wanted to do when I was about 15 years old,” Jack said. “Having my own space that I, and hopefully others, love creating in every day is a very special experience. I have always liked studios to feel relaxed, intimate and calm. I feel like this is the best environment to foster creativity and become completely immersed in what you are doing. We built the studio to cater for bands to be able to record live, a process I find very important for many of the artists I work with, and ensured our main live room space has a lively, organic sound to best capture acoustic instruments.”

Sonora Studios also offers mixing and mastering services. You can learn more about Sonora Studios, including how to use its services, at the website.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beks Drops Pop Banger, “Dangerous”

Fresh from performances at SXSW, Beks has just released her new single “Dangerous” and it’s an absolute bop. If you love your pop music straight up, you’ll really appreciate this one. It’s incredibly catchy with killer vocals from this rising talent.

“’Dangerous’ highlights my tendencies to run away from relationships that have become too comfortable, too safe,” Beks explained. “I wanted to explore my urges to chase the next best thing, the thrill of the unknown, the mystery, the expansion of my sexuality. My soul craves adventure, I want fireworks, spontaneity, to break the mundane, but can I have all that with just one person?”

Beks has just returned from the United States, where she recorded music with Frank Infante from Blondie and Mark McEntee from Divinyls, so it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more exciting music from her soon.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Releases “Why Should I Let You Go?” During Massive Aussie Tour

Kingswood are one of those Aussie bands that do great things with very little fanfare. So you might have missed their fabulous new song “Why Should I Let You Go,” which features gorgeous vocal harmonies and a one of the most beautiful country melodies I’ve heard in some time. I love it just a little more with every listen.

“’Why Should I Let You Go?’ was recorded on an impromptu and inspired sojourn in Paris, France where we wanted to capture the progression of the song as it developed across Nashville dive bars and the mountains of Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland and the Czech Republic,” The band explained. “The original was written in solitude, lamenting over a Nashville skyline but very quickly developed a new life on the road with a refreshed and hopeful energetic lift, echoing the reinvigorated musical take that band naturally fell into as we experienced audiences all over the world. The resounding nature of the chorus, pushing the idea that love has a journey for us all seemed to resonate across all environments and languages.”

You also might have missed that Kingswood are in the midst of a record-breaking Aussie tour that will see them play more than 100 shows, with more to come. They’re taking their self-made bus Peggy on the road to make sure they can visit towns that most acts never get to. You won’t want to miss them when they pull in to your local area, so here are all the remaining dates:

5 June 2023 – Rocky Ridge Brewing, Undalup/Busselton
7 June 2023 – Sound City, Barngarla Country/Port Lincoln
8 June 2023 – Sound City, Barngarla Country/Port Lincoln
9 June 2023 – The Fat Controller, Tartanya/Adelaide
10 June 2023 – Western Hotel, Boandik Country/Mt Gambier
11 June 2023 – Hotel Victor, Ramindjeri and Ngarrindjeri Country/Victor Harbour
16 June 2023 – Big Easy Radio, Ngaltingga/Aldinga
17 June 2023 – The Setts, Latje Latje and Barkindji Country/Mildura
18 June 2023 – The Cordial Factory, Ngiyampaa Wangaaypuwan Country/Grenfell
21 June 2023 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
22 June 2023 – Royal Hotel, Ngambri and Ngunnawal Country/Queanbeyan
23 June 2023 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
25 June 2023 – Brass Monkey, Gweagal Country/Cronulla
29 June 2023 – Gnomom Room, Palawa Country/Ulverstone
30 June 2023 – Royal Oak, Palawa Country/Launceston
1 July 2023 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
2 July 2023 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
6 July 2023 – Lambys, Djilang/Geelong
7 July 2023 – Gods Bandroom, Bunurong Country/Mornington
8 July 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
8 September 2023 – Kenilworth Showgrounds, Hinka Booma/Kenilworth

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Lady Hampshire Brings Bands Back

With so many live music venues closing down, it’s refreshing to see one welcoming bands back. The Lady Hampshire in Eora/Camperdown will make its long-awaited return as a dedicated live music venue this month.

The venue has already booked some quality acts, including Pacific Avenue and Fangz for the opening weekend. Both days will also feature free nail art and a pop-up tattoo stall.

“Bringing The Lady Hampshire back to life with live music as the focus, is exactly what Sydney has been asking for,” said Elliott Harper, the entertainment and event manager at PUBLIC Hospitality Group. “When it comes to entertainment venues, we only want to foster growth and success across our city and think The Lady will be the destination for all types of musicians and patrons. The first month alone has some of the most exciting gigs Sydney has seen this year and we can’t wait to bring it to locals and gig-goers.”

Here are all the gigs announced. Head to Oztix to buy your tickets or reserve your spot for the free shows:

14 April 2023 – Fangz, Dedpan, and Wicked Envy (FREE)
15 April 2023 – Pacific Avenue, Juno, and Darcy Lane
21 April 2023 – Radicals and Dial Denial (FREE)
22 April 2023 – Bugs and Special Guests
28 April 2023 – Highline and Turpentine Babycino (FREE)
29 April 2023 – Starve, Outsider, Signvals, and Keepsake (FREE)
5 May 2023 – Abby Bella May and Special Guests (FREE)
6 May 2023 – Close Counters and Special Guests
12 May 2023 – Bootleg Rascal and Lyall Moloney
13 May 2023 – Bootleg Rascal and Lyall Moloney
19 May 2023 – These New South Whales and Special Guests
20 May 2023 – Good Lekker and Special Guests

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Congratulations to Royston Sagigi-Baira, Your New Australian Idol

Last night Australia crowned a new Australian Idol. In case you missed it (and given the ratings for the season, you probably did), Royston Sagigi-Baira took home the $100,000 cash prize and Sony Music contract over Phoebe Stewart. But of course, television isn’t just about ratings, or it shouldn’t be. While many media outlets will call the season a failure as it trailed behind reality juggernauts Married at First Sight and Survivor, I think Channel Seven has done a pretty good job revamping the original singing show.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, it showcased talent. Like, properly showcased talent. We saw these contestants sing at their auditions, the Sydney boot camp (several times), on live shows, and eliminations if they were in the bottom three. That’s a lot of exposure, and what I’ve always thought gave Idol contestants careers beyond the show. It’s not that the people who sing on The Voice are lacking, but consider just how often they sing in front of Australia. I really hope that exposure serves all these contestants well, because there were some real diamonds. I personally wish we could go back to the old days of eliminating just one contestant each show, but this is Idol for a different time, and the ratings probably don’t justify anything other than this shorter, snappier season. I think Seven got the balance right here.

Speaking of balance, I was pleasantly surprised by the judges. Yes, it was incredibly white-bread, but there was a good balance of intelligent critique and showmanship. Kylie Sandilands even played nice, for the most part. Even though there was reportedly some tension behind the scenes, they never let it overshadow the contestants or make the show feel awkward (anyone else remember that year of American Idol with Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj?). Professionals, every single one of them.

Only time will tell what happens with Royston, Phoebe, third-place getter Josh, and the rest of this year’s finalist, but I hope there’s been enough eyeballs on them for some doors to open. It’s a little unfair to compare ratings for the current incarnation to the original run, because it’s a vastly different television landscape. Those were the days before streaming, multi-channels, and the easy recording of PVRs. They were the days before sensational reality TV with its water-cooler moments. Some might say that means there’s no place for Idol any more, but I really hope we see it back on our screens next year. Congratulations to Royston and all this year’s Idol finalists. May they have every success. Here’s a throwback to Royston’s audition so you can see how his “Idol journey” began: