Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

South Summit On the Rise With “Givin’ It Up”

I’ve been following South Summit’s music journey for a couple of years now, and it’s been pretty exciting watching them go from strength to strength. As their new single “Givin’ It Up” shows, their music is maturing, without losing the easy, breezy surf vibes we all know and love. They’re also playing some pretty iconic venues on their upcoming tour. Hello Opera House! But more about that later.

The band says their latest single “tells the story of South Summit! Illuminating the everyday life for us, Sharing the best of times where we as a band, find ourselves at our happiest. We cherish blissful vibes and whanau, and really capture the feeling of sharing stories and having a jam in the backyard over a couple drinks and a bbq. This is elevated through reggae chops and singalong melodies where everyone can feel a part of what makes us, South Summit. The things we give up and the sacrifices we make to reap certain rewards, come in all different shapes and sizes. But at the end of the day, we can all relate to what we are sacrificing for.”

South Summit have built a reputation as one of the best touring acts in the country, and they can’t wait to get back in front of audiences.

“Playing the iconic Sydney Opera House is a huge milestone achievement for the band, we’re so stoked to be given the opportunity! We’ll also be heading back to our favorite spots Brisbane and Melbourne, while finishing off the run with an Indi Bar show in our hometown of Perth. We’ve got a lot of new music coming out soon, and we can’t wait for you all to hear them. These will be some of the biggest shows we’ve ever done around the country, and we can’t wait to see you all there.”

South Summit will play the following shows later this month:

23 May 2024 – Valley Loft, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 May 2024 – The Espy, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
25 May 2024 – Opera House (Vivid Festival), Eora/Sydney
31 May 2024 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AYLA Gives Album Sneak Peek With “I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side”

AYLA is one of those fabulous artists that always keeps you guessing. Her music is always quality, but you can never put her into a box. Her latest offering is “I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side,” a cool, brooding pop track that you’ll be humming long after the music stops.

She co-wrote this song with Ed Quinn of Telenova, who also produced it. “’I Liked You Better When You Were on My Side’ started as a topline on a production track, and with Ed’s help, we refined the structure and added new elements to take the song to the next level,” AYLA shared. “It was a collaborative effort that brought a real effortless groove to the production.”

“I Liked You Better When You Were On My Side” comes from AYLA’s long-awaited debut album DOPAMINE, which drops on July 12. AYLA will give fans a preview of her new material when she plays Solbar Playhouse in Maroochydore on July 7.

Photo credit: Is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Gould Aims to Break Stigma Around Sexual Assault With “Who Gave You Permission?”

Australian powerhouse Greg Gould is bravely sharing his experiences with sexual assault with his incredible new single “Who Gave You Permission?” A potent mix of pop and soul, the anthemic song calls out his abusers and reveals his own strength. He hopes the track might empower other survivors on their own journey through the trauma.

“To be honest I’m only just starting to feel comfortable to talk about this,” he shared. “The first time I performed the song live I burst into tears. I have been a victim of sexual abuse on four separate occasions in all very different circumstances from when I was 10 years old, right up until I was 30. Each time left me feeling so violated, so powerless, paralysed. Nobody has the right to touch you without permission. No means no. It was a very emotional, heart-wrenching, and confronting experience to write this song to be honest as I’d pushed a lot of those feelings and experiences down and hadn’t dealt with them – it took a while for me to be OK to admit it. There is a stigma around sexual abuse in general, and I do think it can be really difficult for men who are the victim – whether it be at the hands of another man or a woman. In my case, it was both on separate occasions. I want other men to feel comfortable to talk about this and speak up too.”

Greg has a string of shows happening over the next few months, including several where he’ll play this stirring single.

“Whether the subject matter is darker or lighter, guests at my shows can expect big vocals, big moments and a lot of fun,” he enthused. “I love to perform and I’m excited for the next 12 months! I’ve got big plans and even bigger dreams. I am so proud that ‘Who Gave You Permission?’ is out now and I’m moving forward both personally and professionally! I would love if even one survivor of abuse feels stronger as a result of hearing this song. I want people to know they are seen, they are heard and they are believed. We won’t be broken.

You can see Greg at the following events.

10 May 2024 – Greek Legends of the 20th Century @ Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
18 May 2024 – Keep the Faith – George Michael & Whitney Houston @ Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Naarm/Melbourne
1 June 2024 – Gippsland Pride Gala @ Lardner Park, Gunai Country/Gippsland
7 June 2024 – Synthony @ Carriageworks, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
8 June 2024 – Synthony @ Carriageworks, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Cain Cooper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruu. and Chelle Tamika Team Up for “WORTH”

“WORTH”, an exciting new collaboration from African-Australian hip hop artist Ruu. and R&B act Chelle Tamika, is this year’s first release from Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious program. This professional development program first came to my attention when P.Smid released “WESSIDE” in 2022. It’s fabulous to hear it’s still supporting and elevating local artists.

“This song is about my experience growing up Black in South-West Sydney, being (and feeling like) the only Black person in my area and experiences on Black culture and how it has been perceived and taken advantage of as I continue to live life,” Ruu. explained. “I hope the song allows the African-Australian community to embrace their culture stronger, and brings more internal discussion and support for each other, as it is needed as the music scene in Australia continues to grow.”

If you like what he does, make sure you catch Ruu. at one of his gigs this month:

3 May 2024 – 4INTHECUT Release Party @ Burdekin Hotel, Gadigal Country/Darlinghurst
25 May 2024 – PULSE @ Botany View Hotel, Gadigal Country/Newtown

Photo credit: Jay Patel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RedHook Release New Rock Anthem, “Breaking Up With”

Who said saxophones and hard rock don’t mix? Never one to play by the rules, RedHook are pushing the boundaries yet again with their latest single “Breaking Up With.”

“This song is pretty much the antithesis of our most popular single ‘Bad Decisions’. Rather than revelling in being a total piece of shit, this one is about breaking that cycle of self-hate, forgiving your past mistakes, and just deciding to be bloody kinder to yourself,” explained the band’s frontwoman Emmy Mack. “Lyrically, it takes the piss out of break-up cliches to signify ending that toxic relationship (with, you know, yourself) and starting fresh. I hope everyone who vibed with ‘Bad Decisions’ will also be shaking their hips in the moshpit to this one.”

Emmy also conceptualised the music video, which features a cavalcade of superstars from Pro Wrestling Australia.

“Last year, I was lucky enough to live out my WWE Attitude Era dreams at Sydney’s PWA Colosseum event, so I figured – why not throw the party inside a wrestling ring and get a bunch of my PWA superstar mates involved?” she said. “The shoot was bloody insane. I got to bust a hurricanrana on myself in the perfect visual metaphor for laying the smackdown on all of my toxic traits once and for all – RedHook 3:16 says I just whooped my own ass!”

“Breaking Up With” gives us a taste of a larger release set to be announced in the coming months. Watch this space!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Marsten Releases QMA-Nominated Single, “Getting Better”

Sometimes it takes a single release to put a song back on your radar. I reviewed Hayley Marsten’s fabulous sophomore album Girlhood last June. One of the songs that struck me most was the album’s opening track “Getting Better”. Hayley’s just released it as a single and I’m relishing rediscovering it. It was recently nominated for a Queensland Music Award in the country category, and while Hayley ultimately lost the title to Tori Forsyth she was thrilled by the acknowledgement.

“Getting Better’ is a song I wrote the night before we started recording Girlhood,” Hayley recalled. “I wrote it for me as a satirical version of how I think about my mental health. I thought it was a huge underdog when I submitted it so getting a QMA nomination is a really lovely pat on the back from the industry!”

“We shot the music video in Brisbane at the end of last year with my long-time collaborator Jazmyn Prodcues. I really wanted what I perceive to be the two parts of me in the song represented in the video. So we have me in my ‘therapy’ session kind of poking fun of the awkwardness that sometimes permeates that experience. We also re-created the album cover just for me to rip it all down in reference to the bridge line ‘and I hate every one of my songs’. Then the shots of me in Ezymart without a care in the world and the shots with my guitar and me surrounded the disco balls and glitter is representative of the feeling of perfection that I feel I’m constantly trying for that doesn’t really exist. The shots in the convenience store were filmed in a real and open EzyMart in Southbank with other customers milling around, so I had to park my embarrassment at the door for that one!”

Hayley will play the following shows to celebrate the release of “Getting Better.”

28 April 2024 – Cruisin’ Caboolture @ James Street Precinct, Kabi Kabi Country/ Caboolture (FREE)
3 May 2024 – Hunting Ground Studios @ 5/32 Baldock St, Jagera Country/Marooka
17 May 2024 – Town and Country Weekend 2024 @ Regatta Hotel, Turrbal Country/Toowong (FREE)
18 May 2024 – City Sounds @ Wintergarden Stage, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
15 June 2024 – In Store Birthday Party @ Sonic Slopes, Meeanjin/Stone’s Corner (FREE)

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reckless Coast Pay Tribute to Sharehouse Living With “Burn Street”

I’m feeling pretty nostalgic listening to Reckless Coast’s new single “Burn Street.” It’s indie-rock with a dash of pop, the sort of track that used to be all over radio in the 90s. I’m more than ready for this sound to return!

“‘Burn Street’ is the location of my first share house,” shared Reckless Coast’s lead vocalist Jaeden Ogston. “It was like a little family… picture the most ideal and perfect home/living situation and that’s what it was like. However, after only eight months, the lease came up for renewal and we all parted our separate ways. The share houses that followed never came close to being like Burn Street, and I realised that it would be the closest thing to a home I had.”

“Burn Street” comes from Reckless Coast’s debut EP, which is slated for a May 3 release. The band will waste no time bringing their music to the people; their Naked & Famous tour kicks off the following day.

4 May 2024 – The Catfish, Naarm/Melbourne
10 May 2024 – Elsewhere, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 May 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 May 2024 – MoshPit, Eora/Sydney (supporting Starcrazy)
25 May 2024 – Stag and Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jade Gibson Drops Feelgood New Single “Down the Road”

Victorian country starlet Jade Gibson has just dropped a fantastic and fun new single “Down the Road.” The upbeat track reminds listeners that finding your person might take time, but it could happen when you least expect it.

This song saw Jade reuniting with her long-time collaborator Tyler Bank and Naarm/Melbourne powerhouse producers MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis).

Jade is a fixture on the local country music scene and has played some of its biggest festivals, including Tamworth, Deni Ute Muster, and Gippsland CMF. You can see why she’s being touted as the next big thing at the following shows:

4 May 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
8 June 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
6 July 2024 – SS&A Albury, Bungambrawatha/Albury
13 July 2024 – The Terminus, Mulwala/Yarrawonga
20 July 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
27 July 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
21 September 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 September 2024 – The Terminus, Mulwala/Yarrawonga
2 November 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
9 November 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wolf & Chain Drop Fantastic New Single, “Not Giving Up”

Tarntanya/Adelaide emo outfit Wolf & Chain recently released an absolute anthem, “Not Giving Up.” This belter of an alt-rock track had me from its opening drum beats. If the members of My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco, and 30 Seconds from Mars ever formed a supergroup, their music might sound a little something like this.

“It can often feel like you have two sides, where you have moments of being really down and hopeless, feeling like an entirely different person, not happy with who you are. But, at the same time, you come out of it and you are not that person and you have these moments of clarity that urge you to push through and survive,” the band explained of the song’s inspiration.

I hear there’s plenty of new music on the way from Wolf & Chain this year, so make sure you listen out for it.

Photo credit: Michael Carver

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stems Announce 40th Anniversary Tour

When I think about my favourite songs from the ‘80s, “At First Sight” by The Stems is always near the top of my list. It’s criminally underrated and still sounds fresh as a daisy while so many other tunes from the decade have dated. Unlike so many bands from the era, they’ve resisted the urge to tour the scene relentlessly, which makes their recent announcement of a 40th anniversary run pretty special.

Original members Dom Mariani, Julian Matthews, and Dave Shaw haven’t toured Australia since 2019. This time around, they’ll be joined by Ashley Naylor, of Even and The Church fame. Together they’ll celebrate four decades since they made their debut in 1984 supporting The Saints and The Triffids.

This isn’t simply a nostalgia tour either. While there’ll certainly be an element of that, the band are preparing to release a brand-new single and a live LP. Stay tuned fans, and make sure you get your tickets to the following gigs:

24 August 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
25 August 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
31 August 2024 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
6 September 2024 – Freo. Social, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity