Category: News

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast outfit Selve are doing things differently with their latest single “Loki Horror Picture Show.” It’s a campy blend of post-punk, new wave, and indie-pop which namechecks the band’s fabulous frontman, proud Jabirr Jabirr man Loki Liddle. The film clip’s brilliant, but give it a miss if you’re triggered by gun violence.

The band explained that this song examines “the cult of celebrity, the society of the spectacle, and the strange fetishisation of our wildest dreams that we all criticise while still marching on towards them.” It’s also a stone-cold banger.

Selve say “Loki Horror Picture Show” is “the most fun song” on their upcoming album Breaking Into Heaven, which drops on September 12. Before its release, Selve will build anticipation with a show at HOTA with the Australian Session Orchestra, proudly presented by BLEACH* and Experience Gold Coast. There’ll be lasers, immersive visuals featuring First Nations dance company Karul Projects, and stacks more. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind hometown show are on sale now.

Photo credit: James Caswell

It’s midweek, and I wouldn’t blame you if you’re feeling a little frustrated by some stuff that’s already happened, and the thought that Saturday is still so far away that you’ll probably face a few more challenges before this week’s through. All of that calls for some angsty music. Naarm/Melbourne-based queer artist POLLY delivers it with her latest single “B.I.T.E Me.” POLLY wrote this song to process her heartache after a breakup, but its angsty vocals and lyrics are ideal for sorting through any kind of issues.

“This song really helped the angry, fuck you part of me heal,” she said. “I hope people bop along to this song and also heal some trauma along the way.”

“B.I.T.E Me” comes from POLLY’s EP Daddy Issues, which drops on July 18.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Canadian-born, Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Laura Lucas has gotten under my skin with her beautiful new single “The Atlantic.” It’s a gentle folky slow burner that wraps its way around you and doesn’t let go. Give yourself a moment to really listen and let it work its magic.

Merpire has dropped a delicious taste of her new album with the release of her new single “Bigger.” It feels like a natural evolution for this artist who won me over with her music pre-pandemic. The vulnerable lyrics I’ve always loved are there, but the music’s a little darker, grungier, and yes, “bigger.”

Merpire says “Bigger” is “The most exciting song on the record for me.” The track features an assortment of talented musicians, but Merpire singled out the contribution of James Dring, who played electric guitars, bass, drums, beats, and percussion.

“I was mesmerised watching [Dring] find and manipulate sounds to add to the song,” she said. “One of those moments where I felt I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I gave him complete freedom to do whatever he wanted production-wise with the 3 stems I gave him – my vocal, the guitar chords and the main guitar riff, then we went to his studio to finish off the vocals. I was in love with the first thing he sent back. He nailed the dark, sexy, sinister mood. I couldn’t be happier with the result.”

“Bigger” comes from Merpire’s forthcoming album Milk Pool, which drops on July 4. Click here to pre-order a black vinyl version.

Photo credit: Rick Clifford

Do you ever hear songs that make you want to know more about their artist? “Keep My Fire Lit” from Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast artist Billy Howler is one of those songs for me. It’s the only song Billy has on Spotify, but surely it can’t be a debut single. His voice has too much story and soul in it for that. The press release gives me no clues. All I know is that this is really good.

Billy said “It is a blending of all the healing elements of music that have aided me on my journey: primal drums, soulful guitar, and storytelling. It encompasses everything musically that has supported me in my journey, bridging the gap between contemporary music and primal rhythm.”

I’m so intrigued. I want to know more. If you do too, keep an eye on his socials.

Image used with permission from Col Finley

I love discovering fabulous new music right in my own backyard. The latest Darkinjung Country/Central Coast act to make my ears prick up are The Ritzy Kids, who’ve knocked it out of the park with their latest single “Lately.” If you’re into ultra-catchy pop-punk tunes as much as me, this will be right up your alley. The track gives us a taste of The Ritzy Kids’ debut album High Side of Town, which drops on April 18.

“Our debut album really is a mixed bag,” singer Sean Frazer said. “There are songs about mates who’ve passed away, mental struggles, relationships, moving away, and getting older. I guess it’s a snapshot of the things we all face growing up—and a reflection of overcoming it all. This is our best music to date. It’s a true reflection of us as a band right now—it feels like the start of something really special.”

The Ritzy Kids recorded High Side of Town at Ignite Studios in Eora/Sydney and their own recording space on Darkinjung Country/Central Coast. They produced it themselves but enlisted the talents of Luca Incerti, of Italian pop-punk band WEL, for mixing and mastering duties.

High Side of Town will be all over the streaming services, but if you’re old school you can pre-order a vinyl copy here.

Image used with permission from The Ritzy Kids