Kaitlyn Thomas Releases Unapologetic New Single, “Pretty Little Thing”

I must say, I don’t quite remember Kaitlyn Thomas from this year’s Australian Idol Top 30. I think that’s a failing of the show’s rapid pace than on Kaitlyn though. I certainly won’t forget her after hearing her powerful new single “Pretty Little Thing.” This is country rock at its finest, a gutsy effort that takes its cues from Gretchen Wilson and Shania Twain.

“’Pretty Little Thing’ came about after being told I don’t fit the mould and what is typically expected as a female artist,” Kaitlyn revealed. “I wanted to write about embracing who I am and female empowerment.”

Kaitlyn cowrote the song with acclaimed duo MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis) who’ve previously penned hits for The Veronicas, Casey Barnes, and Aloe Blacc.

“Writing this song with Paynter and Delo was like a Nashville experience,” she said. “The song was written in a day, vocals laid the next and final production completed on the third day. Working with MSquared allowed me to dig deeper into who I am as an artist and really find my distinct sound that no one else is doing.”

The accompanying music video, shot by Benny Griggs at the Race Track Betting Shed, captures the fire Kaitlyn brings to the stage.

“I didn’t want to go down the storytelling road, I wanted to capture what it would look like live,” she said. “The live audience we had, had never heard the song until the day of filming.”

You can experience her live show for yourself at the following events:
3–5 November 2024 – Molesworth Music Festival, Taungurong Country/Molesworth
17–19 November 2024 – Camp for Cancer, Kulin Country/Darraweit Guim

Image source: Kaitlyn Thomas official website

The Southern River Band Rocks Out With “Streets Don’t Lie”

The rumours of the death of Aussie rock have been greatly exaggerated. The Southern River Band show the genre is still alive and kicking with their ball-tearing new single “Streets Don’t Lie.” With confident-bordering-on-cocky vocals, big old guitar riffs, and a chorus that makes you want to punch your fist in the air, this one ticks all the boxes.

“Do you ever wonder what happened to the people you went to school with that were, ah… ‘disciplinarily challenged’? Well this song takes a deeper look at how it may or may not have panned out for them, with the names removed to protect the guilty. Why? Cos The Streets Don’t Lie,” the band said of the song’s inspiration.

You just know these guys are going to sound even better in a crowded pub with a sticky floor, so make sure you don’t miss their upcoming national tour. It all kicks off next week and takes in the following dates:

7 May 2023 – High Voltage, Walyalup/Fremantle
19 May 2023 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Noongar Country/Scarborough
20 May 2023 – Albies, Undalup/Busselton
27 May 2023 – Gosnells Hotel, Beeloo Country/Gosnells
8 June 2023 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
9 June 2023 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
10 June 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Emanuel Rudnicki

Younger Than Me Drops Exquisite New Single “Right Way”

I love artists that keep me guessing. I’m never sure what I will get when Eora/Sydney duo Younger Than Me releases new music, but it’s always exciting. Their latest single “Right Way” is a sublime track that showcases their otherworldly vocal harmonies and gift for layering unique sounds and loops.

“I think it’s the first track that we wrote as one, rather than each bringing different parts to the table,” they mused. “We began to let go of preconceived ideas of our songwriting and to record more intuitively together. We ended up with something we would never have expected to come out of us!”

If you want to hear something truly different today, look no further. Then treat yourself to an exploration of Younger Than Me’s back catalogue. Full of twists and turns, it’s some of the most surprising and beautiful music coming out of New South Wales at the moment.

Image credit: Marcus Coblyn

Connor Black-Henry Releases Beautiful New Song, “Stupid Monkey”

Naarm-Melbourne singer-songwriter Connor Black-Harry has me swooning with his folky new single “Stupid Monkey.” It’s an intimate song crafted in his bedroom studio accompanied by a beautiful film clip, directed by Michael Ridley, shot in Connor’s hometown and during his recent road trip to Yuin Country/Tomakin, New South Wales.

“Everyone knows how it feels to have an insistent weight on their shoulders or a monkey on their back. ‘Stupid Monkey’ explores the rude realisation that the process of healing and growth is a messy, frustrating, and yet finally, ultimately cathartic,” Connor explained.

“Stupid Monkey” is Connor’s first release since 2020, so hopefully he won’t leave us waiting so long for the follow-up!

Image used with permission from Brain Drain PR; credit: Michael Ridley

Kita Alexander Drops Pop Bop, “Queen”

Kita Alexander is embracing her inner pop diva with her fun new single “Queen.” This is the girl power anthem you need heading into your weekend! It’s a bit of a sonic left turn from Kita, but I think it suits her!

“’Queen’ was born out of a need to write an upbeat dance song. My dilemma with that was that I don’t think I can dance. I’m self-conscious about the length of my limbs and find it very hard to loosen up on the dance floor or in front of anyone for a matter of fact,” she admitted. “During the four months during Covid that my husband was away for the Olympics, I found myself alone in the kitchen more often than not. I discovered that I actually love to dance and really go for it when no one’s watching me. Even if one of my kids sneak out of bed and tries to watch me I get more conscious of the way my body is moving. I find this incredibly ironic because I perform for a living. This song is all about feeling like a superstar when you’re all alone.”

To celebrate the release of “Queen,” Kita will head out on her very first headlining tour next month. Expect to hear all your favourites from her three EPs and perhaps some more new songs from her forthcoming debut album. Meeanjin/Brisbane has already sold out and other dates won’t be too far behind, so make sure you grab these tickets while you can!

18 May 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
19 May 2023 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
20 May 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Rob Tennent

“Say The Word” – DETOUR

Western Australian act DETOUR channel all the angst and energy of youth into their debut EP Say the Word. It’s an impressive first release from a band still in their teens.

You might expect performers so young to sound a little green, but DETOUR have been together since they were just 11. Through those years together they’ve created a sound that’s confident and strong, if not totally polished. Let’s face it though, punk should be a little rough around the edges.

I might be decades older than the members of this band, but I found their songs so relatable. If you’ve ever felt like the black sheep, you’re going to love “Hard 2 Please”. “Red Flag” is bound to resonate with anyone who’s made the wrong decisions in the name of love. The closing punk-rock anthem “Say the Word” brings back all the awkwardness and uncertainty of first crushes.

When I was growing up, so many of the performers who wrote the angsty songs I connected with were twice my age. How exciting to have a band like DETOUR exploring the frustrations of the teen experience as they’re living it. Their music is so authentic, and so powerful, whether they’re rocking hard or taking a moment for quiet contemplation. I love it as an adult, but you can bet I’ll be sharing it with my teenage niece.

Say the Word is out now.

Image used with permission from beehive; main image credit: Mitch Love

A Swift Farewell Drop Tasty New Single, “Salt”

Eora/Sydney pop-punk trio A Swift Farewell are back with their killer new single “Salt.” If you’re running low on energy today, this anthemic track, co-written by Yours Truly’s former guitar Lachlan Cronin, will give you the kickstart you need. Hit that volume, because this one sounds best loud.

“’Salt’ is the first track we worked with someone externally, and we were so excited when Lachlan Cronin wanted to work with us,” explained A Swift Farewell’s vocalist Ryo Sprott. “I’ve held on to these lyrics for a while now, and it was a time where I was constantly told I was weird, and no one liked me. But I realise why should I change to someone’s needs?”

Fresh from performances at Perish Fest and supporting acts like Yours Truly, Rumours, and Clay J Gladstone, A Swift Farewell will play AM/PM’s 6th Birthday show at the Burdekin Hotel in Eora/Sydney tomorrow night, April 29.

Image credit: Jasmine Tan

YARA Gets Honest With Soulful Single “Bad Behaviour”

We’re always encouraged to take the high road, but as YARA reminds us, it can be cathartic to get a little bitter! Her new single “Bad Behaviour” sees her embracing the devil on her shoulder and really speaking her mind about someone who did her wrong.

“When I wrote this, I enjoyed the freedom of thinking negatively about this person without limiting myself to being the bigger person (which I usually try to be),” she admitted.

This is a very different side of YARA than we heard in her dreamy single “Back of the Uber,” but I like it! Her vocals on this are just as sublimely soulful too. Couldn’t you just listen to her all day?

You’ll get a chance to hear more when YARA releases her debut EP, Lonely Love Affair, on May 3.

Image used with permission from Stagedive; credit: @clairegiuffre

DL Releases Feelgood Single “Freedom” With SB90 and Jackie’s Boy

Naarm/Melbourne rapper DL has teamed up with local talent SB90, L.A. singer-songwriter Jackie’s Boy (Madonna, Chris Brown, Flo Rida), and Grammy award-winning producer Corbett (Big Sean, Anderson Paak, Nas) for his latest single “Freedom.” Inspired by COVID-19 lockdowns, this vibey track is an empowering celebration of living your best life. The R&B influence reminds me of the jams I used to listen to in the mid- to late-90s, in the best possible way.

After winning Los Angeles Film Awards and Europe Music Awards for the music video for his previous single “Lost an Angel,” DL might just break internationally. Releasing world-class singles like this should help propel him into the global spotlight.

Fall In Love With Franjapan

I love falling down a musical rabbit hole. I intend on listening to a band’s current single, but end up devouring their entire back catalogue. The latest band to fire me up that way is Franjapan. Trust me, if your Hump Day is anything like mine, they’ll give you the pick-me-up you need to make it through. Sitting somewhere between The Strokes and Sam Fender, they make some of the catchiest rock music I’ve heard in some time. Take a listen to their new single “Lucy,” but don’t be surprised if like me you find yourself tuning in to the rest of their songs.

“The song was written about a night I had at a party,” explained the Naarm/Melbourne band’s guitarist and vocalist, Rhys Fraser-White. “It’s simply an observation of the activities or values that are ever-present in the youthful nightlife. I believe the essence of the song is an attempt to capture the lustful innocence of our youth before its impending end. A snapshot of a moment in time.”

“The guitar riff and chord progression came first. They’re heavily inspired by Sam Fender’s guitar playing (very tasty). We love Sam and his band. The verse lyrics followed shortly after. Once I had the riff and verse lyrics down, I showed Spencer [Ward, guitar/vocals] the song and we constructed a chorus and bridge in a matter of minutes. We brought the finished song to Dennis [Sehovic, guitar], Oli [Collins, drums], and Oscar [Macalpine, bass] who each added their own unique touches. The finished product is ‘Lucy’.”

Franjapan are currently touring the East Coast, headlining shows for the very first time. You can still catch them at the following gigs:
28 April 2023 – The Barrie, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
30 April 2023 – The North Gong Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (FREE)

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jontee Langton