Tommy Harris has just dropped his poptastic new single “Say Goodbye,” and I can’t stop listening. Tommy’s voice has an honesty and warmth about it that’s so compelling. I also love the way he’s built on a simple acoustic guitar melody with fresh beats that drive the track along.
“‘Say Goodbye’ was actually one of those songs that just wrote itself in like a day cos the emotions and what I was feeling was hitting so hard. It’s about finding the right person at the wrong time and being forced to end things with someone really special even if neither of you want to,” Tommy explained. “The circumstances weren’t on our side and ending a connection like that when you’re only getting started is one of the hardest things to do. It’s all about having to say goodbye even though it’s the last thing you want.”
Tommy grew up near the ocean in Kulin Country/Sandringham but he recently packed up his childhood and headed for the big smoke in Eora/Sydney to focus on his music. Hopefully that means we’ll be hearing a lot more him soon.
Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Jacob Fitzgerald serves up a slice of classic rock with his bold new single “Muse”. This is an irresistible track with a killer bass line and plenty of swagger.
“Essentially, there are times where I’m writing about love/lust, but I’m not actively in love or possessing a similar feeling. In those situations, I found I naturally gravitate to basing the subject around this one particular person,” Jacob explained. “To be honest, I don’t even really know her, but she somehow is tattooed into my subconscious and is someone I can draw inspiration from EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. I dunno, she just has the ‘thing’.”
A track this energetic is going to only get better in the live arena, so Jacob and his band are heading on tour. Catch them supporting Selfish Sons at the following shows:
6 August 2022 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2022 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 August 2022 – Hotel Carrington, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 August 2022 – The Bearded Dragon, Yugambeh/Tambourine
19 August 2022 – Burleigh Bazaar, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
20 August 2022 – The Great Club, Eora/Sydney
Image used with permission from Good Intent
Woolyungah/Wollongong sister act SULT have just dropped their banger of a new single “ICK”. If you’ve recently experienced some ick in your life, you’ll want to blast this one.
“As a whole the song is inspired by the now popular term ‘the ick’ – where attraction to a current or potential partner is suddenly flipped to a feeling of disgust,” explained Cori York. “[Twin sister] Paige and I have both had multiple experiences of ‘the ick’.”
Experiencing the ick is no fun, but listening to this song about it really is. If you like what you hear, catch SULT at one of their upcoming gigs:
20 August 2022 – The Chippo Hotel, Eora/Chippendale (supporting Kingdom Calm)
27 August 2022 – Factory Theatre, Bulanaming/Marrickville (supporting Caravana Sun)
9 September 2022 – Beaches, Thirroul
1 October 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Newtown
3 December 2022 – Sunsets Festival, Kai’ymay Country/Manly
He’s supported acts like C.W. Stoneking and Mia Dyson, but I can’t imagine it’ll be too long before Jordan Merrick is celebrated as a headliner. AAA Backstage has already called him Brisbane’s Bob Dylan, and after listening to his new single “Fault” I can certainly see where those comparisons come from. This is smart songwriting with a political message. But Jordan has his own unique perspective. And dare I say it, his voice is much better than old Bob’s! Jordan wrote this song in a recent time of turmoil.
“Brisbane had flooded. Putin invaded Ukraine. Lockdowns were happening around the world. Batman was cancelled,” he explained. “The world was changing for the worse, and like many I was sitting, watching on not sure what to do, yet determined to do something. ‘Fault’ is sitting on the back porch in the pouring rain left with pensive thoughts, yet optimistic in its sense of self and belonging.”
With a home studio on hand, Jordan quickly set about turning “Fault” into the song you hear today.
“The song initially started out as a demo the day I’d written it and quickly turned into a much more detailed song that I initially set out to create.”
He enlisted the talents of Toby Alexander for synth and strings and Maisy Taylor for backing vocals.
“Once the acoustic and vocals were in place, we set out to fill that black and white world with the colours of Toby’s strings and the honesty of Maisy’s voice. It really took on a life of its own!”
After the pandemic slowed his touring schedule, Jordan is itching to get out there and play for his fans. He’ll hit The Factory Theatre in Sydney on August 6 and Junk Bar in Brisbane on August 27.
Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity
Jagged Little Pill may be the greatest musical most people won’t see. The pandemic cut its original Broadway run heartbreakingly short. While it returned to New York’s Broadhurst Theatre, it closed soon after as America’s COVID-19 numbers picked up again. Here in Australia, the return season in Eora/Sydney is also being cut short as increasing case numbers become a concern. I feel pretty lucky I snuck in before the company pulls the plug. I bought tickets for the original run but transferred them when my husband ended up in hospital. Had I chosen a later date, it might not have happened.
It’s heartbreaking that we don’t all get more time with this musical, because it is so special. Featuring the songs of Alanis Morisette, you might be forgiven for thinking it’s just another jukebox musical. However, this piece is so much more. The songs are used so cleverly as a launchpad for a series of stories that are so relevant for the modern age. Through the Healy family and those close to them, the musical explores prescription drug addiction, sexual violence, sexuality, societal pressure, trauma, and healing. It’s heavy material and difficult to watch at times, but Diablo Cody’s witty book and the joyous energy of the cast balance it beautifully.
Speaking of the cast, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen such a solid group of performers. I admit, I was pretty skeptical when I heard Natalie Bassingthwaite had landed the plum role of MJ Healy. I’d seen her in theatrical productions before, but her roles in Rent and Footloose were nowhere as meaty as this one or as challenging vocally. But I can freely admit I was wrong. She was an absolute revelation. I didn’t know she had this performance in her. MJ is such a complex character, but she really rose to the occasion. I was also particularly impressed with the young actors. Emily Nkomo brought such a light and passion to Frankie. Bella is relatively small but pivotal, and Grace Miell was sensational in the role. A character like Nick could easily become wooden, but I thought Liam Head was excellent. People have raved about Maggie McKenna’s performance as Jo, but on the Saturday matinee Mo Lovegrove stepped into the role. Honestly, I think we lucked out. What an incredible talent they are. “You Oughta Know” and “Your House” are some of Alanis’ most challenging songs to nail in my opinion. Few can convey their messy emotions the way that Alanis can, but I was captivated by Mo’s take on these songs, not to mention their more subtle moments. The ensemble were also such incredible dancers and singers. There were no weak links. Just incredible.
Honestly, I haven’t stopped thinking about Jagged Little Pill since I left the theatre on Saturday. It’s truly special. You’ve got two weeks before it closes. The producers say they’re committed to bringing this story back to Australian stages in the future, but in these uncertain times, there’s no telling when that will be if it happens at all. So see it while you can. There are limited tickets for performances at the Theatre Royal to August 14.
I’ve spent the afternoon grooving out to the musical stylings of Squid the Kid, a genre-bending rapper and songwriter from Naarm/Melbourne. He might be from Gen Z, but the way he blends R&B, soul, and jazz into his new track “Cater” reminds me of the rappers I used to love in the 90s. Although music fans younger than me might liken him to innovative new artists like Tyler, the Creator and Anderson .Paak. Whatever perspective you’re coming from, I know you’re going to appreciate this single.
“The origins of this song were from a misunderstanding that I had with my girlfriend at the time. My mind wasn’t clear, there was something bugging it,” he explained. “At that moment I realised what I wanted this song to signify. I really took reference from Destiny’s Child ‘Cater 2 U’, the main message of their song was how they just want to look after and care for their loved one.”
He might not be a household name in Australia yet, but he’s destined for a global career. Last September he made the final of the Vans Musicians Wanted competition, which saw his work critiqued by Denzel Curry and Sean Miyashiro. No doubt it’s only the start of the international attention his music will receive. You can get in on the ground floor when Squid the Kid launches “Cater” with a hometown show at Laundry Bar on August 4.
After capturing the country’s attention in this year’s season of The Voice, Thndo is ready to reintroduce yourself. As Thando, she wowed the country with her soulful vocals and radiant spirits. But there’s only so much of yourself that you can show when you’re singing other people’s songs. Now with a new moniker, Thndo is ready to let you all know what she’s all about.
If you want to get to know Thndo, I suggest listening to her recently released EP, Life in Colour. It’s a thoughtful, genre-bending collection of songs that share Thndo’s experiences growing up black in Australia. She doesn’t shy away from highlighting her struggles with displacement and discrimination through tracks like “Gag Order” and “Good Ones”. But there’s a joy too as she celebrates her identity in songs like “Rewrite It” and “Numb”. She effortlessly combines the soul we love with elements of hip hop and afrobeat. It’s really great stuff.
Thndo is bringing her music to the East Coast on The Reintroduction Tour. See her at the following venues:
6 October 2022 – Chapel off Chapel, Naarm/Melbourne
27 October 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
29 October 2022 – Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta
17 November 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2022 – Imperial Hotel Eumundi, Eumundi
19 November 2022 – Wynnum Fringe Festival, Wynnum
Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Leila Maulen
After recently taking out the Innovation Award at QUBE Effect 2022, Meeanjin/Brisbane queer pop artist Laius is ready to show the rest of us what he can do. I’ve been totally won over by his new single “archaic dreams,” which drops today. It’s an epic blend of synthwave and electropop sounds with heartfelt lyrics about the struggles of pursuing music that really resonate. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself hitting that play button more than once!
“archaic dreams” is the lead single from Laius’ debut EP, which should drop later this year. After hearing this song, I’m hooked and can’t wait to hear what comes next.
Bo’Ness were one of my favourite acts on the 2020 season of The Voice. There was something just so likeable about these enthusiastic young identical twins. They were also super talented; not just for teenagers but proper talented. So I’m thrilled to see they’re still making music and touring around the country. Their latest track is “Still Young,” a country-rock anthem about embracing life.
“’Still Young’ is about purely living in the moment and not letting neither your past or future bother you,” they explain. “Just living it up, savouring friends and family and doing everything while you can.”
Bo’Ness have been pretty busy this year, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.
“This whole year has been a life-changing experience; we have travelled on a tour bus for the last six months on the road and played over 20 shows to over 120,000 people in total.”
And there are more shows to come. They’re supporting some top artists, playing festivals, and headlining their own gigs. Catch Bo’Ness at one of the following venues this year:
It’s far too early in the day for music as sexy, and smooth as Madoc Plane’s new track “Right Reason,” but I just can’t wait to share it. The soaring vocals and cool groove take hold and just don’t let go. It’s a little jazzy, a little funky, and a whole lot of fabulous.
“‘Right Reason’ is a song that shows my artistry having a more refined direction and style. Lyrically, the song discusses the idea of falling into bad habits after a setback and questioning your own decisions in this time of despair. The chorus represents a cry for help and a desire to find a way out of an emotional slump,” Madoc Plane explained. “Stylistically, ‘Right Reason’ displays a more alt-pop/soul sound, shown through the driving drum beat and dense harmonic and ambient layering, creating a colorful atmosphere for the powerful vocals to beam through. The chorus displays a catchy yet compelling vocal hook which demonstrates the desperation and emotion in the lyrics. The dynamic shape begins its climax in the guitar solo, where the harmonized guitar precedes a powerful vocal performance to close out the song.”
Madoc Plane will launch “Right Reason” at Four5Nine Bar in Boorloo/Perth this Friday, July 29. With Nectar and Luci in the supporting slots, you’re going to want to make a night of it!
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Caelan Plane
