Pacific Avenue really impressed me with their single “Easy Love” last year. In fact, it was my most-streamed track on Spotify. But I think the Gerringong band might have topped it with “Give It Up For Yourself”. It’s a bright, shimmery indie-rock banger that somehow fuses psychedelic and Brit-pop vibes.
“’Give It Up For Yourself’ is a song that acknowledges and celebrates your life, everything that you are, and everything that you have overcome,” the band explained. “When I was writing the lyrics, I wanted to keep in mind the importance of taking a step back and appreciating how far you have come, no matter how far along you are in achieving your dreams. This song is about giving yourself some credit because if the younger version of yourself could see you today, I’m sure you would be proud.”
A song this good is only going to sound better live, so Pacific Avenue are taking it to capitals all around the country in the middle of the year. Catch them near you, supported by last year’s Unearthed High Competition winners, The Rions.
17 June 2022 – Mojo’s, Perth
18 June 2022 – Jive Bar, Adelaide
24 June 2022 – The Brightside, Brisbane
25 June 2022 – Howler, Melbourne
2 July 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Charlie Hardy
With Silk Sonic scooping the Grammys, its clear music lovers have a taste for classic funk and soul. If tasty horns, a tight rhythm section, and soulful vocals are your idea of heaven, you’re going to love what Gold Coast outfit Heavy Wax serve up. One listen to “Can’t Shake the Thought of You” and you’ll be hooked too.
“It’s about the rush of feeling a connection with a new person for the first time and the excitement of what’s to come,” explained lead vocalist Quin Samin. “Where did it come from? Well, we’ve all felt it, so hopefully it resonates with the listener.”
“Can’t Shake the Thought of You” comes from Heavy Wax’s self-titled debut album, which drops on May 6. These guys are fast developing a reputation as one of Queensland’s hottest live acts. You can see what all the fuss is about at one of their upcoming shows:
7 May 2022 – Roots Festival @ Home of the Arts, Gold Coast
11 June 2022 – Melting Sunsets @ Kingston Butter Factory Cultural Precinct, Kingston
As cooler weather sets in, there’s no better time to listen to “Snowflake,” the latest track from indie-folk act Euan Hart. The melody is simple but the poetic lyrics take this song to the next level. Make sure you tap into them as you listen to this one.
“‘Snowflake’ is about wanting someone you can’t have, or more specifically haven’t had in a long while,” Euan explained. “Then when you think it might work out, they make you too damn nervous to be fully yourself, like you were before you met them. It’s quite funny because I wrote this a couple weeks before I met someone I was really attracted to, and didn’t quite understand my own lyrics, until the situation came to fruition. Be careful what you wish for!”
The song comes with a gorgeous video that Euan directed and produced alongside Jack Moran and Eddie Yabsley.
“Myself, Jack Moran and Eddie Yabsley went away to a lovely town called Sofala for three days to film this beauty,” Euan added. “We were massively inspired by the classic Australian film ‘Wake in Fright’, and Jack wanted to put a new spin on it. The feeling of being lost in the epic Aussie landscape in a beige suit is a funny one – it’s so clean and once it gets a mark on it, it’s pretty easy to let it get wrecked. I kept mine clean”.
Euan will celebrate the single release with a show at Sydney’s Golden Age Cinema & Bar on May 7. Get onto it!
Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Jack Moran
Ghanaian-Aussie sister duo Kinder are celebrating their culture with “Rasta”, a floor-filler that shares their father’s story.
“Rasta is the story about our dad Kofi and his journey to Australia, where he literally walked across a desert in search of a brighter future. From Ghana to Libya, Europe and finally here,” explained Savannah Osei. “The making of this song was a long process for us. It started off very simply with a vocal chant Briony [Savannah’s sister] came up with walking on the street and recorded it as a voice memo in 2019. We came up with the basic melody, lyrics and started working with a few different producers first with Tasker and Mickey Kojak, then with Kim Moyes of The Presets, the song kept developing further and further, it was an amazing experience to keep pushing the beat along to where it is now”.
They thought they’d finished the track, but then they came across demos from local MC Gold Fang. They knew he could take the song to the next level, so Gold Fang recorded a freestyle verse during last year’s lockdowns. The sisters enthuse that “it was really the last missing piece of the puzzle”.
If you love what Kinder are laying down, make sure you catch them at one of the following shows:
1 May 2022 – Big Gay Day, Brisbane
12 June 2022 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
17 June 2022 – Civic Underground, Sydney
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia
Perth-born act The Faim have got me reminiscing with their nostalgic new rock track “ERA”. It’s a bit of a shift from the hard-hitting rock we’re used to from the band, but it’s great to hear them changing things up and showing a softer side.
“‘ERA’ is about closing one chapter of your life and beginning the next,” bassist and keyboardist Stephen Beerkens explained. “Reminiscent of our own journeys up until this point, the song touches on the trials and tribulations we face every day and the aspects in our lives we’re grateful for.”
The Faim will play major summer festivals and headlining gigs across the United Kingdom and Europe this summer. If you’re lucky enough to be soaking up a summer in the Northern Hemisphere, you can catch them at the following shows:
1 June 2022 – L’Etage, Rennes
2 June 2022 – Ninkasi, Lyon
3 June 2022 – La Laiterie Artefact, Strasbourg
3-5 June 2022 – Rock am Ring, Nurburgring
8 June 2022 – Tranbendo, Paris
9 June 2022 – The Black Lab, Wasquehal
10-12 June 2022 – Download Festival @ Donington Park, Castle Donington
11 June 2022 – Sin City, Swansea
13 June 2022 – Stereo, Glasgow
15 June 2022 – Northumbria Students Union, Newcastle Upon Tyne
16 June 2022 – Omeara, London
17 June 2022 – Engine Rooms, Southampton
21 June 2022 – Klub Hydrozagadka, Warsaw
22 June 2022 – Hole Berlin, Berlin
23 June 2022 – Logo Hamburg, Hamburg
25 June 2022 – Schwarzer Bar 2, Hannover
26 June 2022 – Felsenkeller Leipzig, Leipzig
27 June 2022 – Legend Club Milano, Milano
29 June 2022 – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl, Solothurn
30 June 2022 – La Nuit De l’Erdre @ Parc du Port Mulont, Nort-sur-Erdre
30 June – 3 July 2022 – Rock Werchter @ Festival Park, Werchter
7 July 2022 – Melkweg Amsterdam, Amsterdam
8 July 2022 – Musilac, Aix-Les-Bains
Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Jake Crawford
Western Australian sister act Oceanique are making the most of the long weekend with shows all around the state to support their gorgeous new single “Emotional Weight”. If stunning vocal harmonies make you weak at the knees, you’re going to want to hear this. This beautiful folk ballad is accompanied by an equally stunning video created by local filmmaker Tashi Hall, with creative input from the siblings behind Oceanique, Maddy and Jess Larkman.
“We really wanted to create that feeling of the push and pull of life, with the lighter scenes conveying how people can see you only from the outside, sometimes there is a greater emotion kept within that people don’t see,” the sisters explained. “So, we wanted the blue-toned scenes to feel more weighty, to show that emotion. We feel very grateful to have worked with Tashi on this project, it was so much fun to film, and it was a perfect mix of creative minds!”
Tashi was also full of praise for Oceanique.
“From the first meeting to the final edit, Maddy and Jess were a treat to collaborate with,” she gushed. “Their many wonderful ideas made the experience of filming the music video so fun and exciting to create together. Their communication and comfortability in front of (and behind the camera) helped facilitate an all-round smooth and calm process that was exceptionally enjoyable. They each have such a wonderful and warm presence that is a joy to be around – and a beautiful experience to capture on film.”
If you’re in Western Australia, don’t miss your chance to see Oceanique at their upcoming intimate gigs.
22 April 2022 – Vancouver Arts Centre, Albany (with Tracey Barnett)
23 April 2022 – House Concert, Bunbury (with Tracey Barnett)
24 April 2022 – The Cidery, Bridgetown (with Tracey Barnett – FREE)
25 April 2022 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with Tracey Barnett – FREE)
29 April 2022 – Four5Nine, Perth (supported by Tanaya Harper, Cecilia Brandolini & Ruby Taylor)
Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Bridget Julie-Anne
We’re only a quarter of the way in, but it looks like this year will be massive for Yorke. She’s just released a poptastic new single “next life” and announced some headlining shows in addition to some impressive support gigs.
Yorke’s debut EP Liberosis was one of my favourite releases of 2020. It perfectly showcased her introspective lyrics and knack for perfect pop melodies. But I feel Yorke has taken her sound up a few notches with “next life.” While it acknowledges dark feelings of denial and anger, there’s a euphoric optimism that I just can’t resist. Yorke penned the song in a single day with JIM ALXNDR (James Vincent).
“James really took the time to make sure that every word/melody was considered and purposeful allowing for a certain type of vulnerability that’s rare when you first meet someone. It felt like going back to my roots of pure storytelling and that’s why it came together so well,” Yorke explained. “When it was time for production, we already knew what we wanted and spent the rest of the day messing around with different equipment and warped effects. I’m a huge fan of James’ work and had goosebumps the entire day.”
Yorke also produced “next life’s” music video, working alongside director Kyle Caulfield.
“There was a spectacle about this video and the concept that we didn’t want to feel like a music video, we were really pushing for an international cinematic look,” he added. “We wanted it to feel more like a movie or movie trailer, to help the audience digest themselves in the story. It was important to create a new world with the locations, the styling, and other creative choices that help facilitate the story of the song. Exploring the five stages of grief was a big theme of the clip, and it was interesting to explore the representation of these feelings and emotions visually. I also had a lot of fun structuring the scenes and narrative around the arrangement of the song, both James and Grace have both really brought to light some very special sonic moments in this track.”
As I mentioned, Yorke has a stack of gigs on the horizon. She’ll support San Cisco in her hometown of Byron Bay before playing her own gigs and supporting Amy Shark on shows around regional Victoria.
29 April 2022 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (supporting San Cisco)
1 May 2022 – Golden Shores Festival, Gold Coast
26 May 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
27 May 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
12 July 2022 – Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, Wangaratta (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
14 July 2022 – Riverlinks, Shepparton (supporting Amy Shark)
16 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
17 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
19 July 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
20 July 2022 – Bendigo Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
21 July 2022 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Ballarat (supporting Amy Shark)
22 July 2022 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
23 July 2022 – Costa Hall, Geelong (supporting Amy Shark)
27 July 2022 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia
South Summit never seem to put a foot wrong. New single “Tired of Waiting” is another high-quality rock track from the Perth act. Frontman Isaiah Reuben’s heartfelt vocals are the perfect foil for the quality musicians he surrounds himself with.
“The meaning of the song itself is about the realisation that this person you thought you needed to depend on to be loved, was actually dragging you down and keeping you lost in a state of confusion through their manipulation and unreliability,” explained lead guitarist Fynn Samorali. “The progression of the song then continues to a point where enough is enough, it’s time to take a stand and distance myself from this situation that is holding me back from independence, because I’m tired of waiting. This independence then gives you the ability to achieve a happiness that comes from self-love and the freedom it brings.”
South Summit have spent the past six months selling out shows at iconic Perth venues like Jack Rabbit Slims and Badlands. Now that borders have opened up, they can’t wait to share their live show with punters all around the country.
“Our upcoming tour is definitely one of the highlights of our career so far,” enthused drummer Nathan Osbourne. “Travelling to play a show has always been a dream of ours and it all seems a bit surreal. Due to current COVID restrictions, it’s actually easier to play a gig over East than Perth, giving us a really good opportunity to play around the country and get our name out there.”
Discover what all the fuss is about at one of the following gigs.
20 May 2022 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (FREE)
21 May 2022 – The Fire Station, Busselton (FREE)
27 May 2022 – Penny’s Bandroom, Melbourne (FREE)
28 May 2022 – Vic On The Park, Sydney (FREE)
3 June 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
4 June 2022 – Festival of The Stone, Byron Bay
10 June 2022 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
11 June 2022 – The River, Margaret River
17 June 2022 – Froth Craft Brewing, Exmouth
25 June 2022 – Leederville HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
Image used with permission from Beehive PR
The Velvet Club offer the mid-week pick-me-up you’ve been searching for with their brand new single “Love Me The Same”. It’s a high-energy rock track with a raw, garage feel I can’t get enough of. It rocks hard, but its lyrics reveal the band’s softer side.
“Lyrically, the song is about the feeling of knowing you have people around you that support you and look after you, no matter what is going on in your life. It might not even be a person, it could be your dog!”, explained lead vocalist AJ Tilyard. “I guess it’s just about unconditional love and the feeling that comes with being loved unconditionally even if things aren’t going great at the time. It’s a comforting feeling to know you have support.”
The band recorded the song at Collingwood’s Sunset Pig Studios, determined to bring some of the spontaneity of their live shows to the track.
“Our main goal for this song was to encapsulate the live energy of it and I think with Sam [Swain] at the helm we were able to pull it off and make a really big, energetic live-sounding track!”, AJ explains.
Speaking of live energy, it’s not too long before you can soak it up for yourself. The Velvet Club will play shows in the East Coast capitals in June.
16 June 2022 – Frankies, Sydney
18 June 2022 – Leadbeater, Melbourne
24 June 2022 – Greaser, Brisbane
Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Ben Chung
Sydney producers Ben Siva, Nico Scali, and Max Jacobs have been writing music together for nearly 10 years. They’re also talented producers and performers in their own right. Recording under the name jnr., they’ve just released their debut single “Remember” and it’s such a bop.
If you love upbeat modern pop, this track will be right up your alley. It sounds so fresh and fun, but there’s real weight to the lyrics.
“‘Remember’ deals with grief, nostalgia, and the moment you are forced to put yourself in your parent’s shoes. I think anyone can relate to wanting to remember someone or something from their childhood, but the song has a deeper meaning for me,” Ben admitted. “I’m always drawn to darker lyrical themes and uplifting instrumentals – that push and pull always attracted me to some of my favourite artists. The feeling of knowing oneself is essential to being human. So the writing process was really me thinking about who I would be without my memories.”
jnr. promises fans on their Facebook page that this song is just the beginning of what they have in store for us this year. I can’t wait to hear what comes next!
Image used with permission from Pollen Scout; credit: Megan Donnelly
