Is there anyone cooler in the Australian music industry than Tex Perkins? If there was any doubt, the release of his latest double A-side single with The Fat Rubber Band should put an end to the argument.
First up we’ve got a cover of Allen Toussaint’s “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky (From Now On)” which is every bit as funky as it sounds. The next track, a rendition of Bobby Charles’ “I Must Be In a Good Place Now” is a total 180, showing Tex and his band’s softer side.
The new music is a sign of things to come, with the band confirming these are two tracks that helped shape the direction of their forthcoming album. Hear a little more when Tex Perkins and The Fat Rubber Band launch the single at Hotel Westwood in Melbourne on May 23.
Miriam Lieberman has captivated me with her gorgeous new single “Infinite We Are.” There’s a delicate, ethereal beauty about this one. Miriam’s voice is hypnotic and otherworldly. The strings and lush background harmonies only add to the magic.
“This song is about the power of imagination,” Miriam said. “It’s about sharing our dreams, stories and imaginings as a way to go beyond our own limitations, and the benefit of dreaming.”
The track comes with a poignant animated music video featuring the work of artist Aidan Judd.
“I had an idea that I wanted the video to begin in black and white, with a feeling of separation and alienation that through the characters allowing themselves to dream would turn into a colourful, nature inclusive space where the characters reconnected with each other,” Miriam explained of the clip’s inspiration.
“Infinite We Are” comes from Miriam’s new album Transforming, which drops on May 28. She’s currently touring the single around the East Coast. Both remaining shows are all-ages gigs, so take the whole family along to experience this incredible artist.
30 May 2021 – Django @ Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
26 June 2021 – The Base, Newcastle
As I shiver through this unseasonably chilly May weather, it’s hard to believe I was basking in the sunshine at Bimbadgen Estate’s first (and hopefully not last) Cellar Door Series concert less than two weeks ago. There was so much to like about this event. The weather was glorious, warm without being sweltering as it is so often during the Day on the Green series. With a reduced COVID-safe capacity, we had plenty of space to spread out in our allocated squares. As an added bonus, the queues for lunch, booze, and the toilets were blissfully short. With just two acts on the bill, we were heading home by 6. How very civilised! And of course, those two acts were a big reason to love this show.
I’ve long admired Gordi’s gentle, folky music, so I was thrilled to see her in this setting. Her songs would have been too subtle for a big Day on the Green audience, but here among a smaller group of serious music fans they hit the right note. She held our attention with her hypnotically soothing voice and poetic lyrics. She chatted openly with the crowd, relishing the chance to get up in front of fans and support Ben, an artist she’s long admired. The surprise addition of Gordi’s long-time friend and sometimes collaborator Alex Lahey on a few songs they wrote together was a real thrill.
While I appreciated Gordi’s set, my excitement hit fever pitch for Ben Folds. After the COVID pandemic put the brakes on the local music scene, I’ve appreciated any chance to see live musicians doing their thing. But watching an international star play live is such a rare experience in the current climate. I relished it.
Ben seemed just as excited at the setup, marvelling at the parents swinging their kids around and the wild kangaroos who stopped to watch his set. And why wouldn’t you when such a talent is on stage? He chatted easily to us, sharing stories of his life. Hearing how he saw legendary fighters before they turned pro with his dad set the scene for “Boxing.” Hearing stories of the people in his life who inspired “Uncle Walter” and “Bastard” gave them extra power. His nostalgic mood might suggest he’s missing the US, but he assured us there’s no place he’d rather spend the pandemic than Sydney.
I’ve seen Ben perform countless times over the years, but this set was probably my favourite. The pandemic might have something to do with it. I think I appreciate concerts a little more now my calendar isn’t stacked with them. But there was more than that. He was in fine voice, so enthusiastic to be back in front of audiences, and that glee was infectious. In a traditional gig, the lights go out and the connections dim. The performers can’t see beyond the first few rows and you struggle to make out the people around you. Here I could see the faces of people who adored this gig as much as I did. Holding my husband’s hand as we both looked at each other during “The Luckiest” is a concert moment I’ll hold close to my heart forever. Everyone in attendance that day shared something and it was beautiful.
This was a set for fans, which we all were judging by the way we enthusiastically sang Regina Spektor’s parts in “You Don’t Know Me,” clapped along to “Annie Waits,” and danced around to “Effington” and “One Angry Dwarf and 200 Solemn Faces.” We were much more excited to hear him close with “My Philosophy” than “Brick” or “Rocking the Suburbs.” No one seemed to care that those radio staples weren’t included in the set, because what we heard was so good.
The team behind A Day on the Green set their bar tremendously high with their first Cellar Door Series show. I’m not sure they could possibly top it, but I’m keen to watch them try.
Potsville/Brisbane act Eliza & The Delusionals have just dropped their new indie pop-rock track “You,” and I can’t stop listening. It’s instantly accessible, with a radio-friendly familiarity that quickly forges a connection with listeners. But once you tap into the lyrics, you’ll start to appreciate just how special this song is.
“‘You’ was written as a point of view type situation of any type of relationship where you just can’t possibly do enough for a person, only to have them give nothing in return and pretty much throw it back in your face,” explained the band’s guitarist Kurt Skuse. “Essentially watching someone fall apart and knowing there’s nothing more you can do to help. That’s why it’s called ‘You’, it’s for you.”
For the music video, Eliza & The Delusionals worked with Nick Maguire, who’s also created clips for Cub Sport, Ball Park Music, and Last Dinosaurs.
“We were lucky enough to be able to film the video in a warehouse at Screen QLD, which was really handy as we had multiple large sets to build. It was great for that because we had more than enough space to work out of,” the band said. “We wanted it to be inspired by the 90’s/2000’s outfit and style-wise, and we wanted it to have something that was nostalgic but with a fresh feel to it.”
Eliza & The Delusionals are touring almost everywhere in June and July supporting The VANNS. If you’re lucky enough to have tickets already, make sure you arrive early to catch their set at the following shows. Some limited tickets are still available for selected shows.
10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show – SOLD OUT)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Late Show)
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
15 July 2021 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 July 2021 – Kambri @ ANU, Canberra
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit Kurt Skuse
Port Macquarie country-pop artist Brock Colley is sure to get into the good graces of fans with his new single “No Mascara,” a track that celebrates the natural beauty of females everywhere.
“Ladies, this will let you know that no matter what the world says, you rock!” he said. “Fellas this will pump you up to let her know the truth!”
This is such a sweet song with an infectious melody that I can’t stop humming. It’s no wonder, as Brock is a prolific songwriter who enjoys working with a range of artists from around the globe.
“I love the fact that it opens a door to see other cultures and work in different genres that continually push me to evolve not only as an artist but as a person,” he said.
No doubt his own music will be the focus for a while though, as Brock can’t wait to play for audiences again after the pandemic shut down the live music scene. With a brand new show up his sleeve, we should see plenty of Brock in 2021. Give his Facebook page a follow to learn when he’s near you first.
Aussie singer-songwriter TRENTAN has got me grooving through Hump Day with his dreamy new indie-pop track “Good Things.” It’s a feel-good track that surprisingly came out of the upheaval of the COVID pandemic. Last year the pandemic forced TRENTAN to leave his adopted home of Nashville, where he’d worked as a touring and session guitarist for the last decade, and return to Australia.
“The final version of the song lyrically finished with a slightly lighter hue, dancing more with the idea of knowing a ‘good thing’ in terms of the initial spark of relationship with someone new, and the exciting moment of chasing that down,” TRENTAN explained. “But I think there’s still a lot of one-liner type lyrics scattered throughout the song that speak to any situation where chasing a good thing usually comes with the understanding that you’ll have to push through some resistance”.
This song feels so fresh, but it’s got some real experience behind it. While it’s TRENTAN’s first single, he’s worked in the business for more than a decade. George McArdle of Little River Band also lends his bass talents to the track. It was mixed in Los Angeles by Nicolas Essig, who’s worked with Post Malone, Lane Del Rey, and Calvin Harris, and co-mastered by Grammy-winning engineers Emily Lazar and Chris Allgood. No wonder it sounds so good!
Image used with permission from Trentan Kruger
The patience of the Sea Gypsies’ fans has been rewarded, with the Central Coast band releasing their first song after a two-year hiatus. It sounds like time away from the spotlight has done them good, because “Daydream” is definitely worth the wait.
“Daydream is a love song, without being an ‘in-your-face’ love song,” the band explained. “On the surface, the lyrics are indicative of our vocalist’s (Luke Marlin) relationship experiences, however, the music leaves the listener feeling as though this song is built upon layers of relational failures and triumphs.”
“We loved Daydream from the moment our vocalist (Luke Marlin) began penning the lyrics into his worn, black notebook,” they said. “The chorus is catchy and it’s not just the phrase: ‘Life is like a daydream. Honey, when you’re with me.’ Luke energised it with a singable melody that feels familiar, yet somehow, has a fresh, Sea Gypsies flavour to it.”
Honestly, it was those lyrics that suckered me in. They’re poetic without being sappy. Add in Luke’s emotive vocals and that laidback but funky AF groove and there’s a lot to like here. The song is complemented by a video featuring footage from one of the band’s hometown shows around The Entrance. It’s a timely reminder that before this pandemic hit, the Sea Gypsies were selling out shows along the East Coast. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see them doing that again!
With the release of their new single “Bless My Soul,” Perth act COTERIE have reminded me just how much I love them. This is such a stellar track, anchored by Tyler Fisher’s soulful vocals and that gorgeous piano melody. I’m not a religious person, but I imagine listening to this track delivers the same sort of catharsis people feel after a powerful sermon. In short, it’s really good.
“Obsessively questioning our decisions, and the constant second-guessing we put into becoming the “right” person, can sometimes hold us back from being that person in the first place,” Tyler explained of the song’s inspiration.
Crank this one up and I swear it’ll make your day better.
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia
If you live in Melbourne or its surrounds, tune in to PBS 106.7FM next week for the station’s 2021 Radio Festival. This year’s theme, Make it Home, is fitting as the station settles into their new digs at Collingwood Yards. Moving from the place they called home for 20 years is no easy feat, especially when you add COVID to the mix, so during the festival, PBS 106.7FM hopes the community will get involved and help them raise the funds they need for the finishing touches.
Sign up to become a PBS member, renew your membership, or make a donation at any time during the festival. You can pledge your support online via the PBS 106.7FM website, by emailing info@pbsfm.org.au, or calling the station on (03) 8415 1067 between 10am and 6pm Monday to Friday. All funds raised will help this independent community radio station keep the music pumping. You could also win some incredible prizes including a Vespa, Clingan Guitar Tone handmade electric guitar, double passes to Womadelaide or the Port Fairy Folk Festival, local record store vouchers, and tickets to selected Victorian venues.
“It feels like PBS has been talking about a new home forever and now the time has finally come. It’s going to be amazing but it’s also expensive, particularly with the challenges we’ve had keeping the music on air during COVID. We’re really hoping people who love the station will support us through this time by becoming a member and, if they can, making a donation towards the move to help us Make it Home,” said station manager, Adrian Basso.
PBS 106.7FM’s 2021 Radio Festival runs from Monday 17 May to Sunday 30 May.
Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Kalindy Williams
McDermott & North are making me swoon with their dreamy new single “Georgia.” Blending pop, indie, and roots influences, the track might just be the most romantic-sounding thing to come out of a Tinder match, even if the story that inspired it doesn’t have a happy ending!
“This song title actually came about because I had just broken up with my girlfriend and was on Tinder. When I matched with someone I’d write a song for them. I matched with a ‘Georgia’ who funnily enough went on to become a huge Instagram sensation. When I sent her the song she never responded. So if you’re out there, Georgia, I hope you enjoy it!” said one half of the duo, Paddy McDermott.
The Brisbane duo recently launched the single for hometown fans at The Brightside. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see them around the rest of the country.
