Brisbane solo act PURSE has really impressed me with his first offering “Speak.” It’s a stellar piece of indie rock music with introspective lyrics and bright guitars. Those vocals are also stellar, with just the right amount of heart and intensity.
“This single came from reflection and a self-realisation,” PURSE revealed. “It addresses the highs and lows of a regretful moment.”
Apparently, PURSE has more music on the way, so listen out for it!
Image used with permission from Habit Music
After a year-long hiatus, Melbourne’s Stevie & The Sleepers are back with a bang. Their new single “Favourite Song” is sure to wake you up and get you dancing.
“Favourite Song” is a celebration song. The world might not be doing a lot of celebrating right now, but I think that’s exactly why we need this. Crank it up and reminisce about your own epic nights when you’ve partied so hard you think you can’t go on, but then your favourite song comes on and you get that second wind. It’s soulful, bluesy, and funky AF. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the pipes on Stevie Joy? Her vocal performance here is next level.
“Favourite Song” comes from Stevie & The Sleepers’ long-awaited debut album, which drops on September 18.
Image used with permission from Stevie & The Sleepers
Gretta Ziller has celebrated her new record deal with ABC Music with the release of a new single “Unlikely Believer.” There is such a quiet strength about this song. I love the resolve in Gretta’s vocals and the powerful lyrics that show she’s a woman who knows herself.
“I wrote Unlikely Believer to remind myself that although I’ve been through a lot in life that it’s harder but so much more rewarding to keep believing in things, rather than dwelling on the hurt and hardship,” she said.
ABC Music has welcomed Gretta with open arms. Natalie Waller, the head of ABC Music and Events, gushed “We are thrilled to have Gretta join the ABC Music roster. We have been impressed by Gretta’s achievements over the last three years. She is such an accomplished singer and songwriter, and we are excited to work with her to take her music to an even wider audience.”
Gretta’s 2017 debut album Queen of Boomtown received widespread acclaim. I’m excited to see what else she releases with ABC Music.
Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute
Josh Pyke has kept us waiting five years for a new studio album, but I can’t imagine a better time for his latest collection of songs to enter the world. Rome is a welcome return for this acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter.
There’s a great nostalgia in these songs and a whole lot of love. Tracks like “Still We Carry On” and “You’re My Colour” conjure memories and speak of moments with family and friends. However, they also remind us that nothing lasts forever. Moments pass quickly, and while we hang onto the memories for a time, even they will fade as we do. That might seem bleak, but Josh suggests it can also encourage us to make the most of the time we have. Josh celebrates the passing of time in “Doubting Thomas,” encouraged that “Something good will come around again.” “Where Goes the Girl” is a tale of love lost that constantly reminds us that “It’s all over now,” yet the song still refuses to dwell. The sweet guitar melody and fond lyrics recall with tenderness that at least it happened.
Most Josh Pyke tracks are slow burners, but “I Thought We Were a River” has hit written all over it. Listening to this number, and singing along to those cheery “oo-ahh-oohs,” is an absolute joy. A brassy fanfare makes “Don’t Let It Wait” another song that’s bigger than many fans might expect. However, its message is so crucial, I appreciate the Beatles-esque symphony of sound driving it home. This album has more sonic flourishes than many of his earlier works, but the sound is considered. Everything is exactly where it’s meant to be, enhancing Josh’s message.
Josh’s unmistakable tone, introspective, wise lyrics, and warm, organic tunes feel like the musical equivalent of a big hug right now. They’re comforting, calming, and just what the world needs.
Rome will be released this Friday, August 28. At this stage, Josh still plans play his Fans First shows in October. All shows are for punters 18+:
1 October 2020 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
2 October 2020 – Old Museum, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
8 October 2020 – The Toff, Melbourne
9 October 2020 – Volta, Ballarat
10 October 2020 – The Toff, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
11 October 2020 – The Toff, Melbourne
15 October 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle
16 October 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle
17 October 2020 – Lion Arts Factory (Front Deck), Adelaide
28 October 2020 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
29 October 2020 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
30 October 2020 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
Images used with permission from On the Map PR
Sydney-based siblings No Frills Twins have released a queer anthem for the ages, “Big Heart.” This positive power-pop single is an inspiring exploration of sexuality, self-acceptance, and coming of age.
“This song is a big moment for us, not because we’ve been afraid to open up but because it’s taken time to work it all out,” the sisters explained. “To be honest, we’re still figuring ourselves out and that’s what this song celebrates. It makes sense to find yourself and then write a song about who you’ve become, but we wanted to write about being in the middle of that journey … the confusing part. Living in such a fast-paced world it can feel unsettling when things aren’t instantaneous.”
No Frills Twins worked with Sydney producer and kindred spirit Lupa J on this upbeat release.
“We knew Lupa J would be the perfect producer, not only because of the extraordinary talent but because we knew Lupa understood and related to the sentiment of the song,” Arna explained. “Upon moving to Sydney, Lupa J was the first queer friend we made here, and remarkably we all happened to be going through the exact same experience which added a whole new level of comfort and creativity.”
No Frills Twins continue to impress me. This is such a strong pop release that manages to be relatable, no matter where you place yourself on the sexuality spectrum. I can’t wait to hear much more from them.
Image used with permission from Arow Agency; credit: Giulia McGauran
I love acoustic music. Done well, a stripped-back treatment can really highlight the lyrics and get to the heart of the song. That’s exactly what’s happened with Ariela Jacobs’ new acoustic version of her single “Missing You.”
I really enjoyed the original version, but this one hits just a little bit different. The modern beats and synths are gone, replaces with a simple piano. This leaves her vocals and lyrics more exposed, which really suits this song about loss.
“’Missing You’ could be perceived as a universal love song of regret and yearning. However, this was written on an impulse of craving past versions of self,” Ariela explained. “Living with anxiety the past few years, I needed to externalise what I was thinking and feeling. I was kind of saying, ‘Old self, are you in there – where are you? Please come out now, it’s OK.’
“After releasing [acoustic track] ‘Morning,’ it felt so therapeutic to release something so raw. I wanted to take the essence of ‘Missing You’ and record it again in its original form. There’s something very sacred about keeping a song in its initial birthing/developmental period.”
If you love the music of Birdy, Jewel, and Norah Jones, this will be right up your alley. Take a listen, then look for the original version of “Missing You” on your favourite streaming platform to see how they compare. The acoustic version has a special spot in my heart, but I’d love to know what you think.
Yorke’s debut EP Liberosis is one of my favourite releases of the year, so I was pretty excited to wrap my ears around her new single “Gravity.” This upbeat pop number is a departure from the intimate songs on that EP, but it has just the kind of positive vibe I think most of us need right now.
This isn’t your ordinary tale of two people falling in love though. Yorke wrote it about an alien and human falling for one another, but struggling to exist in one another’s worlds. Think “intergalactic Romeo and Juliet,” without the real tragedy.
One thing I really noticed is how Yorke’s sound has evolved. Her EP had a kind of bedroom feel, but this has a real slick polish to it. No doubt that comes from working with some really established acts including Japanese Wallpaper, Finnish producer Hank Solo, and Chris Walla (ex-Death Cab for Cutie).
“Gravity” is certainly a different sound from Yorke, but it’s got me smiling today. Hopefully it lifts you up too.
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: She is Aphrodite
New Melbourne band Outer South has wasted no time impressing me. The band’s debut single “By The Morning” is just the kind of track to help you survive those midweek blues.
“By The Morning” is a dreamy folk number with a gorgeous organic sound. I love the warmth of those acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies.
If you like what you hear, make sure you follow Outer South on Facebook. The band will drop another track on Friday and post links there so you can hear it first!
The special edition vinyl release of Thelma Plum’s debut album Better in Blak is a timely reminder just how good it is. The current single “Homecoming Queen” is just one example of the powerful songs that helped this album connect to other women, BIPOC, and other music fans who’ve ever struggled with identity and acceptance.
The vinyl release features the colors of the First Nations/Indigenous flag in a nod to Thelma’s Gamilaraay heritage. You can order your copy online here.
Providing the global pandemic allows, Thelma hopes to play shows around Australia in November with Kira Puru. Catch both of these sensational local female singer-songwriters on Thelma’s Homecoming Queen tour.
11 November 2020 – The River, Margaret River
12 November 2020 – Astor Theatre, Perth
15 November 2020 – The Gov, Hindmarsh
20 November 2020 – Armitage Center, Toowoomba
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Festival 2020, Woombye
26 November 2020 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
27 November 2020 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
28 November 2020 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
29 November 2020 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
4 December 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay (SOLD OUT)
5 December 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
10 December 2020 – Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre, Newcastle
11 December 2020 – UC Refectory, Canberra
12 December 2020 – The Uni Bar Hobart, Sandy Bay
18 December 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
19 December 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia
It’s been nearly 26 years since local guitar whizz Nathan Cavaleri released an album. Back then he was just 12 years old, a cute kid known for his cancer battle, appearances on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, and of course that talent beyond his years. His whirlwind childhood took a toll and Nathan stepped back from the spotlight to regroup and reassess. Thankfully, after some soul searching, he’s ready to share music with us again. The result is Demons, an album that represents Nathan’s journey and the adult performer he is today.
With the album’s first single, the title track “Demons,” and his latest release, “Before You Check Out,” Nathan shows he’s unafraid of tackling the tough issues. Both songs are introspective explorations of mental illness. Sensitively handled, there’s an optimism about both numbers that balances their dark themes.
The same could be said for the whole album really. While those songs have a suitably sombre tone, they’re balanced with more upbeat tracks like the funky, psychedelic inspired “Castles in the Sky” and flirty “Crush.” A swampy cover of Cold Chisel’s classic, “Rising Sun,” is so much fun. “Drifter” is another standout. Nathan’s voice is solid throughout this album, but this instrumental number lets us focus on his sublime guitar playing. This is where he really shines. The album closes with “Chucky,” a largely instrumental classic blues number that feels so fitting. While it has some vocals, reminding us that Nathan is much more than a guitar prodigy, it’s his skills with his axe that leave the lasting impression.
With Demons, Nathan Cavaleri shows himself to be a master musician, skilled at his craft and unafraid to take risks and innovate. The album roots itself in blues traditions, but Nathan isn’t afraid to take these classic sounds in new directions. A generation of Australians fell in love with Nathan Cavaleri, the child star. Now with the release of Demons, they get the chance to fall in love with Nathan Cavaleri, the man.
Nathan can’t wait to play these songs live, so he’s working with the following venues to play shows in line with each state and territory’s COVID-19 regulations. Hopefully all these shows will go ahead with safe social distancing and other COVID-19 safety procedures in place.
2 October 2020 – The Rhythm Hut, Gosford (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
3 October 2020 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle (18+)
9 October 2020 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla (18+)
16 October 2020 – The Pepper Tree, Aldinga (18+)
17 October 2020 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide (18+)
30 October 2020 – Camelot Lounge, Sydney (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
31 October 2020 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
1 November 2020 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli (18+)
12 November 2020 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (18+)
13 November 2020 – The Catfish, Fitzroy (18+)
14 November 2020 – Live at the Bundy, Bundalaguah (All ages; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)
27 November 2020 – The Baroque Room, Katoomba (18+)
3 & 4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay (All ages)
Images used with permission from On the Map PR