Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Delta Goodrem Releases Beautiful New Single, “All of My Friends”

With her new album dropping next month, I didn’t think we’d see Delta Goodrem release another single before its release. But she’s offering us another sneaky listen with the release of “All of My Friends,” the fifth offering from that album, Bridge Over Troubled Dreams.

I’ve been so struck by the intimacy of many Delta’s latest songs, but “All of My Friends” might be her most personal release to date. The simple piano and subtle strings arrangement draw us in, making us feel like we’re listening to something Delta might have laid down at home. The lyrics, which explore the idea of being separated from loved ones and their experiences, are also sure to hit as the pandemic still rages around the world.

“‘All of My Friends’ was inspired by a raw and vulnerable moment of contemplation when you wonder if your decisions and sacrifices in life are worth it and how you strike a balance with all that is most important to you,” Delta explained.

Bridge Over Troubled Dreams is available for pre-order now ahead of its May 14 release. It also coincides with the release of the book of the same name which explores the stories behind the album’s songs.

Delta will tour the country and New Zealand throughout September and October. Tickets purchased for the original dates in April and May are still valid. Limited tickets remain for all shows.

24 September 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
25 September 2021 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
30 September 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
2 October 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
6 October 2021 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville
8 October 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
9 October 2021 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
13 October 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
15 October 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
16 October 2021 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
21 October 2021 – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
22 October 2021 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
23 October 2021 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mardi Wilson Offers Stripped Back New Single, “Salty”

Mardi Wilson reminds us of the beauty of simplicity with the release of her latest single “Salty.” It’s a stripped-back folky affair, with the gentle melody of an acoustic guitar accompanying Mardi’s distinct vocals. The back-to-basics approach ensures we can zero in on those lyrics, which are sure to connect with anyone who’s felt they had to fight for acceptance.

“I know that not everyone enjoys camping and peeing in the bushes and doing yoga, but that’s my happy place. So I guess when people question the way that I live and the things that bring me joy, I just don’t understand. It confuses me because I don’t mind at all what people do, as long as they’re not directly hurting me I don’t feel like one way of living is less valid than another … So I wrote ‘Salty’ about this thought process,” Mardi explained.

“Salty” comes from Mardi’s debut album, which drops on May 3. I love this song, so I can’t wait to hear what else she has in store for us. Catch Mardi tomorrow night, April 24, at Casuarina’s Crafty Cow Bar & Smokehouse and at the Cabarita Beach Surf Life Saving Club on April 25.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Mastwyk Releases New Single Ahead of Album Launch

Ben Mastwyk releases his album Livin’ in Gold Street this Friday, but the Melbourne artist couldn’t resist the chance to offer just one more taste of the music to come. “Trouble’s What I Found” is the fifth single from the album and perhaps his strongest yet.

I love this song’s cool alt-country feel. The press release describes it as “Dwight Yoakam pushed through a blender and sprinkled with rhinestones,” and that is just so perfect there’s no point in me trying to come up with my own analogy.

“I had just come off the back of a long-term relationship. I was distraught and vulnerable but also excited for new possibilities. Heading out into the world with that kind of energy opens you up to all kinds of people and experiences,” Ben explained of the song’s inspiration. “This song has me questioning my motions. Was I blurring lines between my friendships? Was I being responsible? It’s incredibly autobiographical, but hopefully, also universal. I think we all go through emotionally vulnerable times where we might take missteps in our lives … lean a little too hard on our friends … open ourselves up to people and experiences that may not be completely healthy for us or other parties involved. This song has me looking back, checking in on myself and the way I played during one of my most vulnerable moments. It’s jam-packed full of intensity.”

With so much country crossing over with pop, it’s refreshing to hear music like this which fuses the genre with something darker and more soulful. I can hear a little Chris Isaak, a little Flying Burrito Brothers, and a whole lot of talent in this. If you can too, check out Livin’ in Gold Street when it drops on Friday and experience what Ben is all about in person at one of the following shows.

24 March 2021 – Blue Door Dinner, The Freedom Hub (FREE acoustic show)
25 March 2021 – The Midnight Special, Newtown (Acoustic show)
26 March 2021 – Dashville Nights, Lower Belford
27 March 2021 – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW (Album launch – FREE) *
28 March 2021 – Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern, Sydney (FREE)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Liz Stringer Drops Title Track Ahead of “First Time Really Feeling” Album Release

There’s something special about listening to new music from a seasoned pro like Liz Stringer. The Melbourne-born musician is prepared to release her sixth studio album, First Time Really Feeling, and she’s giving us a little taste with the release of the title track.

“It’s about experiencing the world with a clear and present heart for the first time after beginning a process of intense personal change, precipitated by getting sober at 36,” she explained. “It was initially very frightening but ultimately liberating and necessary for me to face everything that I hadn’t been able to look at, for a lot of different reasons, for many years. There’s real fear in real feeling. But I believe now that, for me, it’s the only place from which real love can grow and thrive.”

The music video, directed by Dyllan Corbett, is a powerful exploration of the world around us right now.

“Exploring the outskirts of Melbourne just out of lockdown, we wanted the camera to feel the energy of life on the road while capturing a nostalgia and simple beauty of home,” Dyllan explained. “With a small crew, we convoyed around to find these almost forgotten about places; which now inspired a deeper gratitude in us all. In some ways the message of the track reinforced the team’s creativity; helping us to find inspiration in the seemingly mundane.”

The album First Time Really Feeling drops on April 30. Liz will perform at Castlemaine State Festival on April 2, with more shows to come.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records; credit: Kristoffer Paulsen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Goes Semi-Acoustic For COVID-Safe Shows

The last year has taught us all to pivot as we’ve attempted to thrive in this new normal. If you’ve had told me 12 months ago that The Smith Street Band were planning semi-acoustic seated shows I’d have laughed, and yet here we are. And funnily enough, it all makes perfect sense.

As soon as Victorian restrictions were eased, the band set about rehearsing and rewriting many of their songs to suit a more mellow, COVID-safe environment. The band will take these reworked tracks to fans across Victoria and New South Wales in the coming months.

The shows coincide with an album of those reworked tracks, Unplugged in Wombat State Forest. The first single, “It’s OK” isn’t too dramatic a departure from the original, but I expect we’ll hear a few left turns when the album drops on March 5. If you love what you see, you can also stream a video featuring all the songs here. And remember to get on to those The Smith Street Band Unplugged shows. With limited capacity in all venues and some shows already sold out, the remaining tickets won’t last long.

26 February 2021 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
27 February 2021 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
4 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2021 – The Enmore, Sydney
17 April 2021 – Yours + Owls Festival, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Celebrates “Parking Lots”‘ 15-Year Milestone

Mia Dyson is celebrating the 15th anniversary of her acclaimed album Parking Lots with a reissued vinyl release, a brand-new EP, called Parking Lots (Revisited) which reimagines some choice cuts, and a tour. All this excitement is a timely reminder of just how good that album is. While it was recorded so many years ago, the songs prove timeless. I found myself bouncing backwards and forwards between the original album and the new EP, marvelling at the way the different treatments brought out each song’s nuances. I encourage you to do the same.

The new white vinyl copies of Parking Lots were so popular that they sold out almost instantly, but you can stream the album and its companion EP now on your favourite platforms. There are still tickets left for her upcoming East Coast shows, but as COVID has reduced venue capacity, you’ll want to get in quickly to secure yours via her website.

12 March 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
13 March 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
19 March 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
20 March 2021 – TBA, Surf Coast
21 March 2021 – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon Ranges
26 March 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
27 March 2021 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
28 March 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
1 April 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thelma Plum Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Smash Debut With Vinyl Release & Tour

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mick Thomas Releases New Pandemic-Inspired Folk Charmer, “See You When I’m Looking at You”

Former Weddings, Parties, Anything frontman Mick Thomas is back with a whole swag of new tunes for your isolation playlist. The new Mick Thomas & The Roving Commission album See You On the Other Side: A Postcard from April 2020 features a selection of choice cuts written and recorded in lockdown. They might be apart, but Mick couldn’t have done it without the help of his famous friends. The album features appearances from Angie Hart (Frente), Nick Barker, Vikki Thorn (The Waifs), Darren Hanlon, Shelley Short, Alana Jagt, Brooke Russell, Van Walker, Ron S. Peno (Died Pretty), Alannah Russack (The Hummingbirds), Ben Salter, Dana Gehrman, Cam Butler, and Jen Anderson. Talk about star power.

You’ll see many of them on my favourite track from the album, “See You When I’m Looking at You.” But there’s plenty more where that came from. All the new music is available now on all the best streaming platforms. If you prefer something more tangible, check out the Mick Thomas Bandcamp page.

Gigs are few and far between these days, but Mick is making the most of the streaming technology available. Fresh from his own virtual album launch, he’ll take part in Memo Music Hall’s “Keep the Circle Unbroken” streaming show tomorrow night. Visit Memo Musical Hall’s website for ticket details.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brayden Sibbald Drops Gorgeous New EP, We Can Only Move Forward

I’ve been fangirling over Western Australian singer-songwriter Brayden Sibbald for a while now. Now that his latest EP We Can Only Move Forward has hit streaming services, I couldn’t be more excited. The EP opens with the brand-new single “Afterglow,” which must just be his best track yet.

“I wrote Afterglow during a time last year when I was feeling really unproductive and unmotivated,” Brayden explained. “I realised that it’s okay to cut yourself a bit of slack – you have had achievements and done things in the past that you can be proud of and you will do things like that in the future – that it’s okay to just ‘be’ for a while.”

That’s exactly the kind of message I think many of us need during this crazy pandemic. I know I’m personally feeling distracted and unproductive, but maybe that’s okay for now. I love this track, so I was surprised to hear it almost ended up on the cutting room floor.

“I struggled to find a feel for the song that I liked when I wrote it, and it almost didn’t make the EP,” Brayden admitted. “We almost culled it again in the studio after trying several different versions and making no headway, but once we cracked it it’s become one of my favourite tracks from the record.”

We Can Only Move Forward, featuring “Afterglow,” is on your favourite streaming services now. Give it a listen music lovers! And Western Australians, since you are crushing this COVID-19 thing, make sure you get out and support Brayden when he launches the EP at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Dunsborough on July 25.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paradise Club Releases Uplifting New Single “All You Got”

Adelaide act Paradise Club is just about to unleash its self-titled debut album. But before the LP drops on July 17, there’s time for one more single. “All You Got” is just the sort of dreamy feelgood pop track most of us need to elevate our Monday. Just take a listen to those glistening guitars and saturated synths and see if you don’t feel like you can keep powering on, just like frontman Gere Fuss did during the hard time that inspired this song.

“At the end of 2018 I learnt about some family stuff that was going on. At the start of 2019 a close friend passed away. A month later my dog died. It was one of the worst times of my life but I learnt a lot from what had happened,” he explained. “The song is about that period of my life, how I should never take the time I have with people for granted, and how thankful I am to have a supportive network of family and friends. It’s fucked up how certain things can make you feel helpless and isolated, yet how resilient and understanding of the world you can become.”

COVID might have put a hold on so much of the music industry, but knowing there’s more superb indie-pop like this tune to look forward to is definitely helping me look forward to the future!

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR