Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pilot Crisis Drop Strong Debut Single “Misguided”

Meeanjin/Brisbane punk band Pilot Crisis have burst onto the scene with their debut single “Misguided.” The track was penned by their kickass frontwoman Evie Cowen after her own experiences with the country’s broken social service system.

“At the time that I wrote ‘Misguided’, I was in a position where I could no longer work and had to quit my job. My situation had made me rely heavily on the system and that’s where I noticed an insane imbalance in true support for people who actually need help”, she explained. “The world was being misguided by the pain we were all experiencing. We were trying to fight it, but all in vain as we continued to get hit while we were down—that’s at least how I felt.”

Pilot Crisis are already planning an EP, so we’ll hopefully hear a lot more from them this year.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maisie Peters Announces Headline Shows Alongside Ed Sheeran Supports

British singer Maisie Peters is making the most of her first trip to Australia. She’ll play seven headlining shows alongside her support slots with her friend and mentor, Ed Sheeran. If you’re not familiar with Maisie’s music, her latest single “Body Better” is a great introduction. It’s such a fun pop song, but it’s also got some really relatable lyrics that address the insecurities many of us feel when an ex moves on.

“Body Better” comes from Maisie’s forthcoming sophomore album. Limited tickets for all her shows are available, so get onto them!

16 February 2023 – The Northern Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
18 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
19 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
21 February 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
25 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
28 February 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
3 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/ Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
4 March 2023 – Prince Of Wales, Naarm/Melbourne
5 March 2023 – Prince Of Wales, Naarm/Melbourne
7 March 2023 – Adelaide Oval, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Ed Sheeran)
11 March 2023 – Freo. Social, Boorloo/Perth WA
12 March 2023 – Optus Stadium, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Ed Sheeran)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Botts Drops Cool Summer Anthem, “All Day”

I think there’s just enough summer left for a summer anthem, right? Jack Botts has dropped one of the season’s best, “All Day,” ahead of the independent release of his debut album Sucker for Sunsets. The eclectic release sees Jack exploring genres and pushing himself as a songwriter.

“There are some styles I had just never given a shot before, like country,” he laughed. “I wondered ‘it’s one of the biggest genres in the world, but why is it so big?’ So I really dove in and started to appreciate why people relate to it. It became a personal challenge for me then… if I wanted to keep writing the same songs, I guess I could, but there’s no growth in that. I want to keep growing and surprising myself and others.”

Jack is currently supporting Vance Joy in North America, but he’ll be back on home soil soon enough for his own headline shows supporting the March 31 release of Sucker for Sunsets. Just days after appearing at BASSINTHEGRASS, he’ll be in Europe for some more headlining shows. No matter where in the world you are, here are all the dates you need:

15 February 2023 – FirstOntario Concert Hall, Hamilton (supporting Vance Joy)
17 February 2023 – Kemba Live!, Columbus (supporting Vance Joy)
18 February 2023 – Chicago Theatre, Chicago (supporting Vance Joy)
19 February 2023 – State Theatre, Minneapolis (supporting Vance Joy)
3 March 2023 – Paramount Theatre, Seattle (supporting Vance Joy)
4 March 2023 – Paramount Theatre, Seattle (supporting Vance Joy)
9 March 2023 – Fox Theatre, Oakland (supporting Vance Joy)
10 March 2023 – Fox Theatre, Oakland (supporting Vance Joy)
11 March 2023 – YouTube Theatre, Los Angeles (supporting Vance Joy)
16 March 2023 – SOMA, San Diego (supporting Vance Joy)
18 March 2023 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix (supporting Vance Joy)
21 March 2023 – Austin City Limits Live @ The Moody Theatre, Austin (supporting Vance Joy)
23 March 2023 – Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta (supporting Vance Joy)
24 March 2023 – The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte (supporting Vance Joy)
25 March 2023 – The Anthem, Washington, D.C. (supporting Vance Joy)
31 March 2023 – Lion Arts Factory, Tartanya/Adelaide
1 April 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth
14 April 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 April 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 April 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – BASSINTHEGRASS, Larrakia Country/Darwin
23 May 2023 – Nochtspeicher, Hamburg
24 May 2023 – Privatclub, Berlin
25 May 2023 – Jaki – Klub im Stadtgarten, Cologne
26 May 2023 – Muffatwerk, Munich
8 June 2023 – Sneaky Pete’s, Edinburgh
9 June 2023 – Cluny 2, Newcastle-upon-Tyne
10 June 2023 – The Castle Hotel, Manchester
11 June 2023 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
14 June 2023 – Bergenfest, Bergen
21 June 2023 – Patronaat, Haarlem
22 June 2023 – Cafe ‘t Rozenknopje, Eindhoven
23 June 2023 – Theater Walhalla, Rotterdam
12 July 2023 – The Louisiana, Bristol
14 July 2023 – The Prince Albert, Brighton
15 July 2023 – The Lexington, London
28 July 2023 – The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; credit: Kieran Tunbridge

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YARA Gets Romantic on “Back of the Uber”

Palestinian-born and Naarm/Melbourne-based talent YARA is bringing some smooth neo-soul to your Valentine’s Day with her dreamy new single “Back of the Uber.” A rideshare vehicle isn’t an obvious place for romance, but I’m swooning over this one.

“This track embodies the desperate desire of wanting to belong to someone’s heart. Going on the journey of dating someone new, experiencing them losing interest and connecting the dots through Uber rides,” YARA explained. “I find myself processing every date, every great and shitty experience on the way home. There’s something so therapeutic about being in the back of a car, with no task at hand, free to let my mind go and stare out the window, listening to my favorite sad late-night song.”

“Back of the Uber” gives us our first taste of YARA’s upcoming debut EP, Lonely Love Affair, which drops this May.

Image used with permission from Stagedive; credit: @clairegiuffre

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Drop Sweet Love Song, “Spin Me Like Your Records”

I’ve been a fan of Pacific Avenue ever since they dropped their single “Easy Love” back in 2021. A debut album is long overdue, but fans will be happy to know it’s just a few months away. Until then, get your ears around their latest radio-friendly single “Spin Me Like Your Records.”

“The main theme behind writing ‘Spin Me Like Your Records’ was to get a fun, upbeat track that we could dance around to and have as a really nice moment in our live set for festivals,” the band explained. “We got to a point where we thought we’d finished the album and had a listening party with our label, publisher and management, and while we loved it, we all thought it could use some straight-up-and-down classic rock songs. So, we wrote our last single, ‘Leaving For London’, another album track, ‘Modern Lovers’ and finally this single, and I don’t think the album would be the same without them. It’s just another silly song about being hopelessly into someone.”

Pacific Avenue’s debut album Flowers hits stores on May 5. They’ll play Hamilton Station Hotel in Mulubinba/Newcastle on March 18. Fresh from those recent festival appearances, I’d be surprised if we don’t see more shows announced to coincide with the album’s release really soon.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Charlie Hardy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conrad Sewell Back to His Best With “Ferris Wheel”

It’s been five years since Conrad Sewell charted in this country. If there’s any justice, we’ll see him back in the top 10 with the release of his fantastic new single “Ferris Wheel”. It’s the definition of radio-friendly, ultra-catchy, upbeat goodness.

“’Ferris Wheel’ is a song about a second chance, never giving up on your dream, life, or love,” he explained. “Life is hard but you never know what’s around the corner. I wanted the song to have a very nostalgic 90s feel to it and really paint that picture.”

When you’re taking a listen, make sure you let the rest of his new tracks play out. They’re all brilliant, suggesting Conrad’s new album Precious, which drops on March 3, will be awesome. Conrad is currently on tour. Catch him at the following venues at the end of the month:

24 February 2023 – York on Lilydale, Wurrundjeri Country/Mount Evelyn
25 February 2023 – Village Green Hotel, Bunurong Country/Mulgrave

Image source: Eva Rinaldi @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Gallant’s New Single More Than Just Another “Love” Song

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, Lucy Gallant has just released her new single “Love” to get us all in the mood. It’s a charming indie-pop ditty that showcases Lucy’s exceptional voice. It’s so distinctive and can seemingly do anything. What an absolute charmer.

“It sounds so cliche but it was Valentine’s Day 2016 and I was looking into the eyes of the man I thought I would spend the rest of my life with. I knew in my heart that he loved me but he was too wounded and afraid to let down his guard and say those sweet, yet terrifying four letters that create the word that makes the world go round,” Lucy recalled of the song’s inspiration. “I could feel his intense yearning to be vulnerable but his conditioning would not allow it. This was the fork in the road. We couldn’t move forward together without a mutual declaration of love, and so, it ended.”

“Whilst wrestling with the hurt from this heartbreak I took to the streets of Byron Bay to busk and as I was singing my heart out playing on the street, the song ‘Love’ just flowed out of me. I wrote it on the spot and as I sang the lyrics, I could feel it healing the pain in my heart. The song is about overcoming the fear of feeling exposed after sharing my deepest feelings with the one I loved. It’s about needing that person to clearly affirm that the feeling of love is mutual. At that moment, a man stopped and as he listened to me play the song he started crying and then dropped $100 dollars in my guitar case whilst saying ‘Thank you so much. I needed to hear that song’. Since then I have had such an amazing response every time I play this song live.”

We’ll be hearing plenty more from Lucy in the coming months. She’ll tour around Queensland and New South Wales next month and release more singles leading up to the launch her new six-track EP in April. Make sure you see her when she plays near you.

3 March 2023 – Bucking Seahorse, Kabi Kani and Jinibari Country/Sunshine Coast
10 March 2023 – Home On Hill, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
18 March 2023 – Bearded Dragon, Yugambeh Country/Tamborine Mountain
23 March 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
25 March 2023 – Flow Bar, Birrbay Country/Taree

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

San Joseph Releases New Pop Single, “This City Sucks”

Inspired by his time living in Los Angeles, Naarm/Melbourne indie-pop act San Joseph has released his latest super-catchy single “This City Sucks.” The lyrics explore the way you can fall out of love with a place when a special someone isn’t there.

“I’d spent some time in California with someone wonderful who returned home to Montreal. She’d always comment on how overrated LA was and I would strongly disagree … until she left,” he admitted. “I realised I only really dug LA because she was there. Suddenly the traffic, chaos and stardom didn’t seem as appealing anymore.”

San Joseph is currently writing music for his debut EP, which should drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: James Dryden

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kingswood Drop Fantastic New Single “One Too Many Times”

I grew up on a musical diet of country-rock music. Artists like The Eagles, Bob Seger, and Neil Young dominated my dad’s playlists. So listening to Kingswood’s latest single “One Too Many Times” is making me a bit nostalgic. With jangly guitars and easy harmonies, this song feels classic even though it’s brand new.

“’One Too Many’ times is the celebration of hopeful sorrow, a staple in the emotional catalogue of the Kingswood repertoire and something synonymous with country and rock’n’roll classics for that matter,” the band shared. “The content suggests lament entwined with that of longing and separation but shrouded in the gusto and bravado of overdriven guitars harmonizing furiously over extended solos to not only accept the proposition, but to embrace it with a fervor that serves as the fuel for courage to continue on. To stare at the face of unwavering adversity and laugh, boldly, and with guitars in tow.“

Given the way this song takes me back to my childhood, perhaps it’s fitting that it comes from Kingswood’s soon-to-be-released album called Home. Recorded in Melbourne, it was mixed and mastered in Nashville by celebrated engineer Eddie Speak, who’s worked with Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlisle, and Zach Bryan, to name just a few. It’s also fitting that with the release of Home, out February 24, Kingswood are currently on their biggest local tour. Taking in more than 120 dates, the HOMETOWNS tour will make the following stops, including listening parties announced today. Don’t worry Northern Territory and Tasmania, your shows will be announced soon.

10 February 2023 – York on Lilydale, Wurrundjeri Country/Mt Evelyn
11 February 2023 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Bunurong Country/Chelsea Heights
12 February 2023 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
15 February 2023 – The Gresham Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (album listening party)
16 February 2023 – Shady Pines Saloon, Eora/Sydney (album listening party)
18 February 2023 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong
19 February 2023 – Sookie Lounge, Burrinja/Belgrave
23 February 2023 – Lulie Tavern’s Full Moon Fever Rooftop Bar, Naarm/Melbourne (album listening party)
24 February 2023 – Volta Arts, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
25 February 2023 – Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
26 February 2023 – Haba, Boonwurrung Country/Rye
3 March 2023 – Longstockings Brewery, Panboola/Pambula
4 March 2023 – Tilba Valley Wines, Yuin Country/Tilba Valley
5 March 2023 – Smokey Dans, Walbunja Country/Tomakin
10 March 2023 – The Marlin Hotel, Yuin Country/Ulladulla
11 March 2023 – Bowral Bowling Club, Gundungurra Country/Bowral
12 March 2023 – The Beer Shed, Tharawal Country/Leumeah
16 March 2023 – Heritage Hotel, Dharawal Country/Bulli
17 March 2023 – Paddington RSL, Eora/Sydney
18 March 2023 – Avalon RSL, Guringai Country/Avalon
19 March 2023 – Brass Monkey, Kurranulla/Cronulla
24 March 2023 – Ocean View Beach Club, Darkinjung Country/Wamberal
25 March 2023 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
26 March 2023 – Pacific Recreation Club, Biripi/Taree
30 March 2023 – Laurieton Ex-Services, Birpai Country/Laurieton
31 March 2023 – South West Rocks Country Club, Dunghutti, Gumbaynggir, and Biripi Country/South West Rocks
1 April 2023 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
2 April 2023 – Mullumbimby Ex Services, Bandjalung-Yugambeh Country/Mullumbimby
13 April 2023 – Wallaby Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Mudgeeraba
14 April 2023 – Beenleigh Tavern, Yugambeh Country/Beenleigh
15 April 2023 – Bribie Island Hotel, Yarun/Bribie Island
16 April 2023 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi and the Jinibara Country/Kings Beach
20 April 2023 – Old Bundy Tavern, Taribelang Bunda, Gooreng Gooreng, Gurang, and Bailai Country/Bundaberg
21 April 2023 – Harvey Road Tavern, Goeng Country/Gladstone
22 April 2023 – The Metropolitan, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
27 April 2023 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
28 April 2023 – Dalrymple Hotel, Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville
29 April 2023 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
25 May 2023 – Dunsborough Tavern, Quedjinup/Dunsborough
26 May 2023 – Mojos, Walyalup/Fremantle
27 May 2023 – Ravenswood Hotel, Bindjareb Country/Ravenswood
28 May 2023 – The Carine, Boorloo/Duncraig
1 June 2023 – Nannup Town Hall, Noongar Country/Nannup
2 June 2023 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
3 June 2023 – Six Degrees, Kinjarling/Albany
8 June 2023 – Sound City, Kallinyalla/Port Lincoln
9 June 2023 – The Fat Controller, Tarntanya/Adelaide
10 June 2023 – Western Hotel, Boandik Country/Mt Gambier
11 June 2023 – Hotel Victor, Ramong/Victor Harbour

Image used with permission from beehive; Credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KEZRA Celebrates Being Crazy in Love with “Insane”

If you love the indie-pop sounds of acts like Phoebe Bridgers and Maggie Rogers, Naarm/Melbourne talent KEZRA will be right up your alley. Her latest single “Insane” is a super catchy track that isn’t your traditional love song.

“‘Insane’ is that exaggerated fight you had with your partner that gives you internal rage, and fills you with emotions and questions such as ‘why the hell am I still living here?’ You then realise that both of you are just as crazy as each other, and that’s what makes it work,” KEZRA explained. “We need people who can keep us on our toes, push us to the edge of the unknown and completely drive us insane – at least for a little while.”

KEZRA will launch “Insane” with a hometown show at The Gasometer on March 24.

Image used with permission from Good Intent