Bo’Ness “Still Young”, Still Fantastic

Bo’Ness were one of my favourite acts on the 2020 season of The Voice. There was something just so likeable about these enthusiastic young identical twins. They were also super talented; not just for teenagers but proper talented. So I’m thrilled to see they’re still making music and touring around the country. Their latest track is “Still Young,” a country-rock anthem about embracing life.

“’Still Young’ is about purely living in the moment and not letting neither your past or future bother you,” they explain. “Just living it up, savouring friends and family and doing everything while you can.”

Bo’Ness have been pretty busy this year, and they’re showing no signs of slowing down.

“This whole year has been a life-changing experience; we have travelled on a tour bus for the last six months on the road and played over 20 shows to over 120,000 people in total.”

And there are more shows to come. They’re supporting some top artists, playing festivals, and headlining their own gigs. Catch Bo’Ness at one of the following venues this year:

6 August 2022 – Commercial Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 August 2022 – Daylesford Town Hall, Djadjawurrung Country/Daylesford (with Dallas Frasca)
16-26 August 2022 – Variety Bash (30th Anniversary)
2 September 2022 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Amber Lawrence)
8 September 2022 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba (with Screaming Jets)
9 September 2022 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Screaming Jets)
10 September 2022 – Bribie Island Hotel, Yarun/Bribie Island (with Screaming Jets)
11 September 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Reece Mastin)
17 September 2022 – Down on the Farm Country Campout, Geynyan Country/Springdale (with James Blundell)
18 September 2022 – Harrigans, Kombumerri Country/Jacobs Well
29 September 2022 – Beenleigh Tavern, Bundjalung Country/Beenleigh
5 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Kent Reserve, Ngarrindjeri Country/Victor Harbour
11 November 2022 – Waves Sports Club, Taribelang Bunda Country/Bundaberg
13 November 2022 – Lighthouse Hotel, Taribelang Bunda Country/Burnett Heads
19 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Mornington Racecourse, Boonwurrung Country/Mornington Peninsula
20 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Werribee Park, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee
26 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Ningy Ningy Country/Sandstone Point
27 November 2022 – One Electric Day @ Broadwater Parklands, Yugambeh Country/Southport

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Madoc Plane Slays With “Right Reason”

It’s far too early in the day for music as sexy, and smooth as Madoc Plane’s new track “Right Reason,” but I just can’t wait to share it. The soaring vocals and cool groove take hold and just don’t let go. It’s a little jazzy, a little funky, and a whole lot of fabulous.

“‘Right Reason’ is a song that shows my artistry having a more refined direction and style. Lyrically, the song discusses the idea of falling into bad habits after a setback and questioning your own decisions in this time of despair. The chorus represents a cry for help and a desire to find a way out of an emotional slump,” Madoc Plane explained. “Stylistically, ‘Right Reason’ displays a more alt-pop/soul sound, shown through the driving drum beat and dense harmonic and ambient layering, creating a colorful atmosphere for the powerful vocals to beam through. The chorus displays a catchy yet compelling vocal hook which demonstrates the desperation and emotion in the lyrics. The dynamic shape begins its climax in the guitar solo, where the harmonized guitar precedes a powerful vocal performance to close out the song.”

Madoc Plane will launch “Right Reason” at Four5Nine Bar in Boorloo/Perth this Friday, July 29. With Nectar and Luci in the supporting slots, you’re going to want to make a night of it!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Caelan Plane

Alex Edwards Drops Stunning New Single “I Have Schizophrenia”

Meeanjin/Brisbane artist Alex Edwards aims to erase the stigma around mental health with his brave new single “I Have Schizophrenia.” It’s a gorgeous, honest track featuring guest appearances from Dorothy Daisy, Blaq Carrie, Sean FitzGerald, and Trav Jenkins.

Renee Brazel Photography directed the video, which sees Alex and Dorothy Daisy bearing all, quite literally. The visuals are the ideal match for a song that’s so intimate and personal.

Alex has several local gigs coming up. Catch him at the following Queensland venues:

4 August 2021 – It’s Still a Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane
25 August 2021 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Jellurgal/Burleigh Heads
27 August 2021 – Ric’s Bar, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (FREE)

Image credit: Renee Brazel

Evergreener Releases Fresh New Track, “Deciduous”

Meet Evergreener, an exciting new act that’s formed from the ashes of Stand Tall. Like so many bands, the pandemic ground Stand Tall to a halt. Someone left the group, but not to be deterred they’ve decided to keep on making music under a new moniker. “Deciduous” is Evergreener’s first release, a track that shows these guys still have all the angst and energy that brought them together all those years ago.

Evergreener say their new single is “A light-hearted and positive outlook on a dark time, similar to that of deciduous leaves falling from a tree, only to grow back again more vibrant than before.”

Evergreener will support Bad Neighbour when their If No One Gets to Win EP tour rolls hits Bad Decisions Bar in Ngár-go/Fitzroy on September 10.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Katie Thorne Releases Fabulous New Single, “Hate Your Girlfriend”

Have you ever met that person who’d be absolutely perfect for you, except for that small matter of their partner? If you have, Katie Thorne’s new single “Hate Your Girlfriend” is for you. The title prepares you for an angsty punk or rock track, but Katie prefers to keep her anger just simmering below the surface with this cool jazz number.

“IHYG was written as a kind of self-exorcism to placate my very own green-eyed monster – you know, say the bad thing out loud and then maybe it won’t feel so big,” Katie explained. “I’ve always been drawn to music that portrays the flawed woman who feels pain.”

Whether you’re going through your own mess right now or feeling nostalgic about the crushes of the past, crank this one up and I swear you’ll feel better.

Image used with permission from The PR Files

Rock Out to Tied Down’s “Undefeated”

If you’re dragging yourself through Monday, Tied Down’s latest track “Undefeated” provides just the shot of adrenalin you need. This is an epic rock track that just makes you feel good to be alive. Crank up that volume and let this one wash over you.

“’Undefeated’ is a track armed to the teeth with fast-paced riffs, explosive drumming, a driving bassline and a powerful vocal arrangement which we’ve become known for. Fighting against the challenges of daily life and an unwillingness to give up despite what’s thrown at you is what this track is all about. We want this track to uplift and empower anyone dealing with issues they feel are out of their control and have a feeling it will do exactly that!” Tied Down explained. Mission accomplished!

Locals in Boorloo/Perth can catch Tied Down with other local bands, including Gyroscope and Late 90s, at Park Cohesion at Beyond Skate this Saturday, July 30.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Portia Gebauer

YDE Releases Beautiful Ballad “People Can Change”

It was just a month ago that I was raving about YDE’s single “Old Her.” Now she’s back with a brand-new single that shows off a more sensitive, softer side. “People Can Change” is a masterclass in restraint, a stripped-back ballad that addresses the difficult times we live in with optimism for what’s to come.

“‘People Can Change’ is an honest conversation with myself about how I can maintain hope for the future,” YDE says. “We are facing immense division and only through conscious growth and change will we find our way through together.”

YDE’s debut project SEND HELP is out soon. It’s sure to cement her reputation as one of the most exciting local exports around.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Jade DeRose

Ride the Wave With LT’s “Rollercoaster”

Queensland indie act LT takes us on a trip with her dreamy new single “Rollercoaster.” This track brings you all the fun of the fair, with plenty of twists and turns. It sounds beautiful and bright, but make sure you don’t miss the message in those lyrics.

“Rollercoaster is about caring for someone who battles with bipolar disorder,” LT explained. “It’s about navigating through sleepless nights and uncontrollable highs, and keeping afloat during days of slumber and sweeping lows. It’s about love, perseverance, and riding that rollercoaster until you next see light.”

LT worked closely with emerging Meeanjin/Brisbane creator Brendan Shoenmaker to bring this story to life with a gorgeous video.

“Due to the sensitive subject matter of Rollercoaster, it was really important we created something beautiful that in no way added to the stigma that people battling mental health issues can experience,” LT added. “Brendan used inspiration from filmmaker Ingmar Bergman’s persona, creating a film depicting inner duality. The story demonstrates a study of yin and yang told through the cat and mouse relationship of two dancers, representing not just the duality of bipolar but the togetherness of the relationship as well as a healthy dose of self-love. It explores the relationship of duality from a perspective of absence and presence, with the dance built around two characters slipping in and out of each other’s space. It is the tug of war between these moments that we wanted to showcase along with connection, endurance and the will to push on through.”

I hear this is just one of several new tunes from LT we should hear this year. Bring them on!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Rhea Caldwell

Sam Syrah Goes It Alone With “Philosophy”

Sam Syrah’s name makes me think of wine, and it’s Friday, so he was already a couple of steps ahead of the game in my book. However, it took just a couple of seconds listening to his new track “Philosophy” to really win me over. Cool sexy voice, electric guitars, and swagger to spare? Check, check, and check.

You might know Sam as a member of Daisy & The White Jacket or Port Royal, or from sitting in with McDermott & North. With the release of “Philosophy,” he shows he’s a natural frontman. You better believe I’m ready to hear more. Thankfully his EP Some Things Stay the Same drops later this year.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Shannon Lawrence

Flynn Gurry Floors Me With “Don’t Know Love”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry has totally slayed me with his new single “Don’t Know Love”. It’s not surprising really, as he was inspired by one of my favourite international artists.

“I was really inspired by the way Dermot Kennedy brings such cool production to dark stories and that is what Jan [Skubiszewski, producer] and I attempted to achieve, this was also the first time I had recorded a song on the electric guitar,” he explained.

It was also the first time Flynn wrote a song from someone else’s perspective. If this is what happens when Flynn shakes things up, I think he should do it more often!

“I remember at the time of writing this thinking pretty deeply about love in general and how powerful it can be and that maybe we don’t fully understand it until we lose it,” he added.

“Don’t Know Love” comes from Flynn’s debut studio EP, slated for release later this year. Before that, you can catch him doing his thing at the following venues:

24 July 2022 – Hotel Brunswick, Arakwal Country/Brunswick Heads
29 July 2022 – Saints and Sailors, Bellawiyn/Portarlington
30 July 2022 – Palais Hepburn, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs

Image used with permission from Footstomp PR