New Single Reminds Us Why We Love Betty Who

The more I hear from Betty Who’s forthcoming studio album Betty, the more excited about it I am. The Aussie expat is releasing some of the most polished, addictive pop music I’ve heard in some time. Her latest single “I Remember” is a case in point.

“‘I Remember’ is exactly the way I wanted to start my new year. It’s such a representation of the album and my obsession with making music that makes people feel good,” Betty explained. “The whole point of the song is about letting go of how hard life (and especially love) can be at times and remembering why you do it in the first place. Love is never going to be perfect. Sometimes it will be easy, most times it will be hard, but all the time it’s worth it because, when you’re with the right person, you are willing to work for it.”

You can hear more of Betty’s new tunes when her third studio album Betty drops on February 15.

The Northern Folk Play Festivals For “Cold”

I was sure I must have written about “Cold,” the latest single from Melbourne 10-piece The Northern Folk, before. It’s such a cool song, a little brooding with stellar vocals and one of the best sax breaks you’ll hear. It’s so good that they sold out Northcote Social Club when they launched it. Yet I searched my archives and nothing. So I apologise for the oversight.

Now with the release of the clip’s music video, it seems a perfect time to correct my mistake. It was created by celebrated director and producer Mark Day in close collaboration with The Northern Folk. The band star alongside Michael Nikou and Tanya Alers is the clip which represents human consciousness in all its dark, flawed beauty.

“’Cold’ is about the insecurities that tie us down for fear of the unknown, and the emotional distance they create. Shot in the sparse Riverina landscape, a couple find themselves confronted by the manifestations of their insecurities, and must make the choice to be led by them, or to reject them and take control of what they want to be,” the band explains.

Fresh from Woodford and in fine form, The Northern Folk will play a swag of great festivals over the coming months. Here are all the places you can catch them.

25 – 28 January 2019 – Newstead Live Music Festival, Newstead
10 February 2019 – St Kilda Festival, St Kilda
15 – 17 March 2019 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Katoomba
29 – 31 March 2019 – The Hills Are Alive Festival, South Gippsland

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Nautical Mile Announce Single Shows for “Regicide” Release

Perth punksters Nautical Mile are taking their music to fans around the country next month, following the release of their latest track “Regicide.”

“The title ‘Regicide’ comes from the act of killing a monarch; the betrayer is wanting to be someone’s queen and putting themselves on a pedestal, when in reality they’re just as likely to stab you in the back. The title can either be interpreted as this betrayal of the “king” or the act of killing the relationship (and thus the “queen”) and moving on,” explained frontman Brodi Owen. “The lyrics describe the almost cyclical nature of relationships like this, the back and forth of constantly trying to please someone only to be disappointed, and the process of coming to terms with this and breaking free of the toxic environment.”

Nautical Mile are going back into the studio after this tour, so it’ll be your last chance to see them for a while. Take advantage of the opportunity at the following shows.

1 February 2019 – Amplifier Bar, Perth
8 February 2019 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide
10 February 2019 – Bar Open, Melbourne
15 February 2019 – Rack Em Up, Lilydale
16 February 2019 – Whole Lotta Love, Melbourne
17 February 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Sydney
19 February 2019 – Club Azzurri, Newcastle
21 February 2019 – The Brightside, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Karise Eden on the Comeback Trail With “Born to Fight”

Karise Eden hasn’t released an album in four years. It’s been more than six years since she won The Voice. Taking time to create, avoiding becoming one of those reality stars that pumped up album after album, has been a good thing for Karise. She’s had time to reflect, grow, and release a stellar new album Born to Fight.

This is an album of warrior songs. Tracks like “Stop Fucking With My Head” and the title track are bold and defiant. More vulnerable numbers like “Hopeless” and “Ted” show there are chinks in the armour, but refuse to lie down. This is a special collection of songs that showcases one of the best soul and blues voices in the country.

Karise is celebrating the recent release of Born to Fight with shows all around the country. Catch her at one of the following venues in the coming months.

22 February 2019 – Twin Towns, Tweed Heads
23 February 2019 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
27 February 2019 – Burrinja Place Theatre, Upwey
28 February 2019 – The Capital Theatre, Bendigo
1 March 2019 – Palms at Crown, Melbourne
2 March 2019 – SS&A Club, Albury
6 March 2019 – West Leagues, Newcastle
7 March 2019 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
8 March 2019 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
23 March 2019 – York Theatre (Seymour Centre), Sydney
24 March 2019 – Canberra Theatre Playhouse, Canberra
31 March 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Asha Jefferies Releases Live Track Ahead of EP Release & Tour

I’ve admired Asha Jefferies music for so long that I was surprised to read she’s yet to release an EP. That will all change next month when her debut EP, Hold Yourself Together, drops. She’ll give us all an opportunity to learn the words to those new songs before hitting the road a week later.

If you’ve never seen Asha live, listening to her new live version of “Everybody Talks,” recorded at The Tivoli, might convince you to change all that. This stripped back version takes this song to the next level, encouraging you to hone in on those lyrics and the song’s meaning.

Hold Yourself Together drops on February 1. She’ll play the following EP launch show to celebrate its long-awaited release.

8 February 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
14 February 2019 – Golden Age Cinema, Sydney
15 February 2019 – Retreat Hotel, Melbourne
16 February 2019 – The Espy, Melbourne
1 February 2019 – Nannup Music Festival, Perth

Shorelines Get Acoustic With New Single “How I Feel”

Brisbane’s Shorelines are showcasing a softer sound with their latest single “How I Feel.” It’s not just the bare-it-all emotion of this song that sets it apart. The gentle strumming acoustic guitar makes this a very different offering from one of the nation’s favourite punk rock bands.

Expect Shorelines to play “How I Feel” and all the hits at their shows around the country next month. All gigs are open to all ages and on sale now.

2 February 2019 – Fusebox, Sydney
3 February 2019 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne
9 February 2019 – Nexus Arts Centre, Adelaide
16 February 2019 – East Brisbane Bowls Club, Brisbane

Listening to Cap Carter, a Real “Thrill”

Western Sydney’s Cap Carter is bouncing back from hard times with a vengeance. In just 12 months his band broke up, he lost a friend, and he battled mental health problems. It could have broken him, but he used his struggles to fuel some powerful music. The result is “Thrill,” a powerful track recorded in the United Kingdom with Macklemore’s producer iSaintJames. Cap met the influential producer via Instagram and they bonded immediately over their mental health battles, grief, and passion for music. The song deals with many of these hard-hitting issues, but it’s also tinged with an optimism that things will get better.

“I was by myself for a long time that year. Locked myself up internally and tried to figure out what the hell was going on with life,” Cap explained. “I was angry, frustrated and tired about getting nowhere as a musician and as a person. So I did what anyone else would do, I wrote. Lost count of the bottles and I screamed every word ‘til I felt like my soul was healing. That is what my music is – a soul cleanse. A plea for some sort of tourniquet to stop the bleeding.”

“Thrill” is such an emotional song, and one that hints Cap Carter may be our next big thing. I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting local musician.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Nat Smithson & Nights on Mayfair Join Forces for “What Life Wants For Me”

Soulful singer-songwriter Nat Smithson has joined forces with Motown-loving Nights on Mayfair for the feelgood gem, “What Life Wants For Me.” While it was released late last year, it perfect encapsulates the New Year ethos of moving forward on our intended paths.

While the lyrics hit a home run, take a moment to appreciate its spontaneous, energetic sound. The new supergroup used vintage valve and tape equipment to capture a live spirit in the studio. The studio doors were thrown open when laying down the piano. If you listen closely you can hear the sounds of the city streets and local birds on the track.

Nat Smithson and Nights on Mayfair are a match made in heaven. Hopefully this is the first of many collaborations for these guys.

Young Robin Releases Perfect Summer Soundtrack, “Spaces”

Perth band Young Robin are spreading good vibes with their upbeat new single “Spaces.” It’s a real ear-pleaser with smooth vocals from Jed Begho and Ben Teune and hooks to spare. It cruises along with the perfect summer groove.

“Spaces” comes from Young Robin’s EP Transitions. They’ll help you shake off the New Year Hangover” at Last Night tonight before playing Peel Estate Winery’s Summer Series show on February 10.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Kezra Strikes an Emotional Chord With “Missing You”

Kezra bowled me over with her debut single “Better Place” last year. She proves she’s no one-trick pony with the release of her latest song “Missing You,” a track that’s every bit as compelling as the first.

Kezra is such a special artist. Her voice is so angelic and pure, her lyrics so intimate and exposed. I love the way this track builds to such an emotional crescendo. The song explores the lingering grief we have when we lose loved ones, especially when we’re enjoying success and moments we wish they could share.

“This would have to be one of my most personal and vulnerable songs I have released and I’m so happy to share a little bit of my heart and soul with you,” Kezra said in a statement.

Kezra will launch “Missing You” at The Grace Darling in Melbourne on January 18.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR