Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trey Cooper Wows Me With “Howling”

Sunshine Coast muso Trey Cooper has thoroughly charmed me with his new single “Howling.” If you love a good acoustic-driven pop-rock track, you’re going to eat this up too.

It’s got a great radio-friendly sound, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear a little darkness. Trey has flipped the classic love song on its head here, turning it into something a bit moodier and more haunting. And can we just take a moment to appreciate his voice, which seems to have no barriers. His effortless command of his instrument is reminiscent of Jeff Buckley or Matt Corby. I love that rather than releasing a fancy video where he lip-synced, Trey has released a back-to-basics live studio video as the official film clip.

Trey regularly gigs around Southeast Queensland. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he ventures out for a national tour.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bligh Impresses With Bold New Single “Mrs Jones”

Sounding like the musical offspring of The Whitlams and Panic! At the Disco, Bligh have dropped their smashing new single “Mrs Jones.”

It’s such a cool mix of retro synthpop and retro rock sounds, with a hook you’ll have stuck in your head for days and deliciously dark lyrics. It’s bold, it’s brash, and probably the best thing to come out of a Midsummer Murders binge-watching session.

“Our goal was always to write one song, pop music operettas,” explained Elliott, the band’s frontman. “To try and give the character or narrator, generally me, a fully-fledged narrative that builds with the music; like a movie that only exists in my head.”

Bligh will play a secret release party for “Mrs Jones” at Miami on the Gold Coast on September 27.

Image used with permission from WHO Collective

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Pierce Brothers Announce Headlining Shows for Debut Album

The Pierce Brothers are giving their loyal fans plenty of opportunities to see them live this summer. Not content with supporting Rodriguez at his Day on the Green Shows, the Melbourne folk-pop duo have announced a string of headlining shows to support their upcoming debut album, Atlas Shoulders.

The Pierce Brothers created the songs that would form Atlas Shoulders while traveling Australia, South Africa, America, and Europe over the last year. It touches on the experiences they’ve had on the road and pressing social issues, including the impact of depression and anxiety.

Atlas Shoulders is set for release on October 26. Order early to receive a special limited edition 7-inch vinyl copy of the current single “Back End Roads” and the dreamy album track B-side “Juno.”

These guys are in demand, so you won’t want to miss The Pierce Brothers while they’re back home for the following shows.

9 November 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
16 November 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
17 November 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
16 February 2019 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
23 February 2019 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KG Inspires “Change” With Brand New Single

Ever since I heard his politically-charged single “Mabo Martin Mandela” last year, I was eager to hear what Canberra-based, South African-born hip hop artist KG would do next. Hip hop isn’t my favourite genre, but I find it so powerful when it’s got something important to say. More social commentary, less bitches and hoes. KG hasn’t let me down with his latest cut “Change,” a track inspired by his father Seretse Ratlhagne, a freedom fighter who campaigned alongside Nelson Mandela and his recent experiences in Indigenous communities.

KG says “‘Change’ is about inspiring social change in our community for everyone. Also, by doing one thing to help someone disadvantaged is better than doing nothing at all. The song is designed for the everyday person struggling and how they can overcome life struggles by making a change in their lives.”

KG is the voice the hip hop community needs right now, a man who’s not afraid to speak out for the marginalised and inspire us to do better. This is another stellar track from this up-and-coming, but already so important, local artist.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vinten Releases Comeback Single “Arrows”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Vinten stepped back from music two years ago to pursue other interests, but the lure of his craft proved too strong. After time away from the spotlight, Vinten marks his return to the scene with an impressive new single “Arrows.”

It’s a stripped back stunner written and recorded in a St. Kilda sharehouse. Unafraid of exploring some tough emotional ground, the track tackles the way we perceive the world and the strength required to stay the course even when life seems shaky.

What a welcome return this is. Vinten, it’s good to have you back.

Image used with permission from Vinten Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Conrad Sewell Strikes Gold Again With “Changing”

Conrad Sewell is asserting himself as one of Australia’s best new singer-songwriters. It seems like only yesterday he released “Healing Hands,” but he’s quickly followed it up with “Changing,” a track that is every bit as powerful as the one that came before.

“‘Changing’ is a super vulnerable and emotional record for me,” Conrad explained. “I wrote it right when I was deep in a relationship and realised that I was ruining it. My actions and my addictions were starting to affect her. I would come home and see her crying… she was always upset. She wasn’t the same person that she was when we first started dating and I felt like it was because of me and the way that I was acting. So this is really me apologising for everything I’ve done and telling her to never change for anyone – you’re perfect the way you are. Especially don’t change for me, because I wasn’t worth it at the time.”

I’ve always appreciated Conrad’s music, but his latest crop of songs, which are so confessional and confronting, really strike a chord with me. The sky is certainly the limit for this talented Aussie.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Courtney Marie Andrews Announces Aussie Shows

You know when you have those moments when you just think “What a song! What a voice!” The moments where you get goosebumps because what you’re hearing is so incredible? I just had one of those spine-tingling moments listening to “Heart and Mind,” the new single from American singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews, who’s visiting our shores next month.

Courtney Marie said she “Wanted to write a song that embodies the importance of empowerment when you feel weakened by misrepresentation and/or sexual harassment. Even if our bodies have been misused or taken advantage of, we have the power to speak with our hearts and minds. The most powerful way to display that message is with simple conversations with those who love us. The mother/daughter bond is incredibly powerful, and I use that to embody protection and safety in this song and video.”

Courtney Marie Andrews is visiting Australia in October for shows with Margo Price and Joshua Hedley and an appearance at Out on the Weekend. Here are all the places you can see this amazing musician perform.

10 October 2018 – Caravan Club, Melbourne
12 October 2018 – Lefty’s, Brisbane
13 October 2018 – Out on the Weekend, Williamstown
16 October 2018 – The Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Inertia Music; credit: Laura E. Partain

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

As A Rival Release Rocking New Single Ahead of Album Number 2

Melbourne punk rockers As A Rival release their sophomore album Griefers on November 2, but they’re whetting our appetites with the release of the first single “What We Got.”

This is just the thing to wake you up on a sleepy Saturday, with big fuzzy guitars and a hard-hitting chorus that will soon have you singing along.

“There are times when we are tested – things that we love, that we live for are put to the sword and we’re left to question ‘is it all worth it’? It’s hard not to focus on the negative. It’s hard enough when it’s your own fight, but watching it happen to someone close to you can be debilitating and make you feel helpless. What We Got addresses the internal struggle that comes with failed attempts to try and comfort those in need,” explained As A Rival’s frontman, Pete Cerni.

If you’re getting a little Shihad vibe from this track, it’s little wonder. Tom Larkin recorded and produced the whole album, which came about after he challenged the band to write 50 songs in two months. Griefers is the best that came from that prolific creative period. Put in your pre-orders now at As A Rival’s website.

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Missy Lancaster Strips It All Back for “Never In Love”

There’s no sign of fatigue showing in Missy Lancaster, who’s just released the third single from her debut album Piece of Me. “Never In Love” is a heartbreaking piano ballad about the realisation of the one-sided nature of a relationship.

“This is the most vulnerable song on the album, and I think anyone who has had their heart broken will connect with this on a very deep level,” says Missy. “This is a song I have to hold back the tears on!”

It’s a real departure for the CMC Music Awards New Australian Artist of the Year nominee, who’s previously bought us more upbeat country fare. I’ve enjoyed those songs, but this is the track that’s really blown me away. If you’re just as impressed, make sure you get out and support Missy at one of her upcoming shows.

23 September 2018 – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba
27 October 2018 – VDM Festival, Biloela
10 November 2018 – Christmas in Narellan, Narellan
1 December 2018 – Country at the Beach, Rainbow Beach
24 January 2018 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Tamworth

Image usesd with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fields Enchants With “Neverland”

Dublin-born, Peth-based chanteuse Fields brings a fresh new flavour to Celtic sounds with her new single “Neverland.”

This is such an interesting track, with gentle stripped back moments giving way to the frenetic, fevered strums of an acoustic guitar. Fields’ enchanting voice anchors it all. It seems that voice can go anywhere, and no matter where it moves it’s just as beautiful and powerful.

Fresh from a European tour, Fields will play shows all over Western Australia over the new few months. Sit tight East Coast; Fields will play gigs in your part of the country next year.

22 September 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
10 October 2018 – Indi Bar, Scarborough (single launch)
11 October 2018 – Beaufort St. Songwriters Club, Mt Lawley
2 November 2018 – WAMFest, Belgian Beer Cafe, Perth
29 November 2018 – Folklore, Buffalo Club, Fremantle
13 December 2018 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
14 December 2018 – White Star, Albany
16 December 2018 – Taylor St Quarters, Esperance
20 January 2019 – Summer Series, Peel Estate Winery, Karnup
1-4 March 2019 – Nannup Festival, Nannup
23 March 2019 – Toodyay Music Festival, Toodyay

Image used with pemrmission from Firestarter Music