Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merpire Shines With “Hauntways” Single

Sydney songstress Merpire has followed up her excellent 2017 release “Holding Breath” with “Hauntways,” another perfect slice of synth-pop that will get under your skin from the first listen. It’s the sort of track that will have you dancing around you bedroom, reminiscing over all those romantic encounters that didn’t pan out.

“’Hauntways’ is about a fleeting kiss. I tried writing about it now and then but it wasn’t until I stood in the very spot where it happened in my hallway that this song finally came out,” Merpire said.

Merpire will launch “Hauntways” with her new all-female band this March. The single launches will happen at Melbourne’s Grace Darling Hotel on March 1 and Sydney’s Waywards on March 3. If you can’t wait that long, you can see Merpire supporting Feelds (who will return the favour at her Sydney launch) at The Catfish in Fitzroy on February 23.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aurelia Releases Long-Awaited Second Single

I really respect artists who take the time to ensure their musical output is quality. Aurelia hasn’t released anything since “Are We Losing” last May, but she’s finally ready to unleash her follow-up, “Chest.” And boy is it worth the wait.

This is such a strong track, an emotional, lush, powerful piece of indie-pop, with smoky vocals and poetic lyrics.

“I got to produce this track with one of my fave partners in crime ‘Thrones’. We had some of the most unbelievable musicians, Matt Laug (Drums – Jagged Little Pill), Paul Bushnell (Bass – The Commitments), Dave Levita (Guitar – Lana Del Rey) come in and lay down their parts, and got to work in a few really incredible studios with the most amazing engineer Tom Weir (Blondie, Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin),” Aurelia says of recording the track in Los Angeles. “The process was really quite humbling and magical, and the whole thing came together seamlessly to create a sonic fabric that I’m so proud of and super excited to set free”.

Aurelia is home to launch the single at Melbourne’s Wesley Anne on February 17.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths’ Finally Releases “Let Me Down Easy”

I was surprised to receive an email recently telling me Gang of Youths‘ song “Let Me Down Easy” was being released as a single. After it secured the second spot on Triple J’s Hottest 100, I’d just assumed it was already a single! But it appears I was wrong. No matter. It gives us a great opportunity to take another listen to this amazing track.

I will admit, when I saw this song polled so highly with Triple J listeners, I was a little surprise. I’d only ever heard it in the context of the album, and I felt it got a little lost there. That’s probably a testament to just how good Go Father In Lightness is. But after going back to “Let Me Down Easy,” I’m starting to hear it in a whole new light.

Let’s face it, Gang of Youths can do no wrong. Take another listen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rackett Goes Their Own Way With “Alive”

With a big, bold sound, there’s no ignoring Rackett and their new single “Alive.” It’s a song that sounds truly original, perhaps because this all-female quartet made it a truly independent release. The women wrote, recorded, and produced it at Forces & Fury Studios, owned by the band’s drummer Astrid Holz and vocalist and guitarist, Kat Ayala.

“When deciding what recording process would best serve this song and the band’s overall sound, we realized that we had all the skills and resources to record and produce this entirely ourselves. Of course, we had our doubts in the beginning but we pushed forward and created what we feel is our best record so far,” Kat explained.

It’s not just the sound that’s unique, but also the song’s lyrics. It’s not often we hear singles tackling material mortality and its link to pop culture!

“Alive is about the material reincarnation of oneself. Alive celebrates the life and death cycle of an adopted trend and empowers you to re-decide your identity and to let go of the past,” vocalist and guitarist Rebecca Callander explained.

Rackett are currently on the road bringing their music to the masses. You can still catch them at the following venues.

9 February 2018 – The Foundry, Brisbane
10 February 2018 – Hotter Than Hell, Ipswich
10 February 2018 – Northern Byron Bar, Byron Bay
16 February 2018 – Selina’s, Coogee Bay
17 February 2018 – New Victoria Hotel, Wetherill Park
18 February 2018 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
23 February 2018 – Cherry Bar, Melbourne
24 February 2018 – Pier Street Party, Frankston
1 March 2018 – Moonshine, Manly
2 March 2018 – Waywards, Sydney
9 March 2018 – O’Donoughues, Emu Plains
10 March 2018 – Daisy Went Crazy, Gold Coast
24 March 2018 – Dicey Rileys, Wollongong
29 March 2018 – Gateway Hotel, Newcastle
31 March 2018 – Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney
7 April 2018 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stevies Make Kids’ Music As Teeny Tiny Stevies

It occurs to me that I don’t write about a lot of kids’ music on here. In fact, there’s a good chance I’ve never written about children’s music. I’m not a mum, so the most exposure I get is when The Wiggles and Hi-5 pop up on the carols each year. But I did want to put the Teeny Tiny Stevies on the radars of all the mums and dads out there, because they’re actually making excellent kids’ music. The kind of stuff parents might even want to listen to. Trust me.

Teeny Tiny Stevies is the brainchild of Byll and Beth Stephen, who you might know better as grown up band The Stevies. They take the same pop-folk approach to their kids’ music, but add lyrics that hope to educate and empower youngsters. Take the new single “Boss Of My Own Body.” On the surface it’s a fun song about how even though many things are outside a child’s control, they are free to move their body and express themselves through it how they want. But if children know their body is their own, they can also hopefully feel empowered should anyone else try to invade their space.

Expect more songs that speak of the challenges children and the things you want your youngster to know, as Byll and Beth brainstormed ideas for the album through social media. Parents bombarded the pair with song ideas, suggesting several topics they found difficult to broach at home. They hope their songs can become useful conversation starters for tackling those difficult issues.

“There is so much great children’s entertainment out there made exclusively with the children in mind, so instead of adding to that we wanted to consider the carers equally” said Byll. “After all it’s us parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles and teachers who listen to the music along with the children.”

“Kids will have fun if their parents are having fun, and we want to create a space where music can be enjoyed by the whole family” adds Beth.

“Boss Of My Own Body” comes from Teeny Tiny Stevies forthcoming album Helpful Songs for Little People, which drops on February 16 through ABC Kids.

Image used with permission from Universal Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurst Impresses With New Single “Rattle Kids”

Hurst have a couple of singles under their belt which earned some airplay on community radio, Triple J, Triple M, and other channels, but they’ve escaped my attention until now. There’s no chance they’ll stay under the radar though with the release of “Rattle Kids,” a bold alterna-pop track that takes me right back to the ‘90s. And can I just take a moment to praise those insane vocals from Ana Veira?

The Western Sydney four-piece releases “Rattle Kids” on February 9. See Hurst at one of the following upcoming gigs.

27 April 2018 – The Hideaway Bar, Sydney
10 May 2018 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
11 May 2018 – Lass O’ Gowrie, Newcastle
12 May 2018 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Jared King PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YouTube Sensations Maari Release Stunning New Single “Heartbreaker”

After wowing fans with their YouTube covers, Sydney duo Maari are showing us just how good their originals are. Their latest single “Heartbreaker” packs a real punch with its powerful blend of R’n’B, electronica, and indie pop. Its musical strength is matched with emotionally charged vocals.

“At first listen, HeartBreaker comes across as a powerful declaration of independence and sexuality… but the song is littered with confessions of pain, loss and insecurity,” the Sydneysiders explained. “We wanted to create an erratic fusion of aggression and vulnerability, which is accentuated in the intense highs and lows of the production.”

We’re clearly dealing with a band with a strong musical vision here, as Maari recorded and self-produced the track in their home studio, dubbed The Maari Kitchen. Hopefully we hear them cook up more music soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Camp Cope Release Stand-Out Album Title Track

I’m working on a Saturday. On a long weekend nonetheless. Despite resolving to get better work-life balance this year. It’s frustrating that after working myself into the ground last year, taking Friday afternoon and tomorrow off seems like some kind of balance. Also, my air-conditioner is broken so my husband and I are fighting over possession of the tower fan. Anyway, long story short hearing the new Camp Cope track “How to Socialise & Make Friends” is just what I needed right now.

I love the heart of this band. They’re so good at speaking of life’s frustrations, yet expressing hope and defiance at it all. This track was recorded in just three takes, which gives it this delicious spontaneous energy.

“How to Socialise & Make Friends” is the title track from Camp Cope’s forthcoming album, due March 2. They’ll tour the album after its release, but if you haven’t got your tickets, good luck. Many shows are already sold out, and the rest are selling fast!

14 March 2018 – Republic Bar, Hobart
15 March 2018 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
16 March 2018 – – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 March 2018 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
20 March 2018 – Jive, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2018 – Basement, Canberra
22 March 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli (SOLD OUT)
23 March 2018 – The Metro, Sydney (All Ages)

Photo credit: Naomi Beveridge; used with permission from Super Duper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LA Faithfull Releases Power Synth-Pop Single, “Heart Back”

Melbourne singer-songwriter LA Faithfull bares her soul on her brand new single “Hear Back.” On the surface is sounds like a sweet electro-pop song, but the lyrics and LA’s powerful vocal delivery help it back a real emotional punch. Anyone who’s ever felt vulnerable is sure to relate to this gut-wrenching track.

“Heart Back is about the moment when you fall apart and realise that maybe no one will ever be able to put back together those tiny pieces of your heart that feel like they are lost when tragedy strikes,” LA explained. “ I actually wrote the lyrics the night I found out my dad had prostate cancer…I was going through the motions of looking at my dad’s face when he had to tell us, and watching my mum’s reaction of pure fear – and then feeling that it will never be the same again…even when you have good days, you’re always worried about the next bit of bad news.”

LA Faithfull can’t wait to show Australia what she can do in person, with a tour set to be announced really soon. Until then, give this great song another listen.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cog Release Long Awaited New Single, “The Middle”

Cog haven’t dropped any new music since the Sharing Space album in 2008, but fans have been rewarded for their patience with the release of their latest track, “The Middle.”

Don’t be fooled by its delicate folky intro. The Sydney trio haven’t forgotten how to rock. Once this track kicks in, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy the ride.

Cog will play shows to support the highly anticipated release of “The Middle” next month. Here are all the dates you need.

2 February 2018 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Melbourne
3 February 2018 – Croxton Hotel, Melbourne
4 February 2018 – HQ Complex, Adelaide
9 February 2018 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
10 February 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane