Scott Graham Releases Stellar Solo Debut “Little Minds”

Drawing inspiration from fellow Melbourne musicians The Teskey Brothers and Raised by Eagles, and sounding more than a little like Bernard Fanning, Scott Graham has released his debut single “Little Minds.”

It’s got such an accessible pop-rock feel to it, yet there’s a real depth there too. This might be his debut solo single, but Scott’s been honing his craft with blues outfit 40 Thieves for some time, and that experience shows here. The song takes on some weighty issues, as Scott explained.

“The song was born out of my frustration of the continuous news cycle of innocent people suffering in war torn parts of the world and the apparent inaction of the people in power to recognise the root cause of these problems,” he said. “The song is both a protest and a call to action”.

“Little Minds” comes from Scott’s debut solo EP Into the Sun, which is available for digital download now.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Thompson Springs Announces Australian Shows

Chicago band Thompson Springs are heading Down Under in the New Year to play a stack of shows in New South Wales, Victoria, and the ACT. That means there’s no better time than the present to get acquainted with their music.

On their recently released EP Fond Regards, the band explores the classic sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s. There’s some trippy psychedelic stuff on here, but I prefer Thompson Springs best on folkier numbers like “Dandelion Queen.”

You can discover more when Thompson Springs touch down in Australia next month.
5 January 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
6 January 2018 – The Phoenix, Canberra
10 January 2018 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
18 January 2018 – The Old Bar, Fitzroy
24 January 2018 – Cafe Lounge, Surry Hills
25 January 2018 – Staves Brewery, Sydney
28 January 2018 – Upstairs at Fred’s @ Live n Lounging, Camden
3 February 2018 – Red Dog Sessions, Randwick
4 February 2018 – The Record Crate, Glebe
8 February 2018 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
9 February 2018 – The Townie, Newtown

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis Drop Christmas Clip Ahead of Aussie Tour

British siblings Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are getting fans into the festive spirit and excited about their upcoming Aussie tour with the release of the new video for single “Just One Kiss.” The simple clip sees the trio playing live at their home studio, which is appropriately decorated for the holidays.

This is a stripped back version of the track that appears on Kitty, Daisy & Lewis’ Superscope album, and I think I love it even more. It’s closer to how the track was originally conceived, with just Kitty singing and her guitar, before Lewis suggesting adding the piano and strings.

“The song’s about how a magic kiss can change your life,” the band said. “Kitty wrote it one night sitting in front of the fire playing guitar – perfect for all the lovers out there at Christmas time!”

Their Aussie tour is one for all the lovers too. It kicks off in Sydney on Valentine’s Day.

14 February 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
15 February 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 February 2018 – Perth Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Inertia Music

Tonight Alive Lay Heart Bare With Sensational New Single

Never one to take a backwards step, Tonight Alive have released a powerful new single “Crack My Heart.” With emotional lyrics and a killer vocal performance from Jenna McDougall, this is one track that knows how to leave an impression.

“The concept of cracking the heart is to allow the precious, vulnerable self to come through and be free. The painful, yet liberating experience involves the emotional and energetic decalcification of the hardened heart,” Jenna explained. “The lyrics follow my conversation with a ‘winged man’, a conscious figure, who offers space and safety to do my healing with. In my experience, when you are seen as your authentic self by another, you come to recognise your reflection more accurately and lovingly. ‘Crack My Heart’ is a tribute to the way that love from the divine masculine elevates and holds space for the divine feminine to flourish.”

“Crack My Heart” comes from Tonight Alive’s new album Underworld, which will drop on January 12.

Image used with permission from the Unified Music Group

Nothing Like You Delivers New Rock Anthem “Clouds”

There’s nothing like a great rock song to wake you up and make you feel energised for the day ahead. Sydney outfit Nothing Like You has delivered one with their latest single “Clouds.”

It’s got everything covered here, from big, beefy riffs to powerhouse vocals. It’s got a classic rock sound with a little extra edge that I’m really digging. It explores some pretty meaty themes too, reflecting on love and loss and the bittersweet pain we feel through it all.

Sydneysiders, you’re in luck. Nothing Like You will play Valve Bar tonight. Friday entertainment sorted!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Iluka Gets Me Grooving With “Sympathy”

Sydney songbird Iluka is back with a groovy new single “Sympathy,” the latest lifted from her forthcoming EP Ritual. This song has such a positive vibe, with rich horns, a clap along chorus, and powerful lyrics about social change.

“Sympathy is a song that’s been sitting in my drawer for a couple of years now,” Iluka explained. “When it was written I had this real sense of impotence and apathy within my generation. That willing or not, so many of us were becoming slaves. Slaves to technology, to consumerism, to authority, to an ideology, to expectation, to our own bodies, and to our own minds. Rather fittingly I didn’t really know what to do with the song at the time. But I feel like with all that is happening in the world right now people are being shaken awake, whether we like it or not. Silence is being broken, indifference is turning to dissidence, people are speaking up and being heard, and the time felt right to bring this song to life, to add my voice to the cause. To celebrate defiance, to champion self-expression, to promote self-belief, and to reclaim our power. As the song choruses… we want it back.”

Iluka will launch the single at the Coven Christmas Party at The Lansdowne in Sydney on December 21.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

BADMATHS Pack a Punch With “Definition”

With their aggressive mix of heavy metal, hip hop, and funk, I’ll bet you’ve never heard anything quite like the music of BADMATHS. The Alice Springs outfit have just released their brand new single “Definition.”

This track has such an awesome sound that defies genre. But its lyrics, which explore the concept of the modern day poet, are also really smart.

I’m really looking forward to hearing more from this very original band.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley: Partners in Life and Touring

Brooke MyClymont is taking a little time out from her family band to release music with the man in her life, Adam Eckersley. One of those songs is “Train Wreck,” a track which hopefully doesn’t describe their own relationship! It comes from their self-titled album Adam & Brooke, which will hit stores on February 9.

Brooke McClymont and Adam Eckersley performed a string of acoustic shows in June and July and they enjoyed it so much they’ll do it again next year. The Highway Sky Tour will play capital cities and plenty of regional centres. If they’re not coming to your town, don’t worry. This already extensive tour will get more dates soon! Expect to hear the couple’s collaborations and your favourite McClymonts and Adam Eckersley Band songs too at the following shows.

9 February 2018 – Rooty Hill RSL, Rooty Hill
10 February 2018 – Coast Hotel, Budgewoi
23 February 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
24 February 2018 – Southern Cross Club, Canberra
2 March 2018 – Armidale Ex Serviceman’s Club, Armidale
3 March 2018 – Southwest Rocks Country Club, Southwest Rocks
8 March 2018 – Leftys Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
9 March 2018 – Lone Star Tavern, Gold Coast
10 March 2018 – South Acacia Ridge Sports Club, Brisbane South
16 & 17 March 2018 – The Pelican Playhouse, Grafton
6 April 2018 – Young Services Club, Young
7 April 2018 – Civic Theatre, Wagga Wagga
12 April 2018 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
13 April 2018 – York on Lilydale, Mt Evelyn
14 April 2018 – Gateway Hotel, Geelong
26 April 2018 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
27 April 2018 – Leadbelly, Newtown
29 April 2018 – Oaks Hotel, Albion Park Rail
11 May 2018 – Brothers Leagues, Cairns
12 May 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
13 May 2018 – Mt Pleasant, Mackay
15 May 2018 – Glenmore Tavern, Rockhampton
16 May 2018 – Hervey Road Tavern, Gladstone
17 May 2018 – Melbourne Hotel, Bundaberg
18 May 2018 – Caloundra RSL, Caloundra
19 May 2018 – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba

Image used with permission from Revolutions Per Minute

Jeffrey Jordan Impresses on Debut With “Dancing All Night”

Jeffrey Jordan has taken his cues from Justin Timberlake with his first single “Dancing All Night.” The song has a similar deep groove to “Cry Me A River,” but there’s something a little darker and more haunting here. The vocals from this Victorian singer-songwriter are also spot on.

Jeff wrote the track about a personal situation that left him feeling frustrated and confused. Channelling his emotions into the song, he explored what it’s like to question your feelings for someone you love, or think you love.

This song is a world away from the music Jeff releases in local pop-punk band Rose Avenue, but I think it’s just the kind of thing that could be big if enough people hear it.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Sun Sap Releases Summery New Single “Walking Out the Door”

Sun Sap seem to have been soaking up the laidback vibes of their home on the New South Wales South Coast, because their new single “Walking Out the Door” has a real sun-drenched surf-rock feel to it. I’m really digging its classic retro sound.

“Walking Out the Door” is the latest cut released from Sun Sap’s forthcoming EP Sometimes, Always, Never, Maybe, due out on February 2. They’ll launch the single tomorrow night, December 9, at The Botany View in Sydney.

Image used with permission from Brain Drain