Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Soldier’s Wife Revisits Stories of Love and War

You might remember The Soldier’s Wife, a special show developed by singer-songwriters who spent time with the wives and widows of Australian servicemen, and the full-length album that accompanied it back in 2015.

Now two years later, there are still many more stories to tell so it’s time for volume number two. The latest release features many of the artists that contributed to the original including Jackie Marshall, Roz Pappalardo, Emma Bosworth, Kristy Apps, and original musical director Deb Suckling. Their double-album of folk songs features tracks like “Appreciate Your Love,” about the last 18 months Suzi Vincent shared with her husband, Vietnam veteran Tony. During his time in Vietnam Tony contracted melanoma skin cancer, which did not surface until 2009. In their final months together, the couple learned to “stop sweating the small stuff.”

“Appreciate Your Love” is one of 19 songs featured on the new The Soldier’s Wife album. There’s also a companion book which gives greater detail on the stories of these brave men and the women who love them.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stand Atlantic Charge Me Up With “Coffee at Midnight”

I’m feeling a little angsty this Saturday morning. I worked late last night and I’ve got so much on that I know I won’t get a chance to really enjoy my weekend the way they’re meant to be enjoyed. It’s not fun stuff either. Right now I’m wading my way through a rather depressing article on what a Trump presidency means for non-profit organisations in the United States. Moods like mine right now call for a song like “Coffee at Midnight” by Sydney trio Stand Atlantic.

With powerful vocals from frontwoman Bonnie Fraser and big crunchy chords, this is just the kind of attitude-filled number that I needed to hear right now. We’re likely to hear a lot more from the band too, because Stand Atlantic is the first Aussie act signed to Rude Records international roster.

“We are stoked and excited to welcome Stand Atlantic to the Rude Records family!” confirmed a Rude Records rep. “They are such talented young and ambitious artists, in addition to being super cool people. We are beyond thrilled that our paths have crossed and can’t wait to share their music with the world!”

Is “Coffee at Midnight” striking the right chord for your Saturday?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Releases Feel-Good New Rock Anthem “Wild Mind”

It feels like I’ve been waiting forever to share “Wild Mind,” the latest single from indie pop trio Pacific, with you. In truth I only heard it a little more than a month ago on one of those advance streams, but it feels like I’ve known this song a lot longer. It’s just got that wonderfully familiar feel about it, with its infectious hooks and epic vocals. It’s everything I’ve loved about Pacific’s past releases, but dare I say it just a little bit better?

“I think Wild Mind is a song that everyone can relate to,” the band said in a press release. “Every day when you turn on the radio or scroll through your newsfeed, you’re just bombarded with issues that make the world seem like a terrible place. For me, I feel like it gets to a point where you need to take things into your own hands and play your little part to make the world around you a little less dark.”

So crank this one up and remember that no matter how bleak things seem, there is always some good if you look in the right places.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

December Baby Releases “Jimmy Choos”

When I listened to December Baby’s new single “Jimmy Choos” from a press release link, it felt instantly familiar. After a quick search it seems I’d reviewed her EP Beneath the Surface a year ago and I felt “Jimmy Choos” was the standout track. So I’m thrilled that it’s finally standing alone as a single.

The single comes with a pretty kickass clip. I love the way it blends the Stepford Wives retro vibe with some real edge. It’s the brainchild of four talented film students from Brisbane, December Baby’s home stage. Props go to Kate Jorgensen, Demi Bird, Brielle O’Mullane, and Kaydee Ball who clearly have a real future in the film business.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Announces Aussie Tour Ahead of EP Release

The band’s moniker might make you think of the United States, but Dear Seattle are proud to be part of Sydney’s music scene. The band creates punk rock that sounds as defiant as the genre should. The new single “Afterthought,” which comes from the band’s new EP, due out on July 14, is a glorious case in point.

Listen to this one and see if you’re not fired up as lead vocalist and guitarist Brae Fisher sings “Hope tells me that I’m getting somewhere soon.”

Dear Seattle has spent the last three years touring up and down the East Coast, so expect a tight live set at the following shows.

6 July 2017 – Hotel Tasmania, Launceston (with Kingswood)
7 July 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart (with Kingswood)
28 July 2017 – Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga (with Kingswood)
29 July 2017 – SS&A, Albury (with Kingswood)
4 August 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
5 August 2017 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
17 August 2017 – Moonshine Bar, Manly
18 August 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
19 August 2017 – Shaka Fest, Gold Coast
20 August 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Title Track

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Coin Banks Releases Soulful New Single “Forgive Us”

Perth MC Coin Banks has joined forces with the mighty WAAPA Gospel Choir for his latest single “Forgive Us.”

I love the way Coin Banks’ rhymes works with the choir’s slick soulful harmonies and the band’s tight horns. Combining genres doesn’t always work, but this is pretty special. If it doesn’t put a smile on your face this Humpday, I don’t know what will!

“I think something that holds us back as a society is the inability to apologise and forgive, it is something so simple but something we all struggle with. Pride and fear hold us back from apologising, and at the same time holds us back from forgiving the people that have wronged us,” Coin Banks explained. “The song takes a tongue-in-cheek approach to this fairly serious issue.”

“Forgive Me” comes from Coin Banks’ new EP Outside Looking In, which drops on June 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fallin’ For Jessica Mauboy

Jessica Mauboy is one of those rare entertainers who never seems to put a foot wrong. Whether she’s behind the microphone or the camera, she dazzles. I’m always impressed by her musical output, but I think her latest single “Fallin’” is just a cut above the rest. It’s musically so interesting and her vocals, as always, are on point.

If you love the song, make sure you tune in to The Voice this Sunday to catch her performing it live.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meg Mac Does It Again With “Maybe It’s My First Time”

If the singles she keeps releasing are any indication, Meg Mac’s forthcoming album Low Blows is going to be really something. The latest single is “Maybe It’s My First Time,” a soulful number with a charming vintage feel.

Meg recorded the track in Fort Worth, Texas at Niles City Sound, set up by the producers and players behind the music of Leon Bridges. Mixing at Electric Lady in New York completed this slick soul song.

“’Maybe it’s My First Time’ is about trying to get through a bad time. When you’re hurt, you can keep going over and over the pain in your head and drive yourself crazy,” Meg explained. “I wanted to stop all that and only look back once and be done with it. To cruise past my pain instead of living in it”.

Low Blows drops on July 14. Meg will tour the album, but tickets are selling fast so don’t delay if you want some!

23 July 2017 – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay
8 September 2017 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
9 September 2017 – The Forum, Melbourne
22 September 2017 – The Enmore, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tempus Sun Wins Me Over With “Owls”

When I attempted to stream “Owls,” the new single from last year’s Bank of Melbourne ‘Melbourne Music Bank’ winners Tempus Sun, on Spotify, it came up on an album called Listen Up Australian Volume 1, which was listed as “featuring the top ten songwriters in Australia.” As you can imagine, my curiosity was piqued and my expectations set high!

At first I wasn’t sure about the song. It was quite nice, with its gentle acoustic guitar and delicate vocal delivery, but I wasn’t really seeing what distinguished from the glut of solid folk music we have in this country. But I gave it time, as you should with any song, and it built into something exceptional.

So I urge you, give it time. This song just keeps getting stronger as the harmonies kick in and the instruments intensify. The message is also one that anyone who’s battled mental illness or been close to someone who has will identify with.

“Owls is about speaking up about our struggles. It’s a tune relatable to anyone with troubles, be it in the past or ongoing,” explained Tempus Sun’s lead guitarist Ed Borreomeo. “It was created with mental illness in mind and the intention of influencing people to just have a chat about it with someone. Coming from personal experience, something as simple as having a chat is very easy to disregard as helpful, or is easy to procrastinate on, but I found it to be the first step in combatting almost anything.”

“Owls” is the first single from Tempus Sun’s self-titled debut EP, which will drop on August 4. The band will launch “Owls” with a show for hometown fans at The Toff in Town on June 30.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anita Lester Lays It All Bare With “Last Day”

I love a performer who has the confidence in her voice to have it exposed. Artists like this don’t hide behind a symphony of sound or studio wizardry. They’re comfortable with delicate arrangements, because they know their talent speaks for itself.

Anita Lester is one of those special artists. Her voice is accompanied by just a gentle piano for much of her new single “Last Day.” The effect is mesmerizing. Even when the strings kick in, her voice stands proud, anchoring the track so beautifully.

Anita penned “Last Day” at the beginning of a goodbye, and its lyrics so effectively explore the emotions that come when you know the end is near. The video, directed by her brother Yoav, is the ideal accompaniment to this song about emotional struggle.

Anita originally hails from Melbourne but she’s currently making waves in her adopted city of London. “Last Day” comes from her soon-to-be-released debut album.