With the album Head in the Trees, Heart on the Ground set to drop in just a few days’ time, I figured I should introduce you to The Singing Skies’ beautiful new single “Mountains.”
This is one of those songs that stopped me in my tracks. It’s achingly beautiful, with a haunting quality that draws you in and doesn’t let go. Take a moment to really listen, because it deserves way more than becoming background music for whatever it is you’re doing.
Head in the Trees, Heart on the Ground is released on April 21. The Singing Skies will play the Red Rattler in Marrickville on that night before hitting Golden Age Cinema in Surry Hills for Vivid Music on June 2.
Category: Releases
Bobby Maguire Rocks Out With “Breathe”
Port Douglas muso Bobby Maguire has knocked my socks off with his new single “Breathe.”
The presser calls him an indie rocker, but there’s so much more going on here than that descriptor suggests. It’s as catchy as any pop song, but there’s a punky attitude in that heavy bassline that I really like. It’s that got that epic feel that a song by Kings of Leon or Naked and Famous might have, but it doesn’t feel derivative either.
I’m really looking forward to hearing more from this talented newcomer.
Chasing Velvet Could be Australia’s Next Big Thing
It’s been a long time since Australia had a girl group to call its own, but we just might have found one in Chasing Velvet. This fun act has just released their debut single “Vertigo.” Listen at your own risk, because you’re unlikely to get it out of your head for weeks.
These girls have the look, but we probably shouldn’t dump them into the same basket as Little Mix and Fifth Harmony. They’ve got a little more of a rock-edge than those British chartbusters, and they’re also much more than just voices. While all the ladies contribute their vocal talents to the single, Luci also plays guitar, Jaslyn is on bass, and Naomi has real chops behind a drum kit. Perhaps we should start thinking of them as the female equivalent of 5 Seconds of Summer rather than the next Girlfriend or Bardot.
They also weren’t put together by a money-hungry record exec or a TV talent show either. Instead they met through mutual friends; sharing their musical interests quickly led to jam sessions and Chasing Velvet was born.
With catchy tunes and real musical talent behind them, I predict we’re going to see a lot of Chasing Velvet this year.
Image used with permission from Spotlight Music Group
San Cisco Brings Back Summer With “Hey, Did I Do You Wrong?”
Even when winter seems to be prematurely setting in, I can always rely on San Cisco for summery vibes. The Fremantle band’s latest pop gem is “Hey, Did I Do You Wrong?” a new track lifted from LP number three, The Water.
Like everything San Cisco touches, this track is super infectious, in the best possible way. The lyrics, which explore the dissolution of a friendship, are also really relatable.
As I hear more from The Water, it’s clear it’s going to do great things when it’s released later this month.
Bad Pony’s New Song “Deficiency” is So Good
When I first heard music from Sydney outfit Bad Pony in 2015, they quickly became one of my favourite Australian bands. They’ve been off my radar for a little while, but they’ve caught my attention with their latest single “Deficiency.”
Let me start by saying this isn’t the Bad Pony I remember. The song is a lot edgier, more aggressive and with more of an electronic influence, than the party tunes I’m used to from the band. At first I wasn’t sure about this new direction, but by the time I got to the chorus I was hooked. This is quality stuff that’s hooky enough to ensure it doesn’t alienate longtime fans like myself.
“Deficiency is about being absorbed by the greedy, selfish nature of Sydney,” front man Jarred Young explained in a press release. “We sat by my piano and arranged the tune from a bunch of voice memos recorded on Jarred’s phone,” adds guitarist and kick-drummer, Sam Thomlinson. “It started out as a bit of a mix and match, but came together in the end. We wrote the bridge in a rehearsal session, in one of our ‘let’s just play and see what happens’ moments. I produced the track at home, and recorded the drums with Jarred, then we sent it off to Cron (guitars and vocals) to be mixed and mastered.”
Bad Pony is currently touring the single in North America, but they’ll be back home to play for local crowds soon enough. Whether you’re in the U.S. or here in Australia, here are the dates you need.
15 April 2017 – Pianos, New York City
17 April 2017 – Sofar Sounds, Philadelphia
22 April 2017 – Canadian Music Week @ The Supermarket, Toronto
6 May 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
11 May 2017 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
12 May 2017 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
19 May 2017 – Beach Hotel, Byron
20 May 2017 – Night Quarter, Gold Coast
21 May 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
25 May 2017 – Strawberry Boogie @ UOW, Wollongong
26 May 2017 – Moonshine, Manly
27 May 2017 – Chippendale Hotel, Sydney
Image used with permission from Arrow Agency
Essie Rocks with “Someone”
There are few things I enjoy more than a strong female rock voice. So I’m all over “Someone,” the new single from Perth indie act Essie.
There’s a great earthy bluesiness about her brand of rock. And that voice, wow! Essie wrote the track while at university, and while it traverses familiar themes of the aftermath of a breakup, I find it so compelling.
Despite being a Perth girl, Essie has become a staple on the UK club scene. If you’re living in London, you can catch her at the Islington tonight or Vinyl Bar on May 19.
Matt Joe Gow Drops Clip For “Flowers In Your Hair”
Matt Joe Gow’s Seven Years was one of my favourite albums released in 2016. So I’m thrilled to see he’s released one of the tracks from this impressive release, “Flowers in Your Hair.” Featuring guest vocals from Katya Harrop, a member of Matt Joe’s touring band, this song is a real charmer.
The video is lovely too, with Matt Joe and Katya both starring as they sing about a relationship that’s broken down. It was shot in North Melbourne last year and directed by Joanna Strong.
Xavier Rudd Live Album On the Way
Xavier Rudd is set to release his brand new concert album Live in the Netherlands, which features the entire set from Xavier’s show in Utrecht last year, the last night of his 28-date sold-out European tour.
I received a stream of a few songs from the album and fans are in for a real treat. These live recordings really capture that special bond Xavier develops with his audience and the chemistry between him and his band, featuring Charles Wall and Ant Aggs.
“The energy at those European shows was huge and there was a really strong thread of positive intention running through the communities,” Xavier said in a press release. “Aussie shows for us are fairly rare these days, so I’m really excited to share this live album and the European vibes with the homeland. We captured a pretty special one!”
Live in the Netherlands will be released on April 21 as a digital download, a double CD, and a limited edition 180g triple vinyl LP produced in three colours. Vinyl fans, you’re going to want to pre-order to get your hands on that limited edition album!
Image used with permission from Jones PR
Sandy Realms Releases Relatable New Single “Jackets”
I’ve been struggling with adulting this week. I always feel an inevitable “come down” after a cruising holiday. When I’m away I can be young again, drinking past midnight and not doing much of anything during the day. But then I arrive home and I’ve got deadlines and bills to pay. And money spent on new tyres, tax repayments, and vet visits just isn’t a lot of fun.
If you agree with me that adulting bites, you’re going to love “Jackets,” the debut single from independent Melbourne band Sandy Realms. The duo recorded this folky lo-fi pop song and others from their forthcoming EP in the back den of the house they share in Northcote. I just love how organic it sounds.
We’ll hear more from Sandy Realms when the EP Coming Together drops later this month.
Image used with permission from Sandy Realms
Thomas Oliver Releases New Single “Losin'” Ahead of Album Releases
Aussie-born, New Zealand-based muso Thomas Oliver has delivered a taste of his forthcoming new album Floating in the Darkness. The single “Losin’” is a poignant track about loss with an easy, relaxed groove and some of the most sublime vocals you’ll hear all year.
“‘Losin’ is a lonely song about feeling someone you love slip away,” Thomas explained in a press release. “But it’s intentionally juxtaposed with a bouncy rhythm and sweet melodies. This is meant to represent being so acquainted with hurt that you hardly feel it anymore.”
Floating in the Darkness is scheduled for an April 28 release. Thomas will promote the album with the following shows here at home.
7 June – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
9 June – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
10 June – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
11 June – Leadbelly, Sydney
15 June – Babushka, Leederville
Image used with permission from This Much Talent; photo by Terry Longley and Michelle Davies