Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Animaux Charms Me with “Come On Over”

Melbourne act Animaux has won my heart with their funky new single “Come On Over.” Its hooks are ridiculously catchy and the lyrics should strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt the push and pull of a difficult relationship.

“I guess it’s about the fine line between giving too much, and losing sight of what you love about yourself, and recognizing your weaknesses, and compromising,” explained the band’s songwriter and saxophonist Ollie.

I’ve heard these guys are exceptional live, so if you’re near any of the following venues make sure you get along and check them out next month.

14 August 2015 – Moonshine Rum & Cider Bar, Manly
21 August 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
22 August 2015 – The Motor Room, Brisbane
29 August 2015 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from the 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sons of Rico Back with “What Am I Doing Here?”


Oh Sons of Rico, I have missed you. I didn’t realise just how much until I heard your new single “What Am I Doing Here?” This cheery indie pop ditty has put a great big smile on my face.

“It’s the question we ask ourselves in moments of discomfort, loneliness, or dissatisfaction, and the confidence it can take to address it,” explained Alex MacRae.

Thankfully there’s more new music where this came from. It’s out first taste of the band’s follow-up to 2013’s In Rico Glaciers. Hometown fans will get a sneak peek at some of the new material when Sons of Rico launch “What Am I Doing Here?” at Melbourne’s Shebeen on July 24.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Immigrant Union Tour “Anyway” Album

Get ready to start tapping your toes to Immigrant Union’s new single “War is Peace,” the latest cut from the critically acclaimed album Anyway.

The song’s a great modern twist on an old-fashioned hoe down tune, and the film clip is a brilliant a satire on home shopping networks.

Immigrant Union have earned high praise for their live shows, so make sure you see what the fuss is all about when they head out on their Anyway album tour next month.

7 August 2015 – The Grace Emily, Adelaide
8 August 2015 – The Loft, Warrnambool
13 August 2015 – Transit Bar, Canberra
14 August 2015 – The Lass, Newcastle
15 August 2015 – Gallery Bar @ Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
16 August 2015 – The Junkyard, Maitland
27 August 2015 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane
28 August 2015 – The Great Northern Hotel, Byron Bay
29 August 2015 –Solbar, Maroochydore
4 September 2015 – David Bowie Late Nights @ ACMI, Melbourne
5 September 2015 – The Grand Poobah, Hobart

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Way of the Eagle Launches Album with Special Guests

Melbourne’s Jan Skubiszewski has produced music from a who’s who of industry talent, including Dan Sultan, John Butler Trio, and Illy. Now he’s flexing even more creative muscles with the recent release of his album Kodo under the moniker Way of the Eagle.

Jan serves as songwriter, musician, composer, and of course producer on the album, which has seen him collaborating with the likes of Dan Sultan, Illy, Harry James Angus from The Cat Empire and, on his latest single “Sweet Addiction,” American soul singer Bobby Saint.

“I love melodic songs and writing songs with different singers,” Jan explained. “And I think people love to sing along to songs – I know I do. I want that to be a really big part of Way Of The Eagle. I’ve written this music so that lots of people can enjoy it. It’s not dense jazz music and it’s not taking itself too seriously. There’s a strong sense of musicality, but the essence of it is to make people get up and have a good time.”

If you have a good time listening to “Sweet Addiction,” you going to want to see Jan playing shows in the east coast capitals next month. Dan Sultan, Benji Lewis, and Ceeko will be along for the ride, making these gigs you won’t forget in a hurry.

14 August 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
15 August 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 August 2015 – Howler, Melbourne

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Major Leagues Releases “Someone Sometime” Single

Brisbane band Major Leagues has taken me right back to the 90s with their brand new single “Someone Sometime.” The sweet vocals remind me a little of Juliana Hatfield’s, and those fuzzy guitars are so reminiscent of the garage bands that dominated the airwaves at the time.

“Someone Sometime” is lifted from Major Leagues’ sophomore EP, which was mixed by Jacob Portrait from Unknown Mortal Orchestra. It’ll be released later this year, but you needn’t wait that long to hear more from this band. They’ll play the following shows later this month to support the single’s release.

16 July 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
17 July 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
25 July 2015 – Curtin Bandroom, Melbourne

Image used via permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Addicted to Nussy’s “My Heroin”

Melbourne synth-pop act Nussy has reunited with her favourite collaborators Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis for her brand new single “My Heroin.”

The drug reference is sure to raise a few eyebrows, but I love the way her sugary sweet vocals juxtapose with the dark subject matter. It really helps it stand out from so much mainstream pop.

“My Heroin is about being involved in a toxic relationship,” explained Nussy. “It’s like an addiction where something else within you takes over and you can’t make logical decisions – hence the reference to the drug heroin – that even at the very lowest of the low points, you convince yourself that the highs are worth it.”

Nussy will launch the single with a show at Melbourne’s The Shadow Electric on July 17 and one at the Gallery Bar at Sydney’s Oxford Arts Factory on August 13.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ngaiire Launches New Single “Once”

I’m a bit torn about “Once,” the latest single from Ngaiire. I really love the song. I think it could be the best thing Ngaiire’s ever released. I feel it, which is honestly the highest compliment I can give a song. The lyrics are so relatable (thanks to cowriters Megan Washington and Paul Mac) and Ngaiire’s voice is like honey.

So why am I feeling torn? I’m just not feeling the instrumentation. I’m no producer, but I honestly feel the song would have more impact without the beats. Something simpler and purer would have worked in so much more harmony with the core of this song. I honestly find all the electronic stuff a bit distracting.

“Once” isn’t perfect, but there’s an awful lot to like about it. If you like it, make sure you get along to the single launches. Ngaiire will play Melbourne’s Show Electric on July 31 and Sydney’s Newtown Social Club on August 6.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Drones Celebrate “Wait Long’s” 10th Anniversary

The Drones’ Sydney Opera House gig celebrating the 10-year anniversary of their critically acclaimed album Wait Long by the River and the Bodies of your Enemies Float By went so well in May, the Melbourne band’s decided to take the show on the road. They’ll play songs from the album, some other old favourites, and some new stuff too at intimate venues across the country this August and September.

To celebrate the album’s milestone, Wait Long will be released as a deluxe double 180g vinyl LP with a digital download an unreleased live album. You can preorder your copy now from The Drones’ website.

Tickets are on sale now for the following anniversary shows.

20 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, The Lighthouse @ Festival Park, Darwin
22 August 2015 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth
28 August 2015 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 August 2015 – Triffid, Brisbane
4 September 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
5 September 2015 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
6 September 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little May Give Us “Home”

Sydney’s Little May are offering a sneak peek of their forthcoming debut album with the release of new single “Home.” The song speaks of the longing that this band must feel for familiarity when they’re jetsetting around the world.

“Home’ was one of the first songs we recorded with Aaron [Brooking Dessner of The National]. It’s an old song, revisited,” Little May explained. “It had been written three years prior, from a place where a sense of belonging was being constantly chased. I think we will always associate this song, and this whole album, with Hudson and the time we all spent there.”

The clip’s also very cool. It was recorded in Future Past Studios, in Hudson, New York. The building was one a 19th century church, but it’s now thoroughly modern with a CCTV network allowing producers in the basement control room to watch and communicate with the musicians in the studio upstairs. I love the way the studio footage is paired with images of New York neighbourhoods.

It seems like Little May’s debut album has been a long time coming. Are you excited for this release?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan Back to Band with Transmutant

Katie Noonan’s musical evolution has been nothing short of stunning. I always eagerly anticipate her album releases because I’m never sure just what I’m going to get, but I’m confident it’ll be beautiful.

She’s about to begin her latest chapter with the release of Transmutant on July 24, an ethereal collection of songs which takes Katie back to fronting a band. With her new outfit Vanguard she creates exciting soundscapes which pair beautifully with her heavenly voice.

Katie’s Vanguard will take Transmutant on the road later this year with shows in intimate venues around the country. Tickets are on sale now.

15 October 2015 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
16 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine
17 & 18 October 2015 – Melbourne Festival, Melbourne
22 October 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
23 October 2015 – The Byron Theatre, Byron Bay
24 October 2015 – Spicers Hidden Vale, Grandchester
25 October 2015 – Majestic Theatre, Pomona
28 October 2015 – Fremantle Town Hall, Fremantle
29 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide
30 & 31 October 2015 – John Painter Hall @ AIM, Sydney
5 November 2015 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
6 November 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Spicers Vineyard Estate, Hunter Valley

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute