Back in the ‘90s I listened to a lot of soul and R’n’B music. Acts like R Kelly, Jodeci, Keith Sweat, and Blackstreet were always in my stereo. I hadn’t heard music like that in a long time until I discovered Australia’s own Travis Lee. There haven’t been a lot of Aussie acts that make music quite like this, not even in the 90s. So I’m impressed that this Brisbane singer is bringing back that old school sound with his new single “Next 2 Me.”
“Next 2 Me” is your classic boy meets girl story with a little twist as it goes beyond that by touching on the complications of what comes next. It’s the first song lifted from Travis’ debut EP, which was released yesterday. What do you think of it?
Category: Releases
Christine Anu Celebrates Festive Season with “Island Christmas”
I love Christmas. It’s only November but I’ve already started my Christmas shopping. I’ll be dragging out my decorations and Christmas CDs once my husband breaks down and decides it’s no longer too early. But I must admit, I feel about silly singing about winter wonderlands and sleigh bells in the snow when the mercury’s soaring. So I was thrilled to learn that Christine Anu is releasing her much more Aussie-friendly festive album Island Christmas tomorrow.
The album features duets with Steve Clisby and Jay Laga’aia, and even a cameo from her own kids Kuiam and Zipporah on the title track.
“I wrote the title track when my kids and their friends and cousins were quite young – we love singing – and I’d always get them to sing along with me. So even though they’re now a lot older, the inclusion of their voices on the album is incredibly nostalgic for me – it’s what Christmas is all about, in creating and recalling special memories each year,” said Christine in a press release.
“The song is a little tongue-in-cheek, with Aussie slang sound bites from Australian poetry and prose, conjuring up images of a unique summer Christmas spent at the beach, with family and friends, meeting up again for that one special time of the year.”
Look out for Island Christmas in stores tomorrow.
DXHeaven Goes Old School with “All The Time”
I’m an unashamed child of the 80s. Modern music might have generally moved on, but when I hear some synths and some earnest pop vocals I get weak at the knees. DXHeaven has delivered all that and more with his new single “All The Time.” The track is lifted from the Melbourne muso’s debut EP Aftertouch, which drops tomorrow.
I love its lush layers and the way DXHeaven’s smoother than chocolate vocals anchors it so beautifully. If you like what you hear too, get out and support DXHeaven when he launches the EP for his hometown fans at Hugs & Kisses on November 20.
Caitlin Park Heads to the United Kingdom
Music lovers in the United Kingdom are in for a real treat. Sydney songstress Caitlin Park is winging her way to you to celebrate the release of her sublime new single “Hunt for the Young.” The song was the first written for her sophomore LP The Sleeper.
“‘Hunt for the Young’ is about fighting for someone you love – when you’ve stepped in the wrong direction and you anxiously grab at what you know you’re about to lose,” Caitlin explained. That passion that inspired it rings through this song which is so compelling and so beautiful.
If you’re in the United Kingdom, you don’t want to miss these shows.
17 November 2014 – The Islington, London
21-23 November 2014 – The End Festival, Crouch End
28 November 2014 – Union Chapel, London
29 November 2014 – Epic, Norwich
4 December 2014 – Oran Mor, Glasgow
5 December 2014 – Sage Gateshead, Gateshead
6 December 2014 – Gorilla, Manchester
Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations
Miss Murphy Makes Us Fall For Her Again With New Single
I must admit to getting my back up a bit when the X Factor judges commented several times this year about how their show is the only program that creates artists that end up on the charts. It was such an obvious dig at the contestants on The Voice, and one that I think was completely uncalled for. While they might not be selling singles by the truckloads, in my opinion the stuff I’ve seen from these performers is much more interesting. That idea of choosing performers based solely on their voice rather than their pop package is always bound to get results. I profiled Julian Simonsz’s single recently, and now I can give Miss Murphy’s latest effort a plug.
“Don’t Let Go” is the first single lifted from her new EP Stride. It’s a heartfelt, groovy slice of soul that’s reminded me just how good she is. If it’s done the same for her you catch her playing a free show at the Djerriwarrh Festival in Melton on November 8 before she heads to the Australasian Worldwide Music Expo in Melbourne on November 13.
Lucy Mason Covers “Amazing Grace” for Gallipoli
Ordinarily I tape shows and fast-forward through the ads, but the NRL Grand Final is one of those rare occasions where I watch it live. I just can’t risk hearing spoilers. And it’s a good thing too, because if I were skipping through I would have missed the ad for Channel Nine’s upcoming series Gallipoli. The war drama itself doesn’t really interest me, but I was struck by the haunting version of “Amazing Grace” playing during the commercial. I couldn’t wait to find out who was behind it.
Now I have my answer. The cover is by Lucy Mason, a local independent singer-songwriter who’s spent the last few years touring in the United Kingdom. This song is her first effort to break into the Aussie music scene.
“The opportunity to contribute to a piece of television that will likely embed itself as a piece of Australia’s history is something I am so grateful for,” she explained in a press release. “The story is integral to our nation’s story and to be given this platform to start introducing myself to my home market is really special to me.”
The song features on Lucy’s debut EP White as Snow, which is available now from iTunes.
Image used with permission from SGC Media
The Beautiful Girls Spread Good Vibes with “Dancehall Days”
It’s Friday! The weekend is so close you can almost taste it, along with that beer you’re bound to treat yourself with once you knock off this afternoon. So I figured I’d spread more good vibes with “Dancehall Days,” the latest single from The Beautiful Girls and the title track from their recently released album. It’s not a cover of the Wang Chung song, but it’s every bit as fun. You’re welcome!
Hamish Anderson Returns Home
It takes a special someone to score the support slot for a legend like BB King. Someone like Melbourne born guitarist and songwriter Hamish Anderson.
Before he warms up the stage for BB, Hamish will be back on home soil to support the release of his swampy, sexy new single “Burn” and his new EP Restless, which hits stores on November 7. Hamish said he “wanted the recording to capture the sound, to be like a Polaroid. Imperfections and all.” And isn’t that refreshing in this day of autotune?
Hamish is basing himself in the U.S. now, so this is a rare chance to see this Australian-born talent performing. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows.
13 November 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
20 November 2014 – Side Bar @ Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
21 November 2014 – Oaf Sydney, Sydney
26 November 2014 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane (FREE)
The Voice’s Julian Simonsz Releases Debut Single
Julian Simonsz is refusing to be another of those reality TV contestants we never hear of again. The Melbourne soul singer has just dropped his debut single “I Do It For You” ahead of the November 21 release of his self-titled EP.
It’s a smooth slice of soul that’s got a great pop vibe sure to appeal to fans of Justin Timberlake. There’s not really anyone on the local scene making this kind of music, so I reckon if he sticks in this lane he could be big. What do you think?
KLP has the Right “Medicine”
Kristy Lee Peters is KLP, a Sydney electro diva who’s bowled me over with her debut single “Medicine.” The song has a cool easy groove, but Kristy’s heartfelt vocals give it just the right amount of edge.
You might not have heard of her before now, but KLP’s actually had an amazing year playing SXSW, Field Day, Splendour in the Grass, and Big Sound. She’s also the tastemaker behind triple J’s Saturday night House Party. Not bad for a girl who’s only just released her first track!
KLP is celebrating the release of “Medicine” with shows along the East Coast and WA. Catch her at the following venues over the next month or so.
2 November 2014 – Shebeen, Melbourne
13 November 2014 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
14 November 2014 – Stranded Festival, Stradbroke Island
15 November 2014 – The Factory, Sunshine Coast
22 November 2014 – Bayside Festival, Perth
29 November 2014 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
5 December 2014 – Why Not @ Fitzgeralds, Bunbury
6 December 2014 – You’re Welcome @ Toucan Club, Mandurah
Image used with permission from Rare Finds