Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Critiques Modern Life With “Cyclone”

Joe Mungovan continues his musical evolution with the release of “Cyclone.” It’s a world away from the laidback romantic tunes that turned me on to his music, but it’s so cleverly written and sonically interesting that I just don’t care. I’m sure it’ll turn off some of the fans he made in the start of his career, but I love listening to the twists and turns his career’s taking.

“Cyclone” comes from Joe’s forthcoming album SUGAR, CANDY, LIPS, which drops on March 15. He’ll waste no time taking these songs on the road.

“We knew (the band and I) that we couldn’t wait to get these songs in front of a crowd as soon as we were recording them – they’ve got big, electric energy that screams for a live audience to get amongst it and have a boogie,” Joe enthused. “We’re stoked to return to some old haunts on this East Coast line up, and play some new venues too. The boys in the band absolutely kill it and while this is our most ambitious headline tour yet, and we are itching to get on the road and bring the show to a city near you.”

Joe will play a string of shows with The VANNS before kicking off his headlining tour. Here are all the dates. You know what to do!

29 February 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
1 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
3 March 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
5 April 2024 – Stag and Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle
6 April 2024 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
19 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
20 April 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne
28 April 2024 – The Gum Ball Festival, Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley
3 May 2024 – It’s Still A Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo Credit: Ben Develin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baeden Feint Makes Strong Debut With “Hometown Fantasy”

Baeden Feint had me at the harmonica opening of his debut single “Hometown Fantasy.” He’s a classic country troubadour, the kind of artist who paints a story with his words and brings it to life with honest vocals. This single is about the little “map dot” where he grew up, the place where he learned to love people and music.

“This song is essentially me reminiscing on past relationships where it seemed everything was laid out. Ready for the white picket fence and kids. But also, that it was like having blinders on, as to whether it was a good thing or not,” he explained. “I wrote this song like a lot of other songs – with a bottle port, smoking alone late at night, with too much time for thinking.”

If you’re into the current wave of American country artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers, I know you’re going to be into this. If you want to hear more, catch Baeden performing at Mount Hope’s The Royal Hotel on March 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melanie Cowmeadow Releases Heartfelt New Single, “Dear Dad”

After losing a loved one, most of us would do almost anything for one last conversation. Melanie Cowmeadow used that desire as the inspiration of her latest single “Dear Dad.” Melanie penned this tender ballad two years ago after the unexpected death of her father.

Hailing from Tarntanya/Adelaide, Melanie has explored everything from alt-rock to music theatre. However, her voice and ability to paint vivid stories with her lyrics really suit this acoustic, singer-songwriter vibe. Hopefully this is just the start of many exciting releases from Melanie in the coming year.

Image used with permission from Melanie Cowmeadow

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordy Burns Shows She’s a Force With Debut Single “Walls”

South African born and Australian raised, queer Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Jordy Burns has made a massive impression on me with her debut single “Walls.” Yes, that’s right, debut single. I want to emphasise that, because this is one of those tracks delivered with such heart and confidence that you’d swear she has an exhaustive back catalogue if you didn’t know better.

“‘Walls’ is about heartbreak and broken trust,” Jordy admitted. “A person I was seeing convinced me that I was safe to open my heart and that they wanted what I wanted. As it turns out, as soon as I let down my guard, they all too quickly realised that they weren’t ready to move on from their last relationship. In saying that, they continued to stay with me and we made a mess of things… it was a rollercoaster, to say the least.”

Jordy will celebrate the release of “Walls” with a hometown show at Tokio Hotel on April 6.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophian Get the Party Started With “Dance With Me”

Friday might be still too far away, but I think it’s always a good time for dancing. If you agree, you’ll want to take some time to cut loose listening to Sophian’s new track “Dance With Me.” This is an irresistible cut from a band that’s quickly establishing themselves as one of Boorloo/Perth’s hottest up-and-coming acts.

“When I started to write this song, I had just come out of deep conversations with two people I really love, about their feelings of their own self-worth and how they were struggling to see that,” explained frontman Sophian Manik of the song’s inspiration. “I wanted them to know how amazing and special they are and how they just needed a little push to know this.”

Sophian have some big things in the pipeline, with some choice local supports, slots at Nannup Music Festival and Booty Block Party, their first East Coast tour, and a big single launch party all happening over the next few weeks. Get out and support them anywhere you can.

22 February 2024 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth (supporting No Cigar)
24 February 2024 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Country/Scarborough (supporting RubyHoo)
1-3 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup
14 March 2024 – The Royal Bondi, Eora/Bondi (FREE – RSVP at OzTix)
16 March 2024 – Booty Block Party @ The Lady Hampshire, Eora/Camperdown
17 March 2024 – North Gong Hotel, Dharawal/Wollongong
21 March 2024 – Espy Basement, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
6 April 2024 – Mojos Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle (single launch)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jamieson Returns to Music With “Cruel”

Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Jamieson is kicking off a big year with the release of his latest single “Cruel.” It’s a charming pop-rock track that explores the way that time encourages us to look back and see our flaws in technicolour.

This is somewhat of a comeback single for Jamieson, who took time away from releasing music last year. He’s coming back with a vengeance though; “Cruel” is the first of five singles Jamieson plans to release this year.

Image used with permission from Jamieson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Between You & Me Coming in Hot With “In the Middle” Single

Between You & Me are one of the best pop-punk acts around, so I’m pretty psyched to hear they’ve got a whole bunch of new music coming our way. They’ve just dropped their latest single “In the Middle,” which offers a taste of what’s in store when they release their new EP SH!T YEAH on April 5.

“‘In The Middle’ is about the realisation that your relationship is over,” said vocalist JT. “The strong joy and excitement you once brought to each other’s lives had been replaced with fighting, bitterness and a complete breakdown in communication. Even despite this, you both yearn for it to work out and dream of the better times. You break up, you get back together, and the cycle continues, despite both recognising you had grown apart as people and the trust for each other was irreparable. The song encapsulates the slow breakdown of a relationship and the acceptance in moving on.”

Between You & Me seem set for global domination. They’re currently playing gigs in the United Kingdom and will head to North America in March to headline shows on the continent for the very first time. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them back on Aussie soil. Until then, international readers, make sure you check them out at a venue near you.

22 February 2024 – Joiners, Southampton
23 February 2024 – Underworld, London (SOLD OUT)
24 February 2024 – Asylum, Birmingham
7 March 2024 – SOMA Sidestage, San Diego
8 March 2024 – Echoplex, Los Angeles
9 March 2024 – Cornerstone, Berkeley
11 March 2024 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City
13 March 2024 – Marquis Theatre, Denver
15 March 2024 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
16 March 2024 – The Loving Touch, Ferndale
17 March 2024 – Ace Of Cups, Columbus
18 March 2024 – Mahall’s, Lakewood
20 March 2024 – Hard Luck, Toronto
21 March 2024 – Empire Underground, Albany
22 March 2024 – Brighton Music Hall, Boston
23 March 2024 – Le Poisson Rouge, New York
24 March 2024 – Ottobar, Baltimore
25 March 2024 – Foundry @ The Fillmore, Philadelphia
27 March 2024 – Canal Club, Richmond
28 March 2024 – Amos South End, Charlotte
29 March 2024 – The Masquerade, Atlanta
30 March 2024 – The Abbey, Orlando
2 April 2024 – Lone Star Room, Dallas
3 April 2024 – Paper Tiger, San Antonio
5 April 2024 – The Rebel Lounge, Phoenix
6 April 2024 – Chain Reaction, Anaheim

Photo Credit: Max Pasalic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laius Releases Brave New Single, “i hope they cried for me”

Chinese-Australian artist Laius has just dropped his latest single “i hope they cried for me,” and it’s probably the most powerful pop release you’ll hear all year. This incredibly personal song sees Laius exploring the raw emotions he still feels after being given up by his parents as a child. His heartbreaking words sit against a cinematic electronic pop soundscape that might just have you dabbing away your own tears by the end.

“Pain bears the fruit of art and this record is the truest, rawest testament to that,” Laius said.

Take a moment to properly listen to “i hope they cried for me.” It’s one of those really special songs that deserves to be more than simply background music for your day.

Image used with permission from Laius

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Cherie Celebrates Self Love With Angelic New Single “Don’t Compare Yourself”

Most of us have struggled with the feeling that we’re not measuring up. We worry we’re not meeting the expectations family or society places on us, or we see what others achieve and wonder why we’re lagging behind. If you’ve let feelings of self-doubt creep in, “Don’t Compare Yourself,” the latest single from My Chérie, will help you change the tape on that negative self-talk and start accepting and embracing your unique identity. The Tarntanya/Adelaide based artist grew up in conservative South Africa, and found herself grappling with cultural Afrikaans pressure, her Christian faith, and her queer identity.

“In my personal life, my art has allowed me to break free of the conformity of my religion, cultural background and the confinement of being put in a box – either as a Christian or as a Queer person,” she explained.

I love the message, but also the delivery here. My Chérie’s voice is beautiful, and I love the way it sits in this gorgeous soundscape she’s created. If there is a heaven, I imagine it’s got to sound something like this.

Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jebediah Release Fantastic New Single “Motivation”

Jebediah seem to be aging like a fine wine. I wasn’t always a fan of their earlier material, but their latest track “Motivation” is right up my alley. It comes from the Jebs new album OIKS, their first since 2011, which drops on April 12.

“’Motivation’ was a song that came from the initial in studio jam sessions that kick started the process of recording OIKS,” the band said. “At that stage, we didn’t really know what kind of album we were trying to make. We were simply getting together in a room and making noise and seeing what eventuated. Given that ‘Motivation’ came from these sessions, it’s a very ‘band’ sounding song, as opposed to some of the more experimental stuff that came along later during the recording process. It captures the sound of the band playing in a room together and we tried not to embellish it too much. This song is a bit of a band favourite for sure, so we are obviously excited about it being released as a single before the album appears.”

“The video clip is intended to represent the simplicity of the song and the fact that we were trying to capture the raw sound of the band playing in a room together,” they added. “The video was shot in Melbourne by Arlo Cook who has been following us around with a camera since 2015, taking footage at shows all around Australia. We can’t wait for everyone to hear OIKS soon. It was a labour of love that took us five years to complete, often during extremely turbulent times.”

Jebediah has just played Spring Loaded, but I’d be very surprised if we don’t see a few more show announcements when the album’s released. Until then, turn this new single up!

Photo credit: Taj O’Halloran