Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harley Alaska Releases Stellar Pop Single, “Deja Vu”

Eora/Sydney bedroom pop act Harley Alaska has impressed me with his latest single “Déjà Vu.” This upbeat bop is absolutely infectious, in the best possible way.

“I loved the idea of writing a song about the saying ‘right place, wrong time’ but in a really tangible way – like this house is THE house / the right place, but I can’t tell whether the time I’m here is the right one – and it’s messing with me,” Harley said. “It’s like, when the person you’re with keeps reminding you of someone from your past, what does that mean? Is that a good or bad thing?”

“Déjà Vu” came out of a fairly intense period for Harley following an ADHD diagnosis. He spent the time honing his songwriting while adjusting his sleep schedule, habits, and medications to find the right combination.

“Being told I had ADHD didn’t feel too crazy at the time, but the ways in which that knowledge has changed my life since then has been actually quite profound,” Harley explained. “All these habits and behaviours are things that have been compounded over the years of my life… Now I understand so much of my self-sabotaging was essentially the result of parts of my brain. Having that knowledge means I can allow more freedom in where a song goes and how I feel about it – to me, there is nothing standing in my way anymore.”

“Déjà Vu” and Harley’s previous single, “Lose You Too”, are both set to appear on his EP, which is due next year.

Photo credit: Sam Cooper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ellie Lovegrove Releases Debut Single “I’m Gonna Fly” Featuring Archie Roach

When we lost Archie Roach last July, we lost one of the country’s great talents. He might be gone, but there are plenty of new exciting projects that keep his memory alive. I’ve already told you about all the incredible songs released as part of the Singing Our Futures initiative developed by the Archie Roach Foundation. All those songs saw established First Nations artists performing with up-and-coming Indigenous acts they mentored. Mentorship was something Archie was so passionate about, so it’s only fitting that we get to hear his voice one last time duetting with Ngarrindjeri singer-songwriter Ellie Lovegrove on her beautiful debut single, “I’m Gonna Fly.”

“After sharing some time touring with Uncle Archie and listening to his stories, I had commuted back to Adelaide and written the song in a time of deep reflection,” Ellie recalled. “With just the first verse and the chorus, I wasn’t sure as to where to go next and humbly asked if Uncle Archie would be interested in hearing what I had and if he would be interested in collaborating on the piece. I had no expectations, if anything I just wanted to share with him as he had with me and I was deeply taken back when I was told Uncle had included a verse to the song. To then be able to intertwine our voices together in the last chorus was a really special moment for me. ‘I’m Gonna Fly’ is a song I wrote about breaking free from things I felt were holding me back from being true to myself. It’s about personal growth and being in alignment with my miwi (Spirit) and trusting that despite the trials and tribulations I may face, if I am true to myself and my spirit, I will prosper, spiritually, mentally and therefore physically. This song is very sentimental, and it is about growth, letting go and overcoming those heavy feelings change can bring. I feel as though it will create a life of its own as different people interpret the lyrics to their own circumstances.”

If you’re an Archie fan (and let’s face it, who isn’t?) you should also get yourself a copy of Songs from the Kitchen Table, a new book commemorating the lives of Archie Road and his beloved Ruby Hunter through songs, stories, photographs and tributes. It’s also out now.

Photo credit: Archie Roach – Phil Nitchie https://www.threads.net/@nitchphotography
Photo credit: Ellie Lovegrove – Colleen Stangways https://www.instagram.com/nharla_photography/

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Order of Owls Get Real With “Speak Up”

Naarm/Melbourne alt-rock act Order of Owls have fired me up with their latest single “Speak Up.” In just their second release, Order of Owls show they can release anthemic rock tracks with the best of them. The band drew on their own experiences battling depression to create a vivid picture of how mental health struggles can impact your worldview.

“Depression isn’t just a feeling of bad, it’s an exhausting cycle of dis-regulation,” said the band’s guitarist, Nathan M. “Feeling fine or even euphoric at one point and utterly hollow at another. Vacillating between these extremes in a debilitating parade of moments towards an erosion to the sense of self. Preferring the allure of a permanent ends to a seemingly endless drudgery. An inability to find any breadcrumbs leading back to connection with others.”

“My goal is to put into words what others struggle to articulate. Help them realise that they are not alone in the way they feel and encourage them that it’s okay to seek help so they can become their best selves,” added vocalist Tim L. “The amount of time and work that might be required will seem like a small trade for the reward of happiness and finding mechanisms towards those ends is the strongest thing a person can do. Doing so myself provided a mechanism that has vastly improved handling my day to day.”

The band has also put together a fabulous music video, conceived by bassist Johnny M, which puts the lyrics of “Speak Up” front and center. I love this release, not just because of how it sounds but also what it says. Great work from Order of Owls.

Image used with permission from Order of Owls

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Camille Trail Drops Vulnerable New Single, “twenties”

I remember when I was a teenager I imagined my twenties would be fabulous. I saw myself enjoying more independence and having a string of torrid affairs, but in reality I just spent the decade stressing out that I didn’t have everything figured out. Camille Trail gives voice to the angst so many of experience with her latest single “twenties.”

“I was really good when I wrote ‘Got To Get To Know You’ but with ‘twenties’ I was so tired, working the day job to pay the bills and writing straight afterward, and I was burning the candle at both ends,” Camille admitted. “It was this moment where I was going back and forth of being okay and not being okay and wondering how long am I going to be like this? And everything came crashing down at once. I felt like I had my quarter life crisis.”

“I wanted it to build up quickly and have this chaotic energy about it, so you didn’t really know what was happening, like it came out of nowhere. Because that’s what was going on in my head,” Camille says of the song she finished on the day she hit the studio.

“There’s the panicky heartbeat drums and that racing feeling, hot flushes, thoughts going crazy, and then you have that breaking point where everything stops and it’s like, okay, this is what it is, so how am I going to deal with this. I hadn’t completely lost my mind. It’s just that all these things hit me at once and I was a little bit sad for a moment. And it’s ok that I felt sad.”

Amen. Things should look up for Camille as she’s accepted an invitation to play at Ireland’s Your Roots Are Showing folk conference next year. It sounds like 2024 might be a big one for this Aussie talent.

Image used with permission from Compass Bros

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruth B. Teams Up With Aussie Dean Lewis for “28”

I am a sucker for a great duet. And “28,” by Ethiopian-Canadian singer-songwriter Ruth B. featuring our own Dean Lewis is right up there. At its heart, this is just a really well written pop-ballad. But then you add Ruth and Dean’s voices onto it and it just takes it to another level.

“This song means so much to me. I wrote it during a time when I didn’t think I could write … but as always, songwriting proved to be my safety net. Amidst what felt like an inescapable grey cloud, I fell into this comforting blanket of a song that I can now look back on and say was the genesis of my favourite journey thus far. Finding me,” Ruth said. “Dean – you’re the best and I love our song, thank you.”

Dean Lewis has recently wrapped up an American tour, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we see him back on home soil.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Plastiq Pushes the Boundaries With “demons”

Usually when I find music I love, I know exactly why it’s up my alley. Very occasionally I find myself scratching my head, but that’s exactly what Plastiq’s new single “demons” has me doing. It’s an absolute trip, totally bonkers, yet strangely irresistible.

The duo, made up of Quartz Pistol and Moses, says “the song explores a dream-like state where the subject explores moving through a world without fear, feeling connected to and held tightly in the bosom of all biological life. The verses are playful and speak of a character hop-scotching across a mossy rainforest floor, facing inner ‘demons’ and accepting them as lessons all whilst letting intuition and child-like wonder guide them. Quartz wanted to capture the serendipitous connection of dots that happens in an altered state of mind or in a dream.”

The release of “demons” caps off an impressive year for Plastiq, who performed at the NGV, exhibited with CAPITAL WASTE in Tartanya/Adelaide, and were nominated for the people’s choice pop title at the SA Music Awards. They collaborated with CAPITAL WASTE again on the video for “demons.” 2024 looks just as bright, with the duo planning to release their debut EP.

Photo credit: Capital Waste

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Stone Makes a Splash With Debut Single “Late Nights”

Naarm/Melbourne artist Jake Stone shows he’s a serious pop force with his debut single “Late Nights.” It’s super catchy, the sort of song that makes you keep hitting play so you can enjoy “just one more time.”

“A big element of the song is this need for victory after a breakup; someone who comes out better off and seems to move on too quickly,” Jake explained.

Like so many of the best songs, the lyrics came together quickly in just 30 minutes. However, it didn’t really come to life until Jake began working with Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast producer Blake Malone, best known for his work with Amy Shark.

“It was amazing,” Jake said. “He heard something different in the song, which totally transformed it.”

This is such a strong first single, I can’t wait to hear what Jake does next.

Image used with permission from Identity PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Ready for Summer With Bryce Sainty’s “Coast”

Bryce Sainty’s latest single “Coast” is the perfect anthem for summer. With country roots and pop leanings, this feelgood single should have some serious crossover appeal.

“Coast is a personal reflection of my life, raised in a small coastal town and the summers I spent growing up,” he explained. “The single was actually written as a last-minute writing session with Melanie Dyer the day before we started recording. I have written a few singles with Mel and when I had the idea of ‘Coast’, I knew Mel would be the perfect person to write this track with. We had a blast putting this together.”

That shows in the recording, which is upbeat, yet relaxed, just like the best summer days. The year’s almost done, but Bryce has time to squeeze in a few more gigs. Catch him at the following events.

1-8 December – Cruisin’ Country, Brilliance of the Seas
22 December – Mingara Christmas Under The Stars, Darkinjung Country/Tumbi Umbi
22 January – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ Moonshiners, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRXCE Drop Dark Pop Banger, “What U Want”

Eora/Sydney band GRXCE have really impressed me with their latest single “What U Want.” The press release bills them as a pop act, and they’re certainly producing the kind of catchy music associated with the genre. But it’s a little darker and grungier than you might expect. This is pop music with edge, and it’s awesome.

“‘This is the first time I’ve written from someone else’s perspective,” admitted GRXCE frontwoman Jamila Grace. “A friend sent me a song he’d written about a date he went on and this one line about the girl asking to take herself home, rather than be driven by someone else really stuck out to me. I almost immediately started writing the juxtaposing perspective to the story, which eventually transformed it from a song about a bad date into a cautionary tale of bad habits and finally being able to put your foot down to someone who isn’t clear about their intentions.”

This hardworking outfit will continue getting in front of crowds right up until Christmas. Catch them supporting some of the country’s best and brightest at the following venues:

1 December 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (supporting Mid City)
2 December 2023 – King St Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Mid City)
14 December 2023 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie (supporting Pacific Avenue)
15 December 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (supporting Pacific Avenue)
21 December 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (supporting The Terrys & Beddy Rays)

Photo credit: Sevin Pakbaz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reckless Coast Release Rocking New Single “Bad Habits” Ahead of Festival Debut

Meeanjin/Brisbane band Reckless Coast have just dropped their brand new single “Bad Habits,” and you’ll want to turn it up loud. It’s got a classic pub rock feel infused with a sprinkling of salty sea air. Press play and I know you’ll hear what I mean. The song’s upbeat vibes balance the darker lyrics which deal with the self-destructive cycles so many of us find ourselves in.

“Sometimes we can get so used to a situation that we don’t see ourselves deteriorating,” explained Reckless Coast frontman Jaeden Ogston. “Like, am I actually in love with this person? Or have I become numb from all the bullshit?”

Reckless Coast will celebrate the release of “Bad Habits” by playing their first ever festival next weekend. Catch them at Crusher Fest alongside big names like Press Club and The Delta Riggs at The Brightside in Meeanjin/Brisbane on December 2.

Image used with permission from Reckless Coast