Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Skies on the Comeback Trail With “Let it Burn”

I usually prefer my music on the mellower side of things. But every now and again something comes along that is so good that I don’t care that it rocks harder than I’m used to. “Let It Burn,” the latest track from Sienna Skies, is one of those songs.

“Let it burn, stemmed from the events that happened on the east coast of Australia during the summer of 2019/2020.” explained vocalist Thomas Pirozzi. “The appalling handling of the situation by our government, it’s like they didn’t care at all. Ignoring all the warnings of catastrophic conditions, the defunding of the State’s Rural Fire Services and National Parks. Whilst the disaster was unfolding our Prime Minister, our apparent ‘leader’, left the country for a tropical holiday, and it came to light that during this time, our state leader was flushing party money through her lover’s interests. Three billion animals killed, 400+ people killed and 2,000+ homes lost.It felt like they didn’t care at all, they just sat back and watched our country burn.”

“Let it Burn” is the band’s first release since their 2019 A Darker Shade of Truth, so it’s been a long time coming for fans. If you love the band, you’ll be happy to know they won’t leave you waiting so long for the next one. This is the first of many singles to be released in coming months. They’re also set to announce a string of shows really soon, so get excited.

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shangrila Drop Fantastic Rock Single, “Afterlife”

Boorloo/Perth alt-rock act Shangrila have release their hard-hitting new single, “Afterlife”. It’s an epic track with stellar vocals from Devyn Jupp, thumping bass and drums, bold guitars, and powerful, personal lyrics.

“Afterlife is a track about struggling with your direction in life, feeling as though you are existing but not truly living,” Devyn explained. “The song explores apprehension towards change, and the ultimate realization that often we are standing the way of our own growth, and need to go through uncomfortable moments and hard work to realise the best version of ourselves and enjoy the rewards that life has to offer.”

Fresh from playing the Winter DRPØUT Festival in Tartanya/Adelaide and shows with American post-hardcore act Thrice, Shangrila will kick off a new tour with Young Lions tonight. Make sure you arrive early enough for their sets!

22 September 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 September 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
29 September 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Jess Wharehinga

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seamus McCorry Releases Fresh New Single, “Spinning Around”

Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Seamus McCorry releases his latest single “Spinning Around” today, a song that sees this artist really stepping into his own powers. While I loved the throwback Britpop vibe of previous single “Ain’t Enough For Me,” this song feels much more original.

“’Spinning Around’ was the first song I wrote that felt reminiscent of my taste in music,” Seamus admitted. “It had flavours of Paul Kelly, Tom Petty and The War On Drugs, but expressed something deeply personal. It deals in vague imagery and wordplay, but amongst that, it captures a deep sense of Nihilism and infatuation in equal parts. ”

“Spinning Around” is the third and final single released from Seamus’ debut EP Sketches of an Incomplete Man, which drops on October 27.

Photo credit: Tess Sakkas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Penkow Releases New Local Anthem, “Aussie Rain”

“Aussie Rain,” the latest single from 2023 Golden Guitar nominee Andy Penkow, is one of those truly great Australian songs. It’s heartfelt and honest, with lyrics that speak of local small towns and the characters in it.

“As a full-time musician, I get the amazing opportunity to travel across Australia and visit some pretty neat places”, Andy explained. “I first visited a small town in outback New South Wales called Coonabarabran a few years back and I felt an instant connection. There was something so special and unique about it. The people, the land, the history, the nighttime stars, it really moved me. ‘Aussie Rain’ is a love letter to the town, to thank them for being part of my journey as an artist, singer and songwriter”.

When Andy says he’s a full-time musician, he’s not kidding. He’d booked more than 100 shows this year and there’s more to come. Next year he plans to head overseas to play gigs abroad and release his fourth studio album. You can see Andy at one of these upcoming shows:

6 October 2023 – Romano’s Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (with Alan Fletcher)
7 October 2023 – Dundallimal Homestead, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo (with Alan Fletcher)
14 October 2023 – The Barn at Hibbards, Guruk/Port Macquarie (with TC Cassidy)
19 October 2023 – Metro Bakery, Berrin/Mount Gambier (with Anne Fraser)
20 October 2023 – Raidis Estate Coonawarra, Bindjali Country/Penola (with Anne Fraser)
21 October 2023 – Shotgun Willie’s, Tartanya/Adelaide
26 October 2023 – GPO Bendigo, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
28 October 2023 – Brycee’s Tavern Café & Bar, Wurundjeri Country/Mooroolbark (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
4 November 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
8 December 2023 – The Ophir Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
9 December 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
23 January 2024 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with TC Cassidy and Donella)

Image used with permission from Red Rebel Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SANNIA Releases Powerful Single “trigger”

SANNIA’s latest single “trigger” is the break-up anthem anyone nursing a broken heart needs right now. It’s an explosive indie-pop song that perfectly expresses the sudden pain an unexpected relationship breakdown can cause.

“This song basically wouldn’t leave me alone until I wrote it. I kept hearing the chorus round in circles in my head like some sort of nursery rhyme that never ended,” SANNIA explained. “I wanted to get the feeling of ‘suddenness’ and a jolt the way that a gunshot cuts through sound because that’s what this break up felt like. I wrote this song as a means of healing and I wasn’t even sure I’d ever release it but I’ve grown to really love it. If anything this song should come with a ‘don’t try this at home kids’ label slapped on it.”

“trigger” is the latest song lifted from SANNIA’s debut album James, which drops in November. She wowed me with “travelling” as well a couple of months ago, so I expect this album will be something special. If you live around Boon Wurrung Country/Mornington, you can get an early sneak peek when SANNIA plays the album in its entirety at Beleura House on October 13.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

jnr. Brings the Rock Edge With “nervous”

I’m really digging the sonic journey that Eora/Sydney artist jnr. is taking us on with his music. The catchy pop vibes of his new single “nervous” are front and centre, but it’s a rock song at heart.

No doubt the influence of Daphnie (Alistair Hayes) as producer has helped jnr.’s evolution along. jnr. has taken care of production for most of his career, but collaborating with his good friend has brought a new voice to this music. Daphnie also plays drums while Max Jacobs of Loretta handles guitar duty in the live performance video, shot at Odd Assembly in Eora/Redfern.

jnr. will celebrate this new chapter of music when he debuts his new three-piece band to support Last Dinosaurs at the Factory Theatre on September 23.

Image used with permission from .jnr mgmt

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

King Ibis Playing WA Shows to Support “Patience” Single

Boorloo/Perth indie-pop band King Ibis are about to treat music lovers in their home state to a string of shows supporting the release of their latest single “Patience.” This track is the perfect slow-burner, a song that gently sneaks up on you until it’s right under your skin.

“‘Patience’ takes you through the confusion, frustration and rage of finding out a rumour had been circulated about you by someone you believed to be a friend. A plea to understand and be understood, the beginning attempts to open dialogue with the betrayer,” the band explains. “In a final roar of all-consuming anger, any patience that remained has been spent and the song draws to a moody, sultry close.”

King Ibis are proving to be one of WA’s top live acts after sharing stages with talents like Spacey Jane, Jebediah, Dulcie, Sly Withers, and heaps more. Catch them at the following shows:

22 September 2023 – The Bird, Boorloo/Perth
23 September 2023 – Settlers Tavern, Wooditchup/Margaret River
24 September 2023 – Bungalow Neighbourhood, Wooditchup/Margaret River
25 November 2023 – Balmy Nights @ Cannery Arts Centre, Kepa Kurl/Esperance

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Temper Drop “Better Than You” Ahead of EP Launch

Naarm/Melbourne based neo-soul act Sweet Temper have blown me away with their latest single, “Better Than You.” It’s so sonically intricate, but an absolutely beautiful listen. It reminds me a little of the very best jazz. And Abbey Green’s voice is absolutely other-worldly. You know you want to press play.

“‘Better Than You’ is about the feeling of weightlessness and peace after walking away from a toxic relationship and realising you are better off,” the band explained. “It is about acknowledging that in order to see a manipulator for who they truly are, you need to step away and separate yourself from repeating the cycle of forgiveness that leads to repeatedly being deceived and hurt. It’s about the desperation of manipulators who cling to relationships, when they have a lot of control.”

“Better Than You” is from Sweet Temper’s upcoming debut EP. They’ll launch that release for hometown fans at Bar Open on September 29.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paper Lane Make Strong Statement With First Single, “Better in my Head”

If you have a tendency to put your foot in your mouth when you’re getting to know someone new, you’re going to love “Better in my Head,” the relatable debut single from Meeanjin/Brisbane-based indie rock act Paper Lane. I love the warm, earthy tone of vocalist Taleena Peck’s voice and their cool vintage feel. Consider them one to watch.

I get so excited when I hear bands releasing music that’s so good right off the bat. Something tells me you’ll want to get in on the ground floor, because Paper Lane deserves to be massive. Follow them on their socials to learn all about what they’re doing next.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Dan Vonhoff

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PRETTY BLEAK Tackle Addiction With “do you feel the same?”

It’s a dark gloomy day in my part of the country, perfect for some new PRETTY BLEAK material. This Naarm/Melbourne emo/pop punk act delivers the right balance of happy-sad with their latest single “do you feel the same?”

“The song is about the human tendency to placate our emotions with menial pleasures, which develop into addictions or dependencies,” explained vocalist Sam Thomas. “The specific nature of the addiction is dependent on the listener’s interpretation, whether it be drugs, or laughter, or the amount of times you look in the mirror each day.”

Fresh from their debut appearance at BIGSOUND, PRETTY BLEAK will launch the single for hometown fans at The Gasometer Hotel on September 28.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tom Thomas