Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston and Zac & George Team Up For “Some Things Never Change”

James Johnston has just dropped his latest country charmer, and he’s got some friends along for the ride. “Some Things Never Change” features Zac & George, a country duo from Eora/Sydney who now split their time between Australia and Nashville. James teamed up with Zac & George in the final hours of a songwriting pilgrimage to America’s country capital, and the rest is history.

“Listening back to the demo on the plane ride home, I knew we had captured something special,” James said. “I wanted to record and release it in a way I had never seen anyone do before.”

So he produced the song in secret with just one thing missing: Zac & George’s vocals, which they recorded during their next visit home. The day after laying down the tracks, they were heading to James’ hometown of Dharawal Country/Wingham to shoot the music video.

“The video was truly special, to be back in my hometown with the boys at the local pub I used to go to every Friday night, it just felt right that the video for ‘Some Things Never Change’ was captured there,” James said. The people you see in the video are also James’ fans, who descended on the pub to create the right party atmosphere after he put the call out on social media.

Riding high on the release of “Some Things Never Change,” James will start touring with another friend, Morgan Evans. He’ll also appear at some choice festivals in the coming months. Catch him anywhere you can!

31 August 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans)
2 September 2023 – Canberra Theatre, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
5 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
7 September 2023 – The Powerstation, Auckland (with Morgan Evans)
9 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
14 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans)
15 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
17 September 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tartanya/Adelaide (with Morgan Evans)
19 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
20 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans)
30 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Barababaraba Country/Deniliquin
6 October 2023 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
1–8 December 2023 – Cruisin’ Country

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Celebrate Growing Older With “I Used to Be Fun”

Are you planning a big night tonight or like me are you getting excited about a home-cooked meal? If your weekend looks a little bare and you’re secretly thrilled about that, I know you’re going to relate to “I Used To Be Fun,” the rocking new single from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

“‘I Used To Be Fun’ is about getting older and redefining the way you have fun,” the band confirmed. “We have all noticed in the past year or so, going from 22 to 23, that fun looks really different sometimes when you start to get older. It’s about missing your past self who would go out every night and have a fully charged social battery, rather than seeing the fun in staying home alone.”

“I Used To Be Fun” comes from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teaser’s highly anticipated debut album, I Love You, which drops on October 6. Fresh from Les Escales Festival in France, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers will launch the album with shows all around the country. Catch them at the following local venues:

20 September 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Camperdown
13 October 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul (supporting DMA’s)
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
27 October 2023 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)
2 November 2023 – UniBar, Tarndanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
3 November 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The River, Wadandi Boodja/Margaret River
11 November 2023 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
17 November 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
4 December 2023 – AAMI Stadium, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Foo Fighters)

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: @sheisaphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kiwat Kennell Collaborates With Dan Sultan on “Disconnected”

I’ve been so impressed by the music coming out of The Archie Roach Foundation’s Singing Our Futures program. This initiative which pairs emerging First Nations artists with some iconic mentors is giving a leg up to some extraordinary talents like Kiwat Kennell, who’s just released his latest single “Disconnected.” Kiwat worked with none other than Dan Sultan to tell his story through this song.

“’Disconnected’ tells the story of how my father saved my life, from my own actions, in one of the darkest periods of my life,” he admitted. “The yearning for a connection of any kind in a post-lockdown life is one that too many of us have all experienced. Through an unhealthy relationship with my mental health, I lost many personal relationships, resulting in a downward spiral, solo journey, that would eventually have me reconnect with my father, after many years of being apart. What began as a deeply negative and traumatic experience, has me now connecting to family, culture, and life!”

While the song came from feelings of being disconnected, it also sparked a very powerful connection between Kiwat and his mentor, Dan Sultan.

“We had known each other socially for a few years, but when I found out that Dan would be my mentor, and I would have the chance to work with him in a professional capacity, I couldn’t believe it. Dan Sultan has always been a huge influence on my career, his ability to captivate a whole audience with just his voice and a guitar, will always astound me! Being able to collaborate with Dan on this track has really changed how I approach songwriting. He taught me that the story, or song, that you start writing at one point in time, doesn’t have to be finished at that moment. Because like in life, you evolve … and your story isn’t finished yet. Sometimes you have to walk the path, to see where it leads.”

“Disconnected” is the latest track from the Singing Our Futures EP, which drops later this year.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jacinta Keefe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Two Times Shy Drop Upbeat Pop-Punk Single, “Gone”

I hadn’t realised how much I’d missed Two Times Shy until I listened to their new single “Gone.” It’s a fun return to form for the Meeanjin/Brisbane band who brought us their stellar debut EP It Looks Better Than It Sounds in March this year.

“‘Gone’ tells a story of what it’s like to fall apart when the person you love and want to be with is not with you, how you feel when they are gone,” explained Two Times Shy’s frontman, Douglas Hudswell.

While they’re not headlining any shows for a while, Queenslanders can catch them supporting their pals from Forever on High when they officially launch their new single. Two Times Shy will warm up the crowds at Vinnie’s Dive in Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast on September 1.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR; credit: Gabi Rankine Creative

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Budjerah Drops Personal New Single, “Video Game”

Fresh from signing a deal with United Talented Agency for representation in the Americas, Budjerah has released what might just be his best single to date, “Video Game.” If you’ve seen Budjerah live, it’s probably already one of your favourites. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to hear it.

“I’ve been waiting a very long time for this song to be ready, and finally after performing it for a year on stage, I think you guys are ready to hear one of my most personal songs yet,” Budjerah said. “This is a thank you to all my fans who’ve supported me at my shows over the last year. Hope you guys are ready for Video Game!” says Budjerah.

Budjerah has already had a massive year supporting Ed Sheeran, selling out an Opera House show for Vivid LIVE, and even appearing at Paris Fashion Week. But it shows no signs of slowing down, with several festival appearances scheduled before the year’s end. Make sure you don’t miss him at these events.

8 September 2023 – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Festival Of Food & Wine @ Upper Queens Park, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
11 November 2023 – Handpicked @ Lake Breeze, Ngarrindjeri Country/Langhorne Creek
25 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
26 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
2 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Victoria Park, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
3 December – Spilt Milk @ Claremont Showgrounds, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harrison Storm Releases Beautiful Folk Song, “In Good Time”

Harrison Storm’s latest single, “In Good Time,” is one for the acoustic folk fans. It’s a beautiful understated song with a nostalgic feel that speaks right to the heart.

“I went away on a writing trip last year to work on songs for the album and after the first few days, I was struggling to write anything I connected with,” Harrison recalled of the time that inspired this new song. “Every now and then I listen to very old demos of mine, to remind me of why I started songwriting. The demo that came up was of a song of mine, ‘Sense Of Home’ and as I was listening to this very first demo I made of this song in particular, I had this wave of emotion come over me.

“It was this intense feeling of acknowledging the time that had passed since I first wrote that song and now. The immense changes I’ve gone through and how different life is. The difference in the person I was then and the person I am today. Yet I’m still here writing songs, the thing I dreamt I’d be able to do with my days. So ‘In Good Time’ is almost a reply to ‘Sense Of Home’, a reflection on the passing of time. It’s me talking to the person I was when I wrote ‘Sense of Home’ all those years ago.’

Harrison has been touring the eastern states showcasing his new music to Australian audiences for the very first time. You can still catch him at the following shows:

18 August 2023 – Birdhouse Bar, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
19 August 2023 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri Country/Canberra

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group; credit: Wilk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hazlett Drops Spine-Tingling Single, “Blame the Moon”

Aussie-born, Sweden-based singer-songwriter Hazlett casts a spell with his gorgeous new indie-folk track “Blame the Moon.” I’m getting major Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine vibes from this one. Chills.

“The easiest thing in the world is to think it’s something else’s fault. The grand plans, the setbacks, the lowlights, they have a tendency to slowly take their toll. Even though you know deep down the universe isn’t out to get you, there’s a strange relief found in leaning on an excuse,” Hazlett said of the song’s inspiration. “It’s not a perfect remedy and it’s one hell of a bad habit to break, but on those days when you just don’t have the fight in you anymore it can be the thing to get us by.”

This song is our first taste of Hazlett’s forthcoming EP, which was all written in the Swedish countryside. He’s just wrapped up an Aussie tour, but hopefully he’ll be back on our shores when the EP drops.

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MOZË Drops Sublime New Single, “Would You Be Mine”

Yorta Yorta/Wangaratta-based artist and producer MOZË has one of those voices that sends shivers up your spine. Honestly, I could be happy listening to her singing the phone book. However, her latest soulful single “Would You Be Mine” is so much better. Spare a moment to stop what you’re doing and let this one wash over you.

“I wanted the writing to be fantastical and passionate because in the end the love story is only a daydream. The love doesn’t exist but the expectation and the hope for it does,” said MOZË. “The song captures our intrinsic longing for partnership and connection and the portraits that our minds create throughout the endeavour.”

I’ve always been a sucker for a lyrical dance routine, so the music video, directed, produced, and edited by Annabel Mactaggart, is also right up my alley.

MOZË said the video represents “The dream state of a young woman, exploring the journey of reminiscing on past trustultimately depicts a universal experience: the private romanticisation of lovers who are no longer in our lives.”

MOZË will play a couple of gigs close to home next month. Experience her incredible voice in person at the following shows:

1 September 2023 – The Vine Hotel, Yorta Yorta/Wangaratta
2 September 2023 – Tanswells, Tanswells/Beechworth

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Kate Marshall

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RADICALS Drop Rocking Single “maybe”

Eora/Sydney band RADICALS have me rocking out to their latest single “maybe.” It grabs you from those opening guitar chords and doesn’t let go. If you love your rock down and dirty, this one’s for you.

RADICALS say “maybe” was inspired by “Love and obsession. When you finally meet the love of your life, can’t stop thinking about them and every second you aren’t with them just seems like a waste of time.”

RADICALS just wrapped up a tour before this single’s release, but hopefully it won’t be too long before they’re back on the road again. Listening to this song, you know they’re going to bring the goods on stage.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Cleverdon Releases Sweet New Single, “Back to Normal”

With its sweet acoustic vibes and emotional lyrics, Harry Cleverdon’s new single “Back to Normal” was guaranteed to make me swoon. If you love a sensitive singer-songwriter too, this will be right up your alley.

Apparently Harry wrote this song at 3 am on an acoustic guitar in his bedroom. From those humble beginnings, he’s built it up beautifully without losing any of that intimate charm. Excuse me while I press play on this one again.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country