Catholic Guilt Release Life-Affirming New Single “Live For the Rush”

Naarm/Melbourne rock act Catholic Guilt usher in a new era today with the release of their latest single “Live For the Rush.” It’s the first song from the band’s sophomore album, due later this year, and the first featuring new guitarist and vocalist Megan Sidwell. Some bands have teething issues when they alter the line-up, but Catholic Guilt have never sounded better.

“‘Live For The Rush’ is a song about wanting to feel truly ‘alive’ again, after a prolonged period of emotional paralysis. It is about holding an insatiable desire to experience the sensation of life, yet at the same time living in fear of the risks and changes that might be required to do so,” explained vocalist Brenton Harris. “It is a very human thing to want to feel everything, all at once, to want to explore all that this finite existence can offer, yet it is also a very human thing to want to protect the status quo because the status quo offers the safety and the surety of knowing, even if what we know isn’t providing fulfilment. ’Live For The Rush’ is an anthem about rediscovering the joy of the unknown and in the process learning to feel again.”

This song really strikes a chord to me as I anticipate jetting off to Brisbane next week, taking my first flight since the pandemic began. I’m also really digging the video, which takes us through a day in the life of the cutest sauce bottle around.

“The premise of this video at first glance is silly, funny and kinda weird. But when you delve into the bright, shiny world that Sauce lives in, there’s a whole lot more to it,” explained Sophia van Doorn, who directed the video. “Given that Sauce is depicted in an overly saturated, orange-hued world, their life is a vibrant, action-packed and fulfilling existence. Its stark contrast to the initial band shots of gloomy, lacklustre monotony creates a juxtaposition of light and dark. The band’s jubilant facial expressions upon Sauce’s arrival are the hero of this video and really tie back to the incredible lyrics, uplifting the viewer. It was hilarious running around town shooting the Sauce scenes and the band nailed all their shots in every aspect – the fun and ridiculousness shines through in the video. As a first-time director of a music video, I’m thrilled with the outcome, it looks awesome. Awesomesauce.”

You can see Catholic Guilt’s brand new line-up at the Last Chance Rock N Roll Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on March 3.

Image used with permission from Earshot Media

Ben De La Cour Charms With “Appalachian Book of the Dead”

Fresh from performances at Tamworth’s Country Music Festival, Ben De La Cour has dropped “Appalachian Book of the Dead”, the first track lifted from his fifth album Sweet Anhedonia. As the title suggests, this isn’t one of those upbeat country crossover tracks. It’s a cool, dark and brooding number that really casts a spell. It’s so eerie, and I love it.

“I remember first hearing the phrase “Appalachian Book of the Dead” a long time ago in reference to a poem that I later found out was written by Charles Wright. I think I had it filed away subconsciously for years until Shari Smith at Working Title Farm contacted me with this idea she had about pairing authors and songwriters together on a project and somehow I ended up being paired with Dale Neal who wrote a novel called … “Appalachian Book of the Dead”. So I started working on the song before reading the book, then I read the book and loved it and as soon as I finished it I was able to fill in the few blanks left in the song and it kind of came together in full,” Ben recalled.

“The song is definitely inspired in part by the book but it’s mostly my attempt at capturing the feeling I always get driving through North Carolina and East Tennessee late at night. I always loved the quote by Poe, ‘The best stories are an arabesque of supernatural menace and wry jesting’. This is my feeble attempt at doing justice to that.”

Ben’s new album Sweet Anhedonia drops in April. As he currently spends more than a hundred days touring Australia, Europe, and North America, hopefully we get some shows to coincide with its release.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music; credit: Nick Nace

Belle Haven Release Comeback Single “I Can’t Find the Words” Ahead of Future Lovers Tour

Belle Haven have just dropped their new emo anthem “I Can’t Find the Words” in time for their tour with Banks Arcade. If you’ve ever felt powerless as your relationship ends, this one’s for you.

Belle Haven have been together since 2010, but this is first release in nearly two years. Talk about a comeback!

The Future Lovers Australian Tour with Banks Arcade kicks off tomorrow night in Meeanjin/Brisbane. Limited tickets are still available for all shows but selling fast. You know what to do!

4 February 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Factory Floor, Eora/Sydney
11 February 2023 – Transit Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
17 February 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
25 February 2023 – Enigma Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Satisfy Your Cravings With THE HUNEEZ’ “Addicted to You”

Aussie trio THE HUNEEZ are bringing the good vibes with their latest single “Addicted to You.” It’s a delightful blend of pop, funk, and soul that you’ll find yourself humming for days. Trust me, it’s an earworm, in the best possible way.

With production from Jess Des (King Princess, Cold Chisel, Imogen Clark) and mastering by Leon Zervos (Guy Sebastian, Amy Shark, Montaigne, Maroon 5), it’s no wonder this track sounds so polished. Add it to your summer playlist, pronto!

THE HUNEEZ will officially launch the single with a show at Diamond Dogs Music Lounge and Bar in Mookoonburro/Dapto on March 11.

Image used with permission from The Huneez

Get Into the Groove With King of Spain’s “Ferrol”

King of Spain might just be the funkiest act to come out of Tarntanya/Adelaide. Their latest single “Ferrol” has some serious stank on it, with big horns, cool keys, and ultra-smooth vocals.

“Ferrol” sounds like a party, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll realise this song is actually about the deception and hurt that can come when a relationship breaks down. “Ferrol” is the first of many King of Spain songs based around European cities. I can’t wait to hear where they take us next. Before then though, they’ll hit some cool local bars for an all-too-brief single tour, which kicks off tomorrow.

3 February 2023 – Bar Open, Naarm/Melbourne
4 February 2023 – Lowlife Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Big Oak Records

Seamus McCorry Delivers Cool New Single “Ain’t Enough for Me”

If you’re missing the Britpop that dominated the airwaves in the late 90s, wrap your ears around “Ain’t Enough for Me”, the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne indie act Seamus McCorry. I’m really digging its laidback rock vibes, which are perfect for getting you through your Wednesday.

“Ain’t Enough for Me” comes from Seamus’ debut EP. While there are no plans for his own launch show as yet, Seamus will join Emotion Picture at their single launch at The Retreat Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne tomorrow night, February 2.

Image used with permission from Seamus McCorry

Dial Denial Rock Out With “Overtime”

Crank that volume right up, press play, and experience “Overtime”, the fantastic new single from Eora/Sydney-based pop-punk band Dial Denial. Fergus Harley-MacDonald’s vocals grab you from the jump. By the time the full band kicks in, I’ll be surprised if you’re not punching your fist in the air too.

“‘Overtime’ is the rejection of fitting in a box,” Fergus explained. “We live in a time where living is full of deadlines, panic, and fitting within the cookie-cutter roles placed upon individuals. The talk downs, the ‘real job’ you need, how you need to go to university or college. Dial Denial believes that everyone these days are overwhelmed, living life faster and faster with no time to slow down as if they’re working overtime on just… living.”

“In its purest form, ‘Overtime’ is about slowing down, appreciating the simple things, being happy, and living for yourself. Most importantly, the world in which we live is in desperate need of kindness. My dad used to say, ‘be half as smart and twice as kind’. This one simple phrase shaped the main themes and messages of this song through Fergus’ worldview. You’ll find the simple things in life more joy than overtime.”

The video, shot on Eora/Sydney’s North Shore, gives a hint at just how good this band is live.

“The ‘Overtime’ video reflects the themes of the music,” explained lead guitarist and backing vocalist Owen Borg. “The main messages of appreciating the smaller things, happiness, and kindness are shown through a house party and hanging out with your mates. The process of filming the clip was spontaneous and just super chill.”

Hopefully it’s not too long before we see these guys on the road. Until then, I’m sure “Overtime” will give you that extra shot of adrenalin you need to get through Tuesday.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

James Johnston Drops Feelgood New Single “GOT IT GOOD”

James Johnston is spreading positive vibes with his latest country-rock single, “GOT IT GOOD.” It’s all about celebrating the simple things in life, which comes pretty naturally for this husband and father of two boys.

“’GOT IT GOOD’ is about appreciating the simple things in life and being grateful for what you have as you realise, these are the big things worth celebrating,” James revealed. “The perfect lives of others is just a perception and when you stop to acknowledge the little things you have in your life – a roof over your head, a job that pays the bills and a love waiting for you at home, you realise you’ve GOT IT GOOD.”

Fresh from playing a capacity crowd at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, James will play Meatstock in Toowoomba on April 14 and 15 alongside country icons like Kasey Chambers and Brad Cox.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Shugorei Drop Exciting New Single, “Meet the Sun”

Some singles hit you immediately, making you fall in love in an instant. Others are slow burns, taking a few listens before they really get under your skin. I’m still not sure I fully understand Shugorei’s new single “Meet the Sun,” but I know I can’t stop listening. And that’s probably reason enough to share it with you.

Shugorei have enlisted the talents of vocalist Shêm Allen and the Black Square Quartet, whose contributions make the duo’s sound even richer. The song, which features lyrics in English and Nozomi Omote’s native Japanese, celebrates the risks artists take to make their dreams reality. You can see those lyrics in the video, to be released on February 10, which also features live-in-studio performance footage and some of Nozomi’s travelogues from her recent trip home to Japan.

“Meet the Sun” is really different. It’s experimental music and as such, I know it won’t be to everyone’s tastes. But it’s compelling, mesmerising, and totally unforgettable. I encourage you to press play with an open mind and give it at least a couple of listens before you decide whether or not it’s for you.

Image used with permission from 4000 Records

Let Sabrina Sekuloski Take You Away With Her New Single “Red Convertible”

It might be only the first month of the year, but is anyone else hanging out for holidays? Because honestly, same. That public holiday might still be too far away for many of us, but Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Sabrina Sekuloski can take you there for just a few minutes with her latest single “Red Convertible.” It’s an ode to freedom, escaping the nine-to-five grind and doing what makes you happy. Sabrina doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, but this song is a lovely piece of pop which reminds me of easy-listening tracks from Colbie Caillat and Sheryl Crow.

“The songwriting process for this single started back in 2018 so it’s really nice to see this song come to life,” Sabrina explained. “I still remember writing the chorus, it happened really naturally and quickly. The lyrics and melody came out together and the vibe was so infectious that I started dancing in my room. I wrote the Billy Joel reference in the chorus first and just kept adding them in when we started working on the song in 2022. When there’s mention of ‘the piano man’ in the bridge, you can hear a piano being introduced which I thought was a nice touch. When I brought the song to my dad in 2022, he found an old guitar riff he’d written in 2019 that we thought suited the song – which is what you hear in the verse, it formed a cool groove for the song.

“‘Red Convertible’ came about from a longing to escape from the mundane day-to-day activities that leave one feeling uninspired and burnt out. The title of the track was taken from the last line in the chorus which is a daydream of doing things you’ve never done that make you feel alive.”

It sounds like Sabrina has more songs of escapism for us, as “Red Convertible” comes from her forthcoming EP called Scenic Route.

Image used with permission from Planetary Group; credit: Sasha Sekuloski