Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Michael Day Wows Me With “Psych or the Priest”

Whatever you’re doing right now, stop and take a moment to listen to Michael Day’s new single “Psych or the Priest.” It’s a gorgeous folk song with such subtlety that you might miss its beauty if you don’t pay attention. Give it your full focus though and I know you’re going to fall as deeply as I have.

“The song started as a reflection on the emotions I had around the time, specifically the feeling of drowning,” Michael explained. “As I sat on a train, thinking about the past number of years, thinking ‘What just happened?’, I felt like I was watching life as a montage and had no control over any of it, which left me feeling somewhat sad and useless, and maybe for the first time, I felt the feeling of hopelessness.

“I think this is me processing life and reflecting on my own actions and how they affect others. I hope others would hear it and be encouraged to self-reflect on how their actions influence and even hurt others, that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Maybe this song is just me feeling sad feelings and saying it’s OK to sit here for a moment.”

Michael recently celebrated the release of “Psych or Priest” with some shows around his home state of Western Australia. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some dates around the rest of the country. We all deserve to hear more of his music.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Rhyan Lyndon-James

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PRETTY TALKS Wow Me With “Hurt Me”

Sounding like the lovechild of LANY and The Band Camino had a baby, local outfit PRETTY TALKS has really impressed me with their sophomore single “Hurt Me”.

“’Hurt Me’ is a snapshot of a relationship in its most tumultuous moments, a relationship breaking down, where neither person is necessarily at fault,” the band explained. “The outcome being that one person decides to put everything on the line whilst the other has already mentally checked out. It’s that feeling of “I know we’ve both made mistakes in this, but let’s give it one last chance”. It’s also about the moments of weakness; when you realise it’s not evolving in a positive way and you wish you could pretend it was just how it used to be”.

The single’s release also comes with a video filmed in and around bassist Hadi Ansell and drummer and backing vocalist Tommy O’Brien’s previous place in Sydney’s inner West. The clip brings to life a concept from singer and guitarist Liam Deans, who has a keen interest in filmmaking and screenwriting.

“The Hurt Me music video is aesthetically inspired by the English television show ‘Skins’, combined with an early-2010’s Tumblr-esque Pinterest board,” he said. “An emotional, volatile and messy relationship paired with a dirty, youthful abandon. It felt like an honest and real song to write and a beautiful thing to create on film. I scripted, storyboarded, directed and edited the music video, so it was great seeing all my tiny little concepts slowly come to life. We endeavour to build a world around our art and band, so we played with the ideas of hiding Easter eggs and band member cameos throughout this clip, adding another layer of meaning in which we are part of this universe that we build our songs in.”

Another single will drop in the not-too-distance future, but until then, PRETTY TALKS are feeling pretty proud of this one. As well they should!

“From writing, producing and recording the song, to developing, writing, shooting, editing the music video, it all feels like a joyful sigh of relief. It feels like we’ve created a real piece of well-rounded art with ‘Hurt Me’,” Lian added. “Something that conveys the story in the gritty romantic aesthetic that we wanted.”

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Megan Donnelly @megs_and_the_negs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DOWNGIRL Drops Rocking New Single “Manic”

Femme nu punk/grunge act DOWNGIRL prove they’re a real force with their latest single “Manic.” The press release says “the song hits like shots of cinnamon whisky – hard, fast and to dizzying effect, with a sweet but spicy aftertaste.” Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

“‘Manic’ was written during Sydney’s last pandemic lockdown as a back and forth via the WWW,” the band said. “It explores mental health issues and the responsibility we must take for them during a time which is insular and introspective.”

DOWNGIRL will take their “Manic” tour to The Lass in Mulubinba/Newcastle on November 12 before wrapping things up at Cherry Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on November 19.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophisticated Dingo Start Your Week Right With “The Job I Took”

If you’re finding it a little hard to get moving this Monday morning, Sophisticated Dingo’s new high-energy rock single “The Job I Took” is just what you need. The track sees the duo encouraging listeners to focus on what’s important and follow their passions.

“We wanted to celebrate choosing simplicity in a life that is inexplicably confusing… When pouring yourself into something, you might come to realise that you’re no longer doing it out of passion, but instead for the greater good,” explained vocalist Lewis Matte. “It can make sense to follow a path of idealisation when forging ahead however this path may well fall apart as one discovers what is most important. Don’t chase ideals, focus on what is real and present.”

Fresh from supporting Dear Seattle, Sophisticated Dingo will headline their own national tour in November. Catch them in a city near you:

5 November 2022 – Singing Bird Studios, Bunurong Country/Frankston (ALL AGES)
18 November 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2022 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
26 November 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
27 November 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
1 December 2022 – Crowd & Anchor Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
2 December 2022 – Gage Roads Freo Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 December 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
9 December 2022 – King Lear’s Throne, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Will Bush

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Satin Cali Drop Your New Favourite Rock Song, “One of These Days”

There’s nothing quite like hearing a really good rock song. The epic vocals, soaring electric guitars and driving rhythm section just make you feel alive. I know you’re going to get that feeling listening to Satin Cali’s new single “One of These Days.” Crank up the volume and give this one the treatment it deserves.

“One of these days is about believing in your goals and sticking to your guns, no matter what obstacle is in front of you,” explained the band’s lead vocalist Zac. “We decided to chill this song out sonically a bit more than some of our previous releases, while keeping that Satin Cali grit relevant throughout. A lot of that magic we can credit [producer and mixing engineer] Jack Nigro for too. Super pumped for this next release! Easily our best work yet.”

The film clip sees the lads raising hell around their local area of Woolyungah/Wollongong.

“I had such a good time shooting the music video for ‘One of these days’, getting to shred my axe and cause a bit of chaos around Wollongong,” added Gordo. “The video shows that we are truly willing to play anywhere to have our music heard. A bookstore, intersection of a busy street, etc. Also, being able to showcase some of the epic locations our local community has was special. Super keen to show the world this one”

Satin Cali have been touring along the East Coast in recent weeks. They’ll wrap up the tour with a show at The Gasometer Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on October 22. Get on down and make it a big one!

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Chris Frape

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

NEAV Shares Powerful Single “Say Goodbye”

Central Coast artist NEAV has wowed me with her latest single “Say Goodbye”. It’s a haunting modern pop track that reminds me of other local talents Vera Blue and Gretta Ray. I love the way NEAV’s gorgeous voice blends with the piano and beats on this one. The confessional lyrics charting the 18-year-old singer-songwriter’s personal journey are also so insightful.

“Transitioning into adulthood has been as exciting as it has been terrifying,” NEAV admitted. “During my experience of shifting in every facet of my life I’ve encountered the strange and emotional, yet therapeutic process of letting go of your past self. Say Goodbye channels this experience of the fear of the unknown, grieving our past selves and the sense of hope we cling onto to get through it and progress into a new stage in life. I have found the song to represent my feelings deeply, expressing my internal monologues melodically, lyrically and even rhythmically.”

If you love “Say Goodbye,” you won’t be waiting too long to hear more fresh music from NEAV. Her debut EP ELEGY drops on November 3.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Nick Langley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ken Paolo & The Space Cadets Drop Stellar New Single, “Natural Ways”

Ken Paolo & The Space Cadets are here to ease you into your weekend with their jazzy and oh-so-soulful single “Natural Ways.” It’s effortlessly cool, with Ken and Persia’s vocals bending beautifully against that fanfare of horns. It’s the sort of song that once you hear it inspires you to spend time digging around their back catalogue. Hot tip: it’s worth doing.

“‘Natural Ways’ is a high-energy affirmation about moving on from toxic situations,” Ken explained. “It is our most ambitious track with an addiction of a horn section.”

I just hope those horns become a permanent addition, because they really turn this song into something special. It’s hard to believe these guys only formed last year, because they are creating some of the slickest music I’ve heard in some time. Fan in their hometown of Boorloo/Perth can catch them at the In Dreams Festival at Rosemount Hotel on November 5.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Cass Evans-Ocharern

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Illy Drops Latest Banger “Like You”

Back in the Warner Music Australia stable, Illy has just dropped his feelgood new single “Like You”. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up this Wednesday, you can stop searching. This is everything you need.

We shouldn’t be surprised it’s so catchy though, as “Like You” comes from Illy collaborating with Johnny Took from DMA’s, Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde from Peking Duk, Styalz Fuego, and Black Summer. That’s a lot of different voices involved, but this song comes together beautifully.

“I’m stoked to be releasing new music, especially after the last few years,” Illy said. “I wanted to kick off the new era with a bang, and ‘Like You’ was the perfect fit for that. Working with some of my favourite Australian artists and producers made the process a lot of fun, and something to be excited about. This really shines through in the track. I’ve listened to this song 1000 times and still, I love this song.”

Illy has just dropped a few dates and he swears there’s more to come. If he’s not visiting you yet, just sit tight.
18 November 2022 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
19 November 2022 – Volta, Wadawurrung Country/Ballarat
2-4 December 2022 – VANFEST, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
8-12 June 2023 – Dream Machine, Bali

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chloe Kay & The Crusade Wows Me With “Broken Woman”

Don’t you just love finding those voices that stop you in your tracks? That you fall in love with instantly, hanging on every single word they sing? It’s rare and difficult to describe exactly what draws you to them, but when it comes it’s like lightning in a bottle. Chloe Kay, of Chloe Kay & The Crusade, has one of those voices. Press play on their latest single “Broken Woman” and I know you’ll fall in love too.

This song is a bit of a departure from the upbeat blues-rock the band usually delivers. There’s still that strong blues spirit, but it’s more vulnerable and intimate. You can hear how cathartic singing this song is for Chloe, who wrote the song after getting out of an unhealthy relationship.

“‘Broken Woman’ was my chance to say what I’d been holding inside,” she admitted. “This track is for those who have been taken advantage of, lied to and disrespected in a relationship and who so badly want to be seen and heard. ‘Broken Woman’ will be a little slice of therapy for some and serve as an anthem for those who have felt broken. I hope it will give them a chance to feel empowered, even just for a few minutes.”

Chloe Kay & The Crusade will close out the year playing Australian Blues Music Festival in Mulwaree Country/Goulburn on November 18 to 20.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rachael Fahim Celebrates City Roots With “City Girls in the Country”

Eora/Sydney artist Rachael Fahim busts the stereotypes and shows you don’t need a rural upbringing to make killer country music. Her latest single “City Girls in the Country” is an anthem for all the city slickers who love country music.

“As a city-born country artist of Lebanese decent, I’ve constantly been challenged about my country music eligibility, but for me, country music has always been a place of storytelling, a platform of the underdog to speak out and a place to connect with real people,” she explained. “Country music is evolving and becoming the most adored genre across the globe, a voice for everybody, no matter what your background or story is! This song is an anthem for doing what you love, being who you want to be, embracing what is different and not really caring about what other people think or say! Fuck yeah, city girls can be country too.”

Fuck yeah indeed! She may have faced her fair share of criticism, but it seems the country music scene is coming around. After her 2021 single “Middle Ground” spent five weeks at number one on the Australian Country Singles Airplay Chart, Rachael became the second-most streamed female country artist of all time, just behind Kasey Chambers. She’ll also play some of the biggest country music festivals in the country over the coming months.

14 & 15 October 2022 – Channel Country Music Muster, Thargomindah/Bulloo River
3 December 2022 – Capital Country, Nugunnawal/Canberra

Image used with permission from Good Intent