Yorke Takes Sound to Next Level With New Single “next life”

We’re only a quarter of the way in, but it looks like this year will be massive for Yorke. She’s just released a poptastic new single “next life” and announced some headlining shows in addition to some impressive support gigs.

Yorke’s debut EP Liberosis was one of my favourite releases of 2020. It perfectly showcased her introspective lyrics and knack for perfect pop melodies. But I feel Yorke has taken her sound up a few notches with “next life.” While it acknowledges dark feelings of denial and anger, there’s a euphoric optimism that I just can’t resist. Yorke penned the song in a single day with JIM ALXNDR (James Vincent).

“James really took the time to make sure that every word/melody was considered and purposeful allowing for a certain type of vulnerability that’s rare when you first meet someone. It felt like going back to my roots of pure storytelling and that’s why it came together so well,” Yorke explained. “When it was time for production, we already knew what we wanted and spent the rest of the day messing around with different equipment and warped effects. I’m a huge fan of James’ work and had goosebumps the entire day.”

Yorke also produced “next life’s” music video, working alongside director Kyle Caulfield.

“There was a spectacle about this video and the concept that we didn’t want to feel like a music video, we were really pushing for an international cinematic look,” he added. “We wanted it to feel more like a movie or movie trailer, to help the audience digest themselves in the story. It was important to create a new world with the locations, the styling, and other creative choices that help facilitate the story of the song. Exploring the five stages of grief was a big theme of the clip, and it was interesting to explore the representation of these feelings and emotions visually. I also had a lot of fun structuring the scenes and narrative around the arrangement of the song, both James and Grace have both really brought to light some very special sonic moments in this track.”

As I mentioned, Yorke has a stack of gigs on the horizon. She’ll support San Cisco in her hometown of Byron Bay before playing her own gigs and supporting Amy Shark on shows around regional Victoria.

29 April 2022 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay (supporting San Cisco)
1 May 2022 – Golden Shores Festival, Gold Coast
26 May 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
27 May 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
12 July 2022 – Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, Wangaratta (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
14 July 2022 – Riverlinks, Shepparton (supporting Amy Shark)
16 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
17 July 2022 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
19 July 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
20 July 2022 – Bendigo Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
21 July 2022 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Ballarat (supporting Amy Shark)
22 July 2022 – Horsham Town Hall, Horsham (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)
23 July 2022 – Costa Hall, Geelong (supporting Amy Shark)
27 July 2022 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura (supporting Amy Shark – SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

South Summit Releases Stellar New Single, “Tired of Waiting”

South Summit never seem to put a foot wrong. New single “Tired of Waiting” is another high-quality rock track from the Perth act. Frontman Isaiah Reuben’s heartfelt vocals are the perfect foil for the quality musicians he surrounds himself with.

“The meaning of the song itself is about the realisation that this person you thought you needed to depend on to be loved, was actually dragging you down and keeping you lost in a state of confusion through their manipulation and unreliability,” explained lead guitarist Fynn Samorali. “The progression of the song then continues to a point where enough is enough, it’s time to take a stand and distance myself from this situation that is holding me back from independence, because I’m tired of waiting. This independence then gives you the ability to achieve a happiness that comes from self-love and the freedom it brings.”

South Summit have spent the past six months selling out shows at iconic Perth venues like Jack Rabbit Slims and Badlands. Now that borders have opened up, they can’t wait to share their live show with punters all around the country.

“Our upcoming tour is definitely one of the highlights of our career so far,” enthused drummer Nathan Osbourne. “Travelling to play a show has always been a dream of ours and it all seems a bit surreal. Due to current COVID restrictions, it’s actually easier to play a gig over East than Perth, giving us a really good opportunity to play around the country and get our name out there.”

Discover what all the fuss is about at one of the following gigs.

20 May 2022 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury (FREE)
21 May 2022 – The Fire Station, Busselton (FREE)
27 May 2022 – Penny’s Bandroom, Melbourne (FREE)
28 May 2022 – Vic On The Park, Sydney (FREE)
3 June 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
4 June 2022 – Festival of The Stone, Byron Bay
10 June 2022 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
11 June 2022 – The River, Margaret River
17 June 2022 – Froth Craft Brewing, Exmouth
25 June 2022 – Leederville HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

The Velvet Club Release High-Energy Rocker, “Love Me The Same”

The Velvet Club offer the mid-week pick-me-up you’ve been searching for with their brand new single “Love Me The Same”. It’s a high-energy rock track with a raw, garage feel I can’t get enough of. It rocks hard, but its lyrics reveal the band’s softer side.

“Lyrically, the song is about the feeling of knowing you have people around you that support you and look after you, no matter what is going on in your life. It might not even be a person, it could be your dog!”, explained lead vocalist AJ Tilyard. “I guess it’s just about unconditional love and the feeling that comes with being loved unconditionally even if things aren’t going great at the time. It’s a comforting feeling to know you have support.”

The band recorded the song at Collingwood’s Sunset Pig Studios, determined to bring some of the spontaneity of their live shows to the track.
“Our main goal for this song was to encapsulate the live energy of it and I think with Sam [Swain] at the helm we were able to pull it off and make a really big, energetic live-sounding track!”, AJ explains.

Speaking of live energy, it’s not too long before you can soak it up for yourself. The Velvet Club will play shows in the East Coast capitals in June.
16 June 2022 – Frankies, Sydney
18 June 2022 – Leadbeater, Melbourne
24 June 2022 – Greaser, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Ben Chung

“Remember” by jnr. is Perfect Pop Music

Sydney producers Ben Siva, Nico Scali, and Max Jacobs have been writing music together for nearly 10 years. They’re also talented producers and performers in their own right. Recording under the name jnr., they’ve just released their debut single “Remember” and it’s such a bop.

If you love upbeat modern pop, this track will be right up your alley. It sounds so fresh and fun, but there’s real weight to the lyrics.

“‘Remember’ deals with grief, nostalgia, and the moment you are forced to put yourself in your parent’s shoes. I think anyone can relate to wanting to remember someone or something from their childhood, but the song has a deeper meaning for me,” Ben admitted. “I’m always drawn to darker lyrical themes and uplifting instrumentals – that push and pull always attracted me to some of my favourite artists. The feeling of knowing oneself is essential to being human. So the writing process was really me thinking about who I would be without my memories.”

jnr. promises fans on their Facebook page that this song is just the beginning of what they have in store for us this year. I can’t wait to hear what comes next!

Image used with permission from Pollen Scout; credit: Megan Donnelly

Matt Joe Gow Releases Gorgeous New Single, “Sweet Collapse”

You can always trust Matt Joe Gow for classic Americana tunes that just make you feel good. There’s a quiet confidence about what he does that puts you at ease. His latest track “Sweet Collapse” is no exception.

This track ticks all the boxes for me. I’m going nuts for the exquisite three-part harmonies and that piano solo. The track is a sequel to Matt’s song “Georgia Rose”, from his 2016 album Seven Years. How exciting to catch up with the story so many years later!

“Sweet Collapse” is the latest single lifted from Matt’s upcoming fourth album, Between Tonight & Tomorrow. Expect to hear a few more new tunes and all your old favourites at his upcoming New South Wales shows.

20 Apr 2022 – Peel Inn, Nundle
21 Apr 2022 – Outlaw Luncheon At The Dag, Nundle
23 Apr 2022 – MJG & TDL Showcase @ Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth
24 Apr 2022 – The Railway Hotel, Cowra
29 Apr 2022 – Occasional Wine Bar, Boorowa
30 Apr 2022 – Tomerong Hall, Tomerong
1 May 2022 – Golden Barley, Sydney

Image used with permission from Matt Joe Gow

Karise Eden Slays With “Gone”

When you search for Karise Eden on Spotify, the top five most popular songs are covers from her time on The Voice. Perhaps that’s understandable as the reality show catapulted her to stardom. However, that was 10 years ago. She’s released so many great original songs since then. If you’re just replaying that (admittedly incredible) cover of “It’s a Man’s World”, you’re missing the opportunity to really get to know what she can do. Instead of going back to the familiar, I encourage you to listen to her latest song, “Gone.”

This track is so beautiful. It’s everything we loved about Karise all those years ago. Pure soul, pure heart, pure passion. Her voice has never sounded finer. She puts so much emotion into it that I was sure she must have written it herself. Instead, it was a chance meeting that brought this song her way.

“This song was gifted to me by one of the most inspirational women I’ve met in a while … Stef Duzel, Publican of the Macedon Railway Hotel in Victoria. One in a million. A true songstress and songwriter,” Karise recalled. “I’m playing a gig at the pub. She takes me to a room at the back with this bed, guitar, and amps. We’re talking, laughing our heads off – music, life, kids, exes, her pub, you name it!

“She tuned her instruments up, while telling me her story, telling me about how she’d written this song, that she envisioned someone like me singing. Then she starts playing her guitar and out bellowed this voice like no other. The kind of voice you only hear from a life that’s been lived, a life that’s loved, been loved and a life that’s been broken more times before. When she began singing, the walls I have to hold everything inside, broke.

“She apologised for making me so emotional. I told her to keep singing. Every lyric that poured out of her spoke so deeply to me. I said I would absolutely love to sing this song and we worked at it, in a heartbeat. And so ‘Gone’ came to be.”

You can just tell this song will be even more powerful on stage. You can see Karise do her thing at one of the following shows:

19-22 May 2022 – Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival @ Kurrawa Pratten Park, Gold Coast
25 June 2022 – River Heads Rocks 2022 @ Hervey Bay
16 February – 2 March 2023 – The Gathering of the Goddesses, Riddells Creek
3 March 2023 – The Gathering of the Goddesses @ Fulton Park Campsite, Forth

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

The Whitlams Cover Perry Keyes For Country Album

A friend introduced me to Perry Keyes’ “The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw” a few years back. My friends introduce me to a lot of songs, and most of them I probably forget before too long. But this song was different. It was so good that I wondered why we don’t all know it, the way we know “Khe Sanh” and “The Horses”. It’s so good that when you hear it, you wonder why it’s not more well-known. It feels familiar from the first play. Once you do hear it, it’s not easily forgotten. I’m hopeful that a few more people will fall in love with it now that The Whitlams have put their stamp on it.

It’s no accident that this cover has more of a country sound than we’re used to from The Whitlams. It came from an idea hatched by frontman Tim Freedman as he drove between regional stops on his 2021 solo tour. While travelling from Gunnedah to Mudgee, via Black Stump Way, he discovered country radio playing his band’s latest single, “Man About a Dog.”

“I must admit it was a surprise to be played on Kix Country and Triple A Murri Country, but it was very cool,” he said. And it got him thinking. In Mudgee, he called Matt Fell, who produced his solo effort Australian Idle, and said “Put together your dream band. I think I want to make a country album.”

And so, The Whitlams got together with the new Black Stump Band, featuring Rod McCormack (on banjo, papoose, and acoustic guitar), Ollie Thorpe (pedal steel and electric guitar), and Matt Fell on bass. And they made that country album, The Black Stump Sessions, featuring this song.

Sydney photojournalist and director Johnny Barker made the gorgeous black and white video. It features archival footage of Tim’s father, Barrie Freedman, tipping Souths to win that historic rugby league grand final, with captain John Sattler finishing the game despite breaking his jaw. Talk about grit and determination!

The Whitlams, Black Stump Band will play shows all around the eastern states to launch the single later this year.

22 April 2022 – Longyard Hotel, Tamworth
24 April 2022 – Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
28 July 2022 – The Metropolitan Hotel, Mackay
29 Jul 2022 – Mansfield Hotel, Townsville
30 Jul 2022 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
3 August 2022 – Gunnedah Town Hall, Gunnedah
4 August 2022 – Orange Civic Theatre, Orange
5 August 2022 – Royal Hotel, Queanbeyan
6 August 2022 – Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
7 August 2022 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Gundaroo
12 August 2022 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo
13 August 2022 – Queenscliff Town Hall, Queenscliff
14 August 2022 – Burrinja Theatre, Upwey

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Crank Up Country Sounds of Hurricane Fall’s Newie, “This Night Forever”

Hurricane Fall are back with “This Night Forever”, their first single for 2022. It’s an epic slice of country-rock that should have you singing along by the chorus and feeling nostalgic about the best nights of your life.

Hurricane Fall want to share some memorable nights with their fans, so they’re heading on the road later this month. These guys have earned a reputation for their live shows. If you caught them supporting Billy Ray Cyrus or The Wolfe Brothers, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Find out for yourself when they stop at one of the following spots near you:

22 April 2022 – Blazes Showroom @ Wests, Tamworth
23 April 2022 – Stroud Rodeo @ Stroud Showground, Stroud
7 May 2022 – Scone Rodeo @ Scone Showground, Scone
13 May 2022 – Brookfield Show, Brookfield
14 May 2022 – Hard Rock Café, Brisbane
27 August 2022 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
24 September 2022 – CMC Rocks, Ipswich
1 October 2022 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Hannah May Sparks Climate Change Conversation With “Written in the Sea”

With a national election locked in for May 21, it’s more important than ever to think about the direction of the country. After recent floods, one issue that deserves headlines is climate change. If you’re not already thinking about it, “Written in the Sea” by Gold Coast singer-songwriter Hannah May should start the wheels turning. It’s a bit of a departure for Hannah who typically releases songs with a country flavour, but I’m really digging its acoustic folk sound.

“We seem to forget how much we rely on the environment for our wellbeing, while it continues to deteriorate in front of our eyes, we live our lives as if all is OK,” said Hannah. “We have to change our ways. This song is a reminder of that and I hope this inspires people to make a change however small it may be.”

Make sure you really tap into the lyrics when you’re listening to “Written in the Sea” as they’re so important, especially as we prepare to head to the polls. Making changes around the home matters, but it’s going to take changes on a federal level to really improve our environment.

Image used with permission from Hannah May

Lyn Bowtell Touches on Toxic Social Media With “Woman to Woman”

Lyn Bowtell made a splash on The Voice in 2017, but she’s been far from idle since that show propelled her into the spotlight. While she plays to smaller crowds now, she’s been releasing some incredible music. Her latest single “Woman to Woman” is the perfect reintroduction to her talent.

When so many young starlets dominate the charts, it’s so exciting to hear music from a mature woman sharing her experiences. Diverse voices are so important. It’s a timely song which speaks of the importance of real human connection in the digital age.

“I hope listeners to ‘Woman To Woman’ might be a little less influenced by social media in their everyday life and consider going to the source of information before they cast judgment on people,” Lyn said. “It’s great to be able to reach out across boundaries and borders to talk to people, but social media does come with negative effects as well and we are understanding that more and more now. I’ve never had anything particularly damaging said to me on social media, although there were a few moments after The Voice, but I’m lucky in that respect. Country music people are usually friendly, supportive and good-natured. Words can be so hurtful, faceless lies are painful. Don’t fool yourself into think that it’s nothing when it might mean something to someone else.”

“Woman to Woman” comes from Lyn’s forthcoming album, appropriately titled Wiser. She’s touring all over the country at the moment to support its release. See her at one of the following gigs:

24 April 2022 – The Longyard, Tamworth
12 May 2022 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
14 May 2022 – Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi
15 May 2022 –Leichhardt Bowling Club, Lilyfield
26 May 2022 –The Front Gallery & Café, Lyneham
27 May 2022 – Tumut River Brewing Co, Tumut
28 May 2022 –Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
29 May 2022 – Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, Kiama
17 June 2022 – The Beer Shed Brewing Co, Leumeah
18 June 2022 – Muswellbrook RSL Club, Muswellbrook
19 June 2022 – Armidale City Bowling Club, Armidale
22 July 2022 – The Press, Tamworth
23 July 2022 – Glen Aplin Hall, Glen Aplin
24 July 2022 – Dalby Events Centre, Dalby
27 & 28 July 2022 – Oodies Café, Bundaberg North
29 July 2022 – Maleny Community Hall, Maleny
30 July 2022 – GTM Music Studios, Beaudesert
31 July 2022 – Cabarlah Hall, Cabarlah
4 September 2022 – Mantra, Yarraville
9 September 2022 – The Wesley Anne, Northcote
10 September 2022 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
11 September 2022 – The Old Church On The Hill, Quarry Hill
15 September 2022 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Goolwa
16 September 2022 – The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton
17 September 2022 – The Barn, Wombat Flat
14 October 2022 – Nethercote Hall, Nethercote
15 October 2022 – Murrah Hall, Murrah

Image used with permission from The Country Journo