Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dani Teveluwe Drops Cool New Single “Waiting Wasting Time”

As you cruise towards the weekend, take a listen to Dani Teveluwe’s laidback new single “Waiting Wasting Time”. It’s a cool pop number with a jazz influence that reminds me a little of Norah Jones or Corinne Bailey-Rae. While the track has a relaxed feel, the lyrics encourage listeners to quit procrastinating and go out and get whatever it is they’ve been wanting.

“’Waiting Wasting Time’ first came to me when I was walking my gorgeous Golden Huey around Miami. The chorus melody soothed my soul and I loved it from the get-go”, Dani explained. “It’s funny because building the courage to make a change can sometimes take years, but in reality, the moment we decide to change is quite fleeting. Around that time, I had been thinking a lot about the motivation behind change. That moment when change is no longer a choice and when it becomes a necessity. What is that thing that gets us to finally book that overseas trip we’ve always wanted to go on? What makes us overcome the fear of rejection to ask someone out, or perhaps ending a relationship that isn’t right? How do you describe the desire to leave a perfectly stable job to pursue your passion? The more I dwelled on it, the more I realised that I had created my own discontentment in the past by not going for it. By taking the safe option instead of the scarier path, living in my head not my heart. I decided I was done with waiting and wasting time.”

Dani also isn’t wasting any time taking this song to the people. You can catch her playing free at the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay tonight or tomorrow night at Solbar on the Sunshine Coast.

Image used with permission from Dani Teveluwe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zac Eichner Completes Musical Trilogy With “Not a Break-Up Song”

Adelaide singer-songwriter Zac Eichner has floored me with his latest single, “Not a Break-Up Song.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but its gentle start drew me in. By the time the horns kicked in, I was firmly on board.

“’Not A Break-Up Song’ is the final song in the series of ‘Naked’, ‘Autumn’ & ‘Fool’,” Zac explained. “It follows where I left off and where I’ve landed recently. I’ve battled with depression, anxiety and self-destructive behaviour. I’ve worked hard, to pull away from that person I once was which has led to meeting my partner. It’s a song of hope, determination and reflection. Ironically named ‘Not A Break-Up Song’, I’m only breaking up with a previous version of myself.”

I’m always a sucker for a lyrical dance routine so the video is right up my alley. I was doubly impressed when I read that performer Rob McLean improvised the whole routine which was shot in a single take.

“This movement piece captures the internal battle and eventual release that the lyrics represent,” Zac added. “I think Rob and I have both been going through our own battles and watching him move to this, solidified my intentions with this song. A sense of self-reflection and intensity in the beginning and complete escape, hope and release toward the end.”

South Australian fans are in luck, with Zac playing a string of local shows in April and May.

17 April 2022 – Space Jams Festival, Robe
7 May 2022 – Big Easy Radio, Aldinga
8 May 2022 – Grace Emily, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jelly Oshen Releases Laid-back Lockdown Tune, “Bordalonely”

As the working week winds down, Cairns-based Jelly Oshen is bringing the chill vibes you need. His new single “Bordalonely” is a cool mix of R&B and indie-pop in the vein of Frank Ocean and Rex Orange County. He describes it as “island flava”, and who am I to argue? It sounds so smooth, but that’s more a testament to the quality of Jelly’s voice than technical wizardry.

“Most of my music is recorded at home with my stepdad,” he admitted. “My writing process is just making a poem and then creating a good music genre melody to fit, or vice versa. I was bored in lockdown and kinda lonely. My mum was imposing her own self-isolation on us, above and beyond any government rules, and this track sprung from that.”

Jelly Oshen has already supported some of the country’s hottest talents including Tones & I, Dami Im, and Ben Lee. Next up he’ll play a couple of cool festivals. Make sure you catch his set at the following events.

21 May 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie
19 November 2022 – Rolling Hills Festival, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Bridie J Egan @bridies.journal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rude Rum Become Reckless Coast

Brisbane band Rude Rum released some of my favourite rock songs of the last few years. So I was thrilled to hear they’re back with a brand new name, a fabulous new track, and an East Coast tour. Now known as Reckless Coast, these guys are impressing me all over again with their latest single “Do You Want Me?” It’s rock music the way it’s meant to be, a little rough around the edges but irresistibly catchy. Hit that volume button and crank it up to really appreciate its brilliance.

Frontman Jaeden Ogston wrote the song during a bar shift that crawled by. If you’ve ever worked a dead-end job, you’re going to appreciate it.

“I was sick of it that night … running around collecting glasses, handling the TAB, trying to serve, all without any help in sight,” he recalled. “I was often burnt out which affected my music, and I just wanted to focus on what I love. The thoughts going through my head on that shift pretty much wrote the song.”

He added that the name change was necessary as the band enters a brand-new chapter.

“The old name didn’t portray us properly,” he explained. “Plus, we’ve grown so much sonically and personally, so a fresh name was needed. We’re three kids who grew up on the coast, and love a good rock show … Reckless Coast sums us up perfectly”

With songs like “Do You Want Me?” in their arsenal, you know Reckless Coast will go off live. Discover for yourself at one of the following shows:

27 April 2022 – Mumbo Jumbo’s, Terrigal
28 April 2022 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
29 April 2022 – MoshPit Bar, Sydney
6 May 2022 – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
20 May 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Sunshine Coast
21 May 2022 – Tomcat, Brisbane

Image used with permission from High Tides Agency; credit: Gabi Rankin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Motor Ace Releases Comeback Single, “Knock Knock”

Don’t mistake Motor Ace’s return to the music scene as one resting on nostalgia. The release of their new single “Knock Knock” proves these guys have got more hits left in them. With hard-rocking riffs and solid vocals from Patrick Robertson, this track might just be worth the 17-year wait.

“It’s an idea that was kicking around back in the day, but we never got around to finishing it,” Pat admitted. “We’d always loved the sound, but it was written between the first and second records and didn’t really fit with what we were aiming for on the second. Probably should have finished it then!”

Motor Ace are gearing up to tour the country to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Five Star Laundry. Tickets are selling fast, so get them while you can!

10 June 2022 – Freo Social, Fremantle
11 June 2022 – Badlands, Perth
16 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane
17 June 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 June 2022 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
23 June 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
24 June 2022 – 170 Russell, Melbourne

Image used with permission from One the Map PR; credit: Rhys Graham

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Racing Birds Release Stellar Debut Single, “Rarely Never Loaded”

Racing Birds have burst out of the gate with their debut single “Rarely Never Loaded.” It might be their first musical foray together, but this duo are industry stalwarts. Bobbie Lee Stamper has performed with Guy Sebastian, Human Nature, and Matt Corby, while Jeremy Strother has shared stages with Stellar Perry and I Am Apollo. This song is a foot-stomping good time, a killer alt-country track with a swampy blues-rock sound. If you love acts like Black Keys, Alabama Shakes, and old-school Creedence Clearwater Revival, you’ll dig this.

“I think we were still in Bob’s garage when we started working on ‘Rarely Never Loaded.’ I was playing back a voice memo of the writing session and I heard Bob’s swampy lead guitar hook that eventually became the biggest part of the song,” Jeremy recalled. “Once we got our heads around that it all came together pretty quickly. Shakers, tambourines, kick drums, hand claps etc. I was reading about the Hells Angels in the ‘70s and looking at some old photographs while I was finishing off the lyrics for the song. There was a particular photo that I found of a girl waving her hand around with a cigarette that inspired the character in the song.”

“Everything was done with just the two of us, a couple guitars, a laptop and whatever we could find around the garage to bang on. I didn’t have a proper studio at the time so we set up in the front half of my garage, and there was a sheet hung up to hide the lawnmower … you could see daylight coming in through cracks in the walls, there were possums walking around in the rafters at night, and it was either boiling hot or freezing cold depending on the weather,” Bobbie added. “But we used that DIY feeling to give the record a bit of edge and energy. I tried not to use many samples or edit the takes much.”

If you love “Rarely Never Loaded”, you won’t have to wait too long to hear more. Racing Birds will release their debut EP Lonesome Blue on April 14.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Downsyde, Harts, and Flewnt Team Up For Chess Records Tribute Album

The more I hear from this upcoming Chess Records tribute album, Everybody Knows I’m Here, the more excited about I am. If you flipped over imbi’s take on “Mannish Boy,” take a listen to the latest take, Downsyde, Harts, and Flewnt’s collaboration on a cover of Howling Wolf’s “Poor Boy.” Their version, called “Po’Boy”, brings an urban edge to the track. If you prefer a more traditional cover, the double A-side single also features Harts’ solo version.

I really like what the version with Downsyde and Flewnt brings to the song though. I’m pretty sure if Howling Wolf were still alive, he’d embrace the rap and beats that freshen up his iconic tune and bring the message into the 21st century.

Downsyde member Optamus says their version delves into the “connection with young people through hip-hop and youth culture,” and the “importance of representing a young voice and, particularly, a young voice and struggle,”

“It’s really important and unique that we are able to do the song that tells a similar story to that of my people, but from the other side of the world how many years ago,” added Flewnt. “That is a big, major part of us doing the song and what will draw attention to it.”

“Particularly First Nations’ youth in this country are more likely to go to prison than to graduate high school, and we have systemic problems that are not being fixed and are not being faced,” Downsyde said. “I believe our job as hip hop artists from years ago … and having a voice … is that we have to bring that discussion to the table.”

“I hope that it challenges a few perspectives of what people might think of Australia or what they even think goes on or what the society looks like,” confirmed Flewnt. “There are a lot of hard challenging moments, for a lot of different people, from a lot of backgrounds … I think having that sort of story being out on an international level is more than important and vital to the survival of our culture.”

Everybody Knows I’m Here drops on May 6. Given what we’ve heard so far, it’ll be epic. Visit the album’s website to preorder your copy.

Image used with permission from Chester Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pale Spells Make Their Mark With “Wallow”

Pale Spells is an emerging Melbourne band, but they’re not to be underestimated. Featuring members from the UK’s Sirens and Melbourne acts The Valley Ends, Idle State, This Town, and A Forest, their experience really shines through their new single, “Wallow.” Channelling the emo, post-hardcore sounds of acts like Deftones and AFI, this track is really something special.

“Wallow” is the first single lifted from Pale Spells upcoming EP, Carelessly Designed. Listen out for it on May 2. We’ll get another sneak peek when Pale Spells releases the second single, “Kerosene”, on April 14.

Image used with permission from Pale Spells

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Justin Miller Launches New Musical Project, JSTNXMLLR

ISOTOPES frontman Justin Miller is striking out on his own under the moniker JSTNXMLLR. His debut single “Fake Fcuk” is a modern pop-punk anthem. I love the way that electronic beat sits underneath the classic early ‘00s pop-punk sound. If you were cranking Blink-182 and Good Charlotte back in the day, you’re going to love this one.

“Fake Fcuk is about shadowing your problems from everyone like it’s all a big charade,” Justin explained. “You can run, but you’re still going to have to come home and face them one day.”

“Fake Fcuk”’s release ushers in a new era of music for Justin.

“I feel like ISOTOPES helped me touch on some real personal subjects whereas JSTNXMLLR is the side of my personality I feel like I’ve lost since my teenage years. So, it’s almost as if I’ve had all these ideas brewing in the whole process and I finally get to be myself again. I think the most interesting thing about this project is that myself and Stevie [Knight, his long-time collaborator] have been mates for around 10 years and we’ve always spoken about doing something like this. I guess the one good thing about COVID was allowing us to really knuckle down on bringing this idea to life.”

Watch this space. With a debut single this strong, there’s bound to be more great music to come.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Lovelock Drops Stunning New Single, “Winter Comes”

With a cool sound reminiscent of ‘90s acts like Massive Attack and Portishead, Mia Lovelock makes a big impression with her latest single “Winter Comes.” The haunting sound initially captured my attention, but it’s the lyrics that reference Mia’s Indigenous heritage that stay with you.

“This song is about the fragile nature of sovereignty, the scars of stolen generations, and the beauty of healing,” Mia explained.

Mia will play for hometown audiences tomorrow night at Torch Fest Sydney. The show at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville is more than a typical gig. A true celebration of the arts, Mia’s performance will combine her music, visual art, and fashion talents. The art she creates live on stage will be auctioned off at the festival, with all money raised benefiting mental health music charity, Listen Up Music. Torch Fest Sydney also features performances from Bec Sandridge, Joe Mungovan, Amy Vee, Elysaé, and heaps more. You can read more about Torch Fest Sydney and get your tickets here.

Image used with permission from Mia Lovelock