Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Waxflower Continue Winning Streak With “The Drama Scene”

Waxflower’s ability to lift your mood in less than three minutes shouldn’t be underestimated. Just like previous singles “Soak” and “Ring,” their new track “The Drama Scene” clocks in at under that magic three-minute mark. And just like those other singles I adored, this one makes a massive impact in such a short space of time. Surely it’s a superpower.

“‘The Drama Scene’ is a reflection of my social life at the time,” explained frontman Tristan Higginson. “There was just so much negativity swirling around, and I was contributing to that. I was generally unhappy. The song is me airing out some of the agitation I had with where my own actions were placing me. The song is mostly the same as the demo, with exception of the second verse which ended up a more DnB style effort. Stevie [Knight] helped us add more programming to make that section of the song stand out from the rest.”

The release of “The Drama Scene” isn’t the only exciting thing happening for Waxflower today. They’re also kicking off their supporting duties for Trophy Eyes, starting with the first gig tonight on the Sunshine Coast. Arrive early to catch their set at one of the following shows:

24 March 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Sunshine Coast
25 March 2022 – The Northern, Byron Bay
26 March 2022 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta
27 March 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane
1 April 2022 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
2 April 2022 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
7 April 2022 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
8 April 2022 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
20 April 2022 – UC Refectory, Canberra
21 April 2022 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
22 April 2022 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
23 & 24 April 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DICE Goes From Strength to Strength With Latest Single, “Bad Tattoo”

DICE have only been together for 15 months, but they’ve made a big impression during that time. Aside from winning my heart, they’ve released six singles, clocked up 900,000 streams, and sold-out headline shows. They might just crack the magic million with their latest effort “Bad Tattoo.”

“’Bad Tattoo’ steers away from deeper meanings like our past tracks had (self belief, the mental and physical strain of gigging, how to cope with young relationships),” the band said. “We wanted to create a track which can embody our cheeky, light-hearted side of experiencing young adulthood. With reference to past experiences, we portray bad tattoos as a good thing, a representation of a memory rather than regret.”

DICE are also preparing to drop their first EP Adolescent Arcade. To celebrate its release, the Perth band will tour their home state next month.

“Our upcoming EP tour is a huge milestone for us and a major achievement after only 15 months as a band. We have been privileged to be able to support other bands tours such as Dear Sunday and Death by Denim but there is something extra exciting and special about doing it yourselves,” the band added. “This is definitely a big mark in our career and we are ecstatic to be able to perform our own shows at some of our favourite places such as Margaret River and also do our first all-ages show at YMCA HQ.”

Get those tickets while they’re hot!

1 April 2022 – Mandurah Top Floor, Mandurah (with Ra Ra Viper & Little Guilt MANDURAH, WA
8 April 2022 – YMCA HQ, Leederville (All Ages with Ra Ra Viper)
9 April 2022 – The River Margs, Margaret River (with Ra Ra Viper and King Blue)
30 April 2022 – DICE Fest @ Badlands, Perth

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Odin Fahey

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover the Charm of Angela Rose’s “Small Town”

Newcastle’s Angela Rose won me over last year with her track “Utopia.” Proving she’s no flash in the pan, her latest single “Small Town” is every bit as impressive. This is a sweet alt-country-folk number that simply makes your soul feel good. I love the little Jewel-esque yodel in Angela’s voice and those nostalgic lyrics that make you long for a simpler time.

“‘Small Town’ was the first song I’d written where I felt like it was worthy of being recorded and released,” Angela admitted. “It’s the song that made me realise I wanted to seriously pursue being a songwriter and gave me a huge confidence boost in my songwriting skills and storytelling. I have always really wanted to release a song inspired by my country music roots, but also combine that with the indie guitar sounds that are prominent in ‘Summer Love’ and ‘Utopia’. There are a few country elements throughout the track – the ones that really stick out are the acoustic strum, brush drum beat in the first verse and chorus, and the storytelling themes which are an ode to a classic country tune. But when the second verse comes in there is a real shift to a more modern indie feel.”

Aside from making music, Angela recently dropped her first merch collection. You can check it and more of her music out on her Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Peach & Sons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Captives Rock Out With “Miles Away” Ahead of Aussie Tour

I’m turning the volume right up this morning. It’s the best way to listen to “Miles Away,” the latest single from Melbourne punk-rock act Captives. The song features on their sophomore album Return to Mars, which drops on March 31. Captives wrote “Miles Away” during last year’s lockdowns, when they longed to be anywhere but Victoria’s capital.

“Miles Away has got all the feels about feeling trapped, stuck in a cycle, partying to excess and being so far away from everything and anyone you love. It sounds romantic in a sense,” explained vocalist Aaron Damon. “It also channels some inspiration from the Hoodoo Gurus, which was a band I grew up loving and still admire, so that’s OK with me.”

Or at least, turning up the volume is the best way to listen to the song at home. Something tells me the track gets some extra energy live. Thankfully Captives are just about to embark on a tour taking in major capitals and the Gold Coast. Get your tickets to these shows, because Captives are ready to raise the roof.

2 April 2022 – Halloween Hysteria, Brisbane
9 April 2022 – The Vanguard, Sydney
16 April 2022 – Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
23 April 2022 – Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
29 April 2022 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Gold Coast
7 May 2022 – Wallapalooza Festival, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: @rcstills

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie Collins Drops Another Gem Ahead of Album Release & Tour

I was already pretty hyped for the release of Charlie Collins’ sophomore album, but hearing the fourth single from that release has made me want to listen even more. “Backseat Valentine” is an absolute banger, the sort of track that makes you want to turn the music up, dance with abandon, and sing into a hairbrush. The song is a bit of a left-turn for Charlie, but I like it!

“I’ve never written a song like that ever,” she said. “It’s embracing, the real fucking wild side of me, I love to go crazy and do spontaneous things sometimes.”
Fresh from supporting Gang of Youths in the UK and Ireland, Charlie is ready to make music for fans here at home. Her album Undone drops on April 29, the day before Charlie’s East Coast album launch tour begins.

30 April 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
5 May 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
14 May 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

imbi Covers Muddy Waters for Chess Records Tribute

I’m a big believer that there’s no point covering a song unless you can bring something new to it. It might not always please the purists, but if you’re putting your own artistic stamp on a song and saying something new through it, you’ve done your job. imbi’s take on Muddy Waters’ classic “Mannish Boy” is a dramatic departure from the original, but it makes a heartfelt commentary on gender identity that is worth listening to. There’s also no denying their vocal chops.

“I really tried to keep it as raw as possible; taking that authenticity as the baseline foundation. After that we added the decorative moments, made it really build and swell … it was a really beautiful process … [it’s] how I bring my essence to all the music I make,” imbi explained. “In paying homage to ground-breaking African American artists, I wanted to maintain that spirit of breaking the rules and shifting the norms and speaking to your lived experience unapologetically.”

This cover comes from Everybody Knows I’m Here, a 10-track compilation celebrating Chess Records’ 70th anniversary produced by Canberra artist Kojo “Kay” Ansah (Citizen Kay). I’m really looking forward to hearing the rest of the tunes when it drops on May 6. Physical copies of the album, including 12-inch vinyl, will be released later this year.

Image used with permission from Chester Records; photo credit @42069mm

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paulina Drops Beautiful New Single, “Nobody”

At just 17 years of age, Brisbane singer-songwriter Paulina is releasing music so good that it’d make many artists more than twice her age jealous. Her latest single “Nobody” is an exercise in restraint, a gorgeous ballad that showcases Paulina’s gift for songwriting and her sultry voice. When so many young artists go overboard with runs, it’s so refreshing to hear a song like this, presented so simply and beautifully.

“’Nobody’ is an exploration of happiness which can be found within oneself. It also delves into the envy and frustration other people have of those individuals who find true happiness for themselves,” Paulina explained. “The lyrics centre around someone who has found that joy within their life but must continue to watch others suffer in their own anguish and fake their so-called ‘happiness’. As much as you can sometimes dislike a person, I personally find there’s always a part of me that still wants the best for them and doesn’t want them to fall deeper and deeper into their own self-inflicted misery.”

Paulina is currently a finalist in the 2022 Queensland Music Awards for her song “Parasite,” which I previously raved about. This release proves the talent she showed there was no fluke. We can expect big things from this Queensland artist.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bellwether Will Lift You Up With “Halfway Happy”

Sydney’s Bellwether prove they’re one of the most consistent up-and-comers around with another fantastic single, “Halfway Happy.” With big guitar chords, an anthemic chorus, and angsty lyrics, it’s everything you want in a pop-punk track.

“Halfway Happy comes from a place of being trapped in the company of someone that makes you feel like you’re always falling short,” the band explained. “The song focuses a lot on this pattern of constantly questioning every part of ourselves and feeling like we’re simply not good enough – for ourselves or those around us. When we’re with someone that is always making us doubt ourselves, it’s easy to fall into that mindset and second guess every aspect of ourselves. Reflecting on these kinds of experiences, we see our past mistakes and regrets take shape in the form of insecurities that impact us every day, even years on.”

It’s set to be a big couple of weeks for Bellwether. They will celebrate the release of “Halfway Happy” with a big show at Crowbar on March 25 supporting FANGZ. Then on April 8, they’ll release their debut EP Impermanence. If tracks like this are any indication, it’s going to be brilliant!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jem Cassar-Daley Releases New Single “Like It More”

There’s only one way for a musician to step out of the shadows of a famous parent: release your own fabulous tunes. That’s just what Jem Cassar-Daley, the daughter of country legend Troy Cassar-Daley, is doing. Her first two singles “Letting Go” and “Changes” got plenty of support from Triple J Unearthed and Spotify, and her third track “Like It More” is likely to be every bit as popular.

I love this song’s authenticity. It doesn’t try too hard to win us over. Jem’s vocals are understated but gorgeous. She simply tells the story of how to move on and find strength in yourself. That’s a message that so many of us need to hear now and again.

“Tia Gostelow and I started writing this track last year and had so much fun with it. ‘Like it More’ captures the moment of realisation after a breakup that you can be happy with your own company. I was going through a really tough time last year with my boyfriend at the time, and I was able to do a lot of writing and collaborations which was such a great outlet for me,” she said. “For anyone going through a breakup, this song is a how-to guide on how to back yourself and learn to be your own best friend.”

If you like what you hear, you’ll be thrilled to learn there’s more to come. Jem will release an EP in the not-too-distant future. Expect to hear more songs from the EP at the following shows:

22 April 2022 – Tamworth Town Hall, Tamworth (supporting Busby Marou)
1 May 2022 – Jungle Love Festival, Imbil
30 July 2022 – Live! At the Baptist @ Studio 188, Ipswich

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Abi Muir’s “Story of You”

After revealing her inner rock chick with “Stockholm,” Abi Muir embodies sweetness and light with her charming new single “Story of You.” This dreamy indie-pop number is perfect for slow dancing with someone special. Abi loves experimenting with her music, and this single is no exception.

“On my previous singles I worked with electronic beats but this single is one of five off my debut EP that is a collaboration with members of a progressive rock/post-hardcore band!” Abi admitted. “Quite a challenge to pop-ify them but we developed quite a creative instrument sound, highlighting drums, keys and strings.”

“Story of You” is the first track on Abi’s debut EP, To You, which drops on March 25. She’ll launch it tomorrow night at BAR36 in Cairns.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music