Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kinder Drops Exciting New Single, “Rasta”

Ghanaian-Aussie sister duo Kinder are celebrating their culture with “Rasta”, a floor-filler that shares their father’s story.

“Rasta is the story about our dad Kofi and his journey to Australia, where he literally walked across a desert in search of a brighter future. From Ghana to Libya, Europe and finally here,” explained Savannah Osei. “The making of this song was a long process for us. It started off very simply with a vocal chant Briony [Savannah’s sister] came up with walking on the street and recorded it as a voice memo in 2019. We came up with the basic melody, lyrics and started working with a few different producers first with Tasker and Mickey Kojak, then with Kim Moyes of The Presets, the song kept developing further and further, it was an amazing experience to keep pushing the beat along to where it is now”.

They thought they’d finished the track, but then they came across demos from local MC Gold Fang. They knew he could take the song to the next level, so Gold Fang recorded a freestyle verse during last year’s lockdowns. The sisters enthuse that “it was really the last missing piece of the puzzle”.

If you love what Kinder are laying down, make sure you catch them at one of the following shows:

1 May 2022 – Big Gay Day, Brisbane
12 June 2022 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
17 June 2022 – Civic Underground, Sydney

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Release Nostalgic New Single Ahead of UK/EU Tour

Perth-born act The Faim have got me reminiscing with their nostalgic new rock track “ERA”. It’s a bit of a shift from the hard-hitting rock we’re used to from the band, but it’s great to hear them changing things up and showing a softer side.

“‘ERA’ is about closing one chapter of your life and beginning the next,” bassist and keyboardist Stephen Beerkens explained. “Reminiscent of our own journeys up until this point, the song touches on the trials and tribulations we face every day and the aspects in our lives we’re grateful for.”

The Faim will play major summer festivals and headlining gigs across the United Kingdom and Europe this summer. If you’re lucky enough to be soaking up a summer in the Northern Hemisphere, you can catch them at the following shows:

1 June 2022 – L’Etage, Rennes
2 June 2022 – Ninkasi, Lyon
3 June 2022 – La Laiterie Artefact, Strasbourg
3-5 June 2022 – Rock am Ring, Nurburgring
8 June 2022 – Tranbendo, Paris
9 June 2022 – The Black Lab, Wasquehal
10-12 June 2022 – Download Festival @ Donington Park, Castle Donington
11 June 2022 – Sin City, Swansea
13 June 2022 – Stereo, Glasgow
15 June 2022 – Northumbria Students Union, Newcastle Upon Tyne
16 June 2022 – Omeara, London
17 June 2022 – Engine Rooms, Southampton
21 June 2022 – Klub Hydrozagadka, Warsaw
22 June 2022 – Hole Berlin, Berlin
23 June 2022 – Logo Hamburg, Hamburg
25 June 2022 – Schwarzer Bar 2, Hannover
26 June 2022 – Felsenkeller Leipzig, Leipzig
27 June 2022 – Legend Club Milano, Milano
29 June 2022 – Kulturfabrik Kofmehl, Solothurn
30 June 2022 – La Nuit De l’Erdre @ Parc du Port Mulont, Nort-sur-Erdre
30 June – 3 July 2022 – Rock Werchter @ Festival Park, Werchter
7 July 2022 – Melkweg Amsterdam, Amsterdam
8 July 2022 – Musilac, Aix-Les-Bains

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Jake Crawford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oceanique Shine With “Emotional Weight”

Western Australian sister act Oceanique are making the most of the long weekend with shows all around the state to support their gorgeous new single “Emotional Weight”. If stunning vocal harmonies make you weak at the knees, you’re going to want to hear this. This beautiful folk ballad is accompanied by an equally stunning video created by local filmmaker Tashi Hall, with creative input from the siblings behind Oceanique, Maddy and Jess Larkman.

“We really wanted to create that feeling of the push and pull of life, with the lighter scenes conveying how people can see you only from the outside, sometimes there is a greater emotion kept within that people don’t see,” the sisters explained. “So, we wanted the blue-toned scenes to feel more weighty, to show that emotion. We feel very grateful to have worked with Tashi on this project, it was so much fun to film, and it was a perfect mix of creative minds!”

Tashi was also full of praise for Oceanique.

“From the first meeting to the final edit, Maddy and Jess were a treat to collaborate with,” she gushed. “Their many wonderful ideas made the experience of filming the music video so fun and exciting to create together. Their communication and comfortability in front of (and behind the camera) helped facilitate an all-round smooth and calm process that was exceptionally enjoyable. They each have such a wonderful and warm presence that is a joy to be around – and a beautiful experience to capture on film.”
If you’re in Western Australia, don’t miss your chance to see Oceanique at their upcoming intimate gigs.

22 April 2022 – Vancouver Arts Centre, Albany (with Tracey Barnett)
23 April 2022 – House Concert, Bunbury (with Tracey Barnett)
24 April 2022 – The Cidery, Bridgetown (with Tracey Barnett – FREE)
25 April 2022 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River (with Tracey Barnett – FREE)
29 April 2022 – Four5Nine, Perth (supported by Tanaya Harper, Cecilia Brandolini & Ruby Taylor)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Bridget Julie-Anne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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