Category: Single Releases

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With 90ivy’s New Single “Tiffany”

Sydney band 90ivy are taking me back to my angsty teenage years with their latest single “Tiffany.” If like me you loved nothing more than grungy, angry female-fronted acts like Alanis Morissette, Garbage, and PJ Harvey, you’re going to eat this up. And if you’re a fan of more modern acts like Middle Kids, The Beths, and Press Club, this one’s bound to resonate with you too.

Agnes O’Dwyer’s powerful vocals are heartbreaking, but you don’t have to feel too sorry for her. Rather than drawing on her own pain, she had some unlikely inspiration for the song during lockdown.

“Usually the story of the scorned woman is told one of two ways – either she is voiceless and passive or she is furious and directing her anger at “the other woman”. Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ is so genius to me because it doesn’t subscribe to these cliches. She sings praise to the other woman and simply begs her not to take her man. It inspired me to write a song that tells the story of infidelity that looks at the relationship breakdown and the faults of the two in the relationship, rather than placing blame on the other woman,” she explained. “The idea was also brought on by watching one too many trashy, melodramatic TV shows over lockdown – TV and movies inspire my songwriting a lot.”

90ivy are at the top of their game after honing their live show on stages with Teenage Dads, CLEWS, Obscura Hail, Jess Day, and more. See what they can do when they launch “Tiffany” with a hometown show at Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar on April 9.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; photo credit: Cath Connell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Platonic Sex Drop Rocking New Single “Disappoint Another” Ahead of Aussie Tour

Alt-rock group Platonic Sex have just released a bold new single “Disappoint Another.” It’s raw and rebellious, with a garage rock quality that really brings out the angst in its lyrics. The track is bound to strike a chord with the queer community and anyone who’s ever felt their happiness wasn’t a partner’s priority.

“When I wrote the song, I needed to release insecurities that stemmed from my relationship with somebody who wasn’t entirely ‘out’,” explained Platonic Sex’s lead singer, Bridget Brandolini. “My ex-girlfriend wanted to show her love for me in a different way than I wanted, and writing the song helped me separate my feelings for her from the way it felt to be kept a secret.”

“Choosing to come out can feel like dealing out a lot of disappointment – whether it’s to your parents, the parents of the kid you babysit, or other loved ones – and it’s hard to cope with, as a young person trying to present themself authentically,” they added. “As somebody who is openly queer, the song feels really liberating. It’s up-tempo, joyous, fun,” they say. “I’m so grateful that I have the privilege to exist as my true self in the world safely and without shame. At the end of the day, the joy that comes with discovering an accepting community gives you strength to reach the end of the tunnel and dust yourself off after you’ve disappointed the people whose boxes you can’t fit into.”

Platonic Sex are about to tour the country with Hope D and Noah Dillon. Catch them at the following venues:

8 April 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
9 April 2022 – Lion Art Centre, Adelaide
29 April 2022 – Altar, Hobart
6 May 2022 – The Northern, Byron Bay
7 May 2022 – The Princess Theatre, Brisbane
13 May 2022 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
27 May 2022 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Aleisha McLaren; credit: James Caswell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mathilde Anne Asserts Herself With “I’ve Had Enough”

Emerging Melbourne artist Mathilde Anne is hitting back against toxic relationships in her new single “I’ve Had Enough.” It sounds sweet, but there’s a tough centre under that sugary exterior.

“When you’re young and grow up in environments where you’re not shown healthy ways to behave in a relationship, it tends to warp your perception of what it means to be loved or be in love,” Mathilde admitted. “‘I’ve Had Enough’ stemmed from the realisation that I wasn’t doing what was best for me, because I wanted to feel ‘loved’ or ‘worthy’.”

Mathilde is inspired by an eclectic collection of artists including Lorde, Arctic Monkeys, Amy Winehouse, and Otis Redding, so I can’t wait to hear what she releases next. She’s planning to launch “I’ve Had Enough” with a few full-band shows around the country, so keep an eye on her Facebook page for the dates when they’re announced. She’ll also play the Gig Around the Green Mount Eliza Music Festival at the Canadian Bay Hotel on April 1.

Image used with permission from Sandhill Bookings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paulini and Bradley McCaw Team Up For “Someone Like You”

I am a sucker for a great country duet. I don’t consider myself much of a country music fan, but put on a little Kenny and Dolly or Johnny and June and I’m all about it. The cheesier the better. So I’m totally smitten with “Someone Like You,” the brand new single from Bradley McCaw and Paulini. Sure it’s a little formulaic, but there’s no point reinventing the wheel. With stellar vocals and romantic sentiments, there’s a lot to like here.

“Paulini’s vocal is effortless. There’s a power and a playfulness that takes the song to a new place. It’s a positive love song, with is kind of rare for modern radio,” Bradley said. “Inspired by all the old school duets I have sung along to in my car!”

He originally wrote the song for one male singer but left the song unfinished for nearly a year until he realised what was missing. This needed to be a duet.
“We recorded the vocals in one session using two microphones, side by side in the one studio. It was very old school and because of this, we captured an innocence and joy in the performances,” he added. “Duets just have a different energy, combining two artists from different genres at the top of their game, and that sends the song into unexpected places.”

This is a total throwback, but I’m just optimistic enough to think it might inspire a revival. We can only hope!

Image used with permission from Bradley McCaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Storm & Stone Break the Mould With “Run”

Blue Mountains sibling band Storm & Stone have released their fabulous new single “Run.” This track defies genre. I thought I had it pegged as a sassy, Destiny’s Child-inspired soul track, but once that chorus kicks in it takes a dark country left turn. It’s unexpected, but a real delight. And can we just take a moment to appreciate those incredible harmonies? The way sisters August and Auriel and their brother Hallelujah come together is just so special.

“Auriel had started showing me murder ballads, and some of Dolly Parton’s darker stories,” August explained of the song’s inspiration. “When we were writing and working on it, I really wanted us to have the energy of a train leaving a station. A build-up of excitement and movement forward as the song came to its climax to bring the story even more to life.”

“Run” is also the first song that Auriel and August penned together.

“I think for me, when we were writing this song with August, I really wanted to express how it felt to be on the other side of a love song, in the desperate dark place the song talks to,” Auriel said. “I also wanted something with a beat that had a lot of movement, to sort of follow the emotional movement the song talks about.”

The song’s dark feel is perfectly matched by the video set in Heartly Vale Cemetery in the Blue Mountains.

“The story is one of a woman experiencing her partner being drawn to another woman, but what ensues after that is left somewhat up in the air. What happened? What is going to happen? That ambiguity was enthralling,” said Thomas Crnkovic of Cranky Dog Production, who directed and produced the clip. “Are we listening to someone’s internal torment from trying to keep a grip on a relationship that’s slipping away? Are we witnesses to the aftermath of a crime of passion? Both? I wanted to make a video that honours those stakes and that ambiguity. Maybe spirits can hear our darkest thoughts, maybe nothing can. Either way: Run.”

These guys are the real deal. I’m really looking forward to hearing more of what they can do.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

VOH Releases Feel-Good Follow-up, “Amnesia”

VOH is back to brighten your day. Her new single “Amnesia” is pure shimmery sunshine, the kind of pop track that makes you want to dance the moment you hear it. The follow-up to “Away,” it cements her reputation as a pop act to watch.

“Amnesia” is the second track lifted from VOH’s EP, V Pop, scheduled for release later this year.

Image used with permission from KAOS