Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Ransom Celebrates Making the Most of Your Time With “Livin'”

After two years of lockdowns and event cancellations, most of us are feeling ready to get back to living the way we used to. I must admit, I’m not ready to throw my masks away just yet, but I’m starting to get a little hopeful that the concerts approaching may actually happen. Ben Ransom reflects the mood of so many at this stage of the pandemic with his new track “Livin’”.

“This song was born out of the compounding frustrations of being chained to a job, just to eke out a living … throw in the devastating effects that the couple of years has had on our industry and this song is what you get! An anthem for breaking free”, he explained. “It was a pivotal moment when I was reminded (again) that our lives are so short and that we need to make the most out of every single day. I want to live and celebrate everything the world has to offer … I have no desire to be stuck in a job I hate just to make ends meet, to then turn around at the end of it all and look back with regrets”.

Speaking of living, hopefully it’s not too long before Ben announces some shows. Surely with so many shows scrapping capacity limits, they can’t be too far away!

Image used with permission from Red Rebel Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Attached to Tied Down’s Latest Track, “Slow”

Australia has long been a fertile breeding ground for great rock acts. As I listened to “Slow,” the latest track from Perth band Tied Down, I realised they might be the latest group worthy of their title. As the name suggests, this song is a bit of a slow burner, but by the time the chorus kicked in, I was firmly on board.

“Slow is definitely the most personal and emotionally-charged song we’ve written as a band to date. It explores an adventure through addiction and coming out the other side of it, and the music is written in a way that reflects that, with some pretty heavy and emotional moments that really resolve in a positive, optimistic and opportunistic way,” Tied Down explained. “It’s a song that we feel will resonate with anyone who has experienced something similar and we hope that people can draw meaning from not only the lyrics, but the journey that the music takes them on as well.”

Tied Down have a couple of shows coming up in their home state. With borders opening up, hopefully it’s not too long before the rest of Australia gets to see them perform. Until then, you know what to do WA!

25 February 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Scarborough (supporting Satisfaction Guaranteed)
11 March 2022 – Lynott’s Lounge, Perth (supporting Ezra Tide)

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Portia Gebauer @photosbyportia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ronny Lee Couling Releases Stellar New Single “Home”

British-born and Sydney-based, Ronny Lee Couling is one of those rare talents I’m glad to call our own. His new track “Home” is an uplifting folk track that takes its queues from artists like Mumford & Sons and Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros. You know those organic jangly energetic songs that make you think of road trips and good nights with friends? Full of heart and soul? It’s one of those. And it’s special.

Ronny says “I just want people to feel happy and not alone when they hear my music.” Mission accomplished. This is one of those songs that inspired me to listen to the artist’s back catalogue. It gives you a taste of what he’s all about, but there’s so much more to explore. There’s also more to come. Ronny’s new EP Weatherman will drop really soon.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Helen Shanahan Releases Powerful New Single, “Canvas”

Helen Shanahan lays her heart bare in the lyrics of her latest song, “Canvas.” The song paints a vivid picture of a woman in the wrong relationship. If you love classic female singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Janis Ian, this will be right up your alley.

“The single was inspired by a theme from a songwriting group (I Heart Songwriting Club) I joined in 2018,” Helen said. “The theme was ‘lessons’, and it made me think about how I learnt to make myself small and essentially a doormat for a particular group of people. The song brought up lots of mixed emotions, as it unravelled how that relationship affected my adult life and how I had to ‘unlearn’ my feelings of low self-esteem and worth.”

The song’s themes are mirrored beautifully in the music video, which presents a young girl and eventually a young woman who’s learned to shrink herself to suit the people around her.

“The music video revolves around the concept of what it means ‘to be’ and how we become a summation of our own life experiences,” explained direct Jane Tiouowidjaja. “It’s what we learn over time but also what we decide to tolerate when we relate to those we love.”

“Canvas” is the title track of Helen’s forthcoming album, which drops on March 4. She’ll celebrate its release with a special local launch show at Morley’s Night Owl Studio on March 5.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Galleri’s New Single is Really Good

Mid-NSW Coast outfit Galleri offers up some quiet reflection with their beautiful new single “I’m Good.” Its chilled acoustic vibes are perfect for a cruisy Friday, but it’s those introspective lyrics that really get me.

“I wrote this song as a reflection on trying to make sense of life and where our decisions take us,” explained frontman John Moore. “We all make a heap of mistakes through life, trying to make sense of it all and pushing to be a better person.”

John and the band booked out the Community Hall in Pacific Palms for the recording. The bass rig was isolated in the storeroom, the drums set up on stage, with baffles and guitar amps strung through the old hall. It’s an unconventional approach, but it works. The soon-to-be-released music video captures the unique recording session.

Galleri will drop their latest album, Easy, on February 25. They’re celebrating the single release with a show tonight at Kings Valley Egyptian Cuisine in Foster.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Waxflower Bring the Good Vibes With “Ring”

After playing in the shadows with “Soak,” Waxflower are starting the new year on a more optimistic note. Their latest “Ring” is pure pop-punk goodness that is sure to brighten your day.

Waxflower frontman Tristan Higginson calls the track “a self-affirmation. A reminder to myself that it’s worth fighting odds, industry and enemies to keep my creative passion alive.”

“I almost gave up on music before Waxflower,” he admitted. “Questioning my ability at the backend of a decade of failed projects and crumbling under the weight of panic disorder, I recorded a demo as a last ditch effort to get something started. A year and a half later I was playing with my heroes, beginning to do the things I’d always dreamed. It’s me trying to calm the insecurities that keep me from putting myself on the line creatively. Don’t let your insecurities get in the way of where you want to be.”

Preach! 2022 has delivered a lot of the same old shit for many of us, so it’s refreshing to hear something so light and optimistic. If you need a lift right now, turn the volume up loud!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Mitch Lowe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paulini’s Eurovision Hopeful is an Absolute Banger

I try my best to avoid the potential Eurovision tracks before the Australia Decides show, but Paulini’s effort keeps creeping into my inbox. So in spite of myself, I listened. I don’t know what she’s up against yet, but her song “We Are One” is definitely a track we could be proud to send to Turin.

This song has everything you want in a Eurovision number. It’s incredibly danceable. Paulini gives a powerhouse vocal performance. And the lyrics from Rick Price and John Capek, which celebrate our similarities, are ideal for the world stage.

“The world is hurting so it’s time to bust out with a little hope, unity and joy. There’s no better way to do that than with big sounds, and some big notes,” Paulini confirmed.

“I’m tired of being the person of colour, Australian’s are tired of lockdowns due to the pandemic, and the world is tired of being divided by religion and fear. It’s time to remind everyone that we are all humans standing on the same Earth, breathing the same air. Now is the time to come together, because we are one. I’m calling for unity from the top of my vocal range to remind the world, we are more than black or white, we are more than gay or straight, we are more than Muslim or Christian — we are people first.”

Amen! I’m ready to send Paulini to Italy now, but she’ll have to face off against the rest of the Aussie talent on the Gold Coast on February 26. Make sure to watch live on SBS to have your say!

Image used with permission from Ambition Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Swig of Melanie Dyer’s “Cheap Moscato”

Melanie Dyer’s new country-pop single “Cheap Moscato” may be her most relatable yet. I mean, who hasn’t had a crazy, romantic night fuelled by cheap booze?

“The concept for Cheap Moscato came to me about five years ago and I still have a voice memo of the original recording on my phone,” she recalled. “It’s a song that I tested a few times at gigs over the years and felt always connected really well with the crowd – especially women. I revisited the song recently with Rory Grounds in Sydney and I then co-produced the song alongside Pat Byrne and Peter Holz (who also produced “Run Out Of Road”).

“The song was as fun to record as it was to write. Having a big part in the production was important to me and gave the song that female touch that it called for. Stacking the vocal harmonies and building the track layer by layer lead us to a song that’s playful, fun and a little flirty, like the way Moscato tastes. “Cheap Moscato” is for rounding up your girlfriends and letting your hair down over a few wines.”

Melanie has a stack of regional gigs coming up in the coming months. Enjoy some cheap Moscato with your gal pals at the following shows:

22 April 2022 – Diggers Grand Ballroom, Tamworth (7pm)
21 June 2022 – 500 Miles of Music @ Leigh Creek Oval, Leigh Creek (12pm)
24 June 2022 – 500 Miles of Music @ Coober Pedy (venue TBA) (12pm)
25 June 2022 – 500 Miles of Music @ The Outdoor Cinema, Oodnadatta (12pm)
26 June 2022 – 500 Miles of Music @ William Creek Hotel, William Creek (12pm)
5 July 2022 – Big Red Bash 2022 @ Birdsville (7pm)

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Tell ur friends” About Dulcie’s New Single

It’s only early, but 2022 is shaping up to be a pretty exciting year for Western Australian trio Dulcie. They’ve just released a boppy new single “tell ur friends” and they’re currently touring the country with Ocean Alley. Life’s good for this talented trio!

The track is a collaboration between Dulcie and Polarheart’s Chris Chidiac. It celebrates self-worth, something we should all nurture whether we’re in a relationship or enjoying the single life.

“This song came about a bit like Frankenstein – with various bits and bobs picked from previous half-written songs and merged together with a song co-written with Chris Chidiac,” Dulcie explained. “It’s about that awkward ‘what are we’ phase in a relationship and the inner knowing of your own self-worth.”

Those Ocean Alley dates aren’t the only opportunities fans have to see Dulcie in the flesh. The trio can’t wait to get back in front of audiences.

“We’re so excited to be able to FINALLY hit the road and share our new music this February supporting Ocean Alley. It’s been 2 VERY LONG YEARS waiting for this tour to happen. Then we head out on our own headline tour in April! Feels like we’ve re-invented ourselves to a whole new level and can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working on and get back to playing across the country!”

Catch Dulcie at the following venues:

18 February 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (supporting Ocean Alley)
19 February 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (supporting Ocean Alley)
20 February 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (supporting Ocean Alley)
23 February 2022 – John Cain Arena, Melbourne (supporting Ocean Alley)
25 February 2022 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (supporting Ocean Alley)
26 February 2022 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (supporting Ocean Alley)
8 April 2022 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle (supporting Lime Cordiale)
22 April 2022 – The Rosemount, Perth

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Jensen Partners with Petric for “Flirtin'”

Valentine’s Day might be a Hallmark holiday, but I can’t help but love it. Mine won’t be flashy, but I’m looking forward to a night on the couch with my husband, wine, Japanese takeaway, and streaming the ice dancing final. We’re well past the heady days of crushes, but Hayley Jensen’s new single “Flirtin’” takes me right back.

The Australian Idol alum teams up with Canadian country trio Petric for this fun and flirty track. Its playful cheesiness is perfect for Valentine’s Day.

Hayley is currently touring her Breakin’ Hearts album around the country. Catch her at the following shows in the coming months:

18 February 2022 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
19 February 2022 – Commercial Club, Albury
23 February 2022 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
24 February 2022 – Django @ Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
25 February 2022 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton
26 February 2022 – Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi
11 March 2022 – The Met Hotel, Toowoomba
13 March 2022 – Johnny Ringo’s, Brisbane
21 April 2022 – Wests Diggers Club, Tamworth

Image used with permission from Rock This Country