Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Smitten by CSÖKE’s Romantic New Single

With so much angst in the world, listening to music is a great way to drown the noise out and forget your troubles for a little while. That’s exactly what I did on hearing “I Think I’m Falling,” the latest track from Sydney singer-songwriter CSÖKE. This song is such a charmer, with an easy, breezy groove and CSÖKE’s angelical vocals. It sounds all sweetness and light, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll discover it’s more complex than you first realised.

“I found it hard to let people in, even myself. I was scared to let someone love me, be vulnerable and allow myself the possibility of having my heart broken. I had myself for so long, I got used to having my guard up and only relying on myself. The idea of relying on someone else freaked me out,” CSÖKE admitted.

“I wrote this track with Chelsea Warner. Her presence made me feel super calm to talk a bit about how I was feeling and I was scared I had lost the ability to write songs. We decided to write a song about the total opposite thing I was feeling at the time and write about that first realisation of falling in love, that first hit of emotion you feel, the ‘Oh shit’ and the struggle I felt in my own experience of falling in love and pushing down my walls and allowing myself to feel things. It was a silver lining of what was going on in my life, when life felt like it was falling apart I was also falling in love for what felt like the first time.”

After just one listen, I’m sure you’ll have fallen just as hard for this song as I did!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; photo credit: Stephanie Jewell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Listen to Bellwether’s Exciting Single “Charade”

Like so many people around the country, I’ve dragged myself back to work today. It might be Tuesday, but it’s got definite Monday vibes. However, the sunny spot has been “Charade,” the latest track from Sydney pop-punk act Bellwether. If you’re dragging your feet too, this single could be the shot in the arm you’re looking for.

If you’re a movie nerd, make sure you listen to those lyrics. The song is told from the point of view of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’s Knives Chau processing her emotions after being dumped by Ramona Flowers.

“The song is told from her perspective, and is directed towards the titular Scott Pilgrim as she expresses her feelings towards him, having been dumped for Ramona Flowers,” explained Bellwether’s lead guitarist and songwriter Heath Joukadar.

Bellwether are relative newcomers to the scene, playing just one show together in December. However, with their previous projects the band members have shared the stage with local and international acts including Yours Truly, Between You and Me, Four Year Strong, WSTR, and heaps more. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them playing gigs all around the country, because a band with this much energy is bound to be one worth watching.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; photo credit: Yeah Rad

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

XANI Delivers Dreamy Love Song, “You Make Me Complete”

I’ve had a fairly quiet start to the new year. With COVID cases rising everywhere, especially in my state of NSW, I’ve enjoyed cocooning with my husband and shutting the rest of the world out. During this time of quiet contemplation, I’ve stumbled across “You Make Me Complete,” the latest single from Melbourne violinist and singer-songwriter XANI.

This track is the perfect reflection of my state of being right now. It’s genuinely romantic with a gentle folk-pop sound. It also came about in a really innovative way through creative interactive sessions with fans on Twitch. Her followers were invited to share their feedback and stream-of-consciousness suggestions until the song reached its final form.

Melbourne music fans can see XANI and other exciting female-identifying artists performing at The Park at Burrinja’s Live on the Lawn show at midday on February 28. Tickets are available now through the Burrinja box office.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heavy Wax Spread Summer Vibes With “Take Life Easy”

It’s that weird period between Christmas and New Year, where no one is quite sure what day it is or what they’re supposed to be doing. If you’re doing it right, Heavy Wax’s current single “Take Life Easy” will strike a chord with you. And if you’re not, maybe this cruisy number can give you a couple of minutes of respite.

“This track is about blocking out all the noise that surrounds us; whether it be toxic relationships or other matters bringing us down, and really living life for what it is and what it should be – take life easy, live it, enjoy it, there’s no dress rehearsals,” explained the band’s lyricist and vocalist Quin Samin.

Heavy Wax have been hard at work creating material for their first full-length release. Enjoy the good vibes of this track and rest easy knowing there’s much more on the way!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get to Know Andy Martin’s Musical “Dreamworld”

Christmas was a welcome distraction from those rising COVID case numbers, but like so many people I find myself crashing back to earth. Nervous about my NYE plans and whether I should keep them, I found Andy Martin’s sunny new single “Dreamworld” this morning. And just like that, for just a few minutes all was right with the world.

“On the surface, ‘Dreamworld’ exemplifies a love song about heartbreak… but that couldn’t be further from the truth. All the focal points in the song refer to an angsty, apprehensive 20-something-year-old trying to navigate through his own life,” Andy explained. “It is about trying to rid yourself of anger and to just simply give yourself a break. I know I’m too hard on myself, but Dreamworld is in essence, me trying to “flip the script’.”

I’m not sure why Andy’s music hasn’t been on my radar, but I’m so glad it has now. Excuse me while I listen to his back catalogue and wait patiently for the new music that 2022 will bring!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angela Rose’s Single “Utopia” is Utter Perfection

Novocastrian singer-songwriter Angela Rose has released a dreamy new single “Utopia,” a stellar follow-up to her debut “Summer Love.” It’s such a cool blend of alt-country and indie pop, the kind of song that draws you in from the first note and makes you fall a little more in love every time you hear it.

“This release is all about youthful love and the euphoric feeling that comes with it,” Angela Rose explained. “‘Utopia’ represents a perfect world and state of being when you are with your person, it’s like a bubble of bliss that is only between you two and it’s super special. It’s also an idealistic way of looking at love, a rose-coloured glasses outlook. It speaks of the honeymoon stage of love, but the melancholy undertones of reality still remain in the back of your mind, and that notion always manages to bring you back to earth eventually.”

2022 is promising to be a big year for Angela Rose, who will release her debut EP and play shows around the country. Give her a follow on Facebook to learn all the details as they’re announced.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Isabella Manfredi Drops Another Stellar Single Ahead of 2022 Album Release

After hearing her latest single “One Hit Wonder,” I could not be more excited about Isabella Manfredi’s debut solo album. Its poppy melody masks the bittersweet lyrics which say goodbye to a love that’s run its course.

“When I walked into the session for ‘One Hit Wonder’ in March 2020, two weeks before the pandemic really hit, The Preatures had already been in limbo for eighteen months and I had been off the stage and in stalemate,” she recounted. “The day before the session I had been in the studio with G Flip, Jess B and Thandi Phoenix for Like a Version, and I came home from rehearsals energised and inspired. I sat down at my piano and wrote the prechorus and chorus, and over the next few days I finished ‘One Hit Wonder’ with Chris Collins and Lucy Taylor. I remember it feeling tongue-in-cheek at the time, like maybe it could be a Preatures song. But I was really saying I was done with the band before I was ready to admit it to myself. I think sometimes it can be hard to swallow that the strongest thing you can do is cut your losses and walk away. It’s also right to acknowledge when something truly was wondrous and leave it at that.”

Isabella Manfredi’s solo album will drop next year. Until then, crank this one up!

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Maclay Heriot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Faim Release Rocking Comeback Single “Ease My Mind”

I raved about Perth rock act The Faim back in 2019, but like so many bands in the last couple of years they fell off my radar. The pandemic saw everyone slow down, but they’re coming back with a vengeance with their new single “Ease My Mind.” Think world domination and a little something for local fans too.

But back to the song. What a welcome return this is. The band’s bassist, keyboardist, and songwriter Stephen Beerkens says he wrote the track while struggling to process the changes the pandemic brought.

“’Ease My Mind’ was written last year, during a very unpredictable period of my life,” he explained. “Unable to do the things that meant the most to me, I found myself dealing with stress and emotions I’d never experienced. During this time, I was constantly looking for someone or something to lean on and wrote ‘Ease My Mind’ about processing and dealing with these emotions.”

The Faim will head to Europe in the summer to play some big festivals including Rock am Ring and Rock in the Park in Germany, Download in the UK, and Rock for People in the Czech Republic. They’re also planning 15 headline shows across the UK and Europe. But don’t worry Aussies. They won’t forget you. I hear they’ll be supporting a big local act on their national tour next year. I’m sworn to secrecy, but you’ll want to start saving up for tickets!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas From Sounds of Oz (And Sheppard!)

Quality new Christmas singles have been a little thin on the ground this year, but I couldn’t let December 25 go by without posting something festive. Sheppard has come through with the goods though, delivering a beautiful track that really expresses the way many of us are feeling in 2021. “Christmas Without You” is a poignant pandemic-themed single which will strike a chord with anyone missing loved ones today.

“My sisters and I realised that there must be so many people who, for whatever reason, haven’t been able to see their families and loved ones for a very long time, and Christmas time can be particularly hard for people in those circumstances,” explained frontman George Sheppard. “We wanted to write a song for all of those people who might not be having such a great Christmas without their families, and to leave them with a little bit of warmth and hope.”

If you’re isolating due to COVID, if you’re separated from loved ones due to local or international border closures, or you just need to hermit to feel a little safer, I’m sending you virtual love. If you’re lucky enough to be with loved ones today, I hope you truly cherish that time. No matter what your circumstances, I hope you have a merry Christmas!

Image used with permission from KAOS Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Sykes Wows Me With “Getaway”

Melbourne artist Bec Sykes casts a spell with her latest single “Getaway.” It’s a beautiful folky number that has well and truly gotten under my skin. Hit play and I’m sure you’ll discover why I love it so much.

“I wrote Getaway about learning to catch myself when I’m spiralling after a breakup,” Bec explained. “To stop myself when I start reminiscing about the good times and wondering why we even broke up, or imagining them being with someone else. It’s a reminder not to get caught up in rumination and to ‘change the station in my thoughts’ when I start torturing myself overthinking things.”

Between lockdowns Bec has played shows around Melbourne, including sold-out gigs at The Gasometer, Memo Music Hall, and Some Velvet Morning. If you’re local you can catch her supporting Alexander Biggs at Brunswick Ballroom on February 4.

Image used with permission from Scenic Drive Records