Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Ultra-Cool Music From meadowhip

Cara Walkam, one half of Wollongong indie-pop duo Territories, is striking out on her own. Cara’s latest effort, recorded under the moniker meadowhip, is “Getting Messy,” a cool neo-soul effort that showcases her flawless vocals and gift for introspective lyrics. This song explores meadowhip’s relatable habit of overthinking situations.

“I’m pretty consistently trying to self-analyse, or reason with myself,” she admitted. “Talk myself out of some rubbish behaviour or thought pattern. The internal dialogue in this track is only a snippet of what’s going on in my head basically all the time.”

“Getting Messy” is meadowhip’s second solo single. Hopefully 2022 brings a lot more from this talented artist.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Nostalgic With WANDERERS’ “Malibu”

Like so many of us, WANDERERS seem to be experiencing a little wanderlust at the moment. Their latest single sees the band reminiscing about their last trip to the US. Many of us might not be able to jet off right now, but we can let our minds take us away with this fabulous track.

“Malibu to me is that place in my head, that mindset I was in on that trip, which is a state of mind I always try to get back to, where anything seems possible,” lead singer Dusty explained.

WANDERERS are set for a big 2022. Their self-titled EP drops on January 28 and they’re scheduled to play SXSW in March. They’ll be back no home soil before you know it, with a local tour already in the works.

Image used with permission from Big Oak Records; credit: Samuel Graves

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thomas Keating Strips Back “Lunatic”

They don’t call this time of year the silly season for nothing. The stress of shopping, organising your celebrations, and those mounting COVID cases is enough to make anyone a little loopy, especially when those traditional Christmas carols seem to be on repeat everywhere you go. If you’re feeling a little unhinged, Thomas Keating’s latest track “Lunatic” will make you feel seen. First released with a full band, I’m really warming to his new live and acoustic version. It really brings out those lyrics which explore how difficult it can be to see the world from an opposing point of view.

“This song is about my confusion at the state of the whole world right now,” Thomas shared. “I do have some pretty strong views on different aspects of society and politics, and I view people who don’t share my opinions as a bit mad sometimes. But I have also come to the realisation that they probably think I am mad. So who is the ‘lunatic’ then?”

As this year comes to a close, like so many of us Thomas is looking forward to a bright 2022. He’s got more singles, an album, and shows all in the pipeline, so we should hear plenty more from him in the months to come.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brittany Elise Delivers Good Vibes With “Sunshine Hurricane”

If you’re making a playlist for a summer road trip, make sure you add “Sunshine Hurricane,” the latest single from Central Queensland country artist Brittany Elise. It’s got such a bright happy vibe and driving beat, perfect for those warm-weather getaways.

“Sunshine Hurricane was written and released for the summer airwaves. It’s a reminder to let go and live each day; to find life’s good times, the feeling of freedom, and to use those moments that test us to make you stronger,” she explained.

It’s no surprise that this track sounds so polished because it was produced by local hit factory The Songstore Studio, who are behind big singles from Delta Goodrem, Taxiride, and Vanessa Amorosi. The Songstore Studio also worked on Brittany’s single “Find Your Music,” which hit number 16 on the Music Network CountryTown Hot 50 and stated in the airplay chart for four months. If COVID doesn’t spoil her plans, Brittany is set to play the following shows in the coming months:

18 January 2022 – Tamworth City Bowling Club, Tamworth
19 January 2022 – Oasis Hotel, Tamworth
20 January 2022 – Post Office Hotel, Tamworth
19 February 2022 – Agnes Blues & Roots Festival, 1770 Agnes Water

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

THE RIOT Vent With “PISSED”

Crank up that volume, because there’s only one way to listen to THE RIOT’s current single “PISSED”: loud! This track is an explosion of aggressive funk rock, with distorted guitars, electronic beats, and searing lyrics calling out the fakers.

THE RIOT says “this song is about the difference between the leeches and the creatures.” The film clip pays tribute to the satirical videos of artists including Busta Rhymes, Beastie Boys, Blink-182 and D12.

“We really wanted to make a video for ‘PISSED’ that would show the humorous side in situations where we would be pissed off,” they explained. “We also wanted to pay homage to some of our favourite moments and styles of the ‘90s so we got together with our friends Call [Ellet] and Bowen [Hopper, from flouressence] to help bring our vision to life.”

Despite the challenging climate, THE RIOT are doing their best to soldier on with their current tour. Here are the remaining dates:

7 January 2022 – Vic on the Park Hotel, Sydney
14 January 2022 – Laundry Bar, Melbourne
21 January 2022 – The Met Hotel, Toowoomba

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Vella Spreads Sunshine With “Hell or High Water

Summer might have started with a whimper in my part of the country, but with temperatures predicted to top 30 degrees today, it looks like it’s finally arrived in full force. Dan Vella’s latest track “Hell or High Water” is the perfect summer soundtrack, a laidback pop ditty with an easy groove and positive lyrics about going the extra mile for the ones that matter to you most.

“When a relationship is strong, there is no doubt you would go through hell for them knowing they’ve got your back,” he confirmed.

This is Dan’s third release of the year, and it’s a perfect way to close out 2021. Hopefully we hear more of his good vibes next year. Something tells me we’re going to need them!

Image used with permission from SODA Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gunning for Allie Release Pop-Rock Bop, “Stay”

It’s been so long since I heard some good Aussie pop-rock that I’d started to think the genre had died out. If it’s on life support, Gunning for Allie are giving it mouth-to-mouth with their single “Stay.” This track is everything good pop-rock music should be: super catchy with solid vocals that compel you to sing along. It sounds so effortless that it’s surprising to hear about its long gestation.

“This song is about three years in the making; I originally started writing the track in January of 2019 when I was seeing the now ex-girlfriend the song is written about,” explained frontman Joshua Mulheran. “During our relationship, she went on a seven-month contract requiring us to do long distance. As the relationship broke down, the song came to fruition. The song started as what I thought would be a get back together song with someone I thought I’d spend my life with. Now I listen to the song fondly, knowing as a younger person, you can be so naïve in love.”

The band is no overnight success either, with Joshua and James Waters playing together since they were in grade nine of high school.

“From working side-by-side in our share house to remotely on different sides of the country, we’ve always been on the same wavelength with our love for music and the way that we approach writing a song,” added Joshua.

As a pop-rock fan from way back, I’m really looking forward to hearing more from Gunning for Allie in the new year.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Waxflower Embrace the Dark Side With “Soak”

Waxflower have ushered in a new sonic era with their latest single, “Soak.” The Brisbane pop-punk outfit has dabbled in electronic elements before, but this track really embraces layered synthy sounds. It’s a little darker and heavier than their usual fare, and those notes are perfect for continuing the band’s exploration of mental health issues.

“‘Soak’ is about the lowest of lows, standing before a hopelessness that feels insurmountable,” explained Waxflower’s frontman Tristan Higginson. “When my panic attacks were at their worst, I wanted a medicated lobotomy — I just wanted it to be done. The song zeroes in on those moments where you would give up anything for the pain to stop.

“The most intense struggles often feel the most insular. Being told “everything’s going to be ok” doesn’t do much when you’re gasping for air. Soak lives in those moments without an agenda, it’s just down there, feeling the pain with you.”

Waxflower were due to play EP shows in Melbourne last week, but that nasty coronavirus still has a way of ruining plans. Hopefully those gigs get rescheduled soon and we can look forward to welcoming Waxflower back to the stage.

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oceanique Wow Me With “Hiding From You”

I’ve long marvelled at the beautiful music siblings create together. But when you pair twins, that magic gets cranked up a notch. Perth duo Oceanique prove my point with their stunning single “Hiding From You.” Stop what you’re doing and focus on listening to this one, because you really don’t want to miss a moment.

“Hiding from You was written off the back of our recent EP release and six-week tour in March 2021,” the sisters said. “It was drawn from the feeling of longing the comfort and warmth of the sun on the windscreen and the ever-changing faces met and places seen on tour, it captures the emotions and wide-open spaces of life on the road.”

“Hiding From You” is the first track lifted from Maddy and Jess Larkman’s forthcoming debut album of the same name. Before its release, you can catch Oceanique playing the stacked Lyric Laneway Party at Maylands on January 2.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greta Stanley Gives Taste of New Album With “Close Call”

The raw vulnerability of “Close Call,” the latest track from Cairns artist Greta Stanley, has really struck a chord with me right now. It’s the kind of song that stops you in your tracks, drawing you instantly with its vulnerable lyrics and gentle electronic melody.

“‘Close Call’ actually started as a set of lyrics that I’ve had for ages … years actually,” Greta admitted. “I always liked these words, so Tristan and I wrote new music to them. It’s about being frustrated with people’s egos, needing solitude and trying to step away to protect myself. It’s a reminder to myself not to be manipulated or get lost in someone else’s world. The chorus lyric – “draw those blinds, I need an honest light” is basically me saying you can’t hide in the daylight.”

“Close Call” comes from Greta’s forthcoming sophomore album which is due to drop early next year.

“Coming from Mena Creek, a tiny town south of Innisfail and being based in Cairns for most of my 20’s, I’ve felt so grateful to be able to collaborate with other local creatives for the recording of my new album,” Greta explained. “I believe Cairns hosts a lot of talent. The record was predominantly recorded with two Far North Queensland-based producers, Tristan Barton and Mark Myers, who I have been musically involved with since the beginning of my career in music. Tristan also plays drums in my band. I’ve also worked with two incredible female photographers who I plan to work with again for videography. I’m so proud to have the support of a great artist community up here. I can’t wait to share the album with everyone.”

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute