Category: Single Releases

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

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