Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blake O’Connor Goes Retro With “Soul Feeling”

Soul and country don’t seem like a natural music marriage, but Blake O’Connor has brought these genres together for his latest single “Soul Feeling.” I didn’t expect it to work as well as it does, but this is actually brilliant. Just see if you’re not tapping your toes along by the end of it.

“I wrote ‘Soul Feeling’ right around the time when I was heavily listening to a lot of soul-inspired music, and watching a bunch of old videos of the Muscle Shoal Swampers, who were the original rhythm section for Sound Studios,” Blake explained. “That whole era of music is very inspiring to me, from the musical approach to the way they got their sounds in the studio! And when I sat down to write this song, all I could think about was how the upbeat soul songs of that era made you feel.”

Blake gave his hometown of Port Macquarie a retro makeover for the fun video. Set in the local laundromat, it’s such a fabulous throwback.

Blake had to cut his tour with Diesel short due to the unfolding COVID situation, but hopefully it won’t be too long before we see him back on the road.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Don’t Bring Stacey Drop Brilliant New Single, “Bandaid”

Adelaide indie pop-rock act Don’t Bring Stacey are here to shake up your working week with their high-energy new single “Bandaid.” Crank this one up and I swear you’ll feel better. Lead singer Angus Purvis wrote the track on the 2018 Groovin’ the Moo tour while still smarting from a failed relationship.

“Freshly dumped I realised I was actively stopping myself from moving on from the relationship in fear of hurting my now ex-girlfriend. I was still too hopelessly in love with her to put myself first,” he admitted. “The song explores the entirety of this relationship from that seemingly hopeless moment at Groovin’ the Moo to getting back together and breaking up again and finally reflecting three years on. Desperately wanting that feeling to disappear, but also wondering what could be/ could have been. The name band-aid comes from an old chorus for the song but still felt in line with the ideas of the song, knowing you’re not good for each other but being together because it’s easier than being heartbroken. A Band-Aid fix.”

Don’t Bring Stacey will launch “Bandaid” for hometown fans at the Crown and Anchor Hotel on July 14. And they’re pretty psyched about it!

“With a fair few songs under our belt now, playing our first single launch feels well overdue,” the band said. “We’ve got some of our favourite local acts on the bill with us and with some new songs to debut we couldn’t be more excited!”

Sounds like it’ll be a great night out, so don’t miss it Adelaide music lovers!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Jack Fenby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sophisticated Dingo Releases Anthem for the Working Week, “Day in the Life”

Getting over the hurdle of Hump Day is hard, but Sophisticated Dingo are here to wake you up with their latest single “Day in the Life.” These guys have always been bold, but their latest track is a real shock to the system. It’s surf-punk turned up to 11 with relatable lyrics about surviving the daily grind.

“I was not enjoying my job, and with time this fed into my wider life that I found myself not enjoying as a whole,” explained frontman Lewis Matte of the song’s inspiration. “At first, I didn’t accept that work was causing me grief, and I’d block out the idea that I was unhappy at all. After a lot of self-reflection and some time in therapy, I came to realise that my job was making me unhappy and this was affecting my overall enjoyment of life. Making the choice to start looking for a new job, and then eventually landing a new role was a really empowering moment.”

“If I could go back and give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be to take the time to think about what you want to do, research how to get the opportunity to do it, and try it out before committing your life to it. This is more important than doing what anyone else thinks you ‘should’ do.”

Despite the threat of COVID still looming large, Sophisticated Dingo have been kicking goals in 2021, playing six sold-out shows in their hometown of Melbourne. The rest of East Coast will get to see why they’re so beloved when they go on the road in a couple of months’ time. Catch them at the following shows:

4 September 2021 – O’Skulligans, Brisbane
16 September 2021 – Sideways, Canberra (FREE)
17 September 2021 – The Chippendale Hotel, Sydney
18 September 2021 – Dicey Rileys, Wollongong (FREE)
1 October 2021 – The Tote Hotel, Melbourne
8 October 2021 – Amplifier Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

iyah may Impresses With New Acoustic Version of “XO Girl”

I love the way an acoustic rendition can make me appreciate a song that initially passed me by. iyah may’s “XO Girl” didn’t grab me when it was originally released, but I’ve fallen in love with her new acoustic take.

This version sees iyah strip away the swagger. With only a gentle keyboard accompaniment, I can appreciate her vocals, lyrics, and the song’s pretty melody. It brings a real gravity to this song that I missed before.

iyah will debut her live show this October at The Grass is Greener Festival at Cairns Showground.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elaskia Drops Beautiful New Single “Can’t Help Loving You”

You might not know her name, yet, but the music of Central Coast singer-songwriter Elaskia has been featured in major TV shows like “Dynasty,” “Marvel’s Runaways,” and “Home and Away.” With that kind of exposure, it’s only a matter of time before she gains mainstream awareness. I wonder whether her latest track, “Can’t Help Loving You,” might be the one that makes people sit up and take notice.

It’s certainly got my attention. Its vulnerable lyrics, which so eloquently explore the struggles of leaving a toxic relationship, are so relatable. I also love the way the simple production supports Elaskia’s rich voice, rather than overshadowing it.

If you love what you hear, catch Elaskia at Norah Head’s Lighthouse Festival on November 13.

Image used with permission from Play MPE

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Kevin Riady’s New Track, “Marco”

Jakarta-born, Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Kevin Riady wears his heart on his sleeve with his new single, “Marco.” It’s a tender folk-pop song about self-discovery and unrequited love.

Kevin was inspired to write the song after falling in love with a friend, a fellow foreign exchange student he met in Lyon, France. While the song was inspired by a specific relationship, the experience it explores is one Kevin has experienced many times as he struggled with his sexuality.

“I think this song is important to me because these experiences of having straight/curious/closeted friends always put a toll on me and (‘Marco’) is just my way of externalising both conscious and unconsciously,” he explained.

The music video moves the romance from the streets of France to Kevin’s adopted hometown of Melbourne. The self-directed and produced clip beautifully captures the agony and ecstasy of a relationship that almost was. It drops this time next week, so make sure you give his Facebook page a follow to see it. I’ve had a sneak peek, and I know you’re going to love it.

Listen out for more from Kevin Riady. He plans to release his debut EP and play his first full band show later this year.

Image used with permission from Kevin Riady

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MARVELL Releases Marvellous New Track, “Selfish You”

When siblings get together and make music, so often magic happens. That’s the case with MARVELL, the brainchild of brothers Tom and Max Marvell. Their latest single “Selfish You” is a rocking ode to recognising your own worth.

“The song explores self-doubt, creativity, and the influence of the people around you. We tried to communicate that being selfish can definitely be a bad thing but also a good thing when it informs your self-worth and who you are!” they explained. Too right!

This is such a stellar track, and there’s more to come. MARVELL will soon release an EP, Comfort is King. They were scheduled to hit the road this week to celebrate their latest batch of releases, but COVID is a bitch. Hopefully, the gigs in Sydney, Wollongong, and Brisbane can be rescheduled, and that the later 30 July date at The Tote Hotel in Melbourne can go ahead. We’ll see!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Johnny Manuel Releases Anthemic New Single, “Sober”

Johnny Manuel continues carving out a successful career after The Voice with the release of his latest single “Sober.” This song really showcases the impressive vocals that won him fans across the country. It’s an uplifting track that he penned last year with Scott Ritchie and Michael Fatkin, who’ve worked with a host of leading pop acts including Jess Mauboy, Tina Arena, Stan Walker, and Isaiah.

“Sober is about having a person that is your anchor, keeping you grounded in hectic times,” Johnny explained. “When we were writing the song I was reflecting on my travels throughout the world and being on the road non-stop. It was chaotic. In life you’re lucky if you find a person that helps you balance it all, and that’s what I have now. Someone that keeps me ‘sober.’”

Johnny will celebrate the release of “Sober” with a show at The Toff in Melbourne on October 28.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Peach PRC Celebrates the Highs With “Symptomatic”

I don’t know about you, but as a New South Welshman locked down for at least the next couple of weeks, I could use a little poppy fun. Peach PRC delivers with “Symptomatic,” the follow-up to her break-up anthem “Josh.” It’s the perfect track for a lockdown dance break which explores the high periods that can counteract the lows of mental illness.

“One of the features of my mental illness is I can have really low periods and then swing into an incredible high manic period. When this happens, I feel like I’m invincible and get really excited about doing lots of stuff—like learning to speak Italian, play five instruments, or become a crystal healer! Every time, I think I’ve been cured of my depression and mental struggles forever!” Peach PRC shared. “My therapist once compared to me to Harley Quinn while I am in this state – that kind of bothered me. Then I thought, why don’t I write a song about being on this high and thinking I’m cured and just embrace the fuck out of the Harley-Quin-of-it-all! And that song – is ‘Symptomatic’.”

I love the way Peach PRC delivers such thoughtful pop music. It’s so much fun but it always makes you think. If you adore her stuff, good news. Her debut EP isn’t too far away.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Jess Gleeson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXON Drops Stunning New Single, “Best Shot”

Melbourne singer-songwriter MAXON speaks for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of societal pressure with her latest single “Best Shot.” She was inspired to write the track after a conversation with her family about pursuing a career in psychology because she’d given music her “best shot.”

The lyrics are so powerful and the song’s simple instrumentation ensures they really shine through. I also love MAXON’s voice, so rich and dripping with gravitas.

MAXON will play a string of shows in her hometown to celebrate the release. Discover more of her music at the following venues:

8 July 2021 – Small Time, Brunswick (to be streamed live on Facebook)
24 October 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Melbourne (supporting Alexis Naylor)
31 October 2021 – Swamplands Bar, Melbourne (supporting Alexis Naylor)

Image used with permission from GYRO PR