Like so many of us, Adelaide singer-songwriter Tom West received a few curveballs in 2020. He was based in Brooklyn and ready to take the world by storm when the pandemic hit and encouraged Tom to rethink his plans. He returned home and decided to hire out an old farmhouse in Mount Crawford to work on the songs he began conceiving in late 2015 and early 2016.
“Some friends and I moved all the furniture out of the living room and set up a makeshift studio and spent a week recording the batch of songs with a band over a week,” he said.
That spontaneous, honest energy comes through in Tom’s latest single “Gimme What You Got,” which comes from his forthcoming album I’m Livin’. It’s been some time getting to us, but that’s because of another curveball. The day after packing up his temporary studio, Tom got word that his father had motor neurone disease and only a short time to live. The songs he’d been working on didn’t feel right at that moment, so he shelved them to work on his 2020 release, Antarctica.
“In some ways I’m Livin’ is a bit of a prequel to that album,” Tom explained.
2020 hit Tom West harder than most, but he’s determined that 2021 will be brighter. Look out for I’m Livin’ and a whole stack of shows from this talented singer-songwriter this year.
Chrislyn Hamilton caught the public eye as a finalist on Australian Idol and later The Voice, delivering soulful music with plenty of sass. If you loved her reality TV turns, you’ll appreciate her fiery new single “It’s Over.”
It’s amazing to think this is actually Chrislyn’s first original single, but it surely won’t be the last. It’s got a classic old-school soul sound that puts her powerful voice and feisty attitude front and centre. If you’ve ever had to pick up the pieces after the wrong relationship, this one’s bound to resonate.
South Coast rock act Pacific Avenue are spreading the good vibes with their latest single “Easy Love.” It’s brand new but it already feels like a classic thanks to its bold 70s-inspired guitar line and those killer harmonies.
“Whilst love can be an entirely complicated mess, it’s also the easiest thing we do,” said Pacific Avenue frontman Harry O’Brien. “Running into someone, unexpectedly at that, and finding that you don’t need to try being anyone but yourself, is a very sweet thing and is something that’s worth holding on to. Regardless of who you are, love is love, and that’s what we hope to convey through the song and the video clip.”
The retro vibes continue with the film clip, which was shot on 16mm film around the band’s hometown of Kiama. The video sees the band performing random acts of kindness in their community as they cruise around in a vintage Pontiac.
“A lot of thought and work would go into the shots as lighting and movement had to be spot on due to limited amount of film,” Harry explained. “Although it was quite a meticulous process, we managed to film the majority of the clip in one day, starting at 5 am in the morning and ending at midnight. Safe to say we were exhausted by the end.”
Pacific Avenue will leave the South Coast behind for a national tour starting later this month. Check them out at the following venues:
28 May 2021 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
29 May 2021 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
4 June 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
18 June 2021 – West Room, Brisbane
2 July 2021 – Oxford Arts, Sydney
After starring in Hollywood blockbusters including It, It: Chapter 2, and Captain Fantastic, Australia’s Nicholas Hamilton is back on home soil and showing the depth of his artistry. The COVID-19 pandemic lured him back to Australia where he’s now focusing on his music career. His latest single “In Line” explores the emotions he felt leaving Australia and pursuing his film career in Los Angeles. Its cool bluesiness reminds me of The Black Keys while his rich tone and pop sensibility takes cues from George Ezra.
“I wrote this song just after I moved to the US. It’s all too fitting, as the song is about how I felt before and after getting on that plane to come over to the States and start my independent, adult life,” he recalled. “I was battling my own headstrong decisions about making that leap and leaving my family, friends, and childhood behind. The whole track is me singing to my brain, which was something I didn’t lean into until later on in the writing process.”
With so many global film productions moving Down Under, I think Nicholas might stick around for a while yet. Hopefully, that means music lovers might get the chance to see him live soon.
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Travis Walters
Boo Seeka has teamed up with Golding for “Don’t Waste Your Love,” a guaranteed floor-filler that’ll get you geared up for the weekend ahead. These two Aussie acts are both at the top of their game and it shows in this killer collaboration. It’s got such an infectious upbeat vibe, but don’t miss the lyrics which deal with some pretty heavy stuff.
“’Don’t Waste Your Love’ came about when I was going through a tough time. I was experiencing this uncomfortable anxiety that made me feel detached from both my surroundings and my emotions,” explained Jay from Golding. “Not being able to feel the love of my family around me created a shocking, yet somehow empty feeling, to the point where it was almost a physical numbness.”
The lyrics pack a real emotional punch, but the catchy melody ensures it doesn’t weigh you down. This is dance music with heart, and I am here for it.
We’re going to hear plenty more from these guys this year, with Boo Seeka working on a new album and an EP on the way for Golding. When asked whether we might see them sharing a stage, Golding said “There could be a few appearances during some Boo Seeka sets … maybe.” It sounds like whatever happens, there are exciting times ahead!
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: i.am.fraser.
Melbourne-based queer pop act JXCKY is showing off his darker side with his latest single “System.” It’s moody and brooding, with a hypnotic bassline that feels so fresh. If you’ve ever felt stuck in the wrong relationship, the lyrics of “System” should really hit home.
“System marks the first time I’m dipping into that sinister, darker side of pop-rock,” JXCKY said. “The track accentuates a growing desperation for closure and the need to cleanse one’s body free from that tight, lethal grip.”
If you love what you hear, there’s more where that came from. After being stuck in lockdown in 2020, JXCKY is ready to drop plenty of new music this year.
Summer might be a distant memory, but Brisbane alt-pop/hip-hop outfit Cinnamon Sun are bringing back its cruisy vibes with their latest single “Goosebumps.” This track goes down as easily as your third cocktail by the pool at your favourite holiday resort. The laidback rhymes are the ideal foil for the jazzy synths. Pour yourself a drink (it’s Friday after all) and let this one wrap around you.
“Goosebumps” is the second track lifted from Cinnamon Sun’s upcoming album. Enjoy a sneak peek at some of its other material at the single’s launch party tomorrow night, May 1, at Can You Keep a Secret in Woolloongabba.
With her new album dropping next month, I didn’t think we’d see Delta Goodrem release another single before its release. But she’s offering us another sneaky listen with the release of “All of My Friends,” the fifth offering from that album, Bridge Over Troubled Dreams.
I’ve been so struck by the intimacy of many Delta’s latest songs, but “All of My Friends” might be her most personal release to date. The simple piano and subtle strings arrangement draw us in, making us feel like we’re listening to something Delta might have laid down at home. The lyrics, which explore the idea of being separated from loved ones and their experiences, are also sure to hit as the pandemic still rages around the world.
“‘All of My Friends’ was inspired by a raw and vulnerable moment of contemplation when you wonder if your decisions and sacrifices in life are worth it and how you strike a balance with all that is most important to you,” Delta explained.
Bridge Over Troubled Dreams is available for pre-order now ahead of its May 14 release. It also coincides with the release of the book of the same name which explores the stories behind the album’s songs.
Delta will tour the country and New Zealand throughout September and October. Tickets purchased for the original dates in April and May are still valid. Limited tickets remain for all shows.
24 September 2021 – Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
25 September 2021 – Royal Theatre, Canberra
30 September 2021 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
2 October 2021 – Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
6 October 2021 – Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre, Townsville
8 October 2021 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
9 October 2021 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
13 October 2021 – RAC Arena, Perth
15 October 2021 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
16 October 2021 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
21 October 2021 – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland
22 October 2021 – Michael Fowler Centre, Wellington
23 October 2021 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
The VANNS have reminded me just how much I love their music with the release of their latest single “Red Light.” Their debut album Through the Walls was my favourite release of 2019, and if this new track is any indication, I’m going to lap up the next one. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For now, hit play and let this killer rock track wash over you.
The South Coast band recorded “Red Light” in Byron Bay, and I can definitely hear the influence of that town in this track. There’s a relaxed cool to the vocals and guitars, although it never threatens the song’s intensity.
“We recorded ‘Red Light’ in an insanely nice studio just outside of Byron Bay called The Music Farm. We did a few days there and recorded a couple of tunes with producer/all-round legend Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Ruby Fields). The process was pretty stress-free, and we recorded live with all of us in the same room which I’d like to think translates on the recording,” explained lead guitarist Cameron Little.
“I view ‘Red Light’ as a story of a “lack of control” state of being. Not everything is as it may seem, jumping to reactions may cause more harm than good,” added the band’s drummer, Andrew Banovich. “For myself, this single was the first of many written with myself involved and shows a move towards a sound that is influenced a lot more on groove and feel.”
The clip saw the band travel to Broken Hill. The outback city provided a stunning backdrop, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
“It was hot, we were severely dehydrated and we are running in RM William boots, not the best combo but damn we had a ball,” admitted frontman Jimmy Vann. “We headed out to Broken Hill with our best mate and videographer Todd Hardingham (Senor Friday) to shoot a clip and try to capture as much red outback dirt as possible. We had no real plan, we were more in it for the journey and just being a bunch of young lads keen for a road trip but I’m stoked with how it turned out!”
With live music back on the agenda, The VANNS are hitting the road this winter. Catch them at the following venues around the country.
10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
Sydney indie-pop act Loretta is here to brighten your Monday, and perhaps remind you of the weekend that was, with their new single “Late Night.” This is such a solid bop with a clap-along chorus and synthy chords.
“‘Late Night’ recalls the events of the first 24 hours after you meet someone you’re completely infatuated with, a day in the life of any 20-something,” the band explained. “Ellis [Hall, lead singer] brought in the initial idea and after being inspired by a conversation he’d had with a friend. Once he got started the song pretty much wrote itself. The rest of us fleshed out the arrangement a few different ways until we landed on something we were happy with. Following that some of our very talented friends had some fantastic ideas that really brought it all to life.”
If you’re itching for one of those wild nights yourself, get tickets to the “Late Night” single launch. Loretta will celebrate their latest release with a show at Narrabeen RSL on May 8.
