Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall Head Over Heels for Buttered’s New Single, “Love”

As days of the week go, Mondays aren’t very sexy. Usually. But like me, you might just change your mind once you wrap your ears around “Love,” the super-smooth new single from Gold Coast duo Buttered. This one takes me right back to the ‘90s, when slow jams from acts like Boyz II Men, Jodeci, and Dru Hill were in regular rotation on my stereo.

“Love blends groove and emotion leaving the listener feeling elevated. “Love” is about the beginning of true commitment. The excitement and possibilities that come with creating a life with someone. It’s also about how that feeling translates universally. The shape and size of our love in every part of our lives colour and intensifies everything we are,” Buttered explained. “The classic Wurlitzer drives through the entire song accompanying the strong vocal hooks and delicate guitar parts. Picture yourself dancing softly with your partner reminiscing on many years of joy. That’s how the listener will feel at the end of this track. good luck getting it out of your head!”

You’ll get the chance to dance along to their music in person soon, with Buttered heading out on a single tour next month. Catch them at the following venues this July:

2 July 2021 – Solbar, Maroochydore
15 July 2021 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
16 July 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
30 July 2021 – The Northern, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from GD FRNDS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Play, Then Play Again on Figurehead’s “On Repeat”

Fremantle five-piece Figurehead have been a force out west for some time, but they’re ready to let the rest of the country know what they’re all about. Their new track “On Repeat” is the ideal introduction, a laidback indie-rock banger that goes down easy. Despite its relaxed groove and summery melody, the track has some intense lyrics which explore drug-induced paranoia and entrapment.

“The main riff that initiated the song was the first thing I played when I picked up my new Fender Telecaster and the lyrics followed,” explained frontman Joe Caddy. “The song initially had a longer run time and a different structure, but the short poppy skeleton of the song was in part, the vision of Dave Parkin of Blackbird Studios, who produced the song.”

Figurehead will launch “On Repeat” for hometown fans at Clancy’s Fish Pub on July 3. They’re also scheduled to play Perth’s Under the Southern Stars gigs next year.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hattie Oates Wows Me With “Waste My Time”

Hattie Oates has given me chills with her latest single “Waste My Time.” It’s a gorgeous stripped-back ballad with minimal production ensuring your focus is solely on Hattie’s delicate voice. Her vocals drip with emotion, ensuring listeners feel the heartbreak behind her bittersweet lyrics.

“This song is about the emotional journey you take when ending a relationship,” she explained. “And then getting to the other side, where you suddenly see all the wasted time you spent stuck in the past with them, instead of just moving on.”

Every time I hear a new song from Hattie I marvel at what she’s achieving at such a young age. This is another stellar single from one of the country’s most exciting talents.

Image used with permission from Popcom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Caught Up With A Swift Farewell’s New Single, “Mousetrap”

Sydney pop-punk band A Swift Farewell have been doing great things over the last few years, earning praise from tastemakers like Alternative Press, idobi Radio, triple j, and Wall of Sound and supporting the likes of Hands Like Houses and FANGZ. If you’re not already across their music, you soon will be. Their latest track “Mousetrap” is bound to make you sit up and take notice.

“Mousetrap” is such a ballsy track, with insane vocals from Emma Mather and dynamic instrumentation that matches her intensity. Its lyrics are so relatable. The film clip, which shows the band finding themselves at the mercy of evil scientists, is also a stroke of genius.

“’Mousetrap’ is about feeling trapped in a relationship in which you are not able to give someone the time and attention they demand from you and feeling burnt out from trying,” explained the band’s bassist, Sarah Bonnet. “In the end, the person doesn’t notice they are asking too much from you and you feel yourself grow emotionally distant from them.”

It’s been a couple of months since A Swift Farewell played live, but hopefully the release of this single inspires them to get out in front of punters again. Give their Facebook page a follow to learn all about any gig announcements as they happen.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Robbie Walcott

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sunday Estate Drop Stellar New Single, “Bike Thief”

I want to introduce you to my new favourite band, and soon to be yours, The Sunday Estate. The Sydney band’s latest single “Bike Thief” sparked a Spotify binge because it’s just that good.

“This song is about confronting someone who you know is lying straight to your face,” the band said. Haven’t we all been there!

The Sunday Estate are part of the Mirror Records family, just like Gang of Youths, Middle Kids, and Charlie Collins. So you can expect once the rest of the world cottons on to just how exceptional they are, they’re going to be big. You might want to take the opportunity to catch them at one of the following shows, because who knows how long it’ll be before they graduate to those big venues!

19 August 2021 – La La La’s, Wollongong
27 August 2021 – The Cambridge Warehouse, Newcastle
28 August 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurricane Fall Get Crossover Country Sound So Right With “Another One More Time”

Hurricane Fall were formed in Tamworth, but with a move to Newcastle they seem to be embracing a crossover-country sound. Their latest track “Another One More Time” is sure to appeal to people who love blasting Keith Urban and Morgan Evans.

“Another One More Time is a song about the undeniable connection that simmers below the subconscious,” explained the band’s singer and bass player, Pepper Deroy, “until the catalytic combination of booze and loneliness bring on an explosion of emotion that has you reaching for the phone … just one more time …”

If you think it sounds good in the studio, just wait until you see these guys live. They pride themselves on performing, and after recently playing regional New South Wales they show no signs of slowing down. Catch them on the stages of the following festivals in the coming months.

2 July 2021 – Hats Off to Country @ West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
3 July 2021 – Bush to Bay Festival @ Bay Central Tavern, Hervey Bay
27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor Creek State Forest, Gympie
1 & 2 October 2021 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
3 October 2021 – VDMFest Rock Edge Country Music Festival @ Showgrounds, Biloela
15 October 2021 – Wingham Akoostik Music Festival @ Wingham Showgrounds, Wingham
16 October 2021 – Country by the River @ Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chuditch Impresses With “Cue the Violins”

Western Australian act Chuditch is taking me back to the ‘80s with his stunning new single “Cue the Violins.” It reminds me of acts like Morrisey and the Cure with its upbeat, danceable sound and deep emotional centre. The heavy lyrics explore the idea of suffering for your art, but that driving piano riff is so uplifting that it’s impossible to stay down while you’re listening to it.

“I think this idea of suffering for your art is prominent in lots of art’s history but for me particularly a lot of 90s grunge era bands. The idea that good lyrics come from enduring hardship and dealing with mental issues and emotion turmoil,” explained Leigh Gardiner, the man behind Chuditch. “There’s a fear that if you’re too happy you won’t have anything to write about so you ruminate on small things that turn into big things in your head. The idea of collecting your sins to burn a creative fire. This can compound if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t talk freely about your feelings hence one of the final lines of the song and the title is ‘cue the violins’ (a mocking made usually for petty gripes) as the antagonist of the song prepares to divulge their feeling.”

This single is a real departure from Chuditch’s first single, “Grasping at the Water.” I suggest taking a listen to both tracks so you can get a glimpse at the real artistry of this exciting Aussie act.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tim Hadlow Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Announces More Tour Dates to Support Smash Single

You might remember me writing about Casey Barnes’ single “Come Turn Me On” back in March. Since then, the song has blown up. It’s number one on every country music chart in Australia, it’s been number one for four weeks on the country airplay chart, and it’s in the top 40 for all genres on iTunes. This is Casey’s third number one single in the last 12 months. No wonder he’s the most played country artist on mainstream radio and the number one independent artist in the country.

But he’s not one to rest on his laurels. Along with already announced appearances at the Gympie Music Muster and Savannah in the Round, Casey’s announced a stack more shows. He’s also bringing along some talented friends, including Josh Setterfield, The Buckleys, Rachael Fahim, and Taylor Moss. If you didn’t catch him last time he toured the country, or you’re just keen for another go round, here are all the dates you need.

19 June 2021 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
25 June 2021 – The Red Hot Country Festival @ Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast
26 June 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
3 July 2021 – Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton
9 July 2021 – Paddington RSL, Sydney
10 July 2021 – Country to the Coast Festival, Gosford
16 July 2021 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
17 July 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns
26 and 27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
1 October 2021 – Savannah in the Round, Mareeba
31 October 2021 – Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival, Shepparton

Image used with permission from Sue Mac Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Central Coast Teen Lucy Parle Wins International Songwriting Award

Central Coast singer-songwriter Lucy Parle is just 17, but she’s already showing she’s destined for big things. Her new single “Back Up” recently took out first place in the teen category of the International Songwriters Competition. This is the world’s largest songwriting competition, with more than 23,000 artists all vying to win favour with a superstar judging panel featuring Tom Waits, Dua Lipa, and Coldplay.

Listening to the song, it’s easy to hear what they did. It’s so raw and honest, heartbreaking and vulnerable. Its easy marriage of folk, pop, and alt-country is immediately accessible and unforgettable.

“Back Up is a special song to me and came pretty quickly. I wrote it about a relationship breakdown and all the emotions I felt when I was trying to get over it. It was one of those songs that just fell onto the paper,” she said.

“Winning the Teen Category in the ISC really cemented that songwriting is what I’m meant to do. To have ‘Back Up’ recognised in an international songwriting competition is beyond exciting. It’s a really raw and emotional song that I think people can relate to and I can’t wait for it to be out into the world!”

After hearing this song, I can’t wait to see what Lucy’s future holds.

Image used with permission from Double Drummer Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover the Fun Sounds of Jackie Brown Jr

Sydney band Jackie Brown Jr are spreading good vibes with their dynamic new single “Happy (you wanna be).” Blending rock, jazz, and soul elements is challenging, but these guys make it look easy. Its lyrics are so relatable and the sultry vocals from frontwoman and saxophonist (!) Madeleine Mallis are scorching.

She says the track “is an imploration to yourself that you are enough and that you only need to look within yourself to figure it all out!” Amen sister!

By the time the trumpet, trombone, and saxophone join together for a glorious tri-instrument horn section, I know you’re going to wonder how you can see them live. Because you just know they’d blow the roof off any venue. You can see for yourself when the band plays shows around New South Wales, the ACT, and (hopefully) Victoria in the coming months.

11th June 2021 – The Illawarra Hotel, Wollongong
12th June 2021 – Gang Gang Cafe, Canberra
18th June 2021 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
24th June 2021 – Mary’s Underground, Sydney
17th July 2021 – Melbourne @ Some Velvet Morning

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.