Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Swept Up in the Romance of The Sea Gypsies’ Comeback Track, “Daydream”

The patience of the Sea Gypsies’ fans has been rewarded, with the Central Coast band releasing their first song after a two-year hiatus. It sounds like time away from the spotlight has done them good, because “Daydream” is definitely worth the wait.

“Daydream is a love song, without being an ‘in-your-face’ love song,” the band explained. “On the surface, the lyrics are indicative of our vocalist’s (Luke Marlin) relationship experiences, however, the music leaves the listener feeling as though this song is built upon layers of relational failures and triumphs.”

“We loved Daydream from the moment our vocalist (Luke Marlin) began penning the lyrics into his worn, black notebook,” they said. “The chorus is catchy and it’s not just the phrase: ‘Life is like a daydream. Honey, when you’re with me.’ Luke energised it with a singable melody that feels familiar, yet somehow, has a fresh, Sea Gypsies flavour to it.”

Honestly, it was those lyrics that suckered me in. They’re poetic without being sappy. Add in Luke’s emotive vocals and that laidback but funky AF groove and there’s a lot to like here. The song is complemented by a video featuring footage from one of the band’s hometown shows around The Entrance. It’s a timely reminder that before this pandemic hit, the Sea Gypsies were selling out shows along the East Coast. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see them doing that again!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

COTERIE Impress With “Bless My Soul”

With the release of their new single “Bless My Soul,” Perth act COTERIE have reminded me just how much I love them. This is such a stellar track, anchored by Tyler Fisher’s soulful vocals and that gorgeous piano melody. I’m not a religious person, but I imagine listening to this track delivers the same sort of catharsis people feel after a powerful sermon. In short, it’s really good.

“Obsessively questioning our decisions, and the constant second-guessing we put into becoming the “right” person, can sometimes hold us back from being that person in the first place,” Tyler explained of the song’s inspiration.

Crank this one up and I swear it’ll make your day better.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tinder Match Inspires Latest McDermott & North Single, “Georgia”

McDermott & North are making me swoon with their dreamy new single “Georgia.” Blending pop, indie, and roots influences, the track might just be the most romantic-sounding thing to come out of a Tinder match, even if the story that inspired it doesn’t have a happy ending!

“This song title actually came about because I had just broken up with my girlfriend and was on Tinder. When I matched with someone I’d write a song for them. I matched with a ‘Georgia’ who funnily enough went on to become a huge Instagram sensation. When I sent her the song she never responded. So if you’re out there, Georgia, I hope you enjoy it!” said one half of the duo, Paddy McDermott.

The Brisbane duo recently launched the single for hometown fans at The Brightside. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see them around the rest of the country.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lost Goat Found Impress With “Cold Feet”

Brisbane band Lost Goat Found have got me pretty excited with their latest single “Cold Feet.” These guys have been a fixture on the local music scene since late 2018, playing alongside the likes of Tia Gostelow and Art vs. Science, but this gorgeous slow-burner might just the song to give them some national attention.

“The song is about getting ‘cold feet’ and breaking up with someone because you’re a little immature or scared or not ready for this kind of relationship and then seeing the pain the other person is going through and how you can’t apologise enough,” the band explained. “After trying something a little different with ‘Hooped Earrings’, this is a return to usual anthemic pop rock sound.”

If you’re digging this song as much as I do and you happen to live in Brisbane, you won’t want to miss Lost Goat Found’s single launch. Catch them at Black Bear Lodge on May 15. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom West’s New Single “Gimme What You Got” Worth the Wait

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.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chrislyn Hamilton Slays With Soulful Debut Single, “It’s Over”

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.

Image used with permission from August MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For Pacific Avenue’s Latest Track “Easy Love”

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

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nicholas Hamilton Recalls US Adventure With New Single “In Line”

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boo Seeka and Golding Join Forces for “Don’t Waste Your Love”

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.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

JXCKY Gets Dark With “System” Single

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.

Image used with permission from JXCKY