Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reuben Koops’ New Single “Oblivious” Showcases Bolder New Sound

If you’re struggling to get through the remnants of the working week, Reuben Koops has the perfect remedy. The gentle acoustic guitar and deceptively simple melody of his new track “Oblivious” is so satisfying and soothing.

This single marks somewhat of a departure for Reuben. His guitar and vocals are still front and centre, but there’s a little more production on this one than we normally hear.

“This was a fun one to work on. It had a strong personality before production; after working with Jack [McClaine] it went to another level sonically that I’m really happy with,” Reuben said. “I love the beats that Jack framed around the acoustic and vocal. Ben Edgar (Angus & Julia Stone, Passenger) played the stunning guitar parts; they add so much vibe. The heavier production on this track is eluding to where I see my sound heading in the future.”

It ushers in a fresh new chapter for Reuben, but the song has actually been around for some time, just waiting for the right moment.
“This track is another one I’ve had with me for quite a while. It’s about losing someone or something important to you. Maybe someone or something you knew wouldn’t last forever, but when that time comes, it’s always harder than you expect,” Reuben explained.

As for what’s to come, Reuben says “more music is my plan. There are many more songs to come and I’m excited to be in the mode of making and releasing music again. I’m hoping to continue being productive and purposeful in releasing more singles this year.”

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Timothy Wolf Channels Old-School Soul Sounds With “In Your Arms Again”

Timothy Wolf is a brand new soul artist, but you wouldn’t know it listening to his new single “In Your Arms Again.” There’s a real old-school sensibility to this one, and I can’t get enough. From those restrained horns to Timothy’s incredible falsetto, it’s the best kind of throwback.

He recorded the track in Byron Bay at Bernard Fanning and Nick DiDia’s famed La Cueva Studios, enjoying a moment of respite before lockdowns in his hometown of Melbourne kicked in.

“It was such a special time away. We didn’t know we were within the eye of the Covid 19 hurricane or that we’d head straight back into a gruelling stage 4 Melbourne lockdown. Timing came together for us perfectly as we were gifted the opportunity to hide away in the Byron Bay Hinterland, connect as the musical family we’d always seen the potential for and bring these songs to life,” he explained.
As you might expect, Timothy grew up around music from Otis Redding, Etta James, and other classic acts.

“It inspires me that they came from a time where they literally founded and defined the rules of balladry and songwriting. I think ‘In Your Arms Again’ is pretty true to some of these classic influences whilst lending itself to a contemporary soundscape. I’ve been quite ambitious pushing the boundaries yet trying to serve this song with the influences it deserves whilst also incorporating the sound and identity myself and The Howlers have to offer,” he said. “The song comes from a dreamy, old soul, rosy-eyed state. I’m lucky enough for all of my grandparents to have had 50+ year marriages. This song highlights the commitment relationships like this take whilst also drawing from within my own rosy-eyed beginnings. There’s also a chance it might have come from one of the weddings I’ve played trying to support my original project.”

The video captures Timothy Wolf and his band The Howlers playing a sold-out debut show at the Night Cat last month. If it looks like a lot of fun, make sure you catch Timothy at Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on May 6. It’s still more than a month away, but given how quickly tickets for his last local show sold, I’d jump on this one now!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Mike Ridley

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Casey Barnes Releases Provocative Country-Pop Single, “Come Turn Me On”

Country darling Casey Barnes is dabbling in pop with his latest single “Come Turn Me On.” The country influence in the violin and steel guitar is unmistakable, but those catchy hooks and upbeat energy should give this track plenty of crossover appeal.

“I’d like to think that we’re trying to shape our own unique sound at the moment. I don’t really want to sound like anyone else,” Casey explained. “With this single, it has that blend of modern country meets commercial pop which I’ve really connected with over the last few years. The song is about a guy who’s basically travelled around the world, seen his fair share of girls but nothing compares to coming home to the one he loves.”

The clip is also Casey’s most ambitious.

“We’ve gone all out with this video and I think it’s easily the most expensive clip I’ve shot to date – but we wanted to make sure this one was pretty special,” he enthused. “My wife Michelle is a creative genius and the whole concept for this video has been her baby. Colin Jeffs from Ten of Swords Media has brought it to life. We found this incredible venue in Brisbane called Smoked Garage which is a multi-level event space where each floor has a completely different look to it, so it was the perfect place to shoot. The concept is that it’s one big party and everything has been made to look like it was shot in one take within the venue, culminating in a big high energy finale out in the side street at the end.”

Casey hasn’t let the global pandemic slow him down. His latest album Town Of a Million Dreams topped the country charts and earned him an ARIA nomination. This track’s already clocked up more than 100,000 Spotify streams just a couple of weeks after its release and been featured on the platform’s Fresh Country and New Music Fridays playlists. He’s also just announced a bunch of festival and headlining dates.

“I can’t wait to add ‘Come Turn Me On’ into the set for all our upcoming shows!” he said. “We’ve actually created a brand-new live show for 2021, and it’s great to finally see some major festivals and events coming back after the pandemic, which we’re thrilled to be playing at in the weeks and months to come.”

Check him Casey’s brand-new set at the following venues.

25 March 2021 – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne (18+)
27 March 2021 – Mathinna Country Club, Mathinna (18+)
10 April 2021 – Winton’s Way Out West Fest, Winton (ALL AGES)
24 April 2021 – Gippsland Country Music Festival, Mossvale Park (ALL AGES)
30 April 2021 – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba (18+)
26 & 27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster (ALL AGES)
1 October 2021 – Savannah in the Round, Mareeba (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Luke Marsden

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saint Lane Drops Vibrant Video for “The Water”

Saint Lane has reminded me why I fell in love with his music earlier this year with the release of a video for his current single “The Water.” The clip’s Somerset Dam setting is the ideal backdrop for this laidback but insightful cut from his brilliant debut EP If I Leave You In the Fire.

“I was going for a Chance the Rapper meets Harry Styles things both sonically and with the outfit,” Saint Lane said of the video. “We wanted the location of the track to feel as big as the song. Massive mountains, huge river, full of life. Lots of brightness.”

Saint Lane will support Bootleg Rascal at their upcoming April 9 show at Sunshine Coast’s Sol Bar.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marbee Announces Her Arrival With Stunning Debut Single, “Music Box”

Melbourne musician Marbee has thoroughly charmed me with her new single “Music Box.” It builds beautifully, starting with angelic, soft vocals and the gentle tones of a xylophone before the rock undertones really kick in with the chorus.

“I intend to awaken happy and nostalgic feelings from childhood, mixed with shades of ‘rains and thunder’ that even a childlike past cannot escape from,” Marbee explained. “The repetitive melody imitates the cyclical tone of the music box, evoking the protective, albeit fragile, shelter of human relations as well as the enchanting and lulling attraction of music in its simplest mechanical form. I recorded the xylophone in a 100 year-old building to capture its ancient atmospherics … ‘When I play the music box, it takes me back to home.’”

I’m always on the lookout for music that feels really fresh, and this track really fits the bill. It’s only Marbee’s first single, and it makes me pretty excited to hear more.

Marbee will launch “Music Box” in Melbourne tomorrow night, March 13, at The Tote Upstairs. Tickets are available now from the venue and Oztix.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Parker Blows Me Away With “Lie Low”

Parker dropped her new single “Lie Low” a couple of days ago, just in time for International Women’s Day, but there’s never a bad time for female empowerment, right? So if you didn’t catch it then, make sure you listen now.

When you do, really listen to those lyrics. It’s so easy to get swept up in her angelic, ethereal voice, but those lyrics are what really sold me on this song. They’re so strong and wise. While I think they’ll really hit a chord with female listeners, I can imagine plenty of men will take something from them as well. If you’ve ever tried to shrink yourself down and or present a front that’s more palatable for the world than your authentic self, this one’s for you.

“I’ve always held myself with a belief that I should exist in the world with quiet grace. Not be too loud or stand out too much … Even though my friends, parents and partners have encouraged me to follow my dreams I always felt this responsibility to not be too loud or abrasive, to look pretty, to sound pretty, to not challenge people too much, make music and art that is beautiful and easy to listen to and look at,” she admitted. “Hans and I were working remotely on the track and we had the ‘be less, be less’ section looping at the end. I felt this rage inside me in response to that idea. This feeling of frustration at all the times I’ve controlled my emotions so that I didn’t make others feel uncomfortable. I set up my mic in my bedroom and just started screaming and yelling until finally it felt like my heart cracked open. The floodgates opened up and I wept loudly for about 10 mins.”

The emotions kept flowing for the music video. Parker explained the artistic choices she made in this beautifully surreal clip.

“We talked about the courage it takes as a woman to put yourself first in a world where there are still so many expectations for women to play support roles in both career and domestic spaces. Thinking about the concept of sacrificing time and energy for another we found a way to represent this with the metaphor of colour being drained from one character to another. I like that it is not explicit that the colour is being taken or given. When the character drops to her knees she could be crying or she could be praying. When we worship our loved ones we can fall into our own pattern of giving too much of ourselves to them.”

This isn’t the first time Parker’s impressed me, but I think “Lie Low” might be her best single yet. What do you think readers?

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Wilk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SENNSES Gets My Blood Pumping With “Outside”

SENNSES’ latest single “Outside” feels more like the kind of track you’d listen to in the wee small hours in a sweaty club than first thing on a weekday morning. However, this electro-synth tune is helping me shake off that morning sluggishness, so I figure it might do the same for you.

“Outside” is incredibly catchy but it also has a beautiful, bittersweet quality. Trent Broussard’s vocals are so haunting and those synth sounds are just gorgeous.

“For me, this song is all about staying in your own lane, not listening to the noise and not listening to people when they say you can’t do something,” explained the other half of the Melbourne duo, Hayden Gordic. “It’s something we have lived by from day one, and something that has pushed us forward.”

“Outside’ is about the negative energy that all of us have to deal with in day-to-day life, especially when we choose to pursue a goal/vision,” Trent added. “The chorus of the song captures the sense of ‘calm’ you feel when you realise that people’s opinions don’t matter, and that only you can determine your own success.”

It might be Thursday, but crank “Outside” up anyway and remember the weekend isn’t too far away!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pinkish Blu Release Great New Bop, “Backward”

Adelaide quartet Pinkish Blu has won me over with their latest single “Backward.” With a clap-along chorus, relatable angsty lyrics, and a heavy sense of bittersweet nostalgia, this track ticks all the boxes. It’s the sort of song that you just want to keep listening to, but it almost didn’t see the light of day.

“During COVID we felt nostalgic and were looking back on our old demos and found ‘Backward’, actually, four different versions of ‘Backward’. From what it was back then to what it is now is vastly different, but the core idea of the song has remained prevalent throughout,” explained frontman Brice Young. “Sonically we’ve evolved to a sound we’re really comfortable with, which has given us the opportunity to be more open and wear our hearts on our sleeve.”

The nostalgia continues with the music video, which was filmed at Gawler Cinemas.

“Reflecting on something you may have just gone through or went through a long time ago … when you reflect on things that hold strong emotional value, these moments can play out in your head like scenes from a movie. We hit up our local small-town cinema and managed to convince them to let us film a music video there for a whole day,” added bassist Ricky Liddell.

If you’ve missed Pinkish Blu on the live circuit, the way is almost over. They’ll hit the road with Odette this May. Catch them at the following venues:

14 May 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
21 May 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane
22 May 2021 – The Northern, Byron Bay
23 May 2021 – HOTA, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Noah Sutherland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dean Lewis Back in the Spotlight With “Falling Up”

Dean Lewis set such a high bar with his debut album a Place We Knew. It attracted attention all over the world. Suddenly he was hitting stages like Lollapalooza, Isle of Wight, and Splendour in the Grass. Household names like Ellen Degeneres and Jimmy Kimmel were clamouring to get him on their shows. After enjoying such a meteoric rise, everyone wondered what he’d do next. We finally have our answer with the release of “Falling Up,” the first single lifted from Dean’s sophomore album.

Dean doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, and nor should he. This track is emotive and relatable. We might never have experienced Dean’s particular struggles, but we certainly know the feelings of anxiety and isolation he sings about. This song feels accessible from the get-go because it’s a catchy pop song with real heart.

“I always thought I would be happy when I finished school or when I passed an exam, or I got a job or a promotion or if I went travelling and then I was like – ‘ooh, now I have a record deal, what if I have a big song? Then, I had a big song, and I was on the road for three years and when I stopped, I realised it had all passed me by and I was actually less present and more anxious and stressed than ever,” he admitted. “I looked back on my life and at all of these points along the way and I realised that I’ve never felt any better, it’s always been onto the next thing, always moving.”

Dean hasn’t announced when that new album will drop, but this single is sure to get people excited about its imminent release.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Darren Craig

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

TikTok Sensation Peach PRC Drops Debut Single “Josh”

Peach PRC has attracted a legion of fans on TikTok since launching her channel in 2019, but with recent deals with Republic Records and Island Records Australia, it’s time for the rest of the country to fall in love with her. Peach PRC is making a strong statement with her debut single “Josh.” If you’ve ever had an ex you’d rather keep in the past, this shimmery, sassy pop track is for you.

“I’ve been wanting to put out this song forever,” she said. “It’s very special to me because it captured a real moment. I was a bit down when I was writing one day. My ex, Josh, kept calling me over and over again. He called all of the time because he was trying to get back with me. I thought I had blocked him though. Since he didn’t stop bothering me, I wrote the song about him. It’s a true story, but it’s still meant to be fun and colorful.”

Peach PRC already has more than 1.2 million TikTok followers and her videos have been streamed on the channel more than 10 million times. However, on listening to her latest song, I think she’s got real crossover appeal. Expect to hear a lot more about this Aussie talent in the coming months.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Imogen Wilson