Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tyrone Noonan Impresses With Solo Single, “On My Knees”

Tyrone Noonan recently dropped his latest single “On My Knees,” and it’s a real charmer. This upbeat, folk-rock ditty is a song about unguarded love, throwing yourself into a relationship regardless of the consequences.

“This is an ode to love; an admission of adoration and vulnerability,” Tyrone explained. “It’s someone who’s saying to their loved one: ‘It doesn’t matter what you say or do, there is no escape for me … I’m on my knees’.”

“This song was written in an artist-filled warehouse in Seven Sisters in North London; my place of residence at the time,” he recalled. “Myself and two other crazy mofos from Brisbane – John Drake and Eden James – had never worked together before, so it was one of those sessions that could have gone either way. Fortunately John came to the party with a melody to get the verse going and so the three of us butted heads and started playing around, and pretty quickly we snapped into it and the song started taking shape.”

Like many Australians, I haven’t followed Tyrone’s career too closely since george disbanded. However, this track has definitely piqued my interest. “On My Knees” is the latest song lifted from Tyrone’s forthcoming album Utopia? Which is scheduled for release later this year.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reckless Empire Releases Rocking New Ballad, “The One”

Australia has a rich tradition of producing mainstream rock acts. But somewhere along the way, they became few and far between. The bands that really rocked seemed to move to the fringes. We have an amazing metal scene, but there’s not a lot of new music you can imagine dominating the airwaves. There’s a gap in the market, but thankfully Reckless Empire are here to fill it. Their latest single “The One” is a masterclass in how a rock ballad should sound.

From Justin Mansour’s powerful vocals to those soaring electric guitars, this song is so exciting. There’s the theatre of glam rock and those classic ‘80s hair bands, but without the cheese. If you love bands like Van Halen, Whitesnake, and Bon Jovi though, I think this song will be right up your alley.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken so much from the music industry, but without it, this new music might never have been. Reckless Empire got together in 2016. They gigged relentlessly and released their debut EP, V. But then the lead guitarist Simon Davis moved interstate and the band dissolved.

Enter COVID-19. Justin was songwriting and working remotely with his old buddies Simon and Steve Twist (bass, backing vocals) seemed only natural. Boom, just like that Reckless Empire was back together. They make the tracks in their home studios before handing them over to Sydney producer Luke Bertoz. The founding trio has also enlisted Phil Pender (drums) and Simon Gilmore (guitar) for streaming and live shows. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to learn more about those gigs and check out their website for some sweet merch. It’s a great way to support the band until those live gigs start up again.

Image used with permission from Reckless Empire

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Outer South Delights With Second Single, “Home”

Outer South wowed me with their debut single “By the Morning.” Showing that was no fluke, their second single “Home” has me falling in love with this Melbourne band’s music all over again.

This track has the perfect chilled acoustic vibes for a leisurely Saturday. There’s a beautiful organic warmth about their music. It feels familiar and nostalgic, with those effortless harmonies and acoustic guitar licks.

All this great music is making me pretty excited about the upcoming release of Outer South’s debut EP, We Must Be Dreaming.

Image used with permission from Outer South

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fancy Face Releases Hopeful New Single, “Things are Getting Better”

I admit, there’s a lot of shit going on right now. Lockdown extensions are looming in Victoria, the overseas travel ban just got extended, and many of us can’t see our dads for Fathers’ Day. But in amongst all that, it’s Friday. Personally, I’m planning my first weekend off in about three weeks; extended couch time here I come! In that vein, the optimistic new indie-rock song “Things are Getting Better,” from Melbourne’s Fancy Face, is just what the doctor ordered.

“‘Things Are Getting Better’ … Or maybe they aren’t!? It really depends on how you take this song in. For me it’s definitely a placement in time where I was hopeful that things were going to be better, better times, better experiences and most importantly a better understanding of things that weren’t making sense at the time,” explained Fancy Face’s lead singer and guitarist, Aaron Bach.

Fancy Face formed with a mission to make music that gets people up and moving, a little escape from reality if you will. If you ask me, that’s exactly what we need right now.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mark Wilkinson Enlists Famous Friends For COVID-19 Charity Single

Just how much talent can you cram into one track? Mark Wilkinson tests the theory with his iso charity single “We’re Not Alone.” Spotify credits Mark and the Lockdown Choir. But take a listen and you’ll soon realise this isn’t your average choir.

It features the one and only Ian Moss, Dragon frontman Mark Williams, Australian Idol graduates Rob Mills and Damien Leith, Uncle Jed’s Laura Brooker, and talented up-and-comers Patrick James, Rachael Fahim, and Taylor B-W.

It’s a rousing ballad that looks to lift our spirits in these dark pandemicky times.

“I wrote ‘We’re Not Alone’ just as COVID-19 really started to take hold here in Australia. The song was very much a reaction to and a reflection of the emotions the situation evoked in me,” Mark explained. “Along with the obvious anxiety and uncertainty driven by the pandemic, I was struck by the fact that in a backwards kind of way, despite having to isolate ourselves, the circumstances had truly united the world. I wanted to try and write a song that celebrated the world’s resilience and unity in the face of the many challenges brought about by the pandemic.”

In the tradition of the best star-studded singalongs, funds raised from the recording will be divided between Beyond Blue and Support Act. So make sure you download a copy or get streaming to help out these vital charities.

Image used with permission from Rayne Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Bratt Releases Fantastic Single “The Outsider”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Jack Bratt recently dropped his new single “The Outsider,” and it’s giving me nostalgic vibes. The press release draws comparison to hot rock acts like Holy Holy and Foo Fighters, but I’m personally hearing pop-rocks from the ‘90s like Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms. One thing we can agree on is just how good this song is though. The lyrics, which deal with themes of self-perception and isolation, hit so hard during this global pandemic.

“It’s about being left of centre, about not fitting in. It’s about perception,” Jack explained. “You may have an idea about how others view you, but that’s not necessarily who you are. It’s easy to think somebody might be doing really well, but that could just be a front, while they’re dealing with a lot of problems. I think what I’ve learned from being in lockdown and having conversations with friends, is that nobody is really okay; we all have our own struggles.”

The alien-themed film clip really hammers home the idea of being on the outside.

“I was just thinking about the most extreme version of somebody who doesn’t fit in and stumbled on the idea of a man who falls from space and is trying to find his way home,” Bratt says of the charming clip, “but in the end, he transitions into a normal life on earth, adding a fun little twist.”

Jack was meant to visit New York City for a three-month artist residency after winning the Grant McLennan Fellowship, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans. Instead he’s at home working on his debut album, which should drop early next year. Stay tuned for more new music from Jack ahead of its release.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Montana Sharp Impresses With “Greenhouse”

Melbourne artist Montana Sharp has really set the bar high with her debut single “Greenhouse.” It’s a magical number, with sublime vocals and a theatrical feel that’s dramatic, yet authentic.

“The metaphorical ‘greenhouse’ was once a fantastical sanctuary to seek refuge from the outside, but now it is safe outside and the protagonist is locked inside a madhouse,” Montana said. “I wrote this song at a very disturbed point in my life, engaging in a conversation with those self-protective mechanisms – but the song takes on a whole new meaning in 2020 with the coronavirus. We’re all retreating to our ‘greenhouses’ to keep safe from the outside – but now we’re stuck inside!”

Such a bold debut deserves a music video that makes just as strong a statement. This clip is really a visual masterpiece, with its rich colours and evocative imagery.

“The protagonist is chained to the carousel while onlookers gaze in awe, ride and dance on the carousel, and then are ultimately free to leave,” Montana explained. “The protagonist wakes up and discovers she is also free to leave, but finds herself unable to – she’s stuck on the carousel.”

Montana has made such a strong impression on me with this debut. I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting new talent.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELEEA’s New Single “Space” is Spooky Good

Isn’t it funny the way artists can write songs in a different time and place, but on their release, the lyrics take on a new meaning? Such is the case with “Space,” the fantastic new single from ELEEA. She was inspired to write this beautiful ballad looking up at the night sky in outback NSW, having just driven from the Gold Coast to Broken Hill. Gazing at the stars gave her a moment of peace after a horror trip, where she busted two tyres and had to go door-knocking with her chihuahua to find a phone and call help. A journey that should have taken a little over an hour actually took 32!

“Space” captures a moment in time, but one that we can’t imagine having right now. Crossing state lines for travel has been out of our grasp for months now. We’d kill for a holiday, even one that starts off on the wrong foot. Yet this song is eerily relatable. That’s because it’s anchored by the line “At least we’ve got something in common, even if it tears us apart.” And isn’t that the truth. It’s easy to feel disconnected right now, with whole cities locked down, others like myself in self-imposed iso because the world doesn’t feel safe, conspiracy theorists and anti-maskers causing further divides. But at the end of the day, we’re all human, we’re all not quite ourselves, we’re all struggling. “At least we’ve got something in common, even if it tears us apart.”

“The first time I played Space for an audience was during a live-stream concert, and I had tears in my eyes,” she admitted. “The chorus has taken on a whole new meaning now, with everyone globally united, experiencing this pandemic together, yet having to stay completely distanced from each other.”

“Space” is the latest song from ELEEA’s forthcoming album, The Travel Collection.

Image used with permission from Kitty Kitty Bang Bang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry James Angus Releases Awesome Animated Video For New Single “Old-Fashioned Mayhem.”

When Harry James Angus releases music, you know you’re in good hands. The esteemed Cat Empire trumpeter-vocalist often innovates in his solo music, but he’s accomplished that I’m always happy to go on the ride. His latest release is “Old-Fashioned Mayhem” and it’s like nothing you’ve heard before. Rest assured, that’s a very good thing. The accompanying animated video is also superb.

“Right now, we want things to be in control. We want orderliness, rationality, and community spirit. I totally agree with that. But this song harks back to a time not so long ago when chaos was fun,” Harry said. “Deviance, disobedience, hurtling into the unknown… and yes, even mayhem, which I think a lot of us are missing at the moment.”

So strap yourself in for this one. It’s bold, brassy, and so much fun.

Image used with permission from Story Baker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PURSE Makes Strong Debut With “Speak”

Brisbane solo act PURSE has really impressed me with his first offering “Speak.” It’s a stellar piece of indie rock music with introspective lyrics and bright guitars. Those vocals are also stellar, with just the right amount of heart and intensity.

“This single came from reflection and a self-realisation,” PURSE revealed. “It addresses the highs and lows of a regretful moment.”

Apparently, PURSE has more music on the way, so listen out for it!

Image used with permission from Habit Music