Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Your New “Favourite Song” From Stevie & The Sleepers

After a year-long hiatus, Melbourne’s Stevie & The Sleepers are back with a bang. Their new single “Favourite Song” is sure to wake you up and get you dancing.

“Favourite Song” is a celebration song. The world might not be doing a lot of celebrating right now, but I think that’s exactly why we need this. Crank it up and reminisce about your own epic nights when you’ve partied so hard you think you can’t go on, but then your favourite song comes on and you get that second wind. It’s soulful, bluesy, and funky AF. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the pipes on Stevie Joy? Her vocal performance here is next level.

“Favourite Song” comes from Stevie & The Sleepers’ long-awaited debut album, which drops on September 18.

Image used with permission from Stevie & The Sleepers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gretta Ziller Releases First Single Under ABC Music

Gretta Ziller has celebrated her new record deal with ABC Music with the release of a new single “Unlikely Believer.” There is such a quiet strength about this song. I love the resolve in Gretta’s vocals and the powerful lyrics that show she’s a woman who knows herself.

“I wrote Unlikely Believer to remind myself that although I’ve been through a lot in life that it’s harder but so much more rewarding to keep believing in things, rather than dwelling on the hurt and hardship,” she said.

ABC Music has welcomed Gretta with open arms. Natalie Waller, the head of ABC Music and Events, gushed “We are thrilled to have Gretta join the ABC Music roster. We have been impressed by Gretta’s achievements over the last three years. She is such an accomplished singer and songwriter, and we are excited to work with her to take her music to an even wider audience.”

Gretta’s 2017 debut album Queen of Boomtown received widespread acclaim. I’m excited to see what else she releases with ABC Music.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Frills Twins Back With Queer Coming-of-Age Single, “Big Heart”

Sydney-based siblings No Frills Twins have released a queer anthem for the ages, “Big Heart.” This positive power-pop single is an inspiring exploration of sexuality, self-acceptance, and coming of age.

“This song is a big moment for us, not because we’ve been afraid to open up but because it’s taken time to work it all out,” the sisters explained. “To be honest, we’re still figuring ourselves out and that’s what this song celebrates. It makes sense to find yourself and then write a song about who you’ve become, but we wanted to write about being in the middle of that journey … the confusing part. Living in such a fast-paced world it can feel unsettling when things aren’t instantaneous.”

No Frills Twins worked with Sydney producer and kindred spirit Lupa J on this upbeat release.

“We knew Lupa J would be the perfect producer, not only because of the extraordinary talent but because we knew Lupa understood and related to the sentiment of the song,” Arna explained. “Upon moving to Sydney, Lupa J was the first queer friend we made here, and remarkably we all happened to be going through the exact same experience which added a whole new level of comfort and creativity.”

No Frills Twins continue to impress me. This is such a strong pop release that manages to be relatable, no matter where you place yourself on the sexuality spectrum. I can’t wait to hear much more from them.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ariela Jacobs Gets Back to Basics With Acoustic Version of “Missing You”

I love acoustic music. Done well, a stripped-back treatment can really highlight the lyrics and get to the heart of the song. That’s exactly what’s happened with Ariela Jacobs’ new acoustic version of her single “Missing You.”

I really enjoyed the original version, but this one hits just a little bit different. The modern beats and synths are gone, replaces with a simple piano. This leaves her vocals and lyrics more exposed, which really suits this song about loss.

“’Missing You’ could be perceived as a universal love song of regret and yearning. However, this was written on an impulse of craving past versions of self,” Ariela explained. “Living with anxiety the past few years, I needed to externalise what I was thinking and feeling. I was kind of saying, ‘Old self, are you in there – where are you? Please come out now, it’s OK.’

“After releasing [acoustic track] ‘Morning,’ it felt so therapeutic to release something so raw. I wanted to take the essence of ‘Missing You’ and record it again in its original form. There’s something very sacred about keeping a song in its initial birthing/developmental period.”

If you love the music of Birdy, Jewel, and Norah Jones, this will be right up your alley. Take a listen, then look for the original version of “Missing You” on your favourite streaming platform to see how they compare. The acoustic version has a special spot in my heart, but I’d love to know what you think.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yorke Releases Feelgood Alt-Pop Single “Gravity”

Yorke’s debut EP Liberosis is one of my favourite releases of the year, so I was pretty excited to wrap my ears around her new single “Gravity.” This upbeat pop number is a departure from the intimate songs on that EP, but it has just the kind of positive vibe I think most of us need right now.

This isn’t your ordinary tale of two people falling in love though. Yorke wrote it about an alien and human falling for one another, but struggling to exist in one another’s worlds. Think “intergalactic Romeo and Juliet,” without the real tragedy.

One thing I really noticed is how Yorke’s sound has evolved. Her EP had a kind of bedroom feel, but this has a real slick polish to it. No doubt that comes from working with some really established acts including Japanese Wallpaper, Finnish producer Hank Solo, and Chris Walla (ex-Death Cab for Cutie).

“Gravity” is certainly a different sound from Yorke, but it’s got me smiling today. Hopefully it lifts you up too.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Outer South Releases Gorgeous Folk Single, “By The Morning”

New Melbourne band Outer South has wasted no time impressing me. The band’s debut single “By The Morning” is just the kind of track to help you survive those midweek blues.

“By The Morning” is a dreamy folk number with a gorgeous organic sound. I love the warmth of those acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies.

If you like what you hear, make sure you follow Outer South on Facebook. The band will drop another track on Friday and post links there so you can hear it first!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thelma Plum Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Smash Debut With Vinyl Release & Tour

The special edition vinyl release of Thelma Plum’s debut album Better in Blak is a timely reminder just how good it is. The current single “Homecoming Queen” is just one example of the powerful songs that helped this album connect to other women, BIPOC, and other music fans who’ve ever struggled with identity and acceptance.

The vinyl release features the colors of the First Nations/Indigenous flag in a nod to Thelma’s Gamilaraay heritage. You can order your copy online here.

Providing the global pandemic allows, Thelma hopes to play shows around Australia in November with Kira Puru. Catch both of these sensational local female singer-songwriters on Thelma’s Homecoming Queen tour.

11 November 2020 – The River, Margaret River
12 November 2020 – Astor Theatre, Perth
15 November 2020 – The Gov, Hindmarsh
20 November 2020 – Armitage Center, Toowoomba
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Festival 2020, Woombye
26 November 2020 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
27 November 2020 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
28 November 2020 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
29 November 2020 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
4 December 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay (SOLD OUT)
5 December 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
10 December 2020 – Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre, Newcastle
11 December 2020 – UC Refectory, Canberra
12 December 2020 – The Uni Bar Hobart, Sandy Bay
18 December 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
19 December 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Rude Rum

Brisbane rock act Rude Rum delivers serious swagger with its latest single “Got That Feelin’.” It’s such a confident release, I was shocked to hear these guys only formed last year. Those charismatic vocals and funky riff sound so self-assured, I was sure this was the work of some seasoned pros.

“Got That Feelin'” the follow-up to “Curious Affection,” and the two songs have plenty in common.

“’Got That Feelin’’ is the funky sister to its sibling ‘Curious Affection’,” explained Rude Rum’s lead singer and guitarist Jaeden Ogston. “Both songs developed around a similar period in time, however, ‘Got that Feelin’’ features a much more funk-inspired riff and underlying tonality; especially some of the guitar tones where a thinner harmonic quality and sharper attack of the playing style pays homage to old school funk recordings where they often plugged straight into the console rather than an amp. People kept saying to us at our shows ‘That should be your next single!’ or ‘When are you going to record that one?’ so it was definitely a clear choice to release this tune next and plus combined with our own style, it ended up as a super tasty track which really adds dynamic to our catalogue.”

Rude Rum is the sort of act that loves playing anywhere, anytime. Needless to say, COVID-19 has hit them hard and they’re absolutely frothing to share their music with people in person. Follow the band’s Facebook page to learn when they’re back at local venues.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Glades Releases New Pop Smash, “Blonde”

Sydney’s own Glades is spreading the positive vibes with their latest pick-me-up pop banger “Blonde.” If you’re struggling right now and need to shake up your life (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), this is the track for you.

“Blonde is about helping a friend through a breakup. Sometimes you have to allow yourself to feel the full extent of your emotions to get through something. The song’s about being carefree and allowing yourself to do crazy shit to get over somebody” explained multi-instrumentalist and producer Joey Wenceslao.

“Blonde” is the second track lifted from Glades’ sophomore album Planetarium, due out later this year. The band’s debut To Love You was one of my favourite releases of 2018, so I expect big things from this one.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With O’Shea’s “Bridezilla (It Only Gets Better)”

This May, my husband and I celebrated 14 years of mostly wedded bliss. I won’t say that I was a bridezilla, but I certainly sweated some small stuff. So I can totally relate to O’Shea’s fun new country ditty, “Bridezilla (It Only Gets Better).”

The Aussie-born, Nashville-based husband and wife team, Mark and Jay O’Shea co-wrote the track with Clare Bowen (from the TV show Nashville) and her husband Brandon R. Young. That’s a whole lot of experience in the marriage game!

“I wish I could have sent this song to my younger, bridezilla self,” Jay admitted. “It’s too easy to get stressed about little details that don’t matter. The really good stuff happens once you’re married!”

“Jay? A Bridezilla? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” added Mark.

“Bridezilla (It Only Gets Better)” comes from O’Shea’s upcoming album.