Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

TSTY Releases Perfect Pop Single, “Broken”

Perth act TSTY reminds us how pleasurable listening to quality pop can be with their new track “Broken.” This is no fluff; it’s irresistibly catchy with just the right amount of edge. Let’s take a moment to appreciate those vocals from Chezni Watson too. They’re powerful and resist so many of the tricks and trills so many modern pop acts overuse.

Before the pandemic broke, TSTY was playing to packed venues in their hometown. Their live sets caught the eye of local producer Michael Bono, who couldn’t wait to work with them.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with world-renowned musicians from bands such as 5SOS, Twenty One Pilots, Blink 182 and Fall Out Boy, and when I saw these guys play live, I instantly knew they had something special,” he said.

Take a listen to “Broken,” and I’m sure you’ll agree with him. The track comes from TSTY’s recently released EP, Stuck in a Photograph.

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lamalo Releases Brilliant New Single “Jungle Train”

It can be hard to find your groove on Mondays, but the new track from Sydney-based producers Lamalo should help you out. “Jungle Train” is an exciting new single, complete with ethereal flutes and angelic vocals from Little Green. It’s so original, with elements of jazz and EDM combining in such a unique way.

“’Jungle Train’ is about freedom and empowerment. It’s about feeling trapped in our day to day lives and slowly breaking down the barriers to become the people we really want to be. It’s about realising who we really are and not hiding anymore,” Lamalo explained. “I think that the recent pandemic has also made a lot of people realise what is actually important to them. Having space from our daily routine has helped us discover who we are inside.”

I love how this sounds, but it also makes me wish I could experience it with a sweaty crowd embracing its groove. Lamalo has played with big names like The Kite String Tangle and Midnight Pool Party and wowed crowds at boutique festivals including Rabbits Eat Lettuce and Red Deer Arts and Music Festival. Hopefully it’s not too long before they’re doing all that again soon!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brayden Sibbald Drops Gorgeous New EP, We Can Only Move Forward

I’ve been fangirling over Western Australian singer-songwriter Brayden Sibbald for a while now. Now that his latest EP We Can Only Move Forward has hit streaming services, I couldn’t be more excited. The EP opens with the brand-new single “Afterglow,” which must just be his best track yet.

“I wrote Afterglow during a time last year when I was feeling really unproductive and unmotivated,” Brayden explained. “I realised that it’s okay to cut yourself a bit of slack – you have had achievements and done things in the past that you can be proud of and you will do things like that in the future – that it’s okay to just ‘be’ for a while.”

That’s exactly the kind of message I think many of us need during this crazy pandemic. I know I’m personally feeling distracted and unproductive, but maybe that’s okay for now. I love this track, so I was surprised to hear it almost ended up on the cutting room floor.

“I struggled to find a feel for the song that I liked when I wrote it, and it almost didn’t make the EP,” Brayden admitted. “We almost culled it again in the studio after trying several different versions and making no headway, but once we cracked it it’s become one of my favourite tracks from the record.”

We Can Only Move Forward, featuring “Afterglow,” is on your favourite streaming services now. Give it a listen music lovers! And Western Australians, since you are crushing this COVID-19 thing, make sure you get out and support Brayden when he launches the EP at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Dunsborough on July 25.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Roth Embraces Americana Sound With “L.A.”

Aussie expat Paul Roth is giving me nostalgic vibes with his new single “L.A.” He says the Americana track was mostly inspired by the TV show Californication, but I can’t help thinking about classic West Coast rock acts like The Eagles and Jackson Browne as I hear it.

“I like how sometimes sad songs can sound happy and vice-versa,” he explained. “I really like how it works here as it gives a sense of peace, contentment and happiness in what on the surface seems like a sad song lyrically.”

Paul is taking advantage of the downtime from touring and focusing on recording and releasing more new songs throughout the year.

Image used with permission from Paul Roth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Turner Releases Beautiful New Single, “Half Light”

Inspiration can strike in the strangest of places. For Newcastle’s Grace Turner, the Hunter Valley Gardens provided unexpected creative fuel. She wrote her latest single “Half Light” while walking around the regional NSW attraction with her family.

The song is deceptively simple, using just a single chord and exploration of the word “half.” But it’s so much more than that, something beautiful, ethereal, and emotional. Grace says the song explores “the dualities we have within ourselves and the many potentially conflicting parts of the personalities we live with. It also explores the world of half-truths we live within as a society. I am constantly questioning the world around me and how I fit into it and what makes me who I am.”

While the song came together in a moment, its recording was more fractured. She started laying it down at Melbourne’s Sound Park Studios, then moved to a Hunter Valley tractor shed, then to her drummer’s bedroom studio. Yet somehow it all comes together in this stunning, cohesive piece.

“Half Light” comes from Grace’s debut EP Half Truths, which drops on August 7.

Image used with permission from Gyro PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elaskia Destined For Big Things With “Calling Out My Name”

Central Coast talent Elaskia is here to put a spring in your step with her latest pop bop “Calling Out My Name.” It’s a shimmery slice of feel-good music that inspires optimism. And couldn’t we do with a little more of that these days?

Elaskia penned the track and enlisted fellow Coastie Rod McCormack for production. It was mastered by Chris Gehringer at New Jersey’s Sterling Sound. His production credits including the songs of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Drake, so Elaskia is in great company!

“Calling Out My Name” has already featured in Netflix’s reimagined “Dynasty” and “Marvel’s Runaways.” With her knack for ear-pleasing pop, I predict more big things to come from Elaskia!

Image used with permission from Elaskia Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ceeko Delivers Modern Slow Jam Single, “Open”

If you miss the soulful slow jams of the ‘90s, feast your ears on “Open.” It’s the latest track from Melbourne-based South African-born alt-R&B act Ceeko, and it’s giving me serious D’Angelo vibes.

The sound has plenty of swag, but the lyrics reveal real vulnerability. If you’ve ever had your heart bruised (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?), “Open” is likely to resonate with you.

“I hope this can awaken a sense of self-awareness,” Ceeko said. “I hope it heals and inspires everyone to believe in love again if they’ve been burnt by love before. It’s not always pretty, but it’s love.”

“Open” is our first taste of Ceeko’s upcoming EP Where Do We Begin. If it’s any indication of the rest of the material, we’re in for a real treat when it drops later this year.

Image used with permission from Alt Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Midnight Fuckboys Releases Rocking New Single “Why You Going Home So Early?”

With the weekend looming, there seems no better time to introduce you to Midnight Fuckboys’ new single “Why You Going Home So Early?” Its lyrics are instantly relatable for anyone who’s wanted to party just a little longer than their mates. Of course, as you might expect from the band’s name, there’s a language warning on this one, so make sure you reach for your headphones if you’re back in the office!

“This one came about after a few nights out which turned lonely,” the band explained. “We’ve all been in that position where you don’t want to go home and have life return to normal the next day. The song is having a go at both the friend who wants to call it a night early, and the guy who wants the night to go on. I know that I’ve been both person many times.”

I love the loose, raucous rock vibe of this one. It reminds me of Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes with its fuzzy guitars and strong, passionate vocals. Don’t be surprised if you’re singing along by the end.

Midnight Fuckboys will release their new album next month.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Million Goes Retro For “Check Up” Video

Winter’s chill has definitely set in, but Central Coast trio The Million is here to chase the cold weather blues away with a summery new tune “Check Up.”

Of course, releasing new music during a global pandemic comes with its challenges. How do you make a music video when the world is in lockdown? The Million got creative and worked with French animator Meryl Jocktane on an 8-bit video game inspired clip that sparks serious nostalgia.

“Even though we haven’t been able to be together in the harsh circumstances, it was great to work with each other over video chat and Meryl across the world to put together the music video,” the band said. “We all love playing video games – it brings us together and gives us a chance to forget about the outside world. It was a lot of fun sneaking in some references from our journey through music blended with some things we’ve always found funny about the industry.”

While The Million still can’t get out and play shows for us all, the band has been busy creating some amazing online content. Follow The Million’s Facebook page for podcasts, covers, and other iso goodness!

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Emerges From Lockdown With New Single, “All I Can Do is Hate You”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a pin in the plans of many of my favourite artists. Alexander Biggs was in the United States, ready to wow crowds at this year’s South by Southwest conference, but we all know what happened. And so he did the only thing he could do, returned home to Melbourne and made new music. The result is what might be his best track yet, “All I Can Do is Hate You.”

This song explores all the complications and ambiguities of love lost. It picks up after the dust settles and explores that idea of feeling so deeply and wanting to be loved so completely, yet being left with emptiness and yearning. It’s painful and poignantly beautiful.

Hopefully this is just the start of a new wave of creativity for Alexander. More like this please!

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic: Music Management & Publicity