Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Releasing a Song a Month & New EP

The coronavirus pandemic may have halted touring plans, but Bootleg Rascal isn’t being idle. The Sydney duo is in the studio hard at work on a new EP, aptly titled Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents ’19. The band will release one track from the EP every month, starting with the very cool jam “We Independent.”

“’We Independent’ is a track we wrote inspired by starting to remove ourselves from a toxic situation,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “Initially, we were unsure how to break away from it, but sometimes you have to say enough is enough and follow your intuition. We’re so glad we took that leap of faith and couldn’t be heading in a better direction because of taking that risk.”

While Bootleg Rascal is having fun in the studio, the duo is also anticipating getting back among the fans. East Coast capital shows were pushed back to September while an appearance at Big Pineapple Musical Festival will now hopefully happen in November. Here are all the new dates for your concert calendar!

18 September 2020 – Howler, Brunswick
25 September 2020 – Marrickville Recreation and Bowling Club, Marrickville
26 September 2020 – Woolly Mammoth Alehouse, Fortitude Valley
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Music Festival, Woombye

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tash Parker and Emma Anglesey are the Runaway Belles

It was only a matter of time before Tasmanian housemates and solo singer-songwriters Tash Parker and Emma Anglesey began recording beautiful music together. Known as the Runaway Belles, they’ve actually been playing together for the last six years but they’ve just released their first single “The Weekend.”

The harmonies on this track are next level. The ladies recorded the vocals in an old 1800s bluestone cottage on the edge of Tasmania’s wilderness, then laid down the delicate piano, cello, and guitars in Wally deBacker’s Melbourne studio. The music is so gentle and soothing, perfect for those cold winter days in isolation.

“When we recorded this song we imagined we were sitting around a campfire in a forest with a guitar telling the story. We wanted to capture that intimacy in the verses. In contrast, in the choruses we imagined our voices and music carrying out into the expansive night sky and beautiful surrounding mountains – much like a weekend camping trip where you can forget about the troubles of the week,” says Emma, “and with everything that’s going on in the world right now it feels like a good time to be sharing new music and connecting with people.”

Since they’re iso buddies, the Runaway Belles have been connecting with fans via regular live streams on their Facebook page. Catch the next one tomorrow night, June 8.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR/credit: re._stacks

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Letter Elle Soothes the Soul With “Sunrise”

Soulful Brisbane songstress The Letter Elle has released her latest groove, a self-produced track called “Sunrise.” Listening to this track is the perfect act of self-care in this chaotic world. It’s cool and laidback, with elements of R&B and jazz hitting all the right notes.

“Sunrise is, at first glance, a love song about enjoying just being in the moment and not putting pressure on what it ‘should be’ or where the future is going,” Elle explained. “I think that subconsciously I wrote this song to myself about where I am currently at in my life. At the end of last year, I graduated uni and had an injury that prevented me from singing at all for months. It reminded me of my love for just doing things purely for the enjoyment. I hope that in this scary and uncertain time, this song can help people to remember they just need to take a step back and enjoy life for what it is. There’s no need for a big, complicated plan and we have to just take life day by day.”

The clip reminds us of some of the beauty that is still around us. Elle shot the video on the beaches of Coolum, a location that holds a special place in her heart.

“Coolum is where I became who I am and where I truly feel at home. I thought it only fitting to shoot this style of video somewhere that means so much to me.”

The Letter Elle is a finalist in this year’s QUBE Effect competition, run by Brisbane City Council. You can cast your vote for her here until 5 pm on June 12.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evie Irie Shows Real Promise With “Worst Enemy”

Sydney-born teen Evie Irie might not be on your radar yet, but I’m predicting that will change in the coming months. The 17-year-old is based in the United States and managed by Troy Carter, who’s worked with Lady Gaga, Megan Trainor, and Eve. She’s been hyped by the likes of Refinery29 and Atwood Magazine and her latest single “Worst Enemy” is produced by Greg Kurstin, who’s put the magic touch on the music of Adele and Sia.

She’s surrounding herself with the right people, but this song shows she can also deliver the goods. Evie has such an original voice and a cool vibe that reminds me of artists like Lorde and Dua Lipa.

“Worst Enemy” is about our inner demon,” Evie explained. ”It’s about admitting to the times we sabotage ourselves, and the brutal things we put ourselves through. It’s about feeling like sometimes you are so lost, that you actually think you’re found. It’s a really hard reality when I realize I’m in that place – overwhelmed with the struggle of all of my inner demons. That’s the core of “Worst Enemy”. The self-sabotage, the constant drive to be better, and to be good enough. It’s an endless and inevitable cycle, that I think we all experience at a point in our lives, in one way or another.”

“’Worst Enemy’ is the follow-up to Evie’s 2019 debut EP 5 Weeks in L.A. It shows a growing maturity and a whole lot of potential from this talented teen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Phillips Releases Sunny New Single and EP

The world has felt very heavy at the moment. The murder of George Floyd in the United States and ensuing protests has put racial inequality and injustice firmly back into the world’s spotlight. We’re still battling the global COVID-19 pandemic. All of these things are so important and it’s vital to lend our voices to them. But I think it’s also important to take a couple of moments to enjoy art that just feels good.

If you need a break from the darkness, press play on Harry Phillips’ new EP, Life Without Fairy Tales. At just four tracks and 13 minutes, it’s perfect for tea breaks or smoko. The EP’s title sounds a little dark, but this is fairly light folk-pop fair. Harry’s voice has a genuine warmth and his songwriting is full of charm. That’s no surprise though, as this EP is the result of Harry’s work after winning the prestigious Billy Thorpe Scholarship at the Queensland Music Awards earlier this year.

Life Without Fairy Tales features Harry’s current single “None of My Business,” a playful ditty about respecting personal boundaries. This cheery song will make sure you have a smile on your face as this EP fades out. Check this song and the rest of Harry’s material out on your favourite streaming platform. He’s scheduled to support British singer-songwriter Lucy Spraggan at The Outpost on September 29, but with the state of the world right now who knows whether that will come off. Give Harry a follow on Facebook for more details closer to the date!

Image used with permission from Killer B Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley’s New Album on the Horizon to Chase Away COVID Blues

With concerts scheduled for as far away as November now getting the COVID-19 axe, music lovers need some good news. A reminder that Ocean Alley’s new album Lonely Diamond is only weeks away should hit the spot.

Lonely Diamond will hit stores and streaming platforms on June 19. But you needn’t wait that long to hear new Ocean Alley tunes. Wrap your ears around the band’s funky new single “Hot Chicken.” It’s a little edgier than the Ocean Alley tunes we’re used to, but I’m here for it.

Ocean Alley’s rescheduled Aussie dates are also giving us something to look forward to. Catch one of Australia’s finest supported by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie at the following shows.

6 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
7 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
12 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
5 March 2021 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
12 March 2021 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 March 2021 – Melbourne Arena, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; photo credit: The Sauce/Kane Lehanneur

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Matt Joe Gow and The Weeping Willows Join Forces For “Too Far To Go”

Before we all hit pause for the pandemic, singer-songwriter Matt Joe Gow laid down some music with his pals The Weeping Willows. He planned to release the song at the start of his next tour, but of course COVID-19 put the kybosh on those plans. Understanding that we need good music now more than ever, Matt Joe and The Weeping Willows have decided to release the track anyway.

“Too Far To Go” is a beautiful, gentle piece of folk music, perfect for calming your fears and soothing your soul. With its delicate layered vocals and subtle slide guitar, it reminds me of a lullaby for grownups, or those kids you wish would just get to bed already. The poetic lyrics add to the beauty of this subtle but arresting single. “Too Far To Go” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Tiger & Me Mesmerise With “Adrift in Time”

Melbourne quartet The Tiger & Me has given me chills with new single “Adrift in Time.” It’s an atmospheric piece of modern folk with some of the most haunting harmonies you’ll ever here. Deceptively simple, it’s bound to get under your skin.

Inspired by the literary works of Yeats and Tolstoy, the song tells the story of a man desperate to reach his lover through the masks that distort and disorientate in this modern world. It’s the first new music we’ve had since lead singer-songwriter Ade Vincent took a two-year hiatus from The Tiger & Me to work as Young Composer in Residence for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. No doubt that experience helped shape much of the band’s new music to come.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PLGRMS on Comeback Trail With “Disappear”

With singer-songwriter Jacob Pearson battling chronic pain and associated mental health problems, his musical project PLGRMS hit pause in 2019. However, he’s back working with fellow songwriter Jonathan Bowden and sounding better than ever. The Sydney duo’s new single “Disappear” is a triumphant return, with a dark and brooding sound you won’t quickly forget.

The duo said the track is like a “note to self,” adding “You want to take the first step, dive towards something new, but it’s so easy being resistant to change. Sometimes almost drowning is what it takes for us to learn how to swim.”

According to PLGRMS’ Facebook page, more new music is on its way sooner than we think. I can’t wait!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; photo by Emily Treacy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skyepaint Hits the Sweet Spot With “Where The Heart Is”

Newcastle act Skyepaint serves up good vibes with his latest single “Where the Heart Is.” It’s just the kind of honest indie pop music we need in our lives right now. I just love those lush synths and Skyepaint’s on-point vocals. This song goes down easy, and when so much of the world is complicated right now that kind of accessibility is a very good thing.

“It’s a heartfelt synthpop song that encapsulates the idea of home, and the ways in which our sense of home develops as we navigate life’s peaks and valleys,” Skyepaint explained. I’d love for you to take a listen and let me know what you think.

Making music videos in the time of COVID-19 isn’t easy, but Skyepaint got creative.

“I wanted to make a music video for “Where the Heart Is”, but self-isolating made that a little tricky to organise,” he admitted. “So, I found a stranger on Fiverr and paid him to do a single-take interpretive dance to the song on his Las Vegas rooftop.”

I think it was money well-spent. What about you?

Image used with permission from Skyepaint; credit Kristen Olson