Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Julia Lostrom Drops Cool Indie-Pop Bop, “Walls”

Most of us have connected with someone, yet struggled to get that relationship off the ground because the object of our affection wasn’t in the right place. Melbourne singer-songwriter Julia Lostrom explores all of the longing and frustration that comes with that in her latest single “Walls.”

Julia’s heavenly vocals are so compelling, but add in the beautiful music video and the song soars to another level. It was filmed at scenic Lake Tyrrell, in regional Victoria.

“I wanted to evoke a sense of freedom with the visuals while still maintaining a scene of romance,” Julia explained. “When I saw an image of Lake Tyrrell I knew it would be a perfect location. When the time is right, I hope this video will inspire people to go out and explore further regions of Victoria to help elevate their communities, especially after the devastating fires that have just passed.”

Julia is making the most of her time in iso, working on her upcoming EP and various other creative projects to be released later this year.

Image used with permission from Alt Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Latchy Gets Steamy With “Jacuzzi”

Winter’s chill might be setting in early across Australia, but never fear. Latchy has raised the temperature a few degrees with his sexy new single, “Jacuzzi.”

“’Jacuzzi’ is a fun, slow, and sultry RnB jam, about throwing secret parties at your parents’ house, sneaking people over to take advantage of their spa and desperately trying to play it cool with the girl of your dreams,” Latchy explained.

The lyrics take me back to the ‘90s with their sexy swagger, but this track’s sound is totally fresh. If you’re into acts like The Weeknd and Frank Ocean, you’ll love this one.

Image used with permission from Latchy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Hunting Birds Spread Good Vibes With “Catch Up”

No matter what restrictions are in place where you live, music is always accessible and available to make you feel good. The latest track putting a smile on my face is “Catch Up,” a cheery indie-pop ditty from The Hunting Birds.

Connor and Kendra from the band wrote the track with their producer Joel Quartermain, who’s worked with talents including G-Flip, Meg Mac, and Eskimo Joe. It’s a bit of a departure from the country-folk the band usually produces, but it’s so catchy I don’t think fans will mind too much. It might even attract some new ones.

“The song was written in about a day and we laid down the recording pretty much immediately, which was a really great process for this particular track,” the band explained. “We didn’t really dwell on the song like we can do on occasions and our most inspired ideas came first. We are completely leaning into being unapologetically hooky and loving the liberation we are getting from that.”

We won’t get to see these guys live until the COVID19 threat lifts, but in the meantime, you can support The Hunting Birds by buying and streaming the single or buying an EP or T-shirt from the band’s Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Milkshakes Release Summery Single “Sacred Ritual”

Sydney band The Milkshakes are making me nostalgic for summer with their latest track “Sacred Ritual.” These guys have a cool, laid back surf rock vibe that transports you to a time before social distancing and winter chills. The song itself was also inspired by the band’s own preshow rituals, something I’m sure they can’t wait to resume!

“The song was written and partially recorded while touring and playing shows in Thailand. In essence, it’s about the band’s silly yet sacred ritual of first lugging equipment to the show, then plugging in and then having the freedom to ‘chug’ a drink at the bar or the green room after soundcheck,” they explained.

Listen out for the sweet sounds of flamenco singer Pablo Fernandez Potillo De La Oliva on this one. The next summer might be a long way off, and it might not look the way we hope when we get there, but “Sacred Ritual” is the ideal soundtrack for imagining what is hopefully just around the corner.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brayden Sibbald Releases Superb New Single “Sparse”

Looking back through this blog, I don’t think I’ve missed reporting on one of Brayden Sibbald’s singles. Everything this Western Australian singer-songwriter does hits the spot, and his latest effort “Sparse” is no different.

This is the perfect song for winter hibernation, atmospheric and moody with just the right amount of soul. It wraps around you like a blanket, a comforting presence in these tough times. Perhaps that’s only fitting as Brayden wrote it in one of the coldest parts of the world, Iceland.

“I wrote an early version of Sparse on a trip to Iceland in early 2019, where I instantly fell in love with, and was heavily inspired to write by, the sweeping, epic, empty landscapes,” he explained. “It’s a track about feeling like there is nothing going for you but then everything falls into place. We ended up keeping a lot of the parts from the demo I did at home in the final version.”

“Sparse” comes from Brayden’s sophomore EP, which drops on June 12. Until then, you can support Brayden by streaming the song, purchasing it from your preferred platform, or buying a T-shirt through his Bandcamp page.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; photo by Matsu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bee Virginia Releases Buzzy Single “Won’t You”

Melbourne chanteuse Bee Virginia recently dropped her latest single “Won’t You.” Her name might be unfamiliar, but don’t mistake her for an industry newcomer. She’s previously released material under the romantic moniker Lover. The new name marks the start of a new chapter for this talented Aussie.

“’Won’t You” is definitely my official transition from Lover to Bee Virginia. It oozes lust and flirtation and will be the perfect soundtrack to bring listeners out of the winter blues and into warmer, easier days,” she explained. “There’s still electronic vibes in there (from Lover days) but more soul to introduce the new Bee.”

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out Andy Bull’s stellar remix. Personally I prefer the original, but I also appreciate the new complexion his “housey poolside jam” gives.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Break Out of the Routine With Poison Oak’s “Feeling Numb on Sundays”

Since this pandemic hit, the days are starting to blur together. My husband is working more weekends and we’re doing without the fun social events that helped us break the mundanity. However, a song like “Feeling Numb on Sundays” by Townsville rock act Poison Oak still hits the spot.

“The song is a prelude to the commonality of the 9-5 life, and then, being carefree on the weekend, with the end result of feeling numb on Sunday,” James Balthes explained. “A common trap we all seem to get stuck in when we reach adulthood.”

The blend of rock and punk here is perfect for this anthem about busting out of the grind and finding some purpose. It’s got such energy, it makes me imagine just how good it’d be at a live show. It might be the withdrawals talking, but hopefully it’s not too long before I can find out!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Frills Twins Release New Pop Bop, “Paper Love”

If you’re a fan of the Veronicas, you already recognise the magic that happens when musical twins join forces. Sydney-based twins Arna and Vanessa Rogers are the latest twin duo to knock my socks off. Known as the No Frills Twins, they’ve just released a fantastic new single electro-pop “Paper Love.”

“‘Paper Love’ salutes a connection between people that is far deeper than any monetary or material exchange” the sisters explained. “It’s about loving someone so much that you feel inexpressibly content just in their company without needing anything else.”

While the song sounds romantic, it was actually inspired by the bond the sisters share, which came into focus when they made their way from a small town to Sydney last year.

“At this time all we really had was each other, which was not much but enough, so it sparked inspiration for a song,” they added.

I love the ‘80s influenced sound of this track and those sublime harmonies. Hopefully we hear a lot more from No Frills Twins once iso is over!

Image used with permission from Arow Agency; credit Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The GrandParents Club Releases New Iso Anthem “Hey There”

Most Australians are struggling with missing people right now. Whether you’re yearning for someone living in another state or abroad or you just don’t feel comfortable with the easing of restrictions allowing social visits just yet, it can be a difficult time. If you do see loved ones, the need to social distance can also be very painful. Some of the people hit hardest are the grandparents missing all the kisses, cuddles, and visits from their grandchildren. In light of that a team of local entertainers have formed The GrandParents Club, a social media hub where the grandparents can share their stories, jokes, and music with other like-minded people. The first song to come out of the initiative is “Hey There,” written by ARIA Award-winning performer “Poppa” Tony Williams.

“In these extraordinary times I was wondering how other grandparents might be feeling being cut off from their grandkids, and also how grandkids, who can’t see their nannas and granddads are feeling,” Poppa Tony explained. “I know personally how this feels as my grandson Max lives in Austria. So the song and emotions came naturally to me. I wanted to write a song that was heartfelt, but also uplifting; to share that this is only for a time and that things will get better.”

“Hey There”, produced by John Field and released through ABC Music, is the first of many that will come from the GrandParents Club. It’s incredibly sweet, and I think it has something for everyone right now, whether you’re a grandparent or not!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliott Shows Her Heart With “Circles”

Stop what you’re doing and take a moment. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing; it can wait. Just hit play and take a moment to listen to “Circles,” the latest single from Eliott.

“Circles” is the sort of song that doesn’t deserve to be relegated to the background. It’s so vulnerable, so insightful, and so powerful.
“It navigates through a lot of my life,” Eliott explained of the song’s lyrics. “Dropping out of university, letting down my parents, always being on diets, and ultimately living in this cycle of making mistakes and hating who I am. Those things have made me confident and strong though, and make me love who I am. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

It’s been nearly two years since Eliott dropped her stellar debut EP Bold Enough. Hopefully the release of “Circles” means there’s more great music on the way from this talented Victorian singer-songwriter.