KIT Releases Edgy Solo Track “Good Guy”

With her band All Our Exes Live in Texas, Katie Wighton is known for her beautiful folky harmonies. However, as her new solo single shows, she’s no pushover. Released under the moniker KIT, “Good Guy” celebrates a much edgier, rock sound.

KIT wrote the track with Ali Barter, who also provided backup vocals. Kit explained the inspiration for the song and its accompanying film clip, noting that “It’s kind of alluding to the experience of someone seeming like a lovely person at first and lulling you into a semi-false sense of security. Then bam, they do something shit and you’re all confused. And I feel like it’s so common now. Sometimes it’s not even something that bad. Ghosting and not replying to texts, not going straight for a condom, not being honest and open about where they’re at. Anyway, it’s that. In a film clip. You’ll just have to watch it to get the full scoop! The patriarchy is giving me a lot of creative fodder, ha!”

KIT has missed gigging, but she’s filling the gaps with live streams from her loungeroom. Follow her on Facebook to see when she’ll go live next!

Jack Bratt Releases Superb New Single, “Spades”

There’s a cool confidence about Jack Bratt’s new single “Spades.” He sings with swagger. The track sounds polished, yet doesn’t lose that authentic rock grit. The song oozes cool, even while the lyrics reveal Jack’s own insecurities.

“I’m a classic overthinker, and Spades is a bit of a snapshot of me over-analysing everything,” he confessed. “It’s a lot about comparing where I’m at in my life to my friends and family, thinking about whether or not I’m where I should be compared to, say, when my parents were at the same age.”

After taking out the prestigious Grant McLennan Fellowship in 2019, Jack shouldn’t second-guess himself. With the skill it takes to create songs like this, he’s on the right path.

Wing Defence Takes Aim With “Weapons”

The patience of fans waiting for new Wing Defence material has been rewarded with the release of “Weapons.” The timely track was conceived long before lockdown, but its themes of alienation and social isolation are perfect for these modern times.

“Weapons” is a bit softer and poppier than much of Wing Defence’s music, but it’s not so radically different that it’ll disappoint fans. The good news is, there’s more where this came from. The Adelaide act spent time in 2019 recording their debut EP, so hopefully it’s not too far away.

Image used with permission from Little Acorn Music

Ella Fence & Christian Patey Release Gorgeous New Collab, “About You”

Queensland talents Ella Fence and Christian Patey have joined forces for a stunning new single, “About You.” Ella’s ethereal voice takes centre stage here, but it’s really elevated by Christian’s subtle tones and strong production.

This track follows their previous collaborations, “Aeroplane Mode” and “Waterside.” Like its predecessors, it’s got a cool, fresh sound which crosses genres, yet remains accessible and so inviting. These artists make magic together, and “About You” is no exception.

DVNA Unleashes Soulful New Single “Half Past Sober”

Gold Coast artist DVNA lays her heart bare in her beautiful new single “Half Past Sober.” The track explores a dysfunctional relationship with painful honesty, and I can’t stop playing it.

“My friend told me about her relationship that was equally as passionate as it was toxic. A dysfunctional, heated, electric love affair that probably never should have happened, though glad it did,” DVNA explained of the song’s inspiration. “We’ve all been in situations where feelings aren’t reciprocated. You begin to feel weak, desperate, and slowly turn into a shell of your former self. Pricking your fingers on the staples barely holding the relationship together and learning to love the pain.”

I love the soft intimacy of this song. It’s beautifully understated, with DVNA’s soulful voice and heartbreaking lyrics at the fore. DVNA has plenty of new music in the works. Hopefully this track is a great sign of the things to come.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Down for Tomorrow Releases New Smash Single, “Emily”

Raise a fist and rock out to “Emily,” the latest track from Sydney indie-punk act Down for Tomorrow. This track is all energy and aggression, with pounding drums, fuzzy guitars, and powerful vocals from frontman Cody Stebbings.

“‘Emily’ is about a negative interstate experience full of miscommunication, unrequited feelings, and both parties in the wrong,” he explained. “The song is fuelled with denial and confusion, due to how hard it is to outrun and overcome our mistakes and mishaps. I guess we learn from them one way or another. In most cases for me, it’s the hard way.”

It’s taken COVID to slow down this hard-working band who has spent the last six months travelling up and down the East Coast. Their Sydney EP launch sold out and they impressed supporting acts like The Dangerous Summer, The Maine, British India, and As It Is. After quarantine is over, Down for Tomorrow promises to get back out on the road and release some more new music. Until then, crank this one up.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Foxton Kings Release Slamming New Single “Getting Old”

Perth act Foxton Kings have served up a heavy dose of funk with their latest single “Getting Old.” If you’re struggling to fire this morning, crank this baby up. Its wailing guitars and big thumping drums are just the things to kick you into gear!

“After gigging for about six months with the new line-up, this is the very first song we wrote together while on a weekend trip to Nannup,” frontman Joel Stevens explained. “We brought our instruments, a laptop and a camera to a house just out of town and set up for three nights. Our first jam happened about three hours after we arrived and that resulted in what is now ‘Getting Old.’ The structure, main hook – ‘shake my hand or take my soul/but hurry up now ‘cos I’m getting old’ – and most of the riffs were improvised during that first jam.”

If this is the kind of magic this new lineup produces, I can’t wait to hear more. Hopefully we won’t need to wait too long, as Foxton Kings plan to release another EP later this year.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Johnny Hunter Releases Retro Single, “Try As You May”

Sydney band Johnny Hunter delivers new wave vibes with his latest single “Try As You May.” I can’t help but think of acts like Joy Division, The Cure, and early Spandau Ballet as I listen to this synthy, shimmery piece of glam-pop.

“The song is a cry for something better, a call for mercy; an honest admission to the fear of perpetual loneliness once a chapter finally comes to an end,” explained Johnny Hunter. “Try as you may to escape your pain, but once the escapism fades the only thing to do is dance in the purgatory you find yourself in.”

“Try As You May” comes from Johnny Hunter’s debut EP Early Trauma, which should drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Something for Kate Back to Their Best With “Situation Room”

There’s a place for nostalgia, but it’s far more impressive when bands can continue producing good music through the decades. Something for Kate might have enjoyed their hey-day in the ‘90s, but I think their latest track “Situation Room” may be their best release yet.

I love the rough, raw quality of this release, like something that’s come out of a spontaneous recording session. Inspired by a Stephanie Ashworth bassline, it got Paul Dempsey writing some of his best lyrics.

“You hear the first line and you know what’s coming next,” he explained, “and that the person is illustrating all these ways how they have total control and can predict any outcome, but there’s one person they can’t get certainty over and grasp.”

“Situation Room” gives us a delicious taste of the quality music we can expect from Something For Kate’s new studio album, due later this year.

The Gusset Releases Fun New Single, “Never Let Me Know”

Weekends aren’t quite the same in the time of COVID, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some feel-good tunes on your Saturday. If I were planning a backyard BBQ, “Never Let Me Know” by Perth band The Gusset would definitely make my playlist.

It’s got a quirky upbeat vibe that reminds me of European acts like Phoenix and The Kooks. But then there’s also a little surf-rock vibe that roots the sound back here in Oz.

“The track describes a time in our lives where we constantly feel the pressure to succeed and to continuously move forward in all aspects of life, whether it be music, work, or relationships,” the band explained. “In order to achieve what we want, we often put pressure on ourselves which can in turn, affect us in a detrimental way, both in a work and social setting. Sometimes it becomes just all too much and you feel as if you just want someone to just stop you and let you know where you are at is just okay.”

If you like what you hear, why not get some merch? It’s one of the best ways to support your favourite bands while we’re all in iso. Those long-sleeved tees and hoodies are perfect for the cooler weather ahead!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR