Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Rockefeller Frequency Wake Me Up With “Good Apples”

I must admit, I’ve been a bit non-plussed by the music in my inbox of late. I’m not sure whether all this COVID-19 talk has me feeling deflated, or the right tunes haven’t reached me, but it’s taking a lot to inspire me right now. Thank god for Brisbane band, The Rockefeller Frequency who managed to break through my funk and wake me up with their latest single “Good Apples.”

It’s ridiculously catchy, a bit quirky, and just all-round marvellous. If early Thirsty Merc and The Strokes had a baby, it might sound something like this. It should get you moving and grooving, which when you’re stuck at home is a very good thing.

“The new single ‘Good Apples’ is a redemptive tale that starts in a very dark place, with a protagonist that has basically given up on everything,” explained frontman Joshua Eckersley. “He contemplates his endless mistakes and somehow figures out how his life could be worth living, and actively seeks it out. It’s not all bad in the end, which helps in relaying these types of stories. It’s positive, but you have to work through a lot of garbage to get there, just like real life.”

If you’re digging “Good Apples,” make sure you wrap your ears around the rest of tunes on The Rockefeller Frequency’s new album, Chemicals. You’ll find it on all your favourite streaming services now.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Rocks Out With “Insecurities”

Ordinarily Saturday is a day of celebration, but right now it just reminds us that we’re all trapped without gigs waiting for musicians to stream online content. In these frustrating times, the raucous rock of Press Club really hits the spot. The Melbourne band’s latest single “Insecurities” gives voice to our frustrations with plenty of angst and energy.

The Melbourne band recently announced Australian and European dates and they haven’t been called off … yet. So I’m going to post them here, because none of knows what May will bring. Just keep your ears to the ground to see whether they go ahead!

7 May 2020 – The Chippo, Sydney
8 May 2020 – La La La’s, Wollongong
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (All Ages Matinee)
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ Evening Show)
15 May 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
16 May 2020 – Vinnies, Gold Coast
21 May 2020 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
22 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol
24 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
12 June 2020 – Download Festival, Donnington
14 June 2020 – Booze Cruise, Hamburg

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caravana Sun Delivers Pearls of Wisdom With “Charlie”

In these uncertain times, we could all use music that makes us feel good and heals our hearts. Caravana Sun has got you covered with “Charlie,” the band’s first release since Silver Linings dropped in 2018.

Good things come to those who wait though. This song is brimming with good vibes and wise words. And it’s not like the band has been sitting idly either. They’ve been busy touring Europe and were all set to clock up their 300th show abroad when this nasty virus took hold. They also recently signed to Embassy of Music, the same Berlin label as Bjork and Moby.

“This song is about reaching out, being open and connecting to people. It’s about knowing that even in your darkest times, people are there to support and love you. At times, these heavy places can seem so lonely and all it takes is an honest conversation to get you out,” explained songwriter and bassist Ant Beard. “A beer with a mate, a walk with a friend, or a simple message – you’re not alone.”

Just make sure those beers are shared remotely and you’re practicing social distancing while you walk! Seriously though, this is exactly the kind of music you need in your life right now.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Carty Warms My Heart With “Why The Universe Expands”

Jack Carty has left fans waiting since 2018 for a new single, but boy it’s worth the wait. “Why The Universe Expands” is a tender exploration of the way a new baby can make life so much fuller. I’m not into kids at all, but this song even makes my ovaries ache a little. It’s simply stunning.

“Why The Universe Expands” comes from Jack’s forthcoming EP The World, When It’s Sleeping, which will be released on April 24. He was scheduled to support Katie Noonan in May but those dates will be rescheduled for a post-COVID-19 time when the world looks a little brighter. Until then, take another listen to this one and let all the troubles of the world melt away.

Image used with permission from Heath Media PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Here to Rock Your Wednesday

If you’re falling victim to that midweek slump, never fear. SoSo’s debut single “The Henry Lawson Jive” is just the shot in the arm you need.

The Sydney pop-punk act might be brand new, but they’re already working with some of the industry’s best. The track was produced by Stevie Knight, who has worked with Stand Atlantic and Yours Truly, and mixed by James Paul Wisner, whose resume includes work with Paramore, Underoath, and Hands like Houses.

“The song is a throw-back to being a teenager; all the mischief and shit you’d get up to,” SoSo explained. “The chorus laments the fact that life is a bit of a shambles as an adult, but you kind of get through it by keeping your mates close. The name of the song ‘The Henry Lawson Jive’ is a pun of a street the 3 of us have walked way too many times, way too intoxicated, ‘The Henry Lawson Drive’.”

This track has so much energy, something tells me it’d be even better in the live arena. The band has had to postpone its single launch, but hopefully they can reschedule that soon!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zac Slater Brings the Funk With “DAMN!”

I don’t know about you, but good music has helped me cope during lockdown. Sometimes I want quiet and calming, sometimes I feel like something that is funky AF. Today’s one of those days where the funk wins. Enter “DAMN!” the latest track from Melbourne-based, Tassie-bred multi-instrumentalist Zac Slater.

If this track doesn’t get you up and dancing in your quarantine cell, nothing will. While it’s a real toe-tapper, its introspective lyrics make it much more than just a bop.

“Personally, it’s a solid reflection of me, rough around the edges but I’ve got my soft spots inside. I’ll always help those who need it … and sometimes those people won’t help you back.”

“DAMN!” is the first cut from Zac’s forthcoming EP, set for release later this year.

Image used with permission from Alt Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chevalier Wows Me With “Scarlet Skies”

Melbourne songstress Chevalier shows she’s got the goods with her new single “Scarlet Skies.” She might be an up-and-coming artist, but this dynamic track is brimming with confidence. It features some of the most accomplished vocals and intricate sounds that I’ve heard in some time.

Chevalier has spent the last five years touring locally and abroad as a back-up singer and vocal coach to her pal Ruel.

“I first met Ruel and his family when he was 12 and remember thinking he had the most incredible voice,” she explained. “I started working with him on his vocals, then soon after when the touring began, I started doing BVs for him and tutored him for his schoolwork also. I’ve felt like part of the VanDijk family ever since! It’s been a crazy and incredibly rewarding five years watching everything grow so exponentially.”

However, with songs like “Scarlet Skies” in her repertoire, I can’t imagine Chevalier will stay in the background for too much longer.
“My producer Allan McConnell sent through a rough idea of what ended up being the song and I just vibed with it straight away,” she recalled. “I remember first listening to it on my balcony in Fitzroy and the sky was a vibrant array of pink and red. I had just got back from a big tour with Ruel so I popped open a bottle of red, sat back in my egg chair and put the beat on loop. All the lyrics and melodies came out within about 30 minutes; it kind of felt like I was dreaming.”

While you can hear the influence of Jazmine Sullivan and Solange in this track, Chevalier says her biggest influence was her nana, Bette Chevalier. Her nana attended every ballet concert, singing performance, and piano recital with flowers for her beloved granddaughter. Sadly, she passed away while Chevalier was touring Europe with Ruel, but her last wish was for her daughter to continue the tour and keep performing. I think she’d be pretty proud of this special new single, don’t you?

Image used with permission from Ditto Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sheppard Delivers With “Don’t Believe In Love”

Like everyone on the planet, I got pretty excited about Sheppard when they burst onto the scene with “Geronimo.” My interest in the band fizzled a little with each subsequent release, but I think it’s back to its best form with the release of “Don’t Believe in Love.” It’s got a great electro-pop sound that feels so current. It gives such great vibes, but listen to the lyrics and you’ll hear some bite.

“Don’t Believe in Love is an ‘anti-love song,’” explained the band’s frontman, George Sheppard. “We’ve all been in that dark place where we feel like love is not made for us. When it doesn’t go right, love can hurt us like nothing else can, and this song is about those times where it just feels easier to build up those walls and never let love in rather than risk being hurt again.”

This is the first in a long line of new releases from Sheppard. The band plans to release a new song every month leading up to the release of a new album later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elsy Pastor Brings Hope With “Pastor”

Soulful Adelaide act Elsy Wameyo has followed up last year’s “Outcast” with the release of another strong, personal single, “Pastor.” The song effortlessly combines classic gospel influences with fresh urban sounds, ensuring it sounds modern, yet timeless. Its lyrics focus on two of Elsy’s biggest influences: faith and family.

“‘Pastor’ was written at a time where I felt defeated,” she admitted. “However, deep inside I knew that nothing could ever defeat the almighty. In life, there’s always going to be ups and downs but purpose will always prevail and that’s something that I was and am still sure of.”

She was set to play Sounds of Adelaide next month but that has been postponed. The new date is yet to be announced.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Gould & Peyton Team Up for ’90s Cover

I’ve got a few guilty pleasures in my life. One of them is big torch ballads. Another is R’n’B from the 1990s. So the latest release from Greg Gould ticks all the boxes for me. He’s teamed up with X Factor UK finalist Peyton for a sensitive cover of Brandy and Monica’s smash “The Boy is Mine.”

Their reworking gives a new texture to the song which calls to light the bullying both artists faced in their youth. If you want something a little more upbeat, there are also three remixes on Spotify.

“I’ve always loved the song and wanted to create something unique and special, after Peyton dropped his vocals next to mine I knew we had just that,” Greg explained. “I’m really proud of this arrangement and how we flipped the narrative of the lyrics to really express something important to both of us. Sharing our personal history being bullied in this video was an emotional, yet cathartic experience for both Peyton and myself … oh and hand this woman an Oscar – Lynne McGranger is so incredible in this!”

If you love this as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled to hear there’s more where that came from. In fact, Greg has recorded a whole album of ‘90s bangers, 1998, which is due for release on April 17. It features collaborations with some of the nation’s best and brightest including Tania Doko, Damien Leith, Rhonda Burchmore, Cosima De Vito, and Mark Gable. Profits from this single and the album will benefit the Olivia Newtown-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre. It’s a powerful gesture that remembers Greg’s step-mother Sharon, who lost her own battle with cancer two years ago.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment