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!

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

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!

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.

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