Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tones & I Proves She’s No One-Trick Pony With Double A-Side Single

Few artists make the impact with a single song that Tones and I made with “Dance Monkey.” The real test was always going to be whether she could take the exposure and continue carving out a successful career. That all remains to be seen, but if talent matters (and we all know the industry isn’t all about), then her star should continue rising with the release of her new double A-side single “Bad Child/Can’t Be Happy All The Time.”

“Bad Child” is a catchy pop ditty with a deep message about the angst of growing up. It’s certainly the most commercial of the two tracks. I like it, but I love “Can’t Be Happy All The Time.” It’s more sombre and honestly raw. If Tones wasn’t influenced by Imogen Heap, I’ll be surprised.

Tones and I had grand plans of touring all around the world in the coming months. Unfortunately many of those shows have been cancelled. The following are still scheduled at this stage. Fingers crossed they go ahead!

5-7 June 2020 – Bunbury Music Festival, Cincinnati
19 June 2020 – Vega, Copenhagen
20 June 2020 – Hurricane Festival 2020, Eichenring
21 June 2020 – Southside Festival 2020 @ Take-off Gewerbepark, Neuhausen Ob Eck
22 June 2020 – Komplex 457, Zürich
24 June 2020 – Teatro Romano, Verona
25 June 2020 – Circolo Magnolia, Segrate
3-5 July 2020 – Down the Rabbit Hole 2020, Slijk-Ewijk
4 July 2020 – Rock Werchter 2020, Rotselaar
5 July 2020 – Main Square Festival 2020, Arras
9 July 2020 – Les Déferlantes 2020 @ Parc de Valmy, Argelès-sur-Mer
10 July 2020 – Mad Cool Festival 2020, IFEMA Feria de Madrid, Madrid
13 July 2020 – Musilac 2020, Aix Les Bains
15-18 July 2020 – Gurtenfestival 2020, Wabern bei Bern
15-18 July 2020 – Colours Of Ostrava 2020, Ostrava
17-19 July 2020 – Ilosaarirock 2020, Joensuu
2 August 2020 – Osheaga Festival 2020, Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal
24 & 25 September 2020 – Metropolis, Fremantle
29 & 30 September 2020 – The Enmore, Sydney
5 & 6 October 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
9 October 2020 – Mac2, Hobart
12 & 13 October 2020 – The Forum, Melbourne
17 October 2020 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mardi Wilson Drops Superb New Single, “Runaway”

After sequestering ourselves away for a couple of weeks, most of us are probably getting a little stir-crazy. Given all that, Mardi Wilson’s new track “Runaway” has really struck a chord with me. It’s all about freedom, both the sense of liberty you get when exploring the world and when exploring a new love.

“I wrote ‘Runaway’ about when you meet a person and immediately feel that they will have some kind of impact on your life. Whether the person is there to stay or just passing through- this song is about being vulnerable, opening your heart to people, and growing from knowing them,” the Brisbane-based singer-songwriter revealed.

It’ll be a while until we see Mardi performing live again, but in the meantime check out her COVID covers on her Facebook page!

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meet Aussie’s Latest Boy Band Sensation: Darling Brando

If we’re honest, One Direction’s exit from the music scene has left a little hole in many of our hearts. If you’re looking for another act that layers harmonies over easy-listening pop rock melodies, meet Darling Brando. These Aussie lads have just released a debut single “Beat Up Guitar” and it’s everything you could hope it to be.

“We are so stoked to have ‘Beat Up Guitar’ as our first single. We wanted our first release to be really true – to us as artists – and we love how it came out,” explained one-third of the band, Tom Jay Williams.

“The term ‘Beat Up Guitar’ is an analogy for finding something beautiful, in something that to everyone else, seems broken” added Alex Mather.

Vlado Saric continued, “Yeah, to us it’s a bit of an anthem about being yourself. It doesn’t matter what other people see, it’s about what you choose to see!”

I’ve got to admit, “Beat Up Guitar” has put me back in touch with my teenage self. I’m not even guilty about liking this one.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

El Cosgrove Releases Delightful New Single & EP

El Cosgrove should charm even the most cynical listener with her latest single “Some Fools.” It’s a gorgeous country-folk ditty with the relatable lyrics and the unmistakeable twang of the banjo accompanying her distinctive voice. It wraps around you, encouraging to listen a little longer.

I did too, making sure to check out El’s new EP Spring Tides before writing this piece. El wears her influences proudly at a time when so many artists seem to worry about crossover appeal. I wouldn’t consider myself a country music fan, but her sound has won me over.

El says she wrote this collection of songs at a time when life gave her “love, heartbreak, new travel experiences, new and old friends by my side and ultimately all lead me to learn and accept a lot about myself as a person.”

Start with “Some Fools,” but don’t end your journey there. El Cosgrove’s new EP Spring Tides is on all your favourite streaming services now.

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