Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ellie Drennan On the Comeback Trail With “Taxi”

For a while there it looked like Ellie Drennan was destined to go the way of so many young reality TV winners, enjoying a brief moment in the spotlight before disappearing into obscurity. However, the Central Coast talent has played it smart, stepping away from the cameras to develop her craft before re-emerging with a sound that’s much truer to her passions.

One of the things I hate most about shows like The Voice is that the mentors often sculpt singers into entertainers that seem a world away from the artists they were when they first arrived. Ellie went from auditioning with an Adele album track that really spoke to her to singing the hits of Katy Perry and Beyonce. I get that it’s a TV show for the masses, but that always felt a little off to me. I’m much happier to hear her singing with a more authentic voice in her new, independently-released single “Taxi.” The track was co-written with fellow Coasties Winterbourne.

Ellie encourages people to take their own meaning from the single, but says the heart of the song for her is about “when you’re going through a difficult time in a relationship with someone you really love, and you begin questioning whether they really want to be with you, but no matter what you do, you can’t hide from the truth.”

Are you excited to see Ellie back on the music scene?

Image used with permission from August MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anna Smyrk Celebrates Hope With “Alight”

As bushfires blaze and politicians squabble, it’s easy to get frustrated with the state of the world. However, Anna Smyrk offers some optimism in the dark times with her latest single “Alight.”

Anna wrote the song a couple of years ago while living in the Solomon Islands, but listening to her reminisce it seems not a lot has changed in the world.

“There was so much going on in world politics making me miserable, and in the Solomon Islands I was seeing first-hand what it looks like as the world starts to go underwater,” she explained. During that time she found solace in the book “Hope in the Dark,” by American activist Rebecca Solnit.

“I wanted to write a song that conveyed the feeling this book gave me,” Anna said. “It talks about how hope can be an axe we can use to break down doors. Hopeful actions can seem meaningless against all the darkness and uncertainty, but the book shows how, historically, those small acts have added up to huge changes.”

Anna recorded the track in a Central Victorian farmhouse on a hot summer’s day. The track features some of her oldest friends on violin, banjo, dobro, double bass and drums and her sister on backing vocals. They play supporting roles, but you can hear the influence of loved ones in the warmth of this song.

Making the song a truly global affair, Anna shot the video in an abandoned mansion in Tagaytay, Philippines, with award-winning Phillipino film-makers Sheron Dayoc and Sonny Calvento.

“Alight” comes from Anna’s second EP, Swim, which is available through all good digital platforms. She’s taking a break from her advocacy work abroad to play shows all around the country in the New Year.

16-19 January 2020 – Illawarra Folk Festival, Illawarra Jan 16-19, 2019
26 & 27 January 2020 – Newstead Live Music Festival, Newstead
6 February 2020 – Terang Live 2 Terang Commercial Hotel, Terang
7 February 2020 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
8 February 2020 – Stone Pony, Adelaide

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

JIM ALXNDR & Angie McMahon Team Up For Stunning Single, “Slave”

Aussie expat JIM ALXNDR has teamed up with Angie McMahon for a breathtaking new single “Slave.” I know you’re probably looking for an excuse to disconnect from work for a little while this Tuesday afternoon and this is it. It doesn’t deserve to be background to you tapping away at your keyboard. Stop, take a listen, and fall in love.

“’Slave’ was a song I wrote when I felt very out of control of the remnants of an incredibly toxic relationship,” JIM explained. “I’d been with someone on and off for some time and loved them deeply but felt as if my feelings for them enabled me to be taken advantage of; I realised I was more in love with the idea of being in love than the person themself. I wasn’t in a place mentally to say it to them so I put in a song how I felt (what a cliche), what I would say if I could overcome my huge fear of confrontation and my huge fear of them.”

This collaboration is just so special. It came about after the pair met in a music class a few years ago. Angie remembers being impressed by JIM’s musical brain when he delivered a “beautifully nerdy” orchestral arrangement of Beyonce’s “Love on Top.” When he asked her to guest on this song, she didn’t hesitate. And the rest, as they say, is history!

Image used by permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Across Royal East’s New Single, “Get With Me”

Mondays can be a drudge, but Melbourne indie-pop act Royal East are here to get your energy level up with their ear-pleasing new single “Get With Me.” If you like acts like The Wombats and The Kooks, this catchy tune will be right up your alley.

“’Get With Me’ is a summer romance introspective,” explained lead singer Pat O’Bryan. “The song begins as a sentimental morning serenade: ‘watch us rise, our hungry lungs take in the breath’. The verses are dream-like and bashful, revealing affection and nostalgia: ‘what a time we had, you took me on and swept me off my feet’. That romance, however, is in constant tension with the chorus, which reveals that this song is actually an unrequited love-song. On the one hand, ‘Get With Me’ is all about falling head over heels and getting carried away, but on the other, it’s a cautionary tale about getting burned. Hard.”

Hometown music lovers are in for a real treat, with Royal East supporting Art vs Science at their 10-year anniversary show at Howler on December 14.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Drops Beautiful New Single, “Madeleine”

He might have just wrapped up some shows in the United States, but it doesn’t sound like Alexander Biggs is in any rush for the fast pace of that nation to influence his music. His latest single, “Madeleine,” is beautifully subdued, a mellow piece of acoustic folk that will help you keep calm even if the pressures of the working week are getting you down.

It’s got a gentle sound, but tune in to the lyrics and you’ll hear something a little darker than you might expect as they explore toxic relationships and the turmoil that comes with them. It’s a gorgeous single that is a real return to form for this talented Melbourne singer-songwriter. Locals can catch him at Longplay on December 7 and 15.

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anthony Callea Releases Brave New Single

Anthony Callea has come a long way since he took second place in just the second season of Australian Idol. Now 15 years on from his stint on reality TV, Anthony is forging a new musical path writing his own songs. His brand new single “What’s Wrong With Me?” is the perfect introduction to his new musical chapter.

“‘What’s Wrong With Me?’ is a deep and meaningful song for me,” Anthony explained. “It’s inherently personal but also a song that I think many will be able to relate to. Telling a story through music is in my DNA and when I close my eyes and get behind the mic, I feel like I am home. It’s an honour to share this song with Australia and the World. Self-discovery is a beautiful yet confronting and scary process, so I hope that when you hear this song, you connect with me and we share a moment together, a moment of honesty, purity and respect.”

“What’s Wrong With Me?” is a world away from catchy pop tunes like “Addicted to You.” It also shows more creativity and soul than the admittedly excellent cover albums he’s produced in recent years. Everyone loves a cover; it’s what endeared Anthony to us all those years ago after all. Releasing a song like this, a song that’s not just an original but one that’s so vulnerable is a real risk. But I think it’s one that could pay off.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Juju Rock Out With “Say It”

Melbourne rock act Bad Juju are giving me retro ’90 vibes with their grungy new single “Say It.” It’s all angst and heart, with powerful lyrics that touch on the turmoil of mental health issues and the importance of making self-healing a priority.

“The song is about standing up to someone you disagree with, but have never had the courage to go up against,” frontman Russell Holland explained. “It’s about having the courage to say no, by sticking to your guns and saying what you believe in.”

The clip, filmed by Jackson Wester, is also first-rate. With all the right ingredients coming together, I can’t wait to hear more from these guys.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Thandi Phoenix

I’ve had Thandi Phoenix’s debut self-titled EP on repeat today. It’s all such incredible music, but I’m most struck with the EP’s lone duet, “Again,” which sees her joining forces with Dan Caplen.

The song is a quiet moment in a collection of upbeat, sassy songs. It shows a more vulnerable side of this stellar local talent while reinforcing just how good her vocals are.

Take a listen to “Again,” then do yourself a favour and give the rest of the EP a listen. You will not regret it. And if you’re heading to Festival X in Sydney on November 30 or Melbourne on December 1, make sure you catch her doing her thing!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Press Club’s Newie, “Separate Houses”

Press Club can do no wrong in my eyes, or by my ears. Their energy and passion is absolutely infectious. Their lyrics are so relatable. In short, they’re bloody awesome. All of the things I love about them are showcased in their latest single “Separate Houses.”

The film clip was captured on the band’s recent UK and European tour. With guitarist Greg Rietwyk behind the camera, it takes you to Scotland, England, and continental Europe.

“Separate Houses” is the first track on Press Club’s recently-released sophomore album Wasted Energy. If you still haven’t got your ears around this one, what are you waiting for? Press Club are bringing punters songs from that album and some old favourites on their current tour. They’re in fine form, after recently wrapping up that UK and European tour, so make sure you catch them this time around.

8 November 2019 – The Gaso, Melbourne
9 November 2019 – Hobart Brewing Company, Hobart
15 November 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
16 November 2019 – The Westerport, San Remo
21 November 2019 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
22 November 2019 – Pelly Bar, Frankston
29 November 2019 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
30 November 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
5 December 2019 – Dunsborough Hotel, Dunsborough
6 December 2019 – Lucy’s Love Shack, Perth

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Timi Temple Releases First Love Song, “Quick Words, Long Trouble”

Most artists cut their eye teeth on love songs, but Timi Temple’s latest single “Quick Words, Long Trouble” is his first foray into this musical staple. Of course, in true Timi Temple style, it’s no sappy ode to romance. Instead it’s an eclectic track with psychedelic and Brit-Rock influences. Switch it on and strap yourself in for a ride that’s every bit as wild as falling in love!

“I’ve generally tried to avoid writing songs about love because I think it’s been rinsed enough times by other artists. However, this song was cathartic and therapeutic to me as it helped me through a long-term breakup,” Timi explained. “The phrase is something that my mother used to tell me, somewhat translated from Thai meaning ‘don’t do anything in heated anger because the repercussions will last forever.’ It’s served me well, but also probably lead to me not fighting for a salvageable relationship because I was too cautious with my words. The spoken word poem in the bridge of this song reflects this.”

Timi will play a string of dates around his home state and one special Queensland show supporting the single, starting tomorrow. Catch him at all the following venues in the coming weeks.

8 November 2019 – UNSW Roundhouse, Sydney
9 November 2019 – Slyfox, Newtown (supporting Wharves)
15 November 2019 – Kick the Scarf party @ Yullis Brewery, Surry Hills
21 November 2019 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane
29 November 2019 – Vic on the Park, Marrickville
1 December 2019 – North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
12 December 2019 – Marly Bar, Newtown
15 December 2019 – Good Pash Xmas Bash @ Marrickville Bowling Club, Marrickville

Image used with permission from Good Intent