Get to Know Carla Geneve

With the recent release of her film clip for latest single “Things Change” and upcoming shows all around the country, including the coveted support gig for Holy Holy, there’s no better time to discover Perth singer Carla Geneve.

I love the easy country-folk vibes of “Things Change,” but this track really should be just a starting point for your listening. Carla’s recently released self-titled EP has so many more gems. Her music is heartfelt and raw, with such relatable lyrics.

Carla is also in fine form after recently touring North America for the first time with San Cisco. In fact, the clip for “Things Change” was captured while she was abroad. See her before everyone knows just how good she is at the following shows.

22 August 2019 – Oxford Art Factory Gallery, Sydney
23 August 2019 – Old Bar, Melbourne
24 August 2019 – Mojos Bar, Fremantle
12 September 2019 – Villa Noosa, Noosaville (supporting Holy Holy)
13 September 2019 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff (supporting Holy Holy)
14 September 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (supporting Holy Holy)
19 September 2019 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay (supporting Holy Holy)
20 September 2019 – Magnums, Airlie Beach (supporting Holy Holy)
21 September 2019 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville (supporting Holy Holy)
22 September 2019 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (supporting Holy Holy)
27 September 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide (supporting Holy Holy)
28 September 2019 – Astor Theatre, Perth (supporting Holy Holy)
29 September 2019 – The River, Margaret River (supporting Holy Holy)
17 October 2019 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (supporting Holy Holy)
18 October 2019 – Roundhouse, Sydney (supporting Holy Holy)
19 October 2019 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (supporting Holy Holy)
1 November 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay (supporting Holy Holy)
2 November 2019 – Forum, Melbourne (supporting Holy Holy)

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Lisa Mary Drake Shines on New Single “Little Heart”

Melbourne songstress Lisa Mary Drake has given me chills with her latest single “Little Heart.” It’s not as stylised as her debut single “Bask in the Glory,” and I think that gives it a little more soul. I really enjoyed her debut, but this more personal track that should make sure she’s not seen as a one-trick pony. It showcases her unique voice so beautifully too.

“This song features a lyric that is of great resonance to me,” she explained. “I am also an educator and this song was inspired by my teaching experiences. Regardless of their migration journey or immigration status a child is a child and that is what this song is about.’

With one of the strongest new voices I’ve heard in a while, expect big things from Lisa Mary Drake.

Dom Youdan Releases Synth-Pop Gem, “Pockets”

It’s Friday and we’re all more than ready to usher in the weekend, so crank up Dom Youdan’s latest feelgood slice of indie-pop goodness, “Pockets.” This is smart pop music, full of melodic hooks but with real heart that ensures it makes an impact.

“The song is built around holding onto the things we cherish dearly, whether they’re good or bad, and keeping them so secret that eventually, not even we can find them,” Dom explained. “It speaks to moving on but also struggling to let go.”

Speaking of the weekend, Dom has your plans sorted with a show at Sydney’s Low 302 tomorrow night with Oly Sherman and James Campbell.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

David Taylor Tackles Abuse With “Battered”

David Taylor shows why he was a recent finalist in the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting contest with his stunning new single “Battered.” The track was shortlisted for the competition even before it was released, a feat which saw him going toe to toe with more well-known artists including Dean Lewis, The Veronicas, and eventual winner Matt Corby.

At just 21 years old, I think David will have plenty of opportunities to take out the gong. With “Battered” he shows great sensitivity in expressing the feelings of entrapment so many experience in abusive relationships. At a time when one in five Australian women and one in 20 Australian men have been sexually and/or emotionally abused by a partner, this is a song people need to hear.

David hasn’t toured the country since 2016, but the patience of fans will be rewarded with shows this August and September. See him at the following intimate venues around the country in the coming months.

30 August 2019 – The Junk Bar, Brisbane
6 September 2019 – The Newsagency, Sydney
14 September 2019 – Four5Nine, Perth
21 September 2019 – Bar303, Melbourne

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Libby Steel Slays With “Miss Me”

She looks like the next commercial pop starlet, but press play on Libby Steel’s new track “Miss Me” and you’ll forget all those early misconceptions. This Victorian singer-songwriter is a true original with a hauntingly beautiful voice and raw, emotional appeal.

This track is powerful stuff. It builds from a delicate, atmospheric vibe to a heart-wrenching crescendo that’s utterly unforgettable.

“I’m really proud to release ‘Miss Me’ to the world,” Libby said. “Its rawness and organic production really encapsulates me at the moment. I can’t wait for everybody to hear this different side to my sound and look forward to playing it live for everybody with my band.”

Hopefully she’ll announce an Aussie tour soon so we can do just that!

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Polymer Rock Out With “Believers”

Sydney trio Polymer are delivering grungy rock vibes with their killer new single “Believers.” Recorded in an abandoned warehouse, it’s got a great guitar hook and powerful lyrics.

“All our music has some serious undertones that inspire each track, be it a personal experience, or world events, we definitely have some strong opinions on a lot of things,” the band explained. “Luckily we can express them, albeit under the guise of music.”

“Believers” comes from Polymer’s forthcoming album, Zealots Box. Hear tracks from that release at the band’s up and coming New South Wales gigs.

28 July 2019 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney (supporting Elephant Hive)
10 August 2019 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
14 August 2019 – The Foundry, Wollongong
23 August 2019 – The Lansdowne, Sydney
5 September 2019 – The Hideaway Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Kick Back With CLEAR’s New Single, “Somnium”

Mondays are always challenging, but after a week away from my desk this one is a little harder than most. Thankfully I’ve got “Somnium,” the dreamy new single from Queensland’s CLEAR to get me through.

It’s a sophisticated sophomore single for their new Aussie artist, a track that encourages listeners to slow their breathing, clear their minds, and take a moment for themselves. Her voice is stellar, but she’s got much more than that on her side. CLEAR self-recorded the song in her rural Victorian hometown, proving you don’t need a fancy studio to get results.

“Somnium is an anthem for the dreamers,” CLEAR explained. “Our society can often discourage us from believing in the value of our passions, so the song is about being present— appreciating our collective human disposition to be idealistic, ambitious, daring and hopeful … about allowing ourselves to believe in our creative abilities, not stifling or dismissing them … to see the world around us as a smorgasbord of potential. Everything we have created was once pure imagination, after all… and to stay soft … open. To understand vulnerability is true strength. To bring back that inner child and remember our creative nature … to believe in it again.”

With a willingness to experiment and natural musical talent, expect big things from CLEAR.

Image used with permission from A&R Music

Anna Smyrk Releases Stunning New Single, “Home”

Anna Smyrk echoes the sentiments of so many people with wanderlust in her latest song “Home.”

It’s a moving exploration of our personal conceptions of home set against the backdrop of the Solomon Islands, where she lived for two and a half years. During her time abroad she observed the strong connection many of the locals felt to the land, despite the impact of climate change. This connection was in stark contrast to the nomadic existence she’d come to enjoy so far from her home rural Victoria.

“Home” comes from Anna’s sophomore EP, which features more tales of her time abroad. Hear more songs from that upcoming release at the following shows.

19 July 2019 – Oscar’s Alehouse, Belgrave
21 July 2019 – Tramway Hotel, Fitzroy

Image used with permission from Anna Smyrk

Iluka Does It Again With “Fall Apart Again”

Iluka continues her winning ways with her latest single “Fall Apart Again.” This is another retro pop gem from the Sydney singer-songwriter, the kind of track that tugs at your heart while compelling you to reach for your hairbrush and sing it out. Shimmery synths and rich guitars wrap around her distinctive voice so beautifully.

Iluka says it’s “A song I am a little terrified to release into the world because it is so painfully close to my heart. What to say … heartbreak, love lost. There’s no human words to articulate it. To do it justice. I wrote this on the eve of the end. When I knew it was over but I couldn’t say those words.”

Iluka seems to go from strength to strength. I’ll have this song on repeat for a while, but I can’t wait to hear what’s next from this local talent.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Bootleg Rascal Drop “Yin & Yang”

Bootleg Rascal get the party started with their stellar new double A-side single, “Yin & Yang.” As its name suggests, this release showcases two sides of this quality Australian outfit.

“Get Over Myself” is a hard-hitting urban explosion which takes its cues from the music of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Outkast. “Tryin’ to Run” is a real floor-filler with one of the funkiest grooves you’ll hear all year. They’re both such fabulous tracks, I’m not sure I can pick a favourite! Listen to both, and repeat.

If you think these songs sound good at home, just wait until you experience Bootleg Rascal live. They’re coming at you with shows around Australia and New Zealand later this year.

31 August 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
6 September 2019 – The Foundry, Brisbane
7 September 2019 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
11 September 2019 – Yonder, Queenstown
12 September 2019 – U-Bar, Dunedin
13 September 2019 – Blue Smoke, Christchurch
14 September 2019 – Neck of the Woods, Auckland
15 September 2019 – Totara Street, Tauranga

Image used with permission from Good Intent