GOSH Deliver the Goods With “Take Me Home”

Wollongong four-piece GOSH have released their latest single “Take Me Home,” a fantastic slice of straight up indie-rock which should have you tapping your toes in no time. It goes down so easily, but it was never meant to be a single!

“The plan was never to make it a single, but it sort of took on this whole new feeling in the recording process, and every section just came to life and ended up turning the whole piece into a journey, so to speak,” the band admitted. “Each section of the song, both musically and lyrically reflects a shift in mindset, and depicts the mental circles one goes through when faced with an emotionally charged decision. ‘Take Me Home’ is a song about reaching a breaking point in a relationship, and the wavering confidence that comes with ending something that once brought so much happiness.”

“Take Me Home” comes from GOSH’s forthcoming EP, Frankenstein. Hometown fans can catch them at Howlin’ Wolf Bar on October 4. They’ll also support Tyne-James Organ at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory on October 25.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Van Rullen Rocks With “Going Away”

Melbourne’s own Van Rullen takes me back to my youth with his latest single “Going Away.” I love the emo-rock feel of this song, which really kicks in when it reaches that killer chorus. I can just imagine fans singing it out in an overcrowded venue in the not-too-distant future.

Van Rullen has certainly come a long way from his formative years, where he served as music director of a large church. While the tunes might have been vastly different, that experience helped Van Rullen grow as an artist. After leaving the church in 2017, Van Rullen explored techno sounds and ambient loops. With this song he shows he’s got a smart pop sensibility and a knack for creating modern anthems. I can’t wait to hear more from this eclectic local artist!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Lucy Burke Wows Me With “Calm Before the Storm”

One of the hardest parts about writing my blog is keeping my mouth shut about music until it’s officially released. While I love hearing music first, I’ve never been great at keeping secrets. However, with Lucy Burke’s stunning new single “Calm Before the Storm” now out on all your favourite digital platforms I can finally spill the beans.

This song is really something special. It’s dramatic and complex, and ultimately beautiful. I couldn’t help thinking about artists like Katie Noonan, Florence + The Machine, and Lana Del Rey as I listened to what Sydney-based Lucy has created here.

“It’s about embracing the unknown and confronting one’s fears,” she explained. “We all have storms to face in life. What’s important is that you rise up to face them.”

Lucy will launch “Calm Before the Storm” in front of hometown fans at The Vanguard on September 22.

Image used with permission from Fyne Cutz

Josh Setterfield Bares His Soul With “The Way God Made Me”

When I learned Aussie country artist Josh Setterfield had released a new single called “The Way God Made Me,” I expected yet another track giving thanks to the lord above. However, Josh flips the script here with his surprisingly dark, vulnerable lyrics about depression.

“They say country music is all about the truth. So I wrote the truth,” Josh explained. “’The Way God Made Me’ is about my struggle with depression and not knowing how to get out or explain it to people when they ask. I hit rock bottom one day and thought it was time to address it.”

I love the raw honesty here. Opening with just an acoustic guitar and Josh’s vocals, you can imagine you’re just listening to a guy pouring his heart out at home. Josh wrote, recorded, and self-produced the track, and that ownership really shines through. There should be more country music like this. If you agree, check out Josh live at his upcoming shows.

21 September 2019 – Sydney Harbour Cruise with Viper Creek Band (Acoustic set)
5 October 2019 – Lights On The Hill Memorial, Gatton Showgrounds
23 November 2019 – Hometown Festival, RNA Showgrounds, Brisbane

Image used with permission from DWM Management

Kiwi Indie Pop Act Thomston Ready for Aussie Tour

Rising Kiwi pop sensation Thomston is heading your way Australia. New Zealand bred and Los Angeles based, Thomston has really impressed me with his latest single “Casual” and the B-side “Middle Name.” I’m impressed enough when anyone drops a B-side these days, but when it stacks up like this one does you’ve got a fan in me. “Casual” comes from Thomston’s forthcoming double EP, Los Angeles and London.

“People are all over the place. One second, I want marriage and kids and a dog and a house, and the next I want to be alone. I want commitment until I don’t. ‘Casual’ is about being in a relationship with a person of a similar temperament that is just terrible on paper but part of you wants to give into the ‘what-ifs’ of a future together. It’s about wondering if commitment is all it takes,” Thomston explained.

This guy is going to be massive, so make sure you get along while he’s still playing intimate venues!

19 September 2019 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Workers Club, Melbourne
22 September 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Geowulf Gets Us Excited About New Album With “Lonely”

Aussie expats Geowulf have just dropped their charming new single “Lonely.” The coming-of-age track about knowing your worth gives us a sweet taste of their forthcoming album My Resignation, which drops on October 25.

“In a way, ‘Lonely’ epitomises a lot of what this album means to me” explained vocalist Star Kendrick. “A bold and welcomed acceptance of myself and my own company. Feeling less and less like I need the approval of others. That’s one of the many nice things about getting a bit older.”

Geowulf are kicking major goals overseas. Hopefully we see them back on our shores really soon, but before that they’ve got some shows in North America and the United Kingdom in the coming months.

7 November 2019 – Schubas, Chicago
8 November 2019 – The Drake Hotel, Toronto
11 November 2019 – Mercury Lounge, New York
13 November 2019 – The Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles
14 November 2019 – Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco
15 November 2019 – Barboza, Seattle
18 November 2019 – Oslo Hackney, London
25 November 2019 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
26 November 2019 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
27 November 2019 – Exchange, Bristol

Image sued with permission from PIAS; credit: Quinn Warton

Brittany Maggs On the Up With “Reasons”

After seeing Brittany Maggs strut her stuff supporting Dami Im last week, I’ve developed a bit of a soft spot for this Sydney songstress. She’s got such an angelic voice and a fresh sound reminiscent of current pop darlings like Ariana Grande and Bebe Rexha. If you like those artists, I think Brittany’s latest track “Reasons” will be right up your alley.

“Reasons” is a beautiful ballad about the collapse of a relationship. It’s one of the songs that really struck me in Brittany’s set. She co-wrote the song with members of Darling Brando and you can hear she’s really put her heart into it.

If you’ve got tickets to one of Dami Im’s upcoming shows, make sure you arrive early enough for Brittany’s set. She’s definitely an act on the rise.

EGOISM Release Stellar New Single “What Are We Doing?”

Sydney dream pop duo EGOISM continue their winnings ways with the release of “What Are We Doing?” The song is brand new but it’s already zoomed to number two on Hype Machine’s 10 most-posted artists chart and gained airplay on Triple J. With its poignant lyrics and epic chorus, it’s not hard to see why it’s receiving so much love.

“This song is literally about making music with each other; but really it’s about letting out all the little worries you keep to yourself, and then taking a deep breath and realising ‘you and I, we don’t know what the fuck that we’re doing with this’. It can apply to our entire relationship, and to any relationship between two people really,” explained one half of the super-duo, Olive Rush.

Fresh from acclaimed appearances at BigSound, EGOISM will play some hometown shows this month. Catch Olive and Scout Eastment supporting Girlpool at the Lansdowne Hotel on September 15 or at Step Aside at the Roundhouse on September 26.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Esimorp Here to Rock You With “The Minutes”

With Sydney’s Paul Roth on bass joining two Americans and a Hong Konger making fantastic music in Hong Kong, alternative rock band Esimorp is a truly international affair. They might also just be the best band you’ve never heard of.

Their debut album Roar Like the Ocean will hit digital platforms around the world on November 15, but the lads are whetting our appetite with the stellar new single “The Minutes.” It’s like Coldplay on steroids, with haunting vocals and an irresistible energy. Look out for my album review in the coming months, but until then wrap your ears around this track. You will not be disappointed.

Image used with permission from Esimorp

Client Liaison Release “The Real Thing” Music Video Ahead of Aussie Tour

Client Liaison have just dropped the video for their fab new single “The Real Thing,’ and it’s the perfect release for your weekend. If this doesn’t have you dancing around in anticipation of all the fun you’ll have tonight, I don’t know what will.

It’s also the perfect time to remind you Client Liaison are bringing their party to venues all around the country next month. Some shows have already sold out, so if you’re keen make sure you jump on the remaining tickets.

17 October 2019 – Grand Hotel, Mornington (SOLD OUT)
18 October 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay (SOLD OUT)
19 October 2019 – The Forum Theatre, Melbourne
24 October 2019 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
25 October 2019 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
26 October 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
31 October 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
1 November 2019 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
2 November 2019 – Metropolis, Fremantle
7 November 2019 – The Wharf Tavern, Mooloolaba
8 November 2019 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
9 November 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane