Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lust and Longing Fuels Jack Runaway’s Stellar New Single

Winter seems to have arrived early, but Jack Runaway has warmed my heart with their brand new single “Never Know.” It’s an incredible slice of blues-rock with plenty of grit and soul.

“What started out as a simple jam during rehearsal naturally developed into a track that at first was mostly an opportunity for us to get super loud and have some fun on stage,” explained frontman Christopher Hoskin. “Lyrically the song is about lust. Meeting someone that you’re vibing and riding out the night with without knowing where and when it will end up. At the time of writing I was just out of a relationship and diving head first into the wonderfully scary world of modern dating. The song is also a throwback to a time and place where dating was about spontaneity and not yet ruled by apps and media. I’m an old soul at heart and Never Know in a way is my rugged and romantic ballad for all.”

“Never Know” gives us our first taste of Jack Runaway’s new EP, due out this winter. Hometown fans will get a sneaky listen to more new material when the band launches their new single at Perth’s Bar 459 this Saturday, June 1.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Froyo Spread Powerful Message About Mental Health With “Out There”

In this modern world of social media, ironically many of us feel more isolated than ever before. Sydney synth-pop duo Froyo touch on the mental health issues that isolation often triggers with their latest single “Out There.”

The band isn’t just paying lip service to one of society’s hot button issues. One half of the duo, Michael Chow, struggled with depression during the making of their latest EP Blue. “Out There” was penned about the way the band felt missing a friend who’d moved overseas. However, it took on a deeper meaning after that friend took his own life before the EP’s release. The EP is now dedicated to his memory.

Blue features “Out There” and another track I raved about earlier this year, “Heart.” The EP has such an upbeat pop essence, but make sure you listen to the lyrics to appreciate the darkness hiding just beneath its sonic surface.

If you love what Froyo do, make sure you catch them at their next gig at North Wollongong Hotel on August 18.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruel’s “Painkiller” Hits the Spot

Ruel’s debut EP was one of the revelations of 2017, an impressive collection of songs made all the more remarkable because he released it at the tender age of 15. If he’s latest single “Painkiller” is any indication, that was no fluke. The first taste of his sophomore EP is a masterclass in how to write the perfect pop song.

Ruel penned the track in a Los Angeles Airbnb with songwriter Sarah Aarons, then produced it with long-time collaborator M-Phazes. It’s a great reminder of just how talented this Aussie teen is.

Ruel has already headlined a sell-out tour this year. Expect similar hysteria when he supports Shawn Mendes around the country this October.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia; photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Give Thanks for Miles Recommends’ Latest Single

“Thank You” sounds like a feel-good folk-pop song, but there’s more to the latest track from Melbourne-based band Miles Recommends than it seems.

Tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear some biting social commentary. It’s no surprise really, as Des used to work for the United Nations while Lou was a journalist! Their songs focus on social and political activism, although musically the songs sound much lighter than those dealing with such big issues might. As the old saying goes, you catch more flies with honey!

Miles Recommends plays Swamplands in Melbourne with Moonlight Broadcast and Oh North on June 14.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lili Kendall Spreads Good Vibes With “love, herself”

In a world with so much doom and gloom, its refreshing to hear music like that from Lili Kendall. The Brisbane-born LA-based pop star has just released her brand new single “love, herself,” a song that embodies positivity with a clip that’s every bit as joyful.

The track is an ode to love and all the joy it brings into our lives. Potential heartache is something to think about on another day. This one is all about being in that sugary pink loved up bubble of joy!

The press release compares Lili to Ariana Grande; while there are undeniable pop comparisons I think Lili’s voice has much more character to it.

“When I was originally writing the song in the studio I was singing ‘I think I am in love with love itself’ – then something came over me, and I just started singing ‘herself’ instead. It made so much sense to me,” she explained of the song’s inspiration. “ I wanted to bring light to the divine feminine in not only every being but every atom, the collective energy that is love, herself.”

Lili has lived in Los Angeles for the last two years. It seems all that time spent honing her craft is paying off, as her debut album drops later this year.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chris Rose Releases Your Feelgood Friday Soundtrack

For a long while it seemed like pop was a dirty word in Australia, but thanks to the popularity of acts like Five Seconds of Summer and Sheppard, we’re slowly embracing its upbeat sounds. It’s the perfect time for Chris Rose to spread some good vibes with his latest single “Someone Like You.”

This is your classic pop love song, buoyed by the energy of new romance and a clap-along beat. The video is pretty fantastic too, featuring footage of the Twelve Apostles along Victoria’s Great Ocean Road.

Don’t be surprised if this song becomes your latest guilty pleasure. If you love it, get along to one of Chris’ upcoming shows.

25 May 2019 – Crescent Head Country Club, Crescent Head
31 May 2019 – Finnian’s, Port Macquarie
15 June 2019 – Village Green Hotel, Grafton
16 June 2019 – The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour
22 June 2019 – South West Rocks Country Club, South West Rocks
23 June 2019 – Rockin the Rocks, South West Rocks
6 July 2019 – Finnian’s, Port Macquarie
17 August 2019 – Finnian’s, Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from PlayMPE

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Go Listen to S-Jee’s New Single, “#GreenLights”

French-born Melbourne-based R’n’B singer S-Jee has been writing songs for interactional acts since 2012. However, he’s decided to step into the spotlight. “#GreenLights” is S-Jee’s first official single, a fresh soulful track that has me grooving along to the beat.

If you dig artists like Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Trey Songz, “#GreenLights” will be right up your alley.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dalli Showcases New Sound With Latest Single, “Taken By the Sky”

Living in Melbourne seems to agree with Dalli. Originally from Brisbane, he relocated to Victoria’s capital five years ago and soaked up the local scene. They helped shape his sound from some raw and acoustic to music that’s a little more atmospheric and experimental. “Taken By the Sky” is Dalli’s latest track, a song that explores his continuous pursuit of artistic progression and expression.

“Sometimes I look back on all the bad decisions I’ve made and feel like the only person in the world. There’s a strange sense of belonging in embracing these very human moments when you realise we all feel them at one point along the way,” he mused. “’Let it fade away, taken by the sky’ is having this realisation and changing something lonely and heavy into something lighter, something that brings us all closer together. There is a weightlessness to it.”

Dalli performs regularly around Melbourne. Follow his Facebook page for all the details of gigs as they happen.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Sandridge Releases New Pop Gem, “Eyes Wide”

Listening to Bec Sandridge’s new track “Eyes Wide” makes me want to reach for my hairbrush and use it as a microphone as I break into an impromptu dance break. My cat would probably judge me, but this song is so much fun that I can totally deal with that.

It’s a poppy retro throwback, but one which has a darker side when you dig a little deeper.

“I began to question my relationship patterns during the recording process. I started asking myself is my behaviour instinctual, a long ingrained habit or based on self preservation and protection?” Bec asked. “The song looks at me discovering my own emotional boundaries and limitations.”

Bec has a couple of shows coming up to celebrate the release of “Eyes Wide.” Her hometown fans get a free show at Marlborough Hotel on May 24 before she heads to Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on June 7.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Country Pop Has a Brand New Taylor

Ulladulla-born and Sunshine Coast-based, Taylor Moss is a country-pop princess with a sound reminiscent of early Taylor Swift. Her latest track “Take It From Me” has stormed up the iTunes country singles charts and has what it takes to garner some mainstream attention.

It’s a relatable number about a guy who thinks the grass is greener. However, once he learns the truth, sassy Taylor won’t have a bar of him! The song’s empowering lyrics seek to remind the listener to never settle for someone who ever thinks you’re not enough. Right on!

Image used with permission from Social Family Records