Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ellery Cohen Releases Touching New Single “Read Your Mind”

Melbourne musician Ellery Cohen has been earning a reputation for creating pop music with serious soul. His latest effort is “Read Your Mind,” and if you’re feeling raw from a relationship gone bad you might just need to grab some tissues.

“Read Your Mind” took shape both before and after a breakup, and it takes us back to that point of pre-empting the heartache you know is coming, yet you’re powerless to stop.

Listening to this song may be painful, but it’s also so cathartic. If you want to wallow, mend, move on, or just enjoy some music that hits you in the feels, head to The Toff in Town in Melbourne on July 13 for the “Read Your Mind” launch show.

Image used with permission from ArowAgency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paradise Club Take New Single “Above Me” on the Road

Paradise Club’s latest single “Above Me” is a dreamy slice of indie-pop guaranteed to brighten up your day. This is a real toe-tapper from the Adelaide act which perfectly balances feel-good melodies with poignant lyrics.

“It’s about working extremely hard, feeling incredibly helpless, and learning how to give your everything to save a relationship, whether it be platonic or romantic,” explained Paradise Club’s front man, Gere Fuss.

Paradise Club will take the song on the road next month with a string of dates culminating with a big hometown show. Check them out one of the venues below.

2 August 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
3 August 2019 – Vic On The Park, Sydney
4 August 2019 – Yours & Owls Sunday Session @ North Gong Hotel, Wollongong
9 August 2019 – The Old Bar, Melbourne
23 August 2019 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Kyle Davis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliott Impresses With “Shaking My Hips”

I’m not entirely sure where I was when Eliott was earning acclaim for her debut EP, getting rave reviews for her BigSound shows, or touring with Matt Corby, No Mono, or Dean Lewis. I feel really late to the party! However, as they say, it’s better late than never. I’m firmly on board with “Shaking My Hips,” an intimate track about getting your confidence knocked around when you see an ex moving on.

“Written in my cousin’s garage at about 2am, to put it simply, ‘Shaking My Hips’ is about the first time I saw an ex out with his new ‘fling.’ It’s about losing yourself and your confidence completely after a breakup, then finally regaining it,” she explained.

“It took me a while to gain the confidence to even sing this song for other people, but about 6 months after writing it, I was at a writing camp in Adelaide with 4 of my favourite collaborators, (Sam Burt, Xavier Dunne, Nick Aquoff & Al Wright) sitting at a grand piano, all harmonizing with one another, and the song just really came to life. I finished the track off while in Paris last year with my dear friend Jack Grace, who has been with the project from the start, and always has a way of bringing out the best in my songwriting.”

Eliott has been touring the single around the East Coast, and there is just one show left. This one’s for you Sydney. Catch her at the Vanguard this Thursday, July 11.