Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Swept Away By East Denistone’s “River”

Sydney singer-songwriter East Denistone is back with a beautiful new single, “River.” His first release for 2019 is perfect for the season, an evocative, brooding number with poetic lyrics and a gorgeous interplay of piano and guitar.

“The song itself started off being about the nature of addictive behaviours … over time, it evolved into a song about life choices and consequences,” he explained. “It’s not some complicated, deeply introspective lyrical juggernaut, and I don’t think all music has to be. My hope is that the idea of making undesirable decisions that you might regret later on is a relatable predicament for listeners.”

East Denistone filmed the clip at his parents’ home where he lived most of his life.

“If I did have one thing working in my favour it was the fact that I knew the locale better than any other place in the world,” he admitted. “It’s a weird house too! Different parts were renovated at different times and there was an extension added to it before I was born so there were few funny little different areas of the house to take advantage of.”

This is really special stuff from one of Sydney’s most promising new artists.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Let A Star Pilot From Saturn Transport You With “Byeee”

I expected a psychedelic number when I pressed play on A Star Pilot from Saturn’s latest single “Byeee.” What I got instead was so much better.

This track from the Sydney act with a trippy name is so powerful in its simplicity. There are no bells and whistles, no artifice. Instead it delivers the elements that really matter in music. A compelling story. An honest lyric. Emotional vocals. It’s moving. It draws listeners in with its delicacy, ensuring that by the time the music swells we’re all on board.

A Star Pilot from Saturn initially seemed like an odd name for an act with such a classic sound. But when you consider that songs like “Byeee” really out of this world, it all makes perfect sense.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lahey Shows Softer Side With New Single Ahead of Album Tour

Most Alex Lahey singles are cathartically energetic, full of edge and attitude. However, she shows us a softer side with the release of her latest single “Unspoken History” from her recently released album The Best of Luck Club. This tender ballad is somewhat of a departure for Alex, however it retains that honest, storyteller quality we’ve come to know and love.

“When I was in Nashville, I spent some time in a tiny writing room creating songs for this record. Towards the end of that time, I felt as though I was starting to exhaust my output and was starting to become complacent about what I had left to give. On one of my last days there, I was lent a guitar that was set up in a variation on open D tuning, which is something I never play in. In the process of nutting out chords and voicing in this tuning, the melody to the verses just came out. When I started putting words to it, it started off as being about one thing, but then morphed into something else, creating its own path very organically,” she explained of the song’s inspiration.

After recently wowing crowds in the United Kingdom, Alex is in fine form for her The Best of Luck Club tour, which kicks off next week.

6 June 2019 – The Governor Hindmarsh, Adelaide
7 June 2019 – Rock Rover, Fremantle
13 June 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
14 June 2019 – The Basement, Canberra
15 June 2019 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
22 June 2019 – Forum, Melbourne
23 June 2019 – NSC, Melbourne (1pm under 18s matinee show)

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Born Lion Tackle Mental Health Issues in “Sunshine”

Suicide is one of those taboo topics we don’t talk about enough in society. But Born Lion have never been a band that shies away from the big issues. In their new single “Sunshine,” the band starts the conversation by putting themselves in the shoes of someone ready to end their life.

“The lyrics are written to read as a suicide note. The person writing the note is fine with the decision however and is ready to go. The song serves as a celebration for all that has been and for all that awaits,” explained frontman John Bowker. “I’m kind of fascinated by the act of suicide. Like how can someone reach that point and carry it out? I think the deaths of icons like Chris Cornell and Keith Flint who seem almost immortal to me, triggered the theme for the song.’’

Tired Lion are supporting Ezekiel Ox along the East Coast this month before taking up residence at Sydney’s Hideaway Bar in July. Catch them at all the following venues in the coming weeks.

7 June 2019 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
8 June 2019 – Vanguard, Sydney (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
9 June 2019 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
12 June 2019 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
13 June 2019 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
14 June 2019 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (supporting Ezekiel Ox)
5 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore (with Ebolagoldfish,Operation ibis,Idle Threat,Vetty Vials and Born Lion DJs)
12 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore (with Dropping Honey and Hatakaze)
19 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore (with Life After Football and The Dead Riders)
26 July 2019 – Hideaway Bar, Enmore

Image used with permission from The Right Profile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Embrace the Pop Stylings of Skyepaint

Newcastle is better known for breeding rocking acts like The Screaming Jets and Silverchair than synth-driven pop, but Skyepaint is breaking the mould. This talented local has just written, produced, and mixed his own double A-side single. “Light Years Away” is the stronger track for my taste; it’s so catchy that I’ve found myself humming it random moments through the day. However, I encourage you to listen to it and its companion, “Endless Nights,” then make up your own mind.

Skyepaint has performed at top festivals including Groovin the Moo and Up Down and supported big names like Boo Seeka and Raave Tapes. It’s only a matter of time before he takes top billing. Until then, hometown fans can see him launch the single at Hamilton Station Hotel on June 14.

Image used with permission from Big Pigeon Publicity; photo credit: Regan Pickles

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chill Out With Phil & Tilley’s New Single, “New Day”

Byron Bay is such a fertile breeding ground for musical talent. Just a couple of days after getting excited about PLTS’ new EP, I’m falling for another Byron Bay act, Phil & Tilley. These guys create music that’s a little more like you might expect from a duo from up north. It’s folky and relaxed, just the thing you need to keep your cool on a working Thursday.

Phil & Tilley have just released their fourth EP Time Won’t Wait, a beautiful collection of alt-folk tracks. For me, the single “New Day” is the standout. It’s got such smart introspective lyrics and beautiful, easy harmonies.

Phil & Tilley will play the following shows in the coming week to support Time Won’t Wait’s release.

31 May 2019 – The Potting Shed, Alexandria (from 6:30pm)
2 June 2019 – Soda Factory, Surry Hills (from 6:45pm)
3 June 2019 – Tokio Hotel, Darling Harbour (from 7pm)
5 June 2019 – Elements Bar, Coffs Harbour (from 6:30pm)

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Oly Sherman Hits the Right Notes With “Bones”

Sydney singer-songwriter Oly Sherman has thoroughly charmed me with his acoustic-driven new single “Bones.”

Good looking men who play guitars have long been my kryptonite, but in an over-saturated market its tough for them to stand out. The powerful, heartfelt vocals are what’s really won me over here.

“‘Bones’ to me is about the feeling that something’s coming within yourself, and you don’t know whether it’s something great or something that could break you,” Oly explained. “It’s been a big year for me emotionally, and I wanted to create something that people could just dance to. I feel like whatever headspace people are in, songs like this can make people feel stronger and happier.”

Oly has a string of hometown shows lined up. Sydneysiders can catch him at the following venues.

29 May 2019 – Hotel Ravesis, Bondi
13 June 2019 – Hotel Ravesis, Bondi
20 June 2019 – UNSW Roundhouse Beergarden, Sydney
26 June 2019 – Hotel Ravesis, Bondi
27 July 2019 – Low302, Surry Hills

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