The Paper Kites Release Beautiful Single Ahead of Brand New Album

twelvefour was one of my favourite albums of 2015. Frankly, I’ve been hanging out for a new album from The Paper Kites ever since its release. But my patience has finally been rewarded, with the Melbourne band dropping a gorgeous new single “Deeper Blue Burn.” There’s more where that came from too. “Deeper Blue Burn” comes from a brand new album On the Corner Where You Live, which drops on September 21.

After developing a massive fan base all over the world, it’s not surprising that they’re working with the best of the best now. The Paper Kites coproduced their new album with Peter Katis, a Grammy award-winning producer who’s worked with Interpol and The National. They spent five weeks living and recording at his Connecticut studio, a 120-year-old Victoria-era home. If the single is any indication, the results are something special. I can’t wait to hear more from this highly-anticipated release!

Image ued with permission from On the Map PR

Jason Owen Releases Mature New Single “Apple Tree”

When Jason Owen appeared on X Factor in 2012, the nation lost its collective mind. He came second in the reality TV competition, no mean feat for a country kid without real training, but I wasn’t quite convinced. I knew he had something, but I felt he needed time to develop as an artist.

His last release was a covers album dedicated to John Denver. It was appealing, but it also made me wonder whether Jason had hit his stride as an artist. So I’m thrilled to hear his new single “Apple Tree,” his first original track in nearly two years. This song shows a new maturity in Jason’s writing and voice. It seems Jason is every bit as enthusiastic as I am about it!

“I’m pumped to be releasing my first original song in over a year and a half,” he said. “I’m excited about my new feel with ‘Apple Tree’ as I believe it’s time for a slight change from what I have released in the past six years. I really hope that everyone enjoys the slightly new feel with the single ‘Apple Tree’.”

Jason has a couple of shows coming up. Hear “Apple Tree” and all your old favourites at the following gigs.

10 August 2018 – Temora Ex-Services Club, Temora
11 August 2018 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo
18 August 2018 – Lizotte’s Newcastle, Newcastle

Pey Pey and Jëva Leave Me Spellbound With “Falling”

It’s pretty rare to hear music that sounds like nothing else. But that’s just what you get with “Falling,” the new collaborative single from Western Australian musicians Pey Pey and Jëva.

The pair met while studying at Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and quickly formed the kind of friendship where no topic is off limits. Their dreamy single was inspired by their conversations about the big issues like hopelessness, uncertainty, and the pressure of what lies ahead.

I love the single version, but there’s also an amazing acoustic version on Spotify. “Falling” is the first single from Pey Pey’s debut album, the self, the you, the fall, set for release in early 2019. It’s also a teaser of what you’ll hear on Jëva’s debut mini album Typhoon, out later this year.

Image used with permission from The A & R Department

Emilee South Channels Retro Sound for “Heartbreaker”

Emilee South gets back to the roots of rock with her killer new single “Heartbreaker.” You can hear a splash of surf rock and hints of rhythm and blues in this retro-inspired song. Emilee’s sexy, low vocals are also spot on.

“Heartbreaker” gives us our first taste of Emilee’s debut album, her follow-up to last year’s Motel EP. Bring it!

Charlie Collins Destined For Big Things

Charlie Collins has one of those voices that makes you feel right at home. It wraps around you and feels so familiar, encouraging you to fall in love with her music from the first note. “Wish You Were Here” is the Tamworth singer-songwriter’s first single as a solo artist, a track that marks a new beginning for the former member of Tigertown.

It’s already been embraced by radio stations from FBi Radio Sydney and Triple J to KCSN in Los Angeles and WXPN in Philadelphia. Expect to hear plenty more from this local talent.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Almond Soy Serve Up Tasty New Single “Silhouette”

Mondays are notoriously difficult. We’re all struggling to function after our weekends. After having a big Sunday at my local food and wine festival, I might be struggling a little more than most. But thankfully there is music to help fire me up. Today Perth outfit Almond Soy have helped drag me into the land of the living. After listening to so much sleepy music, their energetic new single “Silhouette” has fired me up.

This is such infectiously good stuff, full of catchy hooks, relatable lyrics, and an irresistible 80s pop vibe. Our first taste of Almond Soy’s music following their debut EP Social Misfits, released earlier this year, it shows the Perth band is heading in the right musical direction. Catch them at the following shows this month.

16 August 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
17 August 2018 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
18 August 2018 – Last Chance Rock N’ Roll Bar, Melbourne
24 August 2018 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Bad Juju Ready to Rock for EP Shows

With their debut EP Hidden Desire recently released and a headlining tour kicking off in a couple of weeks, there’s no better time to get to know Melbourne punk rockers Bad Juju.

You might have caught the fantastic single “Moving On” on Triple J. But there’s more where that came from though; another five heavy-hitting tracks make up this stellar EP.

Hidden Desire explores how people deal with loss, anxiety, and depression, but moves into pushing these issues aside and trying to change our lives for the better, thinking positively going forward,” Bad Juju explained. “The record is themed around the idea that you can never truly know what is happening inside another person’s head. They can seem fine on the outside and hide their true self.”

Fresh from their EP launch party with Trophy Eyes, Bad Juju will play Melbourne, Adelaide, and Sydney in the coming weeks.

17 August 2018 – Foxxy Dolphin, Melbourne
18 August 2018 – West Thebby, Adelaide
30 August 2018 – Marly Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Chill Out With Black Bird Hum’s Newie “Say You Want”

Is there anything more appropriate for a lazy Saturday than some sweet reggae tunes? If you’re chilling out too, wrap you ears around “Say You Want,” the cooler-than-cool new single from Sydney’s own Black Bird Hum.

“The lyrics start off from a pretty standard boy meets girl angle, but the story had a bit of a mind of its own and by the time the bridge comes around, it’s pretty clear our hero just isn’t getting the message that the girl’s not vibing on him. You want him to move on but he doesn’t,” explained singer Jon Panic. “ And then we’ve run out verses to write his redemption in, so we have to leave him hanging with that tension. Maybe there needs to a Part 2 to this track where he comes good.”

Fresh from shows around the snowfields, Black Bird Hum are preparing to play in warmer cities in New South Wales and Queensland. Chase away the winter chills with Black Bird Hum at the following shows.

10 August 2018 – Venue 505, Sydney
26 August 2018 – Liverpool Street Festival, Liverpool
26 August 2018 – Steyne Hotel, Manly
14 September 2018 – Nimbin Roots Festival, Nimbin
14 September 2018 – SOL Bar, Maroochydoore
15 September 2018 – Royal Mail Hotel, Goodna
16 September 2018 – Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Bobby Alu on Tour for Summery Single “Move”

Aussie chillster Bobby Alu is giving me serious weekend vibes with his new single “Move.” The cruisy drum rhythms, tropical ukulele, and Bobby’s soulful voice give the song such a relaxed, summery feel.

It’s beautifully paired with a colourful clip created by Johnny Moubarak of Moubment. Bobby said “This was a fun clip to make! I feel like there are many parts that make up my personality, so I tried to go there in this clip. Putting on whatever hat is necessary is a big part of how I make music; I can be a drummer, bass player, guitarist, uke guy, singer or roadie – whatever the team needs. Sometimes I pick the wrong guy … but they all have their place.”

Bobby has spent the better part of the year behind Xavier Rudd’s drum kit, but he’s stepping back into the spotlight and chasing that endless summer on his current European tour. Here are all the remaining dates.

3 August 2018 – Degginger, Regensburg (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
4 August 2018 – Sound of the Forest Festival, Beerfelden
8 August 2018 – O2 Islington Academy, London (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
10 August 2018 – Boardmasters, Cornwall
11 August 2018 – Zandstock Festival, t’Zand
12 August 2018 – Rock Les Bains Plombieres, Les Bains
14 August 2018 – Chill Hill, Graz (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
15 August 2018 – Privatclub. Berlin (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
16 August 2018 – Prinzenbar, Hamburg
17 August 2018 – Enter the Wave Festival, Le Pin Sec Noord

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Dave Wells’ New Single “Run Free” Worth the Wait

Hunter Valley singer-songwriter Dave Wells has taken his time releasing new music after his acclaimed debut EP Carrington Street dropped in 2014. Now four years later, he’s treating our ears to his gorgeous new single “Run Free.”

I really love everything about this song. I love his organic, acoustic feel. His soaring vocals are right on point. Lyrically, it’s powerful stuff. And make sure you take a moment to appreciate the film clip, which captures the beauty of the bushland at Barrington Tops.

Dave says “’Run Free’ is a call-to-arms for anyone boarded between four walls, allowing time to slip through their fingers. Whether it be physically, spiritually or creatively, the message of ‘Run Free’ is crystal clear – take a chance.”

“Run Free” comes from Dave Wells’ first album. The self-titled LP is scheduled for release later this month.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash