Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Young Monks Spread Good Vibes With “Supersonic Melodies”

I can’t say I’ve listened to a lot of “experimental tropical-funk,” but if it all sounds as good as Young Monks’ new single “Supersonic Melodies” I have to listen to more. This track from the Canberra quartet is such a groovy, positive number, perfect for chasing away the blues on a gloomy winter’s day.

“Supersonic Melodies” comes from Yong Monks’ self-produced debut album Swamp Creek, which drops on June 29. They’ll take the music to the masses on their upcoming East Coast tour.

13 July 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane
15 July 2018 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
20 July 2018 – Workers Club, Melbourne
21 July 2018 – Brighton Up, Sydney
22 July 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
25 July 2018 – Roundhouse Beergarden, Randwick
27 July 2018 – The Park House, Mona Vale
28 July 2018 – Waterfront Hotel, Moruya

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bachelor Girl Are Back With “Speak”

Sometimes it takes a new song to remind you just how good a band is. Such is the case with Bachelor Girl, who are back on the scene 20 years after releasing the smash hit “Buses and Trains.” Their new single “Speak” explores the need for communication in the digital age. It also shows that decades on, Tania Doko and James Roche have still got “it.”

“I feel strongly that ‘Speak’ is the first offering back for the band – personally, it’s a wake-up call and hopefully a 3 minute 30 reminder out there that we’re humans, not just hashtags,” Tania explained.

“Imagine our world if we develop a group agreement that speaking the truth and acting with integrity is normal,” adds James.

Fans will be happy to hear this new track is no one-off. The duo says performing together at a Australia Day concert in 2016 reminded them how much they love making music together.

“[We] are so excited about the new songs,” James said. “It feels better than ever.”

A national tour and more music is in the works for later this year. Get excited Bachelor Girl fans!

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue River Saga Make Me Nostalgic With “For Now”

It’s been a long time I’ve heard some straight up pop-rock, but Blue River Saga deliver with their latest release “For Now.” I can’t help thinking of bands of my youth like Southern Sons, Noiseworks, and 1927 as I listen to this track. It tells the story of a past relationship that might just have life in it yet.

“Usually there are two sides to this type of story and I’ve always found it interesting to write from the perspective of both parties involved, so there is definitely no villain in this one,” explained vocalist Wil Maisey.

The Sydney band have spent the last year in guitarist Chis Woods’ home studio, creating music that truly reflects who they are.

“There’s only so much you can do with fancy gear. It’s all about creating a space where the band feel they can get to work, whether that’s writing or tracking,” Chris explained. “We feel like we have achieved that and it should show in the songs.”

Since they don’t use a lot of bells and whistles in the recording process, Blue River Saga are likely to sound just as good on stage. They promise to announce some shows soon so we can find out for ourselves.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sam Carmody Soars With “Sharks” Single

Darwin-based novelist and singer-songwriter Sam Carmody has delivering a stunning taste of his forthcoming EP with the release of his new single “Sharks.” It’s a soaring sonic experience with poetic lyrics, a contemporary love song that steers clear of the clichés.

When it sounds this good, it’s even more impressive that this track and others from the EP were self-produced by Sam, his former Warning Birds bandmate Bensen Thomas, and Dylan Ollivierre from The Money War. With a planned mid-year release, we should be able to hear more from Sam really soon.

Image used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Continue Winning Ways With “Knees”

Sydney band Ocean Alley can seem to do no wrong, and the rest of the world is beginning to take notice. They’ve just dropped another stellar single, “Knees,” from their critically acclaimed sophomore album Chiaroscuro, and I can’t stop listening.

It’s the perfect blend of soul and rock, full of yearning and honesty.

Ocean Alley are currently in the midst of a massive North American tour. If you’re in that part of the world, here are the remaining dates. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see some shows back here in Oz.

19 June 2018 – Brighton Music Hall, Allston
20 June 2018 – The Foundry at The Fillmore, Philadelphia
22 June 2018 – Mercury Lounge, New York
23 June 2018 – DC9, Washington
25 June 2018 – Blueberry Hill, University City
27 June 2018 – Larimer Lounge, Denver
29 June 2018 – Valley Bar, Phoenix
30 June 2018 – Constellation Room, Santa Ana

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maya Releases Bold New Single “Blackout”

Melbourne’s Maya might just have one of the most soulful voices in the country. It’s used to full effect on her latest single “Blackout.”

“Releasing this single has got to be one of the most exciting times of my career,” she said. “’Blackout’ means so much to me lyrically and I feel like the production is the next step sound that really represents my aesthetic … Most people have ‘blacked out’ before, whether it’s when they drink, if they black out a bad memory, or if they just forget certain things. This song takes you through my perspective and how I felt when it happened to me – it was inspired by so many moments of blackout in myself that I still fight every day.”

“Blackout” saw Maya collaborating with producer Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe, Meg Mac) and director Grace Moore, who helped her put together this dramatic video.

“The ‘Blackout’ video shows a cross between the dark reality and positive space,” Maya explained. “It captures a representation of the dark energies that are felt in those fragile times, juxtaposed with a bright, welcoming space that leads to happiness. The video, set the morning after the night before, features the Blackout Girls chasing me out of my dark memories until finally I arrive at a space where there is no black. There I’m free from the watchful eyes of the blackout, and surrounded by positivity and light.”

Maya is currently in New York City working with some of the world’s best writers and producers, but it won’t be too long before she’s back home putting the finishing touches on some fresh new music for us all.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Summerfield Does Pop Right With New Single “Shelter”

Pop has gotten to be a bit of a dirty word in recent years. A few local artists like Troy Sivan, Sia, and The Veronicas have earned the respect of critics, but by and large pop has become a genre that’s easy to poke fun at. However, when done right pop music can be sublime. Sydney’s Nick Summerfield shows the Australian pop scene has another artist worth taking seriously with the release of his new single “Shelter.”

“Shelter is a story of my personal growth,” Nick explained. “I was in a pretty unhappy place when I started writing, but I knew the only person that could change that was me. The lyrics talk about facing truth and confronting yourself – I had to look at myself, my flaws and questioned if I was good enough during those times of instability and vulnerability.”

This is such good stuff. I can’t wait to hear more from this self-taught talent.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Family Fold Releases Pop-Rock Gem “Crying in the Carwash”

Family Fold, the latest musical venture from Paul Andrews of Lazy Susan fame, has just dropped their brand new single “Crying in the Carwash.” It’s a straight-up pop rock pleaser with a soaring string section and solid lyrics.

“I recorded the track in Nashville with a guy called Brad Jones who has worked with lots of Australian artists like Bob Evans, Missy Higgins and Melody Pool,” Paul explained. “When it came to recording the solo … we were stuck for what instrument we should use. I suggested strings and Brad’s face immediately lit up. ‘I have a guy in Kentucky,’ which sounded so awesome I wouldn’t have cared if it was someone scraping a piece of cut glass across a toy ukulele, I had to go with it.

“We sent the track away, with no parts having been written, to this ‘guy in Kentucky’ and it came back magically a few days later with the most stunning string parts. ‘I have a guy in Kentucky’ has now entered my every day vocab for something a bit ‘on the down low’ that comes through with the goods.”

“Crying in the Carwash” gives us our first taste of Family Fold’s new album Ashfield Skyline. It’s set to drop in August, but you can get a cheeky sneak peek when the band played The Hideaway Bar in Enmore on July 21.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Indiago Drop Soulful Rock Single “Gusto”

South Australia is such fertile rock ground, giving birth to such legendary names as Cold Chisel, The Angels, The Mark of Cain, Sarah McLeod, and Masters Apprentices. The latest SA act to catch my attention are Indiago, a four-piece who are giving me serious Kings of Leon vibes with their latest track “Gusto.”

“We’ve been through a lot of changes over the past twelve months,” says frontman Will Solomon. “I think this is a perfect example of where we’re at musically, and the song stands as a dedication to those who’ve stuck with us.”

It’s still a little rough around the edges, but Indiago have definitely got some skills. I’m looking forward to hearing more from this talented South Australian act.

Image used with permission from Mixed Muse PR