Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chris Arnott Floors Me With “Fighting With the Devil”

I’ve spent most of the day wondering whether I was in a bad mood on this Tuesday that feels like a Monday, because none of the songs I listened to grabbed me. I was starting to lose hope than anything would excite me today when I wrapped my ears around “Fighting With the Devil,” the new single from Sydney musician Chris Arnott.

This is stellar stuff, as you might expect from a musician with nearly two decades experience in the business. Make sure you hone in to the lyrics, which Chris penned in memory of a close friend who lost his own battle with the devil.

“Alas, he is just one of a growing number and it absolutely breaks my heart,” Chris said. “I wanted a super simple approach to this song, the overall tone is quite bleak and flat, the rhodes detuned to the hilt and the timpani ostinato unrelenting, not unlike the depression that consumes too many of us. But most of all it is pretty, because, for the most part, life is.”

The song was a real labour of love for Chris, who wrote, recorded, and produced the track himself. If you only make time to listen to one song today, make it this one.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Mary Chadwick Stuns With “Sugar Still Melts in the Rain”

New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based singer songwriter Sarah Mary Chadwick has blown me away with her new single “Sugar Still Melts in the Rain.”

The title track from her forthcoming album, this song is so creative and honest and beautiful. Perhaps that’s because Sarah Mary is committed to music that captures moments, rather than pursuing “the perfect vocal take.” That gives songs like this a rawness which makes connecting easy.

Sarah Mary Chadwick’s new album Sugar Still Melts in the Rain drops on May 11.

Image used with permission from Rice is Nice

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy Got Love, But Not a Eurovision Winner

When Jessica Mauboy’s Eurovision entry “We Got Love” hit my inbox, I initially resisted. I take my Eurovison seriously and I typically prefer to hear the songs for the first time in the Eurovision arena. That way my ears are fresh and familiarity doesn’t make me biased.

But curiousity got the better of me, and I figure if I’ve had a listen I might as well share my thoughts. It’s a good song. It’s incredibly catchy, and its positive lyrics are the kind of thing Eurovision eats up. But is it a winning song? That I’m not so sure about.

It’s quite predictable. People will enjoy it, no doubt, but in my opinion it doesn’t have enough quirk to separate it from so many other good Eurovision songs. I think of recent past winners and they typically had something that set what they did apart. This feels like it’s what Eurovision wanted five years ago, but not now. Jess has charisma in spades, but she’ll need to rely on more than charm to get this one over the line.

Anything can happen when we hit Lisbon, but I’m not expecting victory here.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Perch Creek Offer Soulful Taste of New Album

Melbourne band Perch Creek have taken me back to the ‘70s with their soulful new single “Gold Shop.” I love its funky bass groove and those honey vocals from Eileen Hodgkins. The retro inspired film clip is also stellar.

“We came up with the general concept of a ‘70s style action chase (inspired by the classic Beastie Boys film clip for Sabotage) featuring our Kingswood, maybe a fake moustache and the backdrop of the North Coburg industrial zone [in Melbourne’s north],” explained the band’s bassist, James Chandler. “It wasn’t until we met Sasha, who directed and shot the film with Honey Editorial, that the screenplay really took shape. They capitalised on our comic acting and made full use of our vintage car and bike collection to create an epic, hilarious and at times confounding four-and-a-half minute action flick. It’s definitely the coolest video we’ve done yet.”

“Gold Shop” comes from Perch Creek’s new self-titled album, which will hit stores on April 13. The band will celebrate its release with shows in the capitals and major regional centres around the country.

31 May 2018 – Fly by Night, Fremantle (18+)
2 & 3 June 2018 – Denmark Festival of Voice, Denmark (ALL AGES)
7 June 2018 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
8 June 2018 – The Metropole Guesthouse, Katoomba (ALL AGES)
10 June 2018 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra (18+)
14 June 2018 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (18+)
15 June 2018 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (ALL AGES – FREE)
16 June 2018 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore (ALL AGES)
17 June 2018 – Pelican Playhouse, Grafton (ALL AGES)
21 June 2018 – The Workers Club, Geelong (18+)
22 June 2018 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (18+)
23 June 2018 – The Evelyn, Fitzroy (18+)
29 June 2018 – Jive Bar, Adelaide (18+)
1 July 2018 – Thornbury Bowls Club, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
6 July 2018 – Major Tom’s, Kyneton (ALL AGES)
7 July 2018 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point (ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Interism Deliver Music With a Message

There’s a great ‘90s grunginess about “World On Fire,” the new single from Queensland three-piece Interism, that has me feeling nostalgic.

Like those great ‘90s grunge tracks, “World On Fire” comes from a place of protest. It’s an examination of modern society, the unrelenting greed and self-indulgence of the human race and our thoughtless destruction of the natural world.

It might be a bit of a musical throwback, but “World On Fire” has a powerful message for modern listeners.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mary Webb Goes Her Own Way With “Gecko Fingers”

Adelaide singer-songwriter Mary Webb is doing music differently. You can get a taste of how she’s breaking the mould with her new single “Gecko Fingers.”

It’s such a unique track, folky and a little jazzy, poetically written and so endearing.

“Gecko Fingers” comes from Mary’s recently released album Love Like Planets, which was recorded in Montana. Mary is currently bringing music from this unique album to music lovers all around the country. Here are all the places you can see her play.

6 April 2018 – Willie’s Apple Shed, Tasmania (FREE ALL AGES WITH PARENT)
22 April 2018 – Milk Factory, Brisbane (4pm ALL AGES)
28 April 2018 – Smiths Alternative Bookshop, Canberra
4 May 2018 – The Edwards Newcastle (ALL AGES)
27 May 2018 – Cheese Factory Studio Gallery, Meadows (1pm ALL AGES)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Fired Up About Sydney’s Retrograde

Retrograde are coming at you like a dose of caffeine with their high-energy debut single “You. Me. Sanity.” It’s got a retro 80s synth pop meets rock feel which is so fresh and fun. It’s the kind of track that has me anticipating what will come next for this trio from Sydney’s North Shore.

The single “very much represents what this band started as for me,” says vocalist Samuel Edward. “A culmination of decisions to move forward.”

The band came about almost by accident, explained Retrograde’s vocalist and guitarist, Samuel Edward. “As I was writing demos for a band I was in at the time, I found it became increasingly clear that the music was deserving of its own project I quickly contacted long-time friends (Austin Megier and Cody Stebbings) to see if they’d want a part in starting the new band.”

Apparently live shows and more music aren’t too far off. You’re going to want to get in on the ground floor, because I am predicting big things for these guys.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reece Mastin Reemerges as Mastin With Rocking New Single

Reece Mastin has come a long way since he appeared on our TV screens and took home The X Factor crown. His last album Change Colours saw him shed his earlier pop image and embrace a bluesier rock sound. The evolution is now complete, with Reece opting to release music under the name Mastin. Our first taste of this new maturity comes in the form of “Not the Man For You,” a high-energy rock number that gives us a taste of what’s in store on Mastin’s forthcoming EP Suitcase of Stories.

“Not everyone will love this record, and I’m very okay with that,” concedes Mastin. “But for those who share the same taste as I do for the grand and world-changing genre of rock ‘n’ roll, I wanted to make something special and long-lasting. I wanted to make something that can change your day, change your mindset, and make you feel like you can take on the world.”

Suitcase of Stories hits stores on April 6. Mastin will waste no time taking its tracks to the people, kicking off a national tour in Sydney the very next day. Here are the places you can see him play around the country. Tickets are on sale now. All shows are strictly 18+.

7 April 2018 – The Basement, Sydney
13 April 2018 – Saloon Bar, Launceston
14 April 2018 – Waratah Hotel, Hobart
20 April 2018 – Shoalhaven Bowls Club, Shoalhaven
21 April 2018 – Waves, Wollongong
29 April 2018 – Fowlers, Adelaide
3 May 2018 – Lismore Workers Club, Lismore
4 May 2018 – Surfers Paradise Live, Gold Coast (FREE)
5 May 2018 – The Brightside, Brisbane
6 May 2018 – Sold Bar, Maroochydore
10 May 2018 – Transit Bar, Canberra
19 May 2018 – Winton Supercars, Winton
25 May 2018 – Grand Hotel, Mornington
27 May 2018 – Max Watts, Melbourne
15 June 2018 – The Grand Central Hotel Midland, Perth
16 June 2018 – The Charles Hotel, Perth
12 July 2018 – The Loft, Warrnambool
13 July 2018 – The Workers Club, Geelong
14 July 2018 – SS&A Club, Albury (FREE)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

There’s Nothing Fishy About The Montreals’ New Single, Sardines

Adelaide band The Montreals are spreading a healthy dose of feel-good weekend vibes with their new single “Sardines.” Its title gives nothing away, but this is such a catchy indie-pop number. Rest assured, I like it a lot more than the fish!

The release of “Sardines” comes in the midst of a purple patch for The Montreals, who last year shared a stage with Duke Damont and Safia as part of Oh Yes Festival in Adelaide and supported Northeast House Party and The Creases. They’re now welcoming the next stage of their career, stepping up as headliners on a capital city tour to promote the single’s release. Catch The Montreals on their Sardines tour next month.

12 April 2018 – Moonshine Bar, Sydney
13 April 2018 – Selina’s, Sydney
15 April 2018 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
20 April 2018 – Fat Controller, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Steph Fischer-Ivanscy Rocks Out on “Warning Signs”

Melbourne’s Steph Fischer-Ivancsy has released a foot-stomping new single “Warning Signs,” and it holds nothing back.

This is a swampy track, with gritty guitars, big, booming drums, and powerhouse vocals from Steph. It reminds me of something you might hear in a pub in some far-flung Aussie location, just before trouble goes down.

“There’s a whole bunch of things in this song. It’s all about realising it’s okay to stuff up every once in a while, but we just need to keep going and to not always believe the lies people tell,” Steph explained. “Also to be cautious because we never really know someone.”

Steph’s single suggests to me she’s one of these artists who is even better live. See her let loose next month on one of the following stages near you.

12 April 2018 – Hume Blues Club, Coburg
28 April 2018 – Jamieson Autumn Festival, Jamieson
12 May 2018 – Baby Black Café, Bacchus Marsh (with Shaun Kirk)

Image used with permission from A & R Records