Embrace the “Chaos” With Asha Jefferies

Brisbane’s Asha Jefferies continues to impress with the release of her latest single “Chaos,” a powerful ballad about recognizing, accepting, and embracing the failings of the people around you, then moving forward together.

“Chaos captures everything I felt driving to a party one night last year. I remember watching my friend behind the wheel, realizing they were driving me into a lot of chaos and wherever I followed them, that chaos came too,” Asha explained.

“I write music music to capture and anchor a feeling or a period of time in my life. I like to think I can hold it hostage, forever. Music has always used itself as a memory clock to me.”

It might have been written about a specific moment in her life, but “Chaos” is so easy to relate to. I was so drawn into this world she’s created, and all the emotions that go along with it. This is another strong single in a long line from this exceptional Brisbane talent.

Image used with permission from Major Minor

Verge Collection Release “Feelin’ Old” Ahead of Album Shows

I’ve been feeling every one of my years of late. Aches and pains are starting to linger, busy weekends and late-night drinking sessions are taking longer to recover from. In short, “Feelin’ Old” from Perth rockers Verge Collection is striking a real chord with me!

This is such a great track, with jangly guitars and a chorus that will have you singing along in no time. It comes from Verge Collection’s new album Flaneur, set to drop on March 30. The lads will celebrate its release with their largest national tour to date. Good buddies White Blanks will be along for the ride, so make sure you arrive early to check out their set.

13 April 2018 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
14 April 2018 – Prince of Wales, Bunbury
19 April 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
20 April 2018 – OAF Factory Floor, Sydney
21 April 2018 – The Foundry, Brisbane
22 April 2018 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
27 April 2018 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
28 April 2018 – Jive, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Halcyon Drive Start Single Tour Tomorrow!

After hearing “Silver Ray,” the awesome new single from Melbourne indie rockers Halcyon Drive, the release of their debut album can’t come fast enough.

This track has such a great energy. It’s accessible with a pop edge, but it also sounds so fresh. There’s a lot going on sonically, but it never gets muddled. It’s really clever stuff.

Halcyon Drive’s album won’t hit stores until later this year, but you can get a taste of their new material on their single launch tour which kicks off in their home town tomorrow night!

22 March 2018 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
25 March 2018 – The Hills Are Alive, Wonthaggi
13 April 2018 – Rare Finds @ Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
14 April 2018 – The Brewery, Byron Bay
20 April 2018 – Rare Finds @ The Penny Black, Melbourne
21 April 2018 – Rare Finds 3rd Birthday @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
22 April 2018 – North Wollongong Hotel, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Gabriel Vargas Releases “Like Wolves” For White Ribbon Foundation

Melbourne singer-songwriter Gabriel Vargas is using his musical gifts for good with the release of his new single “Like Wolves.” It’s a powerful track which touches on the impact of sexual abuse and our power to move past trauma.

We’ve heard a lot of people exploring these kinds of issues lately, but Gabriel isn’t simply jumping on a bandwagon. This song marks the first time he’s spoken out about the sexual abuse within his own family. He hopes this personal song will give power to others who’s suffered by encouraging strength through growth. He’s also refusing to line his own pockets either, with all online earnings from the song benefitting the White Ribbon Foundation. You can find “Like Wolves” at all major digital outlets including iTunes and Spotify.

The Do Yo Thangs Deliver Stellar New Single, “Sucka”

If you’re feeling nostalgic for the slow jam tunes of the ‘90s, wrap you ears around “Sucka,” the funky new single from Melbourne’s The Do Yo Thangs.

“It’s about those super fun/exciting early stages of falling for someone,” explained Hugh Rabinovici, the band’s drummer, songwriter, and producer. “The kind of sitch where it’s out of your control and you’re just dumb in love.” I love it’s synthy groove and those smooth vocals from Audrey Powne.

“Sucka” comes from The Do Yo Thangs debut album Mind Full, set to drop on May 25. The band will launch the single at Max Watts in Melbourne on March 24.

Image used with permission from HopeStreet Recordings

Clare Hennessy Delivers Classic Folk Sounds With “April”

There’s a beautiful classic quality to Clare Hennessy’s new single “April.” I was reminded of the kind of artists my parents used to play me, like Joni Mitchell and Jim Croce, where the song and lyrics are delivered simply and from the heart. The kind of musicians who didn’t perform vocal gymnastics or try to do too much in the studio. What Clare is doing isn’t common these days, but it may be just why she stands out.

There’s a truth and warmth to this song that I really respond to. I love its simplicity, that you can hear every colour in her voice and every touch of the guitar. Like all the songs on Clare’s new EP, also called April, it was recorded entirely in her bedrooms, which perhaps adds to its intimacy.

Clare Hennessy’s single “April” and the EP are available in digital stores now.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Donnarumma Are Back With “Alien”

I raved about Donnarumma’s music last year, so I’m thrilled to see the Adelaide band isn’t resting on its laurels. New single “Alien” is killer, with crashing drums, fuzzy guitars, and a healthy dose of angst.

The band took total control of this one to fulfil their creative vision.

“There’s a special love for this song,” confirmed Louis Donnarumma. “We recorded at our home studio, self-mixed and produced it. We did it our way, and we’re super stoked on it.”

Donnarrumma will celebrate the single’s release with a few shows next month. Here are all the places you can catch them play.

5 April 2018 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney (FREE)
6 April 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
12 April 2018 – Bar Open, Melbourne
21 April 2018 – Ed Castle, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Daniel Lee Kendall is Back With “No Longer Time to Pretend”

It’s been three years since we heard any new music from Daniel Lee Kendall. In fact, in a press release the Central Coast singer-songwriter said he killed off his public persona. But now he’s making a welcome return to the spotlight with a brand new single, “No Longer Time to Pretend.”

“Killing Daniel Lee Kendall was an attempt to be free. Free of shyness, free of anxiety, free of uncertainty. Free from the mental prison I often found myself in,” he explained. “But then, what if it’s my shyness that allows me to be vulnerable, and that vulnerability is the birthplace of creativity? – the place where we dance with the divine. What if it is my anxiety that allows me to be sensitive, and sensitivity the path to experiencing some of life’s best moments? What if uncertainty allows me to question and become curious about this bizarre life, which for me is one of life’s greatest joys.”

Wrestling with all these questions, Daniel Lee Kendall has decided to return to us with “light and new insight.” His return to the music scene isn’t a return to the past, but an attempt to embrace what comes next. Hopefully that is more quality music like this with resonant lyrics. I for one am thrilled for his return.

Image used with permission from Daniel Lee Kendall

Sally-Anne Whitten Releases Hot New Single “Watch It Burn”

Following in the footsteps of so many strong female country voices, Sally-Anne Whitten has delivered an anthem for the ages with her latest single “Watch it Burn.”

The track has some fantastic lyrics exploring the concept of staying true to yourself and never bowing to society’s expectations. It’s an empowering song with a cool bluesy feel.

“Watch it Burn” comes from Sally-Anne’s new album Burgundy Street, which is available in all digital outlets and selected record stores now.

Elisa Kate Drops New Piano Pop Smash, “Promise Me”

Newcastle’s own Elisa Kate has released a dreamy new piano pop single, “Promise Me.” It’s a got such a classic feel which instantly draws you in from the first listen. I also love Elisa’s smoky vocals and accessible, heartfelt lyrics.

“We surround ourselves with so many ‘things,’ and sometimes it takes losing it all for us to find clarity within,” Elisa explained. In those sobering moments, I find myself listening more intently to the unshakable voice that was there all along, crowded out.”

Hopefully we’ll hear a lot more from this promising New South Wales singer-songwriter soon.

Image used with permission from The A & R Department