Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Francesca Gonzales’ Voice Stuns on New Single

Melbourne chanteuse Francesca Gonzales has one of those voices that stops you in your tracks. I don’t normally warm to tracks as electronic-driven as her new single “Baby Give It Up,” but her soulful voice makes this song a delight. I’ll also give props to the sax line, which is right on point.

Francesca penned the track after an uncomfortable encounter with a male punter at a music festival. While Francesca just wanted to dance, his unwanted sexual attention made that difficult.

“I started talking to my friends about it and soon realised that everyone had gone through similar situations,” she explained. “I wanted to write this song as a message to people who don’t take no for an answer. If someone asks you to stop, then stop.”

“Baby Give It Up” is the latest track lifted from Francesca’s EP, to be released in April. She’ll give fans a preview of its tracks at the single launch at Melbourne’s Evelyn Hotel on March 15.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bloom Sings of “The Sweetest Love”

When she’s not packing out auditoriums with her Amy Winehouse and Adele covers, Perth’s Bloom is working on her own music. Her latest release is “The Sweetest Love,” a romantic piano ballad that should make your heart soar.

While Bloom writes most of the original music she releases, “The Sweetest Love” was actually penned by internationally-renowned songwriters Brian Sutherland and Jody Stewart-Regner. Even though she didn’t write it, Bloom says she felt an instant connection with the track.

“As soon as I heard this song, I loved it. I love that it is a positive love song and I thought it would be nice and fresh to release something different,” she explained.

“Marriage Equality has been a big thing in our country lately so when they told me the song was actually inspired by the love between two women, the lyrics made a lot of sense to me. I believe love is love and we shouldn’t discriminate with sex or race.”

Bloom will release a new original EP later this year, but before then you can see her playing her acclaimed Adele & Amy Songbook shows all around Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

9 March 2018 – Sutherland Entertainment Centre, Sutherland
17 March 2018 – Wendouree Performing Arts Centre, Ballarat
7 April 2018 – Laycock Theatre, Gosford
28 April 2018 – The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, Sale
3 May 3 2018 – The Globe Theatre, Palmerston North
4 May 4 2018 – The Cabana, Napier
5 May 5 2018 – Upper Hutt Cossie Club, Upper Hutt
25 May 2018 – Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, Mandurah
26 May 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth
16 June 2018 – The Best Of British Ball, Singapore
29 June 2018 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Geelong
30 June 2018 – Frankston Arts Centre, Frankston
3 August 2018 – Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Wagga Wagga
4 August 2018 – Griffith Regional Theatre, Griffith
25 August 2018 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, Wollongong
7 September 2018 – Swan Hill Performing Arts Centre, Swan Hill
8 September 2018 – Mildura Arts Centre, Mildura
15 September 2018 – Castle Hill RSL, Castle Hill
22 September 2018 – Windsor RSL, Windsor
20 October 2018 – Norths Leagues Club, Cammeray

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Abbey Baker Captures Relationship Angst With “Tell Me How”

Sydney singer-songwriter Abbey Baker lays her soul bare with her new single “Tell Me How.” This powerfully raw track explores the uncertainties that have all plagued us in the early days of a relationship.

“The song is about my experience of being in that early stage of a relationship, where I am all in and the other person isn’t. I explore the feelings of frustration and insecurity that I felt, a situation in which many others may have experienced,” Abbey explained.

I also love the way “Tell me How” sounds. It’s got that intimate quality that makes it feel like it could have been recorded in a bedroom rather than Wollongong’s Main Street Studios. It really is perfect for this kind of confessional track.

At 22, Abbey says she’s ready to take her music to the masses. If her other tracks sound this good, I look forward to listening.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Space Invadas Are Back With “Now That I Know”

Katalyst and Steve Spacek are respected musicians in their own right but when they join forces they become Space Invadas. After a seven-year hiatus, they’re back making music together. Before their new album Wild Word hits on April 13, you can wrap your ears around the Aussie duo’s soulful new single “Now That I Know.”

Praised by BBC6 Radio’s Giles Peterson as “a modern day soul classic,” this track is so sexy and smooth. The song’s orchestral grooves uplift, balancing those melancholy lyrics.

Space Invadas’ debut album scored ARIA nominations and critical acclaim. If this single is anything to go by, the follow-up might be just as celebrated.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXO Spreads Good Vibes With “Never Ever”

Canberra singer-songwriter MAXO had me at the banjo. This much-maligned instrument is actually one of my favourites, and it brings MAXO’s new single “Never Ever” a little closer to that folk-rock sound perfected by artists like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers.

The track is a sweet ditty about meeting someone and falling so hard that you’re willing to sacrifice it all. Awww. Couldn’t we all do with that kind of blind optimism on a Monday morning?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stop What You’re Doing and Listen to Ryan Downey’s “Running”

Melbourne crooner Ryan Downey has given me chills with his new single “Running.” THe track comes from Ryan’s debut album, out April 13.

It’s a beautiful slow burner, stripped back and delicate yet so powerful. Listen to those lyrics, if you’re not too mesmerised by Ryan’s beautiful baritone. It’s somewhere between Chris Isaak and Leonard Cohen, with a classic quality that’s sure to send many hearts racing.

Sydney gets a chance to get up close and personal with Ryan when he plays Golden Age Cinema this Thursday, March 8. Get your tickets at the door.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Germein Blow Me Away With New Single “Talking”

There’s something special about siblings that come together to make music. Their voices just sound so right together. Their creative vision tends to be so clear and cohesive. The latest family band to get me excited is Germein, a trio of sisters from Adelaide. You might want to take your pulse if their new single “Talking” doesn’t make your heart skip a beat.

This is such a perfect piece of pop music, with a shimmery upbeat quality masking some darkly powerful lyrics. I am so excited by this track. If you are too, get yourself along to one of the remaining shows on Germein’s national tour.

7 March 2018 – Leadbelly, Sydney
10 March 2018 – The Ark (Adelaide Fringe Festival), Adelaide
17 March 2018 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
22 March 2018 – The Toff, Melbourne
25 March 2018 – The Loft, Warrnambool

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karrie Hayward Impresses With Soulful New Single “Going to the Grave”

With her rich soulful voice and infectious percussive beats, Karrie Hayward’s new single “Going to the Grave” is more than just another pop song about love gone wrong.

This tune covers the familiar territory of navigating the end of a relationship, but it feels so fresh. This Brisbane-based songstress has created a great groove which is bound to have you tapping your toes by the end of the track.

Karrie has toured from Townsville to the Central Coast, and she’s got her sights set on more gigging adventures this year. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see her back on the road.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Neighbour Announces House Show for “Confidence” Release

Tomorrow Brisbane singer-songwriter Neighbour officially unveils his first single of the year, the dreamy “Confidence.” It’s a gorgeous folky track that starts small but builds to a powerful, drum-driven crescendo. The lyrics insightfully explore relationships and the way they impact our sense of self.

Neighbour will celebrate the release of “Confidence” with a house show at 28 Westbourne Street, Highgate Hill. It’s sure to be an amazing night, with Asha Jefferies and Hazlett also playing some tunes. Visit the Facebook event page to learn more!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ocean Alley Drops Sexy New Single Ahead of New Album Release

I’ve been impressed with Sydney’s Ocean Alley since the release of their sophomore EP In Purple way back in 2015. But the strength of their new single “Confidence” makes me wonder whether their new album Chiaroscuro may be their most accomplished to date.

There’s a, dare I say it, confidence in this track. The groove is laidback but the band so tight. The song’s lyrics won’t change the world, but the vocals are utterly sexy. I’m also a sucker for any clip that involves roller skating.

Chiaroscuro drops on March 9. Ocean Alley will tour the album around the country with appearances at Groovin the Moo and some headlining dates.

14 April 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
21 April 2018 – The Enmore, Sydney
27 April 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Wayville
28 April 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Maitland
29 April 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Canberra
5 May 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Bendigo
6 May 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Townsville
11 May 2018 – Metropolis, Fremantle
12 May 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Bunbury
19 May 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato