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

Press Club Releases “Suburbia” Ahead of Smith Street Band Support

For a rough and raw slice of Australiana, look no further than “Suburbia,” the latest single from Brunswick band Press Club.

The third single lifted from the band’s forthcoming debut album Late Teens, “Suburbia” explores our need for belonging and search for self-identity. Plaintive vocals from Natalie Foster bring this powerful track to life.

Press Club is one of those bands that works hard to maintain creative control of its sound. “Suburbia” was recorded in just one day, the self-produced by the band and engineered by its guitarist Greg Rietwyk.

Press Club will launch the single this week before joining The Smith Street Band for their national tour.

16 March 2018 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne (single launch)
21 March 2018 – Bar On The Hill, Newcastle (with The Smith Street Band)
22 March 2018 – Wollongong Uni, Wollongong (with The Smith Street Band)
23 March 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra (with The Smith Street Band)
24 March 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
25 March 2018 – Long Jetty Hotel, Central Coast (with The Smith Street Band)
29 March 2018 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough (with The Smith Street Band)
31 March 2018 – Astor Theatre, Perth (with The Smith Street Band)
1 April 2018 – Mojos, Fremantle (Under 18s with The Smith Street Band)
5 April 2018 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool (with The Smith Street Band)
6 April 2018 – Shadows, Mount Gambier (with The Smith Street Band)
7 April 2018 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
11 April 2018 – The Northern, Byron Bay (with The Smith Street Band)
12 April 2018 – The Spotted Cow, Toowoomba (with The Smith Street Band)
13 April 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane (with The Smith Street Band)
14 April 2018 – The Coolangatta Hotel, Gold Coast (with The Smith Street Band)
18 April 2018 – Giddy Goat Hotel, Rockhampton (with The Smith Street Band)
19 April 2018 – Magnums Hotel, Airlie Beach (with The Smith Street Band)
20 April 2018 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville (with The Smith Street Band)
21 April 2018 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with The Smith Street Band)
27 April 2018 – Discovery, Darwin (with The Smith Street Band)
28 April 2018 – Gap View Hotel, Alice Springs (with The Smith Street Band)
4 May 2018 – Saloon Bar, Launceston (with The Smith Street Band)
5 May 2018 – Odeon Theatre, Hobart (ALL AGES with The Smith Street Band)
9 May 2018 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat (with The Smith Street Band)
10 May 2018 – Village Green Hotel, Mulgrave (with The Smith Street Band)
11 May 2018 – Chelsea Heights Hotel, Chelsea Heights (with The Smith Street Band)
12 May 2018 – Hawthorne Arts Centre, Hawthorn (Under 18s with The Smith Street Band)
13 May 2018 – Theatre Royale, Castlemaine (with The Smith Street Band)

Angie McMahon Playing Everywhere With New Single Release

Angie McMahon is scoring some high-profile supporting gigs of late, warming up crowds for Alanis Morissette earlier this year and preparing to do the same with Angus and Julia Stone later this year. But if she keeps releasing songs the calibre of new single “Missing Me,” the follow-up to “Slow Mover,” she’s going to graduate to permanent headliner before too long.

“Missing Me” is another strong indie rock ballad that packs a serious emotional wallop. There’s so much tension and angst in Angie’s resonate, husky voice. It’s a different kind of female voice than the one we typically hear in music, and it really strikes a chord with me.

Angie says “’Missing Me’ is about releasing all that punchy sass and angst that bubbles under the surface when somebody isn’t listening to you, or they’re letting you down, or breaking your heart.”

Angie has plenty of dates scheduled between headlining her single shows and supporting Angus & Julia Stone. Here are all the places you can catch her in the coming months.

14 March 2018 – The Gasometer, Melbourne
15 March 2018 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
17 March 2018 – The Peninsula Picnic, Mornington
29 March 2018 – Nan’s Birthday, Bendigo
28 April – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane (with Angus & Julia Stone)
29 April – Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton (with Angus & Julia Stone)
1 May 2018 – Entertainment Centre, Mackay (with Angus & Julia Stone)
2 May 2018 – Entertainment Centre, Townsville (with Angus & Julia Stone)
4 May 2018 – Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns (with Angus & Julia Stone)
5 May 2018 – Ski Club, Darwin (with Angus & Julia Stone)
9 May 2018 – Anitas Theatre, Thirroul (with Angus & Julia Stone)
10 May 2018 – UC Refectory, Canberra (with Angus & Julia Stone)
11 May 2018 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle (with Angus & Julia Stone)
12 May 2018 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (with Angus & Julia Stone)
15 May 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney (with Angus & Julia Stone)
17 May 2018 – Ulumbarra, Bendigo (with Angus & Julia Stone)
18 May 2018 – Costa Hall, Geelong (with Angus & Julia Stone)
19 May 2018 – Festival Hall, Melbourne (with Angus & Julia Stone)
20 May 2018 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (with Angus & Julia Stone)
22 May 2018 – Odean, Hobart (with Angus & Julia Stone)
23 May 2018 – Princess Theatre, Launceston (with Angus & Julia Stone)
25 May 2018 – Flinders University Plaza, Adelaide (with Angus & Julia Stone)
26 & 27 May 2018 – Arts Centre, Fremantle (with Angus & Julia Stone)
9 June 2018 – Sea N Sound, Mooloolaba
6 July 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
7 July 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Georgia June Drops Fab New Single “Pressure”

Prepare to grab your hairbrush and dance around the room, because Sydney indie pop-rocker quintet Georgia June have released a fantastic new track, “Pressure.” This song has the right amount of angst and retro charm.

It’s a promising sign of what came out of Georgia’s mentorship under Billboard, which saw lead singer Georgia collaborating with Joel Wittenberg (Surf Rock is Dead) and Ayad Al Adhamy in New York City.

“Pressure is about the indecision and doubt that comes with pursuing what you love,” Georgia explained. “I had just decided to go overseas after deferring my university degree and was stressed about disappointing people if things didn’t work out, or if I didn’t amount to the person I wanted to be. But when producing the track, I wanted it to be a feel good groove song that people can dance to at our shows. “

You’ll get an opportunity to dance along when Georgia June launches the single at Sydney’s Lady Hampshire on March 24.