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.

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?

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

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

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.

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!

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

Get Ready to Fall For “Love” by The Avenue

The Avenue have me punching my fist in the air with the release of their awesome new synth-rock anthem “Love.”

This song is seriously catchy, with killer vocals from Sam Thomas and lyrics about desire that are so relatable.

“’Love’ is by far our heaviest and most punk/grunge song,” Sam explained. “It’s about the feeling of your body screaming out for a person but your mind detesting the thought of them.”

“Love” is the first track lifted from The Avenue’s sophomore EP, Names. They’re currently on the road celebrating its release. You can catch The Avenue at Ric’s Bar in Brisbane on March 3 before the big EP launch at the Evelyn Hotel in Melbourne on March 10.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Reichelt Releases “Seduced By the Light Side”

Monday might have kicked my arse, but Tuesday has me feeling back in my groove. While it can’t be held entirely responsible, I do think discovering “Seduced by the Light Side,” the title track from Queensland multi-instrumentalist Reichelt’s new album has something to do with the spring in my step.

This is such a joyful retro track guaranteed to put a smile on your dial. It explores themes of reluctantly doing what’s right with its mellow verses and epic singalong chorus. The scenery in the video is also stunning. What do you think of it?

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Hellions Back With New Single “X (Mwah)”

Hellions haven’t released any new music since 2016’s ARIA-nominated Opera Oblivia, but the Sydney hard-core punk act is back with a bang. New single “X (Mwah)” is just what the doctor ordered.

“X (Mwah)” is a defeatist ode to recklessness which premiered to rapturous applause at UNIFY 18. Fans in the band’s hometown have a chance to see Hellions do it live again when they official launch the single at the Lansdowne Hotel on March 9. Apparently a few surprises are in store, including some appearances by special guests, so you probably don’t want to miss this one!

Image used with permission from We Are Unified