Greta Stanley Drops Beautiful Single “When January Comes” Ahead of Album Release

Greta Stanley gives a masterclass in capturing a sense of time and place with her new single “When January Comes.” The song about growing up in Far North Queensland is a nostalgic delight.

“Summer in far north QLD, a heat that swallows you … I wrote this song watching people around me change through the seasons, the crystal-clear waterfalls, and the backyards of friend’s houses, the company you keep and that bittersweet holiday heat. As much as we complain there is some kinda special feeling around that time of year up here that I can’t quite explain,” she explained.

“When January Comes” comes from Greta’s debut album Full Grown, a collection of songs which tackle what it means to grow up with its discovery and loss of love and constant changes.

“The LP is about all of the bad stuff, and the good stuff, and how unfortunately, one wouldn’t really exist without the other,” Greta adds. “It’s about learning, hurting, coming completely unstuck and then somehow finding your feet again – life is big and scary but it’s big and beautiful too, and it’s easy to sometimes forget that there’s a world outside the door of your own.”

Thankfully there’s not too long to wait to hear more; Full Grown drops tomorrow!

Image used with permission from Title Track

The Teskey Brothers Release “Louisa” Ahead of Aussie Tour

The Teskey Brothers have been one of my favourite musical discoveries of the year. If you haven’t gotten into them yet, you need to wrap your ears around “Louisa,” the band’s bluesy new single.

It’s a little swampier than much of their music, but that soulful spirit that runs through their music is certainly on show.

These guys have had such a busy year with a sold-out tour in July, shows in Los Angeles, New York, and London, and a slot at Queenscliff Music Festival. But they’re not done yet. There’s still time for one more Aussie tour before 2017 is done is dusted. Where will you see The Teskey Brothers?

30 November – Jive Bar, Adelaide (with Timberwolf)
1 December – The Foundry, Brisbane (with Timberwolf)
2 December – The Basement, Sydney (with Timberwolf)
26 January – Melbourne Zoo Twilights 2018, Melbourne (with Saskwatch)

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency/credit Nick McKinlay

Jess Cornelius Floors Me With “Love and Low Self Esteem”

Melbourne-based muso Jess Cornelius lays her heart bare with her powerful new single “Love and Low Self Esteem.” I think you’d be hard-pressed to find someone who couldn’t relate to this tragic song about love for the wrong person.

“Love and Low Self Esteem” comes from Jess Cornelius’s debut solo EP Nothing is Lost, out October 27. The Teeth and Tongue frontwoman is currently keeping Paul Kelly company on his US tour. So if you’re attending one of the following shows, make sure you arrive early enough for her set. She’ll return to Oz for some shows in November.

18 October 2017 – The Crocodile, Seattle
20 October 2017 – Slim’s, San Francisco
22 October 2017 – The Roxy Theatre, Los Angeles
23 November 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
24 November 2017 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Palmary

Saskwatch Highlight Mental Health Issues With “Finger Painting”

Last week Saskwatch released “Finger Painting” through headspace.org.au to coincide with Mental Health Week. I think initiatives like Mental Health Week and R U OK? Day are important for starting the conversation, but I also think it’s vital that we don’t just wait for a special day or week to talk about mental health issues. Because as anyone who’s struggled with them knows, managing the symptoms can be a year round battle.

So while Mental Health Week has passed, I think it’s still important to get this song out there. It details band member Liam McGorry’s own struggles with anxiety and depression.

“With Finger Painting, I wanted to contrast the anxious lyric with the happiness of the music… a bit like how a lot of the time we feel like we have to put up a facade of everything being okay…” he explained.

“Finger Painting” comes from Saskwatch’s fourth studio album Manual Override. They’re currently touring the album all over the country. Here’s where you can still catch them play. Seeing live music can be great therapy in my personal experience, but remember if you’re struggling that professional help is also available. Visiting the Headspace website is a great place to start.

21 October 2017 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
26 October 2017 – Strawberry Boogie, Wollongong
27 October 2017 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
28 October 2017 – The Small Ballroom, Newcastle
29 October 2017 – Long Jetty Hotel, Long Jetty
2 November 2017 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
3 November 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane
4 November 2017 – Byron Bay Brewery, Byron Bay
18 November 2017 – Fat Controller, Adelaide

With Confidence Break Hearts With “Waterfall”

Sydney’s With Confidence know how to pump out a big punk-rock belter, but I think I like them best when they’re showing a softer side. They won me over with “Long Night” earlier this year, and now I’m just as taken by their latest single “Waterfall.” The verses are delicate while the chorus is heartbreakingly epic, a desperate plea for lost love.

“Our video for ‘Waterfall’ is an exploration of technology’s effect on the modern relationship,” vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley stated. “We live in a world where instant-gratification has devalued honest human interaction. This video is a look into a likely future where we find ourselves more distanced than ever.”

“Waterfall” comes from With Confidence’s most recent album Better Weather, which is available through iTunes, Spotify, and With Confidence’s online store. The band is currently wowing U.S. crowds supporting Knuckle Puck. Catch them at the following venues.

17 October 2017 – Neumos, Seattle
18 October 2017 – Hawthorne, Portland
20 October 2017 – 924 Gilman, Berkeley
21 October 2017 – Glasshouse, Pomona
22 October 2017 – Teragram, Los Angeles
23 October 2017 – The Irenic, San Diego
24 October 2017 – The Nile, Mesa
26 October 2017 – RBC, Dallas
27 October 2017 – Come and Tak It, Austin
28 October 2017 – Walters, Houston
30 October 2017 – Rocketown, Nashville
31 October 2017 – Masquerade, Atlanta
1 November 2017 – The Social, Orlando
2 November 2017 – Kelsey Theater, Lake Park
3 November 2017 – Crowbar, Tampa
4 November 2017 – Cats Cradle, Carrboro
5 November 2017 – Canal Club, Richmond
7 November 2017 – Soundstage, Baltimore
8 November 2017 – The TLA, Philadelphia
9 November 2017 – House of Independence, Asbury Park
10 November 2017 – Irving Plaza, New York City
11 November 2017 – The Ballroom, Hamden
12 November 2017 – Paradise, Boston
14 November 2017 – Mr. Smalls, Pittsburgh
15 November 2017 – Opera House, Toronto
16 November 2017 – Waiting Room, Buffalo
17 November 2017 – Agora Ballroom, Cleveland
18 November 2017 – St. Andrews, Detroit
19 November 2017 – Skullys, Columbus

Image used with permission from Hopeless Records/copyright Brendan Lung

The Stanleys Touring Long Awaited Debut Everywhere

The Stanleys have been making waves around the Perth live scene since 2011, but they’re finally showing not just the rest of the country but the world what they can do with the recent release of their self-titled debut album. It features the lead single “Amy,” a fast, frenetic, and fun summer smash you’re going to fall in love with.

“‘Amy’ is an upbeat pop, punktastic plea of love. It’s about a guy with a very big crush on his best female friend and wants her to be the one. Its full of bright sparked energetic guitars,” said Di Renzo.

It sets the tone for the band’s “upbeat energetic, fun time, sing out loud album of power pop anthems; best played in sunshine.”

The Stanleys make the sort of music you’ll love dancing to with a hairbrush in your bedroom but enjoy even more in the flesh. Catch them doing what they do so well at the following shows.

13 October 2017 – Four Seasons Sixties Club, Castellón de la Plana
14 October 2017 – Wurlitzer Ballroom, Madrid
15 October 2017 – Backstage Rock Bar, Valladolid
8 November 2017 – The Other Door, North Hollywood
9 November 2017 – Haskell’s Prospector, San Diego
10 November 2017 – Chopper John’s, Phoenix
11 November 2017 – Mesa Music Festival, Mesa
12 November 2017 – Artisan, Las Vegas
13 November 2017 – TRiP, Santa Monica
14 November 2017 – Silverlake Lounge, Silverlake
15 November 2017 – TBC, Brooklyn
16 November 2017 – TBC, Greater Philadelphia
17 November 2017 – Club Bohemia, Cambridge
18 November 2017 – International Pop Overthrow Festival Boston @ PA’s Lounge, Somerville
19 November 2017 – Bowery Electric, New York City
25 November 2017 – 459 Bar, Perth

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Banff Releases Beautiful New Single “Renew”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Banff lays it all bare with his powerful new single “Renew.” It digs deep with vulnerable lyrics and a dreamy electro pop-folk sound.

“‘Renew’ kinda talks about the insecurities that I felt as an artist just deciding that I’d launch new music into the world, and waiting to really change the traditional treatment that I’d given all of my songs,” Banff explained. “It’s like a love story with the art of writing songs.”

Banff will support the release of “Renew” with shows in the East Coast capitals. Catch him at the following venues.

16 November 2017 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane BLCK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE QLD
24 November 2017 – The Gasometer (Upstairs), Melbourne
2 December 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Xander Holmes Releases “Something Real”

17-year-old Xander Holmes caught my attention earlier in the year with the release of his EP Ocean. Now the Brisbane singer-songwriter is ushering in a new chapter with the release of “Something Real.”

It picks up where Ocean left off, a strikingly mature song that explores life and what happens when things don’t work out as planned. I just love Xander’s voice and the originality he’s bringing to his music. We don’t often see such a unique take at such a tender age. With every release from this young talent, I’m more impressed.

“The song is about discovering or getting into something when it is still new, fresh and exciting. Things like relationships, friendships, new opportunities and projects. That really freeing feeling of Something New,” Xander explained.

With “Something Real” Xander proves the EP was no fluke. This young man is the real deal.

Image used with permission from Minor Major

Siki Daha Releases Stripped Back Single “Certain Someone”

Sydney’s Siki Daha lets his soulful voice do all the talking with his new single “Certain Someone.” In a world where so much soul music is layered up, its simple delivery, with just an acoustic guitar keeping Siki company, is refreshing.

“The song is about asking the question of ‘What does it feel like to be in love?’ Since writing it I’ve fallen in love once and can happily say it’s the best thing in the world,” said Siki. “The lyrics talk ‘bout the feeling of love, the idea and the thought of how it all feels comparing it to the blue skies and the green grass, very Disney but kinda sweet,” he said.

“Certain Someone” comes from Siki’s forthcoming studio album, which will drop later this year.

Image used with permission from Stimulated Media

Family Band The Buckleys Releases New Single “Run”

There’s something so special about a family band. The way their voices and instruments combine is unbelievable. It’s like they were made to play together. Australia’s latest is The Buckleys, a country-pop trio from New South Wales’ Northern Rivers who’ve just released their new single “Run.”

The track is one of the sweetest country-pop songs I’ve heard in some time. It’s got such charm and optimism, as well it should considering these guys aren’t even old enough to drink or vote. Singer and guitarist Sarah Grace is 17, the electric and slide guitarist Lachlan is 16, and little sister Molly on vocals and mandolin is just 14. Perhaps it’s not surprising they’re so gifted though, because their dad used to be the drummer in the Radiators!

With such talent at such a tender age, expect to hear big things from The Buckleys.

Image used with permission from Golden Robot Global Entertainment