Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paddy McHugh Tackles Suicide In “Down to Sydney” Single

Paddy McHugh pulls no punches with his latest single “Down to Sydney.” From the first few lines you’re hooked, wondering where this hard-hitting country-rock track will take you.

“Suicide rates in Australia are high, too high, especially for young men in rural areas. ‘Down to Sydney’ is a story that has no doubt played out many times in every small town across the country,” Paddy explained. “In the song however, the protagonist finds another way out … I guess I want people to realise that there are alternatives and there is hope even in the most unlikely places.”

“Down to Sydney” comes from Paddy’s 2017 album City Bound Trains. His Down to Sydney tour kicks off tonight in Maitland and travels around New South Wales.

18 January 2018 – Junkyard Hotel, Maitland
19-21 January 2018 – Illawarra Folk Festival, Illawarra
21 January 2018 – Midnight Special Newtown
22 January 2018 – Americana in the Park, Tamworth
25 January 2018 – Cake & Cordial Sessions, Tamworth
26 January 2018 – DAG Sheepstation, Nundle

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Down & Out Team Up With Nick Thompson For Debut Single “Horizon”

In the tradition of Simple Plan and All Time Low comes Brisbane’s own Down & Out. This pop-punk group has just released its debut single “Horizon,” but it seems the lads have already found a fan in Nick Thompson, the frontman of American pop-punk band Hit the Lights, who features on the new track.

The song isn’t perfect by any means. But while it lacks polish, there’s something irresistible about it. I found myself tapping my toes as I listened, then hitting play again for another go round.
“The song is all about those endless nights out as a band” said singer/songwriter Andy. “We’ve had some crazy times and wanted the video to flow from that feeling, from the road trip, to heading out… and playing in the hotel room” added guitarist Mark.

Pop-punk might not be enjoying its time in the sun at the moment, but you shouldn’t expect these boys from Bayside to change any time soon.

“We have always been pretty true to our music and our tastes. We were always pop/punk and will always be,” said Mark. “When the other bands moved from pop/punk to emo, we were doing pop/punk. Then the same bands did a screamo album, we were still doing pop/punk. It’s either admirable …or stupid”.

“I tried playing in different bands with different styles, but pop punk was what felt like home,” added Andy.

You can tune in to more of Down & Out’s pop-punk tunes when they launch their single and EP for hometown fans. Catch them at Ric’s on January 20 for the single launch and at The Zoo on February 2 for the EP release show.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Camp Cope Bust Glass Ceiling With Opera House Video for “The Opener”

After selling out two shows as part of Vivid LIVE, Melbourne’s Camp Cope returned to the Sydney Opera House to film the music video for their searing new single “The Opener.” The track is a passionate critique of the band’s experiences of being women trying to make their mark on the music industry.

Camp Cope continues to break down barriers, not just for their social commentary but also for their achievements. In filming their new clip they became the first punk band and first band with only female members to film a music video at the Sydney Opera House.

Camp Cope are touring the country in March to support the March 2 release of their album How to Socialise & Make Friends. With America’s Chastity Belt in support, tickets are selling fast. Limited tickets are still available for most shows, so get yours from your closest venue soon.

14 March 2018 – Republic Bar, Hobart
15 March 2018 – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
16 March 2018 – – Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 March 2018 – Tivoli Theatre, Brisbane
20 March 2018 – Jive, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2018 – Basement, Canberra
22 March 2018 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
23 March 2018 – The Metro, Sydney (All Ages)

Image used with permission from Super Duper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karen Lee Andrews Leaves Miss Murphy Behind For “Higher” Release

It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since we first met Miss Murphy on The Voice. Since then the season two standout has shrugged off her moniker and started releasing music under her own name, Karen Lee Andrews.

The name might be unfamiliar right now, but her soulful voice is unmistakable. I wish I could share her new track “Higher,” the first from her new EP Far From Paradise, with you in its entirety because it’s such a great track. It’s got a classic soul meets blues meets rock feel that makes me think of Janis Joplin, albeit with a smoother, huskier delivery. See what I mean in this song snippet.

Far From Paradise is released next month. If there’s more tracks like this on it, I can’t wait to hear it.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Missy Lancaster Drops Steamy New Single “Heatwave”

Missy Lancaster’s new album Piece of Me doesn’t drop until next Friday, but you can hear a sneak peek with the release of her sexy, summery new single “Heatwave.”

This is the perfect county-pop song for the season, with sensual lyrics, a great groove, and on point lyrics from the Picton singer-songwriter.

Expect to hear a lot more from Missy this year, who is currently featured on Spotify’s Fresh Country playlist and part of the sold-out CMC Rocks Qld Festival.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Scott Graham Releases Stellar Solo Debut “Little Minds”

Drawing inspiration from fellow Melbourne musicians The Teskey Brothers and Raised by Eagles, and sounding more than a little like Bernard Fanning, Scott Graham has released his debut single “Little Minds.”

It’s got such an accessible pop-rock feel to it, yet there’s a real depth there too. This might be his debut solo single, but Scott’s been honing his craft with blues outfit 40 Thieves for some time, and that experience shows here. The song takes on some weighty issues, as Scott explained.

“The song was born out of my frustration of the continuous news cycle of innocent people suffering in war torn parts of the world and the apparent inaction of the people in power to recognise the root cause of these problems,” he said. “The song is both a protest and a call to action”.

“Little Minds” comes from Scott’s debut solo EP Into the Sun, which is available for digital download now.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kitty, Daisy & Lewis Drop Christmas Clip Ahead of Aussie Tour

British siblings Kitty, Daisy & Lewis are getting fans into the festive spirit and excited about their upcoming Aussie tour with the release of the new video for single “Just One Kiss.” The simple clip sees the trio playing live at their home studio, which is appropriately decorated for the holidays.

This is a stripped back version of the track that appears on Kitty, Daisy & Lewis’ Superscope album, and I think I love it even more. It’s closer to how the track was originally conceived, with just Kitty singing and her guitar, before Lewis suggesting adding the piano and strings.

“The song’s about how a magic kiss can change your life,” the band said. “Kitty wrote it one night sitting in front of the fire playing guitar – perfect for all the lovers out there at Christmas time!”

Their Aussie tour is one for all the lovers too. It kicks off in Sydney on Valentine’s Day.

14 February 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
15 February 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 February 2018 – Perth Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Inertia Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tonight Alive Lay Heart Bare With Sensational New Single

Never one to take a backwards step, Tonight Alive have released a powerful new single “Crack My Heart.” With emotional lyrics and a killer vocal performance from Jenna McDougall, this is one track that knows how to leave an impression.

“The concept of cracking the heart is to allow the precious, vulnerable self to come through and be free. The painful, yet liberating experience involves the emotional and energetic decalcification of the hardened heart,” Jenna explained. “The lyrics follow my conversation with a ‘winged man’, a conscious figure, who offers space and safety to do my healing with. In my experience, when you are seen as your authentic self by another, you come to recognise your reflection more accurately and lovingly. ‘Crack My Heart’ is a tribute to the way that love from the divine masculine elevates and holds space for the divine feminine to flourish.”

“Crack My Heart” comes from Tonight Alive’s new album Underworld, which will drop on January 12.

Image used with permission from the Unified Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nothing Like You Delivers New Rock Anthem “Clouds”

There’s nothing like a great rock song to wake you up and make you feel energised for the day ahead. Sydney outfit Nothing Like You has delivered one with their latest single “Clouds.”

It’s got everything covered here, from big, beefy riffs to powerhouse vocals. It’s got a classic rock sound with a little extra edge that I’m really digging. It explores some pretty meaty themes too, reflecting on love and loss and the bittersweet pain we feel through it all.

Sydneysiders, you’re in luck. Nothing Like You will play Valve Bar tonight. Friday entertainment sorted!

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Iluka Gets Me Grooving With “Sympathy”

Sydney songbird Iluka is back with a groovy new single “Sympathy,” the latest lifted from her forthcoming EP Ritual. This song has such a positive vibe, with rich horns, a clap along chorus, and powerful lyrics about social change.

“Sympathy is a song that’s been sitting in my drawer for a couple of years now,” Iluka explained. “When it was written I had this real sense of impotence and apathy within my generation. That willing or not, so many of us were becoming slaves. Slaves to technology, to consumerism, to authority, to an ideology, to expectation, to our own bodies, and to our own minds. Rather fittingly I didn’t really know what to do with the song at the time. But I feel like with all that is happening in the world right now people are being shaken awake, whether we like it or not. Silence is being broken, indifference is turning to dissidence, people are speaking up and being heard, and the time felt right to bring this song to life, to add my voice to the cause. To celebrate defiance, to champion self-expression, to promote self-belief, and to reclaim our power. As the song choruses… we want it back.”

Iluka will launch the single at the Coven Christmas Party at The Lansdowne in Sydney on December 21.

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado