I think most of my readers would believe Trump’s presidency hasn’t had a lot of positives. But for me the silver lining in his election is watching how inspired young people have become to take an active role in politics. Not since the late 60s can I remember a time when younger generations stood up to try to make the world a better place.
It’s in that vein that Perth singer Olive has released her first single “Changing the World.” It sounds far too polished than any debut cut should, with flawless sweet vocals and a soulful spirit that reminds me Motown would be proud of. The lyrics, which speak of the way we can all make a difference if we just play our part, are so persuasive.
If this single is any indication of her talents, we’ll be hearing a lot more from Olive.
When I first heard music from J▲M▲T▲R last October, I was really excited about his creativity, yet wondering if he could be a one-trick pony. Creating music with a Gameboy is so cool conceptually, but there was always a chance it would become gimmicky. However, since I first heard from this Victorian artist, J▲M▲T▲R has gone from strength to strength. He’s played sold-out shows in London, signed a UK record deal, and appeared on the bills of leading local festivals like NYE on the Hill and The Hills are Alive.
His latest single is “Reflect,” a fantastic vehicle for showcasing J▲M▲T▲R’s unique approach to music-making and the vocal talents of his long-time pal Natalie Foster. It was inspired by an Alice Carroll animation depicting a girl lost in space. She feels fearful when her reflection leaves her, but she soon overcomes her doubts and discovers a new strength on her journey.
J▲M▲T▲R will play Sydney’s World Bar on June 9 and Melbourne’s Yah Yahs on June 16 to support the release of “Reflect.”
Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency
The guys from Aussie band Dune Rats know a good thing when they hear it. They’ve just signed Rockhampton punk act Pandamic to their label, Ratbag Records.
You can discover what Pandamic is all about with the release of the raucous new single “Sam,” which comes from the quartet’s EP Archer, due for release on June 2.
Dune Rats’ support of Pandamic continues next month, when they’ll take their latest signing on their regional tour. Make sure you arrive early to catch Pandamic’s set at the following shows.
9 June 2017 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
10 June 2017 – Entrance Leagues Club, Central Coast
11 June 2017 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
14 June 2017 – Karova Lounge, Ballarat
15 June 2017 – The Wool Exchange, Geelong
16 June 2017 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
17 June 2017 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough
18 June 2017 – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury
24 June 2017 – Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
30 June 2017 – Dalrymple, Townsville
1 July 2017 – Magnums, Airlie Beach
I don’t know about you, but I’m in the mood for big anthemic rock music today. “Hugo,” the latest track from Brunswick band Neighbourhood Youth, fits the bill. It might be far too early for such behaviour, but it has me punching the air in solidarity.
“’Hugo’ tells the story of an old man reminiscing about the war, and his feelings and regrets from that experience. It also touches on how humans don’t learn from their past mistakes,” the band’s bassist and the wordsmith behind the song, Sam Nathan, explained in a press release.
Neighbourhood Youth will play a couple of shows to celebrate the release of “Hugo.” Keep in mind that these guys sold out the Workers Club last year when they launched their sophomore EP, so you can expect these shows to be big! Catch them at Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory in the Gallery Bar on May 26 and at Melbourne’s Yah Yah’s on June 2.
Sometimes songs draw you in immediately. Others are slow burners that sneak up on you when you least expect it. “Let Me Down” by Andy Ward fell into the latter camp for me. I heard it last week and thought it was a little sleepy. On receiving another email about it, I thought perhaps I should give it another chance. I’m so glad I did.
It’s such a haunting song, mesmerising in its stillness. Brisbane singer Andy’s voice is so beautiful, and the restraint with which he delivers this song is magic. I have no idea why I didn’t hear all this before!
Andy Ward will soon announce some live show for later this year, which will feature “surprising visual elements.” Colour me intrigued!
It was just a couple of months ago that I was sharing Polish Club’spub rock tune “Come Party.” Now I’ve discovered a very different side of the band with their latest single, “Divided.”
While I loved “Come Party,” I think “Divided” is so much better. It’s soulful with a rock edge, passionate and raw. I played it once, then again, then again. Then I shared it on my personal Facebook page while I played it again. And now I’m here, telling all of you about it.
“It’s about being stubborn and internalising in a relationship. Not being able to admit things aren’t working and lying to yourself,” explained singer-guitarist Novak in the presser. His vocals are sublime here, but don’t underestimate the impact of drummer John-Henry and those crashing cymbals.
I should also take the opportunity to remind you that Polish Club is touring the country. Here are the remaining dates. Plenty of shows have sold out now (you should have got on it when I told you about the gigs in March!), but there are limited tickets for the remaining dates. They’ve also just announced some New Zealand dates, so Kiwis take note!
11 May 2017 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle
12 May 2017 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
13 May 2017 – Republic Bar, Hobart
19 May 2017 – Rocket Bar, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
20 May 2017 – Amplifier, Perth
25 May 2017 – The Foundry, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
26 May 2017 – Elsewhere, Gold Coast
27 May 2017 – Big Pineapple Festival, Woombye (SOLD OUT)
1 June 2017 – The Transit Bar, Canberra
2 June 2017 – Workers Club, Geelong
3 June 2017 – The Corner, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
4 June 2017 – The Corner, Melbourne
30 June 2017 – Whammy Bar, Auckland
1 July 2017 – Meow, Wellington
Perth indie pop act Segers has made my ears prick up with her latest single “The Wandering.”
Make sure you tune in to the lyrics, because they contain so much wisdom. It’s all wrapped up in such a radio-friendly package, I’m surprised the commercial stations don’t already have it on high rotation.
If she keeps producing smart, pop music like this, Segers has got a big future ahead of her.
I am a massive fan of Glen Hansard’s music. So when I heard he’d been collaborating with Aussie-based Irish lass Áine Tyrrell, I couldn’t wait to give her new songs a spin.
“Don’t Be Crying” is her latest single, and it’s every bit a special as I’d hoped for. It stays true to her folk roots but the big brassy hooks give it a soulful flavour. It comes from Áine’s new EP Fledgling Fall, which will drop in August.
After working with Áine on this batch of song, Glen is keen to continue their connected. Aine will travel to Ireland later this year to record with him and The Frames.
“It has been such an amazing opportunity for me to work with one of my songwriting heroes,” Áine said in a press release. “He is a warrior of poetry and people. I feel blessed to have made such an inspiring friend and kindred spirit musically and being able to bounce ideas and share songs with him has been phenomenal for my songwriting and my soul.”
I can’t wait to see where their creative partnership takes them next!
Anyone who sees them knows that the best way to experience The Basics is to see them live. So it’s pretty exciting news that the Melbourne trio will release a brand new live album, In The Rude, on May 27.
Recorded at Melbourne’s legendary Howler, In The Rude is the band’s first release since Age of Entitlement in 2015. It features a bunch of killer tunes including the lead single “With This Ship.”
There’s no word about shows yet, but surely we deserve a run of dates to coincide with the release of this live treat!
It takes me a bit to get moving on a Monday. So rather than the mellow music that helps me cruise through the weekend, I like to fire up some dirty rock and roll. If that’s your thing too, fire up “Wishing Well,” the latest single from Melbourne’s Localles.
“Wishing Well is about always wanting what you don’t have, a grass is always greener type thing,” the band said in a press release. “But it is also a statement about positivity, about how things can be better if people work together.”
The track is ridiculously catchy will still maintaining a sense of rock and roll rebellion. Who else is feeling this one?
