Queensland songbird Aquila Young has unleashed her seductive new single “Crimson Criminal.” This is one of those songs that gets underneath your skin with its raw, dark lyrics and lush synth sounds. It’s given me chills.
Aquila will play NightQuarter on the Gold Coast on New Year’s Eve. Seeing her set sounds like a wonderful way to ring in 2017!
Category: Single Releases
Tom West Unleashes First Single From New Album
Tom West has gone back to the vault for his latest single “All My Friends are Scientists.”
“This is an older song that has lingered around the edges of my repertoire for ages without ever settling into a place,” he explained. “As I was writing the music for the new album, ‘Scientists’ seemed to fit amongst the newer tracks and it began to take on a new life as all the arrangements developed.”
I’m thrilled he went back to the track, because it’s stunning. I love its ominous driving rhythm and darkly poetic lyrics.
“All My Friends are Scientists” is the first track lifted from Tom’s forthcoming album, which should get released in the middle of 2017. It was recording in an ad-hoc cottage studio in the Adelaide Hills, which sounds like a pretty fabulous place to lay some songs down.
Tom West has big plans for this album, which shows planned in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and here at home.
Harts Announces Aussie Tour
Fresh from signing a deal with massive American indie music label Razer + Tie, Australia’s own Harts has announced he’ll tour around the country early next year.
The shows are promoting Harts’ album Smoke Fire Hope Desire, which features a slew of singles including the newie “Fear in Me.” The song’s clip gives you a little taste of the kind of rock star energy you can expect at these gigs.
17 February 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
18 February 2017 – SS&A Club, Albury (FREE)
24 February 2017 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
25 February 2017 – Whalers Hotel, Warrnambool
2 March 2017 – The Beery, Terrigal
3 March 2017 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney
4 March 2017 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
5 March 2017 – Urban Jungle Festival, Perth
11 March 2017 – The Triffid, Brisbane
ILUKA Releases Feelgood Single “Blue Jean Baby”
Sydney songstress ILUKA has got my toes tapping with her new folk-pop single “Blue Jean Baby.” It’s an irresistible track which bounces along with the help of a driving acoustic guitar and ILUKA’s angelic voice.
“Blue Jean Baby” comes from ILUKA’s forthcoming EP, Blue My Soul. It explores similar themes of breaking away from the ordinary and the self-discovery that can come from such escape. Look out for it in February 2017.
Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado
Fat Freddy’s Drop Playing Aussie Festivals
Those funky fellows from Fat Freddy’s Drop will return to Australia for the festival season.
We’re the latest stop for the Kiwi band, who are still promoting their fourth studio album, BAYS. That album features the incredible new single “Fish in the Sea.” While the song references the poetry of Pushkin, the clip is inspired by Maori and Polynesian mythology.
Make sure you don’t miss Fat Freddy’s Drop’s set at the following festivals.
29 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Lorne
30 December 2016 – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, Tasmania
31 December 2016 – Lost Paradise, Glenworth Valley
2 January 2017 – Falls Festival, Byron Bay
The Meltdown Releases Killer New Single “Colours in the Sky”
The Meltdown are best known for creating floor fillers, but it shows it can create one hell of a soul ballad with the release of new single “Colours in the Sky.” The track reminds me a little of something Amos Lee or Ray LaMontagne might release, with its rich, raspy vocals and genuine heart.
“Colours in the Sky” comes from The Meltdown’s self-titled debut album, which is scheduled for an early 2017 release.
The Meltdown will play Summer of Soul on January 7 and Riverboats Music Festival on February 17 to 19.
Buchanan Releases “The Beep Test” Ahead of Keith Urban Tour
After Buchanan starts playing shows with Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood tomorrow, you can expect to hear a lot more from this act from Melbourne. It’s just because a lot of people will discover Buchanan, which they will, but also because this outfit has some killer songs like new single “The Beep Test.”
If this song sounds slick, it’s because it was mixed in Los Angeles by Anthony Kilhoffer, who produced all of Kanye’s albums. Buchanan recently relocated to the City of Lights, but will not doubt be looking forward to getting back on home soil for the dates with Mr Urban. Limited tickets are still available for those shows.
6 December 2017 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
8 & 9 December 2017 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
10 December 2017 – GIO Stadium, Canberra
12 December 2017 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
14 December 2017 – ICC Theatre, Sydney
16 & 17 December 2017 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Image used with permission from Remedy PR
Camp Cope “Keep Growing” With Latest Single
Fresh from taking home the Best Emerging Act title at the Age Music Victoria Awards, Camp Cope are back with a brand new single “Keep Growing.”
It’s a heartfelt reflection on society’s standard which has long been a highlight of Camp Cope’s set. You can see them play the song in the flesh at Camp Cope’s summer shows.
6 December 2016 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (with Julien Baker)
17 December 2016 – Northcote Social Club (with Harmony and Two Steps on the Water – SOLD OUT)
30 December 2016 – NYE on the Hill, Kernot
4 January 2017 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (with Modern Baseball)
6 January 2017 – 170 Russell, Melbourne (with Modern Baseball)
26 January 2017 – Laneway Festival, Brisbane
28 January 2017 – Laneway Festival, Melbourne
3 February 2017 – Laneway Festival, Adelaide
4 February 2017 – Laneway Festival, Sydney
5 February 2017 – Laneway Festival, Fremantle
11 March 2017 – Golden Plains, Meredith
Opaeka Makes a Splash with “Risk”
Brisbane-based electro-pop act Opaeka has gone big with his first single, “Risk.” It’s an epic track, with soaring vocals and lush instrumentation. It’s also our first taste of Opaeka’s debut EP, which is scheduled for an early 2017 release.
You can hear more of Opaeka’s material when he launches “Risk” at The Bearded Lady on December 11.
Image used with permission from Title Track
The Royal Parks Releases “Suburb Home” Single
The Royal Parks pay tribute to their Melbourne home with the film clip for “Suburb Home.” It shows families of all shapes and sizes expressing the love that binds them together.
The song’s also gorgeous, with sublime harmonies and an appealing folky vibe that is the perfect soundtrack for laidback weekends.