Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Hiding Strikes a Chord with “Dream Catcher’s Life”

While I’ve carved out a great little life for myself as a freelance writer, I haven’t always had the support of people around me. Leaving the corporate world behind can be scary, but I can’t imagine going back to the world of bosses and office politics. So “Dream Catcher’s Life,” a song which the presser calls “an ode to those who chose to chase their goals regardless of what society might say,” really resonates with me.

It’s the brainchild of Melbourne band The Hiding, who’s enlisted the help of guest vocalist Stewart Winchester.

“The song came about after we returned from New York City,” explained Anthony Salce, the band’s lyricist and lead guitarist. “It’s really just about living your dreams, not settling for the mediocre, and hoping that you have that special someone to share it with, someone who wants to share the journey with you.”

The clip, featuring the talents of aerial artists Didj Wentworth and Phoebe Carlson, elevates this already special song. Industrial work has never looked so beautiful.

The Hiding will celebrate the single’s release with an exclusive set at The Grace Darling on December 10 as part of Pennyfest.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beth Brown Comes Home for “Easy” Tour

Aussie-born songstress Beth Brown is making a splash in her new home of Nashville. She’s just become the first Aussie female signed to the Gretsch Guitar USA family. Not bad for someone who’s only just released a debut single. Although that song, “Easy,” is one of the best I’ve heard.

Penned in collaboration with the sublimely talented Butterfly Boucher, “Easy” has an irresistible groove and lyrics we can all relate to.

“Easy” comes from Beth’s debut EP Dream Coat, which will drop in 2017. She’ll celebrate the release of both with an Aussie tour early next year.

6 January 2017 – Junk Bar, Brisbane
13 January 2017 – Treehouse on Belongil, Byron Bay
14 January 2017 – Dusty Attic, Lismore
19 January 2017 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
2 February 2017 – Toff in Town, Melbourne
17 February 2017 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Meet Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird

Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird might just have the coolest name on the music scene at the moment. The Melbourne band’s also creating some amazing music. Exhibit A is the band’s latest single “Cool Parties,” lifted from the current EP Melbourne Bitter.

I love the film clip which captures the band doing its thing, without frills or unnecessary fuss.

“The song itself is about the sense of detachment that can sometimes wash over you whilst in social situations. The feeling that nothing occurring around you is quite authentic and the quiet desire for something more substantial,” frontman Lachlan Rose explained. “This performance was shot overlooking Edinburgh Gardens in North Fitzroy, the place where the vast majority of our socialising occurs … so there was perhaps something significant about shooting it there.”

What do you think of this groovy new track?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

From the Ashes of Motor Ace, Meet Nighthawk

As we look for the next big thing in music, I think we sometimes forget about the value of classic sounds. Nighthawk reminds us with its debut single “Surely Getting On.”

This is the kind of straight up honest rock music I remember hearing in pubs when I first started seeing bands. We shouldn’t be surprised though, because Nighthawk features members of Motor Ace, who were one of the biggest acts of the early 2000s.

“The fire that compelled me to make music in the first place was extinguished by the end of Motor Ace. I was young and took every kink in the road harder than I should have. I do have some regrets about not enjoying the great music we made and our success a little more,” explained founding member Patrick Robertson.

“Nighthawk comes from a very different place. It was a party before it was a band. There’s a simplicity about the music and the attitude. I haven’t felt as excited about a group of musicians and making music for a very long time. I think you can hear it.”

“Surely Getting On” is our first taste of Nighthawk’s upcoming album. After experiencing it, I’m hungry for more.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Behold Millington’s “Being” Clip

I can’t remember the last time a music video made an impression on me like the clip for “Being,” the latest single from British-born Melbourne-based muso Millington. It’s a visual feast which takes a few twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. Strap yourself in!

Aside from the outrageous video, the song is pretty special, a charming folk-pop ditty that you’ll find yourself humming for days.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sheppard Back With New Pop Smash “We Belong”

It was always going to take some work for Sheppard to top the catchy “Geronimo.” But it just might have done it with new single “We Belong.” It’s only November, but I can see this irresistible track becoming the feel-good song of the summer.

“We Belong” came from the last year Sheppard spent writing and producing new material between Los Angeles and Brisbane.

“So excited for the release of We Belong,” George Sheppard said in a presser. “Our fans have been very patient, and we finally get to give them something to wrap their ears around. This new single is a great taste of what’s to come on the album next year.”

That album is set for release everywhere in 2017.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rough River Casts a Spell With “This Love”

Take a moment out from your weekend chores and socializing to just stop and listen to “This Love,” the stunning new single from Melbourne singer-songwriter Rough River.

I say you should take a moment, because this is a gentle, delicate track. A slow burner if you will. And if you just hit play and go about your day, you might miss exactly what’s so special about it. It doesn’t have those obvious hooks or singalong choruses so many songs do after all. But it’s utterly beautiful.

“This Love” is the first track lifted from Rough River’s sophomore album, The Leaving, which gets released on 17 February 2017. A limited run of vinyl copies are available via the Rough River Bandcamp page. If you’re among the first 100 to pre-order, you’ll get a nifty tote from record label Dusky Tracks to carry the LP in.

Image used with permission from Dusky Tracks

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

High Violet Release Pop Smash “All I Want”

Grab yourself a hairbrush to sing into, kick over your shoes, and prepare to give yourself over to the shimmery electro-pop genius of “All I Want,” the latest single from Adelaide outfit High Violet.

This song is just so much fun. The synths take me back to my childhood and the interplay of male and female vocals tells the story of love and longing beautifully.

High Violet will play the following shows in the coming weeks.

26 November 2016 – The Metro, Sydney (supporting British India)
29 November 2016 – National Live Music Awards @ The Basement, Sydney
16 December 2016 – The Gov, Adelaide (supporting British India)

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

San Cisco Drop Pop Gem “SloMo”

San Cisco is one of those bands it’s impossible to dislike. Every song the duo releases puts a smile on my feet and starts my feet tapping. They’re so darned catchy, but quirky enough to keep me guessing. The trend continues with “SloMo,” the first official single from album number three.

“’SloMo’ was the first song we wrote as a band after Gracetown,” singer Jordi Davieson explained. “We wanted to create a song that made people want to move.”

Mission accomplished! While you can stream “SloMo” and its aptly named companion “B Side” right now, they’ll also be available on a limited edition two-track seven-inch vinyl, which you can order later this year. San Cisco’s yet-to-be-titled third album will be released in the first quarter of 2017.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leeli Tours Gorgeous Single “Into the Dark”

There’s something in the air in Byron Bay. The residents just seem to be more chilled out than the rest of us, which makes it an excellent breeding ground for the kind of folky alt-country music I love. Leeli is the latest act from Byron to catch my ear, and I recommend you take a listen to her stuff too.

New single “Into the Dark” is the perfect introduction to this talented songstress. A moving reflection on the power of addiction and loss, it draws you in with its personal lyrics and heartfelt delivery. It’s music at its purest, with little more than the vocals and the gentle strum of an acoustic guitar.

Leeli is currently on the road, taking this song and others in her collection to audiences around the country. It’s a place where she feels right at home.

“For me it’s about the intimacy of performance,” she explained. “That beautiful rawness of telling your story with one guitar and one voice.”

Here are the remaining dates on Leeli’s tour.

23 November 2016 – The Rails, Byron Bay
26 November 2016 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
30 November 2016 – Newtown Social Club, Newtown
15 December 2016 – The Balcony, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Rish Publicity