Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emilee South Gets Spooky with “Howl”

As a kid growing up in Australia, Halloween wasn’t really a “thing.” I remember pestering my parents to go trick or treating with some school friends once. The neighbourhood was so unprepared for us all we ended up with was some muesli bars people had for their kids’ lunches and some very strange looks.

However, a lot seems to have changed since then and Aussies are embracing the spookiness of Halloween. In the spirit of this acceptance comes “Howl,” the creepy new single from Melbourne’s Emilee South. It’s got a great bluesy feel with dirty guitar licks and rich, sultry vocals from Emilee.

“Howl” currently has a digital release but from the end of the month you can get your hands on a 7” vinyl copy. The records will be on sale at Emilee’s single launch and Halloween party at Bella Union on October 30.

Image used with permission from Fever Shake Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Say Hello to Brufield’s “Goodbye”

It’s been a long time since I’ve heard music from a really great female-fronted pop-rock band. So I’m thrilled to hear “Goodbye,” the new single from Perth five-piece Brufield.

The track sounds a little raw – you can tell it wasn’t recorded in a big fancy studio – but I like that about it. The vocals from Lisa Caulfield are angelic with a hint of edge and the melody first class. I found the track instantly accessible, and the moment it was over I just wanted to play it again. The clip, filed at the Indie Bar in Scarborough Beach, shows you that these guys know how to deliver on stage too.

Sadly Brufield has just wrapped up a tour, but it shouldn’t be too long before we see this talented five-piece back playing in pubs and clubs around the country.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

J▲M▲T▲R Makes Music With Gameboy

I don’t tend to get excited by a lot of instrumental electronic music. I’d probably enjoy it if I was in a club dancing the night away, but it usually loses something in the translation when I listen to it during the day at home. However, you don’t need to be partying to appreciate J▲M▲T▲R’s new single “Interstellar.”

The space-age track was actually composed entirely on a Nintendo Gameboy. I’m not sure how one does that or how it would translate to the live arena, but fans will get a chance to find out when J▲M▲T▲R launches the single at The Workers Club in Melbourne on November 10.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Selahphonic’s New DIY Clip a Real Charmer

After a few days off last week catching up with my best friend visiting from Brisbane, I’m finding making it through this Monday particularly challenging. I’m procrastinating, taking far too long to do basic tasks, and relying a little too much on Coca-Cola. If Monday’s kicking your but too, than “Easy,” the new single from Sunshine Coast indie pop act Selahphonic is bound to strike a chord.

The cheerful ditty about perseverance is thoroughly charming and the perfect match for the adorable clip. It was a DIY job made on a shoestring on the streets of Fortitude Valley. I don’t want to give away spoilers. Just watch it!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lake Minnetonka Keeping Minneapolis Sound Alive

While I have such fond memories of Prince’s final solo Australian tour, I’m also thrilled that I got to spend time witnessing him playing with a full band. Whether he was with the Revolution, the New Power Generation, or any number of other musicians, it was always a party. While that party may be over, Australian act Lake Minnetonka is determined its spirit doesn’t die out. Why Lake Minnetonka? If you’re not sure, I strongly suggest watching “Purple Rain” pronto!

Inspired by Prince and the Minneapolis sound he pioneered, this Melbourne jazz-funk act knows how to have fun. New single “Out There Bout There” showcases the band’s signature sound with big bold sax riffs and sexy bass licks. The sound is so good that the Revolution’s own Dr Fink has been known to jam with the band. As well as originals like this, Lake Minnetonka also love to bust out classics from Morris Day and the Time, The Family, Mazerati, and other acts that came out of Paisley Park.

Expect all that and more when Lake Minnetonka launches “Out There Bout There” at The Curtin in Carlton on October 27.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Outdoor Type Speaks for a Generation with “Rumination”

Melbourne troubadour The Outdoor Type has really impressed me with the release of his brand new single “Rumination.”

The song has such a great spontaneous energy, a result of The Outdoor Type’s old school decision to record the track live with a band. I also love its relatable lyrics which speak of rejecting the confines of the nine-to-five life meant to pay off a mortgage you’ll have until you die with your picket fence, dog, and two kids, yet still wanting to prove you’re capable of attaining it.

Having supported the likes of Vera Blue, Tiny Little Houses, and Alex Lahey, The Outdoor Type is ready to play his own shows to support the release of “Rumination.”

28 October 2016 – Rare Finds @ OAF Gallery Bar, Sydney (FREE)
29 October 2016 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
4 November 2016 – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Middle Kids Squeeze in Local Gigs Before Icelandic Adventures

Fresh from their appearance at Bigsound and gigs supporting City Calm Down, Middle Kids are wasting no time getting back on the road.

The Sydney musos are playing a couple of local shows to promote the release of their gorgeous new single “Your Love” before heading to Reykjavik to play alongside PJ Harvey, Warpaint, and other hot acts. After a brief European stint, they’ll be back to play a local festival in Port Macquarie.

With Middle Kids generating some serious buzz abroad, something tells me our local gigs might be fewer and farther between in the coming years. See them while you can at the following shows.

21 October 2016 – Plan B, Sydney
26 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne
2-6 November 2016 – Iceland Airways, Reykjavik
9 December 2016 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie

Image used with permission from Habit Music Company

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chase City Could Be Tasmania’s Next Big Thing

I don’t hear a lot from band’s coming out of Tasmania, but the irrepressible spirit of Chase City has convinced me I should check out more music from the Apple Isle. The Hobart indie-pop act has just released a brand new single “Surrounded,” which should have you tapping your feet by the first chorus.

Chase City got its big break as part of Triple J’s Unearthed initiative and it hasn’t looked back. Since then it’s been embraced by community radio, blogs around the world, and even Spotify who featured the band on its New Music Friday playlist.

Chase City will play Oktoberfest at home before venturing to Melbourne for the following shows.

8 October 2016 – Oktoberfest, Hobart
10 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
17 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
22 October 2016 – Polish Club, Hobart
24 October 2016 – The Workers Club, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owls of the Swamp Releases New Single “Start All Over”

My favourite Icelandic-based Aussie, Owls of the Swamp, is giving us a brand new taste of his forthcoming EP Meteorite. Called “Start All Over,” the track is a mellow piece of atmospheric indie-folk, perfect for giving you a little moment of calm during a busy work day.

“Start All Over” came about after Owls of the Swamp took a life-changing trip to Peru. The song sees him considering the bliss he found abroad and contemplating what motivates his “real life.”

Meteorite, featuring “Start All Over,” drops on November 4.