Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Castlecomer Gets Me Grooving With “Judy”

It might be Humpday and relatively early, but I’m feeling better about this Wednesday than most. This is my first day working in my brand new office, a magnificent bright purple space with a Prince canvas on the wall watching over me. It’s heavenly.

So the funky grooves of Castlecomer’s new single “Judy” are really hitting the spot. The track is an absolute ear-pleaser, but it’s got a darker side with its lyrics exploring a taboo relationship from the side of the weaker party.

“Judy” comes from Castlecomer’s new EP All of the Noise. The Sydney band will tour the East Coast this November to celebrate its release.

17 November 2016 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
25 November 2016 – Transit Bar, Canberra
26 November 2016 – The Reverence Hotel, Melbourne
2 December 2016 – Manning Bar, Sydney
15 December 2016 – The Brightside, Brisbane
16 December 2016 – The Northern Hotel, Byron Bay (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rowena Wise Hits Home Run With “Hollow Hearts”

Life’s been far too busy for my liking of late. I feel like I’m living in The Block, with my husband and I renovating half my house (along with the generous contributions of my parents). Those parents have been down to my place three days already this week and we’ve all been slapping paint around like people possessed in preparation for laying carpet tomorrow. On Tuesday I headed to Newcastle a little after lunch to visit the dentist, call in to my sister’s place to help her with her tax, then catch the wonderful Jimmy Barnes at Lizotte’s (more on that later).

Needless to say, today is the first day all week I’ve felt I could just “be.” Deadlines are looming of course, but there’s something about the calm that comes from an empty house and a day inn pyajamas that makes those deadlines a bit more bearable. In this rare moment of calm I’ve discovered the latest track from Rowena Wise. With her angelic voice and whimsical charm, she’s just what I needed to listen to right now. If your week has felt far too long too, you need to listen to her new single “Hollow Hearts.”

This divine song comes from Rowena’s self-titled album, which she recorded with celebrated Melbourne producer Nick Huggins. Rowena is currently touring on the back of its release. You can catch her at the following venues.

16 September 2016 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
17 September 2016 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Adelaide
23 September 2016 – Junk Bar, Brisbane
24 September 2016 – The Grace Darling, Melbourne
25 September 2016 – The Homestead, Hobart

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bloods Delivers Edgy Take on Love with “Bring My Walls Down”

Songs that romance sentimentality can easily become schmaltzy and sugary sweet. But Bloods manages to get the mix just right with its brand new single “Bring My Walls Down.”

This is a killer pop-punk cut, with an infectious melody and a little fuzzy edge. But its lyrics are vulnerable and romantic. The Sydney band’s lead vocalist MC says the track “looks at love as a disease, a kind of infection that infests your mind and body without you having any control over it; something that breaks through uninvited and reminds you that you’re an animal.”

“Bring My Walls Down” is the first cut from Bloods’ forthcoming sophomore album.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angel Olsen Brings New Album Down Under

Outstanding American indie-folk songstress Angel Olsen is visiting our shores later this year to promote her brand new album My Woman. She’ll play some of the country’s most respected festivals and headline her own shows in key locations around the country.

The tour announcement coincides with the release of Angel’s brand new single “Sister.” It’s an epic ballad with a beautiful clip filmed at Joshua Tree National Park.

If you like what you hear, make sure you don’t miss Angel Olsen on her Aussie tour.

26 November 2016 – Grand Poobah, Hobart
28 November 2016 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
1 December 2016 – Lismore City Hall, Lismore
2 December 2016 – Brightside, Brisbane
2 & 3 December 2016 – Fairgrounds Festival, Berry
5 December 2016 – Sydney Opera House Studio, Sydney
7 December 2016 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
8 December 2016 – Badlands, Perth
9-11 December 2016 – Meredith Music Festival, Meredith

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ayla Impresses with “Like the Other Kids”

Ayla speaks directly to my angsty inner teen with her latest track “Like the Other Kids.” It’s such a poignant song about being different and the feelings that can stir, expressed beautifully by the Sunshine Coast songstress. I’ve enjoyed her other material but this has blown me away.

Ayla will launch the single the following shows along the East Coast next month.

2 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
7 October 2016 – Studio 188, Ipswich
8 October 2016 – The Zoo, Brisbane
21 October 2016 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
22 October 2016 – The Penny Black, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Taylor Payne Gets Primal with “The Jungle Talks”

There’s something about a rich, resonant female voice that suckers me in every time. So it’s understandable that “The Jungle Talks,” the latest single from Taylor Payne has gotten underneath my skin.

The Sunshine Coast singer’s voice is the perfect foil to the moody syncopated drums that drive this song along. A smattering of synths gives the track a retro 80s vibe.

“The Jungle Talks” is officially released on September 9.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Breakaway Back with “Restart”

After a hiatus from the live scene lasting more than a year, Sydney pop-rockers Breakaway are back with a brand new single, aptly titled “Restart.” This is the band’s first new material in two years, but it’s a welcome return to form.

The track charts new territory for the band, with retro synth sounds adding depth to their signature pop-rock vibe. Everything’s a little more evolved and more mature.

Breakaway promises the upcoming gigs will give fans the chance to hear new songs from the forthcoming debut album first. With a mix of all ages and under 18s events, everyone can join in the fun. Tickets are available now from Breakaway’s website.

24 September 2016 – The Lair, Sydney (Licensed/All Ages)
8 October 2016 – Milk Bar, Brisbane (18+)
9 October 2016 – Foundry Records, Brisbane (All Ages)
14 October 2016 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (All Ages)
15 October 2016 – Workers Club, Melbourne (18+)
16 October 2016 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide (Licensed/All Ages)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caiti Baker Does It Her Way With “Heavy on My Heart”

Caiti Baker seems to be one of those artists that defies genre. The press release accompanying her debut single “Heavy on My Heart” calls her a soul/hip hop act, but there’s a strong spirit of blues and gospel running through the tune. It’s gorgeously rhythmic, with handclaps and brass flourishes driving things along. The clip, featuring old Super 8 footage of Caiti’s folks, is also really special.

With influences ranging from Big Mama Thornton to Missy Elliot, Caiti Baker is making the kind of music we don’t hear enough of it. If you want more, make sure you catch her at one of her single launch shows.

3 September 2016 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen
4 September 2016 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba
17 September 2016 – Headland Café, Valla Beach
18 September 2016 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
2 October 2016 – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra
5 October 2016 – Elements Bar, Coffs Harbour
7 October 2016 – Stag & Hunter, Newcastle
8 October 2016 – Six Strings Brewery, Central Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kav Temperley Goes Solo

Kav Temperley continues his musical evolution with the release of his first solo EP, Hope St, on September 9. The EP features the brand new single “Dancin’,” a quirky romantic number that’s put a big smile on my face.

Kav says the EP is as honest as he gets.

“It’s terrifying! But it’s also liberating. There was no censoring – no towing a particular line,” he explained. “I suppose you could say Hope St is me burying my 20s and elegantly dancing into my late 30s. It’s about finding a new way.”

Hope St is actually the first of four EPs Kav has in the works.

“They all form a complete narrative,” he explained. “They take us full cycle. I wanted to present these songs in a unique format, in a different paradigm – it was an artistic challenge. Each EP tells a different part of the same story – each is a part of the whole.”

The lead single from Hope St, “Dancin’” features guest vocals from Lucy Peach who will join Kav at all but the Brisbane Festival show. Catch them both at the following venues.

3 September 2016 – FAC Gallery Sessions, Fremantle
11 September 2016 – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane
15 September 2016 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
16 September 2016 – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
17 September 2016 – The Basement, Sydney
18 September 2016 – Front Bar, Canberra
23 September 2016 – Jimmy’s Den, Perth
24 September 2016 – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Harlots Rock Out With “Umma Gumma”

Melbourne band The Harlots show they’re a rock force to be reckoned with with the release of new single “Umma Gumma.” It’s dirty, bluesy, and full of raw power. You just can’t help but be swept along for the ride.

“Umma Gumma” tells the familiar story of being trapped in that moment when you know a relationship is over but you haven’t managed to escape it yet. Its spontaneous sound comes from the decision to record the track live onto reel to reel tape. Using old-school technology makes it feel much more authentic than new recordings which can get a little too polished.

The Harlots plan to tour Australia in October and November to coincide with the release of their brand new album.