Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Neville Makes Her Mark with “On My Own”

“On My Own” by Lucy Neville is one of those songs I’ve wanted to write about for a little while. I actually received a private stream in an email a couple of weeks ago, and while I dug her Ellie Goulding-esque vibe, I really hate writing about stuff that I can’t show you all.

So I left it until now, when the clip has been listed as a must see video on VEVO’s homepage. I’d really glad it’s getting some public exposure, because it’s a great song. I love Lucy’s voice, and the easy way she blends pop, folk, and electronica. The lyrics are also superb; little wonder it saw her placed as a finalist in the Vanda & Young Songwriting competition.

There’s definitely a bright future ahead for this 19-year-old from Sydney.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rachel Costanzo Gets Pop Ballad Right with “Miles Away”

When my husband and I were dating, I lived here in Australia and he was in Philadelphia. For a little over two years it was all about too-short visits, phone calls lasting for hours, even longer instant message conversations, and stilted webcam chats. Oh how I wish we had the high-speed broadband and quality webcams we do today. He’s been here for nearly ten years now, but every now and again I hear a song that takes me back to that time we had apart. “Miles Away,” by Melbourne songstress Rachel Costanzo is one of those songs.

I think even if I hadn’t been in a long-distance relationship, I’d still love this song. It’s been a really long time since I’ve heard such a quality pop ballad. It seems like most modern pop singers want to trill all over songs, showing off their vocal acrobatics rather than really honing in on a lyric. There’s a purity to what Rachel does that I really warm to.

If you feel the same way, and you live in Melbourne, make sure you head out to support Rachel when she launches “Miles Away” at Soho Southbank on Friday, August 7.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Waifs Release Gorgeous New Single “6000 Miles”

The Waifs are offering up a sneak peek of their brand new album Beautiful You with the release of the single “6000 Miles.” What a stunning song that is, a country-folk ditty that contemplates the distance between Vikki Thorn’s old home in Western Australia and new digs in Utah.

While the band spends a lot of time in the States, this song and indeed the whole album was recorded in Byron Bay. It took just a few weeks to lay down, which speaks of the talent of this enduring Aussie act.

Beautiful You will hit stores on August 14. The Waifs will celebrate its release with a rare Australian tour. Tickets are on sale now from The Waifs website.

10 September 2015 – Goldfield Arts Centre, Kalgoorlie
12 September 2015 – Esperance Civic Centre, Esperance
13 September 2015 – Albany Entertainment Centre, Albany
15 September 2015 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth
16 September 2015 – Queens Park Theatre, Geraldton
17 September 2015 – Carnarvon Civic Centre, Carnarvon
20 September 2015 – Roebuck Bay Hotel, Broome
14 October 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
15 October 2015 – Nambour Civic Centre, Nambour
17 October 2015 – Townsville Civic Theatre, Townsville
18 October 2015 – Musica Botanica, Cairns
21 October 2015 – Bangalow Town Hall, Bangalow
22 October 2015 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
24 October 2015 – Palais Theatre, Melbourne
25 October 2015 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
28 October 2015 – GPAC, Geelong
29 October 2015 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Albury
31 October 2015 – Granite Town Festival, Mooruya
1 November 2015 – The National Theatre, Canberra
3 November 2015 – Anitas, Thirroul
4 November 2015 – Civic Theatre, Newcastle
5 November 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
7 November 2015 – Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs
8 November 2015 – Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Funky with Electrik Lemonade

It’s the weekend! It’s the first weekend I’ve been able to take in a month, so I’m celebrating hard. That includes busting a move to “Electrik People,” the ridiculously funky new single from Gold Coast outfit Electrik Lemonade.

This seven-piece influences soul, blues, hip-hop, and electronic elements to create the ultimate party music. It sounds so polished that I couldn’t quite believe it’s their first single.
“Electrik People is inspired by ALL the people that dance at our shows,” explained Electrik Lemonade’s lead singer Muffins. “It encourages everyone to be dance the way they want and to be themselves. It doesn’t matter if you’re an old guy with a bottle cap covered stick or a drunk dude in a gorilla suit (both true stories).”

It sounds like those gigs can get pretty wild! If you want to be amongst it, make sure you catch Electrik Lemonade playing the following shows around Queensland.

21 August 2015 – Currumbin Creek Tavern, Gold Coast
18 September 2015 – Whitsunday Sailing Club, Whitsundays
19 September 2015 – Fishing Classic, Bowen
20 September 2015 – Grandview Hotel, Bowen

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Pony Make Exercise Bearable with “Down to You”

I’ve come to the realisation that roller skating once a week isn’t likely to shift my beer belly, so I’ve started to spend a little time on the elliptical machine my husband insisted we have. I figure if it’s going to clutter up my lounge room I should at least get some use out of it. When I say a little time, I mean three minutes whenever I finish an article until I’ve done that 30 minutes of exercise experts recommend. Honestly I’m not sure my sore legs can stand much more than that. I find it hard to keep going after the one minute mark, but if I find a good song, I can power through. And I just discovered the right song.

“Down to You,” the latest single from Sydney’s Bad Pony, actually made me enjoy my time on the elliptical machine. It got me in the right rhythm, and I actually found myself powering through the full four minutes. It’s so much fun, but I’m not at all surprised. You might remember me raving about their last single “White Russian.” I like this trend. And I like this band. A lot.

Bad Pony will launch the single in front of hometown fans at Brighton Up Bar tomorrow night.

Image used with permission from Bad Pony

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Groove Along to Meg Mac’s New Single “Never Be”

After wowing crowds at Splendour, Meg Mac’s dropped her latest single “Never Be.” This track just oozes cool. I love the keys and of course Meg’s flawless vocals.

If you want to see Meg perform the song live, I suggest you get tickets for her spring single tour pronto. Some dates have already sold out, and the others won’t be too far behind! Meg’s also spending most of her time in the US these days, so it may be your last chance to see her live this year. Tickets are available from Meg’s website.

4 September 2015 – Odd Fellow, Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
5 September 2015 – Capitol, Perth (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2015 – Metro, Sydney
24 September 2015 – Uni Bar, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
26 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
27 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
29 September 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
2 October 2015 – Max Watts, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chill Out with Arctic Maps’ Single “Let Me In”

Treat your ears to “Let Me In,” the haunting new single from Melbourne duo Arctic Maps. It’s so chilled out and lovely. It’s just the sort of song that I want to hear as a very busy working week winds down. There’s something magical about the minimalism of the music, which complements singer Freya Bennett’s voice beautifully.

“Let Me In” is the first single from Arctic Maps’ debut EP, which is due out in December.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bronwyn Rose Wows Me with “Moonlight”

I love it when a voice is so powerful that it cuts through everything else. I’m one of those people that doesn’t equate power with big belting notes or vocal gymnastics. For me, a powerful voice is simply one that commands your attention. I found just that listening to “Moonlight,” the latest release from Melbourne songbird Bronwyn Rose.

This song has an ethereal, almost creepy quality that gave me goosebumps. Her voice is mesmerising, so pure and haunting. I love the way it intermingles with the rich soundscape Bronwyn and her musicians have created.

“Moonlight” comes from Bronwyn Rose’s debut EP Alive which is available through her Bandcamp page.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dirty Hearts Rock Out with “Louis XIV”

It’s been a long while since I’ve heard some straight up and sexy rock and roll. Dirty Hearts have answered my prayers with the release of “Louis XIV,” a bluesy, gritty beast of a single with a killer guitar solo and chorus that will have you singing along.

This is the kind of song that’s going to sound amazing in the live area, so it’s exciting to hear that it won’t be too long before this Brisbane band will be back on stage. There’s also a self-titled EP on the way, probably around the same time. Rock on!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gurrumul Gives Praise with “Jesu” From The Gospel Album

I don’t know what it is about the music of Gurrumul, but listening to him just makes me feel at peace. I don’t need to know what he’s singing about, because I can feel it on an emotional level. Checking out the film clip for “Jesu,” the lead single from Gurrumul’s third studio album The Gospel Album, is just what I needed on this Friday afternoon.

The clip for this song of praise was recorded on location at Brighton’s Trinity Uniting Church and Galiwinku on Elcho Island. It’s the ideal companion for this mellow gospel tune.

The Gospel Album sees Gurrumul delivering his take on the spiritual songs the Christian missionaries brought to Arnhem Land. It’s in stores on July 31, just a couple of days after Gurrumul kicks off the album tour.

29 July 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 August 2015 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
5 August 2015 – Festival Theatre @ Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide
8 August 2015 – Supersense Festival, Melbourne
10 August 2015 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
12 August 2015 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth