When I think of Hawaiian music I think of ukuleles and laidback vibes. So I wasn’t quite prepared for Ainslie Wills’ single “Hawaii” to be quite so powerful. It might not be what I was expecting, but god it’s good. Heartfelt lyrics, powerhouse vocals, and stirring instrumentation all combine for this corker of a track, the second lifted from Ainslie’s Oh the Gold EP.
It won’t be released until late in 2015, but music lovers can get a little sneak peek on Ainslie’s current residency shows at Melbourne’s Gasometer Hotel. She’s playing every Tuesday this month, and I can’t think of a better reason to get yourself out on a school night. Image used with permission from Wondercore Island
Summer might be far too long away, but I feel like Brother Fox have already got our warm weather soundtrack sorted with their brand new single “Feeler.”
This is such an uplifting, positive track that’s instantly accessible. I love its easy groove and the chorus had me singing along from the first listen. It was produced by Paul Pilsneniks (Powderfinger, Silverchair) at Byron Bay’s Studio 301, and you can really hear its laidback surroundings coming through.
It might not be the right weather for this kind of music, but when it sounds as good as “Feeler” I don’t mind one bit.
Multi-talented Melbourne musical force Dolly Denko is giving us our first taste of her new musical project Doctrin with the exquisite single “Take Me,” released today. This over-achiever serves as vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, producer, and writer on the track which was born from an existential crisis, as so many of the best songs are.
“After binge watching The Craft and Charmed and with already a rough idea for what I wanted the music video to be,” she explained. “I thought that a throwback to magic and occult which I grew up with would represent the theme and story of the song.”
Apparently the song wasn’t just influenced by 90s TV and film, but music as well like Hole and Garbage. However, it certainly doesn’t sound like a throwback. More like this please!
It’s amazing to think that Mike Waters has spent the last decade working in a corporate job, keeping his musical light hidden under a bushel. He wrote songs in secret in his bedroom, and floored his family members, friends, and colleagues when he showed them exactly what he could do.
His debut single is “Gambling Man” and it’s just incredible. It’s folky and honest and accessible without being boring. It’s such an appropriate song too with its lyrics about diving headfirst into life and taking chances even when the odds seem to be against you.
“Gambling Man” comes from Mike Waters debut EP Life, which will be released independently tomorrow, May 8.
There’s not a lot of fanfare surrounding the release of Queensland chanteuse Ayla’s new single “Waiting”. Her PR company didn’t organise an online premiere, and there aren’t any launch shows. Instead it’s going to be one of those songs that gets out there because of word of mouth, because it’s just that good.
It’s such a powerful song with a Jezabels meets Florence and the Machine kind of vibe. I also love that those searing lyrics match up to the driving drums. It’s staggering to think that Ayla already sounds so seasoned at just 19 years old.
“Waiting” is lifted from Ayla’s new EP, which will be released later this year.
I think my work is trying to tell me something. I’ve been typing away for hours and putting off breakfast, but after listening to “Eat!,” the debut single from Melbourne eight-piece LAMA I think it might be time to fry up some eggs.
It might be making me hungry, but I think I’d love it just as much with a belly full of food. “Eat!” has such a great positive vibe which demands repeat listens. I love those horns too! It’s not officially released until May 22, but LAMA is getting a jumpstart on promotions with shows in their home state starting this Friday.
The following shows should give music lovers a chance to hear tracks from LAMA’s new album, which is due out later this year.
8 May 2015 – Music Man Megastore, Bendigo
15 May 2015 – The Royal Theatre, Castlemaine
22 May 2015 –24 Moons, Northcote
23 May 2015 – God’s Kitchen, Mornington
11 June 2015 – Farmer’s Place, Anglesea
Why on earth don’t more bands use harmonicas? That’s the big question I’m taking from my multiple listens of “I Will Love You Till I Don’t Love You Anymore,” the folky Australiana track from Melbourne outfit Marianne Digs.
The song’s got such visceral lyrics about love and heartache and a real singalong appeal. You’ll want to bust this out next karaoke night with the few bevvies under your belt.
“I Will Love You Till I Don’t Love You Anymore” is one of five tracks set to form Marianne Digs EP when it launches in July. If the other numbers are half this good, it’s going to be worth a listen.
Brisbane’s Fox & Fowl are doing their best to cure your Mondayitis with their feelgood single “Eliza.”
The track is the result of a collaboration with Stephen Schram, who’s produced music for Paul Kelly and San Cisco. It’s got such a great indie pop feel that demands repeat listens. Who could curse Monday when you’ve got this to listen to? Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado
Brisbane duo Holy Holy have knocked my fluffy winter-ready socks off with their latest single “You Cannot Call for Love Like a Dog.” It’s got much more than just an impressive name on its side. It’s got an epic feel and driving beat that will get under your skin from the first listen.
It’s got a dark undertone though. Listen to the lyrics and you’ll soon remember love’s not all chocolates and roses.
“We try in our lives to do all kinds of things to control it and manage it and bend it to our wills, but sometimes you just wake up one day and it’s gone…and that’s that. Like ice melted,” explained lead vocalist Tim Carroll. “And the point of that is, if you do find yourself in the enviable position of being ‘in love’ and feeling love – fucking enjoy it. Treat it like a good scotch. Breathe it in deep and wash it round your mouth and take in the bath and get drunk.”
Holy Holy are set for big things, after being named on the recent Splendour in the Grass line-up and locking in dates across Europe and the United Kingdom. No doubt the music lovers abroad are going to be just as taken with this Aussie act.
14 May 2015 – The Great Escape, Brighton
17 May 2015 – London Calling Festival, Amsterdam
18 May 2015 – MTC Club, Cologne
19 May 2015 – Cafe Video, Ghent
20 May 2015 – Comet Club, Berlin
22 May 2015 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2015 – Liverpool Sound City, Liverpool (DAY SHOW)
23 May 2015 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol (NIGHT SHOW)
24 May 2015 – Dot to Dot Festival, Nottingham
26 May 2015 – Old Blue Last, London
29 May 2015 – Primavera Pro, Barcelona
30 May 2015 – Primavera Sound, Barcelona
Never one to shy away from change, Melbourne’s Mojo Juju is experimenting again with the release of her latest album Seeing Red/Feeling Blue.
It sees Mojo playing with longtime friend and producer Ptero Stylus on songs that are a bit more electronic than her earlier efforts, although they’ve still got an accessible pop core. The funky new single “They Come & They Go” is a prime example of the attitude Mojo Juju showcases on her latest release.
Mojo will take the new music to the masses with a national tour kicking off at Sydney’s Vivid festival later this month. Tickets are available now for the following shows.
30 May 2015 – Vivid Live 2015 @ Sydney Opera House, Sydney
5 June 2015 – Solbar, Maroochydore
6 June 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
18 June 2015 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
19 June 2015 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
20 June 2015 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
21 June 2015 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
26 June 2015 – Pirie & Co. Social Club, Adelaide
27 June 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
3 July 2015 – Spirit Bar, Traralgon
4 July 2015 – Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh
8 August 2015 – Darwin Festival, Darwin
