Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Avaberée’s Angelic New Single

Brisbane trio Avaberée have created an incredible soundscape with their new single “Can’t Get You Off My Mind.” Their harmonies are sublime and chemistry superb. The way their angelic voices combine with electronic beats is truly special. No wonder that they’ve just inked a deal with US label Other People Records.

“When my partner at the label, Jesse Barnett, showed me Avaberée, I was instantly moved,” explained Tom Williams of Other People Records. “Gen, Irena and Aimee have such a profound chemistry with each other, and with In Your Arms I Found my Secrets they were able to harness an energy that is so infrequently tapped into. To be this good, this early on in their career, it is truly exciting.”

“Can’t Get You Off My Mind” is our first taste of that forthcoming EP. If this single’s any indication, it’s going to be awesome.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Back to Basics with Alma Kalorama

New Northcote Alma Kalorama are bringing back the grungy sounds of garage rock with their new single “Now and Then.”

OK, technically the song was recorded in the lads’ home rather than their garage, but its rough and ready appeal takes me back to those days before every song was overproduced and soulless.

I really dig it, especially since you know that without a lot of technical wizardry Alma Kalorama are going to be able to produce live. They’re playing Adelaide tomorrow night before returning to their home state for shows in the middle of the month.

2 May 2015 – The Metro, Adelaide
15 May 2015 – The Workers Club, Geelong
16 May 2015 – Grace Darling, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shelley Segal Does it Again with “Sidelined”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Shelley Segal speaks for women everywhere that don’t measure up to society’s aesthetic standards with her gorgeous new single “Sidelined.” The track is lifted from her fourth studio album Strange Feeling, which hits stores on May 8. I loved “Morocco,” the last of Shelley’s tracks that crossed my path, and this is every bit as good.

“The song is my understanding of the nature of our aesthetics while questioning whether we can overcome them,” Shelley explained. The clip is the perfect accompaniment, a video which sees Shelley morphing from a bed-heady natural girl to a more immaculately groomed version of herself. “Subscribing to the visual expectations of others can vastly improve our outcomes, but those that don’t fit will often pay a price or be sidelined,” Shelley admits.

Shelley will promote the single and Strange Feeling album at the following shows.

1 May 2015 – Collins Square, Docklands (FREE)
22 May 2015 – Collins Square, Docklands (FREE)
24 May 2015 – The Caravan Music Club, Oakleigh (Doors open 3 pm)
30 May 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
27 June 2015 – Paris Cat, Melbourne
3 July 2015 – Wesley Anne, Northcote

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hedge Fund Back with New Single

I wasn’t aware that they’d gone anywhere, but Sydney indie rockers Hedge Fund are announcing they’re back on the scene with their new single “Look Who’s Back.” It’s the follow-up to their 2014 singles “Outta Sight” and “Object of my Affection,” which both earned attention from Triple J.

“Look Who’s Back” has got a real cool retro vibe that reminds me of The Cure meets New Order. It was clearly a labour of the love for the band, whose vocalist Will Colvin also served as producer. What do you think of the song?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brace Yourself for Bill Parton Trio’s “Stalker Man”

Bill Parton Trio’s new music video for “Stalker Man” does warn viewers that it contains explicit content, but I didn’t quite expect the overweight naked man eating an apple that greeted me in the clip. The funny thing is, I’m not even sure that he’s the most disturbing man in this music video.

It’s the brainchild of award-winning film maker Tim Pine, who’s now worked with the South Australian outfit four times. And according to the band, they’re planning to collaborate again at least once more before the year’s out.

I like “Stalker Man” and its clip, but they’ve also thoroughly creeped me out. Right about now I’m thrilled that I’m happily coupled up and not out there dating!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Héloise Speaks to me with “This is Home”

It’s kind of appropriate that the first song that’s caught my attention since returning home and getting back to blogging is called “This is Home.” Héloise’s latest single officially dropped yesterday, but it’s already caught the ears of critics who awarded it the major prize at the 2014 Melbourne Music Bank. As part of the prize the song was rerecorded at Sing Sing Studios, a process which has given it the spit and polish it deserves.

I like that Sing Sing didn’t try to do too much to this song. It’s still got an earthy, organic folkiness, a purity that lets the lyrics and Héloise’s lovely voice shine. Those lyrics really speak to me. Héloise is Tasmanian born and bred, but the creative culture of her adopted home of Melbourne, the place she now calls home, inspired the tune. I felt the same way coming back to the Central Coast this week. I was raised in Newcastle and there’s part of me that will always be in the Steel City, but getting back to this place where I laid down roots and bought a house was pretty special.

Héloise will launch “This is Home” at Melbourne’s Workers Club on April 30. She’ll release her debut EP later this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gang of Youths Bowl Me Over with “Radioface”

You know those times when you hear a song and it’s so good that you’re convinced the album’s going to be amazing? I’m feeling that way after listening to “Radioface,” the anthemic lead single from Gang of Youths’ forthcoming album The Positions.

The album comes from some heavy stuff. It was original conceived as a passion project detailing frontman David Le’aupepe’s four-year relationship with a woman battling stage 4 cancer. The songs are personal, gritty, and real, and I can’t wait to listen to them.

I’ll be able to do that when The Positions hits stores on April 17. It’ll be available for digital download and on CD and vinyl with exclusive B-sides, rarities, and other goodies.

Image used with permission from Spark and Opus

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dex Releases Fly Tune

One of the greatest things about the Australian hip hop scene is that it remembers what the genre should be about. Most American rappers might care more about bling and bitches, but our local acts are penning poignant songs with real substance.

The latest of this new breed is Dex, a 16-year-old wunderkind from Melbourne. He loves Bliss & Eso and Hilltop Hoods, but he’s no copycat. With his new single “Fly” he showcases his gift for crafting heartfelt lyrics and delivering cutting rhymes. He’s not just good for 16; he’s just good.

“Fly” comes from Dex’s mixtape Something to Say, which drops on April 20. He’ll launch it with shows at Fitzroy’s Laundry Bar on April 10 and 11.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hiatus Kaiyote Wow Me With “Breathing Underwater”

Melbourne act Hiatus Kaiyote are still largely unknown here, but their debut album Tawk Tomahawk spawned a Grammy nominated single “Nakamarra” and earned the respect of music heavyweights like Prince, Pharrell, and Erykah Badu.

Maybe they’ll get the attention they deserve at home with album number two, Choose Your Weapon, which drops next month. It features the amazing single “Breathing Underwater.” I must admit, I wasn’t sure about it when I first listened, but give it some time and let it build. It’s brilliant.

We’ll find out just how good the rest of the new album is when Choose Your Weapon is released on May 1.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Betty & Oswald Wow Me with “King of Bohemia”

I hear a lot of music, but I can’t remember hearing anything quite like “King of Bohemia,” the new single from Sydney duo Betty & Oswald.

It’s retro and jazzy, but also so much grungier and dirtier than anything you’d hear at a smoky speakeasy. That grittiness makes it feel completely fresh, while its classic influences make it instantly accessible.

In short, I want to hear more. If you do too, make sure you catch Betty & Oswald as they travel around the country next month in support of “King of Bohemia.”

10 April 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
11 April 2015 – The Brewery, Wollongong (FREE)
17 April 2015 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (FREE)
18 April 2015 – The Espy, Melbourne (FREE)
22 April 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (FREE)
23 April 2015 – No. 5 Church St, Bellingen NSW
25 April 2015 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (FREE)
26 April 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane (FREE)