Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Little Earthquake” Release Life-Affirming “I Am Alive”

Fellow Coasties Little Earthquake have struck gold with their new single “I Am Alive.” It’s such a jubilant, positive piece of pop with lush harmonies and a beautiful synthscape.

The film clip, directed by Rob Sherwood, is pretty fabulous too. The stunning homegrown landscapes and surf footage is just the cure for whatever’s ailing you this Humpday.

Little Earthquake are currently touring the single around the country, giving fans a sneaky listen to songs from their debut album which will hit stores later this year.

20 February 2015 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
21 February 2015 – Mountain Sounds, Kariong
25 February 2015 – Newcastle Uni, Newcastle
25 February 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
28 February 2015 – Sly Fox, Enmore
6 March 2015 – Penny Black, Melbourne
7 March 2015 – Baho Tacos, Rye
12 March 2015 – Bull and Bush, Windsor
13 March 2015 – Tattersall’s, Penrith
14 March 2015 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
18 March 2015 – Bald Faced Stag, Leichardt

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Human Face Give Taste of Album with “Follow Me Down”


Melbourne’s Human Face urge us to “skip town, jump ship, walk right out of our skin” in their debut single “Follow Me Down.” It’s all decidedly creepy until you add those fabulous synths and dub-style bass and drum beats.

The song comes from Human Face’s debut album, which is already sounding really special. The songs came together in country Victoria, where the lads spent nights listening to the songs of Leadbelly and stargazing. They enlisted the help of some of Australia’s brightest young talents including Ainslie Wills, Hailey Cramer, Husky’s Evan Tweedie, Tommy Spender, and Brighter Later’s Jaye Kranz.

We’ll get to hear whether the album lives up to that enviable list of cameos in the middle of the year, but fans should get a sneak peek at the launch of Follow me Down at Collingwood’s The Grace Darling on February 28.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Big Strong Brute Back with “Wedding Pages”

After taking a sabbatical year in Berlin, Brisbane singer-songwriter Big Strong Brute is back to delight our ears with his new single “Wedding Pages.”

It’s a well-crafted slice of alterna-rock that reminds me a little of something Ryan Adams might have written on one of his better days. Make sure you tune in to the lyrics which take a clever swipe at the conservatism surrounding the institution of marriage.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Join Tkay Maidza’s M.O.B.

I’ve been a little slow to join the Tkay Maidza party, but I’m really feeling her new single “M.O.B.” It’s got a great pop sensibility and some seriously skilled rapping, but then you start listening to the lyrics and you start to realise its genius. The song’s a letter to Tkay’s future 19-year-old self, a reminder of what she needs to do to stay true to herself and succeed.

“M.O.B.” comes from Tkay Maidza’s debut album, which is scheduled to hit stores later this year. Tkay’s got a few shows coming up including slots at Groovin the Moo and supporting Charli XCX.

21 February 2015 – Mountain Sounds, Kariong
29 April 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (supporting Charli XCX)
1 May 2015 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne (supporting Charli XCX)
2 May 2015 – Groovin the Moo, Bendigo
3 May 2015 – Groovin the Moo, Canberra
7 May 2015 – The Met, Brisbane (supporting Charli XCX)
9 May 2015 – Groovin the Moo, Maitland
10 May 2015 – Groovin the Moo, Townsville

Image used with permission from Dew Process

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ainslie Wills Impresses with “Drive”

Ultra-cool Melbourne songstress Ainslie Wills wouldn’t have dreamed of leaving the cultural haven of her home to record up north, but when she met Brisbane-based producer Matt Redlich she knew she had to make the trip. “Drive” is the first track to come from their collaboration, and it’s brilliant.

“Drive” will form part of Ainslie’s new EP Oh the Gold, which will be released later this year. Fans should get a sneak peek of her new material when she launches the single at Melbourne’s The Toff in Town on February 26 and Sydney’s Newtown Social Club on March 14.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Them Bruins Rock Out with “Walk a Line”

There’s plenty to like about Melbourne band Them Bruins’ and their brand new single “Walk a Line.”

I’m the first to admit that it’s not perfect. I love the sultry, simmering verses and the anthemic chorus, but the pre-chorus rubs me up the wrong way. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but it’s not my cup of tea. What these guys do right they do so right though that I can overlook the flaws.

“Walk a Line” is the sort of song that’s going to go off live, so it’s a good thing that Them Bruins are touring the East Coast to support its release.

10 April 2015 – Mynt Lounge, Werribee
11 April 2015 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
17 April 2015 – Hotel Tivoli, Adelaide
24 April 2015 – Spectrum, Sydney
2 May 2015 – Trainspotters at Grand Central Hotel, Brisbane
3 May 2015 – Sounds of Sunday, Broadbeach Tavern, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Mucho Bravado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Say Lou Lou Make the Most of Musical Genes

It seems like talent runs strong in the Kilbey genes. The twin daughters of The Church frontman Steve Kilbey are Say Lou Lou, a gorgeous electro-pop duo set to release their debut album Lucid Dreaming.

The album doesn’t hit stores until April 12, but today sees the official release of their new single “Nothing But a Heartbeat.”

Don’t make the mistake of thinking they’re simply pretty girls with pleasant voices. Say Lou Lou have had a hand in every aspect of this project, from the lyrics and melodies to the music videos and styling.

I predict we’ll be hearing a lot more about these girls.

Image used with permission from Recon Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Play “Hide and Seek” with Swim Season

I remember being a young thing and having my mind blown watching the film clip for Michael Jackson’s “Black or White.” The face-shifting special effects employed by Melbourne’s Swim Season in their new music video might not be quite as seamless or sophisticated, but considering the budgets of up-and-coming Aussie acts I’m impressed. “Hide and Seek” is also such a fun, feelgood piece of indie pop. I’m a real fan.

Swim Season won’t be touring the single, but you can catch them doing their thing with Bad Pony at Sydney’s World Bar tomorrow night.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Meltdown: Hot New Soul Find

Melbourne soul outfit The Meltdown have sent my temperature soaring with their smoother than smooth new single “Better Days.” The accompanying video is actually the final live take of the song. Pretty fitting that an act with such a classic sound should take such an old-school approach to their music video, don’t you think?

“Better Days” is lifted from their EP which should be released next month. They’ll play a hometown show to celebrate its release at Shebeen on March 12. This is one of those times I’d kill to live in Melbourne. Hopefully they’ll travel north for some shows soon!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Grates Win Me Over with “It Won’t Hurt Anymore”

I must admit, I’ve struggled to warm to the most recent music from The Grates. I longed for the fun punky-pop they released all those years ago and didn’t quite get their new direction. But their latest single “It Won’t Hurt Anymore” really resonates with me. It’s raw, powerful, and passionate.

“This was the final song we wrote for the album,” explained The Grates’ frontwoman, Patience Hodgson. “Around then, I’d wake most mornings and watch a reality show on arranged marriages. Even though the show was repetitive and annoying I was completely captivated by the relationship baggage that burdened the participants, who all claimed to ‘do anything for love’ as long as they could all still hold their past hurts tightly. John and Ritchie were under the house playing, and I crammed my head next to the floor boards to hear them, and started to form what became the vocal melody.”

“It Won’t Hurt Anymore” is the second song lifted from The Grates’ fourth album Dream Team, which is in stores now.

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations