Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rowena Wise Wins My Heart with “Words”

I have fallen hard for the musical stylings of new Aussie indie-folk act and the latest Heartstop Music sign Rowena Wise. She’s just released her debut single “Words” and it’s absolutely darling.

I received the Soundcloud version but decided I’d post this live one here so you can see her and her ukulele. I already have a weakness for the instrument, but when you add in Rowena’s superb lyrics and sweet voice it’s magic.

“Words” comes from Rowena’s debut EP, which is scheduled for a March release. You can help her release it by giving generously to her Pozible campaign, which is achingly close to reaching its goal.

There are plenty of places you can see her play in the near future, including festival appearances, support slots for Jordie Lane, and headline shows in the major capitals to support the single’s release.

20 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 February 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 February – 2 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
13-15 March 2015 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Blue Mountains
26 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (supporting Jordie Lane)
27 March 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney NSW (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 March 2015 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (supporting Jordie Lane)
17 April 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra (supporting Jordie Lane)
18 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
19 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
22 April 2015 – Ararat Live, Ararat (supporting Jordie Lane)
23 April 2015 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong (supporting Jordie Lane)
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maximo Shows Serious Skills with “Hesitate”

Bands like The Go-Betweens, The Saints, Powderfinger, and The Butterfly Effect helped cement Queensland’s reputation as the perfect breeding ground for rock bands. However, lately the Sunshine State is punching well above its weight when it comes to R&B music. Generally Australia doesn’t produce a lot of these artists, but acts like Bec Laughton, Travis Lee, and now Maximo are breaking the mould.

Maximo’s just hit the scene with his debut single “Hesitate.” It’s got some sexy lyrics and really interesting instrumentation. Noting that Maximo produced the track himself makes it all the more impressive.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Deed’s Stormy Second Single

It’s taken a long time to hear new material from Sydney’s Little Deed, but it was worth the wait. She posted her debut “Neon” on Soundcloud in mid-2014. Now we get another taste in the form of the feisty “Storm in my Cup.” This has got such power. I love Little Deed’s vocals which work so beautifully with those thundering, driving drums.

Apparently Little Deed has spent summer fine-tuning her live show and we should hear word of her very first shows soon. If she sounds half as good live as she does on the record they’re going to be awesome.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Swift Reminisces with “Sound the Alarm”

Melbourne single-songwriter Andrew Swift has always penned songs from the heart, but he believes that his latest single “Sound the Alarm” is “as honest and personal” as he’s ever been.

“It was written during the hardest break up I’ve had to go through, but rather than write a heartbroken, ‘woe is me’ type of break up song, what came out was a reflection of the night that that we met,” he explained.

Hearing the story behind it makes this song that much more poignant. I love a story song, and this one tells a tale so vivid that I felt a bit choked up reading that it didn’t work out.

Andrew Swift will promote the release of “Sound the Alarm” with a string of shows kicking off tomorrow night in Footscray.

8 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
21 February 2015 – Berwick Show, Berwick (ALL AGES)
21 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 February 2015 – Bonnie Doon Music Festival, Bonnie Doon
26 February 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
19 March 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
20 March 2015 – Crown + Anchor, Adelaide

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Left. Win Me Over with “Lay With Me”

I’m not sure what happened the first time I listened to “Lay With Me,” the latest single from Sydney electronic duo Left. Perhaps I was too cranky to appreciate its mellow, poppy groove. All I know is that weeks after my initial listen, I can’t stop playing it.

Left. is made up of the ethereal voice of Sarah Corry and her partner in crime, guitarist and producer Jono Graham. They’ve got something really special here. It initially sounds perfect for grooving with a handsome stranger on the dance floor, but listen to the lyrics and its darker side is revealed. Sarah’s actually singing about being forced into an arranged marriage, despite yearning for someone else.

“I was inspired by how I imagined that circumstances might feel: the desperation, helplessness, and desire to make yourself happy against all the odds,” explains Corry.

“Lay With Me” is the third track lifted from Left.’s debut LP Sirens, which hits stores today. Left. will launch it with three shows in the East Coast capitals.

12 February 2015 – Laundry, Melbourne
13 February 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)

Image used with permission from Umbrella Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Greg Chiapello Spreads Good Vibes with “Hot Coffee”

If you have tickets to one of Megan Washington’s upcoming shows, it’s worth getting there early enough for the support act. She’s enlisted the help of fellow Queenslander Greg Chiapello, who has put a big smile on my face with his debut single “Hot Coffee.” Fabulously quirky lyrics, a brilliant falsetto, and irresistible pop hooks: what’s not to like?

If the weekend seems like it’s not close enough, stick this on and I guarantee that it’ll make you feel better. “Hot Coffee” comes from Greg’s debut EP, which should be released later this year.

You can see Greg supporting Megan Washington at the following shows.

13 February 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
14 February 2015 – The Triffid, Brisbane
21 February 2015 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
27 February 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hellions Rock Me with “Nottingham”

Sometimes a song just hits you like a bolt from the blue. On paper it’s not what you’re into, but there’s just something about it. “Nottingham,” the latest single from Sydney hardcore act Hellions is one of those songs.

I generally struggle with the hardcore thing. I typically like my vocals a little prettier and my music a shade more mellow. But there’s such passion in this number and I can’t ignore it. The honesty, grit, and angst has completely won me over.

“Nottingham is about comparative thinking and jealousy within a relationship,” explained Hellions’ guitarist Matt Gravolin. “The unearthing of the erstwhile in cardiac landfill after incessant inquiry, begetting a mutual resentment.”

“Nottingham” is the latest track lifted from Hellions’ recently released album Indian Summer. To celebrate the album’s release, the band will play the following shows this March.

6 March 2015 – The Lab, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
7 March 2015 – The Brightside, Brisbane (18+)
8 March 2015 – YAC, Byron Bay (ALL AGES)
11 March 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
12 March 2015 – Magpies, Canberra (LICENSED ALL AGES)
13 March 2015 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (18+)
14 March 2015 – Towradgi SLSC, Wollongong (LICENSED ALL AGES)
15 March 2015 – Masonic Hall, Blacktown (ALL AGES)
18 March 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
19 March 2015 – Last Night, Perth (18+)
20 March 2015 – Black Market, Adelaide (18+)
21 March 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Melbourne (18+)
22 March 2015 – Phoenix YC, Melbourne (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Client Liaison Celebrate Spirit of the 80s with “Pretty Lovers”

I had to double-check the date on the Client Liaison music video “Pretty Lovers” after watching it on YouTube. January 19, 2015? Are you sure it’s not 1985? But I’m assured that this is a brand new song and not something from my youth. It might feel like a throwback, but as someone who hasn’t really left the 80s behind I don’t mind one bit. Cheesy lyrics, big synth chords, a saxophone, and questionable fashion sense. Sign me up!

Client Liaison will hit the road in February to celebrate the single’s release. It’s the last time the band will play shows supporting their self-titled EP, so see them while you can!

28 February 2015 – Secret Garden Festival, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
5 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
6 March 2015 – Secret Venue TBA, Perth
7 March 2015 – Pirie & Co. Social Club, Adelaide
14 March 2015 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
20 March 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sally Seltmann Hopes New Song will Make You Happy

Sally Seltmann isn’t looking to change the world or even your thinking with her music these days. Her sweet new single “We Are the Music” simply wants to brighten your day.

“It’s where my head’s at right now” she explained. “I just want to make music that makes people happy.”

This is Sally’s first release since last year’s acclaimed album Hey Daydreamer. I love the direction Sally’s taken here. The lyrics are romantic without being corny, and the driving dance beat inspires me to cut loose in my lounge room. I can’t wait to hear more music like this from her.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eves the Behavior Drops “TV”

Angelic vocals and powerful lyrics combine in “TV,” the new single from local synth chanteuse Eves the Behavior.

“TV is a visual song,” she explains, “Dropping off a cliff into the ocean at midnight, driving down Lost Highway, cinematic and always shifting.”
I love the way the driving drums and retro synths support Eves the Behavior’s sweet vocals. Her lyrics are also something else.

“TV” is officially released tomorrow. Eves the Behavior will be appearing at Laneway Festival 2015, so if you’ve got tickets make sure you check her out.