Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Central Rain Releases “Cold Turkey on Christmas Day”

We’re officially in the home stretch. Can you believe that this time next week, Christmas will be done and dusted for another year? Right now I’m turning into the Christmas Monster, cranking carols and wrapping gifts and getting far too excited for someone my age. The thing is though, there are only so many versions of “Winter Wonderland” you can hear. So I’m always excited when something new crosses my path, especially something Australian. And if it doesn’t get overly sappy and sentimental, so much the better.

So without further ado, I bring you “Cold Turkey on Christmas Day,” the new track from Melbourne’s Central Rain. It name checks Santa and the turkey, but it’s not your run-of-the-mill song for the season.

“Cold Turkey on Christmas Day” is the lead single from Central Rain’s debut EP, which is slated for a 2015 release. What do you think of it? If you love it, check out Central Rain’s Bandcamp page for a free download.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Former Hungry Kids Form Sans Parents

From the ashes of Hungry Kids of Hungary, Sans Parents have come to be. The trio features former Hungry Kids Kane Mazlin and Ryan Strathie and Sydney session player Alex Bennison.

The guys originally planned to assist one another on new post-band solo projects, but they worked so well together that they put together almost enough material for a new album in no time at all. Sensing that the stars had aligned they decided to stick together, and Sans Parents was born.

“Coming Back to You” has a melodic core wrapped up in a big ball of aggression. It’s fast and furious and so much fuzzy fun. What do you think of it?

Image used with permission from Rare Finds

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shameem Sends Important Message with “Under One Sun”

I haven’t written in here about the Sydney siege. At the time it was all unfolding, I was a bit conflicted actually. This is a music blog, not a political or news outlet. Was it my place? And if I should write about it, what should I write?

I spent the day terrified for the people involved, while thanking my lucky stars that my husband no longer worked in the centre of the city. I remember hearing something about how Americans should keep a low profile during the ordeal, and begging him to stay in his office and come straight home when he was finished. I shed tears watching the terror on the faces of the escapees, and again the next day hearing the stories of those who lost their lives. When something happens so close to home, getting emotional is inevitable.

Still I stayed silent here, deciding this blog wasn’t the place to open up about it, until I heard “Under One Sun” from Perth soul songbird Shameem. It’s a beautiful song about seeing the similarities between us all rather than the differences. It’s so appropriate for this time when Australians from all backgrounds are coming together trying to make sense of it all.

“Under One Sun” comes from Shameem’s new album The Second City, which will hit stores on January 16. She’ll promote it with a national tour next year. I probably won’t get to the shows, but I’m so grateful that I stumbled on this song at a point in time when I really needed to hear it.

17 January 2015 – Subiaco Arts Centre, Subiaco (ALL AGES)
19 February 2015 – Paris Cat, Melbourne (18+)
20 February 2015 – The Basement, Canberra (18+)
21 February 2015 – Gingers, Sydney (18+)
22 February 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle (FREE 2PM SHOW; KIDS WELCOME)
23 February 2015 – Bar on the Hill @ University of Newcastle, Newcastle (FREE 12:30 PM SHOW; ALL AGES)
27 February 2015 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE; 18+)
28 February 2015 – Treehouse, Byron Bay (FREE; ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Ukiyo @ The Royal Croquet Club, Adelaide (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Griswolds Release Fun Second Single, “If You Wanna Stay”


The Griswolds have released “If You Wanna Stay,” the feel good second cut from their debut album, Be Impressive. Impressive it is too, with playful synthy hooks that take me right back to the pop heyday of the ‘80s. God it’s fun.

The Sydney band has been conquering America of late, but they’ll be back in January to support British indie gods The Kooks. Following that they’re returning to the US for a mammoth 40-date tour supporting Walk the Moon, so if you don’t see them in the New Year there’s no telling when you’ll get another chance.

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Colour Code Wow Me With “Alibi”

Melbourne quartet The Colour Code have bound out of the gate with their debut single “Alibi,” a killer combination of fuzzy guitars, tribal beats, and powerhouse vocals.

And then there are those lyrics which speak of being displaced in your world, going through the motions as you struggle with those feelings of isolation and disconnect. It’s so relatable and so so good.

The Colour Code are doing a quick tour to promote the single kicking off tomorrow night. Be There or be square!

19 December 2014 – Yah Yah’s, Fitzroy
2 January 2015 – Brighton Up Bar, Sydney
12 February 2015 – The Espy, St Kilda

Image used with permission from 123 Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love with Meredith

Brisbane songstress Meredith effortlessly fuses lo-fi indie pop with folk with the release of her new single “Jumpin Beds.” It’s a gorgeous poetic song which is made even beautiful thanks to Meredith’s stunning warm, honey voice. I swear I could listen to her sing all day.

Meredith filmed the clip with director Danny McShane in urban and industrial spaces around her hometown.

“The inspiration from the clip came from the story in the lyrics, depicting a transitioning stage in my life where I was constantly packing up a bag and heading to different homes. I didn’t have my own house and nowhere really felt like home – it seemed like I was living in a constant state of change,” she explained.

“For filming, we hired an amazing old warehouse space in Brisbane CBD and filled it with a bunch of mine (and my friend’s) belongings to make it look like a place I’d been crashing in. It was a lot of fun to film, record and write and it’s cool to have a little memory of my life at the time – in film form.”

What do you think of Meredith and her cool new clip?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Strips Back “Linger”

I always think it’s a bit weird when I get press releases about songs without links to videos or at least the audio. What’s the point in telling me there’s a song unless I can experience it? I don’t really want to tell you about it if it’s terrible. So I tend to do my own research, which is what led me to this cool acoustic version of Guy Sebastian’s new single “Linger.”

Now I haven’t caught the song on radio, although I’m told it’s there, but I have a hunch this sounds dramatically different to the version Guy recorded with Lupe Fiasco. Anything with Lupe Fiasco probably doesn’t sound this mellow and cool. But I like it, so that’s what I’m going to post.

Guy will promote “Linger” and the album it comes from, Madness, when he tours all around the country next year. Tickets are on sale now.

12 February 2015 – WIN Entertainment Centre, Wollongong
14 February 2015 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
18 February 2015 – Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
25 February 2015 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
28 February 2015 – Perth Arena, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jeremy Neale Tells us “The News”

Brisbane teen wunderkind Jeremy Neale has got my toes tapping with his immensely danceable new single “The News.” This is pure retro inspired pop brilliance, with the lovely Australian Idol graduate Roxane LeBrasse providing backing vocals. That sugary synth covered melody covers a painful core of heartbreak and loss in the best possible way.

Jeremy’s been jetsetting around the UK and Singapore this year, but he promises he’ll be back on home soil for a tour in February. Watch this space!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luca Brasi Match My Mood with “Benthos”

You know those days where everything seems to annoy you? I’m having one of them. From the NRL only releasing men’s and kid’s Nines jerseys (because clearly women don’t watch) to Optus sending my new phone to my old address (despite confirming the right one when we spoke on Tuesday), my blood’s boiling. I don’t think having my hair ripped out of my face at the salon in 40 minutes is going to change my demeanour either.

Sometimes you just have to go with it, which is why “Benthos,” the new single from Tasmanian punk rockers Luca Brasi is hitting all the right notes for me today. It’s bold and angry and it makes me want to punch my fist in the air defiantly.

If you’re feeling it too, you might want to catch Luca Brasi when they tour all around the country next March.

11 March 2015 – Small Ballroom, Newcastle (FREE)
12 March 2015 – Crowbar, Brisbane
13 March 2015 – Newtown Social, Sydney
14 March 2015 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
15 March 2015 – Wrangler Studios, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
19 March 2015 – The Brisbane Hotel, Hobart
20 March 2015 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
21 March 2015 – Amplifier, Perth
22 March 2015 – HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pulse Mavens Release Awesome New Single “No Hard Feelings”

Fresh from winning a hefty grant through the AMP Tomorrow Fund, Sydney’s Pulse Mavens have released a brand new single “No Hard Feelings.” This killer cut was written about the struggle musicians face trying to achieve their dreams in such a tough, competitive industry.

“I had the absolute pleasure of working on No Hard Feelings with Jenna McDougall from Tonight Alive and Dave Petrovic from Electric Sun. We spent a lot of time on the song, perfecting it as I felt it was a step in the right direction for our band,” explained Pulse Mavens’ lead singer Kait Hudson.

The song comes from Pulse Mavens new EP, which will be released in the New Year. Until then, hometown fans can catch Pulse Mavens performing tomorrow night at UTS Underground.