Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Does it Again with “Idyllwild”

I think Mia Dyson might be one of Australia’s most consistent musicians. She doesn’t release music to a lot of fanfare, but it’s always so solid. Her latest, “Idyllwild,” the title track from her latest album, is another fabulous showcase for this incredible songstress’ talent.

Mia explained that this rollicking single is a love song of sorts to the small town where she spent an unconventional honeymoon.

“I got hitched not that long ago at the Los Angeles county courthouse and afterwards, we found ourselves driving up into the mountains to this little town called Idyllwild, sort of laying our decision out there and celebrating in the natural world,” she said.

“It was a surreal, utopian journey and out of it came this frenetic, high-spirited song, stylistically influenced by bands from my 80s childhood like Elvis Costello & Talking Heads.”

Mia will celebrate its release with a string of intimate shows this October and November.

1 October 2014 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber
2 October 2014 – Newtown Social Club, Sydney
3 October 2014 – Lizotte’s, New Lambton
4 October 2014 – Lizotte’s, Dee Why
5 October 2014 – Blues on Parade @ The Norwood Hotel, Norwood
9 October 2014 – Harvester Moon, Bellarine
10 October 2014 – Howler, Melbourne
11 October 2014 – Caravan Club, Melbourne
12 October 2014 – Old Hepburn Springs, Hepburn Springs
16 & 17 October 2014 – Darwin Railway Club, Darwin
18 October 2014 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns (with Shane Nicholson)
19 October 2014 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong
23 October 2014 – Red Hot Music, Devonport
24 October 2014 – Republic Bar, Hobart
21 November 2014 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
22 & 23 November 2014 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Take a Holiday from the Everyday with Skyways are Highways

Even if you can’t afford a sneaky getaway this weekend, you can start Saturday off right with “Holiday,” the lead single from Skyways are Highways’ brand new EP I Found My Fear.

There doesn’t sound like there’s even a hint of nerves in the single though. It’s a feel-good slice of pop-punk that should get a smile on your dial. Lead singer Eli J Hood says the song is an antidote to the dreary Melbourne winter, a “dream to escape a disappointing reality and to dive deep into the endless summer of imagination.”

Skyways are Highways will launch I Found My Fear at The Evelyn Hotel on August 29.

Image used with permission from Skyways are Highways

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daniel Lee Kendall Weaves a Spell

Don’t be alarmed by the title of Daniel Lee Kendall’s debut album Daniel Lee Kendall is Dead. The Central Coast singer-songwriter is very much alive and making me fall in love with his music all over again.

“Under a Spell” is the first single lifted from the album, a romantic number which is a bit more layered and atmospheric than his previous releases. Perhaps it’s a result of Daniel changing up his approach to songwriting. He normally writes with his message in mind, but this time it was all about creating lyrics to suit a melody he couldn’t shake. The single shows real growth, although it’s not so dramatically different that it risks alienating fans.

Daniel Lee Kendall is Dead hits stores on September 12.

Image used with permission from Create/Control

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Apes Cheer Me Up with “Pull the Trigger”

Like so many Aussies, I’m waging war with winter and the constant colds it brings. This weather is kicking me hard, and it feels like I no sooner get over one than another’s rearing its head. Thankfully there’s music to try to alleviate the funk. My ears are the only things that seem to be working right now, so if my stuffed up head and bleary eyes turn this post into gibberish I hope you understand.

Melbourne rockers Apes have released just the kind of thing I need to hear right now. “Pull the Trigger” upbeat and instantly accessible. You don’t have to work at all to get into it; it does all the heavy lifting. Songs like this are deceptively simple, but really, really clever.

Apes will spread their good vibes with two launch shows this week. See them at Sydney’s Brighton Up Bar on August 8 or Melbourne’s The Grace Darling on August 9.

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Owen Rabbit Turns Trash Into Treasure

I don’t know what Owen Rabbit’s dreamy, soulful single “Police Car” has to do with sirens and crims, but I like it. It’s so beautiful that I was shocked to hear that this electronic artist from Melbourne’s northern suburbs actually loves playing with rubbish. He uses old bottles, boxes, and anything he can make a sound from and pairs these organic tones with more traditional instruments. It’s just so clever.

It’ll be interesting to see whether Owen’s raiding the bins outside these venues for inspiration before the following single launch shows.

8 August 2014 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne
9 August 2014 – Oxford Art Factory (Gallery Bar), Sydney
14 August 2014 – The Treehouse, Byron Bay
15 August 2014 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane
16 August 2014 – The Lass, Newcastle
21 August 2014 – The Bird, Perth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Griswolds Provide Your Saturday Soundtrack

I’m not sure whether it’s the unseasonally sunny weather outside, or The Griswolds’ new single “Beware the Dog,” but I’m feeling pretty good as I type this. The track is the ideal Saturday soundtrack, an upbeat slice of indie pop perfection.

It sounds so cheerful, but the song’s actually about the way the band members lost a good friend to heavy drug use. Make sure you listen to the lyrics to really appreciate the delicate balance of light and shade here.

“Beware the Dog” is our first taste of The Griswolds’ debut album Be Impressive, which gets a global release on August 22.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dance to Ella Hooper’s “The Red Shoes”

Ella Hooper doesn’t seem to be letting the news of her rebooted Spicks & Specks’ axing get her down. She’s just released one of her most upbeat songs in recent years, “The Red Shoes.” The melodic song has a darker edge with its fairytale inspired themes of obsession and possession.

“You can sometimes lose yourself in the pursuit of chasing a dream or ideal or person, becoming psychically bound to desire and perhaps risk being destroyed by it.” Ella explained. “But there’s also a weird alluring freedom in going 110% at something, knowing that you’ve probably lost perspective and control and just not caring. Dancing til your feet bleed, for example! When you’re lost in the moment, nothing else matters.”

To celebrate the release, Ella will play two intimate launch shows. Head to Newtown Social Club in Sydney on July 17 or Shebeen in Melbourne on July 18 to hear “The Red Shoes” and songs from Ella’s forthcoming album In Tongues.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clockwise Back on my Radar with “Dancing World”

I remember when Clockwise went by the name Andy Clockwise and played countless shows around New South Wales in the early noughties. He disappeared from my radar, but it seems he’s been living in Los Angeles since 2007 and playing some pretty high-profile shows supporting the likes of Julian Casablancas, The Black Keys, Wolfmother, The Wailers, and INXS.

And on July 15, he’ll release a new EP Dancing World. If the title track’s any indication, it’s going to be something pretty special. The song’s got such a gorgeous pop sensibility but it’s also something really unique. Listening to it just feels good. The film clip is also stunning.

What a great set up for this EP, which is actually the first part of a two-part “ode to conflict, both internal and external.” To celebrate the release, Clockwise will be back on our shores for some shows later this year. Until then, we can enjoy this fabulous piece of music.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Charms with “Message”

Way back in March 2012 I fell for New South Wales’ Patrick James when he supported Howie Day. I was so enamoured by this incredible lyrics and sweet demeanour. So I was thrilled to hear he’s releasing his second EP soon. But before that drops, we can enjoy the stunning lead single “Message.”

The song came about while Patrick was touring with Josh Pyke late in 2013. During one show Josh broke a guitar string so Patrick offered his own guitar. Josh altered the tuning for his performance, so when Patrick pulled it out after returning home it sounded a little differently. That sound sparked the idea for “Message’s” melody. Lyrically the song explores how difficult it can be to find the balance between life as a touring musician and the other aspects of life.

“Message” signals the new, bigger sound Patrick’s playing with these days. While it’ll hardly blow your speakers, it’s a big change from the bedroom recordings that made up his debut EP. It’s so exciting to see the evolution of this talented young artist.

Image used with permission from Secret Service Public Relations

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zed Eppelin and Philemon Team Up for “Stowaway”

What do you get when you put together a Hungarian-born composer living in Melbourne and a multitalented singer-songwriter-instrumentalist from Victoria’s capital? You get “Stowaway,” the magical new single from Zed Eppelin and Philemon.

The collaboration is part of the Prop Joe Presents artist collective, which looks to support self-managed artists hustle collaboratively. It’s certainly a great showcase for these two talented acts at a time when they could both use the publicity. Zed Eppelin has just launched his debut album Aerial Sway, which comes after the release of two independent EPs. Philomen will release her debut EP Frame at The Toff in Town on June 22. If her angelic vocals are any indication, the EP’s sure to be sublime.

What do you think of this pairing?

Image used with permission from Prop Joe Presents