Leah Flanagan Wows Me with “Everything”

Leah Flanagan’s one of those awesome performers who’s been plugging away in the background for years without ever really breaking through.

She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2008 Deadly Awards, but she’s not a household name like other nominees Jessica Mauboy and Dan Sultan. She’s performed on stage with the likes of John Cale, Ricki-Lee Jones, Sinead O’Connor, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Gurrumul. Her songs have appeared in ABC TV shows like “Dirt Games” and “The Gods of Wheat Street.”

If there’s ever song that should propel Leah into the spotlight, it’s her new single “Everything.” It’s so simple and tender, poetic and romantic. There aren’t bells and whistles about it, but it’s anchored by a whole lot of heart. Do you love it?

The Jezabels Go DIY

With their homecoming tour just around the corner, The Jezabels have decided to release their first ever DIY film clip to promote their new single “Angels of Fire.” The music video was filmed in and around London by their talented photographer friend.

“Our friend Jo is a photographer so we enlisted her to be our DOP. She had some really nice touches which helped. Filming London isn’t that difficult either though,” said the band’s lead guitarist, Samuel Lockwood said. ”The song is partly about time and ageing, and what city could better convey that sort of thing.”

The “Angels of Fire” video is available exclusively online. Enjoy!

Puberty Blues’ Ashleigh Cummings Duets with Dan Webb

Is there anything that Ashleigh Cummings cannot do? When she’s not delighting TV audiences as Debbie Vickers on Puberty Blues, it seems she’s a budding songstress. She makes her recording debut on the sublime “Sleep,” the lead single from Dan Webb’s upcoming debut album Sandstorm.

Sandstorm is scheduled to hit stores on May 9. Dan’s proved himself to be a prolifically talented singer-songwriter over the years, so I’m sure that long-awaited album is going to be sensational.

Guards of May Rock Out with Arcadia

Queensland rockers Guards of May show music lovers how it’s done with their epic new single “Arcadia,” which is available for digital download today.

The track features incredible blistering guitar riffs and stunning vocals from Richie Harvey. I love how he effortlessly moves from a fragile falsetto to the stunning, soaring chorus.

“This one’s been a little while in the making. Arcadia is a track we are fiercely proud of,” said bassist Jimmy Harden. “We’ve been saving this one for now – I can’t wait to play it for people everywhere.”

They’ll do just that through autumn, starting with a few shows in their home state.

29 March 2014 – El Grande Festival @ Bojangles Nightclub, Gladstone
4 April 2014 – New Globe Theatre, Brisbane
5 April 2014 – Miami Shark Bar, Gold Coast
10 April 2014 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
12 April 2014 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
17 April 2014 – The Captain Cook Hotel, Sydney (FREE)
19 April 2014 – The Great Northern Hotel, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Collision Course PR

Thundamentals Spread Good Vibes with “Something I Said”

The album’s still a little while away, but Thundamentals have offered up a second sneak peek at their brand new album with the release of the feel-good single “Something I Said.” With special guest vocals from Thom Crawford, this song is guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

I love its old school feel. Those beats and horns recall classic soul, and there’s even the sound of a kids’ playground to add an extra dose of fun.

Thundamentals will release their third album, So We can Remember, on May 2. To celebrate they’ll play a bunch of shows around the country, including sets at Groovin The Moo and some headlining gigs.

25 April 2014 – Groovin The Moo, Oakland
26 April 2014 – Groovin The Moo, Maitland
27 April 2014 – Groovin The Moo, Canberra
2 May 2014 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
3 May 2014 – Groovin The Moo, Bendigo
4 May 2014 – Groovin The Moo, Townsville
8 May 2014 – Flyrite, Perth
9 May 2014 – Mojo’s Fremantle
10 May 2014 – Groovin The Moo, Bunbury
16 May 2014 – The Zoo, Brisbane
24 May 2014 – The Metro Theatre, Sydney

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Amazing Marcia Ready to Release “Amazing” Album

Singers don’t get much more amazing than Marcia Hines, so it’s only fitting that the adjective is not just the name of her new album, but also the lead single.

Marcia’s looking so fabulous that you’ve got to stop to remind yourself that she’s 60. That age brings an awareness of who she is musically that so many youngsters just don’t have. She doesn’t reinvent the wheel here, but she doesn’t have to. She’s Marcia Hines.

There is something pretty revolutionary about Amazing though. It’s the first album of original songs Marcia’s recorded in 20 years. She wrote these songs, co-produced them, as well as laying down all those vocal tracks. Reading what she’s saying about it, her passion for this album really shines through.

“This album is very personal and I hope and pray that my fans love this songwriting side. I have never before exposed so much of my inner-self than in these songs. You will hear the full range of human emotion, and all of it comes from my heart,” Marcia said in a press release. “The opening track ‘Amazing’ is about creating the happily-ever-after moment. This is the soundtrack to finding that fairytale love. You are the silver lining to my life and you are amazing.”

The album Amazing hits stores everywhere on April 4.

Image used with permission from SGC Media

Broadwing Blows My Mind with “Anodyne”

Broadwing has knocked my socks off with his debut single “Anodyne.” It’s just so raw and real.

But perhaps that’s to be expected from an artist that comes from the Aussie outback town of Alice Springs. Just like the place he hails from, there’s no bullshit in his music. The instrumentation of this track might be a little electronic, but it’s balanced with some honest lyrics and emotive vocals. In the age of autotune, that’s so refreshing to hear.

“Anodyne” is our first taste of Broadwing’s debut EP Pinhole Camera, which will be released later this year.

Image used with permission from SCG Media

Chance Waters Teams Up with The Griswolds for “Bonnie”


Chance Waters proves he’s not going to be pigeonholed with the release of his brand new single “Bonnie.”

“Bonnie” sees him collaborating with Sydney indie-pop act The Griswolds, and their influence is evident. The song’s still got a hip hop core, but it’s something complete new from this MC.

This is our first taste of Chance Waters’ third album. There’s not a lot of details about this release yet, but if this song’s any indication it’s sure to surprise!

Amaya Laucirica Releases Pair of Singles Ahead of Sway Release

Melbourne singer-songwriter Amaya Laucirica is giving music lovers a sneak peek at her upcoming third album Sway with the release of a double A-side single. “Prettier Than The Sound” and “On the Air” are both featured on the album, which hits stores on April 18.

I must admit, Amaya’s earlier releases passed me by, but I’m really digging this. With her sweet voice and gift for songwriting, she reminds me a little of Julianna Hatfield. She’s also surrounding herself with the right people. Sway was recorded by Dave McCluney (Nick Cave/Mick Harvey/Robert Forster), mixed by Victor Van Vugt (PJ Harvey/Beth Orton) and mastered by Ray Staff (Spiritualised/David Bowie). With such an amazing team on her side, Sway’s sure to be something special.

Ella Hooper On Tour Ahead of Solo Album Release

She might be setting the small screen alight as part of the rebooted Spicks and Specks, but that doesn’t mean Ella Hooper’s abandoned music making. In fact, she’s preparing to release her first solo album, In Tongues.

There’s no official release date as yet, but the album will feature the lead single “Low High,” a groovy number with smouldering vocals and an old Western feel. Can’t you just imagine Ella singing this song in a smoky bar for a bunch of cowboys?

Fans will hear this song and more from the forthcoming album when Ella plays the following shows through autumn.

29 March 2014 – The Vanguard, Sydney
4 April 2014 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
8 May 2014 – Artbar, Perth
9 May 2014 – Jive, Adelaide
15 May 2014 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane
16 May 2014 – SoundLounge, Gold Coast
17 May 2014 – Star Court Theatre, Lismore