Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanda Merdzan’s Stellar New Single

I hear a lot of new artists writing this blog, so it takes a lot for one to stick into my mind for any period of mind. Yet Amanda Merdzan is one of those acts I’ve thought of on and off over the years. I heard this Western Australian songstress’ debut album Into the Gallery way back in 2010, and wondered what she was doing. So I was thrilled to see she has a new single, and an EP on the way.

That EP The Map Has Been Redrawn will be released in March, but until then we’ve got the lead single “Afraid” to tide us over. It’s everything I loved about Amanda’s first release, but with a bit more refinement. The sound is larger, but it doesn’t overwhelm the song’s strong emotional core. Once again her lyrics are right on point. Put simply, I’m in love.

Amanda will launch the EP for her home state at North Fremantle’s Mojo’s Bar on March 2. After that she’s flying off to play Canadian Music Week. No doubt the Canucks will see something just as special in this exciting singer-songwriter. Expect to hear big things from this real talent.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jordan Millar Impresses With Awesome Summer Single

If the lead single “Walking on Me” is any indication, music lovers are in for a real treat when Jordan Millar releases his album Cold Lights on Curious Minds next month.

This is such a feel-good song, with a great marriage of pop, folk, and blues. I love the acoustic guitar that anchors the easy vocals. This is really great stuff that takes me back to some of John Mayer’s early material. And as anyone who knows me knows, that’s a very good thing.

Jordan Millar’s Cold Lights on Curious Minds hits stores on February 15.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Pes Releases Summery Solo Single

Since the disintegration of Sydney pop-rock act Leechwife, founding member Nick Pes has been finding his feet as a solo artist. A couple of years later it seems the singer has well and truly found his own sound.

Gone are the rock stylings, replaced with heavy synths and summery electro-pop melodies. Nick’s first single “I Remember” is just what I needed to get through this unreasonably hot January.

“I Remember” hits iTunes tomorrow.

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Beat the Heat with Sun City’s Chilly Music Video

I’m hot. Really hot. The news tells me it was 46 degrees in Sydney, and it can’t be too far off on the Central Coast. My air-conditioning unit and fans are feeling pretty ineffectual at the moment.

And that may be why Sun City’s latest film clip looks extra inviting. The band’s name is pretty summery, but for the clip accompanying “High” the Perth outfit headed to Alberta, Canada. Icy, icy Alberta. All those frozen creek beds and thick snowy surfaces look like heaven right now. I’m sure the crew might have complained about the -20 degree temps, but I think they sound perfect.

I’m sure the band’s longing for them as they’ll start braving our sweltering local conditions on a national tour tonight. You can show them some love at the following venues.

18 January 2013 – The Rocket Bar, Adelaide
19 January 2013 – Slam Festival, St Kilda
20 January 2013 – Slam Festival, Scarborough
25 January 2013 – Can’t Say @ Vault 8, Melbourne
26 January 2013 Falcona Saturdays @Beach Road Hotel, Bondi (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Something with Numbers Kill the Weekend

The Central Coast’s Something with Numbers are helping us close out the working week with their rocking new single “We Kill the Weekend.” The track, which appropriately gets an official release today, comes from Something with Numbers forthcoming album Eleven Eleven.

The track ushers in a new chapter for the band, which has lost a few members and gained replacements since their last album release in 2008. Five years away from the business seems to have done Something with Numbers good; this track has a real ferocity to it that shows the band’s enjoying making music together.

They haven’t completely forgotten their roots though. The new album saw Something with Numbers reuniting with Lachlan Mitchell, the man who produced their 2004 debut Etiquette.

“I really wanted to work with someone who we already had a relationship with, because we didn’t want anything set in stone,” explained the band’s vocalist Jake Grigg.

That reunion gave them Eleven Eleven, an album which the band says is their most personal to date.

“A few years ago no one’s heart was in it,” Jake admitted. “But with this record, I really took the reins. I got to express myself completely.”

Eleven Eleven doesn’t have a release date at this point, but we can hear a sneak peek when the band plays shows soon. They’ll warm up with slots at the Big Day Out festivals before embarking on their first headlining dates in five years.

14 February 2013 – Crowbar, Brisbane
15 February 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
22 February 2013 – Annandale Hotel, Sydney

Image used with permission from Reckoning Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sleepy Dreamers Impress with “Winter Make Way”

Folky Melbourne quartet Sleepy Dreamers have won me over with their gorgeous debut single “Winter Make Way.”

There’s a touch of Mumford & Sons in the way this song builds. I love the way the four-part harmonies work with those organic guitars. It’s really quite epic without being overblown.

If you’re fallen for “Winter Make Way” too, then keep your eyes out for the Sleepy Dreamers’ first EP Creatures, which will hit stores in March.

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella Ferraro’s Fiery Single Blunder

With temperatures soaring and strong winds spreading bushfires across the country, it’s terrible timing for X Factor alum Bella Ferraro to release her new single “Set Me on Fire.” No wonder this thing has dropped out of the top 100 entirely just two weeks after its release. It’s not exactly the thing that radio will have on high rotation in the middle of a heatwave, is it? It’s a shame though, because this is a really pretty tune that’s accessible yet really original. What do you think?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nine Sons of Dan Announce “Fun” Tour

Nine Sons of Dan will tour the East Coast this March to support their infectious new single “Fun (La Da Da Da Da),” which hits iTunes today.

As you might assumet from the title, there’s really no deeper meaning in the track. It’s just about shaking off the stress of everyday life and enjoying yourself. It was born out of the pressure the band felt while recording their latest EP, The New Kids.

“I was feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of the recording until I came to the realisation that I’m here living my dream making music with my best friends,” explained Nine Sons of Dan’s singer-songwriter Jay Bainbridge. “We all have something we are chasing after – it’s a reminder to enjoy the here and now, if you get too caught up in the work of your passion you can kill it.”

And what better way to have fun than a national tour? You can have a good time with Nine Sons of Dan at the following shows.

1 March 2013 – The PA @ Jupiters Casino, Gold Coast (18+ – FREE)
9 March 2013 – Phoenix Youth Centre, Melbourne (Under 18s)
14 March 2013 – The Zoo, Brisbane (18+)
16 March 2013 – The Hive, Brisbane (All Ages)
23 March 2013 – The Venue, Townsville (All Ages)
24 March 2013 – Mackay Entertainment Centre Foyer, Mackay (All Ages)
4 April 2013 – Port Macquarie Hotel, Port Macquarie (18+ – FREE)
5 April 2013 – C.Ex Coffs, Coffs Harbour (All Ages)
6 April 2013 – Live At The Brewhouse, Sydney (Licensed All Ages)

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Webb Gives Away 12 New Songs in 2013

Christmas might be over, but Dan Webb doesn’t believe that’s any reason for the presents to stop. In 2013 he’s pledged that he’ll release a new song for free download every month. That’s 12 sparkly new songs to add to your music collection!

He’s set the bar very high with the first track “Departure,” a groovy number featuring Kylie Auldist of The Bamboos. If each song can live up to this one I’m going to be very impressed!

You can enjoy all the songs Dan is generously providing by logging on to his website this year.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Don’t Mind the Heat – Try on Some Wintercoats!


If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’re probably staring at your computer screen bleary eyed, waiting for the pounding in your head to go away. You need to be eased into 2013 gently. Very gently. And so I figured I’d introduce you to “Halogen Moon,” the lead single from Wintercoats forthcoming EP Heartful.

That recording won’t hit stores until February, but this song gives you a taste of what’s in store. And it won’t upset your rather delicate state right now. That’s a win all round!

If you like what you hear you can see Wintercoats at the following venues this month:

3 January 2013 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
12 January 2013 – The A & I Hall, Bangalow
30 January 2013 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne

Image source: Wintercoats Bandcamp page