Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maxi Gives EP Sneak Peek

After impressing with her debut single “In a Little While,” Melbourne songbird Maxi is preparing to inundate us with some new tunes. On September 28 she’ll release her self-titled debut EP and a brand new single “From the Start.”

You don’t have to wait that long to hear the single though. Maxi’s allowed me to give you all the first listen of the new track, which is every bit as powerful as the last. I love her old style blend of funk and soul, her powerful vocals, and those big brassy chords.

Hopefully this will get you all warmed up for the EP, which was the result of a summer spent locked away with fledgling producer and muso Joel Witenberg. They might have missed the sunshine, but there’s a real warmth to the songs I’ve heard that has me primed for more.

If you like what you hear make sure you grab Maxi and “From the Start” when they drop on September 28. Maxi will also launch the EP for her home town fans at The Workers Club on October 18.

Image used with permission from Maxi

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bec Laughton Releases “Holy Love 2”

Sassy Brisbanite Bec Laughton is giving us a taste of her forthcoming EP By the Fire with a hot new single “Holy Love 2.”

The soulful track, which features guest vocals from Ni.Na, delivers an easy jam and plenty of good vibes. It’s just one of the tracks from By the Fire, which gets a digital release on September 21.

To celebrate the single and EP releases Bec will hit the road, starting with a hometown show to launch By the Fire. Expect to hear some new songs and old favourites at the following gigs.

21 September 2012 – Icecream Factory, Brisbane
28 September 2012 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
5 October 2012 – El Rocco, Sydney
7 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
12 October 2012 – Higher Ground, Adelaide
14 October 2012 – Worker’s Club, Melbourne
18 October 2012 – Woodys, Byron Bay
20 October 2012 – Sheoak Shack, Fingal Head
21 October 2012 – Queen Street Mall, Brisbane
26 October 2012 – Island Vibes, Stradbroke Island
10 November 2012 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
16 November 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast
17 November 2012 – Bon Amici, Toowoomba

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Step Into Georgia Potter’s Web

Queensland born songstress Georgia Potter has penned some of the best lyrics I’ve heard in some time with her new single “XO.” On the surface you can appreciate its cool beats, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover the extended metaphor inspired by the romantic entanglement of a friend falling for the wrong person.

“The title, a double entendre, is a play on the word exoskeleton (which is of course the porous shell of a spider’s body through which it breathes) and the ‘Kiss Hug’ that ‘xo’ has come to mean,” Georgia explained in a press release. “Thinking of an exoskeleton as an analogy for a love that is flimsy and transparent, the narrative of the spider and the fly was born.”

The song is a truly international affair. Georgia wrote it during a stint in America and London, and recorded it in studios in London and Berlin. The work of Australian beat-guru Yukon Snakes, who Georgia collaborated with online, put the finishing touches on the song.

As for the video, it was shot in Berlin by Georgia’s dear pal, an Aus-Brit filmmaker called Bryn Chainey. I initially thought the effects were created on the computer, but they were actually made by manipulating crystals and glass prisms in front of the camera lens. Very cool!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fearless Vampire Killers Take Us to “Mexico”

The Fearless Vampire Killers transport us to North America with their hot new single, “Mexico.” It’s become a fan favourite at their recent live shows, so it seemed the natural single choice.

“It’s an upbeat western-rock ditty documenting the neglected desire of a fading man to travel to his childhood dreamland of Mexico,” explained the band’s guitarist, Al Marx.

“Mexico” is the first song to be lifted from the Melbourne band’s sophomore album, which should hit stores next year. The Fearless Vampire Killers are hard at work putting the finishing touches on the release, but they’ll take a little time out to launch the single at the following shows.

5 October 2012 – Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
6 October 2012 – The Workers Club, Melbourne
12 October 2012 – FBi Social, Sydney

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Drops “Pistol”

Mia Dyson lays her heart bare with her searing new single “Pistol.”

The second cut from Mia’s new The Moment album, the song is so raw that it bleeds. Just try to stay stoic as you listen to this gut-wrenching rock ballad.

The song’s release comes at just the right time for Mia, as she’s currently playing shows all around the country. Hear her play “Pistol” and much more at the following tour shows.

14 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
15 September 2012 – Notes Live, Sydney
16 September 2012 – The Abbey, Canberra
21 September 2012 – Republic Bar, Hobart
22 September 2012 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
4 October 2012 – Clarendon, Katoomba (SOLO)
6 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber (SOLO)
11 & 12 October 2012 – Railway Sports and Social Club, Darwin
25 October 2012 – Backwater Blues & Roots Festival @ Mt Gambier Gaol, Mt Gambier
26 October 2012 – Backwater Blues & Roots Festival @ Queens Theatre, Adelaide
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues Festival, Sydney
8 November 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Bridgetown Blues, Bridgetown

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Evening Cast Impress with “Factory”

Victorian indie band The Evening Cast have given us our first taste of their forthcoming EP Lake with the single “Factory.”

It’s a great track anchored by beautiful vocals and a great electric guitar riff. It didn’t immediately captivate me, but I found myself listening to it, then putting it on again and again to catch all its nuances. It doesn’t exactly grab you around the throat but it does hook you in.

The Evening Cast seem to be working with all the right people to ensure they make their mark. The EP was produced by Marty Brown (Clare Bowditch, Art of Fighting) and mastered in New York City by Joe LaPorta (Bjork, Foo Fighters).

They’re also about to play support act for Clare Bowditch and Oh Mercy, so if you have tickets to their Geelong shows make sure you turn up early. The Evening Cast are already gaining a reputation as a solid live act, so their sets shouldn’t disappoint.

Here are the places you can see them in the flesh over the coming months.

20 September 2012 – The Brunswick Hotel, Brunswick
19 October 2012 – Bended Elbow, Geelong (supporting Oh Mercy)
27 October 2012 – Drama Theatre @ GPAC, Geelong (supporting Clare Bowditch

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evil Eddie Celebrates Hip Hop’s “Golden Age”

Evil Eddie celebrates old school hip hop with his brand new single “Golden Age.” The track comes from the former Butterfingers frontman’s highly anticipated solo debut Welcome to Flavour Country, which should hit stores in mid-October.

The track isn’t for sensitive ears or workplaces, but it’s a great commentary on the modern hip hop songs that overuse auto-tune and rap about little of consequence. Its passion and direct to camera video is a nod to hip hop’s formative years. The song is available digitally or as a limited edition CD. Just 500 copies were made, so they’re sure to become collector’s items. If you want one you can buy it through Evil Eddie’s website.

Fans can help bring Welcome to Flavour Country to the masses by investing in a package through Pledge Music. For just $11 you can get a digital download of the album a week before it hits stores, but if you’re feeling a bit more flush you can enjoy even more perks.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlie Horse Woos with “Dead Roses”

When I was a kid, a Charlie Horse was something you’d want to avoid like the plague. However I’ve fallen in love with a new kind of Charlie Horse today, the musical duo behind the new single “Dead Roses.” The song comes from the Sydney duo’s album I Hope I’m Not a Monster.

The track is a dirty country influenced ballad that speaks of a different kind of love affair. Crystal Rose and Paul McDonald’s vocals meld beautifully in this deeply moving track. More of this please!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Trouble with Templeton Grows with Single Release

The Trouble with Templeton are ushering in a new chapter with the release of the single “Six Months in a Cast.”

What started as a solo act became a duo, then a trio. Now as a five-piece, The Trouble with Templeton are forging forward with a much bolder sound. It’s still as melodic and focused on lyrics, but there’s something much more compelling about this new lush, multi-instrumental act.

“Six Months in a Cast” is available as a digital download today, and The Trouble with Templeton are taking every opportunity to promote it. The Trouble with Templeton frontman Thomas Calder will play solo gigs and shows with his quintet, including a few festivals, some headlining gigs, and dates with Julia Stone, in the coming months. With the I Wrote a Novel EP hitting stores across North America on September 4, The Trouble with Templeton will also do a bit of spruiking stateside.

Here are all the places you can catch this exciting act at home and abroad!

6 September 2012 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (with Julia Stone – Thomas Calder solo)
7 September 2012 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne (with Julia Stone – full band)
8 September 2012 – Meenlyan Town Hall, Meeniyan (with Julia Stone – Thomas Calder solo)
12 September 2012 – Big Sound Showcase @ Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane (full band)
13 September 2012 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle (with Julia Stone – full band)
14 September 2012 – Dream Festival, Dubbo (full band)
15 September 2012 – The Metro, Sydney (with Julia Stone – full band)
21 September 2012 – Community Centre, Byron Bay (with Julia Stone – Thomas Calder solo)
4-7 October 2012 – 3 showcases at Filter’s Culture Collide, LA (Thomas Calder solo)
16-20 October 2012 – 6 showcases at CMJ Music Marathon, NY (Thomas Calder solo)
26 October 2012 – GOMA Up Late @ Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane (Thomas Calder solo)

Image used with permission from Tiny Monster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Medics Release Stomach Turning Single Clip

The Medics have me rocking out again with their latest single “Slow Burn.” Despite its name, the song is instantly accessible with big chords and a scorching bass line. I’m not so keen on the music video though. I’m pretty sure it’ll turn even the strongest of stomachs. If you don’t mind images of ants crawling over skin and cuticles being pulled, the video might just be for you. Don’t say you weren’t warned!