Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Julia & The Deep Sea Sirens Woo With Sweet Folk Music

Canberra songstress Julia Johnson and her outfit the Deep Sea Sirens have been quietly plugging away in the music business since 2005. After honing their craft, the band’s decided to time is right to release their debut album Family Pets.

The album has equal parts sadness and joy, all anchored together by Julia’s sweet vocals and her ever faithful instruments, the 36-string autoharp and banjo. It showcases tracks you might have heard when the band recently supported Tim Rogers, Lanie Lane, and Kate Miller-Heidke, including the current single “Little Surprises.” These songs were all recorded using vintage recording technology to ensure they have that authentic, analogue vibe.

If you like what you hear make sure you see Julia and the Deep Sea Sirens at their upcoming shows.

30 August 2012 – The Standard, Sydney
10 September 2012 – The Phoenix, Canberra (FREE)
12 October 2012 – The Empress, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sleep Decade’s Dreamy New Single “Bicycle”

Melbourne quartet Sleep Decade turn up the romance in their debut single “Bicycle.”

This isn’t your run of the mill love song with “moon in June” rhymes and clichéd scenarios. It’s much realer than that. You can feel the connection and chemistry between these two lost souls just discovering one another. It’s sweet, but not sappy.

Sleep Decade have spent the last year cutting their eye teeth alongside local acts like Pikelet, Richard in Your Mind, and Love Connection, but they’re about to step into the spotlight. Their debut album Into Spinning Lights will hit stores October, but before that they’ll launch the single for hometown fans at Fitzroy’s Bar Open on September 16.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emmy Bryce’s Offspring Song Released

Emmy Bryce charmed me when I heard her song “Hit the Ground” while watching Offspring, so I was thrilled to hear it’s got an official release.

“Hit the Ground” comes from Emmy Bryce’s debut EP Seven Days. Emmy will pack her bags and play shows around some of the capitals over the coming months to support its release. I recommend seeing her in these intimate venues while you can; something tells me it’s only a matter of time before Emmy’s music earns mainstream attention!

29 August 2012 – The Workers Club, Fitzroy
5 September 2012 – The Vanguard, Newtown
22 September 2012 – The Abbey, Nicholls
23 September 2012 – The Front Gallery/Cafe, Lyneham
29 September 2012 – La Boheme Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Regular John Serves Up Slume

A band called Regular John seems like it’s doing its best to go unnoticed. However if the right people hear their unique sound, they might just face that spotlight whether they like it or not!

The lads have managed to shake off the “grunge revival” tag that plagued them a couple of years ago. They gained a new guitarist and honed their songwriting to emerge with something less derivative. That dirtiness is still there, but it’s married beautifully with a heavier, psychedelic feel.

The single “Slume” gives a taste of what will come when the band’s album Strange Flowers hits stores on September 14. What do you think of it?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phil Hancock Releases Single for “Reach Out”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Phil Hancock is putting his talents to good use with the release of his new single “Who We Fall For.”

Proceeds from the song’s iTunes sales will benefit Reach Out, a local charity that supports teens struggling with bullying, grief, drug and alcohol problems, mental health issues, and a host of other concerns.

“Who We Fall For” is a beautiful piano-driven track that shows Phil’s softer side. His soaring vocals are superb, and his words about the out-of-control nature of love resonate.

Beautiful stuff!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Batterie Release Another Glitch Pop Puzzle

Batterie’s gotten underneath my skin again with “Jump Start,” the follow up to the first single “Spring Step.”

I must admit, I didn’t know what to make of this one at first. This really isn’t the music I’m used to, and so I wasn’t sure what to cling on to. It’s like some sort of strange cross between Kraftwerk’s “Popcorn” and the Tetris theme music. I’m not sure whether I like it or not, but I know I can’t stop thinking about it so perhaps it’s done its job.

What do you think dear readers?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Snowdroppers Still Rocking

The Snowdroppers are back with a brand new single, a shiny new contract, and an album on the way.

The Sydney based blues rockers just signed up to ABC Music’s hot new label FOUR | FOUR. This home of left-of-centre acts proved the perfect launchpad for The Snowdroppers’ new single “White Dress.”

The song shows the way the band’s sound has evolved since they released their debut album Too Late to Pray in 2009. Their Americana and swamp leanings have been tempered somewhat, but it’s got all the swagger and blues sensibility we loved the first time around.

“White Dress” is our first taste of The Snowdropper’s sophomore album Moving Out of Eden, which will hit stores in early 2013. In the meantime you can catch The Snowdroppers supporting Kiwi rock stalwarts Shihad at the following shows.

6 September 2012 – The Hi Fi, Melbourne
7 September 2012 – The Metro, Sydney
8 September 2012 – The Hi-Fi, Brisbane

Image source: Premier Artists

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Demon Parade Offer Pop Pick Me Up

The Demon Parade clearly figures that if it’s broke, it ain’t worth fixing. The new single “She’s Gonna Be a Star” sees them sticking to their retro roots. It’s a jangly slice of psychedelic pop that definitely put a smile on my face.

The track’s our second teaser of The Demon Parade’s new EP, which will hit stores later this year. The band will launch the track at Melbourne’s Worker’s Club on September 1.

Image used with permission from Show Off Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Gives Away Oceans

The epic track “Ocean” has long been a highlight of any John Butler set. The acclaimed Aussie singer-songwriter has actually been performing the epic guitar instrumental since 1998 when he’d busk at Fremantle markets to earn a living. John Butler is giving back to all the fans he’s made since those early days by releasing the first studio recording of “Ocean” in 12 years as a free download.

“’Ocean’ is a very interesting aspect of my life. It is part of my DNA. It conveys all things I can’t put into words. Life, loss, love, spirit. As I evolve so too does ‘Ocean’,” John explained. “I’d like to thank you for your continued support over all these years; it means so much to me. I would like to thank you by offering this first studio recording of “Ocean” in over a decade as a free download.”

The track was captured at John Butler’s own studio, dubbed The Compound in February. You can grab the MP3 that accompanies this YouTube video by visiting the John Butler Trio website.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sundance Back with “Where She Wants Me”

The Sundance Kids earned rave reviews for their catchy brand of pop rock back in 2009, but didn’t quite crack the big time. So they’ve reinvented themselves with the shorter moniker Sundance.

While the Adelaide trio has changed their name the Sundance philosophy remains the same. They’re still putting the emphasis on melodies and hooks with new songs like the single “Where She Wants Me.” The track should strike a chord with Sundance’s faithful fans and hit the hearts of a few new ones.

What do you think of this pop rock gem?