Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shane Howard Celebrates 30 Years of “Solid Rock” with New Singles & Shows

Former Goanna front man Shane Howard will celebrate 30 years since the release of his indigenous rights anthem “Solid Rock” with the release of three new versions and some special anniversary concerts.

“Solid Rock – Puli Kunpungka” sees Shane joined by Archie Roach, Amy Saunders, Natalie Pa’apa’a (Blue King Brown), Emma Donovan, Myra Howard, and the children of the APY Lands. “Solid Rock – Sacred Ground” is a stripped back, ballad-style version of the classic song. Both versions are available digitally now. In November these reimaginings will be joined by “Solid Rock – Stronger Now,” which will see Shane sharing vocal duties with Natalie Pa’apa’a and Dan Sultan.

Many of the artists who’ve leant their voices to the new recordings will join Shane Howard for Other Side of the Rock show, which will appropriately hit Uluru on October 6. Archie Roach, Emma Donovan, Dan Sultan, John Butler, Natalie Pa’apa’a, and Stephen Pigram are all on the bill. The show is part of the Mutitjulu Community Carnival, which celebrates the cultural and sporting achievements of the people of the APY Lands. If you can’t make it to the Red Centre you can see the show when it hits The Forum in Melbourne on December 8.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dave Impress with “Red Eye”

Perth post-punk act Dave have one of the most unassuming names in the business, but they’ve caught my ear with their debut single “Red Eye.”

This song is just seriously good fun. It’s got a vaguely British feel to it, and hooks in all the right places. It doesn’t sound like anything I’ve heard of late either, which can only be a good thing. There’s no word on when an album will follow, but “Red Eye” has piqued my interest. Do you love it?

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Microwave Jenny Launch “You, Me, Backseat”

Central Coast husband and wife pairing Microwave Jenny refuse to play it coy with their fun new single “You, Me, Backseat.”

The track comes from the twosome’s latest EP Chasing You. However if you believe the frank single, these guys don’t believe in chasing or playing hard to get! Tessa Boney’s playful vocals work beautifully with the track’s clap-along melody. The band describes their sound as a blend of pop, folk, and love, and I honestly can’t think of anything more appropriate, can you?

See Microwave Jenny playing “You, Me, Backseat” and other fun tunes at the following shows.

3 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Central Coast
4 October 2012 – The Brass Monkey, Cronulla
5 October 2012 – The Vanguard, Sydney
6 October 2012 – Yours & Owls, Wollongong
10 October 2012 – The Front Gallery Canberra
11 October 2012 – The Toff in Town, Melbourne
12 October 2012 – KHS Pavilion, Wagga Wagga
13 October 2012 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide (FREE)
19 October 2012 – Ric’s Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
20 October 2012 – The Loft, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Alpha Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fraser A Gorman Launches Double A-Side Single

“Last Four Dollars” has been one of the highlights of Fraser A Gorman’s live shows. So it’s only fitting that Fraser recently recorded the song with his new band Big Harvest. Along with worthy A-side companion “Blossom,” the song’s become a worthy new single for the Melbourne country-folk outfit.

“Last Four Dollars/Blossom” is our first taste of Fraser A Gorman and Big Harvest’s highly anticipated debut album, which should hit stores early next years. This is the follow-up to the band’s acclaimed EP S/T, which launched with a sold-out show at The Toff a couple of months ago.

Fraser A Gorman and Big Harvest will launch “Last Four Dollars/Blossom” with a big hometown show at the Northcote Social Club on October 22. Tickets are $13 (including booking fee) from the venue.

Image used with permission from Shows in Space Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Single Offers Magical Album Sneak Peek

The incomparable Mama Kin will give us a taste of her forthcoming album The Magician’s Daughter with the new single “Was It Worth It.” The album won’t hit stores until early next year, but we can enjoy the single when it’s released on September 28.

The new album showcases an artist exploring new musical styles and the human condition.

“I got used to the idea that I have to be out of my comfort zone to make the kind of art I want to make, I have to feel pushed. I have to be on the edge to be able to jump in and get as deep as I want and need,” Mama Kin explained. “Magic for me is when there is a transformation inspired by subtle forces, and this is what we aim to bring to our audiences.”

Fans can enjoy “Was It Worth It” and a sneak peek of songs from the new album when Mama Kin tours around the country for the next few months. Tickets for her Talisman tour are on sale now.

27 & 28 September 2012 – Caloundra Music Festival,
6 October 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
19 October 2012 – Town Hall, Nannup
20 October 2012 – Clancys Fish Pub, Dunsborough
21 October 2012 – Mojos, North Fremantle
25 October 2012 – Jive, Adelaide
26 October 2012 – The Railway Club, Darwin
28 October 2012 – Island Vibes Festival, North Stradbroke Island
30 October 2012 – Camelot, Marrickville
31 October 2012 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
1 November 2012 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
24 & 25 November 2012 – Mullum Music Festival, Mullumbimby

Image used with permission from Two Fish Out of Water

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Voice’s Brittany Cairns Joins Jake Nauta on New Single

Blue Mountains boy Jake Nauta has teamed up with The Voice contestant Brittany Cairns for the cruisy new single “Grandpa Song.”

The clip takes us into Jake’s Blue Mountains studio, and captures the spontaneous magic that happens when these two beautiful voices combine. The gentle sweetness of both artists works so perfectly with this upbeat, summery tune.

“Grandpa Song” is the second single from Jake’s debut album Here With You. He’ll play it and more of his pop-folk numbers at Sydney’s Hybernian House on September 22.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Never Ever Rock Out with “Breathe”

Supporting Simple Plan didn’t just put The Never Ever in front of some of the biggest crowds of their career. It also led to a chance meeting with Pete from Epik Films, the man the band enlisted to direct and produce the music video for their new single “Breathe.”

The clip is a sophisticated and darkly dramatic accompaniment for the title track from The Never Ever’s most recent album. The band worked closely with Pete to see their vision, realised during a Melbourne traffic jam, come to life. Are you impressed with what you see?

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!