Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Does Dune Look Familiar To You?

Melbourne singer-songwriter Dune is making a big impression with her debut single “Shoestring.”

Or at least, this is Dune’s first release as Dune. If she sounds seasoned, it’s because she is. Underneath all those bandages it’s the artist formerly known as Jade McRae. Remember her pop music fans?

Jade’s reinvention is about more than just a new name. “Shoestring” is a world away from the mainstream R’n’B I remember her for. It’s got a catchy pop sound, but it’s paired with some compelling tribal beats. She hasn’t relied on outside knowhow to make the song either; the whole thing’s entirely self produced.

Something tells me Dune’s going to be one of those artists we just can’t ignore. Get in on the ground up when she launches the single at two very special launch shows. She’ll play for her hometown at The Workers Club on August 30 before heading to Sydney’s Upstairs Beresford Hotel the following night.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maxi Steps Out with Debut Single

Melbourne songstress Maxi’s giving us a taste of her musical skills with the soulful sounds of “In a Little While” her debut single and the first track lifted from her self-titled EP.

Maxi’s shaken off her musical theatre background to reveal a sound that’s incredibly sultry and sensuous. The song settles into an easy groove and doesn’t let go. It sounds more seasoned than any debut probably should, but Maxi’s no musical newcomer. While this is her first solo endeavour she’s been laying down backing vocals and collaborating with local DJs and musos for some time. She’s even played Good Vibrations and Parklife. Surely she’s due her time in the sun!

We’ll no doubt hear more of Maxi when her EP drops this September.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Red Ink Tour Euphoria

Red Ink are preparing to tour their catchy new single “Euphoria,” our first taste of their forthcoming new single The Colour Age. They’ll play the major capitals in support of the song.

It’s such a great track, carefully crafted with a killer pop sensibility. It’s amazing to think it was originally conceived in Red Ink’s early days, and only dug out of the archives recently. Thank goodness it was! I also love the film clip, which is a moving look at the polarities of life.

If you dig the song make sure you head to iTunes or Spotify as it’s currently available as a free download. And of course get to the following shows!

3 August 2012 – CATS @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
17 August 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
6 September 2012 – Cobra Kai @ Oh Hello, Brisbane
8 September 2012 – Upstairs Beresford Hotel, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chet Faker Comes Home

Chet Faker’s been quite the jetsetter over the last couple of months. He toured Europe with The Temper Trap and played big international festivals South by Southwest and The Great Escape. But these were just the warm up shows for his forthcoming Australian tour to celebrate the release of his new single “Love and Feeling.”

The track is the latest to come from Chet’s album Thinking in Textures, which has earned critical acclaim in the UK, the US, and his native Australia.

Chet will kick off his Australian tour with a slot at Byron Bay’s Splendour in the Grass before hitting the country’s best clubs.

27-29 July 2012 – Splendour in the Grass Festival, Byron Bay
3 August 2012 – The Bakery, Perth
4 August 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
16 August 2012 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
17 August 2012 – Trinity Bar, Canberra
24 August 2012 – Cats @ Rocket Bar, Adelaide
7 September 2012 – Revolt, Melbourne
14 September 2012 – Up Late @ GOMA, Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

I, A Man Take The Scenic Route

I, a Man are celebrating the release of their dreamy new single “The Scenic Route” with an East Coast tour.

The song has such a lush quality, with jangly guitars, hypnotic drum beats, and Daniel Moss’ easy vocals. It’s definitely the kind of tune that can blast you out of a winter funk.

The accompanying tour will be your last chance to catch I, a Man for a while, as the band are heading into hibernation to write and record their debut album. We should see that in stores in the first half of next year.

I, a Man kick off their Scenic Route tour tonight in Geelong. Here are all the places you can catch them in the coming weeks:

19 July 2012 – Beavs Bar, Geelong
21 July 2012 – Ding Dong Lounge, Melbourne
26 July 2012 – Lambda, Alhambra
29 July 2012 – Dan & Ash Acoustic @ Pure Pop Records, St Kilda
2 August 2012 – The Front Gallery and Café, Canberra
4 August 2012 – Kittens @ The Spectrum, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elle Skies Charms with “City”

I’ve fallen hard for the charms of Melbourne singer-songwriter Elle Skies, and I’m pretty sure you will too when you hear her new single “City.”

I must admit, I missed Elle when she released her debut EP Skyscraper back in 2006, but I won’t make the same mistake with this release. It earned the songstress rave reviews and first prize in a British song-writing competition. If City’s any indication of the calibre of songs she’s assembled for her new EP, she can expect plenty more praise.

“City” is such an endearingly upbeat number. It’s quirky but in such an honest way. Its hooks draw you in, and Elle’s sweet vocals keep on there. The vibrant time-lapse stop-motion animated video is a gorgeously colourful accompaniment.

Has “City” put a smile on your face?

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus Stone Releases Album, New Music Video

“Wooden Chair” is the latest single lifted from Angus Stone’s solo outing Broken Brights.

It’s not going to blow anyone’s mind, but it’s a solid little piece of folk pop. The music video’s also really sweet, with footage of Angus hanging out in the country with his dog. Adorable. I can’t imagine this will be the track to attract new fans, but I’m sure anyone who adored Angus’ work with his sister Julia will be satisfied by it.

Broken Brights is in Australian stores today. It gets a UK and European release on the 16th, and hits American stores on the 17th.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vulpes Vulpes Rock with Mirrorvine

Vulpes Vulpes burst out of the gate with their first single “Mirrorvine.”

“Mirrorvine” is a bit rough around the edges, but I think this is a really exciting debut. There’s a touch of Nick Cave about the resonant vocals in the verses, and an intensity that’s hypnotic. The balance isn’t quite right in places, where the instrumentation starts to overwhelm the lyrics, but it’s early days.

And for a band that’s still green, Vulpes Vulpes are impressing all the right people. They’ve only been together for a year, but they’ve already played Canberra’s Foreshore festival and earned some great reviews for their debut EP Vol-pez Vol-pez.

Vulpes Vulpes are the kind of band that’s bound to do their best work on the stage, so if you like what you’ve seen make sure you catch them at their forthcoming Sydney shows. They’ll play the FBi Social Club on July 14, and Oxford Arts Factory on August 17.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mia Dyson Drops New Single, Announces Album Tour

Mia Dyson’s offered us our first taste of her forthcoming album The Moment in the form of her brand new single, “When the Moment Comes.”

The song sees Mia in fine form, with her trademark rasp bleeding all over the lyrics of her first official single release in four years. It seems she’s relished the chance to record in her new American home base. If this killer cut is any indication of what we can expect when The Moment hits stores on August 17, we’re in for a real treat.

Mia will enjoy a homecoming later this year with local shows to promote The Moment. If you’ve missed her, make sure you show your support at one of the following gigs:

24 Aug 2012 – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns
7 September 2012 – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs
12 September 2012 – Brisbane Festival @ Spiegeltent, Brisbane
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
6 October 2012 – Lizotte’s, Kincumber NSW
27 October 2012 – Sydney Blues Festival, Sydney
8 November 2012 – Mojos, Fremantle
9 November 2012 – Bridgetown Blues, Bridgetown

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Little Scout Take Left Turn with “Go Quietly”

I’ve been wooed by the music of Little Scout ever since I heard “We Are Walking Out” a couple of months ago. I was starting to feel I had the Brisbane band figured out, but they’ve thrown me for a loop with their new single “Go Quietly.”

The track is a much fuzzier and bolder song than the band’s other singles. I haven’t warmed to it as easily, but I can really appreciate its drama. The song saw the band working in Los Angeles with Lars Stalfors (The Mars Volta), so perhaps it’s little wonder that it signals a new direction for the band. You can’t be plucked out of your comfort zone and produce the same old thing, can you?

“We fell in love with this song pretty quickly. It’s short, fuzzy and loud,” Little Scout said in a statement. “This is uncharted territory for us and we like the way it makes us feel; we hope you like it too.”

“Go Quietly” comes from Little Scout’s sophomore album, which will hit stores later this year. What do you think of the tune?

Image used with permission from We Manage