Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Major Zulu Celebrates Life in Oz With “Down Under”

Major Zulu was born and raised in Zambia and lived in the United Kingdom and France before settling in Australia. She’s celebrating her new homeland with her smooth new soul single, “Down Under.” The song joyously pays tribute to the natural wonders and cosmopolitan culture of her new home in Eora/Sydney.

“It was as if I was returning to my essence, reconnecting with the vibrant, adventurous spirit that had always been a part of me. The vibrant community, the simple joys of sharing a meal outdoors, and the embrace of the natural world mirrored the carefree spirit of my Zambian childhood.”

Major Zulu’s vocals are off the charts. She reminds me a lot of artists like Sade and Anita Baker. Aren’t we lucky that she now calls Australia home? Hometown fans can see Major Zulu at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on April 12.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Hill Releases Sublime New Single, “Space for You”

I’ve got chills listening to “Space for You,” the gorgeous new single from Laura Hill. Her soulful voice really casts a spell as this stunning number plays out. Those vocals stopped me in my tracks, but as I listened longer I was struck by the song’s vulnerable lyrics.

“Most of us are trying to understand or navigate something internally,” Laura explained. “Holding space for someone is about creating a small corner of your heart where they can share their feelings without judgement, while also being mindful of your own emotions. It’s messy, sometimes awkward, but always worth it.”

Laura recorded “Space for You” at Wundenberg’s Studios with live-tracked orchestration, an inspired choice that gives the song such a warm, spontaneous energy.

“The energy of tracking live is magical—you never know what’s going to happen, but when it clicks, it’s like catching lightning in a bottle. Everyone held space for me, and I’m so grateful for the care and talent they brought to this track.”

Laura and her band will launch “Space for You” at Big Easy Radio in Ngaltingga/Aldinga on February 28. Doors open at 6 pm and music lovers are encouraged to pay what they can.

Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Korts Releases Strong New Single

After a pretty stressful few months dealing with the aftermath of my car accident, Lucy Korts latest single “Stronger” is exactly what I needed to hear. This authentic girl power anthem sees the Meeanjin/Brisbane artist reclaiming her own power, and hopefully inspiring a few listeners to do the same. I know she’s got me fired up!

“I hope that ‘Stronger’ can give you the same strength that I found writing it,” she confirmed. “I hope that it can pick you up when you don’t know how to get up. And I hope that it can help to push you forward when you don’t know which way forward is. I hope that ‘Stronger’ can remind you to be stronger than whatever it is that hurt you.”

For more pop goodness, check out my Spotify playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. It features plenty of fabulous new pop music from local artists including Lucy. I’m always adding new music so make sure you follow me to stay up-to-date!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Carman Releases Folk Charmer, “It’s All Good”

Harry Carman’s new single “It’s All Good” is the musical equivalent of a warm hug. Whether you need a little sonic support or just want to chill out today, you’ve got to hear this sweet indie-folk song.

“This song was originally written when my ex was going through pregnancy with our youngest son,” Harry recalled. “I wanted to make a song that was reassuring and comforting in the hardest of times. It’s now become a song I play for my two boys (they already know all the words) whenever we’re in the car or before bed. Myself and my producer, Josh Richens, made the production of the song evolutionary to capture how the song evolved from a simple phone recording, to a demo for SoundCloud, all the way to what it is now.”

If you want to hear more from Harry and you’re around Ngambri/Canberra, treat yourself to lunch at Ballyhoo today. He’s playing from midday to 4 pm, so get out and show your support.

Image source: Harry Carman website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stephen Royale Drops Party Anthem, “VIP”

As we inch closer to the weekend, it’s time to put the working week behind us and drop some party tunes. “VIP,” the latest single from Stephen Royale has me buzzing. It’s a total 2000s throwback that reminds me a bit of classic Chris Brown and Jason Derulo tunes, and I’m personally here for it. Crank this one and I’m sure you’ll be grooving along in no time!

“VIP is an electro RnB/pop song designed to get everyone on the dance floor,” Stephen explained. “It’s got that throwback flavour but feels fresh enough to own today’s scene. We poured so much into this track, and I just want people to feel it, vibe to it, and party with it. Let’s gooooo!”

“VIP” comes from Stephen’s debut EP, so we can expect plenty more tunes from him in the near future.

Image used with permission from Stephen Royale

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Drop Double A-Side Single Ahead of Album Release + Tour

After spending much of 2024 on the road here and abroad, Press Club are serving up more new music this year. They’ll independently release their fourth album, To All The Ones That I Love, on Friday May 2 featuring the songs from their new double A-side single, “Tightrope” and “Vacate.” These songs are everything I love about Press Club: killer rock music that perfectly backs up the force of nature that is frontwoman Natalie Foster.

She said “’Tightrope’ is about hitting that point where you’re done trying to fix things, becoming frustrated and numb taking on everybody else’s thoughts, worries and expectations. It’s that feeling of barely holding it together, like you’re walking a tightrope on the edge of a breakdown. Musically, it’s a bit of an ode to The Hives, written after meeting them at Hurricane festival in Germany.”

Meanwhile the band were inspired by classic acts like David Bowie, New Order, and Joy Division when writing “Vacate.” You can definitely hear their influence in those retro guitars.

Press Club will play a string of shows here and overseas to promote the release of To All The Ones That I Love. See them while you can at the following gigs:

26 April 2025 – Danson Fest, Ngambri/Canberra
3 May 2025 – The Tote, Naarm/Melbourne (ALL AGES)
3 May 2025 – The Tote, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
23 May 2025 – The Sound Doctor, Kuarka Dorla/Anglesea
22 June 2025 – Farewell Youth Festival, Dresden

Photo credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Butter Releases Smooth New Single, “Baby I’m in Love”

I am absolutely vibing with Butter’s new single “Baby I’m in Love.” Featuring the talents of 1800 Sleep, this is a cool neo-soul number that’s probably better suited to Saturday nights than Monday afternoons. However, maybe playing it now will put you right back into that relaxed weekend state. It’s worth a shot, right?

“The recording process really captured our energy as a live band,” lead vocalist Lachlan Payet explained. “A relaxed studio environment helped us to feel comfortable and brave with the creative choices made. I feel it’s the most Butter thing we’ve ever made as our personality and humour really shines through in the absolute sweetest way possible!”

Butter will celebrate the release of “Baby I’m In Love” with a single launch on February 14 at Mills Records in Walyalup/Fremantle. With free entry, it’s the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day.

Photo credit: Robin Bottrell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Swift Farewell Make Their Mark With “Silence”

Eora/Sydney emo powerhouse A Swift Farewell are back with their first single of 2025, “Silence.” Don’t let the title or gentle start fool you. This track really kicks in when the chorus drops.

It’s also the first song the band recorded with their new bassist, Gabrielle Michael. “I’m beyond excited to be teaming up with my very best friends in A Swift Farewell,” they enthused. “It feels like a long time coming after filling in on bass for them on tour. Nothing feels better than sharing the stage with people who you not only love, but know that they share the same deep passion for the art you create together.”

A Swift Farewell have a couple of gigs at The Lansdowne coming up to celebrate the release of “Silence”. Catch them at the following hometown shows:

15 February 2025 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (supporting As December Falls)
28 February 2025 – Good Intent’s After Dark Event @ The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (FREE)

Photo credit: Bree Vane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Miramar Chase Away Monday Blues With “Work It Out”

There’s not a lot that’s fun about Mondays. While I can’t do anything about your back-to-work hassles or the gloomy weather that’s lingering around my part of the country, I can introduce you to Miramar’s new single “Work It Out.” This dance-pop single is the aural equivalent of a dopamine hit, so pump up that volume! It sounds upbeat, but it’s got a strong message if you pay attention to the lyrics.

“The lyrics are a really vulnerable, personal story of taking a minute during a fight with someone you love to remember that you still love them and you’ll get through it,” the Eora/Sydney-based band revealed. “It’s a conversation we had to have with ourselves about music as well. There’s been many times we were burnt out and needed to remind ourselves that we love it and need to keep going – we’re actually doing okay and we’re going to make it work. We originally wrote the song while we were still in a bit of a burnout spiral. When we finally went to finish we were coming out the other side of that, so it ended up a much more hopeful and optimistic song which we love.”

“Work It Out” is the latest single from Miramar’s sophomore EP, which drops later this year. Before that they’ll play the following shows around New South Wales in the coming weeks.

28 February 2025 – Beach Road Hotel, Boondi/Bondi
16 March 2025 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
22 March 2025 – Pleasure Club, Gadigal Country/Newtown
28 March 2025 – The Landsdowne, Gadigal Country/Chippendale (supporting Mickey Kojak)

Photo credit: Tom Brazel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bailey Pickles and Hugo Hui Release Incredible Owl City Cover

Think you know Owl City’s “Fireflies”? I promise you’ve never heard it quite like this. Local talents Bailey Pickles and Hugo Hui have teamed up with the Sydney Conservatorium Choir for a magical version of the synth-pop smash. With its lush orchestral arrangements and harmonies from the choir, it sounds like it belongs on an epic movie soundtrack.

“Our goal was to take the magic of ‘Fireflies’ and expand it into something that feels like the soundtrack to a dream,” Bailey said. “Collaborating with the Sydney Conservatorium Choir was an incredible opportunity to push our vision to the next level.”

“’Fireflies’ is a celebration of everything we love about music, nostalgia, creativity, and the power to transport listeners to another world,” Hugo added. “We’re so grateful to the Sydney Conservatorium Choir for helping us bring this vision to life.”

This is the latest single lifted from Bailey and Hugo’s highly anticipated EP, which features four cinematic covers and two original pieces.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR