If you’re reading this blog, chances are that you feel the way I do that music is so much more than notes arranged into melodies. So I think you’ll appreciate “Til the Day I’m Gone,” the latest single from up-and-coming Eora/Sydney-based folk-indie rock group Lucky Governors. The band says this song is “a heartfelt anthem celebrating music as a journey of soul, expression, and purpose.”
“I do it for the love of the feel, of a song,” Lucky Governors’ founding member and songwriter Andrew Fischer shared. “I do it just to share, the joy and pain I got going on.”
“Til the Day I’m Gone” is one of the fantastic new tracks featured on my playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Rock. Wrap your ears around it on Spotify now.
I am absolutely enamoured with Evie Irie’s latest track, “Laila.” The press release describes it as “a gorgeous pop lullaby; a letter of love and admiration for her best friend.” While it’s got the soothing sound you might associate with a lullaby, it’s anything but sleepy. Evie sings with such heart that it brought tears to my eyes. This song stopped me in my tracks, and I’m sure it’s going to make as big an impression on you.
“I originally wrote ‘Laila’ during the COVID-19 pandemic when I was back in Australia after leaving my life in LA,” Evie recalled. “Being away from my best friend, Laila, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. She is my rock and soulmate, and she’s been there for me through every dark moment. Not being able to be with her during that time was unbelievably difficult. It was her 18th birthday, and I struggled to find a present that could truly show my love. Since I couldn’t fly to see her, I ended up writing and gifting her this song. It’s a piece of my heart, a love song, that binds best friends together.”
“Laila” is just one of the awesome pop tracks I’ve included on my new playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. Give it a listen and follow on Spotify, pop music fans!
After a busy week of work, social engagements, and medical appointments, I’m relishing the opportunity to slow down and soak up the summer vibes this Sunday. As I embrace a day free from responsibilities, I’ve got Amanduh’s latest single “Eye to Eye” on repeat. It’s a break-up anthem that refuses to dwell on the end of a relationship and instead celebrates the possibilities ahead.
“It’s a reflection of everything that didn’t align, not for better, not for worse, just is what it is,” Amanduh admitted. “A lot of break-up songs latch onto the idea of really deep sadness, or anger, but I wanted to recall on all the little intricacies that just don’t align when dating and there’s no bad blood when it doesn’t work out. Sometimes things just don’t work out and it’s OK.”
Hit the volume on this one and take the time for a little dance break. I swear this song will elevate your Sunday just as it has mine.
Meeanjin/Brisbane band SPACE&AGES are quickly becoming one of my favourite bands. Hot on the heels of “Trial&Error,” they’ve dropped a new single which shows an impressive amount of versatility.
“Puzzle Piece” is an indie rock anthem about pushing past the doubt and giving in to falling in love. Lead singer Phin Spence’s vocals are on point here, brimming with emotion and bursting with energy. He’s also in fine form on the B-side “Bittersweet,” a gentle acoustic ballad showcasing their softer side. It’s like the other side of the coin, a much folkier, gentler counterpiece to the A-side. Or perhaps, if you’ll excuse the reference, another piece of the puzzle. Listening to the two songs together, you start to get a sense of exactly what SPACE&AGES are capable of. Although something tells me they’ve still got plenty more to show.
I love that this band can keep us guessing. And they can seemingly do it all. I definitely look forward to hearing what SPACE&AGES deliver next.
Mulubinba/Newcastle based artist Mishayla shows she’s every bit as good as the indie pop acts that top the charts with her latest single “Clutter.” If you’re into the heartfelt singles of Gracie Abrams and Olivia Rodrigo, I know you’re going to vibe with this one.
“The track is called ‘Clutter’ because it reflects how someone can completely take over your thoughts. It’s that feeling of your mind being full of them, like they’re cluttering your brain in the best way possible,” Mishayla said. “I wanted the song to truly capture the essence of that initial feeling of a crush. From the romantic piano melodies to the lush and lively chorus, every element – I wanted to evoke vulnerability and authenticity. I hope listeners connect with it just as deeply.”
As a born and bred Novocastrian, I was thrilled to see Mishayla shot the music video in her hometown.
“There’s a little café across from my university called The Press Coffee and Book House, with such a cosy vibe. I had a friend who works there connect me with the owner, and I was able to rent out the space for the lyric video and photos, she said. “My amazing photographer and videographer, Nikola Jokanovic, really captured the warmth and aesthetic I envisioned.”
“Clutter” sees Michelle building on the promise she showed with her debut EP BLEED in 2023. I’m sure we’ll see her go from strength to strength this year.
Daphnie was one of my favourite acts of 2024, so I was thrilled to discover that Alistair Hayes, the man behind the moniker, is also creating fabulous music with Alana Patmore aka Zhuli. Together they are youproblem and their latest single “Pinch” is a total bop. Co-written with Caleb Nott of BROODS, this indie-pop track captures what it feels like to be at a crossroads as you watch your friends taking different paths.
“I was watching my friends give up on music, and I really understood why. It’s so incredibly hard and the results don’t show for ages, it costs so much and it’s easy to lose belief in yourself and your art. In this understanding, I realised that I’d also never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try to give it all before I stop.” Alana explained. “Writing this song exposed a desperation within me, it’s kind of a love song to what I feel is my purpose in life (as wanky as that sounds).”
Youproblem have supported other up-and-coming acts like Loretta, Bugs, and ISHAN. Hopefully 2025 is the year we see them headlining their own shows.
Boorloo/Perth born and Naarm/Melbourne based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Alex Elbery has impressed me with his latest single “Ripcord.” It’s a charming indie-pop celebration of falling head first and freely into love.
This release has been a long time coming, with Alex starting production before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But this one is really worth the wait. Alex created his latest single with producer Jon Grace, known for his work with Dear Seattle, Baker’s Eddy, Kingswood, and Dune Rats.
“Ripcord was really a collaboration between Jon and I,” Alex explained. “I wrote it, brought it to Jon and then we spent a fairly long time working to get it to be the best version it could be. Everything except the drums was played my either myself or Jon. Jon, who has since retired from music, is an absolute genius and I loved working with him.
“Ripcord is a song about falling in love. I wrote it as I was/after I had fallen in love with my partner. I wanted to write a love song that was honest and leaned into the messier, less fairytale aspects of falling in love. I liked the analogy of falling in love being like falling out of the sky. Your destination is inevitable but the velocity with which you’re travelling towards it determines whether you’ll land safely or crash and burn – hence – ‘pull on the ripcord.’ I’ve always been someone who rushes into things with reckless abandon, so this song was almost like a mantra I was writing to myself. “
Rose Zita Falko has floored me with her latest single “Lullaby of a Breaking Heart.” It’s a dreamy track that explores the emotions that come with holding on to love when you know you’ll lose it someday.
Rose’s voice sounds so beautiful on this track. I was amazed to hear that despite her gift, she actually took a few years away from the spotlight to focus on other projects. The release of “Lullaby of a Broken Heart” marks her return to releasing original music. And what a return it is. Hopefully we hear a lot more music from Rose this year.
As the dust settles on 2024, we’re all looking ahead to what this new year might bring. My Facebook feed is flooded with friends making resolutions to enhance their lives, but I’d prefer to trust the journey and see where things land. In that spirit, I want to introduce you to “Brighter Skies,” the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter, James C. Atkins.
“It’s more about looking for your own path, hearing and seeing what other people have gone through, and realising maybe that’s not for me,” James explained. “It’s based on my experiences and those around me, which I think makes it relatable. I think a lot of people long for something more, something different and that, at its core, is what the song is about. It’s written about someone who longs for ‘brighter skies’ and they’re not going to stop searching until they get it and it’s about the wandering soul who longs for something more and isn’t scared to go out on their own and find it.”
This is only James’s second single and one that shows that he has a bright future ahead.
Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity
Pacific Avenue have served up a summery delight with the latest track “Lucy”. It’s a feelgood exploration of infatuation and longing with a catchy chorus that compels you to clap along.
“The concept of Lucy represents the idea that everyone has their own version of ‘Lucy’ — someone or something they hold dear,” the band explained. “Love takes many forms, and beauty is ultimately defined by the one who sees it. This song was recorded at a studio in Highland Park, Los Angeles and is called ‘The Hobby Shop’; it’s a little hole in the wall studio that has some really beautiful gear. It was our first time recording overseas and something we’ve all dreamed of since we started the band.”
Pacific Avenue are making the most of the warm weather with some choice festival spots and solo dates in the coming week. Catch them at following gigs that are sure to brighten up your summer holidays.
