Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love with Foley’s Heartstrings

I was reminded today that Valentine’s Day is only a couple of weeks away. Sure it’s a Hallmark holiday, but any occasion that celebrates love in all its forms isn’t a bad thing in my books. So in that spirit I thought I’d bring you a feel-good pop song this morning. Foley’s “Heartstrings” is an ultra-sweet bop bound to lift you up, whether you’ve got someone special in your life or not!

“‘Heartstrings’ comes from the giddiness of a new flame/lover, wanting to reach and aspire to their perceived greatness even if you’re being a bit blinded by rose-tinted glasses,” Foley said. “The fine line between love and obsession; having an admiration for someone that makes them addictive to you. Hypnotising and stupidly entrancing, you realise that the thought of this person is so powerful to you it’s tearing you apart.”

Now based in Eora/Sydney, Foley wrote the song on a writing getaway back across the ditch.

“We wanted to get out of the city, so brought all our gear over to Auckland’s Waiheke Island for the weekend, and let the location be the extra member of the band – writing freely, letting our moods and the stunning weather dictate the direction of the production and songwriting,” they said. “All four of us connected on some shared experiences of silly, almost risky attraction – where you’re so enamoured with another person that you’ll do anything to gain their favour, even if they’re not super into you! The pulsing synths got us thinking of old ‘80s exercise videos, so there’s some cheeky references to that in the lyrics – and you can really hear the sunshine and infectious energy that was bubbling away in the room that day.”

“Heartstrings” comes from Foley’s forthcoming sophomore album That’s Life, Baby! which they’ll release on February 28. For now you can hear it on my playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop.

Photo credit: Frances Carter

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly Join Frank Turner For “Show People”

If I’d have had my way, I would have told you about Slowly Slowly’s collaboration with Frank Turner months ago. That way you could have all gotten turned on to it before Frank visited Australia and played some capital city sideshows and slots at Good Things. However, the email came through while I was in New Zealand, and then I had my car accident days after my return, so things came a little … well … slowly. I considered just moving on, but I haven’t been able to get their take on “Show People” out of my head. And there’s so much new music out there, it’s so easy for releases to fall through the cracks. So while you might have already heard it, I thought I’d better share just in case it slipped under your radar.

“Show People” originally appeared on Frank’s most recent album, Undefeated. It was always a great song celebrating life as a touring musician, but it’s gotten an extra special something with the addition of our homegrown talent. Apparently the collab came about when Frank heard Slowly Slowly referenced him in a song. He reached out to frontman Ben Stewart and they became fast friends. So working together was the natural next step.

“I have been a monstrous Frank Turner fan for so many years,” Ben said. “After name checking him in ‘Turn It Around’ (a song from our 2022 record Daisy Chain), Frank reached out and it has now snowballed into me featuring on one his new tracks. Absolutely ecstatic to be able to call him a friend and so happy with how it all turned out – the song has a message I can really relate to. I hope we get to perform it live soon!”

“Slowly Slowly are one of my favourite Australian bands, ever, so when I reached out on a whim to ask if they’d be part of a collaboration, I was blown away when Ben said yes,” Frank added. “He brings such magic to his performance on what is one of the most important tracks from Undefeated, I kind of wish we could use this on the album proper. It’s an honour to have them involved.”

While I couldn’t get this news to you before Frank went home, I can bring it to you just before Slowly Slowly start their own tour to promote their latest album Forgiving Spree, which drops on January 23. They’re wasting no time playing some really cool acoustic shows with Q&A sessions and local festivals, then heading to Europe and the United Kingdom, before coming back home for a few more gigs. Here are all the dates you need!

27 January 2025 – Stay Gold, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (acoustic album release show – SOLD OUT)
28 January 2025 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney (acoustic album release show)
29 January 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (acoustic album release show)
6 February 2025 – Party in The Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka/Launceston
1 March 2025 – Falls Creek Alpine Resort, Jaitmatang/Falls Creek
2 March 2025 – Yours & Owls Festival @ Flagstaff Hill, Woolyungah/Wollongong
9 March 2025 – Limestone Coast Beer & BBQ Fest @ Mount Gambier Railway Lands, Berrin/Mount Gambier
14 March 2025 – Academy 2, Dublin
16 March 2025 – Cathouse Rock Club, Glasgow
18 March 2025 – The Key Club, Leeds
19 March 2025 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
20 March 2025 – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
22 March 2025 – The Camden Assembly, London
24 March 2025 – AB Club, Brussels
26 March 2025 – Supersonic, Paris (FREE)
27 March 2025 – Rotown, Rotterdam
29 March 2025 – Artheater, Cologne
30 March 2025 – Badehaus, Berlin
4 April 2025 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
5 April 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
10 April 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 April 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
12 April 2025 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Younique and Eamon Team Up For “I Won’t Let You Go”

The weekend is still days away, but you can get in the spirit early listening to “I Won’t Let You Go,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based producer Younique. In the vein of artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL and Hayden James, this track features soulful vocals from Eamon. I think it beautifully captures the energy and euphoria of a large-scale music festivals. And if, like me, it’s been far too long since you attended one of these events, this single is going to take you back.

“It’s crazy to think that I first connected with Eamon at a gig where he was playing an acoustic set,” Younique said. “I remember thinking, ‘He’d absolutely crush it on a festival track.’ Fast forward a month, and we started working on this record. It was my first time creating an entire song with someone purely online. We spent ages perfecting the drop—I must’ve made 10 different versions, each time sending them to him with excitement. Then my gut told me to let him write the lead melody for the chorus, and I was right. The next file he sent had a world-class hook.”

“I Won’t Let You Go” is one of the most interesting tracks I’ve heard in some time. I’ve added it to my Sounds of Oz Loves Pop playlist, although with its electronic, dance, and soul elements it doesn’t quite fit into that box. I love it when music defies classification though. Whether you’re a fan of classic pop or you’re looking for something a little bit different, check out this song and the rest of the tunes on my Spotify pop playlist.

Image used with permission from Younique

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Velvet Bloom Releases Soul Single, “Best in You”

Velvet Bloom is giving you a soulful start to your working week with her latest single, “Best in You.” It’s an uplifting, feelgood number that sees Velvet Bloom working with a horns section for the first, and hopefully not the last, time.

“We were lucky enough to have Brennan Hamilton-Smith (composition and saxophones) and Ben Harrison (trumpet) on board to perform these compositions,” Velvet Bloom said. “I loved stacking the vocal harmonies around the horns with Jay (Jarome, regular collaborator and guest backing vocalist) and Alex (Marko, bandmate) because we had to be a lot more strategic about placement than we usually are.”

The song encourages the listener to see the best in their loved ones, even in their worst moments.

“When you know people well enough (yourself included) you are exposed to their best and worst qualities. ‘Best In You’ is about showing compassion to the ones you love when they mess up forgivingly,” Velvet Bloom explained.

“Best of You” gives us a sneak peek at Velvet Bloom’s forthcoming album, which drops on March 28. Expect to hear more new tracks when Velvet Bloom plays the St Kilda Festival on February 16.

Image used with permission from Valentina Moroney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turn Up the Volume on Robbie Mortimer’s “Good Times & Tan Lines”

“Good Times & Tan Lines,” the latest single from Robbie Mortimer, is the country summer anthem you didn’t know you needed. Robbie was inspired to write the song after attending a country music festival in Florida. He brings all the energy of that experience into this song.

“Everybody was smiling, loving their life and all gathered for the same thing, which was the love of country music,” Ribbie recalled. “I saw a sign that said ‘Good Times & Tan Lines’… I took a photo of it and thought, ‘I’m going to write a song about this exact feeling.’”

The single sees Robbie reuniting with producer Jared Adlam.

“I have a close working relationship with him, as we co-wrote my first release ‘Blow the Speakers’ together,” Robbie said. “Jared and I have worked tirelessly on who I am as an artist and the sound I want to deliver.”

Robbie will bring the party to some of Australia’s best country music events over the coming months. Make sure you don’t miss his sets at these shows.

23 January 2025 – Tamworth Country Music Festival, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (FREE)
24 January 2025 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (supporting the Wolfe Brothers)
22 February 2025 – Country Sounds Country Music Festival @ Cooke Park, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes
7 March 2025 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
15 March 2025 – A Night in Nashville @ Orange Showground, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
11 April 2025 – The Man from Snowy River Festival @ Corryong Recreation Reserve, Pallanganmiddang Country/Corryong

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucky Governors Celebrate The Art of Music With “Til the Day I’m Gone”

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.

Image used with permission from Lucky Governors

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evie Irie Wows Me With “Laila”

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!

Photo credit: Ella Maximillion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanduh Drops a Different Kind of Break-Up Song, “Eye to Eye”

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.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SPACE&AGES Show Their Range With “Puzzle Piece” Single

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.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mishayla Releases Indie Pop Stunner, “Clutter”

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.

Photo credit: Nikola Jokanovic