Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Youproblem Impress With Poppy New Single “Pinch”

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.

Image used with permission from youproblem

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Alex Elbery’s “Ripcord”

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. “

“Ripcord” is the first song lifted from Alex’s upcoming EP Unbelievably Good News. You can hear more tunes from this release when Alex supports The Flying So High-O’s at The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on January 11.

Photo credit: Kane Hibberd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rose Zita Falko Lays Emotions Bare With “Lullaby of a Breaking Heart”

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.

Photo credit: Lisa Businovski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James C. Atkins Releases Inspiring Sophomore Single, “Brighter Skies”

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Release New Summer Anthem, “Lucy”

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.

4 January 2025 – Good Gumnuts Festival @ Agriplex, Pataway/Burnie
9 January 2025 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Wardandi Noongar Country/Bunbury
10 January 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
11 January 2025 – Amplifier Bar, Boorloo/Perth
16 January 2025 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
17 January 2025 – Torquay Hotel, Waddawurrung Country/Torquay
18 January 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston
31 January 2025 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra
6 February 2025 – Highfield Caringbah, Kumbainggar Country/Caringbah

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stem Steller Show Off Their “Electrical Moves”

Boorloo/Perth act Stem Steller have me grooving alone to their latest single “Electrical Moves.” It’s a psychedelic-tinged earworm that absolutely oozes soul.

“This song aims to capture the raw, vast, and spectacular experience we had when a group of us attended the Wave Rock Music Festival in 2023,” explained Stem Steller’s frontman Bevyn Tarboton. “Being in the desert, listening to the creativity in soundscapes paired with the visuals of lighting and landscape, was an inspiring experience that fuelled our desire to create a song incorporating those elements, allowing our listeners to access a similar experience sonically.”

Stem Steller and getting into the post-Christmas spirit with a big sale on their merch bundles. If you want to treat yourself, head to their online store.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Piper Butcher Releases Beautiful Love Song, “Through the Night”

If you’re lucky to go through life with a partner, there are moments that you find yourself reflecting on that bond. I’ve been doing that a lot lately as I recover from my car accident. While I’m able to do more every day, I rely on him to cook meals, help me dress and shower, drive me to medical appointments, and so much more. I hate losing my independence and I’m so grateful for the way that he stepped up. It’s changed our relationship, although thankfully that’s only temporary, but it’s encouraged me to reflect on the way he loves me so unconditionally. While no doubt Piper Butcher got to thinking about her own relationship under different circumstances, her latest single “Through the Night” has really resonated with me.

“This song is loving someone wholly and purely; the admiration of the smallest details, the flush in your cheeks when they say your name, and the grounded calm you feel whenever you hear their voice,” the 2023 Australian Idol finalist said.

Piper has been on the road since mid July, but she’s got a couple more shows in her busy schedule. Catch her at the following gigs in the next few weeks:

28 December 2024 – NOT New Years Eve @ Great Lakes Paddocks, Worimi Country/Wootton
4 January 2025 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach (supporting Jack Jones)

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Releases Introspective New Single, “I Used to Know What I Wanted”

After the frantic pace of Christmas, I’m looking for gentle music that can help me calm down. Alexander Biggs delivers the perfect mellow sounds with his latest single “I used to know what I wanted.” It’s a bittersweet track which encapsulates the mixed feelings of realising a dream, only to question whether it was all worth it.

“I used to know what I wanted” is the latest track lifted from Alexander’s sophomore album Stay with the Horses. Listen out for the album, which sees Alexander navigating emotional peaks and valleys during a period of relentless change, when it’s released on February 7. If you love what you hear, you can pre-order a limited-edition blue vinyl copy from Impressed Records.

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heartlocker Release Rocking Debut, “Heartlock”

I absolutely love kick-arse female-fronted acts like Meeanjin/Brisbane band Heartlocker. They’re making a splash with their debut single “Heartlock,” a gritty pop-rock track about toxic relationships. So hit that play button, crank up the volume, and enjoy!

“I wrote ‘Heartlock’ during a time of self-discovery,” Heartlocker’s lead singer Tyra explained. “It’s about the barriers we build around our hearts and the courage it takes to put yourself first. I hope it empowers others to find the strength to leave relationships that do not serve them.”

Heartlocker regularly plays shows around their hometown. Next up they’ll share the stage with The Vine and Takeover at Tomcat on January 5. Doors open at 8 pm for an 8:30 start.

Image used with permission from Heartlocker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas from Sounds of Oz!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! I haven’t posted any Christmas music so far because honestly I’m a bit hard to please. I hate when songs feel like crash grabs. I hold my Christmas tunes to exactly the same standards as any other music. And as you all know, if it’s not good I just don’t share it. But I couldn’t let December 25 go by without sharing the best original Christmas song I’ve heard this year, “christmas doesn’t feel the same without you” by Carla Wehbe.

“‘christmas doesn’t feel the same without you’ is really just about missing somebody at Christmas,” she said. “This time of year is really happy and magical for most people, but for a lot of people it’s actually quite a sad or lonely and isolating time, and this song is about that side of Christmas.”

I hope that all my readers feel loved and supported this Christmas. Whether you’re around family or chosen family or you’re spending the day alone, I hope you can carve out some time to be happy. Even just for a few moments listening to this song. I wish you all the very best for the holiday season.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia