Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Renee Naccari Strikes Gold With “Perfect Storm”

With gloomy weather descending on my part of the country, it seems the ideal time to introduce you to Renee Naccari’s latest single, “Perfect Storm.” It’s a gorgeous introspective pop ballad that I know will leave you spellbound.

“It was challenging, but I had so much fun writing ‘Perfect Storm’. Creating all the little metaphors that I had visualised, into written lyrics to align with the story I was aiming to convey, that being, the push and pull between two people who want nothing more than to be together but finding it hard to make it work, a storm with a ray of sunlight as the clouds part,” Renee explained.

“Perfect Storm” serves as a precursor for Renee’s debut album, slated for release later this year, and a string of live shows. Exciting times ahead!

Image used with permission from Renee Naccari

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Claudia Tripp Releases Country Banger, “Rodeo”

Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat, and settle in for a whole lot of fun with Claudia Tripp’s latest track “Rodeo.” It’s brand new, but it already feels like a certified country-blues classic. If this song doesn’t get played at every country music festival until the end of time, there’s no justice.

“I wrote ‘Rodeo’ as a celebration of the small-town people I grew up with,” Claudia said. “I recently travelled back to my hometown of Kalgoorlie to perform at a rodeo, and when the possibility of unpredictable weather loomed, it didn’t seem to matter. It’s their weekend after a hard work week, and they’ll be dancing in the dirt come thunderstorm or heatwave. My producer Mason Vellios made this song come to life exactly how I imagined it. I hope the track becomes a weekend anthem for everybody who clocks off work and needs to let their hair down”.

Claudia will support the INXS tribute act KICK at Rosemount Hotel in Boorloo/Perth on June 8. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Little Sparrow PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daisy Kilbourne Releases Powerful Debut Single, “Mother”

Djilang/Geelong-based singer-songwriter Daisy Kilbourne has made a massive impression on me with her debut single “Mother.” Its simple melody and stripped-back production is the perfect vehicle for Daisy’s incredible lyrics which recount her experience watching her mother’s gradual unravelling after losing the love of her life. This depiction of grief is so personal, but it’s bound to resonate with anyone who’s been in the orbit of a deep loss.

“I wrote this song after the passing of my father, watching my mum lose parts of herself with him as he left,” Daisy explained. “You can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever come to be the person they were before, and you feel guilty that you can’t make their pain go away. It isn’t easy talking about these things, but if it’s something that can help people overcome their grief, then it’s worth it.”

“Since the song is so personal, we thought about adding a real personal touch to it. So at the end of the song, all the harmonies are actually sung by my siblings, Rose, Lily, and Ivory,” she added. “For something quite emotional, recording them was the funniest night of my life. It was nice to create a good memory to attach to this song, and also hear how much Ivory sounds like Dad when he sings.”

Instead of a traditional music video, Daisy has paired this release with a documentary. Directed by Nick Rae, it celebrates her father’s life and the passion for music she shared with him.

Daisy hopes to continue connecting with music lovers when she releases her forthcoming EP later this year. You can hear more of her original music at the following shows:

1 June 2024 – ReSound @ Kala, Wadawurrung Country/Ocean Grove
22 June 2024 – ReSound @ Lou’s Pizza and Wine, Djilang/Geelong
5 July 2024 – Pivotonian Cinema, Djilang/Geelong

Image used with permission from Daisy Kilbourne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Chérie Finds the Beauty in the Dark With “Darkness & Gold”

My Chérie has just dropped her exciting new single “Darkness & Gold.” I really appreciate the way My Chérie steps outside the box and expresses herself as a true original. Her ethereal brand of pop music is always interesting, with lyrics that so eloquently express the struggles we all face being vulnerable, imperfectly perfect humans.

“‘Darkness & Gold’ is my candid portrayal and deep dive into my human experience of the internal struggles we all face,” My Chérie said. “In confronting themes of strength, vulnerability, and the pursuit of self-improvement, I want to acknowledge the efforts of trying and the tricky journey of figuring ourselves out.”

This is another fabulous release from My Chérie that makes me pretty excited for her debut album to come early next year.

Photo credit: Clementines Gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Dreamy New Vanderlay Single, “Triumph and Disaster”

Splitting his time between Naarm/Melbourne and Paris, Caspar Conrick is making beautiful music under the name Vanderlay. His latest release is “Triumph and Disaster,” a gorgeous slow burn of a track in the vein of Fleet Foxes and Patrick Watson. Take a moment out of your day to get a cup of tea, close your eyes, and let this one wash over you.

“The song is the internal battle, the dialogue with oneself when trying to process or alter circumstance,” Caspar explained. “It comes to a head, a point where everything must be laid out before you and examined without bias. The findings, and the process are found to be one and the same: triumph and disaster.”

“Triumph and Disaster” is the second single lifted from the upcoming Vanderlay EP, due later this year.

Photo credit: Ilaria O’Brien

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRAACE Releases Stellar Pop Single, “Love is Getting Wasted”

With an irresistible pop melody and searingly honest lyrics, GRAACE has captured my heart with her latest single “Love is Getting Wasted.” Following hot on the heels of last month’s release “Jealous Type,” it’s looking like 2024 might be a big year for GRAACE.

“’Love Is Getting Wasted’ is like diving into a whirlpool of emotions. It’s about feeling torn between sticking it out or calling it quits in a relationship” GRAACE explained. “You’re grappling with hope and resignation, trying to hold onto the last shreds of love, desperate for the attention they gave you in the beginning, but uncertainty looms about your future.”

GRAACE has already sold out headlining shows and toured with Stephen Sanchez this year, but she’s not stopping yet. She’ll be back on the road next month supporting The Dreggs at the following shows.

14 June 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 June 2024 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth
21 June 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 June 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amalia Wows Me With Incredible Debut, “Electric Rush”

After amassing an impressive following performing covers and some snippets of original songs on Instagram, Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Amalia is ready to unleash her music on the world. Her first single “Electric Rush” is honestly one of the strongest debuts I’ve ever heard. I’m an instant fan.

“The song is a reflection of the emotional breakthrough one experiences at pivotal moments of their life – ironic as this is my debut single,” Amalia explained. “Whether it be love, heartbreak or freedom, we all have experienced that ‘rush’ as we embark on testing the waters, stretching the rules and taking a chance.”

If you’re into this song as much as I am, the good news is there’s a lot more to come. Amalia’s apparently created almost two albums worth of music with Julian Schweitzer of Red Door Sounds. Her single launch shows at Nighthawks on June 1 and 2 quickly sold out, so hopefully she’ll announce more shows all around the country soon so we can hear more of those soon-to-be released tracks.

Photo credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Enjoy the Acoustic Vibes of Sam Jane’s “Drive Away Summer”

Boorloo/Perth singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Sam Jane’s dreamy new single “Drive Away Summer” is the perfect soundtrack for a laidback weekend. It’s a gorgeous acoustic indie-folk track that perfectly showcases Sam’s rich vocals and introspective lyrics.

“I wrote this a few years back when I was classically in love, like I always am – I used to feel no rest in summer, I had a dislike for my body and a problem with loneliness,” Sam admitted. “I would surround myself with people who didn’t necessarily care for me, but at least I wasn’t alone – So I wrote this song for my self-empowerment. An ode to those insecurities you feel while growing up, that you are allowed to take up space, you are allowed to walk away and you will find what’s made for you.”

“Drive Away Summer” comes from Sam’s forthcoming LP, GIRL FOLK, which is scheduled for an October release. While that seems like a long time away, Sam’s got plenty more music to share with us before then.

Photo credit: Veronica Zurzolo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunny Luwe Releases Self-Love Anthem, “Hands Up”

Sunny Luwe, a proud Wailwan woman based on Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast has put a big smile on my face with her latest single “Hands Up.” It’s a feel-good piece of soulful pop music that reminds listeners that it’s OK to be a little different. In fact, it’s encouraged!

“‘Hands Up’ is a celebration of being comfortable in your own skin,” Sunny confirmed. “It’s about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and owning it with pride.”

Matt Collins, Sunny’s close collaborator added, “Working with Sunny is amazing. She is a world-class vocalist, with an incredible range and tone. Her energy and passion for music is contagious, and I feel like it shines through every note in ‘Hands Up.’”

Matt isn’t the only person Sunny collaborated with for this release. The track features backing vocals from 12 of Sunny’s fans, including Flan from Gold Coast Triple M.

I already felt pretty good listening to this song, but reading that it’s carbon-neutral has me feeling even better. Sunny calculated the carbon generated for the project and made sure to offset it with a donation to Rainforest 4, which buys back land around the Daintree Rainforest to preserve this special natural asset.

Sunny has a string of gigs coming up, so make sure you get out and support her wherever you can:

26 May 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE @ 5pm)
13 June 2024 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting ChillCheney)
24 August 2024 – Brunswick Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)

Photo credit: Zane Taprell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Drops Heartbreak Anthem, “The Next You’re Gone”

Local country singer-songwriter Jake Whittaker has really impressed me with his soulful new single, “The Next You’re Gone.” A classic tale of heartbreak, Jake’s powerful vocals take this track to the next level. Jake penned the song with his collaborator and producer Jared Adlam.

“Jared and I wrote this together, with Jared coming up with the title The Next You’re Gone,” Jake said. “It’s a break-up song that tells someone else’s story because neither of us have had a break-up since before we were legal drinking age. It’s about that feeling when someone leaves you, but you still hold onto hope that they’ll come back, even as you drown your sorrows at the bar.”

Jake has a couple of shows coming up. You can catch him at the Goomeri Pumpkin Festival, which kicks off today, and the Gympie Music Muster from August 21.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity