Most artists want to keep the songs they created as teenagers hidden, because they cringe over the corny lyrics and emotions sitting so close to the surface. But most artists aren’t bella amor. She’s just released “my first demo (weekend lover)”, a beautiful song recorded while she was in high school.
“This song is one of the first demos I ever wrote in high school. It’s a really special one to me because it was one of the first songs I fully finished and was in love with. It’s about not wanting to be a part-time lover and not wanting to be someone who comes around at a call. I’m a big lover and this song is about wanting to share full love. The video is made up of fun memories from my time in school. This song feels real nostalgic and it felt right to have videos of little me having fun and being carefree.”
I love the way this track reveals what bella can do when she strips away a lot of the production. It really showcases her vocals and songwriting talent. I’ve liked her work in the past, but I really love this.
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
As we all look forward to the year ahead, it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the fun of the festive period. Eora/Sydney-based Jewish band CHUTNEY are encouraging us to remember the plight of people in Israel with their cover “Kama At Yafa,” which translates to “How Beautiful You Are.” First performed by Shiri Maimon in 2012 and featuring Hebrew lyrics, this new version aims to raise awareness of the nearly 140 hostages who’ve been held captive by Hamas since October 7.
“Like Jews the world over, the 7th of October shook us to our core. We felt compelled to take a principled stance and be our authentic selves, despite the risk of backlash,” explained the band’s leader and violinist Ben Adler. “Within 36 hours, we had postponed a big show scheduled that week and pivoted to perform instead for the communal solidarity vigil attended by almost 10,000 Jews and allies.
“We see this song as a prayer, not only for the hostages, but also for the spirit of the people of Israel: ‘Do not fall, do not break. Come back.’ We want this powerful message to reach Israelis and Jews in the furthest corners of the globe, and we encourage everyone to share it widely.”
This song has an important message, but it’s also just a fantastic song. I love that the music video lets those of us who don’t speak Hebrew understand the lyrics. However, as a big Eurovision fan I’ve always felt like music is a universal language. You don’t need to read the subtitles to understand the emotion behind guest singer Sarit Michael’s gorgeous vocals.
We’ll be hearing a lot more from CHUTNEY this year, with the band planning to drop more singles in the leadup to the release of their debut album in March.
Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley country starlet Katie Jayne shows she’s no doormat with her sassy new single “Booty Call.” It’s a fun slice of girl power that’s going to resonate with anyone who’s tired of the games and situationships.
“Booty Call will have your boots dancing, your body moving and your voice raised high, singing the lyrics like a crazy woman!” Katie enthused.
Katie is enjoying some downtime for the holidays, but she’ll be back in action for the Tamworth Country Music Festival. If you’re heading to Kamilaroi Country for the festival, here are all the places you can see her play
19 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
20 January 2024 – Tamworth Shopping World (acoustic @ midday)
20 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
21 January 2024 – The Atrium Arcade Stage (acoustic @ 11:30am)
22 January 2024 – Longyard (full band show @ 8:30pm)
24 January 2024 – The Atrium Arcade Stage (acoustic @ 10am)
25 January 2024 – Moonshiners (full band show @ 10pm)
26 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
27 January 2024 – Tamworth Shopping World (acoustic @ 11:15am)
27 January 2024 – Diggers (full band show @ 7pm)
28 January 2024 – Longyard (full band show @ 5pm)
“Silence,” the new single from Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Pete Campbell was released a few weeks ago now, but unless you’re already a fan you probably wouldn’t know it. It’s one of those gentle folky songs that unfairly doesn’t get airplay, but it’s so beautiful that it really deserves some time in the sun.
Pete’s voice drew me in on the first voice, but I fell even more in love with this track when Ellen Soffe, from Ellen and the Ooroos, joined in. Her voice is purer than Pete’s, and the contrast in those textures is just stunning.
“Silence” comes from Pete’s sophomore EP Parley, which is also worth a listen. I think “Silence” might be my favourite track, but they’re all gorgeous songs bound to appeal to anyone who enjoys artists like Nick Drake and Bob Dylan.
Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity
The dust is just settling on Christmas, so it’s time to look ahead to New Years. Tarntanya/Adelaide sister act Ella & Sienna have released the perfect song for the season, “New Year’s Kiss.” I remember being impressed by the duo on The Voice last year, but they’ve matured so much since that time. They’ve still got those exquisite harmonies I fell in love with, but there’s a bit more depth and wisdom to what they do nowadays.
This single is the perfect farewell to 2023 which makes me pretty excited about what Ella & Sienna may have in store for us in 2024.
Image used with permission from Cartel Management Australia
Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! While many of us are sweltering in the Southern Hemisphere, we’re also conscious of the Winter Wonderland our loved ones enjoy on the other side of the planet. Local indie-pop artist Katie Wighton celebrates the different ways we celebrate the season with her latest single “Other Side of the World.” I love the way this track has an old-timey festive feel despite its references to modern traditions like playing backyard cricket and listening to Paul Kelly.
“I wrote Other Side of the World with my friend Kai during the height of summer in Nashville last year. It was absolutely sweltering and my friends back in Australia were freezing. It got me thinking about how differently we Australians experience things in the land “down under”…!” Katie said. “Our Christmases are usually hot – with Paul Kelly on the radio and pavlova and an esky full of beer (you might have to Google what an esky is…) And every Christmas song or movie I’d ever seen always had these Christmases full of snowmen and ice storms and someone drinking cocoa in the “den”. So we sat down and brainstormed all of the quintessential things about our respective Christmases and this is where we ended up! I really hope this song conjures up the nostalgia I feel every Christmas – on the other side of the world.”
I hope no matter how you’re celebrating the holidays, this song brings you a little cheer.
The Pierce Brothers might be one of the most consistent bands on the Aussie music scene. I fall instantly in love with everything they release, and their latest single “Bottle” is no exception. Often their tracks are slow burners, but this one brings the party vibes from the jump. And it’s got horns! Yes please.
“We really wanted to give the song a blues, almost Motown feel. Kicking things off with the horns gave it such a vibe, and we absolutely love it!” Jack Pierce enthused. “When I wrote the track, I knew the exact part the horns were going to play, but when we got into the studio, it was Phil [Threlfall, the band’s longtime collaborator] who pitched that opening, and I‘m so happy he did!”
The video, filmed at the King of Tonga Bar in Euro-Yroke/Elwood, shows you how much fun seeing the Pierce Brothers can be.
“It’s a pretty heavy subject matter, but I wanted to use a dark moody setting and have a bit of levity in there. We liked the idea of Jack going hell for leather, while I was slowly coaxed into the song,” explained Jack’s brother and band mate, Pat Pierce. “Much like a night at a pub can be. It was such a quick shoot and edit, and came together really well! Just vibes for days!”
Pierce Brothers have a couple of local dates before they jet off to Europe for their Studio tour. Catch them anywhere you can:
Ultra-cool Naarm/Melbourne-based Noongar superstar Bumpy is back with her latest single “Overdrawn.” I’m not sure if it’s Bumpy’s incredible vocals or that horn section, but this one’s given me goosebumps.
“‘Overdrawn’ draws parallels between self-indulgence, overexertion and projected expectations. Too many times (especially as blak women) we are told how to present and provide, often pushing our boundaries to accommodate others,” she admitted. “I wanted to create a playful world for me to take back ownership and reflect on my capacity and where it should be directed. Allowing myself to indulge a little, knowing that we are worthy of taking up space and learning how to juggle expectations vs. capacity”.
Bumpy is making the most of the summer festival season with some really cool slots in the coming months. Make sure you check out her set at one of the following events:
Morgan Evans loves a Christmas song. In 2021, he dropped his Aussie-flavoured festive fave, “Christmas in the Sun.” Now he’s released a follow-up “Christmas in the Backyard.”
It’s a little by the numbers, with a simple melody and more references to Aussie Christmas traditions than you can poke a stick at. But there’s also something comforting about a song that encourages you to start singing along to the chorus from the first run-through. And Morgan is an absolute charmer.
“Christmas in the Backyard” is a worthy addition to your holiday playlist this year.
Image used with permission from Chugg Entertainment
BOY SODA is quickly establishing himself as a real force on the local music scene. Fresh from his showcase at SXSW Sydney, he’s just dropped a fabulous new single “Company.”
“Making this song was a really cathartic experience as I was basically journalling about my personal boundaries with people, and a sense of self-respect,” he explained. “I think there’s always a balance in life of empathy for others and respect for your own time and energy and learning where those lines begin and end is extremely important for your inner peace.”
BOY SODA has also recently launched a collaborative new series, dubbed SODA SESSIONS, in partnership with Converse. The series sees SODA BOY chatting and performing music with fellow artists. The latest episode, featuring Boomchild, is out now on YouTube.
I’m not sure what 2024 holds for BOY SODA, but with his talent and work ethic, it’s bound to be another big one.
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia
