Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Camille Trail Drops Vulnerable New Single, “twenties”

I remember when I was a teenager I imagined my twenties would be fabulous. I saw myself enjoying more independence and having a string of torrid affairs, but in reality I just spent the decade stressing out that I didn’t have everything figured out. Camille Trail gives voice to the angst so many of experience with her latest single “twenties.”

“I was really good when I wrote ‘Got To Get To Know You’ but with ‘twenties’ I was so tired, working the day job to pay the bills and writing straight afterward, and I was burning the candle at both ends,” Camille admitted. “It was this moment where I was going back and forth of being okay and not being okay and wondering how long am I going to be like this? And everything came crashing down at once. I felt like I had my quarter life crisis.”

“I wanted it to build up quickly and have this chaotic energy about it, so you didn’t really know what was happening, like it came out of nowhere. Because that’s what was going on in my head,” Camille says of the song she finished on the day she hit the studio.

“There’s the panicky heartbeat drums and that racing feeling, hot flushes, thoughts going crazy, and then you have that breaking point where everything stops and it’s like, okay, this is what it is, so how am I going to deal with this. I hadn’t completely lost my mind. It’s just that all these things hit me at once and I was a little bit sad for a moment. And it’s ok that I felt sad.”

Amen. Things should look up for Camille as she’s accepted an invitation to play at Ireland’s Your Roots Are Showing folk conference next year. It sounds like 2024 might be a big one for this Aussie talent.

Image used with permission from Compass Bros

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruth B. Teams Up With Aussie Dean Lewis for “28”

I am a sucker for a great duet. And “28,” by Ethiopian-Canadian singer-songwriter Ruth B. featuring our own Dean Lewis is right up there. At its heart, this is just a really well written pop-ballad. But then you add Ruth and Dean’s voices onto it and it just takes it to another level.

“This song means so much to me. I wrote it during a time when I didn’t think I could write … but as always, songwriting proved to be my safety net. Amidst what felt like an inescapable grey cloud, I fell into this comforting blanket of a song that I can now look back on and say was the genesis of my favourite journey thus far. Finding me,” Ruth said. “Dean – you’re the best and I love our song, thank you.”

Dean Lewis has recently wrapped up an American tour, so hopefully it won’t be too long before we see him back on home soil.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Plastiq Pushes the Boundaries With “demons”

Usually when I find music I love, I know exactly why it’s up my alley. Very occasionally I find myself scratching my head, but that’s exactly what Plastiq’s new single “demons” has me doing. It’s an absolute trip, totally bonkers, yet strangely irresistible.

The duo, made up of Quartz Pistol and Moses, says “the song explores a dream-like state where the subject explores moving through a world without fear, feeling connected to and held tightly in the bosom of all biological life. The verses are playful and speak of a character hop-scotching across a mossy rainforest floor, facing inner ‘demons’ and accepting them as lessons all whilst letting intuition and child-like wonder guide them. Quartz wanted to capture the serendipitous connection of dots that happens in an altered state of mind or in a dream.”

The release of “demons” caps off an impressive year for Plastiq, who performed at the NGV, exhibited with CAPITAL WASTE in Tartanya/Adelaide, and were nominated for the people’s choice pop title at the SA Music Awards. They collaborated with CAPITAL WASTE again on the video for “demons.” 2024 looks just as bright, with the duo planning to release their debut EP.

Photo credit: Capital Waste

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Stone Makes a Splash With Debut Single “Late Nights”

Naarm/Melbourne artist Jake Stone shows he’s a serious pop force with his debut single “Late Nights.” It’s super catchy, the sort of song that makes you keep hitting play so you can enjoy “just one more time.”

“A big element of the song is this need for victory after a breakup; someone who comes out better off and seems to move on too quickly,” Jake explained.

Like so many of the best songs, the lyrics came together quickly in just 30 minutes. However, it didn’t really come to life until Jake began working with Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast producer Blake Malone, best known for his work with Amy Shark.

“It was amazing,” Jake said. “He heard something different in the song, which totally transformed it.”

This is such a strong first single, I can’t wait to hear what Jake does next.

Image used with permission from Identity PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Ready for Summer With Bryce Sainty’s “Coast”

Bryce Sainty’s latest single “Coast” is the perfect anthem for summer. With country roots and pop leanings, this feelgood single should have some serious crossover appeal.

“Coast is a personal reflection of my life, raised in a small coastal town and the summers I spent growing up,” he explained. “The single was actually written as a last-minute writing session with Melanie Dyer the day before we started recording. I have written a few singles with Mel and when I had the idea of ‘Coast’, I knew Mel would be the perfect person to write this track with. We had a blast putting this together.”

That shows in the recording, which is upbeat, yet relaxed, just like the best summer days. The year’s almost done, but Bryce has time to squeeze in a few more gigs. Catch him at the following events.

1-8 December – Cruisin’ Country, Brilliance of the Seas
22 December – Mingara Christmas Under The Stars, Darkinjung Country/Tumbi Umbi
22 January – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ Moonshiners, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRXCE Drop Dark Pop Banger, “What U Want”

Eora/Sydney band GRXCE have really impressed me with their latest single “What U Want.” The press release bills them as a pop act, and they’re certainly producing the kind of catchy music associated with the genre. But it’s a little darker and grungier than you might expect. This is pop music with edge, and it’s awesome.

“‘This is the first time I’ve written from someone else’s perspective,” admitted GRXCE frontwoman Jamila Grace. “A friend sent me a song he’d written about a date he went on and this one line about the girl asking to take herself home, rather than be driven by someone else really stuck out to me. I almost immediately started writing the juxtaposing perspective to the story, which eventually transformed it from a song about a bad date into a cautionary tale of bad habits and finally being able to put your foot down to someone who isn’t clear about their intentions.”

This hardworking outfit will continue getting in front of crowds right up until Christmas. Catch them supporting some of the country’s best and brightest at the following venues:

1 December 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (supporting Mid City)
2 December 2023 – King St Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Mid City)
14 December 2023 – Finnians, Guruk/Port Macquarie (supporting Pacific Avenue)
15 December 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (supporting Pacific Avenue)
21 December 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (supporting The Terrys & Beddy Rays)

Photo credit: Sevin Pakbaz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reckless Coast Release Rocking New Single “Bad Habits” Ahead of Festival Debut

Meeanjin/Brisbane band Reckless Coast have just dropped their brand new single “Bad Habits,” and you’ll want to turn it up loud. It’s got a classic pub rock feel infused with a sprinkling of salty sea air. Press play and I know you’ll hear what I mean. The song’s upbeat vibes balance the darker lyrics which deal with the self-destructive cycles so many of us find ourselves in.

“Sometimes we can get so used to a situation that we don’t see ourselves deteriorating,” explained Reckless Coast frontman Jaeden Ogston. “Like, am I actually in love with this person? Or have I become numb from all the bullshit?”

Reckless Coast will celebrate the release of “Bad Habits” by playing their first ever festival next weekend. Catch them at Crusher Fest alongside big names like Press Club and The Delta Riggs at The Brightside in Meeanjin/Brisbane on December 2.

Image used with permission from Reckless Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus Legg Touches My Heart With “Spaceship”

Oh Angus Legg! You might remember he got me all emotional mid-year with his single “Someone I Never Knew.” Now he’s done it again with his latest single “Spaceship.” Can someone please pass the tissues?

“‘Spaceship’ was written about six months ago. I wrote it directly after breaking up with my partner of two years,” Angus said. “‘Spaceship’ explores imaginative, otherworldly scenarios, almost desperately begging for them to be a reality. The lyrical punchline drives home that it was not only the end of the relationship, it was the beginning of an uncomfortable, foreign journey neither of our emotions were prepared to embark upon.”

Angus’ close friend and fellow Naarm/Melbourne creative Jim Alxndr mixed the track and helped bring out the best in it.

“Jim’s superpower is providing a safe space for others to sit in their emotions, he’ll sit there with you too. He’s also incredibly sonically inventive, his passion for artistic experimentation shines through in the record,” Angus enthused. “There are so many layers that create the depth and texture that you may not necessarily hear immediately, however, they all lend themselves perfectly to the emotional landscape we created.”

I’ve been such a fan of everything Angus has released. The singles don’t come quickly, but when they do boy do they hit. I can’t wait to hear what’s next.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Colourburn Drop “Folded Letter” Ahead of EP Release

If Paramore and Evanescence ever had a baby, it might sound something like Naarm/Melbourne alt-rock trio Colourburn. With the release of their second single “Folded Letter” they show they’re a real force to be reckoned with.

If you like “Folded Letter”, make sure you check out Colourburn’s new EP Compromise in Colour when it’s released this Friday, November 24.

“We didn’t really go for a single pointed direction, we just went with what felt right,” the band explained about the five-track EP. “The meanings behind each song vary from heartbreak to feeling out of place.”

These guys only just played their first show, and they’re already sounding this good. Something tells me we’ll see big things from Colourburn.

Photo credit: Sam Kreisel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Worm Girlz Start a Revolution With “Dirt”

Worm Girlz have come out swinging with their fierce debut single “Dirt.” If you’ve ever been harassed at a live show and felt frustrated because you just came to see the band, I know this track will resonate with you.

“I am so sick of feeling uncomfortable at gigs, I am sick of hearing that other people are feeling uncomfortable at gigs,” stressed proud Worm Girl, Jade Montgomery. “’Dirt’ is a big eff off to anyone that thinks it is okay to ignore boundaries and touch people without their consent.”

“When Jade shared the chorus of ‘Dirt’ with me for the first time I fell instantly in love with the world I saw for Worm Girlz,” added her band mate Lauren Rowe. “The rest of the song came together really quickly after that. It was electrifying.”

Apparently this song marks the start of worm domination, and I’m here for it. This band say they’re committed to the message of the song and want to work hard to promote safe habits at gigs to ensure women and members of the LGBTIA+ community feel safe at their shows. They’re also imploring other bands on the scene to do the same. Worm Girlz also hope that their queer voices can help others in the community known they’re not alone.

“There’s a saying in the asexual community, ‘I’d rather have cake’ and I love the connection in our chorus,” Lauren added.

According to the press release, “Worm Girlz is an energy; a way of life; a mantra. Why be anything else when you can be a worm girl?” Why indeed? Residents of Meeanjin/Brisbane can get on board when Worm Girlz play The Bright Before Christmas at The Brightside on December 15.

Image used with permission from Worm Girlz