Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mathilde Anne Releases Fantastic New Single, “To Be Honest”

I am loving the angsty tracks that Naarm/Melbourne-based talent Mathilde Anne has been dropping, and her latest offering, “To Be Honest,” is no exception. It’s a ballad this time, but that anger is just simmering underneath the surface.

“We can all find a little comfort in letting people know they’ve hurt you and telling those we actually loved through hell, to finally fuck off,” Mathilde Anne enthused. Too right!

“‘To Be Honest’ was one of my favourite songs to record,” added her producer, James Seymour, known for his work with Merpire and Elizabeth M. Drummond. “It came together instantly. James and I really wanted to create something soft but gritty at the same time”, says Mathilde. “We created multiple juxtaposing guitar patterns to express the emotion in the track and this ended up starting a bit of a theme throughout the whole album”.

This is the latest release from Mathilde Anne’s forthcoming debut album Normal, which is slated for release next year. Until then, you can see Mathilde Anne doing her thing live at the following shows:

29 September 2023 – The Evelyn Hotel, Naarm/Fitzroy (with Lucy Lorrenne)
1 October 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Fitzroy (with Sarah Yagki)
11 November 2023 – The Evelyn Hotel, Naarm/Fitzroy (with Pixel Junkies)

Image used with permission from Sandhill Records; credit: Shilo Shaker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eaglemont Impresses With “You Don’t Live Here”

Eaglemont has dropped what the press release calls “another epic ‘sad and gay’ love song”, “You Don’t Live Here.” I feel that description sells the song a little short though. That comment almost suggests this track is interchangeable with any others, but it’s far from formulaic. And while it might draw from Eaglemont’s experiences as a gay woman, I think the themes are so universal and delivered so powerfully it’s bound to hit everyone in the feels.

“‘You Don’t Live Here’ is a yearning for the past, the uncertainty of the future and the kind of anxiety that makes your throat close up and your stomach drop to your socks. At the beginning of 2020, I fell in love with the love of my life who lived interstate at the time. When we finally got to see each other I remember being in my kitchen, with the chaos of the world swirling around us, and the simplicity of watching her do the dishes was the best moment of my recent life. Naturally the moment was fleeting and she had to leave again,” recalled Bridgitte Jessop, the woman behind Eaglemont. “This song is about frustration and longing, the big gay yearn and desire for simpler times, the cracking of your own reality and a good old fashioned half-drunk driveway cry, hoping someone would pull in and run you over.”

Eaglemont has just wrapped up a string of shows with Cry Club, but don’t stress if you missed them. She’ll play the Suzi’s Going Away (To Record an Album) Party at The Gasometer Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on November 3.

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Tim Lambert

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MARLON X RULLA Smash It With Powerful Single “Trauma Patient”

With an irresistible blend of soul and hip hop, First Nations duo MARLON X RULLA make a strong statement with their new single “Trauma Patient.”

“‘Trauma Patient’ is a thought provoking expression of one of the many anxieties of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person in Australia. It places responsibility on listeners to challenge the behaviors and values of the term “Allie” and define what that title means in its truest form,” explained Marlon Motlop, who provides the soulful vocals you hear on this track. “’Trauma Patient’ in its essence, is a challenge of today’s societal WorldView of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the narrative that our successes are formed or created, and actioned from a deficit model-based origin.”

“‘Trauma Patient’ provokes the very irony of our trauma being exploited by those who created it, for profit,” added the other half of this dynamic duo, Rulla Kelly-Mansell. “Challenging the structure of allies, industries, and people in positions of power and their priorities of analytics. Asking them the question, are we talented? Or are we ourselves shining a microscope on our experiences of trauma? What level of comprehension do those people see that in?”

This is such a timely release as we edge closer to the vote on the Voice. Listen to the lyrics, think about your own allyship, and remember this track as you go to the polls on October 14.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jack Fenby

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GRXCE Challenges Social Norms With “Everything I Wanted”

If you’ve ever felt like pursuing your goals put you out of step with society, GRXCE’s latest single “Everything I Wanted” is bound to resonate with you. It’s an angsty indie pop-rock track which reminds me of grungy female-fronted ‘90s acts like The Julianna Hatfield Three and Veruca Salt, in the best possible way.

“‘Everything I Wanted’ depicts the catastrophisation of the future and the different paths life can take both you and the people around you,” explained GRXCE’s frontwoman, Jamila. “When I wrote this track I was very much grappling with how I pictured my life evolving overtime and my limitations I felt were imposed on me as a woman when choosing my career as a priority over the usual expectations to be a partner, or a mother, or a wife.”

“Everything I Wanted” has a big sound, with layered guitars and bold percussion, but it took some time to get it from the home studio of band member Alex Berger to the track it is today.

“We tracked all the instrumental and vocal parts in Alex’s home studio in his bedroom in Camperdown over the course of a few weeks. In between sessions we had zoom calls with Jackson [Barclay, producer] to hear feedback and discuss the track before jumping back in,” Jamila added. “Finally we travelled up to Gosford and spent a day in Jackson’s home studio to put the finishing touches on the song.”

GRXCE are currently playing shows around the country. Catch them at the following venues:

29 September 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane QLD (supporting Dusty)
6 October 2023 – OAF Gallery, Eora/Sydney NSW (HEADLINE SHOW)

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Sevin Pakbaz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Archer Drops “Bittersweet” Single

I’m really vibing on “Bittersweet,” the latest single from up-and-coming Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast artist Archer. This indie pop is a total earworm with relatable lyrics about one-sided relationship.

“The track itself is about going out of your way to change how you are for the benefit of someone else and the realisation that the whole feeling is bittersweet when it doesn’t work out,” Archer explained. “The story is told in the terms of a relationship that goes sour after miscommunicated expectations which makes it all a bit sassy and fun – I mean not for anyone who takes it to heart though.”

The release of “Bittersweet has been a long time coming. Archer began working on it with Naarm/Melbourne rapper and producer Drest last year, but it wasn’t until they added producer Riverine to the mix that it found its feet.

“Drest and I had worked on the beat in late 2022 but with different lyrics and then kind of worked on other things and the track was left on the shelf. Then in early 2023 we decided to revisit it because the demo was really cool and had heaps of potential,” Archer added. “The chorus started with the line ‘Boy your rings just make your fingers green’ which was a really cool concept to start to workshop the rest of the lyrics around. Once we’d finished the basic idea of the beat and all the lyrics, we brought on Riverine to beef it up and add a little razzle dazzle to the drops. And so that’s how the track became the way it is.”

This is Archer’s first release since 2021, but she says she knows it’s the right time to put more music into the world. Hopefully that means she won’t leave us waiting so long for the follow-up!

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Meliora Film

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lenka Back to Her Best With “Silhouette”

Remember Lenka? Even if you don’t remember the name, I know you’ll remember her smash 2008 single “The Show.” It’s been a long time since she made an impact on the charts, but if there’s any justice she should do it again with her latest single “Silhouette.” This nostalgic 80s throwback is so much fun, just like the best pop songs should be!

“This song is my delicious 1980s pop jam about being worn down by life to the point where you feel like you’re disappearing and becoming numb. Almost a nihilistic feeling, but in a joyful way!” Lenka enthused. “It’s fun to get creative with your more negative emotions and wear them like a costume, turn them into armour.”

The video continues the 80s vibes, with Lenka taking inspiration from pop icons like Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, and Madonna.
“This was such a fun video to shoot. The goal was to evoke the feel of 80s glamour, the nostalgia, but without the cheese,” explained Lenka’s director, Adam Jordan. “Lenka absolutely smashed it with the clothing options, my favourite shots became the black sparkly top with the backlight, the perfect mix of the glamour and nostalgia vibe we were going for.”

And if that wasn’t enough, Lenka is playing shows just about everywhere. She’s just played a string of shows in China. The US comes next before Lenka arrives home for some local gigs in November. Get on it!

1 October 2023 – City Winery, New York
8 October 2023 – Resident, Los Angeles
17 November 2023 – The Gaso, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2023 – Valley Loft, Meeanjin/ Brisbane
25 November 2023 – Great Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tanja Bruckner

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Skies on the Comeback Trail With “Let it Burn”

I usually prefer my music on the mellower side of things. But every now and again something comes along that is so good that I don’t care that it rocks harder than I’m used to. “Let It Burn,” the latest track from Sienna Skies, is one of those songs.

“Let it burn, stemmed from the events that happened on the east coast of Australia during the summer of 2019/2020.” explained vocalist Thomas Pirozzi. “The appalling handling of the situation by our government, it’s like they didn’t care at all. Ignoring all the warnings of catastrophic conditions, the defunding of the State’s Rural Fire Services and National Parks. Whilst the disaster was unfolding our Prime Minister, our apparent ‘leader’, left the country for a tropical holiday, and it came to light that during this time, our state leader was flushing party money through her lover’s interests. Three billion animals killed, 400+ people killed and 2,000+ homes lost.It felt like they didn’t care at all, they just sat back and watched our country burn.”

“Let it Burn” is the band’s first release since their 2019 A Darker Shade of Truth, so it’s been a long time coming for fans. If you love the band, you’ll be happy to know they won’t leave you waiting so long for the next one. This is the first of many singles to be released in coming months. They’re also set to announce a string of shows really soon, so get excited.

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shangrila Drop Fantastic Rock Single, “Afterlife”

Boorloo/Perth alt-rock act Shangrila have release their hard-hitting new single, “Afterlife”. It’s an epic track with stellar vocals from Devyn Jupp, thumping bass and drums, bold guitars, and powerful, personal lyrics.

“Afterlife is a track about struggling with your direction in life, feeling as though you are existing but not truly living,” Devyn explained. “The song explores apprehension towards change, and the ultimate realization that often we are standing the way of our own growth, and need to go through uncomfortable moments and hard work to realise the best version of ourselves and enjoy the rewards that life has to offer.”

Fresh from playing the Winter DRPØUT Festival in Tartanya/Adelaide and shows with American post-hardcore act Thrice, Shangrila will kick off a new tour with Young Lions tonight. Make sure you arrive early enough for their sets!

22 September 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 September 2023 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 September 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
29 September 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR; credit: Jess Wharehinga

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seamus McCorry Releases Fresh New Single, “Spinning Around”

Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Seamus McCorry releases his latest single “Spinning Around” today, a song that sees this artist really stepping into his own powers. While I loved the throwback Britpop vibe of previous single “Ain’t Enough For Me,” this song feels much more original.

“’Spinning Around’ was the first song I wrote that felt reminiscent of my taste in music,” Seamus admitted. “It had flavours of Paul Kelly, Tom Petty and The War On Drugs, but expressed something deeply personal. It deals in vague imagery and wordplay, but amongst that, it captures a deep sense of Nihilism and infatuation in equal parts. ”

“Spinning Around” is the third and final single released from Seamus’ debut EP Sketches of an Incomplete Man, which drops on October 27.

Photo credit: Tess Sakkas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andy Penkow Releases New Local Anthem, “Aussie Rain”

“Aussie Rain,” the latest single from 2023 Golden Guitar nominee Andy Penkow, is one of those truly great Australian songs. It’s heartfelt and honest, with lyrics that speak of local small towns and the characters in it.

“As a full-time musician, I get the amazing opportunity to travel across Australia and visit some pretty neat places”, Andy explained. “I first visited a small town in outback New South Wales called Coonabarabran a few years back and I felt an instant connection. There was something so special and unique about it. The people, the land, the history, the nighttime stars, it really moved me. ‘Aussie Rain’ is a love letter to the town, to thank them for being part of my journey as an artist, singer and songwriter”.

When Andy says he’s a full-time musician, he’s not kidding. He’d booked more than 100 shows this year and there’s more to come. Next year he plans to head overseas to play gigs abroad and release his fourth studio album. You can see Andy at one of these upcoming shows:

6 October 2023 – Romano’s Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (with Alan Fletcher)
7 October 2023 – Dundallimal Homestead, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo (with Alan Fletcher)
14 October 2023 – The Barn at Hibbards, Guruk/Port Macquarie (with TC Cassidy)
19 October 2023 – Metro Bakery, Berrin/Mount Gambier (with Anne Fraser)
20 October 2023 – Raidis Estate Coonawarra, Bindjali Country/Penola (with Anne Fraser)
21 October 2023 – Shotgun Willie’s, Tartanya/Adelaide
26 October 2023 – GPO Bendigo, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
28 October 2023 – Brycee’s Tavern Café & Bar, Wurundjeri Country/Mooroolbark (with Alan Fletcher and Riley Catherall)
4 November 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
8 December 2023 – The Ophir Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
9 December 2023 – Sutton Forest Inn, Tharawal Country/Sutton Forest
23 January 2024 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with TC Cassidy and Donella)

Image used with permission from Red Rebel Music