Kav Temperley and Katy Steele Duet on “Graduation Day”

Western Australian music royalty Kav Temperley and Katy Steele have teamed up for a gorgeous new single “Graduation Day.” I’m a sucker for a high-quality duet, and this track definitely fits the bill. You can feel the connection between these long-time friends as they bring this nostalgic tale to life. Recording the song in Kav’s own Fremantle studio no doubt helped it feel a little more intimate and familiar.

“Growing up in Fremantle, it used to be a right of passage to jump off the old traffic bridge into the river on graduation day,” Kav explained. “People would pull over their cars and yell at you for being reckless and dangerous. The song Graduation Day is the story about someone who stayed behind and somebody who chose to leave, and about how no matter how far you go – there is always this tether pulling you back”.

“Kav is such a great writer and musician and I’ve always had a tonne of respect for him,” Katy added. “This song showcases what a great writer he is so I am truly honoured to be on it! We’ve been hanging out a little recently working on stuff and Kav played me the song in the studio. I guess we share a slight affinity both being the ‘lead singers’ doing solo stuff and all the feelings, pressures and emotions that come with it. It’s been so nice sharing those feelings together, it’s made me feel less alone”.

“Graduation Day” is the latest track lifted from Kav’s sophomore solo release, Machines of Love & Grace. It’s out in September, but if you can’t wait until then to hear more new music I suggest getting along to one of his upcoming shows. If your hometown isn’t listed, don’t despair. It’s only part one of his regional tour, so he might just be on his way to your neck of the woods soon.

14 July 2022 – Froth, Ningaloo/Exmouth
4 August 2022 – Golden Vine, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo
5 August 2022 – Our Friends Farm, Tallarook
6 August 2022 – Lighthouse Theatre (Studio), Warrnambool
10 August 2022 – The Gal, Mulumbinba/Newcastle
11 August 2022 – Drifter’s Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
12 August 2022 – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre @ The Music Lounge, Illawarra
13 August 2022 – Canberra Theatre Centre @ The Studio, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jarrad Levy

“Talk Talk” – The Faim

I wasn’t sure that I’d write a review for The Faim’s sophomore album Talk Talk. I’ve already raved about four singles, so how much more could I say? As I listened to this superb album, again and again, I realised I couldn’t let its release pass without saying something. It’s just that good.

I’ve mentioned it before but it bears repeating: The Faim are creating some of the best pop-rock anthems you’re going to hear. They’re somehow polished but full of heart, the kind of tracks that make you want to punch your fists in the air and sing along to those catchy choruses. After releasing so many fabulous songs, you might wonder what The Faim have left in the tank. But the other tracks are anything but filler. I discovered new favourites like “You (And My Addiction)” and the epic closer “ERA” which are every bit as good as those singles that came before. I remembered just how good those singles are too. I’ve heard tracks like “The Hills” and “Me Because of You” so many times since their release, but they’re showing no signs of fatigue.

If you already know how good The Faim are, Talk Talk is everything you hoped it would be. And if you’re yet to jump on the bandwagon, this album is the perfect introduction. Press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy it. Just don’t be surprised if you hit the play button a few more times before the day is through.

Talk Talk is out now. After delighting crowds in the United Kingdom and Europe, The Faim are about to set off on an Aussie tour with fellow Whadjuck/Perth act Bad Weather and Naarm/Melbourne band Terra.

15 July 2022 – Vision Studios, Boorloo/Perth (ALL AGES)
16 July 2022 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth
21 July 2022 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 July 2022 – Newcastle Hotel, Mulubimba/Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 July 2022 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
29 July 2022 – Transit Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
30 July 2022 – Evelyn Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
31 July 2022 – Enigma Bar, Kaurna/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Good Intent; feature photo credit: Jake Crawford

Yb. Strips it Back For “Sleeping Without Me”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based artist Yb. has taken a sonic left turn for his sophomore single “Sleeping Without Me”. With earthier, more acoustic-driven sound than his first single “Change Your Mind”, Yb. shows he’s an artist who loves to keep fans guessing. This track explores the difficulties of sustaining a relationship when one person is emotionally distant.

“While one party has so much love to give, the other struggles to tap into their emotional side. It almost always leads to complications,” he explained.

“Sleeping Without Me” comes from Yb.’s forthcoming EP, which is out later this year. There are plenty of opportunities to see him live before then, so make sure you don’t miss out!

20 July 2022 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Biig Piig)
21 July 2022 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Biig Piig)
28 July 2022 – The Royal Bondi, Boondi/Bondi
29 July 2022 – Vic on the Park, Bulanaming/Marrickville
5 August 2022 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Golden Vessel)
12 August 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Golden Vessel)
13 August 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney (supporting Golden Vessel)

Image used with permission from Gyrostream PR; credit: Nanda Soe

Emily Lubitz Goes Solo With “Like I Do”

Tinpan Orange vocalist Emily Lubitz is striking out on her own with the charming new solo single “Like I Do”. This might be Emily’s solo debut, but her experience gained through more than a decade in the business shows here. It’s a seasoned effort that should please her fans and win her some new ones.

“When a relationship spans many years it contains many lifetimes. This song is about looking back to when things started and how different it is now. How our lives turn and curve and the common denominator is the person we have shared it with,” Emily explained. “Actually, our partner changes and curves too and so do we, so maybe the common denominator is love. From being young musicians in Melbourne, drinking bourbon and pretending we know everything, to being the parents of three children and realising we know very little, it’s a big range. And we are still learning. ‘Like I Do’ is a love song too.”

Emily will hit the road next week to support the release of “Like I Do.” Here are all the dates you need:

17 July 2022 – Brunswick Artists Bar, Iramoo/Brunswick
18 July 2022 Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Paul Kelly and Paul Grabowsky)
19 July 2022 – Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Paul Kelly and Paul Grabowsky)
29 July 2022 – The Citadel, Murwillumbah
30 July 2022 – The Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
31 July 2022 – Dust Temple, Currumbin

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Lilli Waters

Phil Jamieson Drops Stellar Solo Single Ahead of Aussie Tour

Phil Jamieson is best known as the frontman for legendary nineties and noughties act Grinspoon, but his music is about much more than nostalgia. He’s just released his new solo single “Lights On” and it’s an absolute banger. Would it be sacrilegious to say I like this better than the Grinspoon material? Maybe, but I’m going to say it! That clap-along falsetto-forward chorus has totally won me over!

“It’s been a journey for ‘Lights On’, going through many iterations and arrangements and what not. It’s a fun song to move shoulders and hips to – and its release also means I’m closer to releasing the album!” Phil enthused. “The track might be about a bank heist? At its core, it’s about always keeping your heart in place for the person that you love. But it’s also about memories that might have betrayed you in some ways, and maybe about stealing money and maybe about hiding it. Maybe it’s about a bank heist, Oceans 13, Oceans 8. And it also could be about saying: no matter what, I’m gonna kind of hang in there, I’m gonna be there. So sentimental!”

“Lights On” is the third single lifted from Phil’s new album Somebody Else, which drops on July 29. But before that he’ll do a lap of the eastern states to celebrate the single’s release. With a high-quality band featuring Davey Lane, Sam Raines, and Rob Muiños, these dates will be a lot of fun. Those shows kick off tonight, so get onto it!

2 July 2022 – Gaol After Dark, South West Rocks
27 July 2022 – Eltham Hotel, Eltham
28 July 2022 – Vinnies Dive, Gold Coast
29 July 2022 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
30 July 2022 – The Zoo, Brisbane
4 August 2022 – John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
5 August 2022 – UC Hub, Canberra
6 August 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
7 August 2022 – Shady Palms, Central Coast
12 August 2022 – Lions Art Factory, Adelaide
20 August 2022 – SS&A, Albury
4 November 2022 – The Big Bonanza, Coffs Harbour

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Boo Seeka Drops Awesome New Dance Track, “Real”

It’s an exciting couple of months for Boo Seeka fans. He’s just dropped a killer new single “Real”, and his new album and tour supporting Hayden James are mere weeks away.

“’Real’ is definitely one of my favourites on the record for me and has so many different messages embedded in the meaning. I wrote this song at a bit of a low point, with the idea of creating a song that can be a bit of a sing-a-long wherever the listener may be,” Boo Seeka explained. “My album, Between The Head & the Heart, is twelve separate messages that I wrote throughout the COVID period. I really needed to do this for myself, and it has undoubtedly helped me get through the last 12 months. I never want to give away the exact message or meaning of why I wrote a song, firstly, because some things are incredibly specific and personal, but mainly, I love the idea of a listener creating their own meaning to the track. That’s the most important thing about art and music to me.”

Between The Head & the Heart drops on June 30. That’ll give fans a few weeks to familiarise themselves with the new material before Boo Seeka joins Hayden James on his Aussie tour in August.

12 August 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
19 August 2022 – John Cain Arena, Melbourne
20 August 2022 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
27 August 2022 – Redhill Auditorium, Perth
3 September 2022 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Ned Kelly

Darren Hayes Back to His Best With Stunning New Single “Poison Blood”

As one half of Savage Garden, Darren Hayes created some of the world’s most iconic pop songs. Tracks like “Truly, Madly, Deeply,” “I Knew I Loved You”, and “To The Moon and Back” are the ones that are encouraging people to buy those tickets to his upcoming shows. While those tracks sold truckloads, many of his solo singles failed to chart. However, it’d be a mistake to think Darren’s best music is behind him. In fact, his new single “Poison Blood”, may be his best solo effort. Its stripped-back sound ensures we can hear every intimate lyric and the quality of Darren’s trademark falsetto.

“’Poison Blood’ is a song about choosing to stay when everything else in your life is telling you to leave. I have a family history of depression and suicide and I talk openly about my own diagnosis it in the hope that I might inspire someone who is struggling to seek help, as I have proudly done many times throughout my life,” he explained. “I describe my depression as a blessing, a gift, and a curse all at once. I wouldn’t wish it upon my worst enemy and yet I’m aware I am a deeply sensitive person, and that my unique brain allows me to feel depths of emotions that many people don’t experience. So I have learned to use those moments to channel melodies and stories that I hope are so real and so relatable they might reach someone else who is in pain, like me, and remind them to stay, like I choose to, every single day.”

Darren will play his first Australian shows in more than a decade next year. No doubt the fans will scream for those Savage Garden hits, but I hope this special song gets a warm reception. Tickets are available now for the following shows:

31 January 2023 – RAC Arena, Perth
4 February 2023 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
7 February 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Sydney
8 February 2023 – Entertainment Centre, Newcastle
11 February 2023 – Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
12 February 2023 – Convention & Exhibition Centre, Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

The Smith Street Band Return to Scene With “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever”

Listening to The Smith Street Band’s first new music in two years has made me realise how much I’ve missed them. Don’t think they’ve mellowed in time. The new single “I Don’t Wanna Do Nothing Forever” is a passionate call to arms encapsulating the mixed feelings many of us have in these crazy pandemic times.

“A song about all the excitement and anxiety felt re-entering the world, what we’ve lost over the last few years and most importantly what we’ll gain when we finally get through everything we’ve all had to endure! This song is the first single off our upcoming record, we’ve been working hard and cannot wait to share everything with you!” said lead singer Wil Wagner.

The single comes bundled with a couple of choice live tracks on all the major streaming services. If they’ve got you nostalgic for the band’s gigs, you’re in luck. The Smith Street Band are preparing to visit most of the capitals and major regional centres with a brand new tour. Here are all the dates you need:

10 June 2022 – Volta, Ballarat
11 June 2022 – The Torquay Hotel, Torquay
24 June 2022 – The Westernport, San Remo
16 July 2022 – Beer & BBQ Festival, Adelaide
24 August 2022 – The Cambridge, Newcastle
25 August 2022 – Entrance Leagues Club, Central Coast
26 August 2022 – The Metro, Sydney
27 August 2022 – UOW, Wollongong
16 & 17 September 2022 – Kambri, Canberra
22 September 2022 – Miami Marketta Gold Coast
23 September 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
24 September 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore
7 & 8 October 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
23 October 2022 – The Forth Pub, Forth
28 October 2022 – Astor, Perth
29 October 2022 – Wintersun, Geraldton

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

The Faim Release Catchy New Single, “Me Because of You”

The hits keep coming from Perth rock act The Faim. I keep expecting the quality of their singles to dip at some point, but their latest offering “Me Because of You” is just as irresistible as I hoped it’d be. If you love your rock music with a side order of synths, you’re going to dig this one.

“‘Me Because of You’ was written about embracing change and letting go of a past version of yourself. The lyrics recognise the huge impact someone else can have on the process,” bassist and keyboardist Stephen Beerkens explained. “This song was a huge milestone for us, as it’s our first release that has been self-produced!”

The Faim will set off on their first Aussie tour in three years this July. It’s been a long time coming, so you don’t want to miss it.

15 July 2022 – Vision Studios, Perth (ALL AGES)
16 July 2022 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
21 July 2022 – The Brightside, Brisbane
22 July 2022 – Newcastle Hotel, Newcastle
23 July 2022 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
24 July 2022 – La La La’s, Wollongong
29 July 2022 – Transit Bar, Canberra
30 July 2022 – Evelyn Hotel, Melbourne
31 July 2022 – Enigma Bar, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Waxflower Headlining East Coast EP Tour

After recently wowing crowds as the support act for Trophy Eyes, Waxflower are ready to headline their own shows. The Brisbane pop-punk act will showcase songs from their latest EP on The Tour of What Went Wrong which kicks off next week.

These guys are known for their high-energy shows and anthemic set lists that encourage you to sing along. While the shows celebrate their latest releases, you can expect plenty of your old favourites will also get a run.

The Sound of What Went Wrong EP is on all your favourite streaming services now. Get acquainted if you’re not already, because it’s chockful of bangers. Then get your tickets to one of the following gigs.

4 June 2022 – Waywards, Sydney
17 June 2022 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
18 June 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Mitch Lowe