As a freelance writer, I don’t need to keep a traditional schedule. I love nothing more than staying up until the early hours of the morning. The world is quiet, my time is truly my own. I’d much rather enjoy that, then catch up on sleep while the rest of the world is moving. So I’m really vibing with Josh Setterfield’s night owl anthem, “We Are The Night.” Whether you stay up for work, partying, or just the quiet time I enjoy, I know you’ll love this upbeat country track.
“This one’s for everyone who comes alive after dark,” Josh confirmed. “There’s a whole world that exists after the sun goes down. I wanted to write an anthem for those people because I don’t think they’ve ever really had one… and I’m one of them”
Naarm/Melbourne-based creative Spike Fuck is back with his new single “All By Myself,” his first released via legendary New York label Sacred Bones Records. It comes ten years after he pioneered his sound with the Smackwave EP, then disappeared without a trace. Spike gives no explanation for his absence, although there were rumours he might have traded in the spotlight for years in monastic solitude or perhaps relapsed. All the speculation just makes his return more iconic.
Speaking on the release of “All By Myself,” Spike says “If someone asks ‘What does it mean?’ We’ve done the job. As society has abandoned mythologies, we must create our own… that sounds trite and I’m not quite sure how to defend that statement really. We’re not existentialists. In any case, we also live in a completely schizophrenic society in this sense, so the idea to create a story of a war hero/criminal undergoing an absurdist spiritual transformation seemed almost obligatory. Purgatorial musings, heaven and hell, redemption, fantasy, a mushroom that talks, so on and so forth.
“People understand truth through analogy, moreover, parables. We sought to create something about redemption, forgiveness, faith, hope, and charity that is available to whomever seeks it. I may not be the most reliable narrator, I admit that freely, yet the fantasy of it all is healthy. So is a dose of whimsy or even a small dash of grand delusion. So this video, along with the entire record, is a series of clues, a collection of pieces of evidence… Hopefully this video raises more questions than it answers.”
“All By Myself” is the lead single from Spike’s debut album evidence, which drops on October 2. He’ll celebrate the release with a massive tour. It kicks off in Australia on release day, then travels to the United Kingdom and Europe.
I’ll admit, I don’t cover a lot of music from metalcore acts like Windwaker because they typically rock just a little hard for my taste. However, I always make a point of listening because I never know when something outside my preferred genres will spark joy. I’m so glad I stay open-minded, because if I didn’t I’d miss gems like their latest single “closer.” It comes from Windwaker’s forthcoming third album, smile, you’re on camera, which they say is their best record yet.
“smile, you’re on camera is undeniably our best and most focused collection of songs to date,” Windwaker enthused. “We learned so much making this record together, and we’re incredibly proud of what it’s become. It opens the door to who we are, and offers a glimpse into our world through the highs and the lows. It’s the most personal and honest Windwaker has ever been.”
smile, you’re on camera drops on October 23 and you can preorder a vinyl or CD copy right now. To celebrate its release, Windwaker will travel around the country playing some massive shows with US band The Pretty Wild and local up-and-comers RinRin and DREGG. Then they’ll fly overseas for more gigs in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Tickets for all those shows are on sale now from the links below.
As a regular at Wednesday pub trivia, I feel a real affinity with “Wednesdays at the Waterloo,” the latest single from Lottie McLeod. This cute indie-pop track tells a relatable story of losing at pub trivia because of an unspoken crush on a teammate.
“Wednesdays at the Waterloo” comes from Lottie’s forthcoming EP, The Boathouse, which drops on September 25. Hear more material from that EP at one of her upcoming shows.
I am always a big believer in finding the right song at the right time. For most people, Alex Lahey’s rerecorded version of “Lets Go Out” featuring Slowly Slowly would just make them long for the weekend. But Wednesday is my pub trivia night, so this one will definitely soundtrack my day! Even if you’re not looking forward to a few bevvies this evening, I know you’ll appreciate the way Slowly Slowly complement Alex on this track.
“When I asked Slowly Slowly to be a part of the rerecording of ‘Let’s Go Out’, I told them I wanted ‘the full Slowly treatment,’ Alex said. “And, boy, did they deliver! I think Slowly are one of the greatest Australian bands of all time and it’s such an honour to have them involved in this recording produced by none other than Ben Stewart himself.”
Ben was equally effusive in his praise of Alex, noting “Working with Alex was a breeze – it was like we had always been in a band together or something! I loved being a part of the effortless recreations of these sentimental and adored songs – the hardest part was trying to honour the originals, but I think we got to a place where they hold their own in a new light.” This new version of “Lets Go Out” features on B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), a reimagining of Alex’s breakthrough EP. She’s hitting all the major capitals to promote it, so get your tickets now.
The gloomy weather in my part of the country is encouraging me to hibernate for the weekend and listen to chill indie folk like “Before I Go,” the debut single from Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter Louella. Her beautiful voice brings this reflective song about love, loss, and letting go to life.
Louella shot the music video for “Before I Go” in Tokyo.” Scenes capture the diversity of the city, from the bustling city streets to serene cherry blossom parks.
“The contrasting locations reflect the experience of navigating an unfamiliar culture and finding your place away from home,” Louella explained.
She’ll showcase more of her music at Backyard Bash, a backyard show in her hometown on August 1. Tickets are on sale now from Humanitix.
I’m such a sucker for a cutie who plays guitar. So you can bet I’ve fallen hard for Jack Gray and his new single “Swimming in Jeans.”
This song sees Jack at his rawest and most vulnerable. Taking a deep dive through his music, I enjoyed hearing more of his artistry. He’s got such a knack for melody, and he’s a multi-instrumentalist so he delivers much more than those stripped-back sounds. And it’s all so good.
“Swimming Jeans is the title track from Jack’s debut album which drops on September 11. He’ll spend September on the road promoting it, but I wouldn’t wait too long before nabbing tickets. Eora/Sydney has already sold out, and more venues should follow. Get them while you can music lovers!
Sitting somewhere between country and folk, “Down to the Bone” by Angela Rose has the perfect vibe to ease you into your weekend. There’s a beautiful intimacy about this song. It draws you in with its relatable lyrics about the breakdown of a friendship and Angela’s sublime vocals.
“It’s about coming to terms with the fact that something that was once alive, growing, and full of love has now decomposed down to the bone. Friendship breakups aren’t talked about nearly as much as romantic ones, but they can hurt just as deeply,” Angela said. “I love how the production starts gently and gradually builds in intensity as the story unfolds, mirroring the emotional weight of the lyrics. It feels intimate and reflective at first, before growing into something much bigger and more cathartic by the end.”
Angela wrote this song with another of my favourite Aussie singer-songwriters, Siobhan Cotchin, so it’s little wonder that it’s resonating with me.
“Siobhan is such an incredibly talented songwriter, and I felt very lucky to collaborate with her on this track,” Angela enthused. “She brought so much honesty, insight, and craft to the writing process, and together we were able to capture a type of heartbreak that isn’t often written about.”
I’m so into this track. It’s just so beautifully written and realised. I’m really looking forward to hearing what comes next for Angela, because she is such a talent.
Photo credit: Adrianne Armida – Spaghetti Wolf Studios
I’ve never been impressed by the artists who had all the vocal tricks. Some people might love belting and runs, but I think they can often distract from the heart of a song. I’m much more impressed by the artists who can make me feel something through incredible lyrics delivered without the frills. And that’s what Hannah Potter has done with her latest single “Judith’s House.” With this song, she explores themes of connection, loss, and rediscovery with a quiet power that’s really resonated with me.
Hannah wrote the song during a 3.5-month journey across Europe. During that time, she visited Judith, a horse trainer who lived alone in the woods outside Utrecht. “Most of my life I’ve felt very displaced, culturally and geographically, and for whatever reason I felt very much at home in those woods.”
Hannah will officially launch “Judith’s House” with a free 4 pm show at Old Bar in Ngár-go/Fitzroy on August 1.
Take a moment to stop what you’re doing, press play, and listen to Mark Wilkinson’s latest single “Joie de Vivre.” This stripped-back ballad casts a spell, but you need to give it the space to work its magic.
You’re back with me? Good. Isn’t it beautiful? I’m not sure I have the superlatives to adequately say how special it is, but if you’ve taken the time to listen without distractions, I know you get it.
“This song was inspired by a magical day spent in Paris with my wife,” Mark recalled. “It was Bastille Day, and the weather, the city, and the atmosphere were just perfect. Sometimes you want to stay locked in a moment forever, and this was one of those times.”
“Joie de Vivre” comes from Mark’s forthcoming EP Love and Loss, which he’ll release on July 31. He’s got a stack of upcoming shows supporting Katie Noonan and headlining alongside Glenn Hopper on keys. After seeing him last year, I know anyone who makes it to one of these gigs is in for a real treat:
