Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Gill Releases Incredible New Single, “Touch Me There”

Ruby Gill has absolutely floored me with their latest single, “Touch Me There.” This intimate exploration of sensual awakening and coming out is a real revelation. Take a few moments just to listen to this one. It’s subtle, but if you give it your full attention I know you’ll fall as deeply in love with it as I have.

“During the longest dry spell of my life, I came out to myself,” Ruby recalled of the song’s inspiration. “The first time I said it out loud was in this song – all that sitting by a river waiting for the truth to come out led to me being honest for the first time about who I was attracted to and what kind of sex I wanted in my life. It took almost two years of zero kissing to get to that point of self-knowledge. Not intentionally – everything just felt so wrong and scary after being touched in really unsafe ways before that. I was numb for years, but I finally felt sensation in my body again after writing ‘Touch Me There.’ It broke me open. I hope it breaks other people open too, whether it’s about queerness or otherwise. You have a say over your love and pleasure.”

“Touch Me There” comes from Ruby’s sophomore album Some Kind of Control, set for release on March 28. They’ll play the following shows through March and April to celebrate the new music:

5 March 2025 – BMF @ Brunswick Uniting Church, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 April 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Kira Puru

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Swift Drops Feelgood Anthem, “Nothing Better”

For someone who doesn’t consider themselves a country music fan, I’m sure enjoying a lot of it lately. Or maybe there’s just a glut of outstanding country music coming out of this country. The latest track to delight my ears is Andrew Swift’s new feelgood single, “Nothing Better.” Andrew drew from his own experiences of a life that couldn’t be panning out any better!

“It feels like not long ago I was mentally preparing to be fixing caravans and living life as a single man until the end of my days,” he admitted. “I didn’t think that being a full-time musician, homeowner, having a loving partner and a baby on the way would be on the cards, but here we are. Sometimes life blindsides you in the best way possible.”

Recording “Nothing Better” saw Andrew reunite with his long-time collaborator, the multi-award-winning Matt Fell.

“Having previously worked together on the last three albums, I feel like we’re on the same page now more than ever,” Andrew said. I love being able to get down to his new studio, Wilder Studios, in remote Tasmania. It feels like you’re a million miles away from the real world and you can really focus on the recording process.”

You can hear Andrew’s authenticity in his lyrics and vocals, so it’s only right that the music video features the real people and places that shaped him rather than actors and fancy locations. Jeremy Minnett of Eyes and Ears Creative captured footage of Andrew’s childhood home and real-life partner Simone.

Country artists are some of the hardest working musicians in the nation, and Andrew is no exception. Even though he’s got a baby on the way, it’s on the road and playing shows all over this wide brown land. Make sure you catch him anywhere you can.

23 February 2025 – TumbaFest @ Tumbarumba Creekscape, Tumbarumba/Tumbarumba
28 February 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
1 March 2025 – Little Sisters General Store, Tang Dim Mer/Sisters Beach
2 March 2025 – Wilder, Turrakana/Gowrie Park
21 March 2025 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
22 March 2025 – RegFest @ Horsham City Oval, Wopetbungundilar/Horsham
4 April 2025 – The Duke of George, Walyalup/Fremantle
5 April 2025 – Gatsby’s Skyline, Manjinup/Manjimup
12 April 2025 – arcobar, Boonwurrung Country/Heatherton
29 April 2025 – Oodies Café, Bunda/Bundaberg
30 April 2025 – Oodies Cafe, Bunda/Bundaberg (SOLD OUT)
1st May 2025 – Oodies Cafe, Bunda/Bundaberg (SOLD OUT)
3-10 August 2025 – Tunes In The Tropics, Norfolk Island
28-31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Gimpi-Gimpi/Gympie

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Korts Releases Strong New Single

After a pretty stressful few months dealing with the aftermath of my car accident, Lucy Korts latest single “Stronger” is exactly what I needed to hear. This authentic girl power anthem sees the Meeanjin/Brisbane artist reclaiming her own power, and hopefully inspiring a few listeners to do the same. I know she’s got me fired up!

“I hope that ‘Stronger’ can give you the same strength that I found writing it,” she confirmed. “I hope that it can pick you up when you don’t know how to get up. And I hope that it can help to push you forward when you don’t know which way forward is. I hope that ‘Stronger’ can remind you to be stronger than whatever it is that hurt you.”

For more pop goodness, check out my Spotify playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. It features plenty of fabulous new pop music from local artists including Lucy. I’m always adding new music so make sure you follow me to stay up-to-date!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Carman Releases Folk Charmer, “It’s All Good”

Harry Carman’s new single “It’s All Good” is the musical equivalent of a warm hug. Whether you need a little sonic support or just want to chill out today, you’ve got to hear this sweet indie-folk song.

“This song was originally written when my ex was going through pregnancy with our youngest son,” Harry recalled. “I wanted to make a song that was reassuring and comforting in the hardest of times. It’s now become a song I play for my two boys (they already know all the words) whenever we’re in the car or before bed. Myself and my producer, Josh Richens, made the production of the song evolutionary to capture how the song evolved from a simple phone recording, to a demo for SoundCloud, all the way to what it is now.”

If you want to hear more from Harry and you’re around Ngambri/Canberra, treat yourself to lunch at Ballyhoo today. He’s playing from midday to 4 pm, so get out and show your support.

Image source: Harry Carman website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stephen Royale Drops Party Anthem, “VIP”

As we inch closer to the weekend, it’s time to put the working week behind us and drop some party tunes. “VIP,” the latest single from Stephen Royale has me buzzing. It’s a total 2000s throwback that reminds me a bit of classic Chris Brown and Jason Derulo tunes, and I’m personally here for it. Crank this one and I’m sure you’ll be grooving along in no time!

“VIP is an electro RnB/pop song designed to get everyone on the dance floor,” Stephen explained. “It’s got that throwback flavour but feels fresh enough to own today’s scene. We poured so much into this track, and I just want people to feel it, vibe to it, and party with it. Let’s gooooo!”

“VIP” comes from Stephen’s debut EP, so we can expect plenty more tunes from him in the near future.

Image used with permission from Stephen Royale

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The East Pointers Playing Aussie Shows

Canadian indie folk duo The East Pointers are heading to Australia on the back of their recently released single “Anniversary.” This beautiful song honours their late bandmate Koady Chaisson, who died suddenly in January 2022.

“When Jake [Charron, keys, guitar, and vocals] and I sat down to write, ‘Anniversary’ was the first song that came out—it was as if Koady was in the room with us, it flowed so fast,” said Koady’s cousin and East Pointers vocalist, fiddler, and guitar player Tim Chaisson. “We want this song to give anybody permission to give themselves a pat on the back, for any of the wins or positive changes in their life. A celebration you continue to honour, especially when times get tough.”

“‘Anniversary’ is a song about how making one positive decision can change the rest of your life,” Jake added. “11 years ago today (on his birthday) our late band member Koady made some major changes to his life to improve his mental health, one of which was becoming sober. This is a song to celebrate fresh starts, milestones, and the wins that we have along the way, big or small.”

The East Pointers will play some of the country’s leading folk festivals and headlining shows in the coming months. Tickets are on sale now for all the following shows.

28 February – 2 March 2025 – Nannup Music Festival, Noongar Country/Nannup
5 March 2025 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7-10 March 2025 – Port Fairy Folk Festival @ Southcombe Park, Pyipkil/Port Fairy
13 March 2025 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
14-16 March 2025 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Colomatta/Blue Mountains
19 March 2025 – Republic, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2025 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
21 March 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 March 2025 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
23 March 2025 – Old Museum, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Justin Rix

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Stamps Release Fire Single, “Slow Burn”

Meet your new indie-pop obsession, The Stamps. Originally beginning as a folk trio, Scarlett Graham, Rubina Bertolini, and Sofia Hourani showcase a more upbeat sound with their latest single “Slow Burn.” This super catchy song showcases their sublime harmonies and nostalgic sound.

Scarlett, who was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, explained the song’s inspiration, noting “I was missing the younger aspect of myself that existed in Canada; the carefreeness of being a child, and the many friends I left behind. One childhood friend of mine was on my mind after we caught up on Facetime. After weeks of missing each other’s phone calls, leaving ‘life update’ voice notes, we were finally able to find moments to connect. It was written when I was feeling frustrated about how difficult it is to keep in touch and the pride I can often have to not be the first one to call. I am guilty of how often I never want to be the ‘needy’ one.”

Scarlett met her fellow Stamps as an exchange student at a Walyalup/Fremantle high school. They formed an immediate bond and remained close even once Scarlett returned home, sending letters via snail mail. After years apart, they decided to start together afresh in Naarm/Melbourne. Their band name celebrates the way they stayed in contact despite their physical distance.

The Stamps will next play Hepburn Mineral Springs as part of Hepburn Shire Council’s free Sunset in the Springs concert series. Catch them alongside Dayfever and Sasha Taylor on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Photo credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Precious Mess Show They’re a Creative Force With “Rainbows”

Turn the volume all the way up to 11 and rock out with local outfit Precious Mess and their latest single “Rainbows”. Their big riff-heavy sound has really impressed me, especially considering Precious Mess are a duo. You don’t often hear two-piece outfits creating such a full, powerful sound, but guitarist and vocalist Peter “Reggie” Bowman and drummer and artist Nate Hill are nailing it.

Precious Mess came about when Reggie and Nate started discussing how music in the audio realm moves hand in hand with art in the visual world. Through this project, they aim to combine music and art in a fully immersive creative experience. “Rainbows” is one of 10 songs the pair wrote and recorded in the same room. Once they laid down the tracks, they started pushing paint around on canvases to represent each album tune. Check out the film clip for “Rainbows” to understand more about what this colourful two-piece is about.

Image used with permission from Precious Mess

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pricey Releases Unfiltered Rock Track, “Bastards Never Change”

Former Chats guitarist Josh “Pricey” Price is striking out on his own with a brand new single “Bastards Never Change.” It’s a raw, rock track delivered without a hint of bullshit. If that’s the sort of thing you need on your Friday, press play. But if you’re in the office, you might want to grab some headphones, because the lyrics aren’t exactly work-safe!

“The song came about during a recent tour with The Screaming Jets,” Pricey recalled. “As we travelled from venue to venue, I found myself gazing out the bus window when I noticed a homeless man holding a cup. In that moment, I didn’t just see him. I saw my reflection. It struck me how lucky I am to be living my dream, touring with a rock band, having fun, and doing what I love. This song isn’t about that man. it’s about me appreciating the blessings I have and recognizing the stark contrast of our lives. ‘Bastards Never Change’ is my way of expressing gratitude and resilience, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys.”

Pricey is back on tour, this time supporting Wheatus on their acoustic Dirtbags Across Australia shows. Here are all the remaining dates on that run!

24 January 2025 – Coffs Hotel, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
25 January 2025 – The Bellevue Hotel, Worimi Country/Tuncurry
26 January 2025 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
29 January 2025 – Shark Bar, Gayemagal Country/Manly
30 January 2025 – UTS Underground, Eora/Sydney
31 January 2025 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
1 February 2025 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
2 February 2025 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wafia Delays Debut Album Release

Aussie expat Wafia planned to release her long-awaited debut album Promised Land this month, but decided to delay its launch after watching the devastation in her new adopted home of Los Angeles. So I thought instead I’d bring you Wafia’s most recent single “Something,” a delicate neo-soul jam that celebrates the headiness of new infatuation.

“I wrote this song after a really really good first kiss,” Wafia shared on Instagram.

Wafia has bundled “Something” on Spotify with all her previous releases from Promised Land so make sure you check them all out. We’ll finally get to hear the album in full on its new release date, February 7.

Photo credit: Maddy Rotman