Ooh La La Impress with “The Saint That Sinned”

After hearing Rebecca Black’s “Friday” one too many times I was a bit soured for teen female talent. But it’s important to remember that every young female songwriter isn’t going to unleash drivel upon us. And when we’re lucky, they’re as talented as the girls from Ooh La La.

Ooh La La are Laura Pattison and Lauren Hodge, two 15-year-old girls from Griffith who’ve just released their debut single “The Saint That Sinned.” It’s gorgeous stuff, with stunning vocals and great instrumentation. And yes, that’s Laura and Lauren playing the acoustic guitar and mandolin. These girls aren’t just good for their ages; they’re just good.

Lest We Forget

It’s ANZAC Day, a time when we’re all stopping to reflect on the men and women who so bravely serve in the armed forces so that we can enjoy one of the best qualities of life in the Western world. It’s not just about those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, but the people who continue to bravely battle for freedom, who leave their partners, children, and parents behind so that the rest of us can enjoy the day to day privileges of being Australian.

This isn’t the time or place to get into an argument about whether it’s right that we continue to lose lives in Afghanistan, or send soldiers to wars that don’t seem like ours. It’s just a time to sit, contemplate, and give thanks.

In my opinion 1927 were one of the most underrated bands of the 80s and 90s. “Compulsory Hero” was one of those underappreciated songs that certainly holds up. Today its lyrics have some extra resonance. So listen, take it in, and take a moment to think of the soldiers. Lest we forget.

Tonight Alive One to Watch

You might not know the name Tonight Alive yet, but just wait for it. The Sydney pop-punk quintet are generating some major buzz around the world for their energetic riffs and melodic sensibilities.

Their self-funded debut EP All Shapes and Disguises earned rave reviews last year, and they’re set to continue the trend with the release of their first long player. Tonight Alive have definitely stepped up to the big leagues now, having enlisted Mark Trombino (Blink 182, Jimmy World) to serve as producer.

You can get a taste of that disc with “Breaking & Entering.” If you like what you see here make sure you head to the band’s website, as the track is currently available for free download.

Georgia Fair’s New Film Clip, “Marianne”

You might remember me promising to post the video for Georgia Fair’s gorgeous new single “Marianne” once it was complete. Well I’m never one to go back on my word, so here it is. Just like the song, the clip is all very low key but gorgeously filmed, and it gives us an opportunity to see guest singer Lisa Mitchell’s new cropped do. Enjoy!

Trial Kennedy Impress with “Best of Tomorrow”

Trial Kennedy has been one of those Australian acts who’ve been in the background for the last decade, but never really grabbed me. That is, until now. I’m really digging “Best of Tomorrow,” their new single from their forthcoming album Living Undesigned, which hits stores on May 13.

It’s got all the right elements: a hooky chorus, great rock vocals and a real focus on melody. It’s the sort of track you’ll love at first listen, then find yourself humming for the rest of the day. If this is what we can expect from the new record, bring it on!

Abbe May’s Hot New Single, “Design Desire”

We first saw Perth’s Abbe May rocking out on her debut single “Mammalian Locomotion.” Now she’s back again with the equally dark and brooding follow-up, “Design Desire.”

There’s definitely more than a touch of the Patti Smith to Abbe, which is certainly not a bad thing. I’m in love with her big crunchy guitar riffs and rich, resonant vocals.

The song is the title track from Abbe’s debut album, which should be on record store shelves mid-year. Needless to say, I can’t wait!

The Duke Wilde Band Making Waves

It’s been a while since I featured any country music around here. But when the country’s national country music rag Country Update Magazine calls an act “the most exciting new band in Australian country music,” I figured I’d better give them a listen. That band is The Duke Wilde Band.

The band hails from Queensland, but their new single “The Band Plays” has a real Southern Americana feel to it. It’s the sort of song you’d expect to hear in a rough bar in redneck America. It’d be the tune near the end of the night that makes the punters forget about their beers for a moment as they raise their cigarette lighters and sway.

If you like this song, you’ll be happy to know there’s more where that came from. The lads are currently demoing some new tunes for their second album. Their self-titled debut was only launched in January, but this Queensland country act clearly aren’t resting on their laurels!

Kid Mac Music Video Goes Viral

Rapper Kid Mac has become an unlikely YouTube star with the release of his new music video for the single “Hear You Calling.” The song, which effortlessly blends urban influences and straight up rock, sees Kid Mac working with Mat McHugh from the Beautiful Girls.

The video has clocked up more than 200, 000 views over the last couple of days, something which is virtually unheard of for an independent artist. Then again, most indie acts don’t have Taj Burrows, Mick Fanning, and Russell Crowe singing their praises!

Now if only I had a pair of old school 3D glasses around!

New Song Obsession: “Gap Year Blues” by Dan Kelly

Dan Kelly has utterly charmed me with his latest song, “Gap Year Blues.”

Perhaps it’s because I was separated from my now husband for a few years before he moved from America to be with me here in Oz, but this sweet folk ballad of long distance love really struck a chord.

The song is paired with a deliciously organic music video from Melbourne filmmaker Johann Rashid.

“Gap Year Blues” comes from Dan’s ARIA nominated album Dan Kelly’s Dream. Do you love it as much as I do?

David Guetta Works with Aussie Girl Indigo

David Guetta tends to work with big name acts like Rihanna and Kelly Rowland. So when he handpicks an Aussie girl for his next project, it’s pretty big news.

The lucky lady is Indigo, a Western Australian lass who’s just signed up with French indie dance label Summit. The deal will see her debut album The Colour of Dreams released through France, Spain, Switzerland, Australia, Belgium, and Italy later this year.

And then there’s the David Guetta connection. He’s remixed her song “She Knows Love,” and plans to release the tune later this year. We all know how everything Guetta touches turns to gold, so something tells me big things are in store for Indigo.