Grace Cummings Wows Me With “Common Man”

Absolute force of nature Grace Cummings has just released “Common Man,” a fantastic bluesy number about daring to be different.

“This song is about being a colourful bird and never, ever wanting to be a pigeon,” she said. “Somebody I used to know wrote a song called common man about working nine to five and coming home and having a cup of tea and going to bed and it made me want to have a fucking panic attack. I wish I could tell people it was about riding off into the distance on the back of a white horse with a Cowboy in Austin Texas, but it’s not.”

“Common Man” is the latest single from Grace’s new album Ramona, which will be released on April 5. She’s just announced a string of headlining shows in the United States. After that she’ll head to the United Kingdom and Europe to play her own dates and support King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, but hopefully she’ll be back on home soil really soon.

1 May 2024 – Gold Diggers, Los Angeles
4 May 2024 – Shaky Knees Music Festival @ Central Park, Atlanta
5 May 2024 – Cat’s Cradle Back Room, Carrboro
7 May 2024 – DC9, Washington
8 May 2024 – Arden Gild Hall, Wilmington
9 May 2024 – Public Records, Brooklyn
15 May 2024 – Forest National, Brussels (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
16 May 2024 – Stadthalle, Offenbach (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
18 May 2024 – Forum Karlin, Prague (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
19 May 2024 – Arena Wien, Vienna (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
20 May 2024 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
21 May 2024 – Kantine am Berghain, Berlin
23 May 2024 – AFAS Live, Amsterdam (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
24 May 2024 – The Lexington, London
25 May 2024 – Wide Awake Festival @ Brockwell Park, Herne Hill
26 May 2024 – Olympia, Liverpool (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
27 May 2024 – Usher Hall, Edinburgh (SOLD OUT – supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
29 May 2024 – Civic Hall, Wolverhampton (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
30 May 2024 – Bristol Beacon, Bristol (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
31 May 2024 – We Love Green @ Bois de Vincennes, Paris
2 June 2024 – Maifeld Derby @ Maimarktgelände Mannheim, Mannheim
3 June 2024 – Import Export, Munich
4 June 2024 – Unaltrofestival @ Circolo Magnolia, Milan (supporting King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard)
7 June 2024 – La Boule Noire, Paris
7-9 June 2024 – Best Kept Secret Festival, Hilvarenbeek
12 June 2024 – Bergenfest @ Bergenhus Festning, Bergen

Photo credit: Tajette O’Halloran

Lorenzo Guevarra Releases Stunning Debut Single, “As Well As I Do”

When life starts getting on top of me, I can always count on the right music to calm me. If the daily grind is wearing you down too, make sure you listen to “As Well As I Do,” the beautiful debut single from Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Lorenzo Guevarra. It’s a gorgeous acoustic folk number inspired by watching two uni friends in a volatile relationship realising they were better off apart.

“The song was written on acoustic guitar and has seen little change over the years,” Lorenzo said. “At the time of writing, I was obsessed with Passenger and loved his way of fingerpicking the melodic lines of his songs before the words came in … At the time of recording I was listening heavily to Damien Rice’s My Favourite Faded Fantasy record and drew some inspiration from its production, particularly the orchestral arrangement of the tracks. The string section ideas came organically as we kept replaying what we had. The song’s melody left much space to experiment so we didn’t have to force anything.”

Debut singles are rarely this strong. Rest assured, Lorenzo is definitely one to watch.

Photo credit: Tom Southey

Lara Villani Releases Strong New Single, “Ghost of You”

Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Lara Villani has just dropped her fabulous new single, “Ghost of You.” It’s got more of a rock edge than her debut “STOP”, so make sure you crank it up. If you’ve ever had to pick yourself up after someone broke your trust, I know this track will resonate with you.

“This song was really fun to write and it reflects a journey of healing and self-discovery after experiencing the haunting echoes of past relationships and betrayal,” Lara said.

The single’s accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Mertcan Damoglu and produced by Caleb Keyte from Tier One Productions.

“In the music video I am portraying a figment of someone’s imagination,” Lara explained. “So many times when you’re in a toxic relationship you can have your blinkers on, but there’s always that little voice in your head telling you to get out. I wanted to portray this in a visual way for the song.”

With two songs out in the world, Lara assures us that she’ll step onto the stage for the very first time really soon. Keep an eye on her socials for all the details on that when they drop.

Josh Setterfield Brings New Party Anthem To CMC Rocks 2024

CMC Rocks 2024 kicks off tonight! While international acts like Lainey Wilson and Chris Young will grab the headlines, I’m music more interested in up-and-coming local talents like Josh Setterfield. He’s just released a cool new party anthem “Something That You Just Might Like” which is perfect for the occasion.

“I wrote a pretty laidback party track to get myself out of writer’s block, I played it at some shows and people went WILD for it, singing along before it had even ended,” he said. “It’s been the best response I’ve EVER had for an unreleased song and people have said it reminds them of early Florida Georgia Line vibes. Bro country revival 2024, what’s good!? Haha!”

Josh will play the tailgate stage at CMC Rocks 2024 tonight exclusively for campers before taking the event’s main stage on March 17.

Image used with permission from DWM Entertainment

James Reyne Guitarist Josh Owen Impresses With “Hold Your Breath”

As a keen James Reyne fan, I’ve been impressed by the guitar prowess of Josh Owen for some time. So my hopes were high for the release of his new solo single, “Hold Your Breath.” Believe it or not, this bluesy rock is even better than I imagined.

If you like what you hear, strap yourself in for plenty more from Josh. He’ll release his debut album, As the Night Falls, in August. Before that he’s got a couple of headlining shows to support the singles. He’ll also play a solo set before rejoining James Reyne Band at all the upcoming Crawl File tour shows. Here’s everywhere you can see Josh in the coming months.

8 March 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting James Reyne)
9 March 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting James Reyne)
11 March 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (supporting James Reyne)
23 March 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting James Reyne)
7 April 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote (1pm single launch with Nick Barker)
11 April 2024 – Vanguard, Eora/Newtown (single launch)
12 April 2024 – Sunken Monkey, Darkinjung Country/Erina (supporting James Reyne)
13 April 2024 – Toronto Hotel, Awabakal Country/Toronto (supporting James Reyne – SOLD OUT)
27 April 2024 – The Forth Pub, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth (supporting James Reyne)
28 April 2024 – Longley Hotel, Muwinina Country/Longley (supporting James Reyne)
10 May 2024 – Dee Why RSL, Gadigal Country/Dee Why (supporting James Reyne)
11 May 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (supporting James Reyne)
24 May 2024 – Corowa RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Corowa (supporting James Reyne)
25 May 2024 – SS&A, Bungambrawatha/Albury (supporting James Reyne)
7 June 2024 – The Charles, Boorloo/Perth (supporting James Reyne)
8 June 2024 – The Charles, Boorloo/Perth (supporting James Reyne – SOLD OUT)
19 July 2024 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Kabi Kabi Country/Bundaberg (supporting James Reyne)
20 July 2024 – Brolga Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Maryborough (supporting James Reyne)
26 July 2024 – Twin Towns, Bundjalung Country/Tweed Heads (supporting James Reyne)

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Delta Goodrem Releases Fire New Single, “Hearts on the Run”

Delta Goodrem is one of the most consistent talents in our country. What she releases is always good, so good that perhaps it doesn’t get its due. But every now and then she releases something that’s not just good: it’s great. Her latest single “Hearts on the Run” is one of those special tracks, a high-octane anthem that you’re going to be humming for the rest of the week.

“I wrote ‘Hearts on the Run,’ as a message that it’s possible to tap into an unyielding positivity,” Delta explained. “I wanted to create a high-energy feeling with so much momentum, that you can’t help but run. That feeling when you’re in the middle of a marathon, when your legs ache, when your breath is running out, and you question how much further you can go… It’s precisely in that moment that the song insists you can go further, driven by a combination of love and an unbreakable spirit. The song urges you to discover what you’re truly made of by pushing your own boundaries. This song was made to make me run! Your heart is on the run!”

Delta has a handful of shows in different parts of the world in the coming months, so catch her anywhere you can:

23 March 2024 – Centennial Vineyards, Gundungurra/Bowral (supporting Tom Jones)
18-25 May 2024 – Holiday Inn Resort, Kandooma
2 June 2024 – Mighty Hoopla Festival @ Brockwell Park, London (SOLD OUT)

Sin City Rock My Socks Off With “Candy”

Sin City, a Naarm/Melbourne-based Kiwi band formed in Spain, are making the kind of country-rock that we just don’t hear enough of. Their latest single “Candy” is a raucous track that’s all the better for being a little rough around the edges. It was recorded on an analogue reel to reel tape, which gives it such a cool vintage feel. Singer and keyboardist Nick Armstrong said the band wrote the song about a romance cut short due to the demands of being a travelling musician.

“When you eventually see they’ve moved on and are happy, you can’t help but be a little bit disappointed!” he admitted. “But passing flings can’t last, and you have to accept it. That’s what this song is about.”

You can hear more from Sin City when they release their sophomore album Another Round in April.

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Baeden Feint Makes Strong Debut With “Hometown Fantasy”

Baeden Feint had me at the harmonica opening of his debut single “Hometown Fantasy.” He’s a classic country troubadour, the kind of artist who paints a story with his words and brings it to life with honest vocals. This single is about the little “map dot” where he grew up, the place where he learned to love people and music.

“This song is essentially me reminiscing on past relationships where it seemed everything was laid out. Ready for the white picket fence and kids. But also, that it was like having blinders on, as to whether it was a good thing or not,” he explained. “I wrote this song like a lot of other songs – with a bottle port, smoking alone late at night, with too much time for thinking.”

If you’re into the current wave of American country artists like Zach Bryan and Tyler Childers, I know you’re going to be into this. If you want to hear more, catch Baeden performing at Mount Hope’s The Royal Hotel on March 3.

Jordy Burns Shows She’s a Force With Debut Single “Walls”

South African born and Australian raised, queer Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Jordy Burns has made a massive impression on me with her debut single “Walls.” Yes, that’s right, debut single. I want to emphasise that, because this is one of those tracks delivered with such heart and confidence that you’d swear she has an exhaustive back catalogue if you didn’t know better.

“‘Walls’ is about heartbreak and broken trust,” Jordy admitted. “A person I was seeing convinced me that I was safe to open my heart and that they wanted what I wanted. As it turns out, as soon as I let down my guard, they all too quickly realised that they weren’t ready to move on from their last relationship. In saying that, they continued to stay with me and we made a mess of things… it was a rollercoaster, to say the least.”

Jordy will celebrate the release of “Walls” with a hometown show at Tokio Hotel on April 6.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Between You & Me Coming in Hot With “In the Middle” Single

Between You & Me are one of the best pop-punk acts around, so I’m pretty psyched to hear they’ve got a whole bunch of new music coming our way. They’ve just dropped their latest single “In the Middle,” which offers a taste of what’s in store when they release their new EP SH!T YEAH on April 5.

“‘In The Middle’ is about the realisation that your relationship is over,” said vocalist JT. “The strong joy and excitement you once brought to each other’s lives had been replaced with fighting, bitterness and a complete breakdown in communication. Even despite this, you both yearn for it to work out and dream of the better times. You break up, you get back together, and the cycle continues, despite both recognising you had grown apart as people and the trust for each other was irreparable. The song encapsulates the slow breakdown of a relationship and the acceptance in moving on.”

Between You & Me seem set for global domination. They’re currently playing gigs in the United Kingdom and will head to North America in March to headline shows on the continent for the very first time. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them back on Aussie soil. Until then, international readers, make sure you check them out at a venue near you.

22 February 2024 – Joiners, Southampton
23 February 2024 – Underworld, London (SOLD OUT)
24 February 2024 – Asylum, Birmingham
7 March 2024 – SOMA Sidestage, San Diego
8 March 2024 – Echoplex, Los Angeles
9 March 2024 – Cornerstone, Berkeley
11 March 2024 – Soundwell, Salt Lake City
13 March 2024 – Marquis Theatre, Denver
15 March 2024 – Bottom Lounge, Chicago
16 March 2024 – The Loving Touch, Ferndale
17 March 2024 – Ace Of Cups, Columbus
18 March 2024 – Mahall’s, Lakewood
20 March 2024 – Hard Luck, Toronto
21 March 2024 – Empire Underground, Albany
22 March 2024 – Brighton Music Hall, Boston
23 March 2024 – Le Poisson Rouge, New York
24 March 2024 – Ottobar, Baltimore
25 March 2024 – Foundry @ The Fillmore, Philadelphia
27 March 2024 – Canal Club, Richmond
28 March 2024 – Amos South End, Charlotte
29 March 2024 – The Masquerade, Atlanta
30 March 2024 – The Abbey, Orlando
2 April 2024 – Lone Star Room, Dallas
3 April 2024 – Paper Tiger, San Antonio
5 April 2024 – The Rebel Lounge, Phoenix
6 April 2024 – Chain Reaction, Anaheim

Photo Credit: Max Pasalic