Nick Carver & The Mean Street Butchers Release Cool Single “I Need to Feel”

If you love your rock music with some grit, you’re going to be stomping your foot along with “I Need to Feel,” the latest single from regional Victorian outfit Nick Carver & The Mean Street Butchers. It’s such a soulful swamp-rock track, with a little hint of psychedelia. It already sounds like a classic.

“As far as sound goes, it’s a rock song. There’s very little of the alt-country/bluesy sound that’s on the previous releases. That’s not to say that stuff is over, but I’ve been working towards writing some real straight-up rock stuff that people can be expecting to hear with the next few releases,” Nick said. “I’ve always loved some cool weird rock, like Funkadelic, Ween, Melvins, Brant Bjork, and early Queens of the Stone Age. I think all of those bands just played out some songs that were really simple to them and kept all the little nuances and oddities that we sometimes try to improve on and end up losing the really cool essence of the track.”

The film clip, created by Pete McKew using AI animation technology is also brilliant. Drawing inspiration from Wake in Fright, it explores the violent and alcoholic history of the Aussie Outback, with a little alien abduction thrown in.

With their sound evolving, I’m keen to hear what comes next from Nick Carver & The Mean Street Butchers.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

The Cherubs Release Sick Song, “Nausea”

If Joy Division and The Strokes had a baby, it might sound something like The Cherubs. I’m really digging the new wave meets modern rock sound of their new single “Nausea”. The biting lyrics are also delicious. Trust me, you’ll want to crank this one up.

“This song came together on the final days of us writing the EP,” The Cherubs said in a statement. “In fact, Dylan (Clark) wrote the guitar and lyrics overnight while babysitting two cats and the next day we jammed it out as a band. It was a very quick song to write, what with not overthinking the arrangement, rather letting the guitars call-and-response be the hook and allow the lyrics to tell somewhat of a statement against it all.”

The Cherubs collaborated with director/editor Liam Clark, cinematographer Ian Tyler, and students from the SAE Institute for the music video.

“The music video was shot in half a day at Good Egg Studios in Riverstone,” The Cherubs added. “It’s worth noting Tim Berner on bass was attacked by a cactus the day of shooting and as a result had to be replaced by a dear friend and guitarist José Herández.”

If you like this, make sure you follow their socials to hear about their shows and that upcoming EP release.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: James Winthrop, Dylan Clark

James Johnston and Zac & George Team Up For “Some Things Never Change”

James Johnston has just dropped his latest country charmer, and he’s got some friends along for the ride. “Some Things Never Change” features Zac & George, a country duo from Eora/Sydney who now split their time between Australia and Nashville. James teamed up with Zac & George in the final hours of a songwriting pilgrimage to America’s country capital, and the rest is history.

“Listening back to the demo on the plane ride home, I knew we had captured something special,” James said. “I wanted to record and release it in a way I had never seen anyone do before.”

So he produced the song in secret with just one thing missing: Zac & George’s vocals, which they recorded during their next visit home. The day after laying down the tracks, they were heading to James’ hometown of Dharawal Country/Wingham to shoot the music video.

“The video was truly special, to be back in my hometown with the boys at the local pub I used to go to every Friday night, it just felt right that the video for ‘Some Things Never Change’ was captured there,” James said. The people you see in the video are also James’ fans, who descended on the pub to create the right party atmosphere after he put the call out on social media.

Riding high on the release of “Some Things Never Change,” James will start touring with another friend, Morgan Evans. He’ll also appear at some choice festivals in the coming months. Catch him anywhere you can!

31 August 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans)
2 September 2023 – Canberra Theatre, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
5 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans)
7 September 2023 – The Powerstation, Auckland (with Morgan Evans)
9 September 2023 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
11 September 2023 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
14 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans)
15 September 2023 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
17 September 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tartanya/Adelaide (with Morgan Evans)
19 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans) (SOLD OUT)
20 September 2023 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with Morgan Evans)
30 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Barababaraba Country/Deniliquin
6 October 2023 – Savannah in the Round, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
1–8 December 2023 – Cruisin’ Country

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Celebrate Growing Older With “I Used to Be Fun”

Are you planning a big night tonight or like me are you getting excited about a home-cooked meal? If your weekend looks a little bare and you’re secretly thrilled about that, I know you’re going to relate to “I Used To Be Fun,” the rocking new single from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.

“‘I Used To Be Fun’ is about getting older and redefining the way you have fun,” the band confirmed. “We have all noticed in the past year or so, going from 22 to 23, that fun looks really different sometimes when you start to get older. It’s about missing your past self who would go out every night and have a fully charged social battery, rather than seeing the fun in staying home alone.”

“I Used To Be Fun” comes from Teen Jesus and the Jean Teaser’s highly anticipated debut album, I Love You, which drops on October 6. Fresh from Les Escales Festival in France, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers will launch the album with shows all around the country. Catch them at the following local venues:

20 September 2023 – Manning Bar, Eora/Camperdown
13 October 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul (supporting DMA’s)
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
27 October 2023 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)
2 November 2023 – UniBar, Tarndanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
3 November 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The River, Wadandi Boodja/Margaret River
11 November 2023 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
17 November 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
4 December 2023 – AAMI Stadium, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Foo Fighters)

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: @sheisaphrodite

Budjerah Drops Personal New Single, “Video Game”

Fresh from signing a deal with United Talented Agency for representation in the Americas, Budjerah has released what might just be his best single to date, “Video Game.” If you’ve seen Budjerah live, it’s probably already one of your favourites. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to hear it.

“I’ve been waiting a very long time for this song to be ready, and finally after performing it for a year on stage, I think you guys are ready to hear one of my most personal songs yet,” Budjerah said. “This is a thank you to all my fans who’ve supported me at my shows over the last year. Hope you guys are ready for Video Game!” says Budjerah.

Budjerah has already had a massive year supporting Ed Sheeran, selling out an Opera House show for Vivid LIVE, and even appearing at Paris Fashion Week. But it shows no signs of slowing down, with several festival appearances scheduled before the year’s end. Make sure you don’t miss him at these events.

8 September 2023 – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Festival Of Food & Wine @ Upper Queens Park, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
11 November 2023 – Handpicked @ Lake Breeze, Ngarrindjeri Country/Langhorne Creek
25 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
26 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
2 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Victoria Park, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
3 December – Spilt Milk @ Claremont Showgrounds, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Harrison Storm Releases Beautiful Folk Song, “In Good Time”

Harrison Storm’s latest single, “In Good Time,” is one for the acoustic folk fans. It’s a beautiful understated song with a nostalgic feel that speaks right to the heart.

“I went away on a writing trip last year to work on songs for the album and after the first few days, I was struggling to write anything I connected with,” Harrison recalled of the time that inspired this new song. “Every now and then I listen to very old demos of mine, to remind me of why I started songwriting. The demo that came up was of a song of mine, ‘Sense Of Home’ and as I was listening to this very first demo I made of this song in particular, I had this wave of emotion come over me.

“It was this intense feeling of acknowledging the time that had passed since I first wrote that song and now. The immense changes I’ve gone through and how different life is. The difference in the person I was then and the person I am today. Yet I’m still here writing songs, the thing I dreamt I’d be able to do with my days. So ‘In Good Time’ is almost a reply to ‘Sense Of Home’, a reflection on the passing of time. It’s me talking to the person I was when I wrote ‘Sense of Home’ all those years ago.’

Harrison has been touring the eastern states showcasing his new music to Australian audiences for the very first time. You can still catch him at the following shows:

18 August 2023 – Birdhouse Bar, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
19 August 2023 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri Country/Canberra

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group; credit: Wilk

Hazlett Drops Spine-Tingling Single, “Blame the Moon”

Aussie-born, Sweden-based singer-songwriter Hazlett casts a spell with his gorgeous new indie-folk track “Blame the Moon.” I’m getting major Fleet Foxes and Iron & Wine vibes from this one. Chills.

“The easiest thing in the world is to think it’s something else’s fault. The grand plans, the setbacks, the lowlights, they have a tendency to slowly take their toll. Even though you know deep down the universe isn’t out to get you, there’s a strange relief found in leaning on an excuse,” Hazlett said of the song’s inspiration. “It’s not a perfect remedy and it’s one hell of a bad habit to break, but on those days when you just don’t have the fight in you anymore it can be the thing to get us by.”

This song is our first taste of Hazlett’s forthcoming EP, which was all written in the Swedish countryside. He’s just wrapped up an Aussie tour, but hopefully he’ll be back on our shores when the EP drops.

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

MOZË Drops Sublime New Single, “Would You Be Mine”

Yorta Yorta/Wangaratta-based artist and producer MOZË has one of those voices that sends shivers up your spine. Honestly, I could be happy listening to her singing the phone book. However, her latest soulful single “Would You Be Mine” is so much better. Spare a moment to stop what you’re doing and let this one wash over you.

“I wanted the writing to be fantastical and passionate because in the end the love story is only a daydream. The love doesn’t exist but the expectation and the hope for it does,” said MOZË. “The song captures our intrinsic longing for partnership and connection and the portraits that our minds create throughout the endeavour.”

I’ve always been a sucker for a lyrical dance routine, so the music video, directed, produced, and edited by Annabel Mactaggart, is also right up my alley.

MOZË said the video represents “The dream state of a young woman, exploring the journey of reminiscing on past trustultimately depicts a universal experience: the private romanticisation of lovers who are no longer in our lives.”

MOZË will play a couple of gigs close to home next month. Experience her incredible voice in person at the following shows:

1 September 2023 – The Vine Hotel, Yorta Yorta/Wangaratta
2 September 2023 – Tanswells, Tanswells/Beechworth

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Kate Marshall

The Sea Gypsies Become Sunsoli

Darkinjung Country/Central Coast band The Sea Gypsies are ushering in a new creative chapter under a new name Sunsoli. If their latest single “Time and Place” is any indication, they’re going from strength to strength. This feel-good song is a deeply personal one from the band. Lead guitarist Dan Hoolihan wrote it, with the help of keyboardist Joseph Smith, to celebrate the way his past anxieties and mistakes seemed to fade away after the birth of his song.

“’Time and Place’ is one of the last songs we wrote on the album. It was actually one of Dan’s demos that we put to the side for years until we were looking for the right song to complete the album. Once Dan had refined the music and structure the rest of the song was basically written in a 40-minute drive to rehearsal one evening by Joe,” the band said. “Having a son recently felt like the missing piece of the puzzle for him. Any wrongdoings of the past, or anxieties he had, melted away since bringing that perfect little human into the world.”

There’s more new music where this came from, with Sunsoli promising to drop their self-titled album on September 13. To celebrate its release, Sunsoli will play shows all over the eastern states.

15 September 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (with Brandon Duff & Georgia-Jean)
16 September 2023 – Live at the Polo, Ngambri/Canberra (with Kopasetic & Eden Plenty)
6 October 2023 – Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong (with This Way North & Gabby Steel)
8 October 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (with This Way North & Anna Smyrk)
27 October 2023 – Sol Bar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore (with Flaskas & Sundaze)
29 October 2023 – Lefty’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Flaskas & Tjaka)
11 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (with The Toothpicks & Southwest Corduroy)
25 November 2023 – Drifters Wharf, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (with Tyrants & Tiali)
1 December 2023 – The Federal, Baligin/Bellingen

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Jordan Cortti

Kaylens Rain Release Nostalgic Comeback Single, “One Song Brings You Back”

I’ve been doing this #lifeasasoundtrack thing on Facebook lately, highlighting a song a day for every year I’ve been on this planet. It’s been fantastic looking back at all the songs that shaped me. So I’m really vibing with Kaylens Rain’s new single, “One Song Brings You Back.” This release has been a long time coming, with Nashville songwriters Brett Rutledge and Jessica Campbell Waterman bringing the song to the band way back in 2018.

“We instantly fell in love with the ideals and meanings these words had for each of us at the time. In collaboration with Brett and Jessica, we were able to rework the lyrics to tell our own story and added it to our live set,” explained founding member Kaylee. “After spending the last few years raising our young families, it was a matter of finding the right time to release music again. After a long break, this song has brought us back to what we love doing and made us remember why we love music so much. It’s a powerful thing that can spark memories and evoke all kinds of feelings in everyone!”

The film clip turned out to be an emotional one for the band, who decided to feature Garry, the owner of a vintage Ford F-150 truck they secured, in the video.

“The storyboard idea was for Garry and his granddaughter to spend the day together, reminiscing on a fictional wife who had passed away. When we told them the idea, they could not believe it. Sadly, Garry’s beautiful wife Sharyn had passed four weeks earlier and the storyboard idea actually became their real-life story,” Kaylee said. “Everyone had goosebumps and the meaning of this song took on a whole new life – it became Garry and Darcy’s song and it felt like Sharyn was watching over them all day.”

Kaylens Rain will play The Beer Shed Brewing Co in Dharawal Country/Leumeah on October 13.