Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Caitlyn Shadbolt Drops New Single “Edge of the Earth” Ahead of Album Release

Caitlyn Shadbolt was one of the standout contestants in the sixth series of The X Factor. If you haven’t been watching her career since then, it’s time to come back up to speed. She’s just dropped a new single “Edge of the Earth,” which gives you a taste of the kind of crowd-pleasing country-pop you’ll hear on her forthcoming sophomore album. Caitlyn co-wrote the song with Sarah Buckley of The Buckleys.

“Sarah and I wrote this song after learning that we both love to push the boundaries in life and in music. I feel like this song sums me up well: free-spirited, adventurous and … stubborn!” Caitlyn explained. I recorded it with Stuart Stuart during lockdown and engineered all my vocals and acoustic guitars in my home studio, then sent them to Stuart in Brisbane and we collaborated over the phone.”

“Edge of the Earth” comes from Caitlyn’s album Stages, which will be released on November 6.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Say Hello to Meg Hitchcock and Her New Single “Hello Moon”

Meg Hitchcock was born in London, but now she’s living in Byron Bay I think we can definitely call her one of our own. That’s a good thing too, because she’s making some fantastic music. Her latest single “Hello Moon” is an absolute delight, with sublime vocals and a real retro pop sensibility that has me begging for more.

Meg wrote the track while in London, inspired by the beauty she saw in the night sky.

“One night I had walked to get groceries, and on my return, as I turned the corner, there, proud in the sky, was the shining full moon. In awe and disbelief, a tear ran down my cheek. I felt completely disconnected to nature,” she explained. “The first line and melody, “Hello, Moon, it’s been awhile. I’ve been in the city where I can’t see the sky” whispered out. I ran inside, chucked the groceries down, jumped straight to my laptop and found the arpeggiator. ‘Hello Moon’ was born.”

The music video also has me pretty excited. If you love quirky cult movies like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Beetlejuice, this clip will be right up your alley.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reckless Empire Releases Rocking New Ballad, “The One”

Australia has a rich tradition of producing mainstream rock acts. But somewhere along the way, they became few and far between. The bands that really rocked seemed to move to the fringes. We have an amazing metal scene, but there’s not a lot of new music you can imagine dominating the airwaves. There’s a gap in the market, but thankfully Reckless Empire are here to fill it. Their latest single “The One” is a masterclass in how a rock ballad should sound.

From Justin Mansour’s powerful vocals to those soaring electric guitars, this song is so exciting. There’s the theatre of glam rock and those classic ‘80s hair bands, but without the cheese. If you love bands like Van Halen, Whitesnake, and Bon Jovi though, I think this song will be right up your alley.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken so much from the music industry, but without it, this new music might never have been. Reckless Empire got together in 2016. They gigged relentlessly and released their debut EP, V. But then the lead guitarist Simon Davis moved interstate and the band dissolved.

Enter COVID-19. Justin was songwriting and working remotely with his old buddies Simon and Steve Twist (bass, backing vocals) seemed only natural. Boom, just like that Reckless Empire was back together. They make the tracks in their home studios before handing them over to Sydney producer Luke Bertoz. The founding trio has also enlisted Phil Pender (drums) and Simon Gilmore (guitar) for streaming and live shows. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to learn more about those gigs and check out their website for some sweet merch. It’s a great way to support the band until those live gigs start up again.

Image used with permission from Reckless Empire

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Bratt Releases Fantastic Single “The Outsider”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Jack Bratt recently dropped his new single “The Outsider,” and it’s giving me nostalgic vibes. The press release draws comparison to hot rock acts like Holy Holy and Foo Fighters, but I’m personally hearing pop-rocks from the ‘90s like Toad the Wet Sprocket and Gin Blossoms. One thing we can agree on is just how good this song is though. The lyrics, which deal with themes of self-perception and isolation, hit so hard during this global pandemic.

“It’s about being left of centre, about not fitting in. It’s about perception,” Jack explained. “You may have an idea about how others view you, but that’s not necessarily who you are. It’s easy to think somebody might be doing really well, but that could just be a front, while they’re dealing with a lot of problems. I think what I’ve learned from being in lockdown and having conversations with friends, is that nobody is really okay; we all have our own struggles.”

The alien-themed film clip really hammers home the idea of being on the outside.

“I was just thinking about the most extreme version of somebody who doesn’t fit in and stumbled on the idea of a man who falls from space and is trying to find his way home,” Bratt says of the charming clip, “but in the end, he transitions into a normal life on earth, adding a fun little twist.”

Jack was meant to visit New York City for a three-month artist residency after winning the Grant McLennan Fellowship, but you know what they say about the best-laid plans. Instead he’s at home working on his debut album, which should drop early next year. Stay tuned for more new music from Jack ahead of its release.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELEEA’s New Single “Space” is Spooky Good

Isn’t it funny the way artists can write songs in a different time and place, but on their release, the lyrics take on a new meaning? Such is the case with “Space,” the fantastic new single from ELEEA. She was inspired to write this beautiful ballad looking up at the night sky in outback NSW, having just driven from the Gold Coast to Broken Hill. Gazing at the stars gave her a moment of peace after a horror trip, where she busted two tyres and had to go door-knocking with her chihuahua to find a phone and call help. A journey that should have taken a little over an hour actually took 32!

“Space” captures a moment in time, but one that we can’t imagine having right now. Crossing state lines for travel has been out of our grasp for months now. We’d kill for a holiday, even one that starts off on the wrong foot. Yet this song is eerily relatable. That’s because it’s anchored by the line “At least we’ve got something in common, even if it tears us apart.” And isn’t that the truth. It’s easy to feel disconnected right now, with whole cities locked down, others like myself in self-imposed iso because the world doesn’t feel safe, conspiracy theorists and anti-maskers causing further divides. But at the end of the day, we’re all human, we’re all not quite ourselves, we’re all struggling. “At least we’ve got something in common, even if it tears us apart.”

“The first time I played Space for an audience was during a live-stream concert, and I had tears in my eyes,” she admitted. “The chorus has taken on a whole new meaning now, with everyone globally united, experiencing this pandemic together, yet having to stay completely distanced from each other.”

“Space” is the latest song from ELEEA’s forthcoming album, The Travel Collection.

Image used with permission from Kitty Kitty Bang Bang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry James Angus Releases Awesome Animated Video For New Single “Old-Fashioned Mayhem.”

When Harry James Angus releases music, you know you’re in good hands. The esteemed Cat Empire trumpeter-vocalist often innovates in his solo music, but he’s accomplished that I’m always happy to go on the ride. His latest release is “Old-Fashioned Mayhem” and it’s like nothing you’ve heard before. Rest assured, that’s a very good thing. The accompanying animated video is also superb.

“Right now, we want things to be in control. We want orderliness, rationality, and community spirit. I totally agree with that. But this song harks back to a time not so long ago when chaos was fun,” Harry said. “Deviance, disobedience, hurtling into the unknown… and yes, even mayhem, which I think a lot of us are missing at the moment.”

So strap yourself in for this one. It’s bold, brassy, and so much fun.

Image used with permission from Story Baker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gretta Ziller Releases First Single Under ABC Music

Gretta Ziller has celebrated her new record deal with ABC Music with the release of a new single “Unlikely Believer.” There is such a quiet strength about this song. I love the resolve in Gretta’s vocals and the powerful lyrics that show she’s a woman who knows herself.

“I wrote Unlikely Believer to remind myself that although I’ve been through a lot in life that it’s harder but so much more rewarding to keep believing in things, rather than dwelling on the hurt and hardship,” she said.

ABC Music has welcomed Gretta with open arms. Natalie Waller, the head of ABC Music and Events, gushed “We are thrilled to have Gretta join the ABC Music roster. We have been impressed by Gretta’s achievements over the last three years. She is such an accomplished singer and songwriter, and we are excited to work with her to take her music to an even wider audience.”

Gretta’s 2017 debut album Queen of Boomtown received widespread acclaim. I’m excited to see what else she releases with ABC Music.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Frills Twins Back With Queer Coming-of-Age Single, “Big Heart”

Sydney-based siblings No Frills Twins have released a queer anthem for the ages, “Big Heart.” This positive power-pop single is an inspiring exploration of sexuality, self-acceptance, and coming of age.

“This song is a big moment for us, not because we’ve been afraid to open up but because it’s taken time to work it all out,” the sisters explained. “To be honest, we’re still figuring ourselves out and that’s what this song celebrates. It makes sense to find yourself and then write a song about who you’ve become, but we wanted to write about being in the middle of that journey … the confusing part. Living in such a fast-paced world it can feel unsettling when things aren’t instantaneous.”

No Frills Twins worked with Sydney producer and kindred spirit Lupa J on this upbeat release.

“We knew Lupa J would be the perfect producer, not only because of the extraordinary talent but because we knew Lupa understood and related to the sentiment of the song,” Arna explained. “Upon moving to Sydney, Lupa J was the first queer friend we made here, and remarkably we all happened to be going through the exact same experience which added a whole new level of comfort and creativity.”

No Frills Twins continue to impress me. This is such a strong pop release that manages to be relatable, no matter where you place yourself on the sexuality spectrum. I can’t wait to hear much more from them.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thelma Plum Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of Smash Debut With Vinyl Release & Tour

The special edition vinyl release of Thelma Plum’s debut album Better in Blak is a timely reminder just how good it is. The current single “Homecoming Queen” is just one example of the powerful songs that helped this album connect to other women, BIPOC, and other music fans who’ve ever struggled with identity and acceptance.

The vinyl release features the colors of the First Nations/Indigenous flag in a nod to Thelma’s Gamilaraay heritage. You can order your copy online here.

Providing the global pandemic allows, Thelma hopes to play shows around Australia in November with Kira Puru. Catch both of these sensational local female singer-songwriters on Thelma’s Homecoming Queen tour.

11 November 2020 – The River, Margaret River
12 November 2020 – Astor Theatre, Perth
15 November 2020 – The Gov, Hindmarsh
20 November 2020 – Armitage Center, Toowoomba
21 November 2020 – Big Pineapple Festival 2020, Woombye
26 November 2020 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
27 November 2020 – Metro Theatre, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
28 November 2020 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
29 November 2020 – Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
4 December 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay (SOLD OUT)
5 December 2020 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
10 December 2020 – Newcastle Exhibition & Convention Centre, Newcastle
11 December 2020 – UC Refectory, Canberra
12 December 2020 – The Uni Bar Hobart, Sandy Bay
18 December 2020 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff
19 December 2020 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rock Out With Rude Rum

Brisbane rock act Rude Rum delivers serious swagger with its latest single “Got That Feelin’.” It’s such a confident release, I was shocked to hear these guys only formed last year. Those charismatic vocals and funky riff sound so self-assured, I was sure this was the work of some seasoned pros.

“Got That Feelin'” the follow-up to “Curious Affection,” and the two songs have plenty in common.

“’Got That Feelin’’ is the funky sister to its sibling ‘Curious Affection’,” explained Rude Rum’s lead singer and guitarist Jaeden Ogston. “Both songs developed around a similar period in time, however, ‘Got that Feelin’’ features a much more funk-inspired riff and underlying tonality; especially some of the guitar tones where a thinner harmonic quality and sharper attack of the playing style pays homage to old school funk recordings where they often plugged straight into the console rather than an amp. People kept saying to us at our shows ‘That should be your next single!’ or ‘When are you going to record that one?’ so it was definitely a clear choice to release this tune next and plus combined with our own style, it ended up as a super tasty track which really adds dynamic to our catalogue.”

Rude Rum is the sort of act that loves playing anywhere, anytime. Needless to say, COVID-19 has hit them hard and they’re absolutely frothing to share their music with people in person. Follow the band’s Facebook page to learn when they’re back at local venues.

Image used with permission from The Right Profile