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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glades Releases New Pop Smash, “Blonde”

Sydney’s own Glades is spreading the positive vibes with their latest pick-me-up pop banger “Blonde.” If you’re struggling right now and need to shake up your life (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), this is the track for you.

“Blonde is about helping a friend through a breakup. Sometimes you have to allow yourself to feel the full extent of your emotions to get through something. The song’s about being carefree and allowing yourself to do crazy shit to get over somebody” explained multi-instrumentalist and producer Joey Wenceslao.

“Blonde” is the second track lifted from Glades’ sophomore album Planetarium, due out later this year. The band’s debut To Love You was one of my favourite releases of 2018, so I expect big things from this one.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Fall in Love With O’Shea’s “Bridezilla (It Only Gets Better)”

This May, my husband and I celebrated 14 years of mostly wedded bliss. I won’t say that I was a bridezilla, but I certainly sweated some small stuff. So I can totally relate to O’Shea’s fun new country ditty, “Bridezilla (It Only Gets Better).”

The Aussie-born, Nashville-based husband and wife team, Mark and Jay O’Shea co-wrote the track with Clare Bowen (from the TV show Nashville) and her husband Brandon R. Young. That’s a whole lot of experience in the marriage game!

“I wish I could have sent this song to my younger, bridezilla self,” Jay admitted. “It’s too easy to get stressed about little details that don’t matter. The really good stuff happens once you’re married!”

“Jay? A Bridezilla? I have no idea what you’re talking about,” added Mark.

“Bridezilla (It Only Gets Better)” comes from O’Shea’s upcoming album.

Will Clift’s Soulful New Single is Your Ideal Sunday Soundtrack

Melbourne RnB act and former pro rugby union player Will Clift has just dropped his sophomore single “Fall In Love,” and it’s just the kind of cool, cruisy track Sunday morning ordered. This one goes down easy with its groovy bassline and Will’s effortlessly smooth vocals.

“The song is about the struggle between the excitement and reluctance to fall in love,” Will explained. “When I was writing this track, I wanted to create something that would be a lot of fun to play live and would make people move. This is shown in the video with my bad dance moves, haha! The concept of the music video is that the model is actually a figment of my imagination and ‘the perfect girl’ that I’d ideally fall in love with is unobtainable. It was a lot of fun to make, and I’m not sick of the song after hearing it about 100 times which is a good sign.”

That video, filmed at a private mansion in Noosa, also has me dreaming about summer getaways. It’s the perfect antidote to those winter blues.

Image used with permission from Good Intent