The Million Goes Retro For “Check Up” Video

Winter’s chill has definitely set in, but Central Coast trio The Million is here to chase the cold weather blues away with a summery new tune “Check Up.”

Of course, releasing new music during a global pandemic comes with its challenges. How do you make a music video when the world is in lockdown? The Million got creative and worked with French animator Meryl Jocktane on an 8-bit video game inspired clip that sparks serious nostalgia.

“Even though we haven’t been able to be together in the harsh circumstances, it was great to work with each other over video chat and Meryl across the world to put together the music video,” the band said. “We all love playing video games – it brings us together and gives us a chance to forget about the outside world. It was a lot of fun sneaking in some references from our journey through music blended with some things we’ve always found funny about the industry.”

While The Million still can’t get out and play shows for us all, the band has been busy creating some amazing online content. Follow The Million’s Facebook page for podcasts, covers, and other iso goodness!

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Pierce Brothers Release Uplifting New Single, “Kanko”

With all that’s going on in the world at the moment, the soothing folk sounds of the Pierce Brothers is just what the doctor ordered. Their most recent single “Kanko” is full of light and optimism, gentle acoustic guitars, and those unmistakable harmonies.

Of course, releasing a new tune in the time of COVID-19 isn’t easy. They’d planned to film a music video in New Zealand around the time of Jack’s wedding, but the pandemic put pause on both of those plans. Instead the video features footage from the duo’s trips around the world.

“We had big plans on making a little trip while we were in New Zealand and getting some of the beautiful landscapes and mountains as a feature, but then we had to cancel it all, so we had to improvise,” Pat recalled.

“The song is about holding on and knowing that those times will come again so we used the footage from tours we’ve done over the last few years, and filmed new stuff in our little home studio, with a cast and crew of just the two of us. I think it reinforces that feeling, that we will get through all this, that this isolation won’t be forever, and we can always make do!”

“Kanko” is the first track lifted from the Pierce Brothers’ new album. They’ll release new singles right up to its November release.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Paradise Club Releases Uplifting New Single “All You Got”

Adelaide act Paradise Club is just about to unleash its self-titled debut album. But before the LP drops on July 17, there’s time for one more single. “All You Got” is just the sort of dreamy feelgood pop track most of us need to elevate our Monday. Just take a listen to those glistening guitars and saturated synths and see if you don’t feel like you can keep powering on, just like frontman Gere Fuss did during the hard time that inspired this song.

“At the end of 2018 I learnt about some family stuff that was going on. At the start of 2019 a close friend passed away. A month later my dog died. It was one of the worst times of my life but I learnt a lot from what had happened,” he explained. “The song is about that period of my life, how I should never take the time I have with people for granted, and how thankful I am to have a supportive network of family and friends. It’s fucked up how certain things can make you feel helpless and isolated, yet how resilient and understanding of the world you can become.”

COVID might have put a hold on so much of the music industry, but knowing there’s more superb indie-pop like this tune to look forward to is definitely helping me look forward to the future!

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Delta Goodrem Slays With New Single “Keep Climbing”

I’m not sure we’ve ever needed music from perfect sweet angel Delta Goodrem more than we do right now. Her latest single “Keep Climbing” is the ideal inspirational torch ballad for the times, complete with a gospel choir.

Delta let her fans hear it first during one of her Bunkerdown Sessions before unleashing it on all your favourite digital platforms. The sessions are a way of connecting to her fans and inspiring them to move forward, just like this song tries to do.

“I’d like this song to remind people to not be afraid to find the strength when they feel stuck between where they are and where they want to go. To find that part in you to keep climbing and to continue to believe that it will lead you to that next moment in your life,” she explained.

The next installment of the Bunkerdown Sessions goes live on Delta’s Facebook page tonight at 6:30 pm AEST. Give her a follow and check it out!

Caravana Sun’s Ant Beard Launches Caspia

Caravana Sun bassist and vocalist Ant Beard has gone solo with a brand new musical project Caspia. His debut single under the new moniker is “Alone,” a track penned pre-pandemic but so perfect for these crazy times we’re still living in. The song’s vulnerable lyrics explore our need for human connection and a deeper understanding of ourselves.

“We knew we had to write and record this song true to its meaning,” Ant explained about his creative process with producer Joel Quartermain. “From the exposed and honest lyrics, delicate piano parts to the reckless electronic chorus, ‘Alone’ doesn’t hold back and I love that. Songwriting for me has always been the pursuit to understand myself and my relationship with the world. My passion for deep and heartfelt conversation pours out into my sound as each word falls through the piano, drifting off into some analogue synth line.”

Ant said he was influenced sonically by German composer Nils Frahm, but his music has also drawn comparisons to James Blake and Rufus du Sol. If you like any of that, I think “Alone” will be right up your alley.

Washington Releases Quirky Pop Banger, “Dark Parts”

There’s not a lot we can depend on right now. One thing you can count on is that Washington’s music will always be left of centre, yet always hit the mark. Her latest single “Dark Parts” is a pop song written in 7/8 time for goodness sakes, but somehow it makes total sense.

The track celebrates those honest relationships where people can be all parts of themselves. It’s a song that takes more than a few left turns, so strap yourself in and enjoy the ride. The very cool lyric video features Washington’s own art.

“Dark Parts” gives us our first taste of all the new music Washington has in store for us this year. She’ll release a new album later this year, her first since 2014. You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait!

Ocean Alley’s New Album on the Horizon to Chase Away COVID Blues

With concerts scheduled for as far away as November now getting the COVID-19 axe, music lovers need some good news. A reminder that Ocean Alley’s new album Lonely Diamond is only weeks away should hit the spot.

Lonely Diamond will hit stores and streaming platforms on June 19. But you needn’t wait that long to hear new Ocean Alley tunes. Wrap your ears around the band’s funky new single “Hot Chicken.” It’s a little edgier than the Ocean Alley tunes we’re used to, but I’m here for it.

Ocean Alley’s rescheduled Aussie dates are also giving us something to look forward to. Catch one of Australia’s finest supported by Psychedelic Porn Crumpets and Dulcie at the following shows.

6 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
7 February 2021 – Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
12 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
13 February 2021 – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane
5 March 2021 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Perth
12 March 2021 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
24 March 2021 – Melbourne Arena, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Cult Logic; photo credit: The Sauce/Kane Lehanneur

Matt Joe Gow and The Weeping Willows Join Forces For “Too Far To Go”

Before we all hit pause for the pandemic, singer-songwriter Matt Joe Gow laid down some music with his pals The Weeping Willows. He planned to release the song at the start of his next tour, but of course COVID-19 put the kybosh on those plans. Understanding that we need good music now more than ever, Matt Joe and The Weeping Willows have decided to release the track anyway.

“Too Far To Go” is a beautiful, gentle piece of folk music, perfect for calming your fears and soothing your soul. With its delicate layered vocals and subtle slide guitar, it reminds me of a lullaby for grownups, or those kids you wish would just get to bed already. The poetic lyrics add to the beauty of this subtle but arresting single. “Too Far To Go” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now.

PLGRMS on Comeback Trail With “Disappear”

With singer-songwriter Jacob Pearson battling chronic pain and associated mental health problems, his musical project PLGRMS hit pause in 2019. However, he’s back working with fellow songwriter Jonathan Bowden and sounding better than ever. The Sydney duo’s new single “Disappear” is a triumphant return, with a dark and brooding sound you won’t quickly forget.

The duo said the track is like a “note to self,” adding “You want to take the first step, dive towards something new, but it’s so easy being resistant to change. Sometimes almost drowning is what it takes for us to learn how to swim.”

According to PLGRMS’ Facebook page, more new music is on its way sooner than we think. I can’t wait!

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; photo by Emily Treacy

Skyepaint Hits the Sweet Spot With “Where The Heart Is”

Newcastle act Skyepaint serves up good vibes with his latest single “Where the Heart Is.” It’s just the kind of honest indie pop music we need in our lives right now. I just love those lush synths and Skyepaint’s on-point vocals. This song goes down easy, and when so much of the world is complicated right now that kind of accessibility is a very good thing.

“It’s a heartfelt synthpop song that encapsulates the idea of home, and the ways in which our sense of home develops as we navigate life’s peaks and valleys,” Skyepaint explained. I’d love for you to take a listen and let me know what you think.

Making music videos in the time of COVID-19 isn’t easy, but Skyepaint got creative.

“I wanted to make a music video for “Where the Heart Is”, but self-isolating made that a little tricky to organise,” he admitted. “So, I found a stranger on Fiverr and paid him to do a single-take interpretive dance to the song on his Las Vegas rooftop.”

I think it was money well-spent. What about you?

Image used with permission from Skyepaint; credit Kristen Olson