Doko Rock Out With “Maybe Leave a Light On”

Is time in iso getting you down? Sydney band Doko is here to lift your spirits with its feelgood new indie-rock track “Maybe Leave a Light On.” The track is a real banger with lyrics exploring how to successfully navigate the darkness of a tumultuous relationship. Listen to it just once and I bet you’ll be singing it for the rest of the day. It’s just that catchy.

The creepy music video was inspired by the band members’ time watching the iconic performances of Countdown in their youth. They had a blast making it, just as you will watching it.

“This was definitely the most fun we’ve had shooting a video, miming along to the song the way bands did back in the ‘80s, on a stage blanketed in smoke.” explained Doko.

These guys are most at home on stage and have already supported big names like Eskimo Joe, Alex Lahey, and Ali Barter. The band was all set to embark on their biggest tour to date but then COVID-19 came and put those plans on the back burner. Doko promises to get back on the road as soon as it’s safe. Until then, crank this one up!

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

Annie Hamilton Shows Creativity With Solo Music and Fashion Line

A singer-songwriter, musician, visual artist, and fashion designer, Sydney’s Annie Hamilton is a true creative talent. After making waves as the guitarist of Little May, she’s going it alone with her self-titled first solo EP. The release, which drops on May 1, features the brand-new single “Panic.” It’s a cool, retro-sounding song that Annie describes as a conversation with her anxiety. The new lyric video really lets you home in on those powerful words.

Along with previous releases “Kitchen” and “My New Tattooed Chameleon,” Hamilton reveals the journey of an artist navigating and documenting her personal journey. The songs examine everyday experiences, both profound and mundane, to create a portrait of this exciting Aussie talent.

“This EP is the culmination of the last few years spent finding my voice as a solo artist. These songs have come from a place of introspection and experimentation, following my intuition while improving my production and engineering skills in the process,” Annie explained.

Along with the EP, Annie Hamilton is also releasing a limited-edition capsule fashion collection. You can pre-order the first piece, the shirt worn in her “Kitchen” music video, now.

Image used with permission from Inertia Music; credit: Rosie Fitzgerald

Rock Out to Loose End’s New Single, “Discontent”

Melbourne’s Loose End speaks for Aussies everywhere with a brand new single “Discontent.” The track explores the idea of burnout and how it impacts your enjoyment of success. However, its aggressive sound, which sits somewhere between pop punk and metalcore, will help you exorcise any demons you’re feeling at this stressful time.

“The track is about a recent point in my life when I realised I had achieved a lot of personal goals, and even ticked a couple of dreams off my list. People began to really enjoy our music, we were selling out shows and writing even better songs. Outside of music I had also booked a couple of lead theatre roles and had worked on some fantastic short films,” explained Loose End’s front man, Ben Smalley.

“Unfortunately, I was working way too hard and was depriving myself of the time to reflect on or enjoy the process because of it. I couldn’t find the sense of fulfilment in my achievements – or not in the way that I thought I would or thought that I needed.”

You might not realise it on the first listen, but “Discontent” is also a love song.

“During this time, I had met a girl and quickly fallen head over heels for her,” Ben explained. “She really put everything into perspective for me, teaching me how to stop and enjoy the present moment.”

“Discontent” is one of those songs that refuses to be put in a box. It’d probably blow the lid off anyway! Crank this one up.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co

FANGZ Delivers Rocking New Single and Virtual Launch Party

My appetite for music swings wildly at the moment. I’m either listening to gentle folky tunes to stay calm or unleashing the beast with epic rock tunes. Today is a day where the music needs to be turned up to 11. It’s just the kind of day to crank our “Drifter,” the latest track from Sydney punk-rock act FANGZ.

If you don’t have the volume dial turned all the way up for this one, you’re missing the point. It’s aggressively cathartic, with a bold drums, chunky guitars, and take-no-prisoners vocals.

Like so many bands, FANGZ had to cancel a string of East Coast shows. These guys won’t let that stop them entertaining you though. They’ll live stream the set they intended to play at the “Drifter” single launch via the FANGZ YouTube channel at 1 p.m. this Friday, April 17. If you can’t tune in, the video will be available for 24 hours on YouTube.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Kim Quint

Anna Waters Spreads the “Sunshine”

Sunshine is one thing my part of the country hasn’t seen a lot of lately. It’s also the name of Anna Waters’ latest single, which is every bit as positive and upbeat as you might expect. Such an optimistic number that I think it’s just what many of us need to hear as we face heading into an Easter of isolation.

This might not be the long weekend we’d hoped for, but as this song reminds us there is always another day, another sunrise.

Image used with permission from 5ive

Reece Mastin On the Comeback Trail With “The River”

I’ve been eagerly awaiting new Reece Mastin material for two years. His last album Suitcase of Stories was one of my favourite releases of 2018. With every release he seems to grow into his sound a little more. That upward trajectory continues with “The River.” Reece wrote the song after drowning his sorrows at a local bar and deciding there was a better, more positive path for him to take.

“I’m in such a good place personally and professionally now,” he explained. “This song is important for me to share as it marks the end of that tough transition from manufactured popstar to independent rocker, where I finally feel my true self.

“I kind of did my career in reverse, starting with a record deal, instant fame and a career that was out of my control, to now being totally independent and responsible for every facet of my career, and I’m loving it!”

This is an epic piece of blues-rock. I’ve listened to it three times in a row, and I’m not sure I’m done. What a positive sign of the new music we can expect from the next Reece Mastin release.

Image used with permission from Kitty Kitty Bang Bang

Press Club Rocks Out With “Insecurities”

Ordinarily Saturday is a day of celebration, but right now it just reminds us that we’re all trapped without gigs waiting for musicians to stream online content. In these frustrating times, the raucous rock of Press Club really hits the spot. The Melbourne band’s latest single “Insecurities” gives voice to our frustrations with plenty of angst and energy.

The Melbourne band recently announced Australian and European dates and they haven’t been called off … yet. So I’m going to post them here, because none of knows what May will bring. Just keep your ears to the ground to see whether they go ahead!

7 May 2020 – The Chippo, Sydney
8 May 2020 – La La La’s, Wollongong
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (All Ages Matinee)
9 May 2020 – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne (18+ Evening Show)
15 May 2020 – Crowbar, Brisbane
16 May 2020 – Vinnies, Gold Coast
21 May 2020 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
22 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
23 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Bristol
24 May 2020 – Dot to Dot Festival, Manchester
12 June 2020 – Download Festival, Donnington
14 June 2020 – Booze Cruise, Hamburg

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Caravana Sun Delivers Pearls of Wisdom With “Charlie”

In these uncertain times, we could all use music that makes us feel good and heals our hearts. Caravana Sun has got you covered with “Charlie,” the band’s first release since Silver Linings dropped in 2018.

Good things come to those who wait though. This song is brimming with good vibes and wise words. And it’s not like the band has been sitting idly either. They’ve been busy touring Europe and were all set to clock up their 300th show abroad when this nasty virus took hold. They also recently signed to Embassy of Music, the same Berlin label as Bjork and Moby.

“This song is about reaching out, being open and connecting to people. It’s about knowing that even in your darkest times, people are there to support and love you. At times, these heavy places can seem so lonely and all it takes is an honest conversation to get you out,” explained songwriter and bassist Ant Beard. “A beer with a mate, a walk with a friend, or a simple message – you’re not alone.”

Just make sure those beers are shared remotely and you’re practicing social distancing while you walk! Seriously though, this is exactly the kind of music you need in your life right now.

Chevalier Wows Me With “Scarlet Skies”

Melbourne songstress Chevalier shows she’s got the goods with her new single “Scarlet Skies.” She might be an up-and-coming artist, but this dynamic track is brimming with confidence. It features some of the most accomplished vocals and intricate sounds that I’ve heard in some time.

Chevalier has spent the last five years touring locally and abroad as a back-up singer and vocal coach to her pal Ruel.

“I first met Ruel and his family when he was 12 and remember thinking he had the most incredible voice,” she explained. “I started working with him on his vocals, then soon after when the touring began, I started doing BVs for him and tutored him for his schoolwork also. I’ve felt like part of the VanDijk family ever since! It’s been a crazy and incredibly rewarding five years watching everything grow so exponentially.”

However, with songs like “Scarlet Skies” in her repertoire, I can’t imagine Chevalier will stay in the background for too much longer.
“My producer Allan McConnell sent through a rough idea of what ended up being the song and I just vibed with it straight away,” she recalled. “I remember first listening to it on my balcony in Fitzroy and the sky was a vibrant array of pink and red. I had just got back from a big tour with Ruel so I popped open a bottle of red, sat back in my egg chair and put the beat on loop. All the lyrics and melodies came out within about 30 minutes; it kind of felt like I was dreaming.”

While you can hear the influence of Jazmine Sullivan and Solange in this track, Chevalier says her biggest influence was her nana, Bette Chevalier. Her nana attended every ballet concert, singing performance, and piano recital with flowers for her beloved granddaughter. Sadly, she passed away while Chevalier was touring Europe with Ruel, but her last wish was for her daughter to continue the tour and keep performing. I think she’d be pretty proud of this special new single, don’t you?

Image used with permission from Ditto Music Australia

Greg Gould & Peyton Team Up for ’90s Cover

I’ve got a few guilty pleasures in my life. One of them is big torch ballads. Another is R’n’B from the 1990s. So the latest release from Greg Gould ticks all the boxes for me. He’s teamed up with X Factor UK finalist Peyton for a sensitive cover of Brandy and Monica’s smash “The Boy is Mine.”

Their reworking gives a new texture to the song which calls to light the bullying both artists faced in their youth. If you want something a little more upbeat, there are also three remixes on Spotify.

“I’ve always loved the song and wanted to create something unique and special, after Peyton dropped his vocals next to mine I knew we had just that,” Greg explained. “I’m really proud of this arrangement and how we flipped the narrative of the lyrics to really express something important to both of us. Sharing our personal history being bullied in this video was an emotional, yet cathartic experience for both Peyton and myself … oh and hand this woman an Oscar – Lynne McGranger is so incredible in this!”

If you love this as much as I do, you’ll be thrilled to hear there’s more where that came from. In fact, Greg has recorded a whole album of ‘90s bangers, 1998, which is due for release on April 17. It features collaborations with some of the nation’s best and brightest including Tania Doko, Damien Leith, Rhonda Burchmore, Cosima De Vito, and Mark Gable. Profits from this single and the album will benefit the Olivia Newtown-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre. It’s a powerful gesture that remembers Greg’s step-mother Sharon, who lost her own battle with cancer two years ago.

Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment