Iluka continues her winning ways with her latest single “Fall Apart Again.” This is another retro pop gem from the Sydney singer-songwriter, the kind of track that tugs at your heart while compelling you to reach for your hairbrush and sing it out. Shimmery synths and rich guitars wrap around her distinctive voice so beautifully.
Iluka says it’s “A song I am a little terrified to release into the world because it is so painfully close to my heart. What to say … heartbreak, love lost. There’s no human words to articulate it. To do it justice. I wrote this on the eve of the end. When I knew it was over but I couldn’t say those words.”
Iluka seems to go from strength to strength. I’ll have this song on repeat for a while, but I can’t wait to hear what’s next from this local talent.
Perth-based producer Mwansa has teamed up with South African songwriter Lauren-Joy for his new single “Wildest Dreams,” and the results are simply stunning.
What a beautiful voice Lauren-Joy has, rich and soulful. This song gives that heaven-sent voice space to breathe, moving along at a leisurely pace allowing the emotion to build naturally. Lauren-Joy approached the project with some trepidation, unsure how collaborating with someone a world away might work. However, I’m so glad she took a chance on this.
“At first I was pretty nervous, when I eventually received the track, I followed the same process that seems to work for me,” she explained. “Blasted the track with my body stretched out on the floor. Immersing myself in the track, reaching for the words and images it throws my way. What I love most about my process is that, as much as the process remains the same almost sacred, the words and images that every song gives me is a new story to tell. A story you can relive to your hearts content.”
Every so often you hear musicians working together and creating real magic. This is one of those times. Get your ears around it!
Image used with permission from the A&R Department
Melbourne singer, songwriter, and producer Eilish Gilligan has taken out this year’s Josh Pyke Partnership. A collaboration between Josh Pyke and APRA AMCOS, the partnership provides funding and mentorship for one unsigned musical act each year.
I must admit, Eilish wasn’t on my radar until this morning. The first thing I did after hearing the news was check her out on Spotify. Take a listen to her latest single “Someone Else” and you’ll soon understand why she took out the top prize. Her voice is absolutely stunning and she has such a great artistic sensibility. This track is an absolute banger, and there’s plenty more where it came from.
“I am so, so humbled, grateful and excited to be the winner of the 2019 JP Partnership,” Eilish said. “This vote of confidence from Josh Pyke, APRA AMCOS, Wonderlick and Select means a lot to me as an artist, and it also means that I will be able to continue to work towards my musical, artistic and professional goals for 2019, now with the extra guidance of these industry veterans.”
“Eilish Gilligan is an artist that has achieved a hell of a lot under her own steam, but it’s the potential in Eilish that’s truly exciting,” added Josh. “I’m a huge fan of multi-faceted artists, and in 2019, having more than one string to your bow is paramount to having longevity in the creative arts. Eilish is a songwriter but also a gifted technical producer, collaborative songwriter, as well as being the star of her own show. This is what makes for a long and fruitful career. Being not just a “musician,” but a “creative”.
Eilish has plenty of shows coming up. Discover her music for yourself at the following gigs.
24 August 2019 – UC Refectory, Bruce
29 August 2019 – HQ Complex, Adelaide
30 August 2019 – Metropolis, Fremantle
6 September 2019 – The Goods Shed, Hobart
7 September 2019 – Forum Theatre, Melbourne
13 September 2019 – UOW UniBar, Wollongong
14 September 2019 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 September 2019 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
21 September 2019 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
Image used with permission from Wonderlick Entertainment
With the release of his debut album Wanderous approaching, it’s the perfect time to introduce you to the musical stylings of Darwin’s own, Ben Evolent. He’s just released the lead single “Shiver,” a jangly feelgood piece of folk-pop that goes down easy.
“’Shiver’ was written in Timor Lest’e in 2017 after walking around the island of Atauro,” Ben explained. “’Shiver’ is about the moments in life where a choice of left or right can be made. It is you taking the plunge knowing that you are in the right place doing the right thing.”
You might not know him yet, but Ben is a big deal up in the Territory. He’s garnered several NT Song of the Year Award nominations, played a sold out EP launch at the Darwin Railway Club, and clocked up more than 100,000 Spotify streams. He’s supported everyone from Boo Seeka to Busby Marou and his songs have served as the soundtrack for Tourism NT social media campaigns. I’m sure you’ll agree, the time seems right for the rest of Australia to discover this awesome singer-songwriter.
Mondays can be hard, but Ivey is here to lift you up with their new single “Bodies.” This song is all shimmery pop goodness, the kind of track that encourages you to take a spontaneous dance break. You know you deserve it!
“I wrote Bodies about both my own curiosities about love and sexuality and also a reflection on my good friends’ relationship,” explained lyricist Lachlan McGuffie. “I’ve always been curious about open relationships, bisexuality and what the meaning of love is and exploring that”
Ivey will play for home town fans at Elsewhere on the Gold Coast on September 13. I know it’s a long way away, but considering the band sold out their last show at The Foundry, I’d get tickets sooner rather than later!
Image used with permission from Habit Music Company
Sydney’s live music scene is one of its most important assets, but it’s been under fire in recent years. Local band Doko give a voice to the struggles the scene faces with their fab new single “Borrowed Time.” It deals with some pretty serious stuff, but it’s wrapped up in such an upbeat package I wouldn’t blame you if missed the message and got carried away rocking out to it. After all, you can always give it another listen.
The music video for “Borrowed Time” combines footage of Doko’s Sydney shows and rehearsals with some trippy psychedelic visuals. The vintage lens reminds us of the time-honoured tradition of seeing live music we stand to lose if we don’t rise up.
Doko will naturally promote the single with live shows around NSW and Victoria next month. Many are free, so there’s no excuse for missing them!
3 August 2019 – The Vanguard, Sydney
4 August 2019 – El Sol, Cronulla
8 August 2019 – Franks, Wild Years, Wollongong (FREE)
9 August 2019 – Selina’s, Coogee (FREE)
16 August 2019 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo (FREE)
17 August 2019 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
Image used with permission from ArowAgency; photo credit: Zana Rose
The Lazy Susans wear their heart on their sleeve in their latest single “Mutual Memory.” It’s a cathartic track about the pain someone can cause you and the acknowledgement that while it stings now, that hurt is sure to fade.
“I wrote the bare bones of this song when I was living in the Blue Mountains last year,” lead singer Antonia Susan explained. “Lyrically it’s a bit different. When we first started jamming as a band we laughed because I’ve never sang that many words so quickly as I do in the chorus. There’s definitely a bit of anger behind the lyrics, but inside that anger there is love and survival too.”
Like previous single “R U OK?,” “Mutual Memory” comes from The Lazy Susans forthcoming album Now That The Party’s Over, which drops on August 2. Check out the following shows and festivals to see The Lazy Susans doing what they do best.
21 June 2019 – UC Refectory, Canberra (with Spiderbait & Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers)
4 July 2019 – CHANGES x New World Artists showcase @ Laundry Bar, Melbourne (with Jordan Dennis, Ruby Gill, Kilns, and These New South Whales)
3 August 2019 – Woolly Mammoth @ Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (with Press Club, Bugs, Bec Stevens and more)
5 & 6 October 2019 – Yours & Owls Festival, Wollongong
Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; photo credit: Naomi Lee Beveridge
You might not have heard of Seaforth yet, but they’re likely to be our next big Aussie export. Born and bred on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, the duo are now based in Nashville, where they have a worldwide deal with Sony Nashville. Their new single “Love That” is the perfect example of their ear-pleasing pop sound, which has just a sprinkling of Southern country flavour.
“We’ve always loved music videos that are a little outside the box or kind of different from the concept of the song and adds another layer of life to it, so that’s what we were going for,” Tom Jordan said of the song’s film clip.
“This is really our first introduction, so getting those moments of personality in there was key for us,” added Mitch Thompson. “We want people to know we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we’re just fun dudes, and I think we portrayed that pretty well.”
“Love That” comes from Seaforth’s debut EP. Expect to hear a lot more from these guys in the future!
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
Wollongong four-piece GOSH are firing me up this morning with their explosive new single “Say Another Thing.” It’s all big rock chords, evocative lyrics, and heartfelt delivery, just what you need to shake off those winter blues.
The song speaks to a generation striving to uphold their ideals against the crippling weight of consumerism. The film clip drives the point home.
GOSH are preparing to support Pacific Avenue on a couple of upcoming shows, but I don’t expect to see them in a supporting role for too long. A headline tour is in the works, but until then make sure you get along early to the following gigs!
22 June 2019 – Lord Gladstone, Sydney (supporting Pacific Avenue)
26 June 2019 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne (supporting Pacific Avenue)
Perth quartet The Skelton Collective are spreading good vibes with their latest single “All I Wanna Be.” It’s a jazzy, funky little number about embracing life, the opportunities it presents, and positivity.
This is the second single from The Skelton Collective’s new EP Choosing Happy. A largely self-recorded and produced venture, it’s been a labour of love for this talented local band.
The Skelton Collective will showcase songs from the EP and a few surprises at their upcoming shows. Catch them tomorrow night at Fremantle’s Sonar Room or on June 22 at Studio 9 in Kelmscott.
Image used with permission from the A&R Department
