Karrie Hayward Impresses With Soulful New Single “Going to the Grave”

With her rich soulful voice and infectious percussive beats, Karrie Hayward’s new single “Going to the Grave” is more than just another pop song about love gone wrong.

This tune covers the familiar territory of navigating the end of a relationship, but it feels so fresh. This Brisbane-based songstress has created a great groove which is bound to have you tapping your toes by the end of the track.

Karrie has toured from Townsville to the Central Coast, and she’s got her sights set on more gigging adventures this year. Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see her back on the road.

Ocean Alley Drops Sexy New Single Ahead of New Album Release

I’ve been impressed with Sydney’s Ocean Alley since the release of their sophomore EP In Purple way back in 2015. But the strength of their new single “Confidence” makes me wonder whether their new album Chiaroscuro may be their most accomplished to date.

There’s a, dare I say it, confidence in this track. The groove is laidback but the band so tight. The song’s lyrics won’t change the world, but the vocals are utterly sexy. I’m also a sucker for any clip that involves roller skating.

Chiaroscuro drops on March 9. Ocean Alley will tour the album around the country with appearances at Groovin the Moo and some headlining dates.

14 April 2018 – The Tivoli, Brisbane
21 April 2018 – The Enmore, Sydney
27 April 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Wayville
28 April 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Maitland
29 April 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Canberra
5 May 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Bendigo
6 May 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Townsville
11 May 2018 – Metropolis, Fremantle
12 May 2018 – Groovin The Moo, Bunbury
19 May 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Bianca Blancato

Reichelt Releases “Seduced By the Light Side”

Monday might have kicked my arse, but Tuesday has me feeling back in my groove. While it can’t be held entirely responsible, I do think discovering “Seduced by the Light Side,” the title track from Queensland multi-instrumentalist Reichelt’s new album has something to do with the spring in my step.

This is such a joyful retro track guaranteed to put a smile on your dial. It explores themes of reluctantly doing what’s right with its mellow verses and epic singalong chorus. The scenery in the video is also stunning. What do you think of it?

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Hellions Back With New Single “X (Mwah)”

Hellions haven’t released any new music since 2016’s ARIA-nominated Opera Oblivia, but the Sydney hard-core punk act is back with a bang. New single “X (Mwah)” is just what the doctor ordered.

“X (Mwah)” is a defeatist ode to recklessness which premiered to rapturous applause at UNIFY 18. Fans in the band’s hometown have a chance to see Hellions do it live again when they official launch the single at the Lansdowne Hotel on March 9. Apparently a few surprises are in store, including some appearances by special guests, so you probably don’t want to miss this one!

Image used with permission from We Are Unified

Iluka Releases New Video and Announces Tour

I adored Iluka’s single “Sympathy” when I first heard it in December, but I’ve fallen in love with it all over again with the release of the music video.

It’s the perfect foil for her girl power anthem, with a 1960s housewife abandoning domestic drudgery upon seeing Iluka.

“The whole premise of the song is about radical self expression in an all too often repressive society. The video serves as an expressive response, through art, through colour, through movement, and through community. My vision was to bring together a bunch of beautiful, creative people – dancers, painters, sculptors, circus performers, photographers, musicians – in a wild, dreamlike world and simply give them the freedom to be themselves,” Iluka explained. Joining forces with award winning writer and director Kate Haplin, the video seeks to inspire. Their period piece reminding viewers things weren’t so different 50 years ago and Iluka is leading the charge to fight the good fight.

“Sympathy” comes from Iluka’s forthcoming EP Ritual, which drops on April 6. Wasting no time, Iluka will start her EP tour the same day. Tickets are on sale now.

6 April 2018 – Mo’s Clubhouse, Gold Coast
7 April 2018 – Bloodhound Bar, Brisbane
12 April 2018 – Transit Bar, Canberra (FREE)
14 April 2018 – Grace Darling, Melbourne
20 April 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
21 April 2018 – Waywards, Sydney

Busby Marou Inspires Island Envy With “Got Your Back” Clip

After being back on dry land for more than a month now, I’m already itching to go on my next holiday. Watching the beautiful new video for Busby Marou’s single “Got Your Back,” I think Great Keppel Island would be the ideal destination. Knowing this talented twosome live in this island paradise has got me jealous!

Busby Marou will leave behind their island home next month to tour the wineries with James Blunt and Pete Murray. What a hard life they lead! Catch their A Day on the Green show at the following vineyards.

10 March – Bimbagden Estate, Pokolbin
11 March – Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton
17 March – All Saints Estate, Wahgunyah
20 March – Kings Park, Perth

Rapaport Lays Down Cool Grooves With “Don’t Sweat It” Single

Rapaport offers words to live by with the release of his catchy new single, “Don’t Sweat It.” While the track could be a mantra for life, it was inspired by a chance encounter with an ex.

“I wrote ‘Don’t Sweat It’ after running into an ex-girlfriend, thinking it might cheer me up,” Rapaport said. “It didn’t. But now it’s fun to annoy my new girlfriend by playing it.”

“Don’t Sweat It” is the latest single from Rapaport’s sophomore album Village Idiot, set to drop on March 2. Rapaport will join Butterfingers on their Bullet to the Head tour, an opportunity that he calls “an honour.” Make sure you arrive early enough for his set at the following shows:

29 March 2018 – Club 54, Launceston
30 March 2018 – Republic Bar, North Hobart
31 March 2018 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
1 April 2018 – Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood
5 April 2018 – The Basement, Belconnen
6 April 2018 – Gearin Hotel, Katoomba
7 April 2018 – Factory Floor, Marrickville
13 April 2018 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
14 April 2018 – The Brightside, Fortitude Valley
19 April 2018 – Settler’s Tavern, Margaret River
20 April 2018 – The Sewing Room, Perth
21 April 2018 – Prince of Wales Hotel, Bunbury
4 May 2018 – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heights
5 May 2018 – Miami Tavern, Miami

Abbe May on Tour With “Seventeen” Single and “Fruit” Album

Abbe May isn’t afraid to lay her heart and life bare in her new single “Seventeen,” an intimate reflection on her formative years and the experiences that shaped her.

I love this track’s dark brooding grittiness. Its sultry groove and Abbe’s vocals are also right on point. “Seventeen” was the first song written for Abbe’s new album Fruit, which is in stores now. It sets the theme for her first release since coming out last year.

“It took 30 years to be in a position to write this song. It’s intended as a letter for my niece to read when she turns 17, 21 and 28. It’s a love letter detailing all the stupid and wonderful things I’ve done in my life,” Abbe explained. “If she ever doubts herself, she’ll have this song to remind her everyone struggles but that it is finding purpose, not pleasure or happiness that makes life worth living.” said Abbe.

Abbe is currently touring Fruit around the country. Here are all the remaining dates.

16 February 2018 – Ed Castle, Adelaide
17 February 2018 – Clancy’s, Dunsborough
23 February 2018 – Yah Yah’s, Melbourne
24 February 2018 – Hobart Brewing Co, Hobart
8 March 2018 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
10 March 2018 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle

Image used with permission from Minor Major

YouTube Sensations Maari Release Stunning New Single “Heartbreaker”

After wowing fans with their YouTube covers, Sydney duo Maari are showing us just how good their originals are. Their latest single “Heartbreaker” packs a real punch with its powerful blend of R’n’B, electronica, and indie pop. Its musical strength is matched with emotionally charged vocals.

“At first listen, HeartBreaker comes across as a powerful declaration of independence and sexuality… but the song is littered with confessions of pain, loss and insecurity,” the Sydneysiders explained. “We wanted to create an erratic fusion of aggression and vulnerability, which is accentuated in the intense highs and lows of the production.”

We’re clearly dealing with a band with a strong musical vision here, as Maari recorded and self-produced the track in their home studio, dubbed The Maari Kitchen. Hopefully we hear them cook up more music soon!

Too Many Zooz Announce They’ll Be Back in Oz

Quirky New York trio Too Many Zooz haven’t long wrapped up their first Aussie tour, but they’re keen to do it all again. Leo P, Matt Doe, and David “King of Sludge” Parks will bring their unique BrassHouse music back to Australia next month.

For a sign of what’s in store, check out this cover of TNT the band fittingly recorded in Melbourne’s AC/DC Lane. There’s more where that came from; join the party at the following Too Many Zooz shows.

16 February 2018 – Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide
18 February 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
19 February 2018 – Factory Theatre, Sydney
21 February 2018 – Perth Festival, Perth

Image used with permission from Minor Major