I know plenty of people who take umbrage with the whole concept of Valentine’s Day. We should express our love all year round they insist. So it’s for these people that I decided to hold off posting Amber Lawrence’s new video for “I Will Love You.” She released it to time with Valentine’s Day, but it might have just been a little too sugary for that Hallmark holiday. Why not show it to someone you love today to remind them that it’s not just February 14 that gets you sentimental?
Spit and Mac look back on their lives and struggles with their first single “The Hourglass.” There’s so much wisdom here. Local chanteuse Imogen Brough lends her vocals to the title track from the Geelong hip hop act’s debut album, which hits stores today.
Fellow Coasties Little Earthquake have struck gold with their new single “I Am Alive.” It’s such a jubilant, positive piece of pop with lush harmonies and a beautiful synthscape.
The film clip, directed by Rob Sherwood, is pretty fabulous too. The stunning homegrown landscapes and surf footage is just the cure for whatever’s ailing you this Humpday.
Little Earthquake are currently touring the single around the country, giving fans a sneaky listen to songs from their debut album which will hit stores later this year.
20 February 2015 – Rad Bar, Wollongong
21 February 2015 – Mountain Sounds, Kariong
25 February 2015 – Newcastle Uni, Newcastle
25 February 2015 – Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
28 February 2015 – Sly Fox, Enmore
6 March 2015 – Penny Black, Melbourne
7 March 2015 – Baho Tacos, Rye
12 March 2015 – Bull and Bush, Windsor
13 March 2015 – Tattersall’s, Penrith
14 March 2015 – Good God Small Club, Sydney
18 March 2015 – Bald Faced Stag, Leichardt
I remember being a young thing and having my mind blown watching the film clip for Michael Jackson’s “Black or White.” The face-shifting special effects employed by Melbourne’s Swim Season in their new music video might not be quite as seamless or sophisticated, but considering the budgets of up-and-coming Aussie acts I’m impressed. “Hide and Seek” is also such a fun, feelgood piece of indie pop. I’m a real fan.
Swim Season won’t be touring the single, but you can catch them doing their thing with Bad Pony at Sydney’s World Bar tomorrow night.
Double Lined Minority are heading out on the road to support the release of their sophomore EP Caught in the Ceasefire, which hits stores today. The EP features the new single “Voodoo,” which reminds me of something that might have been released by Panic at the Disco or Fallout Boy.
The five-track EP is a collection of semi-biographical, lyrical vignettes which capture frontman Eddie Salazar’s experience of life, love, and temptation. Fans can hear them all at the following shows.
7 March 2015 – SUB Beanbag Gigs, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
8 March 2015 – Valve Basement Bar, Sydney (LICENSED ALL AGES)
12 March 2015 – The Beetle Bar, Brisbane (18+)
13 March 2015 – Griffith University, Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
14 March 2015 – Upstairs At 199, Brisbane (ALL AGES)
Melbourne soul outfit The Meltdown have sent my temperature soaring with their smoother than smooth new single “Better Days.” The accompanying video is actually the final live take of the song. Pretty fitting that an act with such a classic sound should take such an old-school approach to their music video, don’t you think?
“Better Days” is lifted from their EP which should be released next month. They’ll play a hometown show to celebrate its release at Shebeen on March 12. This is one of those times I’d kill to live in Melbourne. Hopefully they’ll travel north for some shows soon!
I have fallen hard for the musical stylings of new Aussie indie-folk act and the latest Heartstop Music sign Rowena Wise. She’s just released her debut single “Words” and it’s absolutely darling.
I received the Soundcloud version but decided I’d post this live one here so you can see her and her ukulele. I already have a weakness for the instrument, but when you add in Rowena’s superb lyrics and sweet voice it’s magic.
“Words” comes from Rowena’s debut EP, which is scheduled for a March release. You can help her release it by giving generously to her Pozible campaign, which is achingly close to reaching its goal.
There are plenty of places you can see her play in the near future, including festival appearances, support slots for Jordie Lane, and headline shows in the major capitals to support the single’s release.
20 February 2015 – The Newsagency, Sydney
21 February 2015 – Wesley Anne, Melbourne
27 February 2015 – Mojos, Fremantle (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 February – 2 March 2015 – Nannup Music Festival, Nannup
13-15 March 2015 – Blue Mountains Music Festival, Blue Mountains
26 March 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (supporting Jordie Lane)
27 March 2015 – Django Bar, Sydney NSW (supporting Jordie Lane)
28 March 2015 – The Wheatsheaf, Adelaide (supporting Jordie Lane)
17 April 2015 – Street Theatre, Canberra (supporting Jordie Lane)
18 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
19 April 2015 – The Toff In Town, Melbourne (supporting Jordie Lane)
22 April 2015 – Ararat Live, Ararat (supporting Jordie Lane)
23 April 2015 – Beav’s Bar, Geelong (supporting Jordie Lane)
24-26 April 2015 – Mount Beauty Music Festival, Mount Beauty
Melbourne single-songwriter Andrew Swift has always penned songs from the heart, but he believes that his latest single “Sound the Alarm” is “as honest and personal” as he’s ever been.
“It was written during the hardest break up I’ve had to go through, but rather than write a heartbroken, ‘woe is me’ type of break up song, what came out was a reflection of the night that that we met,” he explained.
Hearing the story behind it makes this song that much more poignant. I love a story song, and this one tells a tale so vivid that I felt a bit choked up reading that it didn’t work out.
Andrew Swift will promote the release of “Sound the Alarm” with a string of shows kicking off tomorrow night in Footscray.
8 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
21 February 2015 – Berwick Show, Berwick (ALL AGES)
21 February 2015 – Reverence Hotel, Footscray
22 February 2015 – Bonnie Doon Music Festival, Bonnie Doon
26 February 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
19 March 2015 – The Retreat, Brunswick
20 March 2015 – Crown + Anchor, Adelaide
I’m not sure what happened the first time I listened to “Lay With Me,” the latest single from Sydney electronic duo Left. Perhaps I was too cranky to appreciate its mellow, poppy groove. All I know is that weeks after my initial listen, I can’t stop playing it.
Left. is made up of the ethereal voice of Sarah Corry and her partner in crime, guitarist and producer Jono Graham. They’ve got something really special here. It initially sounds perfect for grooving with a handsome stranger on the dance floor, but listen to the lyrics and its darker side is revealed. Sarah’s actually singing about being forced into an arranged marriage, despite yearning for someone else.
“I was inspired by how I imagined that circumstances might feel: the desperation, helplessness, and desire to make yourself happy against all the odds,” explains Corry.
“Lay With Me” is the third track lifted from Left.’s debut LP Sirens, which hits stores today. Left. will launch it with three shows in the East Coast capitals.
12 February 2015 – Laundry, Melbourne
13 February 2015 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
14 February 2015 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (FREE)
Sydney alternative rock band With Confidence are hitting the road for a kid-friendly tour. I’ve got to admire this band for knowing their market and happily making every single show appropriate for under 18s.
The gigs will promote the band’s brand new EP Distance, which features the epic single “Take Me Away.” It’s done amazing things for the band, reaching number 10 on the overall iTunes charts and number two on the alternative charts.
“Honestly, fans always surprise us with their support and we didn’t expect to push that high in the charts,” admitted lead vocalist and bassist Jayden Seeley. “We’re forever grateful for everyone that lends us their ears and supports our music”.
With Confidence sold out their last headlining tour in April 2013, so expect a very vocal crowd at the following shows.
7 February 2015 – The Lair, Sydney (ALL AGES)
8 February 2015 – Hombre Records, Newcastle (ALL AGES)
14 February 2015 – 38 Berwick St, Brisbane (UNDER 18s)
15 February 2015 – YMCA HQ, Perth (ALL AGES)
1 March 2015 – Rubix Funhouse, Melbourne (ALL AGES)
