Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Alex Elbery’s “Ripcord”

Boorloo/Perth born and Naarm/Melbourne based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Alex Elbery has impressed me with his latest single “Ripcord.” It’s a charming indie-pop celebration of falling head first and freely into love.

This release has been a long time coming, with Alex starting production before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But this one is really worth the wait. Alex created his latest single with producer Jon Grace, known for his work with Dear Seattle, Baker’s Eddy, Kingswood, and Dune Rats.

“Ripcord was really a collaboration between Jon and I,” Alex explained. “I wrote it, brought it to Jon and then we spent a fairly long time working to get it to be the best version it could be. Everything except the drums was played my either myself or Jon. Jon, who has since retired from music, is an absolute genius and I loved working with him.

“Ripcord is a song about falling in love. I wrote it as I was/after I had fallen in love with my partner. I wanted to write a love song that was honest and leaned into the messier, less fairytale aspects of falling in love. I liked the analogy of falling in love being like falling out of the sky. Your destination is inevitable but the velocity with which you’re travelling towards it determines whether you’ll land safely or crash and burn – hence – ‘pull on the ripcord.’ I’ve always been someone who rushes into things with reckless abandon, so this song was almost like a mantra I was writing to myself. “

“Ripcord” is the first song lifted from Alex’s upcoming EP Unbelievably Good News. You can hear more tunes from this release when Alex supports The Flying So High-O’s at The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on January 11.

Photo credit: Kane Hibberd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Release New Summer Anthem, “Lucy”

Pacific Avenue have served up a summery delight with the latest track “Lucy”. It’s a feelgood exploration of infatuation and longing with a catchy chorus that compels you to clap along.

“The concept of Lucy represents the idea that everyone has their own version of ‘Lucy’ — someone or something they hold dear,” the band explained. “Love takes many forms, and beauty is ultimately defined by the one who sees it. This song was recorded at a studio in Highland Park, Los Angeles and is called ‘The Hobby Shop’; it’s a little hole in the wall studio that has some really beautiful gear. It was our first time recording overseas and something we’ve all dreamed of since we started the band.”

Pacific Avenue are making the most of the warm weather with some choice festival spots and solo dates in the coming week. Catch them at following gigs that are sure to brighten up your summer holidays.

4 January 2025 – Good Gumnuts Festival @ Agriplex, Pataway/Burnie
9 January 2025 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Wardandi Noongar Country/Bunbury
10 January 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
11 January 2025 – Amplifier Bar, Boorloo/Perth
16 January 2025 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
17 January 2025 – Torquay Hotel, Waddawurrung Country/Torquay
18 January 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston
31 January 2025 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra
6 February 2025 – Highfield Caringbah, Kumbainggar Country/Caringbah

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heartlocker Release Rocking Debut, “Heartlock”

I absolutely love kick-arse female-fronted acts like Meeanjin/Brisbane band Heartlocker. They’re making a splash with their debut single “Heartlock,” a gritty pop-rock track about toxic relationships. So hit that play button, crank up the volume, and enjoy!

“I wrote ‘Heartlock’ during a time of self-discovery,” Heartlocker’s lead singer Tyra explained. “It’s about the barriers we build around our hearts and the courage it takes to put yourself first. I hope it empowers others to find the strength to leave relationships that do not serve them.”

Heartlocker regularly plays shows around their hometown. Next up they’ll share the stage with The Vine and Takeover at Tomcat on January 5. Doors open at 8 pm for an 8:30 start.

Image used with permission from Heartlocker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas from Sounds of Oz!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! I haven’t posted any Christmas music so far because honestly I’m a bit hard to please. I hate when songs feel like crash grabs. I hold my Christmas tunes to exactly the same standards as any other music. And as you all know, if it’s not good I just don’t share it. But I couldn’t let December 25 go by without sharing the best original Christmas song I’ve heard this year, “christmas doesn’t feel the same without you” by Carla Wehbe.

“‘christmas doesn’t feel the same without you’ is really just about missing somebody at Christmas,” she said. “This time of year is really happy and magical for most people, but for a lot of people it’s actually quite a sad or lonely and isolating time, and this song is about that side of Christmas.”

I hope that all my readers feel loved and supported this Christmas. Whether you’re around family or chosen family or you’re spending the day alone, I hope you can carve out some time to be happy. Even just for a few moments listening to this song. I wish you all the very best for the holiday season.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ARCHIE Cap Off a Big Year with “So Far Away From Me”

Ngunnawal Country/Canberra quartet ARCHIE have had a massive year releasing their debut EP playing alongside local legends like BENEE, San Cisco, and the Reubens. They show why there’s such hot property on their latest single, “So Far Away From Me.” It’s a cool indie rock track which reflects on the toll distance takes on relationships with loved ones.

“’So Far Away From Me’ is a song about how distance changes the relationships you have with the people you leave behind,” vocalist Grant Simpson said. “Sometimes you don’t recognise the value of a relationship until you are removed from it.”

After a big 2024, ARCHIE seem to be setting the stage for an even better 2025. Bring it on!

Photo credit: Murray Farrell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Fitzgerald Makes a Comeback With “Talk it Out”

Harry Fitzgerald is showing his one to watch after the release of his sublime new pop song “Talk it Out”. It’s an irresistibly catchy tune with a funky bass line that will have you grooving from the get-go. Unlike so many pop songs, it’s also got something to say. Make sure you listen to those lyrics which Harry said explore his experiences of “choosing silence over communication to avoid conflict.”

“‘Talk It Out’ is a song that really taps into some of my more avoidant tendencies, both in relationships and in dealing with my own emotions,” he admitted. “It’s about how, sometimes, I’d rather just keep quiet and keep the peace instead of risking a confrontation that might stir things up. There’s a kind of fear that comes with the idea of speaking up, especially when it feels like what you say might cause a rift, or when you start believing that the other person’s feelings are more important than your own discomfort.”

This track is the first song Harry’s released since 2020, and what a way to come back. Hopefully he won’t leave us waiting too long for the next release.

Photo credit: Ale Trinchero

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bukowski Release Pop-Punk Banger, “What Do You Want Me To Be?”

I can always count on a good pop-punk song to really lift my mood. As I recover from my accident, I found myself gravitating towards old comfort music and struggling to connect as easily with new sounds. But the nostalgic feel of Bukowski’s latest single “What Do You Want Me to Be?” has got me pretty excited. I won’t be getting into mosh pits anytime soon, but this upbeat single makes me sentimental for them!

Bukowski said the lyrics for their latest single were inspired by the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber.

“Lyrically, it also captures all those messy feelings around juggling being a people pleaser and
letting yourself be who you are,” added the band’s frontman, James Karagiozis.

“What Do You Want Me to Be?” comes from Bukowski’s forthcoming debut album I Don’t Wanna Live. I Don’t Wanna Die, which drops on February 14.

Photo credit: James Dominko

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jade Gibson Embraces New Sound With “Technicolour”

Jade Gibson has always had a knack for pumping out upbeat, feelgood country-pop hits. But she’s taken a bit of a left turn with the release of her latest single, “Technicolour”. With its John Mayer-esque bluesy guitar licks and moody vibe, this track showcases a brand-new sound for Jade. But gee it sounds good on her.

“Technicolour” is the first song released from Jade’s new project scheduled for a 2025 release. If the rest of the tracks sound as good as this one, we’re in for a real treat. You might hear some more new material if you get to one of her upcoming shows:

21 December 2024 – Henley’s Wine Bar & Kitchen, Waveroo Country/Milawa
24 December 2024 – Precinct Bar & Restaurant, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
26 December 2024 – Christmas Recovery @ Cofield Wines, Yorta Yorta Country/Wahgunyah
31 December 2024 – Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club, KuukuYa’u, Wuthathi, Umpila, Kaanju and Uuthalganu Country/Lockhart

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ziggy Alberts Releases “Singing for Country” Ahead of New Album & Homecoming Tour

Ziggy Alberts is easing you into your working week with his latest single, “Singing for Country.” This patriotic, chilled-out folk song is the latest track from Ziggy’s forthcoming seventh album New Love which drops on February 21.

“I wrote ‘Singing For Country’ along the Mid-North Coast of Australia. It’s a song about what it means to be Australian, to love this land and our planet. For me, being Australian is about embracing a unique mix of cultures on this sunburnt land,” Ziggy explained. “This song was my way of celebrating what and how it feels to be Australian. I performed this song across my tour in Europe, UK and North America and despite it being about my love for Australia, people really connected to it. I think that for anyone who loves the natural beauty of their homeland will relate and feel camaraderie in this too. It speaks to the core reason I write songs; to sing and celebrate people and nature.”

Ziggy has played plenty of shows all over the world, but he’ll be back home in February with gigs in the capitals and regional centres supporting New Love’s release.

“After being on tour all year, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home,” he said. “You don’t realise how much you love a place until you’re back, breathing it in again. There’s something raw and grounding about being back on home soil, smelling the bottlebrush, and returning to the ocean. Originally, this song was just going to be part of the album, but when I got back home, that visceral feeling reminded me how important it was to share it as a single ahead of summer. I’m grateful my team helped make it happen.”

Some shows have already sold out so don’t wait to get yours.

21 February 2025 – The Station, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
22 February 2025 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
23 February 2025 – Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
25 February 2025 – Hindley St Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 February 2025 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 February 2025 – Metropolis, Walyalup/Fremantle
1 March 2025 – 3 Oceans Winery, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 March 2025 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
8 March 2025 – The Powerhouse, Giabal Country/Toowoomba
9 March 2025 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2025 – Bellingen Memorial Hall, Baligin/Bellingen (SOLD OUT)
13 March 2025 – Bellingen Memorial Hall, Baligin/Bellingen (SOLD OUT)
14 March 2025 – Bar on the Hill, Mulubinba/Newcastle
19 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
20 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2025 – UC Refectory, Ngambri/Canberra
22 March 2025 – Tilba Winery, Yuin Country/Corunna
26 March 2025 – The Cube, Wiradjuri Country/Wodonga
27 March 2025 – Civic Hall, Balaarat/Ballarat
5 April 2025 – Oak and Anchor Hotel, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy (SOLD OUT)

Photo credit: Janneke Storm

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston and Appel Duet on “Country is For Me”

The United States might be the home of country music, but our own James Johnston and South Africa’s Appel prove the Americans don’t have the market cornered. These talents have teamed up for a fantastic new country single appropriately titled “Country is For Me.” It’s funny; I often say that country really isn’t for me, but then I hear a tune like this and start reconsidering my protests!

“I’ve always dreamed of sharing my music with the world and celebrating the country way of life through the lens of different cultures,” James said. “’County is For Me’ is the embodiment of that dream. Collaborating with Appel has been an incredible experience. His passion and genuine connection to his fans, family, and country have been so inspiring. At the beginning of this journey, I was searching for a kindred spirit in music, but I never could have imagined I would find a lifelong friend. The joy of creating ’County is For Me’ shines through in the recording. I’m excited to share it with the world and show that, despite being born in different places, we’re not so different.”

“Meeting James and collaborating to unite cultures through the universal language of music has been a journey neither of us realised the world needed,” Appel added. “By weaving together our stories, voices, and distinct roots, we’ve proven that when barriers come down, the music only grows stronger. It has been a truly mutual and inspiring experience, highlighting the limitless potential of music.”

James recently played the Cape Town Country Music Festival in South Africa, but he’s back home and ready to play for local crowds this summer. Catch him at all the hottest country music festivals in the coming months.

28 December 2024 – Kix Country Rockin Rocky @ Great Western Hotel, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton City
24 January 2025 – The Music That Made Me @ Tamworth Town Hall, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth
5 April 2025 – Melbourne Muster @ Caribbean Park, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Country/Scoresby
3 May 2025 – Qld Music Trails – Outback Sounds @ Charleville Showgrounds, Bidjara Country/Charleville

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia