Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Drop Fantastic “In The Water” Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

I’m convinced the Pierce Brothers can do no wrong. Their latest single “In the Water” is another stellar indie-folk track that perfectly showcases their gift for building melodies.

“As a major third wheel in the twin brother dynamic, we found pretty quickly that my main role was actually that of a casting vote between Pat and Jack,” said Dara Munnis, who played keys on and cowrote the song with the Pierce Brothers. “Whenever there were different options on the table for the direction the song was taken, I have 100% let this newfound power go to my head.”

Dara also co-directed the music video with Patrick Pierce, who said “I have wanted to shoot at these locations for a while, and I saw the work of Alicia Brown which got me thinking about using those designs and ideas in a music video about a child’s imaginary friend. Once that was in my head, I just began thinking of all the beautiful locations in Victoria and just wanted to get on the road to start filming them. I reached out to Maryanne Lea to help with the costuming and she took the idea and really ran with it!”

The concept was originally meant for another release, but due to lockdowns in 2020 the performance aspect become impossible. However, now the time is right.

“We had to shelve the project until a new project that fit the song came along. Since then Dara has become a keys player in the band and this was our first song we wrote together. It just made sense that we release this music video we’d worked on for so long together”

Pierce Brothers will celebrate the release of “In the Water” with long-awaited shows allong the East Coast.

“It’s been such a long time since we’ve played headline metro shows, so I’m just really excited to get back out there and play to some of our most excellent hometown fans,” Jack Pierce enthused. “Melbourne is where we honed our craft and where our oldest fans are from, so we’re just really excited to see them all again.”

Tickets are on sale now for all the Pierce Brothers’ single tour shows:

12 May 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
13 May 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 May 2023 – Corner Hotel, Quo-yung/Richmond
27 May 2023 – Tropic Sounds @ Reid Park, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
9 June 2023 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 June 2023 – Haba, Bunurong Country/Rye
11 June 2023 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
1 July 2023 – Western Port Hotel, Bunurong Country/San Remo
5 July 2023 – Big Red Bash @ Big Red Dune, Wirrarri/Birdsville
11 August 2023 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
12 August 2023 – Village Festival, Darumbal Country/Yepoon (FREE)
19 August 2023 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Mundi

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im Drops Incredible New Single, “Collide”

Is it just me, or does Dami Im seem to keep getting better and better? With every release it seems she’s opening up more, showing more vulnerability and stepping into her power. She sets the bar so high for herself, but her latest single “Collide” may just be her best yet.

“Collide is about life transitions. It’s about grieving the roads not taken and embracing the one that you’ve chosen,” she explained. “I started working on Collide with my co-writer Tom Eggert while I was pregnant. I wanted to write about losing my identity and heading into a new season of life.

“Initially the song was written just on the piano, but with Andy Mak coming on board to produce the track, it took a lot of experimenting to land on a production that had enough power and angst while preserving the raw fragility.”

“Collide” is our exciting first taste of Dami’s forthcoming new album, which is scheduled to drop in the second half of the year.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

jnr. and JËVA Release Emotional New Single “Cruel”

jnr. and JËVA have joined forces for the powerful new single “Cruel.” After writing the song together, both talents have contributed vocals to the track. Bringing two voices into the song helps bring to life the story of a break-up before the break-up, that period of time when both people know the relationship isn’t working but aren’t quite ready to say goodbye.

After enjoying jnr.’s upbeat pop single “Say (Light Me Up)”, I’m excited to hear something so different. It’s more stripped back, more intimate and vulnerable than the track that came before.

If you’re in Eora/Sydney, you can hear more of .jnr’s music when he opens for Jamyang at the Royal Bondi on May 18. While it’s a free event, you should RSVP online.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hattie Oates Gets Spooky With “Terrified”

Eora/Sydney artist Hattie Oates has been a favourite of mine since I started hearing her music back in 2019. She was just 15 then, but she showed maturity beyond her years. However, like so many artists who start out so green, I think her music is getting better and better with every passing year. Her latest single “Terrified” is an accomplished piece of indie-pop that I can’t stop listening to.

“I wanted to write a song about leaving the safety net of school and diving straight into the music industry. I moved to Sydney literally the day after my last exam and began trying to answer questions about myself that even I didn’t know the answer to,” said Hattie, who hails from Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth.

“When Ben Oldland (producer and co-writer) and I were in the studio, we spoke about growing up surrounded by a “follow your dreams, you can do anything if you put your mind to it” attitude, while also knowing that the higher you jump the further you fall. But I always knew I’ was going to jump, I couldn’t stay put even if I tried,” she said. “This song is about trying to figure out who you are, while navigate a new environment … That feeling of stumbling through the dark trying to grab at anything that’s going to help stabilise you.”

Hattie is clearly embracing life in the big city, as she shot the video in the Northern Beaches. Directed by Will Hunt, Hattie was inspired by the eeriness of Stranger Things and Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.”

“As the song has its own chaos about it, I wanted to emulate a chaotic chase through the forest, being hunted down by an unknown being, so by stumbling, running, tripping, I wanted to convey the terrifying feeling of being chased by the unknown. But while trying to escape, I never really leave, so it’s full of fear, angst, determination, wonder,” Hattie explained. We filmed it at the West Head Lookout in the Northern beaches, a stunning location with an abundance of scenic trails, drives and national parkland… oh and on the day of filming I got bitten by a bull ant, accidentally pulled a tree over and had blisters on my feet from running on the hot tar.”

Hattie told fans on Facebook she had so much to show us in the New Year, so hopefully this is the first of several new releases for 2023.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forest Claudette Drops Cool Single, “Mess Around”

If Frank Ocean and Lenny Kravitz ever had a baby, they might sound a little something like Naarm/Melbourne act Forest Claudette. I think I’m a little late to the party, but the sexy new single “Mess Around”, featuring U.S. hip-hop duo EARTHGANG, has put Forest well and truly on my radar.

“Before anything else about the song, I need to acknowledge the EARTHGANG feature. I still can’t really believe it. I’ve been a fan of theirs for a hot minute, so for them to be a part of this track is just very special,” Forest gushed. “Around the time I wrote ‘Mess Around’ I was going on dates and exploring LA for the first time as an adult. I met some incredible people and they helped me learn a lot about myself. Even though it has this real f**k boy energy, to me the song is about feeling confident in what you want and feeling comfortable to communicate that with whoever, knowing they might not feel the same. But that’s life bbyyyy.”

EARTHGANG aren’t the only big-name talents Forest has worked with. The single was also produced by Paul Meany, known for his work with Yungblud, Twenty One Pilots, and LANY.

“Mess Around” is Forest’s first release of 2023, and a natural progression from their debut EP The Year of February. Forest is currently touring the country with Ruel. After that, they’ll join Lastlings on their Perfect World album tour. Make sure you arrive early if you’ve got tickets for any of these shows:

21 April 2023 – MCA, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ruel)
22 April 2023 – Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (supporting Ruel)
28 April 2023 – Aware Super Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ruel)
30 June 2023 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Lastlings)
1 July 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Lastlings)
8 July 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Lastlings)
15 July 2023 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Lastlings)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

S.A.B. Impresses With “Gonna Get Got”

South African-born, Meeanjin/Brisbane-based rapper S.A.B. had me from the blast of horns that open his latest single “Gonna Get Got.” Then then those rhymes started flowing, I was firmly on board. This is quality hip-hop, authentic with something to say. I also love the way S.A.B. plays with genre here, incorporating elements of soul and jazz into his sound to create something fresh.

“As it is a public service announcement to air-headed globetrotters who flaunt their cash and jewellery overseas,” said S.A.B. “I can simply forewarn and say, “If you’re not local to an area, but enter a poor community’s space only to unwittingly flaunt wealth, you’re going to stick out like a sore thumb.”

S.A.B. will launch “Gonna Get Got” for hometown fans at King Lear’s Throne on April 20. After he recently played to a packed room at the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl festival, you can expect this one’s going to be big!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Calvin Leung Releases Beautiful Modern Classical Piece, “The Adventure Etude”

I’m not going to pretend to know anything about modern classical music. But I do know what sounds beautiful to me, and that’s “The Adventure Etude,” the latest solo instrumental piece from Naarm/Melbourne pianist Calvin Leung.

The release of “The Adventure Etude” comes 20 years after Calvin released his first original composition as part of the Kool Skools Recording & Songwriting Project, the same initiative that helped launch the careers of artists like Delta Goodrem and Missy Higgins. Since then he’s given more than 500 live public performance at the RACV Club, where he’s the resident pianist, and played other leading venues including Crown Towers, Arts Centre Melbourne, and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. You might also have seen him playing with finalists on The Voice Australia.

Calvin was inspired to write “The Adventure Etude” after watching a fellow pianist busking on the streets of Queenstown during a recent holiday.

“I was incredibly moved after seeing this amazing pianist busk on the streets on New Year’s Eve, and that really inspired me to write, record and finally release my own music,” he explained. “I also decided to name my first release ‘The Adventure Etude’ after the name of my accommodation The Adventure Hostel, where I made some incredible new friends who also encouraged me to release my own music”.

After hearing this piece, I’m sure you’ll agree Calvin deserves to be staying somewhere better than hostels. You can support him at his upcoming shows.

15 April 2023 – The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne
6 May 2023 – The Rubber Chicken, Naarm/Melbourne
13 May 2023- The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne
27 May 2023- The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne
17 June 2023 – The RACV Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Calvin Leung Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Juwan Wears His Heart on His Sleeve With “Vent”

Bundjalung Country/Gold Coast rapper Juwan has blown me away with his new single “Vent.” It’s a powerful single with introspective lyrics that reflect on Juwan’s upbringing and his place in the world.

“’Vent’ reminds me of when I was 13 writing lyrics in class while the teacher thought I was doing work,” Juwan said. “It’s 100% myself and my thoughts being channelled from my soul onto a page, and then onto a soft yet hard beat by my brother, SOLLYY. Unapologetically straight from the heart.”

Juwan has already dropped a couple of singles and two mixtapes, but this powerful song might just be the thing to catch the attention of the mainstream.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Luca Brasi Announce Tour, Play Goo Goo Dolls For “Like a Version”

Tassie punk-rock act Luca Brasi announced their upcoming tour in style recently, appearing in the triple j studios for Like a Version. As a Goo Goo Dolls fan, I get a little protective over the band’s material, but Luca Brasi’s take on “Iris” is utter perfection.

Luca Brasi were joined in the studio by Naarm/Melbourne indie-folk act Eaglemont, who’ll not so coincidentally play support on all these upcoming shows. OK Hotel are also on the stacked bill. Luca Brasi should be in fine form, as they’ve just wrapped up shows with Canada’s Alexisonfire. Tickets are on sale now.

6 May 2023 – Du Cane Brewery, Launceston
12 May 2023 – Cambridge Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 May 2023 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
19 May 2023 – Max Watt’s, Naarm/Melbourne
20 May 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 June 2023 – Jive Bar, Tartanya/Adelaide
3 June 2023 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Tom Wilkinson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PRETTY BLEAK Drop Latest Banger, “spare room song”

It’s been far too long between new PRETTY BLEAK releases. I’m thrilled to hear the lads are back to their best with the release of “spare room song.” It starts small, but I know you’ll find yourself punching your fist in the air by the time that epic chorus drops.

“‘spare room song’ describes the difficulty of internally navigating the line between self-growth and the comfort of your previously destructive behaviours,” vocalist Sam Thomas explained. “I’ve been pretty consciously aware of a number of different periods like this throughout my life, and one of the more noticeable aspects of that process is the arguments I would have with myself to continue resisting growth and change. This is symbolised lyrically through a dialogue between two separate individuals.”

The music video sees PRETTY BLEAK collaborating again with Tom Thomas, who directed their videos for “other people’s heads” and “Living With Mice.”

“We thought it would be interesting for the majority of the video to be set in the wilderness, and that the photo frames would depict the comfort of a familiar room inside of a house, which metaphorically alludes to the themes presented in the lyrics of the song,”

Fresh from their stellar performance at Tasmania’s Great Escape festival, PRETTY BLEAK will play the following shows to support “spare room song”’s release.

31 March 2023 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong
7 April 2023 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Loose Bricks)
22 April 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne (official single launch)

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Tom Thomas