KEZRA Wows Me With “Back Home”

Take a moment to stop what you’re doing and listen to “Back Home,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter KEZRA. This is a song that deserves more than becoming the background of your workday or late lunch. It demands your full attention so can catch every lyric, every emotion, every note. I’ve got chills.

“I started writing this song on the floor of my living room, strumming along on my guitar, but feeling very uninspired during lockdown. So, I plugged in my vocal harmoniser pedal, in the hope that it would give me some inspiration and help me write in a more creative way. It first began with the slow paused chord changes on the guitar. Then the lyrics – ‘I was taken back to the house where we met’ came to me whilst using my harmoniser and this instantly set the tone for where the rest of the song needed to go,” KEZRA explained.

“There was something special about the imperfect and mechanical sounding harmonies, that made these lyrics hit deeper. The guitar pauses are almost echoing that feeling of being stuck, reminiscing on the past, replaying old memories in your mind and not being able let go. Towards the end, the strumming is so aggressive with distortion, building up with anger, kind of like a cry for help by the end of the song.”

I’m pretty excited about this song. It’s truly special. I’d almost forgotten that I wrote about KEZRA’s music before the pandemic, but she’s definitely back on my radar after hearing this.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Corey Adams

Phil Jamieson Drops Stellar Solo Single Ahead of Aussie Tour

Phil Jamieson is best known as the frontman for legendary nineties and noughties act Grinspoon, but his music is about much more than nostalgia. He’s just released his new solo single “Lights On” and it’s an absolute banger. Would it be sacrilegious to say I like this better than the Grinspoon material? Maybe, but I’m going to say it! That clap-along falsetto-forward chorus has totally won me over!

“It’s been a journey for ‘Lights On’, going through many iterations and arrangements and what not. It’s a fun song to move shoulders and hips to – and its release also means I’m closer to releasing the album!” Phil enthused. “The track might be about a bank heist? At its core, it’s about always keeping your heart in place for the person that you love. But it’s also about memories that might have betrayed you in some ways, and maybe about stealing money and maybe about hiding it. Maybe it’s about a bank heist, Oceans 13, Oceans 8. And it also could be about saying: no matter what, I’m gonna kind of hang in there, I’m gonna be there. So sentimental!”

“Lights On” is the third single lifted from Phil’s new album Somebody Else, which drops on July 29. But before that he’ll do a lap of the eastern states to celebrate the single’s release. With a high-quality band featuring Davey Lane, Sam Raines, and Rob Muiños, these dates will be a lot of fun. Those shows kick off tonight, so get onto it!

2 July 2022 – Gaol After Dark, South West Rocks
27 July 2022 – Eltham Hotel, Eltham
28 July 2022 – Vinnies Dive, Gold Coast
29 July 2022 – Solbar, Sunshine Coast
30 July 2022 – The Zoo, Brisbane
4 August 2022 – John Curtin Hotel, Melbourne
5 August 2022 – UC Hub, Canberra
6 August 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
7 August 2022 – Shady Palms, Central Coast
12 August 2022 – Lions Art Factory, Adelaide
20 August 2022 – SS&A, Albury
4 November 2022 – The Big Bonanza, Coffs Harbour

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Darcy Lane Is Back With “Spines”

Taking her cues from Billie Eilish and Lorde, Darcy Lane has just dropped her cool new single “Spines.” I love the contrast between the dark, brooding lyrics and the emotional release of the chorus. “Spines” sounds so current, but its emotional core is absolutely timeless.

“‘Spines’ is about falling for a friend but neither of you have enough backbone to make the first move,” Darcy admitted.

This is Darcy’s first release since her debut single “Relentless Forces” dropped in 2020. It’s certainly worth the wait.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Georgia Fields Wows Me With “Holding My Hands Out”

If your Tuesday needs a lift, you’ll want to hear Georgia Fields’ beautiful new single “Holding My Hands Out.” It’s such a stunning track, with Georgia’s sublime vocals and powerful lyrics set against a striking lush soundtrack. Georgia and her engineer and drummer Josh Barber layered sounds from half-broken children’s toys, vintage wooden percussion instruments, terracotta pots, and Georgia’s string quartet Andromeda through the track to create its unique sound.

“It’s a song about that primal desire we all have to be held. It’s about reaching your hands out for comfort, but grasping at shadows,” Georgia explained. “From a songwriting perspective, I was inspired by the simple yet anthemic choruses of artists like Sarah Blasko, Weyes Blood and Sharon van Etten. I was also hugely impacted by the novel Islands, by Australian author Peggy Frew. There’s something about Peggy’s writing that cuts straight to my heart – I’ve found all her novels deeply affecting. Holding My Hands Out is partly written from the perspective of her character June, as well as June’s mother, Helen.”

“Holding My Hands Out” is on all your favourite streaming services, but I think it’s best experienced with the creative music video, the 11th collaboration between Georgia and indie director and cinematographer Rohan Spong. It’s stunning, but if moths make you squeamish you might want to give it a miss!

“Holding My Hands Out” comes from Georgia’s long-awaited third album, Hiraeth, which is due to drop in November. Fans can expect to hear more from that release when she launches “Holding My Hands Out” with an all-ages matinee show at Wesley Anne on July 10.

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

YDE Makes Her Mark With “Old Her”

Aussie-born, US-based artist YDE has really impressed me with her latest single “Old Her”. With insightful lyrics and a fresh sound, I can’t stop listening. At 19 she’s probably too young for an existential crisis, but I’m buying it!

“‘Old Her’ is my perspective on growing up and feeling like life never gets easier,” YDE explained. “Each verse is a real-time reflection from different chapters of life that all point back to the sarcastic conclusion that ignorance is bliss.”

She’s not even out of her teens yet, but YDE has already accomplished so much. She had starring roles in the Nickelodeon series The Haunted Hathaways and School of Rock and Netflix’s Malibu Rescue. She also starred alongside Broadway queen Idina Menzel in the live production, WILD: A Musical Becoming. Past singles “BlindLife” and “Stopped Buying Diamonds” got the attention of Drake and Justin Bieber. Now “Old Her” sets the stage for YDE’s debut album, which drops later this year.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Euan Hart Drops Gorgeous New Single, “145”

If you’re having one of those workdays that can’t end fast enough, allow yourself a couple of minutes to bliss out to “145,” the latest single from Sydney singer-songwriter Euan Hart. It’s a bit of a slow burner, but trust me, when it kicks in, you’ll be glad you stuck with it. This dreamy number is a sonic equivalent of an afternoon chocolate bar, soothing and so satisfying. The song was born out of the angst Euan felt during his studies.

“I was just starting back at uni and had a lot of anxiety around why I was there, why everyone was there,” Euan explained. “I felt a little strange about how these marks were determined by people that had simply done the same thing I was doing, but for a longer period of time.

The song’s music video, produced and directed by Euan and Jack Moran, is the second in a three-part series.

“Generally the trilogy is about mental health and being overwhelmed by other people’s expectations,” Euan said. “The biggest thing that annoys me in life is people not being nice to each other. It sounds simple and cheesy but surely it’s something everyone wants!”

Sydney, you can see Euan, one of the nice guys of the music industry, headlining a show at the OAF Gallery on August 4.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Jack Moran

Sloan Peterson Rocks Out With “Wear My Heart Out”

After experimenting with electro-pop, Brisbane singer-songwriter Sloan Peterson has brought back the guitars for her latest single “Wear My Heart Out.” A collaboration with her best friend and fellow music Pearl, Sloan says the track is a product of her most authentic self.

“I tend to be a lone wolf, spending a lot of time struggling to socialise or even attend events. Music was one of the only communities I had been a part of or known, and so it was a no brainer – I wanted my next single to have my best friend featuring on it, bringing some girl power and community back into my life!” she affirmed. “Pearl and I wrote this song one morning over a cuppa in Rose Bay, after dissecting our most recent experiences in life, and relating them to other stories we had heard from people in lockdown.”

The song comes with a fun clip loosely inspired by the opening scene of Guardians of the Galaxy, where Star-Lord dances freely to “Come and Get Your Love.”

“We only had a small team of four, including Pearl and myself, so we had freedom to run around the city with no restrictions,” Sloan added. “This was one of the most enjoyable, easy going video clips I’ve been a part of and watched, as it captures the raw, uninhibited dynamic/relationship Pearl and I share together. She’s one of my closest friends so it’s been the best to share this journey with her.”

Welcome back Sloan Peterson! The music scene has missed you!

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Joe Brennan

Good Lekker Releases Retro Single, “Pretty Boys”

If you love all things ‘80s, you’ll appreciate the retro vibe of Good Lekker’s latest single “Pretty Boys”. It’s a synthy pop-rock banger that will have you busting out those old-school dance moves before you know it.

“‘Pretty Boys’ is our reflection on narcissists and their impact on those around them,” the Sydney band explained. “It quietly frowns at those who continually seek to benefit themselves at the expense of others. By going after these people, we hope to motivate ourselves and others to interact with one another in more healthy ways and, ultimately, create awareness through our music and shows.”

Good Lekker expands on the theme with their fantastic new music video, which was shot across Sydney and Wollongong with director Nicholas Isaksson. The clip highlights the narcissistic stereotype with its two protagonists.

“Their relationship throughout the film highlights the ups and downs that many people have with partners, friends and family,” the band added. “We see that these events shouldn’t define us nor stop us from moving on with our lives. The film clip inspired the meaning and the lyrics of the track. Nicholas came to us with the storyline, and then we wrote the song; usually, it’s the other way round. This was a challenge when it came to re-writing the song in the studio and keeping the message coherent.”

Good Lekker are currently travelling all around the East Coast and Tassie supporting local legends Shag Rock and British India. You can still catch them at the following venues:

17 June 2022 – Crowbar, Sydney (supporting British India)
18 June 2022 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (supporting British India)
24 June 2022 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (supporting Shag Rock)
25 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane (supporting Shag Rock)
26 June 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Maroochydore (supporting Shag Rock)
2 July 2022 – Altar, Hobart (supporting Shag Rock)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

“Can’t Get Enough” of Zachary Leo’s New Single

Melbourne artist Zachary Leo is adding a little funk to your morning with his ultra-cool new single “Can’t Get Enough”. With that groovy bassline, airy synths, and Zachary’s effortless vocals, I can’t get enough of this song!

“The song speaks about being addicted to something that isn’t good for you and constantly wanting to distance yourself from reality, something that I found myself doing a lot over the past few years,” Zachary admitted. “A lot of my music tends to relate to what is going on inside my head, whether that be happy feelings or feelings of sadness. There are also frequent links to mental health which is something I feel very passionate about sharing with the world, so that hopefully others can feel they aren’t alone in their struggles.”

Zachary will officially launch the single for hometown fans at Cherry Bar on June 10. If this song is any indication, it’s going to a fun night!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Start the Party With Laura Mac

It’s just close enough to the weekend to start the party tunes I think. Queue Laura Mac’s, whose latest single “Don’t Know What I’m Thinking” deserves to get turned up loud at your next shindig. I’ve been moving and grooving to this one at home, but something tells me it’d sound even sweeter surrounded by mates with a bevvy in hand.

“Party, disco, dance – we’re just having fun with it!” explained one half of the Queensland duo, Laura Maclachlan. “All our songs have a different vibe but I feel like we’ve kept our own unique sound. DKWIT is staying up all night partying and loving every second of it. Celebrate every chance you get, party with your mates and dance ‘til you drop… High 5!!”

Laura Mac will play their very first live show supporting British India tomorrow night before playing some East Coast shows in July and August.

21 May 2022 – Solbar, Maroochydore (supporting British India)
29 July 2022 – Greaser Bar, Brisbane (FREE)
6 Aug 2022 – The Last Chance, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Dane Beesley