For a big, ballsy rock number, you can’t do much better than “Balance,” the first cut from Sydney band Clay J Gladstone’s upcoming debut EP. It’s got everything you want from a rock track: crunchy guitar chords, relentless drums, and gritty vocals. There’s an awful lot to like.
“I wrote this song for our guitarist, Johnny. It’s about struggling to find balance in life, and how the grass is always greener until you get there,” Clay explained. “It deals with anxiety, depression, and drug addiction.”
Clay J Gladstone’s debut EP Dead Friends will drop soon. Until then, crank this up to 11!
Miriam Lieberman has captivated me with her gorgeous new single “Infinite We Are.” There’s a delicate, ethereal beauty about this one. Miriam’s voice is hypnotic and otherworldly. The strings and lush background harmonies only add to the magic.
“This song is about the power of imagination,” Miriam said. “It’s about sharing our dreams, stories and imaginings as a way to go beyond our own limitations, and the benefit of dreaming.”
The track comes with a poignant animated music video featuring the work of artist Aidan Judd.
“I had an idea that I wanted the video to begin in black and white, with a feeling of separation and alienation that through the characters allowing themselves to dream would turn into a colourful, nature inclusive space where the characters reconnected with each other,” Miriam explained of the clip’s inspiration.
“Infinite We Are” comes from Miriam’s new album Transforming, which drops on May 28. She’s currently touring the single around the East Coast. Both remaining shows are all-ages gigs, so take the whole family along to experience this incredible artist.
30 May 2021 – Django @ Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
26 June 2021 – The Base, Newcastle
Potsville/Brisbane act Eliza & The Delusionals have just dropped their new indie pop-rock track “You,” and I can’t stop listening. It’s instantly accessible, with a radio-friendly familiarity that quickly forges a connection with listeners. But once you tap into the lyrics, you’ll start to appreciate just how special this song is.
“‘You’ was written as a point of view type situation of any type of relationship where you just can’t possibly do enough for a person, only to have them give nothing in return and pretty much throw it back in your face,” explained the band’s guitarist Kurt Skuse. “Essentially watching someone fall apart and knowing there’s nothing more you can do to help. That’s why it’s called ‘You’, it’s for you.”
For the music video, Eliza & The Delusionals worked with Nick Maguire, who’s also created clips for Cub Sport, Ball Park Music, and Last Dinosaurs.
“We were lucky enough to be able to film the video in a warehouse at Screen QLD, which was really handy as we had multiple large sets to build. It was great for that because we had more than enough space to work out of,” the band said. “We wanted it to be inspired by the 90’s/2000’s outfit and style-wise, and we wanted it to have something that was nostalgic but with a fresh feel to it.”
Eliza & The Delusionals are touring almost everywhere in June and July supporting The VANNS. If you’re lucky enough to have tickets already, make sure you arrive early to catch their set at the following shows. Some limited tickets are still available for selected shows.
10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show – SOLD OUT)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Late Show)
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
15 July 2021 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 July 2021 – Kambri @ ANU, Canberra
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit Kurt Skuse
The patience of the Sea Gypsies’ fans has been rewarded, with the Central Coast band releasing their first song after a two-year hiatus. It sounds like time away from the spotlight has done them good, because “Daydream” is definitely worth the wait.
“Daydream is a love song, without being an ‘in-your-face’ love song,” the band explained. “On the surface, the lyrics are indicative of our vocalist’s (Luke Marlin) relationship experiences, however, the music leaves the listener feeling as though this song is built upon layers of relational failures and triumphs.”
“We loved Daydream from the moment our vocalist (Luke Marlin) began penning the lyrics into his worn, black notebook,” they said. “The chorus is catchy and it’s not just the phrase: ‘Life is like a daydream. Honey, when you’re with me.’ Luke energised it with a singable melody that feels familiar, yet somehow, has a fresh, Sea Gypsies flavour to it.”
Honestly, it was those lyrics that suckered me in. They’re poetic without being sappy. Add in Luke’s emotive vocals and that laidback but funky AF groove and there’s a lot to like here. The song is complemented by a video featuring footage from one of the band’s hometown shows around The Entrance. It’s a timely reminder that before this pandemic hit, the Sea Gypsies were selling out shows along the East Coast. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see them doing that again!
With the release of their new single “Bless My Soul,” Perth act COTERIE have reminded me just how much I love them. This is such a stellar track, anchored by Tyler Fisher’s soulful vocals and that gorgeous piano melody. I’m not a religious person, but I imagine listening to this track delivers the same sort of catharsis people feel after a powerful sermon. In short, it’s really good.
“Obsessively questioning our decisions, and the constant second-guessing we put into becoming the “right” person, can sometimes hold us back from being that person in the first place,” Tyler explained of the song’s inspiration.
Crank this one up and I swear it’ll make your day better.
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia
South Coast rock act Pacific Avenue are spreading the good vibes with their latest single “Easy Love.” It’s brand new but it already feels like a classic thanks to its bold 70s-inspired guitar line and those killer harmonies.
“Whilst love can be an entirely complicated mess, it’s also the easiest thing we do,” said Pacific Avenue frontman Harry O’Brien. “Running into someone, unexpectedly at that, and finding that you don’t need to try being anyone but yourself, is a very sweet thing and is something that’s worth holding on to. Regardless of who you are, love is love, and that’s what we hope to convey through the song and the video clip.”
The retro vibes continue with the film clip, which was shot on 16mm film around the band’s hometown of Kiama. The video sees the band performing random acts of kindness in their community as they cruise around in a vintage Pontiac.
“A lot of thought and work would go into the shots as lighting and movement had to be spot on due to limited amount of film,” Harry explained. “Although it was quite a meticulous process, we managed to film the majority of the clip in one day, starting at 5 am in the morning and ending at midnight. Safe to say we were exhausted by the end.”
Pacific Avenue will leave the South Coast behind for a national tour starting later this month. Check them out at the following venues:
28 May 2021 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
29 May 2021 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
4 June 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
18 June 2021 – West Room, Brisbane
2 July 2021 – Oxford Arts, Sydney
After starring in Hollywood blockbusters including It, It: Chapter 2, and Captain Fantastic, Australia’s Nicholas Hamilton is back on home soil and showing the depth of his artistry. The COVID-19 pandemic lured him back to Australia where he’s now focusing on his music career. His latest single “In Line” explores the emotions he felt leaving Australia and pursuing his film career in Los Angeles. Its cool bluesiness reminds me of The Black Keys while his rich tone and pop sensibility takes cues from George Ezra.
“I wrote this song just after I moved to the US. It’s all too fitting, as the song is about how I felt before and after getting on that plane to come over to the States and start my independent, adult life,” he recalled. “I was battling my own headstrong decisions about making that leap and leaving my family, friends, and childhood behind. The whole track is me singing to my brain, which was something I didn’t lean into until later on in the writing process.”
With so many global film productions moving Down Under, I think Nicholas might stick around for a while yet. Hopefully, that means music lovers might get the chance to see him live soon.
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Travis Walters
Boo Seeka has teamed up with Golding for “Don’t Waste Your Love,” a guaranteed floor-filler that’ll get you geared up for the weekend ahead. These two Aussie acts are both at the top of their game and it shows in this killer collaboration. It’s got such an infectious upbeat vibe, but don’t miss the lyrics which deal with some pretty heavy stuff.
“’Don’t Waste Your Love’ came about when I was going through a tough time. I was experiencing this uncomfortable anxiety that made me feel detached from both my surroundings and my emotions,” explained Jay from Golding. “Not being able to feel the love of my family around me created a shocking, yet somehow empty feeling, to the point where it was almost a physical numbness.”
The lyrics pack a real emotional punch, but the catchy melody ensures it doesn’t weigh you down. This is dance music with heart, and I am here for it.
We’re going to hear plenty more from these guys this year, with Boo Seeka working on a new album and an EP on the way for Golding. When asked whether we might see them sharing a stage, Golding said “There could be a few appearances during some Boo Seeka sets … maybe.” It sounds like whatever happens, there are exciting times ahead!
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: i.am.fraser.
The VANNS have reminded me just how much I love their music with the release of their latest single “Red Light.” Their debut album Through the Walls was my favourite release of 2019, and if this new track is any indication, I’m going to lap up the next one. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For now, hit play and let this killer rock track wash over you.
The South Coast band recorded “Red Light” in Byron Bay, and I can definitely hear the influence of that town in this track. There’s a relaxed cool to the vocals and guitars, although it never threatens the song’s intensity.
“We recorded ‘Red Light’ in an insanely nice studio just outside of Byron Bay called The Music Farm. We did a few days there and recorded a couple of tunes with producer/all-round legend Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Ruby Fields). The process was pretty stress-free, and we recorded live with all of us in the same room which I’d like to think translates on the recording,” explained lead guitarist Cameron Little.
“I view ‘Red Light’ as a story of a “lack of control” state of being. Not everything is as it may seem, jumping to reactions may cause more harm than good,” added the band’s drummer, Andrew Banovich. “For myself, this single was the first of many written with myself involved and shows a move towards a sound that is influenced a lot more on groove and feel.”
The clip saw the band travel to Broken Hill. The outback city provided a stunning backdrop, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
“It was hot, we were severely dehydrated and we are running in RM William boots, not the best combo but damn we had a ball,” admitted frontman Jimmy Vann. “We headed out to Broken Hill with our best mate and videographer Todd Hardingham (Senor Friday) to shoot a clip and try to capture as much red outback dirt as possible. We had no real plan, we were more in it for the journey and just being a bunch of young lads keen for a road trip but I’m stoked with how it turned out!”
With live music back on the agenda, The VANNS are hitting the road this winter. Catch them at the following venues around the country.
10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
Luca Brasi has teamed up with SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY to encourage people to get talking about mental health and suicide prevention. To celebrate the collaboration, the Tassie punk act has released a new lyric video for their poignant track “The Truth.” Frontman Tyler Richardson has also shared his personal battle with mental health issues in a new video for the charity’s Stories Worth Sharing series.
“I’ve spent a lot of my adult years in and out of cycles of loss and of grief,” he explained. “I’m even writing these words on the anniversary of a dear friend’s loss; unfortunately I often feel numb on days like these—I’ve had a lot of them. What I don’t want is any more of them, any more days where I have to go and face the family and friends of another lost friend. Any more days of families losing loved ones, of partners losing partners, of parents losing children. We’ve been lucky enough to make connections through this band that I could never have foreseen, this is what I’ll take away from Luca Brasi overall; that I got to somehow touch the lives of others through music in a positive way.”
“‘The Truth’ is about how hopeless I feel during all this loss,” he added. “It’s a hope that this song helps those listening feel less like an island, and that others feel what you have felt/are feeling. You are not alone, I can promise you that.”
You can support the vital work SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY does by buying a new limited edition Luca Brasi T-shirt from the band’s online merch store. All the profits from sales of the charity shirt will benefit the charity directly, so get on it!
Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Nick Green
