When I saw Sam Buckinghamsupporting Tim Freedman recently, “Something More” was one of the tracks that impressed me most. So I’m thrilled to see the rest of the country gets to discover this folky feminist anthem.
“I wrote this song because I was tired of being told I was asking too much – when really, all I’ve ever asked for is the absolute bare minimum of equality and respect,” she said. “It’s a reminder to myself not to accept the status quo.”
“Something More” gives us our first official taste of Sam’s upcoming album Dear John. Before that drops later this year, get a sneaky listen to some more new material at Sam’s upcoming gigs.
4 June 2021 – Low 302, Surry Hills
5 June 2021 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
10 June 2021 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
11 June 2021 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
12 June 2021 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
18 June 2021 – Establishment Bar, Dubbo
19 June 2021 – Little Alberts Room, Bathurst
25 June 2021 – Marvel Hall, Byron Bay
26 June 2021 – Bellingen Brewery, Bellingen
Image used with permission from Serious Gelato Records
Amen Mustang is taking me back to the early 2000s with his shiny new indie-pop single “Lover in Disguise.” This track takes its cues from acts like Miami Horror, MGMT, and Passion Pit. I love its upbeat synthy sound and dancy drum patterns, providing the perfect foil for the insightful lyrics.
Amen Mustang is the latest solo project for Jenny Broke the Window singer Sam Lathlean. He explained the song’s inspiration, noting that “’Lover in Disguise’ is a song at the core that’s about the overwhelming size of the world, and how little things that seem almost trivial can lead you down a path in life that is completely different. Especially with relationships, the people you meet by happenstance and even the people you don’t meet.
“That’s something I think about a lot – the people we don’t meet in our life that could have had a huge impact on us in a positive way. LID touches on that point – someone looking for a person that could either be right under their nose or worlds away, but due to chance, paths don’t cross. Bit like that freaky Gwyneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors.”
For your convenience, you can find “Lover in Disguise” packaged on streaming services with past singles “(The Shit You Say) When You’re High” and “Someone to Somebody.” Explore all the tracks and get to know this exciting Sydney act.
Adelaide indie-pop act Pinkish Blu celebrates the creativity and camaraderie they’ve found pursuing music with their latest single “Start a Band.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but once it gets under your skin I predict you’ll have it on repeat like I do.
“Start a Band’ is about knowing someone that’s stuck in a rut and our honest, heartfelt advice to them is to just “start a band”, because based off our experience, it’s one of the best things a person can do in their life,” Pinkish Blu gushed. “Being in a band has become less about writing and performing music together and more about sharing a special bond. From the countless laughing fits and leaning on each other to sleep, to knowing each others’ favourite foods, TV shows, and music off by heart, we can depend on each other to be there through all the ups and downs and as a bonus, we get to play music together. So I guess you could say this song is part directive and part celebration for anyone down in the dumps to consider starting a band.”
The single comes with a music video that gives you a sneak peek at life on the road with Pinkish Blu. The Adelaide band rarely sit still, supporting the likes of The Rubens and Trophy Eyes and gracing stages at Groovin the Moo and BIGSOUND. You’ll next see them on the road supporting Odette. Make sure you turn up early enough to see their set at the following shows:
14 May 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
21 May 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane
22 May 2021 – The Northern, Byron Bay
23 May 2021 – HOTA, Gold Coast
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Noah Sutherland
Perth indie-rock act Sly Withers have dropped an epic new single ahead of their Aussie tour. “Clarkson” is just what the doctor ordered, with an anthemic, singalong chorus and bold, chunky guitars. Crank up the volume, press play, and enjoy this one.
“Clarkson” comes from Sly Withers’ new album Gardens, which is scheduled for a June 11 release. Expect to hear a few more tracks at the following shows. Note that most have already sold out, but there are a few tickets remaining for the rest if you’re quick!
6 May 2021 – Jive, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
7 May 2021 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
8 May 2021 – The River, Margaret River
13 May 2021 – Newcastle Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
14 May 2021 – Crowbar, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
15 May 2021 – UC Hub, Canberra
20 May 2021 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
21 May 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
22 May 2021 – Solbar, Maroochydore (SOLD OUT)
27 May 2021 – Altar Bar, Hobart (SOLD OUT)
28 May 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
29 May 2021 – Howler, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
Image used with permission from Deathproof PR
The murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests around the world shone a light on the systemic racism BIPOC face every day. Brisbane trio THE RIOT give voice to the frustration many of us still feel with their latest single “See it Believe it.” The band’s Triple J Unearthed profile calls THE RIOT a rock band, but this single refuses to sit neatly in that box. With rap and hardcore influences, this is an anthem for the marginalised.
The press release insists “See it Believe it” isn’t a protest song in the traditional sense. It also notes that while BIPOC were at the front of the band’s minds, it’s for all persecuted people, including the LGBTQIA+ community, underpaid workers, women who feel diminished by society, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen. The song is accompanied by a music video directed by Xinger Xanger (aka Jordan Kirk).
“The music video captures the final feeling that ties this song together as a whole,” said frontman JD. “Jordan instantly shared the same vision as us and was able to portray it in a way we could have only wished for.”
It might seem strange to release a song like “See it Believe it” now, eight months after the events that sparked its creation. However, that’s no accident. The band’s message is clear: suffering is ongoing and something we should all keep at the front of our mind long after people stop using the hashtags.
THE RIOT will launch “See it Believe it” at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads on April 23.
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia
Hump Days are hard, but Cairns singer-songwriter LT has you covered with her uplifting new pop single, “Hold Ya.” This track is so good for the soul, with a sweet melody and angelic vocals from LT. If you’re struggling to make it to lunchtime, this song can give you at least a few minutes of joy.
“’Hold Ya’ was written during a pretty turbulent time,” LT explained. “It’s a story about two people in love, however through the struggles they’ve endured they begin to drift apart. Neither of them want to leave, but both of them are desperately seeking reassurance that the other wants them to in fact stay and it turns out they both do.”
The song has a beautiful nostalgic quality, so it’s only fitting that the film clip is set at her local roller-skating rink. LT was full of praise for her collaborator, emerging filmmaker and fellow Cairns artist Chelsey Johnston.
“Chelsey had the beautiful idea of capturing moments of connection between people. Mothers and daughters, best friends and lovers all connecting in different ways. She messed around with the speed of the track during the filming process, which really signified to me the changes of pace we all experience in any relationship. Relationships change, move, disappear and reinvent themselves all the time and our life can be quite tough if we don’t allow them to do that. Sometimes you’ve got to try harder, and sometimes you have to let go. We chose to film at the Cairns Roller Skating Rink as it’s dear to the community and holds so many memories and stories of connection within its 1980s decor.”
Like many of us, LT simplified her life last year. For her, that meant rebranding herself from using her full name Leanne Tennant professionally to the catchier LT.
“I rarely ever get called by my full name, and I really felt that after such a complicated year it was time to simplify my life and go by the name most know me by and start 2021 with a fresh outlook. LT feels so right to me,” she said.
After taking time for quiet in 2020, LT is thrilled to get back in front of music lovers. Queenslanders can catch her at the following upcoming shows.
17 April 2021 – Bearded Lady, Brisbane (supporting Roz Pappalardo)
22 April 2021 – Brother Jenkins, Cairns (supporting Roz Pappalardo)
1 & 2 May 2021 – Sunshine Sounds Festival, Eumundi
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Bridie Jane Eagen
Caravãna Sun have just dropped the video for their most recent single “Stella,” reminding all of us just how good this song is. This is one of those tracks that’s really grown on me since its release. I always enjoyed it, but over time I’ve come to really appreciate its upbeat vibe and deeply personal lyrics. It’s easy to miss the message when you’re grooving along, but once you tap into it listening to this song becomes so much more rewarding.
Caravãna Sun frontman Ant Beard said he was inspired to write the song after a close friend suffered a miscarriage. The song looked to celebrate the joy, excitement and positive energy this unborn life had brought to the world before their passing.
“‘Stella’ was written as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always a shift that goes on inside of people. A changing of perspective or a lens on the life we’d never seen through before,” he explained. “I wanted to remind my friend that even though they’d never get the chance to hold their baby, there’d been a monumental shift in them. A light I’d never seen before; energy behind every word, that spoke with such deep empath and true authentic excitement for what this new life meant to them.”
Ant decided to keep the track a secret right up to the day the band stepped into the studio. Changing the approach brought a new spontaneous energy to the song which I think really works.
“Normally, we’d work on our parts in pre-production and be very prepared, but there was something different about this song. Some quiet voice, that wanted to put everyone on the spot and see how they’d relate and what they’d play after hearing it for the first time,” he said. “It created an energy in the studio that was beyond special and turned the song into something truly greater than the sum of its parts.”
Catch Caravãna Sun at one of their upcoming shows:
10 April 2021 – Great Lakes Paddocks, Wootton
30 April 2021 – Divers Tavern, Broome
1 May 2021 – Divers Tavern, Broome
Image used with permission from Guerilla Music Promotions
Melbourne hip-hop act Birdz has teamed up with Sydney soul chanteuse Ngaiire for a gorgeous new single “Fly.” This is really uplifting stuff, with two of the country’s most exciting BIPOC voices, both with different styles, coming together to create something beautiful.
“As Indigenous people, we carry with us the oldest living cultures in the world,” Birdz said. “That’s something sacred that no one can ever take from us – it’s that energy that holds our heads up high no matter what the world throws at us.”
The song saw Birdz teaming up with his longtime producer and friend trials, but they knew they needed a great soul voice to really elevate the song.
“We had the hook idea in the stash for ages and I eventually came back to it to record the verses months later. Once we had a decent demo, trials and I knew we needed a soulful singer to really bring it home. I’ve always been a huge fan of Ngaiire’s and think that she’s hands down one of the best singer-songwriters in the country.”
“Fly” was one of the first tracks Birdz wrote for his new album project, which is scheduled for release later this year. If it’s all this good, it’s going to be pretty special.
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia
Timothy Wolf is a brand new soul artist, but you wouldn’t know it listening to his new single “In Your Arms Again.” There’s a real old-school sensibility to this one, and I can’t get enough. From those restrained horns to Timothy’s incredible falsetto, it’s the best kind of throwback.
He recorded the track in Byron Bay at Bernard Fanning and Nick DiDia’s famed La Cueva Studios, enjoying a moment of respite before lockdowns in his hometown of Melbourne kicked in.
“It was such a special time away. We didn’t know we were within the eye of the Covid 19 hurricane or that we’d head straight back into a gruelling stage 4 Melbourne lockdown. Timing came together for us perfectly as we were gifted the opportunity to hide away in the Byron Bay Hinterland, connect as the musical family we’d always seen the potential for and bring these songs to life,” he explained.
As you might expect, Timothy grew up around music from Otis Redding, Etta James, and other classic acts.
“It inspires me that they came from a time where they literally founded and defined the rules of balladry and songwriting. I think ‘In Your Arms Again’ is pretty true to some of these classic influences whilst lending itself to a contemporary soundscape. I’ve been quite ambitious pushing the boundaries yet trying to serve this song with the influences it deserves whilst also incorporating the sound and identity myself and The Howlers have to offer,” he said. “The song comes from a dreamy, old soul, rosy-eyed state. I’m lucky enough for all of my grandparents to have had 50+ year marriages. This song highlights the commitment relationships like this take whilst also drawing from within my own rosy-eyed beginnings. There’s also a chance it might have come from one of the weddings I’ve played trying to support my original project.”
The video captures Timothy Wolf and his band The Howlers playing a sold-out debut show at the Night Cat last month. If it looks like a lot of fun, make sure you catch Timothy at Northcote Social Club in Melbourne on May 6. It’s still more than a month away, but given how quickly tickets for his last local show sold, I’d jump on this one now!
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Mike Ridley
Country darling Casey Barnes is dabbling in pop with his latest single “Come Turn Me On.” The country influence in the violin and steel guitar is unmistakable, but those catchy hooks and upbeat energy should give this track plenty of crossover appeal.
“I’d like to think that we’re trying to shape our own unique sound at the moment. I don’t really want to sound like anyone else,” Casey explained. “With this single, it has that blend of modern country meets commercial pop which I’ve really connected with over the last few years. The song is about a guy who’s basically travelled around the world, seen his fair share of girls but nothing compares to coming home to the one he loves.”
The clip is also Casey’s most ambitious.
“We’ve gone all out with this video and I think it’s easily the most expensive clip I’ve shot to date – but we wanted to make sure this one was pretty special,” he enthused. “My wife Michelle is a creative genius and the whole concept for this video has been her baby. Colin Jeffs from Ten of Swords Media has brought it to life. We found this incredible venue in Brisbane called Smoked Garage which is a multi-level event space where each floor has a completely different look to it, so it was the perfect place to shoot. The concept is that it’s one big party and everything has been made to look like it was shot in one take within the venue, culminating in a big high energy finale out in the side street at the end.”
Casey hasn’t let the global pandemic slow him down. His latest album Town Of a Million Dreams topped the country charts and earned him an ARIA nomination. This track’s already clocked up more than 100,000 Spotify streams just a couple of weeks after its release and been featured on the platform’s Fresh Country and New Music Fridays playlists. He’s also just announced a bunch of festival and headlining dates.
“I can’t wait to add ‘Come Turn Me On’ into the set for all our upcoming shows!” he said. “We’ve actually created a brand-new live show for 2021, and it’s great to finally see some major festivals and events coming back after the pandemic, which we’re thrilled to be playing at in the weeks and months to come.”
Check him Casey’s brand-new set at the following venues.
25 March 2021 – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne (18+)
27 March 2021 – Mathinna Country Club, Mathinna (18+)
10 April 2021 – Winton’s Way Out West Fest, Winton (ALL AGES)
24 April 2021 – Gippsland Country Music Festival, Mossvale Park (ALL AGES)
30 April 2021 – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba (18+)
26 & 27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster (ALL AGES)
1 October 2021 – Savannah in the Round, Mareeba (ALL AGES)
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Luke Marsden
