Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Say Goodbye to Yuma X With Final Single Release, “We Could Be So Good”

Sydney duo Yuma X have decided to go their separate ways, but they’re leaving us with a parting gift. What delicious irony that their final release together, “We Could Be So Good” is one of their best.

Lucy Washington and Jake Smith have been releasing music together since 2015, but I guess all good things must eventually come to an end. Knowing this is their final single together certainly makes listening to this song a bittersweet experience.

“WCBSG is a real feel-good song, and the visuals in the music video capture that perfectly. I think this song is my favourite we’ve written and it feels like the perfect high note to end on. I’m so grateful for the last 5 years we’ve had and the music we’ve released and everyone who has supported us along the journey. I’m really proud of this one because it’s something so positive and happy that came out of the hardest and strangest year. I hope it puts a smile on people’s faces and is the background song to many fun memories people make in the future.”

“We Could Be So Good” was born out of a period of musical experimentation inspired by acts like Lana Del Rey and Frank Ocean. As Jake explained, they were “moving towards a sound that’s more fun and dancefloor-centric,” Jake explained.
It’s all a bit sad to think what might have been. In that spirit, get nostalgic about Yuma X with this lyric video, which documents the act’s creative process and their personal lives outside the music world.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Liz Stringer Drops Title Track Ahead of “First Time Really Feeling” Album Release

There’s something special about listening to new music from a seasoned pro like Liz Stringer. The Melbourne-born musician is prepared to release her sixth studio album, First Time Really Feeling, and she’s giving us a little taste with the release of the title track.

“It’s about experiencing the world with a clear and present heart for the first time after beginning a process of intense personal change, precipitated by getting sober at 36,” she explained. “It was initially very frightening but ultimately liberating and necessary for me to face everything that I hadn’t been able to look at, for a lot of different reasons, for many years. There’s real fear in real feeling. But I believe now that, for me, it’s the only place from which real love can grow and thrive.”

The music video, directed by Dyllan Corbett, is a powerful exploration of the world around us right now.

“Exploring the outskirts of Melbourne just out of lockdown, we wanted the camera to feel the energy of life on the road while capturing a nostalgia and simple beauty of home,” Dyllan explained. “With a small crew, we convoyed around to find these almost forgotten about places; which now inspired a deeper gratitude in us all. In some ways the message of the track reinforced the team’s creativity; helping us to find inspiration in the seemingly mundane.”

The album First Time Really Feeling drops on April 30. Liz will perform at Castlemaine State Festival on April 2, with more shows to come.

Image used with permission from Remote Control Records; credit: Kristoffer Paulsen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Drops Tasty New Single, “Lemon + Lime”

Summer might be fizzling out, but Joe Mungovan is helping us hold on to its laidback vibes a little longer with his ultra-chill new single “Lemon + Lime.” Hit play, close your eyes, and you’ll be instantly transported to the beach, mojito in hand.

Like so many great tracks, “Lemon + Lime” was inspired by a chance encounter with a girl. Joe met the mystery woman after a show in Germany. Their time might have been short-lived, but it lives on in this cracking single.

“We had a magical time together and I tried to encapsulate the feeling of that night in the sonic elements of the song,” he explained. “Lemon + Lime’ is a track I’ve been working on for about six months. During the Covid lockdown, I was living on a property in Kangaroo Valley. The space provided me with a lot of time to write music and look back on the memories made over the past years of touring and making music. The song came together a lot easier than most of my songs; it sort of just fell out. I got my mate Tim Carr down to my little studio set up I was using and we finished off the song together. The cicadas were so loud at that time of year that we had to build a soundproof booth out of blankets and cushions to record the vocals in.”

This gentle groove is just what I needed to get me through the rest of Humpday. What do you think readers?

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Ruby Boland (@rubyboland)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Drop Gorgeous New Single “Brother” Ahead of Album Release and Victorian Tour

I was already excited about the release of Pierce Brothers’ sophomore album Into the Great Unknown next month, but the release of a new single “Brother” has my anticipation at a fever pitch. It’s a gorgeous slow burner that explores the themes of being away from family. You can bet it’s hitting extra hard with the current Victorian lockdown in force.

The video adds some lightness to this powerful track, as Pat Pierce explains.

“We wanted to juxtapose the earnestness of the song with a bit of a piss-take,“ he said, “We went in there with the intention of playing the whole thing straight, but then when Justin (our older brother) said he could drop in, we thought it would just be way funnier if we tried to do an honest-to-God straight performance, and he just walks through and messes it up for us. We couldn’t stop laughing at the thought of it so we figured, why not?”

Pierce Brothers’ new album Into the Great Unknown drops on March 5. To celebrate its release, they’ve announced a string of shows around Victoria. With limited COVID-safe capacities, gigs are already selling out so get onto those tickets ASAP. If you’re in another state, don’t despair. The lads are planning on getting to you soon.

“In 2021 we’re planning on an entire regional Australia run!” Pat explained, “but the problem is that if we announce tickets too far in advance, there’s risk of border closures between the announce and the date of the gig. We want to avoid all postponing/cancellations of shows so this year it’s announce and GO!”

20 March 2021 – The Old Coal Mine “The Shed,” Wonthaggi (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2021 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
27 March 2021 – Chapel Off Chapel, Prahran
4 April 2021 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay
9 April 2021 – Volta Arts & Culture, Ballarat
10 April 2021 – Pier Bandroom, Frankston
22 April 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
23 April 2021 – The Espy, St Kilda
30 April 2021 – Corner Hotel, Richmond
7 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave
21 May 2021 – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point
22 May 2021 – Westernport Hotel, San Remo

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blake O’Connor Drops “Willin’ and Ready” Single, Touring Eastern States

Blake O’Connor has dropped his first new music since winning the Golden Guitar for Best New Talent last year. His new song “Willin’ and Ready” is a feel-good slice of country-rock. It instantly won me over with its infectious energy.

The single came out of songwriting sessions with Aussie country power couple, Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont. Superstar producer Nick DiDia (Powderfinger, Bruce Springsteen) and Adam Eckersley then produced the track at Nick’s Byron Bay studio. The song’s video clip features footage from that studio session.

“It has been an awesome journey to bring this song to life,” Blake said. “From writing to recording it has been a high-energy process that really comes out in the song.” Reflecting on the lyrics he explained, “This is where I am at right now. I’m young, ambitious and I’m always on the move with my music.”

Despite COVID restrictions, Blake has been busy touring as far as he can. He’ll soon wrap up the Silver Linings tour with Sinead Burgess before heading on the road with Diesel, then playing his own solo shows. Catch him wherever you can at the following gigs.

13 February 2021 – Laurieton United Services Club, Laurieton (with Sinead Burgess)
5 March 2021 – Centro CBD, Wollongong (with Sinead Burgess)
23 April 2021 – Coffs Golf Club, Coffs Harbour (with Diesel)
24 April 2021 – Maclean Bowls, Maclean (with Diesel)
13 May 2021 – Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba
14 May 2021 – Fitzys Loganholme, Loganholme (with Diesel)
16 May 2021 – The Royal, Nundah (with Diesel)
21 May 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave (with Diesel)
22 May 2021 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote (with Diesel)
28 May 2021 – Spring Lakes Hotel, Springfield Lakes (with Diesel)
29 May 2021 – Bribie Island Hotel, Bribie Island
11 June 2021 – Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay (with Diesel)
12 June 2021 – Kirwan Tavern, Townsville (with Diesel)
13 June 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns (with Diesel)
16 June 2021 – Allenstown Hotel, Rockhampton (with Diesel)
17 June 2021 – Harvey Road Tavern, Gladstone (with Diesel)
18 June 2021 – Bay Central Tavern, Harvey Bay (with Diesel)
25 June 2021 – Moonshiners, Tamworth
26 June 2021 – Wauchope RSL, Wauchope
1 July 2021 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
2 July 2021 – Windsor RSL, Windsor
3 July 2021 – Dubbo RSL, Dubbo

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pete Murray Strikes Gold With “If We Never Dance Again”

Pete Murray burst onto the music scene with the release of his debut album Feeler in 2003 and has earned acclaim from devoted fans and critics alike since that time. Except for this one. I’ve got to admit, I’ve just never warmed to his music. I’ve certainly been exposed to it; his tracks dominate radio and he’s supported my favourite singer Rob Thomas on a couple of tours. But I’ve always found his music a little pedestrian, until now. I was prepared to yawn through his latest single “If We Never Dance Again” too, but I’ve got to admit, I like it. A lot.

Pete wrote the track in Los Angeles in May 2019 with songwriter and producer Morgan Dorr.

“Morgan had the first line of the chorus written when I got to his place, which was, “If you never see my face again” and the three chords that played over this. We worked on the song all day and I even cancelled another session that I had booked in just so I could finish this song as it felt like this had so much potential,” he explained.

When Pete returned to Australia, they continued refining the track across continents to produce what you hear today. I’m so glad they stuck at it, because I honestly believe this is the best thing he’s ever done. It’s got real heart, and I love the piano instrumentation.

“If We Never Dance Again” comes from Pete’s forthcoming release, The Night EP. Will it contain more Pete Murray tracks that I actually enjoy? We’ll find out when it drops on March 5. Fans should hear some of the new material when Pete plays the following shows.

13 February 2021 – By the C @ Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
6 March 2021 – By the C @ Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla
14 March 2021 – By the C @ Catani Gardens, St Kilda
20 March 2021 – Crowd Surf @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
27 March 2021 – By the C @ City Beach Reserve, Perth

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessie Monk Offers Tantalising Taste of New EP With “Lonesome Winter Blues” Release

Jessie Monk has bowled me over with her gorgeous new single “Lonesome Winter Blues.” This delicate folk ditty has such an elegant ease about it. Her voice is effortlessly angelic, the perfect foil for those gentle guitar licks. She reminds me a lot of Joni Mitchell with her poetic lyrics and pure voice, which seems to slide so easily from low notes to the higher register. Trust me, that’s a very good thing.

Jessie comes from GunaiKurnai Land and writes songs inspired by the people she meets and the stories she hears. Now based in Berlin, her forthcoming EP Here, Now shares those stories. Listen out for it when it drops on February 26.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Port Macquarie Music Scene With Dark Alley Sessions on YouTube

The pandemic hasn’t given us a lot to celebrate, but one thing that has got me excited is watching businesses and industries pivot. I miss the thrill of live gigs, which are still far too few and far between for my tastes, but I’ve been devouring live streams and recorded shows on YouTube. The latest videos to cross my path are the Dark Alley Sessions, a series of intimate short gigs recorded in Port Macquarie record store, Dark Alley Collectables.

The mid-North Coast town was the hub of a vibrant music scene that many of us never had the opportunity to experience. Through the Dark Alley Sessions, we can. The latest episode features mikk, a brilliant young singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Her three songs, including a breathtaking cover of Bon Iver’s “Heavenly Father” have me wanting more. Thankfully she’ll release an EP coming out soon to scratch that itch.

And that’s just for starters. The Dark Alley Sessions YouTube channel features several performances and interviews showcasing the talents of up-and-coming artists who might otherwise slip under your radar. Give them a follow and catch up on all their great clips!

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Smith Street Band Goes Semi-Acoustic For COVID-Safe Shows

The last year has taught us all to pivot as we’ve attempted to thrive in this new normal. If you’ve had told me 12 months ago that The Smith Street Band were planning semi-acoustic seated shows I’d have laughed, and yet here we are. And funnily enough, it all makes perfect sense.

As soon as Victorian restrictions were eased, the band set about rehearsing and rewriting many of their songs to suit a more mellow, COVID-safe environment. The band will take these reworked tracks to fans across Victoria and New South Wales in the coming months.

The shows coincide with an album of those reworked tracks, Unplugged in Wombat State Forest. The first single, “It’s OK” isn’t too dramatic a departure from the original, but I expect we’ll hear a few left turns when the album drops on March 5. If you love what you see, you can also stream a video featuring all the songs here. And remember to get on to those The Smith Street Band Unplugged shows. With limited capacity in all venues and some shows already sold out, the remaining tickets won’t last long.

26 February 2021 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
27 February 2021 – Lighthouse Theatre, Warrnambool
4 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
5 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
6 March 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2021 – The Enmore, Sydney
17 April 2021 – Yours + Owls Festival, Wollongong

Image used with permission from Little Giant Agency; credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Boleyn Releases Provocative Single, “Violence”

Sydney pop act Boleyn smoulders with his latest single “Violence.” It’s got such a cool, soulful sound and lyrics that confront and make you think about how we get what we want out of relationships.

Boleyn explained the song came about after a frank conversation with a friend. “’If he loves me, why won’t he hurt me?’ A friend was complaining her partner wasn’t being aggressive enough in the bedroom and that seed buried itself in my mind. ‘Violence’ is fundamentally about consent. How do we communicate our sexual needs? What boundaries do we set? How is that expressed? What anxieties do we harbor about communicating our true desires? ‘Violence’ is about letting go everything except your needs and communicating those with honesty – you want bruises? You want it to hurt? To leave a mark? Cool, I’m game – you just need to ask,” he explained.

If you love “Violence,” there’s more where that came from. Boleyn has spent the pandemic working on new material with Xavier Dunn (Peking Duk, Jack River, CXLOE) and Guy Stacey (GVY), so he’s got a stack of new material waiting to be unleashed. I for one can’t wait.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR