Merpire is back with a brand new single and a whole bunch of shows. The Sydney chanteuse’ brand new track is called “Lately,” and it’s a tune that showcases her rich voice and songwriting prowess beautifully.
Merpire has already started 2019 with a bang, playing A Festival Called Panama, Brunswick Music Festival, and By the Meadow. There’s more where that came from though. See her at the following gigs in the coming months.
4 May 2019 – The Northern Republic, Euroa
18 May 2019 – Howler, Melbourne (supporting City Calm Down)
13 June 2019 – School Night @ Noisy Ritual, East Brunswick
11-14 July 2019 – Bello Winter Music Festival, Bellingen
Sydney singer-songwriter Max C Bud wears his influences on his sleeve with his new song “Relevance.” Max says he grew up listening to acts like Neil Finn, Alex Lloyd, and Bernard Fanning, and I can certainly hear elements of their sound and approach to songwriting creeping through. It’s that songwriting that really speaks to me.
“I wanted to capture the sense of gratitude I was feeling after looking back at the person I had become after going through some difficult times,” Max explained. “I’d love it if this song could connect with someone who has been down and out, but persevered through the hardships of what life can throw at you”.
It’s not always the songs that scream the loudest that make the most impact. “Relevance” is one of those tracks that stays with you long after its final note.
Image used with permission from the A&R Department
Frustrated with meaningless pop music, Elisa Kate proves the genre still has plenty to say with her new single “Now or Never.” It’s an optimistic ditty which lifts you up and charms you with smoky vocals and honest lyrics. Not bad for a performer once told she couldn’t sing!
The Newcastle singer-songwriter really proves her critics wrong here. Her voice is beautiful and the essence of the song is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It’s the kind of track you want to slip on in the moments you need a little extra confidence to step outside your comfort zone.
Western Sydney’s own Cap Carter wowed me in January with his powerful song “Thrill.” His latest release “Worlds” shows he has many more stories to tell.
“Worlds” has hit me in the gut, just like “Thrill” did. It’s another emotional track, where Cap’s incredible voice interplays beautifully with delicate electronic instrumentation. His voice can seemingly do anything, moving effortlessly from a low rasp to soaring falsetto.
Cap Carter is writing music that matters because it moves you. I can’t wait to wrap my ears around his next release.
Image used with permission from The A&R Department
Any time I have any inkling that I might be cut out for motherhood, I think about how difficult it must be to hear a Wiggles album or the Frozen soundtrack for the umpteenth time. I feel for you parents of Australia, so I figure it’s my duty to put any good kids’ music on your radar. Wrap your ears around “Nali,” the first single from Dan Sultan’s soon-to-be-released kids album Nali & Friends.
Dan was inspired to write Nali & Friends with his longtime pal and collaborator, filmmaker Rhys Graham, after the pair trekked through Uganda and Kenya for their work with the Thin Green Line Foundation. During that journey Dan and Rhys spent a lot of time with baby animals, watching them play and observing their quirky personalities. The result is a collection of heart-warming songs about growing up, accepting differences, and protecting our natural world.
“It was one of the most rewarding musical experiences I’ve had to date. I like a lot of different types of music, and what was really refreshing for me was this opportunity to dip into so many musical styles, to represent the various characters’ stories,” Dan explained. “There’s everything from calypso to flat out honky-tonk to cinematic ballads with strings. Artistically it was very fulfilling. I’m in some rare form at the moment, I’m feeling really good.”
Nali, the album’s central character, is a baby Arctic bird with a crooked wing who loses her way migrating from the North to the South Pole. Her journey off course isn’t all bad though, because she meets animals from all around the world, from the jungles of Uganda to Australia’s deserts.
Normally I find children’s music a little grating on the ear, but “Nali” is every bit as cool as you’d expect from Dan Sultan. It’s the perfect gateway into his material for mini-music lovers out there. Nali & Friends hits stores on April 12.
It’s a very gloomy day in my part of the world but “Heart,” the latest synth-pop single from Sydney duo Froyo has come along to brighten it. This is such a shimmery, shiny track, with a killer sax line that is well worth waiting for. Seriously, why don’t more bands add sax solos these days?
“’Heart’ is about trying to do what your heart loves versus what your brain thinks”, explained the band’s keyboard player and joint vocalist, Michael. “In the bigger picture of the EP’s narrative, ‘Heart’ is about learning to love again and embracing the things you love.”
Divorce can be painful and emotional, but it can also be hilarious if you have the right perspective. Enter Benn Gunn, a true blue Aussie country singer who champions the lighter side of conscious uncoupling in his new single “I Got the Boat.”
During the song Benn admits that men can lose a lot of assets when they split from their other halves. However, so long as he’s got the boat, he’s got everything he needs!
Benn’s next show is at the Norfolk Island Country Music Festival on May 20.
Brisbane soul-rock outfit The Urban Sea has just released its cooler than cool new single “Underground Love.” It’s a slick offering from the six-piece which explores the seemingly limitless relationships options we have available at a swipe of our thumbs.
“Underground Love” has been a favourite among fans at The Urban Sea’s live shows, and it’s not hard to hear why. It’s got me really excited to hear what the band has in store on their next EP.
Wangaratta country artist Jade Gibson is making me want to pack my bags and take a road trip with her latest single “The Great Unknown.” It’s a classic country track with a distinctly Australian flavour which should see her graduate from playing local BnS balls to big stages.
“The Great Unknown” is the title track from Jade’s five-song EP, which drops on April 12. She’s playing plenty of regional gigs in the near future. Catch her at the following shows.
23 March 2019 – Euroa Rodeo, Euroa
6 April 2019 – Heyfield BnS Ball, Heyfield
13 April 2019 – ‘The Great Unknown’ EP Launch Party, Rutherglen
20 April 2019 – Omeo Rodeo, Omeo
27 April 2019 – Lava Blast BnS Ball, Dundonnell
4 May 2019 – Collie Hotel, Collie
11 May 2019 – Edward River Hotel, Deniliquin
18 May 2019 – Batlow RSL Club, Batlow
25 May 2019 – Henty Football Club, Henty
1 June 2019 – Precinct Bar & Restaurant, Wangaratta
22 June 2019 – Bright Football Club, Bright
I’ve found myself thoroughly charmed this morning by Here’s to Better Times & Seeing Better Places, the debut album from Victorian indie-pop act Rach Brennan & The Pines. There’s so much warmth and wisdom in this album, which dropped today. And with just nine tracks, the band’s ensured every one is flawless.
Choosing a favourite seems like choosing a favourite child, but current single “Hindsight” has really bowled me over. It’s got all that wisdom I mentioned wrapped up in an upbeat, feel-good poppy package.
“‘Hindsight’ is about a moment of clarity when you realise that you’re no longer young, but not yet old … but even though you might feel stuck or limited in experience, the world around you keeps moving at breakneck pace with no sign of slowing down,” Rach explained. “In this time in your life you either stay still and let it rush past you … or you let go, be kind to yourself and let the current take you.”
Rach Brennan & The Pines have been incredibly busy of late playing single release shows and festivals, but there’s no slowing them down. You can catch this exciting new act at the following shows celebrating the album’s release.
19 April 2019 – Halls Gap Hotel, Halls Gap
2 May 2019 – The Gasometer Hotel, Collingwood
25 May 2019 – The Workers Club, Geelong
30 May 2019 – Marlborough Hotel, Newtown
31 May 2019 – Howlin’ Wolf Bar, Wollongong
Image used with permission from The Right Profile
