Shorelines Drop Stellar New Single Ahead of New EP Release

Brisbane band Shorelines haven’t released new music since December last year, but they’re rewarding the patience of their fans with a brand new track, “Worry About Yourself,” the first track lifted from their sophomore EP, Blank Pages & Broken Records.

“Worry About Yourself” sounds like an instant pop-punk classic, with its big chunky riffs and singalong chorus. The band describes it as “our rock anthem from our side of negative and unnecessary conflict, explaining that we will keep creating our own path the way we feel is right for us, and that others should just focus on themselves.”

Shorelines generated major buzz for their debut EP New Heights, scoring a support slot with Real Friends, more than a million Spotify streams, and a declaration from Alternative Press that they would “soon be rising to the top of this generation’s pop-punk offerings.” Not bad for a self-managed, self-released act from Brissie! Surely even bigger things are in store once the new EP reaches our ears.

We don’t have too long to wait, with Blank Pages & Broken Records slated for an October 5 release. Hopefully a tour announcement won’t be too far behind!

Trey Cooper Wows Me With “Howling”

Sunshine Coast muso Trey Cooper has thoroughly charmed me with his new single “Howling.” If you love a good acoustic-driven pop-rock track, you’re going to eat this up too.

It’s got a great radio-friendly sound, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear a little darkness. Trey has flipped the classic love song on its head here, turning it into something a bit moodier and more haunting. And can we just take a moment to appreciate his voice, which seems to have no barriers. His effortless command of his instrument is reminiscent of Jeff Buckley or Matt Corby. I love that rather than releasing a fancy video where he lip-synced, Trey has released a back-to-basics live studio video as the official film clip.

Trey regularly gigs around Southeast Queensland. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he ventures out for a national tour.

Dragon Does Countdown Hits at Crown

Legendary adopted Aussie act Dragon are ringing in the silly season with a very special show at Melbourne’s Palms on Crown. Called The Best of Countdown Chartbusters, the gig will take the audience on a trip down memory lane with songs from the Countdown era. Songs like this!

Along with all your favourite Dragon hits, you can expect to hear covers of some smash singles from the United Kingdom, America, and Australia. Think the songs of Michael Jackson, The Knack, David Bowie, Little River Band, and Madness, to name just a few, done as only Dragon can.

“When we go to the merch desk and talk to the crowd and do photos, everyone is so connected to Countdown,” explained bassist Todd Hunter. “You can really see how the show affected their lives.”
There’s not a lot of lead time on this one, with tickets going on sale tomorrow morning at 9am from Ticketmaster for the December 21st gig.

Tom Thum Releases Fascinating New TEDx Talk

Do you know who’s behind the most watched TEDx talk ever? A politician perhaps, or social activist? No, it’s Brisbane beatboxer Tom Thum, who clocked up more than 66 million views on his first TEDx talk. With his first talk going gangbusters, expect a lot of eyeballs on his latest TEDx talk “What Happens in Your Throat When You Beatbox.”

The talk sees Tom teaming up with Dr Matthew Broadhurst for an up-close and personal look on what the body does when it’s beatboxing. It’s the first time in the world a doctor has ever performed a live on stage laryngoscopy on a beatboxer, a practice that will reveal more about Tom Thum than you’ve ever seen before!

Tom’s own curiosity inspired the presentation. “Basically I wanted to get a deeper understanding (in the most invasively literal way) of how my artform worked,” he explained. “I realised that beatboxing had been relatively understudied compared to other vocal styles and I wanted to be part of the story in my own weird way.”

Turn it on and I promise you won’t be able to look away! Science meets music in this fascinating TEDx talk.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

The Pierce Brothers Announce Headlining Shows for Debut Album

The Pierce Brothers are giving their loyal fans plenty of opportunities to see them live this summer. Not content with supporting Rodriguez at his Day on the Green Shows, the Melbourne folk-pop duo have announced a string of headlining shows to support their upcoming debut album, Atlas Shoulders.

The Pierce Brothers created the songs that would form Atlas Shoulders while traveling Australia, South Africa, America, and Europe over the last year. It touches on the experiences they’ve had on the road and pressing social issues, including the impact of depression and anxiety.

Atlas Shoulders is set for release on October 26. Order early to receive a special limited edition 7-inch vinyl copy of the current single “Back End Roads” and the dreamy album track B-side “Juno.”

These guys are in demand, so you won’t want to miss The Pierce Brothers while they’re back home for the following shows.

9 November 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
16 November 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
17 November 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
16 February 2019 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
23 February 2019 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

KG Inspires “Change” With Brand New Single

Ever since I heard his politically-charged single “Mabo Martin Mandela” last year, I was eager to hear what Canberra-based, South African-born hip hop artist KG would do next. Hip hop isn’t my favourite genre, but I find it so powerful when it’s got something important to say. More social commentary, less bitches and hoes. KG hasn’t let me down with his latest cut “Change,” a track inspired by his father Seretse Ratlhagne, a freedom fighter who campaigned alongside Nelson Mandela and his recent experiences in Indigenous communities.

KG says “‘Change’ is about inspiring social change in our community for everyone. Also, by doing one thing to help someone disadvantaged is better than doing nothing at all. The song is designed for the everyday person struggling and how they can overcome life struggles by making a change in their lives.”

KG is the voice the hip hop community needs right now, a man who’s not afraid to speak out for the marginalised and inspire us to do better. This is another stellar track from this up-and-coming, but already so important, local artist.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Courtney Marie Andrews Announces Aussie Shows

You know when you have those moments when you just think “What a song! What a voice!” The moments where you get goosebumps because what you’re hearing is so incredible? I just had one of those spine-tingling moments listening to “Heart and Mind,” the new single from American singer-songwriter Courtney Marie Andrews, who’s visiting our shores next month.

Courtney Marie said she “Wanted to write a song that embodies the importance of empowerment when you feel weakened by misrepresentation and/or sexual harassment. Even if our bodies have been misused or taken advantage of, we have the power to speak with our hearts and minds. The most powerful way to display that message is with simple conversations with those who love us. The mother/daughter bond is incredibly powerful, and I use that to embody protection and safety in this song and video.”

Courtney Marie Andrews is visiting Australia in October for shows with Margo Price and Joshua Hedley and an appearance at Out on the Weekend. Here are all the places you can see this amazing musician perform.

10 October 2018 – Caravan Club, Melbourne
12 October 2018 – Lefty’s, Brisbane
13 October 2018 – Out on the Weekend, Williamstown
16 October 2018 – The Factory, Sydney

Image used with permission from Inertia Music; credit: Laura E. Partain

Missy Lancaster Strips It All Back for “Never In Love”

There’s no sign of fatigue showing in Missy Lancaster, who’s just released the third single from her debut album Piece of Me. “Never In Love” is a heartbreaking piano ballad about the realisation of the one-sided nature of a relationship.

“This is the most vulnerable song on the album, and I think anyone who has had their heart broken will connect with this on a very deep level,” says Missy. “This is a song I have to hold back the tears on!”

It’s a real departure for the CMC Music Awards New Australian Artist of the Year nominee, who’s previously bought us more upbeat country fare. I’ve enjoyed those songs, but this is the track that’s really blown me away. If you’re just as impressed, make sure you get out and support Missy at one of her upcoming shows.

23 September 2018 – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Toowoomba
27 October 2018 – VDM Festival, Biloela
10 November 2018 – Christmas in Narellan, Narellan
1 December 2018 – Country at the Beach, Rainbow Beach
24 January 2018 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Tamworth

Image usesd with permission from Sony Music Australia

Egoism Release Unapologetic New Single “Sorry”

Sydney duo Egoism are bringing an equal mix of sugar and spice into your Friday with their new single “Sorry.” It sounds like a light pop gem, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear a scathing critique.

“I wrote this song as a bit of a fuck you to the people who never say sorry for their own mistakes, but then always demand an apology, even if I’m the one who was hurt the most,” explained vocalist and guitarist Scout Eastment. “Easily the most empowering song we’ve ever written ha-ha. We were really going for a The Veronicas meets Slowdive kind of vibe, essentially blending the music of our childhood with the music of our teenage years.”

Egoism will celebrate the single’s release with shows along the East Coast with Sketch Jets and some other special guests.

29 September 2018 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle (with NTL Landmarks)
6 October 2018 – Waywards, Newtown (with Stream Lea)
11 October 2018 – Rad Bar, Wollongong (with Space Boys, Scab Baby)
12 October 2018 – Transit Bar, Canberra (with Elk Locker, Lost Coast, Hopeless Youth Group)
13 October 2018 – Yarra Hotel, Melbourne (with Endamame, The New Dregs)

Image used with permission from Jared King PR

Liam Gale & The Ponytails Break Out of the Box With “Mountain Man, Lake Lady”

Moody alt-country meets surf rock in Liam Gale & The Ponytails‘ genre-bending new single “Mountain Man, Lake Lady,” the second lifted from the Sydney band’s forthcoming album The Desire Lines.

I must admit, I had to listen to this song a couple of times to truly appreciate it. It’s so out of the box, I didn’t quite know how to process it. Yet, with every subsequent listen I appreciated it a little more. Those female harmonies supporting Liam Gale’s voice are sublime and the surf rock guitar chords so appealing. I also appreciate that it’s so unashamedly bold, refusing to fit inside any neat holes and instead standing proudly on its own.

“You know when you’re too young to know how to end a relationship? All the social anxiety you didn’t know you had; the sexual tension you didn’t understand; the perspectives you weren’t aware of – this song is about that,” Liam explained. “I think what I was communicating was this pressure to be with someone I didn’t necessarily want to be with, but felt that I should be.”
Bands that make music like “Mountain Man, Lake Lady” are notoriously unpredictable, but that just makes seeing them live more fun. You can catch Liam Gale & The Ponytails doing their thing at the following venues.

23 September 2018 – Sydney Fringe Festival, Red Rattler Theatre
26 September 2018 – Royal Exchange Salon Theatre, Newcastle (with Cookie Baker; Liam Gale solo)
3 October 2018 – Cafe Lounge, Surry Hills