Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zachary Leo Gets Me Grooving With “Time After Time”

A little funk never goes astray on a Sunday morning, right? If you’re still coming down from the night before, you’ll appreciate the smooth vibes of “Time After Time,” the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Zachary Leo. It sounds every bit as cool as he looks!

“‘Time After Time’ is a song about a conflict that has arisen between two people in a relationship, when one person isn’t being the best version of themselves,” Zachary explained. “The song is sung from that person’s perspective as they try to piece together what has caused these problems and how they can make amends. The song constantly shifts between external and internal dialogue and is a mirror into overthinking and overanalysing situations.”

Zachary will perform a couple of shows for hometown fans in the coming months to support his release. You know you’ll have a good time at one of the following gigs:

4 November 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Great Gable)
8 December 2023 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ridzyray Drops Inspiring Single “Keep Ya Head Up” As Part of Singing Our Futures Program

Such amazing music is coming out of the Singing Our Futures program. If you’re not already across is, the Archie Roach Foundation initiative pairs emerging First Nations artists with more established mentors for songwriting and recording sessions. The latest track released as part of the program is “Keep Ya Head Up,” a feelgood song of hope from Wemba-Wemba MC Ridzyray, who worked with hip hop act DOBBY.

“I don’t really know how to describe it; music is still such a new thing for me so most of the time I just throw some sounds and words together till I feel good about it so I guess it’s a ‘feel good sound’,” Ridzyray admitted. “’Keep Ya Head Up’ is kind of like a message and reminder to myself to be proud of the things I’ve over come in life, what I have accomplished and who I am and to not let that self-doubt and negativity consume my brain. And I’m hoping that people can relate. Plus, all the family always ask for a shout out in the songs so I threw in as many as I could at the end there.”

Speaking of working with DOBBY, Ridzyray said “The experience was so simple and smooth. I had an idea of what I wanted and shared it with him. It’s like he knew exactly what I wanted and what it needed to bring it to life and next thing I know we had a track there ready to go.”

“For me, Uncle Archie Roach stands as a symbol of what is possible for Indigenous artists,” he added. “He’s paved the way for so many of us, and I’m honoured to be mentioned in the same sentence. I was always playing sport and was sure that would be what I’d end up doing but injuries led to mental health issues which led to addictions and substance abuse and the only way out of that hole for me seemed to be music. I’m just doing what brings me joy, I feel very, very lucky.”

The program’s music will come together with the release of the Singing Our Futures Vol. 1 EP, slated for release on November 17.

Photo credit: Jacinta Keefe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emma Donovan Goes Solo With “Blak Nation”

It seems like Emma Donovan has been a force forever, so it’s surprising to see that she’s only just released her first solo single. It’s worth the wait though, with her latest track “Blak Nation” making a really strong statement. This soulful single, in every sense of the word, celebrates the contributions of emerging First Nations voices in the music biz and the strides that have already been made to bring all Australians together, even as there’s so much yet to do.

“Lyrically Blak Nation is about a cultural practice called back burning, we make a cool fire to promote regrowth. The ‘cool fire’ is reference to the new generation,” she explained. “Bringing the Blak Nation to front of this nation, new artists continuing to tell their powerful stories. That ‘cool fire’ is new generation of Blak voice in Music industry today. I’m proud of the progress we have made as a nation. Seeing Aboriginal names of Country & People shared. To see all kinds of people acknowledging traditional places where they live and work. This didn’t happen for my old people and even me growing up, it’s good to see it more now.”

Emma will play Brunswick Ballroom in Naarm/Melbourne on December 3 as part of the Always Live Ballroom Mixtape Series. Tickets are on sale now from Moshtix.

Photo credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SOULSLEEP Impress on Debut With “Glass Heart”

Eora/Sydney-based alt-rockers SOULSLEEP have just dropped their debut track “Glass Heart,” and I can’t stop listening. It’s so innovative, blending elements of alternative metal, emo, pop-punk, and dance together for a really fresh sound.

SOULSLEEP guitarist Jayden Zago got raw when explaining the inspiration and meaning behind “Glass Heart.” “When the COVID pandemic began, my mental health deteriorated. I was depressed and angry and felt like I had no quality of life. I was encouraged to see a psychologist and was lucky to get an appointment. I ended up on medication, and for someone who always thought things like that were ‘all in your head’, it was a huge reality check, and I am now aware of how naive I was,” he said. “Music is how I express myself. With all of the lockdowns and restrictions, my outlet was taken away. Like glass, we are breakable, not indestructible, and speaking up and getting help is not weak.”

The music video, directed by Colin Jeffs, was filmed at a warehouse and SOULSLEEP keyboardist Jimi Fischer’s home studio.

“We built a stage out of an MDF board, which we found quite challenging, as we had to design it in a way that it could be put together and dismantled in a time efficient way and still be able to hold the weight of all of us and our equipment,” Jayden recalled.

If the release of “Glass Heart” is any indication, SOULSLEEP will be a band to watch.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Concrete Gold Rock Out With “Over the Edge”

Concrete Gold are ushering in a new era with the release of their latest single “Over the Edge.” It sounds good on them.

““Over The Edge” is the first song that we wrote with our current band lineup, and is the mark of a new era of exploration for us,” they explained. “This song was an idea that Cameron brought into our rehearsal (conjured by watching videos of Nirvana as inspiration) and was then fleshed out by the band together in our first rehearsal with Will [Bainbridge] as our drummer – the result was a more alive and nuanced sound than our previous creative efforts.”

The track was also self-produced by the band at SSL Studio at Cavanbah/Byron Bay. Frontman Cameron Lockwood engineered all but the vocals, which Sam Harris of Elaborate Productions handled. Cameron also took care of the mix before Sam mastered it.

Concrete Gold will take their new lineup on the road next week when they play a string of East Coast shows supporting the release of “Over the Edge.”

2 November 2023 – Australian Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Ballina
3 November 2023 – Greaser Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 November 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE SHOW; Doors open 1 pm)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Night Terrors Release Spooky Single, “Levitation”

As Halloween approaches, it seems like the perfect time to introduce you to “Levitation,” the latest release from The Night Terrors. I can guarantee it’s like nothing you’ll hear today.

Firstly, The Night Terrors are one of the only bands in the world making original music featuring theremin up front and centre. Miles Brown’s theremin takes the spotlight, but it’s complemented so beautifully by Sarah Lim’s synthesizer. This track is so unique, but it’s got a fantastic cinematic quality that I’m really digging.

“Levitation” comes from The Night Terrors’ forthcoming album HYPNOTICA – Composition For Theremin And Electronic Music Synthesizer, which drops on November 3.

Image credit: Nicole Reed

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lara Villani Makes Powerful Debut With “STOP”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Lara Villani has just dropped her debut single, “STOP,” and it’s really something special. Through its deeply personal lyrics, Lara shares the physical and mental challenges she’s overcome to emerge the artist she is today. While it deals with darkness, it’s ultimately so uplifting.

“‘STOP’ is a very important track for me,” Lara shared. “Not only is it my first single, but it is a deeply personal song which is drawn from a really difficult and personal experience I had in my life. When I was 19-20 years old, I was in a really bad place. I had just been through an extremely awful experience and found myself severely lonely and left badly hurt. ‘STOP’ is about this journey and the mental and physical battles that I was overcoming.”

That journey is brought to life in the music video for “STOP”, directed by Mertcan Damoglu and produced by Tier One Productions’ Caleb Keyte. In it we see scenes of Lara at her piano juxtaposed with a car crash victim, a physical representation of her pain and hurt.

Lara plans to release several more songs through 2024, so make sure you keep an eye on her socials to learn about them first.

Image used with permission from Lara Villani

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SPACE&AGES Drop New Bop “Trial & Error”

Meeanjin/Brisbane band SPACE&AGES has just dropped their new single “Trial & Error,” and it’s an absolute banger. Bursting with energy and youthful enthusiasm, you’ll want to crank this one up.

“‘Trial & Error’ explores the uncertain journey of finding love and the challenges that come with self-discovery,” said SPACE&AGES lead singer Phin Spence. “It’s about embracing the imperfections and growth that accompanies the process, even when it’s messy and uncertain.”

SPACE&AGES will play the following local shows in the coming weeks, so get out and support them when you can:

29 October 2023 – Lefty’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Sunsoli)
4 November 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (Free show supporting Concrete Gold; doors open at 1 pm)
17 November 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Fat Picnic)
25 November 2023 – Greaser Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (“Trial & Error” launch)

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Professional Misconduct” – The Screaming Jets

It’s taken me a little while to listen to The Screaming Jets’ 10th studio album Professional Misconduct. And a little while after that to put fingers to my keyboard and share my thoughts. It’s taken time, because like so many people from Newcastle I needed a moment to process the unexpected loss of the band’s founding member Paul Woseen. I knew I needed to push through though, because this album is such an important body of work for this band.

As a teenager growing up in Newcastle, The Screaming Jets were so much a part of my journey to adulthood. I must have been 15 or 16 when they played an under-18s gig at the Cambridge. I was hooked. I made my way in to Civic Park in 1997 when they honoured the Newcastle Knights after their grand final win. Then when I turned 18s the gigs became more frequent. Shows at the Newcastle Workies, Toronto Workies … venues with sticky floors, the air thick with cigarette smoke and beer. They were always such physical gigs, with punters jostling to move me on from my front row position, but I always stood firm. I found myself reminiscing about those moments when we lost Paul, and again listening to this album, their first of new material since the release of Chrome in 2016. It’s new music, but it’s the same old Jets, as it should be. Dave Gleeson’s voice up front and center, surrounded by guitars and those driving drums. It’s proper rock music, the way it’s meant to be. Hard-hitting numbers like “Nothing to Lose,” “No Reason,” and “Speed Quack” have become firm favourites. “Lying With Her” is haunting in its stillness. I might have gotten misty listening to “Second Chance” thinking about what might have been.

The Screaming Jets will never be the same, but I’m so glad we have this one last album with Dave and Paul working together. I think Professional Misconduct might be their best work since World Gone Crazy way back in 1997. It’s certainly a fitting tribute for the band’s late bassist, but it’s not the end for the Screaming Jets. They will tour around the country as scheduled, bringing this music to the people. It’s what Paul would have wanted. Enjoy this brilliant new music and plenty of old favourites at the following shows:

3 November 2023 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 November 2023 – Beenleigh Tavern, Yugambeh Country/Beenleigh
10 November 2023 – Chelsea Heights, Bunurong Country/Chelsea Heights
11 November 2023 – Prince Bandroom, Bunurong Country/St Kilda
17 November 2023 – Dubbo RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
18 November 2023 – Bathurst RSL, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
1 December 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 December 2023 – Anitas Theatre, Woolyungah/Wollongong
5 January 2024 – Summernats 36, Ngambri/Canberra
19 January 2024 – Blank Space, Gooneburra Country/Toowoomba
20 January 2024 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff
23 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
25 January 2024 – Sunken Monkey, Darkinjung Country/Erina
27 January 2024 – Laurieton Ex Services Club, Biripi Country/Laurieton
28 January 2024 – Pacific Palms Recreation Club, Worimi Country/Elizabeth Beach
1 February 2024 – The Albies Bar, Undalup/Busselton
2 February 2024 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
3 February 2024 – Ravenswood Hotel, Bindjareb Country/Ravenswood
9 February 2024 – Hornsby RSL, Darug and GuriNgai Country/Hornsby
10 February 2024 – Club Central, Bendiagal Country/Hurstville
16 February 2024 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
17 February 2024 – Village Green, Wurundjeri Country/Mulgrave
23 February 2024 – Toronto Hotel, Awabakal Country/Toronto

Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Imogen Clark Drops Brilliant New Single, “If I Want In”

“If I Want In”, the latest song from indie-pop act Imogen Clark, is one of those rare songs that is every bit as brilliant as it sounds on paper. When I heard she’d recorded her latest single at Abbey Road Studios with Georgia Maq from Camp Cope and members of Gang of Youths, my expectations were raised pretty high. However, it’s every bit as good as its credentials suggest.

“‘If I Want In’ is about making the choice to go your own way and become the person you have to become, even though everything and everyone around you is trying to pull you back onto the expected path,” Imogen explained. “It’s about acknowledging where I come from and how it shaped me, but I won’t let it define me. It’s about a little girl who spent her days at Penrith High School and her nights playing covers at Western Sydney pubs, dreaming of the big world out there and finding her place in it.”

Imogen shot the music video in Gandangara and Darug Country/Western Sydney, where Imogen played her first gigs as a teenager, and in other iconic locations that her music’s taken her, including Nashville, Los Angeles, and Venice Beach. It finished up at the Oxford Art Factory in Eora/Sydney, where we see Imogen rocking out with her band.

“If I Want In” comes from Imogen’s upcoming solo album, which she’ll release early next year. Before then, Imogen will bring her Holiday Hootenanny shows to Eora/Sydney and Naarm/Melbourne. These annual festive events, which started in 2020, feature a whole bunch of brilliant special guests who’ll perform their songs, songs from the other artists present, and some surprising covers. They should like they’ll be a lot of fun, so make sure you grab some tickets!

23 November 2023 – Holiday Hootenanny @ The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney (with The Buckleys, Clews, Lindsay McDougall, Sarah Belkner, and Timothy James Bowden)
9 December 2023 – Holiday Hootenanny @ The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne (with Alex Lahey, Darcy Fox, Demi Louise, Eilish Gilligan, Jess Hitchcock, Shannen James, and Katie Wighton)

Image used with permission from Chinwag PR