Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Embrace Your Country Side With Jade Gibson’s “Country Mile”

If Channel Seven doesn’t use Jade Gibson’s latest track “Country Mile” on their promos for the final eps of Farmer Wants a Wife, they’ve missed an opportunity. This is such a happy, catchy country song that it’s even won over this city slicker.

We shouldn’t be surprised considering the team behind it though. Nashville native Tyler Bank penned it with Melbourne’s MSQuared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis). No wonder it sounds like a hit! It celebrates the touring lifestyle that Jade knows all too well. She always seems to be on the move, but you can see her at the following shows:

1 November 2022 – Wangaratta Racecourse, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
5 November 2022 – Gerogery Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Gerogery
6 November 2022 – Balldale Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Balldale
19 November 2022 – Precinct Bar & Restaurant, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
25 November 2022 – The Caledonian Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Wonthaggi
10 December 2022 – Wangaratta Racecourse, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
7 January 2023 – Wangaratta Rodeo, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Talk Heavy Drop Single Ahead of First EP Release

If their latest single “Mixing Pictures” is any indication, the debut EP from Meeanjin/Brisbane punk-rock outfit Talk Heavy is going to be big. This single gives us big chunky guitar riffs, big drums, and a big singalong chorus. It was the last song recorded for the EP, and it’s quickly become a personal favourite for each member of the band.

“Lyrically, it’s about how you can’t force things to work,” explained Talk Heavy’s frontman Matt Cochran. “There’s unfortunately always going to be some things beyond your control in life that you just need to accept and learn from. We’re so proud of how it turned out.”

Talk Heavy’s debut EP Jump Into Nothing drops this week on September 29. Hometown fans can catch them at the Scorched Festival on October 29.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Luke Henry

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yorke Releases Ultimate Road Trip Track, “i’ll keep driving”

I’ve been a Yorke fan since she dropped the singles from Liberosis back in 2020, and it seems she just keeps on getting better. If you’re a fan too or you’re yet to discover her brilliance, wrap your ears around her new single “i’ll keep driving.” I swear this pop banger will make your Monday feel better.

Yorke says she wrote the track about “the realisation that the concept of home can be whatever you want it to be, even a person. I was constantly on the move and craving stability so it took me some time to realise that a healthy relationship can also ground you in a similar way.”

If you’re a Yorke fan like me, you’ll love the visualiser.

“We shot the visualiser at this random cabin in regional Victoria and gave the place a temporary makeover. It’s still in the same world as ‘next life’, just a bit of time has passed… consider it the bridge between the last video and what’s to come. There are also lots of little Easter eggs hidden in the background too. What you can’t see is me shivering, it was eight degrees and the heater didn’t work. I had my hot water bottle on me at all times!”

Yorke’s new EP ten feet tall drops in November. Before that, she’ll appear at Oxford Art Factory in Sydney on October 1 supporting Peach PRC.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Jess Gleeson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turpentine Babycino Coming At You With “Write a Song Sounds Shit” Single and Tour

And the award for best band name I’ve heard in a while goes to Turpentine Babycino. But this Mulubinba/Newcastle rock act doesn’t just have a great name going for them. They’ve got an infectious energy that’s pretty hard to resist. I’ve currently got their debut single “Write a Song Sounds Shit” on repeat.

“’Write A Song Sounds Shit’ is about the aftermath of a break-up. Big parties, loud music, long nights, and writing shitty break-up songs are often on the cards to help ‘forget’ about an ex. As a songwriter it’s easy to dismiss a great song due to self-doubt and judgment and after a break-up, these insecurities are heightened. ‘Write A Song Sounds Shit’ is that shitty break-up song that nobody’s supposed to hear, except people will this time,” Turpentine Babycino said. Only thing is though, it’s not shitty. Not even a little bit. Trust me. Have a listen.

After spending most of the year supporting such diverse acts as Bad Dreems, The Screaming Jets, and Mia Dyson, Turpentine Babycino are ready for the spotlight. They’ll travel to capital cities and regional venues in the Eastern states to support the release of “Write a Song Sounds Shit”. Every show is free, so there’s no excuse for staying home.

5 October 2022 – Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
8 October 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney
9 October 2022 – The North Wollongong Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
14 October 2022 – Wave Bowl, Birpai Country/Port Macquarie
16 October 2022 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 October 2022 – Last Rites Bar, Yaygir Country/Yamba
29 October 2022 – Eddie’s Grub House, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Wanagi

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Sanders Explores “Attachment Theory” With New Pop Single

Boorloo/Perth pop act Grace Sanders has released her dreamy new track “Attachment Theory”. This single is the epitome of cool, with a slowly-unravelling melody that Grace’s voice snakes around. And when those horns drop in, wow. The production is also top-notch thanks to the collaborative efforts of Ezekiel Padmanabham and Grace herself.

Grace was inspired to write the song after exploring the popular psychological theory that the relationships we form as children inform the way we form attachments as we get older.

“The way our relationships and breakups in adulthood can mirror some of those early experiences and become an avenue for reflecting on the version of ‘self’ we become in the context of ‘others’,” Grace explained.

“Attachment Theory” comes from Grace’s new EP Nothing is Personal, slated for release on October 28.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR; credit: Emma Daisy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover the Talents of Vivien Aisi

Vivien Aisi may just be the best singer that you’ve never heard of. Born in Papua New Guinea and now living in Gimuy-walubarra Yidi/Cairns, her latest single “Take Me There” is the perfect showcase for her sultry, soulful voice.

“Take Me There is written about my love for music and where I want it to take me,” Vivien explained. “All my hopes and aspirations, in line with my relationship with music, have been a rollercoaster where I have struggled to fit into the industry, juggle a healthy balance of work, family, and at the same time stay true to who I am as a performer/singer/songwriter. I enjoy a variety of genres and don’t really write to suit a particular style. I allow creativity to take me there and produce what is authentic to me at the moment. It was a good break from all the heavy emotional stuff I generally express through my songwriting.”

With talent to spare, no doubt music is going to take Vivien exactly where she wants to go.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaypo Drops Beautiful New Single, “Empty Highs”

Meeajin/Brisbane artist Kaypo has totally won me over with his charming new single “Empty Highs.” It’s honest and earnest, just the sort of gentle folk-pop ditty we need when our week is winding down. It sounds sweet, but listen to those lyrics and you’ll hear the pathos coming through.

“I was sitting outside the morning after a bad first date. I’d just arrived back home from a week away on holiday where we were partying almost the entire time. In retrospect, it wasn’t even that bad of a night (just no chemistry there) – but it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. All the subconscious thoughts and doubts that had been brewing came front of mind and I wrote the track then and there,” he explained.

Kaypo has been doing some great things of late, playing six slots at the Ekka and opening for Hein Cooper. He’s also a semifinalist in the national Songwriting Prize 2022. Talk about a star on the rise. Kaypo is definitely someone to watch.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MATH EP – MATH

Maddi McDonald and brothers Clay, Dylan, and Sam Hooper have been gigging around their hometown of Darumbal Country/Rockhampton and beyond since 2018. They’ve shortened their name from Maddi and the Hoopers to the catchy MATH and today released their self-titled EP. I was already on board with the launch of the single “Break My Heart,” but with this latest release I’ve become an even bigger fan.

At four tracks, MATH have kept things short and sweet. It’s a smart tactic, leaving us wanting more while still showing plenty of versatility. “Break My Heart,” the EP’s closing track, is an infectiously upbeat number. From the get go, this EP shows us this band can do much more than radio-friendly fare. The EP opener “Control” is dark and brooding, the polar opposite of the lead single. “Be Loved” is a little lighter but full of longing, with a guitar solo would make John Mayer proud. I can hear John Mayer’s influence again through “Baby, We’re on Fire”. MATH admits they’re big fans and it shows. Any act could do worse than creating songs with cool guitar riffs and a similar irresistible pop-rock sensibility though. Finishing with “Break My Heart” reminded me how I instantly connected with this song, and indeed this band, months ago. The music they make is so infectiously good. Maddi McDonald is such a strong vocalist and she’s supported confidently by the Hooper brothers. They’re all tight musicians who know exactly what they need to do to make this music come to life.

MATH’s EP is out today. Make sure you take a listen. They’re playing another hometown gig at the Capricorn Food & Wine Festival supporting Busby Marou tonight, but something tells me they’ll be headlining shows all over the country soon enough.

Images used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Able Joseph Charms With “Lonely LA”

If you love a tender, stripped-back ballad as much as I do, Able Joseph’s new single “Lonely LA” will be right up your alley. This song is the classic case of less is more, with a simple acoustic guitar melody wrapping around gorgeous lyrics and Able’s voice. I’m in.

“There’s a beautiful side to two people having to adjust to life’s curveballs and facing change as a team — be that changing dreams, homes, realities … this isn’t a love song, it’s a relationship song,” Able explained. “This song is a homage to songwriting. We wanted to keep the structure as simple as possible but still weave in different moments and transitions that take you somewhere unexpected. The outro is a deeply honest conversation between two people and the production reflects that; it’s closer to the mic, more intimate and raw. I’m really proud of the story we tell.”

More like this please!

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Trevor Conrad

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Albi & The Wolves Coming to Australia

Kiwi trio Albi & The Wolves have won plenty of fans and awards back home, but they’re largely unknown here across the ditch. Hopefully their upcoming Aussie tour will change all that, because these guys are pretty special.

Albi & The Wolves celebrate their folk rock and Americana influences with a sound you just don’t hear enough in 2022. Using just an acoustic guitar, electric violin, double bass, a stomp, and their stunning vocals, they create such beautiful music I know you’re going to fall for them too. Seriously, I’ve been listening for hours. Take a listen and snap up a ticket to one of the following shows:

30 September 2022 – Humph Hall, Eora/Sydney (Entry by donation)
1 October 2022 – Dashville Skyline Festival, Wonnarua Country/Belford
5 October 2022 – Sewing Room, Boorloo/Perth
7-9 October 2022 – Nanga Music Festival, Nyoongar Country/Dwellingup
13 October 2022 – House Concert, Boorloo/Perth
14 October 2022 – It’s Still A Secret, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with The Long Johns)
15 October 2022 – Dusty Day Out, Wakka Wakka Country/South Burnett Region
16 October 2022 – Sublime Farm, Kabi Kabi Country/Kia Ora (FREE)
19 October 2022 – Dust Temple, Yugambeh Country/Currumbin Waters
20 October 2022 – Eudlo Hall, Eudlo
21-23 October 2022 – Tablelands Folk Festival, Yungaburra
27 October 2022 – Shot Kickers, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
28 October-1 November 2022 – Maldon Folk Festival, Djadjawurrung Country/Maldon

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music