Just a couple of weeks ago I was raving about Racing Birds’ single “Rarely Never Loaded”. The reason I was so excited is that I already knew these guys weren’t just a flash in the pan. I was already listening to their debut EP Lonesome Blue, anticipating the day when I could tell you all about it.
I love the upbeat energy of “Rarely Never Loaded”, but the EP shows this duo has more than one gear. They seem more comfortable taking things at a slower pace, where their brand of bluesiness has time to marinate. They linger over lyrics, wringing every bit of emotion out of them. It ensures we feel the yearning in that title track, that we can see the beautiful imagery of “Silver Sun Bohemian” and “Vampires and LSD” coming to life without missing a detail. The raw, honest vocals from Jeremy Strother are a revelation, the perfect foil for Bobbie Lee Stamper’s rootsy blues rhythms. Together they’re creating some of the best alt-country music I’ve heard in some time.
I can’t wait to catch these guys live, because something tells me these tunes will sound even better experienced in a crowd of enthusiastic music fans. Until then, I’ve got this EP on repeat. Lonesome Blue is out today.
Hurricane Fall are back with “This Night Forever”, their first single for 2022. It’s an epic slice of country-rock that should have you singing along by the chorus and feeling nostalgic about the best nights of your life.
Hurricane Fall want to share some memorable nights with their fans, so they’re heading on the road later this month. These guys have earned a reputation for their live shows. If you caught them supporting Billy Ray Cyrus or The Wolfe Brothers, you’ll know exactly what I mean. Find out for yourself when they stop at one of the following spots near you:
22 April 2022 – Blazes Showroom @ Wests, Tamworth
23 April 2022 – Stroud Rodeo @ Stroud Showground, Stroud
7 May 2022 – Scone Rodeo @ Scone Showground, Scone
13 May 2022 – Brookfield Show, Brookfield
14 May 2022 – Hard Rock Café, Brisbane
27 August 2022 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
24 September 2022 – CMC Rocks, Ipswich
1 October 2022 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity
With a national election locked in for May 21, it’s more important than ever to think about the direction of the country. After recent floods, one issue that deserves headlines is climate change. If you’re not already thinking about it, “Written in the Sea” by Gold Coast singer-songwriter Hannah May should start the wheels turning. It’s a bit of a departure for Hannah who typically releases songs with a country flavour, but I’m really digging its acoustic folk sound.
“We seem to forget how much we rely on the environment for our wellbeing, while it continues to deteriorate in front of our eyes, we live our lives as if all is OK,” said Hannah. “We have to change our ways. This song is a reminder of that and I hope this inspires people to make a change however small it may be.”
Make sure you really tap into the lyrics when you’re listening to “Written in the Sea” as they’re so important, especially as we prepare to head to the polls. Making changes around the home matters, but it’s going to take changes on a federal level to really improve our environment.
Image used with permission from Hannah May
Lyn Bowtell made a splash on The Voice in 2017, but she’s been far from idle since that show propelled her into the spotlight. While she plays to smaller crowds now, she’s been releasing some incredible music. Her latest single “Woman to Woman” is the perfect reintroduction to her talent.
When so many young starlets dominate the charts, it’s so exciting to hear music from a mature woman sharing her experiences. Diverse voices are so important. It’s a timely song which speaks of the importance of real human connection in the digital age.
“I hope listeners to ‘Woman To Woman’ might be a little less influenced by social media in their everyday life and consider going to the source of information before they cast judgment on people,” Lyn said. “It’s great to be able to reach out across boundaries and borders to talk to people, but social media does come with negative effects as well and we are understanding that more and more now. I’ve never had anything particularly damaging said to me on social media, although there were a few moments after The Voice, but I’m lucky in that respect. Country music people are usually friendly, supportive and good-natured. Words can be so hurtful, faceless lies are painful. Don’t fool yourself into think that it’s nothing when it might mean something to someone else.”
“Woman to Woman” comes from Lyn’s forthcoming album, appropriately titled Wiser. She’s touring all over the country at the moment to support its release. See her at one of the following gigs:
24 April 2022 – The Longyard, Tamworth
12 May 2022 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
14 May 2022 – Halekulani Bowling Club, Budgewoi
15 May 2022 –Leichhardt Bowling Club, Lilyfield
26 May 2022 –The Front Gallery & Café, Lyneham
27 May 2022 – Tumut River Brewing Co, Tumut
28 May 2022 –Bowral Bowling Club, Bowral
29 May 2022 – Joyce Wheatley Community Centre, Kiama
17 June 2022 – The Beer Shed Brewing Co, Leumeah
18 June 2022 – Muswellbrook RSL Club, Muswellbrook
19 June 2022 – Armidale City Bowling Club, Armidale
22 July 2022 – The Press, Tamworth
23 July 2022 – Glen Aplin Hall, Glen Aplin
24 July 2022 – Dalby Events Centre, Dalby
27 & 28 July 2022 – Oodies Café, Bundaberg North
29 July 2022 – Maleny Community Hall, Maleny
30 July 2022 – GTM Music Studios, Beaudesert
31 July 2022 – Cabarlah Hall, Cabarlah
4 September 2022 – Mantra, Yarraville
9 September 2022 – The Wesley Anne, Northcote
10 September 2022 – The Palais, Hepburn Springs
11 September 2022 – The Old Church On The Hill, Quarry Hill
15 September 2022 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Goolwa
16 September 2022 – The Wheatsheaf, Thebarton
17 September 2022 – The Barn, Wombat Flat
14 October 2022 – Nethercote Hall, Nethercote
15 October 2022 – Murrah Hall, Murrah
Image used with permission from The Country Journo
As you cruise towards the weekend, take a listen to Dani Teveluwe’s laidback new single “Waiting Wasting Time”. It’s a cool pop number with a jazz influence that reminds me a little of Norah Jones or Corinne Bailey-Rae. While the track has a relaxed feel, the lyrics encourage listeners to quit procrastinating and go out and get whatever it is they’ve been wanting.
“’Waiting Wasting Time’ first came to me when I was walking my gorgeous Golden Huey around Miami. The chorus melody soothed my soul and I loved it from the get-go”, Dani explained. “It’s funny because building the courage to make a change can sometimes take years, but in reality, the moment we decide to change is quite fleeting. Around that time, I had been thinking a lot about the motivation behind change. That moment when change is no longer a choice and when it becomes a necessity. What is that thing that gets us to finally book that overseas trip we’ve always wanted to go on? What makes us overcome the fear of rejection to ask someone out, or perhaps ending a relationship that isn’t right? How do you describe the desire to leave a perfectly stable job to pursue your passion? The more I dwelled on it, the more I realised that I had created my own discontentment in the past by not going for it. By taking the safe option instead of the scarier path, living in my head not my heart. I decided I was done with waiting and wasting time.”
Dani also isn’t wasting any time taking this song to the people. You can catch her playing free at the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay tonight or tomorrow night at Solbar on the Sunshine Coast.
On a grey and gloomy day, ILUKA’s long-awaited debut album Queen of Turbulent Hearts brings the sunshine. With irresistible pop melodies and danceable beats, this is the perfect album to take you into the weekend.
No moment is wasted here. As the old adage goes, it’s all killer, no filler. I was instantly hooked from the opening notes of girl power anthem “The Limit.” As ILUKA namechecks history’s most iconic female trailblazers, you get the sense that this Blue Mountains singer-songwriter is proudly following in their footsteps. She may not be as well known yet, but she’s got such a powerful, distinctive voice. Not just sonically, although that’s undeniable. But ILUKA really has something to say. I’m listening.
The songs that come next bring the picture of ILUKA into focus. “Higher Love” is pure and optimistic. There’s a fierce determination in “Get Free”. She reveals her wild side in “Mess”, a brilliant collaboration with Lime Cordiale. This upbeat song hints at a vulnerability that tracks like “Hercules” and “Willing to Break” explore more deeply. The title track “Queen of Turbulent Hearts” is achingly nostalgic. These songs reveal so many facets of ILUKA’s personality, the positive and the flawed. While the music is eclectic, the honesty with which ILUKA shares herself ties this collection together beautifully.
I’ve been following ILUKA’s career since 2016. I’ve loved listening to her evolve from sweet folk-pop songstress to a bold indie-pop act. Queen of Turbulent Hearts shows how fearless she’s become. She knows who she is and she’s not afraid to share it. You don’t have to like it, but it’s much more fun if you get on board.
Queen of Turbulent Hearts is out today. ILUKA is currently touring the country with Lime Cordiale. Limited tickets are still available for some of the following shows:
Adelaide singer-songwriter Zac Eichner has floored me with his latest single, “Not a Break-Up Song.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but its gentle start drew me in. By the time the horns kicked in, I was firmly on board.
“’Not A Break-Up Song’ is the final song in the series of ‘Naked’, ‘Autumn’ & ‘Fool’,” Zac explained. “It follows where I left off and where I’ve landed recently. I’ve battled with depression, anxiety and self-destructive behaviour. I’ve worked hard, to pull away from that person I once was which has led to meeting my partner. It’s a song of hope, determination and reflection. Ironically named ‘Not A Break-Up Song’, I’m only breaking up with a previous version of myself.”
I’m always a sucker for a lyrical dance routine so the video is right up my alley. I was doubly impressed when I read that performer Rob McLean improvised the whole routine which was shot in a single take.
“This movement piece captures the internal battle and eventual release that the lyrics represent,” Zac added. “I think Rob and I have both been going through our own battles and watching him move to this, solidified my intentions with this song. A sense of self-reflection and intensity in the beginning and complete escape, hope and release toward the end.”
South Australian fans are in luck, with Zac playing a string of local shows in April and May.
17 April 2022 – Space Jams Festival, Robe
7 May 2022 – Big Easy Radio, Aldinga
8 May 2022 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
As the working week winds down, Cairns-based Jelly Oshen is bringing the chill vibes you need. His new single “Bordalonely” is a cool mix of R&B and indie-pop in the vein of Frank Ocean and Rex Orange County. He describes it as “island flava”, and who am I to argue? It sounds so smooth, but that’s more a testament to the quality of Jelly’s voice than technical wizardry.
“Most of my music is recorded at home with my stepdad,” he admitted. “My writing process is just making a poem and then creating a good music genre melody to fit, or vice versa. I was bored in lockdown and kinda lonely. My mum was imposing her own self-isolation on us, above and beyond any government rules, and this track sprung from that.”
Jelly Oshen has already supported some of the country’s hottest talents including Tones & I, Dami Im, and Ben Lee. Next up he’ll play a couple of cool festivals. Make sure you catch his set at the following events.
21 May 2022 – Festival of the Sun, Port Macquarie
19 November 2022 – Rolling Hills Festival, Brisbane
Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Bridie J Egan @bridies.journal
Brisbane band Rude Rum released some of my favourite rock songs of the last few years. So I was thrilled to hear they’re back with a brand new name, a fabulous new track, and an East Coast tour. Now known as Reckless Coast, these guys are impressing me all over again with their latest single “Do You Want Me?” It’s rock music the way it’s meant to be, a little rough around the edges but irresistibly catchy. Hit that volume button and crank it up to really appreciate its brilliance.
Frontman Jaeden Ogston wrote the song during a bar shift that crawled by. If you’ve ever worked a dead-end job, you’re going to appreciate it.
“I was sick of it that night … running around collecting glasses, handling the TAB, trying to serve, all without any help in sight,” he recalled. “I was often burnt out which affected my music, and I just wanted to focus on what I love. The thoughts going through my head on that shift pretty much wrote the song.”
He added that the name change was necessary as the band enters a brand-new chapter.
“The old name didn’t portray us properly,” he explained. “Plus, we’ve grown so much sonically and personally, so a fresh name was needed. We’re three kids who grew up on the coast, and love a good rock show … Reckless Coast sums us up perfectly”
With songs like “Do You Want Me?” in their arsenal, you know Reckless Coast will go off live. Discover for yourself at one of the following shows:
27 April 2022 – Mumbo Jumbo’s, Terrigal
28 April 2022 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
29 April 2022 – MoshPit Bar, Sydney
6 May 2022 – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast
20 May 2022 – Eleven Dive Bar, Sunshine Coast
21 May 2022 – Tomcat, Brisbane
Image used with permission from High Tides Agency; credit: Gabi Rankin
Don’t mistake Motor Ace’s return to the music scene as one resting on nostalgia. The release of their new single “Knock Knock” proves these guys have got more hits left in them. With hard-rocking riffs and solid vocals from Patrick Robertson, this track might just be worth the 17-year wait.
“It’s an idea that was kicking around back in the day, but we never got around to finishing it,” Pat admitted. “We’d always loved the sound, but it was written between the first and second records and didn’t really fit with what we were aiming for on the second. Probably should have finished it then!”
Motor Ace are gearing up to tour the country to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Five Star Laundry. Tickets are selling fast, so get them while you can!
10 June 2022 – Freo Social, Fremantle
11 June 2022 – Badlands, Perth
16 June 2022 – The Triffid, Brisbane
17 June 2022 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
18 June 2022 – The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle
23 June 2022 – The Gov, Adelaide
24 June 2022 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Image used with permission from One the Map PR; credit: Rhys Graham
Just a couple of weeks ago I was raving about Racing Birds’ single “Rarely Never Loaded”. The reason I was so excited is that I already knew these guys weren’t just a flash in the pan. I was already listening to their debut EP Lonesome Blue, anticipating the day when I could tell you all about it.
On a grey and gloomy day, 
