Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderers Drop Groovy New Single, “Penny”

Adelaide band Wanderers have found inspiration from the big screen for their latest single “Penny.” The track is a homage to Penny Lane, Kate Hudson’s character in Almost Famous. If you’ve longed for the return of yacht rock (and who hasn’t?), this is your tune.

Dusty Lee, Wanderers’ singer-songwriter, explained how the song came together quickly in the band’s 60s inspired cabin. “There was something in the air that night, what initially started as a jam, became a nearly fully fleshed out song in about an hour. Told from the perspective of the young journalist in the film and the impact the character Penny had on him.”

“Penny” comes from Wanderers’ forthcoming EP, which should drop later this year. The band will play the following shows in the coming weeks to celebrate its release.

21 August 2021 – The Lab, Adelaide
2 September 2021 – The Gaso, Upstairs, Melbourne
10 September 2021 – Soundcity, Port Lincoln

Image used with permission from Big Oak Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jannah Beth Celebrates Art Over Profits With “Want Me Dead”

Sydney artist Jannah Beth celebrates their love of music in their latest single “Want Me Dead.” Despite its macabre name, this is an upbeat track that effortlessly blends rap and pop vibe. It’s definitely put the groove into my Friday.

“‘Want Me Dead’ is a song about conflicting music industry experiences and reconnecting with why I started music in the first place,” she explained. “I honestly do feel like I’m out here ‘selling my soul’; this whole project has been informed by my real-life experiences, not trends or extrinsic motivations. I left school and a turbulent home life at 15 to chase my dreams and I’ve worked my ass off over the past 10 years to get to the place where I’m now seeing my dreams come to fruition.”

Jannah Beth believes so much in an industry that nurtures art that she’s been working behind the scenes to make it happen. She’s built several studios in Marrickville’s creative hub by the Bowling Club. Already more than half of the resident artists and producers are female or non-binary. She’s also launching her own artist-run creative space, Offbeat Collective, really soon.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: She Is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgia Maq and Alice Ivy Come Together For Sublime “Someone Stranger” Single

Today has brought a lot of bad news. You could let it get to you, or you could hit play on “Someone Stranger,” the stunning new track from Georgia Maq and Alice Ivy, and just dance out. I know which option I’ve taken.

“Annika and I knew we wanted to make a song together so we made the time and in about three hours we had pretty much finished ‘Someone Stranger’,” Georgia Maq explained. “I write lyrics really quickly when I feel I have to and Annika creates amazing melodies so it just worked really well together. The song is very much open to interpretation, but personally it’s about purging romance through movement.”

With so much of the country in lockdown, this song’s themes of loneliness and the need for connection really hit. The gorgeous electro-pop melodies are upbeat though, balancing the heavy themes with uplifting sounds. Georgia and Alice’s voices blend so perfectly too. This is wonderful.

Georgia Maq will perform at the Sydney Opera House as part of VIVID later this year. She’s planning to announce new shows soon, which will give us all something to look forward to.

Image used with permission from Our Golden Friend

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Okay Dane Show Off Bold New Sound With “Different Waves”

Melbourne rock act Okay Dane spent 2020 honing their sound, and now in 2021 they’re ready to show it off. “Different Waves” is a confident rock anthem that should put some extra pep into your Humpday.

“‘Different Waves’ is the end product of a year-long process of trying things, hating them and throwing them out. It was definitely a rough patch and I had a hard time with writer’s block, and finding the right direction both lyrically and musically,” explained songwriter Jake Kougioumtzis.

“Once we were able to get back together after months of lockdowns and playing live again, it was like the ice had thawed, and I was able to find the right words and the music started pouring out. I was able to channel all of the stress, anxiety and tension of the last year into a new batch of songs and ‘Different Waves’ definitely feels like a reflection of all we’ve been through in the last year and a half.”

With a new single under their belt, returning to stages is the next logical step. Okay Dane will play the following shows through August and September.

21 August 2021 – O’Skulligans, Brisbane
27 August 2021 – Hotel Metro, Adelaide (FREE)
4 September 2021 – Last Chance, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Patrick James Releases Positive Pandemic Track, “Grateful”

The pandemic has left many of us feeling frustrated and flat. However, for Patrick James, it inspired more positive emotions. He wrote his latest single “Grateful” in the middle of the pandemic, buoyed by his appreciation and admiration of the people around him.

It’s a beautiful song and one which serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate the people who give our lives more meaning. Press play, take a few deep breaths, and let this song soothe your soul.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella B Shines on Debut With “Light On”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Bella B has just dropped her gorgeous debut track “Light On.” Its simple piano melody lets her voice and lyrics shine. The addition of synths give it a fresh feel without undermining the track’s emotional centre.

“‘Light On’ is a plea to someone to step up and commit to being in a relationship. They keep running, shying away from the hard conversations – and you keep pursuing them, which only makes them pull away harder”, Bella explained.

This track has a confidence we don’t often see from debut releases, but Bella is no stranger to the music industry. She’s written tracks for other local artists including HANNI. Something tells me we’ll see her spending more time fronting her own material in future.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliza & The Delusionals Release Shiny New Single, “Save Me”

So today hasn’t been the easiest. Brisbane joins Greater Sydney in lockdown. With the footy in doubt, I’ve realised it might just be the glue holding me together right now. If like me you need to lift your spirits, press play. “Save Me,” the shimmery new bop from Eliza & The Delusionals is just what you need right now.

I’m getting all nostalgic listening to the dreamy vocals and synthy production here. It’s been a long time coming, with Eliza Klatt and Kurt Skuse writing part of the track in Los Angeles, then finishing it in their home studio in Australia. With such a long gestation, the track has gone through a real sonic evolution since its conception.

“We never intended on changing or re-working the song, but a few months later myself and Kurt were having a writing session and came up with this verse idea and new chords that we were loving and we just needed a chorus,” Eliza explained. “I sung the ‘Save Me’ chorus that we demoed just to see how it fit and we instantly fell in love with those two ideas together. It felt like two puzzle pieces that were meant to be together.”

Eliza & The Delusionals’ shows with The Vanns might be postponed, but they’ve got a few solo shows on their schedule. Catch them (hopefully) at the following venues this October:

3 October 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
8 October 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane
9 October 2021 – Oxford Art Factory Gallery Bar, Sydney
15 October 2021 – The Leadbeater Hotel, Melbourne

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Luke Henery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Do You Remember That?” – Mila Nile

Sweden is a fertile breeding ground for cool electro-pop acts. The Scandinavian nation gave us Robyn, The Knife, Lykke Li, and Mila Nile. Mila might not be a household name, yet, but this Swedish-born, now Sydney-based talent is one to watch. Her debut EP Do You Remember That? dropped today, and you’re going to want to take a listen.

The EP is a deeply personal collection of songs with introspective lyrics wrapped up in catchy melodies that are guaranteed to get stuck in your hand. You’ll be tapping your toes along from the first notes of the opening track “Break My Heart to the Beat.” There’s more sassiness in the nostalgic single “Old School Calling” and the defiant closer, “Don’t Need Your Love.” Mila’s not afraid to show her vulnerability though. The penultimate track “Daughter” is a powerful ballad about what it’s like to be separated from loved ones during this pandemic.

With Do You Remember? Mila Nile shows she’s a pop force to be reckoned with, and so much more. This EP has some sombre moments, but its bops and bangers are just what you need to get through this pandemic. It’s out now on all your favourite digital platforms. Mila hopes will launch her EP at the Oxford Art Factory Gallery in Sydney on October 1. Get your tickets here.

Images used with permission from Mila Nile

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Head Right With “Therapy” From Bootleg Rascal

If you’re in most parts of the country, this month has been pretty hard. I’m pretty sure I’m on my last nerve, so discovering Bootleg Rascal’s new track “Therapy” has been an absolute joy. The track featuring Citizen Kay and MAXINE has such a cruisy, summery vibe, it’s like a tropical holiday for your ears. Press play, close your eyes, and let your troubles melt away for a few minutes.

“Sometimes, your therapy can be music or switching off in front of the TV, but sometimes not even our biggest distractions are enough,” admitted Bootleg Rascal’s frontman, Carlos Lara. “It’s okay to ask for help; it’s okay to not be okay.”

Bootleg Rascal will head to Queensland for two special “Therapy” shows next month. Make an appointment to see the band at one of the following gigs:

13 August 2021 – CQ University Village Festival, Yeppoon
14 August 2021 – The Old Bundy Tavern, Bundaberg

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“people just do good things sometimes” – Pinkish Blu

In the darkest times, music can lift us up. Today was supposed to be the last day of the Greater Sydney lockdown, but as that date approached I think most of us knew we were headed for more of the same. For me, knowing that Adelaide band Pinkish Blu were dropping their sophomore EP people just do good things sometimes, was the silver lining. I’ve been listening to an advance copy for the last couple of weeks and I’m thrilled that now everyone gets the opportunity, perhaps when they need it most.

I raved about the singles “Backward” and “Start a Band” on their release, so I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around more of Pinkish Blu’s music. Opening track “Old Blue” starts like a modern lullaby, gently drawing us in until the beat drops. It’s such a clever song, with its contrasting movements taking us on enough twists and turns to remind us that Pinkish Blu are no ordinary indie-pop band. Their synth-heavy sound reminds me of international bands like LANY, The 1975, and The Band CAMINO, but there’s a special something that sets them apart.

The remaining songs go down easy. I was reminded just how much I love the singles, yet impressed that the unreleased tracks are every bit as strong. The twists and turns continue as we move from the upbeat banger, “Backward” to the more intimate ballad “Over Me.” Initially “Cop Cars” seemed like a strange choice a closing track, but the more I listened to this subtle ballad, the more it won my heart. And besides, more often than not I find myself hitting play and starting this EP all over again.

Pinkish Blu make the kind of happy-sad songs that I want to hear right now. Their lyrics explore some tough themes but they’re wrapped up in these perfect pop sounds that balance the darkness with light. people just do good things sometimes is out now. The band will play the following shows this October to support its release.

1 October 2021 – The Leadbeater, Melbourne
2 October 2021 – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
9 October 2021 – The Lab, Adelaide

Image used with permission from Beehive PR: feature image credit Noah Sutherland