Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Etoile Marley Sets a New Bar With “All Night” Remix

I don’t typically get excited about a remixed version of a single. All too often I feel they’re too production-heavy and they strip away the essence of the song. But the Adriano Desire remix of “All Night” by Etoile Marley, which dropped today, is no ordinary remix. It’s one of the rare recordings that makes the single better.

I think Etoile’s gorgeous vocals shine more in this remix. With some extra space to breathe, you can really hone in on this track’s flirty lyrics. The reworked instrumentation also gives this track a bit more pop and polish. If you’re not bopping along by the chorus, I’ll be surprised!

Etoile is an Aussie-French independent artist. She grew up in Canberra before moving to Melbourne in her 20s. In 2015, she relocated to the United Kingdom where she’s currently based with her young family.

Etoile has got stacks more new music on the horizon, so give her Facebook page a follow to learn all about the exciting stuff in the pipeline.

Image via Etoile Marley EPK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Parmy Dhillon Returns to Music Scene With “Red”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Parmy Dhillon has taken 12 months away from the music industry, but the wait will be worth it for fans. His latest single “Red” has quickly won me over with its folky Americana feel. If you love acts like Counting Crows, Soul Asylum, and Neil Young, this song will be right up your alley.

What I love most about this song is its authenticity. The vocals are so honest, the instrumentation organic. You get the sense that the production hasn’t overly polished the song. I appreciate the rough edges. It’s those imperfections that make it so relatable.

Image used with permission from Parmy Dhillon

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fred James Koch Releases Cinematic New Single, “I’m Runnin'”

Aussie singer-songwriter Fred James Koch doesn’t just have a major role in Mickey Rourke’s new movie Night Walk. He also sings the theme song “I’m Runnin’.” I’m really digging this track, which Fred James also wrote and produced with AZ Sheriff. The press release doesn’t say much about it, so I’ll just let the music video speak for itself!

Image used with permission from Michael Matthews Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Baker Boy and G Flip’s New Track “My Mind” Is Every Bit as Good As You’d Expect

You probably know before pressing play that “My Mind,” the new single from Baker Boy featuring G Flip, is pretty awesome. I’m not sure two such talented people could collaborate and produce something mediocre. So you don’t need me to convince you. Just hit that play button!

“Working with G Flip was a real privilege,” Baker Boy confirmed. “We’ve known each other for a while through touring, but it was mad to see them in their element in the studio. G is a real talent, not only their voice, but their songwriting is like no other! My Mind is a fun tribute to the incredible women in both of our lives, we’re both really lucky to have incredible support networks so really it’s a song for those people too!”

The feeling is mutual, as G Flip gushed, “I’ve always been a big fan of Danzal. We met on the festival circuit over the years and our time slots were always back-to-back, so we’ve had a lot of hang time and a lot of beer time together! I’ve even jumped up and played drums on a track with him before so a song collab was always on the cards. We met up at the studio sometime in 2019 and ‘My Mind’ was written in a day. It’s a song about appreciating the beautiful women in our lives.”

“My Mind” is the latest track lifted from Baker Boy’s highly anticipated debut album Gela. The album title is Baker Boy’s “skin name,” so it’s the perfect choice for his introductory body of work. It drops October 15, but you can preorder your digital, CD, or vinyl copy now.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ryan Meeking Drops Hot New Single, “Endless Run”

It’s always exciting to check in with an old favourite. Ryan Meeking and The Few were hot property in the early 2010s, playing shows with Rob Thomas, Diesel, Angus and Julia Stone, and Gossling. But Ryan dropped off my radar … until now. With the release of his latest single “Endless Run,” I’m right back on board.

As you might imagine, a lot has changed in the last decade. Ryan’s music has developed a more modern sound with an electro-pop feel that reminds me of Gotye and Benee. Ryan’s songwriting skills are even stronger and that voice that drew me to his music in the first place is every bit as enticing.

Ryan sets the scene for the song, noting “You’re in the festival crowd. Drink it in. Your friends, thousands of others, the music, the party, the complete loss of any sense of time and space – and who cares: the community in that. Everything is now, everything is amazing and it’s just the beginning. Welcome to your Endless Run.”

The colourful music video, directed by filmmaker and photographer Rick Clifford (Ainslie Wills, Bad Pony, Tori Forsyth), is also absolutely stunning. Just see if you can take your eyes off it.

Making plans is tricky these days, but at this stage Ryan will play a launch show at Small Time in Brunswick on August 12. The show will also be streamed for everyone who can’t be there in person. Follow Ryan Meeking on Facebook to learn more about that!

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: @rcstills

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gia Darcy Releases Empowering New Single, “I’m Not Sorry”

Sydney singer-songwriter Gia Darcy’s latest single “I’m Not Sorry” is an unapologetic anthem that should strike a chord with anyone who’s been told they’re too much. I love the lyrics which celebrate being all parts of yourself, whether other people like it or not!

This is Gia’s third single, and I honestly think it’s her best. It’s got a great pop sound and a real confidence about it that is so endearing. It sounds like she might just be taking her own lyrics to heart and being every bit as bold as she can be.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LA Faithfull Spreads Good Vibes With “Anywhere We Want”

As Victoria gets confirmation of lockdown extensions and Greater Sydney prepares for at least the next two weeks of the same, most of us are dreaming of seeing something beyond our four walls. LA Faithfull’s poptastic new single “Anywhere We Want” is the perfect track to beat your lockdown blues. We might not be heading anywhere in the near future, but for just a few minutes this feel-good anthem from one of Melbourne’s best new singer-songwriters lets you indulge your fantasies.

LA Faithfull actually wrote the track about taking a mental vacation from her anxiety. In the song, she describes the battle inside her head and the moments that lift her up and “escape that reality for a bit.” The pandemic has certainly brought mental health issues to the fore. It might seem like a simple solution, but listening to upbeat, uplifting tracks like this are great therapy.

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nicholas Hamilton Reminisces With EP Title Track, “Pretty Young”

I don’t know about you, but the COVID pandemic has me in a nostalgic mood. I’m locked down here in New South Wales, but my Facebook memories make sure I remember the concerts I’ve been to, holidays I’ve taken, and great nights out I’ve shared with my friends. Nicholas Hamilton’s latest single “Pretty Young” reflects my current mood. In this track, he looks back at his own transition from teenager to twentysomething, a period that saw him moving halfway across the globe to pursue his passion for acting.

“I remember feeling pretty down when I wrote the first stanza. It was one of those days where you just cry behind a piano and hope a song comes out. There was a moment where I realised how silly it was for me to be writing a song about my childhood, when I definitely wouldn’t consider myself an adult yet … That’s how the second stanza came about, starting with ‘and I’m still pretty young’,” he explained. “I drew the rest of the lyrics from a ton of childhood memories I thought I’d forgotten, and recent memories I hope I don’t forget.”

This adorable music video features home movies capturing moments from Nicholas’s childhood.

“Pretty Young” comes from the EP of the same name, which we’ll hear on August 13. Like the single, this EP features acoustic pop tracks exploring nostalgic subject matter. Nicholas currently divides his time between Los Angeles and his hometown of Byron Bay. With the EP on the way and some TV and film projects in development, expect to hear a lot more about this talented Aussie in the near future.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Mike Falzone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Karen Harding Releases Powerful Pandemic Plea, “I Heard Somebody Talking”

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out the best and worst of human behaviour. So often I’ve found myself shaking my head at the actions of others. Singer-songwriter Karen Harding has channelled the frustration many of us have felt into her latest single “I Heard Somebody Talking,” a song inspired by anti-mask rallies.

“The beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic was an emotive and scary time for everyone. I was sitting, watching the news about an anti-mask rally, when a man ran across the screen. I immediately sat down at my piano and wrote a song about what I would have liked to say to this man … how he would feel if his decisions led to his family becoming unwell,” she explained.

Producer Joshua Hennessy ensures Karen’s pure vocals and powerful words really shine on this release. She might be relatively new on the scene, but she has a long musical history, learning piano from age six and taking singing lessons from 14. She played in a covers duo in her early 20s, but has just begun finding her own voice.

“It wasn’t until Covid-19 began that I really had the space to see what was possible with my music,” she explained. “I had the opportunity in lockdown, to speak with musicians and music industry experts through my platform, Sounds On The Couch, and as a result, I am now honoured to be sharing my own music with the world.”

If you want to keep up to date with Karen’s musical journey, make sure you follow her Facebook page.

Image used with permission from Karen Harding

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Snark Drop Rocking New Single, “Pressure”

Melbourne band Snark are here to shake up your Thursday with their latest track “Pressure.” With elements of pop-punk and indie-rock, this is one of those songs that demands to be cranked up loud.

Frontman Stefan wrote the song dealing with the pressures of Melbourne’s second lockdown last year. As someone living in New South Wales right now, it’s definitely striking a chord with me at the moment!

“I wrote the song in the middle of Melbourne’s second, seemingly never-ending lockdown, as all of life’s stresses really began to pile up and take a toll,” he explained. “I realised that without the outlet or release valve of time with friends and loved ones, I found myself crumbling. I channeled that hopelessness and frustration into this song, as well as a sense of longing for better times. I’m really hoping it can resonate with people and be as cathartic for them as it has been for me.”

Melbourne music lovers, save the date for Snark’s single launch on August 7. They’ll name the venue once they finalise the details, so make sure you give them a follow on Facebook to learn more.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Act Four Photography