Posted on by Lauren Katulka

NIDALA Celebrates Quiet Moments With “One of Those Days”

Proud Djungun artist NIDALA is giving us a taste of her forthcoming EP with the release of her superb new single, “One of Those Days.” It’s such a cool track with a laidback folky feel and powerful emotional core. The stripped-back instrumentation is the ideal showcase for NIDALA’s incredible vocals. The lyrics are also a great reminder that rest can be just as vital as activism.

“This track is my ode to slowness,” NIDALA explained. “It’s about the days you can’t quite get to where you want to be, and everything feels foggy and hard. It’s a reminder that we all deserve some rest. I wrote this song after hitting a point I think all of us have felt through COVID. After routine went down the drain and we all tried to pretend like we could still match the outputs we achieved. It’s about the realisation that maybe it was time for us to just sit down and rest.”

“One of Those Days” comes from NIDALA’s EP Colours of My People. The release will be entirely carbon neutral and benefit some vital charities. NIDALA will donate 20% of proceeds to tree-planting initiatives and 20% to Indigenous initiatives including mental health services and creative mentoring programs.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay J Gladstone Go Hard With “People Like You”

Sydney punk rock act Clay J Gladstone have released their fantastic new single “People Like You.” Its verses creep along, lulling you into a relaxed mood before the chorus comes out swinging. This is a track that goes for the jugular with its big crunchy chords and powerhouse vocals.

“The track is about escaping an abusive relationship and going out in a blaze of glory,” explained lead singer Clay J. “Being told you’re not good enough only to realise you’ve been bullied into submission and need to cut them loose.”

The track comes with a cinematic music video filmed, directed, and edited by AWOL Productions’ Adam Williamson.

“The storyline follows the concept of the track: breaking free of an abusive relationship,” Clay J explained of the video’s concept. “There are three locations to depict the relative stages in the relationship. Firstly, the light box to depict being stuck in cage; secondly, the dark bedroom with photos on the wall acting as memories; and thirdly, the bright park to represent breaking free.”

As you might imagine listening to this track. Clay J Gladstone are earning a reputation as one of the most explosive bands on the live circuit. Catch them at the following venues to see what the hype is all about:

26 June 2021 – AM//PM Emo Night Sydney @ Burdekin Hotel, Darlinghurst
10 July 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney (supporting FANGZ)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Chris Commerford Band Delivers Sweet Soul Music With “Sugar”

Cooler than cool soul-rock act The Chris Commerford Band hit all the right notes with their latest single “Sugar.” Capturing those heady days of early infatuation, this track is silky smooth, an absolute delight to listen to.

“The track always felt good when we played it live and even in rehearsals Sugar still had that great feeling, so after a lot of encouragement I knew I could trust what I felt deep down that we could make it into something special,” Chris Commerford said.

Special is right. It sounds effortless, but this track was actually four years in the making, with multiple demos, several mixes, and seemingly endless hours in production. The best part though is that it doesn’t sound like hard work. The final recording feels like a jam session, with every musician feeding off one another to create something so sublime. More like this please!

The Chris Commerford Band love playing live, so there are always plenty of opportunities to catch them. See them do their thing at the following shows:

26 June 2021 – TAR BARREL Brewery and Distillery, Mornington (7 pm)
27 June 2021 – Project Brewing Company, Rowville (2:30 pm)
8 August 2021 – Dainton Brewery, Carrum Downs (3 pm)

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall Head Over Heels for Buttered’s New Single, “Love”

As days of the week go, Mondays aren’t very sexy. Usually. But like me, you might just change your mind once you wrap your ears around “Love,” the super-smooth new single from Gold Coast duo Buttered. This one takes me right back to the ‘90s, when slow jams from acts like Boyz II Men, Jodeci, and Dru Hill were in regular rotation on my stereo.

“Love blends groove and emotion leaving the listener feeling elevated. “Love” is about the beginning of true commitment. The excitement and possibilities that come with creating a life with someone. It’s also about how that feeling translates universally. The shape and size of our love in every part of our lives colour and intensifies everything we are,” Buttered explained. “The classic Wurlitzer drives through the entire song accompanying the strong vocal hooks and delicate guitar parts. Picture yourself dancing softly with your partner reminiscing on many years of joy. That’s how the listener will feel at the end of this track. good luck getting it out of your head!”

You’ll get the chance to dance along to their music in person soon, with Buttered heading out on a single tour next month. Catch them at the following venues this July:

2 July 2021 – Solbar, Maroochydore
15 July 2021 – The Bearded Lady, Brisbane
16 July 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
30 July 2021 – The Northern, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from GD FRNDS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Play, Then Play Again on Figurehead’s “On Repeat”

Fremantle five-piece Figurehead have been a force out west for some time, but they’re ready to let the rest of the country know what they’re all about. Their new track “On Repeat” is the ideal introduction, a laidback indie-rock banger that goes down easy. Despite its relaxed groove and summery melody, the track has some intense lyrics which explore drug-induced paranoia and entrapment.

“The main riff that initiated the song was the first thing I played when I picked up my new Fender Telecaster and the lyrics followed,” explained frontman Joe Caddy. “The song initially had a longer run time and a different structure, but the short poppy skeleton of the song was in part, the vision of Dave Parkin of Blackbird Studios, who produced the song.”

Figurehead will launch “On Repeat” for hometown fans at Clancy’s Fish Pub on July 3. They’re also scheduled to play Perth’s Under the Southern Stars gigs next year.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hattie Oates Wows Me With “Waste My Time”

Hattie Oates has given me chills with her latest single “Waste My Time.” It’s a gorgeous stripped-back ballad with minimal production ensuring your focus is solely on Hattie’s delicate voice. Her vocals drip with emotion, ensuring listeners feel the heartbreak behind her bittersweet lyrics.

“This song is about the emotional journey you take when ending a relationship,” she explained. “And then getting to the other side, where you suddenly see all the wasted time you spent stuck in the past with them, instead of just moving on.”

Every time I hear a new song from Hattie I marvel at what she’s achieving at such a young age. This is another stellar single from one of the country’s most exciting talents.

Image used with permission from Popcom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Caught Up With A Swift Farewell’s New Single, “Mousetrap”

Sydney pop-punk band A Swift Farewell have been doing great things over the last few years, earning praise from tastemakers like Alternative Press, idobi Radio, triple j, and Wall of Sound and supporting the likes of Hands Like Houses and FANGZ. If you’re not already across their music, you soon will be. Their latest track “Mousetrap” is bound to make you sit up and take notice.

“Mousetrap” is such a ballsy track, with insane vocals from Emma Mather and dynamic instrumentation that matches her intensity. Its lyrics are so relatable. The film clip, which shows the band finding themselves at the mercy of evil scientists, is also a stroke of genius.

“’Mousetrap’ is about feeling trapped in a relationship in which you are not able to give someone the time and attention they demand from you and feeling burnt out from trying,” explained the band’s bassist, Sarah Bonnet. “In the end, the person doesn’t notice they are asking too much from you and you feel yourself grow emotionally distant from them.”

It’s been a couple of months since A Swift Farewell played live, but hopefully the release of this single inspires them to get out in front of punters again. Give their Facebook page a follow to learn all about any gig announcements as they happen.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Robbie Walcott

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sunday Estate Drop Stellar New Single, “Bike Thief”

I want to introduce you to my new favourite band, and soon to be yours, The Sunday Estate. The Sydney band’s latest single “Bike Thief” sparked a Spotify binge because it’s just that good.

“This song is about confronting someone who you know is lying straight to your face,” the band said. Haven’t we all been there!

The Sunday Estate are part of the Mirror Records family, just like Gang of Youths, Middle Kids, and Charlie Collins. So you can expect once the rest of the world cottons on to just how exceptional they are, they’re going to be big. You might want to take the opportunity to catch them at one of the following shows, because who knows how long it’ll be before they graduate to those big venues!

19 August 2021 – La La La’s, Wollongong
27 August 2021 – The Cambridge Warehouse, Newcastle
28 August 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hurricane Fall Get Crossover Country Sound So Right With “Another One More Time”

Hurricane Fall were formed in Tamworth, but with a move to Newcastle they seem to be embracing a crossover-country sound. Their latest track “Another One More Time” is sure to appeal to people who love blasting Keith Urban and Morgan Evans.

“Another One More Time is a song about the undeniable connection that simmers below the subconscious,” explained the band’s singer and bass player, Pepper Deroy, “until the catalytic combination of booze and loneliness bring on an explosion of emotion that has you reaching for the phone … just one more time …”

If you think it sounds good in the studio, just wait until you see these guys live. They pride themselves on performing, and after recently playing regional New South Wales they show no signs of slowing down. Catch them on the stages of the following festivals in the coming months.

2 July 2021 – Hats Off to Country @ West Tamworth Leagues Club, Tamworth
3 July 2021 – Bush to Bay Festival @ Bay Central Tavern, Hervey Bay
27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor Creek State Forest, Gympie
1 & 2 October 2021 – Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin
3 October 2021 – VDMFest Rock Edge Country Music Festival @ Showgrounds, Biloela
15 October 2021 – Wingham Akoostik Music Festival @ Wingham Showgrounds, Wingham
16 October 2021 – Country by the River @ Sturt Reserve, Murray Bridge

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chuditch Impresses With “Cue the Violins”

Western Australian act Chuditch is taking me back to the ‘80s with his stunning new single “Cue the Violins.” It reminds me of acts like Morrisey and the Cure with its upbeat, danceable sound and deep emotional centre. The heavy lyrics explore the idea of suffering for your art, but that driving piano riff is so uplifting that it’s impossible to stay down while you’re listening to it.

“I think this idea of suffering for your art is prominent in lots of art’s history but for me particularly a lot of 90s grunge era bands. The idea that good lyrics come from enduring hardship and dealing with mental issues and emotion turmoil,” explained Leigh Gardiner, the man behind Chuditch. “There’s a fear that if you’re too happy you won’t have anything to write about so you ruminate on small things that turn into big things in your head. The idea of collecting your sins to burn a creative fire. This can compound if you’re the sort of person who doesn’t talk freely about your feelings hence one of the final lines of the song and the title is ‘cue the violins’ (a mocking made usually for petty gripes) as the antagonist of the song prepares to divulge their feeling.”

This single is a real departure from Chuditch’s first single, “Grasping at the Water.” I suggest taking a listen to both tracks so you can get a glimpse at the real artistry of this exciting Aussie act.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tim Hadlow Photography