Jake Davey Hits a Home Run With “The Way She Does”

Mid-North Coast artist Jake Davey has served up a little slice of country-pop heaven in the form of his latest single “The Way She Does.” It’s a lot more country than the tunes I usually listen to, but I knew it was a bop when I saw my husband shaking his hips to the beat in the hallway. A real celebration of women, Jake penned the track with Canadian singer-songwriter Lydia Sutherland.

“The Way She Does” is just one of the many tracks Jake penned during the pandemic. That creative period ensures he’s got plenty of top-shelf tunes just like this in store for us in 2021.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Pete Murray Strikes Gold With “If We Never Dance Again”

Pete Murray burst onto the music scene with the release of his debut album Feeler in 2003 and has earned acclaim from devoted fans and critics alike since that time. Except for this one. I’ve got to admit, I’ve just never warmed to his music. I’ve certainly been exposed to it; his tracks dominate radio and he’s supported my favourite singer Rob Thomas on a couple of tours. But I’ve always found his music a little pedestrian, until now. I was prepared to yawn through his latest single “If We Never Dance Again” too, but I’ve got to admit, I like it. A lot.

Pete wrote the track in Los Angeles in May 2019 with songwriter and producer Morgan Dorr.

“Morgan had the first line of the chorus written when I got to his place, which was, “If you never see my face again” and the three chords that played over this. We worked on the song all day and I even cancelled another session that I had booked in just so I could finish this song as it felt like this had so much potential,” he explained.

When Pete returned to Australia, they continued refining the track across continents to produce what you hear today. I’m so glad they stuck at it, because I honestly believe this is the best thing he’s ever done. It’s got real heart, and I love the piano instrumentation.

“If We Never Dance Again” comes from Pete’s forthcoming release, The Night EP. Will it contain more Pete Murray tracks that I actually enjoy? We’ll find out when it drops on March 5. Fans should hear some of the new material when Pete plays the following shows.

13 February 2021 – By the C @ Glenelg Beach, Glenelg
6 March 2021 – By the C @ Don Lucas Reserve, Cronulla
14 March 2021 – By the C @ Catani Gardens, St Kilda
20 March 2021 – Crowd Surf @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point
27 March 2021 – By the C @ City Beach Reserve, Perth

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Rafa Teams Up With Sam Welch For Feelgood New Single, “Forever Love”

Canberra’s own Rafa is taking you into your weekend the right way with his groovy new single “Forever Love.” Featuring the vocal stylings of Sam Welch, this upbeat track is the perfect party starter.

This track is the follow-up to Rafa’s debut single “Fight No More,” which gained plenty of support on community radio and personal playlists. Personally, I think this song is even better, with such exciting instrumentation and a really great groove. Rafa credits his Dutch and Colombian parents for his natural sense of melody and rhythm. Whether that’s true or he’s simply being modest I’m not sure, but this track proves he’s definitely got the gift. Rafa is currently content working as a concreter but with tracks like this, it might not be too long before he gives up his day job.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Ellery Cohen Drops Feelgood New Pop Bop, “Waiting”

Like so many people around the world, Melbourne singer-songwriter Ellery Cohen spent most of 2020 locked down. Before the world shut his borders, he enjoyed a trip to Vietnam and made a connection that inspired his poppy new single “Waiting.”

“I wrote this song about a girl I met in Vietnam while travelling, she told me that she had left her boyfriend and her life for a year, leaving her life behind. I thought it was so interesting and I wrote a song about what she would say to her boyfriend,” he explained. “It’s a song about love and complexity of relationship and how life can be sometimes. She asks the question ‘Will you be waiting.'”

Ellery will launch the single at The Workers Club in Melbourne on March 6. Tickets are strictly limited to adhere to COVID regulations, so make sure you get yours fast!

Image used with permission from Arow Agency

“Hit or Miss” – Alexander Biggs

Looking back through my blog, I’ve admired Alexander Biggs’ music since 2016. As an independent artist, writing, self-recording, and producing his own music, there’s never a lot of fanfare about his releases. They’re quiet songs that cast a spell, providing a few moments of calm in the chaos of the real world. They always leave me wanting a little something more, so I’m thrilled that finally, Alexander has released his first album, Hit or Miss.

If you’re already familiar with Alexander’s music, you know what to expect, and I doubt you’ll be disappointed. If this is your first introduction, it might take you a little time to embrace his songs. They’re much more subtle than music that earns radio airplay or goes viral on social media. But give it time, and I swear it’ll get underneath your skin. You’ll learn to appreciate the gentle strains of acoustic guitar or piano, Alexander’s hushed tones, and the poetic vignettes his words create. The songs feel like diary entries capturing moments in time that fade away all too quickly. There’s romance without schmaltz, bittersweet pain, and emotions kept on the surface. I was familiar with many of these songs, but they’re so much more potent here, with the other tracks providing context and clarity.

I started listening to Hit or Miss this morning. Every time the final notes of the title track faded away, I found myself pressing play again. It’s one of those albums that gets richer and more endearing with every listen. It’s special. You’ll find it on your favourite streaming platforms, but if like me you prefer tangible music, grab a copy of the limited-edition vinyl while you can.

Image used with permission from Maths & Magic

Jessie Monk Offers Tantalising Taste of New EP With “Lonesome Winter Blues” Release

Jessie Monk has bowled me over with her gorgeous new single “Lonesome Winter Blues.” This delicate folk ditty has such an elegant ease about it. Her voice is effortlessly angelic, the perfect foil for those gentle guitar licks. She reminds me a lot of Joni Mitchell with her poetic lyrics and pure voice, which seems to slide so easily from low notes to the higher register. Trust me, that’s a very good thing.

Jessie comes from GunaiKurnai Land and writes songs inspired by the people she meets and the stories she hears. Now based in Berlin, her forthcoming EP Here, Now shares those stories. Listen out for it when it drops on February 26.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department

Discover Port Macquarie Music Scene With Dark Alley Sessions on YouTube

The pandemic hasn’t given us a lot to celebrate, but one thing that has got me excited is watching businesses and industries pivot. I miss the thrill of live gigs, which are still far too few and far between for my tastes, but I’ve been devouring live streams and recorded shows on YouTube. The latest videos to cross my path are the Dark Alley Sessions, a series of intimate short gigs recorded in Port Macquarie record store, Dark Alley Collectables.

The mid-North Coast town was the hub of a vibrant music scene that many of us never had the opportunity to experience. Through the Dark Alley Sessions, we can. The latest episode features mikk, a brilliant young singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer. Her three songs, including a breathtaking cover of Bon Iver’s “Heavenly Father” have me wanting more. Thankfully she’ll release an EP coming out soon to scratch that itch.

And that’s just for starters. The Dark Alley Sessions YouTube channel features several performances and interviews showcasing the talents of up-and-coming artists who might otherwise slip under your radar. Give them a follow and catch up on all their great clips!

Image used with permission from RAWR Music

Reuben De Melo Delivers Heartfelt Romance With “How Does It Feel”

Perth-based singer-songwriter Reuben De Melo has properly charmed me with his dreamy new single “How Does It Feel.” It’s a romantic ditty with soulful vocals, honest lyrics, and a healthy dose of ukulele for good measure.

Unlike so many love songs, it sounds like it comes from such true place. And it’s little wonder, when Reuben writing the song about his then-girlfriend, who has since become his wife and the mother of his new baby boy. Awwww!

According to his Facebook page, Reuben’s next gigs will be in March, so it won’t be too long before he’s back in front of audiences doing what he does best!

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Midnight Drags Back in Fine Form With “It’s True (I Can’t Stand Myself)”

Proving it’s no flash in the pan, Midnight Drags has released another banging single “It’s True (I Can’t Stand Myself).” It’s such a worthy follow-up to “Ronnie,” with hooks that are every bit as infectious as the last release. It’s a little darker lyrically, but I just love the fuzzy guitars and Lucas James’ rich, rocking vocals. And can we just talk about that cowbell? If this song is any indication, it may be time for a comeback.

“It’s True is really a song about self-loathing and being in an emotionally dark place. It’s about not feeling worthy of being in a relationship and pushing somebody you really care about away,” admitted Lucas James. “It’s another dark song that I loved sweetening up with some bigger pop-rock elements.”

If, like me, you can’t get enough of Midnight Drags, I’ve got some good news for you. Listen out for the act’s album, Bad Business, out on February 26.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

TV Alert: 2021 Sounds Better Together

In case you missed it, Channel Nine is giving us all a reason to stay in tomorrow night. It’s airing “2021 Sounds Better Together,” a special live music event broadcasting from Mallacoota. The show will also incorporate performances from the rest of the 2021 Sounds Better Together concert series, which kicked off last week.

The lineup features the best local legends and emerging artists, so there’s something to keep everybody happy. I’m especially excited to see the performance the photo above came from. Jimmy Barnes, Josh Teskey, and Vika and Linda all on one stage? Sign me up! We’ve also got performances on Missy Higgins, James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaite, Archie Roach, Ross Wilson, Gordi, and heaps more.

“Musicians have been busting to get back on stage before real live audiences and it’s fantastic that we can stage these concerts at such amazing locations and iconic venues across Victoria,” explained Michael Gudinski, the chairman and founder of the Mushroom Group, who conceived the shows with Visit Victoria 2021. “The phenomenal success of last year’s Music From The Home Front highlighted a huge appetite from the public for live music on television and I’m thrilled that with this Nine broadcast everyone across Australia has an opportunity to experience the 2021 Sounds Better Together shows, even if they can’t be at them in person.”

It all kicks off at 7:30 pm, so set your DVRs and tune in!

Image used with permission from Roundhouse Entertainment; credit: David Harris