Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ELEEA’s New Single “Space” is Spooky Good

Isn’t it funny the way artists can write songs in a different time and place, but on their release, the lyrics take on a new meaning? Such is the case with “Space,” the fantastic new single from ELEEA. She was inspired to write this beautiful ballad looking up at the night sky in outback NSW, having just driven from the Gold Coast to Broken Hill. Gazing at the stars gave her a moment of peace after a horror trip, where she busted two tyres and had to go door-knocking with her chihuahua to find a phone and call help. A journey that should have taken a little over an hour actually took 32!

“Space” captures a moment in time, but one that we can’t imagine having right now. Crossing state lines for travel has been out of our grasp for months now. We’d kill for a holiday, even one that starts off on the wrong foot. Yet this song is eerily relatable. That’s because it’s anchored by the line “At least we’ve got something in common, even if it tears us apart.” And isn’t that the truth. It’s easy to feel disconnected right now, with whole cities locked down, others like myself in self-imposed iso because the world doesn’t feel safe, conspiracy theorists and anti-maskers causing further divides. But at the end of the day, we’re all human, we’re all not quite ourselves, we’re all struggling. “At least we’ve got something in common, even if it tears us apart.”

“The first time I played Space for an audience was during a live-stream concert, and I had tears in my eyes,” she admitted. “The chorus has taken on a whole new meaning now, with everyone globally united, experiencing this pandemic together, yet having to stay completely distanced from each other.”

“Space” is the latest song from ELEEA’s forthcoming album, The Travel Collection.

Image used with permission from Kitty Kitty Bang Bang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry James Angus Releases Awesome Animated Video For New Single “Old-Fashioned Mayhem.”

When Harry James Angus releases music, you know you’re in good hands. The esteemed Cat Empire trumpeter-vocalist often innovates in his solo music, but he’s accomplished that I’m always happy to go on the ride. His latest release is “Old-Fashioned Mayhem” and it’s like nothing you’ve heard before. Rest assured, that’s a very good thing. The accompanying animated video is also superb.

“Right now, we want things to be in control. We want orderliness, rationality, and community spirit. I totally agree with that. But this song harks back to a time not so long ago when chaos was fun,” Harry said. “Deviance, disobedience, hurtling into the unknown… and yes, even mayhem, which I think a lot of us are missing at the moment.”

So strap yourself in for this one. It’s bold, brassy, and so much fun.

Image used with permission from Story Baker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PURSE Makes Strong Debut With “Speak”

Brisbane solo act PURSE has really impressed me with his first offering “Speak.” It’s a stellar piece of indie rock music with introspective lyrics and bright guitars. Those vocals are also stellar, with just the right amount of heart and intensity.

“This single came from reflection and a self-realisation,” PURSE revealed. “It addresses the highs and lows of a regretful moment.”

Apparently, PURSE has more music on the way, so listen out for it!

Image used with permission from Habit Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Your New “Favourite Song” From Stevie & The Sleepers

After a year-long hiatus, Melbourne’s Stevie & The Sleepers are back with a bang. Their new single “Favourite Song” is sure to wake you up and get you dancing.

“Favourite Song” is a celebration song. The world might not be doing a lot of celebrating right now, but I think that’s exactly why we need this. Crank it up and reminisce about your own epic nights when you’ve partied so hard you think you can’t go on, but then your favourite song comes on and you get that second wind. It’s soulful, bluesy, and funky AF. And can we just take a moment to appreciate the pipes on Stevie Joy? Her vocal performance here is next level.

“Favourite Song” comes from Stevie & The Sleepers’ long-awaited debut album, which drops on September 18.

Image used with permission from Stevie & The Sleepers

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gretta Ziller Releases First Single Under ABC Music

Gretta Ziller has celebrated her new record deal with ABC Music with the release of a new single “Unlikely Believer.” There is such a quiet strength about this song. I love the resolve in Gretta’s vocals and the powerful lyrics that show she’s a woman who knows herself.

“I wrote Unlikely Believer to remind myself that although I’ve been through a lot in life that it’s harder but so much more rewarding to keep believing in things, rather than dwelling on the hurt and hardship,” she said.

ABC Music has welcomed Gretta with open arms. Natalie Waller, the head of ABC Music and Events, gushed “We are thrilled to have Gretta join the ABC Music roster. We have been impressed by Gretta’s achievements over the last three years. She is such an accomplished singer and songwriter, and we are excited to work with her to take her music to an even wider audience.”

Gretta’s 2017 debut album Queen of Boomtown received widespread acclaim. I’m excited to see what else she releases with ABC Music.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Rome” – Josh Pyke

Josh Pyke has kept us waiting five years for a new studio album, but I can’t imagine a better time for his latest collection of songs to enter the world. Rome is a welcome return for this acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter.

There’s a great nostalgia in these songs and a whole lot of love. Tracks like “Still We Carry On” and “You’re My Colour” conjure memories and speak of moments with family and friends. However, they also remind us that nothing lasts forever. Moments pass quickly, and while we hang onto the memories for a time, even they will fade as we do. That might seem bleak, but Josh suggests it can also encourage us to make the most of the time we have. Josh celebrates the passing of time in “Doubting Thomas,” encouraged that “Something good will come around again.” “Where Goes the Girl” is a tale of love lost that constantly reminds us that “It’s all over now,” yet the song still refuses to dwell. The sweet guitar melody and fond lyrics recall with tenderness that at least it happened.

Most Josh Pyke tracks are slow burners, but “I Thought We Were a River” has hit written all over it. Listening to this number, and singing along to those cheery “oo-ahh-oohs,” is an absolute joy. A brassy fanfare makes “Don’t Let It Wait” another song that’s bigger than many fans might expect. However, its message is so crucial, I appreciate the Beatles-esque symphony of sound driving it home. This album has more sonic flourishes than many of his earlier works, but the sound is considered. Everything is exactly where it’s meant to be, enhancing Josh’s message.

Josh’s unmistakable tone, introspective, wise lyrics, and warm, organic tunes feel like the musical equivalent of a big hug right now. They’re comforting, calming, and just what the world needs.

Rome will be released this Friday, August 28. At this stage, Josh still plans play his Fans First shows in October. All shows are for punters 18+:

1 October 2020 – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
2 October 2020 – Old Museum, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
8 October 2020 – The Toff, Melbourne
9 October 2020 – Volta, Ballarat
10 October 2020 – The Toff, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
11 October 2020 – The Toff, Melbourne
15 October 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle
16 October 2020 – Mojos, Fremantle
17 October 2020 – Lion Arts Factory (Front Deck), Adelaide
28 October 2020 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
29 October 2020 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney
30 October 2020 – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney (SOLD OUT)

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

No Frills Twins Back With Queer Coming-of-Age Single, “Big Heart”

Sydney-based siblings No Frills Twins have released a queer anthem for the ages, “Big Heart.” This positive power-pop single is an inspiring exploration of sexuality, self-acceptance, and coming of age.

“This song is a big moment for us, not because we’ve been afraid to open up but because it’s taken time to work it all out,” the sisters explained. “To be honest, we’re still figuring ourselves out and that’s what this song celebrates. It makes sense to find yourself and then write a song about who you’ve become, but we wanted to write about being in the middle of that journey … the confusing part. Living in such a fast-paced world it can feel unsettling when things aren’t instantaneous.”

No Frills Twins worked with Sydney producer and kindred spirit Lupa J on this upbeat release.

“We knew Lupa J would be the perfect producer, not only because of the extraordinary talent but because we knew Lupa understood and related to the sentiment of the song,” Arna explained. “Upon moving to Sydney, Lupa J was the first queer friend we made here, and remarkably we all happened to be going through the exact same experience which added a whole new level of comfort and creativity.”

No Frills Twins continue to impress me. This is such a strong pop release that manages to be relatable, no matter where you place yourself on the sexuality spectrum. I can’t wait to hear much more from them.

Image used with permission from Arow Agency; credit: Giulia McGauran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ariela Jacobs Gets Back to Basics With Acoustic Version of “Missing You”

I love acoustic music. Done well, a stripped-back treatment can really highlight the lyrics and get to the heart of the song. That’s exactly what’s happened with Ariela Jacobs’ new acoustic version of her single “Missing You.”

I really enjoyed the original version, but this one hits just a little bit different. The modern beats and synths are gone, replaces with a simple piano. This leaves her vocals and lyrics more exposed, which really suits this song about loss.

“’Missing You’ could be perceived as a universal love song of regret and yearning. However, this was written on an impulse of craving past versions of self,” Ariela explained. “Living with anxiety the past few years, I needed to externalise what I was thinking and feeling. I was kind of saying, ‘Old self, are you in there – where are you? Please come out now, it’s OK.’

“After releasing [acoustic track] ‘Morning,’ it felt so therapeutic to release something so raw. I wanted to take the essence of ‘Missing You’ and record it again in its original form. There’s something very sacred about keeping a song in its initial birthing/developmental period.”

If you love the music of Birdy, Jewel, and Norah Jones, this will be right up your alley. Take a listen, then look for the original version of “Missing You” on your favourite streaming platform to see how they compare. The acoustic version has a special spot in my heart, but I’d love to know what you think.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yorke Releases Feelgood Alt-Pop Single “Gravity”

Yorke’s debut EP Liberosis is one of my favourite releases of the year, so I was pretty excited to wrap my ears around her new single “Gravity.” This upbeat pop number is a departure from the intimate songs on that EP, but it has just the kind of positive vibe I think most of us need right now.

This isn’t your ordinary tale of two people falling in love though. Yorke wrote it about an alien and human falling for one another, but struggling to exist in one another’s worlds. Think “intergalactic Romeo and Juliet,” without the real tragedy.

One thing I really noticed is how Yorke’s sound has evolved. Her EP had a kind of bedroom feel, but this has a real slick polish to it. No doubt that comes from working with some really established acts including Japanese Wallpaper, Finnish producer Hank Solo, and Chris Walla (ex-Death Cab for Cutie).

“Gravity” is certainly a different sound from Yorke, but it’s got me smiling today. Hopefully it lifts you up too.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Outer South Releases Gorgeous Folk Single, “By The Morning”

New Melbourne band Outer South has wasted no time impressing me. The band’s debut single “By The Morning” is just the kind of track to help you survive those midweek blues.

“By The Morning” is a dreamy folk number with a gorgeous organic sound. I love the warmth of those acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies.

If you like what you hear, make sure you follow Outer South on Facebook. The band will drop another track on Friday and post links there so you can hear it first!