Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Roth Embraces Americana Sound With “L.A.”

Aussie expat Paul Roth is giving me nostalgic vibes with his new single “L.A.” He says the Americana track was mostly inspired by the TV show Californication, but I can’t help thinking about classic West Coast rock acts like The Eagles and Jackson Browne as I hear it.

“I like how sometimes sad songs can sound happy and vice-versa,” he explained. “I really like how it works here as it gives a sense of peace, contentment and happiness in what on the surface seems like a sad song lyrically.”

Paul is taking advantage of the downtime from touring and focusing on recording and releasing more new songs throughout the year.

Image used with permission from Paul Roth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Grace Turner Releases Beautiful New Single, “Half Light”

Inspiration can strike in the strangest of places. For Newcastle’s Grace Turner, the Hunter Valley Gardens provided unexpected creative fuel. She wrote her latest single “Half Light” while walking around the regional NSW attraction with her family.

The song is deceptively simple, using just a single chord and exploration of the word “half.” But it’s so much more than that, something beautiful, ethereal, and emotional. Grace says the song explores “the dualities we have within ourselves and the many potentially conflicting parts of the personalities we live with. It also explores the world of half-truths we live within as a society. I am constantly questioning the world around me and how I fit into it and what makes me who I am.”

While the song came together in a moment, its recording was more fractured. She started laying it down at Melbourne’s Sound Park Studios, then moved to a Hunter Valley tractor shed, then to her drummer’s bedroom studio. Yet somehow it all comes together in this stunning, cohesive piece.

“Half Light” comes from Grace’s debut EP Half Truths, which drops on August 7.

Image used with permission from Gyro PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elaskia Destined For Big Things With “Calling Out My Name”

Central Coast talent Elaskia is here to put a spring in your step with her latest pop bop “Calling Out My Name.” It’s a shimmery slice of feel-good music that inspires optimism. And couldn’t we do with a little more of that these days?

Elaskia penned the track and enlisted fellow Coastie Rod McCormack for production. It was mastered by Chris Gehringer at New Jersey’s Sterling Sound. His production credits including the songs of Rihanna, Lady Gaga, and Drake, so Elaskia is in great company!

“Calling Out My Name” has already featured in Netflix’s reimagined “Dynasty” and “Marvel’s Runaways.” With her knack for ear-pleasing pop, I predict more big things to come from Elaskia!

Image used with permission from Elaskia Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ceeko Delivers Modern Slow Jam Single, “Open”

If you miss the soulful slow jams of the ‘90s, feast your ears on “Open.” It’s the latest track from Melbourne-based South African-born alt-R&B act Ceeko, and it’s giving me serious D’Angelo vibes.

The sound has plenty of swag, but the lyrics reveal real vulnerability. If you’ve ever had your heart bruised (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?), “Open” is likely to resonate with you.

“I hope this can awaken a sense of self-awareness,” Ceeko said. “I hope it heals and inspires everyone to believe in love again if they’ve been burnt by love before. It’s not always pretty, but it’s love.”

“Open” is our first taste of Ceeko’s upcoming EP Where Do We Begin. If it’s any indication of the rest of the material, we’re in for a real treat when it drops later this year.

Image used with permission from Alt Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Midnight Fuckboys Releases Rocking New Single “Why You Going Home So Early?”

With the weekend looming, there seems no better time to introduce you to Midnight Fuckboys’ new single “Why You Going Home So Early?” Its lyrics are instantly relatable for anyone who’s wanted to party just a little longer than their mates. Of course, as you might expect from the band’s name, there’s a language warning on this one, so make sure you reach for your headphones if you’re back in the office!

“This one came about after a few nights out which turned lonely,” the band explained. “We’ve all been in that position where you don’t want to go home and have life return to normal the next day. The song is having a go at both the friend who wants to call it a night early, and the guy who wants the night to go on. I know that I’ve been both person many times.”

I love the loose, raucous rock vibe of this one. It reminds me of Arctic Monkeys and The Strokes with its fuzzy guitars and strong, passionate vocals. Don’t be surprised if you’re singing along by the end.

Midnight Fuckboys will release their new album next month.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Million Goes Retro For “Check Up” Video

Winter’s chill has definitely set in, but Central Coast trio The Million is here to chase the cold weather blues away with a summery new tune “Check Up.”

Of course, releasing new music during a global pandemic comes with its challenges. How do you make a music video when the world is in lockdown? The Million got creative and worked with French animator Meryl Jocktane on an 8-bit video game inspired clip that sparks serious nostalgia.

“Even though we haven’t been able to be together in the harsh circumstances, it was great to work with each other over video chat and Meryl across the world to put together the music video,” the band said. “We all love playing video games – it brings us together and gives us a chance to forget about the outside world. It was a lot of fun sneaking in some references from our journey through music blended with some things we’ve always found funny about the industry.”

While The Million still can’t get out and play shows for us all, the band has been busy creating some amazing online content. Follow The Million’s Facebook page for podcasts, covers, and other iso goodness!

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Emerges From Lockdown With New Single, “All I Can Do is Hate You”

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a pin in the plans of many of my favourite artists. Alexander Biggs was in the United States, ready to wow crowds at this year’s South by Southwest conference, but we all know what happened. And so he did the only thing he could do, returned home to Melbourne and made new music. The result is what might be his best track yet, “All I Can Do is Hate You.”

This song explores all the complications and ambiguities of love lost. It picks up after the dust settles and explores that idea of feeling so deeply and wanting to be loved so completely, yet being left with emptiness and yearning. It’s painful and poignantly beautiful.

Hopefully this is just the start of a new wave of creativity for Alexander. More like this please!

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic: Music Management & Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Release Uplifting New Single, “Kanko”

With all that’s going on in the world at the moment, the soothing folk sounds of the Pierce Brothers is just what the doctor ordered. Their most recent single “Kanko” is full of light and optimism, gentle acoustic guitars, and those unmistakable harmonies.

Of course, releasing a new tune in the time of COVID-19 isn’t easy. They’d planned to film a music video in New Zealand around the time of Jack’s wedding, but the pandemic put pause on both of those plans. Instead the video features footage from the duo’s trips around the world.

“We had big plans on making a little trip while we were in New Zealand and getting some of the beautiful landscapes and mountains as a feature, but then we had to cancel it all, so we had to improvise,” Pat recalled.

“The song is about holding on and knowing that those times will come again so we used the footage from tours we’ve done over the last few years, and filmed new stuff in our little home studio, with a cast and crew of just the two of us. I think it reinforces that feeling, that we will get through all this, that this isolation won’t be forever, and we can always make do!”

“Kanko” is the first track lifted from the Pierce Brothers’ new album. They’ll release new singles right up to its November release.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Juju Releases Powerful Rock Track, “Disappoint”

Bad Juju is back in a big way with an epic new single, “Disappoint.” The track is an emotional ode to loss, with Russell Holland’s powerful vocals front and centre.

“’Disappoint’ is about a friend I lost who I made music with, and continuing the dreams we shared together,” he explained.

Like so many bands, Bad Juju can’t get out and promote this release with the usual shows. Until you can get to the gig, why not support this Melbourne powerhouse and purchase some merch? Bad Juju sells a range of T-shirts online, including a long-sleeve tee that’s perfect for this cooler weather.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Your Groove On to Lyphe’s New Single, “Pollux”

Perth singer-songwriter Lyphe has me grooving through the end of the workday with his latest track “Pollux.” It’s a slick piece of indie-pop with retro synths, a bopping bassline, and a really interesting lyrical perspective. Lyphe has flipped the script here, bringing some empathy and emotion into the aftermath of a one-night stand.

“I wrote the song about being on the other side of a one-night stand. Having previously been the person who cuts off contact after spending the night with someone I wrote this from the point of view of the person who gets cut off,” he admitted.

Lyphe began his career as a DJ, but this track shows he’s got a real knack for crafting quality original tunes. No doubt we’ll see him filling dancefloors once the COVID-19 pandemic passes.

Image used with permission from the A&R Department