Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The GrandParents Club Releases New Iso Anthem “Hey There”

Most Australians are struggling with missing people right now. Whether you’re yearning for someone living in another state or abroad or you just don’t feel comfortable with the easing of restrictions allowing social visits just yet, it can be a difficult time. If you do see loved ones, the need to social distance can also be very painful. Some of the people hit hardest are the grandparents missing all the kisses, cuddles, and visits from their grandchildren. In light of that a team of local entertainers have formed The GrandParents Club, a social media hub where the grandparents can share their stories, jokes, and music with other like-minded people. The first song to come out of the initiative is “Hey There,” written by ARIA Award-winning performer “Poppa” Tony Williams.

“In these extraordinary times I was wondering how other grandparents might be feeling being cut off from their grandkids, and also how grandkids, who can’t see their nannas and granddads are feeling,” Poppa Tony explained. “I know personally how this feels as my grandson Max lives in Austria. So the song and emotions came naturally to me. I wanted to write a song that was heartfelt, but also uplifting; to share that this is only for a time and that things will get better.”

“Hey There”, produced by John Field and released through ABC Music, is the first of many that will come from the GrandParents Club. It’s incredibly sweet, and I think it has something for everyone right now, whether you’re a grandparent or not!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliott Shows Her Heart With “Circles”

Stop what you’re doing and take a moment. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing; it can wait. Just hit play and take a moment to listen to “Circles,” the latest single from Eliott.

“Circles” is the sort of song that doesn’t deserve to be relegated to the background. It’s so vulnerable, so insightful, and so powerful.
“It navigates through a lot of my life,” Eliott explained of the song’s lyrics. “Dropping out of university, letting down my parents, always being on diets, and ultimately living in this cycle of making mistakes and hating who I am. Those things have made me confident and strong though, and make me love who I am. I wouldn’t change a thing.”

It’s been nearly two years since Eliott dropped her stellar debut EP Bold Enough. Hopefully the release of “Circles” means there’s more great music on the way from this talented Victorian singer-songwriter.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live at 5 Brings Australia’s Best Music to You

I don’t know about you guys, but live-streamed concerts are keeping me sane right now. My calendar which was full of concerts is now crammed with virtual gigs. I’ll clear some space for Live at 5 though, and I recommend you do the same.

Live at 5, a joint effort from Boost Mobile and Life Without Andy, is bringing some of Australia’s best and brightest into your home. Tomorrow G-Flip will premiere her new single during the exclusive set. Previous Live at 5 events have featured Allday, Cubsport, The Delta Riggs, and more.

Live at 5 is part of Boost Mobile’s #stay community initiative. This movement encourages us to #stayconnected, #staycreative, and perhaps most importantly #stayentertained during the pandemic.

“We want to share the message with our customers that just because we have to stay home, does not mean we can’t stay connected. Whether with friends or family or staying connected to your passions and hobbies, we want young Aussies to share with us what being connected truly means to them,” explained Boost Mobile’s general manager, Jason Haynes.

Live at 5 streams every Thursday at 5 pm via Boost Mobile’s Instagram page at @boostaus.

Image used with permission from Closer Communications

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KIT Releases Edgy Solo Track “Good Guy”

With her band All Our Exes Live in Texas, Katie Wighton is known for her beautiful folky harmonies. However, as her new solo single shows, she’s no pushover. Released under the moniker KIT, “Good Guy” celebrates a much edgier, rock sound.

KIT wrote the track with Ali Barter, who also provided backup vocals. Kit explained the inspiration for the song and its accompanying film clip, noting that “It’s kind of alluding to the experience of someone seeming like a lovely person at first and lulling you into a semi-false sense of security. Then bam, they do something shit and you’re all confused. And I feel like it’s so common now. Sometimes it’s not even something that bad. Ghosting and not replying to texts, not going straight for a condom, not being honest and open about where they’re at. Anyway, it’s that. In a film clip. You’ll just have to watch it to get the full scoop! The patriarchy is giving me a lot of creative fodder, ha!”

KIT has missed gigging, but she’s filling the gaps with live streams from her loungeroom. Follow her on Facebook to see when she’ll go live next!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Bratt Releases Superb New Single, “Spades”

There’s a cool confidence about Jack Bratt’s new single “Spades.” He sings with swagger. The track sounds polished, yet doesn’t lose that authentic rock grit. The song oozes cool, even while the lyrics reveal Jack’s own insecurities.

“I’m a classic overthinker, and Spades is a bit of a snapshot of me over-analysing everything,” he confessed. “It’s a lot about comparing where I’m at in my life to my friends and family, thinking about whether or not I’m where I should be compared to, say, when my parents were at the same age.”

After taking out the prestigious Grant McLennan Fellowship in 2019, Jack shouldn’t second-guess himself. With the skill it takes to create songs like this, he’s on the right path.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wing Defence Takes Aim With “Weapons”

The patience of fans waiting for new Wing Defence material has been rewarded with the release of “Weapons.” The timely track was conceived long before lockdown, but its themes of alienation and social isolation are perfect for these modern times.

“Weapons” is a bit softer and poppier than much of Wing Defence’s music, but it’s not so radically different that it’ll disappoint fans. The good news is, there’s more where this came from. The Adelaide act spent time in 2019 recording their debut EP, so hopefully it’s not too far away.

Image used with permission from Little Acorn Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Purple” – IV Dante

Barely in his 20s, Melbourne artist IV Dante wasn’t even a twinkle in his parents’ eyes when the music of the ‘80s filled the airwaves. However, the lush synth sounds and overdriven guitars that dominate his new EP Purple take me right back to my childhood. Ask a younger listener and they’d likely hear something different though. They’d hear the influences of modern indie-pop darlings like The 1975 and LANY.

Perhaps all those influences are in there, combining to create music that feels nostalgic, yet fresh and exciting all at the same time. All I know is that I was hooked from the first strains of “Napping in Night Clubs.” Like the best indie-pop music, the EP’s four tracks are sweet, but never saccharine. They go down easily, but there’s an edge about them that makes them relatable. They also absolutely make me want to dance. And being cooped up in iso, that’s exactly what I need.

Fire Purple up on your streaming service, but make sure you hit repeat. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to listen more than once.

Images used with permission from Firestarter Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Fence & Christian Patey Release Gorgeous New Collab, “About You”

Queensland talents Ella Fence and Christian Patey have joined forces for a stunning new single, “About You.” Ella’s ethereal voice takes centre stage here, but it’s really elevated by Christian’s subtle tones and strong production.

This track follows their previous collaborations, “Aeroplane Mode” and “Waterside.” Like its predecessors, it’s got a cool, fresh sound which crosses genres, yet remains accessible and so inviting. These artists make magic together, and “About You” is no exception.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DVNA Unleashes Soulful New Single “Half Past Sober”

Gold Coast artist DVNA lays her heart bare in her beautiful new single “Half Past Sober.” The track explores a dysfunctional relationship with painful honesty, and I can’t stop playing it.

“My friend told me about her relationship that was equally as passionate as it was toxic. A dysfunctional, heated, electric love affair that probably never should have happened, though glad it did,” DVNA explained of the song’s inspiration. “We’ve all been in situations where feelings aren’t reciprocated. You begin to feel weak, desperate, and slowly turn into a shell of your former self. Pricking your fingers on the staples barely holding the relationship together and learning to love the pain.”

I love the soft intimacy of this song. It’s beautifully understated, with DVNA’s soulful voice and heartbreaking lyrics at the fore. DVNA has plenty of new music in the works. Hopefully this track is a great sign of the things to come.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Down for Tomorrow Releases New Smash Single, “Emily”

Raise a fist and rock out to “Emily,” the latest track from Sydney indie-punk act Down for Tomorrow. This track is all energy and aggression, with pounding drums, fuzzy guitars, and powerful vocals from frontman Cody Stebbings.

“‘Emily’ is about a negative interstate experience full of miscommunication, unrequited feelings, and both parties in the wrong,” he explained. “The song is fuelled with denial and confusion, due to how hard it is to outrun and overcome our mistakes and mishaps. I guess we learn from them one way or another. In most cases for me, it’s the hard way.”

It’s taken COVID to slow down this hard-working band who has spent the last six months travelling up and down the East Coast. Their Sydney EP launch sold out and they impressed supporting acts like The Dangerous Summer, The Maine, British India, and As It Is. After quarantine is over, Down for Tomorrow promises to get back out on the road and release some more new music. Until then, crank this one up.

Image used with permission from Good Intent