Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fanny Lumsden Declares War on Pride With New Single

Men’s mental and physical health is in the spotlight this month as blokes all around the country get hairy for Movember. Men’s health is something we don’t talk about enough, especially in Australia where so many have an attitude they must be stoic, no matter what comes. Fanny Lumsden challenges this notion in her new single “Real Men Don’t Cry (War on Pride),” the third track lifted from her number one ARIA country album Real Class Act.

The song is a poignant country ballad with some of the most stirring lyrics you’ll hear all year.

“Pride is a funny thing. It makes us stand up for things and it also makes us hide. However, it can become a wall that’s prevents us asking for help, telling people we love them, letting loved ones know we are not okay, we need a little support, a little help. It prevents us showing our vulnerability,” Fanny explained.

“So, I call a war on pride. That type. The type that’s preventing a father telling his son he has done a good job. The type that stops you asking for a hand. That prevents you from showing that vulnerability.”

Fanny is currently playing shows around the country on her Under Our Hills Hoist tour. Catch her at the following venues over the coming weeks.

3 November 2018 – Lonsdale Reserve, Mulwala
10 November 2018 – Private show, Canberra
11 November 2018 – Smiths Alternative Book Store, Canberra (@1 pm)
18 November 2018 – Private show, Thurgoona
22 November 2018 – The Newsagency, Camperdown
23 November 2018 – On the Beach Sessions @ Franks Wild Years, Thirroul
6 December 2018 – The Lost Ones, Ballarat
7 December 2018 – Royal Oak Hotel, Penolasa (FREE)
14 December 2018 – Sandigo Hall, Sandigo
15 December 2018 – Cudgewa Hall, Cudgewa

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Gray Ready to Hit the Big Time With “My Hands”

If Sunshine Coast teen Jack Gray isn’t already on your radar, prepare for all that to change. This talented singer-songwriter-producer is set to hit the big time with his irresistible new electronic-pop single “My Hands.”

Jack has spent the last year performing shows in the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and here at home. He’ll also join Dean Lewis and E^ST on one of the biggest Aussie tours of the summer.

With so much happening at just 19 years of age, expect big things to come from Jack Gray!

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Griefers” – As a Rival

Diamonds are created under pressure. It’s true in the world of science, but it’s often the case in the music industry too. A lesser band might have crumbled when challenged to complete 50 demos in a two-month period. But Melbourne punk rock act As a Rival thrived under the pressure, creating a rich collection of songs that honed their craft and helped them evolve their sound. Only the 12 best made it to their new album Griefers.

Having so many superb songs to select from ensures this album is one of absolute quality. No tracks feel like fillers. Every one is a stand out, from the bold opening track “Broken Compass” to the politically-charged closing number “Divide Us.” The anthemic single “What We Got” remains one of my favourite tracks, but it faces stiff competition from “Atom Bomb” and “Head in the Clouds.” Ask me next week after a few more listens and I might tell you I’m into something else, such is the quality of these tracks. Each one smacks you in the face with its frenetic drumming and big chunky guitar chords. They’re so insightfully written, with lyrics brought to life by the powerful vocals of frontman Pete Cerni.

Griefers is an album you just can’t ignore. It barely takes its foot off the pedal, whisking you along on a wild ride that you’ll want to take again and again. Forget about what you’ve heard about that Difficult Second Album Syndrome. As a Rival make it look easy here.

Griefers is available from your favourite digital retailers today.

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“To Love You” – Glades

It seems like forever ago that Sydney band Glades burst onto the scene with their track “Drive.” Now two years later they’re showcasing their addictive electronic pop sound on their debut album To Love You.

“Nervous Energy” is the perfect introduction to this collection of songs, with lush electronic layering, powerful and emotional vocals, and a clap-along beat. Glades are so skilled at creating upbeat alt-pop ditties that put a smile on your face, whether they’re spreading positivity in a song like “Do Right” or dissing someone in “Not About You.” Tracks like “80 Miles” and “Neon Buzz” are real charmers, with the rebellious, romantic spirit that will take even the oldest listeners back to those heady days of first love.

Electronic sounds dominate To Love You, but as the songs become more intimate and subdued, so does Glades sound. The final two tracks, “Better Love” and “Through to You” are stripped back and organic, with pianos and gentle acoustic guitars replacing the special effects. They’re powerful reminders that Glades don’t need heavy production to make an impact.

To Love You has been a long time coming, but its release today has been worth waiting for. It’s perfect pop for the new millennium, with a fresh sound anchored by real heart. Glades will play the following shows to celebrate its release.

24 November 2018 – Corner Hotel, Melbourne
30 November 2018 – Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
1 December 2018 – Jive, Adelaide
6 December 2018 – Metro Theatre, Sydney
7 December 2018 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Ready for Ausmusic T-Shirt Day

Ausmusic T-Shirt Day is upon us, a day where we show off our favourite Aussie band T-shirts to raise awareness and funds for Support Act. This important charity supports musicians and music industry workers experiencing financial hardship and physical or mental health issues. Funds from this year’s event will expand Support Act’s Wellbeing Helpline.

On November 16, Ausmusic T-shirt Day, you’re invited to donate via the official website, snap a selfie wearing your favourite Australian band T-shirt, and share it on your socials using the hashtags #ausmusictshirtday, @supportact.

“The cool thing about the website is that it enables artists and music lovers to create teams so they can get their workplace, school or social media networks involved in the campaign,” said Support Act CEO Clive Miller. “It’s a really simple and fun way to raise funds for a great cause and we really hope that music fans across Australia can be our ambassadors and get their workplaces involved; and that artists can mobilise the support of their fans.”

Don’t have an Australian band T-shirt yet? I’d suggest you need to spend more time at merch counters! But Support Act has you covered, with specially commissioned band tees available through the Levi’s online store. Proceeds from the sale of these shirts go straight to Support Act.

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loose End Take it To the Next Level With “Jordan Street”

Melbourne punk rock act Loose End show they’re going from strength to strength with the release of their latest single “Jordan Street.”

Loose End always had the makings of a great band, but their inexperience showed. This song has a much more mature sound, with smarter songwriting and more sophisticated production than we’ve seen in the past. Yet it’s kept the essence of what made this band so special. It wears its heart on its sleeve, and that moves ours too.

Frontman Ben Smalley says the song is “about chasing my dreams. Like everyone I have my days where I hang over my head. I have the sleepless nights where I feel alone and ridiculous. The mornings in the car and worry about my dignity and if I’ll have any left if I fail. When I was in early high school I use to play in a band called Geroff and we practiced at our drummer’s childhood home on Jordan Street. Maybe it is the nostalgia, but they seemed to be simpler times.”

“Jordan Street” is the first track lifted from Loose End’s second EP, Overthinking Everything I Know, which drops on November 30.

Image used with permission from Collision Course

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leonie Kingdom Wows Me With “So Much More”

Leonie Kingdom has one of those voices that stops you in your tracks. Like Laura Marling or even Joni Mitchell, there’s a great beauty in her simple approach to music. New single “So Much More” is, excuse the pun, so much more than the sum of its parts. Tracks with delicate acoustic guitar and piano instrumentation, gentle vocals, and simple melodies are a dime a dozen, but this track is so impressive. It captured my heart from the first listen, and compelled me to press play when it was done.

“I’ve always taken experience from the darker side of life. This is where most of my experience in song writing comes from. I like to write about things that are important, and people can relate to. I thought it would be refreshing to put a bit of a lighter and positive feel into a song with a big meaning. Encouraging people to keep going when life gets tough and remember there are other people going through their own struggles in life. We are not alone,” explained Leonie of the song’s inspiration.

As one of this year’s finalists, Leonie will play the Listen Up Song Writers Festival Grand Final at Sydney’s Factory Theatre on November 15.

Image used with permission from The A&R Department

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tamma Overcomes the Odds With “Beat You Down”

After several vocal surgeries and the traffic loss of her nephew, Tamma knows more about overcoming adversity than most. But rather than letting her struggles consume her, she’s channelled them into her feel-good new single “Beat You Down.”

“Music is my healer and I wanted to write something to make them feel uplifted – the way music does for me. I was thinking about my little nieces (and nephews) navigating through life at different ages and stages; it’s confusing enough as a young one, but then trying to understand that loss on top of that is so hard. I thought about my own journey, what it’s like to be a female today,” she explained of the song’s inspiration. “’Beat You Down’ came at the last minute, and it’s a message for my nieces: if they ever feel discouraged or hurt, don’t let it beat you down. Stay close to your loved ones … it’s a message for anyone who needs a pick-me-up. Life’s bigger than letting toxic people or trivial things get to you.”

The Melbourne-based singer combines pop, soul, and dance vibes into this summery track that should have you singing along before you too long. With much of Australia receiving gloomy, grey weather, Tamma headed to sunny Venice Beach for the film clip.

“Venice Beach is place close to my heart for many reasons: the warmth, the weirdness, the music, blue skies and palm trees, but mainly because of my awesome mates who live there, who also feature in the clip. We filmed some of it in their backyard in their amazing airstream caravan,” she said. “I picked skateboarding because I wanted a visual representation where persistence and resilience pays off. I have always loved and respected skateboarding since I was a kid; it’s an artform that requires courage to master it. You get physically hurt as well as rejected from society and little recognition, you eat shit and you get up again!”

No matter what you’re going through this Monday, crank this one and you’re bound to feel better.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Restless Noise” – Loser

Loser creates the kind of rock music purists yearn for. It’s rough and ready, with fuzzy guitars, rebellious lyrics, and anthemic choruses that compel you to sing along and stamp your feet. Their first offering, Restless Noise, is a short and sweet EP. But with just five songs, they prove they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Of course, that should come as no surprise to anyone who knows about Loser’s pedigree. They might be a new band, but the members have served their time with Apart From This, Grim Rhythm, The Smith Street Band, and The Bennies. These guys know their shit.

“Phase Me,” one of two singles, kicks the EP off, introducing us to the band’s knack for crafting a killer riff. It’s an easy entry, not quite as aggressive as many of Loser’s songs, an accessible track that primes us for more. The title track goes a little harder, taking us but we’re ready for those hard-hitting drums and F-bombs now. “Vacation” eases the foot off the pedal a little bit, giving us a chance to catch our breath before another aural assault, the EP’s other stellar single, “Loser.” Final track “Some Say” takes us home. The choruses are gentle, but that chorus reminds us of just what these lads are capable of.

The guys from Loser already proved their talents with other bands, but put them together and magic happens. They’re creating the kind of killer alt-rock I haven’t heard since the ‘90s. These five tracks have me wanting more. Restless Noise is out now.

Image used with permission from Deathproof PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Atlas Shoulders” – Pierce Brothers

I’ve been waxing lyrical about the Pierce Brothers since 2014, waiting not so patiently for the Melbourne siblings to release their debut album. Those EPs just never felt long enough; I wanted something to really sink my teeth into. My patience has been rewarded with the release of Atlas Shoulders.

As a music fan, it’s only natural to want an album early, but there’s something to be said for Jack and Pat Pierce’s slow and steady approach. They’ve developed as artists, taking the time to get the balance right and create a sound that’s folky, yet bold, yet somehow never overproduced.

The first half of Atlas Shoulders is perfect road trip or BBQ music. A harsher critic might suggest its mellow vibes start to get a little samey, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with laidback music that sounds this good. Songs like “Lovers Trip” and the single “Back End Roads” are so well crafted.

While I enjoyed the first portion of the album, it really picked up for me in the second half. All too often albums start feeling fatigued here, but this is where you’ll find some of Atlas Shoulders’ grittier material. The road trip has been marred by some arguments, the love stories are going sour. Mistakes were made, there are regrets. All that is fodder for some really powerful music. Songs like “Reckless Hearts and Restless Hands” and “Love You Broke” stop you in your tracks and stir your spirit. They wake you up and reinforce the true talent of this sibling duo. By the time you reach “Hold On,” there’s no doubt that the wait for the Pierce Brothers album has been worthwhile. Yes, they can create folky music that sounds good, but stay a little longer and you’ll hear some tracks that do more than delight the ear; they move every part of you.

Atlas Shoulders is in all good music stores today. The Pierce Brothers will play shows around the country to celebrate its release before supporting Rodriguez in February.

9 November 2018 – The Forum, Melbourne
16 November 2018 – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney
17 November 2018 – The Zoo, Brisbane
9 February 2019 – Sirromet Wines, Mt Cotton (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
16 February 2019 – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)
23 February 2019 – Peter Lehmann Wines, Barossa Valley (with Rodriguez, Xavier Rudd, Busby Marou, and Alice Skye)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia