Posted on by Lauren Katulka

M-Phazes Releases Stellar Colabs With Daniel Johns & Josh Hardy

Gold Coast producer M-Phazes has teamed up with Daniel Johns and Hopium’s Josh Hardy for two new songs, released as a double A-side called II.

These two tracks couldn’t be more different. “Bad Behaviour,” featuring Daniel Johns, is emotionally intense, hard-hitting and full of aggressive yearning. “Heavy,” featuring Josh Hardy, has a much more chilled sound, with swooning vocals and laidback synths wrapped around powerful lyrics. They show the diversity of the ARIA Award nominated producer and hint at good things to come.

M-Phazes recently wrote on his Instagram, “After 8 years of co-writes, re-writes, label politics, building studios and relocating to LA, I’m finally ready to release a collection of new music that almost never saw the light of day. I’m constantly producing music for other artists but always found it hard to really “finish” my own songs. Those feelings of “is this good enough?” created a weight of expectation that dragged me down, feeling like the music I put out defined my worth as a person. I know I’m not the only one who goes through this and I feel like it’s a big problem throughout the artistic community.”

The release of these strong tracks is definitely a step in the right direction.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Midnight Oil Releases Live Sydney Domain CD & DVD

In February 2017, Midnight Oil announced what would be their first tour in more than 15 years. The Great Circle World Tour would start in Sydney’s pubs, just as the band did in the early days, before circumnavigating the globe. Over the next six months The Oils played shows in 16 countries across five continents, spreading their message of the importance of a healthy planet and fair treatment for all its citizens. Then eventually they came home to Sydney.

They played the Domain, a place steeped in history: a ceremonial site for the Gadigal people, a site for political rallies against the Great Depression and Vietnam War. If you were there, you’re probably still talking about it. And if you weren’t, you’ll finally get the chance to experience it with the release of Armistice Day: Live at the Domain, Sydney on November 9.

The concert will be released on DVD and CD, and available to download or stream digitally. It’s got all the hits on it and some special moments too, like this fantastic version of Yothu Yindi’s classic, “Treaty.” It features Yirrmal Marika, the grandson of Yothu Yindi’s original lead singer. You’ll also hear a few bonus tracks captured at the Melbourne show at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl a few days earlier. If you’re a real fan, you’ll want the special deluxe CD/DVD bundle. It features a bonus 75-minute film, Oils at the Reef. Featuring interviews with the band and footage from a stripped back benefit gig at Cairns’ Tanks Arts Centre, which raised money for Great Barrier Reef Legacy and the Australian Marine Conservation Society, it’s destined to be a real collector’s item. It’s available for pre-order now ahead of its November 9 release.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Glades Drop Another Awesome Track Ahead of Album Release

Sydney electro-pop trio Glades has just dropped a killer new cut from their forthcoming debut album, their banging new single “Eyes Wide Shut.” The track comes with an awesome video shot in Los Angeles and directed by Grey Ghost.

“Eyes Wide Shut” is the fourth track lifted from Glades’ debut album To Love You, which will be released on November 2. Glades will celebrate its release with shows around the country at the following venues. Get your tickets while you can; I don’t think these guys will be playing venues as small as these forever!

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 Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Levi’s & Support Act Release Web Series For Music Industry Mental Health

Levi’s and Support Act have teamed up to help improve mental health in the local music industry. Together they’ve created Tune Ups, a six-part webseries offering tips on mindfulness and other strategies to combat mental health concerns while highlighting the new Wellbeing Helpline for people working within the music industry. The online videos feature appearances from key music industry figures including Briggs, Alex the Astronaut, Joel Birch from Amity Affliction, and heaps more. Take a look at the video below to learn all about it.

“We are very grateful to Nicky Rowsell and Levi’s for being the driving force behind the campaign,” said Clive Miller, the chief executive officer of Support Act. “Tune Ups highlights how important it is for all of us to be aware of our mental health, and provides some great examples of how people in our industry manage their wellbeing. We hope it inspires anyone who may be doing it tough to know that they are not alone, and that they can reach out to our free, confidential Wellbeing Helpline at any time on on 1800 959 500 if they want to talk to someone about any aspect of their wellbeing.”

You can find the videos on the Support Act website, Vice Music channel Noisey, and other social platforms. While they’re made for music industry professionals, there’s plenty there for anyone who’s struggling with mental health issues. If you or someone you know is struggling, please make sure to take a look.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cyrus On the Comeback Trail With “Blah”

Cyrus has been a little quiet since taking the X Factor crown in 2015. Ordinarily that might be a sign that a reality TV winner will drop out of the industry, but in Cyrus’s case I think we can rest easy. He’s spent the last couple of years honing his craft and surrounding himself with some really cool local talents like Ned Philpot, Feki, Simba, and M2. Listening to his new single “Blah,” it seems time out of the spotlight has done him good.

This is such a cool, fresh track, co-written by Cyrus and his producer Amastro. The delivery is so soulful and the lyrics are authentic, if perhaps a little edgy for X Factor viewers.

“‘Blah’ is about dismissing the social norms and pressures that society places on us. I think everyone has or will experience this sort of pressure at some point in their lives, and can identify with the lyrics of this song,” Cyrus explained. “Walking into this session, I told Angus (Amastro) I wanted to work on something heavy. It’s the most experimental session I’ve been in, and the concept for the song was literally inspired by how honest and free our time was together.”

If you have preconceptions about who the people who win reality TV shows are, I encourage you to leave them behind when you listen to this. It’s a sign that Cyrus is capable of much more than the karaoke covers that thrust him into the limelight.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shag Rock Release Dream-Inspired Single “Fuzzy Connection”

Shag Rock have got your Saturday soundtrack sorted with their feel-good new single “Fuzzy Connection.” It’s a return to form for the band, with its jangly guitar riffs and cool indie pop groove. Like so many great tracks, it came to the band in a dream.

“Believe it or not, this song was actually written in a dream where the whole band were at some sick party. In the dream our bass player wrote it, so technically all credit goes to him,” explained lead guitarist Jacob Reed. “Basically I woke up at 1.30am one night, somehow remembered the chorus from the song in that dream, grabbed the out-of-tune acoustic sitting next to my bed, worked out the basic chords and croakily sung the chorus. Then when I woke up the next morning, I realised I recorded something that night on my phone and it wasn’t the worst thing in the world”

The release of “Fuzzy Connection” caps off a big year for Shag Rock, who played BIGSOUND, gigged along the East Coast with the release of their last single “Double Life,” and found themselves supporting The Rubens and Tia Gostelow. With tracks like these under their belt, expect more big things from this Brisbane band.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

IVY Rock Out With “Sinners Grin”

Central Coast rockers IVY pull no punches with their electric new single “Sinners Grin.” It’s a sexy, bluesy number with a raw garage band sound that fans of classic rock will eat up.

This kind of rough and ready music is best experienced in the flesh, so IVY are packing up the van and heading out on the road for shows along the East Coast, including an appearance at the Hunter’s FKA Festival. Catch them at the following shows.

12 October 2018 – The Lass O’Gowrie, Newcastle
13 October 2018 – FKA Festival, Hunter Valley
14 October 2018 – The Lord Gladstone, Sydney
27 October 2018 – Frankie’s Pizza, Sydney
16 November 2018 – Last Chance Rock N Roll Bar, Melbourne
23 November 2018 – Netherworld, Brisbane

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turn Up Your Speakers For Laurina Sue’s Single, “Dark Side”

Reach for your hairbrush, because Laurina Sue will make you want to sing into it by the time the chorus of her debut single “Dark Side” kicks in.

Laurina Sue is multi-talented, writing and producing her own tracks, playing guitar, piano, synth, and drums. Oh, and did I mention she sings too? She says “Dark Side” is about wanting to escape the mundanities of the real world and explore a fantasy life.

“The lyrics represent an existential awakening for me,” she notes. “The dark side isn’t necessarily dark or weird, its more exciting, uplifting and a touch mysterious … It’s all about constant momentum and that feeling of liberation when you take the bull by the horns.”

If this high-energy track doesn’t have you bouncing around your lounge room, I’d check for a pulse.

Image used with permission from A&R Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruel Support Dylan Joel Embraces Positivity With “Hollering Love”

Melbourne singer-songwriter-rapper Dylan Joel is wowing crowds with his sets supporting Ruel all around the country. Listening to his banging new single “Hollering Love,” it’s not hard to see why. The track reminds me of what Ed Sheeran and Justin Timberlake might release if they ever collaborated. It’s got such a great groove and positive vibe about it, you can’t help but like it.

“I’ve been told by people in the music industry, that it’s not cool to talk about positive things. That it’s cooler to act like you don’t care and instead, talk about the dark shit in our lives,” he admitted. “I feel sorry for the people who feel that way. I believe that in a world full of so much hate, loving is the biggest act of rebellion. This song is inspired by the incredibly talented, kind, loving and fly AF friends that I have, making this movement of love real.”

If you’ve got tickets to one of Ruel’s remaining shows, make sure you arrive early enough to catch Dylan’s set. Here are all the remaining gigs.

4 October 2018 – The Gov, Hindmarsh (Licensed ALL AGES)
5 October 2018 – 256 Wickham, Fortitude Valley (Licensed ALL AGES)
10 October 2018 – Enmore Theatre, Newtown (Licensed ALL AGES)
13 October 2018 – Meow, Wellington
14 October 2018 – Tuning Fork, Auckland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clea Releases Powerful New Pop Song, “Dreaming”

Brisbane singer-songwriter Clea has released a fantastic new single “Dreaming,” the latest cut from her forthcoming debut album Vermillion.

On the surface this song seems like an ear-pleasing pop ditty. Clea’s voice is so angelic and it’s got a gorgeous melody. But tune in to those lyrics and you’ll discover this song is an anthem for the Me Too movement.

For more pop with purpose, listen out for Vermillion on November 23.