It’s been a long while since I’ve heard some straight up and sexy rock and roll. Dirty Hearts have answered my prayers with the release of “Louis XIV,” a bluesy, gritty beast of a single with a killer guitar solo and chorus that will have you singing along.
This is the kind of song that’s going to sound amazing in the live area, so it’s exciting to hear that it won’t be too long before this Brisbane band will be back on stage. There’s also a self-titled EP on the way, probably around the same time. Rock on!
Gurrumul Gives Praise with “Jesu” From The Gospel Album
I don’t know what it is about the music of Gurrumul, but listening to him just makes me feel at peace. I don’t need to know what he’s singing about, because I can feel it on an emotional level. Checking out the film clip for “Jesu,” the lead single from Gurrumul’s third studio album The Gospel Album, is just what I needed on this Friday afternoon.
The clip for this song of praise was recorded on location at Brighton’s Trinity Uniting Church and Galiwinku on Elcho Island. It’s the ideal companion for this mellow gospel tune.
The Gospel Album sees Gurrumul delivering his take on the spiritual songs the Christian missionaries brought to Arnhem Land. It’s in stores on July 31, just a couple of days after Gurrumul kicks off the album tour.
29 July 2015 – Enmore Theatre, Sydney
2 August 2015 – QPAC Concert Hall, Brisbane
5 August 2015 – Festival Theatre @ Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide
8 August 2015 – Supersense Festival, Melbourne
10 August 2015 – Canberra Theatre, Canberra
12 August 2015 – Perth Concert Hall, Perth
Big Strong Brute Dances Up a Storm in “Wait” Clip
Big Strong Brute has channelled Napoleon Dynamite with the fun clip for his new single “Wait.” The song’s great, but this visual feast of a music video adds another level of enjoyment. Is there anything better on a Friday than watching the Brisbane artist let loose in his loungeroom?
“Wait” comes from Big Strong Brute’s new EP Good Work, which will be released on July 31.
Coin Banks Releases Cute Clip for “Cursive”
The hip hop genre really isn’t known for its love songs, but Coin Banks bucks the trend with his cool new single “Cursive.”
The Perth emcee lays down some fierce rhymes here, and featured vocals from New York City’s Apani B Fly give the track the right amount of sweetness. I also love the film clip, set in Apani B Fly’s hometown. Has there ever been a cuter couple than these kids?
“Cursive” comes from Coin Banks’ Tails EP. He’ll be releasing a full-length album soon, so keep your ears out for that.
Thandi Phoenix Releases Cool Debut, “Come Around”
I’m a sucker for an interesting tone. I love a voice that’s instantly identifiable, that cuts through everything else and grabs you. I’ve found that in Thandi Phoenix, a really cool new artist from Sydney. She’s just released her new single “Come Around,” and it’s completely entranced me.
I love the way Thandi’s married soul with electronica here. It’s really different and very powerful. Apparently the song came about after Thandi had her first experiences of betrayal, and that emotion really comes through.
Thandi’s artistry doesn’t stop with the music though. She’s also responsible for the single artwork.
Thandi will play Splendour in the Grass this weekend, so if you’re heading along make sure you catch her set!
Image used with permission from Neon Records
The Paper Kites Debut Big New Sound with “Electric Indigo”
The Paper Kites have really impressed me with every one of their singles, so it surprises me to realise I’ve never actually written about them here. The release of their new single “Electric Indigo” and their upcoming Aussie tour is the perfect time to change all that.
There’s such a surety about everything this Melbourne quintet releases, and that makes their music feel comfortable from the first listen. This song is instantly accessible but complex, with lush instrumentation and gorgeous vocals. “Electric Indigo” sounds a bit bigger than their previous releases, but it ticks all the boxes for me.
It’s the first track lifted from The Paper Kites’ forthcoming album twelvefour, which hits stores on August 28. Following that, the band will hit the road and play the following shows all around the country. Don’t wait until then to get your tickets. I predict they’re going to sell quickly.
15 October 2015 – The Gov, Adelaide (ALL AGES)
16 October 2015 – Amplifier, Perth
17 October 2015 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River
22 October 2015 – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine (ALL AGES)
23 October 2015 – 170 Russell, Melbourne
24 October 2015 – The Workers Club, Geelong
29 October 2015 – Solbar, Maroochydore
30 October 2015 – The Soundlounge, Gold Coast
31 October 2015 – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
5 November 2015 – Lizotte’s, Lambton (ALL AGES)
6 November 2015 – The Metro, Sydney (ALL AGES)
7 November 2015 – ANU Bar, Canberra
8 November 2015 – Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul (ALL AGES)
Telstra Road to Discovery Wants You!
Time is running out for you to get your entry in for this year’s Telstra Road to Discovery competition. The competition has provided a launch pad for some of Australia’s brightest new stars including Harry Hookey and Melody Pool.
The competition nurtures the talents of singer-songwriters, awarding winners one of two music development funds valued at $15,000. If you’re one of the victors you’ll also enjoy an all-expenses paid trip to the US, where you’ll attend the Americana Music Festival and local gigs. You’ll also receive invaluable mentorship from some of the industry’s best.
“Telstra Road to Discovery opens doors for artists like no other program. If you are an aspiring musician, or know of someone trying to get their foot in the door, this is a great opportunity to do so,” explained longtime program mentor Ella Hooper.
Aspiring singer-songwriters have until Sunday August 23 to submit their entries online at www.telstra.com/trtd.
Image used with permission from Edelman Australia
The Acfields Sing of Love Rekindled in “The Years”
My love affair with brother-sister duo The Acfields continues with the release of their powerful new song “The Years.” It tells the real-life story of an elderly divorced coupled reunited again after suffering from dementia.
“Once we tell the story live, people tend to fall in love with the message of the song,” explained Hannah, who herself was told the story by a grandchild of one of the song’s subjects.
As the tale goes, the husband and wife married, had children, then separated forty years later. As fate would have it, as dementia took hold they ended up at the same nursing home. Despite losing his memory, the ex-husband really did ask the nurse “Who’s the pretty one?” when he clamped eyes on his ex-wife for the first time in years. The song doesn’t go into the particulars, but apparently the pair was often spotted holding hands and fumbling at each others clothes as they rekindled their romance without the baggage of conscious memories.
The brother and sister act decided to make the song a focus after discovering that the song connected with audiences all over the nation, while touring to promote their self-titled full-length album last year. who was originally told about this true story by her friend, a grandchild of the song’s subjects.
The Acfields will celebrate the release of “The Years” with an East Coast tour, kicking off in Brisbane this week.
23 July 2015 – The Milk Factory, Brisbane
24 July 2015 – House Concert, Lismore
25 July 2015 – Mandala Organic Arts, Mermaid Beach
26 July 2015 – Bohemian Bungalow, Eumundi
31 July 2015 – Pizza Paradiso, Byron Bay
1 August 2015 – Thirty Three on Hickory, Dorrigo
2 August 2015 – Flow Bar, Old Bar
5 August 2015 – Lizotte’s, Lambton
7 August 2015 – Humph Hall, Allambie Heights
8 August 2015 – House Concert, Terara
Animaux Charms Me with “Come On Over”
Melbourne act Animaux has won my heart with their funky new single “Come On Over.” Its hooks are ridiculously catchy and the lyrics should strike a chord with anyone who’s ever felt the push and pull of a difficult relationship.
“I guess it’s about the fine line between giving too much, and losing sight of what you love about yourself, and recognizing your weaknesses, and compromising,” explained the band’s songwriter and saxophonist Ollie.
I’ve heard these guys are exceptional live, so if you’re near any of the following venues make sure you get along and check them out next month.
14 August 2015 – Moonshine Rum & Cider Bar, Manly
21 August 2015 – Beach Hotel, Byron Bay
22 August 2015 – The Motor Room, Brisbane
29 August 2015 – The Gasometer Hotel, Melbourne
Image used with permission from the 123 Agency
Sons of Rico Back with “What Am I Doing Here?”
Oh Sons of Rico, I have missed you. I didn’t realise just how much until I heard your new single “What Am I Doing Here?” This cheery indie pop ditty has put a great big smile on my face.
“It’s the question we ask ourselves in moments of discomfort, loneliness, or dissatisfaction, and the confidence it can take to address it,” explained Alex MacRae.
Thankfully there’s more new music where this came from. It’s out first taste of the band’s follow-up to 2013’s In Rico Glaciers. Hometown fans will get a sneak peek at some of the new material when Sons of Rico launch “What Am I Doing Here?” at Melbourne’s Shebeen on July 24.
Image used with permission from Firestarter Music