Tag: SoSo

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Top Aussie Albums Charts and Land Fourth Overall

A massive hats off to SoSo, who managed to top the ARIA Australian albums charts and secure fourth position on the overall charts this week with their debut album So Much For Second Chances. While it was a few positions short of the ambitious number one overall goal they set for themselves, it’s also an impressive effort for an Aussie independent act with no mainstream media support. We all remember the way outlets fawned over themselves in the weeks leading up to the release of Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl. No doubt the unrelenting media attention on Wicked: For Good helped its soundtrack land the number one spot. In contrast, there were crickets about these Aussie talents pushing so hard to become chart toppers. Even Triple J refused to give them a go.

So how did these up-and-comers beat out heavyweights like Sabrina Carpenter and KPop Demon Hunters? Not to mention last week’s number one act 5 Seconds of Summer and The Smith Street Band on debut? Talent plays a part, but it’s just one element of the equation. The rest comes down to SoSo’s own promotional efforts and the true believers who supported them. I was thrilled to pre-order my first CD in ages and cover the singles “Something More,” “Candy Mouth,” and “Messed Up” ahead of the album’s release. In fact, I’ve been covering SoSo’s music since 2020. Because I love what they’re doing and I want more Aussies to hear it.

Fans have pretty much cleared out SoSo’s online store ahead of this release, although there are still some orange vinyl copies of So Much For Second Chances available. And you can stream the album on all your favourite platforms. Do it. These guys are the real deal.

Photo credit: Mega Media TV

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Help SoSo Score ARIA Number One

This Friday, SoSo will release their long-awaited debut album So Much For Second Chances. Honestly, I can’t remember being so invested in an album launch in forever. This Eora/Sydney pop-punk act are creating some fantastic music, but there’s a little more to my excitement than that. This independent band is taking on the big guys and hoping to secure an ARIA # 1. It’s an ambitious plan for a little band, but if they pull it off they hope it’ll open doors and let them focus on their music full-time.

I’ve always been behind this band, and that’s not just lip service. I am one of the many Aussies who’ve pre-ordered a copy of this album because I want to see these battlers triumph. Every time they release new music, I’m convinced I’ve made the right decision. So let’s see if I can give you a nudge. Take a listen to their latest single “Something More.” What a banger!

“Essentially, it’s a reflection of where each of the band members is at – we each hold down careers to fund our dream of doing what we love for a living, which is making music,” explained SoSo’s frontman Rhys de Burgh. “Throwing everything we have into SoSo with the hope it’ll take off so we can escape the 9-5 jobs we despise, but deep down understanding that it might never happen for us.”

If you’re into this song as much as I am, head to SoSo’s website and pre-order a copy of So Much for Second Chances. It’ll cost you as little as a $1 for a digital download, which seems a small price to pay to see Taylor Swift dethroned. You can also score some sweet vinyl or a CD copy. There’s free shipping if you spend $69.95, so why not get a few copies for family and friends this Christmas? Get behind them Sounds of Oz readers!

Photo credit: Mega Media TV

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Continue Winning Streak With “Candy Mouth”

I’m rocking out this afternoon to “Candy Mouth,” the irresistible new single from Eora/Sydney pop-punk act SoSo. It’s ridiculously catchy with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about navigating the music industry.
“Candy Mouth” comes from SoSo’s forthcoming album So Much For Second Chances, which they’ve boldly predicted will hit number one. Given the quality of all the tracks I’ve heard so far, they might just be right.

“‘Candy Mouth’ was actually the last song we wrote before heading into the studio, and so it was a case of getting in there and working with Stevie to really make sure it slapped,” said SoSo’s frontman Rhys de Burgh. “Lyrically, it’s about that kinda ‘unknown’ of the music industry – trying to convince yourself that you’re doing something worthwhile that resonates with fans, all the while being overlooked by the industry. Watching a tonne of other acts get leg ups thanks to ‘knowing the right person’ can be a real kick in the teeth, having ‘friends’ in the scene suddenly drop all contact once you’re no longer useful and all that typical music industry stuff. So in the end, ‘Candy Mouth’ came to be this song kinda calling out and having a laugh at those people who’ve used their ‘Candy Mouth’ to climb the ladder of success, whilst dealing with some of the fun and frustration of trying to ‘make it’ whilst being overlooked.”

If you want to see a fairytale ending for these musical underdogs, pre-order So Much for Second Chances and help SoSo make their dreams of a number one album come true.

Photo credit: Petey Boy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Doing It Their Way With “Messed Up”

Eora/Sydney-based alt-punk act SoSo describe themselves as “offensively average,” but take a listen to their latest single “Messed Up” and you’ll soon hear that they’re selling themselves short. It’s a fantastic pop-punk track with a face-melting guitar solo and relatable lyrics about being in the wrong relationship.

“Lyrically, the track is about opening up to someone when you kind of knew deep down that you shouldn’t, then having it thrown back at you by their actions,” frontman Rhys Weeks explained. “The kinda toxic relationship where you’ve created an idea of what your life with that person would look like, rather than seeing the relationship for what it was from the start – and having to mourn not only the end of the relationship, but also the end of whatever future you thought you might have seen for yourself and having to reset your outlook for your future.”

“Messed Up” comes from SoSo’s forthcoming debut album So Much For Second Chances. It’s not out yet, but already the band are predicting big things.

“We’re going to turn heads,” Rhys said. “We’re going to be the band that goes against the grain and pushes back on the traditional way of doing things. By keeping ownership of our music, self-funding and self-promoting our debut LP AND GUARANTEEING a Number 1 Record, we’re convinced that we can show independent bands that you don’t need to sign away your rights to be successful.”

If you want to see SoSo hit number one, you can help them along by pre-ordering So Much For Second Chances for up to 50% off the recommended retail price (depending on your chosen format) from the band’s website.

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turn Up SoSo’s Latest Single, “Stay”

They might claim to be “offensively average,” but there’s something about SoSo that I just can’t resist. Their latest single “STAY” is another energetic blast of goodness.

“Unfortunately I seem to be a sucker for getting involved with people who are mentally and emotionally abusive. I don’t think we in society fully appreciate the degree of mental and emotional abuse that goes on in a lot of modern relationships and we’ve kind of just come to accept and expect it – which I think is pretty tragic. ‘STAY’ is a bit like me looking back and thinking ‘Woah, what the f**k was I thinking, why would I stick around with that person?’ I think that’s pretty relatable – we’ve all been there,” explained the band’s lead singer Rhys de Burgh.

“STAY” is the third single lifted from SoSo’s sophomore EP, which will drop early next year. A national tour, taking in the capitals and regional cities, is also in the works. Until then, crank this one up.

Image used with permission from Offensively Average Productions

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Build You Up With “D.R.E.A.M.S”

It’s always a good time with Eora/Sydney pop-punk act SoSo releases a new single. The band might insist they’re “offensively average”, but when keep releasing quality tracks like “D.R.E.A.M.S” I have to respectfully disagree! Like so many great pop-punk anthems, “D.R.E.A.M.S” gives the middle finger to the naysayers. However, rather than dwelling on the negatives, it celebrates people who refuse to listen to the critics and keep forging on.

“So-called friends told me music wasn’t for me, to give up, that I could never get anywhere with it.” Rhys de Burgh, lead singer of SoSo explained. “If I had taken the advice of those ‘friends’ and given up way back then instead of following my dream, then we’d never have created SoSo. To whoever listens to ‘D.R.E.A.M.S’ – if you want to create, if you want to chase something different and unique, just go and do it. Don’t give a fuck whether those around you approve or not, just go do what you love.”

“D.R.E.A.M.S” is the second track lifted from SoSo’s sophomore album, which is slated for release in February 2023. It can’t come soon enough!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Release Epic New Single “Skywriter”

Sydney pop-punk act SoSo continue their winning form with the release of their third single “Skywriter.” It comes bundled with the previous two singles “The Henry Lawson Jive” and “(Shit) Love Story,” making it easy for the uninitiated to catch up. But back to the new track.

“Skywriter” has such an epic feel to it thanks to those chunky guitar chords, big booming drums, and Rhys de Burgh’s soaring vocals. These guys are at a relatively early stage in their careers, but I can already imagine this in a big stadium setting.

“It’s easy to become disillusioned and assume you’re alone in times of tragedy. Understand that it’s a shared experience everyone can relate to regardless of social status, age, circumstances etc. ‘Skywriter’ is a gentle reminder that we’re not alone in that experience and I think that sometimes, that’s reason enough to wake up each morning,” Rhys said.

Sydney’s live music scene doesn’t look like opening up any time soon, but SoSo will be ready when it happens. They’re spending their time writing and recording more new music set for release later this year and beyond.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Releases Stand-Out Second Single, “(Shit) Love Story”

I was a big fan of SoSo’s debut single “Henry Lawson Jive,” so I’m thrilled to see the lads back with “(Shit) Love Story.” There’s no second single syndrome here. Just like their first effort, this track with brimming with energy. It’s got an epic sound, full of angst and big guitars.

“About 6-7 years ago I was in a relationship with someone that I saw myself being with for a lifetime. When she ended it out of nowhere, it did some serious damage emotionally, some of which I’m still dealing with,” lead vocalist and songwriter Rhys de Burgh explained of the song’s inspiration. It’s about me coming to terms with what happened and trying to figure out why the hell I’m still so caught up on something from so long ago (hence the ‘sorry, just a shit love story’ lyric). The end of the track is a bit of a resolve – me beginning to understand that she’s a different person now. I’ve grown over the years whereas, she’s stayed the same and whatever we were originally never would or could be again.”

Until they can get back on stage and launch these singles properly, SoSo has been livestreaming some shows via Facebook. Give the SoSo Facebook page a follow to see the next one!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Here to Rock Your Wednesday

If you’re falling victim to that midweek slump, never fear. SoSo’s debut single “The Henry Lawson Jive” is just the shot in the arm you need.

The Sydney pop-punk act might be brand new, but they’re already working with some of the industry’s best. The track was produced by Stevie Knight, who has worked with Stand Atlantic and Yours Truly, and mixed by James Paul Wisner, whose resume includes work with Paramore, Underoath, and Hands like Houses.

“The song is a throw-back to being a teenager; all the mischief and shit you’d get up to,” SoSo explained. “The chorus laments the fact that life is a bit of a shambles as an adult, but you kind of get through it by keeping your mates close. The name of the song ‘The Henry Lawson Jive’ is a pun of a street the 3 of us have walked way too many times, way too intoxicated, ‘The Henry Lawson Drive’.”

This track has so much energy, something tells me it’d be even better in the live arena. The band has had to postpone its single launch, but hopefully they can reschedule that soon!

Image used with permission from Good Intent