Mulubinba/Newcastle alt-folk artist Dane Tutty has teamed up with fellow Novacastrian Jen Buxton for a fantastic new single “church.” I love the way Dane’s textured vocals contrast with Jen’s sweeter ones. You can hear the emotion in their voices as they sing this powerful duet. It’s really good stuff.
“church” gives us our first taste of Dane’s upcoming EP. If this song is any indication, it’s going to be pretty special!
Image used with permission from Dane Tutty
We’re used to hard-hitting songs from Naarm/Melbourne emo act This Space is Ours, but they’re showing us a softer side with their latest single “All the Things I’ve Been Avoiding.” Frontwoman Gemma Dunsmore’s delicate vocals draw you in before the song shifts gears and those trademark drums and guitars kick in. This one’s given me chills.
“The lyrics are written about mental health struggles and the gruelling path to getting better; when you’ve come to terms with there being something wrong but only just begun the journey to fix it,” Gemma explained. “Over time, the personal meaning of this song has transformed for me. When I first wrote it, it was almost an apology, as if to say, ‘I don’t know what’s wrong with me, but I’m trying.’ I’ve since been diagnosed with being on the Autism spectrum, and now when I sing it, it feels more like I’m saying something along the lines of, ‘There is nothing wrong with me, this is who I am and I’m still learning about myself.’”
“All the Things I’ve Been Avoiding” is the fourth single from This Space is Ours’ collaborative efforts with producer Beau Mckee. There’s one more left from their time with Beau, so keep an ear out for that in the near future.
Photo credit: ActFour
The always fabulous Joan & The Giants have just dropped a fantastic new single, “Beg.” As if that wasn’t exciting enough, it comes packaged with an old-school B-side, “Narcissist.” Get your ears around them both, because they’re brilliant.
“‘Beg’ was written about a breaking point in my own relationship where we had two choices: either fight to make it work, or it’s over,” recalled Joan & The Giants’ frontwoman, Grace Newton-Wordsworth. “You shouldn’t have to beg for someone’s love, and this song is about those last moments when you really don’t want to walk away from the person you love most in this world, but everything in your body and soul is telling you, you might have to.”
As for “Narcissist,” Grace said “I wrote this song on acoustic guitar and it was one of those experiences where the lyrics all came in about 10 minutes and the story was just there – it was complete. It was recorded raw in one to two takes and we kept it quite stripped back, which allowed space for the vulnerability of the lyrics to powerfully creep through.”
Fresh from dates supporting home state heroes Eskimo Joe, Joan & Giants have a few more local gigs. Catch them anywhere you can!
18 November 2023 – WAM FEST – Museum Stage, Boorloo/Perth
24 November 2023 – The Bird, Boorloo/Perth (“Beg” launch)
9 December 2023 – Music in the Park @ Bramston Park, Oor-dal-kalla Country/Burns Beach (FREE)
17 December 2023 – Sunday Music @ Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE with Stacey Ann)
Image used with permission from Kick Push PR
Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Clinton Kane shows he’s a force to be reckoned with with his gorgeous new song “PANIC ATTACK.” This is up there with some of the best pop music I’ve heard. It’s super catchy with vulnerable lyrics that give it real substance.
“Panic attacks are something I’ve struggled with for the longest time but it’s literally the only reason I’m here writing songs,” Clinton admitted. “A year has gone since I wrote this and I feel completely different about it now. I weirdly see panic attacks in a more positive light where whenever it happens, it’s as if the world is telling me to take a breather and stop stressing over things I can’t control.”
When you’re streaming it, make sure you stick around for Clinton’s previous single “Bittersweet.” They’re both so good. You’ll find them on Clinton’s forthcoming EP, AND ALL I LOVED, I LOVED ALONE, which drops really soon.
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
Bundjalung artist JK-47’s long-awaited sophomore album Revision for Regrowth is one of the most ambitious albums I’ve heard in some time. It’s a concept album, one that plays with genre and while celebrating the power of hip hop as a storytelling medium. Its lyrics are some of the most powerful I’ve heard in a while. It’s a lot to take in, but it’s so good that it encourages repeat listens.
From the opening of “Introspect” you know this is no ordinary hip-hop album. Are they panflutes? And an angelic choir? They’re not a conventional backing for a rapper’s rhymes, but they elevate JK-47’s words in an unexpected way. JK-47 continues pushing the envelope, adding string sections, harps, and other instruments rarely associated with urban music into the mix. Then we hear the sounds of the bush and an Indigenous elder speaking in native language as “ReGrowth” opens, anchoring this music to country. The bold instrumentation of “Avalanche” wouldn’t sound out of place in a modern Broadway musical. The beautiful closer “Zuriel,” an ode to JK-47’s own family, features a gorgeous piano accompaniment that wouldn’t be out of place in a jazz composition.
The songs are introspective, personal and thoughtful ruminations about acknowledging the mistakes of the past, learning from them and moving forward as a better person. They speak of JK-47’s own experiences, but also universal human experiences that resonate so deeply.
“You realise you can’t do things the way you’ve been doing them because it’s not healthy but if you hadn’t lived the experience you wouldn’t have that perspective,” he explained. “When you cut something off you gotta learn how to regrow,”
The making of Revision for Regrowth was a truly collaborative process. JK-47 worked with his long-time creative partner and ARIA-Award winning hip-hop producer Jay Orient on every track. Their ties run deep, with the pair growing up as neighbours on the New South Wales coast. Education took them in different direction, but their love of music has brought them back together. This album also features special appearances from Tasman Keith, Adrian Eagle, Emily Wurrumara, Sachem, ECB Crew, and so many more. Their voices add energy and elevate the songs they’re involved in.
Revision for Regrowth is a triumph. It’s out now. Listen up.
Images used with permission from GYRO PR
Prolific Eora/Sydney-based pop-punk artist Somber Hills is back with his latest anthem, “Some Say.” It takes me right back to the early ‘00s with its infectious riff and angsty but uplifting lyrics about picking yourself up and moving forward after being knocked down for the umpteenth time.
“When I wrote this record, the producer and I were playing a lot of Tony Hawks Underground 2. We got to the studio and I said something along the lines of ‘Let’s make a soundtrack for Tony Hawks’, Somber Hills said. “The song came together in a few hours and instantly felt reminiscent of Sum41, The Pixies, and Nirvana.”
“Some Say” comes from Somber Hills’ second project for the year, where’s my guitar?, which drops on November 24. That night Somber Hills will play the Nu Wave event at Bad Decisions Bar in Ngár-go/Fitzroy. Tickets are on sale now from Eventbrite.
Photo credit: Max Pasalic
Naarm/Melbourne metal act Future Static have blown me away with their latest single “Chemical Lobotomy.” It hits hard, with big thrashing drums and furious guitar riffs, and lead singer Amariah Cook has never sounded better. At times powerful, at times angelic, her voice can do absolutely anything.
“It’s no mystery that this song is about getting a little too excited with substances during lockdown. It was a boring time and, apart from writing music, there really wasn’t much else to do,” Amariah said. “I had a massive bout of inspiration and decided to start writing the vocals to the instrumental (written by Ryan) when I was suffering from a massive hangover. I got up out of bed and decided to write about my lack of control in the hopes it would help me understand why I was putting myself through this and how to get out of it. As the song developed, I realised that if I just sang the chorus a third time at the end, it would allude to nothing changing, whereas I wanted to write something ending on the positive side of these experiences: the connection with my friends and how we were all in this situation together.”
“Chemical Lobotomy” comes from Future Static’s upcoming debut album Liminality, which drops on November 24. It’ll be an exciting time for Future Static, who will kick off their sold-out national tour with Electric Callboy the next day. Here are all Future Static’s upcoming shows.
25 November 2023 – Metropolis Fremantle, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Electric Callboy)
27 November 2023 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarndanya/Adelaide (supporting Electric Callboy)
29 November 2023 – PICA, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Electric Callboy)
30 November 2023 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (supporting Electric Callboy)
1 December 2023 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Electric Callboy)
5 April 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting CLOWNS)
26 July 2024 – Radar Festival @ O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester
Photo credit: Beth Morrison
Nyikina Jarndoo artist Stellar Moon’s new single “Still Tea” brings us soul with a message. With its big horns and Stellar Moon’s incredible voice, the lessons go down easy. But make sure you don’t miss those powerful lyrics.
“’Still Tea’ is my funky feisty response to a lifetime of people questioning my Aboriginality due to the colour of my skin,” she confirmed. “The song is based on a well-known saying among First Nations people; “No matter how much milk you pour in the tea, it’s still tea.”
“Still Tea” comes from Stellar Moon’s debut album Phases, which drops on March 7. You can hear more material from it when Stellar Moon plays the ECU Stage at Museum Street in Boorloo/Perth for WAMFEST. She’ll play from 5:40 at this free, all ages event.
Photo credit: Hazel Blake
Australia has a proud tradition of Aussie pub rock acts. You know the type: big crunchy guitar riffs, bold drums, singers with powerful vocals and an “I don’t give a fuck” attitude. It’s a classic recipe, but one that always worked. And we don’t have enough of it these days. That’s why I’m so excited to hear “Tear it Down,” the latest track from Palace of the King.
I saw these guys supporting the Screaming Jets a few years back, and if this song is any indication, they’re making even better music today. I appreciated their artistry back then, but this track is much more accessible than the psychedelic numbers they performed in 2018. Keen music fans might recognise those vocals, as singer Tim Henwood fronted The Androids back in the day. You might also know him as The Superjesus’ guitarist back in the 2000s or Jon Stevens’ current axe man.
If you love this song, there’s more where that came from Palace of the King will release their new album in December. They’re also wasting no time heading out on the road to promote it. Here are all the dates you need:
14 December 2023 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
15 December 2023 – King Lear’s Throne, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 December 2023 – The Duke of Enmore, Eora/Sydney (FREE ENTRY)
17 December 2023 – The Basement Canberra, Ngambri/Canberra
18 December 2023 – Shotkickers, Naarm/Melbourne
Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion
Mulubinba/Newcastle singer-songwriter Javier is giving me warm weather vibes with his latest single “Love the Summer Time.” This catchy country-rock tune is the perfect soundtrack for that summer road trip you’ve been planning.
“Just imagine driving ‘round with the windows down, feeling the wind in your hair and having a great time with your friends, because this song is bringing all the freedom of that feeling” Javier said.
Javier plays plenty of local gigs at the pubs and clubs around Mulubinba/Newcastle and surrounds. Here’s his stacked schedule for the rest of November. Keep an eye on his Facebook to see when he’s visiting your area:
10 November 2023 – Cessnock Bowling Club, Wonnarua Country/Cessnock (8 pm)
11 November 2023 – Warners Bar Sports Club, Biddabah/Warners Bay (5:30 pm)
12 November 2023 – Neath Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Neath (midday)
17 November 2023 – Gunyah Hotel, Awabakal Country/Belmont (8 pm)
18 November 2023 – Saddler’s Creek Wines, Wonnarua Country/Pokolbin (12:30 pm)
18 November 2023 – The Australian Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Cessnock (7 pm)
24 November 2023 – Adamstown Bowling Club, Awabakal Country/Adamstown (5:30 pm)
25 November 2023 – The Stack Shack, Awabakal Country/Mayfield (10 am)
25 November 2023 – Northern Star Hotel, Awabakal Country/Hamilton (6:30 pm)
26 November 2023 – Swansea Belmont Surf Life Saving Club, Awabakal Country/Blacksmiths (2 pm)
Image used with permission from Rock This Country