Heartlocker Release Rocking Debut, “Heartlock”

I absolutely love kick-arse female-fronted acts like Meeanjin/Brisbane band Heartlocker. They’re making a splash with their debut single “Heartlock,” a gritty pop-rock track about toxic relationships. So hit that play button, crank up the volume, and enjoy!

“I wrote ‘Heartlock’ during a time of self-discovery,” Heartlocker’s lead singer Tyra explained. “It’s about the barriers we build around our hearts and the courage it takes to put yourself first. I hope it empowers others to find the strength to leave relationships that do not serve them.”

Heartlocker regularly plays shows around their hometown. Next up they’ll share the stage with The Vine and Takeover at Tomcat on January 5. Doors open at 8 pm for an 8:30 start.

Image used with permission from Heartlocker

Merry Christmas from Sounds of Oz!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! I haven’t posted any Christmas music so far because honestly I’m a bit hard to please. I hate when songs feel like crash grabs. I hold my Christmas tunes to exactly the same standards as any other music. And as you all know, if it’s not good I just don’t share it. But I couldn’t let December 25 go by without sharing the best original Christmas song I’ve heard this year, “christmas doesn’t feel the same without you” by Carla Wehbe.

“‘christmas doesn’t feel the same without you’ is really just about missing somebody at Christmas,” she said. “This time of year is really happy and magical for most people, but for a lot of people it’s actually quite a sad or lonely and isolating time, and this song is about that side of Christmas.”

I hope that all my readers feel loved and supported this Christmas. Whether you’re around family or chosen family or you’re spending the day alone, I hope you can carve out some time to be happy. Even just for a few moments listening to this song. I wish you all the very best for the holiday season.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

ARCHIE Cap Off a Big Year with “So Far Away From Me”

Ngunnawal Country/Canberra quartet ARCHIE have had a massive year releasing their debut EP playing alongside local legends like BENEE, San Cisco, and the Reubens. They show why there’s such hot property on their latest single, “So Far Away From Me.” It’s a cool indie rock track which reflects on the toll distance takes on relationships with loved ones.

“’So Far Away From Me’ is a song about how distance changes the relationships you have with the people you leave behind,” vocalist Grant Simpson said. “Sometimes you don’t recognise the value of a relationship until you are removed from it.”

After a big 2024, ARCHIE seem to be setting the stage for an even better 2025. Bring it on!

Photo credit: Murray Farrell

Sarah Mary Chadwick Releases Incredible Single, “Nothing Was The Same, After The Bar Burnt Down”

“Nothing Was The Same, After The Bar Burnt Down” the latest single by Sarah Mary Chadwick, hit me like a punch to the gut. It’s got such a quiet emotional power. I recommend taking a moment to properly listen, without distractions, because this track deserves your full attention.

Sarah Mary says the single is “An allegorical story about the loss of a village’s local watering hole to a bewildering fire. With respect to Tarkovsky, ‘Trouble Is A Lonesome Town’, Chekov, ‘Dogville’ and Flannery O’Connor.

“Tentatively and in a little bit of awe celebrating my one-year sobriety. It’s been maybe the most challenging thing I’ve ever done and difficult in ways that blindsided me completely, but also so full of new joys and SO MUCH MUSIC.

“Today I’m grateful for my music, and for my friends who I love and who made this year possible with their support. I’m grateful for friends filling my life with what I love best, singing and music. I’m grateful for all the wonderful chats with new and old friends that I now remember.

“I’m grateful to be here. Some people don’t stick around very long, and in the song, I remember. I remember them. But yunno, I’m still here. To live, and to remember.”

I know this song and it’s deep in meaning my resume may resonate with some of my readers, especially at this time of year when alcohol flows so freely. If you’re one of them, I hope that listening may bring you some comfort.

Image used with permission from Rice is Nice Records

Harry Fitzgerald Makes a Comeback With “Talk it Out”

Harry Fitzgerald is showing his one to watch after the release of his sublime new pop song “Talk it Out”. It’s an irresistibly catchy tune with a funky bass line that will have you grooving from the get-go. Unlike so many pop songs, it’s also got something to say. Make sure you listen to those lyrics which Harry said explore his experiences of “choosing silence over communication to avoid conflict.”

“‘Talk It Out’ is a song that really taps into some of my more avoidant tendencies, both in relationships and in dealing with my own emotions,” he admitted. “It’s about how, sometimes, I’d rather just keep quiet and keep the peace instead of risking a confrontation that might stir things up. There’s a kind of fear that comes with the idea of speaking up, especially when it feels like what you say might cause a rift, or when you start believing that the other person’s feelings are more important than your own discomfort.”

This track is the first song Harry’s released since 2020, and what a way to come back. Hopefully he won’t leave us waiting too long for the next release.

Photo credit: Ale Trinchero

Davey Lane Impresses with Solo Single

He’s best known as the guitarist for You Am I, but Davey Lane is proving he’s a solo force to be reckoned with. He’s just dropped a fantastic single, called “God, I’m Fucked Up Over You”, and there’s more to come on a brand-new album.

There’s a story behind the song, and while it’s a little longer than the quotes I normally share, it’d be a shame to cut it. Davey said “Sometimes the path of best intentions turns inexplicably muddy and murky, leaving behind nary but a memory or a picture – or if you’re so inclined a song, and/or some lines on a page to make sense of the mess. When closure ain’t an option, you sit and wait for it to present itself to you.

“Some dear family friends kindly offered me a place to sit and wait, and finish writing songs for this new record. The sounds of the environs (Hua Hin, Thailand) informed the reinvention of this song that I’d originally started as a chugging guitar pop song – which was nice, but something I felt I’d written a few times before.

“A month or so later, we were at Robert Muinos’ Rat Shack studios. The track was recorded but for some reason I could never finish the last verse – there was no ending to the story. I was going to sing the front half of the song anyway and mumble something at the end to finish later. An ending of sorts became apparent that day. Door shut, story done, song finished. It wasn’t the ending I’d hoped for but it was an ending…

“There’s a lot that’s jagged and jarring about this song for me, but with the passing of time, I get comfort from it, oddly. But maybe that’s the marimbas, Mellotron, swathes of harmony and exemplary bass line courtesy of dear pal and one of the land’s finest bass players, Luke Hodgson …

“Onward we roll, hey?”

Onward we roll indeed. “God, I’m Fucked Up Over You” Is the first track lifted from Davey’s forthcoming solo album Finally, a Party Record, which we should hear in the middle of next year.

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Bukowski Release Pop-Punk Banger, “What Do You Want Me To Be?”

I can always count on a good pop-punk song to really lift my mood. As I recover from my accident, I found myself gravitating towards old comfort music and struggling to connect as easily with new sounds. But the nostalgic feel of Bukowski’s latest single “What Do You Want Me to Be?” has got me pretty excited. I won’t be getting into mosh pits anytime soon, but this upbeat single makes me sentimental for them!

Bukowski said the lyrics for their latest single were inspired by the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber.

“Lyrically, it also captures all those messy feelings around juggling being a people pleaser and
letting yourself be who you are,” added the band’s frontman, James Karagiozis.

“What Do You Want Me to Be?” comes from Bukowski’s forthcoming debut album I Don’t Wanna Live. I Don’t Wanna Die, which drops on February 14.

Photo credit: James Dominko

Jade Gibson Embraces New Sound With “Technicolour”

Jade Gibson has always had a knack for pumping out upbeat, feelgood country-pop hits. But she’s taken a bit of a left turn with the release of her latest single, “Technicolour”. With its John Mayer-esque bluesy guitar licks and moody vibe, this track showcases a brand-new sound for Jade. But gee it sounds good on her.

“Technicolour” is the first song released from Jade’s new project scheduled for a 2025 release. If the rest of the tracks sound as good as this one, we’re in for a real treat. You might hear some more new material if you get to one of her upcoming shows:

21 December 2024 – Henley’s Wine Bar & Kitchen, Waveroo Country/Milawa
24 December 2024 – Precinct Bar & Restaurant, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
26 December 2024 – Christmas Recovery @ Cofield Wines, Yorta Yorta Country/Wahgunyah
31 December 2024 – Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club, KuukuYa’u, Wuthathi, Umpila, Kaanju and Uuthalganu Country/Lockhart

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Nick Keogh Releases Romantic New Single, “Messina”

Nick Keogh is showing us his softer side with his beautiful new single “Messina.” This intimate track paints a beautiful picture of the tender moments that make a relationship special. Forget about those schmaltzy, formulaic love songs; this one is the real deal.

“This song is really special to me,” Nick said. “I don’t usually write a lot of love songs. I find it hard to take myself too seriously and be earnest but with this song I tried blending the silly-goofy parts of being in love with the sincere and honest parts of being in a relationship.”

“My favourite thing I’ve ever written is the second verse and it was inspired by a trip to my cousin’s wedding out near the farm where I grew up. My partner, who is vegan, was excited to see all the sheep but didn’t know why they were all standing around this big factory. She genuinely wanted to know where they were going, so I said they were on their way to Coles.”

The year is almost over, but Nick is squeezing in one more gig before 2024 is done. You can catch him at The Tote Bandroom in Naarm/Melbourne on December 28 as part of the A Very Good Christmas lineup.

Photo credit: Chris O’Toole

Joe Mungovan and Aodhan Join Forces for “Old Dog/New Tricks”

Joe Mungovan and Aodhan have teamed up for a cool new single “Old Dog/New Tricks.” I’ve written about how much both artists have impressed me in the past, so you can bet this is right up my alley. I’m sure you’re going to love it every bit as much.

“This song is about our bad days and the struggles we face when going about our day-to-day routines,” Aodhan explained.

“Old Dog/New Tricks is a song for anyone who has ever struggled with even the simplest of daily tasks and the monotony of life,” Joe added.

If you love hearing Joe and Aodhan together, you’re in luck. These talented artists will play the following shows together in the coming months.

15 February 2025 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
28 February 2025 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
7 March 2025 – The Catfish, Naarm/Melbourne
8 March 2025 – Paper Scissors Rock, Budja Budja/Halls Gap (Joe solo)

Image used with permission from Joe Mungovan