Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Howls Wows Me With “Low”

Dan Howls’ latest single “Low” is one of the coolest blues tracks I’ve heard. I enjoyed its sultry opening, but it only gets better when it gets into third gear around the two-minute mark. This is a prime example of a song that knows exactly where it’s going. Just press play, give it time to warm up, and enjoy the ride.

“This release was written about a time we were out in the desert at a festival, there was a giant storm rolling in, and we knew our whole camp and tent was about to be blown away,” Dan recalled. “We started digging trenches around our little picnic spot, and that was about as much as we could do. We lost our whole tent that night. It’s really about accepting things, and not dwelling on things you can’t control, and changing the things that you can.”

Dan Howls’ might just be one of WA’s best kept secrets. If there’s any justice, this track will be the one that gets the country talking.

Photo credit: Treh Ivory

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Samuel Gaskin and Kee’ahn Collaborate on “Find My Way Back”

Naarm/Melbourne-based talents Samuel Gaskin and Kee’ahn have joined forces for “Find My Way Back,” a dance-pop number that pays tribute to the people who’ve paved the way for these two artists. Samuel channels their Māori and Nigerian roots while Kee’ahn celebrates their Yalanji, Jirrbal, Badu islander heritage.

“For me ‘Find My Way Back’ is a love letter to the Ancestors and the parts of ourselves we may have shut down or been disconnected from,” Samuel explained. Kee’ahn added that the song is “an invitation to accept ourselves where we are at so that we can have the courage and self belief, to chase after what feels like home.”

I love a good collaboration, and this is one of the best I’ve heard in a while. Make sure you turn it up!

Photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Odlaw Impress With “Friends Lose Friends”

I’ve been searching for the last few days for new music that hits right. Sometimes nothing seems to jump out or scratch that emotional itch. Thankfully I can call off the search, because “Friends Lose Friends,” the latest single from Boorloo/Perth indie-folk-punk outfit Odlaw is the goods.

“I wrote this track after a night in our drummer, Jamie’s courtyard,” frontman Mark Neal recalled. “We had some drinks, and the chatter started to descend into deeper territory. We shared stories of loss and relived the moments we found out. It was sad but beautiful. We understood each other’s experience, felt each other grieve, and collectively it helped us”

“Friends Lose Friends” is the latest track lifted from Odlaw’s upcoming fourth studio album, Mi(l)dlife Crisis. Expect to hear a lot more from this incredible band when it drops.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daphnie Crushes It With Latest Track “Cupid”

I’m convinced there’s no better pick-me-up than a really great pop song. If you need that lift, look no further than “Cupid,” the latest release from Daphnie, the musical alter ego of Eora/Sydney drummer and producer Alistair Hayes. It’s a total earworm. I’ve already listened about five times in a row, and I’m probably not done.

“It’s an homage to having a crush on someone, with all the excitement and anxiety that can get wrapped up in that feeling,” Alistair explained. “I find the idea of violent metaphors describing beautiful feelings so funny and dramatic, but at the same time crushes always kind of felt like that. I wanted to write something about being killed by the feeling of love itself and that’s exactly what ‘Cupid’ represents. With offbeat lyrics like stupid pickup lines, to those same lines being made fun of, it dramatises the whole feeling of a crush into something ridiculously insane.”

We often associate pop music with a big corporate machine, but Alistair’s operating on a much smaller scale. He wrote, produced, and mixed this track himself in his bedroom, much to his neighbours’ dismay. When he’s making music this good, I wouldn’t be complaining!

Image used with permission from Daphnie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ISHAN Releases Tender Track “A Song For My Brother”

ISHAN initially won me over with fun acoustic pop ditties like “My Mouth (la la la)” and “Supernova.” He’s switched gears with his latest single, “A Song For My Brother.” It’s still got the acoustic core I love, but it’s much more sombre than his previous efforts. You might want to reach for the tissues before you press play.

“‘The song is not actually about my brother, but someone else I love very much,” ISHAN explained. “For years I’d watched his sense of self-worth and excitement for life eroded by so-called friends who’d take advantage of his kindness and ability to always see the best in others.”

ISHAN’s been incredibly busy lately playing the All About Music conference in India and showcases at BIGSOUND here at home. But he’s definitely not done gigging this year. Catch him at the following shows in the coming months.

27 September 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting GO-JO)
12 October 2024 – One Tropical Day @ Darwin Ski Club, Larrakia Country/Bundilla Beach
19 October 2024 – Big Pineapple Festival @ Pineapple Fields, Kabi Kabi Country/Woombye
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – NYE on the Hill, Kurnai Country/South Gippsland

Photo credit: Nick McKinlay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Regards Release Powerful Single “Let Me Down (Gently)”

All Regards have really touched me with their latest single “Let Me Down (Gently)”. It’s a powerful exploration of grief that’s bound to hit you too if you’re going through any sort of loss.

“Each of us in the last couple of years has had instances where we’ve gone through grieving for something or someone that was incredibly important to us,” the band explained. “Whether you are grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship/friendship, or the end of a certain time in your life. It does not discriminate who it affects.”

All Regards will join fellow Naarm/Melbourne rock act Dear Reckless when they launch their latest single “Anchors” at The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar on October 11. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix.

Photo credit: Act Four Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LOONS Deliver the Goods With “Money Honey”

I was born and raised in Mulubinba/Newcastle, so I get pretty excited when I see awesome bands coming out of my hometown. LOONS are the latest to prick my ears up with their incredible new track “Money Honey.” It’s a rock song with a little surf influence that could only come out of Newy.

“Elijah [Cairns, LOONS’ frontman] wrote it at a time when he felt that his world was collapsing around him and his partner at the time had seemingly changed her priorities and values in the relationship to achieve financial success,” the band explained. “After much work, the song came together and each member wrote fresh parts on their selected instruments to change what had been a raw acoustic song into an indie rock anthem.”

LOONS have shared states with local surf rock acts like The Terrys, Shag Rock, Dune Rats, The Grogans, and The Rions. They’ll play a string of shows this month, kicking off with their hometown single launch this weekend.

7 September 2024 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 September 2024 – The Catfish, Ngar-go/Fitzroy (supporting Backo)
14 September 2024 – Wizard Water showcase @ The Workers Club, Ngar-go/Fitzoy
20 September 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
21 September 2024 – Shark Bar, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
28 September 2024 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (supporting Oniera)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Liam Keates-Ryley Makes Impressive Debut With “RUNNIN'”

After making a splash on The Voice Australia in 2022, Liam Keates-Ryley has taken his time to release his debut single “RUNNIN’”. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. In waiting for inspiration to strike, Liam has made sure that his first release is a fantastic slice of indie-pop.

“‘RUNNIN’’ is the first full song I’ve written since 2019,” he admitted. “Over the past few years, I’d spent so much time playing instruments for other incredibly talented artists that I lost sight of my true passion, which is making music for myself and you! It not only refers to themes about commitment issues within forming relationships, but also commitment issues within life as a whole. Sometimes you just wanna run away from a sticky situation and that’s what this record attempts to encapsulate.”

Liam took inspiration from the period of time after The Voice, when he was a lot more recognisable and unsure whether people appreciated who he was or his new profile.

“There was a period of time in 2022 when meeting new people (whether in relationships or just friends) where I was always wondering, ‘Are these people just hanging out with me cause I was on TV one time or do they actually enjoy my company?’” he recalled. “This song takes inspiration from that and running away from some of those not-so-trustworthy people.”

Liam has previously supported the likes of Pacific Avenue, JUNO, and Lachie Gill. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some more shows on the back of this release.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YAGKI Releases Powerful Single “Just a Ghost”

Western Eora/Sydney act YAGKI has just released a fabulous new single “Just a Ghost.” It sounds like an absolute bop, but it’s also got some powerful lyrics behind it.

“‘Just A Ghost’ reflects my journey of running away from home at 16 to escape a difficult upbringing in housing commission and foster care,” YAGKI explained. “It also delves into the guilt of leaving my family behind in severe hardship and highlights the generational trauma that traps families in these environments.”

The single’s release also comes with an emotionally-driven video directed and filmed by Max Pasalic of BESTIES which stars YAGKI and her younger sister Ella. It also features short VHS cuts of the artist in her younger days.

YAGKI will open up for Merci, Mercy next month before headlining at Oxford Arts Factory this October.

21 September 2024 – Bootleggers, Eora/Newtown
26 October 2024 – Oxford Arts Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kent Dustin’s New Single Will “Impress You”

Kent Dustin has put a big smile on my face with his latest single, “Impress You.” It’s a cool blues-rock track about the early stages of a relationship where knocking your partner’s socks off is top priority.

“’Impress You’ emerged as I explored investment strategies for money, but during the songwriting process, I pondered how I could impress a lover by investing my efforts into doing everything and anything for them, like getting their name in a heart tattoo,” Kent admitted. “This lyric from the second verse inspired the merch design as well.”

This is the latest in a string of Kent Dustin tracks that encourage listeners to find beauty in the ordinary and celebrate life’s little wins.

“I believe we get one shot at life and often spend our time and energy on things that don’t truly celebrate what it means to be human,” he explained. “Whether it’s a flirty interaction that makes your heart flutter, waking up and choosing optimism, or realizing you can trust someone else in a relationship after previous hurt—if my writing connects with people because it resonates with those little moments that mean so much but are often overlooked, then I’m fulfilling my role as an artist.”

Kent is currently prepared to release more raw, acoustic music on his forthcoming EP.

Image used with permission from Kent Dustin