If you hoped for a happy ending after listening to Ama’s last single “How to Fall in Love,” I’m sorry to disappoint you. Her latest track “not ur fkn fan” was inspired by the same girl, so needless to say things didn’t go well!
While I’d hoped that the infatuation Ama captured so beautifully with her last release might blossom into something more, we would have missed out on this alt-pop belter. I love the way Ama’s emotions simmer under her delicate vocals. You can hear her frustration, and her heartache, with every line.
This song is still so fresh, but Ama’s already announced her follow-up “Sucks” will drop on August 23. Sounds like another angsty one from this Western Eora/Sydney talent. I can’t wait!
Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious Program has been elevating talent from Western Eora/Sydney for more than a year now. I’ve relished hearing the diverse acts nurtured by this program, including Zion Garcia. Through the program, Zion worked with Conscious and producer Chelsea Warner (BOY SODA, Emalia) on his epic track, “Film Star Prelude.”
“Before letting everyone in on my next era as an artist, I wanted to launch myself into the frame of mind of: ‘How can I make the biggest thing sonically that I possibly can, while still staying grounded in who I am right now?’” Zion explained.
Big is one word to describe this track. Bold and trailblazing are just a couple more. Trust me, you need to hear this.
“This was my first time really collaborating like this and Chelsea really gave me the space to explore ideas. She’s such a wizard at her craft, and I trusted her ear,” Zion recalled. “We kept going back and forth until we finished up the song you hear now. A prelude to my next body of work- Inspired by lots of ambition, and in unison, lots of delusion.”
Zion’s done some big things, such as performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid and sharing the stage with Lil Uzi Vert and Ice Spice as part of the Listen Out Sydney line-up. And surely there’s more to come. Keep an eye on Zion, because he’s definitely got a big future ahead.
Sounding like some enchanting mix of Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, Amalia has enchanted me with her latest single “Silly Cliché.” Her voice effortlessly moves through the swirling kaleidoscopic sound she’s created here. That’s a pretty off-the-wall description, but take a listen and I swear it’ll make sense to you.
“Musically, ‘Silly Cliche’ whisks you back to the 70s, blending swirling psychedelia with modern pop allure,” Amalia explained. “It’s a song about the overwhelming feelings of the early stages of a relationship and the hope the feeling never fades.”
Can you believe this is only Amalia’s second release? The sky’s the limit for this Naarm/Melbourne-based talent. I’m obsessed and can’t wait to hear more.
I am such a sucker for a pop-punk anthem and “Unspoken”, the latest single from Eora/Sydney trio Forever Ends Here is right up there with the best. Crank that volume, press play, and enjoy this one!
“Unspoken is about the realisation that you left it too long to open up to someone and missed the window to be together – knowing the other person felt the same, but you both left it unspoken and ended up in different places,” vocalist Luke McChesney shared. “I had to channel my teen self to match the energy of a coming-of-age pop-punk track, and I think this is something we all experienced in some capacity growing up. The secret crush that we’ll probably never talk about.”
This sound feels so fresh and youthful, but these guys actually started making music together more than a decade ago. However, after some time off between 2018 and 2023, they’re sounding better than ever.
“It really feels as though we’ve finally found our sound, all of these years later,” Luke said. “Last year was about the reunion, focusing on the pre-hiatus memories and reminding ourselves of why we started this band. Unspoken marks the beginning of the new FEH. We’re treating this like a new band now. Our new baby. We’re more in love with the music than we’ve ever been before and we hope that shows.” I’m hearing that there’s more new music where this came from, with the band planning a larger release later this year. Bring it!
After gaining a solid reputation as one of the best emerging live acts in Meeanjin/Brisbane, Left Cassette has just dropped their fantastic debut single “Two Left Shoes.” It’s got all the youthful energy of a track from The Wombats or The Kooks in their heyday, and I’m here for it.
The band said “The track came together after many years of trial and error. Having had the track written in late 2021, Josh (Aldred, lead vocalist) workshopped the song to his then-punk rock band. When Left Cassette was formed in early 2024, the song was re-workshopped and we put our own spin on it. The song was originally written about being in a relationship that was always having its ups and downs. Not knowing whether you were in it for the long haul, or on your way out the door. The relationship got to a point where neither party knew who was at fault anymore. Both just entertaining the idea that things may not be perfect, but you’re too hung up on the other person to do anything about it. Just desperately holding on for the ride.”
Left Cassette will play in the second semi-finals of the Access All Areas Battle of the Bands comp at The Brithside tonight and a free gig at Greaser tomorrow night before they officially launch “Two Left Shoes” at Tomcat on August 24. They sold out a show at Tomcat earlier this year, so don’t expect to just get them on the door! Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them gigging around the rest of the country. We can’t let the people of Brisvegas have all the fun!
Wednesdays are much maligned, but WA act Have a Good Day are bringing the positivity with their dreamy new single “Punch-Drunk in Love.” I’ve fallen hard for this cool indie-pop number, and I’m sure you will too.
I love the way this song manages to strike the perfect balance between sounding modern and like an 80s throwback. The nostalgia is perfect for a track that celebrates youthful enthusiastic love, the kind that knocks you off your feet giving you no choice but to give in to it. A bit like this song really!
East Coasters will get the chance to see Have a Good Day when they play Towradgi Beach Hotel in Dharawal Country/Towradgi on September 6.
After impressing me earlier this year with “The Blonde,”Zara Haines shows that was no fluke. Her latest release “6 Figure Trigger” is another outstanding pop song. This catchy little number explores all the complications of the dating game. Whether you’re in it or glad to be done with the scene, I know you’re going to relate to this one.
“’6 Figure Trigger’ was written for all different people to relate to … with a fun and catchy side, people can’t help but sing along!” Zara enthused. “It has been a fan favourite in listening sessions, so it was about time we let the world hear it!”
Zara’s Instagram profile says she’s writing new music right now, so it sounds like there’s a lot more in store. Give her a follow to learn all about it once it drops.
Bubble grunge/dream pop is the kind of music I didn’t know that I didn’t need in my life until I heard effie isobel’s latest single “Peach Heart.” They remind me a little of 90s icons Julianna Hatfield and Mazzy Star, with their sweet voice and grungy sound brought to life with a vintage drum machine and radio box effects. The nostalgia is so fitting for this song which captures effie’s experiences chatting with close friends about their crushes.
“I noticed our conversations often gravitated toward talking about our crushes, people we want to kiss, people we have a friend-crush on or people we just generally think are beautiful,” effie reflected. “Observing this in conversation made me feel really warm and fuzzy. I couldn’t help but notice our conversations being fueled by appreciation for beauty and the incredibly human ache for connection.”
This song has grown immensely since effie penned it with a nylon string guitar on their bedroom floor. From those humble beginnings, effie worked with various collaborators to bring their vision to life. “Peach Heart” is such a fantastic follow-up to their debut single “Lip Balm,” I can’t wait to hear what comes next.
Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks
British-born, Queensland-based singer-songwriter Lucy Gallant has just dropped her sultry new single “Devious.” It’s a cool, genre-blending track with elements of soul, pop, and trip-hop that explores the addictive nature of the wrong relationships that can feel oh so right.
“In recent years, I’ve navigated through profound losses and experiences that have deeply shaped my music. My new sound reflects how I’ve channeled these experiences into my songwriting,” Lucy explained. “Stepping into my own power, I’ve discovered a reservoir of confidence. Embracing the strength of my womanhood, I’ve conquered past fears. Now, I’m ready to declare to the world: here I am, crank up the volume and listen closely to my lyrics—I have a lot to say, and I’m not afraid to say it.”
Lucy is currently playing shows in the United Kingdom and Europe for the first time in four years. The intimate venues and festivals she’s playing provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with her fans abroad. Don’t worry Australia; she won’t be gone for too long. We’ll see her back on her adopted home soil by November. Here are all Lucy’s announced dates.
1 August 2024 – Market House, Maidstone 3 August 2024 – House concert, North Norfolk District 16 August 2024 – Café Kultus, Grevenbroich 17 August 2024 – House concert, Osnabruck 25 August 2024 – House concert, Devon 28 August 2024 – Alte Utting, Munich 4 September 2024 – The Green Man Inn, Charroux 8 September 2024 – Musettes Festival, Pyla Sur Mer (FREE) 21 September 2024 – Briston Pavilion, Norfolk (Entry by donation) 22 September 2024 – The Flying Circus, Newark Upon Trent 27 September 2024 – Holmfirth Tavern, Holmfirth 28 September 2024 – House concert, Halesowen 16 November 2024 – Seven Sisters Festival, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Country/Glenaroua
2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Meeanjin/Brisbane-based alt-rockers Bad Neighbour. They’ve already toured with American acts Hot Mulligan and Free Throw and just dropped a fantastic new single “Heart Pumps Blood.” That track gives us our latest taste of the band’s debut album Millions, which drops on September 20. But before that they’ll hit the road with another choice American act, Badflower.
“We’re incredibly excited to share this release with the world,” the band said in a press statement. “Writing this record was very cathartic for us and to have something palpable we can share with people is very special to us.”
If you want an early listen to some more new tunes, make sure you see Bad Neighbour supporting Badflower next month. Some shows have already sold out, and the others aren’t too far behind!
