Have a Taste of Sweet Talk’s “Real Good Cookin'”

After a successful run of shows with Texas’ own Charlie Crockett and appearances at Riverboats Music Festival and Bluesfest, Naarm/Melbourne six-piece Sweet Talk headed back to the studio. The result is their delicious new single “Real Good Cookin’”. It might be brand new to us, but it’s actually the first song created for this project.

“I remember writing the riff when Dave and I lived together in Fitzroy many moons ago,” explained guitarist Soren Walker. “I was listening to a lot of Skynard at the time the idea of a band was only beginning to germinate, but when Dave and I started fleshing this track out, we knew we were onto something hot.”

“We were actually calling it ‘Southern Fried Chicken’ for the first little while, and it was the first riff we started working on as a song before Sweet Talk was a fully formed idea,” added fellow guitarist Dave Turner.

Sweet Talk are building a reputation as one of the best acts on the live circuit. Whitlams’ frontman Tim Freedman said they were an “absolute stand out” at Tamworth and Bluesfest, noting their set was “pure musical lift off with charisma and earthy grunt.” So make sure you see them at one of their upcoming shows, including dates with Tim’s Black Stump Duo, if you possibly can.

24 & 25 August 2024 – Gympie Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek
6 September 2024 – Echuca Paramount Theatre, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca (with Black Stump Duo)
7 September 2024 – Frankston Arts Centre, Kulin Country/Frankston (with Black Stump Duo)
12 October 2024 – Out on the Weekend @ Seaworks Maritime Precinct, Yalukit-willam Country/Williamstown
18-20 October 2024 – Groundwater Country Music Festival, Yugambeh Country/Broadbeach

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Piper Butcher Goes From Strength to Strength With “Turn the Key”

She captivated the nation on last year’s series of Australian Idol, but those of us from Mulubinba/Newcastle knew that local talent Piper Butcher wasn’t going to fade from view once the cameras stopped rolling. The impressive singer-songwriter has just released a brand new single “Turn the Key,” and it’s really something special.

“The tale pulls from the suspenseful feelings of wanting to know a person more than a friend and finding a way to break the ice and be together,” she explained.

Piper will play the following shows in her home state in the coming months:

4-6 October 2024 – Dashville Skyline @ Murlan Noakes Shipyard, Mookaboola/Woolwich
16 November 2024 – CHIEFEST 24 @ Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Younger Than Me Drop Exquisite Single, “With Every Heartbeat”

Eora/Sydney duo Younger than Me have given me goosebumps with their latest single “With Every Heartbeat.” To call it beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Their stunning harmonies, creativity, and talent shine through in technicolour. Take a moment to stop what you’re doing, block the rest of the world out, and just listen. I promise you that you won’t want to miss a detail.

“With Every Heartbeat” comes with a gorgeous music video shot on 16mm film in southern lutruwita/Tasmania by the super-talented video artist and cinematographer Ursula Woods.

“Ursula is based in one of those corners of the world that is almost too magical to exist,” the duo said. “We woke up each morning to the sound of water lapping under the converted boat shed that we slept in, and spent the day frolicking outside and making shapes together in the landscape. It embodied everything we tried to create through sound in the track, and it could not have been more perfect.”

Younger Than Me are working towards releasing a debut album. With every single release so strong, you can beat it’ll be something special.

Photo credit: Marcus Coblyn

Vanessa Lawless Releases Feminine Anthem “La Loba”

Vanessa Lawless celebrates the wild feminine spirit with her latest single “La Loba.” The title translates to the she-wolf and takes inspiration from the book “Women Who Run With the Wolves.”

“‘La Loba’ declares the unleashing of the wild feminine spirit that’s been suppressed and misunderstood throughout time, encouraging total raw expression and the reawakening of our hidden selves,” Vanessa explained.

I love the way this one sounds. It’s got such a primal core which brings something new to the pop genre. I also appreciate that the lyrics deliver feminine power that comes from deep within. We’re so used to women declaring they’re powerful because they don’t need a man or because they’ve risen to the top. This one doesn’t measure a woman’s worth against her relationships or achievements. She’s powerful simply because she is.

Vanessa Lawless shows she’s a real force with this release. I can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Photo credit: Star Sarasvati

The Salmon Brothers, Featuring the Late Nick Weaver, Release Debut Single

“Fools Can’t Tell No Lies” is the debut single from The Salmon Brothers, and one we’re very lucky to hear. Consisting of acclaimed keyboardist, percussionist, and drummer Nick Meredith and Deep Sea Arcade bassist and guitarist Nick Weaver, the duo were excited to release this music. They’d written and recorded every song for their debut album, played DJ sets together, compiled the press assets, and were ready to go. Then in early 2021, Nick Weaver lost his battle with bowel cancer. Now thanks to the determination of Nick Meredith and some of Nick Weaver’s closest friends and family members, we finally get our first taste of The Salmon Brothers’ fantastic music.

Before his passing, Nick Weaver said “We started writing this sort of smooth rock/disco music as a bit of a joke but it accidentally became a weird pop thing that we’re very passionate about and eager to release.”

I must admit, I had similar feelings about this song. I wasn’t sure at first about the falsetto and sound, which seems to me like some unholy mix of disco and yacht rock. But by the time that chorus kicked in, I was well on board.

“Fools Can’t Tell No Lies” comes from The Salmon Brothers’ album More to Love, which drops on August 16.

Image used with permission from Blue Music Services

King Stingray Celebrate “Best Bits” Release With Regional Tour

King Stingray are bringing all the good vibes with their latest single, “Best Bits.”

“‘Best Bits’ is a song about all the best parts of life all poured into one moment”, the band explained. “Inspired by a particular moment in time, a particular day that had all the right ingredients. It’s about those ripper-of-a-day type moments, those warm days in the sunshine with your mates, with your family or a loved one. The memorable days that just seem to stick with you. It’s about simple living in a complex digital world, and although it can be hard to articulate in just a few words, a feeling that is so massive and profound. Sometimes all the best bits of life are already all around us! Yo manymak!”

King Stingray will be making more memories when they play shows through regional Australia in July and August with Jem Cassar-Daley warming up the crowds. Then they’re off to the United States to support King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizzard. Exciting times ahead for one of the Territory’s finest acts.

18 July 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
19 July 2024 – Pier Bandroom, Kulin Country/Frankston
20 July 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
21 July 2024 – Whalers Hotel, Peek Woorroong Country/Warrnambool
8 August 2024 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
9 August 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambah Country/Gold Coast
10 August 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Maroochydore
14 August 2024 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
15 August 2024 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
16 August 2024 – Waves, Woolyungah/Wollongong
17 August 2024 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra
31 August 2024 – East Arnhem Live @ Hindle Oval, Yolŋu Country/Nhulunbuy (FREE)
2 November 2024 – The Rady Shell @ Jacobs Park, San Diego (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
9 November 2024 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Phoenix (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
15 November 2024 – Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
16 November 2024 – White Oak Music Hall, Houston (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)
19 November 2024 – Fox Theatre, Atlanta (with King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard)

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

SUÉ Keeps It Real With “Supa”

Chilean-Aussie R&B act SUÉ has dropped his smoother-than smooth new single “SUPA.” It’s got such a great groove, but make sure you pay attention to the lyrics which explore the everyday struggles of living with anxiety.

“I was working all sorts of jobs and doing things that weren’t who I really was. It didn’t feel right to be working and doing things in areas that really weren’t the truthfulness of myself. Constantly feeling like belong to something bigger. Is that my ego or my purpose talking?” SUÉ asked. “I hope this song connects to the everyday life of any individual listening to the song. Knowing that that feeling of misplacement lives within us all, and that you are not alone.”

There’s more new music from SUÉ to come when he releases his EP in late July.

Image used with permission from Stimulated Media & SYS

Worm Girlz Release Stunning New Single “Not My Body”

We know Worm Girlz as the fierce punk rock act who’ve released bangers like “Dirt” and “Cool Girl.” But they’re showing a much more vulnerable side with their latest track “Not My Body.” It’s such a brave, beautiful ballad that lays bare a lot of the insecurities the members of this incredible band have felt in their skin.

“’Not My Body’ is an emotional outburst induced by the impossible standards placed on body image,” lead vocalist Lauren explained. “It encapsulates the personal experiences of Worm Girlz and the sensation of experiencing both body dysmorphia and gender dysphoria.”

I already considered myself a worm girl after listening to the band’s other singles, but this latest release has taken my love to a whole new level. This is a band with so much to say, who creates such an inclusive community and safe spaces wherever they go. That’s special. That’s powerful.

Worm Girlz will bring their special magic to West End Girls Winter Edition at The Bearded Lady in Meeanjin/Brisbane on July 13. If you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss it.

Photo credit: Tayla Lauren

Brandon Poletti Releases Gorgeous New Single, “Move Away”

If you need a little soothing this Thursday afternoon, look no further. “Move Away,” the latest single from Boorloo/Perth act Brandon Poletti, is the cure for whatever’s ailing you. His voice has such a beautiful weathered warmth to it, and the song’s chill vibes are exactly what you need as your working day’s winding down.

“Move Away reflects on the weight of the past and the fleeting nature of time,” Brandon explained. “It’s about a person who feels stuck in a town that no longer feels like home, they grapple with a sense of disillusionment and longing for change. The song captures the essence of their desire to break free from the confines of their current life, contemplating leaving town, pursuing a new job, and perhaps even adopting a new identity.”

Spotify’s already added “Move Away” to its Coffee + Chill playlist. I’m not suggesting this song’s best enjoyed with coffee, but I’m not saying you should deny yourself a cup while you listen either! Brandon will play the following shows in the coming months:

22 June 2024 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle
5 July 2024 – The Vault Restaurant, Noongar Country/Kalamunda
19 July 2024 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle
10 August 2024 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle
30 August 2024 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle

Photo credit: Jaime Dacheff

The Sunday Estate Release Brilliant New Single, “London in October”

Eora/Sydney-based indie act The Sunday Estate have just dropped their latest single “London in October,” and it’s exactly the pick-me-up your midweek needs. It’s got a really upbeat vibe, but tap into those lyrics and you’ll hear the fun sound masks some pretty deep heartache.

“This tries to capture the chaotic and turbulent spirit of a long-term relationship breakup – all the tiny ways your life would change, and how dichotic the decision can feel,” explained lead vocalist Conor O’Reilly. “Do you delete photos you had of them online? Do you get to keep shared friends? Whose narrative will everyone believe? Did you make the right call? Was it all a waste of time?”

The Sunday Estate had a massive 2023, playing 18 dates with The Rions and gigs with Yard Act and British India. They’re currently on the road again supporting the release of “London in October.” Catch them headlining one of the following shows:

28 June 2024 – Gasometer (upstairs), Naarm/Melbourne
26 July 2024 – Oxford Art Factory (Gallery), Eora/Sydney
3 August 2024 – Velvet Underground, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Hannah Badorrek