Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saint Ergo Releases Sweet Soul Single “Falling So Hard”

Saint Ergo has really impressed me with her latest single “Falling So Hard.” It’s a cool soulful number that perfectly showcases her rich voice. I also love the lyrics which explore the idea of pushing forward with desires and attempting to pursue relationships in spite of taboos.

The soon-to-be-released music video for “Falling So Hard” celebrates all kinds of consensual relationship configurations, including many that seem taboo. As a transgender woman living with a disability, advocating for all kinds of people and creating safe, inclusive spaces for them is something Saint Ergo is so passionate about.

To that end, absolutely everyone is welcome when Saint Ergo launches “Falling So Hard” with two very special shows. Both venues are accessible for people with mobility aids and sensory challenges, with easy, wide access, separate sensory supportive spaces, and moderate sound levels. Tickets are available now for the following shows:

28 July 2024 – Tecoma Uniting Church, Wurundjeri Country/Tecoma
10 August 2024 – Black Spark Culture Centre, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote

Image used with permission from Tibi Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton Team Up Again for “burning alive”

With the release of “burning alive,” Mulubinba/Newcastle singer-songwriters Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton have provided us with the final puzzle piece of their EP, if it all burns down. I’ve already covered previous tracks “church” and “i don’t want to do this forever” on Sounds of Oz, and this one is every bit as good.

“burning alive” sits sandwiched between the past singles on this EP, acting as a kind of bridge between them. I love the natural chemistry between Dane and Jen’s very different voices, the way her pure tones soften his hard edges. The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone battling mental health issues, are also so powerful.

“Myself and so many people around me are or have been affected hugely by these things (suicide and mental health), I couldn’t help writing about it,” Dane explained.

While Dane and Jen haven’t announced any shows together at this stage, they also haven’t ruled them out. Here’s hoping. Until then, wrap your ears around “burning alive,” then revisit the rest of their music on if it all burns down. And if you or anyone you know is struggling with the mental health issues “burning alive” explores, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional resource. Lifeline offers 24/7 support on 13 11 14.

Photo credit: Shades of Blue Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alexander Biggs Casts a Spell With “don’t mean a thing”

Alexander Biggs is easing me into my working week with his gorgeous new single “don’t mean a thing.” I’ve long been a fan of his gentle folky music, and this latest track is no exception.

This track perfectly captures the melancholy that can wash over you when seemingly insignificant things seem to resonate a little more deeply with your head and heart than they should. No wonder Alexander’s received support from exciting acts like Julien Baker and Evan Dando. Check it out!

Image used with permission from Maths and Magic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ISHAN Shows His Star Power With “Supernova”

After impressing me a few months back with “My Mouth (la la la),” ISHAN has done it again with his latest single “Supernova.” It’s got a similar acoustic pop vibe that perfectly translates the simmering story of two people who cross that sometimes murky line separating platonic love and sexual attraction.

“‘Supernova’ is about a deep friendship shattered by passion,” explains ISHAN. “Reacting to an unexpected kiss and trying to figure out if your love for that person extends beyond the platonic is really difficult in a split second. The song explores the somewhat precarious and practically autonomous response ‘kiss her back now and unpack the consequences later’. It touches on the confusion and uncertainty of the moment in trying to determine what it is you really want and questions whether sacrificing a friendship is a risk worth taking in the pursuit of love.”

ISHAN has already had a big year selling out the Workers Club and playing Tenerife Festival and his first Eora/Sydney headlining show. I can’t wait to hear what’s next for this talented Naarm/Melbourne artist.

Photo credit: Ashlea Caygill

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Renee Nacari Wows Me With Latest Single, “Looking For Myself”

Renee Nacari has given me goosebumps with her stunning new single “Looking For Myself.” This track builds so beautifully, with lush layered vocals that cast a spell. Aside from its sonic appeal, it’s also got a great message about self-discovery and self-love.

“The backing vocals at the ends of the chorus and song are crafted to envelop the listener in a vast soundscape,” Renee explained. “This emulates the feeling of being alone and lost, with echoes that reflect a large, expansive area. I wrote this song whilst I was traveling alone. During that trip, I truly began to understand myself and confront my past. It was an eye-opening journey that allowed me to find and learn to love myself, a process I continue to engage with every day.”

“Looking For Myself” comes from Renee’s upcoming album 222, which further explores the idea of finding yourself and growing into the person you’re meant to be. Follow her on Instagram to learn more about that album and future shows.

Image used with permission from Renee Nacari

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LORNA Releases Post-Breakup Tune “Underachiever”

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite measure up, I know “Underachiever”, the latest track from East Coast New South Wales singer-songwriter LORNA, the musical alter-ego of Erin Condon, will resonate with you. It’s a gorgeous alt-country/folk ballad that explores the impact of the labels we’re saddled with.

“’Underachiever’ was written at the exact moment I thought my life was over. Following a pretty rough breakup, I had made such a big deal about being alone for Valentine’s Day so I did the inevitable Tinder download and began vetting my next date,” Erin recalled. “This series of events summed up the months following this breakup; completely distraught and looking for any light at the end of the tunnel, even if that light took the form of a complete stranger … just so that you don’t have to buy yourself flowers and a Twix bar from the Coles Express on your way home.”

LORNA will showcase her music, including “Underachiever”, at The Baso in Ngambri/Canberra on August 1, followed by The Victoria in Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst on August 8.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobby Uncle Releases High-Energy Pop Track “Coffee”

The end of the working week is tantalisingly close, but it still feels too far away. Never fear! Bobby Uncle’s latest feelgood single “Coffee” is as effective a pick-me-up as its caffeinated namesake.

“I wrote the melodies to the entire track on acoustic guitar around late November,” Bobby recalled. “I had a gig on December 9th and wanted to advertise it on my Instagram by singing an unreleased song. At the time, I only had written lyrics for the chorus as I was anxiously into this girl I was seeing. I laid down the guitar riff in Logic and started filming myself singing over it. I was quite emotional at the time which added cadence to the chorus which I would not have added previously. Fast-forward, the gig was a successful night musically, but not for my relationship with this person. A few days later, I wrote the lyrics for the verses and pre-chorus.

“I started by sound designing the lead synth. I needed something harsh and dark to capture anger and sadness for the central melody but to keep the track happy and upbeat,” he went on to explain. “One of my good mates is a metal drummer and he carefully uses the Toms to create build-up and tension. Hence, the Toms were used in certain sections but predominantly in the chorus where each part is more intense than the next. I mirrored the hi-hats with the acoustic guitar to drive the central groove. The electric guitars provide that summer indie pop feel. The pace of the track of 170 bpm reflects the sensation of taking a shot of concentrated caffeine. I wanted people to hear the track and feel like they needed to move, where it’s uncomfortable to be idle.”

Just like this song, Bobby shows no signs of slowing down. He’ll play the House on Fire show at The Loft in Eora/Ultimo on July 20.

Photo credit: Joshua Bisset

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yawn Vibes Celebrate Simple Pleasures With “Fast Lane”

Since coming down with Covid last week, I’ve been forced to take it easy. Plans with family and friends were cancelled, work was put on the back burner, and I’ve focused on taking it easy. While cancelling plans is disappointing and being sick is never exactly fun, I’ve also kind of relished kicking back. So I’m really vibing with “Fast Lane,” the latest track from Boorloo/Perth-based indie/alt-rock act Yawn Vibes, which explores the idea that small, seemingly ordinary moments hold the most significance in a fast-paced life.

“This song was written at the start of the Covid-19 Pandemic, probably while I was at work on a lunch break and reflecting about how much my life had changed in such a short period of time,” lead singer Taylah Grundwaldt recalled. “I started swimming at the local pool a few months prior to the pandemic and quite literally never made it into the fast lane. The Covid pandemic hit, and I had to figure out how to take each day one step at a time and not get overwhelmed. It’s a song about how much the simple things matter when life escalates at a rapid pace, and how sometimes you find yourself cleaning rubbish at work in the middle of a global pandemic and wondering how life keeps going, time keeps moving, and how you’re still able to function when the world seems big and scary I guess.”

“Fast Lane” gives us our first taste of Yawn Vibes’ upcoming debut album, Never End. Recorded in between the 2022 lockdowns, the album explores themes of “togetherness, friendship, and solidarity throughout time and location,” according to a recent press release. Follow Yawn Vibes on the socials to learn more about it ahead of its release.

Photo credit: Yagan Kiely

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bukowski Release Relatable Single “Superweak”

Naarm/Melbourne-based punk outfit Bukowski have just dropped their latest single “Superweak,” and you should definitely take a listen. It explores the effects of anxiety, overthinking, and people-pleasing. If you’ve ever struggled with that kind of behaviour, I know this track’s going to resonate with you.

“I found myself constantly trying to please people in my life and being apologetic about who I was, even if I didn’t think I did anything wrong,” frontman James Karagiozis reflected. “That constant battle would hurt me, but I would never outwardly show it or discuss it. Superweak? Maybe. But at least I’m trying to ventilate those thoughts from my anxious/overthinking brain.”

It’s exciting to hear more new music from Bukowski, since their previous single “one hundred seconds” was their first since 2021. It seems the drought has well and truly been broken, with the band promising more new releases and announcements throughout 2024.

Photo credit: James Dominiko

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Menajerie Turn Up the Heat With “Melt”

“Melt” is a slinky, sultry little number from Meeanjin/Brisbane-based female-led act Menajerie. Its neo-soul sound and exquisite harmonies really cast a spell.

“’Melt’ is about that kind of love that turns your insides to liquid gold,” enthused vocalist Gracie Mack. “I wrote the song in the early stages of a romance that felt really healing and special. Melt kinda feels to me like a mushy love song parading as a neo-soul groover. It’s enchanting, joyous and a bit sexy”.

Keep an eye on their socials to learn what’s next from Menajerie.

Photo credit: Kate O’Sullivan