I’m rocking out this morning to “And the Fleas,” the angsty new single from Meeanjin/Brisbane act Bad Neighbour. It’s got a rebellious punk rock feel that reminds me of American act Hot Mulligan, who they toured with earlier this year.
Bad Neighbour will celebrate the release of “And the Fleas” with a big hometown show at The Outpost tomorrow night, June 7. With support from local legends Talk Heavy and Verum, it’s sure to be a great night of music.
Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR
Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Parmy Dhillon celebrates his late father’s legacy with his joyous new single “India.” I guarantee this one will at least put a smile on your face, if it doesn’t have you up and dancing.
“The song was written as a tribute and reminder to myself after my father passed away, to always remember my culture and who I am,” Parmy explained.
“India” is Parmy’s first release of 2024, and I think it might just be his best work. I’m looking forward to hearing what else the year has in store for him.
Image used with permission from Parmy Dhillon
When I heard The Buoys had co-written a song with Alex Lahey, I knew it was going to be good. The band’s latest single “Check Mate” doesn’t disappoint. Take a listen to this awesome track which shows The Buoys in top form.
Tas Wilson directed the music video, which captures the energy of a road trip with friends, mirroring the longing for connection that you hear through the song.
“Check Mate” gives us our first taste of The Buoys debut album Lustre, which will be released on July 12. You can pre-order a vinyl copy online. It was all recorded live, so I imagine it’s going to deliver everything we love about The Buoys. Before it drops, you can see The Buoys supporting Luke Hemmings at the following shows
12 June 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
13 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
14 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia
If you thought nu metal was done, think again. Boorloo/Perth act Indigo Blaze are continuing to fly the flag for the genre with their latest track “CRITICAL HIT.” If you were all about Limp Bizkit and Korn back in the day, you’re going to eat this one up.
“Lyrically, the track comments on believing in yourself even when others don’t and being determined to push through and fight back the critics. As always, though, with Rhys’ unique style of wordcraft with some video game references thrown in. ‘Bring you back to the menu soundtrack’ – calls out to the old arcade days when you beat your opponent,” the band explained. “All in all, for us, this song is a sly and not too serious shot back at the critics who doubt what we’ve been creating when the crowd and vibe we generate at our shows say different.
I wouldn’t have called myself a nu metal fan back in the day, but this song is making me all nostalgic for this kind of music. It’s not going to work for everyone, just like the music of this genre at the time, but I’m thrilled these guys are bringing back this sound.
Image used with permission from Good Intent
With gloomy weather descending on my part of the country, it seems the ideal time to introduce you to Renee Naccari’s latest single, “Perfect Storm.” It’s a gorgeous introspective pop ballad that I know will leave you spellbound.
“It was challenging, but I had so much fun writing ‘Perfect Storm’. Creating all the little metaphors that I had visualised, into written lyrics to align with the story I was aiming to convey, that being, the push and pull between two people who want nothing more than to be together but finding it hard to make it work, a storm with a ray of sunlight as the clouds part,” Renee explained.
“Perfect Storm” serves as a precursor for Renee’s debut album, slated for release later this year, and a string of live shows. Exciting times ahead!
Image used with permission from Renee Naccari
Dust off your cowboy boots, grab your hat, and settle in for a whole lot of fun with Claudia Tripp’s latest track “Rodeo.” It’s brand new, but it already feels like a certified country-blues classic. If this song doesn’t get played at every country music festival until the end of time, there’s no justice.
“I wrote ‘Rodeo’ as a celebration of the small-town people I grew up with,” Claudia said. “I recently travelled back to my hometown of Kalgoorlie to perform at a rodeo, and when the possibility of unpredictable weather loomed, it didn’t seem to matter. It’s their weekend after a hard work week, and they’ll be dancing in the dirt come thunderstorm or heatwave. My producer Mason Vellios made this song come to life exactly how I imagined it. I hope the track becomes a weekend anthem for everybody who clocks off work and needs to let their hair down”.
Claudia will support the INXS tribute act KICK at Rosemount Hotel in Boorloo/Perth on June 8. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.
Image used with permission from Little Sparrow PR
Djilang/Geelong-based singer-songwriter Daisy Kilbourne has made a massive impression on me with her debut single “Mother.” Its simple melody and stripped-back production is the perfect vehicle for Daisy’s incredible lyrics which recount her experience watching her mother’s gradual unravelling after losing the love of her life. This depiction of grief is so personal, but it’s bound to resonate with anyone who’s been in the orbit of a deep loss.
“I wrote this song after the passing of my father, watching my mum lose parts of herself with him as he left,” Daisy explained. “You can’t help but wonder if they’ll ever come to be the person they were before, and you feel guilty that you can’t make their pain go away. It isn’t easy talking about these things, but if it’s something that can help people overcome their grief, then it’s worth it.”
“Since the song is so personal, we thought about adding a real personal touch to it. So at the end of the song, all the harmonies are actually sung by my siblings, Rose, Lily, and Ivory,” she added. “For something quite emotional, recording them was the funniest night of my life. It was nice to create a good memory to attach to this song, and also hear how much Ivory sounds like Dad when he sings.”
Instead of a traditional music video, Daisy has paired this release with a documentary. Directed by Nick Rae, it celebrates her father’s life and the passion for music she shared with him.
Daisy hopes to continue connecting with music lovers when she releases her forthcoming EP later this year. You can hear more of her original music at the following shows:
1 June 2024 – ReSound @ Kala, Wadawurrung Country/Ocean Grove
22 June 2024 – ReSound @ Lou’s Pizza and Wine, Djilang/Geelong
5 July 2024 – Pivotonian Cinema, Djilang/Geelong
Image used with permission from Daisy Kilbourne
My Chérie has just dropped her exciting new single “Darkness & Gold.” I really appreciate the way My Chérie steps outside the box and expresses herself as a true original. Her ethereal brand of pop music is always interesting, with lyrics that so eloquently express the struggles we all face being vulnerable, imperfectly perfect humans.
“‘Darkness & Gold’ is my candid portrayal and deep dive into my human experience of the internal struggles we all face,” My Chérie said. “In confronting themes of strength, vulnerability, and the pursuit of self-improvement, I want to acknowledge the efforts of trying and the tricky journey of figuring ourselves out.”
This is another fabulous release from My Chérie that makes me pretty excited for her debut album to come early next year.
Photo credit: Clementines Gallery
Splitting his time between Naarm/Melbourne and Paris, Caspar Conrick is making beautiful music under the name Vanderlay. His latest release is “Triumph and Disaster,” a gorgeous slow burn of a track in the vein of Fleet Foxes and Patrick Watson. Take a moment out of your day to get a cup of tea, close your eyes, and let this one wash over you.
“The song is the internal battle, the dialogue with oneself when trying to process or alter circumstance,” Caspar explained. “It comes to a head, a point where everything must be laid out before you and examined without bias. The findings, and the process are found to be one and the same: triumph and disaster.”
“Triumph and Disaster” is the second single lifted from the upcoming Vanderlay EP, due later this year.
Photo credit: Ilaria O’Brien
With an irresistible pop melody and searingly honest lyrics, GRAACE has captured my heart with her latest single “Love is Getting Wasted.” Following hot on the heels of last month’s release “Jealous Type,” it’s looking like 2024 might be a big year for GRAACE.
“’Love Is Getting Wasted’ is like diving into a whirlpool of emotions. It’s about feeling torn between sticking it out or calling it quits in a relationship” GRAACE explained. “You’re grappling with hope and resignation, trying to hold onto the last shreds of love, desperate for the attention they gave you in the beginning, but uncertainty looms about your future.”
GRAACE has already sold out headlining shows and toured with Stephen Sanchez this year, but she’s not stopping yet. She’ll be back on the road next month supporting The Dreggs at the following shows.
14 June 2024 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 June 2024 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth
21 June 2024 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 June 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
29 June 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia