Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Marsten Releases QMA-Nominated Single, “Getting Better”

Sometimes it takes a single release to put a song back on your radar. I reviewed Hayley Marsten’s fabulous sophomore album Girlhood last June. One of the songs that struck me most was the album’s opening track “Getting Better”. Hayley’s just released it as a single and I’m relishing rediscovering it. It was recently nominated for a Queensland Music Award in the country category, and while Hayley ultimately lost the title to Tori Forsyth she was thrilled by the acknowledgement.

“Getting Better’ is a song I wrote the night before we started recording Girlhood,” Hayley recalled. “I wrote it for me as a satirical version of how I think about my mental health. I thought it was a huge underdog when I submitted it so getting a QMA nomination is a really lovely pat on the back from the industry!”

“We shot the music video in Brisbane at the end of last year with my long-time collaborator Jazmyn Prodcues. I really wanted what I perceive to be the two parts of me in the song represented in the video. So we have me in my ‘therapy’ session kind of poking fun of the awkwardness that sometimes permeates that experience. We also re-created the album cover just for me to rip it all down in reference to the bridge line ‘and I hate every one of my songs’. Then the shots of me in Ezymart without a care in the world and the shots with my guitar and me surrounded the disco balls and glitter is representative of the feeling of perfection that I feel I’m constantly trying for that doesn’t really exist. The shots in the convenience store were filmed in a real and open EzyMart in Southbank with other customers milling around, so I had to park my embarrassment at the door for that one!”

Hayley will play the following shows to celebrate the release of “Getting Better.”

28 April 2024 – Cruisin’ Caboolture @ James Street Precinct, Kabi Kabi Country/ Caboolture (FREE)
3 May 2024 – Hunting Ground Studios @ 5/32 Baldock St, Jagera Country/Marooka
17 May 2024 – Town and Country Weekend 2024 @ Regatta Hotel, Turrbal Country/Toowong (FREE)
18 May 2024 – City Sounds @ Wintergarden Stage, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
15 June 2024 – In Store Birthday Party @ Sonic Slopes, Meeanjin/Stone’s Corner (FREE)

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jacob Vincent Honours the ANZACs With “What Would I Say”

ANZAC Day is a day for reflection, whether you gather with others at our dawn services or pubs or take a moment for yourself away from the nine-to-five grind. Whatever you’re doing this public holiday, make sure you take a few minutes to listen to “What Would I Say.” Jacob Vincent co-wrote this beautiful new single with poet Colin Defries, who he met at a DAG Sheep Station songwriting retreat.

“He presented a poem at a co-write on Easter Sunday,” Jacob recalled. “The first few chords I picked along felt good and we spent the afternoon figuring out a chorus and refining the lyric to fit my voice and style. We both believe it’s really important to understand the legacy of the ANZACs, the conditions they endured & sacrifices they made.”

Multi-award-winning producer Shane Nicholson helped bring the song to life in his Sound Hole Studios.
“It’s been really amazing to work with Shane, I’ve admired his work from a young age,” Jacob added. “He brought some great ideas to the song and I couldn’t be happier with how he realised my vision for the track.”

The music video, created by Jay Seeney of Blacklist Productions, is the perfect accompaniment for the song.

“We filmed early one morning amidst Tamworth Country Music Festival earlier this year,” Jacob said. “He was able to work through archival footage from WW1 to help tell the story of the fighting in Gallipoli.”

Jacob will play the Story Bridge Hotel in Meeanjin/Brisbane tonight alongside Dan Munn.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Reckless Coast Pay Tribute to Sharehouse Living With “Burn Street”

I’m feeling pretty nostalgic listening to Reckless Coast’s new single “Burn Street.” It’s indie-rock with a dash of pop, the sort of track that used to be all over radio in the 90s. I’m more than ready for this sound to return!

“‘Burn Street’ is the location of my first share house,” shared Reckless Coast’s lead vocalist Jaeden Ogston. “It was like a little family… picture the most ideal and perfect home/living situation and that’s what it was like. However, after only eight months, the lease came up for renewal and we all parted our separate ways. The share houses that followed never came close to being like Burn Street, and I realised that it would be the closest thing to a home I had.”

“Burn Street” comes from Reckless Coast’s debut EP, which is slated for a May 3 release. The band will waste no time bringing their music to the people; their Naked & Famous tour kicks off the following day.

4 May 2024 – The Catfish, Naarm/Melbourne
10 May 2024 – Elsewhere, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 May 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 May 2024 – MoshPit, Eora/Sydney (supporting Starcrazy)
25 May 2024 – Stag and Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LEF. Celebrates Heritage With “Ephesus”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter LEF. has teamed up with UK-based expat Chris Hyson (Jordan Rakei) for a dreamy new single “Ephesus.” It’s a beautiful soul-pop track about seizing happiness today rather than waiting for a payoff in the future.

“During my journey through Turkey, amidst the familiar quirks of family dynamics and the intricate layers of my relationship with my mum, I stumbled upon unexpected inspiration in the rhythmic hum of travel and the soothing aroma of Turkish tea, deeply intertwined with my cultural roots away from Australia,” LEF. explained. “It was within these ordinary yet profound moments that I crafted the initial beat and demo, laying the foundation for the genuine tone of my EP. I was extremely motivated creatively but also had a deep longing to reconnect with my family after a prolonged four years of separation, each lyric emerged as my most authentic and vulnerable expression, reflecting the complexities of our shared journey in a hopeful manner. The lyrics symbolise my visit to ancient Ephesus and the essence of my family ties.”

“Ephesus” is the second single lifted from LEF.’s debut EP, which he’ll release in the middle of the year.

Image used with permission from LEF.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bud Rokesky Breaks the Country Mould With “Newtown”

Country music can be a bit hit and miss for me. I’ve found plenty of local artists I love through this blog, but there are probably just as many that don’t gel with me. Someone I’m really excited about is Bud Rokesky. There’s something so subtle and honest and what he does. There’s a folky vibe to his brand of country, a focus on telling stories with his lyrics that resonates with me. His latest single “Newtown,” which comes with the also excellent B-side “Oars,” is the perfect gateway into his material.

“Newtown is about leaving something behind and letting go – even though you may not want to,” Bud explained. “In the end you can only control how you react at the time, and the perspective with which you look back at it. I truly believe you can learn from every experience and turn it into a positive.”

If you love this, there’s more where it came from. Bud plans on releasing two tracks a month in this A-side/B-side format for the foreseeable future.

“When thinking about a follow-up album to Outsider I had a list of 24 or so songs to choose from, except they seemed so varied from one another that I found it difficult to find a common selection, not to mention I really wanted to release them all. I thought- what would be the best way to introduce them to everyone, in a way they could follow along with the different changes in sound or style from song to song?” he said of the plan for monthly releases.

Bud is currently supporting Brad Cox on his Aussie tour. There are limited tickets available for all the remaining shows:

9 May 2024 – Broken Hill Civic Theatre, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill (supporting Brad Cox)
10 May 2024 – Mildura Arts Centre, Latji Latji Country/Mildura (supporting Brad Cox)
11 May 2024 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill (supporting Brad Cox)
14 June 2024 – Northern Festival Centre, Tarparrie/Port Pirie (supporting Brad Cox)
15 June 2024 – Chaffey Theatre, Erawirung Country/Renmark (supporting Brad Cox)
16 June 2024 – Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, Berrin/Mount Gambier (supporting Brad Cox)
22 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jade Gibson Drops Feelgood New Single “Down the Road”

Victorian country starlet Jade Gibson has just dropped a fantastic and fun new single “Down the Road.” The upbeat track reminds listeners that finding your person might take time, but it could happen when you least expect it.

This song saw Jade reuniting with her long-time collaborator Tyler Bank and Naarm/Melbourne powerhouse producers MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis).

Jade is a fixture on the local country music scene and has played some of its biggest festivals, including Tamworth, Deni Ute Muster, and Gippsland CMF. You can see why she’s being touted as the next big thing at the following shows:

4 May 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
8 June 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
6 July 2024 – SS&A Albury, Bungambrawatha/Albury
13 July 2024 – The Terminus, Mulwala/Yarrawonga
20 July 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
27 July 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
21 September 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 September 2024 – The Terminus, Mulwala/Yarrawonga
2 November 2024 – Birallee Tavern, Bungambrawatha/West Wodonga
9 November 2024 – Beer DeLuxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

total tommy Drops Stellar Second Single, “Losing Out”

Eora/Sydney artist total tommy has captivated me with her grungy new single “Losing Out.” Its lo-fi indie-rock sound has a nostalgic flavour reminiscent of acts like The Breeders and Veruca Salt. I love total tommy’s choice to keep the vocals hushed and brooding, expressing anger through the cutting lyrics rather than simply adding volume. It’s so compelling.

“Someone I respected completely broke my trust and left me paralysed for a little while,” she admitted. “I spent a lot of time going through the motions and feeling really thrashed about. I’d delayed writing about this time for a few months, but as soon as I started everything was super visceral and the lyrics formed in about fifteen minutes. The first day demo we had was really special because it was so raw. I didn’t want to touch it because I wasn’t sure I’d be able to replicate what we captured on that day. But then I got my friend to play live drums on the track and it lifted it to a whole other dimension. It’s my favourite song to play live, because I can rage about on the guitar and get out a lot of energy. I’m not angry anymore, but fuck that guy.”

This is just total tommy’s second single, but she’s quickly establishing herself as an artist to watch. Follow her socials, because I hear there’s plenty more new music on the way.

Photo credit: Andrea Veltom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wolf & Chain Drop Fantastic New Single, “Not Giving Up”

Tarntanya/Adelaide emo outfit Wolf & Chain recently released an absolute anthem, “Not Giving Up.” This belter of an alt-rock track had me from its opening drum beats. If the members of My Chemical Romance, Panic! At the Disco, and 30 Seconds from Mars ever formed a supergroup, their music might sound a little something like this.

“It can often feel like you have two sides, where you have moments of being really down and hopeless, feeling like an entirely different person, not happy with who you are. But, at the same time, you come out of it and you are not that person and you have these moments of clarity that urge you to push through and survive,” the band explained of the song’s inspiration.

I hear there’s plenty of new music on the way from Wolf & Chain this year, so make sure you listen out for it.

Photo credit: Michael Carver

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Odlaw Show Softer Side With “Car Door”

WA outfit Odlaw have stripped things back for their new single “Car Door.” A bittersweet track brimming with emotion, it makes for a powerful listening experience.

“This is a pretty simple tune,” admitted Odlaw’s singer, songwriter, and guitarist Mark Neal. “It was recorded in one take, it’s not overly complicated but the balance of sadness and love is what I really liked about it. It’s a little tender and foreshadowing, but it’s also actually a love song. Pulling off a song that’s emotional and sad, but actually happy at the same time isn’t particularly easy. We ended up stripping most of the other instruments away and leaving it really sparse. I never intended to release this as a single, but people really connected to it and I’m so thrilled about that.”

“Car Door” comes from Odlaw’s new album Mi(l)d Life Crisis, which will get released in June. You can expect to hear a few more tracks from that release when Odlaw take the stage at RTRFM in the Pines at UWA’s Somerville Auditorium on April 21.

Photo credit: Sethen Sheehan Lee

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forest Claudette Gives Me Chills With “Gold”

Fresh from shows abroad for SXSW, Forest Claudette recently dropped their dreamy new single, “Gold.” It’s a cooler-than-cool R&B track with a groove that just won’t quit. If you love Lenny Kravitz and D’Angelo, I know this will be your vibe. It comes from Forest’s soon-to-be-released EP Jupiter, which is slated for release on May 3.

“‘Gold’ is a song that was revealed to me sometime after I wrote it,” Forest explained. “I’m sure I was partly thinking about ‘success’. What it looks like and what sacrifices are made to obtain it and what the ramifications of that are. But in the context of Jupiter I see it so differently. Now the song is about growing, shedding skin and evolving. Letting go of the fear I had of making this project. Paying respect to the weight I have been given, the burdens of life. And the sense that that feeling is invaluable.”

Forest has a few more shows abroad after the EP’s release before they return to home soil.
7 May 2024 – Gold Diggers, Los Angeles
10 May 2024 – Union Pool, Brooklyn
15 May 2024 – Ideal Bar @ Vega, Copenhagen
23 May 2024 – The Grace, London
30 May 2024 – Vivid Sydney @ Tumbalong Park, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
20 June 2024 – What’s Golden, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Lissyelle