Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers & LULLANAS Team Up For “Wilder”

Our own Pierce Brothers have teamed up with another sibling duo, Philadelphia-based LULLANAS, for their latest single “Wilder.”

“’Wilder’ is a track that I have been so excited about for such a long time. I knew we could make something special with it! It’s a song about the passing of time while looking in the eyes of your child, and I wanted the vibe and energy to build up to the very best of what Pierce Brothers can do,” said Jack Pierce. “Taking the song from a quiet, thoughtful place to a rambunctious and raucous indie folk explosion was always the plan, but bringing in LULLANAS was an absolute game changer! Their spectacular vocals really added something that I didn’t know I was missing! They’ve been the best to work with!”

“Being able to collaborate with The Pierce Brothers all the way from Pennsylvania felt like crossing oceans without actually crossing them, making this collaboration extra special,” LULLANAS added. “We were so excited when Pierce Brothers invited us to collaborate on this track! Working with another twin duo was a unique experience. Hearing their voices blend seamlessly, and adding our layers to it, was truly cool. We adore the infectious energy and uplifting vibes of this song. The combo of upbeat melodies and positive tones really makes us want to hop in the car and drive for miles!”

“Wilder” is the fourth release from Pierce Brothers’ upcoming studio album Everything is Bigger Than Me, and it’s certainly ramping up the anticipation. The brothers recorded and co-produced the release (with Phil Threlfall) at Jack’s home studio, a process which provided some real perks.

“Being able to bring the team out to us and set up shop for a month without having to do setups each day or even really travelling to the studio was so freeing!” said Pat. “We were really able to dig into so many cool ideas and then sit with them over dinner, then get back into the studio to break them down and tear them apart! It was the best way for us to explore what we wanted to share!”

Everything is Bigger Than Me drops on March 28. Pierce Brothers will embark on a massive eight-month national tour with headlining shows and festival appearances to celebrate its release.

2 March 2024 – Flavour Fest, Boonwurrung and Wurundjeri Country/Melton
3 March 2024 – Mordi Fest, Boonwurrung Country/Mordialloc
14 March 2024 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamuluka/Launceston
15 March 2024 – Forth Valley Blues Festival, Punnilerpanner Country/Forth
16 March 2024 – Hobart Uni Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
30-31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Bundjalung Country/Tyagarah
11 April 2024 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
12 April 2024 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
13 April 2024 – Riverview Hotel, Boonwurrung Country/Tarwin Lower
14 April 2024 – Live in the Glen, Brayakaulung Country/Glengarry (SOLD OUT)
20 April 2024 – Queensland Music Trails, Bidjara Country/Charleville
2 May 2024 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2024 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 May 2024 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
10 May 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boonwurrung Country/Frankston
11 May 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
23 May 2024 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
24 May 2024 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
25 May 2024 – The River, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 June 2024 – Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
7 June 2024 – Magnums, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
8 June 2024 – Edge Hill Tavern, Gimuy/Cairns
22 June 2024 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 June 2024 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 June 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
29 June 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2024 – Big Red Bash, Munga-Thirri/Simpson
15 August 2024 – Mundi Mundi Bash, Wilyakali Country/Broken Hill
25 August 2024 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Amamoor Creek

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zara Haines Releases Girl Power Anthem, “the blonde”

Zara Haines has just released her new pop-rock anthem, “the blonde,” and I know it’s going to strike a chord with anyone who’s relished moving on after a bad relationship. At a time when Australia isn’t producing nearly enough great pop music, this one feels like a breath of fresh air.

“I wanted ‘the blonde’ to feel like a crime scene, telling the story of the demise of a relationship and the fiery revenge stage we all feel,” Zara explained. “It’s a song that allows you to let out all those pent-up emotions and just have a good time.”

If you love this track, you’re in luck. Zara tells me you’ll be hearing a lot more from here in 2024. Follow her socials to make sure you hear all about those new releases first.

Image used with permission from Zara Haines

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucinda Poy Drops Fantastic Debut, “Just Fine”

Lucinda Poy proves she’s a talent to watch with the release of her debut indie rock single “Just Fine.” There just aren’t enough women playing in this space at the moment, so I’m pretty excited by this track!

“‘Just Fine’ is about piecing yourself together after facing challenges. People I’ve depended on have left without warning, built up my hopes too high… and I was crushed, so I had great material to work with!” she admitted. “I wanted to reassure the listener that it would all be okay, that the facade of being ‘Just Fine’ would eventually turn true. “

Lucinda grew up in Meeanjin/Brisbane, but moved to Boorloo/Perth to study the Advanced Music Artist course at the acclaimed WAAPA. She’s built a big following in both cities, winning the best original song at the 2022 Wynnum Fringe Festival, providing pre-game entertainment at The Gabba, and performing on the famous Perth Telethon. I think it’s about time the rest of the country discovered how good she is, don’t you?

Lucinda will launch “Just Fine” at her adopted hometown’s Indian Ocean Hotel on February 25.

Photo credit: Phoebe Faye

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Buoys Release Fantastic New Single, “Guard My Heart”

Eora/Sydney-based indie-rockers The Buoys have just dropped their emotional new single “Guard My Heart.” With its raw, relatable lyrics and infectious melody, I know you’re going to love this one.

“I think my favourite thing about ‘Guard My Heart’ is how it has shape shifted over time to have several meanings to me personally,” said lead vocalist Zoe Catterall. “Originally written to guide me through my first ever break-up in 2016, over time it became an anthem for the heart-wrenching best friend break-up for me, and the more I listen to it, the more I realise it’s a biiiig hug for when you have to let someone go for better or for worse, to protect your own heart and maybe even theirs too.”

“To me, it’s about reckoning with how to get on with your life in spite of everything feeling irrevocably different post-break-up,” added lead guitarist Hilary Geddes. “We hope it offers comfort and catharsis – there’s space in this song to feel both utterly liberated AND fit in a little cry in the chorus at the same time.”

The Buoys have got stacks of cool gigs on the horizons, including headlining shows and choice festival slots, so make sure you get out and see them when they’re visiting your city.

8 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka Country/Carrick
10 February 2024 – Laneway Festival @ St Jerome’s Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
11 February 2024 – Victoria’s Pride Street Parade, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2024 – Great Southern Nights @ Albion Hotel, Burramatugal Country/Parramatta
23 March 2024 – Chilled Out ‘N’ Fired Up Festival @ Caltowie Memorial Oval, Ngadjuri and Kaurna Country/Caltowie

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kita Alexander and LAUREL Join Forces for “All Night”

Our own Kita Alexander has teamed up with UK pop starlet LAUREL for “All Night,” a feelgood track that’s bound to put a smile on your face. If there was ever a perfect pop song, this might be it.

“I honestly feel so privileged that LAUREL wanted to come into the studio with me on one of her only days off during her Aussie tour,” Kita enthused. “We’ve always been fans of each other’s music, so to meet for the first time while writing together was really cute. This song is about having that one friend who is always there for you and can pull you out of dark places. We really play on this sentiment as we alternate line for line in the chorus. On the first listen back we realised our voices actually have a really similar tone, but if you focus you can definitely differentiate us as we tag team the lyrics.”

“I have been a huge fan of Kita for a long time so it is such a dream to collaborate,” LAUREL added. “This track is so summery and playful, it’s actually my first duet. The chorus gives me a real Spice Girls vibe as we’re singing about leaning on our friends. It came about really naturally when I popped into one of Kita’s sessions, in the middle of my Australian tour. We only had four hours but the song kind of fell out of us really quickly! They’re always the best ones.”

“All Night” comes from Kita’s debut album Young in Love, which will hit the streaming services on March 22. To celebrate its release, Kita will hit the road with Jem Cassar-Daley and San Joseph. Talk about a stacked lineup! That’s in addition to a bunch of festival appearances in the lead up to those headlining shows. Here are those all-important dates!

10 February 2024 – Party in the Paddock @ Quercus Park, Kanamaluka Country/Carrick
9 March 2024 – Play on the Plains, Wamba Wamba and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin
10 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Stuart Park, Woolyungah/Wollongong
16 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ M.O. Moran Park, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
17 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Victoria Park, Ballaarat/Ballarat
20 March 2024 – Brunswick Picture House, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
23 March 2024 – Summersalt Festival @ Sandstone Point Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Sandstone Point
24 March 2024 – SummerSalt Festival @ Seppeltsfield Wines, Peramangk Country/Seppeltsfield
12 April 2024 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
13 April 2024 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 April 2024 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 April 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
26 April 2024 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
27 April 2024 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Tsarina Merrin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rise Up With Stellar Moon’s Transcendent New Soul Single

Wednesdays can put you in a bit of slump, but proud Nyikina Jarndoo (woman) and First Nations artist Stellar Moon’s latest single “Rise” has just the right energy to get you over the hump. It’s an infectious funk-soul ditty with empowering lyrics that might just have you believing that you can accomplish anything. “Rise” comes from Stellar Moon’s forthcoming album PHASES, slated for release on March 7.

Speaking of the album’s inspiration, Stellar Moon says, “Just like the Moon, we all go through patches of both darkness and luminance in life, sometimes we bask in the light and sometimes we hang out in the shadow. It’s all needed and important. No matter what phase we are in, like the Moon, we are still always whole.”

This single celebrates that concept, with Stellar Moon noting that, “No matter what ‘phase’ you’re going through in life, just like the Moon, you’re always whole and just like the Moon, you too will RISE again!”

I don’t know about you, but reading Stellar Moon’s wise, positive words and how they relate to her music just makes me want to spend time basking in her aura. Stellar Moon has plenty of upcoming shows, so you might just get that chance!

8 February 2024 – Gallery Gardens, Kariyarra, Ngarla and Njamal Country/Port Hedland (FREE @ 6pm)
9 February 2024 – The Tambrey, Ngarluma/Karratha (FREE @ 7pm)
11 February 2024 – The Mermaid Hotel, Maurjuga/Dampier (FREE @ 5:30pm)
14 February 2024 – Regional Sounds, Yamatji/Geraldton (6:30pm)
16 February 2024 – Cutler & Smith, Yamatji/Geraldton (8pm)
17 February 2024 – Kakka Alley Brewing Co, Jurien Bay Yamatji (6pm)
18 February 2024 – Jurien Beach Café, Yamatji/Jurien Bay (FREE @ 2pm)
22 February 2024 – One L of a Good Feed, Yamatji/Carnamah (FREE @ 8:30pm)
23 February 2024 – King Road Brewery Co, Noongar Boodja/Oldbury (FREE @ 7pm)
24 February 2024 – The Fremantle Fibonacci Centre, Walyalup on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja/Fremantle (6:30 pm)
25 February 2024 – The Rosemount, Boorloo on Whadjuk Noongar Boodja/North Perth (6pm)
29 February 2024 – The River Hotel, Wardandi Boodja/Margaret River (7pm)
1 – 4 March 2024 – Nannup Music Festival, Wardandi and Bibbulmun Country/Nannup
7 March 2024 – Porongurups Hall, Minang Country/Porongurup (6:30pm)
8 February 2024 – Stirling Club Albany, Menang Noongar Boodja/Albany
9 March 2024 – The Dam, Menang Noongar Boodja/Denmark (FREE @ 1pm)
10 March 2024 – Wilsons Brewery Bar @ Menang Noongar Boodja/Albany (FREE @ 1pm)
14 March 2024 – Gatsbys Skyline, Murram Noongar Boodja/Manjimup (6:30 pm)
15 March 2024 – Brewhous, Margaret River/Wardandi Boodja (FREE @ 4:30pm)
16 March 2024 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River/Wardandi Boodja (FREE @ 9:30pm)
17 March 2024 – Caves House, Wardandi Boodja/Yallingup (FREE @ 6pm)
27 April 2024 – Convention Centre Chinatown, Rubibi/Broome (ALBUM LAUNCH)

Photo credit: Hazel Blake

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wesley Fuller Takes Us Back to the ’60s With “The Velvet Affair”

Boorloo/Perth-raised, Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Wesley Fuller has just released his trippy new single “The Velvet Affair.” This psychedelic inspired pop number is bound to make you nostalgic for the late 60s, whether you were there or not!

Wesley might not be a household name yet, but he’s making some serious waves around the planet. He was discovered by legendary English A&R man James Endeacott, the same guy who discovered The Strokes and The Libertines. He signed Wesley up to his 1965 Records label and released a critically acclaimed EP and album. On the strength of those he toured across Europe and the United Kingdom. Which brings us to the now!

“The Velvet Affair” is the latest track lifted from Wesley’s forthcoming album All Fuller No Filler, which drops on March 15.

Photo credit: Josette Althaus

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eils & The Drip Release Brilliant Alt-Country Track, “Easy Rider”

It’s hard to believe I’ve been following the career of former Perch Creek singer-songwriter Eileen Hodgkins for roughly as long as this blog has been in existence. With her siblings they seemingly did it all, releasing a few albums, playing all the big festivals here and around the world, and even appearing on Spicks and Specks. But now she’s on to the next phase of her career with her latest band Eils & The Drip. Their latest single “Easy Rider” is a nostalgic alt-country tune that sounds like a classic from the first play.

Eils & The Drip are already on the right path to replicating Perch Creek’s success, releasing a few singles and playing key festivals like Boogie, Brunswick Music Festival, and Queenscliff. They’ll celebrate their latest single with a launch show at Shotkickers in Naarm/Melbourne on March 15.

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wes Carr Releases Fantastic New Single Under Brand-New Name

As we watch another crop of Australian Idol hopefuls step up to impress the judges, it’s only natural to think back and wonder what became of some of the winners of the past? Are they still making music, or have they been forced to trade it in for a corporate career. Wes Carr is still living the dream, albeit under a brand-new moniker. Now recording as Wesley Dean, he relocated to Nashville a couple of years ago to hone a more country/Americana influenced sound. His latest single “Gunslinger” shows that he’s still got the goods.

“’Gunslinger’ is an exploration of what it means to be a man struggling with the masculine identity passed down from father to son,” Wesley explained. “The opening lyric, ‘Dead man walkin’ before his life begun, since his daddy taught him how to shoot a gun’, refers to the stoic mindset a man can be born into that’s perfectly portrayed by the outlaw archetype. On one hand, I identify with being an outsider and doing things my own way with all guns blazing, but on the other, the emotional isolation of an outlaw who isn’t allowed to acknowledge their vulnerability and ultimately ends up being ‘hung by the same rope that took his daddy’s life’ is something I wanted to highlight in this song.

“I believe isolating patterns of behavior can be broken when we become conscious of them, but sometimes we have to go through a dark night of the soul to wake up to our personal power. And I don’t mean macho, egoic power, I mean the empowerment that comes from having the ability to make a new choice when faced with old ways of being. Some men repeatedly surrender to what they know, which is where the line, ‘And there ain’t no turning back he was born in these bones’ comes from, but I hope the discussion around ‘Gunslinger’ will inspire men to take a deeper look at the intergenerational trauma impacting their lives, and initiate a self-awareness that gives them freedom to have more connected relationships with themselves and others.”

Wesley has just capped off his Crazy Hearts Across America tour, which saw his driving more than 5,000 miles from Nashville to Los Angeles in an RV. Footage captured on this epic journey will form his upcoming feature film, Crazy Hearts: The Documentary. Along the way he also took time to shoot the epic video for “Gunslinger” in Joshua Tree National Park and Pioneer Town. You might not have heard his music for a while, but releases like this let you know that this former Australian Idol still has plenty of musical tales to tell, no matter what name he’s recording under.

Image used with permission from Varrasso PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sir Archer Give Me Chills With “Heed the Call”

I can’t remember the last time I heard a song as cool as “Heed the Call,” the latest track from Eora/Sydney act Sir Archer. The press release bills them as an indie-rock band, but there’s a whole lot of soul about what they do here.

“‘Heed The Call’ was inspired by an interaction we had with a stranger late one night who, in a moment of vulnerability, told us about the recent loss of his father. This moment formed the realisation that life happens quickly and time is fleeting,” the band explained. “This song is our statement to listen to those around you. Through experiences, we grow and sometimes we wish we could teach our younger selves or even send a message of hope that time heals.”

Sir Archer have just announced their biggest East Coast tour to date, so if you’re as into this song as I am, you know what to do. Get those tickets pronto!

16 February 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Warrang/Wollongong (FREE)
24 February 2024 – Felons Brewery Co, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
25 February 2024 – Hound & Stag Brewing Co, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE)
3 March 2024 – Brunswick Hotel, Durring/Brunswick Heads (FREE)
8 March 2024 – The Polo, Ngunnawal/Canberra
10 March 2024 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubimba/Newcastle
14 March 2024 – The Gasometer, Naarm/Melbourne
15 March 2024 – The Barwon Club, Djilang/Geelong
21 March 2024 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent