Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

AMA and Jordan Everett Release Fantastic Duet, “SKIN”

Local singer-songwriter AMA has teamed up with Los Angeles-based talent Jordan Everett for a new single called “SKIN.” It’s cute and super catchy. The chemistry between these two artists really shines through the recording.

This is AMA’s first collaboration and it sounds like she was pinching herself after getting the opportunity to work with one of her favourites.

“I’ve been a huge fan of him from years and it’s such a surreal moment to actually have a track out with him,” she said. “It’s super fun but also chaotic with just enough edge to keep you on your toes.”

AMA seems to go from strength to strength. I’ve loved everything I’ve heard, which is phenomenal considering she’s so young and still finding her feet in the music industry. I can’t wait to hear more from this local talent.

Image source: Ama’s website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lolita Mae Releases Sizzling Single, “Holy Renascence”

Lolita Mae’s got my temperature rising with her latest single “Holy Renascence.” This electro-pop number is the sexiest song I’ve heard in some time. So unless you want to raise a few eyebrows in the office, you might want to grab the headphones before you press play!

“This song is really a sonic love letter to my person,” Lolita Mae explained. “It’s someone who takes you on the wild side. This kind of intimate experience that feels like a sacred space where two souls finally merge and you feel everything you’ve always wanted to feel, exploring the depths of intimacy that transcend the physical and touch the spiritual. In this sanctuary, love is both wild and serene, a sanctuary where you can be bare and untamed.”

Lolita Mae, who’s based in Eora/Sydney, wrote and produced this song before handing the mixing and mastering duties over to PAX (Keiynan, Young6ix, Isaac Puerile). It’s such a strong track for a sophomore effort. Something tells me we’ll be hearing a lot more amazing music from her in the future.

Image used with permission from Lolita Mae

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vendettas Release Another Rock Belter, “This Time Around”

I love The Vendettas’ classic rock sound. It’s anthemic, with big hooky guitar riffs and straight-down-the-line vocals. There’s no pretense or bullshit. “The Time Around” is another fantastic cut from this band who knows real rock music never goes out of vogue.

The track’s lyrics explore timeless rock themes of standing up to the man and taking back your power. Do we ever get sick of hearing music that pumps us up like that? I think not!

This is The Vendettas’ third single and they promised in a recent Facebook post that there’s some more on the way. I can’t wait to hear them!

Image used with permission from Golden Robot Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella Deer Wows Me With “Shipwreck Coast”

The famous shipwrecks near Loch Ard Gorge on Purroitchihoorrong/Port Campbell Headland inspired Bella Deer’s epic new single “Shipwreck Coast.” This dramatic number reminded me of something we might hear from Florence and the Machine. What a powerhouse vocal performance Bella gives here.

“I was driving one night and felt drawn to the coast,” she recalled. “When I feel overwhelmed, I find myself there. Coastlines in Victoria hold a strange power, although they’re wild and fierce they’re also healing and a perfect place for contemplation.”

Bella has a couple of summer shows for fans to look forward to. Catch her at any of the following events:

23 & 24 November 2024 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Nherrin-boorwoork/Queenscliffe
14 December 2024 – Bendigo Records, Bendigo (ALL AGES, entry by gold coin donation)
26 January 2024 – Barrels Bar, Purroitchihoorrong/Port Campbell (ALL AGES FREE)

Photo credit: James Anderson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Adeline Releases Sultry New Single, “Curbside”

Laura Adeline has given me chills with her gorgeous neo-soul track “Curbside.” Her voice is simply stunning and it sits so beautifully in the single’s cool groove. This one absolutely sizzles.

Laura was born and raised in Boorloo/Perth but she recently moved to Naarm/Melbourne. The relocation has inspired her to explore more soulful R & B sounds. I listened to some of her earlier material, and this single is easily the most exciting, original single she’s released. It sounds like Victoria’s capital agrees with her! I can’t wait to hear more as Laura’s music evolves.

Photo credit: Jenna Nelson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Ransom Releases Feelgood Country Single, “High on Life”

Listening to Ben Ransom’s new single “High on Life”, I’m having a bit of an Inception moment. I’m listening to it anticipating how I’ll feel when you see this article that you’re reading. I’m actually writing it a couple days ahead of a trip to New Zealand, so when you see it I’ll be chilling in Dunedin with my husband. “High on Life,” right? Even if you can’t enjoy the rest and relaxation I’m lapping up, I trust you’ll enjoy this stellar country song.

Ben said his latest single “is a song that truly speaks from the heart about the things in life that are actually important for success and happiness.”

“High on Life” comes from Ben’s forthcoming album, Sonic Manna. There’s no release date yet, but as it’s been two years in the making surely it’s not too far off. I’m sure that when it does drop, it’ll be worth the wait.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Venice Qin Releases Sexy New Earworm, “Rodeo Star”

You know those songs you start out hating but realise you love by the end? Usually ultra-poppy and infectiously catchy? “Rodeo Star” by Eora/Sydney-based Kiwi Venice Qin is a song exactly like that. I’m not sure exactly when my brain made the switch and embraced it, but I was definitely bopping along long before the final notes. Think of this track as a queer, spicy, local version of Steps’ “5, 6, 7, 8”.

Venice said that “‘Rodeo Star’ is all about the surge of energy I feel when that perfect, super c***ty song comes on at a house party. It’s me, moving my hips, making eyes at all the hot, sexy people around, totally caught up in the moment. This track celebrates confidence and the joy of exploring your sexuality, all wrapped up in the drop-a** Y2K vibe. It’s about letting loose, embracing the playful side of life and not being afraid to show who you really are.”

This single probably won’t be for everyone, but that message definitely is! I also love the video, which Venice shot after performing at the 41st Rocky Mountain Regional Gay Rodeo in Denver, Colorado, earlier this year. As I say, I expect this song will be a bit polarising, but the best art usually is!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daryl Braithwaite Releases Super-Catchy Single, “It’s You”

I wasn’t going to write about Daryl Braithwaite’s newest single “It’s You.” While it’s Dazza’s first release in four years, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. It’s a love song by the numbers if you will, and those kinds of songs are easy to dismiss. But it’s such an earworm. I’ve found myself singing the chorus randomly at all times of the day since I heard it, so I’m relenting. Because while it doesn’t reinvent the wheel, it’s super catchy, and that’s not nothing.

“The first time I heard ‘It’s You’ was when Michael Fatkin, who wrote ‘Love Songs’, sent it to me maybe a year or so back and I started playing it live to a very warm reaction,” Daryl recalled. I hope that as people continue to discover ‘It’s You’ it will resonate with them and bring them the same joy it brings me to play it live on stage!”

And who can argue with that? If you need a slice of feelgood pop today, you’ve found it. Not every song has to be “The Horses.” This one is pretty fun. You can see Daryl play this track and all your old favourites at one of his upcoming shows:

23 November 2024 – Seppeltsfield Wines, Peramangk, Ngadjuri and Kaurna Country/Seppeltsfield (with Tina Arena and Richard Marx)
29 November 2024 – Frankston Art Centre, Monmar/Frankston
30 November 2024 – Sandstone Point Hotel, Ningy Ningy Country/Sandstone Point (with Tina Arena and Richard Marx)
6 December 2024 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Balaarat/Ballarat
7 December 2024 – Mornington Racecourse, Bunurong Country/Mornington (with Tina Arena and Richard Marx)
14 December 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
15 December 2024 – The Longley International, Nipaluna/Longley
20 December 2024 – Events Centre Caloundra, Cullowundoor/Caloundra
21 December 2024 – Twin Towns Services Club, Goodjinburra Country/Tweed Heads

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skyscraper Stan Tackles Conspiracies With “Talk to Me”

Skyscraper Stan is spreading all the good vibes with his fabulous new single “Talk To Me.” If your day’s off to a rough start, this soulful little ditty is just the stuff to turn things around. Make sure you tap into those lyrics too which explore conspiracy theories and how we can help our nearest and dearest separate fact from fiction.

“I’ve had friends fall down the rabbit hole and it can be alarming. This tune is for anyone out there trying to save a loved one from the loonysphere,” he said. “Don’t turn your back on them. Have a chat. That might be all they need!”

Skyscraper Stan is currently touring around the country with his band The Commission Flats to celebrate the release of “Talk To Me.” Here are all the remaining dates:

29 November 2024 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (with Al Matcott + Quality Used Cars)
14 December 2024 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
15 December 2024 – Petersham Bowling Club, Eora/Sydney (with Charlie Finn and Band)
18 January 2025 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Helen Shanahan Releases Beautiful Cover of Tim Minchin’s “The Aeroplane”

Tim Minchin’s well-recognised for his hilarious tunes and musical theatre contributions, but many people don’t realise he’s just an incredible songwriter, period. So I’m glad that fellow Western Australian Helen Shanahan is shining a light on one of his more serious, brilliant songs with her cover of “The Aeroplane.” Her voice has the perfect storyteller quality for this incredible track.

“The song resonates deeply with me, especially now, with my second baby due just weeks after its release,” Helen explained. “The lyrics, ‘any fuel or any fire will do / I will fly to you,’ carry a special meaning for me.”

Take a moment to properly listen to this one. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a lyric. It’s really something special.

Photo credit: Tanya Voltchayanska