Category: Releases

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heath Burdell Releases Impressive Solo Single, “Fight Of Your Life”

Heath Burdell has done the hard yards, picking up his first guitar at the age of 10 and gigging in North Queensland bars and clubs by the age of 15. With his band Merlin’s Traffic, Heath spent his late teens and early 20s supporting acts like Jimmy Barnes, Diesel, The Whitlams, Jebediah, and The Superjesus. Sensing he’d done all he could do in North Queensland, he relocated to Eora/Sydney to focus on making his music dreams a reality. If his latest single “Fight of Your Life” is any indication, the move was well worth it.

Heath wrote “Fight of Your Life” about staring down adversity and overcoming the challenges that lay ahead. I love its classic rock sound. The press release compares it to music from 1970s West Coast American acts, but the grit and underdog storytelling quality reminds me more of Bob Seger or John Mellencamp. Either way, it’s good stuff.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Benjamin Trillado Releases Relatable New Single, “why did you buy me flowers?”

If you’ve ever been blindsided by someone who seemed to be into you, you’re going to love “why did you buy me flowers?”, the latest heartfelt single from queer Filipino Naarm/Melbourne-based singer/songwriter, Benjamin Trillado.

Benjamin says the song is all about “the woes of Tinder, mixed signals, ghosting, ‘Woolies’ flowers, gay feelings, and deception.” Its lyrics are so relatable and I love its organic, folky feel.

If you love this song too, make sure you’re following Benjamin on the socials. That’s where you’ll get all the details of the single launch, which will happen in a “secret unorthodox location in Naarm/Melbourne.”

Image used with permission from Benjamin Trillado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Whitlams Black Stump Flips “You Sound Like Louis Burdett”

As a longtime Whitlams fan, I’ve really enjoyed hearing what the new Whitlams Black Stump act does with the band’s classic songs. Seeing them live in late 2022 was brilliant, and the releases just keep on coming. The latest is actually a revamped version of my all-time favourite Whitlams track, “You Sound Like Louis Burdett.” The Spaghetti Western style is a world away from the sound that made me fall for this song, but it surprisingly works!

This latest cut comes from the Whitlams Black Stump’s debut album Kookaburra, which is out on March 8. There are also plenty of full band gigs and shows with Tim and Ollie performing as the Black Stump Duo. If the date you’re interested in isn’t on sale yet, you’ll be able to get tickets from February 8.

8 March 2024 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
9 March 2024 – Blazes @ Wests Tamworth, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
10 March 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
31 March 2024 – Bluesfest, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
25 April 2024 – Hotel Victor, Ramong/Victor Harbour (Black Stump Duo)
26 April 2024 – Hopgood Theatre, Tainbarang/Noarlunga
27 April 2024 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 May 2024 – Playhouse, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Caloundra (Black Stump Duo)
2 May 2024 – Springlake Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Black Stump Duo)
3 May 2024 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
4 May 2024 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 May 2024 – Piano Room, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (Black Stump Duo)
8 May 2024 – Piano Room, Ballaarat/Ballarat (Black Stump Duo)
9 May 2024 – Piano Room, Djilang/Geelong (Black Stump Duo)
10 May 2024 – Kindred Bandroom, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Yarraville
11 May 2024 – Memo Music Hall, Euroe Yroke/St Kilda
16 May 2024 – Wilder, Palawa Country/Gowrie Park (Black Stump Duo)
17 May 2024 – Royal Oak, Kanamaluka Country/Launceston (Black Stump Duo)
18 May 2024 – Forth Pub, Tommeginne Country/Forth
19 May 2024 – Longley International Hotel, Palawa Country/Longley
23 May 2024 – Resin Brewery, Bulla Bulla/Bulli (Black Stump Duo)
24 May 2024 – Tallagandra Hill, Candariro/Gundaroo (Black Stump Duo)
25 May 2024 – Qirkz in the Hunter, Wonnarua Country/Abermain (Black Stump Duo)
26 May 2024 – Dangar Island Bowling Club, Darug and Darkinjung Country/Dangar Island (Black Stump Duo)
30 May 2024 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
31 May 2024 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
1 June 2024 – Avalon RSL, Guringai Country/Avalon

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bobby Alu Serves Up Classic Reggae with “Ready For Your Love”

Bobby Alu is spreading summer vibes with his cool new single “Ready For Your Love.” This is classic “lovers rock” reggae, the kind of music that luminaries like Dennis Brown, Gregory Isaacs, and Horace Andy used to make in the late 70s. If you’re a fan of the genre or you just want to feel good, make sure you turn this one up.

“The band and I love reggae from the 70’s and 80’s,” Bobby said. “This song was never planned. We were at the studio working on some other tracks. After dinner we weren’t quite ready to finish. I showed them a chorus idea and we all jumped in bouncing ideas off one another. I had recently had a conversation with a stranger about how they were looking for love desperately and this exchange inspired the lyrics. Hours went by and we left that night with a new track in the bag. Spontaneous creative moments like this are some of my absolute favourite times in the studio. Time goes and you find your flow.”

Bobby will make the most of the summer sunshine with plenty of shows this month. But that’s not all; a tour with online personality Breakfast Shirts, which will see Bobby playing morning shows in regional cafes, is also in the works. If you know the perfect place for one of those shows, make sure you share on Bobby’s Instagram page. For now, here are all the places you can see him play:

8 February 2024 – Golden Vine Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo (supporting Ash Grunwald)
9 February 2024 – The Yarraville Club, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Yarraville (supporting Ash Grunwald)
11 February 2024 – The Memo, Wurundjeri Country/Healesville (supporting Ash Grunwald)
17 February 2024 – URBNSURF, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Beautiful Girls)
18 February 2024 – SoFar Presents, Wadawurrung and Gadubanud Country/Anglesea
22 February 2024 – Maleny Community Centre, Nalbo and Dallambara Country/Maleny (featuring Foloi Iulia)
22 February 2024 – Majestic Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Pomona (featuring Foloi Iulia)
24 February 2024 – Coolum Civic Centre, Inabara Country/Coolum (featuring Foloi Iulia)
25 February 2024 – Eudlo Hall, Kabi Kabi Country/Eudlo (featuring Foloi Iulia)
27 February 2024 – City Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Free lunchtime show featuring Foloi Iulia)

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eilish Gilligan Releases Powerful “Angel Face” Since Ahead of Album Launch

Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Eilish Gilligan is giving us an early taste of her long-awaited debut album with the release of her latest single “Angel Face.” It sounds so sweet, but its lyrics which come as a warning to the men who abuse their power in the music industry put a real sting in its tail.

“I wrote ‘Angel Face’ to process some of the anger, hurt and betrayal I was feeling about something that happened in my music career at the time. It sounds funny to say I felt those things about an event that was purely professional, but such are the relationships you develop in the music industry,” Eilish recalled. “I felt so powerless. I felt completely voiceless. I felt like I couldn’t talk to anyone about what had happened without sounding hysterical or insane. A sense of righteousness made me feel even angrier and watching the industry celebrate people I knew weren’t really all that great on the inside was difficult. I knew these feelings were something other women in my position would be able to relate to. I held onto the relief that writing ‘Angel Face’ brought me for so long and I really hope it can bring that catharsis to others now.”

Eilish’s debut album Final Girl is released on February 16.

Photo credit: Katy Roubin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sienna Skies Release Emotional New Single, “Don’t Let Me Go”

Eora/Sydney emo rockers Sienna Skies have just dropped their latest single “Don’t Let Me Go,” a killer song which the press release describes as the band’s “most emotional and heartfelt track to date. It’s certainly hit me in the heart.

“From the last time we released music to now, we have been through one of the toughest periods of all our lives. We lost family, best friends, pets, and more. It felt like there was just one heartbreak after another,” recalled Sienna Skies frontman Thomas Perozzi. “We sat on the chorus for a long time. It was a tough song to write, and was something we couldn’t rush. I had tears in my eyes when we finally finished the song, and when I looked around the room, I wasn’t the only one.”

“Don’t Let Me Go” is the latest single released from Sienna Skies’ forthcoming EP Only Change is Permanent, which drops on March 8. Its release will coincide with plenty of local shows, including gigs supporting metalcore legends Of Mice and Men and headlining dates. Catch them anywhere you can.

23 February 2024 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney
25 February 2024 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
27 February 2024 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 April 2024 – Crown & Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 April 2024 – Bergy Band Room, Naarm/Melbourne
3 May 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 May 2024 – The Burdekin, Eora/Sydney
18 May 2024 – Amplifier Bar, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jamie Lena Wows Me With “My Admiration”

I’ve got goosebumps listening to “My Admiration,” the gorgeous new single from emerging Tarndanya/Adelaide-based artist Jamie Lena. It’s one of those delicate songs that proves that you don’t need to have big, belting vocals to make a serious impression.

“My Admiration” is such a gorgeous song which perfectly expresses all the uncertainty of new infatuation. It comes from Jamie Lena’s upcoming EP, produced by Nick Herrera. If it’s got more gems of this quality, it’s going to be incredible. You might hear some more tracks from that release when Jamie launches this single with the following shows next month:

3 February 2024 – Exeter Beer Garden, Tarndanya/Adelaide (with Los Palms and Jess Johns)
15 February 2024 – Cactus Room, Naarm/Melbourne (with Soulutations and Billie Rafferty)

Image used with permission from Jamie Lena

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Order of Owls Explore Mental Health Journey With “What Becomes”

Order of Owls are back with a rocking new track “What Becomes.” The follow-up to “Speak Up,” the band’s latest single builds upon their commitment to putting mental health front and centre.

“Where ‘Freedom(ination)’ presents the hopelessness and fragile state of mind one can find themselves in and ‘Speak Up’ is the first action one must take to overcome this adversity, ‘What Becomes’ is the next step on the mental health journey,” lead vocalist Tim Leopold explained. “It asks the question: We have overcome many issues and are on the path to our better selves. But what is next? What becomes of the healed? What choices do we make now, and how do we not fall again? But more importantly, now we have seen both sides. How can we stop that cycle from happening on a large scale?”

It spreads a powerful message, but beyond that it’s got an incredible sound. It’s been far too long since I heard a song with a great guitar solo, but special guest artist Jake Webber reminds us how incredible they can be. The band filmed the music video for “What Becomes” at Aradale Lunatic Asylum, rumoured to be the most haunted place in Australia.

“The first thing I was told when I turned up to the shoot was that the site didn’t have power, I couldn’t help but laugh,” recalled Order of Owls’ guitarist Nathan Mesiti. “Luckily, we were somewhat prepared for this situation and managed to squeeze enough out of a little petrol generator and Ramon’s van with an inverter. I really do mean squeeze. The generator kept cutting out and struggled to run the haze machine at half power with the lights. That made for a lot of fun when we lost the daylight and struggled through the dining hall shoots, plunging us into complete darkness every 20 minutes. When you’re in rural Australia and the light pollution is non-existent, that particular darkness was unsettling.”

You can catch Order of Owls live at Melted Festival at the Barwon Club Hotel in Wadawurrung/South Geelong on February 24.

Image used with permission from Order of Owls

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shotgun Mistress Release Rocking New Single “Jude Judas” Ahead of Glam Fest

If you long for the good old days when Aussie pub rock ruled the airwaves, “Jude Judas,” the latest track from Shotgun Mistress, will be right up your alley. This is a balls to the wall rocker that sounds best turned up to 11.

“Jude Judas” gives us our first taste of Shotgun Mistress’ sophomore album, due for release in June. They’ll also tour the East Coast as part of Glam Fest Australia 2024 with Slaughter, Lynch Mob, H.E.A.T., and Vixen’s Janet Gardner. You can check out that stacked line-up at one of the following venues:

16 February 2024 – Melbourne Pavilion, Naarm/Melbourne
17 February 2024 – Mansfield Tavern, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 February 2024 – The Metro, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion