“Silence,” the new single from Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Pete Campbell was released a few weeks ago now, but unless you’re already a fan you probably wouldn’t know it. It’s one of those gentle folky songs that unfairly doesn’t get airplay, but it’s so beautiful that it really deserves some time in the sun.
Pete’s voice drew me in on the first voice, but I fell even more in love with this track when Ellen Soffe, from Ellen and the Ooroos, joined in. Her voice is purer than Pete’s, and the contrast in those textures is just stunning.
“Silence” comes from Pete’s sophomore EP Parley, which is also worth a listen. I think “Silence” might be my favourite track, but they’re all gorgeous songs bound to appeal to anyone who enjoys artists like Nick Drake and Bob Dylan.
Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity
The dust is just settling on Christmas, so it’s time to look ahead to New Years. Tarntanya/Adelaide sister act Ella & Sienna have released the perfect song for the season, “New Year’s Kiss.” I remember being impressed by the duo on The Voice last year, but they’ve matured so much since that time. They’ve still got those exquisite harmonies I fell in love with, but there’s a bit more depth and wisdom to what they do nowadays.
This single is the perfect farewell to 2023 which makes me pretty excited about what Ella & Sienna may have in store for us in 2024.
Image used with permission from Cartel Management Australia
Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! While many of us are sweltering in the Southern Hemisphere, we’re also conscious of the Winter Wonderland our loved ones enjoy on the other side of the planet. Local indie-pop artist Katie Wighton celebrates the different ways we celebrate the season with her latest single “Other Side of the World.” I love the way this track has an old-timey festive feel despite its references to modern traditions like playing backyard cricket and listening to Paul Kelly.
“I wrote Other Side of the World with my friend Kai during the height of summer in Nashville last year. It was absolutely sweltering and my friends back in Australia were freezing. It got me thinking about how differently we Australians experience things in the land “down under”…!” Katie said. “Our Christmases are usually hot – with Paul Kelly on the radio and pavlova and an esky full of beer (you might have to Google what an esky is…) And every Christmas song or movie I’d ever seen always had these Christmases full of snowmen and ice storms and someone drinking cocoa in the “den”. So we sat down and brainstormed all of the quintessential things about our respective Christmases and this is where we ended up! I really hope this song conjures up the nostalgia I feel every Christmas – on the other side of the world.”
I hope no matter how you’re celebrating the holidays, this song brings you a little cheer.
The Pierce Brothers might be one of the most consistent bands on the Aussie music scene. I fall instantly in love with everything they release, and their latest single “Bottle” is no exception. Often their tracks are slow burners, but this one brings the party vibes from the jump. And it’s got horns! Yes please.
“We really wanted to give the song a blues, almost Motown feel. Kicking things off with the horns gave it such a vibe, and we absolutely love it!” Jack Pierce enthused. “When I wrote the track, I knew the exact part the horns were going to play, but when we got into the studio, it was Phil [Threlfall, the band’s longtime collaborator] who pitched that opening, and I‘m so happy he did!”
The video, filmed at the King of Tonga Bar in Euro-Yroke/Elwood, shows you how much fun seeing the Pierce Brothers can be.
“It’s a pretty heavy subject matter, but I wanted to use a dark moody setting and have a bit of levity in there. We liked the idea of Jack going hell for leather, while I was slowly coaxed into the song,” explained Jack’s brother and band mate, Pat Pierce. “Much like a night at a pub can be. It was such a quick shoot and edit, and came together really well! Just vibes for days!”
Pierce Brothers have a couple of local dates before they jet off to Europe for their Studio tour. Catch them anywhere you can:
Ultra-cool Naarm/Melbourne-based Noongar superstar Bumpy is back with her latest single “Overdrawn.” I’m not sure if it’s Bumpy’s incredible vocals or that horn section, but this one’s given me goosebumps.
“‘Overdrawn’ draws parallels between self-indulgence, overexertion and projected expectations. Too many times (especially as blak women) we are told how to present and provide, often pushing our boundaries to accommodate others,” she admitted. “I wanted to create a playful world for me to take back ownership and reflect on my capacity and where it should be directed. Allowing myself to indulge a little, knowing that we are worthy of taking up space and learning how to juggle expectations vs. capacity”.
Bumpy is making the most of the summer festival season with some really cool slots in the coming months. Make sure you check out her set at one of the following events:
Morgan Evans loves a Christmas song. In 2021, he dropped his Aussie-flavoured festive fave, “Christmas in the Sun.” Now he’s released a follow-up “Christmas in the Backyard.”
It’s a little by the numbers, with a simple melody and more references to Aussie Christmas traditions than you can poke a stick at. But there’s also something comforting about a song that encourages you to start singing along to the chorus from the first run-through. And Morgan is an absolute charmer.
“Christmas in the Backyard” is a worthy addition to your holiday playlist this year.
Image used with permission from Chugg Entertainment
BOY SODA is quickly establishing himself as a real force on the local music scene. Fresh from his showcase at SXSW Sydney, he’s just dropped a fabulous new single “Company.”
“Making this song was a really cathartic experience as I was basically journalling about my personal boundaries with people, and a sense of self-respect,” he explained. “I think there’s always a balance in life of empathy for others and respect for your own time and energy and learning where those lines begin and end is extremely important for your inner peace.”
BOY SODA has also recently launched a collaborative new series, dubbed SODA SESSIONS, in partnership with Converse. The series sees SODA BOY chatting and performing music with fellow artists. The latest episode, featuring Boomchild, is out now on YouTube.
I’m not sure what 2024 holds for BOY SODA, but with his talent and work ethic, it’s bound to be another big one.
Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia
The Northern Folk have charmed me with their gorgeous new single, “Thank God.” It’s a bit of a departure from the sound we’re used to from this Naarm/Melbourne-based ten-piece, more pop ballad than alt-folk, but I think it sounds good on them. And you can’t go wrong when their instruments and harmonies combine.
“’Thank God’ is about trusting yourself, an anthem to self-assurance,” explained the song’s co-writer, Paul Dyason. “It explores the idea of being so lost in a relationship that you begin to forget your own voice. But it doesn’t hide from all the ruminating and ruin that may come with finding your way back to clarity; rather, it turns up its collar and leans into the blizzard, knowing there will be better days ahead.”
Take a moment to stop what you’re doing and really appreciate this song. It deserves better than simply becoming the background to your daily tasks. You can thank me later.
I’m convinced Harry Cleverdon can do no wrong. Every song he releases is the perfect blend of country, folk, and pop. If you go wild for singer-songwriter types like me, I know you’re going to flip for his dreamy new single “Late Night Trance.”
Harry says “It’s a song for anyone who’s ever felt lost, out of control, or in search of their purpose.”
Harry has released so many great songs in 2023, I can’t wait to hear what he’s got in store for us in the New Year.
If you’ve ever found yourself inexplicably drawn to someone that’s emotionally unavailable, you’re going to love Ama’s new song “Unavailable.” It’s got a bit of a rock edge with all the pop vibes that made me love her last track “Car Sex.” Because if you’re going to torture yourself over someone, you at least want to have a good time singing about it, right? Whether you’re still pining over the wrong person or glad you’ve cut ties, you’ll want to turn “Unavailable” up.
