Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Belle Haven Build Anticipation For New EP With “fauxlove”

I’ve been on a bit of a pop-punk kick at the moment, and I’m not going to apologise for it when our local acts keep making such amazing music. The latest on my radar is “fauxlove” from Naarm/Melbourne outfit Belle Haven.

“Lyrically, ‘fauxlove’ delves into the intricate and conflicting emotions of craving love and intimacy while simultaneously fearing it,” Belle Haven’s frontman David De La Hoz explained. “It’s a paradox that I live every day. The line ‘love me with the lights down low’ highlights the desire to be loved without the vulnerability of being fully seen, while the line ‘sinking into you’ portrays how the pursuit of love can quickly become overwhelming and feel out of my control. This theme is brought to life in the music video through the use of harsh spotlight shots and overwhelming paparazzi-style imagery, effectively illustrating the tension between wanting to be loved and feeling engulfed by that very desire. Or it’s about having sex. Whatever you prefer to take from it.”

If you love this, you won’t be waiting too long for more. Belle Haven drops their new EP, aptly titled Something New, on October 4. To celebrate the release, they’re playing a special acoustic show for hometown fans at Bendigo Hotel that night. To attend simply pre-order the EP through their website or pay $20 at the door and get your copy upon entry. And after that they’re playing a couple of am/pm emo nights. Catch them at Rhino Room in Tarntanya/Adelaide on November 1 and Stay Gold in Naarm/Melbourne on November 2.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brad Cox Loading Up For Biggest Aussie Shows

Brad Cox is loading up his Mack truck and heading out to play the biggest shows of his career to celebrate the release of his fantastic new single “Everything I’ve Got.” The shows will see Brad play capital cities and major regional centres along the East Coast.

“I can’t wait to bring the Brad Cox roadshow to these cities to play some absolute milestone rooms,” Brad said. “I’ve spent months working on how to bring the fans together to make this tour one to remember. I’m loading this trailer full of surprises that’ll make this tour unlike any Brad Cox shows.”

Brad’s sandwiched the single tour dates in amongst a bunch of other shows including some fabulous festivals. And after that, this hardworking Aussie will make his way to Europe and the United Kingdom. Make sure you see him anywhere you can:

4 October 2024 – Deni Ute Muster, Barababaraba Country/Deniliquin
5 October 2024 – Big Skies Festival @ Jimbour House, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Jimbour East
11 October 2024 – Darwin Ski Club, Garramilla/Darwin
17 October 2024 – University of Canberra, Ngambri/Canberra
18 October 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
19 October 2024 – UniBar, Woolyungah/Wollongong
25 October 2024 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
26 October 2024 – Bends Classic, Ngarrindjeri Country/Tailem Bend
1 November 2024 – Great Western Hotel, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
2 November 2024 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 November 2024 – Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, Boonwurrung Country/Wonthaggi
28 November 2024 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon
29 November 2024 – The Wedge Performing Arts Centre, Wayput/Sale
30 November 2024 – Water Wheel Beach Tavern, Bung Yarnda/Lake Tyers Beach
9 December 2024 – Camden Assembly, London
11 December 2024 – Workman’s Cellar, Dublin
12 December 2024 – Poetry Club, Glasgow
13 December 2024 – Gullivers, Manchester
15 December 2024 – Club Nine, Utrecht
16 December 2024 – MTC, Cologne
17 December 2024 – Privatclub, Berlin
15 February 2025 – Howlin Country @ Newcastle Foreshore, Mulubinba/Newcastle
18 April 2025 – Byron Bay Bluesfest @ Byron Events Farm, Arakwal Country/Tyagarah

Photo credit: Jamieson Kerr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

RedHook Releases Monster Single With Holding Absence Ahead of Overseas Shows

Eora/Sydney alt-rock act RedHook has teamed up with the UK’s Holding Absence for a massive new single “Dr. Frankenstein.” If you’ve ever found yourself in a toxic love story that has you questioning everything, I know listening to this one’s going to be cathartic.

“‘Dr. Frankenstein’ tells the story of a fairytale romance that rapidly devolves into a nightmare as one partner displays increasingly more possessive and controlling behaviour. But the bridge then hits us with a plot twist by suggesting that this emotional abuse may have spawned from the other partner being dishonest and unfaithful, thus posing several questions for us to consider: who is the real monster in this situation? Does making mistakes and hurting each other (emotionally) make us monsters? Or does it make us human?,” mused RedHook frontwoman Emmy Mack. “Ultimately, this song is about me owning my shit and taking accountability for my role in a past relationship that became toxic as all hell. During the breakup, I was guilty of privately indulging that kind of ‘victim’ mentality, but now that I’m a bit older and wiser, I feel like it’s important to take responsibility for the mistakes that I made too.”

“Holding Absence are one of our favourite bands in the world right now, and Lucas [Woodland]’s vocal talents are unparalleled,” she enthused. “I wrote this song with a male feature in mind, and Lucas was #1 on the list! We cheered so hard when he said he loved the song and was keen to jump on board!”

Lucas added, “I’m super hyped to be featured on this song! I knew from the moment I heard it that I had to get involved. ‘Dr. Frankenstein’ is a total rager with hooks galore, and RedHook are a great band. I can’t wait for people to hear it!”

This is the latest track released from RedHook’s forthcoming album Mutation, which drops on November 22. The band will head to the United Kingdom and Europe next month to support Welsh band Dream State. If you’re attending one of these shows, make sure you arrive early enough for their set!

26 October 2024 – Clwb for Bach, Cardiff
27 October 2024 – The Hairy Dog, Derby
29 October 2024 – The Key Club, Leeds
30 October 2024 – The Garage, London
31 October 2024 – Portsmouth Guildhall, Portsmouth
2 November 2024 – Core Fest @ Im Wizemann, Stuttgart
3 November 2024 – AB Club, Brussels
4 November 2024 – Tsunami Club, Cologne
5 November 2024 – Dynamo, Eindhoven
6 November 2024 – De Helling, Utrecht
7 November 2024 – Headcrash, Hamburg
9 November 2024 – GLAZART, Paris
10 November 2024 – GLAZART, Paris

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Worm Girlz Release Latest Banger, “Go Fishing”

The Worm Girlz revolution continues with the release of the Meeanjin/Brisbane-based outfit’s latest single “Go Fishing.” This talented quintet have made a name for themselves releasing cathartic tracks that celebrate connection and rising above adversity. This latest release is no different. Its lyrics are a powerful reminder to never take the “bait” in one-sided relationships.

“‘Don’t be a drag, just go fishing!” enthused Worm Girlz’ vocalist Lauren. “I think all toxic people literally just need to go fishing. Nothing like a natural water source and some alone time to allow for self-reflection and growth. A fun switch-up from our more emotionally-driven songs, ‘Go Fishing’ is an upbeat crowd favourite, perfect to soundtrack your next gatho or house party.”

“We hope this song inspires people to stop letting other people run their lives! Go fishing, get away from me, you need a nap!” added guitarist Jade.

Worm Girlz have a bunch of shows coming up, including Chappell Roan tribute nights. Here are all the dates you need!

25 October 2024 – The Penny Black, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Suzi)
31 October 2024 – Super Graphic Ultra Halloween @ The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne (Chappell Roan night)
1 November 2024 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Chappell Roan night)
2 November 2024 – Vinnie’s Dive, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (Chappell Roan night)
23 November 2024 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast (Chappell Roan night)
29 November 2024 – Cleveland Sands, Koobenpul Country/Cleveland (Chappell Roan night)

Photo credit: Tayla Lauren

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dan Howls Wows Me With “Low”

Dan Howls’ latest single “Low” is one of the coolest blues tracks I’ve heard. I enjoyed its sultry opening, but it only gets better when it gets into third gear around the two-minute mark. This is a prime example of a song that knows exactly where it’s going. Just press play, give it time to warm up, and enjoy the ride.

“This release was written about a time we were out in the desert at a festival, there was a giant storm rolling in, and we knew our whole camp and tent was about to be blown away,” Dan recalled. “We started digging trenches around our little picnic spot, and that was about as much as we could do. We lost our whole tent that night. It’s really about accepting things, and not dwelling on things you can’t control, and changing the things that you can.”

Dan Howls’ might just be one of WA’s best kept secrets. If there’s any justice, this track will be the one that gets the country talking.

Photo credit: Treh Ivory

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Samuel Gaskin and Kee’ahn Collaborate on “Find My Way Back”

Naarm/Melbourne-based talents Samuel Gaskin and Kee’ahn have joined forces for “Find My Way Back,” a dance-pop number that pays tribute to the people who’ve paved the way for these two artists. Samuel channels their Māori and Nigerian roots while Kee’ahn celebrates their Yalanji, Jirrbal, Badu islander heritage.

“For me ‘Find My Way Back’ is a love letter to the Ancestors and the parts of ourselves we may have shut down or been disconnected from,” Samuel explained. Kee’ahn added that the song is “an invitation to accept ourselves where we are at so that we can have the courage and self belief, to chase after what feels like home.”

I love a good collaboration, and this is one of the best I’ve heard in a while. Make sure you turn it up!

Photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Odlaw Impress With “Friends Lose Friends”

I’ve been searching for the last few days for new music that hits right. Sometimes nothing seems to jump out or scratch that emotional itch. Thankfully I can call off the search, because “Friends Lose Friends,” the latest single from Boorloo/Perth indie-folk-punk outfit Odlaw is the goods.

“I wrote this track after a night in our drummer, Jamie’s courtyard,” frontman Mark Neal recalled. “We had some drinks, and the chatter started to descend into deeper territory. We shared stories of loss and relived the moments we found out. It was sad but beautiful. We understood each other’s experience, felt each other grieve, and collectively it helped us”

“Friends Lose Friends” is the latest track lifted from Odlaw’s upcoming fourth studio album, Mi(l)dlife Crisis. Expect to hear a lot more from this incredible band when it drops.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daphnie Crushes It With Latest Track “Cupid”

I’m convinced there’s no better pick-me-up than a really great pop song. If you need that lift, look no further than “Cupid,” the latest release from Daphnie, the musical alter ego of Eora/Sydney drummer and producer Alistair Hayes. It’s a total earworm. I’ve already listened about five times in a row, and I’m probably not done.

“It’s an homage to having a crush on someone, with all the excitement and anxiety that can get wrapped up in that feeling,” Alistair explained. “I find the idea of violent metaphors describing beautiful feelings so funny and dramatic, but at the same time crushes always kind of felt like that. I wanted to write something about being killed by the feeling of love itself and that’s exactly what ‘Cupid’ represents. With offbeat lyrics like stupid pickup lines, to those same lines being made fun of, it dramatises the whole feeling of a crush into something ridiculously insane.”

We often associate pop music with a big corporate machine, but Alistair’s operating on a much smaller scale. He wrote, produced, and mixed this track himself in his bedroom, much to his neighbours’ dismay. When he’s making music this good, I wouldn’t be complaining!

Image used with permission from Daphnie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ISHAN Releases Tender Track “A Song For My Brother”

ISHAN initially won me over with fun acoustic pop ditties like “My Mouth (la la la)” and “Supernova.” He’s switched gears with his latest single, “A Song For My Brother.” It’s still got the acoustic core I love, but it’s much more sombre than his previous efforts. You might want to reach for the tissues before you press play.

“‘The song is not actually about my brother, but someone else I love very much,” ISHAN explained. “For years I’d watched his sense of self-worth and excitement for life eroded by so-called friends who’d take advantage of his kindness and ability to always see the best in others.”

ISHAN’s been incredibly busy lately playing the All About Music conference in India and showcases at BIGSOUND here at home. But he’s definitely not done gigging this year. Catch him at the following shows in the coming months.

27 September 2024 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting GO-JO)
12 October 2024 – One Tropical Day @ Darwin Ski Club, Larrakia Country/Bundilla Beach
19 October 2024 – Big Pineapple Festival @ Pineapple Fields, Kabi Kabi Country/Woombye
30 December 2024 – 1 January 2025 – NYE on the Hill, Kurnai Country/South Gippsland

Photo credit: Nick McKinlay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Regards Release Powerful Single “Let Me Down (Gently)”

All Regards have really touched me with their latest single “Let Me Down (Gently)”. It’s a powerful exploration of grief that’s bound to hit you too if you’re going through any sort of loss.

“Each of us in the last couple of years has had instances where we’ve gone through grieving for something or someone that was incredibly important to us,” the band explained. “Whether you are grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship/friendship, or the end of a certain time in your life. It does not discriminate who it affects.”

All Regards will join fellow Naarm/Melbourne rock act Dear Reckless when they launch their latest single “Anchors” at The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar on October 11. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix.

Photo credit: Act Four Photography