Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

LOONS Deliver the Goods With “Money Honey”

I was born and raised in Mulubinba/Newcastle, so I get pretty excited when I see awesome bands coming out of my hometown. LOONS are the latest to prick my ears up with their incredible new track “Money Honey.” It’s a rock song with a little surf influence that could only come out of Newy.

“Elijah [Cairns, LOONS’ frontman] wrote it at a time when he felt that his world was collapsing around him and his partner at the time had seemingly changed her priorities and values in the relationship to achieve financial success,” the band explained. “After much work, the song came together and each member wrote fresh parts on their selected instruments to change what had been a raw acoustic song into an indie rock anthem.”

LOONS have shared states with local surf rock acts like The Terrys, Shag Rock, Dune Rats, The Grogans, and The Rions. They’ll play a string of shows this month, kicking off with their hometown single launch this weekend.

7 September 2024 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 September 2024 – The Catfish, Ngar-go/Fitzroy (supporting Backo)
14 September 2024 – Wizard Water showcase @ The Workers Club, Ngar-go/Fitzoy
20 September 2024 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
21 September 2024 – Shark Bar, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
28 September 2024 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (supporting Oniera)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Liam Keates-Ryley Makes Impressive Debut With “RUNNIN'”

After making a splash on The Voice Australia in 2022, Liam Keates-Ryley has taken his time to release his debut single “RUNNIN’”. As the saying goes, good things come to those who wait. In waiting for inspiration to strike, Liam has made sure that his first release is a fantastic slice of indie-pop.

“‘RUNNIN’’ is the first full song I’ve written since 2019,” he admitted. “Over the past few years, I’d spent so much time playing instruments for other incredibly talented artists that I lost sight of my true passion, which is making music for myself and you! It not only refers to themes about commitment issues within forming relationships, but also commitment issues within life as a whole. Sometimes you just wanna run away from a sticky situation and that’s what this record attempts to encapsulate.”

Liam took inspiration from the period of time after The Voice, when he was a lot more recognisable and unsure whether people appreciated who he was or his new profile.

“There was a period of time in 2022 when meeting new people (whether in relationships or just friends) where I was always wondering, ‘Are these people just hanging out with me cause I was on TV one time or do they actually enjoy my company?’” he recalled. “This song takes inspiration from that and running away from some of those not-so-trustworthy people.”

Liam has previously supported the likes of Pacific Avenue, JUNO, and Lachie Gill. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some more shows on the back of this release.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

YAGKI Releases Powerful Single “Just a Ghost”

Western Eora/Sydney act YAGKI has just released a fabulous new single “Just a Ghost.” It sounds like an absolute bop, but it’s also got some powerful lyrics behind it.

“‘Just A Ghost’ reflects my journey of running away from home at 16 to escape a difficult upbringing in housing commission and foster care,” YAGKI explained. “It also delves into the guilt of leaving my family behind in severe hardship and highlights the generational trauma that traps families in these environments.”

The single’s release also comes with an emotionally-driven video directed and filmed by Max Pasalic of BESTIES which stars YAGKI and her younger sister Ella. It also features short VHS cuts of the artist in her younger days.

YAGKI will open up for Merci, Mercy next month before headlining at Oxford Arts Factory this October.

21 September 2024 – Bootleggers, Eora/Newtown
26 October 2024 – Oxford Arts Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kent Dustin’s New Single Will “Impress You”

Kent Dustin has put a big smile on my face with his latest single, “Impress You.” It’s a cool blues-rock track about the early stages of a relationship where knocking your partner’s socks off is top priority.

“’Impress You’ emerged as I explored investment strategies for money, but during the songwriting process, I pondered how I could impress a lover by investing my efforts into doing everything and anything for them, like getting their name in a heart tattoo,” Kent admitted. “This lyric from the second verse inspired the merch design as well.”

This is the latest in a string of Kent Dustin tracks that encourage listeners to find beauty in the ordinary and celebrate life’s little wins.

“I believe we get one shot at life and often spend our time and energy on things that don’t truly celebrate what it means to be human,” he explained. “Whether it’s a flirty interaction that makes your heart flutter, waking up and choosing optimism, or realizing you can trust someone else in a relationship after previous hurt—if my writing connects with people because it resonates with those little moments that mean so much but are often overlooked, then I’m fulfilling my role as an artist.”

Kent is currently prepared to release more raw, acoustic music on his forthcoming EP.

Image used with permission from Kent Dustin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay J Gladstone’s the “Talk of the Town” Ahead of Sienna Skies Shows

Clay J Gladstone have come to kickstart your Wednesday with their rocking new single “Talk of the Town.” This angsty track about struggling to break through in the music industry sounds best loud, so crank that volume!

“Talk Of The Town is my uppercut to the business side of the music industry,” vocalist Tim Wisbey explained. “Targeting those elitists and gatekeepers that decide whether your social media is vogue and colossal enough to give you a shot. It makes me sick thinking how tough it is for younger bands coming through, or any band really.

“It’s not just about the music – though I guess it never really has been. You basically need to be an expert in marketing, sales, relationship management, bookings, or even dance choreography to cut through the fog. Anyway, I’m not whining. I could die tomorrow and be happy that I got to write this song, pretending I’ve made it and giving the middle finger to any creature that’s tried to cut us at the knees along the way.”

“Talk of the Town” is the latest single lifted from Clay J Gladstone’s forthcoming debut album, set to drop later this year. The band have a stack of shows coming up supporting Sienna Skies all around the country, where you just might hear some of those new songs.

2 November 2024 – Lynotts Lounge, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Sienna Skies)
6 November 2024 – The Basement, Ngambri/Canberra (supporting Sienna Skies)
7 November 2024 – The Jungle Duke, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (supporting Sienna Skies)
8 November 2024 – The Leadbeater Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Sienna Skies)
9 November 2024 – Froth & Fury Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Sienna Skies)
14 November 2024 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong (supporting Sienna Skies)
15 November 2024 – The Red Rattler, Eora/Sydney (supporting Sienna Skies)
16 November 2024 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Sienna Skies)

Photo credit: Hayden Nixon

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & The Giants Release “Feels Like Heartache” Ahead of Belinda Carlisle Tour

Sometimes a beautiful song doesn’t hit you immediately. If it’s too subtle, it can lost in all the noise of the day-to-day. But when it does hit you, when it catches you in a moment of quiet, the payoff is so rewarding. That’s how I’m feeling about “Feels Like Heartache,” the latest single from Joan & the Giants. It’s such a beautiful, bittersweet ballad about a doomed romance moving towards its inevitable demise.

“’Feels like Heartache’ is the most deeply personal and honest song we’ve written,” lead vocalist Grace Newtown-Wordsworth said. “It’s centred around longing for the person you love more than anything but knowing it’s an addiction and isn’t good for you. Being brutally honest isn’t easy, but honesty to us is a very important thing, especially in our songwriting.”

Joan & The Giants usually headline shows these days, but they’re stepping into the support role on Belinda Carlisle’s upcoming tour, which kicks off in their hometown next month. Here are all the dates you need for those gigs:

18 September 2024 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
20 September 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
21 September 2024 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
24 September 2024 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
27 September 2024 – Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
29 September 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
30 September 2024 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
3 October 2024 – Twin Towns, Goodjinburra Country/Tweed Heads (supporting Belinda Carlisle)
5 October 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Belinda Carlisle – SOLD OUT)
6 October 2024 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Belinda Carlisle)

Photo credit: Isabelle Haubrich Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Braydin Good Drops “Honest” New Single

There are few qualities I value more in music than honesty. You give me the truth and I can overlook a less-than-perfect vocal or raw production values. So I had pretty high hopes for Braydin Good’s new single, called “Honest.” Thankfully this beautiful country ballad delivers just what its title promises.

Braydin has honed his craft supporting artists like Christie Lamb and Casey Barnes. “Honest” is only his second single, but it suggests he won’t be playing second fiddle to other acts for too much longer.

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melody Pool on Tour to Promote “Changing” Single

If the working week has ground you down, you’ve got to press play on Melody Pool’s gorgeous new single “Changing.” Listening to this uplifting folk track and its beautiful lyrics about evolution and growth, I instantly felt lighter.

Melody said the song “is really mostly about accepting that the only constant in life is change. ‘Changing’, to me, is about finding a way to make the heavy stuff worth it, allowing it to change you. And allowing the darkest parts of yourself their time in the light so you can hear their needs and shift them into a healthier space in your life.”

Melody embraced old-school techniques, recording “Changing” live as a band, to tape, with no isolation.

“The process seems to make everyone a little more on edge, which ups everyone’s game,” she enthused. “It’s a special thing to rely on each other throughout a take when you are all in the same room, but it helps you lean into everyone’s energy and I believe that’s where the magic happens.”

Fans living abroad can expect a little more of that magic when Melody kicks off a string of shows in Germany and England today. But don’t worry Aussie fans. She’ll be back with some local shows in Setepmber and October as she works towards the release of her third studio album.

23 August 2024 – Klein Klang Festival, Eisenach
24 August 2024 – Folk Im Viertel Festival, Osnabrück
30 August 2024 – Wohnzimmer Live I’m Piepenstock, Dortmund
1 September 2024 – Litfass, Bremen
3 September 2024 – Tonfink, Lübeck
4 September 2024 – MALT, London
6 September 2024 – Zur Scharfen Ecke, Sande
7 September 2024 – Filou Die Kneipe, Steinhude
25 September 2024 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
27 September 2024 – The York Festival, Ballardong Nyoongar Country/York
9 October 2024 – Jazzlab, Naarm/Melbourne
11 October 2024 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 October 2024 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
25-27 October 2024 – Nimbin Roots Festival, Whiyabul Country/Nimbin

Photo credit: Madeleine Becker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah Blasko Releases “The Way” From Upcoming Album

It’s been six years since Sarah Blasko released her last album Depth of Field. I really appreciate it when artists take the time to find inspiration and craft music that matters. It’s always worth the wait. Just take a listen to Sarah’s latest single “The Way,” the opening track from her soon-to-be-released album I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain, and you’ll know I’m right.

“The Way” was inspired by Sarah’s strict religious upbringing and reflections on her decision to turn her back on her faith at the age of 17. “I had been feeling like turning my back on god may have contributed to misfortunes in my life,” she said. “Looking back upon the death of my mother, a failed marriage, and then a failed friendship during a time that felt like the apocalypse. Makes sense considering I was raised to believe in the apocalypse when I was a teenager.”

I Just Need to Conquer This Mountain sees Sarah exploring goodbyes, griefs, new beginnings, and an important friendship that underpinned her childhood. She says “This album was probably the most relaxed & free feeling record I’ve made.” Album preorders and presaves are currently available ahead of its November 1 release.

Photo credit: Mclean Stephenson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Velvet Bloom Releases Dreamy Soul Single, “My Love”

There’s nothing like some good classic-sounding soul music to make your day feel better. With her latest release “My Love,” Velvet Bloom delivers just that. This song pays tribute to the traditions of Motown, but it’s got some extra special sauce that helps keep things fresh.

Lead vocalist Maddy Herbert produced the track and engineered and mixed it with her long-time collaborator and bandmate Alex Marko to bring their artistic vision to life.

“‘My Love’ is about accepting and loving people for who they are, meeting them where they are at and growing together,” they explained. “We really wanted to capture that classic soul sound for this release, leaning into lots of techniques and production styles used by engineers in that era of music.”

The press release says this single “is the first taste of the band’s step into a new era of the project, carving out their celestial niche in the musical cosmos.” It’s a pretty grandiose statement, but if it means we get more music like this I’m here for it!

Image used with permission from This Much Talent