Category: Releases

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayley Mary Impresses With Latest Solo Effort, “The Lonely One”

In case you hadn’t heard, The Jezabels frontwoman Hayley Mary is gearing up to release her first solo album. But before she does, she’s dropped a fabulous new single, “The Lonely One”. This track has a cool retro feel that reminds me of strong female artists of the 80s like Chrissie Hynde, Kate Bush, and Annie Lennox.

Hayley co-wrote “the song”The Lonely One” at a house party with Reggie Goodchild of Confidence Man. She recalled “Goodchild and I started writing kinda by accident. We were partying and hanging out at the Con-man house a bit, and he had a few amazing demos that he thought would suit my 80s diva-style singing. We were jamming over this track, trying to flesh it out while everyone else was on the dance floor. It gave me the feeling of driving down a highway away from heartbreak, sadly but triumphantly.”

“The Lonely One” comes from Hayley’s solo album Roman XS, which drops on October 25.

Image used with permission from AAnthologies

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dylan Ollivierre Releases Debut Solo Single, “It’s Just a Shame”

Dylan Ollivierre, one-half of The Money War, is flexing his creative muscles with some new solo material. His debut single “It’s Just a Shame” is a fabulously nostalgic track with a cool Americana feel.

“The chorus just bubbled up one day when I was noodling on the guitar. It felt very personal, and I knew I had to go down the well myself to find the rest of the song and bring it to life,” Dylan said.

“It’s Just a Shame” was the first of several songs Dylan’s penned for an upcoming solo album. “The process of making these songs was as much for my own clarity and healing as it was about creating a song,” he explained.

Follow Dylan on Instagram to learn more about his solo material as his album release approaches.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nick Keogh Releases Comeback Single “Always Knew”

It’s been nearly two years since Nick Keogh graced us with new music, but it’s definitely been worth the wait. Listening to his bittersweet new single “Always Knew” has reminded me just how brilliant this Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter is. The track is a poignant exploration of heartbreak set to one of the catchiest melodies you’ll hear this year.

“I wrote ‘Always Knew’ looking back at a relationship and how I knew it was going to crush me,” Nick reflected. “For me, writing this song was a way for me to move past the heartbreak.”

“I really love making songs that are upbeat and something fun you could dance at a gig to but once you scratch away at the surface you see that there’s a whole lot of vulnerability lurking in the shadows,” he added.

After spending most of last year touring with his own band and as the guitarist for Suzi, Nick is fully focused on creating his next batch of new releases. Which of course means he won’t leave us waiting so long for the next single!

Photo credit: Chris O’Toole

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ama Impresses With “not ur fkn fan”

If you hoped for a happy ending after listening to Ama’s last single “How to Fall in Love,” I’m sorry to disappoint you. Her latest track “not ur fkn fan” was inspired by the same girl, so needless to say things didn’t go well!

While I’d hoped that the infatuation Ama captured so beautifully with her last release might blossom into something more, we would have missed out on this alt-pop belter. I love the way Ama’s emotions simmer under her delicate vocals. You can hear her frustration, and her heartache, with every line.

This song is still so fresh, but Ama’s already announced her follow-up “Sucks” will drop on August 23. Sounds like another angsty one from this Western Eora/Sydney talent. I can’t wait!

Image source: Ama’s website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zion Garcia Releases Epic Single “Film Star Prelude”

Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious Program has been elevating talent from Western Eora/Sydney for more than a year now. I’ve relished hearing the diverse acts nurtured by this program, including Zion Garcia. Through the program, Zion worked with Conscious and producer Chelsea Warner (BOY SODA, Emalia) on his epic track, “Film Star Prelude.”

“Before letting everyone in on my next era as an artist, I wanted to launch myself into the frame of mind of: ‘How can I make the biggest thing sonically that I possibly can, while still staying grounded in who I am right now?’” Zion explained.

Big is one word to describe this track. Bold and trailblazing are just a couple more. Trust me, you need to hear this.

“This was my first time really collaborating like this and Chelsea really gave me the space to explore ideas. She’s such a wizard at her craft, and I trusted her ear,” Zion recalled. “We kept going back and forth until we finished up the song you hear now. A prelude to my next body of work- Inspired by lots of ambition, and in unison, lots of delusion.”

Zion’s done some big things, such as performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid and sharing the stage with Lil Uzi Vert and Ice Spice as part of the Listen Out Sydney line-up. And surely there’s more to come. Keep an eye on Zion, because he’s definitely got a big future ahead.

Photo credit: Justin Cueno

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amalia Wows Me With “Silly Cliche”

Sounding like some enchanting mix of Joni Mitchell, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, Amalia has enchanted me with her latest single “Silly Cliché.” Her voice effortlessly moves through the swirling kaleidoscopic sound she’s created here. That’s a pretty off-the-wall description, but take a listen and I swear it’ll make sense to you.

“Musically, ‘Silly Cliche’ whisks you back to the 70s, blending swirling psychedelia with modern pop allure,” Amalia explained. “It’s a song about the overwhelming feelings of the early stages of a relationship and the hope the feeling never fades.”

Can you believe this is only Amalia’s second release? The sky’s the limit for this Naarm/Melbourne-based talent. I’m obsessed and can’t wait to hear more.

Photo credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Forever Ends Here Release Career Best Single, “Unspoken”

I am such a sucker for a pop-punk anthem and “Unspoken”, the latest single from Eora/Sydney trio Forever Ends Here is right up there with the best. Crank that volume, press play, and enjoy this one!

“Unspoken is about the realisation that you left it too long to open up to someone and missed the window to be together – knowing the other person felt the same, but you both left it unspoken and ended up in different places,” vocalist Luke McChesney shared. “I had to channel my teen self to match the energy of a coming-of-age pop-punk track, and I think this is something we all experienced in some capacity growing up. The secret crush that we’ll probably never talk about.”

This sound feels so fresh and youthful, but these guys actually started making music together more than a decade ago. However, after some time off between 2018 and 2023, they’re sounding better than ever.

“It really feels as though we’ve finally found our sound, all of these years later,” Luke said. “Last year was about the reunion, focusing on the pre-hiatus memories and reminding ourselves of why we started this band. Unspoken marks the beginning of the new FEH. We’re treating this like a new band now. Our new baby. We’re more in love with the music than we’ve ever been before and we hope that shows.”
I’m hearing that there’s more new music where this came from, with the band planning a larger release later this year. Bring it!

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Left Cassette Impress With Debut Single “Two Left Shoes”

After gaining a solid reputation as one of the best emerging live acts in Meeanjin/Brisbane, Left Cassette has just dropped their fantastic debut single “Two Left Shoes.” It’s got all the youthful energy of a track from The Wombats or The Kooks in their heyday, and I’m here for it.

The band said “The track came together after many years of trial and error. Having had the track written in late 2021, Josh (Aldred, lead vocalist) workshopped the song to his then-punk rock band. When Left Cassette was formed in early 2024, the song was re-workshopped and we put our own spin on it. The song was originally written about being in a relationship that was always having its ups and downs. Not knowing whether you were in it for the long haul, or on your way out the door. The relationship got to a point where neither party knew who was at fault anymore. Both just entertaining the idea that things may not be perfect, but you’re too hung up on the other person to do anything about it. Just desperately holding on for the ride.”

Left Cassette will play in the second semi-finals of the Access All Areas Battle of the Bands comp at The Brithside tonight and a free gig at Greaser tomorrow night before they officially launch “Two Left Shoes” at Tomcat on August 24. They sold out a show at Tomcat earlier this year, so don’t expect to just get them on the door! Hopefully it won’t be too long before we see them gigging around the rest of the country. We can’t let the people of Brisvegas have all the fun!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Have a Good Day Drop Pop Bop, “Punch-Drunk in Love”

Wednesdays are much maligned, but WA act Have a Good Day are bringing the positivity with their dreamy new single “Punch-Drunk in Love.” I’ve fallen hard for this cool indie-pop number, and I’m sure you will too.

I love the way this song manages to strike the perfect balance between sounding modern and like an 80s throwback. The nostalgia is perfect for a track that celebrates youthful enthusiastic love, the kind that knocks you off your feet giving you no choice but to give in to it. A bit like this song really!

East Coasters will get the chance to see Have a Good Day when they play Towradgi Beach Hotel in Dharawal Country/Towradgi on September 6.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR