After impressing me earlier this year with “The Blonde,”Zara Haines shows that was no fluke. Her latest release “6 Figure Trigger” is another outstanding pop song. This catchy little number explores all the complications of the dating game. Whether you’re in it or glad to be done with the scene, I know you’re going to relate to this one.
“’6 Figure Trigger’ was written for all different people to relate to … with a fun and catchy side, people can’t help but sing along!” Zara enthused. “It has been a fan favourite in listening sessions, so it was about time we let the world hear it!”
Zara’s Instagram profile says she’s writing new music right now, so it sounds like there’s a lot more in store. Give her a follow to learn all about it once it drops.
Bubble grunge/dream pop is the kind of music I didn’t know that I didn’t need in my life until I heard effie isobel’s latest single “Peach Heart.” They remind me a little of 90s icons Julianna Hatfield and Mazzy Star, with their sweet voice and grungy sound brought to life with a vintage drum machine and radio box effects. The nostalgia is so fitting for this song which captures effie’s experiences chatting with close friends about their crushes.
“I noticed our conversations often gravitated toward talking about our crushes, people we want to kiss, people we have a friend-crush on or people we just generally think are beautiful,” effie reflected. “Observing this in conversation made me feel really warm and fuzzy. I couldn’t help but notice our conversations being fueled by appreciation for beauty and the incredibly human ache for connection.”
This song has grown immensely since effie penned it with a nylon string guitar on their bedroom floor. From those humble beginnings, effie worked with various collaborators to bring their vision to life. “Peach Heart” is such a fantastic follow-up to their debut single “Lip Balm,” I can’t wait to hear what comes next.
Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks
British-born, Queensland-based singer-songwriter Lucy Gallant has just dropped her sultry new single “Devious.” It’s a cool, genre-blending track with elements of soul, pop, and trip-hop that explores the addictive nature of the wrong relationships that can feel oh so right.
“In recent years, I’ve navigated through profound losses and experiences that have deeply shaped my music. My new sound reflects how I’ve channeled these experiences into my songwriting,” Lucy explained. “Stepping into my own power, I’ve discovered a reservoir of confidence. Embracing the strength of my womanhood, I’ve conquered past fears. Now, I’m ready to declare to the world: here I am, crank up the volume and listen closely to my lyrics—I have a lot to say, and I’m not afraid to say it.”
Lucy is currently playing shows in the United Kingdom and Europe for the first time in four years. The intimate venues and festivals she’s playing provide the perfect opportunity to reconnect with her fans abroad. Don’t worry Australia; she won’t be gone for too long. We’ll see her back on her adopted home soil by November. Here are all Lucy’s announced dates.
1 August 2024 – Market House, Maidstone 3 August 2024 – House concert, North Norfolk District 16 August 2024 – Café Kultus, Grevenbroich 17 August 2024 – House concert, Osnabruck 25 August 2024 – House concert, Devon 28 August 2024 – Alte Utting, Munich 4 September 2024 – The Green Man Inn, Charroux 8 September 2024 – Musettes Festival, Pyla Sur Mer (FREE) 21 September 2024 – Briston Pavilion, Norfolk (Entry by donation) 22 September 2024 – The Flying Circus, Newark Upon Trent 27 September 2024 – Holmfirth Tavern, Holmfirth 28 September 2024 – House concert, Halesowen 16 November 2024 – Seven Sisters Festival, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Country/Glenaroua
2024 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Meeanjin/Brisbane-based alt-rockers Bad Neighbour. They’ve already toured with American acts Hot Mulligan and Free Throw and just dropped a fantastic new single “Heart Pumps Blood.” That track gives us our latest taste of the band’s debut album Millions, which drops on September 20. But before that they’ll hit the road with another choice American act, Badflower.
“We’re incredibly excited to share this release with the world,” the band said in a press statement. “Writing this record was very cathartic for us and to have something palpable we can share with people is very special to us.”
If you want an early listen to some more new tunes, make sure you see Bad Neighbour supporting Badflower next month. Some shows have already sold out, and the others aren’t too far behind!
Saint Ergo has really impressed me with her latest single “Falling So Hard.” It’s a cool soulful number that perfectly showcases her rich voice. I also love the lyrics which explore the idea of pushing forward with desires and attempting to pursue relationships in spite of taboos.
The soon-to-be-released music video for “Falling So Hard” celebrates all kinds of consensual relationship configurations, including many that seem taboo. As a transgender woman living with a disability, advocating for all kinds of people and creating safe, inclusive spaces for them is something Saint Ergo is so passionate about.
To that end, absolutely everyone is welcome when Saint Ergo launches “Falling So Hard” with two very special shows. Both venues are accessible for people with mobility aids and sensory challenges, with easy, wide access, separate sensory supportive spaces, and moderate sound levels. Tickets are available now for the following shows:
With the release of “burning alive,” Mulubinba/Newcastle singer-songwriters Dane Tutty and Jen Buxton have provided us with the final puzzle piece of their EP, if it all burns down. I’ve already covered previous tracks “church” and “i don’t want to do this forever” on Sounds of Oz, and this one is every bit as good.
“burning alive” sits sandwiched between the past singles on this EP, acting as a kind of bridge between them. I love the natural chemistry between Dane and Jen’s very different voices, the way her pure tones soften his hard edges. The lyrics, written from the perspective of someone battling mental health issues, are also so powerful.
“Myself and so many people around me are or have been affected hugely by these things (suicide and mental health), I couldn’t help writing about it,” Dane explained.
While Dane and Jen haven’t announced any shows together at this stage, they also haven’t ruled them out. Here’s hoping. Until then, wrap your ears around “burning alive,” then revisit the rest of their music on if it all burns down. And if you or anyone you know is struggling with the mental health issues “burning alive” explores, please reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or professional resource. Lifeline offers 24/7 support on 13 11 14.
Alexander Biggs is easing me into my working week with his gorgeous new single “don’t mean a thing.” I’ve long been a fan of his gentle folky music, and this latest track is no exception.
This track perfectly captures the melancholy that can wash over you when seemingly insignificant things seem to resonate a little more deeply with your head and heart than they should. No wonder Alexander’s received support from exciting acts like Julien Baker and Evan Dando. Check it out!
After impressing me a few months back with “My Mouth (la la la),”ISHAN has done it again with his latest single “Supernova.” It’s got a similar acoustic pop vibe that perfectly translates the simmering story of two people who cross that sometimes murky line separating platonic love and sexual attraction.
“‘Supernova’ is about a deep friendship shattered by passion,” explains ISHAN. “Reacting to an unexpected kiss and trying to figure out if your love for that person extends beyond the platonic is really difficult in a split second. The song explores the somewhat precarious and practically autonomous response ‘kiss her back now and unpack the consequences later’. It touches on the confusion and uncertainty of the moment in trying to determine what it is you really want and questions whether sacrificing a friendship is a risk worth taking in the pursuit of love.”
ISHAN has already had a big year selling out the Workers Club and playing Tenerife Festival and his first Eora/Sydney headlining show. I can’t wait to hear what’s next for this talented Naarm/Melbourne artist.
Renee Nacari has given me goosebumps with her stunning new single “Looking For Myself.” This track builds so beautifully, with lush layered vocals that cast a spell. Aside from its sonic appeal, it’s also got a great message about self-discovery and self-love.
“The backing vocals at the ends of the chorus and song are crafted to envelop the listener in a vast soundscape,” Renee explained. “This emulates the feeling of being alone and lost, with echoes that reflect a large, expansive area. I wrote this song whilst I was traveling alone. During that trip, I truly began to understand myself and confront my past. It was an eye-opening journey that allowed me to find and learn to love myself, a process I continue to engage with every day.”
“Looking For Myself” comes from Renee’s upcoming album 222, which further explores the idea of finding yourself and growing into the person you’re meant to be. Follow her on Instagram to learn more about that album and future shows.
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite measure up, I know “Underachiever”, the latest track from East Coast New South Wales singer-songwriter LORNA, the musical alter-ego of Erin Condon, will resonate with you. It’s a gorgeous alt-country/folk ballad that explores the impact of the labels we’re saddled with.
“’Underachiever’ was written at the exact moment I thought my life was over. Following a pretty rough breakup, I had made such a big deal about being alone for Valentine’s Day so I did the inevitable Tinder download and began vetting my next date,” Erin recalled. “This series of events summed up the months following this breakup; completely distraught and looking for any light at the end of the tunnel, even if that light took the form of a complete stranger … just so that you don’t have to buy yourself flowers and a Twix bar from the Coles Express on your way home.”
LORNA will showcase her music, including “Underachiever”, at The Baso in Ngambri/Canberra on August 1, followed by The Victoria in Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst on August 8.
