Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Younique and Eamon Team Up For “I Won’t Let You Go”

The weekend is still days away, but you can get in the spirit early listening to “I Won’t Let You Go,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based producer Younique. In the vein of artists like RÜFÜS DU SOL and Hayden James, this track features soulful vocals from Eamon. I think it beautifully captures the energy and euphoria of a large-scale music festivals. And if, like me, it’s been far too long since you attended one of these events, this single is going to take you back.

“It’s crazy to think that I first connected with Eamon at a gig where he was playing an acoustic set,” Younique said. “I remember thinking, ‘He’d absolutely crush it on a festival track.’ Fast forward a month, and we started working on this record. It was my first time creating an entire song with someone purely online. We spent ages perfecting the drop—I must’ve made 10 different versions, each time sending them to him with excitement. Then my gut told me to let him write the lead melody for the chorus, and I was right. The next file he sent had a world-class hook.”

“I Won’t Let You Go” is one of the most interesting tracks I’ve heard in some time. I’ve added it to my Sounds of Oz Loves Pop playlist, although with its electronic, dance, and soul elements it doesn’t quite fit into that box. I love it when music defies classification though. Whether you’re a fan of classic pop or you’re looking for something a little bit different, check out this song and the rest of the tunes on my Spotify pop playlist.

Image used with permission from Younique

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Velvet Bloom Releases Soul Single, “Best in You”

Velvet Bloom is giving you a soulful start to your working week with her latest single, “Best in You.” It’s an uplifting, feelgood number that sees Velvet Bloom working with a horns section for the first, and hopefully not the last, time.

“We were lucky enough to have Brennan Hamilton-Smith (composition and saxophones) and Ben Harrison (trumpet) on board to perform these compositions,” Velvet Bloom said. “I loved stacking the vocal harmonies around the horns with Jay (Jarome, regular collaborator and guest backing vocalist) and Alex (Marko, bandmate) because we had to be a lot more strategic about placement than we usually are.”

The song encourages the listener to see the best in their loved ones, even in their worst moments.

“When you know people well enough (yourself included) you are exposed to their best and worst qualities. ‘Best In You’ is about showing compassion to the ones you love when they mess up forgivingly,” Velvet Bloom explained.

“Best of You” gives us a sneak peek at Velvet Bloom’s forthcoming album, which drops on March 28. Expect to hear more new tracks when Velvet Bloom plays the St Kilda Festival on February 16.

Image used with permission from Valentina Moroney

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Turn Up the Volume on Robbie Mortimer’s “Good Times & Tan Lines”

“Good Times & Tan Lines,” the latest single from Robbie Mortimer, is the country summer anthem you didn’t know you needed. Robbie was inspired to write the song after attending a country music festival in Florida. He brings all the energy of that experience into this song.

“Everybody was smiling, loving their life and all gathered for the same thing, which was the love of country music,” Ribbie recalled. “I saw a sign that said ‘Good Times & Tan Lines’… I took a photo of it and thought, ‘I’m going to write a song about this exact feeling.’”

The single sees Robbie reuniting with producer Jared Adlam.

“I have a close working relationship with him, as we co-wrote my first release ‘Blow the Speakers’ together,” Robbie said. “Jared and I have worked tirelessly on who I am as an artist and the sound I want to deliver.”

Robbie will bring the party to some of Australia’s best country music events over the coming months. Make sure you don’t miss his sets at these shows.

23 January 2025 – Tamworth Country Music Festival, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (FREE)
24 January 2025 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (supporting the Wolfe Brothers)
22 February 2025 – Country Sounds Country Music Festival @ Cooke Park, Wiradjuri Country/Parkes
7 March 2025 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
15 March 2025 – A Night in Nashville @ Orange Showground, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
11 April 2025 – The Man from Snowy River Festival @ Corryong Recreation Reserve, Pallanganmiddang Country/Corryong

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucky Governors Celebrate The Art of Music With “Til the Day I’m Gone”

If you’re reading this blog, chances are that you feel the way I do that music is so much more than notes arranged into melodies. So I think you’ll appreciate “Til the Day I’m Gone,” the latest single from up-and-coming Eora/Sydney-based folk-indie rock group Lucky Governors. The band says this song is “a heartfelt anthem celebrating music as a journey of soul, expression, and purpose.”

“I do it for the love of the feel, of a song,” Lucky Governors’ founding member and songwriter Andrew Fischer shared. “I do it just to share, the joy and pain I got going on.”

“Til the Day I’m Gone” is one of the fantastic new tracks featured on my playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Rock. Wrap your ears around it on Spotify now.

Image used with permission from Lucky Governors

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Evie Irie Wows Me With “Laila”

I am absolutely enamoured with Evie Irie’s latest track, “Laila.” The press release describes it as “a gorgeous pop lullaby; a letter of love and admiration for her best friend.” While it’s got the soothing sound you might associate with a lullaby, it’s anything but sleepy. Evie sings with such heart that it brought tears to my eyes. This song stopped me in my tracks, and I’m sure it’s going to make as big an impression on you.

“I originally wrote ‘Laila’ during the COVID-19 pandemic when I was back in Australia after leaving my life in LA,” Evie recalled. “Being away from my best friend, Laila, was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. She is my rock and soulmate, and she’s been there for me through every dark moment. Not being able to be with her during that time was unbelievably difficult. It was her 18th birthday, and I struggled to find a present that could truly show my love. Since I couldn’t fly to see her, I ended up writing and gifting her this song. It’s a piece of my heart, a love song, that binds best friends together.”

“Laila” is just one of the awesome pop tracks I’ve included on my new playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. Give it a listen and follow on Spotify, pop music fans!

Photo credit: Ella Maximillion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amanduh Drops a Different Kind of Break-Up Song, “Eye to Eye”

After a busy week of work, social engagements, and medical appointments, I’m relishing the opportunity to slow down and soak up the summer vibes this Sunday. As I embrace a day free from responsibilities, I’ve got Amanduh’s latest single “Eye to Eye” on repeat. It’s a break-up anthem that refuses to dwell on the end of a relationship and instead celebrates the possibilities ahead.

“It’s a reflection of everything that didn’t align, not for better, not for worse, just is what it is,” Amanduh admitted. “A lot of break-up songs latch onto the idea of really deep sadness, or anger, but I wanted to recall on all the little intricacies that just don’t align when dating and there’s no bad blood when it doesn’t work out. Sometimes things just don’t work out and it’s OK.”

Hit the volume on this one and take the time for a little dance break. I swear this song will elevate your Sunday just as it has mine.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SPACE&AGES Show Their Range With “Puzzle Piece” Single

Meeanjin/Brisbane band SPACE&AGES are quickly becoming one of my favourite bands. Hot on the heels of “Trial&Error,” they’ve dropped a new single which shows an impressive amount of versatility.

“Puzzle Piece” is an indie rock anthem about pushing past the doubt and giving in to falling in love. Lead singer Phin Spence’s vocals are on point here, brimming with emotion and bursting with energy. He’s also in fine form on the B-side “Bittersweet,” a gentle acoustic ballad showcasing their softer side. It’s like the other side of the coin, a much folkier, gentler counterpiece to the A-side. Or perhaps, if you’ll excuse the reference, another piece of the puzzle. Listening to the two songs together, you start to get a sense of exactly what SPACE&AGES are capable of. Although something tells me they’ve still got plenty more to show.

I love that this band can keep us guessing. And they can seemingly do it all. I definitely look forward to hearing what SPACE&AGES deliver next.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mishayla Releases Indie Pop Stunner, “Clutter”

Mulubinba/Newcastle based artist Mishayla shows she’s every bit as good as the indie pop acts that top the charts with her latest single “Clutter.” If you’re into the heartfelt singles of Gracie Abrams and Olivia Rodrigo, I know you’re going to vibe with this one.

“The track is called ‘Clutter’ because it reflects how someone can completely take over your thoughts. It’s that feeling of your mind being full of them, like they’re cluttering your brain in the best way possible,” Mishayla said. “I wanted the song to truly capture the essence of that initial feeling of a crush. From the romantic piano melodies to the lush and lively chorus, every element – I wanted to evoke vulnerability and authenticity. I hope listeners connect with it just as deeply.”

As a born and bred Novocastrian, I was thrilled to see Mishayla shot the music video in her hometown.

“There’s a little café across from my university called The Press Coffee and Book House, with such a cosy vibe. I had a friend who works there connect me with the owner, and I was able to rent out the space for the lyric video and photos, she said. “My amazing photographer and videographer, Nikola Jokanovic, really captured the warmth and aesthetic I envisioned.”

“Clutter” sees Michelle building on the promise she showed with her debut EP BLEED in 2023. I’m sure we’ll see her go from strength to strength this year.

Photo credit: Nikola Jokanovic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Youproblem Impress With Poppy New Single “Pinch”

Daphnie was one of my favourite acts of 2024, so I was thrilled to discover that Alistair Hayes, the man behind the moniker, is also creating fabulous music with Alana Patmore aka Zhuli. Together they are youproblem and their latest single “Pinch” is a total bop. Co-written with Caleb Nott of BROODS, this indie-pop track captures what it feels like to be at a crossroads as you watch your friends taking different paths.

“I was watching my friends give up on music, and I really understood why. It’s so incredibly hard and the results don’t show for ages, it costs so much and it’s easy to lose belief in yourself and your art. In this understanding, I realised that I’d also never forgive myself if I didn’t at least try to give it all before I stop.” Alana explained. “Writing this song exposed a desperation within me, it’s kind of a love song to what I feel is my purpose in life (as wanky as that sounds).”

Youproblem have supported other up-and-coming acts like Loretta, Bugs, and ISHAN. Hopefully 2025 is the year we see them headlining their own shows.

Image used with permission from youproblem

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love With Alex Elbery’s “Ripcord”

Boorloo/Perth born and Naarm/Melbourne based singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Alex Elbery has impressed me with his latest single “Ripcord.” It’s a charming indie-pop celebration of falling head first and freely into love.

This release has been a long time coming, with Alex starting production before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. But this one is really worth the wait. Alex created his latest single with producer Jon Grace, known for his work with Dear Seattle, Baker’s Eddy, Kingswood, and Dune Rats.

“Ripcord was really a collaboration between Jon and I,” Alex explained. “I wrote it, brought it to Jon and then we spent a fairly long time working to get it to be the best version it could be. Everything except the drums was played my either myself or Jon. Jon, who has since retired from music, is an absolute genius and I loved working with him.

“Ripcord is a song about falling in love. I wrote it as I was/after I had fallen in love with my partner. I wanted to write a love song that was honest and leaned into the messier, less fairytale aspects of falling in love. I liked the analogy of falling in love being like falling out of the sky. Your destination is inevitable but the velocity with which you’re travelling towards it determines whether you’ll land safely or crash and burn – hence – ‘pull on the ripcord.’ I’ve always been someone who rushes into things with reckless abandon, so this song was almost like a mantra I was writing to myself. “

“Ripcord” is the first song lifted from Alex’s upcoming EP Unbelievably Good News. You can hear more tunes from this release when Alex supports The Flying So High-O’s at The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on January 11.

Photo credit: Kane Hibberd