Jacob Fitzgerald Continues His Winning Ways With “Long Way Home”

It’s starting to feel like Naarm/Melbourne-based indie-rock artist Jacob Fitzgerald can do no wrong. After wowing me with his previous singles “Muse” and “Shame on You,” he’s back with the earnest pop-rock gem, “Long Way Home.”

“It covers my own heartbreak and tells a story of loss. Basically, ‘Long Way Home’ is the song I wish I never had to write,”Jacoe admitted. “Essentially, LWH is about savouring the moment before the final goodbye. It follows the shock of heartbreak and captures the emotions of knowing that no matter what is said, the choice won’t be yours … they’ve made up their mind. It was a goal of the band and me to capture the intimacy and intensity of this track both lyrically and sonically. Overall, ‘Long Way Home’ was written to mend a broken heart, and with the help of my closest friends, we built a track that we just fricken love! I’m so proud of it as it captures a moment in time, I never knew I wanted to keep. It’s my silver lining and I can only hope it makes people feel something too!”

Jacob will play a string of shows to celebrate the single’s release. Catch him at the following venues:

25 November 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 November 2022 – Hiway Live, Eora/Sydney
16 December 2022 – Crown & Anchor, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 December 2022 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Austin Mackay Impresses With “Dancing Through the Fire”

Austin Mackay is one of those artists who is so good, it’s hard to stop at just one song. I intended to give his latest single “Dancing Through the Fire” a listen to decide whether to write about it or not. That was about three hours ago, because I found myself listening to the entire Dancing Through the Fire EP. Multiple times. It’s honest folk-rock with just a sprinkling of pop to make it extra irresistible. As for the single, I can imagine cranking it up on my next road trip. The synths and sax make it sound so good, but this track came from a fairly difficult chapter of Austin’s life.

“’Dancing Through The Fire’ is a song that I wrote about the realisation of a relationship that was falling apart right in front of me,” he explained. “That initial moment when clarity kicked in and I finally saw the warning signs that had been there all along … I noticed the string of bad habits and unhealthy compromise that caused me to become so far removed from myself. But for some unknown reason I tried to hold the damn thing together.”

At least he got a great song out of it, right? Austin is currently touring all over the country. Catch him at one of his remaining shows:

28 October 2022 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
29 October 2022 – Commonfolk, Boonwurrung Country/Mornington
31 October 2022 – Westernport Hotel, Yallock Bulluk Beek Country/San Remo (FREE)
4 November 2022 – The Chippo Hotel, Eora/Sydney
5 November 2022 – Bitter & Twisted Festival, Minderibba/Maitland
17 November 2022 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
18 November 2022 – Felons Barrel Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
19 November 2022 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
27 November 2022 – Summer Sesh Festival, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Kieran Tunbridge

Loretta Start Your Week Right With “dad’s mercedes”

Eora/Sydney indie-pop act Loretta are back with a new single “dad’s mercedes”. I fell pretty hard for these guys with the release of “Late Night” last year, and I’m so glad they’re back on my radar. Its optimistic energy is just what you need to feel better about your Monday morning.

“Lyrically, this one came from a time in our lives when we felt like love had lower stakes,” the band explained. “Exploring the narrative of two young lovers chasing after one another, in a place where you may be ready for love and relationships and all that comes with it; but one of you can’t quite commit, both being fully aware of each other’s feelings. It comes from a happy place where nothing feels like it needs to be too serious. We made sure to capture that feeling sonically; it needed to feel youthful.”

Loretta are currently playing shows around the eastern states to support the release of “dad’s mercedes”. They’re at it again this weekend with shows in New South Wales. Catch them at the following venues in the coming weeks.

4 November 2022 – Cambridge Hotel, Awabakal/Newcastle
5 November 2022 – La La La’s, Tharawal/Wollongong
10 November 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2022 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
2 December 2022 – Vanfest, Wiradjuri/Bathurst

Image used with permission from Good Intent

thndo Drops Captivating New Single, “Fall”

Many of us met Thndo when she appeared on The Voice earlier this year. However, I didn’t feel like I really got to know her musically until the release of her Life in Colour EP a few months back. She’s continuing to reintroduce herself to audiences with the release of her new single “Fall”. It’s an utterly captivating piece of neo-soul that perfectly showcases the creativity and vocal chops of this exceptional artist.

“I’m really excited for people to hear my latest offering,” she enthused. “I completely wore my heart on my sleeve with this track, and said all the things I felt I couldn’t when I was still in my last relationship.”

I let you know about thndo’s The Reintroduction tour months ago, but if it slipped your mind you can still get tickets to the remaining dates.

27 October 2022 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
28 October 2022 – The Street Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
29 October 2022 – Wangaratta Jazz Festival, Wangaratta
17 November 2022 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2022 – Imperial Hotel Eumundi, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
19 November 2022 – Wynnum Fringe Festival, Wynnum

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit Leila Maulen

Sophisticated Dingo Start Your Week Right With “The Job I Took”

If you’re finding it a little hard to get moving this Monday morning, Sophisticated Dingo’s new high-energy rock single “The Job I Took” is just what you need. The track sees the duo encouraging listeners to focus on what’s important and follow their passions.

“We wanted to celebrate choosing simplicity in a life that is inexplicably confusing… When pouring yourself into something, you might come to realise that you’re no longer doing it out of passion, but instead for the greater good,” explained vocalist Lewis Matte. “It can make sense to follow a path of idealisation when forging ahead however this path may well fall apart as one discovers what is most important. Don’t chase ideals, focus on what is real and present.”

Fresh from supporting Dear Seattle, Sophisticated Dingo will headline their own national tour in November. Catch them in a city near you:

5 November 2022 – Singing Bird Studios, Bunurong Country/Frankston (ALL AGES)
18 November 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2022 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
26 November 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
27 November 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
1 December 2022 – Crowd & Anchor Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
2 December 2022 – Gage Roads Freo Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 December 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
9 December 2022 – King Lear’s Throne, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Will Bush

Illy Drops Latest Banger “Like You”

Back in the Warner Music Australia stable, Illy has just dropped his feelgood new single “Like You”. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up this Wednesday, you can stop searching. This is everything you need.

We shouldn’t be surprised it’s so catchy though, as “Like You” comes from Illy collaborating with Johnny Took from DMA’s, Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde from Peking Duk, Styalz Fuego, and Black Summer. That’s a lot of different voices involved, but this song comes together beautifully.

“I’m stoked to be releasing new music, especially after the last few years,” Illy said. “I wanted to kick off the new era with a bang, and ‘Like You’ was the perfect fit for that. Working with some of my favourite Australian artists and producers made the process a lot of fun, and something to be excited about. This really shines through in the track. I’ve listened to this song 1000 times and still, I love this song.”

Illy has just dropped a few dates and he swears there’s more to come. If he’s not visiting you yet, just sit tight.
18 November 2022 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
19 November 2022 – Volta, Wadawurrung Country/Ballarat
2-4 December 2022 – VANFEST, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
8-12 June 2023 – Dream Machine, Bali

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Giulia McGauran

Blake Cateris Embraces Softer Side With “Days, Weeks, Months & Years”

His tattoos ensure he still looks like a punk star, but Blake Cateris is singing a different tune these days. As the frontman of Molly & The Krells he shared the stage with big-name acts including Bodyjar, The Getaway Plan, and Hard-Ons, but like so many rockers, Blake has mellowed considerably in recent years. His introspective latest single “Days, Weeks, Months & Years” showcases his talents as a folk artist.

“This song is about living out of balance with yourself. Watching the world go by feeling like you might be losing touch with far more important things in life than what you’re focusing on right now,” Blake explained. “It’s a daily struggle to break old and unhealthy habits that no longer serve you or have been damaging you for some time. But the struggle is what we live for.”

Blake will tour the east coast of Australia to celebrate the single’s release. You’ll find him at the following intimate venues:

7 October 2022 – Nosferatu Distillery, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 October 2022 – Mort’s Brewing Co., Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Nambour
9 October 2022 – Yard Doggs, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley
15 October 2022 – Last Chance Rock N’ Roll Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
28 October 2022 – Link & Pin, Darkinjung Country/Woy Woy
3 November 2022 – Sappho Bar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Rise Indie; credit: Dario Hardaker

Vera Blue Releases Enchanting New Single “Mermaid Avenue”

Vera Blue never seems to put a foot wrong, and her latest single “Mermaid Avenue” is no exception. With relatable bittersweet lyrics and the perfect blend of ethereal vocals and electronic sounds, it’s enough to get me pretty excited about her forthcoming album.

“Mermaid Avenue is a song about a love that didn’t work out. The bitter-sweet emotions that come with all the fond memories of the relationship but the heartbreak of a dream that will never happen,” she recalled. “Mermaid Avenue is a beautiful street in South Coogee in Sydney with enormous beach houses overlooking the ocean. I find myself there on walks at sunset admiring the architecture and views. I feel that Mermaid Avenue can also be a metaphor for a place where everything is perfect, full of adventure and love. Or a dream you create of the future, a beautiful life with someone.”

“Mermaid Avenue” is the latest cut lifted from Vera’s sophomore album Mercurial, slated for release on October 28. She’ll tour the country in November to support its release and play a few festivals in the coming months. Here are all the dates you need:

1 October 2022 – Unwind The Vines Festival, Wodi Wodi Country/Gerringong
15 October 2022 – Stonefest 2022, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
3 November 2022 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
4 November 2022 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
5 November 2022 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
11 November 2022 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
12 November 2022 – Forum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
30 November 2022 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Flume)
2 December 2022 – Regatta Grounds, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting Flume)
8 December 2022 – Ice Cream Factory, Boorloo/Perth
17 December 2022 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Newtown
28 December 2022 – 1 January 2023 – Beyond The Valley Festival, Djab wurrung Country/Barunah Plains

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Josh Setterfield Releases Country Banger, “Blow Our Cover”

You know how I’ve been posting a lot of country music lately? Well here’s another one. As you press play though, you’ll soon realise “Blow Our Cover,” Josh Setterfield’s latest single, is no ordinary country tune. This one definitely pushes genre boundaries, with cool electronic, pop, and rock influences giving it mass appeal. If you don’t think you’re a country music fan, make sure you give this song a listen.

One of the hardest working artists in the country at the moment, Josh has plenty of shows to entertain you in the coming months. See him at one of his headlining shows, a festival, or supporting some of country’s biggest names:

30 September 2022 – Ballina RSL, Bundjalung Country/Ballina (with The Wolfe Brothers)
1 October 2022 – Lights on the Hill, Ugarapul and Kitabul Country/Gatton (with The Wolfe Brothers)
7 October 2022 – The Yot Club, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (with Matt Cornell and Brooke Supple)
15 October 2022 – Mallee Root Roundup, Wirrumbirchip/Birchip
21 October 2022 – Mezz Bar, Barrahinebin/Wallsend (with Viper Creek Band)
22 October 2022 – Narrabri RSL, Kamilaroi Country/Narrabri (with Viper Creek Band)
29 October 2022 – Warwick Rodeo, Waringh/Warwick (with Viper Creek Band)
5 November 2022 – King Street Wharf, Eora/Sydney (with Viper Creek Band)
12 November 2022 – Texas Country Music Festival, Bigambul Country/Texas
26 November 2022 – Mathinna Country Club, Kunnarra Kuna Country/Mathinna (with Catherine Britt, Viper Creek Band, and Andrew Swift)
20 January 2023 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with The Bushwackers and The Wolfe Brothers)

Image used with permission from DWM Entertainment

Billie-Jo Porter Delivers Country Gem, “Let It All Roll Out”

I’ve been writing about a lot of country music lately, but I can’t help it if our local country artists are releasing some incredible music! So you’re going to get another one, because Billie-Jo Porter’s latest track “Let It All Roll Out” is just magic. It’s a gentle ballad that feels like the musical equivalent of a big warm hug. You know you need that on your Hump Day!

“This song is a reminder to live in the moment, be right here and let it all roll out,” Billie-Jo explained. “It takes us back to a moment in time, where we didn’t really know what the future held, what our next move was, or where the next paycheque was coming from. One thing we did know was we were having the time of our lives.”

Billie-Jo was inspired to write the song with longtime collaborator Rachael Kennedy during the Tamworth Country Music Festival (TCMF).

“After watching a KB and The Flood show at TCMF we were hanging out on the front verandah at Rach’s parents place with her mum. I suggested we write a song,” she recalled. “For me it is one of the most meaningful songs I have recorded so far because of the history I have with TCMF and the journey of my friendship with Rach who co-wrote the song. Rach inspired me to get a guitar, learn to play and reminded me of the joy than can be found singing and performing.”

Billie-Jo has plenty of shows coming up, so make sure you catch her at a venue near you:
29 September 2022 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour (with Brittany Elise)
7 October 2022 – Heart & Soul Wholefood Café, Bundjalung Country/Grafton
9 October 2022 – Coramba Hotel, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coramba
16 October 2022 – Seaview Tavern, Wiigulga/Woolgoolga
21 October 2022 – Twilight Food Market, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
28 October 2022 – Sarah Leete ‘Girl Next Door’ Single Launch @ Gumbaynggirr Country/Coramba (with Sarah Leete)
13 November 2022 – Moonee Beach Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/Moonee
26 November 2022 – Scotts Hub, Gumbaynggirr Country/Scotts Head

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity