Sarah Yagki Raises Mental Health Awareness With New Single “Just Like Me”

Eora/Sydney alternative-pop artist Sarah Yagki has just dropped a powerful new single “Just Like Me.” Make sure you listen to the lyrics which come from such a personal place.

“The song is written about my experiences watching a friend last year harm themselves in a manic episode and raises awareness for mental health and suicide prevention,” Sarah explained. “The song explores watching a loved one go through their lowest points of mental health and trying not to lose yourself in the process of helping them.”

Sarah is so committed to the cause that when she launched the single recently at Oxford Art Factory, she donated more than $1,000 in ticket sales to Beyond Blue. Don’t worry if you missed it; Sarah is playing a stack of shows all around the country in the coming months:

5 August 2023 – The Front, Ngunnawal/Canberra
6 August 2023 – Birdhouse, Wiradjuri Country/ Wagga Wagga
18 August 2023 – Kelly’s on King, Eora/Sydney (supporting Abbey Lane)
31 August 2023 – Beach Hotel, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
1 September 2023 – Finnian’s Irish Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie
2 September 2023 – Flow Bar, Biripi Country/Old Bar
3 September 2023 – Sauce Brewery, Eora/Sydney
6 September 2023 – UNSW, Eora/Sydney
10 September 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 September 2023 – The Hamilton Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
21 September 2023 – Royal Bondi, Eora/Sydney
28 September 2023 – The Old Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
1 October 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
20 October 2023 – The Hamilton Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
22 October 2023 – Birdhouse, Wiradjuri Country/ Wagga Wagga
25 October 2023 – UNSW, Eora/Sydney
26 October 2023 – The Hamilton Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
29 October 2023 – North Gong, Dharawal/Wollongong
17 November 2023 – The Bird, Boorloo/Perth
25 November 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Wayside Drop Killer Double Single, “Parallax Error/Asymmetry”

Naarm/Melbourne band Wayside are bringing the angst to your weekend with their new double A-side single, “Parallax Error/Asymmetry.” I love that these two tracks give anyone new to their music a great introduction. “Parallax Error” is a hard-hitting song that takes me back to classic emo and nu-metal sounds. “Asymmetry” is a brooding ballad that’ll send shivers up your spine.

Recording these songs and others from their forthcoming sophomore album helped Wayside tick an item off their bucket list: working with Will Yip. That’s right; the Grammy-nominated producer has worked with the likes of Panic! At the Disco, Circa Survive, Anthony Green, mewithoutYou, and now our own Wayside.

“We were asked what our number one goal as artists were, to which we both replied … to work with Will Yip,” said vocalist/guitarist Thomas Davenport says. “From the very beginning songwriting was always our number one focus, so to be given the opportunity to work with Will was quite literally a dream come true. We both followed his career and had tremendous
respect for him as a producer, but more importantly, as a songwriter.”

After touring with Don Broco, The Comfort, and the massive Movements and Boston Manor shows, Wayside are about to join Dream on Dreamer on their upcoming dates. Make sure you arrive early to hear more music from their upcoming album, due out later this year.

11 August 2023 – Max Watts, Melbourne
12 August 2023 – Uni Bar, Adelaide
25 August 2023 – The Triffid, Brisbane
26 August 2023 – Crowbar, Sydney

Image credit: Cian Marangos

Eaglemont Releases “Vodka Pineapple” Ahead of Cry Club Support

Eaglemont has offered up a tasty sample of her upcoming debut album with the release of her latest single “Vodka Pineapple.” It’s got an uplifting indie pop-rock vibe, but make sure you clock those confessional lyrics. They’re really something special.

“Vodka Pineapple’ is inspired by a painful realisation I had where I was the protagonist in the downfall of my relationships and it was all my fault… and then somehow we turned it into a pop song,” explained Bridg Jessop, the talent behind Eaglemont. “In line with the thread that runs through the entire record it’s a glorified diary entry that recounts events, often with haunting hindsight. Not that you should use creating art as therapy singularly (you should probably just go to therapy).”

Expect to hear a little bit more from her debut album and your old favourites when Eaglemont launches the single and supports Cry Club next month.

5 August 2023 – The Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
25 August 2023 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
26 August 2023 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
2 September 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 September 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Kaurna/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tim Lambert

Gretta Ziller Releases Fabulous Single “Bones” From New Lockdown Album

If the first songs released are any indication, Gretta Ziller’s new album will be fantastic. She’s dropped her powerful new single “Bones,” but that’s not all. Stream it online and you can also hear the exquisite ballad “Dear Damascus” and another sassy new song, “Ain’t Even Your Lover.” Gretta penned “Bones” during a songwriting exercise for Song Club, a group she joined in 2020 to get through the pandemic lockdowns.

“Bones’ is about my love of music. Playing instruments, songwriting and singing isn’t something I have chosen to do. It was never one of many options for my life. It is the only thing I have ever planned, dreamed & wished to do in my life. From a kid with a violin, that loved to create. To a teenager who played any instrument she could and sung all the time in all the choirs and musicals and everywhere else. To releasing my first EP to now, where I’m touring and performing my own music all over Australia…. Music is in my bones.”

Gretta wrote and recorded all the songs that make up her third studio album All These Walls during the many lockdowns in Naarm/Melbourne. They explore the emotional walls that are put up while we’re confined by physical walls, but she promises it won’t get you down.

“All These Walls is my joy album. I spent the past few years healing and growing, I feel like I am finally back to the place I was when I first started playing music just for the love of it. Many of the tracks on the album are about my loves, for music, for singing, for my family, for my partner. Of course they are disguised in the expected minor rock infused sounds.”

Gretta releases All These Walls on August 25. She’s got a bunch of dates before and after it drops, so make sure you see her wherever you can!

4 August 2023 – The Old Presbyterian Church, Oryang-Ora Country/Springwood
5 August 2023 – Humph Hall, Dharug Country/Allambie Heights
12 August 2023 – Star Hotel, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah
13 August 2023 – Hydrant Food Hall, Wadawurrung Country/Ballarat
19 August 2023 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri Country/Canberra
20 August 2023 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
25 August 2023 – The Noojee Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/Noojee
26 August 2023 – George Lane, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
27 August 2023 – Bayview Country Arts Club, Bunurong Country/Bittern
19-23 September 2023 – Americana Fest, Nashville
29 September 2023 – Deni Ute Muster, Wamba Wamba and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deneliquin
16 November 2023 – Qirks, Awabakal Country/Kurri Kurri
17 November 2023 – Wingham House, Birrbay Country/Wingham
19 November 2023 – Can You Keep A Secret, Meeanjin/ Brisbane
1 December 2023 – The Palais, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

STUMPS Release Career Best Single, “Life’s Moving Past You”

A few years ago I felt STUMPS were finding their feet and their own unique sound. I knew they had something, but it still felt a little derivative. What a difference a few years makes. Their latest single “Life’s Moving Past You” is a triumph, with an epic feel and a lyrical hook that promises to stay with you.

“This song somewhat started as a longer-form ballad in its infancy,” explained STUMPS’ bassist, Merrick Powell. “But when we brought it to the studio we wanted to give it more drive and some dance-y flavour. By changing the beat in the chorus, the song felt like it came to life in that moment. Now it feels, to us, like it brings together almost all of our sonic elements in a way we really love, which was a big goal of ours.”

STUMPS will kick off a national tour tonight to celebrate the release of “Life’s Moving Past You.” If the single’s lyrics don’t inspire you to get off the couch and see these guys live, I’m not sure what will!

15 July 2023 – The Station, Ngarigo/Jindabyne
27 July 2023 – Bucketty’s, Dharug/Brookvale
28 July 2023 – New Cambo, Awabakal/Newcastle
3 August 2023 – Finnian’s Irish Tavern, Birpai/Port Macquarie
4 August 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meanjin/Brisbane
5 August 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
11 August 2023 – La La La’s, Dharawal/Wollongong
18 August 2023 – The Retreat, Naarm/Melbourne
19 August 2023 – Barwon Club, Wathaurong/Geelong
25 August 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Kaurna/Adelaide
26 August 2023 – Four5Nine Bar, Boorloo/Perth
1 September 2023 – The Shaking Hand, Ngambri/Canberra
2 September 2023 – Marrickville Bowling Club, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission fron cult logic; credit: Josh Carr-Hummerston

Joe Mungovan Ushers in New Era With “Handmidowns”

Southern New South Wales singer-songwriter Joe Mungovan blew me away with his debut album A Flower in the Weeds a couple of years back. Now he’s regrouped and dropped a fabulous new single “Handmidowns.” I must admit, it took me a little while to embrace as it’s a bit more sonically layered than the music that came before, but now I’m on board I really appreciate his evolution. Perhaps a new sound is only natural, as Joe took a different approach to recording this time around.

“This is the first time I’ve ever had other musicians in the studio with me,” he explained. “Prior to ‘Handmidowns’, I’ve always recorded all the parts by myself. It was awesome to hear other musicians play the parts and bring their own flavour to the track.”

“I want this song to empower whoever listens to it to believe they can do exactly what they want and to tread their own path in life,” he added. “Writing this song has had a strong impact on my outlook and I hope it can help others.”

Fresh from shows supporting The VANNS, Joe is playing the following gigs in the coming weeks:

15 July 2023 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle
20 July 2023 – Sofar Sounds, Boorloo/Perth
22 July 2023 – Little Village, Wadandi Country/Metricup
29 July 2023 – General Assembly, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – Ryans Hotel, Dharawal Country/Thirroul

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music

“Something Rare and Beautiful” – Nathan Seeckts

I love hearing voices that draw me in instantly. I’m with them from the first note, hanging on their every word, relishing their unique tone. Nathan Seeckts has one of those voices. I fell for that voice when he released his single “The Wildest One” a few months ago, and I’m thrilled to hear more of what it can do with the release of Something Rare and Beautiful.

Listening to the album, I discovered that Nathan really can do it all. “The Wildest One” was a love song, but it soon becomes apparent that Nathan isn’t just another country crooner. Anyone that’s encountered a dickhead on a night out will relate to the scathing “King of the Room.” “Cassette in the Tapedeck,” featuring guest vocals from Gretta Ziller, is a nostalgic ballad celebrating his dad’s LC Torana. And that’s just the first three songs. In truth, I could wax lyrical about every one, but I’d rather you discover them for yourself. Every song tells a story so vividly you feel like you were there. Nathan is a master at bringing characters and moments to life.

The title of Nathan Seeckts second album couldn’t be more appropriate. His voice is so unique and so compelling. His songwriting is worldclass. And when you put them together, the music is indeed something rare and beautiful. Nathan will showcase his incredible music at these upcoming shows:

7 July 2023 – Pot Belly Bar, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
8 July 2023 – The Curious Rabbit, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
15 July 2023 – Bird Rock, Wadawurrung Country/Jan Juc
16 July 2023 – The Eastern, Ballaarat/Ballarat

Images used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Tyne-James Organ Drops Vulnerable New Single, “Blue”

The always stellar Tyne-James Organ is back with a fantastic new single “Blue,” the first new music we’ve heard from him since he dropped his critically acclaimed album Necessary Evil in 2021. It’s a powerful track with intimate lyrics that explore his close bond with his mother and the way she helped him navigate his grief after the loss of his father.

“Throughout that challenging time, my mum was my unwavering support, and the song captures our conversations,” he said. “There was something extraordinary about the origin of the song—the day we wrote it, the atmosphere in the room.”

Tyne-James will no doubt introduce fans to more new music when he plays headlining shows in some of the capitals this August. Catch him if you can!

4 August 2023 – Adelaide UniBar, Tartanya, Adelaide
5 August 2023 – The Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
12 August 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 August 2023 – Icebreaker Festival @ Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
11 November 2023 – Clearly Festival @ Kiama Showground, Wodi Wodi Country/Kiama

Image used with permission from Dew Process; credit: Marcus Milostic

Heterochromia Shares Exciting New Single, “Plastic”

Eora/Sydney act Heterochromia combines elements of rock and bubblegum pop for her feel-good new single “Plastic.” It’s super cathartic, with energetic riffs, a singalong melody, and some of the most biting lyrics I’ve heard in some time. It’s all about the balance, and if your Tuesday has been anything like mine, I know it’s going to hit the spot.

“’Plastic’ laments a time in my life where I was feeling very ornamental and used by various characters in my life, which served as a catalyst for the toy motif we’ve been playing with so far,” said the woman behing Heterochromia, Bree Vane. “Plastic has a very cathartic ‘f*ck you I’m a whole person’ chorus that makes it a lot more positive, and it’s definitely the most upbeat song we’ve written. I’m really excited for people to dance to this one”

“Plastic” comes from Heterochromia’s new EP, Cracked Porcelain, which should drop later this year. They’re about the head off on the Cracked Porcelain tour, which wraps up with a hometown EP launch. Catch Heterochromia at the following venues:

27 July 2023 – The Basement, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
28 July 2023 – Bar Open, Naarm/Melbourne
5 August 2023 – Servo Food Truck, Dharawal Country/Port Kembla
6 August 2023 – Hamilton Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
19 August 2023 – Backdock Arts, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 September 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Big Mouth

Ian Moss Releases “Nullarbor Plain” Ahead of Album Launch and Tour

Ian Moss is proving that his upcoming studio album Rivers Run Dry will be something special with the release of a new single “Nullarbor Plain,” which he co-wrote with country music icon Troy Cassar-Daley. I’d already raved about the title track, but this latest cut is every bit as good.

“The Nullarbor Plain is such an open and harsh part of Australia that I have driven I don’t know how many times with Cold Chisel and by myself. Whilst vast, the beauty of it never ceases to amaze me,” Mossy enthused. “I trust my co-writer Troy Cassar-Daley and I have captured a little of both in ‘Nullarbor Plain’. Who wouldn’t want to do that drive in a 351 shaker!?”

Rivers Run Dry will be released on 21 July 2023. That gives you a bit of time to familiarise yourself with all the new songs before Mossy heads out on his album launch tour which just got bigger. In addition to the full band shows in August previously announced, Mossy will also visit regional centres from October where he’ll play solo and acoustic. Tickets are on sale now for all those dates.

5 August 2023 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 August 2023 – Palais Theatre, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 August 2023 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23-28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays
23 October 2023 – Glasshouse Theatre, Guruk/Port Macquarie
27 October 2023 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
28 October 2023 – Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong, and Bunganditj Country/Hamilton
3 November 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
4 November 2023 – The Capital Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
10 November 2023 – Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
23-26 November 2023 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Wadawurrung Country/Queenscliff
8 December 2023 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
9 December 2023 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
15 December 2023 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
16 December 2023 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunai Country/Traralgon
25 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM