South Summit Release Doco Ahead of EP Tour

Boorloo/Perth band South Summit have just released a new documentary video that takes fans behind the scenes of their success. Called Climbing the Summit, the 10-minute vid was filmed between Eora/Sydney and Naarm/Melbourne while the band was on tour with Beddy Rays. It serves as a time capsule of this young band on the verge of big things.

“The band were a pleasure to work with,” said producer Vincent Trease. “It’s been such a great experience creatively and we got to witness South Summit at a pivotal time in their career as musicians. In such a time of division the message of unity that runs through this doco is in my eyes a great example of reconciliation.”

“I wanted to capture the way that music brings people together, and show that it doesn’t matter where you come from or what you believe in, it’s all about just playing some tunes and having a good time,” added director Elliott Brown. “I firmly believe that South Summit will one day stand among the greatest Australian artists. I aimed to capture their beginnings, a moment I hope people will look back on in the future.”

“This documentary gives us an opportunity to tell our stories, share our messages, and showcase what we do behind the scenes on this crazy journey. We feel like this documentary lets people understand our journey with music, and what we want to be known for. We represent proud cultures throughout the band, but this is not the reason why we are here today. We are here for the love of music. The process was made super cruisy for us by the two guys who made it all happen. Big shoutout to Vince and Elliott for having the vision for the doco and all their hard work to make it happen!”

South Summit will be back doing what they do best next week playing shows in support of their fabulous third EP Tales of the Yeti. Tickets are limited, so don’t wait too long to get yours.

2 November 2023 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
3 November 2023 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
4 November 2023 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
17 November 2023 – Whammy Bar, Auckland
18 November 2023 – The Loons, Christchurch
19 November 2023 – Meow, Wellington
24 November 2023 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Andrew Briggs

Sweet Talk Drop Vintage Banger, “Warm Love”

The Teskey Brothers pipped them for the title at the recent 2023 National Live Music Awards, but Sweet Talk might just be the best blues and roots act that you haven’t heard of. Their latest single “Warm Love” shows why they weren’t just making up the numbers in that coveted category. It’s got so much swag. This is the kind of music people just aren’t making enough of any more.

“It’s got a little more rock n roll steez about it,” admitted Sweet Talk’s frontman Tane Walker, of the band’s adventurous new sound. “We took what we normally do, then dirtied up the tones and tuned our instruments down half a step,” added bass player James Harding.

“Warm Love is a belter to play live!” added guitarist Soren Walker. “That’s the litmus test we need to vet songs for the studio, if the punters come alive, then it deserves a shot on record and this immediately ticked that box.”

You can see how good this song is live at one of Sweet Talk’s upcoming shows:

27 October 2023 – Bridge Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
28 October 2023 – The Eastern Hotel, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
29 October 2023 – The Barwon Club, Djilang/South Geelong
3 November 2023 – Music on the Hill, Bunurong Country/Main Ridge
4 November 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
10–12 November 2023 – Blues at Bridgetown, Nyungar Country/Bridgetown

Two Times Shy Release Another Pop-Punk Bop, “Wits End”

I know I’m posting a lot of pop-punk these days, but god the scene is strong. When local bands just keep dropping stone cold bangers, what’s a girl supposed to do? The latest to capture my heart is “Wits End” from Two Times Shy. I know I’ve written a lot about these guys too, but when they keep producing such quality music I don’t want you to miss a thing.

“It’s an emotional journey, a reflection of those moments when you watch your life unravel, and everyone else seems to be moving forward while you’re stuck searching for answers,” explained Douglas Hudswell, Two Times Shy’s frontman.

The band will load up the van and hit venues across the East Coast next month. Catch Two Times Shy at the following hotspots:

4 November 2023 – Bodega, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
9 November 2023 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
11 November 2023 – The Hamilton Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
17 November 2023 – Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
18 November 2023 – The Chippo Hotel, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR; credit: Gabi Rankine

Hollow Coves Release Long-Awaited New Single, “Harder to Fake It”

Listening to “Harder to Fake It,” the first new music from Hollow Coves since 2021, has made me realise just how much I missed them. This is music that simply makes you feel good with its beautiful harmonies, acoustic feel, and uplifting lyrics. Rest assured, this one ticks all the boxes. As it should, as Hollow Coves wrote and recorded the track with Matt Corby and Alex Henrikkson at Alex’s Rainbow Valley Studio.

“Last year, we played at an event that Matt Corby had put on to raise money for victims of the floods in the Northern Suburbs of New South Wales in Australia. After the show, we got chatting with Matt Corby and we connected really well. We were both keen to see what we could make together, so we ended up going to his studio, which happened to be not too far from where we lived, and did a few writing sessions. We ended up writing five songs together,” the band explained. “We were all in a room together trying to come up with an initial idea. I had a guitar part and rough melody that I had been wanting to work on for a while so I thought I would test it by starting to play it and see if anyone would comment on it. Straight away, Matt Corby expressed that he liked what he heard so we took the idea and ran with it. From there, a lot of the song came quite quickly. We recorded the main guitar part quickly and then Matt Corby jumped on the drum kit and started recording some really cool drum parts to make a quick demo. A lot of the parts from the demo ended up being used in the final recording.”

The song comes with a beautiful music video filmed in the scenic coastal town of Tofino on Canada’s Vancouver Island. It features school children bored with the mundanity of the classroom who taste real joy when that bell rings and they can go out and experience the world.

Hollow Coves are back on the road playing shows around the country. Here are their upcoming dates:

13 October 2023 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
14 October 2023 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
20 October 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 October 2023 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
3 December 2023 – SummerSalt @ Torquay Common, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Bradley Murnane

Sunday Lemonade Show Softer Side With “I know it sounds simple”

Sunday Lemonade usually charm me with their upbeat folk ditties, but they’re showing a different side with their latest single “I know it sounds simple.” This is a gentler, more contemplative number from this talented Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula-based duo, and I’m absolutely smitten.

“I know it sounds simple was written to process the unspeakable actions of one of my long-term friends. I really thought he would take responsibility for what he did, thought he’d do something as simple as apologise for what he’d done but instead he decided to bury it like it never happened,” explained Tyson, one half of Sunday Lemonade. “An apology wouldn’t fix it but would at least help all parties move forward and heal from it. I think we’re all guilty of taking the easy road sometimes instead of facing our issues and talking about them.”

Tyson and his partner in life and music, Loz, always seem to have a full touring schedule. Here are all the places you can hear them play “I know it sounds simple” and other fantastic songs in the coming months.

15 October 2023 – Main St Festival, Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula
21 October 2023 – Crack N Jack 2023, Woromi Country/Tanilba Bay
27 October 2023 – The Night Cat, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting CJ Commerford and the Supertones)
10-12 November 2023 – Blues at Bridgetown, Nyungar Country/Bridgetown
25 November 2023 – Always Good Nights @ Guppy Park, Noongar Country/Bunbury
2 December 2023 – Summer Swells @ Indian Ocean Hotel, Wadjak Nyoongar Country/Scarborough

Image used with permission from Sunday Lemonade

Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Team Up With The Grogans for “Salt”

I must admit, when I heard that Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers had teamed up with The Grogans for their latest single, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I love the angsty energy of Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, but The Grogans’ music hasn’t been my cup of chai. However, the combination of these two acts is really something special. “Salt” is one of the standouts on Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers’ stellar debut album I Love You, which just dropped on October 6.

“During the three years we wrote this the lyrics changed so much, but I think what really pulled it all together was when we decided to have The Grogans join us on the track,” vocalist Anna Ryan shared. “It definitely shifted the energy from something so sad to something so beautiful and special.”

“Being a part of ‘Salt’ was pretty special,” The Grogans added. “It was something super different for us and it is an incredible song to have worked on. This was such a beautiful way for us to learn a lot about the Teen Jesus crew as well as ourselves. We felt that our role in this track was to add a sense of support for each other, musically and outside of the studio. The whole process was healing in a way. This track isn’t about our personal experience yet we find relevance in our own lives, we just hope we added something special. We are grateful to be let in and trusted with such a lovely song.”

Let this be your reminder that Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are currently on the road playing heaps of shows to support their recently released album, including headlining gigs, festivals, and some stellar supporting slots. See them anywhere you can.

10 October 2023 – The Cube, Waywurru Country/Wondonga (supporting DMA’s)
11 October 2023 – Kambri at ANU, Ngunnawal/Canberra (supporting DMA’s)
13 October 2023 – Anita’s Theatre, Wodi Wodi Country/Thirroul (supporting DMA’s)
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Woolyungah/Wollongong
20 October 2023 – Bar on the Hill, Awabakal/Newcastle (supporting DMA’s)
21 October 2023 – Hoey Moey, Gumbaynggirr/Coffs Harbour (supporting DMA’s)
22 October 2023 – Kingscliffe Beach Hotel, Bundjalung/Kingscliff (supporting DMA’s)
27 October 2023 – The Triffid, Meanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)
28 October 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns (supporting DMA’s)
29 October 2023 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns (supporting DMA’s)
2 November 2023 – UniBar, Tarndanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
3 November 2023 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
10 November 2023 – The River, Wadandi Boodja/Margaret River
11 November 2023 – Port Beach Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle
17 November 2023 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
4 December 2023 – AAMI Stadium, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Foo Fighters)

Image used with permission from Super Duper; credit: Neve Van Boxsel

Loretta Keep Stellar Singles Coming Ahead of EP Launch and Tour

Eora/Sydney pop-rock act Loretta have been releasing music at such a furious pace that I don’t blame you if you’re struggling to keep up. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, they’ve digitally bundled their latest track “Wish I Could Show You” with “All My Friends (Are Your Friends)”, which dropped in mid-September. The two tracks show different sides of this exciting ensemble.

“‘Wish I Could Show You’ is about the essence of growth, self-discovery, and profound changes and experiences that come with time and getting older. It offers a deeply personal perspective from us that acts as a love letter to the past, acknowledging the evolution of relationships, friendships and personal aspirations,” Loretta explained of the upbeat, nostalgic cut.

“‘All My Friends’ navigates the complexities that come with trying to maintain a friendship after a breakup, delving into the challenges that come with sharing a social circle with an ex,” Loretta said of this bittersweet ballad. “It is a portrayal of the stage immediately after a relationship ends, encapsulating the bittersweet reality of seeing your ex move on, whilst trying to focus on moving on yourself.”

We can look forward to more new music from Loretta when their new EP Never Thought of Growing Up drops on November 3. To celebrate the release, they’ll play the following East Coast shows:

4 November 2023 – Yah Yah’s, Naarm/Melbourne
9 November 2023 – Stranded Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 November 2023 – Towradji Beach Hotel, Warrang/Wollongong
23 November 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney
25 November 2023 – King Street, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Michael Waugh Releases Powerful Single, “We Are Here”

We don’t often hear queer voices like Michael Waugh’s. His brand of country-folk is a world away from the pop and dance tracks that usually come from the LGBTQIA+ community, and it makes a refreshing change. His new single “We Are Here” is a powerful anthem that celebrates gay pioneers while acknowledging the hardships so many faced, including Michael himself. Take a moment to properly listen to this song. Trust me, you’ll want to take these lyrics in.

“I want to celebrate those gay men through history – many of whom risked their lives – so that I can stand here today, wearing my rainbow elastic-panelled Blundstone boots, and speak my truth,” he explained.

“What made it safe for me to come out was having other queer artists and storytellers who were unafraid to speak their truth. You can’t be what you can’t see, right? So, I had this really ambitious idea when writing ‘We Are Here’. I wanted to talk about the history of gay men, and to include myself as a point on that timeline. I also wanted to let the next generation know that we are here, we are waiting to be their community, and that they are loved.”

Michael is currently touring from town to town, busting stereotypes everywhere he plays. Here are his upcoming gigs:

7 & 8 October 2023– Nanga Music Festival, Noongar Country/Dwellingup
13 October 2023 – Stratford Courthouse, Brayakaulung Country/Stratford
15 October 2023 – Wesley of Warragul, Darug Country/Warragul

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

GRXCE Challenges Social Norms With “Everything I Wanted”

If you’ve ever felt like pursuing your goals put you out of step with society, GRXCE’s latest single “Everything I Wanted” is bound to resonate with you. It’s an angsty indie pop-rock track which reminds me of grungy female-fronted ‘90s acts like The Julianna Hatfield Three and Veruca Salt, in the best possible way.

“‘Everything I Wanted’ depicts the catastrophisation of the future and the different paths life can take both you and the people around you,” explained GRXCE’s frontwoman, Jamila. “When I wrote this track I was very much grappling with how I pictured my life evolving overtime and my limitations I felt were imposed on me as a woman when choosing my career as a priority over the usual expectations to be a partner, or a mother, or a wife.”

“Everything I Wanted” has a big sound, with layered guitars and bold percussion, but it took some time to get it from the home studio of band member Alex Berger to the track it is today.

“We tracked all the instrumental and vocal parts in Alex’s home studio in his bedroom in Camperdown over the course of a few weeks. In between sessions we had zoom calls with Jackson [Barclay, producer] to hear feedback and discuss the track before jumping back in,” Jamila added. “Finally we travelled up to Gosford and spent a day in Jackson’s home studio to put the finishing touches on the song.”

GRXCE are currently playing shows around the country. Catch them at the following venues:

29 September 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane QLD (supporting Dusty)
6 October 2023 – OAF Gallery, Eora/Sydney NSW (HEADLINE SHOW)

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Sevin Pakbaz

Lenka Back to Her Best With “Silhouette”

Remember Lenka? Even if you don’t remember the name, I know you’ll remember her smash 2008 single “The Show.” It’s been a long time since she made an impact on the charts, but if there’s any justice she should do it again with her latest single “Silhouette.” This nostalgic 80s throwback is so much fun, just like the best pop songs should be!

“This song is my delicious 1980s pop jam about being worn down by life to the point where you feel like you’re disappearing and becoming numb. Almost a nihilistic feeling, but in a joyful way!” Lenka enthused. “It’s fun to get creative with your more negative emotions and wear them like a costume, turn them into armour.”

The video continues the 80s vibes, with Lenka taking inspiration from pop icons like Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, and Madonna.
“This was such a fun video to shoot. The goal was to evoke the feel of 80s glamour, the nostalgia, but without the cheese,” explained Lenka’s director, Adam Jordan. “Lenka absolutely smashed it with the clothing options, my favourite shots became the black sparkly top with the backlight, the perfect mix of the glamour and nostalgia vibe we were going for.”

And if that wasn’t enough, Lenka is playing shows just about everywhere. She’s just played a string of shows in China. The US comes next before Lenka arrives home for some local gigs in November. Get on it!

1 October 2023 – City Winery, New York
8 October 2023 – Resident, Los Angeles
17 November 2023 – The Gaso, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2023 – Valley Loft, Meeanjin/ Brisbane
25 November 2023 – Great Club, Sydney

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Tanja Bruckner