Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Top Female Talent Turn Out for First ROAR FEST

Some of Australia’s best and brightest female talents are coming out to celebrate International Women’s Day with two massive days of events in Boonwurrung Country/St Kilda on the Labour Day long weekend. Event ambassadors Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko, and Ella Hooper are among the talents taking part in ROAR FEST Celebrating Women in Music which aims to see “more women on and off the stage”.

“It has always been my intention as an artist, to carve a path for other women to walk,” Kate explained. “This festival is a way for women in music to share our songs, discuss the work behind the music, share wisdom and stories of touring and performing. On the bill are friends, family and musicians who I admire and love”

“There’s been a lot of talk but not a lot of action to address the lack of women on festivals. This festival IS the action!” Ella enthused. “It also celebrates several eras, genres and generations, making it unique in its appeal. You can come with your girls, your mum or your aunties, and your brothers and uncles! All are welcome. The fact its women led behind the scenes is unique and very rare. Not to mention female crew and industry workers manning the sound and lights. ROAR is walking the talk!”

The highlights will be two big concerts at the end of each day. On Saturday March 8, ROAR FEST presents Women on the Bay at George Lane. This concert focuses on emerging artists and has a ripper bill featuring Kathleen Halloran, Charlie Needs Braces, Ruby Mae, Charlie Lane, and Wild Gloriosa. On March 9, the event concludes with the headlining concert at the National Theatre hosted by Ella Hooper with performances from Kate Ceberano, Tania Doko, WILSN, Gabriella Cilmi, and Gypsy Lee.

ROAR FEST will also feature a panel discussion event with the event ambassadors, Women in Music photo exhibition, Inaugural Women in Music St Kilda guided walking tours, live and local showcases and buskers, and heaps more.

Head to the ROAR FEST website for all the details of this exciting celebration of women in music.

Photo credit: Michelle Grace Hunder

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pricey Releases Unfiltered Rock Track, “Bastards Never Change”

Former Chats guitarist Josh “Pricey” Price is striking out on his own with a brand new single “Bastards Never Change.” It’s a raw, rock track delivered without a hint of bullshit. If that’s the sort of thing you need on your Friday, press play. But if you’re in the office, you might want to grab some headphones, because the lyrics aren’t exactly work-safe!

“The song came about during a recent tour with The Screaming Jets,” Pricey recalled. “As we travelled from venue to venue, I found myself gazing out the bus window when I noticed a homeless man holding a cup. In that moment, I didn’t just see him. I saw my reflection. It struck me how lucky I am to be living my dream, touring with a rock band, having fun, and doing what I love. This song isn’t about that man. it’s about me appreciating the blessings I have and recognizing the stark contrast of our lives. ‘Bastards Never Change’ is my way of expressing gratitude and resilience, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys.”

Pricey is back on tour, this time supporting Wheatus on their acoustic Dirtbags Across Australia shows. Here are all the remaining dates on that run!

24 January 2025 – Coffs Hotel, Gumbaynggirr Country/Coffs Harbour
25 January 2025 – The Bellevue Hotel, Worimi Country/Tuncurry
26 January 2025 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
29 January 2025 – Shark Bar, Gayemagal Country/Manly
30 January 2025 – UTS Underground, Eora/Sydney
31 January 2025 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
1 February 2025 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
2 February 2025 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wafia Delays Debut Album Release

Aussie expat Wafia planned to release her long-awaited debut album Promised Land this month, but decided to delay its launch after watching the devastation in her new adopted home of Los Angeles. So I thought instead I’d bring you Wafia’s most recent single “Something,” a delicate neo-soul jam that celebrates the headiness of new infatuation.

“I wrote this song after a really really good first kiss,” Wafia shared on Instagram.

Wafia has bundled “Something” on Spotify with all her previous releases from Promised Land so make sure you check them all out. We’ll finally get to hear the album in full on its new release date, February 7.

Photo credit: Maddy Rotman

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall in Love with Foley’s Heartstrings

I was reminded today that Valentine’s Day is only a couple of weeks away. Sure it’s a Hallmark holiday, but any occasion that celebrates love in all its forms isn’t a bad thing in my books. So in that spirit I thought I’d bring you a feel-good pop song this morning. Foley’s “Heartstrings” is an ultra-sweet bop bound to lift you up, whether you’ve got someone special in your life or not!

“‘Heartstrings’ comes from the giddiness of a new flame/lover, wanting to reach and aspire to their perceived greatness even if you’re being a bit blinded by rose-tinted glasses,” Foley said. “The fine line between love and obsession; having an admiration for someone that makes them addictive to you. Hypnotising and stupidly entrancing, you realise that the thought of this person is so powerful to you it’s tearing you apart.”

Now based in Eora/Sydney, Foley wrote the song on a writing getaway back across the ditch.

“We wanted to get out of the city, so brought all our gear over to Auckland’s Waiheke Island for the weekend, and let the location be the extra member of the band – writing freely, letting our moods and the stunning weather dictate the direction of the production and songwriting,” they said. “All four of us connected on some shared experiences of silly, almost risky attraction – where you’re so enamoured with another person that you’ll do anything to gain their favour, even if they’re not super into you! The pulsing synths got us thinking of old ‘80s exercise videos, so there’s some cheeky references to that in the lyrics – and you can really hear the sunshine and infectious energy that was bubbling away in the room that day.”

“Heartstrings” comes from Foley’s forthcoming sophomore album That’s Life, Baby! which they’ll release on February 28. For now you can hear it on my playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop.

Photo credit: Frances Carter

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

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

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Release New Summer Anthem, “Lucy”

Pacific Avenue have served up a summery delight with the latest track “Lucy”. It’s a feelgood exploration of infatuation and longing with a catchy chorus that compels you to clap along.

“The concept of Lucy represents the idea that everyone has their own version of ‘Lucy’ — someone or something they hold dear,” the band explained. “Love takes many forms, and beauty is ultimately defined by the one who sees it. This song was recorded at a studio in Highland Park, Los Angeles and is called ‘The Hobby Shop’; it’s a little hole in the wall studio that has some really beautiful gear. It was our first time recording overseas and something we’ve all dreamed of since we started the band.”

Pacific Avenue are making the most of the warm weather with some choice festival spots and solo dates in the coming week. Catch them at following gigs that are sure to brighten up your summer holidays.

4 January 2025 – Good Gumnuts Festival @ Agriplex, Pataway/Burnie
9 January 2025 – Froth Craft Bunbrewery, Wardandi Noongar Country/Bunbury
10 January 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
11 January 2025 – Amplifier Bar, Boorloo/Perth
16 January 2025 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
17 January 2025 – Torquay Hotel, Waddawurrung Country/Torquay
18 January 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston
31 January 2025 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra
6 February 2025 – Highfield Caringbah, Kumbainggar Country/Caringbah

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Heartlocker Release Rocking Debut, “Heartlock”

I absolutely love kick-arse female-fronted acts like Meeanjin/Brisbane band Heartlocker. They’re making a splash with their debut single “Heartlock,” a gritty pop-rock track about toxic relationships. So hit that play button, crank up the volume, and enjoy!

“I wrote ‘Heartlock’ during a time of self-discovery,” Heartlocker’s lead singer Tyra explained. “It’s about the barriers we build around our hearts and the courage it takes to put yourself first. I hope it empowers others to find the strength to leave relationships that do not serve them.”

Heartlocker regularly plays shows around their hometown. Next up they’ll share the stage with The Vine and Takeover at Tomcat on January 5. Doors open at 8 pm for an 8:30 start.

Image used with permission from Heartlocker

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas from Sounds of Oz!

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! I haven’t posted any Christmas music so far because honestly I’m a bit hard to please. I hate when songs feel like crash grabs. I hold my Christmas tunes to exactly the same standards as any other music. And as you all know, if it’s not good I just don’t share it. But I couldn’t let December 25 go by without sharing the best original Christmas song I’ve heard this year, “christmas doesn’t feel the same without you” by Carla Wehbe.

“‘christmas doesn’t feel the same without you’ is really just about missing somebody at Christmas,” she said. “This time of year is really happy and magical for most people, but for a lot of people it’s actually quite a sad or lonely and isolating time, and this song is about that side of Christmas.”

I hope that all my readers feel loved and supported this Christmas. Whether you’re around family or chosen family or you’re spending the day alone, I hope you can carve out some time to be happy. Even just for a few moments listening to this song. I wish you all the very best for the holiday season.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia