Category: Film Clips

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ARCHIE Cap Off a Big Year with “So Far Away From Me”

Ngunnawal Country/Canberra quartet ARCHIE have had a massive year releasing their debut EP playing alongside local legends like BENEE, San Cisco, and the Reubens. They show why there’s such hot property on their latest single, “So Far Away From Me.” It’s a cool indie rock track which reflects on the toll distance takes on relationships with loved ones.

“’So Far Away From Me’ is a song about how distance changes the relationships you have with the people you leave behind,” vocalist Grant Simpson said. “Sometimes you don’t recognise the value of a relationship until you are removed from it.”

After a big 2024, ARCHIE seem to be setting the stage for an even better 2025. Bring it on!

Photo credit: Murray Farrell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Fitzgerald Makes a Comeback With “Talk it Out”

Harry Fitzgerald is showing his one to watch after the release of his sublime new pop song “Talk it Out”. It’s an irresistibly catchy tune with a funky bass line that will have you grooving from the get-go. Unlike so many pop songs, it’s also got something to say. Make sure you listen to those lyrics which Harry said explore his experiences of “choosing silence over communication to avoid conflict.”

“‘Talk It Out’ is a song that really taps into some of my more avoidant tendencies, both in relationships and in dealing with my own emotions,” he admitted. “It’s about how, sometimes, I’d rather just keep quiet and keep the peace instead of risking a confrontation that might stir things up. There’s a kind of fear that comes with the idea of speaking up, especially when it feels like what you say might cause a rift, or when you start believing that the other person’s feelings are more important than your own discomfort.”

This track is the first song Harry’s released since 2020, and what a way to come back. Hopefully he won’t leave us waiting too long for the next release.

Photo credit: Ale Trinchero

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bukowski Release Pop-Punk Banger, “What Do You Want Me To Be?”

I can always count on a good pop-punk song to really lift my mood. As I recover from my accident, I found myself gravitating towards old comfort music and struggling to connect as easily with new sounds. But the nostalgic feel of Bukowski’s latest single “What Do You Want Me to Be?” has got me pretty excited. I won’t be getting into mosh pits anytime soon, but this upbeat single makes me sentimental for them!

Bukowski said the lyrics for their latest single were inspired by the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber.

“Lyrically, it also captures all those messy feelings around juggling being a people pleaser and
letting yourself be who you are,” added the band’s frontman, James Karagiozis.

“What Do You Want Me to Be?” comes from Bukowski’s forthcoming debut album I Don’t Wanna Live. I Don’t Wanna Die, which drops on February 14.

Photo credit: James Dominko