RedHook have teamed up with Sly Withers for “Soju”, one of the best pop-punk tracks I’ve heard in some time. The message about setting boundaries for yourself is right on point and the song has got such a great energy thanks to the hundreds of RedHook fans from Yerrowah/Shellharbour who also lend their voices. And that’s even before the sax solo kicks in. Saxophone on a pop-punk number? It’s wild, but it works!
“I wrote ‘Soju’ about the perils of being a ‘people pleaser’ and the feelings of frustration and resentment that can boil up when you don’t set healthy boundaries, and allow more assertive personalities to push you around,” explained frontwoman Emmy Mack. “It’s a ‘fuck you’ song, but it’s also simultaneously a ‘fuck me’ song because at the end of the day, it’s up to each of us to prioritise our own needs and not compromise our values to keep the peace. Some people like me just struggle with it a bit harder than others.”
I really appreciate what Josh Setterfield is bringing to the country music scene. We’ve heard country-rock before, but rarely with this much edge and grit. His latest single “Nothing Like Me” is a self-penned banger about self-belief and determination.
“This song goes out to anyone who’s had someone take something from them, felt stepped on, belittled or been sidelined watching their hard work burn or succeed in front of them,” Josh said.
With more dates to be announced, 2023 is set to be a big year for Josh and his fans. He’s already locked in the following festivals, and you can bet there’ll be plenty more opportunities to see him before the year is through.
19 January 2023 – KIX Live in the Park (Tamworth Country Music Festival), Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (FREE)
20 January 2023 – The Longyard Hotel (Tamworth Country Music Festival), Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with Casey Barnes)
15 April 2023 – Meatstock, Gooneburra Country/Toowoomba
22 April 2023 – Gippsland Country Music Festival, Gunai Country/Gippsland
As we experience a cooler-than-expected start to summer off the back of seemingly endless La Nina rains, the weather seems to be occupying the thoughts of many of us these days. It’s certainly been on the mind of Hein Cooper, who collaborated with lifelong mentor and Yuin/Ulladulla elder Uncle Noel Butler and songwriter Rene Le Feuvre on his new track “The Weatherman.”
Uncle Noel Butler introduces the song by inviting the four winds to rise. He also plays didgeridoo on the track. While Hein and Uncle Noel’s names are the ones on the single, it’s much bigger than that. The voices you hear are those of members of the Yuin/Ulladulla and South Coast community, who joined Hein to write songs to release their frustrations about the way rain and the pandemic had impacted their region. Hein also collected ambient background noise from the Badawang Hills, ensuring even the flora and fauna of this area made its mark on the song.
“Who is the weatherman? This is the deep question behind the song,” Hein explained. “Is it the one who’s paid big bucks by large companies to read off a script? Or is it he who feels into nature, into the forest, the wind and the water, the animals and plants? I believe nature has all of the answers to our current issues, and this song is a mantra to tap into those secrets, especially through the Indigenous knowledge carried by elders still willing to share.”
“(The song’s introduction) is asking for help, for the creator to send a wind spirit, to bring the different winds from the different directions,” Uncle Noel added. “The North-East; can you bring the wind? From the North; bring the wind. From the West: only bring a little bit as it can be nasty – the fighting man’s wind. This song is about understanding what’s been given to you, understanding what’s called nature – it’s all there, the answers are all around us, even the weather.”
Kiarama/Kiama creative Mikey Conlon brought the song to life with a powerful video that uses an archaic TV as an effigy of the horrific fires that plagued the South Coast.
“I brought the initial idea of a TV in the forest to Uncle Noel and he loved it, because it really emphasized how out of place it would seem especially to him,” Hein explained. “He wanted to make sure we included the fact that these horrific fires had still just recently torn through most of the East Coast of Australia due to poor management and lack of controlled burning and not to forget that, as his property was completely decimated. He has these keys to a sustainable future that he’s desperately working to share. I feel the same now, not that I have the keys, but that I’m willing to listen and feel into what they are through people like him. This whole song is a mantra to that.”
Hein and Uncle Noel will celebrate the single’s release with a very special launch show at Barn on the Ride in Yuin/Morton on December 23.
Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Dane Singleton
Victorian singer-songwriter Nigel Wearne has teamed up with UK songstress Lauren Housley for “To the Edge,” one of the coolest duets I’ve heard in some time. When I say cool, I mean cool. Smoky bars in the American Wild West kind of cool. Americana with a hint of jazz kind of cool. Horns, minor keys, and just the right amount of tension kind of cool. Just listen and you’ll hear what I mean.
The pair met in early 2019 at the Arts Café in Montreal when they were both in town for the Folk Alliance International. With a mutual respect for John Prine and some dry witty banter, they became firm friends. After reconnecting in New Orleans in early 2020, they began working together remotely during the pandemic and this fantastic song was born.
Nigel has a couple more Victorian dates before he flies out to the United Kingdom to play shows with Lauren. UK music lovers, you are in for a treat! Then he’ll jet to the US for the Folk Alliance International showcase MerleFest, the country’s top roots festival. Here are all the dates you need:
10 December 2022 – Odessa at Leaver’s Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Creswick
11 December 2022 – Union Hotel Brunswick, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
13 January 2023 – West End Centre, Aldershot (Lauren Housley)
14 January 2023 – Chapel Arts, Bath (Lauren Housley)
15 January 2023 – Edge of The Wedge, Portsmouth (Lauren Housley)
17 January 2023 – The Witham, Barnard Castle (Lauren Housley)
18 January 2023 – The Crescent, York (Lauren Housley)
19 January 2023 – The Met, Bury (Lauren Housley)
20 January 2023 – Philharmonic, Liverpool (Lauren Housley)
21 January 2023 – Alder Bar, Sheffield (Lauren Housley)
22 January 2023 – The Hive, Shrewsbury (Lauren Housley)
24–25 January 2023 – OFFICIAL SHOWCASE UK Americana Music Week, London
27 January 2023 – The Stables, Milton Keynes (Lauren Housley)
28 January 2023 – Thimblemill Library, Birmingham (Lauren Housley)
2-5 February 2023 – Folk Alliance Showcase, Kansas City
27-30 April 2023 – MerleFest USA, Wilkesboro
Image used with permission from I Hear Django; credit: Ian Laidlaw
I don’t know about you, but I think Hump Days become more challenging as the year wears on. You’re so ready for a Christmas break, but it seems there’s always a mad rush before you can take it. Thankfully I’ve found something that takes the edge off: “Say (Light Me Up)”, the latest single from self-produced Eora/Sydney artist jnr.
This is such good pop music. It’s fresh and fun, with an accessible sound that’s sure to win over fans of acts like LANY and Conan Gray. If that’s you, you won’t want to miss this one. A little birdie tells me jnr. will release several more singles in 2023, which is definitely something to look forward to.
Naarm/Melbourne rock outfit The Velvet Club have got my toes tapping with their latest single “Thinking Straight.” This is a straight-up banger with totally relatable lyrics about escaping chaotic thoughts. Hot tip, turning a track like this up and just enjoying the music is the perfect way to get your head right!
“Lyrically, ‘Thinking Straight’ is about getting stuck in your own head and doubting yourself but at the same time recognising that you’re in your head and taking five to relax and reset,” explained lead singer AJ. “It’s just about recognising that at times things get overwhelming and to accept that and find ways to relax and get back on track when it happens instead of dwelling in it and trying to avoid it.”
The Velvet Club have been impressing crowds recently opening up for Ra Ra Viper. They’ve got just three shows for that tour left, plus some other gigs in the coming months. Here are all the places you can see them:
1 December 2022 – Liberty Alive, Boorloo/Perth (supporting South Summit)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (ALL AGES supporting Ra Ra Viper)
3 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
4 December 2022 – Mojos, Waylyup/Fremantle (18+ supporting Ra Ra Viper)
18 February 2023 – Now & Again Festival @ Werribee Park, Wirribi-yaluk/Werribee
Image used with permission from Habit Music Co; credit: Tim Lambert
Yorke has dropped another taste of her new EP which has me even more excited about its launch later this week. With the release of new single “when the honeymoon is over,” we’ve now heard three stellar pop gems from this five-track EP. While I’m really looking forward to hearing the final pieces of the puzzle, I’m also relishing this song for a little while.
I also love the video, the second Yorke’s created with her director and partner Kyle Caulfield. I hear it took a month of long days and nights, including countless trips to Bunnings, but it’s come together beautifully.
“Love can sort of just sneak up on you at the least expected of times, these heart balloons are the visual metaphor for those feelings of love starting to introduce themselves into life, in a way that can’t be ignored,” Kyle explained.
Yorke’s new EP ten feet tall drops on December 2. Fresh from supporting Peach PRC, she’ll play the following headlining shows along the East Coast in the New Year to support its release.
3 February 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
9 February 2022 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
10 February 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia
It’s been five years since his last solo single, but five-time Golden Guitar nominee Matt Cornell is coming back with a vengeance. After focusing on his work with duo Cornell & Carr and playing with acts like Shannon Noll and Adam Brand, Matt’s latest track “Stick Around” is a real return to form. It’s a country-rock anthem with a classic feel that draws on Matt’s love of ‘80s music.
“‘Stick Around’ explores the weird phenomenon that True Love often strikes when we least expect it,” Matt explained. “The idea that something so solid and long lasting can be borne out of one boozy fleeting flirty moment. I feel in a way, where I’m at in my life, ‘Stick Around’ is kind of a wish for me personally, I’m currently single, & wanting to settle down to start a family one day, in this song, the guy meets his life partner, has the two kids & a dog, there’s hope for me yet.”
On the back of the single, Matt will play a string of big shows in 2023. Check him out at the following events:
18 February 2023 – Sydney Harbour Cruise, Eora/Sydney
11 March 2023 – The Stock Route Country Music Festival, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
14 July 2023 – Country on Keppel, Woppa/Great Keppel Island
Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity
Bella Deer is one of those rare artists who sounds like a seasoned pro straight out of the gate. “Bloom” is her debut single, but you wouldn’t know it by listening to it. Her vocals are powerful and confident, and the song’s lyrics are outstanding. I’m going to be humming that melody for the rest of the day too.
Bella isn’t quite a novice though. She’s shared stages with Husky Gawenda, Thando, and Emma Donovan and The Putbacks. However, this is her first time stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. Listening to “Bloom”, I’d say it’s about time.
“This song is about struggling with self-confidence and mustering the courage to simply be yourself and accepting who you are and what you stand for,” Bella explained. “When you start to do this, you find that you’re accepted despite those fears. It also explores the frustrations with the lack of meaningful human connections in our society in a tech-obsessed world.”
Bella will play Door Gallery Café in Wathaurong/Fyansford on November 19.
Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Lucinda Goodwin
Ella Hooper has taken plenty of musical twists and turns through her career. I love that she keeps us guessing, but I kind of hope she stays in her current space for a little while. The country-rock vibes of her latest track “Words Like These” is right up my alley.
‘“Words Like These’ celebrates but also pokes fun at my lifelong obsession with language, poetry and communication, the world of words,” Ella admits. “A high-level communicator by day, sometimes in love and woo-ing is where the writer gets stuck, mixed messages, misunderstandings, promises are made and broken!”
“Words Like These” is the latest track lifted from Ella’s forthcoming album Small Town Template, which will be released on January 20. She’s currently playing songs from that record and some old favourites at shows all over the country. Here are the remaining dates:
11 November 2022 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
12 November 2022 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
17 November 2022 – Sol Bar, Maroochydore
18 November 2022 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 November 2022 – Miami Marketta, Ngarangwal/Gold Coast
20 November 2022 – Brunswick Picture House, Durring/Brunswick Heads
25 November 2022 – Marys Underground, Eora/Sydney
26 November 2022 – Centro, Woolyungah/Wollongong
Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute
