Jacob Fitzgerald Continues His Winning Ways With “Long Way Home”

It’s starting to feel like Naarm/Melbourne-based indie-rock artist Jacob Fitzgerald can do no wrong. After wowing me with his previous singles “Muse” and “Shame on You,” he’s back with the earnest pop-rock gem, “Long Way Home.”

“It covers my own heartbreak and tells a story of loss. Basically, ‘Long Way Home’ is the song I wish I never had to write,”Jacoe admitted. “Essentially, LWH is about savouring the moment before the final goodbye. It follows the shock of heartbreak and captures the emotions of knowing that no matter what is said, the choice won’t be yours … they’ve made up their mind. It was a goal of the band and me to capture the intimacy and intensity of this track both lyrically and sonically. Overall, ‘Long Way Home’ was written to mend a broken heart, and with the help of my closest friends, we built a track that we just fricken love! I’m so proud of it as it captures a moment in time, I never knew I wanted to keep. It’s my silver lining and I can only hope it makes people feel something too!”

Jacob will play a string of shows to celebrate the single’s release. Catch him at the following venues:

25 November 2022 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 November 2022 – Hiway Live, Eora/Sydney
16 December 2022 – Crown & Anchor, Tandanya/Adelaide
17 December 2022 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Kyle Lionhart Wows Me With “Chemical Heart”

Folky, acoustic guitar-driven music is my kryptonite. Needless to say, I’m powerless to resist “Chemical Heart,” the latest track from Kyle Lionhart. He wrote the song after reaching a crossroads in his musical career.

“Being away and constantly on the road chasing something – that hungry ghost of needing to be validated through music – was so powerful that I was willing to just ruin the rest of my life to get it,” he explained. “I hit this point at end of 2019 – after touring relentlessly for more than six years – when I realised that my family was gonna leave me and I hadn’t spoken to my friends in years, and it took its toll on my mental health. I knew it was getting bad, but I ignored it to chase a ‘successful’ music career. And it worked, but almost every other facet of my life was suffering and falling to pieces.

“Then when I had to stop, because the pandemic forced me to, I realised everything was so turbulent. And I had to start working on myself and my relationships. It was kind of like, ‘Alright, I’m ready to get to work.’ I wrote the song Chemical Heart about that; it’s a song that was very much about everything I had just experienced.”

“Chemical Heart” comes from Kyle’s new album The Silence of You, which drops on November 18. After eating up his singles, I can’t wait to listen. He’ll also play the following shows next year to support the album release:

20 January 2023 – Milk Bar, Boorloo/Perth
21 January 2023 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 January 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 January 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
3 February 2023 – Mos Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
4 February 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
11 February 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Pretty Bleak Impress With “other people’s heads”

Pretty Bleak are serving up some of the best pop-punk tunes around. Their latest single “other people’s heads” is an absolute belter with some really insightful lyrics about the influence of social media on modern society.

“Just before the pandemic, I was thinking a lot about the fact that if you have a social media account, at any given moment someone could be creating a model of your personality in their minds that you have very little influence over,” explained vocalist Sam Thomas. “In the past it would have been quite unusual to meet someone for the first time and discover that they already know significant and intimate things about you … I wanted to describe both the uneasiness that an individual might feel about being in a situation comparable to that, and the absurdness of the fact that this paradigm has become the expected state of our social interactions.”

This smart song is matched with a really clever film clip directed by Tom Thomas.

“The use of mirrors and cameras constantly reflecting and perceiving us throughout the video represents obsession our society has with the perceptions of those around us, and how this pathology is exaggerated by how prevalent social media is in our lives,” Sam added. “As with all of our videos, we like to intersperse visual metaphors with intense performance shots that mirror the content of the lyrics of our songs, because we like the video to act as a coherent augmentation of the song itself.”

Pretty Bleak will celebrate the release of “other people’s heads at Stay Gold in Naarm/Melbourne on November 25. They’re also heading to Great Escape in Lutruwita/Tasmania on March 3.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Tom Thomas

Michael Day Wows Me With “Psych or the Priest”

Whatever you’re doing right now, stop and take a moment to listen to Michael Day’s new single “Psych or the Priest.” It’s a gorgeous folk song with such subtlety that you might miss its beauty if you don’t pay attention. Give it your full focus though and I know you’re going to fall as deeply as I have.

“The song started as a reflection on the emotions I had around the time, specifically the feeling of drowning,” Michael explained. “As I sat on a train, thinking about the past number of years, thinking ‘What just happened?’, I felt like I was watching life as a montage and had no control over any of it, which left me feeling somewhat sad and useless, and maybe for the first time, I felt the feeling of hopelessness.

“I think this is me processing life and reflecting on my own actions and how they affect others. I hope others would hear it and be encouraged to self-reflect on how their actions influence and even hurt others, that wouldn’t be a bad thing. Maybe this song is just me feeling sad feelings and saying it’s OK to sit here for a moment.”

Michael recently celebrated the release of “Psych or Priest” with some shows around his home state of Western Australia. Hopefully it won’t be too long before he announces some dates around the rest of the country. We all deserve to hear more of his music.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Rhyan Lyndon-James

DOWNGIRL Drops Rocking New Single “Manic”

Femme nu punk/grunge act DOWNGIRL prove they’re a real force with their latest single “Manic.” The press release says “the song hits like shots of cinnamon whisky – hard, fast and to dizzying effect, with a sweet but spicy aftertaste.” Honestly, I couldn’t have said it better myself.

“‘Manic’ was written during Sydney’s last pandemic lockdown as a back and forth via the WWW,” the band said. “It explores mental health issues and the responsibility we must take for them during a time which is insular and introspective.”

DOWNGIRL will take their “Manic” tour to The Lass in Mulubinba/Newcastle on November 12 before wrapping things up at Cherry Bar in Naarm/Melbourne on November 19.

Image used with permission from Ruckus PR

Sophisticated Dingo Start Your Week Right With “The Job I Took”

If you’re finding it a little hard to get moving this Monday morning, Sophisticated Dingo’s new high-energy rock single “The Job I Took” is just what you need. The track sees the duo encouraging listeners to focus on what’s important and follow their passions.

“We wanted to celebrate choosing simplicity in a life that is inexplicably confusing… When pouring yourself into something, you might come to realise that you’re no longer doing it out of passion, but instead for the greater good,” explained vocalist Lewis Matte. “It can make sense to follow a path of idealisation when forging ahead however this path may well fall apart as one discovers what is most important. Don’t chase ideals, focus on what is real and present.”

Fresh from supporting Dear Seattle, Sophisticated Dingo will headline their own national tour in November. Catch them in a city near you:

5 November 2022 – Singing Bird Studios, Bunurong Country/Frankston (ALL AGES)
18 November 2022 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
24 November 2022 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
26 November 2022 – Botany View Hotel, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
27 November 2022 – North Gong Hotel, Woolyungah/Wollongong (FREE)
1 December 2022 – Crowd & Anchor Hotel, Tarndanya/Adelaide
2 December 2022 – Gage Roads Freo Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
3 December 2022 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
8 December 2022 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
9 December 2022 – King Lear’s Throne, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Habit Music; credit: Will Bush

Satin Cali Drop Your New Favourite Rock Song, “One of These Days”

There’s nothing quite like hearing a really good rock song. The epic vocals, soaring electric guitars and driving rhythm section just make you feel alive. I know you’re going to get that feeling listening to Satin Cali’s new single “One of These Days.” Crank up the volume and give this one the treatment it deserves.

“One of these days is about believing in your goals and sticking to your guns, no matter what obstacle is in front of you,” explained the band’s lead vocalist Zac. “We decided to chill this song out sonically a bit more than some of our previous releases, while keeping that Satin Cali grit relevant throughout. A lot of that magic we can credit [producer and mixing engineer] Jack Nigro for too. Super pumped for this next release! Easily our best work yet.”

The film clip sees the lads raising hell around their local area of Woolyungah/Wollongong.

“I had such a good time shooting the music video for ‘One of these days’, getting to shred my axe and cause a bit of chaos around Wollongong,” added Gordo. “The video shows that we are truly willing to play anywhere to have our music heard. A bookstore, intersection of a busy street, etc. Also, being able to showcase some of the epic locations our local community has was special. Super keen to show the world this one”

Satin Cali have been touring along the East Coast in recent weeks. They’ll wrap up the tour with a show at The Gasometer Hotel in Naarm/Melbourne on October 22. Get on down and make it a big one!

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Chris Frape

Illy Drops Latest Banger “Like You”

Back in the Warner Music Australia stable, Illy has just dropped his feelgood new single “Like You”. If you’re looking for a pick-me-up this Wednesday, you can stop searching. This is everything you need.

We shouldn’t be surprised it’s so catchy though, as “Like You” comes from Illy collaborating with Johnny Took from DMA’s, Reuben Styles and Adam Hyde from Peking Duk, Styalz Fuego, and Black Summer. That’s a lot of different voices involved, but this song comes together beautifully.

“I’m stoked to be releasing new music, especially after the last few years,” Illy said. “I wanted to kick off the new era with a bang, and ‘Like You’ was the perfect fit for that. Working with some of my favourite Australian artists and producers made the process a lot of fun, and something to be excited about. This really shines through in the track. I’ve listened to this song 1000 times and still, I love this song.”

Illy has just dropped a few dates and he swears there’s more to come. If he’s not visiting you yet, just sit tight.
18 November 2022 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay
19 November 2022 – Volta, Wadawurrung Country/Ballarat
2-4 December 2022 – VANFEST, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
8-12 June 2023 – Dream Machine, Bali

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Giulia McGauran

Press Club Drop Another Stellar Single, “I Can Change”. Ahead of Album Release

I was already pretty psyched about the release of Press Club’s new album in a couple of weeks, but the release of the band’s latest single “I Can Change” has me even more pumped.

“‘I Can Change’ is about constantly being on the road, and needing to slow down/stay still because of the challenges it brings, emotionally and physically – fighting that feeling and wishing you could change cause it all you ever dreamt about. Then BAM, Covid comes along, smacks you in the face and takes it all away from you! And obviously you’ll never take it for granted again, if you ever get it back cause it’s everything you ever wanted,” explained lead singer Nat.

“I Can Change” is the latest track lifted from Press Club’s new album Endless Motion, which drops on October 14. The album came about through the downtime forced on them during the pandemic, but they’re making up for lost time. Press Club will tour this album around the country before heading to the UK and Europe. Here are all the dates you need!

13 October 2022 – The Cambridge, Awabakal Land/Newcastle
14 October 2022 – UOW, Dharawal Land/Wollongong
15 October 2022 – Crowbar, Gadigal Land/Sydney
16 October 2022 – The Zoo, Turrbal Land/Brisbane
17 October 2022 – Brunswick Ballroom, Wurundjeri Land/Melbourne
18 October 2022 – Singing Bird, Bunurong Land/Frankston (All Ages)
28 October 2022 – Kasbah Club, Limerick
29 October 2022 – Whelans Upstairs, Dublin
31 October 2022 – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds
1 November 2022 – Stereo, Glasgow
3 November 2022 – The Flapper, Birmingham
4 November 2022 – Deaf Institute, Manchester
5 November 2022 – OSLO, London
6 November 2022 – The Exchange, Bristol
8 November 2022 – 1999, Paris
9 November 2022 – Trix, Antwerp
10 November 2022 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
11 November 2022 – Vera, Groningen
14 November 2022 – Cassiopeia, Berlin
15 November 2022 – Chapeau Rouge, Prague
16 November 2022 – Chelsea, Vienna
18 November 2022 – Bogen F, Zurich
19 November 2022 – Strom, Munich
20 November 2022 – MTC, Cologne

Image used with permission from Little Gian Agency; credit: Nick Manuell

Kav Temperley Releases Powerful New Single “Last of the Wine”

If you needed further proof that Kav Temperley is one of the best songwriters this country has ever produced, wrap your ears around “Last of the Wine”. This is a straight-up pop-rock banger, the sort of song that deserves to be all over radio. While the catchy melody hooks you in instantly, it’s the lyrics that will stay with me. Tap into them and you’ll discover this song’s true power.

“’Last Of The Wine’ is about drinking and domestic violence and how the two often meet in the middle,” Kav explained. “I imagined a love story where someone is locked in a room dreaming about someone somewhere else while dealing with a complex love-hate relationship that they can’t escape from, jumping at shadows and flinching every time they lean in for a kiss. At night they stare out at the moon with a glass of wine in their hand and imagine the same moon shining its light down on the one they love and just for a moment they feel alright.”

“Last of the Wine” is the latest track lifted from Kav’s forthcoming solo album Machines of Love and Grace. He set the bar so high with his first solo effort All Your Devotion, so I’m pretty psyched to hear this one when it drops on October 19. If you missed him on his recent regional tour or want another serve, it won’t be too long before Kav’s back on the road. Expect to hear about capital city and regional shows slated for early next year really soon.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Jarrad Levy