MARVELL Releases Marvellous New Track, “Selfish You”

When siblings get together and make music, so often magic happens. That’s the case with MARVELL, the brainchild of brothers Tom and Max Marvell. Their latest single “Selfish You” is a rocking ode to recognising your own worth.

“The song explores self-doubt, creativity, and the influence of the people around you. We tried to communicate that being selfish can definitely be a bad thing but also a good thing when it informs your self-worth and who you are!” they explained. Too right!

This is such a stellar track, and there’s more to come. MARVELL will soon release an EP, Comfort is King. They were scheduled to hit the road this week to celebrate their latest batch of releases, but COVID is a bitch. Hopefully, the gigs in Sydney, Wollongong, and Brisbane can be rescheduled, and that the later 30 July date at The Tote Hotel in Melbourne can go ahead. We’ll see!

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Peach PRC Celebrates the Highs With “Symptomatic”

I don’t know about you, but as a New South Welshman locked down for at least the next couple of weeks, I could use a little poppy fun. Peach PRC delivers with “Symptomatic,” the follow-up to her break-up anthem “Josh.” It’s the perfect track for a lockdown dance break which explores the high periods that can counteract the lows of mental illness.

“One of the features of my mental illness is I can have really low periods and then swing into an incredible high manic period. When this happens, I feel like I’m invincible and get really excited about doing lots of stuff—like learning to speak Italian, play five instruments, or become a crystal healer! Every time, I think I’ve been cured of my depression and mental struggles forever!” Peach PRC shared. “My therapist once compared to me to Harley Quinn while I am in this state – that kind of bothered me. Then I thought, why don’t I write a song about being on this high and thinking I’m cured and just embrace the fuck out of the Harley-Quin-of-it-all! And that song – is ‘Symptomatic’.”

I love the way Peach PRC delivers such thoughtful pop music. It’s so much fun but it always makes you think. If you adore her stuff, good news. Her debut EP isn’t too far away.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Jess Gleeson

MAXON Drops Stunning New Single, “Best Shot”

Melbourne singer-songwriter MAXON speaks for anyone who’s ever felt the weight of societal pressure with her latest single “Best Shot.” She was inspired to write the track after a conversation with her family about pursuing a career in psychology because she’d given music her “best shot.”

The lyrics are so powerful and the song’s simple instrumentation ensures they really shine through. I also love MAXON’s voice, so rich and dripping with gravitas.

MAXON will play a string of shows in her hometown to celebrate the release. Discover more of her music at the following venues:

8 July 2021 – Small Time, Brunswick (to be streamed live on Facebook)
24 October 2021 – Sooki Lounge, Melbourne (supporting Alexis Naylor)
31 October 2021 – Swamplands Bar, Melbourne (supporting Alexis Naylor)

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Violet Daze Releases Fab Debut, “Across the Bay”

Violet Daze knocks it out of her park with her debut single “Across the Bay.” It’s a folk-tinged pop track that has me thinking of acts like Maggie Rogers, Laura Marling, and Ella Henderson. It’s rare to hear such a polished track from a new artist, but Violet is no stranger to the music industry. She’s worked behind the scenes for the past three years, but is finally ready to step into the spotlight.

“I want people to hear this song and not feel alone. I want them to feel seen,” the Sunshine Coast artist said. “It takes courage to delve into the self-reflective process of a break-up and come out the other side.”

The single is accompanied by a music video that captures some of Violet’s favourite places.

“It was filmed in locations that are significant to me personally and I feel that energy carries through the music video. The premise of the video is going on a trip that you had planned to do with your significant other, that you are now having to do by yourself and exploring the wave of emotions that go along with that,” she explained. “It was filmed by Dale from Whaley Films and Rachael Baskerville who is the face behind all of the Violet Daze press images. They brought the concept together seamlessly”

Violet Daze has got one of those voices that you just want to keep listening to. I can’t wait to hear more from this exciting new artist.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Bootleg Rascal and Saint Lane Team Up For “All About You”

You know when some of our best and brightest join forces, magic is bound to happen. Bootleg Rascal and Saint Lane’s new collaboration, “All About You,” had me from the first note. The cool, catchy track is just what you need to take you to the weekend.

“’All About You’ is the first Bootleg Rascal song entirely produced by Jim and myself. As we’ve spent more time off the road than ever before, we’ve shifted our attention to being more hands-on in the studio,” said Bootleg Rascal frontman, Carlos Lara. “The song itself is about love in the modern era, and how technology plays an integral role into shaping our behaviours and the way we interact with one another.” he continues.

Bootleg Rascal will play two shows in Queensland in the coming months. Will Gold Coast-based rapper Saint Lane join them at any of the shows? I guess you’ll just have to head along to find out!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Clay J Gladstone Go Hard With “People Like You”

Sydney punk rock act Clay J Gladstone have released their fantastic new single “People Like You.” Its verses creep along, lulling you into a relaxed mood before the chorus comes out swinging. This is a track that goes for the jugular with its big crunchy chords and powerhouse vocals.

“The track is about escaping an abusive relationship and going out in a blaze of glory,” explained lead singer Clay J. “Being told you’re not good enough only to realise you’ve been bullied into submission and need to cut them loose.”

The track comes with a cinematic music video filmed, directed, and edited by AWOL Productions’ Adam Williamson.

“The storyline follows the concept of the track: breaking free of an abusive relationship,” Clay J explained of the video’s concept. “There are three locations to depict the relative stages in the relationship. Firstly, the light box to depict being stuck in cage; secondly, the dark bedroom with photos on the wall acting as memories; and thirdly, the bright park to represent breaking free.”

As you might imagine listening to this track. Clay J Gladstone are earning a reputation as one of the most explosive bands on the live circuit. Catch them at the following venues to see what the hype is all about:

26 June 2021 – AM//PM Emo Night Sydney @ Burdekin Hotel, Darlinghurst
10 July 2021 – The Lansdowne, Sydney (supporting FANGZ)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Press Play, Then Play Again on Figurehead’s “On Repeat”

Fremantle five-piece Figurehead have been a force out west for some time, but they’re ready to let the rest of the country know what they’re all about. Their new track “On Repeat” is the ideal introduction, a laidback indie-rock banger that goes down easy. Despite its relaxed groove and summery melody, the track has some intense lyrics which explore drug-induced paranoia and entrapment.

“The main riff that initiated the song was the first thing I played when I picked up my new Fender Telecaster and the lyrics followed,” explained frontman Joe Caddy. “The song initially had a longer run time and a different structure, but the short poppy skeleton of the song was in part, the vision of Dave Parkin of Blackbird Studios, who produced the song.”

Figurehead will launch “On Repeat” for hometown fans at Clancy’s Fish Pub on July 3. They’re also scheduled to play Perth’s Under the Southern Stars gigs next year.

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Get Caught Up With A Swift Farewell’s New Single, “Mousetrap”

Sydney pop-punk band A Swift Farewell have been doing great things over the last few years, earning praise from tastemakers like Alternative Press, idobi Radio, triple j, and Wall of Sound and supporting the likes of Hands Like Houses and FANGZ. If you’re not already across their music, you soon will be. Their latest track “Mousetrap” is bound to make you sit up and take notice.

“Mousetrap” is such a ballsy track, with insane vocals from Emma Mather and dynamic instrumentation that matches her intensity. Its lyrics are so relatable. The film clip, which shows the band finding themselves at the mercy of evil scientists, is also a stroke of genius.

“’Mousetrap’ is about feeling trapped in a relationship in which you are not able to give someone the time and attention they demand from you and feeling burnt out from trying,” explained the band’s bassist, Sarah Bonnet. “In the end, the person doesn’t notice they are asking too much from you and you feel yourself grow emotionally distant from them.”

It’s been a couple of months since A Swift Farewell played live, but hopefully the release of this single inspires them to get out in front of punters again. Give their Facebook page a follow to learn all about any gig announcements as they happen.

Image used with permission from Good Intent; credit: Robbie Walcott

Casey Barnes Announces More Tour Dates to Support Smash Single

You might remember me writing about Casey Barnes’ single “Come Turn Me On” back in March. Since then, the song has blown up. It’s number one on every country music chart in Australia, it’s been number one for four weeks on the country airplay chart, and it’s in the top 40 for all genres on iTunes. This is Casey’s third number one single in the last 12 months. No wonder he’s the most played country artist on mainstream radio and the number one independent artist in the country.

But he’s not one to rest on his laurels. Along with already announced appearances at the Gympie Music Muster and Savannah in the Round, Casey’s announced a stack more shows. He’s also bringing along some talented friends, including Josh Setterfield, The Buckleys, Rachael Fahim, and Taylor Moss. If you didn’t catch him last time he toured the country, or you’re just keen for another go round, here are all the dates you need.

19 June 2021 – Hamilton Hotel, Brisbane
25 June 2021 – The Red Hot Country Festival @ Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast
26 June 2021 – Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
3 July 2021 – Leichhardt Hotel, Rockhampton
9 July 2021 – Paddington RSL, Sydney
10 July 2021 – Country to the Coast Festival, Gosford
16 July 2021 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
17 July 2021 – Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns
26 and 27 August 2021 – Gympie Music Muster, Gympie
1 October 2021 – Savannah in the Round, Mareeba
31 October 2021 – Goulburn Valley Country Music Festival, Shepparton

Image used with permission from Sue Mac Media

Tom Myers Wows Me With “How It’s Meant To Be”

Trigger warning: “How It’s Meant To Be” explores the aftermath of a friend’s suicide.

Newcastle’s Tom Myers has cast a spell with his latest song “How It’s Meant To Be.” This is such an achingly beautiful track, so unique with its haunting backing vocals and the music that ebbs and flows in intensity.

Make sure you tap into the lyrics, which express how Tom, the drummer for Papa Vs. Pretty, felt when his friend and bandmate Luke Liang committed suicide.

“‘How Itʼs Meant’ to be is a song written about the sudden and traumatic death of a friend. It explores the immediate aftershocks of death by suicide from multiple perspectives, as a way of finding peace with the ultimate decision,” he explained. “Without sounding too morbid, I wanted to provide an accurate snapshot of my own personal grief in the immediate days after such loss. It was all about me coming to terms with it, if it helps someone else Iʼm really happy.”

Along with his work in Papa Vs. Pretty, Tom has toured as a session drummer with Jack River, Thelma Plum and Kim Churchill. Now with his own solo material, he’s stepping into the spotlight. Follow his Facebook page for details of his gigs as they’re announced.

Image used with permission from Footstomp Music