Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darling James Confronts Toxic Behaviour in “Make the Grade”

Trigger Warning: “Make the Grade” describes aggressive and manipulative behaviour.

Darling James has taken a swipe at toxic masculinity with his powerful new single “Make the Grade.” This is a confronting but intelligent piece of pop-rock that puts us in the shoes of a male predator. It makes for an uncomfortable listen, but that’s the point.

“The consultation process in making the song and clip needs to be emphasised,” he stressed. “In writing the lyric in the first person it hopes to shed light on the mindset of someone who is engaged in this behaviour. It aims to demonstrate to male listeners how insidious and creepy this behaviour is, perhaps helping them to identify it in their peers and maybe even themselves.”

“Importantly the song doesn’t attempt to speak for women, or interpret other people’s experiences or pain,” added filmmaker Domini Marshall, who brought the music video to life. “Singing as a character conducting this behaviour allows Darling James to articulate it while also fully recognising that he is part of the main demographic that engages in it.”

Give “Make The Grade” a listen. And then listen again. All streaming royalties will benefit Support Art, whose 24-hour wellbeing helpline offers assistance to people in the music industry experiencing hardships, including victims of sexual harassment and misconduct. If you need that service, call 1800 959 500.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teak Gets Nostalgic With “Seventy Five”

My dad insists there’s been no good music released after the 1970s. I’ve challenged him on this point several times, but I must admit I kind of admire the old man’s dedication to the music he loved in the years BC (before children). And while I was slow to embrace the ‘70s as a kid, I’ve inherited his fondness for the decade. So I can certainly appreciate “Seventy Five,” a long song that celebrates the best of the era from Queensland singer-songwriter Teak.

Like me, Teak has inherited a love of the decade’s music which really shines through in this nostalgic number. She says she was “an 11-year-old kid who would lock herself in the bedroom, light a candle and listen to the likes of led Zeppelin, Frank Sinatra and Patsy Cline … I never really thought it was strange until I looked back and thought, what 11-year-old locks herself in the bedroom with a guitar lit candle and jams out to ‘Going to California’? So, this song in some ways hints at my love for music, anything vintage, and my struggle in the ever-evolving music industry.”

Teak is a regular on the touring circuit who’s made appearances at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, the Gympie Music Muster, and Road to Roma. She was even handpicked to support ‘70s legend David Gates. You can see her next at Springsure Rugby League Ladies Day at the Springsure Senior Football Grounds in Springsure on June 19.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover Montana Sharp’s “Power”

Montana Sharp first hit my radar last year with her beautiful single “Greenhouse.” She impressed me then, but her latest single “Power” might be even better. Like Kate Miller-Heidke, Montana channels her classical training into a sound that’s contemporary, theatrical, and ultimately so powerful. If you’ve ever set yourself free from a relationship to reclaim your strength, for better or worse, this song is bound to speak to you.

“I think I grew up sold on the idea that my life would be magically ‘fixed’ once a man came to rescue me … I’d get into a relationship and expect the guy to ‘save’ me from my problems, and I’d be so disappointed and bitter when they inevitably couldn’t – so I’d cut them off abruptly in order to regain a sense of control,” she explained. “I know people will listen to this song and think it’s empowering, and perhaps it was when I wrote it – but I think the head that wears the crown was very heavy, and there’s a lot more subtext within the story.”

You can find this song on all the major streaming platforms, but I think it’s best discovered on YouTube. The film clip is dazzling, with Montana taking on the role of the Queen of Hearts. Just like Alice in Wonderland, it’s whimsical with a dark undercurrent bubbling just underneath the surface.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit Charlie Ashfield

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GENIIE BOY Releases Cute and Quirky Love Song, “Bruises”

Gold Coast duo GENIIE BOY are making your weekend brighter with their cool new single “Bruises.” As catchy as it is relatable, this track from singer-songwriter Alisha Todd and producer and multi-instrumentalist Scott French is a love song for all the late bloomers out there.

“Bruises is a love song for people who have been a little slow in finding the human they could never get sick of, and also a song for people who don’t fit into the ‘norm’ of societal structure,” they explained. “It’s a bit cute, a bit rock-y, a bit silly. It’s pretty much Alisha’s self-reflection on meeting Scott, their relationship and the reality of their surrounding social groups.”

If you dig it, you’ll be happy to know the band has an EP on the way.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay J Gladstone Rock Out With “Balance”

For a big, ballsy rock number, you can’t do much better than “Balance,” the first cut from Sydney band Clay J Gladstone’s upcoming debut EP. It’s got everything you want from a rock track: crunchy guitar chords, relentless drums, and gritty vocals. There’s an awful lot to like.

“I wrote this song for our guitarist, Johnny. It’s about struggling to find balance in life, and how the grass is always greener until you get there,” Clay explained. “It deals with anxiety, depression, and drug addiction.”

Clay J Gladstone’s debut EP Dead Friends will drop soon. Until then, crank this up to 11!

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Miriam Lieberman Casts a Spell With “Infinite We Are”

Miriam Lieberman has captivated me with her gorgeous new single “Infinite We Are.” There’s a delicate, ethereal beauty about this one. Miriam’s voice is hypnotic and otherworldly. The strings and lush background harmonies only add to the magic.

“This song is about the power of imagination,” Miriam said. “It’s about sharing our dreams, stories and imaginings as a way to go beyond our own limitations, and the benefit of dreaming.”

The track comes with a poignant animated music video featuring the work of artist Aidan Judd.

“I had an idea that I wanted the video to begin in black and white, with a feeling of separation and alienation that through the characters allowing themselves to dream would turn into a colourful, nature inclusive space where the characters reconnected with each other,” Miriam explained of the clip’s inspiration.

“Infinite We Are” comes from Miriam’s new album Transforming, which drops on May 28. She’s currently touring the single around the East Coast. Both remaining shows are all-ages gigs, so take the whole family along to experience this incredible artist.

30 May 2021 – Django @ Camelot Lounge, Marrickville
26 June 2021 – The Base, Newcastle

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eliza & The Delusionals Release “You” Ahead of The VANNS’ Tour

Potsville/Brisbane act Eliza & The Delusionals have just dropped their new indie pop-rock track “You,” and I can’t stop listening. It’s instantly accessible, with a radio-friendly familiarity that quickly forges a connection with listeners. But once you tap into the lyrics, you’ll start to appreciate just how special this song is.

“‘You’ was written as a point of view type situation of any type of relationship where you just can’t possibly do enough for a person, only to have them give nothing in return and pretty much throw it back in your face,” explained the band’s guitarist Kurt Skuse. “Essentially watching someone fall apart and knowing there’s nothing more you can do to help. That’s why it’s called ‘You’, it’s for you.”

For the music video, Eliza & The Delusionals worked with Nick Maguire, who’s also created clips for Cub Sport, Ball Park Music, and Last Dinosaurs.

“We were lucky enough to be able to film the video in a warehouse at Screen QLD, which was really handy as we had multiple large sets to build. It was great for that because we had more than enough space to work out of,” the band said. “We wanted it to be inspired by the 90’s/2000’s outfit and style-wise, and we wanted it to have something that was nostalgic but with a fresh feel to it.”

Eliza & The Delusionals are touring almost everywhere in June and July supporting The VANNS. If you’re lucky enough to have tickets already, make sure you arrive early to catch their set at the following shows. Some limited tickets are still available for selected shows.

10 June 2021 – Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast
11 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
12 June 2021 – Felons Barrell Hall, Brisbane
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Early Show)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show – SOLD OUT)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Early Show – SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney (Late Show)
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong (SOLD OUT)
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
15 July 2021 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
24 July 2021 – Kambri @ ANU, Canberra

Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit Kurt Skuse

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get Swept Up in the Romance of The Sea Gypsies’ Comeback Track, “Daydream”

The patience of the Sea Gypsies’ fans has been rewarded, with the Central Coast band releasing their first song after a two-year hiatus. It sounds like time away from the spotlight has done them good, because “Daydream” is definitely worth the wait.

“Daydream is a love song, without being an ‘in-your-face’ love song,” the band explained. “On the surface, the lyrics are indicative of our vocalist’s (Luke Marlin) relationship experiences, however, the music leaves the listener feeling as though this song is built upon layers of relational failures and triumphs.”

“We loved Daydream from the moment our vocalist (Luke Marlin) began penning the lyrics into his worn, black notebook,” they said. “The chorus is catchy and it’s not just the phrase: ‘Life is like a daydream. Honey, when you’re with me.’ Luke energised it with a singable melody that feels familiar, yet somehow, has a fresh, Sea Gypsies flavour to it.”

Honestly, it was those lyrics that suckered me in. They’re poetic without being sappy. Add in Luke’s emotive vocals and that laidback but funky AF groove and there’s a lot to like here. The song is complemented by a video featuring footage from one of the band’s hometown shows around The Entrance. It’s a timely reminder that before this pandemic hit, the Sea Gypsies were selling out shows along the East Coast. Hopefully it’s not too long before we see them doing that again!

Image used with permission from Beehive PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

COTERIE Impress With “Bless My Soul”

With the release of their new single “Bless My Soul,” Perth act COTERIE have reminded me just how much I love them. This is such a stellar track, anchored by Tyler Fisher’s soulful vocals and that gorgeous piano melody. I’m not a religious person, but I imagine listening to this track delivers the same sort of catharsis people feel after a powerful sermon. In short, it’s really good.

“Obsessively questioning our decisions, and the constant second-guessing we put into becoming the “right” person, can sometimes hold us back from being that person in the first place,” Tyler explained of the song’s inspiration.

Crank this one up and I swear it’ll make your day better.

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For Pacific Avenue’s Latest Track “Easy Love”

South Coast rock act Pacific Avenue are spreading the good vibes with their latest single “Easy Love.” It’s brand new but it already feels like a classic thanks to its bold 70s-inspired guitar line and those killer harmonies.

“Whilst love can be an entirely complicated mess, it’s also the easiest thing we do,” said Pacific Avenue frontman Harry O’Brien. “Running into someone, unexpectedly at that, and finding that you don’t need to try being anyone but yourself, is a very sweet thing and is something that’s worth holding on to. Regardless of who you are, love is love, and that’s what we hope to convey through the song and the video clip.”

The retro vibes continue with the film clip, which was shot on 16mm film around the band’s hometown of Kiama. The video sees the band performing random acts of kindness in their community as they cruise around in a vintage Pontiac.

“A lot of thought and work would go into the shots as lighting and movement had to be spot on due to limited amount of film,” Harry explained. “Although it was quite a meticulous process, we managed to film the majority of the clip in one day, starting at 5 am in the morning and ending at midnight. Safe to say we were exhausted by the end.”

Pacific Avenue will leave the South Coast behind for a national tour starting later this month. Check them out at the following venues:

28 May 2021 – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide
29 May 2021 – Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
4 June 2021 – Howler, Melbourne
18 June 2021 – West Room, Brisbane
2 July 2021 – Oxford Arts, Sydney

Image used with permission from Good Intent