After starring in Hollywood blockbusters including It, It: Chapter 2, and Captain Fantastic, Australia’s Nicholas Hamilton is back on home soil and showing the depth of his artistry. The COVID-19 pandemic lured him back to Australia where he’s now focusing on his music career. His latest single “In Line” explores the emotions he felt leaving Australia and pursuing his film career in Los Angeles. Its cool bluesiness reminds me of The Black Keys while his rich tone and pop sensibility takes cues from George Ezra.
“I wrote this song just after I moved to the US. It’s all too fitting, as the song is about how I felt before and after getting on that plane to come over to the States and start my independent, adult life,” he recalled. “I was battling my own headstrong decisions about making that leap and leaving my family, friends, and childhood behind. The whole track is me singing to my brain, which was something I didn’t lean into until later on in the writing process.”
With so many global film productions moving Down Under, I think Nicholas might stick around for a while yet. Hopefully, that means music lovers might get the chance to see him live soon.
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Travis Walters
Boo Seeka has teamed up with Golding for “Don’t Waste Your Love,” a guaranteed floor-filler that’ll get you geared up for the weekend ahead. These two Aussie acts are both at the top of their game and it shows in this killer collaboration. It’s got such an infectious upbeat vibe, but don’t miss the lyrics which deal with some pretty heavy stuff.
“’Don’t Waste Your Love’ came about when I was going through a tough time. I was experiencing this uncomfortable anxiety that made me feel detached from both my surroundings and my emotions,” explained Jay from Golding. “Not being able to feel the love of my family around me created a shocking, yet somehow empty feeling, to the point where it was almost a physical numbness.”
The lyrics pack a real emotional punch, but the catchy melody ensures it doesn’t weigh you down. This is dance music with heart, and I am here for it.
We’re going to hear plenty more from these guys this year, with Boo Seeka working on a new album and an EP on the way for Golding. When asked whether we might see them sharing a stage, Golding said “There could be a few appearances during some Boo Seeka sets … maybe.” It sounds like whatever happens, there are exciting times ahead!
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: i.am.fraser.
The VANNS have reminded me just how much I love their music with the release of their latest single “Red Light.” Their debut album Through the Walls was my favourite release of 2019, and if this new track is any indication, I’m going to lap up the next one. But I’m getting ahead of myself. For now, hit play and let this killer rock track wash over you.
The South Coast band recorded “Red Light” in Byron Bay, and I can definitely hear the influence of that town in this track. There’s a relaxed cool to the vocals and guitars, although it never threatens the song’s intensity.
“We recorded ‘Red Light’ in an insanely nice studio just outside of Byron Bay called The Music Farm. We did a few days there and recorded a couple of tunes with producer/all-round legend Chris Collins (Gang of Youths, Ruby Fields). The process was pretty stress-free, and we recorded live with all of us in the same room which I’d like to think translates on the recording,” explained lead guitarist Cameron Little.
“I view ‘Red Light’ as a story of a “lack of control” state of being. Not everything is as it may seem, jumping to reactions may cause more harm than good,” added the band’s drummer, Andrew Banovich. “For myself, this single was the first of many written with myself involved and shows a move towards a sound that is influenced a lot more on groove and feel.”
The clip saw the band travel to Broken Hill. The outback city provided a stunning backdrop, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
“It was hot, we were severely dehydrated and we are running in RM William boots, not the best combo but damn we had a ball,” admitted frontman Jimmy Vann. “We headed out to Broken Hill with our best mate and videographer Todd Hardingham (Senor Friday) to shoot a clip and try to capture as much red outback dirt as possible. We had no real plan, we were more in it for the journey and just being a bunch of young lads keen for a road trip but I’m stoked with how it turned out!”
With live music back on the agenda, The VANNS are hitting the road this winter. Catch them at the following venues around the country.
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 – SOLD OUT)
17 June 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide (Late Show)
18 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
19 June 2021 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Perth
25 June 2021 – Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
26 June 2021 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney
2 July 2021 – Uni Bar, Wollongong
3 July 2021 – Altar, Hobart
4 July 2021 – Forth Pub, Forth
16 July 2021 – The Forum, Melbourne
Luca Brasi has teamed up with SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY to encourage people to get talking about mental health and suicide prevention. To celebrate the collaboration, the Tassie punk act has released a new lyric video for their poignant track “The Truth.” Frontman Tyler Richardson has also shared his personal battle with mental health issues in a new video for the charity’s Stories Worth Sharing series.
“I’ve spent a lot of my adult years in and out of cycles of loss and of grief,” he explained. “I’m even writing these words on the anniversary of a dear friend’s loss; unfortunately I often feel numb on days like these—I’ve had a lot of them. What I don’t want is any more of them, any more days where I have to go and face the family and friends of another lost friend. Any more days of families losing loved ones, of partners losing partners, of parents losing children. We’ve been lucky enough to make connections through this band that I could never have foreseen, this is what I’ll take away from Luca Brasi overall; that I got to somehow touch the lives of others through music in a positive way.”
“‘The Truth’ is about how hopeless I feel during all this loss,” he added. “It’s a hope that this song helps those listening feel less like an island, and that others feel what you have felt/are feeling. You are not alone, I can promise you that.”
You can support the vital work SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY does by buying a new limited edition Luca Brasi T-shirt from the band’s online merch store. All the profits from sales of the charity shirt will benefit the charity directly, so get on it!
Image used with permission from Deathproof PR; credit: Nick Green
When I saw Sam Buckinghamsupporting Tim Freedman recently, “Something More” was one of the tracks that impressed me most. So I’m thrilled to see the rest of the country gets to discover this folky feminist anthem.
“I wrote this song because I was tired of being told I was asking too much – when really, all I’ve ever asked for is the absolute bare minimum of equality and respect,” she said. “It’s a reminder to myself not to accept the status quo.”
“Something More” gives us our first official taste of Sam’s upcoming album Dear John. Before that drops later this year, get a sneaky listen to some more new material at Sam’s upcoming gigs.
4 June 2021 – Low 302, Surry Hills
5 June 2021 – Rhythm Hut, Gosford
10 June 2021 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
11 June 2021 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
12 June 2021 – Smiths Alternative, Canberra
18 June 2021 – Establishment Bar, Dubbo
19 June 2021 – Little Alberts Room, Bathurst
25 June 2021 – Marvel Hall, Byron Bay
26 June 2021 – Bellingen Brewery, Bellingen
Image used with permission from Serious Gelato Records
Amen Mustang is taking me back to the early 2000s with his shiny new indie-pop single “Lover in Disguise.” This track takes its cues from acts like Miami Horror, MGMT, and Passion Pit. I love its upbeat synthy sound and dancy drum patterns, providing the perfect foil for the insightful lyrics.
Amen Mustang is the latest solo project for Jenny Broke the Window singer Sam Lathlean. He explained the song’s inspiration, noting that “’Lover in Disguise’ is a song at the core that’s about the overwhelming size of the world, and how little things that seem almost trivial can lead you down a path in life that is completely different. Especially with relationships, the people you meet by happenstance and even the people you don’t meet.
“That’s something I think about a lot – the people we don’t meet in our life that could have had a huge impact on us in a positive way. LID touches on that point – someone looking for a person that could either be right under their nose or worlds away, but due to chance, paths don’t cross. Bit like that freaky Gwyneth Paltrow movie Sliding Doors.”
For your convenience, you can find “Lover in Disguise” packaged on streaming services with past singles “(The Shit You Say) When You’re High” and “Someone to Somebody.” Explore all the tracks and get to know this exciting Sydney act.
Adelaide indie-pop act Pinkish Blu celebrates the creativity and camaraderie they’ve found pursuing music with their latest single “Start a Band.” It’s a bit of a slow burner, but once it gets under your skin I predict you’ll have it on repeat like I do.
“Start a Band’ is about knowing someone that’s stuck in a rut and our honest, heartfelt advice to them is to just “start a band”, because based off our experience, it’s one of the best things a person can do in their life,” Pinkish Blu gushed. “Being in a band has become less about writing and performing music together and more about sharing a special bond. From the countless laughing fits and leaning on each other to sleep, to knowing each others’ favourite foods, TV shows, and music off by heart, we can depend on each other to be there through all the ups and downs and as a bonus, we get to play music together. So I guess you could say this song is part directive and part celebration for anyone down in the dumps to consider starting a band.”
The single comes with a music video that gives you a sneak peek at life on the road with Pinkish Blu. The Adelaide band rarely sit still, supporting the likes of The Rubens and Trophy Eyes and gracing stages at Groovin the Moo and BIGSOUND. You’ll next see them on the road supporting Odette. Make sure you turn up early enough to see their set at the following shows:
14 May 2021 – Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
21 May 2021 – The Triffid, Brisbane
22 May 2021 – The Northern, Byron Bay
23 May 2021 – HOTA, Gold Coast
Image used with permission from Beehive PR; credit: Noah Sutherland
Perth indie-rock act Sly Withers have dropped an epic new single ahead of their Aussie tour. “Clarkson” is just what the doctor ordered, with an anthemic, singalong chorus and bold, chunky guitars. Crank up the volume, press play, and enjoy this one.
“Clarkson” comes from Sly Withers’ new album Gardens, which is scheduled for a June 11 release. Expect to hear a few more tracks at the following shows. Note that most have already sold out, but there are a few tickets remaining for the rest if you’re quick!
6 May 2021 – Jive, Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
7 May 2021 – Rosemount Hotel, Perth (SOLD OUT)
8 May 2021 – The River, Margaret River
13 May 2021 – Newcastle Hotel, Newcastle (SOLD OUT)
14 May 2021 – Crowbar, Sydney (SOLD OUT)
15 May 2021 – UC Hub, Canberra
20 May 2021 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Gold Coast (SOLD OUT)
21 May 2021 – The Brightside, Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
22 May 2021 – Solbar, Maroochydore (SOLD OUT)
27 May 2021 – Altar Bar, Hobart (SOLD OUT)
28 May 2021 – Barwon Club, Geelong
29 May 2021 – Howler, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
Image used with permission from Deathproof PR
The murder of George Floyd and subsequent protests around the world shone a light on the systemic racism BIPOC face every day. Brisbane trio THE RIOT give voice to the frustration many of us still feel with their latest single “See it Believe it.” The band’s Triple J Unearthed profile calls THE RIOT a rock band, but this single refuses to sit neatly in that box. With rap and hardcore influences, this is an anthem for the marginalised.
The press release insists “See it Believe it” isn’t a protest song in the traditional sense. It also notes that while BIPOC were at the front of the band’s minds, it’s for all persecuted people, including the LGBTQIA+ community, underpaid workers, women who feel diminished by society, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen. The song is accompanied by a music video directed by Xinger Xanger (aka Jordan Kirk).
“The music video captures the final feeling that ties this song together as a whole,” said frontman JD. “Jordan instantly shared the same vision as us and was able to portray it in a way we could have only wished for.”
It might seem strange to release a song like “See it Believe it” now, eight months after the events that sparked its creation. However, that’s no accident. The band’s message is clear: suffering is ongoing and something we should all keep at the front of our mind long after people stop using the hashtags.
THE RIOT will launch “See it Believe it” at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads on April 23.
Image used with permission from Island Records Australia
Hump Days are hard, but Cairns singer-songwriter LT has you covered with her uplifting new pop single, “Hold Ya.” This track is so good for the soul, with a sweet melody and angelic vocals from LT. If you’re struggling to make it to lunchtime, this song can give you at least a few minutes of joy.
“’Hold Ya’ was written during a pretty turbulent time,” LT explained. “It’s a story about two people in love, however through the struggles they’ve endured they begin to drift apart. Neither of them want to leave, but both of them are desperately seeking reassurance that the other wants them to in fact stay and it turns out they both do.”
The song has a beautiful nostalgic quality, so it’s only fitting that the film clip is set at her local roller-skating rink. LT was full of praise for her collaborator, emerging filmmaker and fellow Cairns artist Chelsey Johnston.
“Chelsey had the beautiful idea of capturing moments of connection between people. Mothers and daughters, best friends and lovers all connecting in different ways. She messed around with the speed of the track during the filming process, which really signified to me the changes of pace we all experience in any relationship. Relationships change, move, disappear and reinvent themselves all the time and our life can be quite tough if we don’t allow them to do that. Sometimes you’ve got to try harder, and sometimes you have to let go. We chose to film at the Cairns Roller Skating Rink as it’s dear to the community and holds so many memories and stories of connection within its 1980s decor.”
Like many of us, LT simplified her life last year. For her, that meant rebranding herself from using her full name Leanne Tennant professionally to the catchier LT.
“I rarely ever get called by my full name, and I really felt that after such a complicated year it was time to simplify my life and go by the name most know me by and start 2021 with a fresh outlook. LT feels so right to me,” she said.
After taking time for quiet in 2020, LT is thrilled to get back in front of music lovers. Queenslanders can catch her at the following upcoming shows.
17 April 2021 – Bearded Lady, Brisbane (supporting Roz Pappalardo)
22 April 2021 – Brother Jenkins, Cairns (supporting Roz Pappalardo)
1 & 2 May 2021 – Sunshine Sounds Festival, Eumundi
Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Bridie Jane Eagen
