Hollow Coves Drop Nostalgic New Single, “Photographs”

Hollow Coves are making me nostalgic for a time gone by with their latest single “Photographs.” This charming folk song takes us back to a simpler time before mobile phones, when we’d only capture special moments and we’d have those physical images to proudly display. The song was inspired by Matt Carins’ mum and her collection of carefully curated family photo albums.

“This was the first song we wrote during our writing sessions with Matt Corby and Alex Henrikkson. We ended up having a conversation in the studio about how photographs use to be something special that people would keep in a photo album. However, now that we can take photos with our phones, it seems like photos will most likely just get lost amongst the sea of photos,” the band explained. “Matt (Carins) brought up that his mum has kept a photo album for him and his siblings since they were born. We all thought that was pretty special and kind of a lost art in this day and age. So we decided to write a song about her and the lost art of the photograph.”

“Photographs” is the first track lifted from Hollow Coves’ sophomore album Nothing to Lose. International fans can expect to hear more new music and their old favourites from the duo plays shows in Europe, the United Kingdom, and North America in the coming months.

26 March 2024 – Gebäude 9, Cologne
28 March 2024 – Muziekgieterij, Maastricht
29 March 2024 – TivoliVredenburg – Ronda, Utrecht
30 March 2024 – Zeche Carl, Essen
31 March 2024 – Uebel & Gefährlich, Hamburg
2 April 2024 – Columbia Theater, Berlin
3 April 2024 – MeatFactory, Prague
4 April 2024 – Simm City, Vienna
5 April 2024 – Technikum, Munich
7 April 2024 – Magazzini Generali, Milan
8 April 2024 – Komplex 457, Zurich
9 April 2024 – Les Docks, Lausanne
11 April 2024 – Halle02, Heidelberg
12 April 2024 – Opderschmelz, Dudelange
13 April 2024 – Le Trabendo, Paris
14 April 2024 – AB Ballroom, Brussels
16 April 2024 – O2 Forum Kentish Town, London
17 April 2024 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
18 April 2024 – Academy 2, Manchester
5 June 2024 – Union Stage, Washington DC
6 June 2024 – The Foundry, Philadelphia
8 June 2024 – Warsaw, New York City
10 June 2024 – Paradise Rock Club, Boston
11 June 2024 – MTELUS, Montreal
12 June 2024 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto
14 June 2024 – Lincoln Hall, Chicago
15 June 2024 – Fine Line, Minneapolis
17 June 2024 – Gothic Theatre, Denver
19 June 2024 – The Grand at the Complex, Salt Lake City
22 June 2024 – El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles
23 June 2024 – Venture Music Hall, Ventura
24 June 2024 – Bimbo’s 365 Club, San Francisco
26 June 2024 – Aladdin Theater, Portland
27 June 2024 – The Crocodile, Seattle
29 June 2024 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver
30 June 2024 – Capital Ballroom, Victoria

Photo credit: Catherine Bernier

51st Avenue Drop Fantastic New Single “Chapters”

51st Avenue are ushering in the new year with the release of their fabulous new single “Chapters.” A song all about connection and the enduring bonds that bind us as we move through life, it’s a timely release that perfectly combines pop, punk, rock, and electronic sounds.

“The theme and meaning of the lyrics is really about friendship over time, and how time and distance doesn’t necessarily equate to a loss of friendship,” the band explained. “There are some friendships that are able to withstand time, distance and other factors, and in some circumstances, one party may think the friendship is over when in fact, that couldn’t be further from the truth.”

51st Avenue created the film clip for “Chapters” with Oliver Clark of Dunelabs, noting “This was the third video we’d shot within a month and we’d started to run out of ideas. The venue really lent itself quite heavily in terms of inspiration and we just vibed with it for the whole day. Oli really knocked it out of the park when it came to the editing and it turned out to be a really fun video!”

“Chapters” is such an exciting release, and hopefully a sign of big things to come for 51st Avenue in 2024.

Photo credit: 51st Avenue

Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band Announce Victorian and Tasmanian Shows

Mulga Bore Hard Rock Band were thrust into the spotlight when they were handpicked by their heroes KISS to support them on Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast in 2022. The schoolkids from the tiny Northern Territory community of Akaye (Mulga Bore) made the long trek to Queensland to support their idols on the biggest stage of their lives. Since then they’ve been capitalising on their success, opening Australia’s largest First Nations festival Yirramboi last May and releasing quality tracks like “Big Train” and “Let Me Rock N Roll.”

If you like what you hear, make sure you check out Mulga Bore Hard Rock at one of their upcoming shows:

19 January 2023 – Cherry Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
26 January 2023 – Share the Spirit Festival @ Myer Music Bowl, Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)
27 January 2023 – Brunswick Ballroom, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (supporting No Fixed Address)
18 February 2023 – St Kilda Festival, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda (FREE)
2 March 2023 – Mona Foma Festival @ Cataract Gorge Reserve, Kanamuluka/Launceston (FREE)

Photo credit: Ivan Trigo Miras

lovemedo Wows Me With “Fake Plant on Fire”

I am really digging “Fake Plant on Fire,” the latest single from Eora/Sydney artist lovemedo. It’s so creative and catchy, a true original. And how often can you say that these days?

“’Fake Plant on Fire’ is one of those songs that in the beginning finds you in one place and, by the end leaves you in another. I wanted to make a video that took people on that same journey,” lovemedo said. “I like to step into my music videos the same way an actor would into a movie role. This video is heavily influenced by ‘art house’ mentalities and performance art. Visual art is truly an extension of my music and a big part of my creativity so I’m proud to say that ‘Fake Plant on Fire’ is the first video to be completely written, directed & edited by lovemedo”.

I am so excited by this song. It’s one of those tracks that takes you on a real ride, the sort of one that makes you want to jump back on when it finishes to experience it all over again. That music video is just the cherry on top of a very delicious dessert. More please!

Photo credit: Minor Ueda

bella amor Throws it Back With “my first demo (weekend lover)”

Most artists want to keep the songs they created as teenagers hidden, because they cringe over the corny lyrics and emotions sitting so close to the surface. But most artists aren’t bella amor. She’s just released “my first demo (weekend lover)”, a beautiful song recorded while she was in high school.

“This song is one of the first demos I ever wrote in high school. It’s a really special one to me because it was one of the first songs I fully finished and was in love with. It’s about not wanting to be a part-time lover and not wanting to be someone who comes around at a call. I’m a big lover and this song is about wanting to share full love. The video is made up of fun memories from my time in school. This song feels real nostalgic and it felt right to have videos of little me having fun and being carefree.”

I love the way this track reveals what bella can do when she strips away a lot of the production. It really showcases her vocals and songwriting talent. I’ve liked her work in the past, but I really love this.

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

CHUTNEY Covers “Kama At Yafa” For Israel

As we all look forward to the year ahead, it’s easy to get wrapped up in all the fun of the festive period. Eora/Sydney-based Jewish band CHUTNEY are encouraging us to remember the plight of people in Israel with their cover “Kama At Yafa,” which translates to “How Beautiful You Are.” First performed by Shiri Maimon in 2012 and featuring Hebrew lyrics, this new version aims to raise awareness of the nearly 140 hostages who’ve been held captive by Hamas since October 7.

“Like Jews the world over, the 7th of October shook us to our core. We felt compelled to take a principled stance and be our authentic selves, despite the risk of backlash,” explained the band’s leader and violinist Ben Adler. “Within 36 hours, we had postponed a big show scheduled that week and pivoted to perform instead for the communal solidarity vigil attended by almost 10,000 Jews and allies.

“We see this song as a prayer, not only for the hostages, but also for the spirit of the people of Israel: ‘Do not fall, do not break. Come back.’ We want this powerful message to reach Israelis and Jews in the furthest corners of the globe, and we encourage everyone to share it widely.”

This song has an important message, but it’s also just a fantastic song. I love that the music video lets those of us who don’t speak Hebrew understand the lyrics. However, as a big Eurovision fan I’ve always felt like music is a universal language. You don’t need to read the subtitles to understand the emotion behind guest singer Sarit Michael’s gorgeous vocals.

We’ll be hearing a lot more from CHUTNEY this year, with the band planning to drop more singles in the leadup to the release of their debut album in March.

Image used with permission from CHUTNEY

BOY SODA Releases New Single & YouTube Series Episode

BOY SODA is quickly establishing himself as a real force on the local music scene. Fresh from his showcase at SXSW Sydney, he’s just dropped a fabulous new single “Company.”

“Making this song was a really cathartic experience as I was basically journalling about my personal boundaries with people, and a sense of self-respect,” he explained. “I think there’s always a balance in life of empathy for others and respect for your own time and energy and learning where those lines begin and end is extremely important for your inner peace.”

BOY SODA has also recently launched a collaborative new series, dubbed SODA SESSIONS, in partnership with Converse. The series sees SODA BOY chatting and performing music with fellow artists. The latest episode, featuring Boomchild, is out now on YouTube.

I’m not sure what 2024 holds for BOY SODA, but with his talent and work ethic, it’s bound to be another big one.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

The Northern Folk Explore New Sound With “Thank God”

The Northern Folk have charmed me with their gorgeous new single, “Thank God.” It’s a bit of a departure from the sound we’re used to from this Naarm/Melbourne-based ten-piece, more pop ballad than alt-folk, but I think it sounds good on them. And you can’t go wrong when their instruments and harmonies combine.

“’Thank God’ is about trusting yourself, an anthem to self-assurance,” explained the song’s co-writer, Paul Dyason. “It explores the idea of being so lost in a relationship that you begin to forget your own voice. But it doesn’t hide from all the ruminating and ruin that may come with finding your way back to clarity; rather, it turns up its collar and leans into the blizzard, knowing there will be better days ahead.”

Take a moment to stop what you’re doing and really appreciate this song. It deserves better than simply becoming the background to your daily tasks. You can thank me later.

Photo credit: Simon Pickering

Mathilde Anne Teams Up With Des Cortez Frontman For “Break”

Mathilde Anne has a knack for creating indie pop music with real depth. Her latest effort is “Break,” a super catchy number with some of the most vulnerable lyrics you’re likely to hear and special guest vocals from Des Cortez’ Sam Knight.

“I wrote ‘Break’ in my shower at 12am after a Finneas concert. I was sitting in the shower listening to my “depressing hot girl heart-break” playlist and thinking about a conversation I’d had with my partner,” Mathilde recalls. “In that conversation we came to the conclusion that both of us (me in particular) had a lot of walls up and had kept myself somewhat reserved for fear of having my heart broken again. I wrote it as a way to come to terms with this idea I had during my sad-girl shower that I didn’t want him to not really know me or the way I love”.

Mathilde Anne has had a massive year releasing a stack of new material, scoring a Music Victoria Award nomination, and sharing stages with Cub Sport and Telenova. She’s hitting the ground running in 2024 with a couple of shows in the first week of January. Add these to your calendar, and save room for the other dates that will inevitably follow:

13 January 2024 – Coastal Jam Festival @ Rosebud Village Green, Boonwarrung/Mornington Peninsula
19 January 2024 – The Toff, Naarm/Melbourne (co-headline with Des Cortez)

Photo credit: Max Fairclough

COTERIE Release Summer Anthem, “Paradise”

Your favorite summer party band COTERIE have released a new anthem for the season, “Paradise.” I know you’ll want to crank this one up loud!

This song sounds fire coming out of your speakers, but you know it’ll be even better live. Consider this your reminder that COTERIE are touring all over the country on their Lush Leopard Regional Summer Tour real soon.

27 December 2023 – Waihi Beach Tavern, Waihi
30 December 2023 – The Good Home Ferrymead, Christchurch
31 December 2023 – The Buxton, Nelson
3 January 2024 – Shake & Bake @ Brewton, Maidstone
8 January 2024 – Totara St, Mount Maungaunui
11 January 2024 – Leigh Sawmill, Leigh
12 January 2024 – Opononi Hotel, Opononi
13 January 2024 – Mangawhai Tavern, Mangawhai
19 January 2024 – Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North
25 January 2024 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
26 January 2024 – The Seabreeze Hotel, Yuwibara/Mackay
27 January 2024 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi/Maroochydore
2 February 2024 – Froth Craft Brewery, Goomburrup/Bunbury
3 February 2024 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
4 February 2024 – The River Hotel, Wooditup/Margaret River
15 February 2024 – King Street Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
16 February 2024 – Hello Sailor, Guruk/Port Macquarie
29 February 2024 – Pelly Bar, Boon Wurrung/Frankston
1 March 2024 – The Westernport Hotel, Mellow/San Remo
2 March 2024 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung/Torquay
8 March 2024 – Label., Dharug/Brookvale
9 March 2024 – The Pavilion, Kiama, Dharawal/Kiama

Image used with permission from Good Intent