Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BESTIES Drop “racecar” Single Ahead of Big Supports

If the caffeine hasn’t quite kicked in yet, press play on BESTIES’ new single “racecar.” I guarantee this energetic pop-punk track will wake you up.

“Nat and I wanted to distill all the fear and frustration of growing up so desperate for success that it can completely distort how you interact with the people around you — as if you’re already carrying around the regret and shame of being a failure before you’ve even given up,” explained BESTIES’ vocalist Max Pasalic. “’racecar’ is all about those anxieties coalescing in a sort of ‘dinner party from hell’ scene that I’m singing about in the song (‘dinner party, gin, barcadi, tell me what’s new with you, I’m sorry but I seem to have misplaced what I gotta prove’).”

BESTIES have got some choice support slots coming up in the coming months. Make sure you arrive early enough for their sets at the following gigs:

17 August 2023 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney (supporting Somber Hills)
30 September 2023 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Between You and Me)
1 October 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Tartanya/Adelaide (supporting Between You and Me)
6 October 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Between You and Me)
7 October 2023 – Waywards, Eora/Sydney (supporting Between You and Me)

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

JHM and Fractures Team Up For “Fever Dream”

It’s not even lunchtime yet, but I’m already anticipating letting my hair down at the end of the working week. If you’re feeling those Friday vibes, take a listen to “Fever Dream,” the latest single from up-and-coming artist JHM and acclaimed producer Fractures. It’s a match made in heaven, with JHM’s incredible soul vocals the perfect foil for Fractures’ sound. It’s so fresh, but there’s a cool disco funk about it that makes it feel totally nostalgic.

“‘Fever Dream’ captures the feeling of locking eyes with a stranger and knowing something is about to happen between you” JHM explained. “It was inspired by a movie I saw about fairy rings and being tricked into dancing all night. In my head it was like the idea of how sometimes being around that person can feel like you almost can’t look away.”

After supporting acts like Hiatus Kaiyote, PANIA, Queen P, and Kira Puru, you can guarantee we’ll be seeing a lot more of JHM really soon. Follow her on the socials to learn all about her gigs and new music first.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Northern Folk Wow Me With “Keep On Coming Over”

Bungambrawatha/Albury-born, Naarm/Melbourne-based band The Northern Folk has blown me away with their new single “Keep On Coming Over.” We’re used to music that’s a little gentler from this awesome act, but they’ve brought a rock edge to this song. It’s fabulous. I love a band that can keep us guessing while continuing to deliver fantastic music. Some acts struggle when they play with genre, but it seems like The Northern Folk really can do it all. The punchier sound reflects the darker themes of isolation brought on by mental illness that the song explores.

“’Keep On Coming Over’ was written in a particularly turbulent period,” explained songwriter Paul Dyason. “It captures moments in a fledgling love where the facade falls away and you hope that what is left is enough. It is a plea for persistence and patience, a snapshot of the hope that accompanies an honest revelation and ultimately an ode to those who feel like their baggage is too much for others to handle.”

The song comes with a gorgeous music video produced by The Northern Folk vocalist Georgie Currie and directed and filmed by the band’s long-time collaborator Mark Day of Another Life Productions. There’s so much to love about this release.

Image credit: Simon Pickering

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

TALLOU Not Playing Games With “marco polo” Release

TALLOU might be a new name on the scene, but she’s no novice. Under her birthname Tiana Dennis, she signed one of her originals to Sony ATV at the tender age of 14. She also played big events like the Woodford Folk Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival. Then as part of the duo Oh Harlow, she supported Sheppard and Taylor Henderson and even took home a Queensland Music Award. It’s all led her to this moment. Now she’s recording under her new moniker TALLOU and embracing more of an indie-pop sound. Her latest single “marco polo” is fresh and fabulous. Take a listen.

“‘marco polo’ was inspired by a close friend and his constant journey of losing and finding himself through different relationships,” she explained. “We were at the gym one day debriefing about the latest heartbreak and he literally said “I feel like I’m playing Marco Polo with myself”. I thought it was great and immediately wrote it down in my notes app.”

TALLOU will show what she can do live when she supports Sarah Yagki at Black Bear Lodge in Meeanjin/Brisbane on September 10.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

IRFXXN Gets Me Grooving With “Time”

It’s been far too long since I’ve heard a great old-school R&Pop jam. So I’m pretty excited to get my ears around “Time,” the latest single from Eora/Sydney act IRFXXN. Turn this one up and settle into the groove. I guarantee it’ll make your day better.

“It’s something almost every relationship can relate to, those times where you wish you could do more and everything seems to weigh you down,” IRFXXN said. “Sometimes you just need to let it out, but as easy as that sounds is just how difficult it is. When you’re completely devoted to someone and all you want to do is make it work, being the only one that feels like they’re putting in the effort is probably one of the worst things you can feel in life. Even though you know the relationship will work because of all the effort you’re giving to it, you know that it’s only happening because of how hard you are working and how little effort the girl is giving.”

IRFXXN is starting to establish a fan base here, but I hear he’s got even more listeners in North America and Europe. With songs like this, it’s only a matter of time before he blows up.

Image used with permission from beehive; credit: Aiz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Radical Son Drops Powerful New Single, “Elder”

Don’t you just love those songs that stop you in your tracks? That make you forget about everything except for the music you’re listening to? Those songs are so rare, but “Elder,” the new single from Radical Son, aka David Leha, is one of them. It delivers a powerful and deeply personal statement of David’s devotion to country and his Kamilaroi and Tongan heritage. Honestly, I’ve got goosebumps.

“Elder is a song I began three or four years ago when I was working on country in Moree and Armadale, New South Wales,” he recalled. “I was working on a program with emerging artists called Yanayai, which means ‘returning’. I was helping these artists to create a piece in a genre of their choice and the conditions were that they had to have three generations of their family help them, and they also needed to incorporate some language into that as well. The bones of the song were there then. The language section from Jida Gulpilil (son of David), that came later. It’s quite simple. It’s just saying, ‘Let’s move, let’s dance and celebrate’.”

“Elder” is the first taste of Radical Son’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Biliyambil (The Learning), which features guest performances from David Bridie, Emma Donovan, and Jida Gulpilil. Listen out for that one when it drops in September.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR; credit: Cameron Bloom

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Josie Celebrates Aussie Roots With Debut Single “Down Here”

After sharing stages with country royalty like Troy Cassar-Daley, The McClymonts, and Travis Collins, rising star Josie has just dropped her debut single “Down Here.” The confident number celebrates Josie’s upbringing right here in Australia while rejecting the Americanisation of the global country music scene.

“In creating my debut single, ‘Down Here,’ I took to streaming services to have a geez at what the top country artists are singing about. I noticed a trend amongst them. They all seemed to have an insatiable thirst for singing about American places and themes,” Josie said. “I wanted to show the world that I’m more than just a mimic. I’m a genuine storyteller who can achieve that coveted mainstream sound without having to pretend I’ve got a deep-rooted connection to every nook and cranny of the good ol’ U.S. of A.”

In keeping with the song’s theme, Josie filmed the music video for Down Here near her North Queensland home.

“The barn, the cruiser, the bar scene – all filmed at the North Queensland Elite Rodeo grounds. Which – fun fact – was where I had my first date with my now partner of five years, so it really was an incredible experience to record the video in a place that felt so special.”

Keep an eye on her socials, because you’ll be seeing a lot more of Josie.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hilltop Hoods Drop Latest Banger “Laced Up” Ahead of Aussie and NZ Shows

When Hilltop Hoods release a single, it’s always a good time. “Laced Up,” the latest cut from their forthcoming ninth studio album, is no exception.

“The idea for ‘Laced Up’ was inspired by an actual dinner I had with my wife when I was young and broke. We were at a pretty nice restaurant for Valentines Day, and I spent the whole time sweating about whether I’d actually be able to pay the bill or not,” Suffa admitted. “I was working at a factory at the time and was struggling to make ends meet. The funny thing is that I would have had crisp, fresh kicks on, and I would have been confident that I had enough money for drinks. It’s just how your priorities are when you’re that age I guess, at least that’s how mine were.”

They might have been in the biz for nearly 30 years, but Hilltop Hoods are showing no signs of slowing down. Fresh from shows in Europe and the United Kingdom, Hilltop Hoods will play some Aussie festivals later this month before jetting across the ditch. You won’t have a chance to miss them, as they’ll be back on home soil for the Yours & Owls Festival. Catch them anywhere you can.

21 July 2023 – Spinoff Festival, Tartanya/Adelaide
23 Jul 2023 – Splendour In The Grass, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
1 September 2023 – The Studio, Auckland
2 September 2023 – Hunter Lounge, Wellington
3 September 2023 – Ngaio Marsh Theatre, Christchurch
7 September 2023 – Snow Machine, Queenstown
14 October 2023 – Yours & Owls Festival, Dharawal Country/Wollongong

Image used with permission from Island Records Australia; credit: Ashlee Jones

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

STUMPS Release Career Best Single, “Life’s Moving Past You”

A few years ago I felt STUMPS were finding their feet and their own unique sound. I knew they had something, but it still felt a little derivative. What a difference a few years makes. Their latest single “Life’s Moving Past You” is a triumph, with an epic feel and a lyrical hook that promises to stay with you.

“This song somewhat started as a longer-form ballad in its infancy,” explained STUMPS’ bassist, Merrick Powell. “But when we brought it to the studio we wanted to give it more drive and some dance-y flavour. By changing the beat in the chorus, the song felt like it came to life in that moment. Now it feels, to us, like it brings together almost all of our sonic elements in a way we really love, which was a big goal of ours.”

STUMPS will kick off a national tour tonight to celebrate the release of “Life’s Moving Past You.” If the single’s lyrics don’t inspire you to get off the couch and see these guys live, I’m not sure what will!

15 July 2023 – The Station, Ngarigo/Jindabyne
27 July 2023 – Bucketty’s, Dharug/Brookvale
28 July 2023 – New Cambo, Awabakal/Newcastle
3 August 2023 – Finnian’s Irish Tavern, Birpai/Port Macquarie
4 August 2023 – Black Bear Lodge, Meanjin/Brisbane
5 August 2023 – Vinnie’s Dive, Yugambeh/Gold Coast
11 August 2023 – La La La’s, Dharawal/Wollongong
18 August 2023 – The Retreat, Naarm/Melbourne
19 August 2023 – Barwon Club, Wathaurong/Geelong
25 August 2023 – Crown & Anchor, Kaurna/Adelaide
26 August 2023 – Four5Nine Bar, Boorloo/Perth
1 September 2023 – The Shaking Hand, Ngambri/Canberra
2 September 2023 – Marrickville Bowling Club, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission fron cult logic; credit: Josh Carr-Hummerston

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Aurateque Release Cathartic New Single “Renegade”

I probably don’t review enough metal acts on my blog. And I definitely don’t shine the spotlight on enough female-fronted metal acts. But after hearing “Renegade,” the new single from Eora/Sydney act Aurateque, I knew I couldn’t let it slip through the cracks. Frontwoman Lauren Coleman drew me in with her incredible vocals, but her bandmates definitely hold their own on this one.

“‘Renegade’ is about violence, anger and the pain behind the violent masque,” the band said in a shared statement. “Lauren grew up in a very hostile environment as a child and although she left quite young, she didn’t leave completely unscathed. As she grew older, it was a harder pill to swallow to see a human being behind the abuser and to understand that the violence only came from a deep sadness that her family could never escape. The only way to escape these cycles of pain is to truly face yourself. ‘Renegade’, much like every Aurateque song, has helped heal these scars.”

The song comes with a striking video directed, filmed, and edited by Dunelabs’ Jack Fontes. Shot at Sydney Props Studios and Marrickville Graffiti Wall, the clip is rich in symbolism.

“The constant theme of fire in the video is representative of anger,” Aurateque added. “Lauren experienced a lot of violence as a child and this song is about the constant raging fire that burns inside of her because of it. The two themes of light and dark also represent that rage and violence are not a part of who we are, it’s just that sometimes it is all we know.”

“Renegade” comes from Aurateque’s debut EP The Dragonfly Pursuit, which drops on July 28.

Image used with permission from Good Intent