I’m really digging the big stadium rock vibes of Pretty City’s latest single “Same as Before.” Lifted from the Melbourne band’s sophomore album Cancel The Future, it’s pure, unadulterated rock that hits your heart and compels you to pound your fist in the air.
These guys already sound like they’re ready to play the world’s biggest venues. The band has already wowed crowds in the US and Europe this year, so hopefully that won’t be too far off. We haven’t lost them to the world just yet though Australia. Now that the European dates have wrapped up, Pretty City promises to play for crowds back home. Watch this space.
Image used with permission from Beehive PR
I’ve been a passionate supporter of marriage equality for years before we were debating plebiscites and postal surveys. I remember vividly when America granted marriage equality so quickly and decisively thinking perhaps the tide was turning and we wouldn’t be kept waiting too much longer. But here we are, in the middle of a period of Australian history that has unearthed so much hate and bigotry.
The sunny spot though has been the heartfelt messages of support for the Yes campaign, the way that people from all walks of life have banded together and been so vocal in solidarity for this cause. Johnny Rock of Pretty City added his voice and a whole lot of glitter to the Yes campaign recently with his cover of The Beatles “Real Love.” Because spreading a little love when there’s so much hate and anger can only be a good thing.
Johnny hopes to start a movement and encourage other musicians to record their own love song covers to help balance the hateful rhetoric. If you do, make sure to use the hashtag #lovesongsforequality. And if you’re not musical, why not lip sync something?
“I’ve have many friends who have become really upset about the negativity out there. I’ve had friends deactivate their social media accounts because it was all getting too much,” he explained. “You can support your mates with likes and hearts all you want but there’s a point where even the strongest people start to break down. So as a muso I thought I could do something else to not only support marriage equality but maybe ease some of the pain out there.”
So however you can, get involved. It’s a dark time in Australia, but your efforts can make it a little brighter.
Melbourne act Pretty City are encouraging us to sit up and take notice with their double A-side debut single “Part Of Your Crowd/Ignoring My Friends.”
In the absence of big label backing, Pretty City are making music the best way they know how. “Part Of Your Crowd” was recording entirely on a iPhone rather than sophisticated studio equipment. It’s not fancy, but raw talent shines through here.
Often music videos must wait until a band’s established, but they’ve created one of those too thanks to up and coming young filmmaker Pete Schand. It’s nothing that we haven’t really seen before, but it does give us some insight into the band’s work on their forthcoming EP, which should hit stores mid-year.
Pretty City will take time out of the studio to promote their new single at Fitzroy’s Gasometer on March 24.
