Storm & Stone Break the Mould With “Run”

Blue Mountains sibling band Storm & Stone have released their fabulous new single “Run.” This track defies genre. I thought I had it pegged as a sassy, Destiny’s Child-inspired soul track, but once that chorus kicks in it takes a dark country left turn. It’s unexpected, but a real delight. And can we just take a moment to appreciate those incredible harmonies? The way sisters August and Auriel and their brother Hallelujah come together is just so special.

“Auriel had started showing me murder ballads, and some of Dolly Parton’s darker stories,” August explained of the song’s inspiration. “When we were writing and working on it, I really wanted us to have the energy of a train leaving a station. A build-up of excitement and movement forward as the song came to its climax to bring the story even more to life.”

“Run” is also the first song that Auriel and August penned together.

“I think for me, when we were writing this song with August, I really wanted to express how it felt to be on the other side of a love song, in the desperate dark place the song talks to,” Auriel said. “I also wanted something with a beat that had a lot of movement, to sort of follow the emotional movement the song talks about.”

The song’s dark feel is perfectly matched by the video set in Heartly Vale Cemetery in the Blue Mountains.

“The story is one of a woman experiencing her partner being drawn to another woman, but what ensues after that is left somewhat up in the air. What happened? What is going to happen? That ambiguity was enthralling,” said Thomas Crnkovic of Cranky Dog Production, who directed and produced the clip. “Are we listening to someone’s internal torment from trying to keep a grip on a relationship that’s slipping away? Are we witnesses to the aftermath of a crime of passion? Both? I wanted to make a video that honours those stakes and that ambiguity. Maybe spirits can hear our darkest thoughts, maybe nothing can. Either way: Run.”

These guys are the real deal. I’m really looking forward to hearing more of what they can do.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Velvet Bloom Casts a Spell With “Run”

Melbourne chanteuse Velvet Bloom effortlessly fuses jazz and soul influences in her stunning new single “Run.” It wraps you up like a big sonic hug, making you feel all warm and safe and comfortable. Her tone is just beautiful, effortless, easy. If you don’t have goosebumps after hearing this one, I suggest checking for a pulse.

“I remember writing this track during the second COVID lockdown in 2020,” Velvet Bloom recalls. “Restrictions were harsh and ‘Run’ was one of the first songs that I could fully resonate with after a creative lull. Sometimes, risks can be scary and the fear of sacrificing what you already have for something uncertain can cause inner turmoil. ‘Run’ is about overcoming those fears and leaning into the unknown with excitement.”

Despite this project’s relatively short time on the scene, Velvet Bloom has already supported Kim Churchill, Teenage Dads, The Grogans, The Mamas, and stacks more. She also recently played a sold-out show launching this single. Hopefully as the world gets back to normal we’ll have plenty of chances to see her live really soon.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent; credit: Anthony Rennick

Family Band The Buckleys Releases New Single “Run”

There’s something so special about a family band. The way their voices and instruments combine is unbelievable. It’s like they were made to play together. Australia’s latest is The Buckleys, a country-pop trio from New South Wales’ Northern Rivers who’ve just released their new single “Run.”

The track is one of the sweetest country-pop songs I’ve heard in some time. It’s got such charm and optimism, as well it should considering these guys aren’t even old enough to drink or vote. Singer and guitarist Sarah Grace is 17, the electric and slide guitarist Lachlan is 16, and little sister Molly on vocals and mandolin is just 14. Perhaps it’s not surprising they’re so gifted though, because their dad used to be the drummer in the Radiators!

With such talent at such a tender age, expect to hear big things from The Buckleys.

Image used with permission from Golden Robot Global Entertainment

Young Vincent Provide Your Sunday Soundtrack with “Run”

What a thing of beauty is “Run” from Melbourne act Young Vincent. With sublime harmonies, poetic lyrics, and an awesome acoustic vibe, this is really the perfect track for a lazy Sunday.

Apparently this is the fourth single from Young Vincent, but one which sees the band taking a slightly different direction and expanding on their sound.

“It all started on my couch at home on the Mornington Peninsula. The bridge melody popped into mind, sparking the process of to-ing and fro-ing ideas with the band,” explained drummer Josh Walton.

Young Vincent has tour dates in the works, so listen out for them!

Jason Owen Hits His Stride With “Run”

When Jason Owen appeared on The X Factor, he was a diamond in the rough. He did well on the TV talent show, but I honestly thought he wasn’t ready for the big time. He seemed so unsure of himself, and his voice had some growing to do.

However, Jason’s worked hard on his craft since leaving the show and he’s now producing country-rock music equal to anything coming out of Nashville. His latest single “Run,” the first lifted from his third album Proud, has a real Keith Urban vibe that really resonates with me. I think it’d be the perfect road trip soundtrack, with its rollicking guitar chords and message of escaping the day-to-day humdrum of life.

Proud hits stores in April. If “Run” is any indication, it could be Jason Owen’s best work yet.