New Music Monday – 2nd September

September 2, 2019 at 13:00 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Hayley Marsten
Image Courtesy of Hayley Marsten

Allison Forbes – “Hell Freezes Over”

Australian country singer Allison Forbes has released her brand new single “Hell Freezes Over”, taken from her upcoming album Bonedigger, due this November. The track delves more into the country-rock side of Forbes’ sound than we’ve seen in the past and is full of grit and fire.

“The song is about finding a place where you’re comfortable to accept things that have happened and the preparation of not lying down to die because of it,” Allison Forbes explains.

Ash Grunwald feat. The Teskey Brothers – “Ain’t My Problem”

For his latest single “Ain’t My Problem” blues and roots singer Ash Grunwald has enlisted the myriad talents of current buzz band The Teskey Brothers. The result is a track full of foot stomping blues goodness, accentuated by the distinct vocals of Ash Grunwald and Josh Teskey.

“”Ain’t My Problem” is written about the concept that comes up often when we relive old relationships, we literally re-live emotionally everything that we went through. And there is no point, it’s holding you back and it ain’t your problem anymore!” Ash Grunwald explained. “It was a conglomeration of stories from friends and personal experiences about moving on. It was such a great honour to have Josh Teskey and The Teskey Brothers play on this track. Josh has one of the greatest voices to ever come out of Australia and I have such respect for the band, I love them both as people and as musicians.”

“Ain’t My Problem” is taken from Ash Grunwald’s latest album Mojo, released last week. He’s heading out on tour this October and November – the full list of dates are below:

Friday 4th October – Jive Bar, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 5th October – Howler, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 11th October – Rosemount Hotel, Perth, WA
Friday 18th October – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 19th October – The Zoo | Brisbane, QLD
Friday 1st November – Waratah Hotel, Hobart, TAS
Saturday 2nd November – The Royal Oak, Launceston, TAS
Sunday 3rd November – Forth Pub, Forth, TAS
Friday 22nd November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC

Asha Jefferies – “Bad Kisser”

Brisbane based singer-songwriter Asha Jefferies has just released the delitelful new single “Bad Kisser”. The coming of age song couples a sweet, catching melody with some biting lyrics and poignant observations. I really like the production on this track as well, the way it jumps from just Jefferies and her guitar to full string arrangements alongside a band.

“I wrote [the song] about an extremely euphoric and tragic moment involving a festival; lust, longing, intoxication & one ultra-big insult,” Asha Jefferies explains. “It takes a bit of growing up to realise not every interaction you have with a stranger you like and meet will be romantic.”

Asha Jefferies is touring “Bad Kisser” from the middle of this month:

Saturday 21st September – Low 302, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 28th September – Brisbane Festival @ Riverstage, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 4th October – Grace Darling Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 26th October – The Foundry, Brisbane, QLD

Danika Smith – “Suit of Armour”

Melbourne based singer-songwriter Danika Smith has just released her new single “Suit of Armour”. Combining classic folk finger-picking with modern lo-fi production, the track takes Smith’s sound in a really interesting and mesmerising direction.

“”Suit Of Armour” is a track that I wrote when love and fear collided, and left me feeling confused and avoidant,” Danika Smith explained. “It’s a song that observes the reservations I have, when there is something potentially beautiful in front of me, and I look for the cracks and flaws, as a protective method to avoid pain. It is melancholic that the beauty of love is shadowed by so much skepticism and mistrust, but there is an optimistic message too. I have the power to move through the weight of these experiences, remove the armour, and eventually be more open to connection, in time.”

Danika Smith will be launching “Suit of Armour” at the Geddes Lane Ballroom in Melbourne on the 14th September as well as being announced for the Strawberry Fields Festival at the end of November.

Hayley Marsten – “Red Wine, White Dress”

Country singer-songwriter Hayley Marsten has released the amazingly titled “Red Wine, White Dress”, which she co-wrote with Timber and Steel favourite Brad Butcher. The track is a perfect piece of modern country rock music without any of the cringyness that sometimes plagues the genre. Marsten’s amazing voice shines through, accentuated by her amazing band.

“Red Wine, White Dress” is taken from Hayley Marsten’s new album Spectacular Heartbreak which came out last week. She’s currently out on tour – check out the remaining dates here:

Thursday 5th September – Oodies Cafe, Bundaberg, QLD
Friday 6th September – Captain Cook, 1770, QLD
Saturday 14th September – The Press, Tamworth, NSW
Sunday 15th September – Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Thursday 19th September – Lazybones, Sydney, NSW
Friday 20th September – Toppy Hall, Wyalong, NSW
Saturday 21st September – Palladiam Palace Theatre, Morundah, NSW
Sunday 22nd September – Servo Bar, Woollongong, NSW
Saturday 12th October – VDM Fest, Biloela, QLD
Friday 18th October – Apple Cider Shed, Grove, TAS
Saturday 19th October – Royal Oak, Launceston, TAS
Friday 25th October – Springdale Hall, Springdale, NSW
Saturday 26th October – Gunbar Hall, Gunbar, NSW
Thursday 7th November – Wesley Ann, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 8th November – Bayview Country Art Club, Bittern, VIC
Friday 15th November – Loomberah Hall, Loomberah, NSW
Saturday 16th November – Glen Innes Hall, Glen Innes, NSW

Jenny Mitchell – “Let Me Be”

“Let Me Be” is the stunning new single and video from NZ based folk and country singer-songwriter Jenny Mitchell. Mitchell has crafted a sweeping, expansive song with a driving rhythm and beautiful lyrical quality.

The track is taken from Jenny Mitchell’s 2018 album Wildfires and tells the story of her parents. “It’s definitely a track on the album which crosses genre boundaries, and I’m really proud of it” she explains.

Jenny Mitchell will be joining Fanny Lumsden on a handful of Australian tour dates this December:

Friday 6th December – Jamieson Hall, Jamieson, VIC
Saturday 7th December – Newham Hall, Newham, VIC
Sunday 8th December – The Spotted Mallard, Brunswick, VIC

Little Quirks – “Life Wouldn’t Be”

Central Coast based indie-folk trio Little Quirks have released their catchy new single and video “Life Wouldn’t Be”. The track, taken from their upcoming EP Cover My Eyes, perfectly captures the Australian indie-folk sound of so many of their contemporaries, combining a pop sensibility with folky songwriting and harmonies.

Little Quirks are heading out on an east coast tour from this week – full dates are below:

Tuesday 3rd to Thursday 5th September – BIGSOUND, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 5th October – Dashville Skyline, Dashville, NSW
Friday 11th October – Oxford Art Gallery, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 12th October – Junk Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 2nd November – The Espy, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 3rd November – Lost Lands Festival, VIC

Michael Kiwanuka – “You Ain’t The Problem”

UK based singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka embraces the full sound of the seventies with his neo-soul track “You Ain’t The Problem”. Taken from his recently announced album Kiwanuka, due on the 25th October, “You Ain’t The Problem” is a funk-filled sonic feast combining Kiwanuka’s love of vintage sounds and his expert songwriting.

Milky Chance & Tash Sultana – “Daydreaming”

German indie-folk oddities Milky Chance have teamed with Australian roots legend Tash Sultana for their new single and video “Daydreaming”. The track is infused with a mish mash of genres, held together with Milky Chance’s quirky vocals and the wonderfulness that is Tash Sultana’s incredible voice.

“Daydreaming” is taken from Milky Chance’s upcoming album Mind The Moon, due on the 15th November.

Pat Tierney – “My Sweet Love”

Celebrated singer-songwriter and lap slide guitarist Pat Tierney has released the blissful new single “My Sweet Love”. The track is a a laid back, rootsy gem that you can get lost in – and with a really sweet video featuring Tierney’s son.

“I wrote the beginnings of the song when my partner and I found out we were having our first child.,” Pat Tierney explains. “We’d just gotten back from an overseas trip, we were a bit lost, out of money and unsure of what we were going to do and where we would live. I wrote the song as, kind of a letter to my partner just to tell her everything was going to work out. When It came time to record the song, it just flowed together really seamlessly in the studio. I wanted the feel and vibe to remind me of my partner and son. Happy, dreamy and full of sunshine. That was also a big part of the video clip, showing the feel and story behind the song and what we’ve built for ourselves over the past few years. It’s definitely one of my favourite songs on the album.”

Pat Tierney has a bunch of tour dates towards the end of the year – check them out here:

Thursday 24th October – The Homestead, Hobart, TAS
Friday 25th October – Willie Smiths, Huon Valley, TAS
Thursday 7th November – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 10th November – Peregian Originals, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Friday 15th November – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 16th November – Livefast Cafe, Halls Gap, VIC
Thursday 21st November – Django Bar, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 23rd November – No 5 Church St, Bellingen, NSW
Saturday 30th November – Good Nights, Bunbury, WA
Sundauy 1st December – Redcliffe On The Murray, Pinjarra, WA

Thomas Oliver – “Bulgarian Mountains”

“Bulgarian Mountains” is the super catchy new song from Kiwi singer-songwriter Thomas Oliver, taken from his upcoming album The Brightest Light, due in March next year. The track is an upbeat, soulful roots song with lots of rhythm and lots of heart.

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New Music Monday – 26th August

August 26, 2019 at 14:03 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Hayden Calnin
Image Courtesy of Hayden Calnin

Bear’s Den – “Hiding Bottles”

For the video for their new single “Hiding Bottles”, English indie-folk band Bear’s Den tackle the very confronting reality of living with an alcoholic parent. It’s a confronting track but tackled deftly by the band with their usual high standard of songwriting and musicianship. “Hiding Bottles” is taken from the album So That You Might Hear Me.

Bon Iver – “Naeem”

In a surprise move Bon Iver released their new album i,i digitally almost three weeks earlier than was originally announced, delighting fans worldwide. Alongside the album release was the new single and lyric video “Naeem”. The track is more vocally driven than a lot of the other music from i,i, featuring Justin Vernon’s voice driven by a soulful piano and softly strummed acoustic guitar. But of course the experimentation and glitchy instrumentation we’ve come to expect from Bon Iver isn’t far away, and the combination makes this one of my favourite songs from the new album.

D.C Cross – “Presslufthammer Catfight”

D.C Cross is the latest moniker from Sydney based singer-songwriter Darren Cross (Gerling, Jep & Dep, Darren Cross Band) covering his latest foray into instrumental folk guitar. In the single “Presslufthammer Catfight” Cross appears to have moved on from the alt-country of his recent output to embrace the type of fingerpicked folk guitar popular with practitioners of the Anglo-Celtic tradition. His playing is full of open-tuned resonance and interesting chordal and finger-picking choices that come together in a really special piece of instrumental music.

Harvey Russell – “Please Don’t Pretend”

Sydney based alt-country singer-songwriter Harvey Russell has been making quite a splash since launching his solo project – and that’s set to continue with the announcement of his debut album Liquid Damage to be released this Friday 30th August. His latest single “Please Don’t Pretend” borrows heavily from traditional country, with its heart firmly planted in the artists of yesteryear.

“Traditional country is pure in the sense that it seems to be able to tap into universal truths and themes which have always appealed to me.” Harvey Russell explained. “Although country songs can sound simple, writing quality country songs is far from easy! I guess that’s a challenge I’m attracted to; refining my songwriting in a genre to which I’ve always been drawn.”

Harvey Russell will be launching in Sydney this Saturday as well as a handful of shows through September:

Saturday 31st August – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th September – Nimbin Roots Festival, Nimbin, NSW
Sunday 22nd September – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
Thursday 26th September – Midnight Special, Sydney, NSW

Hayden Calnin – “Warm with You”

“Warm With You” is the latest single and video from ambient electro-folk singer-songwriter Hayden Calnin, taken from his upcoming EP A Life You Would Choose which is due for release on the 13th September. The track is classic Hayden Calnin, combining his folk sensibilities, indie influences and production skills to build a beautiful song and an equally beautiful video.

“”Warm With You” is a song about escapism,” Calnin explains. “It’s an expression of wanting to run and get away from everything, live off of the land if you will and start a life with someone. But as life goes on, things change, and those dreams start to take a turn and sometimes it never really happens. I ended up recording 9 different versions of the song before I finally settled on a final version which I think is a record number for me. I’ve never really been that particular about a song before.”

Joe Mungovan – “Be With You”

South Coast based singer-songwriter Joe Mungovan has just released “Be With You”, an etherial indie-pop track full of deep emotions written raw all of his incredible voice.

“I had been living and recording in the bush by myself for a long time when I wrote this song,” Mungovan explained. “It came about because I was in such a beautiful place and having a wonderful time and I wanted to share the experience with another human. The natural environment that surrounded me and the sense of solitude I felt inspired me to write this song.”

Joe Mungovan has a handful of upcoming dates:

Sunday 8th September – A Day On The Hill, Gerringong, NSW
Friday 13th September – Some Velvet Morning, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 15th September – Lazybones Lounge, Sydney, NSW

Lost Ragas – “Keeping Up With Yesterday”

“Keeping Up With Yesterday” is the brand new, trippy single from Melbourne four-piece Lost Ragas, taken from their upcoming album This Is Not A Dream, due on the 2nd September. The trippy chord progression and bendy slide guitar gives the track a psychedelic quality which seems to be the sound we can expect from This Is Not A Dream if their last single “Just Wastin’ Time” is anything to go on.

Pieta Brown feat. Mark Knopfler – “The Hard Way”

American singer-songwriter Pieta Brown has teamed with the legendary Mark Knopfler for her latest single “The Hard Way”. The track is taken from her upcoming S.Carey produced album Freeway, due on the 20th September, and perfectly combines Brown’s songwriting talents with the laconic guitar style that is so distinctly Mark Knopfler.

“I kept sonically envisioning, ‘If I could just get Mark Knopfler on there…’,” Pieta Brown told Billboard, who featured the track. “Mark is a very sweet, amazing musician and has become a friend through music. So one day I just wrote him a message and asked if he would consider taking a listen to this track. I said I felt like it wasn’t quite done yet, but I wasn’t sure what it needed. I said, ‘I’m hearing the sound of you or something like what you do, and I can’t give you specifics beyond that.’ And he said, ‘Yeah, of course,’ and came up with a great part that made the song undeniable.”

The Lumineers – “Leader Of The Landslide” & “Left For Denver”

We’re now up to the fifth and sixth videos in the series from The Lumineers ahead of their new album III, due on the 13th September. The band are describing “Leader Of The Landslide” as their folk “Starway to Heaven” due to the epic quality of the track whereas “Left For Denver” is a lot more straightforward and stripped back.


Tori Forsyth – “Be Here”

For “Be Here”, the first single since her debut album, Hunter Valley based singer-songwriter Tori Forsyth has shrugged off the alt-country sound in favour of a blistering, grunge inspired track. “Be Here” is crunchy snarly and full of attitude – definitely a new and welcome side to Forsyth’s music.

“Recording this song was one of the smoothest recording sessions I’ve ever done,” Explained Forsyth. “We went in and left five hours later with the song near finished. We knew before we went, where it was going and the influences behind it, PJ Harvey, Soundgarden. It was pretty magic how it just came together so easily. I’ve never been so inspired coming away from the studio. ”

Tori Forsyth is heading out this October and November for an east coast tour:

Friday 18th October – The Milk Factory, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 19th October – The Imperial Hotel, Eumundi, QLD
Sunday 20th October – Vinnies Dive Bar, Gold Coast, QLD
Friday 25th October – The Stag & Hunter, Newcastle, NSW
Saturday 26th October – The Union Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 27th October – Frank’s Wild Years, Wollongong, NSW
Friday 1st November – Workers Club, Geelong, VIC
Saturday 2nd November – Wesley Anne, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 3rd November – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT

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New Music Monday – 12th August

August 12, 2019 at 13:17 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Alfi
Image Courtesy of Alfí

Alfí – “The Drink Song”

“The Drink Song” has featured on a couple of the folk music podcasts I listen to and now I can’t get it out of my head. Alfí, like the much lauded Lankum, are part of a new breed of Irish trad and folk bands who are embrassing the rougher, rawer side of Irish music. “The Drink Song” is taken from Alfí’s EP Wolves in the Woods which is wonderful and well worth you picking up.

Amy Vee – “Paper and Wood”

“Paper and Wood” is the latest single from award-winning singer-songwriter Amy Vee, taken from her new album Same Skin. The track is sumtuous piece of acoustic pop music, highlighting Amy Vee’s unique vocal style.

To celebrate the release of Same Skin Amy Vee is heading out on tour this October and November:

Wednesday 9th October – Memo Music Hall, St. Kilda, VIC
Sunday 13th October – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Friday 18th October – The Newsagency, Sydney, NSW
Sunday 20th October – Royal Exchange Theatre, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 1st November – Dusty Attic Music Lounge, Lismore, NSW
Saturday 2nd November – The Junk Bar, Brisbane, QLD

Devendra Banhart – “Memorial”

Freak-folk singer Devendra Banhart released “Memorial”, the latest single from his upcoming album Ma, due on the 13th September. “Memorial” is a melancholy waltz, showcasing a songwriter who is trying to grapple with the finality of death and the process of mourning.

“”Memorial” is about loss and the strangeness of feeling so numb, and yet so completely heart-broken-open,” Banhart wrote on the song. “It’s about three people I loved very much, and some of it happened just like it says in the song. Someone really did propose at one of the memorials – we all thought they would have loved how surreal, romantic, and inappropriate that was. It’s about those last moments, how painful and perfect they were, all the tears, all the tears. I don’t know what else to say, except that I wrote the song for you to tell you about it, see if maybe you know what I mean, tell you everything, see if maybe it brings us closer, makes it easier to tell each other how much we love and appreciate one another.”

Dori Freeman – “That’s How I Feel”

Alt-country singer Dori Freeman dropped a surprise new track from her upcoming album Every Single Star, due on the 27th September. “That’s How I Feel” is a syncopated gem, showcasing Freeman’s stunning voice and just how tight her band is on the upcoming album.

Phia – “Full Circle”

Indie-pop singer Phia has teamed with the Melbourne Indie Voices for her latest single “Full Circle”. This is Phia at her full powers, channelling her knack for a catchy pop arrangement into a quirky track with interesting and exciting instrumental and vocal choices. The addition of the Melbourne Indie Voices adds something special without being overpowering. Lovely stuff.

Pieta Brown – “Ask For More”

American singer-songwriter Pieta Brown has released the tender new single and video “Ask For More”. The singer is a favourite with Australian audiences and its easy to why – there’s a fragility to her songwriting which draws the listener in and the music is simply beautiful.

“Ask For More” is taken from the upcoming album Freeway, co-produced by S. Carey (Bon Iver) and due for release on the 20th September.

Sam Shinazzi – “I Wrote A Book For You”

Sydney based singer-songwriter Sam Shinazzi released his brand new single “I Wrote A Book For You”, a straight forward love song accentuated by some amazing slide guitar from Michael Carpenter. The track also featured in the recent film Book Week.

“Writer/director Heath Davis asked me to write a song for the closing credits to his film Book Week – a brand new song about a film I was yet to see,” Shinazzi explained. “He gave me the movie title and some genre direction, which ended up being SAM-like anyway. The song came easily enough to me, and thankfully all those involved with the film loved it too. I then asked Michael Carpenter to put his touch on it, which he did brilliantly at Love HZ Studios. The song fits directly with the other new songs and works in progress for the next album, both musically and thematically. This is a special song for me with a tonne of meaning; I hope others get some feelings out of it too.”

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New Music Monday – 5th August

August 5, 2019 at 12:23 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Anna Smyrk
Image Courtesy of Anna Smyrk

Anna Smyrk – “Home”

“Home” is the second single from singer-songwriter Anna Smyrk’s sophomore EP, planned to be released later in the year. The entire EP is inspired by the wild places Smyrk has lived including the Solomon Islands, Cambodia and the Philippines. “Home”, with its piano, cello, backing vocals and dobro, is a beautiful track full of evocative imagery and sensuous, intertwining melodies.

Charlie Collins – “Who’s Gonna Save You Now”

Tamworth born alt-country singer-songwriter Charlie Collins has released a live version of her new single “Who’s Gonna Save You Now”, taken from her latest record Snowpine. The languid track combines Collins’ love of a storytelling country song with an indie rock sensibility, deftly defying genre while taking the best from all of her influences.

Charlie Collins is heading out on tour with Kasey Chambers from this September – the full list of dates are below:

Thursday 12th September – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 13th September – The Palms at Crown, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 14th September – Costa Hall, GPAC, Geelong, VIC
Sunday 15th September – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Wangaratta, VIC
Thursday 19th September – Lismore City Hall, Lismore, NSW
Friday 20th September – The Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 21st September – Southport RSL Club, Southport, QLD
Friday 4th October – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide, SA
Saturday 5th October – The Astor Theatre, Perth, WA
Sunday 6th October – Bridgetown, WA
Friday 11th October – Town Hall Theatre, PAC, Devonport, TAS
Saturday 12th October – Theatre North at the Princess, Launceston, TAS
Sunday 13th October – Wrest Point Entertainment Centre, Hobart, TAS
Thursday 17th October – Anitas Theatre, Thirroul, NSW
Friday 18th October – Evan Theatre, Panthers, Penrith, NSW
Saturday 19th October – The Cube, Campbelltown, NSW
Sunday 20th October – Bathurst Memorial Theatre, Bathurst, NSW
Thursday 24th October – Giant Dwarf Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 25th October – Giant Dwarf Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 26th October – Nex Theatre, Newcastle, NSW
Sunday 27th October – The Playhouse Theatre, CTC, Canberra, ACT
Friday 22nd to Saturday 24th November – Queenscliff Music Festival, Queenscliff, VIC
Thursday 28th November – The Playhouse @ Darwin Entertainment Centre, Darwin, NT
Friday 29th November – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, QLD
Saturday 30th November – Townsville Civic Centre, Townsville, QLD
Sunday 1st December – Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre, Mackay, QLD

Dori Freeman – “Another Time”

American folksinger Dori Freeman explores the love within a platonic friendship in her new single “Another Time”. Freeman’s stunning voice, reminiscent of Laura Marling or Joni Mitchell, dances perfectly over the country shuffle rhythm of the song, creating something very unique and really beautiful.

“Another Time” is taken from Dori Freeman’s upcoming album Every Single Star which is due on the 27th September.

James Thomson – “Desire”

“Desire”, the new track from folksinger James Thomson, is a Dylan-esque folk-rock number with a definite groove and catchy chorus. The track is taken from Thomson’s upcoming album Golden Exile which is due out later this year.

Pete Cullen & The Hurt – “Destroy It All”

Brisbane based alt country singer-songwriter Pete Cullen has just released his new single “Destroy It All”, the first taster of his new album High Tide, due on the 3rd September. The song is full of passion, with Cullen’s voice cutting through some amazing musicianship from his band The Hurt.

“”Destroy It All” came to me in late January 2019 when I was reading stories of farmers facing yet another endless drought in Australia,” Pete Cullen explained. “Around this time a natural disaster hit north Queensland. Farmers went from hand-feeding their stock to watching them being washed away in record level floods. Living in the city it’s can be difficult to fully fathom the reality of these heart-breaking stories and the effect on our rural communities. As the song developed I started to realise that I was in fact the “fortunate boy” who lives in the luckiest country on the planet.”

Riley Pearce – “Brave (Acoustic)”

Australian singer-songwriter Riley Pearce released his amazing single “Brave” back in 2016. But now that he’s taking on the world he’s just re-released it as an acoustic version, so I figured it was worth sharing again. Loving the saxophone in this mix.

Seeker Lover Keeper – “Superstar”

With their highly anticipated new album Wild Seeds out this Friday, Australian super-group Seeker Lover Keeper have given us one more single in “Superstar”. The ethereal, piano and vocal driven song takes advantage of the group’s amazing vocal harmonies and makes me really excited for what else the album will reveal. It helps that the track also has an amazing video staring Australian actor Madeleine Madden.

“”Superstar” was the first song we wrote for the album,” Seeker Lover Keeper explained. “Sally [Seltmann] brought in the piano part, and a rough song structure and together we worked on melodies and lyrics. We had never written songs together before, so I think we all felt a little nervous. However, this song came together really quickly and organically.”

Seeker Lover Keeper are heading out on tour this September and October – full dates are below:

Thursday 5th September – Blue Mountains Theatre, Springwood, NSW
Friday 6th September – Canberra Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 7th September – Small Ballroom, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 13th September – Narrabeen RSL, Narrabeen, NSW
Saturday 14th September – The Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Friday 27th September – The Altar Bar, Hobart, TAS
Saturday 28th September – The Gov, Adelaide, SA
Sunday 29th September – Freo Social, Fremantle, WA
Thursday 3rd October – The Triffid, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 4th October – Caloundra Music Festival, Caloundra, QLD
Saturday 5th October – Tanks Arts Centre, Cairns, QLD
Thursday 17th October – Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 18th October – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 19th October – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine, VIC
Sunday 20th October – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave, VIC

Shaky Stills – “Freaking Out”

Melbourne based alt-country band Shaky Stills have released their new single “Freaking Out”. The song is a straight up country twanger with shimmering lead guitar and walking bass alongside the lonesome vocals of Patty Carr. Definitely one to add to your playlists if you’re a fan of modern Australian country music.

Shaky Stills will be launching their new single with shows around Victoria including this Friday in Melbourne – dates are here:

Friday 9th August – The Merri Creek Tavern, Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 25th August – The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine, VIC
Saturday 7th September – The Rainbow, Melbourne, VIC

The Lumineers – “It Wasn’t Easy To Be Happy For You”

Did you manage to catch The Lumineers when they were in the country for Splendour in the Grass? If so you might have caught their brand new single “It Wasn’t Easy To Be Happy For You” from their latest album III. The track has The Lumineers in their full stripped back glory, with the guitar and lead vocals front and centre and a subtle rhythm section and background vocals ghosting in the background.

“It Wasn’t Easy To Be Happy For You” is also the forth video in an ongoing narrative series from The Lumineers – check out their YouTube channel for parts one, two and three.

Tia Gostelow – “Get To It”

Indie singer-songwriter Tia Gostelow has taken the anthemic approach with her new single “Get To It”. The track weaves Gostelow’s reverb heavy voice over a driving drum groove and spacious instrumentation.

Tia Gostelow will be launching the new single in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide this September and October – full dates are below:

Saturday 14th September – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 21st September – Brisbane Festival, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 27th September – Howler, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 4th October – Rocket Bar, Adelaide, SA

Xavia – “Rain Falls”

Alice Springs based multi-instrumentalist Xavia has released her stunning new single “Rain Falls”. Xavia evokes the landscape of her home town while channeling the etherial electro-trad of bands like Clannad, creating something that is both brutally modern and timeless at the same time.

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New Music Monday – 22nd July

July 22, 2019 at 14:06 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Harely Mavis
Image Courtesy of Harley Mavis

Big Sky Mountain – “Cover My Tracks”

The latest single from seven-piece, Sydney-based alt-country and Americana band Big Sky Mountain is the rollicking “Cover My Tracks”. I love how this track just drives forward with the rhythmic chug drums, bass and ukulele while still showcasing the band’s beautiful harmonies and diverse instrumentation – the subtle trumpet parts throughout the song are spot on.

Big Sky Mountain have a bunch of gigs coming up – the full list is here:

Friday 26th July – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Friday 9th August – Club Willoughby, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 14th September – Crack ‘N’ Jack Spring Music Festival, Port Stephens, NSW
Saturday 19th Octover – Fusion Multicultural Street Festival, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Devendra Banhart – “Abre Las Manos”

Freak folk pioneer Devendra Banhart has just given us a taste of his upcoming album Ma (due on the 13th September) with the latin inspired track “Abre Las Manos”. Sung entirely in Spanish, “Abre Las Manos” was inspired by Banhart’s motherland, Venezuela with the title translating to “Open Your Hands”. In typical Devendra Banhart style the song takes traditional musical forms and plays with them, adding a trippy, ethereal feel to the song.

“My brother is in Venezuela, my cousins, my aunts and uncles,” Devendra Banhart explained. “They are just holding their breath, in gridlock standstill. Maybe there is more Spanish writing on Ma because of the helplessness I’m feeling, it’s on my mind more than ever. I was thinking about the sorrow of having to put a child up for adoption, loving that child but not being with them, for whatever reason. That child is out in the world and you have to love them from afar. And that is exactly how I have felt observing the situation in Venezuela. There’s this helplessness, this place that has been a mother to you, that you’re a mother to as well, and it’s suffering so much. There is nothing you can do but send out love and remain in that sorrowful state.”

Harley Mavis – “Thief”

Sydney based alt-folk artist Harley Mavis (who previously performed under the name Hannah Robinson) is channeling her inner Stevie Nicks for her latest single “Thief”. The folk rock song combines Harley Mavis’ big voice with a cracking band that really drives the pace forward.

“”Thief” is a reflection of being in a really emotionally manipulative relationship and constantly feeling like that person has a hold on you regardless of having broken up,” Harley Mavis explained. “It’s a song that really encapsulates my mental health at that time in my life.”

Hein Cooper – “Invincible”

From it’s atmospheric opening right through to its huge crescendo, “Invincible” from singer-songwriter Hein Cooper is a beautiful piece of work. The single, which also has a power, cinematic video, once agains demonstrates just what a talent Cooper is.

If you want to catch Hein Cooper live there’s a bunch of dates in August supported by Leonie Kingdom:

Saturday 3rd August – Milton Theatre, Milton, NSW
Thursday 8th August – Cambridge Warehouse, Newcastle, NSW
Friday 9th August – Lansdowne, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 10th August – The Basement, Canberra, ACT
Friday 16th August – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 17th August – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff, NSW
Friday 23rd August – Mojo’s, Fremantle, WA
Saturday 24th August – Prince Of Wales, Bunbury, WA
Sunday 25th August – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Dunsborough, WA
Thursday 29th August – Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide, SA
Friday 30th August – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC

Joe Man Murphy – “The Old Pine Tree”

Irish born, Australian based singer-songwriter (and one quarter of Adelaide band The Timbers) Joe Man Murphy has released his brand new single “The Old Pine Tree”. The track has an expansive sound typical of Australian folk music with some Mark Knopfler-esque electric guitar that helps to elevate Murphy’s songwriting. The video for “The Old Pine Tree” combines Joe Man Murphy’s music with his other passion of visual art.

Joe Pug – “The Flood in Color”

Joe Pug’s highly anticipated new album The Flood in Color landed last week and it’s truly magical. Pug also released the lead single which sees the songwriter at his best – guitar, harmonica and a simple backing band to highlight his stunning lyrics. Pug’s songwriting economy is really a true talent – here’s a song that is under 3 minutes long and lyrically sparse but is still able to convey so much emotion.

Karine Polwart – “Chance”

Scottish folk singer Karine Polwart releases her tribute to Scottish pop, Karine Polwart’s Scottish Songbook, on the 2nd August and everything we’ve heard so far from it has been really interesting. Here Polwart reinterprets Big Country’s classic track “Chance”, stripping it back to its core with really beautiful instrumentation including flutes and glockenspiel.

The Brother Brothers feat. Sarah Jarosz, Jeff Picker – “Colorado”

I love this. Folk duo The Brother Brothers have teamed with singer and guitarist Sarah Jarosz and bassist Jeff Picker for the gorgeous new single “Colorado”. Sitting somewhere between the songwriting of Paul Simon and the vocal delivery of Dylan in his quieter moments, the song has everything you want from modern folk music.

Wallis Bird – “Salve!”

“Salve!” is the latest taster of the upcoming album Woman from Irish singer-songwriter Wallis Bird. The soul and funk of “Salve!” is a whole lot of fun, and will immediately have you up and dancing – such a fun track. Woman is due for release on the 27th September.

Witches Leap – “Mountain Road / Rocky Road to Megalong”

Blue Mountains based trio Witches Leap provide one of first instrumental tracks for New Music Monday with their reels “Mountain Road / Rocky Road to Megalong”. The combination of flute, pipes and guitar evokes a magical landscape that could be Ireland or could also be the wilderness of the Mountains – and the video compliments this perfectly.

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New Music Monday – 8th July

July 8, 2019 at 10:00 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Joe Pug
Image Courtesy of Joe Pug

Brittany Howard – “History Repeats”

Brittany Howard has stepped away from her amazing band The Alabama Shakes and will be launching her debut solo album Jaime on the 20th September. “History Repeats” is the funky first single from the album which seems to be mashing Prince, Beck and Howard’s own bluesy influences together into something really interesting.

“History Repeats is as much a personal song as it is a song about us as a human species,” Howard explains. “Our times of success may propel us forward, but our repeating failures hold us back from evolving into harmony.”

Chance McCoy – “Wander Wide”

Old Crow Medicine Show’s Chance McCoy is channelling Neil Young in his latest solo single “Wander Wide”. The track has a laid back, indie folk feel with finger-picked electric guitar and pedal steel coupled with McCoy’s double tracked vocals.

“Wander Wide” is taken from Chance McCoy’s upcoming solo album of the same name, due on the 20th September.

Joe Pug – “Exit”

I’ve been really getting back into Joe Pug recently thanks to his amazing The Working Songwriter podcast. So I’m pretty excited that he’s announced his new album The Flood of Color due on the 19th July. “Exit” is the first single from that album and its just stunning. This is Joe Pug at the height of his songwriting powers, wrenching an emotional truth from just his acoustic guitar and voice, with just a touch of accompaniment. If this is just the first single, I can’t wait to hear the rest of The Flood of Color.

Little Wise – “Devil off My Back”

Melbourne based singer-songwriter Sophie Klein, AKA Little Wise, returns with her latest single “Devil off My Back”. The folk-rock track is instantly catchy with its sing-along chorus and driving rhythm. This is the first taste of Little Wise’s upcoming album
Want it All which is due on the 20th August.

“The song is about trying to quiet that inner voice that says ‘you can’t do it’,” Klein explained. “It’s about trying to remove the distractions and escapism that allow us to ignore what’s really going on.”

Little Wise will be launching the new single next Thursday 18th July at The Merri Creek Tavern in Melbourne.

Lost Ragas – “Just Wastin’ Time”

Melbourne four-piece Lost Ragas have announced plans to release their latest album This Is Not A Dream on the 2nd September. “Just Wastin’ Time” is the first taster of that album, providing listeners with a slightly psychedelic sound alongside Lost Ragas’ unique brand of alt-country. A weird, twisty sound which definitely sets a lot expectations of the album to come.

Mumford & Sons and Gang Of Youths – “Blood (Live in Stockholm)”

When The Recordings of The Middle East came out in 2009 it brought Australian indie-folk to the world stage. It showed that a band from Far North Queensland could stand side by side with the world’s biggest nu-folk bands who were exploding at the time. The history of The Middle East has been well documented over the years so does not really need repeating here, however its been nice to see them getting a lot of attention recently with the 10 year anniversary of The Recordings of The Middle East.

Seeing The Middle East’s contemporaries Mumford & Sons team with Australian stadium rockers Gang Of Youths on a cover of the band’s epic track “Blood” is magical. The two bands have paid fitting tribute to the original track while still giving it their own stamp.

Having reformed recently for VIVID, The Middle East have also just announced a show at The Tivoli in Brisbane on the 13th September.

Sheryl Crow feat. Stevie Nicks, Maren Morris – “Prove You Wrong”

“Prove You Wrong” is a taster from Sheryl Crow’s upcoming collaboration lead album Threads, due on the 30th August. This track features the powerhouse vocals of Stevie Nicks along with up and coming singer-songwriter Maren Morris. Overall its pretty inoffensive, middle of the road country-rock which showcases the unique vocals of each singer.

“Stevie exudes art, she is at all times authentic. She’s the sister I don’t see enough, but she never leaves my heart,” Crow explained of the song. “I invited Maren to perform on “Prove You Wrong” with Stevie and I because she belongs in our ‘club’ of strong female rockers who tell it like it is.”

The Little Lord Street Band – “Frankie’s Back In Town”

WA based indie-folk five-piece The Little Lord Street Band have released the video for their catchy new single “Frankie’s Back In Town”. The jangle-rock track will definitely put a smile on your face and stir all sorts of pining for the summer months. This track is pure joy – it’s easy to see why The Little Lord Street Band have been killing it on the live circuit recently.

Speaking of the live circuit The Little Lord Street Band are currently touring “Frankie’s Back In Town” – the remaining dates are here:

Wednesday 10th July – Yardie Creek Homestead, Exmouth, WA
Friday 12th July – Whalebone Brewing Co, Exmouth, WA
Saturday 13th July – Froth Craft Brewery Fundraiser, Exmouth, WA
Sunday 14th July – Yardie Creek Homestead, Exmouth, WA
Tuesday 16th July – House Concert, Exmouth, WA
Wednesday 17th July – Monkey Bar, Monkey Mia, WA
Thursday 18th July – Finlay’s, Kalbarri, WA
Friday 19th July – 459 Bar, Perth, WA
Saturday 20th July – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, WA
Sunday 21st July – Clancy’s Fish Pub, Fremantle, WA
Friday 26th July – Grumpy’s Music Bar, Perth, WA
Sunday 28th July – Otherside Brewing Co, Perth, WA

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New Music Monday – 17th June

June 17, 2019 at 15:20 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Boy and Bear
Image Courtesy of Boy & Bear

Angharad Drake – “Start Again”

Brisbane based singer-songwriter Angharad Drake released her dreamy new single “Start Again” this week, along with home video style clip. The track fuses elements of Drake’s folk-infused sound with an almost melancholic indie-rock aesthetic.

“”Start Again” is about not letting one tragedy in your life determine every other choice you make,” Angharad Drake explains. “You have the opportunity to start again, don’t miss your chance.”

“Start Again” is taken from her upcoming EP due on the 18th July. Angharad Drake has a handful of Queensldand dates coming up in the next few weeks:

Saturday 29th June – Bison Bar, Nambour, QLD
Friday 5th July – Dust Temple, Currumbin Waters, QLD
Saturday 6th July – Junk Bar, Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 7th July – House Concert, Kingscliff, QLD

Boy & Bear – “Hold Your Nerve”

This week saw the triumphant return of Australian indie-folk favourites Boy & Bear with their brand new single “Hold Your Nerve”. This is the band’s first new music single their 2015 album Limit of Love so their return is very very welcome.

And they don’t disappoint with an epic single in “Hold Your Nerve”, an ultimately positive stadium banger full of the band’s trademark seventies influences. And of course with a new single we also get a handful of tour dates this August:

Thursday 15th August – The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 16th August – The Forum, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 17th August – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 23rd August – The Astor, Perth, WA

Georgia State Line & Patrick Wilson – “What I Know Now”

Alt-country favourites Georgia State Line and Patrick Wilson have collaborated on their brand new track “What I Know Now”. The song comes with a stunning live video which showcases these unique talents perfectly – combining their gorgeous voices with the natural reverb of Evans Hall, thanks to Shoelace Sessions.

“Having committed to the inevitable highs and lows of a lifetime in music, Pat and I got to a point where we realised we’re all, in one way or another, taught to feel shame about our unique pathway through the world,” Georgia Delves said of the song. “At the time of writing [the song] I found myself wondering what life could be like if we were all just left to be; to act with curiosity and compassion for ourselves and others.

Jordan Merrick – “Low Country”

Sitting somewhere between The Doors and Los Lobos, Brisbane based folk singer-songwriter Jordan Merrick delivers his latest single “Low Country”. With an unmistakeable swagger, “Low Country” is going to conjure up all sorts of musical nostalgia with more than a pinch of grit.

“Low Country” is the first taste from an upcoming debut album from Jordan Merrick.

Michael Waugh – “This Song Reminds Me”

No one is really writing country and folk music like Michael Waugh. The deceptively simple storytelling approach to his craft, combined with heavy doses of nostalgia and poignancy, firmly places Waugh in the great tradition of great Australian songwriters.

“This Song Reminds Me” feels like a Michael Waugh song turned up to eleven. It’s the lead single from his upcoming album, due for release later this year.

Nathan Seeckts – “Three Soldiers”

Geelong based alt-country singer Nathan Seeckts perfectly captures the feeling of childhood friedships drifting apart over the years with his new single “Three Soldiers”. I’m such a fan of Seeckts’ voice, particularly on this track – it’s strong and raw with a hidden tenderness that is needed on tracks like “Three Soldiers”.

“My mates and I grew up riding our bikes around the streets of Geelong from sunup ‘til sundown, looking for adventure and only coming home when it was time to eat,” Nathan Seeckts explained. “As we grew up and followed different paths we lost that tight bond that we’d built up over so many years. I like to think of this song as my Stand By Me song.”

Nathan Seeckts is currently out on tour – his remaining dates are here:

Saturday 29th June – The Lost Ones, Ballarat, VIC
Saturday 29th June – Entrée Music Bar, Bendigo, VIC
Sunday 30th June – The Taproom, Castlemaine, VIC
Friday 5th July – The Wharf Barrel Shed, Goolwa, SA
Saturday 6th July – The Exeter, Adelaide, SA
Sunday 7th July – The Royal Oak, Penola, SA
Saturday 13th July – Pistol Pete’s, Geelong, VIC
Saturday 20th July – The Fitzroy Pinnacle, Melbourne, VIC

Steve Poltz – “Ballin’ On A Wednesday”

Celebrated Americana singer-songwriter Steve Poltz has just released his ode to the middle of the week, “Ballin’ On A Wednesday”. This is a straight up humour driven Americana music with its tongue firmly placed in its check and a ludicrous video to match.

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New Music Monday – 3rd June

June 3, 2019 at 11:50 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Big Sky Mountain
Image Courtesy of Big Sky Mountain

Big Sky Mountain – “Homeland”

Sydney alt-country seven piece Big Sky Mountain released their first single “Homeland”, which is taken from their upcoming debut album All Our Minutes. “Homeland” is a wonderful song – expansive but not overcrowded, modern while still paying tribute to the traditions that have come before. Their harmonies remind me of The Little Stevies in places, while the songwriting is reminiscent of The Waifs.

Big Sky Mountain will be appearing at the Perisher Peak festival this weekend as well as a bunch of other gigs and festivals on the east coast:

Thursday 6th June – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Friday 7th to Monday 10th June – Perisher Peak Festival, Perisher, NSW
Friday 5th July – The Townie, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 6th July – Bundanoon Winterfest, Bundanoon, NSW
Fridat 26th July – Gasoline Pony, Sydney, NSW
Friday 9th August – Club Willoughby, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 14th September – Crack ‘N’ Jack Spring Music Festival, Port Stephens, NSW
Saturday 19th Octover – Fusion Multicultural Street Festival, Wagga Wagga, NSW

Freya Josephine Hollick – “Jesus Hates It When You Smoke”

Alt-country crooner Freya Josephine Hollick is channelling David Lynch with her new video and single “Jesus Hates It When You Smoke”. The slightly twisted aesthetic of the video fits really well with the track, which feels just slightly left of a typical country song – probably mostly down to the shimmering guitars and Hollick’s unique voice.

Freya Josephine Hollick will be playing the Gasometer in Melbourne on Saturday 15th June.

Saint Sister – “Is It Too Early? (Kilmainham)”

Irish duo Saint Sister have just dropped their amazing new single “Is It Too Early? (Kilmainham)”. The beautiful layered vocals are amplified by hip hop beats and subtle synths courtesy of producers Diffusion Lab and the result is something that breaks through any genre constraints.

“We were very open going into Diffusion Lab, we went into the studio willing to go somewhere with the song that we possibly wouldn’t have gone had we worked on it by ourselves,” Gemma Doherty from the band explained. “They suggested sounds outside of our instincts. In the end, I think the song perfectly represents the best of both worlds and our respective musical sensibilities.”

Sufjan Stevens – “Love Yourself”

To celebrate Pride Month Sufjan Stevens has released two new songs on the topic of love – “Love Yourself” and “With My Whole Heart”. The first of those two tracks, “Love Yourself”, is based on a sketch Stevens wrote 20 years ago and definitely has him flexing his electro and synth muscles rather than the softer folk he’s been returning to lately. It’s still a cracking song though and has everything you’ve come to love from new Sufjan Stevens music.

Tunng – “Bank Holiday”

Folktronica pioneers Tunng will be releasing an album of b-sides and obscurities spanning their entire career on the 28th June titled This Is Tunng … Magpie Bites and Other Cuts. The band have revealed a couple of tracks from the album already, one of which is the decidedly chunky “Bank Holiday”.

The track is full of weird samples, big drums and bass and Tunng’s signature melding of folk instrumentation with electronica elements. Strange and lots of fun.

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New Music Monday – 27th May

May 27, 2019 at 16:45 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Jordie and Yirramal
Image Courtesy of Jordie Lane and Yirrmal

Chance McCoy – “Lonesome Pines”

More new music from Old Crow Medicine Show multi-instrumentalist Chance McCoy’s solo project, this time the dreamy “Lonesome Pines”. Straddling somewhere between Neil Young and The Doors, “Lonesome Pines” is definitely a departure from his last single “No One Loves You (The Way That I Do)” and definitely a stark contrast to his Old Crow output.

Emma Beau – “Leading Me Astray”

Go-to country fiddle player Emma Beau is showing off just how talented a songwriter she is with the release of her new single and video “Leading Me Astray”. This is Beau’s latest taste from her crowd-funded self-titled alum due for release on the 28th June, and may favourite so far – I can definitely hear overtones of Joy Williams (The Civil Wars) in her vocal delivery and I’m loving the simple country production choices throughout.

“This track explains a relationship,” Emma Beau explained. “The start, present, and future, and the quirks of the time spent together, particularly the notion that someone can lead you away from the life you may have imagined – and that’s a good thing.”

Glen Hansard – “Don’t Settle”

Irish troubadour Glen Hansard released “Don’t Settle” this week, his piano driven new single from the album This Wild Willing. If you’ve been enjoying the direction Hansard’s songwriting has been taking recently then you’ll love this track. It’s emotional and lyric driven with a jazz inspired undertone and beautiful production.

Hannah Blackburn – “Did You Always Know”

Melbourne singer-songwriter Hannah Blackburn released her brand new single “Did You Always Know” last week and I’m really digging it. The retro feel coupled with Blackburn’s beautiful voice is going to elicit comparisons to Julia Jacklin – and that should definitely be taken as a compliment. A singer-songwriter to be watched.

Jordie Lane & Yirrmal – “For Everyone”

To kick off National Reconciliation Week this week singer-songwriters Jordie Lane and Yirrmal have come together to release their new single and video “For Everyone”. The song charts the journey of young indigenous man Clinton Pryor who walked 6,000km from Perth to Canberra to meet with the Prime Minister and stand for Justice of indigenous people.

The talents of both Jordie Lane and Yirrmal are undeniable and this track celebrates both of their unique voices.

Lucie Thorne – “Wheogo Hill”

Celebrated singer-songwriter Lucie Thorne has announced her new album Kitty & Frank will be in our ears on the 10th August and has released the dreamy, spacious “Wheogo Hill” as a welcome appetiser. With ambient synths, jazzy piano and Thorne’s captivating vocal style, this track is going to completely draw you in.

Lucie Thorne is heading out on tour with long time collaborator Hamish Stuart this June – check out the dates here:

Friday 7th June – Merri Creek Tavern, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 8th June – Merri Creek Tavern, Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 13th June – Dusty Attic, Lismore, NSW
Friday 14th June – House Concert, Duranbah, NSW
Sunday 16th June – House Concert, Brisbane, QLD
Friday 21st June – House Concert, Mittagong, NSW
Saturday 22nd June – Smiths Alternative, Canberra, ACT
Sunday 23rd June – Django @ Camelot, Sydney, NSW

Passenger – “Rosie”

With a bunch of artists sharing songs and videos inspired by their children lately its also nice to see an artist like Passenger creating a piece of art to celebrate that other special person in his life – his cat Rosie.

Passenger describes the video for the track “Rosie” as “possibly the silliest and definitely the most adorable video we’ve ever released” – and I’ve watched it now more times than I care to admit.

Seeker Lover Keeper – “Let It Out”

Australia’s premiere super-group Seeker Lover Keeper, made up of the amazingly talented Sarah Blasko, Sally Seltmann and Holly Throsby, have made a triumphant return this week with the release of their new single “Let It Out”. The track is the group’s first in eight years and features a stunning video featuring Australian acting legend Magda Szubanski.

What I’ve always loved about Seeker Lover Keeper is just how raw their music is, and its ability to celebrate the unique voices of Blasko, Seltmann and Throsby while also bringing them together to create something unique. “Let It Out” is no different, with the trio’s beautuful vocals weaving in and out over the minimal accompaniment.

Seeker Lover Keeper have announced a couple of intimate shows this July:

Friday 12th July – Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Saturday 13th July – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne, VIC

The Lumineers – “Gloria”

We finally have some new music from indie-folk favourites The Lumineers with their track “Gloria”. The song is the first from the band’s upcoming full-length album III, due on the 13th September, and is full of the footstomping goodness you’ve come to expect from The Lumineers.

“Gloria” is the first in a series of 3 videos released by the band over the last week – you can watch “Donna” here and “Life In The City” here. Collectively they tell the visual story of 3 generations of the same family.

The Lumineers will be in the country later this year for Splendour in the Grass as well as a single intimate show in Sydney – dates below:

Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July – Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay, NSW
Monday 22nd July – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW

The Pigs – “Olive, Call Me”

You know you’re going to be in for a chuckle when there’s new music from Bluegrass larrikins The Pigs, and their latest single “Olive, Call Me” doesn’t disappoint. The track details the way a romantic rival may accidentally die and is darkly hilarious.

“I’ve realised that I don’t stand a chance with Olive, because this guy is perfect for her in every way,” explains Stretch Pig from the band. “And you know, I don’t wish him any harm. I’m just sayin’ that if he gets hit by a runaway Winnebago some day, I’m good to go.”

The track is taken from The Pigs’ latest album Hillbilly Synthesiser. The band are, as always, touring the country – you can catch them at one of these upcoming Queensland dates:

Friday 31st May – Highfields Tavern, Toowoomba, QLD
Saturday 1st May – Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich, QLD
Friday 21st June – South Kolan Hotel, South Kolan, QLD
Saturday 22nd June – D’Aguilar Hotel, D’Aguilar, QLD
Friday 12th July – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 13th July – Bush To Bay Music Festival, Hervey Bay, QLD

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New Music Monday – 6th May

May 6, 2019 at 09:13 (New Music Monday, News, Single News, Video News)
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Fanny Lumsden
Image Courtesy of Fanny Lumsden

Chance McCoy – “No One Loves You (The Way That I Do)”

Old Crow Medicine show fiddler, banjo player and guitarist Chance McCoy has just released his brand new solo single “No One Loves You (The Way That I Do)”. Leaning heavily into atmospheric indie-folk reminiscent of The Beta Band or The Shins, the track stands in stark contrast to Old Crow’s old time and bluegrass sound. Interestingly McCoy has announced he won’t be touring with Old Crow Medicine Show in 2019 to focus on his solo work, so I’d say we can expect a lot more from him in the coming months.

Fanny Lumsden – “Pretty Little Fools”

Alt-country singer and Timber and Steel’s mate Fanny Lumsden released the highly anticipated new video for her track “Pretty Little Fools”. Directed by longtime collaborator Sam Brumby the video is the sequel to 2017’s “Totem Tennis” and features Fanny and her friends competing in some amazingly dodgy synchronised swimming in a local pool. Lovely stuff from Australia’s alt-country queen.

Fanny Lumsden has also announced the 2019/20 tour dates for their annual Country Hall tour. As well as a bunch of local, regional dates throughout Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia punters will be able to catch Lumsden and her band at Country Hall style shows in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. The full list of dates are below:

Saturday 18th May – Soulful, Grafton, NSW
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July – Groundwater Country Music Festival, Gold Coast, QLD
Friday 2nd August – Herbert River Crushers Hall, Ingham, QLD
Saturday 3rd August – Dimbulah Memorial Hall, Dimbulah, QLD
Saturday 10th August – Isisford Hall, Isisford, QLD
Sunday 11th August – Tambo Hall, Tambo, QLD
Thursday 15th August – Evening Star Tourist Park, Charleville, QLD
Friday 16th August – Thargomindah Hall, Thargomindah, QLD
Friday 20th September – Toppy Hall, Wyalong, NSW
Saturday 21st September – Palladium Palace Theatre, Morundah, NSW
Friday 27th September – Eugowra Hall, Eugowra, NSW
Saturday 28th September – Tooraweenah Hall, Tooraweenah, NSW
Friday 4th October – Old Junee Hall, Old Junee, NSW
Friday 11th October – Marthaguy Hall, Marthaguy, NSW
Saturday 12th October – Spring Ridge, NSW
Friday 25th October – Springdale Memorial Hall, Springdale, NSW
Saturday 26th October – Gunbar Hall, Gunbar, NSW
Friday 1st November – Mumbanna Hall, Mumbannar, VIC
Saturday 2nd November – Joanna Hall, Joanna, SA
Friday 8th November – Polish Club, Canberra, ACT
Saturday 9th November – Giant Dwarf Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 15th November – Loomberah Hall, Loomberah, NSW
Saturday 16th November – Glen Innes Hall, Glen Innes, NSW
Friday 6th December – Jamieson Hall, Jamieson, VIC
Sunday 8th December – Spotted Mallard, Melbourne, VIC
Friday 13th December – Globe Theatre, Winchelsea, VIC
Friday 17th January – Curban Community Hall, Curban, NSW
Friday 14th February – Lake Cargelligo, NSW
Saturday 15th February – Boree Creek Hall, Boree Creek, NSW
Friday 21st February – The Risk Hall, Kyogle, NSW
Saturday 22nd February – Asgrove Bowlo, Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 29th February – Warra Memorial Hall, Warra, QLD

Fred Smith – “Scots of the Riverina”

Celebrated Australian singer-songwriter Fred Smith released his new single and video “Scots of the Riverina” to coincide with Anzac Day week. The track, originally a poem by Henry Lawson put to music by John Schumann (Redgum), is taken from Smith’s new album Warries which he describes as “a collection of songs from conflict zones that aren’t on [2010 album] Dust of Uruzgan“.

Joy Williams – “No Place Like You”

Last week singer-songwriter Joy Williams (of The Civil Wars fame) released her brand new solo album Front Porch. “No Place Like You” is the latest single from that album and is a beautiful piece of soul-infused folk blues, pitting Williams’ amazing vocals with just a stripped back guitar.

Justin Townes Earle – “Appalachian Nightmare”

Another week, another track from Justin Townes Earle’s upcoming album The Saint Of Lost Causes (due on the 24th May). The track is a semi-autobiographical, very-fictional Americana durge and has a new video directed by Joshua Britt and Neilson Hubbard.

“I want this song to say that if you are marginalized, you will find anyway you can to survive,” Earle explained. “Drug problems and criminal behavior are not a problem of color, creed or race.”

Karine Polwart – “Since Yesterday”

Acclaimed Scottish singer-songwriter Karine Polwart gives us a taste of her upcoming album Scottish Songbook (due on the 2nd August) with the new single “Since Yesterday”. The track, originally by Strawberry Switchblade, is released ahead of this year’s Dementia Awareness Week (15-21 May) and features a recording of Polwart’s grandfather singing.

“To me now, this song isn’t about teenage anxiety,” Polwart explained. “It’s about ageing and dementia, remembrance and loss. That’s partly because I’ve got older and life and meaning changes. Even tracks that you might remember as saccharine pop, they’re altered by time. And the real challenge and joy for me is getting inside them, because the lyrics & melodies are often so powerful and resonant.”

Kay Proudlove – “May The Fourth”

Wollongong based singer-songwriter Kay Proudlove released her Star Wars themed single “May The Fourth” over the weekend (naturally) and it’s really fun. More a parody of Star Wars and the people who love it rather than a tribute, Proudlove deftly straddles the line between corniness and mocking creating a track that’s really fun and well worth a repeat listen.

Matt Ward – “Take Me Home”

Adelaide based Americana singer-songwriter Matt Ward has released his new single “Take Me Home”, from the brand new album Heartland. “Take Me Home” hits all the required notes of modern Americana songwriting – Whiskey, faith, aging, traveling and a yearning for place – but elevates them through top notch production and impressive musicianship.

Mumford & Sons feat. Jerry Douglas – “Forever”

I’m on record as not being a fan of Mumford & Sons’ latest album Delta. But I’ll also admit when you strip all the noise out of the tracks on Delta and approach them in a raw, acoustic way, they do reveal good bones.

Case in point is this live version of “Forever”. When it’s just vocals, acoustic guitar and the unmistakable slide playing of the legendary Jerry Douglas, “Forever” leans a lot more towards Paul Simon than it does Coldplay. Here’s hoping Mumford & Sons get back to their acoustic roots the next time they head back into the studio.

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