A playlist for fans of Triple J, Triple J Unearthed and 4zzz who love supporting Australian Music.
The summer heat is winding down as Queensland segues into slightly cooler Autumn weather in preparation for winter. One facet of this great State that hasn’t cooled down (or slowed down despite the recent Brisbane lockdown) though is the amazing music being churned out by local artists. Some of these tunes are upbeat, some are chill, and some are just plain fun. So put on your headphones and take a look at our compilation of the best tunes released by Queensland artists this past month.
EDUCATION – NORALYN
(ALT-POP)
Education is a first taste of Brisbane alt-pop songstress Noralyn’s upcoming self-produced album. Subtle electro elements and atmospheric orchestral production swirl around shimmery and dynamic vocals on this piano-centric track about lifelong learning. A classically trained pianist who enjoys the expressive and evocative power of song craft, Noralyn’s music is reminiscent of Tori Amos, Kate Bush, and Florence Welch.
WHAT YOU DO – DENNIS. FEAT PROFESSOR PAUL
(INDIE-POP)
Keep the good times rolling with What You Do, the new disco banger from award-winning Gold Coast indie-pop artist DENNIS., featuring Professor Paul. A song that will make you feel good from the first beat, What You Do is about becoming so engrossed in someone or something that it almost feels fictitious. With her unique collaborations, fresh approach, and ability to keep us guessing, DENNIS. is establishing herself as one to watch in the local scene.
TALK TO ME – ELKE SCHON
(POP)
Teeing up with producer Josh Beattie, 16 year old Gold Coast singer-songwriter Elke Schon delivers her cinematic and moody debut single, Talk To Me. Curating her own refined version of contemporary pop, Elke takes influence from artists such as Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, and Lana Del Ray. The song is an intimate expression of unrestrained feeling, evoking the incomparable experience of first love and Elke’s struggle to come to terms with it. Talk To Me is a slow-burner with piano-heavy instrumentation that builds to a soaring conclusion borne by the songstress’ softly raspy voice.
DANGEROUS YOU KNOW – PARKER SOUNDS
(POP ROCK)
Parker Sounds’ new upbeat banger Dangerous You Know sits on the precipice of pop and rock. On their latest release, the band, who are known for writing catchy songs, combine an irresistible rhythm, driving guitars, and slick vocals to produce a sound that will appeal to fans of Jack Johnson, The Killers, and Pearl Jam. This one is all about having fun, which it delivers in spades. >>> Read Full Review <<<
MAKE IT EASY – HARRY J HART
(POP)
Fortunately for Gold Coast singer-songwriter Harry J Hart, the decision to end his previous relationship was simple, as he outlines on his poignant new single Make It Easy. Co-written with Jake Cropley over Zoom last year during lockdown, Make It Easy fuses upbeat pop sentiments with reflective lyrics that walk listeners through a relationship breakdown. The track accurately captures the conflicting emotions of joy and sadness, relief and readiness, love and loss that come with embracing the positive change of letting someone who has taken you for granted go. >>> Read Full Review <<<
SO THEY SAY – ASPY JONES
(ROOTS/POP)
On his uplifting new single So They Say, Aspy Jones encourages others to explore their feelings by drawing on his own experiences. Written through his unique perspective on life and the difficulties he’s faced learning to live with autism and anxiety, the Gympie-based artist’s newest track implores us all to listen to, and respect, our emotional needs. Produced by ARIA award-winning producer Paulie Bromley and Steve Summers at Yama-Nui Studio, So They Say is the first taste of a new batch of songs Aspy has been writing, which have a more roots/pop vibe than his previous releases. >>> Read Full Review <<<
TAKE IT ALL IN – FRANCESCA DE VALENCE
(FOLK)
Just because the future is uncertain, doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the present. On her new single Take It All In, Francesca de Valence reminds us of the beauty in our natural world and to be mindful of where we are in life. Written during a six-day hike, Take It All In is a delectably slow-paced and welcome sonic slice of serenity that features the Brisbane songstress’ soothing and powerful vocals and signature flair for relatable storytelling.
HOME – BROOKE AUSTEN
(INDIE-POP)
A sweet serenade of luscious vocals and glistening piano, Brooke Austen’s sophomore single Home is an upbeat and optimistic number that reflects on and celebrates significant relationships. The follow up to her debut single Ghosts, Home is the first taste of Brooke’s debut EP which is slated for release later this year. It’s a love song to those people, places and things that remind you of safety, warmth and familiarity. >>> Read Full Review <<<
DANCING ON THE SUN – BAST N MOVE
(POP)
Dancing On The Sun is a collaboration between rock n roll Queen Sabrina Lawrie and talented producer Ben Kerswell, who together are BAST N MOVE. Penned following Ben’s diagnosis of brain cancer, the poignant piece reflects the duo’s inspiring attitude to not let it get the better of them. A steady drum beat that feels simultaneously grounding yet mystical is the backbone upon which the artists’ voices soar as they empower listeners to embrace the joy of everyday moments. >>> Read Full Review <<<
BEING YOUNG IS GETTING OLD – CEDARSMOKE
(ALT-ROCK)
Cedarsmoke are back at it, with their relatable new single Being Young Is Getting Old, a song about the downside of youth, delivered in their ambivalent, self-defeating, and dark-humoured indie-rock style. Frontman Jon Cloumassis enters with his distinctive punk-esque and gritty vocal tone, based around a 12-string acoustic guitar, until the band fills the soundscape with synths, electric guitar, and mellotron to move the track forwards. The upbeat choruses and mellotron solo contrast with the gloomy verses and bridge, topped off with despondent lyrics.
RAPID FIRE – ACTION SLACKS
(POP)
On their energetic synth-pop track Rapid Fire, Action Slacks invoke involuntary dance moves and feel-good vibes, drawing influence from the greats like Madonna and Kate Bush, as well as contemporary indie favourites, The 1975. Written during lockdown, the song provides a ray of hope during dark times with its instantly recognisable 808s, snappy hooks, and velvet vocals. >>> Read Full Review <<<
ROSS N RACHEL – ISABEL WOOD
(INDIE-POP)
Uplifting and quirky, Queensland songstress Isabel Wood is bringing the energy with her bubbly new single ross n rachel, a fun and light-hearted breakup song. Inspired by artists like Rex Orange County, the track unpacks that all too familiar scenario of friends who decide to dip their toes into the romantic waters only to quickly ‘un-dip.’ And who un-dips better than Ross and Rachel from iconic sitcom Friends?
TUNNEL VISION – PIPIN
(POP)
Pipin’s music embodies dreamy pop imbued with 90’s nostalgia. On Tunnel Vision, the Brisbane singer-songwriter explores the spiral of becoming so obsessed with something that one loses themselves in the process. Glittering and rich soundscapes provide a multi-dimensional look into Pipin’s thoughts and feelings of the confusion, anxiety, and exhilaration that comes with being human.
BOYS! – SAINT BARAE
(POP)
A disco-touched pop bliss, Saint Barae’s falsetto buoys on a smooth instrumental of simple synths and scoring 808 rhythms on his most recent contribution Boys! – a queer anthem the singer-songwriter says is “a call for the disenfranchised to storm the dancefloor: glamorous, flamboyant, and most of all, free.” Combining influences like Tame Impala and 070 Shake with the soul of the 1970s disco movement, Boys! is the last sampling of Saint Barae’s debut EP, which is set to drop mid-year.
SOMETIMES – EDGAR HURLEY FEAT. AL SPEERS
(FOLK)
Sometimes, which features Al Speers‘ ethereal voice, is a display of direction and playfulness. The song’s base was constructed around a drum loop from a $150 keyboard from Cash Converters, accompanied by Jordan’s (aka Edgar Hurley) mic’d nylon-stringed guitar and wistful timbres. It is a taste of Edgar Hurley’s forthcoming album and is described by the artist as “a gentle plea that can make you laugh, dance, or week, depending on your mood.” The release is accompanied by a touching book of poetry titled You Gave Me A Lily And Now It’s A Field.
SHEPHERD SONG – DAY OF EMBERS
(FOLK)
Shepherd Song is the second sublime offering from Day Of Embers‘ debut roots-folklore series. Anchored in lushly finger-picked guitar and delicately haunting vocals, listeners are transported to a peaceful sonic chamber. Shepherd Song reflects the calm before the storm; the deep breath before stepping into the unknown. It’s about embracing the rainy days in life, knowing the sunny ones are just around the corner.
THE PINK HOTEL – SELVE
(ROCK)
On their new track The Pink Hotel, Gold Coast alt-rockers Selve channel 1960s rock vibes with distorted electric guitars, humourous lyrics, and sauntering vocals. An ode to embracing all the strange parts of ourselves, The Pink Hotel is a wild ride that typifies the wondrous melting pot of culture, storytelling and mystique the band are becoming known for.
THE WAY YOU THINK – MUULES
(PUNK-ROCK)
The Way You Think is a hefty slab of fuzz bass-driven dance punk that explores the inner feelings we all have when it comes to relationships. The latest song, which features Jess Lean (The Brains Trust) on guest vocals, reveals Muules‘ lighter, more bouncier side, with influences from Dukes of Windsor, Rogue Traders, Nine Inch Nails, and Royal Blood, as well as references to early 2000s Australian alt-rock pop. Get ready to rock n roll dance!
Listen to these goodies all in one go, with our Monthly Munchies Spotify Playlist below.
MONTHLY MUNCHIES – APRIL 2021
Monthly Munchies is a monthly compilation of the best new single releases by Queensland acts. Updated fortnightly.
