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HOTTER THAN HELL SET TO RETURN IN OCT/NOV FEAT. REGURGITATOR / LESS THAN JAKE / UNWRITTEN LAW / JEBEDIAH / LITTLE BIRDY & MORE

Maria Predavec News 24/07/2024Black Of Hearts, Hotter than hell, Music, On The Map pr

HOTTER THAN HELL

SET TO RETURN IN OCT/NOV

FEAT. REGURGITATOR / LESS THAN JAKE / UNWRITTEN LAW / JEBEDIAH / LITTLE BIRDY & MORE

Grab a pair of Vans and your best mates and get set for some classic summer festival vibes like the good old days; this October and November, the hottest ticket in town will be Hotter Than Hell, with the Aussie festival celebrating all things rock returning later this year for a monster 2024 edition with one stage, no clashes and affordable prices with tickets from $85. Bringing the old-school vibes off the beaten track to outdoor venues in Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland, Hotter Than Hell will feature unforgettable performances across five days from familiar and new favourites, including the likes of Regurgitator, American icons Less Than Jake (performing in SA and QLD only) and Unwritten Law (performing in WA and VIC only), along with Jebediah, Little Birdy, The Bennies, Adalita, and The Kickons. Once again bringing a monstrous lineup truly blessed by the rock gods down under, Hotter Than Hell is here to kick off summer festival season with a bang!

From just $85, tickets for Hotter Than Hell go onsale to the general public on Wednesday July 24 at 12pm local time from hotterthanhelltour.com.au, fans can register for presale tickets now from hotterthanhelltour.com.au, with the presale kicking off Monday 22 July at 12pm local time.

An undisputed and unstoppable force on the Aussie alternative landscape, Hotter Than Hell’s 2024 headliners Regurgitator need very little introduction. Forming in Brisbane in the early 90s, the group have gone on to take home multiple ARIA Awards, tour the globe across Australia,
New Zealand, Japan, the UK, Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East, playing with Weezer, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Prodigy and Silverchair, and obliterate festival stages, from the iconic days of Big Day Out through to their recent appearance as part of 2022’s Good Things
Festival. Armed with ten studio albums under the Regurgitator moniker, including their groundbreaking 1996 debut album Tu-Plang, through to their recent 2024 opus Invader, Regurgitator remain a cultural force to be reckoned with.

Boundlessly inventive, and armed with everything from rock, rap, funk, and thrash (and even a kid’s album for good measure), Regurgitator’s live show remains to this day as infamous as their genre-defying earworms; and Hotter Than Hell was the perfect lure to get the band back on Aussie stages again, as the band share, “We were pretty set on taking a decent break after the high paced energy of making our latest album INVADER. As we rolled along over this great land and saw how much you poured your hearts into enjoying our Invasive tour performances, the Hotter Than Hell folks reached out wanting us to continue the momentum for another run of their festival dates end of year. We took a deep breath and said what the hell… let’s keep the heat on eleven. Great lineup, and great locations… one more run around the continent this year. So here we go, thick and fast as we rampage into another summer season… and it just gets hotter every year!”

Set to perform at Hotter Than Hell in South Australia and Queensland this year, Florida ska rockers Less Than Jake have unleashed nine studio albums, ticked off performances at Warped Tour, Hellfest, and When We Were Young, and performed with NOFX, Bowling For Soup, MxPx and New Found Glory. With a legion of global fans and a sweltering streaming presence, including 59+ million individual streams and counting for their smash single All My Best Friends Are Metalheads on Spotify alone, Less Than Jake are also revered for their enigmatic live shows, where you’re guaranteed to head home with their infectious songs ringing in your head and a smile plastered on your face.

Recently releasing a new single Broken Words, Less Than Jake will be down under for their headline run kicking off in October alongside their Hotter Than Hell appearance, set to play Hello Rockview in full, and all their hits. “Can’t believe it’s been six years since we’ve partied with our friends down under! Way too long!” shares Less Than Jake’s Matt Yonker. “Australia is one of our favourite places to play. Other than just being a beautiful place to visit, I’m always amazed at how attractive the people are down there, must be the water! We also all appreciate just how on point the coffee game is. No joke, you get an A+ on coffee consistency, I’m not sure I’ve ever had bad coffee there! Aussie audiences easily hang with the rest of the world. I think they may even be a touch crazier. And that’s a compliment, I’m really looking forward to the mayhem.”

Exclusively performing in Western Australia and Victoria this year as part of Hotter Than Hell, punk rock mainstays Unwritten Law emerged onto the scene in the early 90s welding classic punk with melodic hardcore elements. Finding chart and global success via their breakthrough
1998 self-titled record, Unwritten Law have since released seven full-length albums, toured extensively at home and abroad, including as part of Warped Tour, and generated millions of streams and video views along the way. Having only toured one other country more times than
Australia (their own), it’s no stretch to declare Unwritten Law as genuine honorary Aussies, with the group hitting our shores repeatedly since 1996. And 2024 certainly won’t be Unwritten Law’s first Hotter Than Hell rodeo, as the band shares, “With the last Hotter Than Hell being the
last tour we did before the world shut down, it holds a special place in our hearts. We’re thrilled to come be a part of it again! We’ll be playing the Black album in full and that’s always been a good time. What’s not to love about Australia? Grab some twisties, get a pub feed, down a VB and have a surf! Honestly though, we love the people. It’s no joke that it’s our second home. We even have a full-blooded Aussie in our band now! We just feel so accepted in the culture, it’s a crazy thing to have that kind of connection to someplace that’s so far away from where we’re from. Music is magic.”

For any Australian of a certain vintage, the name Jebediah likely conjures memories of endless summers and riff-soaked good times in the 90s, stemming from the band’s explosive shift from Perth teenagers to an integral part of the fabric of Australian rock’n’roll. Immediately snatching attention with their 1996 hit Jerks of Attention, the group swiftly cultivated heavy airplay on triple j and ticked off performances at both Homebake and Big Day Out, before solidifying their legendary status with their debut studio album Slightly Odway, boasting the beloved anthem Leaving Home. Appearing at all five Hotter Than Hell events later this year, Jebediah will also arrive armed with their hit new 2024 album OIKS.

Storming onto the Aussie alternative radar back in the early 2000s, Perth rockers Little Birdy packed a punch throughout the decade, including three albums, 2004’s BigBigLove, 2006’s Hollywood, and 2009’s Confetti, five ARIA Award nominations, and tours with R.E.M and onstage at Falls Festival, Big Day Out and Great Escape Festival, while their gutsy pop and rock fare also tickled the alternative airwaves with gusto, particularly via singles Relapse, Beautiful to Me and Tonight’s the Night. Also primed to perform at all five of the Hotter Than Hell editions this October and November, this will mark the Little Birdy’s first return to a festival stage in well over a decade, with BigBigLove set to be performed in its entirety! “It’s been a long time since we played those youthful songs as a band so we are all excited by the idea of revisiting them,” shares Little Birdy vocalist and guitarist Katy Steele. “I also love the concept of us playing the record in its entirety. These shows should be so much fun!”

A psychedelic storm of reggae, ska, and beyond, The Bennies have been brandishing their boisterous wares since the release of their 2011 debut album Party! Party! Party!. A band who certainly knows how to get the party started in any setting, The Bennies kicked off 2024 supporting TISM in Frankston, Victoria, with the group locked and loaded to perform at Hotter Than Hell in Gepps Cross, Townsville and Brisbane this October and November. Renowned for their voracious live energy and an adoration for genre-defiance, there ain’t no party like a The Bennies party; strap in and enjoy the ride.

Founding member of Australian rock royalty Magic Dirt and an all-round Aussie icon, Adalita will be wowing Hotter Than Hell fans in Mt Evelyn, bringing her acclaimed solo work to the stage this October. With her highly respected solo career launching in 2011, Adalita has gone on to support Blondie and The Pretenders and also perform for His Holiness The Dalai Lama, with her most recent 2022 solo album Inland showcasing her enduring songwriting prowess and magnetic delivery.

Hailing from Perth, indie pop rockers The Kickons channel raw authenticity into their sonic creations. Releasing their new single In the Cold earlier this year, the group wield a formidable social media following, with 3.2 million likes on their TikTok channel alone, and their live shows
also proving to be nothing short of a cathartic experience. The Kickons will appear at Hotter Than Hell this year in Dunsborough. “This is our first big festival, and to be on the Hotter Than Hell lineup is just unreal,” shares The Kickons. “We can’t wait to get out there and show everyone what we’ve got.”

Taking place in areas often not tread by touring routes or destination festivals, Hotter Than Hell is ultimately flying the flag for glory days of Homebake and Livid, summer fun and best mates once again with a truly scorching lineup in 2024.

Tickets for Hotter Than Hell go onsale to the general public on Wednesday July 24 at 12pm local time from hotterthanhelltour.com.au.

HOTTER THAN HELL 2024

Tickets available from hotterthanhelltour.com.au
SAT 12 OCT | DUNSBOROUGH TAVERN, DUNSBOROUGH WA | TICKETS
Featuring: Regurgitator, Unwritten Law (US), Jebediah, Little Birdy, The Kickons

SAT 19 OCT | YORK ON LILYDALE, MT EVELYN VIC | TICKETS
Featuring: Regurgitator, Unwritten Law (US), Jebediah, Little Birdy, Adalita

SAT 26 OCT | COOPERS ALEHOUSE, GEPPS CROSS SA |TICKETS
Featuring: Regurgitator, Less Than Jake (US), Jebediah, Little Birdy, The Bennies

SAT 2 NOV | KIRWAN TAVERN, TOWNSVILLE QLD | TICKETS
Featuring: Regurgitator, Less Than Jake (US), Jebediah, Little Birdy, The Bennies

SUN 03 NOV | CHARDONS CORNER HOTEL, BRISBANE QLD| TICKETS
Featuring: Regurgitator, Less Than Jake (US), Jebediah, Little Birdy, The Bennies

Follow #HotterThanHellFestival

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SALMON BROTHERS RELEASE TITULAR ALBUM SINGLE ‘MORE TO LOVE’, AHEAD OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM DUE 16TH AUGUST

Maria Predavec News 24/07/202424/07/2024Black Of Hearts, Blue Music Services, Music, Salmon brothers

SALMON BROTHERS

RELEASE TITULAR ALBUM SINGLE

‘MORE TO LOVE’,

AHEAD OF THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM DUE 16TH AUGUST

After a thrilling debut with the release of two effervescent singles ‘Fools Can’t Tell No Lies’ and ‘Coming Up for Air,’ Nick Meredith, on behalf of Salmon Brothers, announces the release of their third single, ‘More To Love,’. This track is the precursor to their highly anticipated album of the same name, scheduled for release on 16th August via Dot Dash / Remote Control Recordings. The project has garnered widespread support across the industry, building eager anticipation for the full-length album next month.

‘More To Love’ captures the vibrant energy of Salmon Brothers, reflecting both their musical synergy and their deep friendship. Inspired by a couple who appeared on the Jerry Springer show, the single is marked by the clever lyrics and multi-layered hidden meanings. The phrase “so much more to love” suggesting that all is not what it seems. Nick Meredith shares “this was always a favourite of ours to listen to after a recording session. The original fade out goes on for about 5 minutes. Nick always laughed at my fade outs because they were either ridiculously long or ridiculously short. Something I probably won’t change about myself in the near future.”

The new songs have already been met with the warmest reception from industry and peers alike, having been featured across curated playlists including Spotify’s New Music Friday AU & NZ, Alt Here, and Apple Music’s New Music Daily, Indie Pop, Lifted, Glow and The Sound. Alongside, the release has seen tremendous support across Double J, 2SER, Pilerats, Amnplify, Aus Music Scene, auspOp, BBM Live, Music Feeds, with Acid Stag stating “it’s simply impossible to not immerse yourself within the good times on offer within this release, whether that be through the captivating falsetto tones or the luscious instrumentation compiled, one thing is for sure – a good time is to be had when delving deep into this impressive release.”

BUY/STREAM – SALMON BROTHERS – MORE TO LOVE (SINGLE)

PRE-SAVE: SALMON BROTHERS – MORE TO LOVE LP

The journey to releasing ‘More To Love’ has been marked by unwavering determination and collaboration, as Nick’s friends and family rallied together to honour his vision. Spearheaded by his devoted mother, Helen Wellings, co-producer Richard Belkner, and close friend Simon Relf, the album has been meticulously crafted to uphold Nick’s standards of excellence. Prior to Nick’s passing, ‘More To Love’ was in the final stages of completion. With every song written and recorded, the album has preserved his artistic direction and creative essence in every note and lyric.

Salmon Brothers’ new single ‘More To Love’ is out now on Dot Dash / Remote Control Recordings, with the ‘More To Love’ album due on 16th August.

For more info on Salmon Brothers, visit:

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LIVE NATION’S ‘ONES TO WATCH’ MAKES DARWIN DEBUT

Maria Predavec News 10/07/202410/07/2024Beehive pr, Black Of Hearts, Music, One To Watch

LIVE NATION’S

‘ONES TO WATCH’

MAKES DARWIN DEBUT

Returning for their second showcase of 2024, Live Nation Australia’s ‘Ones To Watch’ program will be making its Darwin debut on Thursday, August 8th. Off the back of a highly successful jaunt in Sydney earlier this year, the ‘Ones To Watch’ program heads up north, with support from MusicNT & the Regional & Remote Music Summit.

Expected to get local, national & international heads turning, the event will host three of the top end’s finest acts, with brothers Yung Milla & J Milla set to appear alongside singer & songwriter Juran.

Top End’s rising hip-hop truth teller Yung Milla will perform off the back of a successful Barunga Festival, where Yung Milla ignited a sea of 5,000 new fans with his spectacular backflipping stage presence and sharp wordplay. Singles ‘Land Down Under’ & ‘Lose Control’ follow a slow-burning trilogy of potent tracks from Yung Milla, including: ‘Daily’, ‘Better Days’ and ‘Used To Be’. His righteous path has just begun, seeing early support from the likes of triple j and triple j Unearthed, along with his recent NT Music Awards nomination for “Best Hip Hop song” in 2022.

Rising hip-hop star J-MILLA is set to light up the ‘Ones To Watch’ stage. Over the last 12 months he has made appearances at festivals such as Field Day, St Kilda Festival, Perth Festival, Barunga Festival and Bass In The Grass; was selected as the feature artist for Triple J Unearthed during Naidoc Week 2023 and has recently been selected as a finalist for Acclaim’s coveted All Stars list for 2024. He has previously won 2x NT Music Awards, as well as the NIMA Archie Roach Foundation Award (2021) and has seen significant support from DSP’s, with over 4 million total streams across platforms.

Juran, a soulful artist from Tropical Darwin, blends inventiveness with captivating allure , exploring themes of love and the human psyche. In 2023, she collaborated with top Northern Territory musicians and co-created the award-winning show “Manifesto of Salt Water Women.” Now, with her debut album “Demons” set for release in 2024, Juran’s journey of self-discovery continues. Juran’s versatility extends beyond solo work; she’s a guitarist for the punk band ‘Mr Chrisy Mertas’ and part of the upcoming hip-hop duo ‘Clink’ with Caiti Baker. Collaborations with NT-based talents like Yirrmal and Emily Wurramara further highlight her as a rising star.

The ONES TO WATCH Backed By VODAFONE series has made a solid impact within the Australian music community. Throughout 2023, the series provided industry and fans the exclusive opportunity to see some of the country’s best talent perform in intimate environments across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, highlighting the talent of the current wave of Australian talent primed to make their impact in other markets.

“It has been a long-awaited moment, and we are thrilled to introduce Live Nation’s ‘Ones to Watch’ to Darwin. This event will showcase some of the finest local talent, poised to make a significant impact on the domestic music scene.” Paul Lynch. Live Nation Australia

The Summit Program will present research, panel sessions, case studies, keynotes and workshops that respond to number of broad themes, including: Place, Storytelling, and Culture; Regional and Remote Live Music and Festivals; Adapting to the Climate Crisis; Understanding Audiences; The Importance of Safe Spaces; Skills Gaps and Building Capacity; and Policy and Investment. The event makes space for the 7 million Australians existing outside of the metropolitan music industry who need their voices heard.

Since its establishment in North America, the ONES TO WATCH series has been able to support and promote artists such as Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo and Halsey early in their careers. So far in Australia, ONES TO WATCH has platformed artists including Blake Rose, Sophisticated Dingo, STUMPS, Forest Claudette, Teenage Joans, Carla Wehbe, ZPLUTO, WIIGZ, Hoodzy, East AV3, Colourblind and Saint Lane at events around the country.

LIVE NATION’S ‘ONES TO WATCH’ DARWIN

Thursday, August 8th Bustard Town Darwin

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J-MILLA RETURN WITH NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO ‘BOOMERANG’

Maria Predavec News 09/07/2024Beehive pr, Black Of Hearts, J-Milla, Music

J-MILLA

RETURN WITH NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO ‘BOOMERANG’

Having enjoyed a milestone year of successes in 2023 off the back of singles ‘Gammon’ and ‘On My Soul’, not to mention powerhouse performances at BIGSOUND and on stages around the country, rising hip-hop star J-MILLA is back with a new joint in ‘BOOMERANG’.

The fresh music from the Marranungu artist provides another unique insight into his artistry, as his lyricism continues to show maturity and raw intensity. On ‘Boomerang’, J-MILLA flexes his lyrical prowess on every bar – with relentless energy that never wavers, weaving between hard-hitting verses and infectious hooks with ease. Thematically, ‘Boomerang’ is about cause and effect; the concept of karma – an ideal that J-MILLA wholeheartedly believes in. Incorporating traditional indigenous instrumentation along with language and Aboriginal slang, the creation of this song is one that J-MILLA counts as one of his favourite projects to date.

“As soon as I heard the instrumental, I came up with the line, “What goes around comes around like a boomerang”. This gave me inspiration on writing the rest of the song based on the effect of Karma, which leads to the motion of a boomerang when it’s thrown. What we release into the universe is what we eventually get back. Recording the song was second nature to me, everything went very well from the moment I pressed record.” J-MILLA

For ‘Boomerang’ J-MILLA collaborated with the Central Australian Aboriginal Women’s Choir (CAAWC), whose beautiful voices can be heard performing in language on the track. The language is taken from the song titled ‘Mayatja altimani mununi minala’, originally written by Tony Campbell of the Mimili Gospel Singers, recorded by the CAAWC the song in Germany back in 2015, where it was then included on their first album, Boomerang Tour Ansbach Live.

Sampled by J-MILLA here, the ethereal choir fuses with the contemporary production and J-MILLA’s rhymes in a striking way. Of using the CAAWC on this single, J-MILLA explains, “I always wanted some sort of cultural interest as an intro to the song. I was inspired by a movie called High Grounds, when I was seeking cultural elements for my music. As I was sourcing it I came across the CAAWC and knew straight away I needed something from them. I love their sound and the melodies they come up with. These ladies are something else, definitely national treasures. Their sample really starts the track off strong and brings a unique feature that contrasts extremely well with my vibe.”

For the ‘Boomerang’ music video, J-MILLA worked with director Tully Hemsley in Darwin to capture the energy of the track in an intimate and personal way, bringing together home video-style footage with spanning shots of J-MILLA and his friends on their home turf.

“This clip has me go back to my roots in Darwin. The scenes are set in locations where I played as a kid, and those guys are my bruthas and cousins that still live there. That man at the end with the boomerang; that’s my dad. I also wanted to put a modern lens on the cultural elements i and I feel I’ve done that in a fun way.”

J-MILLA

J-MILLA has been busy of late, to say the least. Over the last 12 months he has made appearances at festivals such as Field Day, St Kilda Festival, Perth Festival, Barunga Festival and Bass In The Grass; was selected as the feature artist for Triple J Unearthed during Naidoc Week 2023 and has recently been selected as a finalist for Acclaim’s coveted All Stars list for 2024.

The second half of the year is full of touchstone moments for J-MILLA, with appearances at lucrative festivals and events set to solidify his place as an Australian artist to eye. September and October will see J-MILLA bring that D-town flavour to Brisbane’s BIGSOUND festival and SXSW Sydney.

He has previously won 2x NT Music Awards, as well as the NIMA Archie Roach Foundation Award (2021) and has seen significant support from DSPS, with over 4m+ total streams across platforms.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Thursday, August 8th Live Nation’s Ones To Watch – Bustard Town Darwin NT

TICKETS

Wednesday, July 31st Clancestry Festival – QPAQ Concert Hall Brisbane, QLD

Warriors concert feat. Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, Jungaji, Radical Son TICKETS

September 3 – 6 BIGSOUND 2024 Brisbane, QLD

J-MILLA x Yung Milla – SAME BLOOD showcase TICKETS

October 14 – 18 SXSW 2024 Sydney, NSW

J-MILLA x Yung Milla – SAME BLOOD showcase INFO

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SUZY QUATRO ANNOUNCES 40th AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Maria Predavec News 09/07/2024Black Of Hearts, Identity Pr, Music, Suzi Quatro

SUZY QUATRO

ANNOUNCES

40th AUSTRALIAN TOUR

SUZI QUATRO IS “ROCKING ON” IN 2025!
THE QUEEN OF ROCK AND ROLL ANNOUNCES HER 40TH AUSTRALIAN
TOUR.
“Get ready to ROCK… cuz I take no prisoners!” says Suzi

Tickets on sale from Tuesday 16 July via usual outlets and www.duetgroup.com

Heading to Australia in January, Suzi will perform her full theatre show, “Rockin On” where there are no limits as she takes her fans on a Musical Journey through her Life. Her show features all her greatest hits such as ‘Can The Can’, ‘48 Crash’, ‘If You Can’t Give Me Love’, ‘She’s In Love With You’ and ‘Devil Gate Drive’, and as always with Suzi a few inspiring surprises are included.

Combining her unbridled energy, crash-through stage presence with her legendary bass guitar and powerhouse vocals, on stage Suzi is a pure rock n’ roll legend, who has perfected her craft over six decades of touring.

Suzi reminisces: “Looking back on my career, 60 years now in the “biz”, and now my 40th tour of Australia, I still can’t believe it.

Since my first time in 1974, with two tours that year, I totally fell head over heels for Australia, with the country and the people, everything about it”

Suzi is never idle, she must entertain, she must create, and she must communicate. It is in the air she breathes…A true artist.

In her recent milestones, her documentary, “Suzi Q” was released, in 2019, first in Australia, playing in 92 cinemas, then the UK playing in 52 cinema’s and all across Europe, and in July, post covid in the USA. The film has been a huge critical success drawing 4 and 5 stars in all media reviews. Significantly, 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of “Can the Can” being number one.

Suzi’s recent album releases include, in 2021 a second album, with her son Richard, “The Devil in Me’”. in 2022, “Uncovered’” was released on the Sun record label. In August, she released her duet album with singer/songwriter guitarist KT Tunstall, ‘Face to Face.’

Suzi’s closing comment: “Australia and me? We just love each other, it has been this ongoing affair, and we should never get married! I will keep coming as long you will have me. It’s my second home’”

Suzi Quatro Rockin’ On Tour Dates: 2025

Friday 17 January Gold Coast, Twin Towns
Saturday 18 January Gold Coast, Twin Towns
Wednesday 22 January Tamworth Regional Entertainment Centre
Friday 24 January Sydney, Enmore Theatre
Saturday 25 January Hobart, Wrest Point Ent Centre
Sunday 26 January Melbourne, Palais Theatre
Wednesday 29 January Maryborough, Brolga Theatre
Friday 31 January Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre
Saturday 1 February Townsville Entertainment Centre
Sunday 2 February Cairns, Convention Centre

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IRISH BAND THE CORONAS DROP NEW SINGLE + ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR

Maria Predavec News 09/07/2024Black Of Hearts, Music, On The Map pr, The Coronas

IRISH BAND

THE CORONAS

DROP NEW SINGLE + ANNOUNCE

AUSTRALIAN TOUR

A stirring new single from Dublin’s finest The Coronas, That’s Exactly What Love Is blends the trio’s knack for poignancy and indie pop and rock in charming fashion, with the group’s friend and collaborator Gabrielle Aplin also featuring on this latest release. The second single taken from The Coronas’ upcoming eighth studio album, Thoughts & Observations due out on Friday September 27, That’s Exactly What Love Is also arrives today accompanied by a brand new music video, with the track also destined to feature in the trio’s upcoming Australian live shows this November.

Opening with the beautifully wistful vocals of frontman Danny O’Reilly, serenely crooning “I’ll start with sorry / And please believe me / Kills me to see you cry”, That’s Exactly What Love Is burgeons as Alpin’s crystalline vocals fuse with O’Reilly into a heart-rending duet, echoing at times the sublime collaboration from Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush on the track Don’t Give Up.

Driven by the group’s trademark pensive pop and mature songwriting with a modern twist, That’s Exactly What Love Is reflects its vulnerable lyricism through astutely simplistic instrumentation
and warm tones, and the end result is ultimately one of hope rather than misery; a fact which carries across the broader upcoming album Thoughts & Observations. “Thematically, the album deals with love, loss and growing older,” shares The Coronas. “It’s possibly us fully embracing our man-band status. After seven albums we’re probably a little more cynical now than we were when we started! In saying that there’s still an optimistic feel to this album that The Coronas albums tend to have.”

Filmed in Glastonbury with longtime videographer and The Coronas friend Johnny Stewart (Hozier, Kodaline, Gavin James), the accompanying music video for That’s Exactly What Love Is effortlessly mirrors the track’s moving thematics, with the clip, filmed at a picturesque field near Glastonbury Tour. “That’s Exactly What Love Is was the first song I wrote after our last album came out,” vocalist Danny O’Reilly reveals. “I wrote it as a conversation between two people going through a breakup, and as soon as I wrote the female part, I had Gabrielle in mind to sing
it. In fact, I bumped into her at a festival a week after I wrote it. I immediately told her about the song and, over a year later, it was amazing to have her in studio bringing her own character to the song. She’s so talented and professional she blew us away when she came to London to record her part.”

Teaming up with longtime collaborator and Grammy Award winner George Murphy (Mumford and Sons, The Specials, Ellie Goulding), The Coronas inject a gamut of captivating moods and emotions throughout Thoughts & Observations, with their powerful and melodic eighth studio outing ultimately taking an incisive look at life, relationships and art. Alongside the talent and chemistry at the core of each member, with O’Reilly on vocals, piano and guitar, Graham Knox on bass, and Conor Egan on drums, Thoughts & Observations also embraces the talents of The Coronas’ touring supergroup, boasting Lar Kaye (All Tvvins) on guitar, Cian MacSweeney (True Tides) on saxophone, and Roisin O on backing vocals.

And balancing moments of delicacy with soaring anthems, Thoughts & Observations captures The Coronas unbridled authenticity and passion, with the album originating not long after 2022’s Time Stopped had released into the world. “We’re so excited to be sharing new music,” says the band. “To be honest we didn’t really take a break after the last one, as soon as the touring and promotion of Time Stopped slowed down, we were already working on Thoughts & Observations”

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern music industry, The Coronas have continued to independently thrive without sacrificing their creative vision along the way. A multi-platinum group who can claim supporting Bruce Springsteen in Hyde Park, playing for President Biden,
and a burgeoning global fanbase, The Coronas’ last three albums also went straight to #1 in the Irish Charts, with recent sold out tours in their wake spanning North America and Australia further showcasing the trio’s successful and ever-growing legacy.

Renowned for their magnetic live shows, having also been previously voted as the #1 Live Act of the Year by Hot Press, The Coronas have been headlining their own shows and festivals in Ireland for almost 15 years, with their regular Christmas performances at The Olympia Theatre in Dublin becoming the stuff of legend. And set to return to Australia this November following their acclaimed down under run late last year, The Coronas will arrive armed with their trademark magic as well as their hotly anticipated album Thoughts & Observations.

“Every album we make is with a view to improving our live show,” explains O’Reilly. “We still feel like we have something to say.”

THE CORONAS – THAT’S EXACTLY WHAT LOVE IS – Official single artwork

THE CORONAS – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:

THURS 21 NOV | CROXTON BANDROOM, MELBOURNE
Tickets available from https://thecroxton.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/9b2e8104-0fc7-4f60-bf75-65ee6f8aa049

FRI 22 NOV | SELINA’S, SYDNEY
Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/the-coronas/168917?skin=SelinasVenue

SAT 23 NOV | MAGNET HOUSE, PERTH
Tickets available from https://tickets.393murray.com.au/outlet/event/2f8576da-c523-4c8e-87dc-e0dcc38b3511

THE CORONAS – THOUGHTS & OBSERVATIONS – Official album artwork

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PORTIA CLARK RELEASES HEARTFELT NEW SINGLE “BLINDLY” Inspired by Stevie Wonder

Maria Predavec News 27/06/2024Black Of Hearts, Identity Pr, Music, Portia Clark

PORTIA CLARK

RELEASES HEARTFELT

NEW SINGLE

“BLINDLY”

Inspired by Stevie Wonder

Rising country soul sensation Portia is thrilled to announce the release of her new single,
“Blindly,” a touching ballad inspired by the legendary Stevie Wonder. This latest track promises
to resonate deeply with listeners, combining Portia’s soulful voice with poignant lyrics and a
captivating melody.

“Blindly” is a heartfelt ode to unconditional love and admiration, drawing inspiration from Stevie Wonder’s profound influence on music and Portia’s own personal connection to his artistry.
With lyrics that paint a vivid picture of unwavering devotion, the song captures the essence of
loving someone for who they truly are. Portia’s emotive performance and soulful delivery shine
through in lines like, “You see me as beautiful when I’m feeling ugly, and I know when somebody
loves me, truly loves me… blindly.”

Portia was homeless, hungry, a victim of domestic violence and the daughter to a deceased
South African freedom fighter during the Nelson Mandela apartheid times and is now proud
Australian philanthropic rising country music star blending heartfelt lyrics with soulful melodies to create a unique and captivating sound. With her deep roots from country Zambia giving
passion for storytelling. Her music is a testament to the power of love, resilience, and
authenticity.

Portia’s new single showcases her exceptional talent in blending country and soul influences,
creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Her powerful vocals are complemented by rich instrumentation, making “Blindly” a standout addition to her imminent album release.

“This song is incredibly special to me because it reflects a love that is deep and unconditional.
It’s inspired by Stevie Wonder, who has always been a hero of mine. His music and the way he
sees the world have profoundly influenced me. I hope ‘Blindly’ touches the hearts of everyone
who listens to it, just as Stevie’s music has touched mine.” Said, Portia.

Portia is quickly becoming a beloved figure in the country soul genre, known for her authentic
storytelling and rich, expressive voice. “Blindly” is set to continue this legacy, offering fans a heartfelt and relatable new anthem.

“Blindly” is now available on all major streaming platforms.

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KELSEY BLACKSTONE RELEASES LIFE-AFFIRMING NEW SINGLE ‘WILLOW’

Maria Predavec News 24/06/2024Black Of Hearts, Kelsey Blackstone, Music

KELSEY BLACKSTONE

RELEASES LIFE-AFFIRMING NEW SINGLE

‘WILLOW’

Kelsey Blackstone’s rise has been driven by her rare blend of meaningful storytelling and pop-accessibility. She showcases both of these gifts on ‘Willow,’ a meaningful tale of self- discovery set to dynamic funk-soul production.

“It’s about the never-ending of journey of learning who you are,” she says, explaining the song’s inspiration. The narrative focuses on the coming-of-age of a young girl who watches everything in her life change, with the exception of a sturdy willow tree she once visited as a child.

Kelsey leads her bandmates through a thrillingly unconventional arrangement, growing from soft-pop into an all-out rocker. Using funky synthesizers, soulful horns, and powerful vocals, this one will stick in your head long after the song has finished. The free- flowing instrumentation and passionate performance will appeal to fans of Lawrence, Dave Matthews Band, Fleetwood Mac, and Sara Bareilles.

Kelsey and her band will be supporting the release with a major national tour including stops in Nashville, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington DC, as well as an extensive viral campaign.

‘Willow’ is available everywhere

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RAG’N’BONE MAN ANNOUNCES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM “WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IN?” OUT OCTOBER 18th 2024

Maria Predavec News 20/06/2024Black Of Hearts, Music, Ragnbone, Sony music

RAG’N’BONE MAN

ANNOUNCES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM “WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE IN?”

UK & EU Tour Announced! Get Tickets Here

OUT OCTOBER 18th, 2024

Critically acclaimed, chart-topping British singer-songwriter Rag’n’Bone Man, today announces the release of his incredible and uplifting third studio album, “What Do You Believe In? out October 18, 2024.

This album follows his 2021 Number 1 album ‘Life By Misadventure’ and marks a significant milestone in Rag’n’Bone Man’s illustrious career, showcasing his evolution as an artist and his profound personal journey.

“What Do You Believe In?” speaks to Rag’n’Bone Man’s roots, heavily dipped in hip hop, soul and blues influences – a musical experience fans can expect to be thrilled by. The album features an abundance of powerful tracks, each resonating with Rag’n’Bone Man’s signature deep, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Lyrically delving into themes of love, loss, hope, and introspection, Rag’n’Bone Man invites listeners to explore the depths of their own beliefs and emotions. Collaborating with a flurry of renowned writers and producers between Brighton, London, New York and LA, Rag’n’Bone Man has crafted a record that promises to touch and brighten the hearts and souls of his fans.

Speaking on the album which releases later this year on October 18th, Rag’n’Bone Man shared “It’s a representation of how I feel in this moment, at this time in my life – it represents joy, love and happiness. You’ve got to take people on a bit of a journey – It’s basically real life” he asserts. “Songwriting is always an extension of my emotions.”

To celebrate the release of ‘What Do You Believe In?’, Rag’n’Bone Man is embarking on a multi-stop UK/EU tour. Kicking off on November 16th, 2024 in Leeds, the tour will take him across major cities in The UK and Europe, delivering unforgettable live performances that fans have been eagerly awaiting. A fan pre-sale goes on-sale Wednesday 19th June @ 10am, and on general sale from 10am Friday 21st June. Fans pre-ordering the album via Rag’n’Bone Man’s website HERE will receive early access to UK tour tickets (T&Cs apply).

UK/EU TOUR DATES

Sat 16th Nov O2 Academy Leeds, UK

Sun 17th Nov O2 Academy Birmingham, UK

Tue 19th Nov O2 Academy Glasgow, UK

Wed 20th Nov O2 Apollo Manchester, UK

Fri 22nd Nov O2 Academy Brixton London, UK

Sat 23rd Nov Plymouth Pavilions Plymouth, UK

Sun 24th Nov The Brighton Centre Brighton, UK

Tue 26th Nov Palladium Cologne, DE

Wed 27th Nov Columbiahalle Berlin, DE

Fri 29th Nov Inselpark Arena Hamburg, DE

Sun 1st Dec Luxexpo Luxembourg, LU

Mon 2nd Dec AFAS Live Amsterdam, NL

Tue 3rd Dec Salle Pleyel Paris, FR

Tickets for the ‘What Do You Believe In?’ UK & EU Tour go on sale June 21, 2024, at 10:00 AM local time. Fans can purchase tickets through official ticketing websites and Rag’n’Bone Man’s official website.

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ALOE BLACC INTRODUCES AUSTRALIAN RECORDING ARTIST ANGEL xo

Maria Predavec News 12/06/2024Angel, Black Of Hearts, Identity Pr, Music

ALOE BLACC INTRODUCES AUSTRALIAN RECORDING ARTIST

ANGEL xo

HER DEBUT SINGLE ‘CROSS THE LINE’ IS OUT NOW!

Australian R&B songstress, 19-year-old ANGEL xo, today releases her debut single, “Cross the Line” on Aloe Blacc’s independent record label, Grand Scheme.

Teaming up with LA management and production company, helmed by hit maker and Grammy nominee Aloe Blacc and Lani Richmond, the young Australian artist is ready to unleash her music on the global stage.

“Finding ANGEL was like stumbling upon a rare find in the music scene. At such a young age, her song writing was effortless and authentic, and she exceeded my expectations vocally. Her talent is undeniable, I’m eager to collaborate with her further and witness her soar to new heights.” Said, Aloe Blacc.

The Alt-R&B, pop track ‘Cross the Line’ showcases ANGEL’s distinct style and sound, blending soulful melodies and a commanding range of vocals, embraced in the craft of song writing. Adding to her artistic repertoire, ANGEL partnered with Gemma Navarrete and in demand producer, Chelsea Warner on her first offering.

ANGEL xo says, “Cross the Line is about young love, the pain and the thrill and eventually having enough of that drama, so you develop boundaries to stop the endless cycle of being stepped on. This is exactly what I was going through when writing this song. The highs and lows of love can make you blind to what you truly deserve.”

The Melbourne based artist first discovered her love for music from a young age in a family deeply involved in the music industry. During her high school years, she pursued formal training in singing, balancing exams with her musical aspirations whilst performing live at local venues, and at private and corporate events.

ANGEL’s recent back-to-back trips to Los Angeles in 2023 marked significant milestones, securing a coveted TV sync opportunity for the Hulu series “Living with The Dead”, and teaming up with LA management and production company, helmed by hit maker and Grammy nominee Aloe Blacc and Lani Richmond.

ANGEL xo is an artist to watch, with collaborations with songwriters and producers such as Stephen Puth, Pam Sheyne (Genie In A Bottle), Aloe Blacc, and Jugglerz ANGEL will continue to deliver new music throughout 2024.

‘Cross the Line’ is available now across all streaming platforms.

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CREATURE FEAR RELEASE NEW SINGLE “SORBET” AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO THE HEADLINE STAGE

Maria Predavec News 04/04/2024Black Of Hearts, Creature Fear, Crowd Favourite, Music

CREATURE FEAR

RELEASE NEW SINGLE

“SORBET”

AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED RETURN TO THE HEADLINE STAGE

SINGLE LAUNCH TOUR ON SALE NOW

Naarm-based retro pop / garage rock outfit Creature Fear today return with their first release of 2024 – the tongue-in-cheek, introspective new single “Sorbet”. Stream HERE. “Sorbet” arrives ahead of the band’s first headline shows in almost two years, and as songwriter and vocalist Cameron Graham reflects, was “composed in a state of self-awareness and frustration.”

“The song paints a picture of an unhealthy relationship with food, using it as a coping mechanism and the complications that surround it,” he continues. “While it was written in a way that’s somewhat ambiguous, ‘Sorbet’ expresses determination to break free from difficult patterns and persevere through mental health challenges, though at the same time expresses a lot of self-doubt.”

Creature Fear emerged from an evolution-driven creative hiatus in late 2023 with their dancefloor-filling indie rock anthem “Adulthood”. The release saw the band debut a refreshed lineup, with two new members – Louise Gaul (vocals) and Liam Brennan (bass) – joining Cameron Graham (songwriter/vocals), Larni Pearce (drums) and Jason Mercieca (guitar). With more fresh material at the ready and a revitalised sense of enthusiasm, Creature Fear will make their highly anticipated headline return next week at Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar. The local launch will be followed by a stint in NSW next month, with headline shows in Wollongong and Sydney. Tickets are available HERE.

CREATURE FEAR

“SORBET” SINGLE TOUR

Friday 12th April – Last Chance Rock & Roll Bar – Melbourne, VIC

with Ramona Sky & Tig

Friday 17th May – Towradgi Beach Hotel – Wollongong, NSW

with The Sweaty Bettys & Tallulah

Friday 18th May – New Brighton Hotel – Sydney, NSW

With Chloe Parche & Mt Nadir

For tickets & more information click HERE

“SORBET”

OUT NOW

ABOUT CREATURE FEAR

Quirky, nostalgic, and undeniably compelling, Naarm outfit Creature Fear offer up a dynamic blend of 60s retro pop and garage rock that playfully swings between lighthearted and introspective.

After a string of independently released singles had them noticed by former Untitled Group label Daily Nightly, the band released their 2021 debut EP 17 Minutes of Creature Fear – a vibrant and varied showcase of the band’s signature tongue-in-cheek, yet always evocative, sound. The collection paved the way for the band’s electrifying festival appearances at Beyond The Valley, Grapevine, and New Years On The Hill, as well as sharing the stage with the likes of Ball Park Music, Boo Seeka, Killing Heidi, The Delta Riggs, Tired Lion, and Kingswood. Their frenetic, theatrical live show and infectious spirit has earned the band an ever-growing and loyal following, leading to multiple sold-out headline shows across Melbourne and a national tour.

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PORTIA CLARK RELEASES EMOTIVE NEW SINGLE ‘Look What You’ve Done’

Maria Predavec News 06/12/2023Black Of Hearts, Identity Pr, Music, Portia Clark

PORTIA CLARK

RELEASES EMOTIVE NEW SINGLE

‘Look What You’ve Done’

Much like the artist herself, Portia Clark’s latest single ‘Look What You’ve Done’ is powerful, inspiring, and uplifting.

Portia co-wrote her brand new single – the first taste of her upcoming album, scheduled for release in 2024 – with Audius Mtawarira (Flo Rida, Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy), a multiple ARIA and APRA award-winning African-born, Sydney-based hitmaker.

Throughout ‘Look What You’ve Done’, gentle guitar picking, suspended strings and a softly swaying beat cradle Portia’s sublime, soul-stirring vocal performance. “Were you really born here to suffer?” she ponders, channelling her own hardships in order to portray complex emotions through song.

Born into poverty in Lusaka, Zambia and ostracised from her church following a teenage pregnancy, Portia also survived domestic violence before finding true love and relocating to Perth, Australia in 2014. Here, Portia has created the kind of life she always dreamed of, together with her loving husband Brendan and their three children.

Slick production consistently serves to enhance Portia’s exceptional vocals, which retain their rightful place under the spotlight for the duration of ‘Look What You’ve Done’. She also poses a string of important questions during her deeply personal latest single: “Where is the joy in the life I’ve been fighting for?…“Would God really want all this despair behind every door?

Portia is living proof that unwavering faith can transform lives. “Singing’s my life. Portia reflects of the gift that gave her hope and ultimately saved her. By consistently pushing through adversity with courage and persistence, she noticed her dreams started to closely resemble reality.

There’s a significant lyrical shift from first to third person in the second chorus of ‘Look What You’ve Done’ – “Oh look what we’ve done…” – as Portia finally feels supported, no longer needing to shoulder life’s burdens alone. Listeners would then be wise to brace themselves for her awe-inspiring, climactic powernote – Portia’s idol Whitney Houston springs to mind – during the song’s soaring bridge: “It’s time to look inside, it’s in all of you/ Unconditional love inside your heart.”

Through bravely sharing her story and her incredible singing voice, Portia hopes to “uplift people that feel down”: “When I sing my music, I want to be able to encourage people that are hurt. I want my presence – when I stand on stage, singing – to connect with people. I want them to feel better about themselves by the time I’m done singing, because I know how it feels to be hurt and have nobody to talk to. People have different ways of healing and finding encouragement. Just reading my story could save someone’s life.”

‘Look What You’ve Done’ is out now on all streaming platforms.

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EMILY BARKER RELEASES POIGNANT NEW SINGLE WILD TO BE SHARING THIS MOMENT

Maria Predavec News, video 17/11/2023Black Of Hearts, Emily Barker, Identity Pr, Music, Wild To Be Sharing This Moment

EMILY BARKER

RELEASES POIGNANT NEW SINGLE

‘WILD TO BE SHARING THIS MOMENT‘

After living in the United Kingdom for more than two decades, Emily Barker – the prolific, award-winning contemporary singer-songwriter best known for composing and performing the theme for Wallander, the BBC’s hugely successful crime drama starring Kenneth Branagh – returned home to Western Australia to begin a new musical chapter with her latest single, ‘Wild To Be Sharing This Moment’, out now through Everyone Sang/Kartel Music Group and embarking on a national tour with UK artist, Frank Turner.

I see a thousand worlds in the window
Of a train as it passes me by
Each one plugged into an orbit
Their own pain, their own lullaby.

While waiting for the train at London’s Kings Cross station, inspiration struck. Emily quickly plucked a notebook from her bag to document her musings. “I was people watching and thinking of how vulnerable we all are, with our own stories and secrets, all sharing this same moment in time and space,” she recalls.

Emily had been at a birthday party celebrating a friend’s son turning one and a wave of nostalgia washed over her for a simpler time living on a narrowboat in London. “I’d had a couple of G&Ts,” she quips.

On the train, “there were passengers sleeping at awkward angles, some reading, some playing games on their phones, some with masks, most without, some listening to music and tapping a foot, children clinging to parents.

“I found myself questioning where empathy has gone,” Emily remembers. “The song is about compassion. The war in Ukraine had just started and it was all feeling very intense, much like it is right now.”

How can we study the wounds of our history
and still send our children to war?

“I’m an advocate for keeping conversation alive across divides,” Emily stresses, “for trying to approach each encounter as an opportunity for connection. We must find our common humanity in order to make the world a safer, better place for us all to live in.”

Arresting drums and sparse, plaintive synths and guitar usher in Emily’s lilting, pensive vocal as a sustained undercurrent creates a sense of forward momentum. ‘Wild to be Sharing This Moment’ unfurls gradually, propelling the listener towards a vast, cinematic climax, each additional verse bringing new meaning to the instantly memorable chorus.

Isn’t it wild to be sharing this moment
The same very thimble of time.

The song’s accompanying music video, created by Headjam, zooms in on a formative moment: a group of teenage girls on school photo day, with Emily playing the role of photographer. “We don’t know anything about them, but we have this snapshot of a key moment in their lives and are left to wonder about their hopes and fears and who they might go on to be,” she explains.

Of the apposite timing of her latest single, Emily acknowledges, “Songs sometimes reveal a life of their own — the world changes around them, but they still speak to the moment.”

Truth is a hope to hold onto
And where it blooms we will go.

Alongside the release of ‘Wild To Be Sharing This Moment’, Emily Barker embarks on a tour opening for her long-time friend and collaborator, Frank Turner.

17 Nov – WELLINGTON Hunter Lounge
18 Nov – AUCKLAND Studio
21 Nov – CANBERRA The Basement
22 Nov – SYDNEY Enmore Theatre
24 Nov – BRISBANE The Tivoli
26 Nov – MELBOURNE The Forum
28 Nov – PERTH Astor Theatre
29 Nov – ADELAIDE Hindley Street Music Hall

Emily & Frank Turner will also appear at Queenscliff Music Festival on 25 and 26 November.

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VIRGIN MARY DISCO DISH OUT INFECTIOUS NEW SINGLE ‘FOR FREE’

Maria Predavec News, video 03/11/2023Black Of Hearts, Music, Virgin Mary Disco

VIRGIN MARY DISCO

DISH OUT INFECTIOUS

NEW SINGLE

‘FOR FREE’

The year is not yet over, and Virgin Mary Disco are taking no prisoners. 2023 has seen the release of two brand spanking new singles from the up and-comers, and they continue the onslaught with the new painfully catchy ‘For Free’.

Coming in at well under 3 minutes, the track stays true to the band’s ethos of delivering short, sharp, punchy nuggets of musical gold. Steady verse, powerful chorus, strong guitars, propulsive drums, and crowd heaving energy; all boxes are well and truly ticked. The track was recorded at Head Gap in Preston with Rohan Sforcina (Little Ugly Girls, Mildlife, Rolling Blackouts C.F.)

It’s been a massive year for the band who released their debut single only 8 months ago. Their previous two singles (‘Modern Man’ and ‘Automation’) have been garnering praise from media and fans alike, with ongoing support from radio such as PBS, 4ZZZ and 2XX, and sold out
single launches. In more recent news, the band have also just announced that they will be supporting Amyl and The Sniffers at their Frankston show on November 25th.

“The song is about the experience of employment in the modern workplace and capitalism. The lyrics for ‘For Free’ came from my own mishearing of the song ‘Making Flippy Floppy’ by Talking Heads. When Byrne sings ‘Business and pleasure, lie right to your face’, I always heard
‘Business IS pleasure’, a contradiction I could identify with, and the lyrics grew from there. Many companies today present themselves as supportive, community environments (some may even be genuine in their pursuit), but at the end of the day they continue to thrive on a system based on the extraction of cheap resources and cheap labour, leaving us to pay the true cost of their greed.”

Spencer Morris, Virgin Mary Disco

“The music for ‘For Free’ originally came from a spontaneous jam at practice several years ago. Liam had a bassline, and I came up with the guitar part and chorus pretty instinctively. The vague intention I had with the guitar part was somewhere between surf rock and The Smiths.
During recording I told Rohan my original intent of sounding surf rock and he lent me his vintage 60s fender jaguar, a staple of surf rock classics, to give the guitar solo a distinctly dry and tremolo heavy tone. I think there is still some Smiths influence in the funky bass line and clean tone and it has a very danceable feel.”

Duncan Callaghan, Virgin Mary Disco

Artwork by Liam Spicer-Quinn. Photograph by Jonah Scotti.

“A rollicking cut of upbeat, new wave inspired indie sounds, rapid-fire guitars and swirling synths in the mix alongside sing-a-long inducing vocals, all of which reaches a climax as the song ends in an all too satisfying instrumental freak-out.”

Pilerats

“Automation builds subtly throughout with a massive drop towards its final stand, giving off those goosebumpy epic vibes, the ending is truly epic and is beyond their years.”

AAA Backstage

“Virgin Mary Disco’s debut single, ‘Modern Man’, complements perfectly their mission statement: angular, thumping garage rock mashed with frenetic, bluesy guitar licks and a DIY brashness bristling with enough ‘tude to match any Grumpy Cat meme.”

Scenestr

Virgin Mary Disco are playing the following shows:

Single Launch
Cactus Room
Saturday 11th November
Supported by Licklash and Worker & Parasite

Amyl and The Sniffers

Pier Bandroom
Saturday 25th November
with Dumb Punts

Virgin Mary Disco is – Spencer Morris (vocals) Liam Spicer-Quinn (bass)
Duncan Callaghan (guitar) and Jackson Spessot (drums).

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FLEETING PERSUASION RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘STILL DARK’

Maria Predavec News, video 01/11/202301/11/2023Black Of Hearts, Fleeting Persuasion, Music, Premiere

FLEETING PERSUASION

RELEASE NEW SINGLE

‘STILL DARK‘

FOR FANS OF: The Cure, My Bloody Valentine, New Order

Fleeting Persuasion release their second single for 2023, another stellar collaboration between the band’s James Harrison and musician Tobey Doctor.

Shared ideas, and mutual musical inspiration is the name of the game for Fleeting Persuasion’s James Harrison (guitar/vocals). Following a string of well-received singles through 2021/22, written and recorded with producer Josh Whitehead during the pandemic years, James then began flexing his creativity with ex-Sounds Like Sunset drummer Tobey Doctor (drums/bass).

The latter contributed drums, bass and studio chops to their 2022 single ‘Etched‘, a song that twitched and surged with chiming indie rock melodies and angular post-punk shapes, before they released ‘Slipped‘, which further explored their minimal and deeply emotive music.

“There’s a collection of songs I’ve been working on with Tobey,” says James. “He’s got quite the producer’s brain and so the drums, bass lines and production have been his vision. I haven’t needed much convincing as we both love similar sounds and textures!”

Through their prolific writing and recording sessions, ‘Still Dark‘ emerged as an outlier that sits apart from their forthcoming album yet it became an essential Fleeting Persuasion track that the pair felt needed to be released as a standalone single.

The single possesses both a sparkling, bright musical optimism and woozy melancholic guitar sounds that jar and unsettle beautifully, like that Midas touch of My Bloody Valentine when they sonically subverted guitar rock in the 80s.

“We were having an awfully miserable time of it in the studio,” James recalls. “So we decided to try and write the most absurd and upbeat song we could. We didn’t really get to a truly happy song, but then again look what happened to Icarus.“

Fans of New Order, MBV, The Cure and music that thrives on both melody and melancholy will find much to like about the latest release from the endlessly intriguing Fleeting Persuasion.

https://fleetingpersuasion.bandcamp.com/track/still-dark

‘Still Dark’ is out now on Bandcamp, streaming services and AMRAP for our community radio friends across Australia.

FLEETING PERSUASION

Fleeting Persuasion is the latest project of prolific Melbourne-based creative James Spencer Harrison who has also released several well-received albums, singles and EPs under the J M S Harrison moniker. The last of which, 2017’s Traced Out, was leading James towards a denser and richer full-band sound. That inspired a change of name and Fleeting Persuasion was born.

In 2019 Fleeting Persuasion released the album Forever Caught, capturing a set of songs that possessed echoes of The Cure, tightly woven post-rock and Australian acts such as Bluebottle Kiss filtered through his own brand of heart-on-sleeve melancholia. It was certainly indie rock but the kind that resides in the shadows, always carving out new angles and creating interesting dynamics. Now, in 2023, there are a further two Fleeting Persuasion albums in the works.

Splitting his time between Fleeting Persuasion and solo pursuits has established Harrison as a regular fixture on the live music scene, opening for renowned artists including Painters & Dockers, Steve Kilbey (The Church), Jamie Hutchings (Bluebottle Kiss), Peter Fenton (CROW), Hermitage Green (Ireland), The Clouds, China Crisis and She Wants Revenge,

PRESS

“There is very much an early The Cure sparseness and melodic thrust, with a refrigerated edge that sends shivers up the spine.”
Backseat Mafia on ‘Still Dark’

“…a moody post-punk number anchored by propulsive drums and a prominent bass line that utilises a chorus effect a la Peter Hook and Simon Gallup.”
Music Feeds video premiere for ‘Etched’

“‘Hollow’ is a track that gets under your skin. With dark synths, melancholic vocals and moody guitars, it’s reflective and moving… enchanting and riveting.”
the AU review

“Dripping with a melancholic nostalgia that is hard to capture, ‘Night Arrives’ is a captivating combination of brightly textured instrumentation, brooding melodies, and big 80s snare drum echo/delays, all woven neatly together with smooth-like-butter production.”

Forte on ‘Night Arrives’

“Fleeting Persuasion have put themselves on the top shelf with this release. A warm and thought provoking track.”
AAA Backstage on ‘Passed Through’

“It’s a compelling atmosphere that somehow exists within two seemingly opposing sonic spaces – with its sleek electronic touches blended against his usual shadowy guitar interplay and looming melodies.”
Trouble Juice on ‘Eternal’

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