The great music just keeps coming!
Below is an eclectic mix of five new releases that we are vibing with right now.
1. Good Like That – Thea Fitzgerald
Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, Thea Fitzgerald, has released her sassy, freedom filled single, ‘Good Like That’.
After 18 months filled with Melbourne lockdowns and pandemic related restrictions, Thea declares that it’s time to shake it off and say goodbye to the challenges of the pandemic.. In the words of Thea, ‘sashaying, swaggering, or strutting into a new chapter’.
‘Good Like That’ speaks of a relationship that one is finding is not serving them and the freedom and liberation felt as that distance is created. Creating distance enough to allow them to grow, without shutting them out completely.
Created as a collaboration between Thea and Melbourne based producers SB90 and Michael Cooper (Mikki from Preston), the track features the sound of trumpets by Woody Sampson, an inviting piano background and the alluring vocals and warm harmonies by Thea.
This jazzy, catchy track, filled with a good helping of attitude will have you singing along and dancing around the room in no time.
You can find more of Thea Fitzgerald at:
Website – https://theafitzgerald.com
Facebook – https://m.facebook.com/theafitzgeraldmusic
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theafitzgeraldmusic
You can listen to ‘Good Like That’ below:
2. Sparks – Catalysts (EP)
Welsh band, Catalysts, consist of David Challenger (vocals), Craig O’Connor (guitar), Haitham Alharden (drums), Paul Owen (bass), and Elliot Blake (guitar).
Over the last twelve months, the band have released a succession of six singles, which have now come together to form the EP, ‘Sparks’, which has been released with Dharma Records.
“This is an exciting period; we’ve loved being able to release the first six singles on our own terms which has given us the opportunity to reach as many people as possible. There is a buzz to get back into the studio with our new ideas and new music, that we hope will push the band’s sound further than ever before”.
The title track of Sparks opens the EP and immediately introduces you to an authentic rock feeling anthemic atmosphere, filled with electric guitar leads, rhythmic drums and the alluring tones of David Challenger’s vocals, that can be likened to that of the band, Muse.
This is an EP that will have you listening on repeat and in awe of the great songwriting and musicianship of the band.
You can find more of Catalysts at:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CATALYSTS.UK
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GJKfLAGsHhtZAkCOulivQ
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/catalysts.uk
You can listen to ‘Sparks’ below:
3. The Imitation Game – JXCKY
Melbourne, Australia based, dark-pop (a blend of pop with R&B and Trap music) artist JXCKY, draws musical influence from artists such as UPSAHL, Bea Miller and Billie Eilish.
JXCKY has released his single, ‘The Imitation Game’, which is the first single from an upcoming debut project and overall fourth single release.
Revealing his more shady and mischievous side, the track speaks of the identification of a darker, more intimidating side of himself and the effect and influence that it has had on others.
Within the song, JXCKY speaks directly to ‘a copy-cat, wannabe for their poor, ludicrous attempts to steal his ‘toys and tricks’ and use his name to ‘get in the clubs’.’
Produced by Melbourne-based songwriter, Daniel Roughley and mixed by ARIA-nominated producer, Simon Moro, you will begin the track by hearing the sound of rhythmic muted guitar, layered with the smooth and delicate vocals of JXCKY.
Throughout the song, you will hear the sounds of playful and mischievous guitar riffs, swelling strings and an 808.
“The Imitation Game is not just me merely tearing someone apart for trying to copy me. As a gay, asian creative in an industry that systemically favours white, privileged, cis-het individuals, it’s a song that empowers me to reclaim my art and rightfully call out those who steal and don’t recognise the efforts of LGBTIAQ+ creatives and people of colour.”
You can find more of JXCKY at:
Facebook – https://facebook.com/jxckymusic
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB9KPzeyHmQ0C0j4S95vtxg
Instagram – https://instagram.com/jxckymusic
You can listen to ‘The Imitation game’ below:
4. Dear X – Belora
Northern Beaches, Australia based R&B and pop artist, Belora, aims to inspire through her groovy tunes that have been influenced by many of the Motown greats.
Her latest release ‘Dear X’ is a dedication to that special someone in your life.. “It is about longing for someone or something, but that love was unrequited. The use of ‘X’ in the title evokes a sense of mystery and hope whilst enabling the listener to interpret the song and relate it to their own experiences.”
The vibrant and groovy R&B style tune of ‘Dear X’ is a hint of insight into what we can expect from Belora’s upcoming EP that is currently in the works.
As you listen through the track, you will feel a groovy and vibrant, yet laid back feel of electric guitars, layered with synth, overlaid with the stunningly sweet and sultry vocals of Belora and subtly harmonised vocal lines.
‘Dear X’ is a track that will have you feeling good and grooving along to the beat as you are lured in by Belora’s alluring vocals.
You can find more of Belora at:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/beloramusic
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/beloramusic
You can listen to Dear X below:
5. Soft Sounds – Anya Marsland
UK based artist, Anya Marsland has been inspired by classic artists such as Joni Mitchell, Amy Winehouse and Etta James and more contemporary artists such as Lianne la Havas, Daniel Caesar and Cleo Sol and explores the word of soul, blues, jazz, and contemporary R&B through her music.
Anya’s vocals have been said to take you on a journey through strength and vulnerability, melancholy and empowerment, introspection and poetic narrative.
For Anya Marsland, “the music is a story. It adapts to the atmosphere and weaves from genre to genre, intertwined in stories that resonate with me. Inspiration is taken from my own experiences, imaginative scenarios, and I draw creativity from the soft sounds and melodies of the accompanying guitar”.
Anya’s release, ‘soft sounds’, is no exception and takes you on a musical journey, utilising her beautiful, soulful and sultry vocals, along with the jazzy, soulful layers and mix of guitars and drum lines.
Listening to the track, you will be drawn into Anya’s world.. a highly recommended listen.
You can find more of Anya Marsland at:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/anyaxmarsland
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/anya.marsland
You can listen to ‘Soft Sounds’ below:
Karen Harding is a Melbourne, Australia based singer/songwriter, founder of Sounds On The Couch, and founder and operator of boutique music PR service for emerging and independent artists, Rise Indie.