Thursday April 3, 2025
POP PRESERVATION SOCIETY SIGNS LEE BRADSHAW TO LABEL AND PUBLISHING DEAL FOR HORIZON’S SELF-TITLED ALBUM
Pop Preservation Society is excited to announce it has signed Lee Bradshaw to a record label and music publishing deal for his band’s self-titled album, Horizon. This album is the culmination of years of collaboration and marks a significant milestone as the label’s second major signing.
Pop Preservation Society is thrilled to be working with Lee Bradshaw, a respected composer, singer-songwriter, and producer, on this major release. The Horizon album is a powerful and dynamic mix of heavy rock, blues, and progressive elements, featuring raw energy, complex musicianship, and bold storytelling. The band has created a sound that seamlessly blends the gritty force of classic rock with a more modern, aggressive edge, driven by massive guitar riffs, pounding rhythms, and Bradshaw’s distinct, commanding vocals.
The album includes contributions from Brett Garsed (guitarist known for his work with John Farnham), Angus Burchall (drummer with John Farnham), and Rich Panaia (bassist and longtime collaborator with Bradshaw). It also features the final recordings of the late Stuart “Chet” Fraser (Noiseworks), whose guitar work is pivotal to the album’s sound. The Horizon album is being released with the blessing of Chet’s family, ensuring it stands as a tribute to his incredible musical legacy.
The first single ‘Sex and Love is scheduled for release Friday 11th April,. The full Horizon album is set for release in mid-May with further details to be announced soon. In addition, the band will begin performing live in August. horizonmusic.com.au
MARLON WILLIAMS “Rere Mai Ngā Rau” (Single/Video)
Marlon Williams releases “Rere Mai Ngā Rau“, the third single and video from his first Māori language album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, out April 4th. In the five years that Marlon spent creating the album, family played an important role, as reflected by the album art, a painting made by Marlon’s mother while pregnant with him. The nature of the project encouraged him to reconnect with his Māori heritage, including settling back into life in Lyttelton, his small hometown and an emotional first-time visit to his dad’s ancestral village.
Following “Kāhore He Manu E feat. Lorde,” today’s single reflects that familial influence on the album. “Rere Mai Ngā Rau” is about “inter-generational connection,” Williams explains. “I am lucky enough to still have a living grandmother; she was born in 1927. She has experienced 97 years of this world. As often as I can, I go and visit and sit with her. We do crosswords. When we go on small excursions out and about, she apologises for slowing me down. I apologise for speeding her up (a lot of the time I need slowing down). I ask her what rationing was like. She asks me whether she should bother learning how to use an iPhone (absolutely not). We are happily interdependent. Our worlds are enmeshed. Every time we share what we have and know with each other, the tensile strength increases.”
The song’s accompanying video is inspired by ‘90s hip hop music videos, “in particular, Māori collective Dam Native,” Williams says. “For the first time (that I can remember at least) I’ve decided to throw away narrative and embrace mood. It features me and a bunch of my mates hooning around Lyttelton in my lil hot hatch looking for fun, wearing sick outfits. Also featured are some incredible young local hip hop dancers in Sienna and Sophie who graciously let me boogie with them.”
Watch the Video for “Rere Mai Ngā Rau”
Supported by long-time touring band The Yarra Benders, co-producer Mark Perkins, the He Waka Kōtuia singers and featuring a collaboration with Lorde, Te Whare Tīwekaweka is a collection at once contemporary and timeless, traversing Marlon’s familiar folk-country-bluegrass territory, while continuing his exploration of poppier waters and the inherent rhythms of Māori music.
Marlon Williams: Ngā Ao E Rua – Two Worlds, the forthcoming documentary film by Ursula Grace Williams, will be released in Australia in the second half of 2025. The film weaves together the various strands of Marlon’s experience – musician, actor, son, friend and student – as he reflects on his career so far and the challenges and pleasures of articulating his worldview in te reo Māori.
Watch the Video for “Kāhore He Manu E (Featuring Lorde)”
Watch the Video for “Aua Atu Rā”
Marlon Williams Online Website | Instagram | X | Facebook | Bandcamp
NE OBLIVISCARIS Announce Psycroptic As Special Guests On June National Tour NeO Playing Citadel and Exul Albums in Full
In a seismic collision of Australian metal titans, Ne Obliviscaris have enlisted the legendary Psycroptic as their very special guests for a groundbreaking national tour this June.
This marks the first time these two powerhouse acts have toured across Australia together and will be their first shows together since 2008. The tour promises to be a historic event for metal fans across the country with Ne Obliviscaris set to deliver an ambitious two-hour set featuring their seminal albums Citadel and Exul in full and Psycroptic bringing their unrelenting technical mastery and savagery to the stage!
Now in their 26th year, Psycroptic are undisputed pioneers of forward-thinking extreme metal. With a legacy spanning eight critically acclaimed albums the Tasmanian wrecking machine has redefined technical death metal with their genre defying creativity and forged a reputation as a global force, sharing stages with icons like Carcass, Obituary, Archspire and many more.
NeO comments; “What a total honour it is to present the incredible Psycroptic as our special guest on this tour. Psycroptic are a band we all absolutely love, and one that has inspired us continually ever since we first arrived on the local scene here in Australia 20+ years ago. One of the tightest extreme metal bands you’ll ever see live, this tour partnership has been a long time coming and will not disappoint!”
Ne Obliviscaris formed way back in 2003 but it was their Citadel album that finally launched them into the international metal scene upon its release back in 2014. To celebrate that record NeO released an updated 10th anniversary, re-mastered edition of Citadel, just a few months ago.
Citadel stands as a monolith in NeO catalogue. Epitomising their unique blend of ferocity and grace. With the recent remaster, the band has meticulously resurrected the album’s original power, ensuring every note, every growl, and every whisper of the violin rings clearer and more haunting than before.
The June tour will also see the Australian debut of new frontman, James Dorton on vocals! James has toured across the world with NeO over the last two years and the band are excited to finally showcase his incredible talents to their Aussie fans.
The band comment on the upcoming tour; “We are excited to announce that we will be performing both our Citadel and Exul albums in full for you all. This 2 hour set is going to be our biggest ever here in Australia and we can’t wait to create some more special memories with our Aussie fans.
Check out details of our VIP experience to come hang out with us before each show.
See you in June! – NeO”
Prepare for what is set to be touring highlight of 2025 when Ne Obliviscaris and Psycroptic bring their combined might to stages across Australia, delivering a frenzy of technical wizardry, raw power and progressive artistry. Expect an unforgettable night of metal mastery with Ne Obliviscaris’ monstrous two hour odyssey through Citadel and Exul paired with Psycroptic’s unrelenting sonic assault.
Don’t miss this historic convergence of two of Australia’s most formidable extreme metal acts.
See you in the pit!
Citadel/Exul Australian Tour Dates
Tuesday, June 10: Magnet House, Perth
Thursday, June 12: Lion Arts, Adelaide
Friday, June 13: 170 Russell, Melbourne
Saturday, June 14: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Sunday, June 15: Princess Theatre, Brisbane
Tickets are on sale now & VIP Experience Packages are available
neobliviscaris.com.au
Zac Brown Band and Jackson Dean Join Savannah in the Round 2025 Lineup as US Headliners
Both acts join an already stellar lineup including Aussie headliners James Reyne, Kasey Chambers, Daryl Braithwaite and James Johnston. Savannah in the Round is excited to announce two powerhouse acts – Zac Brown Band and Jackson Dean – as the U.S. headliners for the 2025 festival set to come to Mareeba this October. With an already impressive international lineup, the addition of these two dynamic artists promises to elevate the festival to new heights.
Zac Brown Band, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning Southern rock group, will lead the charge as the festival’s headline act, bringing their signature sound to the stage in the heart of Queensland’s Tropical North.
The band, known for their world class live performances, has sold more than 30.5 million singles, 9.3 million albums, and amassed over 11.2 billion catalogue streams worldwide. With a career spanning over a decade and a reputation as one of the most dynamic live performers in music, Zac Brown Band will light up the Savannah in the Round stage in October 2025. Their extensive accolades include three Grammy Awards, 16 #1 radio singles, and the record for the most consecutive sold-out shows at Fenway Park, making them a must-see act for festival-goers.
Joining Zac Brown Band as a U.S. headliner is Maryland-born country star Jackson Dean, whose powerful voice and country-rock infusion has captivated audiences globally. His debut single, “Don’t Come Lookin’,” reached number one on the country radio charts, has over 150 million streams, and was added to the infamous Yellowstone show soundtrack.
Dean’s breakthrough earned him recognition at major festivals like Stagecoach and CMA Fest. Signed to Big Machine Records, he released his critically-acclaimed debut album Greenbroke in 2022 and followed it with On the Back of My Dreams in 2024. With over 1.2 million monthly Spotify listeners, Dean has also earned multiple industry accolades, solidifying his place in country music.
Known for his emotionally charged performances and raw storytelling, Dean is quickly becoming one of country music’s most exciting talents. His inclusion in the Savannah in the Round lineup promises to bring a thrilling, high-energy performance to the festival, making him a fan favorite of 2025.
Festival director James Dein shared his excitement, saying, “We are beyond thrilled to announce Zac Brown Band and Jackson Dean as our U.S. headliners for Savannah in the Round 2025. “Zac Brown Band’s legendary status and Jackson Dean’s meteoric rise in the country music scene are the perfect fit for our eclectic lineup. Together, they’ll create an unforgettable experience for festival-goers in the stunning Tropical North. “We can’t wait for the Savannah tribe to welcome them to our stage!”
The addition of Zac Brown Band and Jackson Dean to the already diverse roster of artists, including both international and homegrown talent, is sure to make Savannah in the Round 2025 a festival for the ages. Fans can expect a diverse mix of music, vibrant performances, and an unforgettable atmosphere, all set in the beautiful Mareeba Rodeo Arena, located in the Cairns Hinterland.
Savannah in the Round is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Tourism Tropical North Queensland (TTNQ) also plays a crucial role in supporting Savannah in the Round, helping to promote the region’s unique culture and natural beauty with the festival.
Tickets for Savannah in the Round 2025 are on sale now for the event, taking place from October 9-12, 2025. Fans are encouraged to grab their tickets early and stay tuned for more exciting artist announcements coming soon.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.savannahintheround.com.au. Facebook | Instagram
2025 Deni Ute Muster First Artist Announcement!
ZAC BROWN BAND
JACKSON DEAN
JOHN WILLIAMSON
KASEY CHAMBERS | TROY CASSAR-DALEY
THE WOLFE BROTHERS | KAYLEE BELL
LANE PITTMAN | MAX JACKSON
WADE FORSTER | HOMEGROWN TRIO
FURNACE AND THE FUNDAMENTALS
It’s with great pleasure that the Deni Ute Muster announces its excellent line up for 2025, featuring international and local country music superstars lighting up the stage on Friday, 3 October and Saturday, 4 October 2025.
Headlining the 2025 Deni Ute Muster is multi-platinum, multi-Grammy Award-winning Southern rock act, Zac Brown Band. Throughout their career spanning more than a decade, Zac Brown Band has had six consecutive albums reach the top 10 of the Billboard 200 and five consecutive albums debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Albums chart. To date, the group has won three GRAMMY Awards, including Best New Artist in 2010, sold more than 30.5 million singles, 9.3 million albums, amassed over 11.2 billion catalog streams, achieved 16 #1 radio singles and are the second act to top both the Country and Active Rock formats. Since their debut, Zac Brown Band has developed a reputation with critics and fans alike as one of the most dynamic live performers, marked by strong musicianship that defies genre boundaries.
As one of Nashville’s most intriguing artists with his strong gravel-toned vocals, wayward spirit, songwriting and overall mystique, the fast-rising singer/songwriter Jackson Dean is quickly earning a reputation for his impressive live show and thought-provoking, lyric-driven music.
The young talent burst on the scene in 2022, showing people how real music can be with his atmospheric, musically-forward debut album Greenbroke that featured his Platinum debut single, Don’t Come Lookin’ (which became the fastest debut to reach No. 1 in 2022 and cemented Jackson as the youngest solo male Country artist to reach the top of the charts with a debut) and his Gold-certified Top 10 follow up single Fearless (The Echo). A vocalist who truly thrives on stage, the Maryland native has leaned hard into touring, wowing audiences, and building a passionate fanbase that connects on a deeper level. Because of that connection and crowd passion, his live show stand out Heavens to Betsy has evolved to become his latest single—and lead track from his “..near-perfect follow-up” (American Songwriter) sophomore album On The Back Of My Dreams.
With combined sales of over ONE BILLION records, their immense repertoire spans countless hits, performed with their incredible musicianship and a stunning stage presence. From The Beatles to Beyonce, Queen to Daft Punk, The Lion King to Dirty Dancing and everything in between – this band is unlike anything you’ve seen before and guaranteed to have the audience up on their feet singing and dancing along.
Organisers are also pleased to announce that country music queen Amber Lawrence will host the main stage for the first time.
Entries are currently open for our Driving Competitions, Show ‘n Shine and the Tradie Challenge with details available from here.
Tickets to the 2025 Deni Ute Muster are on sale NOW!
The Deni Ute Muster is one of the top ‘bucket list’ events in Australia and annually attracts close to 20,000 people of all ages to celebrate all things Australian and, of course, the iconic ‘ute’. The Deni Ute Muster has amazing community support with more than 1,000 volunteers mobilising each year to help put on the event which donates close to $100,000 back to community groups.
Early Bird tickets are SOLD OUT. General Admission tickets and Reserved Camping passes are available now at deniutemuster.com.au.
Tickets on sale now from deniutemuster.com.au
CONNECT WITH DENI UTE MUSTER Website | Facebook | Instagram
DREAMS ON TOAST. THE NEW ALBUM FROM THE DARKNESS IS OUT NOW VIA COOKING VINYL
The Darkness have released their stunning new album Dreams On Toast via Cooking Vinyl. Already receiving some of the greatest praise of their career, the album lands as the band’s huge UK headline tour plays to packed-out venues and ecstatic reviews. Stream or purchase the album HERE.
The singles released to date have received high praise amongst fans and critics. Launching the album with The Longest Kiss – a soaring rock anthem that blends the band’s signature flamboyance with an irresistible melody. Packed with towering riffs and an infectious chorus, it’s a love song with an epic, theatrical edge—classic Darkness through and through. On the other end of the spectrum is I Hate Myself – one of the most emotionally charged moments on the album. A heart-on-sleeve reflection wrapped in anthemic rock, it balances vulnerability with power, proving that The Darkness can deliver both high-energy bangers and deeply personal, resonant tracks.
Produced by Dan Hawkins, Dreams On Toast flawlessly captures The Darkness at their peak, celebrating their influences and strengthening their sound, while also embarking on avenues never before heard from the band. It’s an indisputably grand display from the inspired and passionate quartet.
Destined to further cement The Darkness as one of Britain’s most important, eclectic and courageous rock bands, Dreams On Toast finds Justin, Dan, Frankie and Rufus continuing to push boundaries. Over two decades deep into their multi-platinum, award-winning career, they offer up unexpected surprises to bedazzle and amaze fans once again in 2025.
The Darkness headline tour finishes up this in the UK this week, swiftly followed by a further 21 dates across Europe. Full dates and last few remaining tickets are available here https://www.thedarknesslive.com/.
WATCH THE VISUALIZER FOR THE LONGEST KISS
WATCH THE VISUALIZER FOR I HATE MYSELF
WATCH THE VISUALIZER FOR WALKING THROUGH FIRE
WATCH THE VISUALIZER FOR HOT ON MY TAIL
FOLLOW THE DARKNESS: WEBSITE | YOUTUBE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
THE WITCHING HOUR ‘Dead Inside’ (Single)
Rising from the fog with outstretched arms and haunting melodies are The Witching Hour, ready to embrace the uninitiated into the cult of the damned with ‘Dead Inside’, out on Friday, March 28.
The Witching Hour was built from the rib of singer and guitarist Taime Marsh, a Sydney boy and child prodigy who has been making waves online since 13 years old. Now, at 23, he’s joined up with bass player Travis South and drummer Finley Ford to form an unstoppable post-grunge rock power trio.
With their breakout single ‘Sleep With The Stars’ reaching 1.4 million Spotify streams and being played on radio internationally, The Witching Hour has already made one hell of an impact, even catching the eyes of the Alice Cooper on his radio program “Nights With Alice Cooper” on Triple M.
‘Dead Inside’ is the most recent intoxicating specimen of their transcendent modern gothic rock style. Beginning with haunting, atmospheric guitar melodies and Taime Marsh’s rock vocals, the song starts with the peace that can be found in a graveyard before dawn. Then, the overdrive guitar kicks in, disrupting the narrative and turning to a monster within sight as the intensity of the song picks up.
Clear, emotive vocals and heavy drums make this power ballad carry a loaded punch, laying bare the feelings of anguish, melancholy, and despair, that takes on a note of destruction with the refrain, ‘you will bleed, just to know you’re still alive’.
This is the first stone laid in what’s sure to be an impressive 2025, with many of their projects in the works, including the recording of their debut EP. These boys are worth keeping an eye or two on.
Feel the blood in your veins and the pounding of your heart to The Witching Hour’s newest single ‘Dead Inside’, available on Friday, March 28.
Follow The Witching Hour Website | Soundcloud | Spotify | Apple Music YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook
NOTHING MORE Releases Of New Version Of “Freefall” Featuring Chris Daughtry
Nothing More is one of rock’s most electrifying bands. They blend a full-on assault with soaring melodies and unique soundscapes in songs that unflinchingly embrace raw emotion. The boundary-pushing 3x-Grammy-nominated outfit have today released the deluxe edition of their acclaimed 2024 album Carnal across all digital outlets via Better Noise Music.
Pre-orders for the physical release on CD and vinyl due out May 16
are now available at the same link. https://nothingmore.ffm.to/carnaldeluxe
Carnal (Deluxe) adds on five bonus tracks, including a new version of the bracing “Freefall,” featuring 6x Platinum-certified rock artist Chris Daughtry, available now on all digital outlets.
Listen to Freefall here https://nothingmore.ffm.to/freefall
The “Freefall” video movingly tells the story about a firefighter who is struggling with his mental health and unexpectedly finds a new life-direction after making a chance connection with a homeless dog.
Watch it here www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcnjaDe0wNA
K9s For Warriors is the USA’s leading provider of highly trained Service Dogs for Veterans with invisible wounds of war. As a part of its mission, K9s’ Station Dog program partners with law enforcement and first responder agencies to provide reliable, high quality therapy dogs that offer emotional support to officers, firefighters, dispatchers, victims, and others exposed to trauma in the line of duty. Every day in the U.S., approximately 20 Veterans take their own lives, while more than 1,000 dogs are euthanized. Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs—many of them rescues—to military Veterans suffering from PTSD or traumatic brain injury at no financial cost to the Veteran. Since 2011, K9s For Warriors has graduated more than 1,000 Warriors and rescued more than 2,000 dogs.
“Nothing More have always wanted our music and lyrics to be a shelter for those in need,” says guitarist Mark Vollelunga. “With ‘Freefall,’ we want to let people know they are not alone when it feels like everything is collapsing around you. So we did something really special; we teamed up with K9s For Warriors to bring more awareness to those that struggle with PTSD and mental health trauma. It’s their mission to train service dogs and pair them up with veterans and therapy dogs for first responders in need. We fully believe in the power these animals have to help create peace and bring about healthy changes in their companions. I recently met my county constable, Kathryn Brown, who was given a therapy dog from K9s For Warriors and she shared with me just how much Biggie, makes her station and life unbelievably better. So let’s get more of these service dogs and therapy dogs trained and paired up with veterans and first responders in need! I personally know that by rescuing animals, my family and life has been enriched tenfold. And I would say that even though we might think we’re the ones doing the rescuing… they are actually rescuing us.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Nothing More for their support of our organisation, especially our dedication to helping first responders,” said K9s For Warriors Chief Revenue Officer Lindsay Grayson. “K9s For Warriors has the privilege every day to see the impact a Station Dog has on those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. Nothing More’s generosity allows us to continue changing Veteran and first responder lives.”
In connection with the song and video release, the band will be featuring pet-related merchandise on its official website, with a portion of proceeds supporting organizations like K9s For Warriors. Additionally, a donation link will be included in the video, allowing for donations to be made directly to the organization’s website.
Find NOTHING MORE online:
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok
Apple | Spotify | Deezer | Amazon | Pandora | YouTube
TAJMO – TAJ MAHAL AND KEB’ MO’ ‘Junkyard Dog’ (Single)
TajMo – the historic collaboration between two generations of American music masters – have shared new single “Junkyard Dog” today, from their forthcoming full-length album Room On The Porch – out May 23 on Concord Records. Keb’ Mo’ and Taj Mahal showcase their “strong chemistry” (Wall Street Journal) – and a blues prowess that’s earned them ten combined GRAMMY Awards – on “Junkyard Dog,” which was originally written by Nashville-based songwriter Maia Sharp for her album Mercy Rising (2021). “This track is where this TajMo album began,” says Keb’ Mo. “I heard Maia Sharp’s version of ‘Junkyard Dog’ and I knew we could put some dirt on it and make it ours. It has the bones of a blues anthem.”
The ten-song collection finds the duo reuniting for their first release together since 2017, when their debut collaboration TajMo brought them from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert (for a stunning performance alongside Jon Batiste) to Marc Maron’s garage to the GRAMMY stage (where they took home Best Contemporary Blues Album). While putting their signature stamp on favorite tunes like “Junkyard Dog,” Room On The Porch also features more original, co-written tracks between the legendary pair than ever before – playing to each other’s strengths and discovering creative horizons more than a half-century into their storied careers.
“The two of us collaborating has always been a very organic thing,” Taj reflects. “We have different skill sets that go well together, and even though it’d been a while since we’d played together, it was easy to get back to that same creative place we landed with the first album.”
Listen to “Junkyard Dog” here: https://found.ee/TajMo-RoomOnThePorch
Pre-order Room On The Porch here: https://found.ee/TajMo-RoomOnThePorch
Room On The Porch (which Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ also co-produced together) incorporates a full spectrum of sounds that showcase why “each of them is a standard-bearer in the genre-bending world of folk, blues, soul and Americana” (Billboard). But, as Taj Mahal points out, these styles are all deeply tied together by their shared roots: “If you take the African imprint out of Western music for the last 500 years, there’s almost nothing left,” says Taj (who will also play Big Ears and JazzFest this spring). “As much as it might feel like we’re touching on all these different genres, the way I see it, we’re just connecting with the music of our ancestors and their influence on what’s happening now.”
Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’ will bring their TajMo live show back on the road in 2025, celebrating Room On The Porch in over a dozen cities across the United States, beginning with a special appearance at the Grand Ole Opry (joined by Ruby Amanfu), during the Opry’s year-long 100th anniversary celebrations, before their first headline show together at New York’s Town Hall on May 28. A full list of dates is below. For more information please visit https://www.tajblues.com/tour and http://kebmo.com/.
BENJAMINO ‘Whataboutism’ (Single)
Acting as a blanket in the cold, Benjamino’s new single, ‘Whataboutism’, is out now, bringing with it a reminder that anxiety and reality are separate beasts.
Benjamino has dedicated their life to music. From teaching five-year-olds their first piano notes to recording world-renowned artists, he’s seen it all and has the pure talent to prove it. After a decade of writing and producing for other artists, Benjamino released their first EP in 2020, Open Up The Vault, establishing their iconic, dreamy sound for all to hear.
This sound has captivated fans of indie-soul across the globe, earning him a well-deserved reputation for crafting tracks rich in vibe, groove, and lyrical wit. Media outlets have also fallen in love with their sound: it has been showcased on MTV Australia & NZ, spun on national and international radio, earned more than 50k Spotify streams for single ‘On Repeat’, and even resulted in their performance to thousands of music fans supporting Coldplay in November 2024, placing them in a spotlight after years of working behind the scenes.
‘Whataboutism’ is yet another piece of art in their gallery. The track begins with a booming bassline punctuated with steady clicking beats, creating an anxious, claustrophobic atmosphere that’s contrasted by Benjamino’s ethereal layered harmonies, painting the image of a person alone, weathering a storm. The track soars and falls like the waves of a panic attack, with percussives holding strong as an undertone throughout the track to represent a looming dread. Benjamino’s vocals are a life raft, weaving together and harmonising in ways that provide a sense of comfort and understanding.
Anxiety is a beast, and this song tells its tale. Written as Benjamino came to terms with their gender fluidity and pansexuality in their late 20s, it delves into the ever-present internal critic and how out of place they can leave one feeling. The chorus is a lifeline back to reality and a reminder that the internal critic in question is just that, internal, and not a real reflection of the way the world around is.
This song is deeply tied to Benjamino, as he states: “I wrote the song after experiencing a number of personal discoveries – mainly gender fluidity and pansexual awakening. Making these discoveries in my late 20’s, at a much more progressive time in history, had me questioning my worthiness amongst this community… A tendency we all have is to project our greatest fears onto those around us, which is more often than not unfounded.”
This single is the second of many monthly releases, following the release of ‘9 Minutes’ in February, in the lead up to their most ambitious project yet. This year marks the release of their highly anticipated debut album, ‘Cucino’. Paying tribute to their Italian heritage, Cucino (meaning “I cook”) promises to serve up a feast of rich storytelling, gourmet production, and the signature warmth that fans have come to recognise from Benjamino.
Take a moment to breathe with Benjamino’s new single, ‘Whataboutism’, out now.
Follow Benjamino Official Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
HOLLY HEBE ‘Don’t Come Crying’ (Single)
One of Naarm/Melbourne’s best-kept secrets, Holly Hebe, is making waves with her latest single ‘Don’t Come Crying’, a raw, emotional anthem for anyone caught in the cycle of an on-again, off-again relationship. Blending celestial indie-pop with evocative storytelling, Holly delivers a track that cuts through the noise of lust and comfort zones, capturing the moment when enough is finally enough.
“Don’t Come Crying is an anthem for people stuck in the cycle of an off-and-on relationship. It represents an attempt at drawing a line in the sand that keeps getting blurred and lost in the noise of lust and comfort zones,” Holly explains.
The release follows an explosive 12 months for Holly, which saw her music gain full rotation on triple j & Unearthed, a feature artist spot, and multiple ad placements. With a signature sound inspired by Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers, and Clairo, Holly has built a reputation for creating dreamy yet deeply personal tracks that resonate.
Fresh off a Los Angeles writing trip, where she collaborated with Anwar Sawyer (Roc Nation – Ella Rosa, Audrey Nuna), Jack Kleinick (grentperez), and Elin Sandberg (Harry Styles’ touring band), Holly is stepping into 2025 with momentum. Fresh off her performance as an official showcasing artist at SXSW Austin, Holly Hebe continues to solidify her position on the global stage.
Closer to home, her highly anticipated headline all-ages shows in Sydney and Melbourne (March 29 & 30) have completely sold out, proving the undeniable impact she’s making. Audiences can expect to hear Don’t Come Crying live alongside fan favourites at The Loft (NSW) as part of Great Southern Nights, and The Leadbeater (VIC).
Beyond the stage, Holly’s rise has been championed by Levi’s AU & NZ, Wrangler, Dr. Martens, LUSH, Lotta Bitz, and American Tourister, while her festival resume continues to grow with past performances at NYE on the Hill, Beyond the Valley, and the Australian Open 2025, and Franjafest 2.
Having already kicked off the year with major milestones and support from Music Australia’s Export Development Fund, Don’t Come Crying further propels Holly Hebe into what’s shaping up to be her biggest year yet.
About Holly Hebe
Holly Hebe is an indie-pop artist from Naarm/Melbourne known for her evocative storytelling, innovative production, and ethereal vocals. Inspired by her rural seaside upbringing, she crafts music that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking. With over 14 shows across Australia, international showcases, and a growing catalog of critically acclaimed tracks, Holly Hebe is becoming a must-watch talent in the Australian music scene and beyond.
OCEANIQUE ‘Window to the Sky’ (Single)
After recently returning from six showcases at Folk Alliance International in Montreal and headline Canadian tour, today Naarm-based indie-folk duo Oceanique (twin sisters Maddy and Jess Houston) announce the release of their highly anticipated sophomore album, Skylines, due for release Friday 27th June. Created over a period of change and transition as Maddy and Jess relocated from their hometown in regional Western Australia to Melbourne, Skylines follows themes of new beginnings, new dreams and new surroundings. The album was recorded in the warmth of James Newhouse’s studio in Bunbury, Western Australia, during peak winter, bundled up with warm cups of tea by the piano whilst the rain poured outside.
Following previous single ‘Mountains’ which was named in Rolling Stone Australia’s Best New Music weekly round-up following its release, Oceanique today share another taste of what’s to come with new single, ‘Window To The Sky’. Speaking on the track, Maddy and Jess share; ‘This was the first song we wrote after moving to Melbourne in 2023. It came out of a time where there was a lot of unknown, we’d just moved to a big city and weren’t sure what was ahead of us. This song is for that feeling of wanting everything you’ve ever wished for to come at you all at once.’
Speaking on Skylines, Maddy and Jess share: ‘A Skyline, a horizon, the place where the known and the unknown meet.
These songs came from so many different places, from ideas sparked from stories read, from poem exercises written, to feelings we had about life and the music industry, but they all had overarching themes of new beginnings, being dreamers and the ties we have to our hometown in regional Western Australia. These songs were written around the time of moving to a new place and trying to navigate life.
We call this our winter album, we recorded it in the winter at James Newhouse’s studio in Bunbury, Western Australia and we are releasing it in the winter. Created whilst we were bundled up with warm cups of tea, sitting by the piano, soft pedal on, the rain pouring outside, as winter past us by.
We recorded our first album with James. It was so nice to come back with all these new songs and ideas and see what we created together. We had references of the alternate guitar tunings of Joni Mitchell and the big open sounds of S. Carey and we really wanted to create a lush soundscape for the songs. James was such a big part of this album. He taught us to trust ourselves and our songs and really helped bring them to life.
There are themes of feeling lost and also self discovery. Also realising how much of a tie we both have to our hometown. The simplicity in that place, the quiet, the beauty. Songs like Calling of a Southern Sky and Bird on a wire are like little letters to our hometown and to ourselves reminding us of how much that place has shaped us.
Always Beginning and Who do you sing for? Are songs about connection and navigating the way in the music industry.
Skylines feels like the perfect name, it took us a long time to find it and we went through many names before this one. It was one of the hardest things to name, because these songs feel so real and current, they are all still such big pieces of us and we still feel like we’re learning from them and their meanings and lessons.’
‘Window To The Sky’ Out now independently Listen/buy here
Skylines Out Friday 27th June Pre-order/Pre-save here
SPARKS ‘Drowned In A Sea Of Tears’ (Single)
Sparks, brothers Ron and Russell Mael, release ‘Drowned in a Sea of Tears’, the new single from their upcoming album, MAD!, out May 23rd via Transgressive Records.
On the heels of recent hits ‘Do Things My Own Way’ and ‘Jansport Backpack’, the latter of which Stereogum called a “sweeping, theatrical breakup tune”, ‘Drowned in a Sea of Tears’ is a minor key mini-tragedy about the perils of emotional continence, of the stiff upper lip, of keeping it all in. The protagonist keeps her emotional landscape guarded behind high walls, and the narrator is unable to be her saviour. Unusually, for a Sparks song, there is no punchline, no twist in the tale. The accompanying video is a visual theater piece about a woman succumbing to her tears of grief.
Despite the efforts of Edgar Wright’s superb 2021 documentary The Sparks Brothers, which introduced the duo to a wider audience than ever before, the exact creative dynamic between the Ron and Russell Mael remains inscrutable, as mysterious and unknowable as their private lives.
The one thing we know for certain is that Ron Mael is one of our most acutely perceptive observers of social mores. In a different discipline – dramaturg, cartoonist, novelist, cineaste, chronicler – he’d be a Moliere, a Hogarth, a Fitzgerald, an Altman, a Swift. He just happens to work within the medium of popular song. His brother Russell Mael has the asset of a talent to put those observations across in a uniquely arresting manner, captivating as a frontman and gifted with a countertenor voice of extraordinary range. The alchemy between Ron on keys and Russell on vocals is simply what they do. And they’ve rarely done it better than on MAD!.
MAD! finds Ron and Russell examining cultural phenomena such as branded backpacks, tattoos, performative devotion (whether to a God, a lover, a celebrity or a sports team), the hegemony of banter, and the rise of influencers. The satire is never on-the-nose, always retaining enough ambiguity for the listener to fill in the blanks. And the exquisitely unusual lexicon (you won’t hear the word “epistemology” on many other albums this year) and cultural references leap out on every listen.
Musically there are nods to New Wave, Synthpop, Art Rock and Electronic Opera – all genres Sparks had hands in pioneering, or straight-up invented. When you hear echoes of other artists, from Air to Shostakovich, you remind yourself that they’re all people who Sparks influenced in the first place. (Well, maybe not Shostakovich.) Ultimately, however, MAD! is a modern record, which belongs in, and speaks to, the modern world. Which is all the more remarkable when you consider the vintage of its creators.
WATCH MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘DROWNED IN A SEA OF TEARS’
SPARKS MAD! IS OUT ON TRANSGRESSIVE RECORDS ON FRI 23 MAY
PRE-SAVE & PRE-ORDER SPARKS ‘MAD!’
Watch music video for ‘Do Things My Own Way’
SPARKS WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | YOUTUBE
DEVAURA RELEASES DEBUT EP VOL 1. LEARNING IN PUBLIC
Rising star DEVAURA today releases her debut EP, Vol 1. Learning in Public. The EP contains singles ‘VENICE’, ‘VERTIGO’ and recent release ‘MEET YOUR MAKER’ and will be on display in full force tonight in Sydney for her hometown EP launch show at The Vanguard.
Deeply autobiographical, Vol.1 Learning In Public introduces listeners to DEVAURA’s internal monologue, set against a backdrop of chaos and transformation. The tracks explore themes of grief, identity, and autonomy, as DEVAURA navigates the process of redesigning pain into forgiveness and self-empowerment. Each song reflects the complex interplay of Id, ego, and super ego, offering a raw and honest look at personal growth.
Says DEVAURA on the EP: “WHAT A KUDRAAAZY YEAR! This project is a deeply personal summation of the lessons I’ve learnt along the way.
LIFE IS FOR THE LIVING – you didn’t get this far, survive this long, and fight this hard just to let it pass you by.
You know what’s radical- that despite all of the loss and pain somehow I am still full of love, that I still a willingness to give it.”
The focus track on release today is ‘FIRES’, a funeral song—an eulogy for past versions of oneself, the potential once held, and the losses and gains that have defined a journey. While some may choose to dwell on former relationships, DEVAURA’s narrative is about shedding what no longer serves and rising from the ashes of who she once was.
DEVAURA burst onto the scene in 2023, captivating audiences with her powerful performances and charismatic lyricism. Her recent accolades include being awarded the Triple J Unearthed Laneway Competition 2025 as well as receiving the 2024 Acclaim Magazine x PUMA Wildcard Award. She has also won the 2024 FBi SMAC Awards for Best Live Act & Best Emerging Act, as well as the Justin Cosby Best Emerging Act at SXSW Sydney 2024 for delivering standout performances.
She recently played at Party in the Paddock (on the same day as Laneway Sydney), WOMAD in Adelaide and a set at Gembrook’s queer music festival Gaytimes. Coming up is tonights headline hometown show in Sydney and a performance at Vivid LIVE in June.
DEVAURA’s live performances are nothing short of mesmerising, packing out crowds with her live band, her set is a seamless transition between beats, punk-influenced guitar and drums, and powerful vocals, combined with her magnetic stage presence.
Aotearoa born and now based on Dharug Lands, DEVAURA draws inspiration for her work from her own resilience. As a formally houseless, first-generation immigrant, and openly queer artist, she exclaims that “discovering music [helped her] to find her voice.” Inspired by the likes of Jessica Mauboy, Katy Perry, Donna Summer, Nicki Minaj and Ray BLK her love of community, storytelling, and authentic expression comes across loud and clear in her music. Whether she’s rapping or singing — her passion, dedication, and ability to capture the beautifully absurd human experience through her artistry; knows no limit.
Upcoming live shows:
3 April – The Vanguard, Sydney
12 June – Vivid LIVE, Sydney
VOL 1. LEARNING IN PUBLIC – OUT NOW LISTEN HERE
MORE INFO ON DEVAURA: INSTAGRAM TIKTOK YOUTUBE
THE BEACHES ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM NO HARD FEELINGS OUT 29 AUGUST ON AWAL + SHARE NEW SINGLE ‘LAST GIRLS AT THE PARTY’
Canadian alt-rock outfit The Beaches announce their third studio album, No Hard Feelings, out everywhere 29 August via AWAL. Furthermore, they treat fans to an early taste of what they can expect from the record with the single ‘Last Girls At The Party‘.
“While you’re sleeping, we’re not leaving,” taunts the infectious chorus of ‘Last Girls at the Party’, lead single off The Beaches’ latest, No Hard Feelings. Frontperson and bassist Jordan Miller explains it’s a true nod to the band’s late nights: “We’re four crazy girls who like to have fun together, and are literally always the last to leave,” she laughs. But the sunny anthem also mirrors their careers in music: they’re outlasters, forever pushing toward adventure, riding the ebbs and flows of rock band life like certified rippers. What’s the hurry to head home before sunrise when the party’s this good?
Spanning 11 tracks, No Hard Feelings sees The Beaches at their most fine-tuned and brightest. From the bold and bright anthemic riffs of ‘Touch Myself’ to the indie melancholy of ‘Lesbian of the Year’, the album is set to solidify the group as one of the driving forces of alt-rock today. Exploring the highs of nights out and lows of losing someone you love, No Hard Feelings is rife with the band’s signature witty lyricism, grungey tones, and unapologetic boldness.
‘Last Girls at the Party’ is a true party anthem, perfect for the warmer weather. Lead by a bright guitar hook and steady drums, singer Jordan Miller’s powerful vocals layered with her bandmates create the perfect soundtrack for a girls night out. The true standout of the track is the bridge, while Miller laments, “I don’t want to go home,” while the hook builds back into the catchy chorus, making it another stellar hit from the group. The Beaches will be hosting a series of DJ sets in celebration of new music, these private events are invite-only to those who pre-save the record.
‘LAST GIRLS AT THE PARTY’ OUT NOW BUY/STREAM HERE
NO HARD FEELINGS OUT 29 AUGUST PRE ORDER/SAVE HERE
MORE INFO: Spotify Instagram TikTok Facebook Twitter YouTube
TIM MINCHIN RELEASES NEW SINGLE “RUBY” AND ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Tim Minchin today releases his poignant new single “Ruby”, offering a first glimpse into his forthcoming album TimMinchinTimeMachine, set for release on Friday 25 July 2025 via BMG.
A tender and deeply personal track, “Ruby” draws from a real-life story of a mother-daughter bond, complex, bruised, and ultimately full of love. Through lyrical candour and melodic grace, Minchin’s ballad celebrates Ruby’s iconoclastic, creative spirit, but urges her to go easy on her mother, and to hold on to the relationship, no matter how flawed. At its core, “Ruby” speaks to a universal truth: that we tend to want our parents to be perfect, forgetting that they, too, are the results of imperfect parents.
WATCH: TIM MINCHIN – RUBY (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
The official video, directed by D.C. Fairhurst and produced by Lucy Green and Michael Lynch features Minchin alongside two performers, Linda Gamblin and Tayla Gartner expressing the mother and daughter’s story through dance. Each coloured frame reflects the spectrum of tension, heartbreak, and a heartbreakingly ambiguous resolution.
TimMinchinTimeMachine is a carefully curated anthology of 11 songs from his past: some long hidden in the archives, others revisited and reimagined, but all written before he became known. Together, these songs form a cohesive body of work that captures Minchin’s singular voice as a songwriter and storyteller. It follows his critically acclaimed debut studio album Apart Together, which earned four stars from The Independent, praised as “a tenderly considered pop album that subverts expectations.”
Tim Minchin said: “Twenty years ago, when I fell into comedy, I put my hopes of a recording career on the shelf. After 2020’s Apart Together, I started thinking about properly producing some of the tunes I wrote in my prolific-but-obscure twenties. I was just going to leak these tunes without fanfare, but when BMG heard them, they convinced me that they deserved an album of their own. Young-me would be very stoked indeed to see this project live.”
In celebration of 20 years since his explosive arrival on the UK comedy scene, Minchin will hit the road this UK summer with his ironically titled tour, Songs The World Will Never Hear. Kicking off on 4 June 2025, the tour will span 20 cities across the UK, including three sold-out nights at the legendary Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith.
Following the success of Apart Together and his acclaimed live performances across the UK and Australia, Time Machine signals a new chapter in Minchin’s musical journey, one that looks both backwards and forwards, capturing the beauty, complexity and absurdity of life through song.
“Ruby” by Tim Minchin is out now.
Tim Minchin’s new album TimMinchinTimeMachine will arrive Friday 25 July 2025. Pre-order / save the album HERE.
ABBEY LANE ‘Baby Steps’ (Single)
Drink in Abbey Lane’s signature smooth indie blend in her single ‘Baby Steps’, an ode to the small wins and small joys, out now (Thursday, April 3). In her first release of 2025, Abbey Lane showcases the talent she’s nurtured through her 13 years of experience with music, once again standing out as someone who pours her heart into every song. In her time, Abbey Lane has accomplished a great deal, collaborating with writers such as Yung Bleu and Tenille Arts and recently performing at Old Bar Beach Festival (Surftrash, Kim Churchill), Rockhampton River Festival (Eskimo Joe), Never Had So Much Fun (supporting Ula and Eluera) and so much more.
Her 2024 debut EP release drew in praise from all corners, with the track ‘Darling’ winning Best Folk Song of The Year at the ASA Awards, 2025 is sure to bring great things too.
‘Baby Steps’ is a daydream, perfectly embodying Abbey Lane’s ephemeral style. Dreamy indie romance guitar, with echoing effects that make this track flow like a lazy river. Abbey’s vocals stand out as something purely magical, possessing the gentle lure of a siren’s song. The earnest quality of this track makes it feel reassuring, a comforting mid-afternoon ray of sunshine, something the lyrics exacerbate.
Acting as a gentle celebration of the “little victories” and a reminder that every effort matters, ‘Baby Steps’ is a reward for dragging oneself out of bed in the morning. As troubles with mental health can make living life like normal near-impossible, it’s important to remember to appreciate the little things. Abbey Lane wants listeners to walk away knowing that,
“It can be hard to motivate yourself to do things to better yourself, so this track is all about making small changes to feeling better and acknowledging that you’re making progress one small step at a time.”
Abbey will be performing live, giving fans the opportunity to get swept away in her emotion-packed songs, in her upcoming shows at The Vicar, Dural on Friday, April 25th, and at Pepe’s on The Beach, Wollongong on Sunday, May 4th.
Appreciate the little wins with Abbey Lane through her ethereal single, ‘Baby Steps’, out everywhere now.
Follow Abbey Lane Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | SoundCloud Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
FAIT ACCOMPLI ‘SLOW FUTURE’/‘BUZZ DK’ (Singles)
Soul punks Fait Accompli are renegades of the Sydney underground independent music scene. With a cocktail of Punk mixed in with influences as varied as Sonic Youth, Queens Of The Stone Age, Midnight Oil & Nirvana, Fait Accompli cast a musical spell to create a sound which preaches fire to their personal struggles, politics and surviving Sydney, making their music not just intense, but uplifting in its delivery.
Fait Accompli are the true personification of their own genre which was coined in a review at one of their early shows – Soul Punk!
With a decade plus long history and 25 self funded releases under their belt, Fait Accompli are one of only a handful of punk artists on the Australian independent music landscape who are still alive and kicking today without help from industry or record label.
Fait Accompli have opened for heroes; Dead Kennedys, Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols), Sebadoh, New York Dolls and have toured with Sage Francis. FAIT ACCOMPLI recently toured with The Smith Street Band & funk legends Skunkhour. They have also shared the stage with Violent Soho, Bad Dreems, Goons of Doom, Sticky Fingers, Wolfmother, The Bennies, Clowns. FAIT also started off the year on a high note opening for the epic Band Of Horses at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre.
Since inception Fait Accompli have been busy with many live shows, the release of multiple ep’s, singles and their debut album DREAMS (produced by Ian Pritchett). a two year hiatus in 2016. Fait Accompli returned with the Wade Keighron produced single HIGHWAYS in 2018. In 2019 Fait Accompli headed back into the studio with super producer Ian Pritchett to record PRESSURE which was released in mid 2019. followed by the release of the ep EXODUS in 2020.
With the recent worldwide pandemic throwing life into disarray FAIT ACCOMPLI kept up the pace by recording their new lock down album separately on their laptops during the covid lockdowns using basic technology; microphones, guitars, basic keyboard skills and the power of the internet. These songs started to see the light of day with the release of singles; GONE OUTSIDE, GOD SAVE THE SNAKES, SONG OF THE YEAR. The double a side single; SLOW FUTURE / BUZZ DK will be released on FEB 27 20025 at The Duke in Enmore,
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
BANDCAMP
YOUTUBE
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
THE BLUE STONES ‘Metro’ (Album)
Canadian rock duo The Blue Stones have released their eagerly anticipated fourth album, “Metro”, via Thirty Tigers, alongside leading single ‘Happy Cry’, both available to stream here.
You settle into the worn seat of a subway car barely holding together, graffiti scrawled across its walls beneath flickering ads for bionic enhancements and synthetic upgrades. A mechanical voice crackles through the loudspeaker: “The next stop is… your tiny, stupid little worthless life.”
This is “Metro” – a dark, gritty ride through rebellion, duality, and self-discovery… and The Blue Stones’ boldest album yet. The album follows a protagonist navigating a dystopian subway, confronting a personified version of their darker side – a manifestation of their buried need for authenticity.
Speaking on the record, vocalist and guitarist Tarek Jafar says, “The subway is a metaphor for the conflict we all face, it’s about balancing societal expectations with your own self-serving desires.” The loudspeaker’s voice, eerie and detached, becomes the protagonist’s inner critic, a manifestation of societal pressure that feels alien yet inescapable.
The brand new single, ‘Happy Cry’ demonstrates a moment of catharsis and raw emotion. With its live-off-the-floor energy and soaring vocals, it bursts with triumphant release, capturing the thrill of starting over and embracing growth. ”Happy Cry” is about finding acceptance and closure in things that you cannot change,” says Tarek. “It’s about letting go of emotional baggage that only weighs you down, and finding happiness in the long, winding, sometimes broken-down road that brought you to exactly where you are now.”
The Blue Stones – vocalist and guitarist Tarek Jafar and drummer Justin Tessier – formed during their university days and inspired by the freedom of creating without boundaries, grew from playing small-town bars to headlining iconic venues like The Troubadour in Los Angeles, Electric Ballroom in London, and The Danforth Music Hall in Toronto. Along the way, they’ve racked up over 300 million streams, three JUNO nominations, and radio hits like Shakin’ Off the Rust, which topped Rock charts in Canada and hit #5 on U.S. Mainstream Rock.
The duo’s unique sound, a melting pot of rock, blues, hip-hop, and pop has always set them apart. They thrive on contrasts and a controlled sense of chaos, both on record and during their awe-inspiring live shows. “We’ve always wanted our music to empower people,” says Justin. “This record is about reconnecting with your authentic self—the part of you buried under everyone else’s expectations.” With “Metro”, The Blue Stones deliver their most unfiltered, unapologetic work yet. Step aboard. The next stop is whatever you make it.
Connect with The Blue Stones Instagram / X / TikTok / YouTube / Spotify
YULAN & BLAISE ‘Falling 花火落‘ (Single out April 25)
Yulan & Blaise are chamelonic multi-hyphenates whose unique brand of experimental pop and alluring visual worlds fuse influences from their Singaporean- Australian and Mexican-American backgrounds. Dubbed “one of the more exciting names on the rise” (Flex), their music features electronic textures alongside ethereal vocals and folk instruments unmoored from traditional contexts.
Following their “fiercely original” debut single God Complex, Australian-American duo Yulan & Blaise return with Falling 花火落, the second track from their forthcoming 2025 EP. The art pop single builds on the downtempo influences of their debut, blending angelic English and Mandarin vocals with electronic and acoustic instruments.
At the heart of Falling 花火落 is the metaphor of a 花 (flower) and 火 (flame) that burn and 落 (fall).
“We’re drawn to themes of duality and betrayal – a seductive but destructive love that burns you up,” the duo explain, “When you combine 花 (flower) and 火 (flame) in Chinese you get the word “firework”. It’s about a romance that ends as quickly as it began, but leaves you in a state of extreme lovesickness, bordering on euphoric.”
The self-produced track features an intricate blend of electronic textures and instruments played by the duo, including Chinese flutes, erhu, guzheng, and contrabass saxophone. At its heart is Blaise’s soaring alto saxophone solo, a nod to his two decades as a punk sax player for the Violent Femmes.
Other influences included 90s Mandopop, film scores by Shigeru Umabayashi, and 1950s Chinese movie musicals. “The vocal stylings were intuitive,” Yulan notes. “As a child my mother taught me her favorite songs from old Chinese movie musicals. I learned to sing in Mandarin years before I learned to speak it.”
Beyond romance, Falling 花火落 carries deeper existential weight. “As we were finishing this song, smoke was drifting into our home from Tasmanian bushfires, and across the world, Blaise’s home state of California was burning. The flower and flame metaphor took on greater urgency, a grief beyond the romantic. But amidst grief, the possibility of rebirth – a new bloom.”
The video for Falling 花火落 will be released alongside the single on April 25th. It charts the bittersweet end of a romance within a classic Chinese restaurant, with visual nods to 1990s cinema classics including Wong Kar Wai’s Fallen Angels and Zhang Yimou’s Raise The Red Lantern.
yulanandblaise.com | linktr.ee/yulanandblaise