As we are about to head into spring in Australia, we’ve added ten new tracks to our Discovery playlist on Apple Music and Spotify. Our Track of the Week is “TOP OF THE HILL”, from Perth’s powerhouse five-piece South Summit.
This is the band’s first release since their debut album, The Bliss, dropped last year. It’s packed with feel-good summer vibes, celebrating acceptance and the joy of being loved exactly as you are. With sweet harmonies and melodies neatly interwoven, there’s some lovely musicianship going on here. They have a big summer lined up – the band will join up with Tash Sultana on their Australian headline tour, before heading off to Spilt Milk.
“MOTHER” is the fiery new single from award winning indie rockers Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers – the latest from their forthcoming new album GLORY (out November 7th). Featuring guitarist Scarlett McKahey on lead vocals for the first time, the track is a twangy, western-inspired ode to “every beautiful, magical lady who’s been caught in the crossfire of a man pretending to be good.” From a quite sedate starting point, the track builds towards a high octane explosion of frustration and anger, with screams, percussion and guitars all meshing into a wall of sound. It’s powerful stuff!
“Here, Look” is the latest single from singer-songwriter Carla Geneve. The new single, the latest from her forthcoming album Don’t Be Afraid (Out Oct 17th), features Geneve at her most thoughtful and intimate. According to Geneve, the track is ‘about reflection and admitting that there are so many layers to perceived faults, whether they be in others or yourself. There is so much to learn from looking beneath the surface of feelings, and finding truth on both sides of a conflict.’ Lyrically astute, and beautifully delivered there is a real sense of sophistication and maturity to this piano-led track.
Melbourne/Naarm indie pop artist Tilly Fenton is doing a brilliant job of venting on “It’s You”. It’s time to reclaim your story, and put an end to gaslighting. Tilly does this in spades in this stinging riposte to those that have done you wrong. Tilly shares her inspiration; “Olivia Rodrigo’s music definitely had a huge influence on the sound for this song. Ever since her first album came out, I had always wanted to write a super upbeat, angsty and playful pop rock song after hearing ‘good 4 u’ for the first time when I was in high school.”. In other exciting news for Tilly, her debut EP, it’s a feeling that i know, will be released on the 10th of October.
The move loved Boy and Bear are back with a double A-Side. We’ve added “Where Does Life Begin”, a reflection on youth, freedom and the bittersweet passing of time. It’s another slice of beautifully etched indie pop, You can catch them on the steps of the Sydney Opera House on the 14th December. Tickets HERE.
This week saw the welcome announcement of a new solo album from American music royalty Mavis Staples. Sad and Beautiful World, coming November 7th, is a collection that spans seven decades of the American Songbook, and mixes original material with reinventions of the songs of others. The first single is Mavis’ rendition of “Beautiful Strangers” by Kevin Morby. Similar to Johnny Cash’s American recordings, there is a sparseness and simplicity to the arrangement and instrumentation that allows Mavis’ vocals to shine through. It’s a beautiful track, quietly powerful and full of soul. And what does Morby think? ‘As the person who penned “Beautiful Strangers” I feel I have every right to say; her version is better.’
Also added to the playlist is “Punishers” from Austin’s four-piece grunge-infused Die Spitz. It’s the final single to be released from their forthcoming debut album, Something to Consume, out on the 12th September, via Third Man Records. Then we also have “Sapphire Boogie”, the latest genre fusing single from Yugambeh/Gold Coast-based band Bootleg Rascal. The release comes ahead of an extensive Australian and New Zealand tour kicking off next month, with tickets going on sale today.
Also on the road over the next few weeks is Kaurna Land/Adelaide-based artist Ella Ion, who is out on her debut Australian tour. To celebrate she’s just released her new single “Blue Black Crows”. With stops in Adelaide, Sydney, Thirroul, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne there’s plenty of opportunities to catch a show. Finally, we’ve also added “Own Two Feet” from Naarm indie-soul and RnB artist Benjamino, which we premiered earlier in the week.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
South Summit “Top Of the Hill”
Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers “MOTHER”
Carla Geneve “Here, Look”
Boy & Bear “Where Does Life Begin”
Mavis Staples “Beautiful Strangers”
Tilly Fenton “It’s You!”
Bootleg Rascal “Sapphire Boogie’
Die Spitz “Punishers”
Ella Ion “Blue Black Crows”
Benjamino “Own Two Feet” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header Image: Brendan Cecich
