Just a Story – Okenyo
Sydney neo-soul artist Okenyo began her creative life as an actor, but found music during a particularly low moment in her life. In speaking to Heather magazine she said she decided, “I can either stay in bed and wilt away or I can sing and write my way through this.” Just a Story is the first track from her forthcoming EP Mirage and it’s a good one, with plenty of oomph in the soulful vocals and a drum beat that clips along at a spritely pace.
Cheap Wine – Cold Chisel
Adelaide classic rockers Cold Chisel, fronted by the indomitable Jimmy Barnes, are playing a special one-off intimate show at Canberra on 26 February. “We’re looking forward to playing at the Royal Theatre”, said piano player Don Walker, in a release. “We’re thinking of dedicating the show to Prince Phillip, who really doesn’t get enough recognition.” The band will also headline the rev-fest Clipsal 500 in their hometown on 1 March. To celebrate here’s a revisit of their bittersweet 1980 tribute to dysfunctional bohemian life, Cheap Wine.
Peace is My Drug – Katie Noonan
“Peace is my drug; It stops the pain” – so begins the sparsely written but wonderfully profound poem by cartoonist Michael Leunig. Likewise Katie Noonan’s song, inspired by the poem with Leunig writing a second verse especially for the Brisbane jazz-pop singer, captures the same quiet dignity of the original. Noonan has turned to crowdfunding in order to record her new and sixth studio album, with 5% of money raised going to the mental health charity Beyond Blue – and is touring the country throughout March.
Run – Seth Sentry
Seth Sentry was one of those rare gems uncovered on Triple J’s Unearthed – and his debut album This Was Tomorrow debuted No 6 on the Aria charts, securing his place as one of Australia’s most popular hip-hop acts. A few years have passed since the Melbourne rapper released new music, with a brand new single called Run pointing at what’s to come. The song turns the clock back to Sentry’s childhood days, spent in a small town and staving off boredom by shoplifting chocolates, dodging the coppers and hanging out in skate parks.
Climate Septic – Until Abbott Gets Gone
“We can’t wait to break up,” says drummer and vocalist Joe Gould. Not a line you usually hear from a band – at least not until a couple of albums in. But punk rockers Until Abbott Gets Gone exist for one reason only: to protest the failure of Australian prime minister Tony Abbott – and they’ll be happy to call it quits once he does. Gould, along with fellow band member Gordon Wallace (guitars, vocals), are better known as one half of gypsy folk punk act and festival faves Crooked Fiddle Band, playing Sydney’s Basement on 26 February.
