We’ve added a further ten new and recently released tracks to our Discovery Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music, including two singles we exclusively premiered earlier this week. Naarm-based soul musician and proud Noongar woman Bumpy takes home our Track of the Week with “Kanana”, the title track from her long-awaited debut album – out October 3rd on Astral People Recordings.
“Kanana”, which translates from Noongar as “Land Where the Sunsets”, is a sophisticated, sparkling slice of modern soul music, where the vibes are immaculate and there’s not a note out of place. Speaking about the inspiration for the track Bumpy said, “Everyday people all around the world slow down, seek different heights and altitudes, prepare picnics, share meals, time their day to get a glimpse of such beauty. This moment is handled with care. For everyone can appreciate the beauty and scale of a sunset.”
Emily Wurramara is back with “Adore Me”, her first release since her award-winning ARIA for Best Adult Contemporary Album thanks to her second album NARA (2024). This has everything that makes us such fervent fans of Emily. Her voice is velvety, honeyed and soothing, as she brings us this meditation on love of all kinds for anyone who “has their shit together, but doesn’t at the same time”.
That care is reflected here too, from the honeyed percussion, to the smooth double bass, and of course those impeccable vocals from Bumpy and her family, nothing feels forced, overworked or contrived. Accompanying the track is a beautifully shot music video made with made with collaborator and Visual Director Em Dynes. For those of you in Naarm you can catch Bumpy tonight (Jul 11th) and September 19th as part of NGV Friday Nights.
Also added to the playlist this week is “Tidal Wave”, the latest single from indie-pop rising star and AU favourite Jem Cassar-Daley. Co-written with producer Harry Charles, “Tidal Wave” sees Cassar-Daley comfortably venture deeper into that pop space, with a bright and bold sound, heartfelt lyricism, and a captivating lead vocal. It hits all those classic pop thematic beats too. Any time we get a new Cassar-Daley track it’s always a treat and “Tidal Wave” is no exception.
GRXCE addresses the lack of intimacy often felt in casual relationships in their new track, “Shirt Song”. Lead singer, Jamila Grace gives us her take and the background to the song: “I think this song is a really internal dialogue of trying to navigate dating and sex almost like it’s the first time all over again, the questioning, the judgement, the anger, the hurt, the lack of understanding that someone could be so close to you physically but not have any emotional attachment.”
The track is punching from the heart. Big fuzzy guitars, packed with angst and all the feels. They also have a brilliant video to accompany it, which is shot in the abandoned hospital in Callan Park, Sydney. You can catch them at the upcoming King Street Crawl this Sunday.
Canadian-born and now Melbourne-resident Brian Campeau has released his latest album, Brian Campeau Presents Jo Dellin And The Bone Spurs. A consummate vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, Brian is known for exploring new genres and techniques with each record. In this latest album, you’ll find some Swiss yodelling, along with country, bluegrass, folk and indie rock. “Plans” features beautiful guitars, atmospheric vocals, strings and a wistful take on facing up to the humdrum of a 9 to 5 existence.
“Lying in the bed I made” is the debut single from Adelaide indie singer-songwriter Dana Oberdan. Inspired by the maxim, “you made your bed, now lie in it”, the single sees Oberdan mining real life heartache and harmful relationships for artistic gain. It’s a strong debut release, with a beautiful lead vocal, subtle yet complementary instrumentation, and striking vulnerability and maturity in the songwriting.
This week Copenhagen-based singer-songwriter Victoria Akua released her new single “You Remind Me”. According to Akua, the track was “inspired by an experience I had of being reminded how to look at myself with softness and kindness, by looking into the loving eyes of a friend.” The result is a calming slice of folk inflected pop music. There’s a simplicity in the delivery, just Akua’a clear and bright vocal, with minimal accompaniment. A sonic palette cleanser after a busy week.
Also added to the playlist this week is “Kolkata Bear”, the new single from British singer-songwriter Jonathan Jeremiah.
We also have two premieres from earlier in the week – “Siren” from John Drake, and “Baddie” from Lennon Wells.
Catch all the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Bumpy “Kanana”
Emily Wurramara “Adore Me”
Jem Cassar-Daley “Tidal Wave”
GRXCE “Shirt Song”
Jonathan Jeremiah “Kolkata Bear”
Brian Campeau “Plans”
Dana Oberdan “Lying in the bed I made”
Victoria Akua “You Remind Me”
John Drake “Siren” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Lennon Wells “Baddie” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header Image by Emily Dynes