Saralyn Releases Upbeat Country Anthem, “Cowgirl Blues”

I get it. It’s Valentine’s Day. That Hallmark holiday celebrating love. And that’s lovely. But if you want love songs, there’s plenty of that around. So I want to do something different and showcase a song for all of my single readers out there. If you’re looking for a feel-good independent anthem today, you’ve found it with “Cowgirl Blues” from Saralyn. This reminds me of those upbeat country floor-fillers Shania Twain used to release in the ‘90s. It’s so much fun, whether you usually listen to country music or not.

“Cowgirl Blues was built around a fun, high-energy recording process that leaned into big country sounds and feel-good momentum,” Saralyn reminisced. “Guitarist Adam Osmanovic (Viper Creek) brought the unmistakable country twang, supported by honky-tonk keys, pedal steel, banjo, and driving drums. The track grew naturally into something bold, playful, and full, capturing the joy of the room and delivering a big, confident country anthem made to be turned up loud.”

The video, shot by Jake Davey Studios in Gringai Country/Gresford, captures that sense of fun.

“The night came together with the pub rallying the local ladies, crackers, cheese, wine, and dancing well into the night. Surrounded by friends & family, the blue 1975 Kombi van became part of the story, with standout moments including the choreographed leg kick, a confetti pop ‘owe!’ moment, and carefree scenes of driving the Kombi turning the shoot into a celebration rather than just a video.”

“Cowgirl Blues” is the first single to drop from Saralyn’s forthcoming debut EP, which we’ll hear a little later this year. While that release celebrates her original music, Saralyn will also pay tribute to one of her idols, Lainey Wilson, with a string of tribute shows next month. Catch her anywhere you can:

7 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Lainey Wilson show)
8 March 2026 – Kings Beach Tavern, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast (Lainey Wilson show – supporting the Luke Combs Experience)
14 March – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Entertainment Quarter, Eora/Sydney (Lainey Wilson show)
21 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ Riviera Beach Club, Naarm/Melbourne (Lainey Wilson show)
2 May 2026 – The Big Giddy Up @ The Paterson Court House Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Paterson (Full band original show – FREE)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Maggie Lindemann Announces Aussie Return

Fresh from the release of her sophomore album i feel everything, American alt-punk artist Maggie Lindemann has announced her Australian return. She wowed crowds on her first visit in 2023, and with some incredible new songs in her arsenal, she’s bound to generate just as much buzz.

Personally, I think the material from i feel everything is Maggie’s strongest. It’s powerful but emotionally nuanced, personal but so relatable, with a dynamic, eclectic sound that keeps you guessing. However, don’t stress if you love her earlier music. I’m sure Maggie will deliver all your favourites when she graces Aussie stages in May. Destroy All Lines and artist presales kick off on Tuesday 17 February at 11 am ahead of the general sale at 11 am the following day.

10 May 2026 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth (18+)
12 May 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
14 May 2026 – Roundhouse, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
15 May 2026 – Forum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
17 May 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)

Image used with permission from beehive

Kate Ceberano Encores Australian Made With Big Aussie Tour

Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made album went a little under the radar on its release last August. Honestly, I wasn’t aware she’d recorded an awesome album of live Aussie covers until she supported Jimmy Barnes on his Working Class Man shows last year. If you weren’t in the loop when she sold out shows last year, you’ll appreciate that she’s planning an encore tour later this year.

“Last year was an unexpected runaway success,” Kate said. “It ended up being the biggest rock move of my career. Coming back to do it again, and push it further, felt irresistible.”

If you saw Kate’s Australian Made shows last time, this tour is still worth another look. Kate promises to refresh the setlist, expand the arrangements, and tell more stories about her connection to iconic Aussie anthems.

“It’s the same engine, but a different gear,” Kate explained. “The setlist’s been reworked, stretched, and opened up. More stories. More risk. More Australian classics, old and new, and more room to live inside the songs.”

Kate Ceberano’s new Australian Made encore tour kicks off in London in August before the Aussie run commences in Boorloo/Perth in September. Tickets went on sale this morning, so jump on them at the links below!

8 August 2026 – The Garage, London
4 September 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
5 September 2026 – ManPAC, Bindjareb Country/Mandurah
6 September 2026 – Heart, Wooditjup/Margaret River
11 September 2026 – MECC, Yuwibara/Mackay
12 September 2026 – GECC Theatre, Goeng Goeng Country/Gladstone
13 September 2026 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
18 September 2026 – CPAC, Gimuy/Cairns
19 September 2026 – The Warehouse, Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville
20 September 2026 – Burdekin Theatre, Bindal Country/Ayr
2 October 2026 – Civic Centre, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
3 October 2026 – TRECC Town Hall, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
4 October 2026 – The Art House Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
9 October 2026 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
10 October 2026 – The Playhouse @ Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngambri/Canberra
11 October 2026 – Concert Hall @ Sydney Opera House, Eora/Sydney
23 October 2026 – Hamer Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
24 October 2026 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
25-28 October 2026 – Rock the Boat
30 October 2026 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
31 October 2026 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
1 November 2026 – Lighthouse Theatre, Kurrn Kopan Noot Country/Warrnambool
5 November 2026 – Northern Festival Centre, Thalpiri/Port Pirie
6 November 2026 – Chaffey Theatre, Ngarringjeri Country/Renmark
7 November 2026 – Her Majesty’s, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 November 2026 – Twin Towns, Bundhalung Country/Tweed Heads
14 November 2026 – QPAC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 November 2026 – The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra
19 November 2026 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
20 November 2026 – Riverlinks Eastbank, Kanny-goopna/Shepparton

Pacific Avenue Release Sentimental Rock Single, “Things We Wanna Say”

Pacific Avenue are getting me buzzing their upcoming sophomore album Lovesick Sentimental with the release of another new track, “Things We Wanna Say.” While their previous single “Here We Go Again” was a sweet ballad, this newie is a pure rocker.

“‘Things We Wanna Say’ is an ode to the core friendships that you build in the ‘coming of age’ years of your life,” said Harry O’Brien, Pacific Avenue’s vocalist and guitarist. “So much of our adolescence we’re surrounded by close friends and as [you] grow up together, experiencing the world and new things for the first time, you create bonds that are fundamental to our individual identities, then as you move through your 20s and people start getting jobs or moving away from home, the experience becomes a much more isolated one. We never say the things we want to say. We aim to lift up the meaningful connections that you’ve made and more openly feel like you can express your love for the people who make it all worthwhile.”

We’ll hear more new material from Pacific Avenue when they release Lovesick Sentimental on March 6. You can pre-order it now. They’re wasting no time bringing the new tunes to the stage, with their tour kicking off in Boorloo/Perth the same day and continuing on to Europe and the United Kingdom.

6 March 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
7 March 2026 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 March 2026 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2026 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2026 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 March 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 April 2026 – POPUP!, Paris
4 April 2026 – MTC Club, Koln
5 April 2026 – Badehaus, Berlin
7 April 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
9 April 2026 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
10 April 2026 – The Louisiana, Bristol
11 April 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
13 April 2026 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
14 April 2026 – O2 Institute, Birmingham
16 April 2026 – The Dead Famous Late Night Liquor Lounge, Newquay
17 April 2026 – The Garage, London

Photo credit: Matt Sav

Hands Like Houses Call For Aussie Supports

Fancy sharing a stage with Hands Like Houses? The Ngambri/Canberra rockers are giving back to the scene by launching a national search for local acts to support them on their April shows.

“There are a lot of stacked international tours rolling through right now (which is awesome), but real opportunities for local Aussie bands to play bigger rooms are still super limited,” Hands Like Houses said. “So we want to do this properly. We started our career opening for touring shows through Canberra, and we understand the confidence and momentum it can help build for any artist. We’ll check every submission, stats don’t matter, music does. Every selected support band will be PAID. Always. Much love, support local, support Aussie music.”

If you think you have what it takes, apply for one of those coveted support slots via this form. And if you just want to see Hands Like Houses, their already announced support act Dream On Dreamer, and one of the winning bands, get your tickets for the Lótus Tour at the links below:

16 April 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
17 April 2026 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
18 April 2026 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 April 2026 – Kings Beach Tav, Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
23 April 2026 – Beer Deluxe, Wiradjuri Country/Albury
24 April 2026 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
25 April 2026 – UniBar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 April 2026 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Matt Higgs

Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca Duet Ahead of Green Electric Tour

If you were on the fence about seeing Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca on their Green Electric Tour, the release of their latest single “’Til It’s Gone” might tip you over the edge. Hearing these two vocal powerhouses on the one track is an absolute joy. It’s bluesy, edgy, and so incredibly cool.

“The song was inspired by a line in ‘Big Yellow Taxi,’ written more than half a century ago, and it’s confronting how little has changed,” Sarah and Dallas said in a joint statement. “We’re still prioritising profit over care for country, and the climate is pushing back hard. ‘Til It’s Gone’ speaks to the moment we’re in right now, a crossroads, and the responsibility we all share to make better choices before the damage becomes irreversible.”

Sarah and Dallas don’t just pay lip service to the issues. They’ve teamed up with Green Music Australia for their upcoming tour to reduce their carbon footprint through initiatives like plotting sustainable travel routes, using meet-free catering and eco-certified accommodation, and selling merch made from recycled materials. They’re encouraging fans to get in on the act too by choosing low-emission transport options and wearing sustainable fashion to the shows. The Green Electric Tour kicks off on February 19 in Bungambrawatha/Albury. Tickets for all shows are still available but won’t last long!

19 February 2026 – Bended Elbow, Bungambrawatha/Albury
20 February 2026 – Moyhu Hotel, Pangerang and Ya-itma-thang Country/Moyhu
21 February 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 February 2026 – Pelly Bar, Monmar/Frankston
27 February 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 February 2026 – The Royal Quarters, Turrbal Country/Nundah
1 March 2026 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
5 March 2026 – Big Easy Radio, Ngaltingga/Aldinga
6 March 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 March 2026 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
8 March 2026 – Indi Bar, Mooro Country/Scarborough
11 March 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
12 March 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
13 March 2026 – The Bridge Hotel, Wangal Country/Rozelle
14 March 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from beehive

Riley Pearce Releases New Duet Version of “You Won’t Be There” With Sorcha Richardson

“You Won’t Be There” was already one of the highlights from Riley Pearce’s 2025 album The Weight of Our Dreaming. But he’s just elevated the track with the help of Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson, who was last on our shores for Misneach. The artists collaborated remotely on the duet single, “You Won’t Be There (Time Zone Version),” which hit the streaming services today.

“‘You Won’t Be There’ always felt like it could live a double life,” Riley said. “A version where it had a more conversational tone, capturing the two sides of a relationship’s distance that comes with touring. I heard Sorcha’s song ‘Maps of Manhattan’ when I was on tour last year and it instantly became a favourite. I was so impressed with the energy and world she built with her verse – I actually like this version more than the original.”

“When Riley sent me this song, I knew I wanted to write to it,” Sorcha added. “I loved the subtlety he had created within it, and the effortless ebb and flow of the arrangement. The sentiment was something that had been on my mind already; nights spent thousands of miles from home, cinematic and romantic in their own lonely way, but impossible to experience without thinking of somebody you wish could be there with you.”

While I’m not sure when we’ll see Sorcha back in Australia, Riley is preparing to take songs from his The Weight of Our Dreaming album around the country this month. With shows in the capitals and regional centres, there are plenty of opportunities to catch him live.

29 January 2026 – House Concert, Colomatta/Blue Mountains
30 January 2026 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney (with Laura Lucas)
31 January 2026 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Laura Lucas)
6 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (with Laura Lucas + Jack Raymond)
7 February 2026 – Grow, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (with Jack Raymond)
8 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Laura Lucas)
14 February 2026 – Green Door Wines, Noongar Country/Ferguson Valley (with Laura Lucas)
15 February 2026 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle (with Laura Lucas + Ben Morgan)

Image used with permission from Nettwerk

Paul Dempsey, Kashus Culpepper, and Heaps More Join Howlin’ Country

If you were on the fence about attending the Howlin’ Country festival in Mulubinba/Newcastle next month, let me twist your arm. It’s just gotten even cooler, with Alabama’s Kashus Culpepper, Aussie favourites Paul Dempsey’s Shotgun Karaoke, Sweet Talk, The Wet Whistles, Lewis Love, and local legends Grand Pricks and Sharnee Fenwick just added to the bill. That’s in addition to the already announced talents of Lainey Wilson, Morgan Evans, Kaitlin Butts, Flatland Cavalry, Adam Newling, and Tyla Rodrigues. Yes, this lineup is absolutely stacked. Visit the Howlin’ Country website to see all the set times.

The music is the main attraction, but it’s not all that’s on offer. Since this year’s festival lands on Valentine’s Day, the Love Truck will be selling roses, Lil’ Howlers will have handmade love and friendship bracelets, and Ladies Love Country will host some speed dating. Traveller Whiskey will offer samples of Chris Stapleton’s spirits and Tooheys will sponsor the bungee run. The Lil Howlers kids zone has free face painting, a jumping castle, and heaps more for the little ones.

Howlin’ Country hits Newcastle Foreshore on February 14. The long-range forecast says we can expect a perfect day with highs in the mid 20s, so what better way to spend it? Tickets are still available from Oztix, but with the new additions to the lineup don’t expect them to last too long.

Photo credit: Dan Boud

Judah Kelly & Asabi Goodman Serve Up Soul Classics in The Big Chillout

If you love classic soul music, you’re going to love The Big Chillout which brings music from the iconic ‘80s film The Big Chill to stages around the country this year. The show features a 10-piece band fronted by The Voice 2017 winner Judah Kelly and Chicago star Asabi Goodman.

You’ll be singing along with them as they cover timeless songs from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and heaps more. The first act features songs from the original Big Chill soundtrack while the second is packed with tracks from the Deluxe Edition and some of Motown’s biggest hits.

The Big Chillout kicks off next month in Eora/Sydney before travelling around the country. Tickets for these shows are on sale now, with more dates to follow:

5 February 2026 – The Concourse, Cammeraygal Country/Chatswood
6 February 2026 – The Pavilion, Dharawal Country/Sutherland
12 February 2026 – Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
13 February 2026 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
14 February 2026 – The Forge Theatre, Ganai Country/Bairnsdale
26 February 2026 – Glasshouse Theatre, Birripi/Port Macquarie
27 February 2026 – NEX, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 February 2026 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
27 March 2026 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
28 March 2026 – Albert Hall, Leterrermairrener Country/Launceston
10 April 2026 – The Empire Theatre, Woomba Woomba/Toowoomba
16 April 2026 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wadawurrung Country/Wendouree
17 April 2026 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
18 April 2026 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
2 May 2026 – Saraton Theatre, Gumbin Gir/Grafton
21 May 2026 – The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
22 May 2026 – Evan Theatre, Dharug Country/Penrith
23 May 2026 – The B @ Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Ngarigo Country/Queanbeyan
29 May 2026 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
30 May 2026 – Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
11 June 2026 – Memo Music Hall, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 June 2026 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong
13 June 2026 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon
3 July 2026 – HOTA, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
4 July 2026 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Quandamooka Country/Redland
31 July 2026 – The J, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Noosa
1 August 2026 – Kings Theatre @ The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra
28 August 2026 – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Maryborough
29 August 2026 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Bundaberg
18 September 2026 – Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Redcliffe
24 October 2026 – Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns

Image used with permission from PSM Publicity

The City of Boroondara Announces Free Summer in the Park Events

What’s better than live music? Free live music. The City of Boroondara is bringing plenty of it to parks and precincts across Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country when its annual Summer in the Park season kicks off later this month. Running from January 29 to February 28, the season features free, all-ages events every Friday night and weekend. The line-up is incredibly diverse, with First Nations and queer artists and performers of all genres represented, so there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy.

“Summer in the Park is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy free, family friendly entertainment in Boroondara’s beautiful gardens and parks,” said West Gault, City of Boroondara Mayor. “With music, kids’ activities, outdoor cinema and more, there’s something for everyone – so bring a picnic and join us for a safe, welcoming celebration of community.”

There’s no need to RSVP. Just turn up and have a good time at these top events:

29 January 2026 – Djirrungana Kulture feat. Culture Evolves @ Maranoa Gardens (from 6 pm)
30 January 2026 – Party in the Park feat. Bumpy, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, and DJ Mz Rizk @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
31 January 2026 – Woody’s Bush Bash in the Mall @ Theatre Place (from 10 am)
6 February 2026 – Kylie and Dannii Disco in the Park feat. Perfectly Queer and DJ Chelsea Wilson @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
7 February 2026 – Classical in the Park @ Alexandra Gardens (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Zorba in the Park feat. Estudiantina of Melbourne @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Cinema in the Park: The Addams Family @ Greythorn Park (from 6 pm)
14 February 2026 – Alternative Valentine’s Day feat. Krystal Rivvers and Vollie @ Junction Skate Park (from 4:30 pm)
15 February 2026 – Lunar New Year in the Park @ Balwyn Park (from 4 pm)
20 February 2026 – Country in the Park feat. Country Struts and Canyon Callers @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
21 February 2026 – Jazz in the Park @ Riversdale Park (from 5 pm)
27 February 2026 – Gusto Gusto in the Park @ Camberwell Civic Precinct (from 5 pm)
28 February 2026 – Opera in the Park: La Dolce Vita @ Canterbury Garden (from 5 pm)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent