Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maoli and Stan Walker Headlining First Sound Collective Festival

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast will host an exciting new roots, reggae, and island music festival next February called Sound Collective. And organisers are starting big, with Hawaiian superstar Maoli, former Australian Idol winner Stan Walker, fellow Kiwis Katchafire, and ‘90s icons Arrested Development all on the bill. SOJA, A.R.T, Bradamon, Riah, and a yet-to-be-announced local competition winner will round out the lineup.

These artists play exactly the kind of music that I want to listen to on steamy summer days, and promoter Scott Mesiti agrees with me.

“I just love this genre and its audience,” he said in the press release. “It has a cruisey simplicity to it that almost puts a calming spell over the crowd. The crossover of music attracts such a diverse range of cultures which is how it got its name: Sound Collective.”

Sound Collective will take over Broadwater Parklands on Saturday, February 20. Tickets are on sale now from Megatix.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Giselle Kwong Charms With “This Way”

After listening to far too much music that fell flat for me, Giselle Kwong’s latest single “This Way” hit me like a ray of sunshine. It’s so bright and melodic, anchored by folky acoustic guitars and Giselle’s cheerful vocals. Giselle usually sings about the sadder side of falling in love, so it’s exciting to hear her mixing things up and releasing something more optimistic.

“My previous releases have focused on unrequited love, heartbreak, and confusion, ‘This Way’ is the first time I’ve written about hope and certainty instead,” she said. “I wanted to invite listeners into the whirlwind of falling in love, capturing how quickly everything can change when you meet the right person. After years of writing primarily sadder, slower songs, I feel ‘This Way’ reflects the confidence I’ve built in my songwriting and artistry.”

“This Way” comes with a sweet video filmed across Japan by cinematographer James Krockenberger.

“The aim of this music video was to visually depict what falling and being in love feels like,” she explained. “It doesn’t have to be perfect – it’s imperfect, genuine, fun and playful. My partner filmed the music video, and the idea was that my love would be showcased in the song that I wrote, and their love would be showcased in the way they shot the film clips.”

“This Way” is part of a larger release that Giselle will tell us more about soon.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tickets to Space Drop “True” Ahead of Queensland Tour

Surf rock is enjoying a real renaissance at the moment. It’s great to hear that classic sound again, but so many of the acts creating it feel a little interchangeable to me. It’s getting harder to impress me, but Meeanjin/Brisbane band Tickets To Space have done it with their latest track “True.”

This one has a few twists and turns which help set it apart. I love the punk rock ethos these guys bring to the genre. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s a big part of its appeal.

“I realised, writing ‘True’, that I’m grateful for what I’ve had growing up in my family, and I’d like the same sort of life,” recalled Tickets To Space vocalist and songwriter Fraser Stott. “It’s an acknowledgement that sharing it with someone special is what the dream is all about. I also realised that my mates are a big part of my life now, and I hope they always will be. It’s a pretty simple feel-good track, and maybe that’s what we all need right now.”

Tickets To Space are celebrating the release of “True” with a mini tour around their home state. Catch them at the following venues next month:

14 November 2026 – Blackflag Brewing, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Mooloolaba
15 November 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Jellurgal/Burleigh Heads
21 November 2026 – Hunting Grounds Studios, Jagera Country/Moorooka

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jess Parker Moves Me With “Lady From Doreen”

Victorian country-folk artist Jess Parker has captivated me with their latest single “Lady From Doreen.” It paints a gorgeous, sensual picture of the longing Jess feels for the titular lady. With a simple acoustic guitar accompanying their captivating voice, it’s so easy to get swept up in this one.

“‘Lady from Doreen’ is a lonesome yearning lament written for the woman I love,” Jess said. “It’s about the limerence and longing you feel when a lover leaves a room, the heady absence that hangs in the air. It’s a nod to all the sapphic folk predecessors and storytellers before me, and my attempt to keep the poetic fire burning – it’s for her.”

“Lady From Doreen” comes from Jess’s new album Blue Collar Tanline, which we should hear sometime this spring. You can preorder a digital of vinyl copy now from Bandcamp.

Photo credit: Suzanne Phoenix via Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sidney Starts New Musical Chapter With “when you know you know”

Sidney continues her introspective musical journey with her latest single “when you know you know.” Having processed her feelings about a relationship coming undone on her what if it ends? EP and moving forward on her last single “tenth of may” earlier this year, “when you know you know” shares true clarity and healing. It tells the story of someone no longer stuck trying to figure it out, because the fog of immediate heartbreak has lifted.

“’when you know you know’ was initially written about a friend who was navigating a new relationship she wasn’t happy in, but was trying to convince herself otherwise. When we created the demo, the meaning shifted for me. I started hearing it as if I was singing to my younger self, encouraging her not to be afraid of making decisions or getting things wrong, because ultimately those choices lead you to where you need to be,” Sidney recalled. “Sometimes no one can tell you the ‘right’ way to go. You just have to make a decision with the knowledge you have at the time and trust yourself enough to take the next step. You couldn’t have known what you know now, and even the decisions that didn’t work out helped get you here.”

“when you know you know” comes from Sidney’s next EP, one which will see her widening her lens and exploring life beyond relationships and heartache. It will examine the challenges, lessons, and moments of self-discovery that come with finding your place in the world. Follow Sidney on Instagram to learn more about her new music as it drops.

Photo credit: Claire Warren via Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Phil x Phil – Phil Burton @ Wyong Rugby League Club, Darkinjung Country/Kanwal – 10 October 2026

If you thought Phil Burton was sitting around twiddling his thumbs waiting for his Las Vegas-based Human Nature mates to return, think again. While he still performs as part of Human Nature when the other lads are in Australia, Phil is also forging his own path as a solo performer. He admitted he was terrified for his Songs That Shaped My Soul shows in 2023, but he seems to have shaken off the nerves for his latest endeavour Phil x Phil. While his first solo dates offered a mix of Human Nature material and covers, Phil is more laser-focused this time around with a show celebrating the music of Phil Collins.

I was lucky enough to see Phil Collins in 2019, on what will likely be his last Australian tour. His voice was flawless, but issues with his hip and back saw him seated for most of the performance. I didn’t mind; I was just so excited to see this true legend perform. But attending Phil Burton’s show on Saturday gave me a little insight into what I might have enjoyed if I’d caught Phil Collins earlier in his career. Those Human Nature dance skills came in handy as Phil grapevined and box-stepped around the stage, performing with the kind of energy that Phil Collins just can’t muster these days. At the Phil Collins show, I also marvelled at the strength of his back catalogue. I have never owned a Phil Collins album, but his music dominated the airwaves, ensuring anyone who listened at the time knows every word. So while the Phil x Phil concept might seem a little niche, it actually works perfectly.

Phil assured us he’d keep the talking to a minimum because there was so much music to get through, and he was right. While the show stretched over more than two hours, it seemed to pass in the blink of an eye because every song was a banger. Most of the set list drew from Phil Collins’s solo era, but I was thrilled Phil reminded us of where it all began with Genesis’ “That’s All.” What a tune it is, the perfect showcase for Phil’s fantastic voice and his super-tight band.

Assembling the right musicians would always be key for these shows. When you think of Phil Collins’s music, you think about those epic drums in “In the Air Tonight,” the trumpet flourishes in “I Missed Again” and “Something Happened on the Way to Heaven,” and the saxophone solo of “One More Night.” I’ve seen the musicians Phil Collins hand-picked, and honestly I think every one of Phil Burton’s players was at least their equal. They’re also exceptional singers. While mostly they stuck to backing vocals, Phil gave them all time to shine on a beautiful ensemble rendition of “You’ll Be in My Heart.” The Voice alum Rebecca Selley was more than a backing vocalist; she was Phil’s partner in crime, matching him up front with dance moves and powerful vocals. Watching her handle Philip Bailey’s challenging parts in “Easy Lover” was an absolute joy.

Although he stayed true to his word and kept the chat to a minimum, Phil couldn’t resist asking us every now and again whether we’d heard our favourite song yet. Every time, I heard more people answering in the affirmative. I think by the time he treated us to “Sussudio” for the encore, everyone had heard that special song they were waiting for, and then some. It brought many of us to our feet, knowing that it was our last opportunity to dance and show our appreciation for this fantastic night of music.

While he’ll be back with his Human Nature mates before too long, Phil doesn’t need them to put on a show. With serious vocal chops, charm, and one of the tightest bands around, his Phil x Phil shows are a delightful celebration of Phil Collins’ legacy. Only one more is announced: EVAN Theatre in Mooroo Murak/Penrith on October 23. Tickets are on sale now from Ticketek. Trust me, you do not want to miss it.

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amber Lawrence Releases Video for Girl Power Anthem, “We Ride at Dawn”

If Thelma and Louise fired you up, you’ll love the kick-arse feminine energy of Amber Lawrence’s new video for “We Ride At Dawn,” one of the standout tracks from her eighth studio album Suburban Cowgirl. Amber filmed the clip in the Eora/Sydney suburbs of Marrickville, Maroubra, and her hometown of Mascot.

“‘We Ride at Dawn’ is a friendship anthem – a song to sing with your bestie, your ride or die! It’s a fun and quirky ode to female friendships – the ones that get better with age and hangovers!” Amber enthused. “I chose my literal musical best friends to be in this clip with me – the amazing Aleyce Simmonds (multi–Golden Guitar winner) and emerging artist Arna Georgia. The Suburban Cowgirl album is full of songs that celebrate big and little moments in life shared with great friends – it’s a season I’m in right now, and I love it!”

Suburban Cowgirl has been a massive release for Amber. On its debut, it hit number one on the ARIA Australian Albums Chart, number one on the ARIA Australian Country Chart, number one on the ARIA Australian vinyl chart, and number three on the ARIA Country Albums Chart. Amber’s been taking her new music to the masses with plenty of shows all over the country. Catch her at one of her upcoming dates if you can!

23 October 2026 – Trinity Sessions S, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 October 2026 – Greg Cooley Wines, Ngadjuri Country/Clare Valley
25 October 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa South
6 November 2026 – Paterson School of Arts Hall, Yimmang/Paterson
8 November 2026 – Melbourne Mantra Studio and Kitchen Bar, Naarm/Melbourne
28 November 2026 – Launceston Country Music Festival @ Royal Park, Litarimirina and Panina Country/Launceston
29 November 2026 – Martians Saloon, Wadawurrung, Gulidjan, and Gadubanud Country/Deans Marsh
22 January 2027 – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ Tamworth Town Hall, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
6 March 2027 – Duke of George, Walyalup/Fremantle
7 March 2027 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
25 March – 9 April 2027 – Country Music Cruise, Singapore to Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bronwyn Tasker PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaylah Thomas Drops Introspective Pop Single, “22 & Blue”

Some birthdays are a time for celebration. And on some birthdays, the harsh realities of the passing of time just hit you. When I was 20, I melted down because I didn’t think I could be a hardcore fangirl anymore (I was wrong). When I was 35, I freaked out wondering whether being child-free really was the right choice (it was). Last birthday I spent a good hour crying about whether my hands suddenly looked old (probably not). So I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who faces these seemingly random crises. In “22 & Blue,” Kaylah Thomas bemoans her newly single status and feelings of failure to launch.

“‘22 & Blue’ is about a birthday that should have felt celebratory but instead became the beginning of an emotional unravelling,” she explained. “It reflects that uniquely disorienting period in your early twenties, when everyone around you seems to be moving forward while you’re trying to make sense of your own heartbreak. It’s a song about the confusion, messiness, and quiet grief that often accompanies growing up, especially when reality begins to look different from the future you imagined for yourself.”

This pop gem comes from Kaylah’s upcoming album Good Grief, a deeply personal body of work exploring heartbreak, healing, identity, and the five stages of grief. I can’t wait to hear it!

Image used with permission from Kaylah Thomas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“When The Water Stills” – Mietta

Music is often a lot like fine wine and good cheese; the best takes time. When so many records are pushed along through the corporate machine, there’s real beauty about an album that’s had time to breathe and grow. When the Water Stills, the debut album from Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula-based folk artist Mietta, is one of those special releases.

When the Water Stills came from a two-year, local community-grant-funded storytelling project. These songs developed naturally through Mietta’s performances and place-based gatherings, creating an indelible connection between the songs, the stories they tell, and the people and place that gave them life.

“The project is a lived reminder to go slow, tread softly, and be where our feet are – a practice often lost in the constant movement of our world and the music industry,” Mietta’s press release reads. That ethos really sets the tone for this special collection of songs.

I was immediately drawn in to Mietta’s world with the opening track “Margot.” When so many female artists want to stand out by belting or performing runs, Mietta’s subtler approach really stands out. The bare-bones acoustic arrangement beautifully supports her stunning voice, which reminds me of revered female storytellers like Sara Bareilles and Sarah McLachlan. Mietta feels like she’s having a direct conversation with listeners as she shares her story of getting her morning coffee and the universal experience of missing someone special.

I felt such a sense of calm as each song flowed beautifully from one to the next. With each one there was another story to connect to. I was especially drawn to “From Your Daughter,” which perfectly encapsulates the push and pull of healthy relationships between parents and their children, the oft-competing desires for independence and nurturing that exist all at once. “Young Years” is another absolute gem, a slow-burning ballad dripping in nostalgia.

The album reaches a turning point with “Eden” and “Choose to Care.” These tracks are unexpected, more experimental, more dynamic than the gentle folk music that came before. “Eden” has a cinematic feel reminiscent of a lost recording from Florence + The Machine. Then I was swept away by the pulsating beat of “Choose to Care.” Listening to these songs almost felt like reaching the mouth of the river, where the gentle flow meets the ocean and the water becomes more volatile, unpredictable.

But then the water calms as we return to that quiet, acoustic space with the penultimate number, “The Valley Song.” The title track is the perfect closer, a stripped-back number anchored by the foundations of Mietta’s music: her stunning voice and the warm tones of an acoustic guitar. This song feels like it brings us home, a little lighter and sonically nourished.

When the Water Stills is out now on all major streaming platforms and available as a high-quality digital download via Bandcamp.

Images used with permission from Mietta

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Making Room For Others” – Civic Video

After building real buzz for their live shows, Eora/Sydney-based indie-rock act Civic Video recently dropped their debut EP Making Room For Others. If they felt any nerves heading into the studio, I can’t hear them. This is one of the most confident and compelling indie-rock recordings I’ve heard in some time.

I’ve been listening to Making Room For Others for a couple of weeks, but it’s taken me a while to put my fingers to the keyboard. Not because I didn’t want to share it with you, because I certainly did. But I wasn’t ready to dissect it, to move from the phase of just enjoying it as a music lover to thinking about it as a critic. I didn’t want to analyse why I love this EP so much. I just wanted to rock out.

Frontman Zac Newton-John’s voice anchors this music. When he sings, you believe him. While some rock vocalists want to show listeners all their tricks, Zac is more restrained, delivering lyrics with heart rather than maximum power or acrobatics. He might be the man out front, but Civic Video are a tight, cohesive unit rather than a vehicle for their frontman. I found myself noticing the important contributions of the players as I listened. The snaky bassline of the opening track “Get Back to It” excites, the electric guitar and drums that bring an intensity to “Say It Out Loud” impress, and with every track that follows I fell a little more in love.

Like Gang of Youths, Holy Holy, and The VANNS, Civic Video have a knack for creating addictive indie-rock. I got to know these songs a couple of weeks ago, but I’m still pressing play. The choruses of songs like “Just Like You” and “Daisy” are so incredibly catchy, but they’re supported by stellar verses. By the time the EP reaches its epic title track, I’m powerless to resist one more listen.

Making Room For Others is out now. Civic Video are currently touring the EP along the East Coast, and they’ve got a couple of special events in store for fans outside those cities. Tickets are on sale now for their remaining shows:

23 October 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal/Wollongong
24 October 2026 – Metro Social, Eora/Sydney
30 October 2026 – The Rions Halloween Special @ Cloisters at UniBar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
8 November 2026 – Spaced Out @ Gage Roads, Walyalup/Fremantle
13 November 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne

Main photo credit: yeahrad via Good Intent