Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clare Perrott Releases Folk Gem, “How Can I Tell You?”

I don’t know about you, but for me this week seems to be chugging along at a frantic pace. If you’re feeling it too, give yourself a little moment to listen to “How Can I Tell You?,” the latest single from Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Clare Perrott. It’s a beautiful coming-of-age folk song in the vein of tracks from Phoebe Bridgers and Julia Jacklin that will give you that quiet moment of reflection you need to recharge your batteries.

“‘How Can I Tell You?’ is about honest communication and appreciating all the love and light I have in my life. Sometimes it’s easy to take love in any form for granted, and you gotta bridge that gap and get over yourself. Tell them how you feel! Feelings are everything, and even though they are ours, they deserve to be shared.”

Next up, Clare will play Red Gum Pass at Minang Noongar Boodja/Porongurup Range on November 27. Tickets are on sale now from Humanitix.

Photo credit: Lizzie Wilkie via Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Toby Hobart Releases Stunning Pop Single, “Goes So Fast”

Toby Hobart has ticked all my boxes with his latest single “Goes So Fast.” His voice is so distinctive and beautiful, the melody is catchy, and the vulnerable self-penned lyrics so relatable. I’m in.

“This song’s about that feeling when someone starts pulling away before they’ve said a single word,” Toby explained. “You both know, but neither of you wants to be the one to say it and make it real. It’s not some big dramatic moment either … it’s much quieter than that. It just slowly drains the colour out of everything, bit by bit, until one day it’s too much to ignore. Writing this taught me something I probably should’ve already known: the longer you hang onto something, the harder it gets to let go. One of those lessons that means nothing until you’ve actually lived through it.”

“Goes So Fast” comes from Toby’s forthcoming EP Those Three Words, which drops on November 13. You can preorder a cool orange vinyl copy, either on its own or as part of a merch bundle, from Toby’s online store now.

Image used with permission from Blue Music Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The High Street Drifters Release Fabulous Bluegrass Single, “Fine Times”

Unless you’re a massive superstar, touring can be a bit of a grind. For Victorian bluegrass act The High Street Drifters, it typically involves early mornings and late nights, driving countless kays on long highways in a temperamental Holden Commodore. They celebrate it all in their tongue-in-cheek new single “Fine Times.”

“Daniel and I wrote it around my Holden Commodore and being on the road,” explained the band’s mandolin player, Justin Vilchez. “It’s about the band rolling on, going down highways and everywhere we go being a good time. Then the last verse is about the car pulling over.”

We don’t hear nearly enough new bluegrass music these days. This track has really energised me this Monday morning with its killer fiddle and harmonies.

“Fine Times” is the first track from The High Street Drifters’ forthcoming albums, which they’ll release early in 2027. They’ll also play the following shows before the year’s out.

29 October 2026 – Brunswick Artists’ Bar, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Sterling Drake)
30 October 2026 – Archie’s Creek Hotel, Bunurong Country/Archie’s Creek (supporting Sterling Drake)
31 October 2026 – The Bridge Hotel, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (supporting Sterling Drake)
13 November 2026 – MountainGrass Festival @ The Bright Brewery, Dhudhuroa, Taungurung, Waywurru, Gunaikurnai and Jaithmathang Country/Bright (FREE)
21 November 2026 – The Jailhouse Concert Series @ Kew Courthouse, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Kew

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

scarlet, do better Drops Pop Gem “333”

scarlet, do better, an up-and-coming pop artist from Djilang/Geelong, has really impressed me with her latest single “333.” While I love its irresistibly upbeat synth-pop vibe, it’s the lyrics I’m especially drawn to. As a chronic overthinker who’s given my heart to the wrong person too many times, they really speak to me.

“The track is all about how desperately we cling to hope in times of romantic uncertainty, connect the silliest of dots just to make sense of heartbreak, and suddenly become highly introspective and thoughtful beings – usually all because of a VERY mediocre person,” scarlet, do better, explained.

If you love “333” as much as I do, make sure you follow scarlet, do better on Instagram to learn about what comes next.

Image used with permission from scarlet, do better

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paige Forster Releases Enchanting New Single, “Motion of Falling”

The moment I heard its gentle acoustic guitar introduction, I thought I would love “Motion of Falling,” the latest single from Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Paige Forster. When her beautiful, warm voice joined the music, it only confirmed my first impression. This is a special one.

Early on, Paige sings “I feel as calm as the breeze.” Through “Motion of Falling,” she’s made me feel that way too. Her voice floats over the top of its classic instrumentation. The acoustic guitar, violin, and piano weave together to create a sound that feels familiar from the first listen. As the song continues, she sings about that special serenity that comes when you’ve found the right person. When you can stop searching for acceptance and second-guessing their behaviour, and instead simply stop, breathe, and take in everything around you.

“I’m lucky enough to have some really beautiful people in my life, who I can be completely myself around, with whom there is never an awkward silence or fear of judgement,” she explained. “’Motion of Falling’ came from that feeling of peace you get from being around these types of relationships; it could be a friend or a lover or a family member, whoever makes you feel most ‘you.’”

“Motion of Falling” follows in the country-folk traditions of the ‘60s and ‘70s, taking its cues from artists like Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton. Songs that sound like this have become so rare, but that only makes them more precious.

“Motion of Falling” is Paige’s second single, but her first since the pandemic. That’s a long time between releases, but she says she’s learned a lot about her songwriting, voice, and style in the last six years. It all culminates in the release of “Motion of Falling,” a song that lays the foundation for more exciting music to come.

Image used with permission from Paige Forster

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