Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Annie-Rose Maloney Impresses With Raw New Single, “You Will Cry”

Annie-Rose Maloney has floored me with her latest single “You Will Cry.” Annie-Rose has taken a truly back-to-basics approach here, recording the song entirely on a second-hand tape machine at her Naarm/Melbourne home with her partner Jess Ellwood. Just one take, the song in its purest form. And when a song is this good, that’s all it needs.

“We threw out the rule book and listened to what sounded good as we went – essentially moving our bodies around the room til we found a sound we liked – then pressed record,” Annie-Rose recalled. “We placed the mic in random places (sometimes the opposite way to the sound source) and mixed it in the moment. There are errors – wrong chords – but we got the real performance, so none of that matters.”

Annie-Rose says “We Will Cry” is the first song off her upcoming album, but we shouldn’t expect it any time soon.

“We’re doing it all ourselves, in our own way, in our own home, in our own time,” she said. You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait.

Photo credit: Willem Kingma

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“be.” – NEAV

Darkinjung Country/Central Coast-based singer-songwriter NEAV lets listeners into her world with the release of her debut EP be. With these four songs, she walks the delicate line between sharing songs that are personal, yet incredibly relatable.

“I often find myself overthinking, worrying about the future, and struggling to stay present,” NEAV said. “be. reflects my personal journey toward self-discovery and acceptance, both in my mind and during my physical travels. These songs serve as a personal reminder to slow down, breathe, and find peace in the right now – to just ‘be.’ These tracks are incredibly personal to me, and my hope is that they give listeners a safe space to sit with their own thoughts.”

The opening track “Me” is a catchy pop number with real depth. While I appreciated its groove, I fell in love with its lyrics which celebrate self-acceptance. “Full of Yourself” is another irresistible upbeat track. Here NEAV turns the lens on someone who’s so self-absorbed that they left no space for her. The lyrics have real bite and NEAV’s vocals seem to have no limits.

NEAV changes direction with the third song, “Forever,” stripping the sound back to give space to her vulnerable lyrics and delicate vocals. This song is the heart of this EP for me. It’s so, so good. The final song, “Alone,” is an anthemic pop number which celebrates independence. NEAV’s strength is evident in every note. What a fitting way to close this EP.

be. is a beautiful EP from one of the country’s most promising new voices. While her knack for pop melodies is on full display here, her introspective lyrics are what will stay with me. be. is out now on all your favourite streaming platforms.

Images used with permission from Niamh Watson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Announce Big Shows With Seahaven

The release of Toy, by Eora/Sydney punk act Dear Seattle, was one of my musical highlights of 2025. Dear Seattle’s recent announcement of a regional Australian tour with America’s Seahaven encouraged me to press play again, and it still sounds every bit as good.

While Dear Seattle are an old favourite, I’m new to Seahaven’s music. It’s pretty fantastic though, moody and atmospheric with a cinematic quality that’s so compelling. This alternative rock act has been making music for two decades so I’m not sure what rock I’ve been hiding under, but better late to discover them than never!

And if the lineup wasn’t already stacked enough, Late 90s, Lucky, and Bad Neighbour will also join the bill for selected shows. All dates are for adults only except for the Tommaghan/Tomakin gig. Tickets are on sale now for Dear Seattle’s massive regional rock shows from the links below:

28 August 2026 – Prince Of Wales, Goomburrup/Bunbury
29 August 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough
30 August 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
3 September 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
4 September 2026 – Barwon Club Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
5 September 2026 – Smokey Dans, Tommaghan/Tomakin
6 September 2026 – Uni Bar, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 September 2026 – Pulse, Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
12 September 2026 – King St Bandroom, Mulubimba/Newcastle
13 September 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wren Akrose Wows Me With “I Choose My Name”

I really respect artists who focus on quality, rather than quantity. It’s taken Wren Akrose a year to release their second single, but “I Choose My Name” is certainly worth the wait.

Wren, a singer-songwriter who grew up on Yagara Country/Greater Brisbane before relocating to Naarm/Melbourne, was inspired to write this song after choosing to build a new life following struggles with addiction. It’s a song all about inner strength, healing, and evolution. Take a moment to really sit with this one, because you won’t want to miss a lyric.

Photo credit: Grace Auld

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Releases New Party Anthem, “Wasted”

It might be the start of a working week, but I can almost push that to the side listening to “Wasted,” the latest track from Joe Mungovan. It’s an upbeat pop-rock party gem with some of the sexiest lyrics I’ve heard in some time. Crank this up and take a well-earned dance break, music lovers!

This song came about when a roll of film (remember those?!) came back with a half-developed photo of Joe’s girlfriend. He decided to turn the mistake into a creative experiment and called on artists to finish the incomplete image. He promised he’d write a new song based on the winning artwork, which he’d of course use as the single cover. The winning artwork came from Yuin Country/South Coast artist Madeline Guthrie, and “Wasted” was born.

“Wasted” is the final single from Joe’s new EP Preparing for Lift Off, which drops on July 31. Joe will celebrate release day with his first hometown show in more than a year at Fillmore’s Kiami. It sold out quickly, but don’t stress if you missed out. He’ll be announcing some more gigs really soon.

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Louella Releases Impressive Debut Single, “Before I Go”

The gloomy weather in my part of the country is encouraging me to hibernate for the weekend and listen to chill indie folk like “Before I Go,” the debut single from Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter Louella. Her beautiful voice brings this reflective song about love, loss, and letting go to life.

Louella shot the music video for “Before I Go” in Tokyo.” Scenes capture the diversity of the city, from the bustling city streets to serene cherry blossom parks.

“The contrasting locations reflect the experience of navigating an unfamiliar culture and finding your place away from home,” Louella explained.

She’ll showcase more of her music at Backyard Bash, a backyard show in her hometown on August 1. Tickets are on sale now from Humanitix.

Photo credit: Kaisa Käsper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MORGx Releases Raw Rap Single, “Where The Wild Things Are”

Proving that it’s not just country artists who come out of Kamileroi Country/Tamworth, MORGx has really impressed me with his latest single “Where The Wild Things Are.” I love the way this track blends melodic hooks with MORGx’s raw, honest vocals. He’s unafraid to get real with his audience as he shares his challenging yet ultimately uplifting story.

“Named after my favourite childhood book, ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ touches on my mental health journey over the years and the way that creating art has helped me through those times,” MORGx said.

If you love what MORGx shares here, you can catch him supporting NJE on his “Warning Signs” single launch at The Cave Inn in Meeanjin/Brisbane on August 1. Tickets are on sale now through Humanitix.

Image used with permission from MORGx

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sazr Shines With Debut Single, “To You”

Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Sazr has impressed me right out of the gate with her debut single “To You.” Her pure, ethereal voice and relatable lyrics immediately drew me into this beautiful indie-folk ballad.

It’s not surprising that Sazr sounds like she’s been doing this for years, even though this is her first single. She began composing short melodies on an out-of-tune piano in her living room as a kid. She received classical piano training, but found she was much more interested in improvising and composing original songs than completing the homework. It’s all led her to this point where she’s sharing her stunning music with the world.

If you like what you hear, make sure you catch Sazr launching her single at Lazy Thinking in Gadigal and Wangal Country/Dulwich Hill on August 25.

Image used with permission from Sazr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brother Ali and Horrorshow Team Up For East Coast Shows

American rapper and community activist Brother Ali is teaming up with local hip hop royalty Horrorshow for some massive shows this September. Brother Ali’s not a household name here, but he’s been a mainstay of the U.S. scene for more than two decades. He counts Chuck D and Rakim as mentors and has released 10 studio albums, including 2025’s Satisfied Soul. I love that his songs are a force for positive change, a bright light in a genre that’s known for its misogyny and excess.

And of course you know Horrorshow, who became genre leaders in Australia after bursting onto the scene in the mid-2000s. With five studio albums to their name, they’ll bring all your favourites to these shows.

Tickets are on sale now for these double-header shows in the East Coast capitals. The venues are small, so don’t go sleeping on them because they’re bound to sell out.

17 September 2026 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
19 September 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 September 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Honey Blue Inspires With “Make You Proud”

Australian soul chanteuse Honey Blue has just dropped her gorgeous new single “Make You Proud.” The song marks a new chapter for Honey Blue personally and musically as she reflects on what the hard times have taught her and looks forward to what’s to come.

“This song feels like stepping back into the sunlight after a long season of looking inward,” Honey Blue affirmed. “It’s about believing that everything I’ve been through has shaped me into who I’m becoming. At its core, it’s a reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident—the grass really is greener where you water it. It’s about believing in yourself and trusting that you’re going to be okay.”

Honey Blue’s vocals have impressed me for some time now, but “Make You Proud” feels like a step forward for her songwriting. I can’t wait to hear more of the music that this new artistic chapter brings.

Image used with permission from Honey Blue