Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carl De Villa Shines Bright With Indie Pop Gem, “Good Enough”

If your working week needs a pick-me-up, look no further than “Good Enough,” the exciting new single from emerging non-binary independent act Carl De Villa. A sultry dance-pop track that celebrates knowing your own worth, this irresistible number is perfect for your weekend party playlist.

What struck me most about “Good Enough” is just how incredible Carl’s voice is. It captures you from the first notes. As a non-binary artist, they use it to full effect, unafraid to move from a femme falsetto to their more masc head voice to tell this story. Most artists seem more comfortable in one part of their register, but Carl executes “Good Enough” with such confidence no matter where their voice goes. There’s nowhere to hide with this song. The cool bassline sits in the background, ensuring those vocals are always front and centre.

One glance at Carl’s CV and you understand a little more about how they came to release a track like “Good Enough.” They impressed the judges on The Voice Australia in 2019 and earned acclaim playing Angel in Rent and Lola in Kinky Boots. They’ve also celebrated the music of incredible vocalists including Freddie Mercury, Prince, Bruno Mars, and George Michael through their covers shows.

So we know Carl can really sing. We know they have serious stage presence and theatricality. But with the release of “Good Enough,” we get to hear Carl’s story. Through their original music, we’re learning about the authentic artist beyond the voice and charisma. And I can’t wait to learn more with every new release.

“Good Enough” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now. And if you need some inspiration for that party playlist, check out my Sounds of Oz Loves Pop playlist. It features “Good Enough” and some other choice tracks from Aussie artists including Budjerah, Sam Fischer, and Kita Alexander.

Carl De Villa also has several covers shows in the coming months. Here are all the places you can catch them perform:

8 August 2026 – New Sensation: A Tribute 2 INXS @ Camelot Lounge, Bulanaming/Marrickville
22 August 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
5 September 2026 – Honouring George Michael: 10th Anniversary @ Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
17 October 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth
6 November 2026 – Honouring George Michael: 10th Anniversary @ Max Watt’s Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne
21 November 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Studio The Venue, Auckland

Image used with permission from Carl De Villa

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kevin Mitchell Celebrates 20 Years of Bob Evans’ “Suburban Songbook”

It’s hard to believe that Bob Evans’ Suburban Songbook turns 20 this year. Kevin Mitchell will celebrate the milestone by releasing a new anniversary edition of the album and playing it in full at intimate shows all around the country.

The news encouraged me to revisit Suburban Songbook. I’d honestly forgotten how good it is, full of understated gems delivered with such sincerity. The new edition, available digitally and on a limited edition “gold nugget” vinyl, features all of the studio tracks plus a stack of home demos including several songs you’ve never heard before.

“When I think back to going to Nashville in 2005 to make the record and the whole two years that followed the album’s release, it does feel like a whole other life almost,” Kevin said. “I was coming fresh out of 10 years with Jebediah and even though I had been working on the Bob Evans thing for a while, it was always a side project that was never very serious. But with Suburban Songbook things were getting much more serious, both creatively and professionally. I guess when I think back to that time, I see a someone who is still a kid but not for very much longer. It was very much a transitional time of my life. I feel way older now!”

The 20th anniversary edition of Suburban Songbook drops on September 4. You can preorder your copy now, either on its own or when you’re purchasing tickets to one of the upcoming shows. The anniversary tour kicks off in Kevin’s hometown of Boorloo/Perth the following day before hitting other capital cities around the country.

“I’m really excited to revisit this album and all the songs that kind of fell off the setlist over the years,” shares Bob. “For example, a song like “Don’t Walk Alone” is one that I barely ever played again once the album tour had finished but it is one of my favourite songs on the album. It’s just one that doesn’t translate well solo. I’ve assembled a really wonderful group of players for this tour and so recreating the album with a full band will be awesome. I’m also excited to see how the record still resonates with people after so long.”

Tickets for all the following shows, including the ticket and vinyl bundles, are available now via the links:

5 September 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
16 October 2026 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
22 October 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
23 October 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 October 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Sophie Howarth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kieran Wallace Celebrates Growth and Self-Love With “Man in the Temple”

If you’re looking for a new track for your road trip playlist, you’ve found it with “Man in the Temple.” The latest release from independent Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Kieran Wallace is a feel-good country-rock track that reflects on his own personal journey towards total acceptance.

“‘Man in the Temple’ is about recognising that growth isn’t about becoming somebody else,” Keiran explained. “It’s about making peace with the cards you’ve been dealt, forgiving your younger misaligned self, and having the courage to live unbridled and authentically.”

If you love classic acts like Neil Young or more modern artists like Chris Stapleton and John Mayer in his Born and Raised era, I know “Man in the Temple” will be right up your alley.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Figurehead Continue Winnning Streak With “Human”

After impressing me earlier this year with “Shotgun,” Walyalup/Fremantle rock act Figurehead are proving that was no fluke with their latest release, “Human.” This is the relatable rock anthem we need right now when so much of the world seems divided.

“From our first live performance of ‘Human’ the crowd chanted the chorus,” recalled Figurehead’s frontman Joe Caddy. “The powerful simplicity of the lyricism invites listeners to apply their own human experience to the song.”

“Human” comes from a larger collection of Figurehead music to be unveiled later this year.

Photo credit: Mia Shaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harmony Romsloe Impresses With “Still Can’t Sleep”

Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Harmony Romsloe is giving me all the feels with her latest single “Still Can’t Sleep.” It’s a nostalgic indie folk-rock song with a raw, grungy vibe I really dig.

“If older sibling energy could be shoved into an indie rock song, this would be it,” Harmony said. “This track is about bearing responsibility for someone else and the guilt of never being able to do enough. As the title suggests, this song fleshes out my own sleepless nights fueled by the guilt of leaving someone behind.”

“Still Can’t Sleep” is Harmony’s third single release of the year. They’ll all feature on a larger project to come. Expect to hear a little more from that when Harmony officially launches “Still Can’t Sleep” at The Buffalo Club in Walyalup/Fremantle on June 28.

Image used with permission from Harmony Romsloe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

OH! Daisy Releases Cathartic New Track, “Just Say”

OH! Daisy delivers a punky punch of feminine energy with their latest single “Just Say.’ If you prefer women who speak up rather than act like delicate flowers, I know this one will resonate with you.

“I hope for anyone who relates, that you’re not there anymore. That you’re listening to it past that feeling,” admitted OH! Daisy’s frontwoman Bambi O’Kelly “If you’re there, I hope this makes you feel seen. You shouldn’t need to beg someone for more for the rest of your life.”

“Just Say” comes with OH! Daisy’s very first music video, which was directed by the band’s bassist Emma Friday, who is also the director of Staircase Creative.

“In OH! Daisy we’ve always had a quasi-psychic connection where we see the vision of our projects very clearly, so I had a crystal-clear picture in my head of what we were making,” Emma said. “We are so proud of it!”

The release of “Just Say” marks a new musical chapter for OH! Daisy, who dropped their debut EP It’s Okay I’m Ugly Too last year. I can’t wait to hear all the new music to come from this exciting act.

Image used with permission from Limited Edition AU

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harley Drop Irresistible New Single, “Tell Me You Love Me”

It’s difficult to fire on a Thursday at the best of times, especially when the weather’s gloomy. If your regular coffee isn’t doing it for you, press play on “Tell Me You Love Me,” the latest track from Meeanjin/Brisbane indie rock act Harley. It’s giving me serious 1975 and Sam Fender vibes. Crank that volume and enjoy this one.

“‘Tell Me You Love Me’ is a search for validation and fulfilment. Something I think we all feel but instead put on a brave face and ignore,” said Harley Meszaros. “However, I love when songs have double meanings and can be interpreted by the listener in multiple ways. I think for me the song serves in the light of a musician searching for fans and validation. Seeking sold-out shows, people who truly connect with the music and perhaps the strength to be unapologetically goofy and weird.”

Fans can catch Harley at Elsewhere Bar in Krurungal/Surfers Paradise on July 3.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Garden Eyes Show Their Softer Side With “Sunshine”

Emerging Meeanjin/Brisbane emo rockers Garden Eyes are hitting all the right notes with their bittersweet new single “Sunshine.” A little softer than their previous releases, it’s an emotional track about love and loss.

Garden Eyes have attracted plenty of buzz online and off. Their tracks amassed more than 120,000 online streams and earned support from triple j, Unearthed, and community radio stations across the country. They’ve also supported beloved acts including East Capri, Bloom, and Avoid. Next up they’ll share the stage with Brooklyn Comic at Tomcat in Meeanjin/Brisbane on July 24.

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trent Richardson Drops New Country Gem, “All In”

Emerging country singer-songwriter Trent Richardson has charmed me with his latest track “All In.” It tells that classic story of boy meets girl, and although it doesn’t reinvent the wheel there’s just something about it I can’t resist. Trent’s voice is also right on trend, with its echoes of Morgan Wallen and Luke Combs.

“It’s about two people who’ve been looking at each other all night and everyone knows what’s going on except them,” Trent said. “They’re both into each other, but they haven’t crossed the line yet. The band’s packing up, one of them said they were leaving ages ago, but they’re still there hanging around. As a musician, you see those situations happen all the time when you’re playing shows. I thought it’d make a good song because it’s something a lot of people can relate to.”

Trent’s star is certainly on the rise after he took home the Brand New Star title in Darkinjung Country and was named a grand finalist in the Country Stars Australia competition in Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast. Give him a follow on Instagram to see what’s coming next.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stella Dunai Releases Beautiful New Single, “I Love You Too Eagerly”

If you need a soothing soundtrack to ease you into your working week, Naarm/Melbourne-based alt-folk artist Stella Dunai has got you covered with her beautiful sophomore single “I Love You Too Eagerly.” Part lullaby, part waltz, this sweet single explores all the joy and fear that comes with falling in love.

“This is a pure and sweet song about being head over heels in love with someone and rejoicing in that, while also acknowledging an undercurrent of anxiety that you could be overbearing, or too much when you are being open about your love and genuinely yourself,” Stella explained. “It is about putting everything on the table and leaning in without embarrassment, learning to put trust in the other person when they say that they feel the same.”

I love the intimacy of this song. Built around a live guitar and vocal take, complete with some of those raw moments that some producers might call imperfections that need polishing, it just feels so honest. There’s nowhere for Stella to hide vocally, and you can hear and appreciate every poetic word she sings. Take a little moment to properly listen to this one, because it’s so special.

Photo credit: Young Ha Kim