Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sammi Heaney Releases Stunning First Single, “Guilty”

Don’t you just love hearing those voices that stop you in your tracks? That excite you right from the jump? That’s how I’m feeling about Sammi Heaney, who recently released her debut single “Guilty.” It’s a beautiful introspective number about that familiar ache we’ve all experienced watching someone from our past move on.

“’Guilty’ was inspired by the idea of a past partner moving on and becoming intimate with somebody else. I remember being out at a bar and spotting someone that I used to see with a bunch of girls around him, and it genuinely made me want to throw up, so I caught an Uber home and wrote this song in tears on my bedroom floor,” Sammie recalled. “The song actually took me quite a while to write, going through many renditions until I was happy with the lyrics and melody. I’d say it honestly took a couple of weeks to write. I brought the track into Holly and we produced it out together, and it was so incredible to see it come to life, but also a bit of a challenge trying to find a balance of keeping it as raw as possible to encapsulate the way in which I wrote the song.”

Sammi initially thought perhaps “Guilty” wasn’t unique enough to stand out as a single, but her fans proved her wrong. She uploaded a preview that amassed 100,000 views overnight, leaving no doubt that this is a song people wanted to hear.

“Guilty” has hooked me with its vulnerability and heart. I cannot wait to hear more from Sammi Heaney. If you feel the same, make sure you follow her on Instagram.

Photo credit: Grave Galvin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Vale Angry Anderson

The news of the passing of Gary “Angry” Anderson at 69 is a sad way to end the day. He hasn’t been too far from my thoughts since he was admitted to hospital in Germany during Rose Tattoo’s European tour.

Angry was an absolute icon of the Australian rock scene. But he was so much more.

“Angry was a devoted father, and much-loved bandmate, friend, and member of the wider music and entertainment community,” the Anderson family and Rose Tattoo said in a shared statement. “His loss will be deeply felt by all those who knew and loved him both here in Australia and overseas. The family and band members are asking for privacy at this difficult time and will not be giving interviews. We kindly ask that their wishes are respected as they come to terms with this devastating loss and take time they need to grieve.”

Since the news of Angry’s passing broke, there have been plenty of media outlets that have jumped in to point out his flaws. Honestly, I wasn’t aware of his political views until that point, and I’ve been disappointed to learn of many areas where we didn’t align. They’re out there for all to see and worth reading and considering. In my opinion, they do taint Angry’s legacy somewhat, at least for me. But they also can’t change the impact of his music or his tireless charity work. And piling on right now, so soon after his passing, seems incredibly opportunistic.

RIP Angry.

Photo credit: Matt Williams

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Norwood Soothes My Soul With “Lonesome”

After a stressful couple of days, “Lonesome,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based folk quintet Norwood, is exactly the tonic I needed. This gorgeous song invites you to sink into it and stay awhile. I’m so captivated by the vocals and lyrics of Olivia Bolmat, and the way the acoustic guitars, banjos, and harmonicas support them without ever stealing the spotlight.

“’Lonesome’ is about a quirky weatherboard house that Nathaniel [Peacock, co-vocalist and lyricist] and I used to live in, which had an intermittent fruit fly infestation, rotating housemates, and a growing mould problem,” Olivia recalled. “Like most old houses, it was cold in the winter and hot in the summer, and saw us through Melbourne’s seasonal shifts for three years. I think it’s ultimately about feeling lonely despite living in such close proximity to people who love you and grappling with a sense of disconnection that still lingers despite you sharing a hallway with your best friends.”

Norwood will support Bella Cloud at Merri Creek Tavern and Skyscraper Stan and the Commission Flats at Bergy Ballroom before joining Mick Thomas and his Roving Commission on their GoChristmasComeBack tour from November to January. Here are all the dates you need, music lovers!

8 October 2026 – Merri Creek Tavern, Westgarth
11 October 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
6 November 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
7 November 2026 – Young Street Tavern, Monmar/Frankston
13 November 2026 – Birregurra Hall, Gulidjan Country/Birregurra
14 November 2026 – Arco Bar, Bunurong Country/Heatherton
21 November 2026 – Whalers Bandroom, Gunditjmara and Kirrae Whurrong Country/Warrnambool
26 November 2026 – Smiths Alternative, Ngunnawal Country/Civic
27 November 2026 – The Servo, Wadi Wadi Country/Port Kembla
28 November 2026 – Marrickville Bowling Club, Bulanaming/Marrickville
29 November 2026 – Hamilton Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
5 December 2026 – Wallaby Hotel, Yugumbeh Country/Mudgeeraba
6 December 2026 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 December 2026 – Wheatsheaf, Karraundongga/Thebarton
11 December 2026 – Mojo’s, Walyalup/Fremantle
12 December 2026 – The Oxford, Whadjuk Country/Leederville
13 December 2026 – The Oxford, Whadjuk Country/Leederville
17 December 2026 – Hepburn Palais, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
18 December 2026 – Eureka Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
19 December 2026 – The Corner Hotel, Quo-yung/Richmond
1 January 2027 – The Archie’s Creek Hotel, Bunurong Country/Archie’s Creek

Photo credit: Emma Bolmat

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Assassins” @ Red Tree Theatre – 20 September 2026

For a long time, I was a theatre snob. I was convinced that community theatre productions could never rival the shows that grace the big-city venues. But in recent years, I’ve discovered the charm of the smaller theatre companies. While there are no household names, the performers often blow me away. There’s a beautiful intimacy about small theatres filled with the most enthusiastic audiences. Community theatre can also often take chances that major companies can’t, so there are more original works and fewer mainstream pieces. If you’re a theatre nerd like me, community theatre is often the only place you’ll find some of the gems of the past. That’s what encouraged me to visit Red Tree Theatre for the first time last weekend. I adore Stephen Sondheim, so I couldn’t miss their production of Assassins.

I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to get to Red Tree. It’s on Darkinjung Country/the Central Coast, so there’s really no excuse. I promise I’ll be back soon. It’s such a great theatre, with Tamburlaine wines at the bar, comfortable seats, and helpful staff. I was dazzled by the carnival set, an assault on the senses with patriotic bunting and twinkling lights. My phone photo doesn’t do it justice. It may be the best theatre set I’ve ever seen. It primed me for this outstanding production.

Assassins is a biting satire exploring the dark side of the American Dream through the stories of nine historical figures who attempted to kill American presidents. Some succeeded while others’ plots didn’t quite come off. Their lives intersect, breaking the rules of time and space, as they make their murderous plans against the garish carnival backdrop. Darkly funny and unsettling, Assassins is like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It was so beautifully realised by this impressive cast. I was especially impressed by Brayden McFarlane-Walker playing the flamboyant and charismatic Charles J. Guiteau, Raif Colbert Smith as the volatile Samuel Byck, and Taylah Fellowes as the obsessively lovestruck Lynette “Squeaky” Fromme, but there were no weak links here. What talented performers we have here on the Coast.

I’m still thinking about Assassins several days after seeing it, which proves the power of this production. It’s criminally underperformed, so it’s worth a trip to the Coast to see it. But you’d better get your tickets soon, as there are just five more performances. Catch Assassins at Red Tree Theatre in Darkinjung Country/Tuggerah from 24 to 27 September.

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yamaha Music Australia Gifting Thousands to Local Creatives

After a successful launch in 2025, Yamaha Music Australia’s Main Stage Grant is back supporting creatives this year. The winner of each category (bands, songwriters/artists, and studio/music producers) will take home $5,000 cash and $5,000 worth of Yamaha gear.

“The response to Main Stage last year was incredible, and confirmed there was a real demand for a program like this,” confirmed Yamaha Music Australia spokesperson Mitch Kelly. “What stood out most wasn’t just the volume of applications, but the quality of the talent and the stories behind them. It reinforced our belief that Main Stage could become something much bigger than we originally imagined, and after hearing so many incredible stories from artists across Australia, it’s hard not to want to do more. Beyond the grant, we’ve supported artists with product, content creation and tour announcements, and we’re working to grow Main Stage into a wider support community.”

The clock’s ticking to be a part of it, as applications close at 10 am on October 6. If you need a little push, it’s worth noting that Yamaha Music Australia will donate $5 to Support Act for every application they receive.

Yamaha Music Australia will announce the Main Stage Grant finalists on October 27. Good luck everybody!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joan & the Giants Releases Powerful Single, “Looking For a Reason”

Joan & The Giants continue their winning streak with their gorgeous new single “Looking For a Reason.” Grace Newton-Wordsworth’s voice is always stunning, but it really soars in this cathartic piece of alt-pop. It’s no wonder that listening to “Looking For a Reason” stirs emotions, as this song’s lyrics reflect an especially challenging time in Grace’s life.

“At the time we were making this, I was going through a pretty terrible time,” she recalled. “I was depressed, dating chaotic people, spending way too much money on going out and not nearly enough on looking after myself. I remember being at home one day, feeling really down about my life, opening up a Logic session, and somehow the entire song — lyrically and melodically — just came out in about 15 minutes. It was so easy to write because I wasn’t overthinking it. It almost felt like writing a diary entry. To me, the lyrics have this kind of satirical quality to them, but they’re also completely honest. Sometimes you just want a song that sits in the shit with you rather than trying to pull you out of it, and I think that’s what this song does for me.”

Grace said the band recorded this song with Holy Holy’s Oscar Dawson at Premises Studio in London earlier this year. She remembers this process fondly, noting it was “such a wonderfully collaborative song for us as a band. It’s basically a live recording — we were all set up in the room together, tracked it at the same time, and within a couple of hours, the song was done.”

Catch Joan & The Giants supporting daezy at The Night Cat in Ngar-go/Fitzroy on October 9.

Photo credit: Meg Houghton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Mac Releases Personal Love Song, “Brave”

Up-and-coming local country artist Tom Mac delivers a love song with a difference with the release of his latest single “Brave.” This isn’t your average tale of boy-meets-girl. Instead, Tom drew on his own experience forging a relationship with his partner Erin … and her children. This song celebrates blended families while giving voice to the uncertainty and vulnerability that can come with families separating and moving on.

Tom recalled the early days of his relationship with Erin and her desire to keep her children out of it until they were sure, noting “I only knew them as the little voices in the background of our phone calls. I quietly wondered whether there’d ever be room for me in their lives.”

But there was, and Tom says theirs is a relationship that has taught him so much. “Loving the most beautiful woman I’d ever met meant accepting I’d never be her number one – and learning that real love doesn’t ask to be. ‘Brave’ is for anyone who’s chosen love despite the uncertainty, and for every family finding a new way forward.”

You can learn about all Tom’s doing by joining his MAC PACK. Click through to subscribe to his mailing list.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Worm Girlz Rock Out With “Broken Tooth”

It’s been a little while since I’ve rocked out to a Worm Girlz track, but their new single “Broken Tooth” is ticking all the boxes for me. Lifted from their upcoming EP, In Loving Memory Of…, it showcases a natural evolution in their sound. While it’s not quite as raw as previous releases, Worm Girlz have lost none of the intensity and energy that first captured my attention. “Broken Tooth” was inspired by the ghosts of hometowns and memories you just can’t shake.

“I always find it weird visiting my hometown, as it is a place that holds memories in every corner,” explained Jade Montgomery, who shares lead vocal duties with Lauren Rowe on this one. “I often wonder about the parts of myself I have left behind there and if the memory of me haunts people the way that they haunt me. This song is about that feeling, the images and history that places and your memory can hold even when people are gone.”

Next up, Worm Girlz will join Cry Club, Fvneral, and Sunsick Daisy on the Gay Agenda tour. Tickets are on sale now for these November shows:

6 November 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
7 November 2026 – The Austral, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 November 2026 – The Chippo Hotel, Eora/Sydney
15 November 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
5 December 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Tayla Lauren

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loose Bricks Make Long Awaited Return With “Another Day”

After a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, Naarm/Melbourne indie rock outfit Loose Bricks are back and sounding better than ever. Their latest single “Another Day” is honestly my favourite track they’ve ever released. It’s got a more mature sound and incredible, relatable lyrics drawn from their own struggles.

“Our music pulls a lot of inspiration from real-life experiences, struggles, and hardship of depression and keeping the Black Dog at bay,” Loose Bricks explained. “Other themes focus on love and deep connection, falling in love, falling out, and trying to navigate through this world as a young adult. The initial skeleton of the song is usually written by Levi [Smith] on his acoustic guitar, but just recently we have been in our home studio laying down ideas all together. We find that we end up having a more complete sound right from the first demo.”

Loose Bricks will celebrate the release of “Another Day” and more new music to come with the following shows this November.

6 November 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
7 November 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 November 2026 – Burdekin Hotel, Eora/Sydney
15 November 2026 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Chloe Matthias

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Gill Releases Powerful New Single, “Carol /not carol”

Seeing a car crash can be a really confronting experience. As the survivor of a pretty gnarly one, I remember so vividly how it felt sitting on the side of the road as people buzzed around. I was numb and the rest of the world seemed to melt away. I was conscious of it, but totally disconnected from it. It takes some time to process, and that’s exactly what Ruby Gill has done in their latest single “Carol / not carol.” Ruby and her wife co-wrote this song to process the way they felt after arriving first on the scene at a car crash on the Nullarbor.

“This song started with us trying to process the car crash – the injuries, the playing cards strewn all over the tar, the couple and what they’d lost – but it soon became about me as well, facing myself in the rearview mirror and why I’ve spent so many years escaping my life, family and community, and what being away really does to a person,” Ruby explained.

“Ultimately, it’s about over-compensating for pain, about taking things for granted, about the community and kindness of strangers out on the road/in Australia, and about regret. It’s also a little bit about shame and struggling to be vulnerable, especially for older men who need to act brave, and lesbians like me who have emulated that too much in their lives.”

“Carol / not carol” comes from Ruby’s new album Fishing is Not About Fishing, which drops on October 16. You can preorder your vinyl copy on its own or bundled with some other goodies from Sound Merch. Ruby will play the following shows supporting #1 Dads following its release.

28 October 2026 – Season Three, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 October 2026 – Bellingen Golf Club, Baalijin/Bellingen
31 October 2026 – Lela’s, Yaegl and Yaygirr Country/Yamba

Photo credit: Bridgette Winten