Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flea Releases Jazzy Frank Ocean Cover

When an artist goes solo, I appreciate a left turn. Don’t give me more of the kind of music you make with your band. I want to hear something new, out of the box. And you don’t get much more out of the box than the music that Naarm/Melbourne-born creative Flea, best known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, has recorded for his solo album. His forthcoming album Honora features Flea on trumpet and bass making fantastic jazz music. I’m totally digging his version of “Thinkin Bout You,” originally recorded by Frank Ocean.

“Channel Orange! When that record came out, it really blew me away,” Flea enthused. “I listened to it ten million times. It was something I just couldn’t stop listening to. I loved it so much and still do. Just one of those real watershed moment records for me. ‘Thinkin Bout You’ is one of the many great songs on that record, and I thought it would be fun to play on trumpet. Then I went to Nate Wolcott, who plays keyboards on Honora on several tunes. He did that string arrangement for me. He stepped up to the plate and really did something beautiful. I just wanted to get the honest beauty of the melody because it’s a great song.”

Flea will release Honora on March 27 before embarking on a solo tour in May.

7 May 2026 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
9 May 2026 – The Opera House, Toronto
10 May 2026 – Théâtre Beanfield, Montreal
12 May 2026 – Webster Hall, New York
13 May 2026 – Black Cat, Washington, DC
16 May 2026 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
21 May 2026 – Heimathafen, Berlin
22 May 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
26 May 2026 – Koko, London
28 May 2026 – Alhambra, Paris
Photo credit: Gus Van Sant

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chloe Gill Bares Her Soul With “Pushing Punishment”

Mulubinba/Newcastle-based country artist Chloe Gill has wowed me with her latest single “Pushing Punishment.” Her voice is so compelling, I could listen to her sing the phone book. But this empowering and deeply personal track is so much better than that.

“This song feels like me becoming me,” Chloe said. “Growing into my adult self, growing into my personality, being kind to myself and others, listening to my own heart and my own needs, accepting my neurodivergence and my personality and learning about how to pave my own life for how I want to live it and achieve my dreams. Learning to ‘fill my cup’ first or to ‘put my own oxygen mask on first.’ I can’t show up for anyone else until I’ve shown up for me first.”

“Pushing Punishment” comes from Chloe’s debut album I Have a Habit of Dreaming, which she’ll release on March 12. She’ll give us a little time to sit with her songs before touring the album from April. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

17 April 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Mayfield
21 May 2026 – The Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne
22 May 2026 – The Taproom @ Shedshaker Brewing, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
23 May 2026 – Peninsula Hot Springs, Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula (FREE with bathing)
24 May 2026 – Shiraz Republic, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Yorta Yorta Country/Cornella
30 May 2026 – Knappstein, Ngadjuri Country/Clare Valley
31 May 2026 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 June 2026 – The Factory Fusebox, Bulanaming/Marrickville

Photo credit: Jade Steg & Jess Macc

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“what if it ends?” – Sidney

I’ve championed Sidney’s music for years, so I made sure to write a review of her brand new EP what if it ends? before I left for my overseas trip. New on all your favourite streaming platforms today, it’s a poignant exploration of love and loss with the title question at its core.

The single “sliding doors” opens the EP with its jubilant chorus and upbeat indie-pop feel. While it was inspired by the fictional romance movie, as you move from this track to the songs that follow, you realise Sidney’s drawing from her own experiences in this collection. They’re so real, so raw, that anyone who’s ever loved and lost hard will relate. “Long haul” is another fantastic single, but it hits a little bit harder with its lyrics exploring the reluctance to let an established relationship slip through the fingers.

We’re getting deeper, in preparation for “golden boy.” This beautiful, bittersweet ballad kills me. I rarely recount lyrics, but the lines “Can we just make out until it’s over? Can we just keep on holding our breath? ‘cause that way we’re both distracted and we won’t see how this ends” have my heart. We stay in the quiet a little longer with “the difference.” Its dreamy, melancholy feel reminds me so much of Mazzy Star’s “Fade Into You.” If your heart wasn’t already split open, the deep yearning of “anything” might get you there. Sidney’s vocals, which seem to move effortlessly from breathy falsetto to powerhouse full voice, have never sounded better. Sidney brings the energy back up with the EP’s title track. Feeling a little like a bookend for “sliding doors,” it really is the perfect closer with a feel-good vibe that softens the blow of those sucker-punch lyrics.

Emotionally honest, beautifully real, and always compelling, what if it ends? is out now.

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marlon Williams Announces Touring Break Ahead of Aussie Shows

After 20 years in the business, Marlon Williams is stepping away from the stage. But before he begins his extended break from touring, he’ll perform a run of Aussie shows with his band The Yarra Benders next month. All shows excluding Walyalup/Fremantle will feature accompaniment by kapa haka group Ngā Mātai Pūrua.

Marlon explained to fans, “I’m gonna take some time away for a bit. Probably not ages in the scheme of things, but it’s time to take some time! I’ve been extraordinarily lucky in that my vocational life has always cleaved very closely to my personal aspirations; I’ve always been able to “live my calling”, as it were. For nearly 20 years I’ve explored both the physical and musical world in the company of incredible musicians, songwriters and friends and it’s been an absolute pleasure. The catch with it is that because it’s such a blessing to do what you love, it can be easy to overlook the toll it can take over time, on body and soul.

“The concept of rāhui is central to te Ao Māori and is indeed familiar to most New Zealanders. As Te Aka, the online Māori dictionary defines it, “to put in place a temporary ritual prohibition, closed season, ban, reserve”. Rāhui can be placed by mana whenua on a specific location out of respect of a tragic death in the area rendering it tapu, and they are also put in place in the pure interests of conservation; the idea that resources can be overtapped, and periods of restriction and recovery are essential to the continued wellbeing of those resources. It was this meaning that helped crystallise my thinking about my own personal case; I want to continue doing what I love for as long as possible, and this is the way to do it.”

Speaking of Marlon’s Kiwi roots, if you haven’t listened to his 2025 album Te Whare Tīwekaweka, which he recorded entirely in te reo Maori, get onto it. Te reo Maori is one of the most beautiful languages on the planet, and the music on this album showcases it so beautifully.

Given Marlon’s decision to take a touring hiatus, these shows are likely to have some extra emotion behind them. Get your tickets now, because who knows when you’ll next get the opportunity to see this extraordinary talent live.

5 March 2026 – Taronga Zoo, Eora/Sydney (with Kee’ahn)
6 March 2026 – Royal Botanic Gardens, Naarm/Melbourne (with Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn)
7 March 2026 – Golden Plains Festival, Wadawurrung Country/Meredith (SOLD OUT)
9 March 2026 – Womadelaide, Tarntanya/Adelaide
20 March 2026 – Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT – with Anna Schneider)
22 March 2026 – QPAC Presents On The Banks Series, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Sarah Blasko)

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Brief Break For Sounds of Oz

I’m in a bit of a mad panic this morning as I try to tie up the last of my loose ends before heading overseas for a couple of wonderful and well-deserved weeks away. Ordinarily when I travel I queue up posts so that you don’t miss me, but I haven’t written nearly as many of those as I would have liked. Time’s simply gotten away. It is what it is. I do hope you check in periodically to see them, and don’t get too frustrated by those quiet days. Rest assured, I’ll be back to your regular scheduled programming in a couple of weeks!

Photo credit: Ross Parmly @ Unsplash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

moonsea Releases Romantic Alt-Pop Track, “I’ll kill you if you die before me”

My husband and I have what we call the “no death” rule. In equal measures tongue in cheek and deadly serious (pun intended), we simply aren’t allowed to die on one another. Of course it’s likely to bite us as we invoke this rule as we get older, but for now if we’re sick or injured or laughing until we can’t breathe or tripping over the dog, we can simply say “no death rule” and feel confident our love will last forever. So I very much relate to “I’ll kill you if you die before me,” the dreamy new single from Naarm/Melbourne-based artist moonsea.

In this lullaby-esque song, moonsea only half-seriously threatens her love because she’s determined not to be left alone. Its lyrics use humour to process anxiety, grief, and the kind of everlasting love we all hope to hold on to. “I’ll kill you if you die before me,” comes with a stunning music video featuring real paper puppets and stop motion animation from Nadeera A.

Photo credit: Lucinda Keating (@eggsovariesy)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anna Dine Releases Sassy Sophomore Single “anymore” Ahead of Co-Headlining Tour

If you’re feeling that midweek slump, allow Anna Dine’s poppy new single “anymore” put a little pep in your step. The follow-up to her smashing debut “kind 2 me,” this is feelgood music at its finest, with sparkling synths, vibrant vocals, and alt-rock guitars for a hint of edge. The contemporary lyrics, which celebrate the power of online blocking and setting your own boundaries, are also fantastic.

To celebrate the release of “anymore,” Anna Dine will head off on her first tour tomorrow. She’ll coheadline most shows with Cate Guirguis, except for her solo show at Towradgi Beach Hotel.

19 February 2026 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
28 March 2026 – The Loft, Eora/Sydney (ALL AGES)
10 April 2026 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (FREE)
12 April 2026 – Dissent Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
24 April 2026 – Wamberal Surf Club, Darkinjung Country/Wamberal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Groovin the Moo Announces Comeback Show

Make sure you save the date music lovers because Groovin the Moo is back baby! Australia’s favourite regional festival returns for a very special one-off show in Widjabul Wia-bal Country/Lismore on 9 May.

Way back in 2005, organisers created Groovin the Moo to bring major contemporary music acts to regional centres. That ethos hasn’t changed, so while we don’t know who’ll play this year it’s bound to be big. By focusing on a single show with a single stage, organisers are taking the first steps of a long-term sustainable strategy to return the beloved festival to the regional towns who’ve always supported it.

“This is about bringing Groovin The Moo back in a way that honours what it has always stood for,” said Adelle Robinson, CEO of Fuzzy. “The festival belongs to regional Australia. Returning with a one-off show allows us to focus on doing it with the care and responsibility it deserves while the festival industry continues to navigate rising costs and increased pressure. We are so thrilled to come to Lismore, a place that reflects the spirit and resilience of the communities that Groovin The Moo has supported from the beginning.”

Groovin The Moo will take place at Oakes Oval, Widjabul Wia-bal Country/Lismore from 11 am to 10 pm on May 9. All ages are welcome and $2 from every ticket sold will benefit Our Kids, a vital charity partner that helps children and families stay local when requiring medical care in the Northern Rivers. Stay tuned for the on-sale date and lineup in the coming weeks. The pre-sale sign up is open now, so get on it!

Photo credit: Jordan Munns

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Morgan Evans Releases “Steel Town” Single Ahead of Album Release, Tour

Although I live in Darkinjung Country/Central Coast now, Mulubinba/Newcastle will always be home to me. Those roots run deep, and it’s something you can’t properly understand unless you grew up there too. So it’s warmed my heart to hear music from Morgan Evans’ forthcoming album Steel Town, including the recently released title track. This music pays homage to our shared hometown in such a heartfelt, authentic way.

“’Steel Town’ is about where I come from and why I am the way I am,” Morgan explained. “Newy was a beautiful place to grow up, but also a tough one, and we poured all of that into this record.”

Morgan will release his Steel Town album on March 20 before embarking on the biggest tour of his career in May. American country star and his duet partner on the recently released single “Two Broken Hearts,” Laci Kaye Booth, will join him for these theatre shows. Before that, you can also see Morgan at Meatstock. There’s a Frontier member presale for the Steel Town tour today at 2 pm before the general sale tomorrow at 2.

11 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
18 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Lardner Park, Gunaikurnai/Gippsland
21 May 2026 – ICF Warehouse, Boorloo/Perth (18+)
23 May 2026 – Forum Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
25 May 2026 – Thebarton Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Lic. All Ages)
27 May 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic. All Ages)
30 May 2026 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
2 June 2026 – Powerstation, Auckland (18+)
4 June 2026 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch (Lic. All Ages)

Photo credit: Nick Swift

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teen Sensation Lana Karlay Drops Soulful Single, “Running Out of Time”

Lana Karlay is set for a busy year juggling her rising musical career with her year 12 studies. The talented 17-year-old from Djilang/Geelong has just released a new single, “Running Out Of Time” which she wrote and recorded in Los Angeles alongside producer Esthy. It features guest vocals from US artist Cam’dn and is the ideal showcase for her heavenly voice.

Lana was recently named Emerging Artist of 2026 by KROCK and Forte Magazine and you can expect to hear a lot more from her this year. She’s got another single and three music videos on the way to support her upcoming debut album, along with a return trip to the United States for more writing and recording sessions. Mark my words, she’s destined for big things.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital