In a world where so many songs are polished and produced to remove all their edges, I’m increasingly drawn to music that’s a little closer to its pure form. I want it rough and raw, darker and dirtier, so I’m really digging “I Wanna Be a Bad Man,” the latest single from independent Gurambilbarra/Townsville act, The Layman Preachers.
I’ve been in a bit of a musical rut today. The tunes I listened to were fine, but I’ve never wanted to share “fine.” I was craving something that I couldn’t identify, something to make me sit up and take notice, a sound that set itself apart. And then I found it in the music of Kook Joey, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter from Naarm/Melbourne. She’s just dropped her latest single “Forget Me Not,” a vintage lullaby which sounds like it could have come from the Gershwin songbook. It’s the follow-up to “Miracle,” a swinging country-blues number with a cool ‘60s feel. What she’s doing is so out of the box and brilliant, you’ve got to get your ears around it.
Kesha Nevé is proving she just might be one of the Australian Idol winners who go the distance. Fresh from claiming the title earlier this year, she’s just released her second post-Idol single “Ain’t Right, Right Now.” She’s also taking her music to the masses with shows all around the country.
Listening to “Swings and Roundabouts/Over and Out,” the new double A-side single from Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast-based trans-female indie singer-songwriter Maddison Breen, I couldn’t help wondering why I hadn’t heard her music sooner. Her voice immediately caught my attention. It’s wise, warm, confident, composed. As I listened more, I began to appreciate all its colours, the way it can move from low notes to a soaring falsetto with ease.
The team behind Howlin’ Country are serving up a brand new country festival in Mulubinba/Newcastle next year. Rock N Rodeo is a family-friendly country event featuring the best country music alongside a fully-fledged rodeo in partnership with PBA Australia. There’ll be two sessions – one during the day and one for punters who want to party on into the evening.
Anya Alchemy has made some musical magic with “Big Girls,” an alt-pop anthem that oozes sass and swagger. It’s all about embracing who you are and refusing to be defined by what you look like or how others see you.
On Saturday, I attended my first Red Hot Summer festival since 2020. I used to be a regular at these events, catching one every year between 2017 and 2020. While the pandemic stole a few years, the ones after just haven’t grabbed me. Lineups featuring the usual Aussie suspects and international acts past their prime couldn’t convince me to part with my cash, but the current run is different. And so, my parents and I ventured to Wonnarua Country/Pokolbin to catch the show headlined by Men at Work and Australian Crawl.
I meant to write about Łaszewo’s upcoming Aussie tour a couple of days ago, but instead I went down a musical rabbit hole. It happens. This Santa Barbara trio wasn’t on my radar until this week, but I’m really enjoying their high-energy indie pop music.
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.
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.