Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Davey Releases Authentic Love Song “Workin’ On Me”

Jake Davey’s captured my heart with his romantic new single “Workin’ On Me.” It’s a sweet, introspective country ditty about self-reflection, growth, and doing your best to show up for the people who matter most.

“Workin’ On Me is an incredibly personal song, and I wanted that to come through in every part of the production,” Jake shared. “I self-produced it, bringing together an amazing group of musicians, and focused on every detail to make sure the emotion and story felt honest and authentic. This track really reflects where I’m at as a songwriter and as a person.”

Jake shot the video in his hometown on the mid-New South Wales Coast with his coproducer Jackson James.

“Working with Jackson James on the video for ‘Workin’ On Me’ was such a great experience, we share a passion for storytelling and visuals,” Jake said. “I was lucky enough to have my wife and our baby boy Dalton featured in the clip, which gave it an incredibly raw, authentic feel. Capturing those real family moments on set made the day so much fun and personal, moments I’ll never forget.”

Fresh from his headline performance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Jake has just been announced as one of the artists on the bill for this year’s Djarii Bila Festival in Biripi Country/Taree. It all happens at Fotheringham Park on May 2. Early bird tickets are on sale now through Humanitix.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Regards Release Rock Anthem, “discontent”

I wouldn’t normally go so hard on a Sunday as I understand many of you are nursing sore heads, but I had to share “discontent,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne All Regards. So it may not be your usual laidback weekend folky fare, but it’s so good that I think you really need to get your ears around it.

Speaking of the inspiration for “discontent,” All Regards’ co-vocalist Stefan Sepulveda said “I think a lot of people (myself included at times) feel overwhelmed by the state of the world and the never-ending cycle of conflict and disasters, both natural and man-made. There have been times in my life where I’ve felt that there is no hope for positive change and been resigned to just watching everything turn to shit.

“The problem with that is that it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy – and that’s the message of the song, if you sit there waiting for the world to burn then that’s exactly what you’re going to get. So together with the next single ‘resist’, there’s a real call to action to get out and create positive change in whatever ways you can.”

All Regards aren’t wasting time getting both songs into the world. “resist” will be released next month before the band launches both songs with a massive hometown show at the Worker’s Club on March 27. Their EP launch sold out in 2024, so make sure you don’t sleep on tickets for this one when they go on sale.

Photo credit: Beth Morrison (Act Four Photography)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For ANUJA’s “Your Stranger”

Sri-Lankan-born, Naarm/Melbourne-based singer, songwriter, and producer ANUJA has won my heart with his gorgeous new single, “Your Stranger.” His striking voice stopped me in my tracks. It’s so flawless, effortlessly moving into falsetto and creating such an intimate vibe. Consider me swept off my feet.

“This song is a conversation between two lovers,” ANUJA explained. “It’s one person saying, I don’t know what will happen between us in the bigger sense; whether we’ll go to heaven, whether there’s reincarnation or rebirth, whether we’re twin flames or soulmates. I don’t know. But what I do know is that in this moment, we’re together.”

This track is even more impressive when you realise ANUJA is an entirely self-taught musician and producer. He’s doing it all from his home studio while balancing his career as a doctor. That’s right; he could save your life too. Swoon.

Photo credit: Lucinda Goodwin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

navy june Break The Mould With “mister”

Boorloo/Perth indie-rock quintet navy june have been building a reputation as a local band on the rise after supporting the likes of Old Mervs, Great Gable, and Fool Nelson. Now with the release of their latest single “mister,” it might be time for music lovers on the East Coast to take notice. This song has such an original, smoldering sound. It’s a little psychedelic but with a modern twist. Ruby Barton-Taylor delivers incredible vocals which are complemented beautifully by her bandmates’ instrumentation.

“’mister’ is about being unapologetic in your opinions of someone,” navy june explained. “Being honest and raw when someone is cruel to you. It explores ideas of heartbreak while still being empowered, truthful and sexy.”

navy june are wasting no time promoting their latest release. Hometown fans can catch the “mister” single launch at The Bird tonight.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shanleigh Rose Champions Self-Love With “Pretty”

Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast country starlet Shanleigh Rose has thoroughly charmed me with her personal new single, “Pretty.” The lyrics read like a letter to a partner, revealing Shanleigh Rose’s self-confidence and willingness to move on from a connection that doesn’t see her worth.

“We’ve all had times where we’ve let the judgments of someone else dictate how we feel about ourselves. I wrote ‘Pretty’ as a reminder that it is up to each of us to define who we are as individuals and which traits we consider most important,” Shanleigh Rose said. “Personally, I know I’m creative, kind, and can laugh at myself, and those are the qualities that make me pretty.”

After taking Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth by storm, Shanleigh Rose will be back on local stages with a gig at Rosalie House in Jarowair and Giabal Country/Toowoomba on March 1.

Image used with permission from Music 2 Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Exclusive: Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town Premiere New Single “Satisfy Your Mind”

Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock act Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town are back with new music this week, and they’re sharing it first right here on Sounds of Oz. I’m so thrilled to bring you their third single, “Satisfy Your Mind” today ahead of its official release on Friday, January 30. If you loved their previous tracks “All My Friends” and “No Place,” I know you’ll dig this bold blues-rock track.

It’s so easy to get swept up in that killer guitar riff and Clay Brown’s incredible vocals, but make sure you pay attention to the lyrics. “Satisfy Your Mind” explores the modern obsession with social media and encourages listeners to focus on their own real-life paths instead of getting caught up in a loop of doomscrolling and digital competition. It reminds us that the best way to find your even keel is to quit comparing yourself to carefully curated digital profiles and run your own race.

If you love “Satisfy Your Mind,” you’ll be happy to know there’s more new music on the way. Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town are preparing to get into the studio and record their debut EP, which we’ll hear later this year. Expect to hear a few more tunes from that release when Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town officially launch “Satisfy Your Mind” at The Bird on January 31. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pretty Moi Rock Out With “ROAD DOG”

Naarm/Melbourne rock act Pretty Moi have won me over with their back-to-basics new single “ROAD DOG.” It’s got a fantastic garage rock sound, free of studio bells and whistles that might dilute its intensity. I also appreciate the surf and psychedelic rock influences that Pretty Moi wears proudly on their musical sleeve.

“’ROAD DOG’ started as a bunch of old ideas that finally clicked once we leaned into storytelling,” Pretty Moi’s guitarist and cofounder Ruben Vasconez Swett explained. “It’s intentionally absurd and a bit delusional, inspired by an old Norm Macdonald joke.”

“ROAD DOG” is so appealing in its raw sound, but Pretty Moi has more up their sleeve. The track’s B-side “WITH YOU,” featuring the horns of local outfit FREE PARKING blends that psychedelic bent with jazz and Latin flavours. Expect more music that will keep you guessing with Pretty Moi unveil their upcoming EP VOL. 2 later this year.

Image used with permission from G.Y.R.O.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXON Calls for Unity With “Everybody”

In a world where there seems to be so much division, MAXON’s new folk-rock track “Everybody” is like chicken soup for the soul. It’s an uplifting anthem that reminds us of the humanity that unites us all.

“A lot of the songs on the album – while hopeful – carry a thread of sadness,” MAXON said. “‘Everybody’ felt like the emotional homecoming. Nay [Pattuwage] and I wanted to write something that celebrates love and connection; something that uplifts.

“I’ve been through dark spaces in my life, and I know first-hand that singing together is healing. ‘Everybody’ is a reminder that joy and love are just as infectious as pain. Let this song be an anthem for togetherness. Honestly, I’d love to make a world choir with this one – send me your audition tapes! Let’s heal the world together!”

MAXON’s debut album Talking With Strangers will be released April 8. Expect to hear more new music from the LP when Maxon plays the following festivals:

7 February 2026 – Out Loud on the Ninch, a Mid Summa Activation @ Peninsula Community Theatre, Boon Wurrung Country/Mornington
28 February 2026 – Flinders Fringe Festival, Boon Wurrung Country/Flinders (FREE)
21 March 2026 – Seven Sisters Festival, Taungurung Country/Glenaroua

Photo credit: @heapsstoked

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Riley Pearce Releases New Duet Version of “You Won’t Be There” With Sorcha Richardson

“You Won’t Be There” was already one of the highlights from Riley Pearce’s 2025 album The Weight of Our Dreaming. But he’s just elevated the track with the help of Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson, who was last on our shores for Misneach. The artists collaborated remotely on the duet single, “You Won’t Be There (Time Zone Version),” which hit the streaming services today.

“‘You Won’t Be There’ always felt like it could live a double life,” Riley said. “A version where it had a more conversational tone, capturing the two sides of a relationship’s distance that comes with touring. I heard Sorcha’s song ‘Maps of Manhattan’ when I was on tour last year and it instantly became a favourite. I was so impressed with the energy and world she built with her verse – I actually like this version more than the original.”

“When Riley sent me this song, I knew I wanted to write to it,” Sorcha added. “I loved the subtlety he had created within it, and the effortless ebb and flow of the arrangement. The sentiment was something that had been on my mind already; nights spent thousands of miles from home, cinematic and romantic in their own lonely way, but impossible to experience without thinking of somebody you wish could be there with you.”

While I’m not sure when we’ll see Sorcha back in Australia, Riley is preparing to take songs from his The Weight of Our Dreaming album around the country this month. With shows in the capitals and regional centres, there are plenty of opportunities to catch him live.

29 January 2026 – House Concert, Colomatta/Blue Mountains
30 January 2026 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney (with Laura Lucas)
31 January 2026 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Laura Lucas)
6 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (with Laura Lucas + Jack Raymond)
7 February 2026 – Grow, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (with Jack Raymond)
8 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Laura Lucas)
14 February 2026 – Green Door Wines, Noongar Country/Ferguson Valley (with Laura Lucas)
15 February 2026 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle (with Laura Lucas + Ben Morgan)

Image used with permission from Nettwerk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

franxie Impresses With Powerful Folk Single, “Nobody’s Home”

Dharawal Country/Wollongong singer-songwriter franxie has wowed me with her latest single “Nobody’s Home.” This gentle indie-folk single drew me in with its hushed vocals, acoustic sound, and introspective lyrics exploring dissociation and emotional shutdown. It’s heavy subject matter, but themes that are worth sitting with when they’re presented so exquisitely. Take a moment to really listen to this one and take in its beauty, because it deserves so much more than becoming background to your workday!

“This song is about dissociating when things become overwhelming and recognising that shutting down was a coping mechanism,” franxie explained. “It’s not about a relationship ending, but about losing and finding yourself within that state.”

“Nobody’s Home” is a natural follow-up to franxie’s debut single, “Fucking Around,” which tackled themes of autonomy and self-determination. Expect more self-reflection and exploration of honest emotions when franxie releases more music throughout the year. A fiercely independent artist, she’s developing her sound and an EP at her own pace, prioritising her artistic freedom, confidence, and evolution on her own terms.

Listen to “Nobody’s Home” and more fantastic local folk music on my Spotify playlist, “Sounds of Oz Loves Folk.”

Photo credit: Taylah Chapman