Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Sooks Start the Year Right With “Take It Slow”

Eora/Sydney indie-rockers The Sooks are cruising into the new year with their latest single “Take It Slow.” If you’re into British acts like The Kooks and The Wombats and our own DICE and The Terrys, this laidback summer tune will be right up your street.

“‘Take It Slow’ was written in the summer of 2024, a couple of weeks before we were set to play our very first festival over New Year’s. It was a big time for the band, and we were obviously so stoked to be playing on a big stage, but at the same time, it was so new for us,” they recalled. “The cost-of-living crisis was really getting to us. Ultimately, the song is about not letting life dim your shine and doing what you feel you’re meant to do, despite the roadblocks life puts in your way. It’s a mantra. Take it slow. Take it slow. Take it slow… and you’ll pull through.”

“Take It Slow” lays the foundation for a fantastic 2026 for this up-and-coming act. If you want to hear more of their music, catch them supporting The Terrys at Drifters Wharf in Darkinjung Country/Gosford on February 22.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The City of Boroondara Announces Free Summer in the Park Events

What’s better than live music? Free live music. The City of Boroondara is bringing plenty of it to parks and precincts across Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country when its annual Summer in the Park season kicks off later this month. Running from January 29 to February 28, the season features free, all-ages events every Friday night and weekend. The line-up is incredibly diverse, with First Nations and queer artists and performers of all genres represented, so there’s bound to be something that takes your fancy.

“Summer in the Park is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy free, family friendly entertainment in Boroondara’s beautiful gardens and parks,” said West Gault, City of Boroondara Mayor. “With music, kids’ activities, outdoor cinema and more, there’s something for everyone – so bring a picnic and join us for a safe, welcoming celebration of community.”

There’s no need to RSVP. Just turn up and have a good time at these top events:

29 January 2026 – Djirrungana Kulture feat. Culture Evolves @ Maranoa Gardens (from 6 pm)
30 January 2026 – Party in the Park feat. Bumpy, Cookin’ on 3 Burners, and DJ Mz Rizk @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
31 January 2026 – Woody’s Bush Bash in the Mall @ Theatre Place (from 10 am)
6 February 2026 – Kylie and Dannii Disco in the Park feat. Perfectly Queer and DJ Chelsea Wilson @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
7 February 2026 – Classical in the Park @ Alexandra Gardens (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Zorba in the Park feat. Estudiantina of Melbourne @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
13 February 2026 – Cinema in the Park: The Addams Family @ Greythorn Park (from 6 pm)
14 February 2026 – Alternative Valentine’s Day feat. Krystal Rivvers and Vollie @ Junction Skate Park (from 4:30 pm)
15 February 2026 – Lunar New Year in the Park @ Balwyn Park (from 4 pm)
20 February 2026 – Country in the Park feat. Country Struts and Canyon Callers @ Camberwell Civic Precinct Hub (from 5 pm)
21 February 2026 – Jazz in the Park @ Riversdale Park (from 5 pm)
27 February 2026 – Gusto Gusto in the Park @ Camberwell Civic Precinct (from 5 pm)
28 February 2026 – Opera in the Park: La Dolce Vita @ Canterbury Garden (from 5 pm)

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Girish and the Chronicles Announce First Aussie Shows

Fresh from the America’s Got Talent stage, Indian rock act Girish and the Chronicles are heading Down Under for their first ever Aussie tour.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Girish Pradham, these guys have an old-school bombastic energy that I really enjoy. Aside from their stint on US TV, they’ve supported the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Nazareth, and Skid Row. After being blown away by their cover of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” I started to binge their original music. It’s all stellar.

With Naarm/Melbourne rock act Shotgun Mistress in support, Girish and the Chronicles’ Australian shows are bound to be face-meltingly good. Get your tickets now through the links.

19 March 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 March 2026 – Max Watt’s House of Music, Naarm/Melbourne
21 March 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ellis King Continues Winning Ways With “Nosedive”

Ellis King has really impressed me in recent months with singles like “fitymi” and “The Blueprint.” She continues her hot streak with “Nosedive,” an empowering post-breakup anthem with a sweet folk-pop sound.

“I wasn’t in a place to write about everything contained in this song immediately, but once I was ready it came together like honey,” Ellis said. “This one is very play-by-play – I wrote it from start to finish as a reflection of the events that transpired, almost like replaying the night it happened in real time…It moves through the aftermath, the guilt and the shame, but also remembering that I felt like I had to dim myself for someone else. In the end, it’s about accepting what happened and understanding that even when it feels like everything’s stopped, life keeps moving and you have to pick yourself right back up and move into your future.”

“Nosedive” is the latest track lifted from her forthcoming EP All That Comes After, which drops on February 20.

Photo credit: Courtney King

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Molly Millington Releases Emotional Single, “Greener Than Me”

Molly Millington has captured my heart with her latest track “Greener Than Me.” Written in the aftermath of a breakup with a friend, it’s both heartbreaking and life-affirming.

“‘Greener Than Me’ is about a friendship breakup I went through and honestly it was the worst, more than any romantic breakup I’d experienced. At the start I was really hurt with how it was dealt with, so I wrote this song instead of retaliating. Now I’m not as close to it, it was probably worse,” Molly admitted. “I miss this person at the most random times. I have their writing tattooed on me, so it’s pretty hard to forget them. I could get it removed but I don’t regret that person, so I’m keeping it.”

“Greener Than Me” is the latest release from Molly’s forthcoming debut album, Frank Morgan, which drops on February 27.

Photo credit: Nikola Jokanovic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blve Diamond Drops Luxury Rap Gem, “Tom Ford Hoverboard”

South African-born, Meeanjin/Brisbane-based artist Blve Diamond has got me grooving with his cool new single “Tom Ford Hoverboard.” The press release calls it “luxury rap for slow mornings and sunlit drives,” but it’s hitting the spot for me on this gloomy afternoon.

Blve Diamond delivers easy rhymes with confidence that never crosses over into cockiness. He might namecheck designer brands many of us will never afford, but you can’t help but like him. Press play, close your eyes, and let yourself get swept away by this one.

Image used with permission from Blve Diamond

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Announces Big Shows at Home and Abroad

He might not have won last year’s Australian Idol title, but Jake Whittaker has been doing great things since leaving the reality show. Fresh from the release of his track “Trouble With You” last month, he’s booked his first ticketed show in at the Tamworth Country Music Festival and a couple of dates across the ditch.

The Aotearoa/New Zealand shows are especially significant for the Meeanjin/Brisbane-based country singer, who has his family roots in Taranaki. The connection he still feels to this area inspired his 2024 single “Coming Home.”

“This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Jake said. “I go back all the time, and I’ve always loved New Zealand. To finally play my own shows there means a lot.”

Wherever you’re seeing Jake, you can expect a high-energy show. Tickets for the ticketed gigs are available now through the links:

17 January 2026 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
30 January 2026 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
31 January 2026 – Summer Nights @ King Edward Park, Stratford (FREE)

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bud Rokesky Covers Joy Division

I absolutely love a quality cover version. I think there’s real skill in reinterpreting someone else’s song and encouraging listeners to hear it in a new way. So I’m really impressed with Bud Rokesky’s stripped back version of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.” This gentle guitar and piano arrangement retains some of the moodiness associated with the original but it’s so much more current.

“’Love Will Tear Us Apart’ is one of those songs that never ages,” Bud said. “It’s honest and undeniable. I wanted to strip it back to let it sit heavy between beauty and ruin.”

Bud is easing himself into the New Year, but he is confirmed to play Meatstock at Sydney Showgrounds in Eora/Sydney on May 2.

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thunderstorm Artis Announces Intimate Aussie Dates

While it hasn’t aired on free-to-air TV for a while, I stay up to date with American Idol through YouTube. It’s good to have the local version back on TV, but I wish it championed original compositions the way that the US version does. There are regularly artists I follow years later because their originals have impressed me so much. Thunderstorm Artis is one of those special acts I’ve continued to support after the show wrapped, so I’m pretty stoked to see he’s announced an Aussie tour. And one that includes regional shows no less!

Thunderstorm probably didn’t win Idol because he’s not a “big” performer. He respects a melody, he doesn’t sing a lot of runs. There’s a purity to his performance that it much better suited to the small venues he’s playing on this run than stadiums. I am thrilled I’ll get to see him in places like this. Yes, I’m talking plural because I have a feeling that once I see him at my closest venue, I may be tempted to road trip to another show. We’ll see.

For now, if you’re not already across Thunderstorm’s music you’ve got a couple of months to come up to speed. Start with his American Idol audition song “Don’t Let Me Let You Go” and then let yourself fall down a YouTube rabbit hole. Then follow my lead and jump on some tickets. You don’t want to miss these shows.

5 March 2026 – Pelly Bar, Bunurong Country/Frankston
6 March 2026 – Bells Beach Brewery, Wadawarrung Country/Torquay
7 March 2026 – The Leadbeater Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
11 March 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra
12 March 2026 – Six String, Darkinjung Country/Erina
13 March 2026 – Brass Monkey, Eora/Sydney
14 March 2026 – Heritage Hotel, Dharawal Country/Bulli
15 March 2026 – The Stag, Mulubinba/Newcastle
18 March 2026 – Press Basement Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
19 March 2026 – Byron Theatre, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
20 March 2026 – Miami Marketta, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
22 March 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Admired Release Emo-Pop Gem “Fame&Money”

Eora/Sydney duo The Admired are coming at you with a nostalgic new emo-pop banger, “Fame&Money.” Its 2000s vibes should get you bopping in your seat, if you can resist taking a full dance break! It’s less than two and a half minutes of musical goodness.

Frontwoman Bianca Davino said “Fame&Money” is “the spark that really kicked off our direction for The Admired,” so if you’re not already on board with their music it’s a great introduction.

Bianca and guitarist Max Jacobson did some serious heavy lifting here, writing, performing, producing, and engineering the track in their home studio. Nat Sherwood (BESTIES, Stand Atlantic, Yours Truly) took care of mastering duties.

“Fame&Money” is the last of three tracks that make up The Admired’s mini-EP, appropriately titled 3 songs. They plan to build on their sound and record a new EP this year.

Photo credit: Stephanie McGwinn