Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ama Drops New Pop Gem, “You’re never gonna get the girl”

According to my Spotify Wrapped, Ama was my most played Aussie artist of the year. Her heart-on-sleeve pop numbers really got under my skin, and I had every single on repeat for a while. So I’m thrilled that she’s giving us one more track to close out the year. “You’re never gonna get the girl” is Ama’s first release since her debut EP Julie’s House dropped in May, and it’s probably no surprise that I love it.

Ama has such a gift for writing songs that combine self-aware humour with bittersweet emotion, and “You’re never gonna get the girl.” The gentle layered pop sound reminds me a lot of the music LANY released on their soft album this year, undeniably catchy but acting as the support for the strong lyrics rather than attempting to steal focus.

Ama’s music has made such a strong impression on me this year. With the start of this new chapter, something tells me she’s going to follow up with a massive 2026.

Photo source: AMA EPK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live Nation Helping New Acts Play Live Shows With Next On

Getting in front of audiences can be tough for emerging acts. Venue overheads are pricy and as the cost of living bites us all and many music lovers prioritise seeing major acts simply breaking even if a challenge. Live Nation is giving up-and-coming Aussie and Kiwi acts a bit of a leg-up with its new Next On initiative.

Every month, Live Nation will give an artist the keys to one of their iconic venues, totally rent-free. It’ll cover all the show costs – from venue rental and production to marketing – and make sure every dollar from ticket and merch sales goes straight back to the artists. Live Nation will also promote the shows and provide professional support that could be absolutely massive for all acts selected. No wonder local talents like Kate Ceberano, Tim Rogers, Missy Higgins, and Teenage Joans are right behind this one. And they’re encouraging Aussie music lovers to do the same.

“Taking a punt on a new act, a new group, a book reading, a theatre show that is not necessarily on the popular culture radar WILL make you a more fulfilled human,” Tim Rogers enthused. “While the rush of being part of a spectacle is palpable, to engage with an artist as they begin makes you, more than ever these days, part of the experiment. To be a fan, a participant, a patron is a noble thing. You are not just an audience. You were involved, and joined the community. Welcome, Onward we go.”

“Giving young artists the chance to stand on iconic stages early, to find their voice and confidence in the right environment, is invaluable. I’m 100% behind it, and I’m thrilled to see these sorts of initiatives help make this possible,” Kate Ceberano added. “This is how we build a healthy industry – one strong foundation at a time.”

Do you want to play at the Palais Theatre, The Triffid, Fortitude Music Hall, Anita’s Theatre, Hindley Street Music Hall, or Tuning Fork as part of Next On? Click through for the Next On registration form. And if you just love music, keep an eye on the Live Nation website next year for all the details of its Next On shows.

Photo credit: Sam D’Agostino

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper Releases “Growing Up is Hard to Do” Ahead of Summer Shows

She’s probably still best known for rocking out front of Killing Heidi, but I really dig the country feel of Ella Hooper’s solo material. Her latest single “Growing Up is Hard to Do” is a fantastic example of the brilliant new music she’s making. It’s so much fun with its relatable, introspective lyrics and catchy country-rock sound. Just when you think it can’t get any better, that sax solo from Mika Kohlman kicks in!

“This song comes from a period of self-reflection that kinda started with Small Town Temple – my last album,” Ella continues. “It finds me in a place where I can almost accept that growing pains never stop…I’m just learning to write different songs about them. It feels playful to me, as life is a little lighter now, internally anyway,” Ella adds. “Some days I can roll my eyes at the chaos of the last few years, or my whole life actually…it’s certainly been a hell of a ride. And as they say, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry!”

If you want to hear more of Ella’s new music, catch her on her summer tour. Tickets are available through the links for all shows.

10 January 2026 – Music in the Vines @ Dellatite Winery, Taungurung Country/Mansfield
21 January 2026 – Tamworth Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
31 January 2026 – Bundalaguah & Myrtlebank Hall, Gunaikurnai Country/Bundalaguah
1 February 2026 – Archie’s Creek Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
6 February 2026 – The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Mayfield
7 February 2026 – Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain
8 February 2026 – Little Alberts @ The Victoria Bathurst, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
13 February 2026 – Boyup Brook Country Music Muster @ Music Park, Noongar Country/Boyup Brook
21 February 2026 – Americana on the Bellarine @ Ocean Grove Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Ocean Grove
28 February 2026 – Westernport Yacht Club, Boon Wurrung Country/Balnarring Beach
15 March 2026 – Music in the Gardens @ Albury Botanic Gardens, Bungambrawatha/Albury (FREE)
20 March 2026 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Dhudhuroa Country/Yackandandah
28 March 2026 – Always Good Nights @ TBA, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland
17 April 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
2 May 2026 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
9 May 2026 – Portland Arts Centre, Gunditjmara Country/Portland
29 May 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
31 May 2026 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Jeremy Dylan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ricky Rosen Makes Long Awaited Return With “I Got You”

It’s been more than three years since Ricky Rosen dropped a single, but his comeback is definitely worth the wait. “I Got You” is an ultra-catchy pop-soul number that lays on the charm.

“‘I Got You’ was always meant as a fun track that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Ricky admitted. “It has an authentic live band sound with an equally authentic feeling; gratitude for the people in your life who make the unbearable bearable and the ordinary extraordinary.

“It came about after three hours of listening to music with (co-writer) Glenn Hopper and complaining about how I’m too much of a cynic to write a love song, right after which we proceeded to write a love song. It was borne out of an honest appreciation that as long as I have my person, and my people, I’m never alone.”

Only time will tell whether Ricky delivers more music in 2026. He juggles his music career with the serious business of being a doctor, and those lives won’t save themselves! But if this is it for a while, at least it’s a banger!

Image used with permission from Blue Music Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Homegrown Trio Ready to Wow TCMF

Now Christmas is behind us music lovers across the nation are looking forward to the annual pilgrimage to the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Of course, all the usual suspects will be there, but there are also plenty of up-and-coming acts worth your time.

Homegrown Trio are one of the new breed that deserves to be on your radar. They’ve been nominated for a Golden Guitar for Best Duo or Group and just released their gorgeous new single “Do Over.” If you love American acts like Sugarland and Lady A, I know you’ll appreciate this vulnerable song about relationship regrets.

Homegrown Trio will stop by the Toyota Fanzone during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth at 3:45 pm on January 23. They’re also playing Outback Sounds at Buchanan Park, Kalkadoon Country/Mt Isa on May 9.

Image used with permission from Tom Rivers Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Flips the Script With “Reasons”

After all this time following them, I thought I knew what to expect from Bootleg Rascal. But they’re really shaken things up with their latest song “Reasons,” taking their tongues out of their proverbial cheeks and delivering a touching heartbreak anthem.

“‘Reasons’ was a co-write we did with our mate Matt Collins from Wharves,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “He had a demo of the song and wasn’t totally sure where to go with it. We saw something in it and decided to give it a crack. It also features the always exquisite production skills of our mate Caleb Tasker, and we’re all pretty stoked with how it turned out in the end. On face value, ‘Reasons’ could easily be passed off as another break-up/heartbreak song. Those themes are in there for sure, but I think bubbling under the surface, the song also touches on broader elements of human connection. The commonality of emotions that we as people all share at some point in our lives, no matter our race, sex or background.”

“Reasons” comes from Bootleg Rascal’s self-titled album, released in October. They’re bringing songs from that record and all your old favourites to venues across the country in the New Year. Tickets are available now through the links.

10 January 2026 – Hair of the Dog @ The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 January 2026 – Six Strings Brewing, Darkinjung Country/Erina
16 January 2026 – Ruby’s Upstairs @ Bank Hotel, Mulubinba/East Maitland
17 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Company, Dharug Country/Brookvale
22 January 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
23 January 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 January 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 January 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
31 January 2026 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
7 February 2026 – Railway Sports & Social Club, Larrakia/Darwin
12 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 February 2026 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2026 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
21 February 2026 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast

Image used with permission from Bootleg Rascal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merry Christmas From Sounds of Oz

Merry Christmas Sounds of Oz readers! I hope however you choose to spend it, you’re happy, healthy, and surrounded by love. I couldn’t let the day go past without spreading a little musical cheer, so here’s “I Love Christmas, Too,” the first track from Golden Guitar-winning trio Bella in two decades.

Many years might have passed, but the harmonies from Lyn Bowtell, Kate Ballantyne, and Karen O’Shea are just as magical as ever. I also love the lyrics which reference uniquely Australian traditions like enjoying peeling prawns and playing backyard cricket.

“It’s been such a joy to come together again with a song we all wrote, inspired by our own experiences of Christmas Down Under,” Lyn said.

Kate added, “We felt there was a real gap in Christmas music that truly reflects an Australian Christmas.”

Karen said, “I love a white Christmas song as much as anyone, but here in Australia it’s all about the air-con and a good barbie.”

Merry Christmas music lovers. I hope this track finds a place on your festive playlists!

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shannon Noll back to His Best With “What Ya Made Of”

Oh Nollsie. I love you. Hearing a new single reminds me just how much. Shannon Noll’s latest track “What Ya Made Of” doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but that’s exactly why it’s so good. It’s that straight, down-the-line Aussie pop-rock that made him the nation’s favourite battler.

Nollsie penned this one with superstar songwriters Simon Shapiro (award winning, Darryl Braithwaite, 1927, Jane Denham) and Lindsay Rimes (Kelsea Ballerini, Kylie Minogue, Kane Brown, Timomatic, Stan Walker). They’ve ensured this track is ready for radio without smoothing out Shannon’s rough edges. Its rousing sing-along chorus reminds me a lot of “Lift” and “Shine,” and we all know how well those songs did! Expect to hear this one a lot over the summer!

“I absolutely adore this single, since the moment I got the demo back. It’s been overlooked a few times on albums because it was a bit too rocky at the time and didn’t suit the rest of the album. I think everything happens for a reason and has its time and place and I think it’s time and place is right now – in a time where people need a bit of positivity!” Nollsie said. “I love a positive lyric where you believe in someone else when they don’t necessarily believe in themselves. I think the encouragement in that is just beautiful and selfless and very similar to the meaning of ‘Shine,’ ‘Lift,’ ‘What About Me,’ and ‘Learn To Fly.’ I can’t wait to see what everybody thinks but I absolutely love this one and have done since the day I wrote it with the guys in the studio.”

Shannon will wrap up his current tour with a show at EVAN Theatre in Mooroo Murak/Penrith on January 24. Then he’ll enjoy a little downtime before heading to the Big Red Bash in Wirrarri/Birdsville from July 7 to 9.

Image used with permission from Red Dog Recordings

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bic Runga Bringing Red Sunset Shows Down Under

To many people, Kiwi singer-songwriter Bic Runga is a one-hit wonder. While “Sway” was a monster hit, that tag is a bit dismissive of her artistry. She’s actually released five studio albums, and on February 13 she’ll add Red Sunset to the collection. So perhaps it’s not so much of a surprise that in April she’ll grace our shores for some intimate shows.

Red Sunset is Bic’s first album of all original material since 2011’s Belle. Listening to the title track, you can hear that Bic has seriously evolved since her breakthrough hit. Its dance-pop flavour is a bit of a left turn, but Bic pulls it off. After taking a bit of a deep dive into her music today, I’m excited to hear the rest of the new stuff.

Bic will visit Australia after playing gigs in her native Aotearoa/New Zealand. While promoting Red Sunset, she promises to play plenty of favourites from her earlier albums. Tickets are available now through the links.

9 April 2026 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
11 April 2026 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 April 2026 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
14 April 2026 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri Country/Canberra
16 April 2026 – Freo.Social, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seb Szabo and Joan & The Giants Team Up For “Figure It Out”

I’m a big fan of Seb Szabo and Joan & The Giants, so I knew their collaboration on “Figure It Out” would be my jam before I even pressed play. Thankfully it’s everything I hoped for and then some. If you need a little break from the pre-Christmas stress, press play. I swear it’ll make you feel better.

“Figure It Out” celebrates the friendship between Seb and Joan & the Giants’ frontwoman Grace Newton-Wordsworth. They shared a stage at a warehouse show last year and became fast friends. Seb was there for Grace when she relocated to Naarm/Melbourne earlier in the year after her long-term relationship broke down. She said working on this song with Seb, “genuinely lifted me out of something really dark and helped me find my voice, and made this the best experience I could have had in this new stage of my life.”

He added “We decided we should have a piece of our individual story in the song – myself as a romantic miscast as a bachelor-type, and Grace exiting a long-term relationship and being single for the first time in years. We both I think found ourselves in life situations that we didn’t necessarily ask to be in, but we were having a laugh together while making the best of it all – leaving chaotic voice messages about bad dates and unsuccessful attempts at flirting with strangers. It’s such a blessing to have friends like that – they make everything easier.”

Seb recently wrapped up some solo dates while Joan & The Giants blew crowds away supporting The Fray. I know they’re probably taking some downtime, but could we get them to team up for a tour next year? Please make it happen!

Photo credit: James Morris