Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charly Oakley Releases Pop Gem, “Against the Odds”

Charly Oakley has won my heart with their poppy new single “Against the Odds.” This is one of those special pop tracks that wears its heart on its sleeve. The combination of Charly’s relatable lyrics and gorgeous, warm voice is incredible.

Charly might be just starting their musical journey, but they’re already impressing the right people. They were signed to management under Sam Dainty and Paul Dainty AO, AM, which put them on the radar of Jonathan Daniel, founder of CRUSH MUSIC whose roster includes megastars like Miley Cyrus and Lorde. Jonathan introduced Charly to LA producer Xandy Berry, who’s worked with artists like Rihanna, Bon Iver, and Miley. Along with his long-time friend and collaborator Jordie Thomas, he helped bring Charly’s vision for “Against the Odds” to life. With all those heavy hitters on their side, you know we’ll be hearing a lot more from Charly Oakley.

Photo credit: Annabelle Bahuth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sly Withers Rock Out With “Make My Mind Up”

I know I’m a little late to the party, as Sly Withers just wrapped up their national tour. But have you heard their latest single, “Make My Mind Up”? I’ve got to check, because if it’s slipped under my radar it just might have escaped your attention. And trust me, this is the track you need for a little late afternoon adrenaline shot.

“The song is about feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and indecisive, but also about the desire to push through and improve,” co-frontman Sam Blitvich explained. “Wrestling with stagnation, needing a push, but still holding onto the belief that you’ll eventually break free and make it out the other side in one piece.”

Sam also explained that it’s the most collaborative song Sly Withers have released. “We used to write individually, but this one started with a vocal hook Fraser [Cringle, drums] came up with, and from there we built out the entire track together as a team. It’s been super exciting to see our writing process evolve and we can’t wait to share more of it.”

They might not have any confirmed shows on the horizon, but don’t fret Sly Withers fans. They’re putting the finished touches on a new album, which we should hear next April. So surely it’s only a matter of time before we see these Boorloo/Perth rockers on the road again.

Image used with permission from Get.Your.Record.Out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Admired Release Nostalgic Anthem, “All I’ve Got”

Eora/Sydney pop-punk act The Admired are taking you right back to the 2010s with their anthemic new pop-punk single “All I’ve Got.” Vocalist and guitarist Bianca Davino describes this banger as “a love letter to growing up online in the Tumblr era.” So if you remember that time fondly, I know this one will resonate with you.

“I wanted to shine a light on the innocence and passion of that time, and how it’s a feeling that we will always strive to capture in our music and why we do this,” she explained. “At our shows I’ve been saying it’s about ‘skipping class to go and follow [Sleeping with Sirens’ frontman] Kellin Quinn around the city when he was here for Soundwave in 2013’, which is obviously a niche reference, but for those who know the vibes … they know lol.”

Hometown fans can see The Admired support GRXCE at The Vanguard on December 11. Tickets are still available through Moshtix.

Photo credit: Jack Stanley (@1lastflick)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pardon Bracey Gives Me Chills With “FREDDY KRUEGER”

I’m a big believer in the power of the song. I don’t need state-of-the-art production or bells and whistles. If the song stacks up, I want to celebrate it. So I’m excited to bring you “FREDDY KRUEGER,” the debut single from Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Pardon Bracey.

Produced by Alex Berger of GRXCE and Belvedeer, it’s a gorgeous piano ballad with evocative, poetic lyrics that stopped me in my tracks. Despite its creepy name, Pardon Bracey wrote on Instagram that “FREDDY KRUEGER” is “A love song informed by my experiences of being queer. Growing up, I was told by a lot of people that happy futures were impossible if you’re queer. I spent my teen years believing that I would never find connection and convinced myself that bad behaviour from other men in my proximity was holy. I felt so privileged to experience anything, no matter how incorrect it was because I was never promised happiness. Because I’m queer.”

On an earlier post, he said “I’ve been writing for nearly 10 years and releasing a single is never something I thought was possible. If this is all I get to say, I’m glad that ‘FREDDY’ is the story I get to tell.” I can only hope that it’s not the only music Pardon Bracey shares with us. He’s got a real gift for songwriting and storytelling, so I really hope to hear more from him.

Image used with permission from Pardon Bracey

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Go Hard With “I Can’t Look For You”

If you hoped to find mellow chill-out music for your Sunday, you might need to keep scrolling. But if you’ve still got a little rock left in you this weekend, check out “I Can’t Look For You,” from Meeanjin/Brisbane indie pop-punk act Bad Neighbour. This is on the heavier side of the genre, with a sound that reminds me of music from Hot Mulligan, who they supported around Australia in 2024.

“We always write based on where we are emotionally and in our collective lives in general,” explained vocalist Cooper Riley. “It’s about separating yourself from things and places that aren’t aligned with where you need to be or where you are going and learning to not squeeze the life out of things that you love. A lot of it is about crippling alcoholism as well – while I haven’t personally dealt with it I have been exposed to so much of it in my life and how it can bring the worst out in people.”

After supporting some massive acts like The Smith Street Band and Motion City Soundtrack this year, Bad Neighbour will end 2025 as the headliners. Hometown fans can catch them at The Outpost on December 13.

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Top Aussie Albums Charts and Land Fourth Overall

A massive hats off to SoSo, who managed to top the ARIA Australian albums charts and secure fourth position on the overall charts this week with their debut album So Much For Second Chances. While it was a few positions short of the ambitious number one overall goal they set for themselves, it’s also an impressive effort for an Aussie independent act with no mainstream media support. We all remember the way outlets fawned over themselves in the weeks leading up to the release of Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl. No doubt the unrelenting media attention on Wicked: For Good helped its soundtrack land the number one spot. In contrast, there were crickets about these Aussie talents pushing so hard to become chart toppers. Even Triple J refused to give them a go.

So how did these up-and-comers beat out heavyweights like Sabrina Carpenter and KPop Demon Hunters? Not to mention last week’s number one act 5 Seconds of Summer and The Smith Street Band on debut? Talent plays a part, but it’s just one element of the equation. The rest comes down to SoSo’s own promotional efforts and the true believers who supported them. I was thrilled to pre-order my first CD in ages and cover the singles “Something More,” “Candy Mouth,” and “Messed Up” ahead of the album’s release. In fact, I’ve been covering SoSo’s music since 2020. Because I love what they’re doing and I want more Aussies to hear it.

Fans have pretty much cleared out SoSo’s online store ahead of this release, although there are still some orange vinyl copies of So Much For Second Chances available. And you can stream the album on all your favourite platforms. Do it. These guys are the real deal.

Photo credit: Mega Media TV

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daphnie Collaborates With Jiwon On Latest Pop Smash, “stay long”

Eora/Sydney-based pop artist Daphnie has teamed up with New York City’s own Jiwon for a shimmery new single, “stay long.” This cross-continental collab has got all the good vibes you need heading into your weekend.

“We found out about each other through Spotify’s ‘fans also like’ section when Spotify put us on the same algorithm, and instantly hit it off musically,” Daphnie recalled. “Jiwon already had most of the song but needed some tweaks and a verse from someone. He had someone else in mind, but after our first call asked if I’d do it, and I liked it so much that I had my verse written and recorded within the hour after our call.”

Crank this up and I know you’ll agree that it sounds like fate! “stay long” is on all your favourite streaming platforms right now.

Image used with permission from daphnie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Highroad No. 28 Back on the Scene With “Ache”

After a hiatus of more than a decade, local alternative rock act Highroad No. 28 are back with a new single, “Ache.” With its angsty lyrics and the mix of guitars and synths, it reminds me a lot of the music of cool ‘80s acts like Depeche Mode and New Order. Like the tunes of those iconic artists of the past, I know this track will stick with you.

“Ache is about emotional honesty — the pain that stays from lost love and passion, but also the strange beauty in still feeling something real,” frontman Andrew JC explained.

“Ache” is the first single from Highroad No. 28’s upcoming third album, The Will to Endure, which should drop in December. This song sets the scene for music that’s a little moodier and more mature than what we heard on past releases Unsteady and Steady State and Stumbling to Divinity. However, Highroad No. 28 hasn’t lost the powerful vocals and epic sound that makes this act so special.

Highroad No. 28 hasn’t just experienced a sonic evolution either. Once a collaborative effort with different lineups over the years, Andrew JC decided to record the new album as a solo act, playing all the instruments as well as delivering the vocals to reconnect with Highroad No. 28’s core identity. With the album in the can, he’s preparing to reveal a brand-new live lineup for shows next year. Fans have been waiting since the early 2010s for those performances, so they’re bound to be epic. Follow Highroad No. 28 on Facebook to learn about those shows as soon as they’re announced.

Image used with permission from Highroad No. 28

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Shows He’s Got Balls With “Hurts”

Joe Mungovan takes the idea of suffering from art to the next level with his latest single “Hurts.” While the lyrics of this ultra-catchy indie-rock bop say “I love it when it hurts,” he might have reconsidered the notion after filming the video at Kiama Tennis Court. Take a look and you’ll see exactly what I mean!

“This was without question the most painful release I’ve ever made – and not in a deep, emotional, ‘artist suffers for his craft’ way,” Joe joked. “No. I mean actual, physical pain. I had this brilliant/stupid idea for the visual world: ‘What if I just… got hurt? Repeatedly?’ And, as always, my long-time collaborator and good mate Mikey Conlon laughed and said, ‘Yep. Love it. Let’s make it worse.’ So we did. Sometimes the best creative decisions are also the dumbest.”

So you’ve got to watch, if only so his efforts won’t be in vain! Fresh from supporting The Rubens last weekend, Joe will also play the following headlining shows to support the release of “Hurts.”

29 November 2025 – Becks, Kiaram-a/Kiama (FREE breakfast show from 9am, BYO chair)
30 November 2025 – Equium Social, Mulubimba/Newcastle (from 4 pm)
3 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Co, Garigal and Gayamaygal Country/Freshwater (FREE from 6pm)

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clare Perrott Releases Retro Folk Gem, “Biting On the Hand”

Listening to Clare Perrott’s latest single “Biting On the Hand” is like taking a trip back to the golden age of folk. Clare’s effortless falsetto and joy reminds me of Laurel Canyon artists like Joni Mitchell and Mama Cass. Take a moment to step away from modern demands and soak this beauty up.

“This year I really got into thinking about bad habits that I just can’t seem to shake, and with dirty banjo and distorted nylon guitar this song was born,” Clare recalled. “The main message of the song is that we have to let go of things that don’t serve us anymore. I personally keep going back to past mistakes because somehow I cannot let go. We keep biting on the hand that doesn’t help us and going back for more when it only causes sadness and grief.”

Clare will officially launch “Biting On the Hand” at Mojo’s in Walyalup/Fremantle tonight. Tickets are still on sale from Moshtix.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR