Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Continues Winning Streak With “Casually”

ixaras has a real knack for writing absolute bops that perfectly encapsulate all the messiness of modern relationship. She never puts a foot wrong, and her latest track “CASUALLY” is no exception. Crank it up and marvel at the talents of one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming artists.

“When you go on tour you spend a lot of time away from home. I wrote the song as a reassurance to my family, friends and loved ones how much I care despite not being able to always be there. My song ‘CASUALLY’ is an anthem about the obstacles that come with relationships and how no matter what, loving unconditionally is a choice that I will always actively participate in no matter what stands in the way.”

“CASUALLY” comes from ixaras’ upcoming EP WHAT IS AND WHAT ISN’T, which drops on November 14. ixaras will celebrate its release with a string of capital city shows in the new year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates:

10 January 2026 – The Loft, Eora/Sydney
11 January 2026 – The Leadbeater, Naarm/Melbourne
18 January 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 January 2026 – The Y HQ, Boorloo/Perth
24 January 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yamaha Main Stage Grant Applications Closing Saturday

There’s still time to get your entry in for Yamaha Music Australia’s Main Stage Grant. This brand-new initiative looks to support the next generation of local artists by providing key tools for creating, recording, and performing music. The winning band, singer-songwriter, and music producer will each take home $5,000 in cash and $5,000 worth of instruments from Yamaha Music Australia.

“Main Stage is about giving the next generation of Australian musicians the platform and support they deserve,” explained Yamaha Music Australia spokesperson, Mitch Kelly. “Whether you’re a band, a songwriter, or a producer, we want to help you take that next big step with real backing. We believe Australia makes the best music, and we want to continue to support you.”

Applications close at 10 am AEDT this Saturday, November 15, so make sure you hop to it. Head to www.au.yamaha.com to learn more.

Photo credit: Alice Naish

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Streetlights Release Charming Rock Track, “What’s Your Name Again?”

If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, skip the coffee and press play on “What’s Your Name Again?” the bittersweet new single from Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock act Streetlights. It captures all the excitement of an instant infatuation with a stranger on public transport.

“You’re catching the bus and someone hops on and goes to sit directly across from you. You lock eyes and BAM! – you’ve fallen in love with a complete stranger, only for them to get off at the next stop,” recounted frontman John Toplis.

I’m new to Streetlights music, but I’m instantly hooked. Hopefully we hear more from them really soon.

Photo credit: Caleb Cameron – Argate Creative

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zara Haines Keeps it Real With “Common Ground”

Zara Haines is showing us her softer side with the release of her latest single, “Common Ground.” It’s a real change of pace from her previous high-energy song “It’s Chemical,” with cutting lyrics that directly address a cheating partner.

“This song is one I was so proud to write, and really shares my love of songwriting to the world,” Zara said. While the lyrics are superb, the vocals also impressed me. Zara isn’t afraid to be vulnerable here. You can hear the emotion behind every word she sings. The pop production is strong but a little stripped back to make sure you catch every line.

“Common Ground” comes from Zara’s forthcoming EP.

Image used with permission from Zara Haines

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Lovers” @ Theatre Royal, Eora/Sydney

After a strong season in Meeanjin/Brisbane, it’s safe to say that The Lovers has struggled to find its feet in Eora/Sydney. I snapped up tickets for a mere $48 during a sale. Despite the bargain prices, it’s still wrapping up early. I try to go into any production with an open mind, but I was nervous I may be disappointed. I needn’t have worried. This modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an absolute joy.

The Lovers is the brainchild of local creative Laura Murphy, who brought us The Dismissal and Zombie! The Musical. She streamlined Shakespeare’s original text, eliminating the play within a play and most of the fairies to focus on the love tangle of Hermia, Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius. It works so well, I’m sure Shakespeare would approve. Pieces of the Shakespearean text are cleverly interspersed with super catchy and original pop songs. Full of pop culture references and wit, they do a superb job of refreshing the original story.

Every member of this small cast was superb. We’d seen Mat Verevis in Beautiful and Stella Perry in the Rocky Horror Show, but they were eclipsed by actors in larger roles. With such a small ensemble, I saw them shine. Jayme-Lee Hanekom is such a light as Puck. Natalie Abbott was also absolutely radiant as Helena. Six alum Loren Hunter was also breathtaking. Nic Van Lits stepped in for Jason Arrow as Demetrius during our matinee. He may not be a big name like the Hamilton star, but he made the role his own and was every bit the equal of the cast regulars.

I’m not sure why The Lovers is struggling to find an audience in Eora/Sydney this time around. It’s funny, moving, a celebration of love and literature, a true pleasure. It’s everything I wanted it to be and so much more than I hoped for. Do not let the early closure put you off. This is such an exciting musical and one you really should see before it leaves the Theatre Royal on November 16.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Quarter Short Releases Sensational New Single, “Dreams Have Meaning”

Quarter Short, the musical alter-ego of Meeanjin/Brisbane-based artist Eloise McElroy, has wowed me with just her second solo single, “Dreams Have Meaning.” Fresh to all your favourite streaming services today, it’s a quirky alt-pop track about waking up feeling more restless than rested.

If Regina Spektor and Hayley Williams ever collaborated on a song, I imagine it might sound a little something like “Dreams Have Meaning.” It hooked me in from the first beats of its punchy drum track. Eloise’s vocals are ethereal and seemingly effortless. They keep up with rapid-fire lyrics in the verses with ease, yet soar on the chorus with just as much composure. “Dreams Have Meaning” is such a complex track with a melody that takes so many twists and turns. When the hits of so many mainstream pop artists feel predictable, it’s a joy to hear music like this that’s truly original.

As a word nerd, a song needs to do more than sound great to hold my attention. Eloise checks this box too with brilliant lyrics that challenge the idea that our dreams always hold some deeper meaning. She was inspired to write “the song”Dreams Have Meaning” after waking from an adrenaline-pumping and frankly perplexing dream starring iconic action hero Bruce Willis. “I was bamboozled with what the dream actually meant and, how are you supposed to work out its message?” she said.

“Dreams Have Meaning” is such an ambitious and impressive track, especially considering how early it comes in Quarter Short’s career. However, she’s had a little help along the way. Eloise credits Gabi Kochlani, formerly of Universal Music in Los Angeles, for helping her strengthen the song’s complex structure and believe in her songwriting skills. Cameron Bower, known for his work with Meeanjin/Brisbane rock acts Big Dead and milk buttons and local jazz ensemble Cowbird, put on his producer hat and helped it become the bold pop bop that it is today.

“Dreams Have Meaning” is the follow-up to Quarter Short’s first single, “It Keeps.” Both songs will feature on a five-track EP to be released in the coming months. If you want to hear more music from Quarter Short before then, you can catch her playing a free acoustic show with Topaz Rose and Shanleigh at Bardon Bowls Club tomorrow, November 8, between midday and 4 pm.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Neilson Drops Bold New Folk Single, “Fool’s Gold”

Tom Neilson reminds us that all that glitters isn’t gold with his fantastic new single “Fool’s Gold.” I was instantly struck by its lush sound. Folk music is dominated by stripped-back, acoustic tunes, so hearing a folk song featuring a trumpet and trombone is a real revelation.

While the music makes an instant impact, it’s the lyrics that have really stuck with me. Tom says “Fool’s Gold” is “A song about chasing what glitters, losing your way, and finding what truly matters.”

Tom will celebrate the release of “Fool’s Gold” by playing the Airlie Beach Festival of Music tonight. He’ll also play Bob’s Bar as part of Woodford Folk Festival on Sunday, 28 December and Thursday, 1 January. Tickets are available now through the Woodford Folk Festival website.

Image used with permission from Tom Neilson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Holly “Cookie” Baker and Ollie English Team Up For “The Winter”

In 2017, Holly “Cookie” Baker released “The Summer,” a gorgeous duet with Tim Rogers. Now eight years later she’s brought us an accidental sister song, “The Winter.” Holly and her new duet partner and longtime friend Ollie English bring this poignant song about self-realisation, heartbreak, and healing to life.

“I’d always come back to The Winter whilst working on other music, for years actually. I’d pick it up and sing only the chorus over and over, turning it around in my mind.” Cookie shared. “It’s a song about navigating the complex layers of dissatisfaction in a relationship—acknowledging the sadness, confronting the resignation, and yet still reaching for hope.”

“My introduction to The Winter was on this beautiful old piano at Cookie’s house; she played the song back to front and I instantly connected with it,” Ollie added. “She’s a wordsmith with really cool vocal phrasing, and a lot of the original ideas remained in the studio. My favourite element is the dynamics – from subtle whispers to roaring crescendos. It’s an honour to sing on this song.”

Cookie plans to squeeze in a few more shows before the year is through, so keep an eye on her website for all the dates as they’re announced.

Photo credit: Caroline Wall

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Free Freekin Weekends Events Back at The Factory

If your social calendar and wallet are looking a little lean and you live around Eora/Sydney, don’t despair. The Freekin Weekends concert series is back to make your summer a lot brighter. These totally free outdoor music events happen at The Factory courtyard between 1 pm and 7 pm every weekend through to March. You’ll even get a $5 bar credit if you RSVP via The Factory website!

“Freekin Weekends is about celebrating original live music in a way that’s open to everyone,” said The Factory’s booking agent, Braden Keating. “It’s a chance for the community to come together and support local artists, while enjoying great food, drinks and summer vibes in the courtyard.”

Freekin Weekends has an “all welcome” policy, so grab the kids, your pets, your parents, and your grandparents, and enjoy some fantastic tunes at The Factory this summer. This weekend D-TECH MC hosts The Elements of Tech and Bass on Saturday before TRILL SYDNEY brings the filthiest indie-sleaze revival to the courtyard on Sunday. And there’s plenty more where that came from. Head to The Factory website to learn all about the entertainment that Freekin Weekends has in store.

Image used with permission from Century

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PAXY Breaks the Mould With “The Fool”

Naarm/Melbourne alt-pop act PAXY recently dropped “The Fool,” a sassy new track that might just be her most daring yet. I’m not sure whether I appreciate its confessional lyrics or unique blues-pop sound more. The blend reminds me a lot of iconic female performers who bucked trends like Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse.

“This song isn’t about one relationship or situationship in particular,” PAXY explained. “It’s a post-mortem on my own role in the fallout, and a nod to the stories we all spin for ourselves and each other. I love dancing on that line, pointing the finger inward, not outward, and finding the comedy in my own chaos.”

I hear PAXY is already planning more single releases and some shows, so expect to hear a lot more from her in the coming months.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital