Didirri is one of those rare Aussie artists that seems to do no wrong. If you instantly warm to everything he releases like me, I know you’ll fall hard for his new double A-side single, “A Kind of Moving On/Don’t Talk.” These songs work as beautiful companion pieces, both authentically raw with powerful words exploring generational resilience and personal growth.
“I explore the delicate threads that connect generations through the lens of my grandmother’s journey across continents. These songs weave together the anxiety of major life transitions with the echoes of her migration story,” Didirri explained. “As I grappled with my own fears of change, I found myself drawing parallel lines to her courage – leaving everything familiar behind for an uncertain future. They move between intimate personal reflections and broader themes of inherited resilience. I am attempting to honour both the weight of significant change and the strength it takes to embrace it.”
Didirri and his partner Rowena Wise are currently touring Canada, but they’ll be back on home soil very soon for a string of Australian shows. Catch them anywhere you can.
Longtime readers will know that while I’m passionate about all kinds of music and performers, no artist thrills me like Rob Thomas. Whether he’s solo or fronting Matchbox Twenty, he moves me like no one else. His songs have soundtracked my life from my angsty mid-teens to my relatively calmer married years, and I’m so grateful for them. I see at least two shows each tour because anything more than one feels like a bonus and I can keep those post-tour blues at bay. Right now I’m performing that delicate balancing act of extending the buzz as long as I can while rejoining the “Real World.”
While local country act Fanny Lumsden wasn’t the most natural choice of opener for a pop-rock show, she quickly won over the audience with her infectious energy and catchy songs. She led the crowd in line dances and choreographed hand movements. Seeing the sea of people in the general admission section mimicking her movements in time with these songs they likely weren’t familiar with really brought a smile to my face. So did Fanny’s brother Thomas, who may be one of the most entertaining backup vocalists I’ve ever seen. Watching the siblings dancing around together, lapping up their first-ever shows at the Enmore, was really special.
Rob’s visiting Australia to promote his new album All Night Days, but I’ll use the term promote loosely. Just four songs from the album made the set on my first show, but that was pared back to three on Rob’s final night in Sydney. He opened with the explosive “I Believe It,” which really comes alive on the stage but then preferred to play with more familiar material. It’s a wise move, guaranteed to win over an audience, but as a diehard fan who’s seen multiple shows during his career I would have loved to hear more of that fabulous fresh material.
I will say, that’s my only criticism of these shows and it’s a minor niggle outweighed by all that was overwhelmingly positive. Now that Rob has five regular solo albums and just as many Matchbox releases under his belt, he has a rich discography that allows him to mix up the sets. What a joy for the ardent fans like myself who attend multiple shows! He wasn’t afraid to deliver deep cuts either. “Not Just a Woman,” a bonus track on a limited-edition version of …Something to Be, made its unexpected Australian debut. “Rest Stop,” which I’m not even sure I’ve heard Matchbox perform, let alone Rob solo also got a beautiful acoustic treatment. These gems for the faithful were sprinkled into the set, sitting easily alongside singalong favourites like “Lonely No More,” “3 AM,” and “Smooth.” Listening to the voices, looking around at the faces in the crowd, you can see that these songs matter. For me personally, watching Rob play tracks like “Mockingbird” and “Can’t Help Me Now,” which mean so much to me and my husband, while we sit close and take in every lyric, is pure magic.
The songs are at the heart of what Rob does. There were no big screen projections, no pyrotechnics, no flash. Rob doesn’t need the bells and whistles because he is so magnetic. His banter always feels natural, his joy at playing for audiences in one of his favourite countries evident. I’m also not quite sure how he’s becoming more energetic on stage when his peers are slowing down, but I witnessed two electric performances back-to-back. He also surrounds himself with a fantastic band. While the sound crew at the Enmore didn’t always do them justice with the mix, they really are some of the best in the biz. After several tours with Rob, drummer Abe Fogle, bassist Al Carty, and keyboardist/guitarist Matt Beck are familiar faces to fans. While they all play their parts well, I was most impressed by Rob’s son Maison Thomas-Eudy. He has big shoes to fill as lead guitarist, especially when it’s time for “Smooth,” but he has all the attitude and chops of a rock star. This is no nepo hire; “The Kid” has the goods.
I am so glad that I saw two shows. During the first, I was overwhelmed with the gravity of seeing my favourite artist. There were tears. It was incredible, but I’m not sure I took everything in as much as I did on night two. I was steadier, but every bit as grateful to be in the room with Rob. Thankfully I won’t have to wait too long for his return, as he assured us he’s already planning to bring Matchbox Twenty back in 2027. Until then, I’m just going to ride this wave for as long as I can. Meeanjin/Brisbane, you get the last show of this tour. It’s at Sandstone Point Hotel on November 8. If you don’t already have tickets, general admission passes are still available through Ticketek.
On a Hump Day that’s feeling more challenging than most, Fool Nelson’sBad Dreams EP is delivering the sonic shot in the arm I need. If you’re struggling this morning or you just want to enjoy some stellar indie-rock music, take a listen.
The title track is an explosive opener which sets the tone for the rest of this six-track EP. The music is relentless, with a furious energy which almost seems at odds with Tom Broadbent’s easy vocals. I’m not sure why the unlikely blend works, but it does.
Fool Nelson barely takes their foot off the accelerator. The brief atmospheric “Interlude” gives listeners a little time to catch their breath before the energy amps up again with “Forget It” and “Big Shot.” This is big stadium rock music made all the more impressive when you realise it’s created by a trio. I’m not quite sure how three people achieve such a massive sound, but I’m so glad they do. By the time the final note of the closer “Don’t Feel Right” faded away I was invigorated, and so ready to listen again. It’s that kind of EP.
Bad Dreams is out now. Fool Nelson are currently playing shows around the country to support its release. They’ll also head to the United Kingdom and Europe next May, so stay tuned for those dates if you’re living abroad. It’s only a matter of time before they graduate to large venues befitting their massive sound, so take the opportunity to enjoy them in these intimate settings while you still can.
Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley alt-country artist Trinity Woodhouse has floored me with her beautiful new single “Pills.” It’s an honest exploration of Trinity’s mental health journey that I know many Aussies will relate to.
“’Pills’ is one of the most vulnerable songs I’ve ever written,” she admitted. “It’s been so helpful to me in my journey towards accepting the place that I’m at with my mental health, and everything I’ve gone through to get to where I am. Mental health isn’t something that’s discussed anywhere near enough, and if one person can listen to my song, relate, and know that someone else is going through that experience with them, then I’ve done my job. That’s the goal for this song.”
Trinity has a busy November in store with plenty of gigs around New South Wales. Catch her at all the following venues:
7 November 2025 – Club Maitland City, Mindaribba/Maitland (from 7:30 pm – FREE) 8 November 2025 – Glendale Markets, Awabakal Country/Glendale (from 10 am – FREE) 9 November 2025 – Sydney Junction Hotel, Ahwartah-bulboongba/Hamilton (from midday – FREE) 14 November 2025 – Newcastle Airport, Murrook/Williamtown (from 2:30 pm – FREE) 16 November 2025 – Warners Bay Hotel, Biddaba/Warners Bay (from 2 pm – FREE) 22 November 2025 – Hotel Jesmond, Awabakal Country/Jesmond (from 8:30 pm – FREE) 23 November 2025 – Bellbird Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Bellbird (from 1 pm – FREE) 25 November 2025 – Kent Hotel, Ahwartah-bulboongba/Hamilton (from 9 pm – FREE) 29 November 2025 – Rydges Newcastle, Mulubinba/Newcastle (from 3 pm – FREE) 30 November 2025 – Huntlee Tavern, Wonnarua Country/Branxton (from 1 pm – FREE)
If Trinity’s song has resonated with you and you think you need some mental health assistance, help is available on the following numbers: Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
Pacific Avenue have taken their sound up a gear with their latest single “Working Class Hero.” With more intensity than their usual beachy fare, this is a proper indie rock anthem. Press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy this one.
“‘Working Class Hero’ serves as a tribute to our hometowns of Kiama and Gerringong (Wodi Wodi Country), and the hardworking people who keep them alive,” the band explained. “Growing up in small regional towns, we were shaped by a tight community where loyalty and perseverance ran deep. As we pursued music, moving away from home brought a sense of guilt—leaving behind family and friends. The song’s verses reflect the nostalgia of growing up with a close friend and the joys of small-town life, while the chorus explores the regret and longing of wondering if we’d made the right choice to leave. While we love being on the road and touring, part of us misses the integrity of actively contributing to a community. We aim to convey the heroism that often goes unnoticed, and hope this leaves viewers with a renewed appreciation for their own communities.”
“Working Class Hero” delivers our first taste of Pacific Avenue’s sophomore album, which should drop early next year.
Marshall Hamburger is one of my favourite Australian Idol contestants from recent years. As a child of the ‘80s, I loved his passion for the music of my youth and the joy that emanated from every one of his performances. But when he won the title I wondered, what comes next? I’m sure he could make a career from playing covers, but I hoped he might step out as an artist in his own right. So I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around his debut single, “Thought of You.” It’s got that cool retro-pop vibe but with some modern flair I know you’ll love.
“Have you ever met that person who just by thinking about them changed your whole mood? That’s what this song is about,” said Marshall, who also wrote “Thought of You.” Yes, this isn’t one of those pop songs that come from a corporate machine. Marshall is showcasing some real creative depth and that’s another big tick.
Could Marshall be one of those Australian Idol success stories who has a career long after the show is over? God I hope so, because I love what he’s doing.
After a few gloomy cold days, I’m happy to see some sunshine in my part of Australia in time for the weekend. It’s the perfect weather for hitting the beach, and the perfect time to blast “Change,” the latest single from Woolyungah/Wollongong quartet Cheeky Leash. It’s got such a fun, upbeat vibe, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll realise it’s a little deeper than you might think.
“The song ‘Change’ is rooted in the cost-of-living crisis and reflects how society has become so focused on getting ahead that we’ve lost a sense of connection with each other,” the band explained. “It’s a metaphor for transformation whether that’s personal growth, the evolving world, or even the band’s own musical development. There’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age film feel to the track and lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. Lines like ‘Still searching for change…’ play on the dual meanings of spare money and a deeper desire for societal change, making it resonate differently depending on the listener’s own experiences.”
Cheeky Leash will celebrate the release of “Change” with a whole stack of shows this November and December, including headlining performances and concerts supporting South Summit. Expect plenty of good vibes at the following gigs.
There’s a certain magic that happens when blood relatives make music together. We often hear it when siblings collaborate, but partnerships between parents and their offspring are much rarer and potentially more interesting. With natural chemistry and a shared love of music, Roosta and his son Tim Roose deliver their exciting new EP Rollin’ Stone.
Although he’s much younger, Tim Roose has more recording experience under his belt after releasing his debut EP Polarity just a few months ago. At 59 years young, Rollin’ Stone is Roosta’s first EP but you would know it to listen to him. His voice has a seasoned quality that reflects his life experience. Roosta also wrote every song on the EP, so there’s an authenticity to his delivery that only comes when an artist shares their story. Tim Roose is more than just a supporting player though. His incredible guitar skills elevate every song on Rollin’ Stone. Each one gives Tim the space to really showcase his talents with impressive solos and prominent riffs.
I was instantly captivated by the opening track “Bitumen to Gravel.” With guest vocals from Chelsea J Gibson, this blues-rock number has an irresistible deep groove. Much like the proverbial rolling stone, this EP refuses to stay in just one place. There’s a little country in the stripped back “Down by the Riverbed,” a little psychedelic rock with “Deadwood,” even a little soul and gospel in the final track “I’ll Be Gone.” With Chelsea making her return, it’s the ideal closer for this eclectic, yet satisfying EP.
Rollin’ Stone is out now. Take a listen on your favourite streaming service.
Following a year of soul-searching, Eora/Sydney artist jnr. is back with some of the best music of his career. His fantastic new single “I guess it’s fine” comes from jnr.’s long-awaited debut EP. This song sets the foundation for that release by tackling themes of race, generational trauma, and developing a sense of self that jnr. was keen to explore with his new music.
“I had this moment of self-discovery where I realised I didn’t really know who I was. Being a mixed kid is tough because you never really see yourself in other people and I had always pushed to the back of my mind how this made it quite difficult to fit in growing up,” jnr. explained. “This concept accidentally bled into the music as I was in the thick of realising it all”
It’s been some time since we’ve heard new solo music from jnr. but he’s been far from idle. He wrote his debut EP during a two-week residency in France. He also helped produce music for ages like Daphnie, Hevenshe, and RAGEFLOWER, and joined the band FVNERAL. All of that creative and self-exploration has led him here, to the point where he’s ushering in a new chapter for his solo music which seems incredibly bright.
I seem to be all about the calming music at the moment. I’m sure something with angst will inspire me soon, but when so many artists are releasing beautiful, gentle tracks I’m just going to roll with it. If you’re feeling the folky vibes, make sure you listen to KYARNA’s latest single “Forest Song.”
KYARNA wrote this song after spending time in Champagne, France for an artist’s residency. During her time abroad, she connected with fellow creatives who she says “quickly became part of my soul. We all spent a lot of time walking through the forest along the river, and every day I would sit with my feet in the freezing water and talk to the trees (as I do). At the time, I was grieving so deeply, I was trying to find meaning in anything I could, and I had this realisation that no matter where I go, Country holds me. I don’t have anything particularly profound to say about this next love letter, except that I hope you hear what Country is saying to all of us.”
KYARNA is about to tour the country with Liz Stringer. When that wraps up, she’ll play some of the country’s top folk festivals. If you’re attending one of these events, make sure you don’t miss her set:
