Author: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Continue Winning Streak With “Candy Mouth”

I’m rocking out this afternoon to “Candy Mouth,” the irresistible new single from Eora/Sydney pop-punk act SoSo. It’s ridiculously catchy with tongue-in-cheek lyrics about navigating the music industry.
“Candy Mouth” comes from SoSo’s forthcoming album So Much For Second Chances, which they’ve boldly predicted will hit number one. Given the quality of all the tracks I’ve heard so far, they might just be right.

“‘Candy Mouth’ was actually the last song we wrote before heading into the studio, and so it was a case of getting in there and working with Stevie to really make sure it slapped,” said SoSo’s frontman Rhys de Burgh. “Lyrically, it’s about that kinda ‘unknown’ of the music industry – trying to convince yourself that you’re doing something worthwhile that resonates with fans, all the while being overlooked by the industry. Watching a tonne of other acts get leg ups thanks to ‘knowing the right person’ can be a real kick in the teeth, having ‘friends’ in the scene suddenly drop all contact once you’re no longer useful and all that typical music industry stuff. So in the end, ‘Candy Mouth’ came to be this song kinda calling out and having a laugh at those people who’ve used their ‘Candy Mouth’ to climb the ladder of success, whilst dealing with some of the fun and frustration of trying to ‘make it’ whilst being overlooked.”

If you want to see a fairytale ending for these musical underdogs, pre-order So Much for Second Chances and help SoSo make their dreams of a number one album come true.

Photo credit: Petey Boy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rainbow Kitten Surprise Drop “Dang” Ahead of Headlining Shows & Ocean Alley Supports

I try to never judge a book by its cover, but occasionally I’m guilty of judging a musical act by their name. Listening to American act Rainbow Kitten Surprise today I was reminded why that can be a bad move. I expected them to be an over-the-top grating cutesy pop act, but they’re actually a really cool, genre-bending alternative act. I was hooked from the first listen of their latest single “Dang” which took me down a Spotify rabbit hole that I’m not in a hurry to get out of.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise have been earning rave reviews for their Thanks For Coming tour, which South Florida Insider called “a masterful display of live music—raw, unpredictable, and utterly unforgettable.” Aussies will get a chance to experience their on-stage energy when Rainbow Kitten Surprise play headlining shows and support Ocean Alley along the East Coast next year.

23 January 2026 – Forum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
24 January 2026 – Catani Gardens, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ocean Alley)
28 January 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 January 2026 – Brisbane Showgrounds, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ocean Alley)
31 January 2026 – The Domain, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ocean Alley)
1 February 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Shervin Lainez

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Swanee and Melinda Schneider Pair Up On “Should’ve Never Let You Go”

They just don’t make music like “Should’ve Never Let You Go” anymore. This duet from John “Swanee” Swan and Melinda Schneider has all the magic of a track from Tony Bennett or Frank Sinatra, but it’s actually a cover of a song Neil Sedaka released in 1980 with his daughter Dara. There’s a beautiful stillness about what they do here. The artists respect the melody and give the lyrics time to breathe. It doesn’t sound like anything people are releasing today, and that’s a big part of what makes it so special.

“Should’ve Never Let You Go” is one of the impressive collaborations featured on Swanee’s new album Believe. Fifteen of its 16 songs are collaborations with friends and family members including Jimmy Barnes, Alan and Mahalia Barnes, Diesel, Joe Camilleri, Dave Gleeson, Jack Jones, Colin Hay, Ian Moss, and so many more. Fourteen of its tracks are covers, and it’s fascinating hearing what they bring to such fantastic material.

“Believe is the supreme pizza of Australian rock and soul as it features my friends and family from my 50-year working career,” Swanee said. “This album is about resilience, redemption, and refusing to give up – in music, and in life. I called it Believe because that’s what it takes. Belief in yourself, in second chances, and in the power of a great song.”

While “Should’ve Never Let You Go” is on streaming services, you won’t find the Believe album there. Swanee’s gone old school. You can purchase your choice of CD or double vinyl directly from his website.

Image used with permission from Checked Label Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Harrison Embraces the Blues With “Peace With Me”

“Peace With Me,” the latest single from Tom Harrison, is the sort of music we don’t hear enough of. It’s a gritty blues-rock number that sounds like it comes from the Louisiana Delta rather than the land Down Under. Tom’s gravelly vocals are the perfect foil for the guitar riff that just won’t quit. If you appreciate music with some rough, raw edges, I know you’ll dig this one.

Tom wrote and recorded “Peace With Me” in his home studio, proving that you don’t need all the bells and whistles to make music that matters.

“Peace With Me” gives us our first taste of Tom’s debut album Blood on the Moon, which he’ll release later this year. If this track’s any indication, it’ll be a lot dirtier than the tender folk music he delivered on his Old Growth EP last year. Honestly though, I’m here for the evolution.

Image used with permission from Tom Harrison

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“coming to terms with it all” – PRETTY BLEAK

It’s so satisfying watching a band come of age. With the release of their sophomore EP an introduction to a theme last year, I noted that Naarm/Melbourne-based band PRETTY BLEAK had dropped “their most cohesive and compelling body of work to date.” They continue their upward trajectory with their latest offering, coming to terms with it all.

“The EP serves to explore the difficulty of navigating interpersonal relationships on a societal scale, from the perspective of people for whom these things are rarely easy,” explained frontman Sam Thomas. “It details reckoning with obligation, perception, self-interest, betrayal, introspection, and resignation or inevitability through the lens of our own personal experiences, whether those be triumphs or catastrophic failures.”

They’re some heavy themes, but PRETTY BLEAK balance them with optimistic melodies that are bound to put a smile on your face. The atmospheric sounds of EP opener “i.need2” naturally lead into the upbeat banger, “behere.4u.” With its big brassy horns, lush synths, and ridiculously catchy chorus, it’s so much fun. “how ironic” has a similar energy, but when the music is so enjoyable you want to stay in that space. It reminds me a little of the music The Band CAMINO is making these days, an easy blend of indie rock and electropop that has you on your feet and begging for more.

In “with your friends,” PRETTY BLEAK lean more into that electronic sound to great effect. It’s such a different vibe, but one that helps give this EP some dynamics. I enjoy it, but not as much as that high-octane sound of “something’s wrong with me.” This the kind of music that PRETTY BLEAK excels at, a bold sound that’s pure joy paired with angsty lyrics that connect so easily our own insecurities.

The closing number “you can be the river” is a breathtaking change of pace. A piano ballad at its core, it sounds like nothing else on this EP. Its poetic lyrics are authentically romantic, and its orchestration is so richly layered. Every time I hear it, I have to take a moment to stop and absorb it.

And then, once I’ve felt all the feelings, I hit play again, because coming to terms with it all is that kind of EP. One that encourages repeat listens because it’s so catchy and likeable. PRETTY BLEAK have honed the sound they pivoted towards in an introduction to a theme beautifully. They also wrote, produced, and mixed this EP, which shows just how much they want to take ownership of their music. It’s a bold decision for a band so early in their career, but one that’s paid off.

coming to terms with it all is out now. Catch PRETTY BLEAK play these songs and more live at the following shows:

15 August 2025 – The Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (EP launch)
23 August 2025 – The Burdekin Hotel, Eora/Sydney (supporting A Swift Farewell)

Photo credit: Tom Thomas

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sunny Luwe Spreads Sunshine With “Blue Skies”

The weekend is upon us so I figured it was time for some feel-good music. “Blue Skies,” the latest single from three-time QLD Music Award finalist Sunny Luwe, certainly fits the bill. An anthem for moving on from a bad place with positivity, it’s infectiously joyous. So whether you’re feeling those weekend vibes or need a pick-me-up, I know this one will have you smiling.

Sunny said that “Blues Skies” was inspired by the burnout she felt after releasing her debut album.
“I realised I had started chasing external gratification from likes, streams, validation, rather than staying connected to why I create music in the first place,” she explained.

“Blues Skies” comes from Sunny’s next album Feeling Good, which we’ll hear on October 10. She’s got plenty of free gigs coming up which might just give you a chance to hear some more new material. Catch her at the following venues this month.

8 August 2025 – Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Byron Bay (from 8 pm)
9 August 2025 – Distillery Road Market, Yuggera Country/Eagleby (from 6 pm)
10 August 2025 – QPAC for Clancestry, Meeanjin/Brisbane (from 5 pm – with Keely and Birren)
17 August 2025 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (from 3 pm – with Hazel Mei)
24 August 2025 – Chevron Island Street Party, Kurrungul/Surfers Paradise (from 2 pm)

Photo credit: Alisha Todd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ALEIA Gets Vulnerable With “Pretty When I Cry”

ALEIA’s got me right in the feels with her beautiful new single “Pretty When I Cry.” It’s a heartbreaking indie folk/pop ballad about being in the wrong relationship. Don’t be surprised if you get a bit choked up listening to ALEIA’s confessional lyrics and heartfelt vocals.

“’Pretty When I Cry’ was written about the desperation of clinging to the belief someone has your best interests at heart when they don’t,” she said. “When you have tell yourself a lie until you trust it as the truth, even when all the sign suggest otherwise.”

ALEIA’s impressed me with two cracking singles this year, and I hear she’s not done yet. Follow her on the socials to learn more about the musical she’ll release in the coming months.

Photo credit: EDIE

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joel Andrew B Releases Indie-Folk Charmer, “Something Between You and I”

Joel Andrew B has given me goosebumps with his new solo single, “Something Between You and I.” It’s just the sort of acoustic folk that I love when it’s done right. I give that caveat, because when you don’t have the heart that Joel Andrew B delivers this type of music can easily become sleepy. No one is nodding off listening to this one though!

This is such a departure from the music Joel makes as part of his band, Sixth Avenue. While they’re an emo punk outfit, Joel’s solo material is optimistic and a little more chilled. But what’s the point of going solo if you’re just going to make the same kind of music, right? I love this direction for him and can’t wait to hear more.

Photo credit: Robin Bottrell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Long Sunset Hits Queensland This October

We might be shivering through winter now, but festival season will be here before you know it. One of the first cabs off the rank is The Long Sunset, whose bumper 2025 line-up features Boy & Bear, Gretta Ray, Vera Blue, The Buoys, Jem Cassar-Daley, and heaps more.

The music is the key drawcard, but there’s plenty more to recommend. Think the very best local food, all-ages entertainment, and sweet golden hour vibes.

The Long Sunset hits Ugarapul Country/Boonah in the Scenic Rim from October 31 to November 2. It’s just over an hour from Meeanjin/Brisbane and Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast, so it’s ideal for day trips. However, I recommend making a weekend of it and soaking up the atmosphere at the on-site campground. Tickets are on sale now from QLD Music Trails.

Photo credit: Justin Higuchi @ Wikimedia Commons

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

In Good Hands Release Powerful New Single “Integrity”

Dharug Country/North-Western Sydney band In Good Hands put their heart and soul into their latest indie rock single “Integrity.” You can really hear the emotion in Jack Kenyon’s vocals, which add gravity to the introspective lyrics.

“Integrity is a song about questioning whether or not the decisions you are making at any one time are in line with the morals that you were taught as a child and by other people you respect,” the band explained. “It’s a song about checking yourself, and letting your actions speak rather than your words.”

In Good Hands will officially launch “Integrity” with a hometown show at The Chippo Hotel on August 9. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Abbey Gardner