Category: News

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

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

Save Big With Ticketek’s Black Friday Sale

If you’re anything like me, concerts take up a big chunk of your income. I relate hard to all those memes that go around insisting “I’m not rich because I go to a lot of concerts; just irresponsible.” Even when I vow to save money, it doesn’t take long before a new tour announcement makes me cave. And there is always, always at least one show on my Afterpay account.

I’ve figured out that resistance is futile. The best I can hope for is a great deal. So in that spirit, I wanted to let you know about some of Ticketek’s amazing Black Friday deals because sharing (or enabling) is caring, right?

Full disclosure, I earn a small commission on any of these offers you take up, but I promise it all goes back into funding more concerts which gives you more to read about here. So everybody wins! Some of the highlights of Ticketek’s Black Friday sale include:

You can check out all the Black Friday offers at Ticketek here.

Photo credit: Pexels @ Pixabay

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

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

Selve Breaks the Mould With “Loki Horror Picture Show”

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast outfit Selve are doing things differently with their latest single “Loki Horror Picture Show.” It’s a campy blend of post-punk, new wave, and indie-pop which namechecks the band’s fabulous frontman, proud Jabirr Jabirr man Loki Liddle. The film clip’s brilliant, but give it a miss if you’re triggered by gun violence.

The band explained that this song examines “the cult of celebrity, the society of the spectacle, and the strange fetishisation of our wildest dreams that we all criticise while still marching on towards them.” It’s also a stone-cold banger.

Selve say “Loki Horror Picture Show” is “the most fun song” on their upcoming album Breaking Into Heaven, which drops on September 12. Before its release, Selve will build anticipation with a show at HOTA with the Australian Session Orchestra, proudly presented by BLEACH* and Experience Gold Coast. There’ll be lasers, immersive visuals featuring First Nations dance company Karul Projects, and stacks more. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind hometown show are on sale now.

Photo credit: James Caswell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

POLLY Releases Defiant New Single, “B.I.T.E Me”

It’s midweek, and I wouldn’t blame you if you’re feeling a little frustrated by some stuff that’s already happened, and the thought that Saturday is still so far away that you’ll probably face a few more challenges before this week’s through. All of that calls for some angsty music. Naarm/Melbourne-based queer artist POLLY delivers it with her latest single “B.I.T.E Me.” POLLY wrote this song to process her heartache after a breakup, but its angsty vocals and lyrics are ideal for sorting through any kind of issues.

“This song really helped the angry, fuck you part of me heal,” she said. “I hope people bop along to this song and also heal some trauma along the way.”

“B.I.T.E Me” comes from POLLY’s EP Daddy Issues, which drops on July 18.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Lucas Releases Sublime Folk Single, “The Atlantic”

Canadian-born, Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Laura Lucas has gotten under my skin with her beautiful new single “The Atlantic.” It’s a gentle folky slow burner that wraps its way around you and doesn’t let go. Give yourself a moment to really listen and let it work its magic.

“This really is a song for my inner child,” she shared. “I found so much healing in writing the lyric ‘I was a kid.’ It’s a simple phrase, but it flicked a switch in my brain and helped me release a lot of misplaced shame.”

“The Atlantic” comes from Laura’s debut album There’s a Place I Go, which we’ll hear on November 14.

Photo credit: Carly Boomer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Lamont Off to Nashville After Scholarship Win

Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga-based country artist Nathan Lamont has taken out this year’s CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Scholarship. The prize will see Nathan jetting off to the United States this September to represent the nation at Americanafest. While he’s in Nashville, Nathan will connect with leading songwriters, producers, and other industry figures.

“It means so much to me,” he said. “I feel a sense of obligation and responsibility to really give it everything — not just for myself, but to show what’s possible for others. I’m incredibly humbled. I don’t take it lightly. I realise just how massive and amazing this is. I’ve only been to Nashville once before – just one night on a holiday with my wife – and tried to soak up everything I could. Now I get to go back and actually do what I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

A proud Wurudjeri man, Nathan also added “I’m privileged to be the first black fella to go over as part of this scholarship. If I can inspire a young emerging First Nations artist to follow my journey, that would be the best thing to come out of this.”

Nathan’s plans for songwriting, attending workshops, and building on his existing connections with Aussie expats will no doubt help him edge closer towards completing his debut album.

“I’ve released single after single, but ticking off that album box is going to be a lifelong achievement for me. The money I was saving for this trip can now go into recording.”

I’m wishing Nathan all the best for his upcoming trip. Aussies still have a few more opportunities to see him perform before he leaves. He’ll also play Heartbeat of the Hunter on his return. Catch Nathan Lamont at the following shows:

16 May 2025 – Kickin’ Country @ Panthers, Mooroo Murak/Penrith
17 May 2025 – Country Music Raceday @ Kembla Grange Races, Dharawal Country/Kembla
28-31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Gimpi-Gimpi/Gympie
27 September 2025 – Heartbeat of the Hunter @ Tocal Agricultural College, Yimmang/Paterson

Image used with permission from CMAA Academy of Country Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merpire Releases Sensual New Single, “Bigger”

Merpire has dropped a delicious taste of her new album with the release of her new single “Bigger.” It feels like a natural evolution for this artist who won me over with her music pre-pandemic. The vulnerable lyrics I’ve always loved are there, but the music’s a little darker, grungier, and yes, “bigger.”

Merpire says “Bigger” is “The most exciting song on the record for me.” The track features an assortment of talented musicians, but Merpire singled out the contribution of James Dring, who played electric guitars, bass, drums, beats, and percussion.

“I was mesmerised watching [Dring] find and manipulate sounds to add to the song,” she said. “One of those moments where I felt I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I gave him complete freedom to do whatever he wanted production-wise with the 3 stems I gave him – my vocal, the guitar chords and the main guitar riff, then we went to his studio to finish off the vocals. I was in love with the first thing he sent back. He nailed the dark, sexy, sinister mood. I couldn’t be happier with the result.”

“Bigger” comes from Merpire’s forthcoming album Milk Pool, which drops on July 4. Click here to pre-order a black vinyl version.

Photo credit: Rick Clifford