Category: Album Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy Drops Live Hoopla EP Ahead of Local Shows

Jessica Mauboy has just released a timely reminder of just what a firecracker she is on stage. Her latest digital EP Live at Mighty Hoopla Sydney features performances of four fan favourites captured at the massive LGBTQIA+ festival earlier this year.

“Mighty Hoopla was honestly one of the most fun and uplifting crowds I’ve ever played to,” Jessica said. “There was just so much love, freedom and happiness in the air, everyone completely letting go and living in the moment through music. We recorded the performance, and listening back afterwards, I kept feeling that same energy and connection. I really wanted to release this EP to capture that feeling and bottle up that moment so fans could experience it with me too.”

Jessica will be back on stages soon on her Story of Me tour. These intimate shows see Jess reflecting on her career through music and candid stories. These shows offer a much more personal experience than your typical gigs, so make sure you don’t miss them.

1 August 2026 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
5 September 2026 – Odean, Nipaluna/Hobart
3 October 2026 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngambri/Canberra
30 October 2026 – Geelong Arts Centre, Wadawurrung/Geelong
14 November 2026 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Bronwyn Tasker PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kevin Mitchell Celebrates 20 Years of Bob Evans’ “Suburban Songbook”

It’s hard to believe that Bob Evans’ Suburban Songbook turns 20 this year. Kevin Mitchell will celebrate the milestone by releasing a new anniversary edition of the album and playing it in full at intimate shows all around the country.

The news encouraged me to revisit Suburban Songbook. I’d honestly forgotten how good it is, full of understated gems delivered with such sincerity. The new edition, available digitally and on a limited edition “gold nugget” vinyl, features all of the studio tracks plus a stack of home demos including several songs you’ve never heard before.

“When I think back to going to Nashville in 2005 to make the record and the whole two years that followed the album’s release, it does feel like a whole other life almost,” Kevin said. “I was coming fresh out of 10 years with Jebediah and even though I had been working on the Bob Evans thing for a while, it was always a side project that was never very serious. But with Suburban Songbook things were getting much more serious, both creatively and professionally. I guess when I think back to that time, I see a someone who is still a kid but not for very much longer. It was very much a transitional time of my life. I feel way older now!”

The 20th anniversary edition of Suburban Songbook drops on September 4. You can preorder your copy now, either on its own or when you’re purchasing tickets to one of the upcoming shows. The anniversary tour kicks off in Kevin’s hometown of Boorloo/Perth the following day before hitting other capital cities around the country.

“I’m really excited to revisit this album and all the songs that kind of fell off the setlist over the years,” shares Bob. “For example, a song like “Don’t Walk Alone” is one that I barely ever played again once the album tour had finished but it is one of my favourite songs on the album. It’s just one that doesn’t translate well solo. I’ve assembled a really wonderful group of players for this tour and so recreating the album with a full band will be awesome. I’m also excited to see how the record still resonates with people after so long.”

Tickets for all the following shows, including the ticket and vinyl bundles, are available now via the links:

5 September 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
16 October 2026 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
22 October 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
23 October 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 October 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Sophie Howarth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Budjerah Gears Up For Gentleman Release With “Could I Be”

I’m not sure when Budjerah got so smooth, but I’m absolutely vibing his confident new soul releases. His latest is “Could I Be,” a Bruno Mars-esque number from his forthcoming debut album, Gentleman.

“Gentleman is my debut album and it’s inspired by who I wanted to be when I was growing up,” Budjerah said. “This album was almost a four-year process for me. Between my life at home and life on the road, I experienced so much change and growth. Chasing my dreams I faced new challenges which helped me understand who I wanted to be. Every song on this album holds a piece of me. I hope little Budjerah is proud.”

We can feast our ears on more new Budjerah material when his debut album Gentleman drops on July 24. Expect to hear many of those new tunes and all your old favourites at the following upcoming Budjerah shows:

14 June 2026 – OneSydney @ Sydney Opera House, Eora/Sydney
10 July 2026 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
18 July 2026 – Wisely Wine and Food Day @ Queens Park, Yuwi/Mackay (FREE)

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Alex Lahey Celebrates 10 Years of B-Grade University With Reunion Edition Feat. Tegan and Sara

Alex Lahey is marking 10 years since the release of her debut EP by revisiting the songs that put her on the musical map. On July 17, she’ll release B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), featuring reimagined versions of the original tracks.

“I am not exaggerating when I say this EP completely changed my life,” Alex said. “These songs found their place in the world in a way I could have never fathomed and have forged a life of their own over the last decade. They’ve taken me to corners of the world I could only have dreamed of seeing, let alone playing music in, given me the privilege of meeting so many people who have found their own stories in the songs and they have enabled me to keep making the next thing. I feel indebted to all of these songs and treat them with extra care and love whenever I play them live.”

One of the standouts from the new EP is likely to be Alex’s re-recorded version of “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me” featuring Tegan and Sara.

In a shared statement, Tegan and Sara said, “The first time I heard Alex Lahey, I remember thinking, oh—this is the artist I wish I was, but don’t quite have the lungs to pull off being. When we toured together ten years ago, I realized she wasn’t just a great songwriter and performer—she’s also weird and very funny, which somehow makes her even more of a powerhouse. Going from watching her sing ‘You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me’ from side stage to singing on it for the B-Grade University ten-year re-release feels like a full-circle moment. If you don’t know Alex yet, congratulations—you’re about to have a new favorite. Just remember we knew her first.”

While B-Grade University (Reunion Edition) will be all over streaming, if you’re a serious fan you’ll want the limited-edition vinyl version available for pre-order right now. American fans will also get to see Alex touring this EP at the following shows:

16 July 2026 – Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco
17 July 2026 – Permanent Records, Los Angeles
18 July 2026 – Soda Bar, San Diego
21 July 2026 – 7th St. Entry, Minneapolis
22 July 2026 – Schubas, Chicago
23 July 2026 – Nightclub 101, New York
25 July 2026 – Songbyrd, Washington, DC
26 July 2026 – Middle East (Upstairs), Boston

Photo credit: Seannie Bryan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bachelor Girl Release”Treat Me Good” With Jess Mauboy Ahead of Reimagined Album

Bachelor Girl are breathing new life into their breakthrough debut album Waiting for the Day with the upcoming release of Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions. Set for a June release, it’ll feature fresh takes on all the songs you know and love from that album featuring a who’s who of Aussie talent.

“We (somewhat audaciously!) began to ask some of our favourite Aussie artists and friends if they would lend their voices and/or instrument to our bucket list project,” explained Bachelor Girl’s frontwoman, Tania Doko. “What started with one, became 13 artists on this 15 track Redux album, and we could not be more chuffed they enthusiastically said yes.”

We get a little taste of what’s in store with this reimagined version of “Treat Me Good” featuring Jessica Mauboy. It’s a little poppier than the original, but Jess’s voice sounds fabulous on the track. And if it introduces this song to a new generation, so much the better!

After Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions drops, Bachelor Girl will hit the road and play a few intimate shows. Expect stacks of singalong moments at the following gigs:

8 August 2026 – Brunswick Ballroom, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (18+)
23 August 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
28 August 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (18+)
4 September 2026 – Cube 37 @ Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston (ALL AGES – u15s with adult)
18 October 2026 – Factory Theatre, Bulanaming/Marrickville (18+)

Photo credit: Jess Macc

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Admired Release Emo-Pop Gem “Fame&Money”

Eora/Sydney duo The Admired are coming at you with a nostalgic new emo-pop banger, “Fame&Money.” Its 2000s vibes should get you bopping in your seat, if you can resist taking a full dance break! It’s less than two and a half minutes of musical goodness.

Frontwoman Bianca Davino said “Fame&Money” is “the spark that really kicked off our direction for The Admired,” so if you’re not already on board with their music it’s a great introduction.

Bianca and guitarist Max Jacobson did some serious heavy lifting here, writing, performing, producing, and engineering the track in their home studio. Nat Sherwood (BESTIES, Stand Atlantic, Yours Truly) took care of mastering duties.

“Fame&Money” is the last of three tracks that make up The Admired’s mini-EP, appropriately titled 3 songs. They plan to build on their sound and record a new EP this year.

Photo credit: Stephanie McGwinn

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pierce Brothers Gearing Up For International and Aussie Moonrise Shows

Pierce Brothers are really some of Australia’s quiet achievers. Every album they release is so solid, with back-to-back alt-folk bangers. They hit the top of the charts, but there’s never a lot of fanfare leading up to the releases and ARIA and the other awards bodies never seem to acknowledge the work. Radio doesn’t play them. They perform across Europe, the United Kingdom, North and South America, and Australia, but most people I speak to don’t know them. If you’re yet to discover Pierce Brothers, might I suggest pressing play on their latest album, Moonrise? It’s so fantastic. It’s the band’s fourth studio album, so once you’re hooked there’s plenty to explore.

“I’m so stoked to have this album out in the world!” Jacks said about the recent release of Moonrise. “We worked hard all year in between heavy touring to get this over the line, and it was a monumental effort from everyone involved! Some of the tracks on this album are some of the proudest I’ve been in songwriting, storytelling and production! … And some of those tracks absolutely go off live! Can’t wait to touring them globally in 2026!”

Pierce Brothers are currently playing shows in Europe and the United Kingdom, but they’ll be back on Aussie shores this March for some festivals and headlining shows. The siblings are known for their engaging high-energy sets, and after so long on the road they’re bound to be in fine form. Wherever you are, don’t go sleeping on this one. I am kicking myself for making holiday plans when they’re in my part of the country, but I don’t want you to miss out! Tickets for all shows are available now from the links.

27 January 2026 – Saint Luke’s, Glasgow
28 January 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
29 January 2026 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
31 January 2026 – The Garage, London
1 February 2026 – The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham
3 February 2026 – Thekla, Bristol
5 February 2026 – Le POPUP du Label, Paris
6 February 2026 – Helios 37, Cologne
7 February 2026 – Hebebuhne, Hamburg
8 February 2026 – Lark, Berlin
10 February 2026 – De Oosterpoort, Groningen
12 February 2026 – Rotown, Rotterdam
13 February 2026 – Paradiso Noord, Amsterdam
14 February 2026 – Doornroosje, Nijmegen
7 March 2026 – Port Fairy Folk Festival @ Southcombe Park, Gunditjmara Country/Port Fairy
12 March 2026 – King Street Warehouse, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 March 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
19 March 2026 – The Ed Castle, Tarntanya/Adelaide
20 March 2026 – The Setts, Latje Latje Country/Mildura
21 March 2026 – Wide Open Spaces Festival @ Beulah Recreation Reserve, Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia, and Jupagalk Country/Beulah
3 April 2026 – Byron Bay Bluesfest @ Byron Events Farm, Arakwal Country/Tyagarah
10 April 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
11 April 2026 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
18 April 2026 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
1 May 2026 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
14 May 2026 – Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain
15 May 2026 – Finnian’s Irish Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Show Sensitive Side With “Here We Go Again”

Pacific Avenue are wearing their hearts on their sleeve with their sophomore studio album Lovesick Sentimental. Their new single “Here We Go Again” sets the tone with its emotionally honest lyrics.

“The new single ‘Here We Go Again’ is a song about holding onto love, through the good times and the hard throughout a relationship, it’s finding the small things that make you continue to fall for that person,” frontman Harry O’Brien explained. “The song reads like a first-person recount; however, moments of the lyrics are meant to shift perspectives, ‘I almost forgot what you did’ is meant aimed back towards me, in times when I was hard to love.”

Pacific Avenue will release Lovesick Sentimental on March 6 and waste no time getting back on stages. They’ll kick off their Aussie tour the same day in Boorloo/Perth before hitting most Aussie capitals followed by shows in Europe and the United Kingdom.

6 March 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
7 March 2026 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 March 2026 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2026 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2026 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 March 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 April 2026 – POPUP!, Paris
4 April 2026 – MTC Club, Koln
5 April 2026 – Badehaus, Berlin
7 April 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
9 April 2026 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
10 April 2026 – The Louisiana, Bristol
11 April 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
13 April 2026 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
14 April 2026 – O2 Institute, Birmingham
16 April 2026 – The Dead Famous Late Night Liquor Lounge, Newquay
17 April 2026 – The Garage, London

Image used with permission from Varrasso PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Help SoSo Score ARIA Number One

This Friday, SoSo will release their long-awaited debut album So Much For Second Chances. Honestly, I can’t remember being so invested in an album launch in forever. This Eora/Sydney pop-punk act are creating some fantastic music, but there’s a little more to my excitement than that. This independent band is taking on the big guys and hoping to secure an ARIA # 1. It’s an ambitious plan for a little band, but if they pull it off they hope it’ll open doors and let them focus on their music full-time.

I’ve always been behind this band, and that’s not just lip service. I am one of the many Aussies who’ve pre-ordered a copy of this album because I want to see these battlers triumph. Every time they release new music, I’m convinced I’ve made the right decision. So let’s see if I can give you a nudge. Take a listen to their latest single “Something More.” What a banger!

“Essentially, it’s a reflection of where each of the band members is at – we each hold down careers to fund our dream of doing what we love for a living, which is making music,” explained SoSo’s frontman Rhys de Burgh. “Throwing everything we have into SoSo with the hope it’ll take off so we can escape the 9-5 jobs we despise, but deep down understanding that it might never happen for us.”

If you’re into this song as much as I am, head to SoSo’s website and pre-order a copy of So Much for Second Chances. It’ll cost you as little as a $1 for a digital download, which seems a small price to pay to see Taylor Swift dethroned. You can also score some sweet vinyl or a CD copy. There’s free shipping if you spend $69.95, so why not get a few copies for family and friends this Christmas? Get behind them Sounds of Oz readers!

Photo credit: Mega Media TV

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Touring Oz and NZ After “Street Shark” EP Release

One of Australia’s hardest working bands, Bootleg Rascal are back with a brand new EP and tour. Street Shark is a genre-bending seven-track collection of songs featuring Sounds of Oz favourites “Stepping,” “From the Very Start,” and “Drip Your Love.” With so many twists and turns, I know you’ll find some tunes to vibe with on this one.

It seems like Bootleg Rascal are always on the road, so they weren’t going to miss the opportunity to play for you all to support Street Shark’s release. After wrapping up their Western Australian shows last weekend, they’ve got their sights set on the East Coast and Aotearoa/New Zealand. Catch Bootleg Rascal at one of the following shows:

10 October 2025 – Beach Road Hotel, Eora/Sydney
11 October 2025 – Oktoberfest @ Polytech Stadium, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (11am session)
24 October 2025 – Finnian’s Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie
25 October 2025 – The Station Board Store, Dhanggati/Crescent Head
6 November 2025 – The Loons, Christchurch
7 & 8 November 2025 – Dunedin Beer Festival @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Ōtepoti/Dunedin
9 November 2025 – Yonder, Queenstown
27 November 2025 – Bombies @ Harbord Hotel, Garigal/Freshwater
29 November 2025 – Kahibah Sports Club, Awabakal Country/Kahibah
5 December 2025 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
6 December 2025 – Punters Club, Eora/Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent