Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amber Farnan Shares Personal Illness Journey With “When I Get Better”

Amber Farnan has blown me away with her personal new single, “When I Get Better.” Through this beautiful indie-pop ballad, she shares the pain and acceptance of living life with chronic illness.

“There’s a kind of loneliness that doesn’t come from being alone, but from watching life move without you. ‘When I Get Better’ is a song born from that space,” Amber explained. “‘When I Get Better’ sits inside a kind of grief that’s harder to name, the feeling of growing up while also being held back. Written from the experience of living with chronic illness, the song reflects on years spent in and out of hospital, stretches of time bed-bound, and the quiet realisation that parts of adolescence weren’t just missed, but taken. Not postponed. Not waiting. Gone.

“There’s something particularly confronting in recognising that no matter what happens next, you don’t get those years back. The song lives in that feeling of being robbed of something you can’t replace. At its core, ‘When I Get Better’ isn’t just about illness, it’s about what it means to hold onto the idea of a future version of yourself when the present feels uncertain. It captures that persistent belief that things might change, and the emotional weight of carrying that belief for years.”

The release of “When I Get Better” marks an exciting return to the music scene for Amber, who last gave us her EP The Motions in 2022. Listen out for more new music from this talented singer-songwriter in the months ahead.

Photo credit: Saskia Hilton Imagery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BESTIES Release First Single Undle Greyscale Records, “Deadmau5”

It is so good to hear new music from Eora/Sydney pop-punk outfit BESTIES. Their fantastic new single “Deadmau5” has all of the energy you need to get out of that midweek slump. It’s one for those of us to refuse to give in society’s expectations and conventional ideas of what it means to grow up.

“Life’s too short to be safe, take a risk and don’t forget through it all, you’re still that dumb emo kid at heart, just like us,” BESTIES explained.

The release of “Deadmau5” ushers in a new chapter for BESTIES as it’s their first single under their new label, Greyscale Records.

“It can be hard finding people who get you, or what you’re trying to do. And Greyscale were the label who understood we’re not trying to do anything. We’re just idiots with instruments, and that’s why we work,” BESTIES said. “In a scene and industry where people are so deathly serious, it’s been a godsend to find people who understand that there’s a path to success while sticking true to who you are. We know there’s a thirst out there for a band and a sound that takes its cues from the lighter side of life. And we know that band’s us.”

Fresh from supporting Story Untold, BESTIES will headline Emo Never Sleep’s King’s Birthday Eve show at Bourke Street Courtyard in Naarm/Melbourne this Sunday, June 7.

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Isabelle Skye Wows Me With “Subaru”

Isabelle Skye has blown me away with her latest single “Subaru.” This beautiful indie-pop number perfectly showcases her compelling vocals. Her voice is so unique and soulful, gentle to draw you in, then intense as “Subaru” hits its emotional climax. Make sure you listen to those incredible lyrics that tap into the vulnerability women often feel in public spaces.

“‘Subaru’ was born out of an experience I had where my safety was compromised on a walk home. This theme is so common for women and changes how we navigate life. On a day-to-day basis we alter the decisions we make so we aren’t vulnerable to people with bad intentions. I hope this song can make people feel validated in their experiences, big or small, it just shouldn’t be a reality for anyone.”

“Subaru” has already become a standout song in Isabelle’s live sets, with several punters approaching her to say how much the track resonates with them. Hopefully she’ll announce more shows sooner rather than later so more people can discover this special talent.

Photo credit: Sinead Leigh

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Colleen Ave Make a Splash With “i cant believe it”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based five-piece Colleen Ave have got me grooving with their upbeat new indie synth-pop single, “i cant believe it.” If you’re suffering through the nine-to-five grind, I know this one will give you the lift you’re looking for.

“’i cant believe it’ is a tune about someone who is in a love triangle and the confusion and hurt that can come from it,” the band explained in their press release.

Give Colleen Ave a follow on Instagram to learn all about their latest releases and where they’re playing next.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media

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

Sandy Louis Shines With “Keep on Riding”

Mulubinba/Newcastle-based singer-songwriter Sandy Louis has wowed me with her new single “Keep on Riding.” Her voice is so rich and textured, it’s stopped me in my tracks. The production keeps her vocals and lyrics front and centre, just as they should be.

This song has a beautiful message about resilience and learning to keep your heart open, even if it’s experienced pain. Sandy Louise cowrote this one with Shawn O’Friel, who she’s shared the stage with for many years at Sandy’s songwriter events. The collaboration’s been a long time coming, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Country ballads don’t get much better than this.

Along with hosting her regular Open Mic Songwriters Sing night at the Newcastle United Sports Club every Wednesday, Sandy Louis will play the following gigs this month:

6 June 2026 – Batesy’s Bar @ The Entrance Leagues Club, Darkinjung Country/Bateau Bay (duo with Brett Chapman from 8 pm)
13 June 2026 – Benchmark on Booner @ Hawks Nest (solo from 6 pm)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saralyn Drops New Country Anthem, “Free as a Bird”

Although she packs out venues playing covers on her Lainey Wilson shows, Saralyn wants to remind listeners that she’s also an incredible songwriter. Her latest original single, “Free as a Bird” is an empowering country anthem about moving forward with lightness.

“Free as a Bird came from this idea of carrying your past with you, but not being weighed down by it,” Saralyn explained. “The song really wrote itself once I found that central image of someone who’s a little wild, a little restless, but completely at peace with who they are.

“I wanted to capture that feeling of being out on the open road, where every mile teaches you something and every mistake somehow gives you wings. For me, it’s a celebration of living untethered, embracing every story and scar, and still choosing to move forward.”

Saralyn has some big shows coming up this weekend, so catch her anywhere you can!

29 May 2026 – Nashville Jukebox @ Royal Hotel, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
30 May 2026 – Nashville Jukebox @ The Oaks Hotel Albion, Woolyungah/Wollongong
31 May 2026 – Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival, Kurranulla/Cronulla

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus Legg Offers Final Folky Taste of EP With “Like I Never Left”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Angus Legg continues to charm me with his latest single “Like I Never Left.” This beautiful acoustic folk number is a companion piece to his previous release, “12th of May.”

“’Like I Never Left’ is about coming home, carrying the quiet uncertainty of whether ‘home’ is still waiting on the other side,” Angus explained. “In this story, home isn’t a place, it’s a person. Where ‘12th of May’ captures the day I left – full of grief and uncertainty – ‘Like I Never Left’ lives in the return, holding onto the blind hope that what you had might still be there.”

“Like I Never Left” is the final single from Angus’ debut EP A Long Time Gone, which he’ll release on June 25.

Photo credit: Lucinda Goodwin

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

Jordan Briton Releases Soulful Single, “Satellite”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based R&B artist Jordan Briton has just served up his smooth new single, “Satellite.” He was inspired to write this song after reconnecting with his roots and getting to know someone new.

“In early 2025, I booked a solo trip to the Philippines, somewhere I hadn’t been since I was a child,” Jordan recalled. “After my most successful single to date, the awards still felt empty. I realised I’d been pursuing music to show people how high I could climb rather than enjoying the journey for myself. While visiting my Lola and Lolo, I met a local singer-songwriter. Because we were both artists, I connected with her in ways I hadn’t felt before. I’d never pursued a long-distance relationship before, but I knew I’d regret not trying. ‘Satellite’ captures that genuine yearning of ‘if only’ put to music.”

If you’re into “Satellite,” you’ll be happy to know there’s a lot more new music on the way. This is the first of six singles Jordan plans to release before he drops his debut album Slow Burn in November.

Image used with permission from Good Intent