Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Any Young Mechanic Impress With “Pretty Strange World”

Tarntanya/Adelaide-based five-piece Any Young Mechanic have blown my mind with their latest single “Pretty Strange World.” It’s a gorgeous slice of contemporary folk, so unique with its quirky time signature and eclectic mix of instruments. I am hooked.

Drummer Jay Eliot Mee calls the song “Our little adventure into math – the topsy-turvy rhythmic approach is both incredibly fun plus a neat camouflage for Sam’s [Wilson – vocalist and guitarist] lyrical introspection.”

“Pretty Strange World” comes from Any Young Mechanic’s debut album The Modern Shoe is Ruining the Foot, which drops on June 5. Any Young Mechanic have some exciting shows in the United States and United Kingdom ahead, but hopefully we’ll see them back Down Under really soon. If you’re abroad, here are all the places you can catch them.

1 May 2026 – The Moroccan Lounge, Los Angeles
9 May 2026 – Mercury Lounge, New York City
21 May 2026 – St Matthias Church, Stoke Newington (with Sarah Blasko and Slow Leaves)
31 May 2026 – The Shacklewell Arms, London (FREE – with Ringlets and Leao)
2 June 2026 – Elephant’s Head, Camden (FREE)

Photo credit: Nash Blight

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Morgan Joanel Makes Remarkable Return With “Undone”

Against all odds, Morgan Joanel is back making music and sounding better than ever. The recent release of “Undone” marks an exciting new chapter for the Western Australian powerhouse.

Longtime readers might remember me raving about Morgan’s music back in 2020. While she seemed to disappear from view, she was actually rehabilitating after a devastating car accident in 2021. She was lucky to survive the impact when the Uber she was travelling in was hit by another car at 144 km/h. It left her confined to a wheelchair, with a bleed on the brain and 13 broken bones. She was told that she may never walk again, and certainly wouldn’t perform on stage. But Morgan wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“Undone” is the perfect comeback song, rebellious and raw.

“’Undone’ is about the masks we wear, the dance between seduction and threat,” Morgan explained. “The first time I ever played it was on stage was opening for Anne-Marie, so it had a big bang of a first performance! Of all my songs, ‘Undone’ has had the longest road from writing it to a recorded release. But I think that’s the point. I wasn’t ready to release it until I could stand inside it properly and from a place of power. Now I can.”

The release of “Undone” coincides with Morgan’s shows around the country supporting British superstar Newton Faulkner. Now halfway through the tour, I hear that she’s killing it. But don’t just take my word for it. If you’re attending one of the remaining shows, make sure you arrive early enough for Morgan’s set:

21 April 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
22 April 2026 – Jive Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 April 2026 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
25 April 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
26 April 2026 – Vinnie’s Dive Bar, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Image used with permission from Priceless Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wade Forster Plays Texan Shows for “Strange” Single Release

After winning a pair of Golden Guitars, Australian country sensation Wade Forster has set his sights on winning over America. He’s currently playing shows in regional Texas to celebrate the release of his new single “Strange.”

“Strange” epitomises the sound of modern country. The vocals are honest and emotional and the blend of country and rock is totally infectious. The music video features Wade entertaining an audience at Mulubinba/Newcastle hotspot, the Stag and Hunter Hotel.

Wade sold out shows across Texas’ major cities last year, so now he’s turned his attention to regional areas. Given his reception in 2025, Texan music lovers should jump on the remaining tickets if they want to see Wade while he’s Stateside. He’ll return home in May to play Yaegle Country/Yamba as part of Great Southern Nights.

24 April 2026 – Larry Joe Taylor Festival @ Melody Mountain Ranch, Stephenville
25 April 2026 – The Backyard at The Lumberyard, Canyon
26 April 2026 – Texas SmokeOut @ AT&T Stadium, Arlington
30 April 2026 – Brewster Street Icehouse, Corpus Christi
1 May 2026 – Backyard Waco, Waco
2 May 2026 – Tall City Music Fest @ Centennial Park, Midland
16 May 2026 – Great Southern Nights @ Yamba Bowling Club, Yaegle Country/Yamba

Photo credit: Gavin Bain

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brave Mistakes Release Long-Awaited Single, “Accident Prone”

After a super-long gestation, Tarntanya/Adelaide-based rock act Brave Mistakes have just dropped their latest single “Accident Prone.” You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait though, right?

While this brooding rock track is Brave Mistakes’ most recent release, it’s actually the first song they recorded as a band, way back in October 2024. The following October, Don Bartley mastered “Accident Prone” at Benchmark Mastering. Now in 2026, fans can finally access this live favourite on all streaming platforms. It comes complete with a music video filmed at popular hometown venue, The Mill.

It’s interesting to hear “Accident Prone” now, after appreciating Brave Mistakes’ EPs Heavy Idle and Some Good Songs … Done Badly. It laid the foundation for those releases, with its dark sound and intensity. Whether you’re new to Brave Mistakes’ music or you simply want to get to know this band better, give “Accident Prone” a listen.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SF Wrens Release Bold New Single, “The Finish Line”

When so much music in the world sounds a little samey, it’s exciting to hear something totally fresh. Thank god for bands like Mulubinba/Newcastle collective SF Wrens who are really shaking things up with their latest single “The Finish Line.” From the bold horn intro, you know this is something outside the box. Then the rapping kicks in! SF Wrens manage to pack so many twists into a little over four minutes, it’s blown my mind. The fusion of hip-hop, jazz, and funk is fearless, dynamic, and utterly unforgettable.

“Our process changes from song to song, generally driven from lyrical ideas brought to the band by Duncan Woods [SF Wrens’ vocalist and guitarist], then sculpted in the rehearsal studio and taken to the stage when it’s very undercooked. It’s there that the musical ideas take their final shape which is always terrifying but pretty exciting,” SF Wrens explained. “In the case of ‘The Finish Line’, Duncan freestyled the verses for nearly a year before they were set in stone, musical interludes came and went until we settled on the final arrangement we recorded.”

When bands release music so bold and genre-bending, I always wonder what they’ll deliver live. Music lovers in their hometown can find out when SF Wrens play a free show to launch “The Finish Line” at The Oak on May 8.

Photo credit: Sophie Metcalfe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kyla-Belle and Nooky Collaborate on “Took a Turn”

Seventeen-year-old Gomeroi country singer-songwriter Kyla-Belle has teamed up with acclaimed Indigenous hip-hop artist Nooky for a surprising new single, “Took a Turn.” Their genres aren’t natural bedfellows, but this song really works! I love to hear artists taking risks, especially so early in their careers.

“This song tells the story of my life and how things always take a turn for the better,” Kyla shared. “It talks about hardships, then overcoming them through music. I wrote this song just like I write all my music, on my bedroom floor, aiming for a song that sticks to your brain.”

We’ll be hearing a lot more from Kyla-Belle this year. Look out for her debut EP when it drops this June. She’ll also play Savannah in the Round in Muluridji Country/Mareeba this October.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

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

Ama and Tanisako Join Forces For “Bad Guy”

Local singer-songwriter Ama has teamed up with Japanese-American artist Tanisako for an exciting new duet, “Bad Guy.” I’m always a sucker for a good duet, so this one ticks all the boxes for me.

Ama says the new single is “about not wanting to be the bad guy when you need to break up with someone. It still fits the vibe you’ve been hearing from me lately with the sad girl indie-pop.”

So if you’ve enjoyed Ama’s previous releases or you’re new to her music, make sure you give this one a listen. You’ll find it and a bunch of other local gems on my playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. If you’re not already, make sure you head to Spotify and give it a follow!

Image source: Ama’s EPK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Drop “Rush Apart” Ahead of New Album Release

Meeanjin/Brisbane rockers Bad Neighbour have me feeling nostalgic with their fantastic new coming-of-age track “Rush Apart.” With his angsty emo sound and lyrics exploring young love, this third single from Bad Neighbour’s new album is taking me right back to my teenage years.

“‘Rush Apart’ was one of the first songs we wrote for the record. I had the ‘Rush Apart’ line saved in my lyric folder for so long, and I wanted the general theme of the song to be about young, dumb love – we are often so quick to hurt each other when we have no idea what we’re doing,” admitted vocalist Cooper Riley.

“Rush Apart” comes from Bad Neighbour’s sophomore album Burns From the X-rays, which drops on June 5. You can pre-order the album and Bad Neighbour’s brand new hoodies and tees, including some fantastic bundles, right now from Imprint Merch.

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston Celebrates Roots With “DO YOU PLAY ANY COUNTRY”

James Johnston celebrates the sounds that sparked his love of the genre with his latest single, “DO YOU PLAY ANY COUNTRY.” If you’re a country music fan, I know you’ll dig this nostalgic new track.

“I spent 15 years playing in little pubs and bars all around Australia and one of my favourite moments was when someone would come up and ask for a country song because that’s when I knew there were country fans in the crowd,” he recalled. “’DO YOU PLAY ANY COUNTRY’ is a throwback to those nights, celebrating the songs, the crowds, and the classic country anthems we all know and love.”

James will be playing plenty of country this year with appearances at local festivals and events abroad. There’s even more to come, but for now here are all the places you can find him in the coming months.

1 May 2026 – Honky Tonk Pre Party @ Fred Moule Pavilion, Gimuy/Cairns
30 May 2026 – High Chaparral Country Festival, Kulltorp
13 June 2026 – Boots n’ Beats @ Camden Bicentennial Equestrian Park, Benkennie/Camden
1 August 2026 – Tara Festival of Culture & Camel Races, Barunggam Country/Tara
16 August 2026 – Country Calling Festival UK @ Kings Farm, Writtle
29 August 2026 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor Creek State Forest, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Amamoor
2-4 October 2026 – The Bend Classic @ The Bend Motorsport Park, Ngarrindjeri Country/Tailem Bend

Photo credit: Josh Kelly