Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saralyn Releases Upbeat Country Anthem, “Cowgirl Blues”

I get it. It’s Valentine’s Day. That Hallmark holiday celebrating love. And that’s lovely. But if you want love songs, there’s plenty of that around. So I want to do something different and showcase a song for all of my single readers out there. If you’re looking for a feel-good independent anthem today, you’ve found it with “Cowgirl Blues” from Saralyn. This reminds me of those upbeat country floor-fillers Shania Twain used to release in the ‘90s. It’s so much fun, whether you usually listen to country music or not.

“Cowgirl Blues was built around a fun, high-energy recording process that leaned into big country sounds and feel-good momentum,” Saralyn reminisced. “Guitarist Adam Osmanovic (Viper Creek) brought the unmistakable country twang, supported by honky-tonk keys, pedal steel, banjo, and driving drums. The track grew naturally into something bold, playful, and full, capturing the joy of the room and delivering a big, confident country anthem made to be turned up loud.”

The video, shot by Jake Davey Studios in Gringai Country/Gresford, captures that sense of fun.

“The night came together with the pub rallying the local ladies, crackers, cheese, wine, and dancing well into the night. Surrounded by friends & family, the blue 1975 Kombi van became part of the story, with standout moments including the choreographed leg kick, a confetti pop ‘owe!’ moment, and carefree scenes of driving the Kombi turning the shoot into a celebration rather than just a video.”

“Cowgirl Blues” is the first single to drop from Saralyn’s forthcoming debut EP, which we’ll hear a little later this year. While that release celebrates her original music, Saralyn will also pay tribute to one of her idols, Lainey Wilson, with a string of tribute shows next month. Catch her anywhere you can:

7 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Lainey Wilson show)
8 March 2026 – Kings Beach Tavern, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast (Lainey Wilson show – supporting the Luke Combs Experience)
14 March – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Entertainment Quarter, Eora/Sydney (Lainey Wilson show)
21 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ Riviera Beach Club, Naarm/Melbourne (Lainey Wilson show)
2 May 2026 – The Big Giddy Up @ The Paterson Court House Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Paterson (Full band original show – FREE)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers Blow Me Away With “One Woman One Love”

Many of the world’s best singers only need one name because they’re so recognisable, so iconic. Think Cher. Adele. Beyonce. Madonna. And now add Kaliopi to the list. Her voice captured me from the first gutsy note of “One Woman One Love,” her new single with her band The Blues Messengers.

Kaliopi’s powerful blues voice is undeniable, but The Blues Messengers match it so beautifully. Every musician on this track is a force of nature. Greg Rowan’s driving drumbeat, Paul Leeder’s easy bass, and Brendon Price’s piano chops, and John Drew’s talent on the retro Hammond organ create a classic shuffle sound that’s absolutely irresistible. Then Wayne Albury’s saxophone rips in and it all goes to the next level.

If you long for the “good old days” of music, before oversaturated production, auto-tuning, and sampling started to drown out the essence of the song, I know you’ll appreciate “One Woman One Love.” Consider it your invitation to deep dive into the music of Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers before they release their third album later this year. And if you’re in Naarm/Melbourne, catch Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers launching “One Woman One Love” tonight at Kew Court House. Tickets are still available for just $25 from the Boroondara Arts website.

Image used with permission from Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers



Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chuck Sics Drops Nostalgic New Track, “Arms”

Eora/Sydney-based artist Chuck Sics is kicking off his next chapter with his dreamy new indie pop-rock single “Arms.” This is Chuck’s first new release since he dropped his debut EP Slipstream last September. I love its nostalgic noughties-influenced sound and vulnerable lyrics.

“’Arms’ is a song about falling in love, and letting love win you over when you’re afraid to lose it,” Chuck said about the track. “I guess it’s normal to be afraid to lose someone, but it’s also easy to become nihilistic in that fear and let it cloud your feelings. It’s easy to get swept away in the fear that nothing lasts forever. With Arms, I wanted to remind myself, and hopefully others, to be present, hold your loved ones and let them hold you – that’s all you need.”

Chuck is a true creative who wrote, sang, and performed almost every instrument on “Arms.” He also produced and mixed the track with a little help from frequent collaborators Blake Wares and River Langford.

Chuck is currently playing a hometown residency at Pleasure Club. After wowing crowds on the 5th, he’ll take the stage again with a free gig on February 19. Chuck is also planning to announce a string of local and interstate gigs really soon.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Release Sentimental Rock Single, “Things We Wanna Say”

Pacific Avenue are getting me buzzing their upcoming sophomore album Lovesick Sentimental with the release of another new track, “Things We Wanna Say.” While their previous single “Here We Go Again” was a sweet ballad, this newie is a pure rocker.

“‘Things We Wanna Say’ is an ode to the core friendships that you build in the ‘coming of age’ years of your life,” said Harry O’Brien, Pacific Avenue’s vocalist and guitarist. “So much of our adolescence we’re surrounded by close friends and as [you] grow up together, experiencing the world and new things for the first time, you create bonds that are fundamental to our individual identities, then as you move through your 20s and people start getting jobs or moving away from home, the experience becomes a much more isolated one. We never say the things we want to say. We aim to lift up the meaningful connections that you’ve made and more openly feel like you can express your love for the people who make it all worthwhile.”

We’ll hear more new material from Pacific Avenue when they release Lovesick Sentimental on March 6. You can pre-order it now. They’re wasting no time bringing the new tunes to the stage, with their tour kicking off in Boorloo/Perth the same day and continuing on to 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

Photo credit: Matt Sav

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tommy Lellan Releases Queer Jazz-Pop Gem, “CURSÈD”

Most queer anthems tend to be high-energy dancefloor fillers, so I was really excited to hear Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Tommy Lellan taking a different route with his new single “CURSÈD.”

“CURSÈD” is a gorgeous jazz-pop track with powerful lyrics that encourage queer listeners to tune out negativity and practice self-acceptance. While it’s available on all the streaming services, I’ve decided to post the lyric video to make sure you don’t miss Tommy’s insightful songwriting. Follow him on Instagram to learn more about his releases as they drop.

Image used with permission from Tommy Lelland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rhys Tolhurst Releases Feelgood New Single, “Dance With Me”

Naarm-Melbourne-based artist Rhys Tolhurst is bringing the good vibes for your Friyay with his brand-new single “Dance With Me.” If Ben Rector and Guy Sebastian ever collaborated, it might sound a little like this upbeat pop gem. It’s inspired me to take an impromptu dance break, so I’m sure it’ll at least have you bopping along.

“’Dance With Me’ is about letting go, living in the moment, and celebrating love, positivity and diversity,” Rhys said.

And we couldn’t use a little more of that right now? Locals who want to hear more from Rhys can catch him headlining at Hamer Hall on May 11 as part of the 2026 Morning Melodies program. This is Rhys’ first time leading a show of this scale, but with bangers like this in his catalogue I’m sure it won’t be the last! Tickets for that show are on sale now from the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Image used with permission from Killer Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca Duet Ahead of Green Electric Tour

If you were on the fence about seeing Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca on their Green Electric Tour, the release of their latest single “’Til It’s Gone” might tip you over the edge. Hearing these two vocal powerhouses on the one track is an absolute joy. It’s bluesy, edgy, and so incredibly cool.

“The song was inspired by a line in ‘Big Yellow Taxi,’ written more than half a century ago, and it’s confronting how little has changed,” Sarah and Dallas said in a joint statement. “We’re still prioritising profit over care for country, and the climate is pushing back hard. ‘Til It’s Gone’ speaks to the moment we’re in right now, a crossroads, and the responsibility we all share to make better choices before the damage becomes irreversible.”

Sarah and Dallas don’t just pay lip service to the issues. They’ve teamed up with Green Music Australia for their upcoming tour to reduce their carbon footprint through initiatives like plotting sustainable travel routes, using meet-free catering and eco-certified accommodation, and selling merch made from recycled materials. They’re encouraging fans to get in on the act too by choosing low-emission transport options and wearing sustainable fashion to the shows. The Green Electric Tour kicks off on February 19 in Bungambrawatha/Albury. Tickets for all shows are still available but won’t last long!

19 February 2026 – Bended Elbow, Bungambrawatha/Albury
20 February 2026 – Moyhu Hotel, Pangerang and Ya-itma-thang Country/Moyhu
21 February 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 February 2026 – Pelly Bar, Monmar/Frankston
27 February 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 February 2026 – The Royal Quarters, Turrbal Country/Nundah
1 March 2026 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
5 March 2026 – Big Easy Radio, Ngaltingga/Aldinga
6 March 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 March 2026 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
8 March 2026 – Indi Bar, Mooro Country/Scarborough
11 March 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
12 March 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
13 March 2026 – The Bridge Hotel, Wangal Country/Rozelle
14 March 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flynn Gurry Wows Me With “Bones”

Flynn Gurry serves up some of the best high-energy folk I’ve heard in some time with his latest single “Bones.” If you’re into acts like Mumford & Sons and our own Pierce Brothers, I know you’ll fall hard for this upbeat track from Flynn’s new EP.

“I am very excited but also quite nervous to be releasing ‘Bones’ to the world,” Flynn admitted. “This song is SO MUCH FUN to play live and I have felt it translate really well on the live stage but do feel this track may surprise listeners from my previous work hence the nerves. The writing inspiration for Bones explores heartbreak through hindsight – one day you realise you’re two people who have stayed too long, given everything you had until there was nothing more to give. Love has become exhaustion. Sonically, artists that inspired the sound of this track are the likes of Kaleo and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats.”

“Bones” comes from Flynn’s new EP Gold, which is due out on March 13. He’ll waste little time before touring the EP around the country. Plenty of these shows are free, so there’s really no excuse for staying home!

20 March 2026 – Lighthouse Studio, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
21 March 2026 – Wide Open Spaces Festival @ Beulah Recreation Reserve, Wergaia Country/Beulah
27 March 2026 – Paper Scissors Rock Brew Co, Budja Budja/Halls Gap (FREE)
28 March 2026 – Alt Road Wines, Gulidjan Country/Winchelsea (FREE)
3 April 2026 – Down the Rabbit Hole, Kanyanyapilla/McLaren Vale (FREE)
10 April 2026 – Solbar, Yuggera Country/Maroochydore
24 April 2026 – The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
1 May 2026 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (FREE)
3 May 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
7 May 2026 – Little Albert’s, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
8 May 2026 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
9 May 2026 – Golden Age Cinema, Eora/Sydney (FREE)
10 May 2026 – Bombies, Eora/Freshwater (FREE)

Photo credit: @daramunnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Davey Releases Authentic Love Song “Workin’ On Me”

Jake Davey’s captured my heart with his romantic new single “Workin’ On Me.” It’s a sweet, introspective country ditty about self-reflection, growth, and doing your best to show up for the people who matter most.

“Workin’ On Me is an incredibly personal song, and I wanted that to come through in every part of the production,” Jake shared. “I self-produced it, bringing together an amazing group of musicians, and focused on every detail to make sure the emotion and story felt honest and authentic. This track really reflects where I’m at as a songwriter and as a person.”

Jake shot the video in his hometown on the mid-New South Wales Coast with his coproducer Jackson James.

“Working with Jackson James on the video for ‘Workin’ On Me’ was such a great experience, we share a passion for storytelling and visuals,” Jake said. “I was lucky enough to have my wife and our baby boy Dalton featured in the clip, which gave it an incredibly raw, authentic feel. Capturing those real family moments on set made the day so much fun and personal, moments I’ll never forget.”

Fresh from his headline performance at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Jake has just been announced as one of the artists on the bill for this year’s Djarii Bila Festival in Biripi Country/Taree. It all happens at Fotheringham Park on May 2. Early bird tickets are on sale now through Humanitix.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Regards Release Rock Anthem, “discontent”

I wouldn’t normally go so hard on a Sunday as I understand many of you are nursing sore heads, but I had to share “discontent,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne All Regards. So it may not be your usual laidback weekend folky fare, but it’s so good that I think you really need to get your ears around it.

Speaking of the inspiration for “discontent,” All Regards’ co-vocalist Stefan Sepulveda said “I think a lot of people (myself included at times) feel overwhelmed by the state of the world and the never-ending cycle of conflict and disasters, both natural and man-made. There have been times in my life where I’ve felt that there is no hope for positive change and been resigned to just watching everything turn to shit.

“The problem with that is that it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy – and that’s the message of the song, if you sit there waiting for the world to burn then that’s exactly what you’re going to get. So together with the next single ‘resist’, there’s a real call to action to get out and create positive change in whatever ways you can.”

All Regards aren’t wasting time getting both songs into the world. “resist” will be released next month before the band launches both songs with a massive hometown show at the Worker’s Club on March 27. Their EP launch sold out in 2024, so make sure you don’t sleep on tickets for this one when they go on sale.

Photo credit: Beth Morrison (Act Four Photography)