Ella Hooper Embraces New Sounds With “I Got Eyes (On You)”

Ella Hooper is really leaning into Americana sounds with her latest single, “I Got Eyes (On You).” This foot-stomping anthem of empowerment combines classic country vibes with a little Zydeco and Cajun flair.

“I Got Eyes (On You) is the next step in sharing this new era. I’m pushing the boundaries of what Americana means to me … including more of the diverse flavours I love like the Cajun and Zydeco elements here,” Ella explained. “From the crazy playing on it, to the production, to the cheeky lyrics – I’m really proud of it”

There’s some serious star power behind this one. Ella co-wrote the song with East Nashville lyricist Melody Walker, who has songwriting credits on many songs Ella loves including “Dollar Bill Bar” and “American Dreaming.” The studio band features Nashville greats like Sheryl Crow’s drummer Fred Eltringham, guitarist Tom “Uncle Larry” Bukovac, Willie Nelson’s bassist Rachel Loy, Dan Dugmore who played pedal steel guitar for James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. And that Zydeco squeezebox you hear? That comes from Australia’s own Flora Smith, Slim Dusty’s granddaughter-in-law.

“I’ve wanted to record in Nashville since I was a kid reading my parents’ record liner notes, seeing the city’s name pop up again and again,” Ella gushed. “Seems like every great singer-songwriter from Dylan to CMAT has their Nashville record, and I felt ready for mine. Being there so much these last few years, I feel plugged into a community — especially in East Nashville — that feels like a perfect chrysalis for my musical evolution.”

While Ella enjoyed her time in the States, she’s making the most of being home with plenty of headlining shows, festival appearances, and dates supporting The Waterboys in the coming months. Tickets are on sale via the links below:

20 March 2026 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Dhudhuroa Country/Yackandandah
28 March 2026 – TBA, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland (SOLD OUT)
1 May 2026 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Biripi Country/Taree
2 May 2026 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
3 May 2026 – Dangar Island Bowlo, Guringai Country/Dangar Island
9 May 2026 – Portland Arts Centre, Pulumbete/Portland
11 May 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (supporting The Waterboys)
12 May 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (SOLD OUT – supporting The Waterboys)
14 May 2026 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Waterboys)
15 May 2026 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT – supporting The Waterboys)
16 May 2026 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda (supporting The Waterboys)
18 May 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting The Waterboys)
20 May 2026 – Meow Nui, Wellington (supporting The Waterboys)
21 May 2026 – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland (supporting The Waterboys)
23 May 2026 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch (supporting The Waterboys)
29 May 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
30 May 2026 – Greg Cooley Wines, Ngadjuri Country/Clare
31 May 2026 – Trinity Sessions, Kaurna Country/Clarence Park

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Rosscoe Frantz Releases Revealing New Single, “Raw and Bitter”

Rosscoe Frantz has captured my heart with his intimate new single “Raw and Bitter.” Its reverb-drenched guitar provides the perfect backdrop for Rosscoe’s powerful lyrics. Each one is like a gut punch, giving voice to a love on shaky ground. One for the heartbroken out there, it’s incredibly impactful and incredibly human.

“‘Raw and Bitter’ is a stark, intimate reflection on the parts of love people rarely talk about,” Rosscoe admitted. “The moment when a relationship is strong, the feeling is real, but the future isn’t necessarily aligned. The song explores the tension between deep affection and quiet doubt, where love coexists with confusion, and staying means asking the hardest questions. It’s a song about holding something precious in your hands and not knowing whether to fight for it or let it go.”

Rosscoe has supported a who’s who of Aussie talent including Sarah Blasko, Boy and Bear, and Pete Murray through his career. He’ll step into the spotlight as the headliner tonight when he launches “Raw and Bitter” at Mojo’s in Walyalup/Fremantle.

Photo credit: Emily Preston

Joe Mungovan Releases Latest Rock Gem, “Runaway”

Joe Mungovan has got me grooving with his latest single “Runaway.” This one effortlessly blends synthy pop hooks with rock attitude. It’s a little Franz Ferdinand, a little Bloc Party, and a whole lot of fantastic.

“I once met this girl who couldn’t seem to stand still. She was always reaching for the next thing, daydreaming about our escape from our everyday lives … But the fantasy we shared was as fleeting as the girl,” Joe admitted. “‘Runaway’ is for her.”

Joe will mark the release of “Runaway” with a few New South Wales shows in the coming weeks. Catch him at the following venues:

27 March 2026 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal Country/Towradgi (FREE – full band)
4 April 2026 – Sunset Sessions @ Cockatoo Island, Eora/Sydney (solo)
17 April 2026 – Chuck Trailers, Eora/Sydney (FREE – full band)

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Saint Ergo Teams Up With Maddy Herbert For “Bodies in Motion”

Press play and settle into the groove of “Bodies in Motion,” the latest soulful single from genre-bending storyteller Saint Ergo. Featuring guest vocals from Maddy Herbert, it’s a sensual number that fuses R&B, electro soul, and baroque pop.

“I had imagined this song as a duet from quite early on… but the song only felt like it came together when Maddy and I went into the studio and we recorded our vocals … Finally felt like the song was right,” Saint Ergo explained. “Some of the lyrical components only came along during this session and it made the story come alive for me.”

“Bodies in Motion” comes from Saint Ergo’s highly anticipated debut album Lived Experience, which she’ll release on April 18.

Image used with permission from Maddy Herbert

Nautical Mile Announce Comeback With “Daydreamer”

After a four-year hiatus from the live music scene, Boorloo/Perth band Nautical Mile are back and rocking as hard as ever with “Daydreamer.” This feelgood pop-punk track oozes nostalgia.

“During our time away, we all had a fair amount of life happening, so coming back to the band felt like us recapturing the spirit of those happier, lighter times,” Nautical Mile explained. “It’s a lot of fun to play, and we’re keen to get out and share it with the world.”

Nautical Mile will celebrate their return with a big hometown show at Amplifier Bar on March 28. If you’re on the East Coast, don’t stress. Nautical Mile aim to play shows on that side of the country later this year.

Photo credit: Nick Henrisson

MUKI Makes Magic With “Reflections”

If you’re like me and introspective acoustic guitar-driven music makes you weak at the knees, I know you’ll fall head over heels for “Reflections,” the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter MUKI. This is indie folk-pop at its best, a chilled-out number that leads with vulnerability.

“This is a song I wrote soon after the lockdown, touching on identity issues,” MUKI recalled. “It takes us through a journey in which every single decision one makes defines the person they become. It’s the small decisions we make that shape who we become. When I look in the mirror, it’s hard not to wonder if I’d have been looking at the same person had I chosen a different life or path.”

Hometown fans can see MUKI launching his single tomorrow, March 19, at Lulie Tavern. It’s totally free, so make sure you get along and support him.

Photo credit: Hyunbin Shin

Katie Noonan Teases New Album With “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For”

One of Australia’s most prolific artists, Katie Noonan is preparing to release her 30th studio album, Alone but all one, later this year. Her latest single “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For” gives us an early taste of the new music. This is such a beautiful song. Katie always sounds incredible, but the subtle piano and string arrangement really showcase her sumptuous vocals and bittersweet lyrics.

“This album is for anyone who’s gone through a life shift – not just separation, but grief, uncertainty, or quiet reinvention,” Katie explained. “It’s music for sitting with things. For remembering we’re not alone, even in solitude. It’s personal, but I hope it will resonate in a way that becomes collective.”

Katie will release Alone but all one on June 26. She’ll give us a little time to sit with the songs before embarking on an album tour around some of the country’s best theatres. Mark Wilkinson will join her at all shows except for the Eora/Sydney and Wooditup/Margaret River dates. Tickets are on sale now.

10 July 2026 – Old Museum @ Concert Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 July 2026 – Art Gallery of NSW, Eora/Sydney
12 July 2026 – Art Gallery of NSW, Eora/Sydney
16 July 2026 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
17 July 2026 – Camelot Arts Club, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Mosman Park
18 July 2026 – Miss Chow’s, Wooditup/Margaret River
30 July 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 August 2006 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Cybele Malinowski

Kaiyah Mercedes Rocks Out With “3 Month Blackout”

Kaiyah Mercedes recalls a whirlwind relationship in all its angsty glory with their latest track “3 Month Blackout.” It’s raw and unfiltered, the kind of indie pop-rock single that encourages you to grab your hairbrush and let loose. I love the way its structure mimics the aftermath of a relationship, with moments of quiet reflection juxtaposed with unbridled emotional outpourings.

The music video for “3 Month Blackout” sees Kaiyah and her band crash-landing on a desert island. While surviving outside civilisation isn’t easy, at least it’s far removed from messy emotional entanglements! Kaiyah created the clip in collaboration with Francis from District Down Under.

Kaiyah will celebrate the release of “3 Month Blackout” with a launch show at Bergy Bandroom in Bulleke-bek/Brunswick on March 29.

Photo credit: Mouk Media

Casey Barnes Soundtracks NRL With “Made For This”

I’ll admit, I’m still struggling to get back to earth after my amazing holiday. What’s really helped is footy season. It doesn’t hurt that my Eels smashed it this week! While settling in for the game, my ears pricked up hearing Casey Barnes’ new track, “Made For This.” What a belter of a song, perfect for the hard-hitting game I love!

“This song is about backing yourself when everything’s on the line,” Casey said. “It’s about coming back from adversity, not being afraid of the challenge, and using it as fuel.”

If you’re not already across it, there are plenty of opportunities to hear this song as Nine will use it on all their Thursday, Friday, and Sunday matches across the entire 30-week NRL season. You’ll also hear plenty more from Casey this year, as he’s got a new album scheduled for the middle of the year and some big festival appearances in the coming months. Catch him anywhere you can!

21 March 2026 – CMC Rocks Qld 2026 @ Willowbank Raceway, Tulmur/Ipswich
28 March 2026 – Echuca Country Music Festival @ Echuca Racecourse, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca
18 April 2026 – Man from Snowy River Bush Festival, Jaitmathang, Dhudhuroa, Ngarigo, and Wolgal Country/Corryong
2 May 2026 – Stomping Groundz @ the Groundz, Dharawal Country/Dapto
15 August 2026 – Regfest Mildura @ Nowingi Place, Latje Latje Country/Mildura
12 September 2026 – Triple B Rodeo @ Caboolture, Kabultur Country/Caboolture
28 November 2026 – Launceston Country Music Festival @ Royal Park, Letteremairrener Country/Launceston

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Laura Frank Kicks Off Busy 2026 With “God Knows I Know” Release

A rising talent with a voice that belies her years, Laura Frank has knocked it out of the park with her latest single “God Knows I Know.” This uplifting country-pop anthem is the perfect showcase for her honest, compelling vocals. The song’s all about pushing forward, which is exactly what she’ll be doing this year. Laura created “God Knows I Know” with her partner and long-time collaborator Nick Morrissey.

“’God Knows I Know’ came together in a really honest season for us. We’d been touring heavily through regional Australia, living in close quarters, juggling music, family and everything in between,” she said. “The song started as a conversation — the kind you have late at night when you’re tired but thinking clearly. We wrote it simply, just the two of us, chasing the feeling rather than trying to be clever. When we took it into the studio, the goal was to protect that rawness. We built the production around the vocal rather than the other way around. If something felt like it was distracting from the lyric, it went. There wasn’t a big dramatic moment in the making of it — it was steady, intentional and collaborative. Everyone who played on it understood that restraint was important. The process felt grounded. No overthinking, no chasing trends — just serving the song and letting the emotion lead.”

“God Knows I Know” is the first of many Laura Frank singles we’ll hear this year leading up to the release of her new album in October. She’s currently in the middle of a 60-date tour across the country with Tom Curtain. Here are all the remaining dates:

13 March 2026 – Dandenong Ranges Pony Club, Bunurong Country/Mornington
14 March 2026 – Meeniyan Pony Club, Brataualung Country/Stony Creek
15 March 2026 – Sale Polocrosse Club, Wayput/Sale
20 March 2026 – Mansfield Showground, Beolite/Mansfield
21 March 2026 – Ballan Racecourse & Recreation Reserve, Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Country/Ballan
22 March 2026 – Pony Club @ Barwon Heads Village Park, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
27 March 2026 – Colac Showgrounds, Kolakngat Country/Colac
28 March 2026 – Coleraine Showgrounds, Konongwootong Country/Coleraine
29 March 2026 – South East Field Days, Meintangk Country/Lucindale
3 April 2026 – Murray Bridge Riding Club, Pomberuk/Murray Bridge
4 April 2026 – Burra Burra Show, Ngadjuri Country/Burra
5 April 2026 – Melrose Showgrounds, Nukunu Country/Melrose
10 April 2026 – Kadina Showground, Narungga Country/Kadina
11 April 2026 – Waikerie, Weikari/Waikerie
12 April 2026 – Wasleys Oval, Kaurna Country/Wasleys

Image used with permission from beehive