Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seb Szabo Releases Swoon-Worthy Single, “Tangerine (All I Want)”

Seb Szabo has thoroughly charmed me with “Tangerine (All I Want),” a sweet folk-country-pop mashup with romantic lyrics that should have you swooning too. He wrote this track after meeting someone special that helped him break down his walls and believe in love again.

“Like a lot of people do, I think I stopped believing that I was ever going to fall a bit in love with someone again, and then somebody came along and changed that for me unexpectedly,” he explained. “The song started with a simple moment where I realised I was starting to sort of feel that magic again, seeing someone smoke a cigarette out their bedroom window in dim lamplight in London – just observing someone living in their own space and realising how much joy that person’s existence and presence in
your life is bringing you.”

A call-and-response refrain and joyous energy have helped make “Tangerine (All I Want)” a highlight of his Seb’s live sets. Experience that magic yourself when Seb takes this song on the road next month.

11 December 2025 – Oxford Art Gallery, Eora/Sydney
12 December 2025 – Smith’s Alternative Downstairs, Ngambri/Canberra
19 December 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Peter Foster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Continues Winning Streak With “Casually”

ixaras has a real knack for writing absolute bops that perfectly encapsulate all the messiness of modern relationship. She never puts a foot wrong, and her latest track “CASUALLY” is no exception. Crank it up and marvel at the talents of one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming artists.

“When you go on tour you spend a lot of time away from home. I wrote the song as a reassurance to my family, friends and loved ones how much I care despite not being able to always be there. My song ‘CASUALLY’ is an anthem about the obstacles that come with relationships and how no matter what, loving unconditionally is a choice that I will always actively participate in no matter what stands in the way.”

“CASUALLY” comes from ixaras’ upcoming EP WHAT IS AND WHAT ISN’T, which drops on November 14. ixaras will celebrate its release with a string of capital city shows in the new year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates:

10 January 2026 – The Loft, Eora/Sydney
11 January 2026 – The Leadbeater, Naarm/Melbourne
18 January 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 January 2026 – The Y HQ, Boorloo/Perth
24 January 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Get.Your.Record.Out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Streetlights Release Charming Rock Track, “What’s Your Name Again?”

If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, skip the coffee and press play on “What’s Your Name Again?” the bittersweet new single from Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock act Streetlights. It captures all the excitement of an instant infatuation with a stranger on public transport.

“You’re catching the bus and someone hops on and goes to sit directly across from you. You lock eyes and BAM! – you’ve fallen in love with a complete stranger, only for them to get off at the next stop,” recounted frontman John Toplis.

I’m new to Streetlights music, but I’m instantly hooked. Hopefully we hear more from them really soon.

Photo credit: Caleb Cameron – Argate Creative

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zara Haines Keeps it Real With “Common Ground”

Zara Haines is showing us her softer side with the release of her latest single, “Common Ground.” It’s a real change of pace from her previous high-energy song “It’s Chemical,” with cutting lyrics that directly address a cheating partner.

“This song is one I was so proud to write, and really shares my love of songwriting to the world,” Zara said. While the lyrics are superb, the vocals also impressed me. Zara isn’t afraid to be vulnerable here. You can hear the emotion behind every word she sings. The pop production is strong but a little stripped back to make sure you catch every line.

“Common Ground” comes from Zara’s forthcoming EP.

Image used with permission from Zara Haines

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Quarter Short Releases Sensational New Single, “Dreams Have Meaning”

Quarter Short, the musical alter-ego of Meeanjin/Brisbane-based artist Eloise McElroy, has wowed me with just her second solo single, “Dreams Have Meaning.” Fresh to all your favourite streaming services today, it’s a quirky alt-pop track about waking up feeling more restless than rested.

If Regina Spektor and Hayley Williams ever collaborated on a song, I imagine it might sound a little something like “Dreams Have Meaning.” It hooked me in from the first beats of its punchy drum track. Eloise’s vocals are ethereal and seemingly effortless. They keep up with rapid-fire lyrics in the verses with ease, yet soar on the chorus with just as much composure. “Dreams Have Meaning” is such a complex track with a melody that takes so many twists and turns. When the hits of so many mainstream pop artists feel predictable, it’s a joy to hear music like this that’s truly original.

As a word nerd, a song needs to do more than sound great to hold my attention. Eloise checks this box too with brilliant lyrics that challenge the idea that our dreams always hold some deeper meaning. She was inspired to write “the song”Dreams Have Meaning” after waking from an adrenaline-pumping and frankly perplexing dream starring iconic action hero Bruce Willis. “I was bamboozled with what the dream actually meant and, how are you supposed to work out its message?” she said.

“Dreams Have Meaning” is such an ambitious and impressive track, especially considering how early it comes in Quarter Short’s career. However, she’s had a little help along the way. Eloise credits Gabi Kochlani, formerly of Universal Music in Los Angeles, for helping her strengthen the song’s complex structure and believe in her songwriting skills. Cameron Bower, known for his work with Meeanjin/Brisbane rock acts Big Dead and milk buttons and local jazz ensemble Cowbird, put on his producer hat and helped it become the bold pop bop that it is today.

“Dreams Have Meaning” is the follow-up to Quarter Short’s first single, “It Keeps.” Both songs will feature on a five-track EP to be released in the coming months. If you want to hear more music from Quarter Short before then, you can catch her playing a free acoustic show with Topaz Rose and Shanleigh at Bardon Bowls Club tomorrow, November 8, between midday and 4 pm.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Neilson Drops Bold New Folk Single, “Fool’s Gold”

Tom Neilson reminds us that all that glitters isn’t gold with his fantastic new single “Fool’s Gold.” I was instantly struck by its lush sound. Folk music is dominated by stripped-back, acoustic tunes, so hearing a folk song featuring a trumpet and trombone is a real revelation.

While the music makes an instant impact, it’s the lyrics that have really stuck with me. Tom says “Fool’s Gold” is “A song about chasing what glitters, losing your way, and finding what truly matters.”

Tom will celebrate the release of “Fool’s Gold” by playing the Airlie Beach Festival of Music tonight. He’ll also play Bob’s Bar as part of Woodford Folk Festival on Sunday, 28 December and Thursday, 1 January. Tickets are available now through the Woodford Folk Festival website.

Image used with permission from Tom Neilson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Holly “Cookie” Baker and Ollie English Team Up For “The Winter”

In 2017, Holly “Cookie” Baker released “The Summer,” a gorgeous duet with Tim Rogers. Now eight years later she’s brought us an accidental sister song, “The Winter.” Holly and her new duet partner and longtime friend Ollie English bring this poignant song about self-realisation, heartbreak, and healing to life.

“I’d always come back to The Winter whilst working on other music, for years actually. I’d pick it up and sing only the chorus over and over, turning it around in my mind.” Cookie shared. “It’s a song about navigating the complex layers of dissatisfaction in a relationship—acknowledging the sadness, confronting the resignation, and yet still reaching for hope.”

“My introduction to The Winter was on this beautiful old piano at Cookie’s house; she played the song back to front and I instantly connected with it,” Ollie added. “She’s a wordsmith with really cool vocal phrasing, and a lot of the original ideas remained in the studio. My favourite element is the dynamics – from subtle whispers to roaring crescendos. It’s an honour to sing on this song.”

Cookie plans to squeeze in a few more shows before the year is through, so keep an eye on her website for all the dates as they’re announced.

Photo credit: Caroline Wall

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

PAXY Breaks the Mould With “The Fool”

Naarm/Melbourne alt-pop act PAXY recently dropped “The Fool,” a sassy new track that might just be her most daring yet. I’m not sure whether I appreciate its confessional lyrics or unique blues-pop sound more. The blend reminds me a lot of iconic female performers who bucked trends like Lana Del Rey and Amy Winehouse.

“This song isn’t about one relationship or situationship in particular,” PAXY explained. “It’s a post-mortem on my own role in the fallout, and a nod to the stories we all spin for ourselves and each other. I love dancing on that line, pointing the finger inward, not outward, and finding the comedy in my own chaos.”

I hear PAXY is already planning more single releases and some shows, so expect to hear a lot more from her in the coming months.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Didirri Drops Beautiful New Double A-Side Single

Didirri is one of those rare Aussie artists that seems to do no wrong. If you instantly warm to everything he releases like me, I know you’ll fall hard for his new double A-side single, “A Kind of Moving On/Don’t Talk.” These songs work as beautiful companion pieces, both authentically raw with powerful words exploring generational resilience and personal growth.

“I explore the delicate threads that connect generations through the lens of my grandmother’s journey across continents. These songs weave together the anxiety of major life transitions with the echoes of her migration story,” Didirri explained. “As I grappled with my own fears of change, I found myself drawing parallel lines to her courage – leaving everything familiar behind for an uncertain future. They move between intimate personal reflections and broader themes of inherited resilience. I am attempting to honour both the weight of significant change and the strength it takes to embrace it.”

Didirri and his partner Rowena Wise are currently touring Canada, but they’ll be back on home soil very soon for a string of Australian shows. Catch them anywhere you can.

7 November 2025 – Casa del Popolo, Montreal
8 November 2025 – The Baby G, Toronto
14 November 2025 – Werner Brodeck Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
15 November 2025 – Town Folk Festival @ Sunken Oval, Djandak/Castlemaine
16 November 2025 – St Stephens Uniting Church, Eora/Sydney
21 November 2025 – St Andrews Uniting Church, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 November 2025 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Nherrin-boorwoork/Queenscliff

Photo credit: Nick McKinlay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trinity Woodhouse Gets Real About Mental Health With “Pills”

Wonnarua Country/Hunter Valley alt-country artist Trinity Woodhouse has floored me with her beautiful new single “Pills.” It’s an honest exploration of Trinity’s mental health journey that I know many Aussies will relate to.

“’Pills’ is one of the most vulnerable songs I’ve ever written,” she admitted. “It’s been so helpful to me in my journey towards accepting the place that I’m at with my mental health, and everything I’ve gone through to get to where I am. Mental health isn’t something that’s discussed anywhere near enough, and if one person can listen to my song, relate, and know that someone else is going through that experience with them, then I’ve done my job. That’s the goal for this song.”

Trinity has a busy November in store with plenty of gigs around New South Wales. Catch her at all the following venues:

7 November 2025 – Club Maitland City, Mindaribba/Maitland (from 7:30 pm – FREE)
8 November 2025 – Glendale Markets, Awabakal Country/Glendale (from 10 am – FREE)
9 November 2025 – Sydney Junction Hotel, Ahwartah-bulboongba/Hamilton (from midday – FREE)
14 November 2025 – Newcastle Airport, Murrook/Williamtown (from 2:30 pm – FREE)
16 November 2025 – Warners Bay Hotel, Biddaba/Warners Bay (from 2 pm – FREE)
22 November 2025 – Hotel Jesmond, Awabakal Country/Jesmond (from 8:30 pm – FREE)
23 November 2025 – Bellbird Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Bellbird (from 1 pm – FREE)
25 November 2025 – Kent Hotel, Ahwartah-bulboongba/Hamilton (from 9 pm – FREE)
29 November 2025 – Rydges Newcastle, Mulubinba/Newcastle (from 3 pm – FREE)
30 November 2025 – Huntlee Tavern, Wonnarua Country/Branxton (from 1 pm – FREE)

If Trinity’s song has resonated with you and you think you need some mental health assistance, help is available on the following numbers:
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800

Image used with permission from Rock This Country