Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Mark New Chapter With “Working Class Hero”

Pacific Avenue have taken their sound up a gear with their latest single “Working Class Hero.” With more intensity than their usual beachy fare, this is a proper indie rock anthem. Press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy this one.

“‘Working Class Hero’ serves as a tribute to our hometowns of Kiama and Gerringong (Wodi Wodi Country), and the hardworking people who keep them alive,” the band explained. “Growing up in small regional towns, we were shaped by a tight community where loyalty and perseverance ran deep. As we pursued music, moving away from home brought a sense of guilt—leaving behind family and friends. The song’s verses reflect the nostalgia of growing up with a close friend and the joys of small-town life, while the chorus explores the regret and longing of wondering if we’d made the right choice to leave. While we love being on the road and touring, part of us misses the integrity of actively contributing to a community. We aim to convey the heroism that often goes unnoticed, and hope this leaves viewers with a renewed appreciation for their own communities.”

“Working Class Hero” delivers our first taste of Pacific Avenue’s sophomore album, which should drop early next year.

Image used with permission from Varrasso PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Marshall Hamburger Releases First Post-Idol Single, “Thought of You”

Marshall Hamburger is one of my favourite Australian Idol contestants from recent years. As a child of the ‘80s, I loved his passion for the music of my youth and the joy that emanated from every one of his performances. But when he won the title I wondered, what comes next? I’m sure he could make a career from playing covers, but I hoped he might step out as an artist in his own right. So I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around his debut single, “Thought of You.” It’s got that cool retro-pop vibe but with some modern flair I know you’ll love.

“Have you ever met that person who just by thinking about them changed your whole mood? That’s what this song is about,” said Marshall, who also wrote “Thought of You.” Yes, this isn’t one of those pop songs that come from a corporate machine. Marshall is showcasing some real creative depth and that’s another big tick.

Could Marshall be one of those Australian Idol success stories who has a career long after the show is over? God I hope so, because I love what he’s doing.

Photo credit: Ben Lockens

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cheeky Leash Spread Sunshine With “Change”

After a few gloomy cold days, I’m happy to see some sunshine in my part of Australia in time for the weekend. It’s the perfect weather for hitting the beach, and the perfect time to blast “Change,” the latest single from Woolyungah/Wollongong quartet Cheeky Leash. It’s got such a fun, upbeat vibe, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll realise it’s a little deeper than you might think.

“The song ‘Change’ is rooted in the cost-of-living crisis and reflects how society has become so focused on getting ahead that we’ve lost a sense of connection with each other,” the band explained. “It’s a metaphor for transformation whether that’s personal growth, the evolving world, or even the band’s own musical development. There’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age film feel to the track and lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. Lines like ‘Still searching for change…’ play on the dual meanings of spare money and a deeper desire for societal change, making it resonate differently depending on the listener’s own experiences.”

Cheeky Leash will celebrate the release of “Change” with a whole stack of shows this November and December, including headlining performances and concerts supporting South Summit. Expect plenty of good vibes at the following gigs.

6 November 2025 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
7 November 2025 – Elsewhere ‘Bespoke,’ Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
8 November 2025 – Solbar, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
14 November 2025 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting South Summit)
15 November 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting South Summit)
16 November 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
22 November 2025 – Felons Barrel Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
23 November 2025 – Hotel Steyne Upstairs Beach Club, Gayamegal Country/Manly (FREE)
28 November 2025 – Dissent Cafe & Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
29 November 2025 – Marlin Hotel, Murramurrang Country/Ulladulla
5 December 2025 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
12 December 2025 – Gage Roads Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)

Photo credit: Tiarna Stahmer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

jnr. Drops Impressive Comeback Single, “I guess it’s fine”

Following a year of soul-searching, Eora/Sydney artist jnr. is back with some of the best music of his career. His fantastic new single “I guess it’s fine” comes from jnr.’s long-awaited debut EP. This song sets the foundation for that release by tackling themes of race, generational trauma, and developing a sense of self that jnr. was keen to explore with his new music.

“I had this moment of self-discovery where I realised I didn’t really know who I was. Being a mixed kid is tough because you never really see yourself in other people and I had always pushed to the back of my mind how this made it quite difficult to fit in growing up,” jnr. explained. “This concept accidentally bled into the music as I was in the thick of realising it all”

It’s been some time since we’ve heard new solo music from jnr. but he’s been far from idle. He wrote his debut EP during a two-week residency in France. He also helped produce music for ages like Daphnie, Hevenshe, and RAGEFLOWER, and joined the band FVNERAL. All of that creative and self-exploration has led him here, to the point where he’s ushering in a new chapter for his solo music which seems incredibly bright.

Image used with permission from jnr.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KYARNA Releases Folky Gem, “Forest Song”

I seem to be all about the calming music at the moment. I’m sure something with angst will inspire me soon, but when so many artists are releasing beautiful, gentle tracks I’m just going to roll with it. If you’re feeling the folky vibes, make sure you listen to KYARNA’s latest single “Forest Song.”

KYARNA wrote this song after spending time in Champagne, France for an artist’s residency. During her time abroad, she connected with fellow creatives who she says “quickly became part of my soul. We all spent a lot of time walking through the forest along the river, and every day I would sit with my feet in the freezing water and talk to the trees (as I do). At the time, I was grieving so deeply, I was trying to find meaning in anything I could, and I had this realisation that no matter where I go, Country holds me. I don’t have anything particularly profound to say about this next love letter, except that I hope you hear what Country is saying to all of us.”

KYARNA is about to tour the country with Liz Stringer. When that wraps up, she’ll play some of the country’s top folk festivals. If you’re attending one of these events, make sure you don’t miss her set:

16 November 2025 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Kuarka Doola/Anglesea (supporting Liz Stringer)
21 November 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Liz Stringer)
27 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Liz Stringer)
28 November 2025 – Brunswick Picture House, Bundjalung Country/Brunswick Heads (supporting Liz Stringer)
5 December 2025 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Awabakal Country/Mayfield (supporting Liz Stringer)
6 December 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney (supporting Liz Stringer)
13 December 2025 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Brataualung Country/Meeniyan (supporting Liz Stringer)
16-18 January 2026 – Illawarra Folk Festival @ Bulli Showground, Bulla Bulla/Bulli
27 February – 1 March 2026 – Cobargo Folk Festival @ Cobargo Showground, Yuin Country/Cobargo

Image used with permission from Soul Sound Management

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leila Soars With “Butterfly”

After a draining day dealing with social media hackers, I turned to my inbox in the hopes of finding a little musical solace. I discovered exactly what I was looking for with “Butterfly,” the beautiful new single from Ngambri/Canberra artist Leila.

The press release describes Leila as a country-pop act, but I’m also hearing some soul influences in this beauty. Her unique voice sits beautifully amongst the piano melody and lush string section.

Leila has supported some of Australia’s best acts including Ella Hooper and The Eurogliders, but she’s ready to become the headliner. Catch her at the following shows supporting the release of “Butterfly.”

6 November 2025 – Society City, Woolyungah/Wollongong
21 November 2025 – The Polo, Ngambri/Canberra
28 November 2025 – Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Evergreen Artists

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Prepare to Get Hooked on Reckless Coast’s “Addictions”

After wowing me with their debut EP Naked & Famous last year, Meeanjin/Brisbane trio Reckless Coast are back with the killer new single “Addictions.” They’re making the sort of straight-up rock music we don’t hear enough of these days. There’s no bullshit. The vocals from Jaeden Ogston soar and the band is tight without being buttoned-up.

“Addictions” explores the psychological toll of romantic dependency from the perspective of a protagonist feeling jaded by mislead relationships. Jaeden explained “Some people can’t stand the thought of being alone, rushing from one relationship to the next without healing or self reflection, which fuels an almost self fulfilling prophecy. I wrote ‘Addictions’ after a three year relationship ended, and I caught myself looking for something new at a time when I wasn’t emotionally ready.”

Reckless Coast have a couple of local gigs to close out the year. Catch them at the following venues:

7 November 2025 – Blute’s Bar, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (supporting VERUM)
4 December 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (supporting Dellacoma)

Image used with permission from Reckless Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Gilbert Drops Dramatic New Noir Country Single, “Goddamn Fool”

I had to check the date before posting about “Goddamn Fool,” the latest single by Ruby Gilbert. It sounds like it could score a classic Sergio Leone spaghetti western, but I assure you it’s a fresh 2025 release.

When asked about “Goddamn Fool,” Ruby explained “It’s about karmic justice; being outplayed, knowing you had it coming, and accepting the fall without asking for forgiveness or redemption.”

I just love how this one sounds. You’ve got country staples like the banjo and acoustic guitar, but also a Mariachi-style brass section in the mix. It’s so lush and layered, with Ruby’s unique voice the cherry on top. If you like your country music dark, feast your ears on “Goddamn Fool.”

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stella Dunai Makes Stunning Debut With “Can’t Sleep”

The last few days have been pretty rough, so I’ve been all about music to soothe my mood. I’ve got my latest serotonin hit from “Can’t Sleep,” the debut single from Stella Dunai. While this is Stella’s first solo single, you might know her as part of Naarm/Melbourne R&B collective Empress. This song’s a lot folkier with dreamy vocals that will get right under your skin.

Stella wrote “Can’t Sleep” while battling insomnia as she travelled through Italy. It’s a little ironic that it sounds like a beautiful lullaby, but I’m digging it.

“I was in the mid-summer heat in Florence with an old wonky nylon string guitar I bought for €20 in France and carried with me on trains and buses,” Stella recalled. “I went on to work at a vineyard in the Dolomites and the owner insisted I play a song for her. So the first people to hear ‘Can’t Sleep’ were Anna, the vineyard owner, and her two Italian friends who spoke very little English – under the stars up on a vineyard in the mountains.”

With her debut EP Nothing to Be Scared Of slated for a November release, we’ll hear a lot more from Stella soon.

Photo credit: Bridgette Winten

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay Brown Rocks Out With “No Place”

Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Clay Brown builds on his sound with the release of his second single fronting Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town, “No Place.” It’s much grittier than their laidback debut “All My Friends (Atrophy),” but if you enjoyed that song I don’t think they’ll lose you with this evolution. As with the first single, Clay Brown hooked me with his superb songwriting, which this time explore grief and the way it can paralyse you.

“I wrote this song when I was going through a difficult time after losing someone very important in my life, and at the same time trying to start a new situationship with someone, but I was finding I just didn’t have myself all together yet for it mentally,” frontman Clay explained.

Can we also take a moment to appreciate Clay’s vocals? When so many artists attempt to disguise their Aussie accent, Clay’s is proudly on show. I also love the way he effortlessly moves from the conversational-style verses to high notes in the chorus.

Clay has been a key part of the Boorloo/Perth music industry for the last decade, playing with diverse acts like shoegaze outfit The Limbs, grunge band Filth Wizard, jazz fusion group King Proteus, and heavy stoner rockers MAGE. But his work fronting Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town is a little more personal. In 2023, Clay’s mother was diagnosed with cancer. He began writing poetry, then lyrics to process his emotions through her illness and death. This difficult period became the catalyst for his first solo songs, which he plays as an acoustic artist and with Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town.

Clay has recently returned from London, where he played a string of shows and recorded some music at Soho Sound Studios. Hopefully that means there are many more new tunes on the way. Until then, crank up “No Place.”

Photo credit: Dan Mac Photography