Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anna Dine Makes Her Mark With Debut Single, “kind 2 me”

Eora/Sydney-based indie-pop chanteuse Anna Dine shows she’s a real creative force with the release of her dreamy debut single “kind 2 me.” Unlike so many acts in the pop scene, Anna’s taken ownership of her art by writing and producing this song herself.

Anna took out the prestigious Sonora Song Competition in January with this track. That victory helped her record and release it for your listening pleasure.

“‘kind 2 me’ is a song that punches you in the gut,” Anna said. “It’s a song for anyone who has been deprived of the bare minimum, invalidated, and ruthlessly gaslit. The track combines lyrical drama with lush synth production to illuminate the powerlessness of being enmeshed in a relationship with someone who won’t treat you with basic dignity.”

Anna will celebrate the release of “kind 2 me” with a launch show at the Sneaky Possum in Warrane/Chippendale on October 25. She’ll also support Martha Chess Phelps at Moshpit on November 1 before co-headlining a regional tour with Cate Guirguis later this year.

Image used with permission from Anna Dine

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella & Sienna Impress With “Taxi”

Sibling duo Ella & Sienna take their sound to the next level on their latest pop single, “Taxi.” The song showcases the harmonies that encouraged Rita Ora to turn her chair on season 11 of The Voice Australia, along with some incredibly sophisticated songwriting. It’s super catchy, as all good pop songs should be, but it’s also got real heart.

“Our newest single ‘Taxi’ is a dynamic coming-of-age track about the pains of growing apart from who you used to be and learning to let go,” the sisters explained. “’Taxi’ is a breakup anthem that encapsulates feelings of love, heartbreak, self-worth, and acceptance of moving into a new phase of life.”

“Taxi” is the latest addition to my Spotify playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. If you do too, make sure you give it a follow!

Image used with permission from Ella & Sienna

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fanny Lumsden Celebrates Career With Retrospective Single “Look At Me Now”

Fanny Lumsden has already had an impressive career that’s taken her from a wool farm in Dhalymbang/Tallimba in central New South Wales all the way to the Glastonbury stage, but she’s not done yet. She reflects on her journey to this point with her fabulous new single “Look At Me Now,” which she recorded while touring Europe.

“This is a love letter to my younger self. The amount of ‘nos’ I experienced in this industry is wild and every single one I am grateful for because they made me the person and artist I am today. Not the wins but all the losses, the struggles and the hard moments,” she said. “I think it’s also a reminder that ‘success’ can be an illusion and really you can find success in every step along the way. It’s a cliche but I’m feeling reflective and grateful that I can still be driving the van, self-managed, doing my own make up in the rear-view mirror and yet doing the biggest shows of my career all at the same time.”

“I wanted this song to feel real and hopeful and authentic to my live band who do all the miles with me and load the van and see the lows as well as the highs. Recording it was a crazy process of fitting in recording sessions whilst on the road. So, we are very grateful to Matt Fell for wielding his magic and helping us make it happen.”

Fanny recently wrapped up an Aussie tour with Paul Kelly, but she’s not one to sit idle for too long. She’ll support Rob Thomas in November and play the country music festival in Calala/Tamworth before headlining a string of shows next February. Here are all the dates you need Fanny fans!

3 November 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Bulanaming/Newtown (SOLD OUT – supporting Rob Thomas)
4 November 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Bulanaming/Newtown (supporting Rob Thomas)
5 November 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Bulanaming/Newtown (supporting Rob Thomas)
24 January 2026 – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ Tamworth Town Hall, Calala/Tamworth
6 February 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
7 February 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 February 2026 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
14 February 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 February 2026 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
21 February 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Dara Munnis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saif Releases Hard-Hitting New Single, “The Devil Wears Prada”

Saif takes his music and sharp social commentary to the next level with the release of his latest single, “The Devil Wears Prada.” Rest assured, despite its name this track has nothing to do with the fashion-forward Anne Hathaway film!

“For me, this track is poetry for the people,” says Saif. “It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s about transforming pain into power.”

Press play and take a moment to really absorb the lyrics which explore systemic oppression, media manipulation, and the struggles that underrepresented communities face every day. The way Saif blends the traditions of American hip hop with his distinctly Dharug Country/Western Sydney perspective is also first-rate. You can hear more when Saif plays the Granny Smith Festival in Wallumetta/Eastwood this Saturday, October 18.

Image used with permission from Saif

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Admired Release Dreamy Emo-Pop Single “Dancefloor”

Eora/Sydney emo-pop act The Admired are serving up serious nostalgia with their latest single “Dancefloor.” Press play and let yourself be transported back to the dances of your youth!

Vocalist Bianca Davino says the single “captures the feeling of landing exactly where you’re meant to be, even if just for a fleeting moment. It’s not about ticking off major milestones, but rather finding magic in just living the artist’s life. For the song’s protagonist, fulfilment comes from meeting fascinating people or being at a culturally significant event.”

Bianca wrote the lyrics for “Dancefloor” from the perspective of a protagonist that embodies an idealised version of herself.

“I wanted to create a character who fully embodies the part of me that wishes to be the ‘it girl’ at the most exciting events — someone completely immersed in the moment, unconcerned with the future. She’s a projection of who I sometimes wish I could be, even though I know I’m not naturally like that. I may be too anxious about the future, but I can create someone who isn’t and live as her for 3 minutes when I sing this song.”

“Dancefloor” comes from The Admired’s upcoming mini EP, which we’ll hear later this year.

Photo credit: Jack Stanley (@1lastflick)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Late 90s Release Rock Belter, “Low”

Boorloo/Perth rock act Late 90s have really impressed me with their latest single “Low.” It’s a little heavier than the music I usually go for, but if it’s good, it’s good, right? And this epic rock anthem is really good.

“‘Low’ is about that internal monologue of self-love and self-loathing – knowing you’re heading off course and wanting to be better but you just don’t know how to be a better version of yourself and then beating yourself up for it,” the band explained.

Guitarist Stephen Loreck added “Last year I struggled a bit with self-esteem and valuing myself. Sometimes you don’t know where to start to get better, maybe you’re waiting for someone or something to happen for you to get your shit together.”

Stephen didn’t just play on “Low”; he also took over production duties for the first time. The band looked to their live sound engineer Emmett Carroll for mixing and entrusted the mastering to Brodie Stewart.

“The process of making ‘Low’ was so different to any other song we have done as we took way more of a DIY approach, with me producing the song,” Stephen explained. “We started recording this song before our previous EP came out, so we had a bit of time to obsess over all the parts, trying everything we could to just give the song an extra 10% for example tracking vocals three different times and bass twice haha. Some of our favourite parts of the song we wrote in the studio, just trying out random stuff, so having the time and freedom to experiment more was something we really valued. It was also really beneficial to have Emmett Carroll involved as he provided a lot of technical support, engineering when I was playing guitar or singing and coming up with some good ideas.”

Next up Late 90s will play for hometown fans at Sidefest, which will hit Rosemount Hotel from November 21 to 23. Catch them on the first day alongside top artists like Stand Atlantic, Dear Seattle, and heaps more. Or buy a weekend pass to catch all the action!

Photo credit: Mitch Love

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Malaika Mfalme Wows Me With “Berlin”

I really appreciate artists who prioritise quality over quantity. I’d much rather musicians take time to create something meaningful than churn out substandard work. Malaika Mfalme’s album Yasmin was one of my favourites of 2023, and now he’s back with “Berlin.” This is a stunning, stripped-back track that explores friendship, grief, and the freedom of anonymity against the backdrop of Germany’s capital.

“I wrote this song about three years ago, when I was in Berlin. I’d just lost my passport, was feeling disconnected from friends, and realised how freeing it can be to be unknown,” Malaika said. “There’s a line in the chorus that still hits me: ‘Maybe I won’t apologise for who I am in a place that don’t give a damn.’”

As a proud trans artist, Malaika’s work has consistently celebrated Black queer joy and resilience. He explained that they found the joy that helped them through such a challenging time in Berlin’s party scene. “It made me feel at home and fully accepted within the queer community there. That sense of joy and belonging was such a contrast to the heaviness I’d been carrying.”

“Berlin” is our first taste of Malaika’s new EP Forthcoming, which is slated for a November release.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Touring Oz and NZ After “Street Shark” EP Release

One of Australia’s hardest working bands, Bootleg Rascal are back with a brand new EP and tour. Street Shark is a genre-bending seven-track collection of songs featuring Sounds of Oz favourites “Stepping,” “From the Very Start,” and “Drip Your Love.” With so many twists and turns, I know you’ll find some tunes to vibe with on this one.

It seems like Bootleg Rascal are always on the road, so they weren’t going to miss the opportunity to play for you all to support Street Shark’s release. After wrapping up their Western Australian shows last weekend, they’ve got their sights set on the East Coast and Aotearoa/New Zealand. Catch Bootleg Rascal at one of the following shows:

10 October 2025 – Beach Road Hotel, Eora/Sydney
11 October 2025 – Oktoberfest @ Polytech Stadium, Darkinjung Country/Gosford (11am session)
24 October 2025 – Finnian’s Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie
25 October 2025 – The Station Board Store, Dhanggati/Crescent Head
6 November 2025 – The Loons, Christchurch
7 & 8 November 2025 – Dunedin Beer Festival @ Forsyth Barr Stadium, Ōtepoti/Dunedin
9 November 2025 – Yonder, Queenstown
27 November 2025 – Bombies @ Harbord Hotel, Garigal/Freshwater
29 November 2025 – Kahibah Sports Club, Awabakal Country/Kahibah
5 December 2025 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
6 December 2025 – Punters Club, Eora/Naarm/Melbourne (FREE)

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

My Chérie Impresses With “Dishes in the Sink”

After wowing me with her cinematic, genre-bending singles “Darkness & Gold” and “Don’t Compare Yourself” last year, I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around fantastic new music from My Chérie. Her latest release “Dishes in the Sink” is a haunting and poetic exploration of relationship friction and the longing for peace. Take a moment to really absorb this one, because you won’t want to miss a single note.

“This one came from a place of grief and self-reflection,” My Chérie explained. “It’s about sitting with the parts of ourselves we’re still learning to love, and the disconnect that can exist even in the closest relationships. We crumble into old selves we swore we’d outgrow … but healing isn’t linear, and love isn’t always simple.”

My Chérie is establishing herself as such an important voice on the contemporary music scene. Hopefully “Dishes in the Sink” is the first in a whole lot more new material from this exciting artist.

Photo credit: Clementine’s Gallery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emerauld Strikes Back With “Loud Mouth”

After impressing me with “In the First Place,” Tarntanya/Adelaide-based rocker Emerauld hasn’t taken her foot off the pedal. If you loved her bold energy on that single, I know you’ll appreciate her latest effort, “Loud Mouth.” Emerauld dials up the angst again, channelling it into an anthem for speaking up against the injustices in the world. She wrote this song during a “political and emotional breaking point” when she felt overwhelmed by constant negative news cycles about everything from genocide in Gaza to hate crimes against marginalised communities.

“I want people to come away feeling like it’s okay to be loud, to be angry and to demand change,” she insisted. “There’s always going to be terrible people in the world, but their bitterness doesn’t have to drag you down. Make noise, take up space and speak up for what matters.”

Emerauld will launch the single for hometown fans at The Austral tonight. Make sure you arrive early for choice support slots from fellow local talents St Loki and Maiden Name.

Image used with permission from Emerauld