Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Swift Opens Up With “See You At the Bottom”

Andrew Swift has been dropping optimistic tracks like “Nothing Better” lately, so his latest release “See You At the Bottom” is a bit of a change of pace. It’s still got that infectious feel-good country-pop-rock sound that he does so well, but its lyrics are a bit grittier and more vulnerable.

“I’ve been writing songs lately about how good things are now, but they haven’t always been,” he acknowledged. “I started songwriting as a teenager, dealing with depression. It helped me express what I couldn’t say out loud.”

Unlike his earlier therapeutic material, writing “See You At the Bottom” was a collaborative effort with fellow Aussie Blake Dantier and UK-based Craig Taylor. The trio worked over Zoom and three time zones to make it happen.

“We managed to find a time that worked for all of us in December of last year and got into it,” Andrew said. “It came together pretty quickly and it was pretty obvious to me that it would definitely be making it on to the next record.”

That record is Lucky Stars, Andrew’s fourth album, which is slated for an October 17 release. Andrew has plenty of shows around its release, so get out and support him anywhere you can.

9 October 2025 – The Presynct, Kabi Kabi Country/Nambour
10 October 2025 – Kristen’s Place, Butchulla Country/Harvey Bay
11 October 2025 – The Wallaby Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Mudgeeraba
12 October 2025 – Savannah in The Round @ Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Muluridji Country/Mareeba
17 October 2025 – Noojee Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Noojee
18 October 2025 – Welshpool Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Welshpool
7 November 2025 – Astor Hotel, Burbong/Goulburn
8 November 2025 – Heritage Hotel, Bulla/Bulli
9 November 2025 – The Savoy Bar, Darkinjung Country/Long Jetty
13 November 2025 – Little Alberts at the Vic, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
14 November 2025 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
15 November 2025 – Nautical Country, Dyarubbin/Hawkesbury River
16 November 2025 – Camden Hotel, Benkennie/Camden
21 November 2025 – St Andrews Hotel, Nillumbik/St Andrews
22 November 2025 – Bellarine Estate, Bellawiyn/Bellarine
23 November 2025 – Kindred Bandroom, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong Country/Footscray
24 January 2025 – Blazes Showroom @ West Tamworth Leagues Club, Calala/Tamworth
5 February 2025 – Mt Gambier Bowls Club, Berrin/Mt Gambier
6 February 2025 – Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 February 2025 – Quorn Town Hall, Pithi Kawi/Quorn
8 February 2025 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
14 February 2025 – Boyupbrook Country Music Festival, Noongar Country/Boyupbrook

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Devon Street Release Heartbreaking Rock Track, “Charis (Dream)”

I’m rocking out this morning to “Charis (Dream),” the powerful new single from Western Australia’s own Devon Street. Asher and London Milne, the brothers who lead the band, wrote this hard-hitting song in tribute to their cousin who sadly lost his battle with addiction.

“It’s always easier to offer advice from the outside. The real dream was for him to heal and become the person he truly wanted to be. While things didn’t turn out that way,” they explained. “’Charis (Dream)’ tells his story – and honours his struggle.”

Devon City recently signed a deal with Tone City Records, known for their work with DICE and Dear Sunday, and they’re current recording their sophomore EP. There’s also a national tour, including their first shows on the East Coast, in the works, so expect to hear a lot more from these guys in the coming months. Until then, local fans can catch them supporting Mitch Santiago and Nana’s Pie at the Indian Ocean Hotel on September 27.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucinda Poy Releases Pop Bop, “Liar”

We’ve all dealt with people who’ve been less than honest with us. When these folks cross our paths we’ve got two choices: we can dwell on it or we can dance it out with a fabulous track like Lucinda Poy’s latest single “Liar.” Its lyrics cut deep, but its shimmery indie-pop sound is bound to make you feel better about the situation.

“Sometimes the people you trust aren’t who you think they are. What made them lie to you, and why did they keep you in the dark? Does it make them a bad person?” Lucinda questioned. “Seeing another side to someone is terrifying, and it can happen in a heartbeat.”

Lucinda will officially launch “Liar” with a show at Lyric’s Underground in Boorloo/Perth on September 25. With support from Pareidolia and Rosalie Chillvers, it’s bound to be a fantastic night of music.

Photo credit: Jenna Elson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Abbey Lane Drops “Bigger Man” Ahead of EP Release

Shifting gears from a couple of weeks holidaying around Japan to the nine-to-five grind isn’t easy. There are inboxes to clear, responsibilities to catch up on, and a whole lot of noise in my brain. It takes something special to cut through, but I found it in “Bigger Man,” the latest track from Abbey Lane. This fabulous indie-rock single has heightened my anticipation for her forthcoming EP, which drops on September 25.

This single is actually an amalgamation of a bunch of scrapped songs Abbey penned over the years. She’s taken the best bits and created a cohesive anthem for anyone who’s ever decided to move on from a relationship rather than change to fit it. Her voice is so compelling and I know the drum rhythms will have you tapping your toes along to the beat.

Ahead of her EP release, Abbey will support Maddy Jane at Waywards Ballroom in Eora/Sydney on September 20, so consider your Saturday plans sorted.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Felicity Embraces Country Sound With “Rusty Nail”

I’m not always a fan of country music. Yet I’m all about “Rusty Nail,” which Yuin/South Coast singer-songwriter Felicity Dowd says is her “countriest” release yet. I think the reason it speaks so strongly to me is because it comes from such an authentic place. Felicity didn’t overthink this one. The organic way it kind of spilled out of her while she sat in a campground before a festival helps it feel so natural, no matter what genre it leans into.

“I cut my foot on a rusty nail was the first line I wrote,” Felicity said. “It was completely random – I was just sitting around before a festival and having a bit of fun writing. Then I realised it actually hinted at something I’d been going through in my life. It started as this random idea, and then the rest of the song just came from there. It was almost reminiscent of Pony or Dolly Parton – that old country vibe. And when I started playing it, I had so much fun. I thought, let’s lean into it. Let’s get some fiddle. Let’s get some mandolin.”

This is also one of the first recordings Felicity’s done without backing vocals. It gives it an extra layer of grit and immediacy that I’m really into. It might be a bit of a left turn for Felicity, but I hope to hear her playing more in this space.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mika James Releases Fantastic New Single, “Strangers in Line”

Mika James wowed me with her joyful single “Nonna’s Trolley” back in March. Now she’s released the follow-up “Strangers in Line,” and I’m every bit as impressed. This track’s a bit bigger, with powerhouse vocals from Mika, but it’s still imbued with the heart that saw her pique my interest the first time around.

“’Strangers In Line’ is about those brief interactions with strangers that make the world feel a little lighter. It’s also importantly about my love of the community within music,” Mika said. “It was written back when I was finishing high school, and my world was made bigger by the friendships I started to make within the music scene. From 16, I was spending most of my weekends playing drums in a band immersed in the punk scene. I had just started to fall in love with the folk world, I was a fan before I knew that was the kind of music I wanted to make. I loved that I could walk 10 minutes down the road on a school night to see a band that I adored. ‘Strangers In Line’ is an ode to the 30-minute beer garden interval between bands where you see all the same people you saw at the gig the night before.”

While “Nonna’s Trolley” sat squarely in a folk-pop space, “Strangers in Line” is a bit harder to categorise. There’s some rock or blues edge to it, a little country twang, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on. I’ve added it to my rock playlist, although I’m not sure that’s the right place for it. Whatever Mika’s created here though, it’s exceptional.

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eddie Witz and the Most High Embrace Aussie Home With “My Island”

Born and raised in California, Eddie Witz boarded a plane with his family last month and flew to their new home in Cavanbah/Byron Bay. He’s wasting absolutely no time treating us to his fantastic music. “My Island,” released with his band the Most High, is a cool reggae-folk ditty co-written by Jeff Barry as a spiritual sequel to his massive hit “Montego Bay.” If you know, you know, and if you don’t, fire up Spotify stat and acquaint yourself with this ‘70s gem!

“To me, ‘My Island’ isn’t about a destination — it’s a feeling,” Eddie said. “It’s the moment you disconnect from the chaos and return to harmony. Whether that’s on a beach or inside yourself, it’s where healing begins.”

The idea of healing runs deep for Eddie, who was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. This rare neurological condition caused total paralysis on the right side of his face, neck, and head. However, through meditation, natural wellness, and deep energetic work, he’s restored his facial nerves and rebuilt full mobility, including his power to sing. Talk about inspiring. I wish Eddie well in his new Aussie home and can’t wait to hear more fabulous music from him!

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chill For a Bit With Bumpy’s “Cosy Comfy”

I’ve been following Bumpy’s beautiful music for nearly three years, so it’s amazing to me that she hasn’t yet released a debut album. Rest assured though, it’s on its way. Before she does, she’s offering us a taste of her latest music with the gorgeous new single “Cosy Comfy.” As its name suggests, this one wraps around you like a warm blanket and encourages you to take a little “me” time.

“The pressure on creatives is ever growing – stretching platforms and content. Sometimes the wheel is running so fast you don’t know how to get off it,” Bumpy acknowledged. “This song is a reminder that things can be slow. You can choose to change your pace at any point. And sometimes all ya gotta do is rug up in your favourite sweater and sit outside with a cuppa.”

“Cosy Comfy” comes from Bumpy’s debut album Kanana, a Noongar phrase meaning “land where the sun sets,” which drops on October 3. It’s available to pre-order now. Bumpy will bring her music to the following events over the next couple of months.

19 September 2025 – NGV Friday Nights @ NGV International, Naarm/Melbourne
25 October 2025 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
1 November 2025 – PIJF Block Party @ Perth International Jazz Festival, Urban Orchard, Boorloo/Perth
7-9 November 2025 – Hopkins Creek Festival, Taungurung Country/Hopkins Creek
21-23 November 2025 – Strawberry Fields, Yorta Yorta Country/Tocumwal

Photo credit: Emily Dynes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Shows There’s Life After Idol With “In My Blood”

Jake Whittaker won the hearts of the nation on the last series of Australian Idol. However, I can’t help but think he might have gone even further than the top six if he were playing his originals. His latest single “In My Blood” is better than any cover he delivered on that program. Take a listen!

Jake cowrote this song with James Johnston, who also featured on Australian Idol many, many moons ago (the true fans never forget!)

“The phrase popped into my head earlier that day, and I knew I wanted to use it,” Jake said. “This one’s about me—but it’s for everyone. We’ve all got something that runs in our blood. For me, it’s country music and country life. For someone else, it might be horses, cars, go-karting … whatever it is, that’s where we connect.”

Jake says this song, the first he’s released since appearing on Idol, is the start of a new chapter for him. He’ll celebrate it with a bunch of shows in the coming months leading up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in the New Year. Here are all the places you can see him playing his choice originals and perhaps a few of those covers you know and love.

13 September 2025 – Flame Festival @ Jimboomba Park, Gimboomba/Jimboomba
4 October 2025 – Urban Country Music Festival @ Caboolture Showgrounds, Kabi Kabi Country/Caboolture
29 November 2025 – Preston Country Clash @ Preston Community Centre, Lutruwita/Preston
17 January 2026 – moonshiners, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Shows Us “WHAT’S GOOD”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based ixaras continues to impress me with maturity beyond her years. Her latest single “WHAT’S GOOD” is a coming-of-age anthem which manages to be both vulnerable, yet delivered with a strong sense of self. She’s incredible for 18, but also just incredible.

“‘WHAT’S GOOD’ is the song that should have ended the first EP full lover fake friend, but because of the growth in songwriting on this track, it makes a clear stand-alone single for this next era,” ixaras said. “The ending of relationships is rarely as savage as it seems in the moment, but with time we gain more clarity and perspective. I hope the vulnerability provides comfort with those trying to move through the periods of pain that is normally experienced during heartbreak,”

As if the music wasn’t enough, ixaras recently released a seven-part docuseries, IT GOES LIKE THIS, which followed her debut tour supporting Grinspoon and rise as a young artist. She’s also continuing to build her community through her youth-focused recording label and creative platform Anti-Dismal.

“WHAT’S GOOD” comes from ixaras’s debut album, which we’ll hear in October. That month she’ll also hit the road for another tour, this time supporting The Rions at the following shows:

3 October 2025 – Fortitude Valley Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 October 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
10 October 2025 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
11 October 2025 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
18 October 2025 – Hindley St Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from GYRO PR