Category: Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stonetrip Deliver Retro Rock Sounds With “Postcards”

If you long for the glory days of Aussie pub rock, wrap your ears around “Postcards,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne outfit Stonetrip. This is straight-down-line rock music, no bullshit, 100% commitment.

“Chemical Attraction” comes from Ben’s latest album Let Me At the Night. Ben said “It’s still a country record in my eyes: narrative-based songs that explore the themes I’ve been circling in my writing for years. But we’ve really dialled up the experimentalism—pushed our sonic palette further than we ever have before!”

If you appreciate music that refuses to play by the rules, I know you’ll vibe with this. Turn it up and get loose!

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Morgan Evans Celebrates Hometown With Latest Single, Album

As a Novocastrian born and bred, I’m incredibly proud of the place I grew up and its musical exports. My heart is so full seeing hometown hero Morgan Evans taking the world by storm. His career might have taken him to Nashville, but his heart is never far from Mulubinba/Newcastle.

After recently signing a new deal with the Virgin Music Group, Morgan has just released his latest single “Beer Back Home,” which was no doubt inspired by boozy nights out at local haunts like The Del or Stag and Hunter. The single gives us our first taste of Morgan’s sophomore album Steel City, which drops on March 20.

“I’m stoked to partner with Virgin Music Group on this record,” Morgan said. “They’ve built a global team that gets Nashville, Europe, Australia, and they get me. The industry’s changing fast, but their model keeps artists in control, especially creatively. I couldn’t be prouder of this new music or more excited to share it with the world alongside the legends at VMG. Let’s go!”

Morgan will be back in the Steel City on February 14 for the Howlin’ Country Music Festival. He’ll also play Meatstock in Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba and Gunaikurnai/Gippsland in April before returning to the United States.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emma Donovan Covers Al Green Soul Classic

Proud Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji artist Emma Donovan has put her stamp on Al Green’s soul classic “Take Me To the River.” I’ve long believed you shouldn’t cover a song unless you can make it your own, but the inclusion of language in the back half makes this version totally unique.

“I’m quite nervous releasing a song like ‘Take Me To The River’ because the Al Green version is such an iconic version, and it’s a big song!” Emma admitted. “But it’s exciting and good to share my perspective on it. A song like Take Me To The River is similar to an Archie Roach song like ‘Get Back To The Land.’ It’s about filling that cup up after a big breakup, going to look for that Country, looking for that water, to cleanse and feel good. I love my connection to that song and I’m excited to share it.”

Emma also thought about her own experiences in local waterways when she recorded her version. “My take on this song is really about family and community,” she added. “We always talk about going up the river, that’s our outlet. We go fishing, we go swimming, we go to hang out, and we take the little ones and we’re there with family. We’ve been following my nannas and my grandfathers for years to the river. So hopefully, with that bit of language that we translated, people will feel the connection to that.”

Emma has announced some fabulous shows for the summer. Catch her at the following events.

30 November 2025 – Sync the Music launch @ Bellingen Memorial Hall, Gumbaynggirr Country/Bellingen
16 January 2026 – Sydney Festival @ City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
13 February 2026 – Riverboats Music Festival @ Aquatic Reserve, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca
7 March 2026 – Port Fairy Folk Festival @ Southcombe Park, Gunditjmara Country/Port Fairy

Photo credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Talk Heavy Shows Softer Side With “Wedding Bands”

The punk genre isn’t known for its love songs, but Meeanjin/Brisbane band Talk Heavy aren’t afraid to buck the trends and show their vulnerable side. Their latest single “Wedding Bands” has got to be the sweetest emo track I’ve heard all year!

“It reflects on meeting someone, those early moments, and how they compare to where you are now, looking forward to the rest of your lives,” explained Talk Heavy’s frontman Matt Cochran. “Musically, it pulls influence from Rozwell Kid, Modern Baseball, Joyce Manor, and even Modest Mouse in the lead guitar. I think it tells a strong lyrical story from the daydream of the first verse, to the real-time moment of the second verse, into the realization of the outro.”

After recently inking a deal with local label Ninth Life Records, Talk Heavy are preparing to release a stack of fresh tracks in the coming months. Follow them on the socials to learn more about the tunes to come.

Photo credit: Joshua Redbeard

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