Category: Releases

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

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