Releases – Page 42 – Sounds of Oz

Posted on 06/03/202505/03/2025 by Lauren Katulka

The Superjesus Shine Brightly With “Diamonds” Single, Album and Tour On the Way

It’s a controversial take, but I honestly think The Superjesus are making some of the best music of their careers. If you don’t believe me, take a listen to their gorgeous new single “Diamonds.” This beautiful ballad is the latest cut from The Superjesus’ new self-titled album, which drops on March 21.

The Superjesus will take the new songs and plenty of old favourites on the road with a national tour this June and July. The shows will open with some up-and-coming acts handpicked by the band. If you want to join the bill, click this link to submit your details and demos.

The album is still a few weeks away, but you can pre-order your vinyl copy now. The Superjesus will press just 200 copies, so make sure you don’t miss out. Then you’ve got a few months to learn all the new songs for the band’s upcoming shows.

6 June 2025 – The Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
7 June 2025 – Avalon RSL, Garigal Country/Avalon
13 June 2025 – The Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
14 June 2025 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
20 June 2025 – The Crowbar, Meaanjin/Brisbane
21 June 2025 – Norton Music Factory, Kabi Kabi and Jinbara Country/Sunshine Coast
3 July 2025 – Carine Galdes Tavern, Noongar Country/Duncraig
4 July 2025 – The Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
5 July 2025 – The Bridgeway, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on 05/03/202505/03/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Emerauld Shows She’s a Force With “In the First Place”

At just 19 years of age, rising indie-rock act Emerauld has wowed me with her latest single, “In the First Place.” Emerauld channels all the angst, emotion, and uncertainty she felt after graduating high school into this epic new track.

“This song is like my inner battle brought to life,” shares Emerauld. “It dives into my self-doubt and frustration and the chorus reminds me that I don’t owe anyone anything, but also reflects the exhaustion of having nothing left to give”.

If the regular release rocks a little too hard for you, check out the acoustic version on your favourite streaming service. While I appreciate that these twin releases showcase different parts of Emerauld’s compelling voice and the depths of her artistry. Rest assured, she’s one to watch. If you live in Tantanya/Adelaide, you can see for yourself when Emerauld takes the Northern Sound System Emerging Artist stage at Womadelaide on March 10.

Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks

Posted on 05/03/202505/03/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Cardboard Cutouts Release Fantastic Rock Track, “My Best Friend”

Maybe it’s the stormy weather making me angsty, but I’m finding plenty of rock music to get me excited this week. My latest discovery is Cardboard Cutouts, a Toowoom/Toowoomba-raised act who’ve just dropped their powerful new single “My Best Friend.” Hit that volume button, because this one sounds best loud.

“‘My Best Friend’ is about a friend who was involved in a toxic relationship with someone and had substance abuse issues,” the band revealed. “They lost sight of who they were and what their purpose was. This song tells the story of that battle from an observer who is struggling to cope with what is happening, but has lost any bit of leverage to help and support the person.”

After sharing stages with Phil Jamieson, Greta Stanley, and Vera Blue, Cardboard Cutouts are stepping up as headliners with a quick tour celebrating the single release later this month. Check them out at these intimate venues before they inevitably graduate to the big gigs.

21 March 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 March 2025 – Bone Idol Brewery, Toowoom/Toowoomba (FREE)
27 March 2025 – The Tote Upstairs, Naarm/Melbourne
28 March 2025 – Dissent Cafe & Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
29 March 2025 – The Oriental Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)

Image used with permission from Crowd Favourite

Posted on 04/03/202504/03/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Daisy Park Impress With “Always”

Boorloo/Perth indie quartet Daisy Park have got me rocking out with their latest single “Always” this morning. It’s got a quintessentially Aussie sound that feels effortless. Make no mistake, these guys are the real deal.

“At its core, ‘Always’ is about the sudden loss of a relationship and trying to cope with not knowing what went wrong,” explained Daisy Park’s frontman Fyn Slarke. “It covers the feelings I showed externally to my friends and family as opposed to how I really felt on the inside. The contrast of my outward projection and my interior dialogue was a really big part of the writing process.”

Daisy Park shot the video for “Always” along the coast of Walyalup/Fremantle, a place that holds a special nostalgia for the band.

“This was the first music video we’d ever done as a band,” Fyn said. “That green lighthouse is an iconic part of Fremantle, the place where most of us grew up in our teenage years. We’re all just young adults that met in high school and are creating art together and the fact that we do this because we love it is really special to me. I’m super proud that we were able to do this on our own.”

Daisy Park are set to have a stellar year with a debut EP on the horizon and plenty of shows already locked in. Western Australians can catch them at the following upcoming gigs:

7 March 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River (supporting Fool Nelson)
8 March 2025 – Six Degrees Albany, Kinjarling/Albany (supporting Fool Nelson)
29 March 2025 – Hyperfest 2025 @ Locale, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Midland

Photo credit: Juno Shean

Posted on 28/02/202528/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Drop Funky Single “From The Very Start” + Announce NZ Shows

Bootleg Rascal have got me grooving with their latest single “From The Very Start.” This Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast duo are always a good time and their soulful, synth-infused newie is right up there with their best.

“As the title and lyrics allude to, this song is all about beginnings – exploring the origins of romantic relationships, musical collaborations, friendships, and careers,” explained Bootleg Rascal guitarist Jimmy Young.

Not content with taking their Booty Block Party all over Oz, Bootleg Rascal recently announced a couple more local festivals and some Aotearoa/New Zealand dates.

“We’re stoked to be coming back to New Zealand!” enthused Bootleg Rascal frontman Carlos Lara. “The vibe there is always incredible, and we’re buzzing to team up with The Darlings for some unforgettable shows. We’re ready to bring the party, and we want everyone to join us!”

You heard the man. Get your tickets now!

Photo credit: @jaredhinz

Posted on 27/02/202525/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Nick de la Hoyde Impressive With Powerful Ballad, “Moments of You”

Strap yourself in for Nick de la Hoyde’s epic new single “Moments of You.” This ambitious pop-rock ballad ticks all the boxes for me.

I’ve enjoyed some of Nick’s other releases, but I’ve never heard him deliver soaring vocals like this before. He gives a true masterclass here. I love the way that the strings, guitars, and drums all combine to match his intensity.

Nick once sat squarely in the pop lane, but his latest cinematic ballads show a greater depth and evolution of his sound and artistry. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this new musical direction takes him.

Image used with permission from Gatcombe Music

Posted on 27/02/202527/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Great Job! Impress With “Take Your Meds”

After a massive 2024 that saw them supporting punk heavy-hitters like Frank Turner, Luca Brasi, and Smith Street Band, Great Job! are coming out swinging in 2025 with the release of their latest single “Take Your Meds.” If you like the gritty, introspective lyrics and powerful vocals of the acts they’ve played with, I know this will be right up your alley.

“This song is named after the alarm I have on my phone that buzzes every morning,” vocalist Charlie Hollands said. “It’s about breaking things off with someone and initially feeling freedom before being proven that not only was it not only the wrong decision, but a life-threatening one. Because it’s not about a person at all … it’s about that whole romanticised idea that medication is a hindrance to the soul, and that the answer isn’t valiantly throwing a bottle of prescription pills into a lake.”

“Take Your Meds” gives us our first taste of Great Job!’s debut album, which drops later this year. They’ll launch the single with a show at Monster Mouse in Eora/Sydney on March 7.

Photo credit: Hannah Badorrek

Posted on 26/02/202525/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Zanna Black Releases Stunning Genre-Bending Single, “This Town”

Zanna Black has really impressed me with her latest single “This Town.” It’s such a unique tune that refuses to sit neatly in any box.

Zanna’s sweet voice has a definite folk feel, but the guitars bring a bit more of a rock edge to it. And then there’s that extra something that’s so hard to define.

Zanna said this song has a dual meaning for her, noting she was inspired by the residents of Queensland who had to flee their homes during flooding and her grandfather who had to leave his homeland. Whatever you take from “This Town,” I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on 25/02/202525/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

KEZRA Wows Me With First Country Single, “Another Life”

I’m a long-time fan of KEZRA’s warm vocals and songwriting ability. She’s best known for folky music, but she’s taken her first foray into country with her latest single “Another Life.” She makes the transition sound easy, with her trademark talents priming her for success in this new genre.

“This one was a bit of a cheeky/fun write for me. Usually, I write sad, deep songs but this was formed by a rhythmic jam I started on my acoustic guitar which set the tone for the whole song,” KEZRA explained. “I wrote it about meeting someone for the first time who you feel so deeply connected to – you don’t know why or how as you don’t really know them at all – but there’s this instant lust/love kind of feeling, that makes you feel like you’ve known them for a lifetime. Becoming hyper-fixated over the idea of what they would be like in a relationship if they took a chance on you, but they’re with someone else.”

Next up KEZRA will joint Bootleg Rascal and a host of other talented musos at the Booty Block Party at the Esplanade Hotel in Euro-Yroke/St Kilda on March 9.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on 25/02/202519/02/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Lamont On the Up With “Bigger Things”

Fresh from his first headlining show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Nathan Lamont shows he’s a star on the rise with “Bigger Things.” It’s a fabulous country-rock crossover track which reminds me of music from industry icons like Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts, and our own Keith Urban. Nathan’s not imitating these artists though. Instead he shows he just might be their natural successor. The single saw Nathan working with MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis), who’ve previously written and produced hits with Aloe Blacc, Tina Arena, and Casey Barnes.

“This was my first time working with the MSquared fellas! We had so much fun working on this track together,” Nathan said. “I have been a big fan of their work for a long time so to have the opportunity to get in the studio with them, I knew we would cook up something amazing, and I feel like we achieved just that.”

While headlining a Tamworth Country Music Festival show is likely to remain one of the year’s highlights, Nathan’s got plenty of other exciting shows in store. Catch him promoting “Bigger Things” at the following gigs:

1 March 2025 – Country Music Night @ Glenorie RSL, Darug Country/Glenorie (FREE)
15 March 2025 – A Night In Nashville @ Orange Showgrounds, Wiradjuri Country/Orange (SOLD OUT)
11-12 April 2025 – Karijini Experience @ Karijini National Park, Banyjima, Kurrama, and Innawonga Country/Karijini (FREE)
29 April 2025 – The Beer Shed, Dharawal Country/Campbelltown
2 May 2025 – Home Ground Sounds @ Canowindra Sports Oval, Wiradjuri Country/Canowindra

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity