Flea Releases Jazzy Frank Ocean Cover

When an artist goes solo, I appreciate a left turn. Don’t give me more of the kind of music you make with your band. I want to hear something new, out of the box. And you don’t get much more out of the box than the music that Naarm/Melbourne-born creative Flea, best known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, has recorded for his solo album. His forthcoming album Honora features Flea on trumpet and bass making fantastic jazz music. I’m totally digging his version of “Thinkin Bout You,” originally recorded by Frank Ocean.

“Channel Orange! When that record came out, it really blew me away,” Flea enthused. “I listened to it ten million times. It was something I just couldn’t stop listening to. I loved it so much and still do. Just one of those real watershed moment records for me. ‘Thinkin Bout You’ is one of the many great songs on that record, and I thought it would be fun to play on trumpet. Then I went to Nate Wolcott, who plays keyboards on Honora on several tunes. He did that string arrangement for me. He stepped up to the plate and really did something beautiful. I just wanted to get the honest beauty of the melody because it’s a great song.”

Flea will release Honora on March 27 before embarking on a solo tour in May.

7 May 2026 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
9 May 2026 – The Opera House, Toronto
10 May 2026 – Théâtre Beanfield, Montreal
12 May 2026 – Webster Hall, New York
13 May 2026 – Black Cat, Washington, DC
16 May 2026 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
21 May 2026 – Heimathafen, Berlin
22 May 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
26 May 2026 – Koko, London
28 May 2026 – Alhambra, Paris
Photo credit: Gus Van Sant

Chloe Gill Bares Her Soul With “Pushing Punishment”

Mulubinba/Newcastle-based country artist Chloe Gill has wowed me with her latest single “Pushing Punishment.” Her voice is so compelling, I could listen to her sing the phone book. But this empowering and deeply personal track is so much better than that.

“This song feels like me becoming me,” Chloe said. “Growing into my adult self, growing into my personality, being kind to myself and others, listening to my own heart and my own needs, accepting my neurodivergence and my personality and learning about how to pave my own life for how I want to live it and achieve my dreams. Learning to ‘fill my cup’ first or to ‘put my own oxygen mask on first.’ I can’t show up for anyone else until I’ve shown up for me first.”

“Pushing Punishment” comes from Chloe’s debut album I Have a Habit of Dreaming, which she’ll release on March 12. She’ll give us a little time to sit with her songs before touring the album from April. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

17 April 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Mayfield
21 May 2026 – The Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne
22 May 2026 – The Taproom @ Shedshaker Brewing, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
23 May 2026 – Peninsula Hot Springs, Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula (FREE with bathing)
24 May 2026 – Shiraz Republic, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Yorta Yorta Country/Cornella
30 May 2026 – Knappstein, Ngadjuri Country/Clare Valley
31 May 2026 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 June 2026 – The Factory Fusebox, Bulanaming/Marrickville

Photo credit: Jade Steg & Jess Macc

moonsea Releases Romantic Alt-Pop Track, “I’ll kill you if you die before me”

My husband and I have what we call the “no death” rule. In equal measures tongue in cheek and deadly serious (pun intended), we simply aren’t allowed to die on one another. Of course it’s likely to bite us as we invoke this rule as we get older, but for now if we’re sick or injured or laughing until we can’t breathe or tripping over the dog, we can simply say “no death rule” and feel confident our love will last forever. So I very much relate to “I’ll kill you if you die before me,” the dreamy new single from Naarm/Melbourne-based artist moonsea.

In this lullaby-esque song, moonsea only half-seriously threatens her love because she’s determined not to be left alone. Its lyrics use humour to process anxiety, grief, and the kind of everlasting love we all hope to hold on to. “I’ll kill you if you die before me,” comes with a stunning music video featuring real paper puppets and stop motion animation from Nadeera A.

Photo credit: Lucinda Keating (@eggsovariesy)

Anna Dine Releases Sassy Sophomore Single “anymore” Ahead of Co-Headlining Tour

If you’re feeling that midweek slump, allow Anna Dine’s poppy new single “anymore” put a little pep in your step. The follow-up to her smashing debut “kind 2 me,” this is feelgood music at its finest, with sparkling synths, vibrant vocals, and alt-rock guitars for a hint of edge. The contemporary lyrics, which celebrate the power of online blocking and setting your own boundaries, are also fantastic.

To celebrate the release of “anymore,” Anna Dine will head off on her first tour tomorrow. She’ll coheadline most shows with Cate Guirguis, except for her solo show at Towradgi Beach Hotel.

19 February 2026 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
28 March 2026 – The Loft, Eora/Sydney (ALL AGES)
10 April 2026 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (FREE)
12 April 2026 – Dissent Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
24 April 2026 – Wamberal Surf Club, Darkinjung Country/Wamberal

Morgan Evans Releases “Steel Town” Single Ahead of Album Release, Tour

Although I live in Darkinjung Country/Central Coast now, Mulubinba/Newcastle will always be home to me. Those roots run deep, and it’s something you can’t properly understand unless you grew up there too. So it’s warmed my heart to hear music from Morgan Evans’ forthcoming album Steel Town, including the recently released title track. This music pays homage to our shared hometown in such a heartfelt, authentic way.

“’Steel Town’ is about where I come from and why I am the way I am,” Morgan explained. “Newy was a beautiful place to grow up, but also a tough one, and we poured all of that into this record.”

Morgan will release his Steel Town album on March 20 before embarking on the biggest tour of his career in May. American country star and his duet partner on the recently released single “Two Broken Hearts,” Laci Kaye Booth, will join him for these theatre shows. Before that, you can also see Morgan at Meatstock. There’s a Frontier member presale for the Steel Town tour today at 2 pm before the general sale tomorrow at 2.

11 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
18 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Lardner Park, Gunaikurnai/Gippsland
21 May 2026 – ICF Warehouse, Boorloo/Perth (18+)
23 May 2026 – Forum Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
25 May 2026 – Thebarton Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Lic. All Ages)
27 May 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic. All Ages)
30 May 2026 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
2 June 2026 – Powerstation, Auckland (18+)
4 June 2026 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch (Lic. All Ages)

Photo credit: Nick Swift

Teen Sensation Lana Karlay Drops Soulful Single, “Running Out of Time”

Lana Karlay is set for a busy year juggling her rising musical career with her year 12 studies. The talented 17-year-old from Djilang/Geelong has just released a new single, “Running Out Of Time” which she wrote and recorded in Los Angeles alongside producer Esthy. It features guest vocals from US artist Cam’dn and is the ideal showcase for her heavenly voice.

Lana was recently named Emerging Artist of 2026 by KROCK and Forte Magazine and you can expect to hear a lot more from her this year. She’s got another single and three music videos on the way to support her upcoming debut album, along with a return trip to the United States for more writing and recording sessions. Mark my words, she’s destined for big things.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

Saralyn Releases Upbeat Country Anthem, “Cowgirl Blues”

I get it. It’s Valentine’s Day. That Hallmark holiday celebrating love. And that’s lovely. But if you want love songs, there’s plenty of that around. So I want to do something different and showcase a song for all of my single readers out there. If you’re looking for a feel-good independent anthem today, you’ve found it with “Cowgirl Blues” from Saralyn. This reminds me of those upbeat country floor-fillers Shania Twain used to release in the ‘90s. It’s so much fun, whether you usually listen to country music or not.

“Cowgirl Blues was built around a fun, high-energy recording process that leaned into big country sounds and feel-good momentum,” Saralyn reminisced. “Guitarist Adam Osmanovic (Viper Creek) brought the unmistakable country twang, supported by honky-tonk keys, pedal steel, banjo, and driving drums. The track grew naturally into something bold, playful, and full, capturing the joy of the room and delivering a big, confident country anthem made to be turned up loud.”

The video, shot by Jake Davey Studios in Gringai Country/Gresford, captures that sense of fun.

“The night came together with the pub rallying the local ladies, crackers, cheese, wine, and dancing well into the night. Surrounded by friends & family, the blue 1975 Kombi van became part of the story, with standout moments including the choreographed leg kick, a confetti pop ‘owe!’ moment, and carefree scenes of driving the Kombi turning the shoot into a celebration rather than just a video.”

“Cowgirl Blues” is the first single to drop from Saralyn’s forthcoming debut EP, which we’ll hear a little later this year. While that release celebrates her original music, Saralyn will also pay tribute to one of her idols, Lainey Wilson, with a string of tribute shows next month. Catch her anywhere you can:

7 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Lainey Wilson show)
8 March 2026 – Kings Beach Tavern, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast (Lainey Wilson show – supporting the Luke Combs Experience)
14 March – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Entertainment Quarter, Eora/Sydney (Lainey Wilson show)
21 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ Riviera Beach Club, Naarm/Melbourne (Lainey Wilson show)
2 May 2026 – The Big Giddy Up @ The Paterson Court House Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Paterson (Full band original show – FREE)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers Blow Me Away With “One Woman One Love”

Many of the world’s best singers only need one name because they’re so recognisable, so iconic. Think Cher. Adele. Beyonce. Madonna. And now add Kaliopi to the list. Her voice captured me from the first gutsy note of “One Woman One Love,” her new single with her band The Blues Messengers.

Kaliopi’s powerful blues voice is undeniable, but The Blues Messengers match it so beautifully. Every musician on this track is a force of nature. Greg Rowan’s driving drumbeat, Paul Leeder’s easy bass, and Brendon Price’s piano chops, and John Drew’s talent on the retro Hammond organ create a classic shuffle sound that’s absolutely irresistible. Then Wayne Albury’s saxophone rips in and it all goes to the next level.

If you long for the “good old days” of music, before oversaturated production, auto-tuning, and sampling started to drown out the essence of the song, I know you’ll appreciate “One Woman One Love.” Consider it your invitation to deep dive into the music of Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers before they release their third album later this year. And if you’re in Naarm/Melbourne, catch Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers launching “One Woman One Love” tonight at Kew Court House. Tickets are still available for just $25 from the Boroondara Arts website.

Image used with permission from Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers



Chuck Sics Drops Nostalgic New Track, “Arms”

Eora/Sydney-based artist Chuck Sics is kicking off his next chapter with his dreamy new indie pop-rock single “Arms.” This is Chuck’s first new release since he dropped his debut EP Slipstream last September. I love its nostalgic noughties-influenced sound and vulnerable lyrics.

“’Arms’ is a song about falling in love, and letting love win you over when you’re afraid to lose it,” Chuck said about the track. “I guess it’s normal to be afraid to lose someone, but it’s also easy to become nihilistic in that fear and let it cloud your feelings. It’s easy to get swept away in the fear that nothing lasts forever. With Arms, I wanted to remind myself, and hopefully others, to be present, hold your loved ones and let them hold you – that’s all you need.”

Chuck is a true creative who wrote, sang, and performed almost every instrument on “Arms.” He also produced and mixed the track with a little help from frequent collaborators Blake Wares and River Langford.

Chuck is currently playing a hometown residency at Pleasure Club. After wowing crowds on the 5th, he’ll take the stage again with a free gig on February 19. Chuck is also planning to announce a string of local and interstate gigs really soon.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Pacific Avenue Release Sentimental Rock Single, “Things We Wanna Say”

Pacific Avenue are getting me buzzing their upcoming sophomore album Lovesick Sentimental with the release of another new track, “Things We Wanna Say.” While their previous single “Here We Go Again” was a sweet ballad, this newie is a pure rocker.

“‘Things We Wanna Say’ is an ode to the core friendships that you build in the ‘coming of age’ years of your life,” said Harry O’Brien, Pacific Avenue’s vocalist and guitarist. “So much of our adolescence we’re surrounded by close friends and as [you] grow up together, experiencing the world and new things for the first time, you create bonds that are fundamental to our individual identities, then as you move through your 20s and people start getting jobs or moving away from home, the experience becomes a much more isolated one. We never say the things we want to say. We aim to lift up the meaningful connections that you’ve made and more openly feel like you can express your love for the people who make it all worthwhile.”

We’ll hear more new material from Pacific Avenue when they release Lovesick Sentimental on March 6. You can pre-order it now. They’re wasting no time bringing the new tunes to the stage, with their tour kicking off in Boorloo/Perth the same day and continuing on to Europe and the United Kingdom.

6 March 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
7 March 2026 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 March 2026 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2026 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2026 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 March 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 April 2026 – POPUP!, Paris
4 April 2026 – MTC Club, Koln
5 April 2026 – Badehaus, Berlin
7 April 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
9 April 2026 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
10 April 2026 – The Louisiana, Bristol
11 April 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
13 April 2026 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
14 April 2026 – O2 Institute, Birmingham
16 April 2026 – The Dead Famous Late Night Liquor Lounge, Newquay
17 April 2026 – The Garage, London

Photo credit: Matt Sav