scarlet, do better, an up-and-coming pop artist from Djilang/Geelong, has really impressed me with her latest single “333.” While I love its irresistibly upbeat synth-pop vibe, it’s the lyrics I’m especially drawn to. As a chronic overthinker who’s given my heart to the wrong person too many times, they really speak to me.
“The track is all about how desperately we cling to hope in times of romantic uncertainty, connect the silliest of dots just to make sense of heartbreak, and suddenly become highly introspective and thoughtful beings – usually all because of a VERY mediocre person,” scarlet, do better, explained.
If you love “333” as much as I do, make sure you follow scarlet, do better on Instagram to learn about what comes next.
Image used with permission from scarlet, do better
Paige Forster Releases Enchanting New Single, “Motion of Falling”
The moment I heard its gentle acoustic guitar introduction, I thought I would love “Motion of Falling,” the latest single from Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Paige Forster. When her beautiful, warm voice joined the music, it only confirmed my first impression. This is a special one.
Early on, Paige sings “I feel as calm as the breeze.” Through “Motion of Falling,” she’s made me feel that way too. Her voice floats over the top of its classic instrumentation. The acoustic guitar, violin, and piano weave together to create a sound that feels familiar from the first listen. As the song continues, she sings about that special serenity that comes when you’ve found the right person. When you can stop searching for acceptance and second-guessing their behaviour, and instead simply stop, breathe, and take in everything around you.
“I’m lucky enough to have some really beautiful people in my life, who I can be completely myself around, with whom there is never an awkward silence or fear of judgement,” she explained. “’Motion of Falling’ came from that feeling of peace you get from being around these types of relationships; it could be a friend or a lover or a family member, whoever makes you feel most ‘you.’”
“Motion of Falling” follows in the country-folk traditions of the ‘60s and ‘70s, taking its cues from artists like Joni Mitchell and Dolly Parton. Songs that sound like this have become so rare, but that only makes them more precious.
“Motion of Falling” is Paige’s second single, but her first since the pandemic. That’s a long time between releases, but she says she’s learned a lot about her songwriting, voice, and style in the last six years. It all culminates in the release of “Motion of Falling,” a song that lays the foundation for more exciting music to come.
Image used with permission from Paige Forster
Giselle Kwong Charms With “This Way”
After listening to far too much music that fell flat for me, Giselle Kwong’s latest single “This Way” hit me like a ray of sunshine. It’s so bright and melodic, anchored by folky acoustic guitars and Giselle’s cheerful vocals. Giselle usually sings about the sadder side of falling in love, so it’s exciting to hear her mixing things up and releasing something more optimistic.
“My previous releases have focused on unrequited love, heartbreak, and confusion, ‘This Way’ is the first time I’ve written about hope and certainty instead,” she said. “I wanted to invite listeners into the whirlwind of falling in love, capturing how quickly everything can change when you meet the right person. After years of writing primarily sadder, slower songs, I feel ‘This Way’ reflects the confidence I’ve built in my songwriting and artistry.”
“This Way” comes with a sweet video filmed across Japan by cinematographer James Krockenberger.
“The aim of this music video was to visually depict what falling and being in love feels like,” she explained. “It doesn’t have to be perfect – it’s imperfect, genuine, fun and playful. My partner filmed the music video, and the idea was that my love would be showcased in the song that I wrote, and their love would be showcased in the way they shot the film clips.”
“This Way” is part of a larger release that Giselle will tell us more about soon.
Image used with permission from Good Intent
Tickets to Space Drop “True” Ahead of Queensland Tour
Surf rock is enjoying a real renaissance at the moment. It’s great to hear that classic sound again, but so many of the acts creating it feel a little interchangeable to me. It’s getting harder to impress me, but Meeanjin/Brisbane band Tickets To Space have done it with their latest track “True.”
This one has a few twists and turns which help set it apart. I love the punk rock ethos these guys bring to the genre. It’s a little rough around the edges, but that’s a big part of its appeal.
“I realised, writing ‘True’, that I’m grateful for what I’ve had growing up in my family, and I’d like the same sort of life,” recalled Tickets To Space vocalist and songwriter Fraser Stott. “It’s an acknowledgement that sharing it with someone special is what the dream is all about. I also realised that my mates are a big part of my life now, and I hope they always will be. It’s a pretty simple feel-good track, and maybe that’s what we all need right now.”
Tickets To Space are celebrating the release of “True” with a mini tour around their home state. Catch them at the following venues next month:
14 November 2026 – Blackflag Brewing, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Mooloolaba
15 November 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Jellurgal/Burleigh Heads
21 November 2026 – Hunting Grounds Studios, Jagera Country/Moorooka
Image used with permission from Kick Push PR
Jess Parker Moves Me With “Lady From Doreen”
Victorian country-folk artist Jess Parker has captivated me with their latest single “Lady From Doreen.” It paints a gorgeous, sensual picture of the longing Jess feels for the titular lady. With a simple acoustic guitar accompanying their captivating voice, it’s so easy to get swept up in this one.
“‘Lady from Doreen’ is a lonesome yearning lament written for the woman I love,” Jess said. “It’s about the limerence and longing you feel when a lover leaves a room, the heady absence that hangs in the air. It’s a nod to all the sapphic folk predecessors and storytellers before me, and my attempt to keep the poetic fire burning – it’s for her.”
“Lady From Doreen” comes from Jess’s new album Blue Collar Tanline, which we should hear sometime this spring. You can preorder a digital of vinyl copy now from Bandcamp.
Photo credit: Suzanne Phoenix via Chris Familton Publicity
Sidney Starts New Musical Chapter With “when you know you know”
Sidney continues her introspective musical journey with her latest single “when you know you know.” Having processed her feelings about a relationship coming undone on her what if it ends? EP and moving forward on her last single “tenth of may” earlier this year, “when you know you know” shares true clarity and healing. It tells the story of someone no longer stuck trying to figure it out, because the fog of immediate heartbreak has lifted.
“’when you know you know’ was initially written about a friend who was navigating a new relationship she wasn’t happy in, but was trying to convince herself otherwise. When we created the demo, the meaning shifted for me. I started hearing it as if I was singing to my younger self, encouraging her not to be afraid of making decisions or getting things wrong, because ultimately those choices lead you to where you need to be,” Sidney recalled. “Sometimes no one can tell you the ‘right’ way to go. You just have to make a decision with the knowledge you have at the time and trust yourself enough to take the next step. You couldn’t have known what you know now, and even the decisions that didn’t work out helped get you here.”
“when you know you know” comes from Sidney’s next EP, one which will see her widening her lens and exploring life beyond relationships and heartache. It will examine the challenges, lessons, and moments of self-discovery that come with finding your place in the world. Follow Sidney on Instagram to learn more about her new music as it drops.
Photo credit: Claire Warren via Nettwerk Music Group
Kaylah Thomas Drops Introspective Pop Single, “22 & Blue”
Some birthdays are a time for celebration. And on some birthdays, the harsh realities of the passing of time just hit you. When I was 20, I melted down because I didn’t think I could be a hardcore fangirl anymore (I was wrong). When I was 35, I freaked out wondering whether being child-free really was the right choice (it was). Last birthday I spent a good hour crying about whether my hands suddenly looked old (probably not). So I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one who faces these seemingly random crises. In “22 & Blue,” Kaylah Thomas bemoans her newly single status and feelings of failure to launch.
“‘22 & Blue’ is about a birthday that should have felt celebratory but instead became the beginning of an emotional unravelling,” she explained. “It reflects that uniquely disorienting period in your early twenties, when everyone around you seems to be moving forward while you’re trying to make sense of your own heartbreak. It’s a song about the confusion, messiness, and quiet grief that often accompanies growing up, especially when reality begins to look different from the future you imagined for yourself.”
This pop gem comes from Kaylah’s upcoming album Good Grief, a deeply personal body of work exploring heartbreak, healing, identity, and the five stages of grief. I can’t wait to hear it!
Image used with permission from Kaylah Thomas
Lana Karlay Drops Dreamy Pop Gem, “Cross Your Mind”
After exploring a real rock edge with recent singles “Think it Through” and “For the Weak,” Djilang/Geelong-based singer-songwriter Lana Karlay is leaning back into her pop roots on her latest track “Cross Your Mind.” Lana’s pure, angelic voice is tailor-made for pop music, although there’s still a bite to the lyrics that reflects her love of rock. If Peach PRC and Ariana Grande are among your favourite artists, I know you’ll vibe with this one.
One of the biggest differences between Lana and the other acts I’ve mentioned is that while they’re around 30, she’s still in her teens. She’s not just good for an 18-year-old though; she’s simply good. Her age is a bit of a superpower, allowing her to create songs that resonate deeply with young listeners. While Peach PRC and Ariana are casting their minds back to the challenges of youth, Lana’s still living through them.
She uses that very real, recent experience as fuel in “Cross Your Mind,” a pop anthem about recognising your own value and choosing to walk away from someone who doesn’t see it too. This song is full of yearning, as the lyrics recognise that while walking away is the right decision, it’s never an easy one to make when there’s feeling involved.
“Cross Your Mind is about reaching the point where you realise you’re carrying the weight of a relationship on your own,” Lana explained. “You’re constantly thinking about the other person, making excuses for them and trying to hold everything together, while they only seem to think about you when it’s convenient or when something goes wrong.”
Lana co-wrote and produced “Cross Your Mind” alongside brothers Mason & Julez. Mark Parfitt, who’s worked with big-name acts like Justin Bieber and Meghan Trainor, managed the mastering. The team helped Lana realise the pop-rock sound she’s been working towards.
“While my previous releases have explored different sounds, ‘Cross Your Mind’ feels like the point where everything has come together. More than anything, I feel like ‘Cross Your Mind’ is the closest I’ve come to finding my own sound,” Lana enthused. “It feels authentic to who I am as both a songwriter and performer, and it’s the direction I’m really excited to keep
exploring.”
With every new release, I hear Lana becoming a more confident and compelling artist. And even though the year’s approaching an end, she’s not done for 2026. I hear there’s at least one more new song on the way. Follow Lana Karlay on Instagram to learn more about that when it drops.
Image used with permission from Dara Karlusic
Morgan Evans Releases Two Tracks to Support the Newcastle Knights
While I run a music blog, I’ve thought about little else but football over the last couple of weeks. I was born and bred in Mulubinba/Newcastle, so I’ve watched the Knights’ fairy tale run to the NRL Grand Final with such excitement and joy.
They’re not even the team I usually support – I became an Eels fan before the Knights entered the competition – but there’s something about the way these guys represent my hometown and bring everyone together that is contagious. I always jump on the bandwagon if the Knights make the finals and the Eels don’t (which happens more times than I’d like to admit!), but they rarely get this far! This year feels special, from wooden spooners to grand finalists, underestimated at every game, yet somehow finding ways to win against the odds.
If you’d like to read more about my support of the Newcastle Knights, check out my article “Confessions of a Football Bandwagoner” on Hold the News.
One man who’s a little more one-eyed about the footy is Morgan Evans. Although he’s based in Nashville these days, he’s a Novacastrian through and through. He recently released a couple of tracks celebrating his love of the home team. First up, Morgan re-recorded “Steel Town,” the title track from his most recent album. It now features the original lyric, which refers to the “sound of a Newcastle Knights crowd” instead of the more generic “rowdy home game crowd.” You can also hear the iconic “Newcastle chant” and snippets of Ray Warren’s ’97 grand final commentary. It will always give me chills hearing him call Darren Albert’s try in the dying moments of that game! Yes, I’ve been bandwagoning for a long time!
And if that wasn’t enough, he’s finally released “Long Live the Newcastle Knights.” I remember watching Morgan perform this on Good Friday in 2014, when the Newcastle Knights hosted the Brisbane Broncos. It gave me goosebumps then, and it still does today.
Both these songs are on Spotify and they feature on a little playlist I’ll be blasting all weekend as I gear up for tomorrow’s grand final. You can take a listen to that here! Go the Knights!
Photo credit: Nick Swift
Ziggy Alberts Gets Introspective With “I Blame Myself”
You can always count on Ziggy Alberts to deliver chilled-out acoustic goodness. He never tries to reinvent the wheel, but when his music sounds as good as his latest single “I Blame Myself,” why would he need to?
“Upon reflection, it’s full on, it’s really pointing the finger,” Ziggy admitted of the song’s inspiration. “I always want to make a concession for the fact that you need to see how you played into a situation. And I can see now, looking back, that I was a kid trying to do my best. But there are moments in your life where, as much as you want to take the majority of the blame, some relationships are just bloody toxic, and you’ve blamed yourself for things you didn’t need to. Reflecting on how this song came about, that moment in my life was important because I was challenged to know who I was. Giving away too much, I was asking myself, “Who are you? What sets you apart?”, because everyone can have a guitar and a felt hat. I think that’s the time I really leaned into my environmentalism, into playing all-ages shows, into my independent career. All of that was truly who I was, and the challenge of that time pushed me down that path in an important way, to ask those questions and discover the answers.”
“I Blame Myself” comes from Ziggy’s seventh studio album Twin Flames, which drops on October 16. I can’t imagine Ziggy’s going to release it without a full-scale tour, but for now he’ll showcase the new songs and some old favourites at a couple of festivals this November.
7 November 2026 – Lighthouse Festival @ Norah Head Lighthouse Reserve, Darkinjung Country/Norah Head
29 November 2026 – Scarborough Beach Weekender, Scarborough Beach Amphitheatre, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough
Photo credit: Zach Sanders via Beehive