Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sidney Opens Up With “sliding doors”

‘90s romantic-comedy Sliding Doors is one of those movies that lives in my mind rent-free. The premise of a single decision completely changing the trajectory of your life is fascinating. It seems local singer-songwriter Sidney agrees, as the flick inspired her fantastic new indie-pop single, also called “sliding doors.”

“I was still holding onto the belief that if I just pushed hard enough, maybe it could still work. But sometimes, choosing one path is what shows you the truth about what you actually wanted,” Sidney explained. “With its light/dark contrast and undercurrent of emotional unrest, ‘sliding doors’ sonically captures the emotional tug-of-war at the heart of the EP, sitting right at the tipping point between fantasy and clarity.”

Sidney will release that EP on February 27. You can hear a couple more songs from that release, including previous singles “golden boy” and “what if it ends?” on your favourite streaming services.

Photo credit: Claire Warren

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucid Safari Impress With “Running”

If you’re feeling that midweek slump, take a moment to press play on “Running,” the latest track from Meeanjin/Brisbane-based rockers Lucid Safari. It’s such a fabulous feel-good track from a band that seem destined for big things.

“‘Running’ is about that ache you feel for someone you never really got the chance to know. It’s that unspoken connection that lingers, the one that got away before anything real could even start,” explained Lucid Safari’s lead singer, Daniel Lewis. “You’re replaying moments, chasing fragments and memories that never quite left you. Underneath the energy of the song, there’s a quiet kind of longing about how time moves on, people change, but some feelings just stay with you.”

Discovering “Running” has sent me down a little rabbit hole listening to all of the most recent Lucid Safari’s releases, and I am so impressed. Hopefully we hear plenty more these guys in 2026.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bella Dyer Releases Folk Gem, “Overthink”

As someone who struggles to switch my brain off and stop living outside my head, I’m hard relating to “Overthink,” the folky new single from Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Bella Dyer. Bella’s honest vocals and simple acoustic guitar melody help bring her introspective lyrics to life.

“’Overthink’ was written after I emerged from a long and difficult period in my life,” Bella admitted. “Finally stepping out of that space gave me a chance to reflect deeply on who I am and the person I want to become, someone free from the weight of my past identity. The song captures that process of self-realisation and expressing my emotions both inside and out.”

Bella credits her band and Chris Benato of Lloyd and the Leftovers, who recorded, produced, and mixed the track, for bringing her vision to life. The year’s almost done, but hometown fans have one more opportunity to see her life when she plays Mojo’s NYE Party on December 31.

Image used with permission from Bella Dyer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Benjamin Trillado Shares Stunning Single, “16”

If you’re a sucker for bold, honest lyrics as I am, I know you’ll love Benjamin Trillado’s latest single “16.” It’s a beautiful, bittersweet coming-of-age folk anthem inspired by Benjamin’s own experiences growing up queer in Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Sunshine in suburban Naarm/Melbourne.

“I remember being at school and feeling like every day I was just trying not to get caught,” he recalled. “I felt like I knew more about myself, yet I started to go further inwards.”

Benjamin may not have been able to be his full self then, but he’s certainly found his voice now. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to make yourself smaller, I know Benjamin’s raw vocals and powerful lyrics will strike a chord with you.

Image used with permission from Benjamin Trillado

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charly Oakley Releases Pop Gem, “Against the Odds”

Charly Oakley has won my heart with their poppy new single “Against the Odds.” This is one of those special pop tracks that wears its heart on its sleeve. The combination of Charly’s relatable lyrics and gorgeous, warm voice is incredible.

Charly might be just starting their musical journey, but they’re already impressing the right people. They were signed to management under Sam Dainty and Paul Dainty AO, AM, which put them on the radar of Jonathan Daniel, founder of CRUSH MUSIC whose roster includes megastars like Miley Cyrus and Lorde. Jonathan introduced Charly to LA producer Xandy Berry, who’s worked with artists like Rihanna, Bon Iver, and Miley. Along with his long-time friend and collaborator Jordie Thomas, he helped bring Charly’s vision for “Against the Odds” to life. With all those heavy hitters on their side, you know we’ll be hearing a lot more from Charly Oakley.

Photo credit: Annabelle Bahuth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sly Withers Rock Out With “Make My Mind Up”

I know I’m a little late to the party, as Sly Withers just wrapped up their national tour. But have you heard their latest single, “Make My Mind Up”? I’ve got to check, because if it’s slipped under my radar it just might have escaped your attention. And trust me, this is the track you need for a little late afternoon adrenaline shot.

“The song is about feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and indecisive, but also about the desire to push through and improve,” co-frontman Sam Blitvich explained. “Wrestling with stagnation, needing a push, but still holding onto the belief that you’ll eventually break free and make it out the other side in one piece.”

Sam also explained that it’s the most collaborative song Sly Withers have released. “We used to write individually, but this one started with a vocal hook Fraser [Cringle, drums] came up with, and from there we built out the entire track together as a team. It’s been super exciting to see our writing process evolve and we can’t wait to share more of it.”

They might not have any confirmed shows on the horizon, but don’t fret Sly Withers fans. They’re putting the finished touches on a new album, which we should hear next April. So surely it’s only a matter of time before we see these Boorloo/Perth rockers on the road again.

Image used with permission from Get.Your.Record.Out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Admired Release Nostalgic Anthem, “All I’ve Got”

Eora/Sydney pop-punk act The Admired are taking you right back to the 2010s with their anthemic new pop-punk single “All I’ve Got.” Vocalist and guitarist Bianca Davino describes this banger as “a love letter to growing up online in the Tumblr era.” So if you remember that time fondly, I know this one will resonate with you.

“I wanted to shine a light on the innocence and passion of that time, and how it’s a feeling that we will always strive to capture in our music and why we do this,” she explained. “At our shows I’ve been saying it’s about ‘skipping class to go and follow [Sleeping with Sirens’ frontman] Kellin Quinn around the city when he was here for Soundwave in 2013’, which is obviously a niche reference, but for those who know the vibes … they know lol.”

Hometown fans can see The Admired support GRXCE at The Vanguard on December 11. Tickets are still available through Moshtix.

Photo credit: Jack Stanley (@1lastflick)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pardon Bracey Gives Me Chills With “FREDDY KRUEGER”

I’m a big believer in the power of the song. I don’t need state-of-the-art production or bells and whistles. If the song stacks up, I want to celebrate it. So I’m excited to bring you “FREDDY KRUEGER,” the debut single from Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Pardon Bracey.

Produced by Alex Berger of GRXCE and Belvedeer, it’s a gorgeous piano ballad with evocative, poetic lyrics that stopped me in my tracks. Despite its creepy name, Pardon Bracey wrote on Instagram that “FREDDY KRUEGER” is “A love song informed by my experiences of being queer. Growing up, I was told by a lot of people that happy futures were impossible if you’re queer. I spent my teen years believing that I would never find connection and convinced myself that bad behaviour from other men in my proximity was holy. I felt so privileged to experience anything, no matter how incorrect it was because I was never promised happiness. Because I’m queer.”

On an earlier post, he said “I’ve been writing for nearly 10 years and releasing a single is never something I thought was possible. If this is all I get to say, I’m glad that ‘FREDDY’ is the story I get to tell.” I can only hope that it’s not the only music Pardon Bracey shares with us. He’s got a real gift for songwriting and storytelling, so I really hope to hear more from him.

Image used with permission from Pardon Bracey

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Go Hard With “I Can’t Look For You”

If you hoped to find mellow chill-out music for your Sunday, you might need to keep scrolling. But if you’ve still got a little rock left in you this weekend, check out “I Can’t Look For You,” from Meeanjin/Brisbane indie pop-punk act Bad Neighbour. This is on the heavier side of the genre, with a sound that reminds me of music from Hot Mulligan, who they supported around Australia in 2024.

“We always write based on where we are emotionally and in our collective lives in general,” explained vocalist Cooper Riley. “It’s about separating yourself from things and places that aren’t aligned with where you need to be or where you are going and learning to not squeeze the life out of things that you love. A lot of it is about crippling alcoholism as well – while I haven’t personally dealt with it I have been exposed to so much of it in my life and how it can bring the worst out in people.”

After supporting some massive acts like The Smith Street Band and Motion City Soundtrack this year, Bad Neighbour will end 2025 as the headliners. Hometown fans can catch them at The Outpost on December 13.

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Daphnie Collaborates With Jiwon On Latest Pop Smash, “stay long”

Eora/Sydney-based pop artist Daphnie has teamed up with New York City’s own Jiwon for a shimmery new single, “stay long.” This cross-continental collab has got all the good vibes you need heading into your weekend.

“We found out about each other through Spotify’s ‘fans also like’ section when Spotify put us on the same algorithm, and instantly hit it off musically,” Daphnie recalled. “Jiwon already had most of the song but needed some tweaks and a verse from someone. He had someone else in mind, but after our first call asked if I’d do it, and I liked it so much that I had my verse written and recorded within the hour after our call.”

Crank this up and I know you’ll agree that it sounds like fate! “stay long” is on all your favourite streaming platforms right now.

Image used with permission from daphnie