Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Highroad No. 28 Back on the Scene With “Ache”

After a hiatus of more than a decade, local alternative rock act Highroad No. 28 are back with a new single, “Ache.” With its angsty lyrics and the mix of guitars and synths, it reminds me a lot of the music of cool ‘80s acts like Depeche Mode and New Order. Like the tunes of those iconic artists of the past, I know this track will stick with you.

“Ache is about emotional honesty — the pain that stays from lost love and passion, but also the strange beauty in still feeling something real,” frontman Andrew JC explained.

“Ache” is the first single from Highroad No. 28’s upcoming third album, The Will to Endure, which should drop in December. This song sets the scene for music that’s a little moodier and more mature than what we heard on past releases Unsteady and Steady State and Stumbling to Divinity. However, Highroad No. 28 hasn’t lost the powerful vocals and epic sound that makes this act so special.

Highroad No. 28 hasn’t just experienced a sonic evolution either. Once a collaborative effort with different lineups over the years, Andrew JC decided to record the new album as a solo act, playing all the instruments as well as delivering the vocals to reconnect with Highroad No. 28’s core identity. With the album in the can, he’s preparing to reveal a brand-new live lineup for shows next year. Fans have been waiting since the early 2010s for those performances, so they’re bound to be epic. Follow Highroad No. 28 on Facebook to learn about those shows as soon as they’re announced.

Image used with permission from Highroad No. 28

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Shows He’s Got Balls With “Hurts”

Joe Mungovan takes the idea of suffering from art to the next level with his latest single “Hurts.” While the lyrics of this ultra-catchy indie-rock bop say “I love it when it hurts,” he might have reconsidered the notion after filming the video at Kiama Tennis Court. Take a look and you’ll see exactly what I mean!

“This was without question the most painful release I’ve ever made – and not in a deep, emotional, ‘artist suffers for his craft’ way,” Joe joked. “No. I mean actual, physical pain. I had this brilliant/stupid idea for the visual world: ‘What if I just… got hurt? Repeatedly?’ And, as always, my long-time collaborator and good mate Mikey Conlon laughed and said, ‘Yep. Love it. Let’s make it worse.’ So we did. Sometimes the best creative decisions are also the dumbest.”

So you’ve got to watch, if only so his efforts won’t be in vain! Fresh from supporting The Rubens last weekend, Joe will also play the following headlining shows to support the release of “Hurts.”

29 November 2025 – Becks, Kiaram-a/Kiama (FREE breakfast show from 9am, BYO chair)
30 November 2025 – Equium Social, Mulubimba/Newcastle (from 4 pm)
3 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Co, Garigal and Gayamaygal Country/Freshwater (FREE from 6pm)

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clare Perrott Releases Retro Folk Gem, “Biting On the Hand”

Listening to Clare Perrott’s latest single “Biting On the Hand” is like taking a trip back to the golden age of folk. Clare’s effortless falsetto and joy reminds me of Laurel Canyon artists like Joni Mitchell and Mama Cass. Take a moment to step away from modern demands and soak this beauty up.

“This year I really got into thinking about bad habits that I just can’t seem to shake, and with dirty banjo and distorted nylon guitar this song was born,” Clare recalled. “The main message of the song is that we have to let go of things that don’t serve us anymore. I personally keep going back to past mistakes because somehow I cannot let go. We keep biting on the hand that doesn’t help us and going back for more when it only causes sadness and grief.”

Clare will officially launch “Biting On the Hand” at Mojo’s in Walyalup/Fremantle tonight. Tickets are still on sale from Moshtix.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ellis King Impresses With “fitymi”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Ellis King has blown me away with her latest single “fitymi.” Standing for “fake it till you make it,” “fitymi” is one of six songs Ellis wrote to process the end of her first long-term relationship. While it came from heartbreak, “fitymi” has a bright, piano pop sound that is bound to put a smile on your face.

“I’ve been trying to push myself to write about different things and also be a bit more reflective. After a big life event, like a breakup, you end up doing a lot of that,” Ellis said. “Thinking about yourself, the effort you put into your life, and where your energy really goes. For me, this song is about realising how much time I’ve spent putting on a face, holding it together, while actually struggling underneath – not wanting anyone to see me as anything other than a perfectly well put together person.”

Ellis will drop all of her breakup musings when she releases her EP Everything That Comes After on February 20.

Photo credit: Courtney King

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Floodlights Show Romantic Side With Latest Single, “Tricky”

Floodlights may be one of the most exciting acts you’re yet to hear about. Allow me to change all that and introduce you to their latest single “Tricky.” It’s an anthemic rock song that reminds me a bit of The Killers or Arcade Fire. It’s so polished, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the heart.

“It’s the first love song we’ve written” explained Floodlights’ frontman Louis Parsons, “Although it still sounds like us, we did want ‘Tricky’ to be something that felt new. We leant more on synth and rhythm to drive this track which helped to create that feeling of euphoria that comes from letting go of the past and embracing the future.”

After wowing crowds in the UK while supporting our own Amyl and the Sniffers, Floodlights are back home playing local gigs. They’re destined for stadiums, so make sure you take the opportunity to see them at these smaller venues while you still can.

27 November 2025 – King St, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 November 2025 – BOMBIES @ Harbord Hotel, Kay-ye-my/Manly
29 November 2025 – Thirroul Music Festival @ Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul

Photo credit: Josh Sabini

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

DINGO Releases Free-Spirited New Single, “Nightwire”

Local singer-songwriter DINGO, the musical alias of Brandon Dodd, celebrates life on the road with his latest single “Nightwire.” You don’t have to live the life of a travelling musician to appreciate it though. I can imagine cranking this on my next road trip.

“I am so excited to be releasing my new song ‘Nightwire’ into the world,” DINGO said. “This song is so close to my heart and represents all the freedoms I love about living the life of a travelling musician. Produced by incredible engineer/producer Jordan Power [Powderfinger, The Living End, Lady Gaga, Bruce Springsteen], it’s such a thrill for me to be able to share this with everyone!”

“Nightwire” comes from DINGO’s sophomore album, which we should hear in the first half of 2026. He’ll preview songs from this release at his upcoming shows:

28 November 2025 – Blues on the Mountain @ Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain (with Jeb Cardwell)
21 January 2026 – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (with Jenny Mitchell)

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bud Rokesky Releases Stunning Alt-Country Single, “Hey Now”

There’s a beautiful intimacy about the music Bud Rokesky’s making. As you listen to his voice, it’s easy to believe he’s speaking directly to you. I was wowed by his song “Newtown” back in April, and I’ve fallen in love all over again listening to his latest single “Hey Now.”

“’Hey Now’ is about the push and pull of love when it’s at its most fragile – those moments where you’re close in heart but far apart in every other way,” Bud explained. “I wanted it to carry the ache of trying to hold on when things feel out of your control, but still leave room for people to hear their own story in it.”

Bud’s press release mentions all of the amazing festivals and tours he’s been a part of, but what comes next is a bit of a mystery. When he’s making music this gorgeous though, I’m on the edge of my seat anticipating whatever comes next.

Photo credit: Marcus Coblyn

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darcy Pilitz Wows Me With “Wishing Your Life Away”

I love discovering fantastic new artists in my own backyard. Darcy Pilitz is the latest musician from Darkinjung Country/Central Coast to wow me with his music. His latest single “Wishing Your Life Away” is a fantastic grungey pop-punk number in the vein of local acts like Dear Seattle and Slowly Slowly. Its stripped-back opening draws you in, ensuring you’re well on board when the guitar riffs amp up.

“This track really hones in on being in your 20s. Everything feels crazy and chaotic, people are having kids and buying houses, others are really just getting started on their own story,” Darcy explained. “It’s about working those shit jobs to try and make money to do the things you want. At it’s core, this song is about trying to be present and appreciate what you’ve achieved so far, before immediately trying to chase the next ‘thing’. Feels like a bit of a ‘note to self’ to remember what it’s all about and trying not to get caught up in the rush.”

I’m bummed to see I missed a couple of local gigs recently, but I’m determined to avoid repeating that mistake. If you feel the same way, make sure you give Darcy a follow on Instagram to stay in the loop.

Photo credit: Eddy Hill

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tom Busby Builds Anticipation for Debut Solo Album With “In the Dark”

While I enjoyed his music with Busby Marou, I’ve been really excited watching Tom Busby’s solo journey. He’s dropped a string of singles, including “Waiting For Tomorrow” with Ben Kweller, but I think his latest release “In the Dark” is his best yet. It’s a beautiful ballad with one of the rawest and most powerful vocals I’ve heard in some time.

“In the Dark” comes from Tom’s solo album Rockhampton Hangover, which drops on February 20. He’s currently giving fans a taste of the new material on an East Coast tour.

“I just love being back on the road with this young band,” he enthused. “They are red hot and bring so much energy. Playing these intimate rooms feels special, the connection is real, and the storytelling is off the hook.”

Click the links for tickets to Tom’s remaining solo shows:

20 November 2025 – The Citadel, Bandjalang Country/Murwillumbah
21 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 November 2025 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
28 November 2025 – Bellarine Estate, Bellawiyn/Bellarine
29 November 2025 – Shedshaker Taproom, Djandak/Castlemaine
30 November 2025 – The Retreat, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Georgia Scarlett Looks Ahead with “Finding My Destination”

I’m heading off to Meeanjin/Brisbane this Thursday for a little holiday, but mentally I’m already gone. It’s pretty hard to focus on the nine-to-five when time away is looming, especially when Georgia Scarlett’s new track “Finding My Destination” is encouraging my wanderlust! It’s a beautiful country-pop track about embracing new experiences. I also love its warm, vibrant sound. Any time you feature banjo and harmonica, I’m smitten.

“For me, the song also mirrors this stage in my musical journey,” Georgia said. “Creating this album has been a process of discovering my sound and image as an emerging artist, finding myself in a very busy time of my life, and this is just the beginning.”

We’ll get to hear that album, called Rhythm of Life, on November 28. You can pre-order a vinyl copy from Suitcase Records. Georgia will celebrate its release with a performance at Rosewood Rocks, a free country music festival at Rosewood Hotel, on December 6.

Photo credit: Harry Ebinger