I’ve always been impressed by the way that country singer-songwriter Saralyn wears her heart on her sleeve and encourages listeners to step into her world. But she’s never been quite as open as with her new single “Goldline,” a moving new ballad from her debut EP.
“‘Goldline’ is the most personal song I’ve ever written,” Saralyn shared. “As I was creating my debut EP, I found myself reflecting on the moments that have shaped me. The loss, the love, the heartbreak, the healing, and the hope that carried me through it all. The song begins with the loss of my sister and grows into a reflection on every challenge I’ve faced since.”
“Goldline” is the emotional centrepiece and title track of Saralyn’s debut EP, which she’ll release on August 28. You can preorder a signed CD copy from Saralyn’s website. She’s also announced a stack of shows to support the EP’s release which take us right through to the New Year.
I’ll admit, I don’t cover a lot of music from metalcore acts like Windwaker because they typically rock just a little hard for my taste. However, I always make a point of listening because I never know when something outside my preferred genres will spark joy. I’m so glad I stay open-minded, because if I didn’t I’d miss gems like their latest single “closer.” It comes from Windwaker’s forthcoming third album, smile, you’re on camera, which they say is their best record yet.
“smile, you’re on camera is undeniably our best and most focused collection of songs to date,” Windwaker enthused. “We learned so much making this record together, and we’re incredibly proud of what it’s become. It opens the door to who we are, and offers a glimpse into our world through the highs and the lows. It’s the most personal and honest Windwaker has ever been.”
smile, you’re on camera drops on October 23 and you can preorder a vinyl or CD copy right now. To celebrate its release, Windwaker will travel around the country playing some massive shows with US band The Pretty Wild and local up-and-comers RinRin and DREGG. Then they’ll fly overseas for more gigs in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Tickets for all those shows are on sale now from the links below.
As a regular at Wednesday pub trivia, I feel a real affinity with “Wednesdays at the Waterloo,” the latest single from Lottie McLeod. This cute indie-pop track tells a relatable story of losing at pub trivia because of an unspoken crush on a teammate.
“Wednesdays at the Waterloo” comes from Lottie’s forthcoming EP, The Boathouse, which drops on September 25. Hear more material from that EP at one of her upcoming shows.
Already a live favourite, Ella Fence is now sharing her song “Bravado” with the world. It’s such an indie alt-pop banger. While the press release calls it a queer anthem, I expect it’s going to resonate with anyone who loves their pop music a little left of centre.
The release of “Bravado” kicks off a massive second half of 2026 for Ella. She’s supporting The Beefs on their upcoming Great Rarier Beef tour and playing a stack of festivals. She’ll also perform as lead vocalist in the large-scale live music and roller-skating production Roller Coaster, which is part of the Darwin Festival. And somewhere in there she’ll also find time to release some more music! Strap in Ella Fence fans because the new few months will be big! Mark these dates in your concert calendar!
Asha Jefferies has taken my breath away with her latest single “Cool Guy.” It’s such a raw, delicate indie-pop ballad, the perfect showcase for her introspective lyrics and angelic voice.
“This song wrote itself very quickly after my first trip to New York,” Asha recalled. “Listening back, I realised I am more often than not, in denial when I’m longing for something or someone. I guess it’s a classic story of unrequited love – yearning feels heavier, more punishing and unproductive when it’s not reciprocated. And it sucks; I’d really like to pretend to be the cool guy if possible.”
“Cool Guy” is the latest track lifted from Asha’s next album Desire is an Angel, which we’ll hear on October 2. You can preorder your vinyl copy and T-shirts now through Sound Merch.
I am always a big believer in finding the right song at the right time. For most people, Alex Lahey’s rerecorded version of “Lets Go Out” featuring Slowly Slowly would just make them long for the weekend. But Wednesday is my pub trivia night, so this one will definitely soundtrack my day! Even if you’re not looking forward to a few bevvies this evening, I know you’ll appreciate the way Slowly Slowly complement Alex on this track.
“When I asked Slowly Slowly to be a part of the rerecording of ‘Let’s Go Out’, I told them I wanted ‘the full Slowly treatment,’ Alex said. “And, boy, did they deliver! I think Slowly are one of the greatest Australian bands of all time and it’s such an honour to have them involved in this recording produced by none other than Ben Stewart himself.”
Ben was equally effusive in his praise of Alex, noting “Working with Alex was a breeze – it was like we had always been in a band together or something! I loved being a part of the effortless recreations of these sentimental and adored songs – the hardest part was trying to honour the originals, but I think we got to a place where they hold their own in a new light.” This new version of “Lets Go Out” features on B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), a reimagining of Alex’s breakthrough EP. She’s hitting all the major capitals to promote it, so get your tickets now.
Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast rockers The Vernons have got me grooving with their latest track “Don’t Give a Damn If You Don’t Believe Me.” This one has a cool, dirty blues vibe to it that reminds me of The Black Keys meets Cage the Elephant.
“Born from the sting of being doubted by someone whose support should have been unwavering, the track transforms betrayal into a fierce declaration of self-belief,” The Vernons said. Raw, raucous guitars collide with deliberate moments of silence, creating a dynamic push and pull that lingers long after the final note.”
“Don’t Give a Damn If You Don’t Believe Me” is the latest tune lifted from The Vernons’ forthcoming album Strike Out Again, which drops on August 12. Hear them play tunes from that album and some old favourites at The Long Sunset. It hits Ugarapul and Yuggera Country/Boonah from October 31 to November 2.
Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriters ANUJA and Daniel J Farthing have teamed up for a gorgeous new single, “Wild Love.” There’s a beautiful tenderness about this indie-folk ballad. It’s sweet without being saccharine, so honest and endearing. If you love music from Vance Joy and Hozier, expect to fall hard for this one.
ANUJA met Daniel at a Real Songwriters of Melbourne (RSOM) networking evening and immediately began planning to create music together. As they bounced between their home studios, their friendship flourished as they connected on their shared passion for songwriting. It’s that passion that makes “Wild Love” so good. While they sound great, this track wouldn’t have nearly the same impact without those powerful lyrics about processing the end of a relationship.
“Wild Love” is out today on all your favourite streaming services.
Annie-Rose Maloney has floored me with her latest single “You Will Cry.” Annie-Rose has taken a truly back-to-basics approach here, recording the song entirely on a second-hand tape machine at her Naarm/Melbourne home with her partner Jess Ellwood. Just one take, the song in its purest form. And when a song is this good, that’s all it needs.
“We threw out the rule book and listened to what sounded good as we went – essentially moving our bodies around the room til we found a sound we liked – then pressed record,” Annie-Rose recalled. “We placed the mic in random places (sometimes the opposite way to the sound source) and mixed it in the moment. There are errors – wrong chords – but we got the real performance, so none of that matters.”
Annie-Rose says “We Will Cry” is the first song off her upcoming album, but we shouldn’t expect it any time soon.
“We’re doing it all ourselves, in our own way, in our own home, in our own time,” she said. You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait.
I really respect artists who focus on quality, rather than quantity. It’s taken Wren Akrose a year to release their second single, but “I Choose My Name” is certainly worth the wait.
Wren, a singer-songwriter who grew up on Yagara Country/Greater Brisbane before relocating to Naarm/Melbourne, was inspired to write this song after choosing to build a new life following struggles with addiction. It’s a song all about inner strength, healing, and evolution. Take a moment to really sit with this one, because you won’t want to miss a lyric.
