Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Help SoSo Score ARIA Number One

This Friday, SoSo will release their long-awaited debut album So Much For Second Chances. Honestly, I can’t remember being so invested in an album launch in forever. This Eora/Sydney pop-punk act are creating some fantastic music, but there’s a little more to my excitement than that. This independent band is taking on the big guys and hoping to secure an ARIA # 1. It’s an ambitious plan for a little band, but if they pull it off they hope it’ll open doors and let them focus on their music full-time.

I’ve always been behind this band, and that’s not just lip service. I am one of the many Aussies who’ve pre-ordered a copy of this album because I want to see these battlers triumph. Every time they release new music, I’m convinced I’ve made the right decision. So let’s see if I can give you a nudge. Take a listen to their latest single “Something More.” What a banger!

“Essentially, it’s a reflection of where each of the band members is at – we each hold down careers to fund our dream of doing what we love for a living, which is making music,” explained SoSo’s frontman Rhys de Burgh. “Throwing everything we have into SoSo with the hope it’ll take off so we can escape the 9-5 jobs we despise, but deep down understanding that it might never happen for us.”

If you’re into this song as much as I am, head to SoSo’s website and pre-order a copy of So Much for Second Chances. It’ll cost you as little as a $1 for a digital download, which seems a small price to pay to see Taylor Swift dethroned. You can also score some sweet vinyl or a CD copy. There’s free shipping if you spend $69.95, so why not get a few copies for family and friends this Christmas? Get behind them Sounds of Oz readers!

Photo credit: Mega Media TV

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blue Ren Shines With “Wild Roses”

Ballaarat/Ballarat-based singer-songwriter Blue Ren has channelled all the emotions the conflicting emotions that come with leaving a toxic love behind into her latest single “Wild Roses.” With minimal production, the authenticity of Blue Ren’s vocals and heartfelt lyrics really shines through. Sitting somewhere between rock and alt-folk, it reminds me a little of music from Melissa Etheridge and Indigo Girls.

“Wild Roses can be beautiful and fragrant and lure you in, but be careful that their thorns don’t cut you and leave a lasting scar,” Blue Ren warned. “It’s a metaphor for the angst of leaving someone you love that you know is not good for you.”

“Wild Roses” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now. Listen to it and other fabulous Aussie tracks on my Sounds of Oz Loves Rock playlist.

Image used with permission from Blue Ren

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stonetrip Deliver Retro Rock Sounds With “Postcards”

If you long for the glory days of Aussie pub rock, wrap your ears around “Postcards,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne outfit Stonetrip. This is straight-down-line rock music, no bullshit, 100% commitment.

“Chemical Attraction” comes from Ben’s latest album Let Me At the Night. Ben said “It’s still a country record in my eyes: narrative-based songs that explore the themes I’ve been circling in my writing for years. But we’ve really dialled up the experimentalism—pushed our sonic palette further than we ever have before!”

If you appreciate music that refuses to play by the rules, I know you’ll vibe with this. Turn it up and get loose!

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Morgan Evans Celebrates Hometown With Latest Single, Album

As a Novocastrian born and bred, I’m incredibly proud of the place I grew up and its musical exports. My heart is so full seeing hometown hero Morgan Evans taking the world by storm. His career might have taken him to Nashville, but his heart is never far from Mulubinba/Newcastle.

After recently signing a new deal with the Virgin Music Group, Morgan has just released his latest single “Beer Back Home,” which was no doubt inspired by boozy nights out at local haunts like The Del or Stag and Hunter. The single gives us our first taste of Morgan’s sophomore album Steel City, which drops on March 20.

“I’m stoked to partner with Virgin Music Group on this record,” Morgan said. “They’ve built a global team that gets Nashville, Europe, Australia, and they get me. The industry’s changing fast, but their model keeps artists in control, especially creatively. I couldn’t be prouder of this new music or more excited to share it with the world alongside the legends at VMG. Let’s go!”

Morgan will be back in the Steel City on February 14 for the Howlin’ Country Music Festival. He’ll also play Meatstock in Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba and Gunaikurnai/Gippsland in April before returning to the United States.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emma Donovan Covers Al Green Soul Classic

Proud Gumbaynggirr and Yamatji artist Emma Donovan has put her stamp on Al Green’s soul classic “Take Me To the River.” I’ve long believed you shouldn’t cover a song unless you can make it your own, but the inclusion of language in the back half makes this version totally unique.

“I’m quite nervous releasing a song like ‘Take Me To The River’ because the Al Green version is such an iconic version, and it’s a big song!” Emma admitted. “But it’s exciting and good to share my perspective on it. A song like Take Me To The River is similar to an Archie Roach song like ‘Get Back To The Land.’ It’s about filling that cup up after a big breakup, going to look for that Country, looking for that water, to cleanse and feel good. I love my connection to that song and I’m excited to share it.”

Emma also thought about her own experiences in local waterways when she recorded her version. “My take on this song is really about family and community,” she added. “We always talk about going up the river, that’s our outlet. We go fishing, we go swimming, we go to hang out, and we take the little ones and we’re there with family. We’ve been following my nannas and my grandfathers for years to the river. So hopefully, with that bit of language that we translated, people will feel the connection to that.”

Emma has announced some fabulous shows for the summer. Catch her at the following events.

30 November 2025 – Sync the Music launch @ Bellingen Memorial Hall, Gumbaynggirr Country/Bellingen
16 January 2026 – Sydney Festival @ City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
13 February 2026 – Riverboats Music Festival @ Aquatic Reserve, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca
7 March 2026 – Port Fairy Folk Festival @ Southcombe Park, Gunditjmara Country/Port Fairy

Photo credit: Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Talk Heavy Shows Softer Side With “Wedding Bands”

The punk genre isn’t known for its love songs, but Meeanjin/Brisbane band Talk Heavy aren’t afraid to buck the trends and show their vulnerable side. Their latest single “Wedding Bands” has got to be the sweetest emo track I’ve heard all year!

“It reflects on meeting someone, those early moments, and how they compare to where you are now, looking forward to the rest of your lives,” explained Talk Heavy’s frontman Matt Cochran. “Musically, it pulls influence from Rozwell Kid, Modern Baseball, Joyce Manor, and even Modest Mouse in the lead guitar. I think it tells a strong lyrical story from the daydream of the first verse, to the real-time moment of the second verse, into the realization of the outro.”

After recently inking a deal with local label Ninth Life Records, Talk Heavy are preparing to release a stack of fresh tracks in the coming months. Follow them on the socials to learn more about the tunes to come.

Photo credit: Joshua Redbeard

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seb Szabo Releases Swoon-Worthy Single, “Tangerine (All I Want)”

Seb Szabo has thoroughly charmed me with “Tangerine (All I Want),” a sweet folk-country-pop mashup with romantic lyrics that should have you swooning too. He wrote this track after meeting someone special that helped him break down his walls and believe in love again.

“Like a lot of people do, I think I stopped believing that I was ever going to fall a bit in love with someone again, and then somebody came along and changed that for me unexpectedly,” he explained. “The song started with a simple moment where I realised I was starting to sort of feel that magic again, seeing someone smoke a cigarette out their bedroom window in dim lamplight in London – just observing someone living in their own space and realising how much joy that person’s existence and presence in
your life is bringing you.”

A call-and-response refrain and joyous energy have helped make “Tangerine (All I Want)” a highlight of his Seb’s live sets. Experience that magic yourself when Seb takes this song on the road next month.

11 December 2025 – Oxford Art Gallery, Eora/Sydney
12 December 2025 – Smith’s Alternative Downstairs, Ngambri/Canberra
19 December 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Peter Foster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Continues Winning Streak With “Casually”

ixaras has a real knack for writing absolute bops that perfectly encapsulate all the messiness of modern relationship. She never puts a foot wrong, and her latest track “CASUALLY” is no exception. Crank it up and marvel at the talents of one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming artists.

“When you go on tour you spend a lot of time away from home. I wrote the song as a reassurance to my family, friends and loved ones how much I care despite not being able to always be there. My song ‘CASUALLY’ is an anthem about the obstacles that come with relationships and how no matter what, loving unconditionally is a choice that I will always actively participate in no matter what stands in the way.”

“CASUALLY” comes from ixaras’ upcoming EP WHAT IS AND WHAT ISN’T, which drops on November 14. ixaras will celebrate its release with a string of capital city shows in the new year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates:

10 January 2026 – The Loft, Eora/Sydney
11 January 2026 – The Leadbeater, Naarm/Melbourne
18 January 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 January 2026 – The Y HQ, Boorloo/Perth
24 January 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Streetlights Release Charming Rock Track, “What’s Your Name Again?”

If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, skip the coffee and press play on “What’s Your Name Again?” the bittersweet new single from Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock act Streetlights. It captures all the excitement of an instant infatuation with a stranger on public transport.

“You’re catching the bus and someone hops on and goes to sit directly across from you. You lock eyes and BAM! – you’ve fallen in love with a complete stranger, only for them to get off at the next stop,” recounted frontman John Toplis.

I’m new to Streetlights music, but I’m instantly hooked. Hopefully we hear more from them really soon.

Photo credit: Caleb Cameron – Argate Creative