Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Abbey Lane Drops “Bigger Man” Ahead of EP Release

Shifting gears from a couple of weeks holidaying around Japan to the nine-to-five grind isn’t easy. There are inboxes to clear, responsibilities to catch up on, and a whole lot of noise in my brain. It takes something special to cut through, but I found it in “Bigger Man,” the latest track from Abbey Lane. This fabulous indie-rock single has heightened my anticipation for her forthcoming EP, which drops on September 25.

This single is actually an amalgamation of a bunch of scrapped songs Abbey penned over the years. She’s taken the best bits and created a cohesive anthem for anyone who’s ever decided to move on from a relationship rather than change to fit it. Her voice is so compelling and I know the drum rhythms will have you tapping your toes along to the beat.

Ahead of her EP release, Abbey will support Maddy Jane at Waywards Ballroom in Eora/Sydney on September 20, so consider your Saturday plans sorted.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Felicity Embraces Country Sound With “Rusty Nail”

I’m not always a fan of country music. Yet I’m all about “Rusty Nail,” which Yuin/South Coast singer-songwriter Felicity Dowd says is her “countriest” release yet. I think the reason it speaks so strongly to me is because it comes from such an authentic place. Felicity didn’t overthink this one. The organic way it kind of spilled out of her while she sat in a campground before a festival helps it feel so natural, no matter what genre it leans into.

“I cut my foot on a rusty nail was the first line I wrote,” Felicity said. “It was completely random – I was just sitting around before a festival and having a bit of fun writing. Then I realised it actually hinted at something I’d been going through in my life. It started as this random idea, and then the rest of the song just came from there. It was almost reminiscent of Pony or Dolly Parton – that old country vibe. And when I started playing it, I had so much fun. I thought, let’s lean into it. Let’s get some fiddle. Let’s get some mandolin.”

This is also one of the first recordings Felicity’s done without backing vocals. It gives it an extra layer of grit and immediacy that I’m really into. It might be a bit of a left turn for Felicity, but I hope to hear her playing more in this space.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mika James Releases Fantastic New Single, “Strangers in Line”

Mika James wowed me with her joyful single “Nonna’s Trolley” back in March. Now she’s released the follow-up “Strangers in Line,” and I’m every bit as impressed. This track’s a bit bigger, with powerhouse vocals from Mika, but it’s still imbued with the heart that saw her pique my interest the first time around.

“’Strangers In Line’ is about those brief interactions with strangers that make the world feel a little lighter. It’s also importantly about my love of the community within music,” Mika said. “It was written back when I was finishing high school, and my world was made bigger by the friendships I started to make within the music scene. From 16, I was spending most of my weekends playing drums in a band immersed in the punk scene. I had just started to fall in love with the folk world, I was a fan before I knew that was the kind of music I wanted to make. I loved that I could walk 10 minutes down the road on a school night to see a band that I adored. ‘Strangers In Line’ is an ode to the 30-minute beer garden interval between bands where you see all the same people you saw at the gig the night before.”

While “Nonna’s Trolley” sat squarely in a folk-pop space, “Strangers in Line” is a bit harder to categorise. There’s some rock or blues edge to it, a little country twang, and something else I can’t quite put my finger on. I’ve added it to my rock playlist, although I’m not sure that’s the right place for it. Whatever Mika’s created here though, it’s exceptional.

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Eddie Witz and the Most High Embrace Aussie Home With “My Island”

Born and raised in California, Eddie Witz boarded a plane with his family last month and flew to their new home in Cavanbah/Byron Bay. He’s wasting absolutely no time treating us to his fantastic music. “My Island,” released with his band the Most High, is a cool reggae-folk ditty co-written by Jeff Barry as a spiritual sequel to his massive hit “Montego Bay.” If you know, you know, and if you don’t, fire up Spotify stat and acquaint yourself with this ‘70s gem!

“To me, ‘My Island’ isn’t about a destination — it’s a feeling,” Eddie said. “It’s the moment you disconnect from the chaos and return to harmony. Whether that’s on a beach or inside yourself, it’s where healing begins.”

The idea of healing runs deep for Eddie, who was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. This rare neurological condition caused total paralysis on the right side of his face, neck, and head. However, through meditation, natural wellness, and deep energetic work, he’s restored his facial nerves and rebuilt full mobility, including his power to sing. Talk about inspiring. I wish Eddie well in his new Aussie home and can’t wait to hear more fabulous music from him!

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chill For a Bit With Bumpy’s “Cosy Comfy”

I’ve been following Bumpy’s beautiful music for nearly three years, so it’s amazing to me that she hasn’t yet released a debut album. Rest assured though, it’s on its way. Before she does, she’s offering us a taste of her latest music with the gorgeous new single “Cosy Comfy.” As its name suggests, this one wraps around you like a warm blanket and encourages you to take a little “me” time.

“The pressure on creatives is ever growing – stretching platforms and content. Sometimes the wheel is running so fast you don’t know how to get off it,” Bumpy acknowledged. “This song is a reminder that things can be slow. You can choose to change your pace at any point. And sometimes all ya gotta do is rug up in your favourite sweater and sit outside with a cuppa.”

“Cosy Comfy” comes from Bumpy’s debut album Kanana, a Noongar phrase meaning “land where the sun sets,” which drops on October 3. It’s available to pre-order now. Bumpy will bring her music to the following events over the next couple of months.

19 September 2025 – NGV Friday Nights @ NGV International, Naarm/Melbourne
25 October 2025 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
1 November 2025 – PIJF Block Party @ Perth International Jazz Festival, Urban Orchard, Boorloo/Perth
7-9 November 2025 – Hopkins Creek Festival, Taungurung Country/Hopkins Creek
21-23 November 2025 – Strawberry Fields, Yorta Yorta Country/Tocumwal

Photo credit: Emily Dynes

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jake Whittaker Shows There’s Life After Idol With “In My Blood”

Jake Whittaker won the hearts of the nation on the last series of Australian Idol. However, I can’t help but think he might have gone even further than the top six if he were playing his originals. His latest single “In My Blood” is better than any cover he delivered on that program. Take a listen!

Jake cowrote this song with James Johnston, who also featured on Australian Idol many, many moons ago (the true fans never forget!)

“The phrase popped into my head earlier that day, and I knew I wanted to use it,” Jake said. “This one’s about me—but it’s for everyone. We’ve all got something that runs in our blood. For me, it’s country music and country life. For someone else, it might be horses, cars, go-karting … whatever it is, that’s where we connect.”

Jake says this song, the first he’s released since appearing on Idol, is the start of a new chapter for him. He’ll celebrate it with a bunch of shows in the coming months leading up to the Tamworth Country Music Festival in the New Year. Here are all the places you can see him playing his choice originals and perhaps a few of those covers you know and love.

13 September 2025 – Flame Festival @ Jimboomba Park, Gimboomba/Jimboomba
4 October 2025 – Urban Country Music Festival @ Caboolture Showgrounds, Kabi Kabi Country/Caboolture
29 November 2025 – Preston Country Clash @ Preston Community Centre, Lutruwita/Preston
17 January 2026 – moonshiners, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Shows Us “WHAT’S GOOD”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based ixaras continues to impress me with maturity beyond her years. Her latest single “WHAT’S GOOD” is a coming-of-age anthem which manages to be both vulnerable, yet delivered with a strong sense of self. She’s incredible for 18, but also just incredible.

“‘WHAT’S GOOD’ is the song that should have ended the first EP full lover fake friend, but because of the growth in songwriting on this track, it makes a clear stand-alone single for this next era,” ixaras said. “The ending of relationships is rarely as savage as it seems in the moment, but with time we gain more clarity and perspective. I hope the vulnerability provides comfort with those trying to move through the periods of pain that is normally experienced during heartbreak,”

As if the music wasn’t enough, ixaras recently released a seven-part docuseries, IT GOES LIKE THIS, which followed her debut tour supporting Grinspoon and rise as a young artist. She’s also continuing to build her community through her youth-focused recording label and creative platform Anti-Dismal.

“WHAT’S GOOD” comes from ixaras’s debut album, which we’ll hear in October. That month she’ll also hit the road for another tour, this time supporting The Rions at the following shows:

3 October 2025 – Fortitude Valley Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 October 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
10 October 2025 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
11 October 2025 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
18 October 2025 – Hindley St Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stella Donnelly Returns to Music With “Baths/Standing Ovation”

Stella Donnelly shows you don’t always need to belt or engage in vocal gymnastics to make an impression with her new double A-side single “Baths/Standing Ovation.” They’re both gentle songs for the most part, although the back-end of “Standing Ovation” kicks the energy up a notch with some upbeat guitars. However, at their heart they’re songs that showcase her songwriting prowess and quiet power. The double-A side is also her first release under her new label, Dot Dash Recordings.

“It felt like the right time for a reset, creatively, personally, and professionally. I could think of no better home for these songs than Dot Dash,” Stella said. “I’m so grateful to have found a team who genuinely believe in the music and have given me the space to explore what this next chapter looks like. I felt very much at home straight away!”

As with any creative reset, all ears will be on Stella to see what comes next. But these beautiful songs are a really good start.

Photo credit: Nick MckInlay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Juju Unleash EP Title Track, “Simulacra”

Hold onto your hats and press play on “Simulacra,” the massive title track from Naarm/Melbourne alternative rock act Bad Juju’s forthcoming EP. This track hits a lot harder than most of the music I’m into, but something about its nu-metal vibes has captured my heart. We don’t question; we just press play and bang our heads along with the beat.

“The expectation of perfection in so many aspects of life is becoming harder for the average person to keep up with,” the band explained. “Whether it’s real art vs AI, or real life vs what is posted on social media platforms – we are constantly pushing towards a faker version of the real world. This song is about pushing back against a robotic digital future, where our online self is almost a stranger to our true self and our ideas are know longer our own.”

Bad Juju’s Simulacra EP drops on October 24. You can preorder a vinyl copy now. They’ll also play Converge Festival’s two dates this month.

7 September 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 September 2025 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Cian@NoiseComplaint

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Teenage Joans Release Perfect Pop-Punk Track, “My Heart’s Dead!”

It’s been too long since I’ve posted some angsty female-fronted rock music. Teenage Joans always deliver that energy, and their latest single “My Heart’s Dead!” is right up there with their best. Crank this one up and sing it at the top of your lungs!

“We basically posed the question – what if Kesha made a song with Blink 182?” Teenage Joans said. “We really wanted to write a song where there are three main vocal hooks that repeat throughout the whole song and layer over each other at the end for a huge singalong that people can easily pick up at our live shows.”

Speaking of live shows, there’s a stack to come with Teenage Joans supporting Slowly Slowly all around the country before headlining their own tour. It all kicks off tonight, so be there or live with some serious regrets!

5 September 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston (supporting Slowly Slowly)
6 September 2025 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koloait/Barwon Heads (supporting Slowly Slowly)
11 September 2025 – McGuires Hotel, Yuwibara Country/Mackay (supporting Slowly Slowly)
12 September 2025 – The Warehouse Bandroom, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville (supporting Slowly Slowly)
13 September 2025 – Tanks Art Centre, Yidinji Country/Edge Hill (supporting Slowly Slowly)
18 September 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting Slowly Slowly)
19 September 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart (SOLD OUT – supporting Slowly Slowly)
20 September 2025 – Forth Pub, Lutruwita/Forth (supporting Slowly Slowly)
25 October 2o25 – Harvest Rock Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide
31 October 2025 – Edinburgh Castle Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 November 2025 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne
8 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 November 2025 – Waywards Ballroom, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Planetary Group