Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pilot Crisis Rock Out With “No Vacancy”

Crank up the volume, press play, and give yourself a couple of minutes to appreciate “No Vacancy,” the latest single from Meeanjin/Brisbane-based rock outfit Pilot Crisis. With Evie Cowen out front, this is an absolute belter.

Guitarist and core songwriter Mitch Chen said he wrote “No Vacancy” during an introspective moment of procrastination.

“I was sitting on the couch watching King of the Hill, noodling on the guitar and thinking about how I’d spend long stretches of time just wasting away,” he reflected. “Hours would slip by while I kept dreaming of doing something better, but never putting the energy into actually doing it.”

The release of “No Vacancy” caps off a big few months for Pilot Crisis, who toured with Vipersnatch, supported Beddy Rays, and laid down a bunch of new music which we’ll hear in the coming months.

Photo credit: Annabelle Cowen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

isha Drops Dynamic New Single, “Beautiful Mess”

I love it when acts break the mould and push the boundaries of different genres to create something that’s truly fresh and new. That kind of artistry rarely comes early in someone’s career, so it’s exciting to hear it from isha, a Zimbabwe-born, Aussie-raised singer-songwriter with Indian heritage. A melting pot of influences, which include the sounds of Bollywood and modern pop and R&B, has helped her bring her exciting new single “Beautiful Mess” to life.

“I wrote Beautiful Mess sitting on my couch one night after hearing this random flute sound that sparked something in me. The song just flowed out in one sitting,” isha said. “It’s about that kind of Romeo and Juliet love… a little forbidden, a little messy, but so powerful you can’t help but fall into it.”

isha assures me she has big plans for releasing plenty of new music next year, so make sure you’re following her on her socials to learn all about it first.

Image used with permission from isha

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chloe Styler Reclaims Her Power With “Placeholder”

Chloe Styler is best known for her lighthearted pop-country tracks, but she’s showing a more vulnerable side on her latest single, “Placeholder.” Chloe’s never sounded better as she recalls a difficult relationship where she was treated as second-best.

“This song stirs up some messy, emotional feelings and still leaves an ache in my chest when I listen to it. But it’s honest, it’s raw, and it lives in that uncomfortable space between wanting to be loved and knowing you’re just being kept around as an option in someone’s life,” she said. “There’s no real resolution. It just sits in the sadness of that truth. It’s the heartbreak that comes when you finally see things for what they are, and you have to find your own closure because they’ll never actually give it to you. Here’s to never being the placeholder again though. That sucked.”

Chloe has a few more gigs before the year wraps up. See her at these free events in the coming weeks.

14 December 2025 – Christmas Movie in the Park @ Bim’bimba Park, Bundjalung Country/Pimpama (from 12:30 pm)
14 December 2025 – Cooly Carols @ Queen Elizabeth Park, Yugambeh Country/Coolangatta (from 5:30 pm)
21 December 2025 – Girlhood Summer Social @ New Farm Park, Binkinbah/New Farm (from 4 pm)

Photo credit: Phoebe Faye

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Emerging Country Star Liam Maihi Drops “Bound to Yours”

After winning the 2025 Big Break title, Liam Maihi is being touted as the next big thing in country music. It’s easy to see why when you listen to his latest single “Bound to Yours.” Liam’s voice is gritty and honest, fuelled by emotion as he sings out the lyrics he penned during a run of shows in Ngambri/Canberra.

“I had just got off a FaceTime with my partner and kids and was feeling a little homesick. It came flooding out,” he said. The song was originally conceived as a ballad, but Liam made a few tweaks and developed it into a certified country-rock banger.

“I wanted it to have that drive in the music. Something that you listen to while ‘on the road’. I realised that I’m not the only one alone in this situation of working away to support my family and that many of the people who love country also work on the road,” he said.

Liam will have a little downtime over Christmas, but he’ll be back on stages soon enough. Catch him at the following country music events in the New Year.

16-25 January 2026 – Tamworth Country Music Festival, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
14 March 2026 – A Night in Nashville @ Orange Showground, Wiradjuri Country/Orange

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

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.