Category: Single Releases

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Comfort Deliver Latest Taste of New Album, “Stay”

Meeanjin/Brisbane band The Comfort have rocked my proverbial socks off with their latest single “Stay.” It’s an epic number, full of angst and longing as the band confronts the collapse of society as we know it.

“There’s something strange about witnessing the destruction of a corrupt society, and not exactly being happy about it, but all the while knowing that you’re doing your part to try and save it,” The Comfort said. “We spend our lives desperately trying to be better humans and making decisions with the earth and society in mind. It hurts to watch people burn it down for monetary gain. The only consolation we can take from that is knowing we’re ready to rebuild it from the ground up.”

“Stay” comes from The Comfort’s forthcoming album Let the Love In, which they’ll release on October 3. Fresh from supporting Chasing Ghosts in June, The Comfort will play Converge Festival, alongside Sienna Skies, Young Lions, and Bad Love, this September. Tickets are on sale now:

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

Photo credit: Nick Hargans

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Elestial Impress With Angsty Single, “The One Mistake”

I’ve always said that you don’t need the backing of a big label or a lot of studio wizardry if you’ve got talent. In fact, sometimes without all the polish you can hear music’s true beauty. That’s the case with “The One Mistake” from Mulubinba/Newcastle band Elestial.

Frontwoman Elyssa Hawkins’ vocals drew me in from the start. Her captivating voice brings to life the pain of losing a friendship and being stuck in that space of grief when the world’s expecting you to move forward. Drummer Toby Stuart, lead guitarist Rohan Donnolley, and bass guitarist AJ Russell match her intensity, creating the sort of track you can imagine breaking down in your bedroom to or screaming in the car with your windows rolled down.

Elestial have a couple of shows happening in the coming months, including a big local gig to launch “The One Mistake.” Here are all the dates you need music lovers!

5 September 2025 – King Street Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
10 October 2025 – The Vic on the Park, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Elestial

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Gia Darcy Releases Insightful New Pop Single, “Subtle Changes”

If you’ve ever fallen out with a close friend, you know it can sting more than any break-up with a romantic partner. Gia Darcy has channelled those emotions into her latest pop bop “Subtle Changes.” Its shimmery upbeat vibe helps to balance the single’s emotionally raw lyrics.

“This song is about a falling out with my best friend. Neither of us are good at saying how we actually feel, but we can both tell something’s shifted. The crossed arms, the awkward silences, the slight change in tone… That’s where the heartbreak lives,” she mused. “It’s not loud, but it’s real.”

Gia worked with some heavy-hitters on “Subtle Changes.” She co-wrote it with New York-based songwriter Ross Newhouse before working with producer Liam Quinn, known for his work with Peach PRC and Ruel.

Gia will return to the stage on September 27 supporting Joan & The Giants at their free show at Vic on the Park in Eora/Sydney.

Photo credit: renata.jpg

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kathleen Halloran Wows Me With “Cost of Living”

Sometimes you hear an artist and you wonder how on earth they’ve possible escaped your attention. How are they not the biggest thing on the planet? Because they’re just that good. Kathleen Halloran, a singer-songwriter from Naarm/Melbourne, is one of those artists. With her new single “Cost of Living,” she has very quickly won my heart. It’s such an exquisite folk ballad, I’ve found myself hitting play several times for another hit. And I’ve got to shout out Ross Irwin, of the Cat Empire and the Bamboos, for that beautiful string arrangement which takes this song to the next level.

“It’s a soaring, soul-baring track that dives deep into the creative life — the highs, lows, doubt, and beauty of following your own artistic path,” Kathleen explained. “It’s deeply personal, but universal for anyone walking an unconventional road.”

Kathleen has some exciting shows coming up, so make sure you see her play anywhere you can:

31 August 2025 – Tallagandra Hill Winery, Ngambri/Canberra (with Taylor Sheridan)
11 September 2025 – Adelaide Guitar Festival, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 September 2025 – Led Zeppelin’s Physical Graffiti @ Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntaya/Adelaide
26 September 2025 – Westernport Hotel, Millowl/Phillip Island
25 October 2025 – Live in the Glen @ Glengarry Hall, Gunaikurnai Country/Glengarry

Image used with permission from Kathleen Halloran

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Felicity Kircher Makes Good on Star Potential With “Fair Weather”

Reigning Toyota Star Maker winner Felicity Kircher is making her mark on the country scene with the release of “Fair Weather.” The track impressed producer Brandon Dodd so much that he jumped at the chance to collaborate with her.

“When I first heard ‘Fair Weather,’ I knew this would be a song I would love to work on for Felicity’s new EP,” he explained. “The beauty of the song is that it has an underlying vulnerability in the lyrics masked behind a catchy hook. I enjoyed capturing these two elements and finding a true representation of Felicity as an artist through this process.”

Felicity said the songwriting process began when venting her frustrations about friendships and other relationships to good pal and fellow artist Lottie McLeod.

“As a chronic overthinker, this song became a significant outlet for the self-doubt, confusion, and hurt I had been feeling,” she admitted. “I picked up my pretty new Maton guitar (thank you Maton & Star Maker) and the chorus poured out of me, basically word for word, as you’ll hear. Working on this song has been a therapeutic journey, and I’m so excited to share it with you.”

Felicity will be pretty busy over the coming months with appearances at plenty of top country music festivals, including Tamworth where she’ll play her first headlining show next year. Here are all the places you’ll see her play.

30 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster @ Great Northern Muster Club, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie (FREE – from 2:30 pm)
5 September 2025 – WhaleBar Eat Street, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE – from 6:30 pm)
11 September 2025 – Manly Deck, Narlung/Manly (FREE)
13 September 2025 – Main Deck Eat Street, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE – from 5:15 pm)
20 September 2025 – Penrith Panthers, Mooroo Murak/Penrith (FREE – from 4 pm)
26 September 2025 – Laneway Eat Street, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE – from 5:30 pm)
27 September 2025 – Sunset Bash @ Penrith Panthers, Mooroo Murak/Penrith
3 October 2025 – Deni Ute Muster @ Day Stage, Baraba Baraba Country/Deniliquin (from 1 pm)
12 October 2025 – Savannah In The Round @ Bull Bar, Gimuy/Cairns (from 11:45 am)
18 October 2025 – Groundwater Country Music Festival @ Surf Beach Stage, Kombumerri Country/Broadbeach (FREE – from 10 am)
19 October 2025 – Groundwater Country Music Festival @ Broadbeach Mall Stage, Kombumerri Country/Broadbeach (FREE – from 1 pm)
25 October 2025 – Strummingbird @ Kawana Sports Precinct, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
20 January 2026 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth (from 3 pm)
24 January 2026 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth (supporting Jem Cassar-Daley)