Category: Single Releases

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Releases Bold New Banger, “This City”

Fresh from winning Good Intent’s Greater Good prize, talented Meeanjin/Brisbane-based teen ixaras has dropped her fantastic new single, “This City.” With a blend of percussion, didgeridoo, and synths, this track doesn’t sound like anything else. It’s a masterclass in what can happen when sonic risks pay off.

“‘This City’ is a portrait of self-reinvention in a world where survival demands transformation,” ixaras explained. “Inspired by the novel ‘Jekyll and Hyde,’ the song explores the psychological toll of killing off your past self to succeed. The refrain, ‘This City Knows My Name’, is manifestation, declaration, and lying all in one. It’s about the pursuit of ambition, acknowledging what parts of yourself you’ve sacrificed along the way, such as the paranoia of being perceived, a love letter to the version of you that had to disappear so the world would take notice.”

“This City” comes with a cool black and white music video shot in Eora/Sydney and directed by Mellow Minh.

“Ixara and I met a while back when I was out on tour with Skeggs — I instantly knew as soon as I heard her play, an exhilaration that I never heard before. So, as soon as I finished the leg, I dm’d her, wanting to work with her,” Mellow Minh said. “As manifestation has it, while in Vietnam she hit me with this track, and it blew my mind. I knew I wanted to make something out of it — the idea instantly came to mind, and we never looked back.”

If you’re not already over ixaras’ music, it’s time to take a deep dive on the streaming services. She’s definitely a local artist to watch.

Photo credit: Billy Zammit

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lloyd & The Leftovers Blow Me Away With “Tried it on Tuesday”

If you love Americana folk music, I know you’re going to dig “Tried it on Tuesday,” the latest single from Walyalup/Fremantle act Lloyd & The Leftovers. It’s got such a classic sound, I can understand why these guys have received rave reviews after playing Nungarin and the City of Fremantle Winter Festivals.

I was initially drawn to Lloyd’s twangy vocals, the lush harmonies of the backing singers, and that beautiful, rich, organic instrumentation. But after a few listens I really started to tap into the lyrics. Yes, they’re brilliant too. It’s an honest love song about a relationship with a creative collaborator and all the challenges that come with it.

I’m so excited to hear more from Lloyd & The Leftovers. This song has certainly whetted my appetite for whatever comes next.

Photo credit: Paris Williams

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GLVES Releases Bold New Bop, “Time”

First Nations artist GLVES is pushing the envelope with her stunning new single “Time.” It’s a cinematic alt-pop number that’s bound to stay with you long after you hear it.

At its core, this song is about connection. GLVES reflects on how being present is the most radical form of love we can give someone. It comes with an incredible film clip directed by Butchulla/Kamilaroi filmmaker Rhianna Malezer, choreographed by Ewamian, Cobble Cobble, Birri, and South Sea Islander artist Allirah Fisher, and produced by GLVES.

This is such an exciting release from GLVES and I can’t wait to hear more.

Photo credit: Jason Star

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Release “Steppin” Ahead of UK and European Shows

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast act Bootleg Rascal may be one of the country’s most consistent bands. You can always count on them for a good time, and their latest single “Steppin” is absolutely no exception. It sonically brings all the good vibes we expect from the band, but listen to those lyrics and you’ll realise this single is a little darker than those that came before. I’m not sure whether I’m experiencing a whole lot of new track energy or it really is their best, but I’m in love.

“‘Steppin’ is a raw and emotive cut that dives deep into themes of isolation, inner struggle, and resilience. It captures the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of self-blame and disconnection, while still holding onto a fierce sense of survival. Through the lyrics, the song reflects the battle between wanting to give up and finding the strength to endure, offering an honest portrayal of pain, anger, and the human instinct to keep moving forward even in the darkest moments.”

Bootleg Rascal will take this song global with shows in the United Kingdom and Europe. They’re also got a cheeky local gig before they depart. Wherever you are, take note of the dates near you!

7 June 2025 – Winter Wine Festival, Dharawal/Gerringong
28 June 2025 – Timboektoem, Wijk Aan Zee
29 June 2025 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
30 June 2025 – Hebebuehne, Hamburg
4 July 2025 – Stadtstrand, Dusseldorf
5 July 2025 – Milla, Munich
7 July 2025 – Hafenkneipe, Zurich
9 July 2025 – The Louisiana, Bristol
10 July 2025 – Dues Lodge, Bournemouth
11 July 2025 – O2 Academy, London
12 July 2025 – Watering Hole, Cornwall

Photo credit: Jared Hinz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town Release Impressive Debut Single, “All My Friends (Atrophy)”

In the modern age, when so much music is overcomplicated and overproduced, I appreciate the simple things more than ever. Honest lyrics that speak to me. Organic instruments. A great melody. Pure vocals that follow it, without runs or autotune. I’ve found all that and more in “All My Friends (Atrophy),” the debut alternative-folk single from Western Australian outfit Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town.

This song immediately captured my attention with its classic acoustic guitar intro and opening lyric “All my friends are moving in a straight line while I’m spinning in time.” What a great line! “All My Friends (Atrophy)” goes on to celebrate the pals that help you through the hard times. It acknowledges the challenge of feeling out of step with your peers while paying homage to the people willing to support you until all feels right with the world.

From the single acoustic guitar at the beginning, the sound gradually builds. The introduction of more instruments echoes the song’s theme that if the right people are in your orbit, you’ll never truly be alone.

While “All My Friends (Atrophy)” is the first single from Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town, he’s no stranger to the music scene. Over the last decade, Clay has built a reputation as one of the most versatile guitarists in Boorloo/Perth. Locals might know him from shoegaze outfit The Limbs, grunge act Filth Wizard, or jazz fusion act King Proteus. The Trouble Round Town are equally seasoned. Drummer Jess June played with Clay in Filth Wizard. Bassist Zoe Gol was a member of Single Cell Sharks, while lead guitarist Michael Menna is best known for his time in Art of Dysfunction.

The release of “All My Friends (Atrophy)” is just the start of an exciting musical chapter for Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town. They’ll drop their debut EP later this year.

Image used with permission from Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clare Perrott Wows Me With Debut Single, “Philadelphia”

Boorloo/Perth artist Clare Perrott has captured my heart with her gorgeous debut single “Philadelphia.” Listening to her confident dulcet vocal tones, I can’t believe this is our first taste of her music. She’s a natural storyteller who I’m sure we’ll hear a lot more from in the future.

This song tells the story of losing someone as they move on to the next chapter of their life. There’s an acknowledgement that the distance will irrevocably change the connection, no matter how hard they try to maintain it.

Clare will launch “Philadelphia” at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Walyalup/Fremantle on July 6. If you’re local, you’re going to want to be there so you can tell everyone you knew about her music first.

Photo credit: Lizzie Wilkie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Torizon Tackle Big Issues With “Bloom”

Meeanjin/Brisbane band Torizon are coming at you with “Bloom,” a rocking track which defines the new genre they coined, petalcore. The band say it’s alternative metal with pop sensibilities, a sound that draws from their collective love of genres including metalcore, pop-punk, alternative rock, emo, and hip hop. Their sound reminds me of a modern Evanescence, complete with kick-ass vocals from frontwoman Mish Sharma. The band hopes the song can bring the topics of miscarriage and fertility issues into the light.

“There is still stigma around the topic of miscarriage and fertility issues – it’s one of the most traumatic things people go through, and yet it’s still not talked about enough,” they said. “When we started exploring this concept, people in our circle opened up about the societal pressure to be secretive about it all, which only perpetuates the isolation. This set in motion a body of work that starts with ‘Bloom’ and will unfold over the next few months.”

Torizon are building a reputation as one of their hometown’s most exciting live acts. They’ve packed headlining shows and supported the likes of Circles, The Last Martyr, Days Like These, and Valhalore. Next up they’ll play pinkNOISE tectonic at The Cave Inn on June 12. This free show features a stacked bill of the city’s best LGBTQIA2S+ artists.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

FARAH Releases Brave Debut, “Gasoline”

Djilang/Geelong-based artist FARAH is holding nothing back with the release of her stunning debut single “Gasoline.” Written after her 2023 cancer diagnosis, this introspective song is like a letter to her former self and the person she’s becoming. It’s got such a quiet power, it’s beautiful.

“This release signifies the beginning of a new chapter for me as an artist and as a person,” FARAH shared. “It’s a letting go, and a promise to myself to always create with intention and free-flowing expression, without judging the words that want to be sung.”

The release of “Gasoline” comes with a gorgeous short film directed by Sam Biddle. It follows FARAH as she learns to lean into joy once again after overcoming devastation. We’ll hopefully see her leaning more into that joy as releases more new music. I’m so excited to hear what she shares next.

Image used with permission from broken leg

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Abbey Lane Drops Nostalgic Pop Single “Younger”

Hit the volume on Abbey Lane’s joyous new single, “Younger.” This nostalgic indie-pop tunes captures the carefree vibes of youth, when our greatest responsibilities were being a good friend and figuring ourselves out. Abbey wrote the song during her first solo travels in a van, an experience which helped her feel a little more connected to her younger self.

“Younger is all about embracing your youth and searching for new experiences,” Abbey explained. “It’s a track about trying to discover yourself; wanting to make new connections, travel and see new things.”

Coming hot on the heels of “Baby Steps,” this is another fantastic track from Abbey. Her Facebook page reveals she’s been in the recording studio, so she should have more to share with us really soon.

Image used with permission from Abbey Lane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Talk Drop “Miller’s Bay” Ahead of Album Release and Red Clay Strays Tour

We’ll get to hear their debut album Switch On next week, but Sweet Talk are giving us one more tasty preview before it drops. They’ve just released their soulful new single “Miller’s Bay,” and I can definitely understand why it’s a fan favourite.

“Miller’s Bay” was produced by celebrated Americana artist and producer Robert Ellis and engineered by Trina Shoemaker, who you may know from her work with Brandi Carlile and Emmylou Harris. Guest vocals from American soul duo Uncle Roy & Spice provide the extra special sauce.

Switch On will hit all the streaming services on May 23, but if you’re old-school you can preorder a limited edition, numbered orange and yellow vinyl pressing here. You know you want to! Sweet Talk are about to hit the road with American country-roots act The Red Clay Strays, so if you’re heading to one of these shows make sure you don’t miss their set. They’ve also got a couple of headlining shows on the horizon. Here are all the dates you need!

16 May 2025 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kal’owen-dha/Caloundra (FREE)
17 May 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Red Clay Strays)
19 May 2025 – Bar on the Hill @ University of Newcastle, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Red Clay Strays)
20 May 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (supporting Red Clay Strays)
22 May 2025 – Festival Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT – supporting Red Clay Strays)
23 May 2025 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
24 May 2025 – Metro City, Whadjuk Country/Northbridge (SOLD OUT – supporting Red Clay Strays)

Photo credit: James Adams