After wowing me with her pop-rock anthem “the blonde” and its ultra-catchy follow-up “6 Figure Trigger,”Zara Haines is showing a new side of her artistry with her latest single, “Freight Train.” While that title suggests a bold release, this is a gentle, stripped-back folk-pop song. Its acoustic sound helps me appreciate Zara’s gorgeous voice and relatable, introspective lyrics.
“I’m beyond proud to share ‘Freight Train’ with the world,” Zara said. “It tells a story close to my heart, about being overlooked and underappreciated—something I think a lot of people my age can relate to. I hope it brings others the kind of healing it brought me.”
“Freight Train” gives us our first taste of Zara’s EP, which she’ll release later this year.
If you’re struggling to get through the working week, give yourself a moment to crank up “So What!”, the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne-based emo pop-punk act Cordiform.
I don’t throw the term perfect around lightly, but this might just be the perfect pop-punk song. Its energetic intro piqued my interest, but those relatable lyrics delivered so convincingly by James Hibble assured me these guys are the real deal. Then when the intensity of those drums went up a notch to match the power of Liam Nolan’s grittier vocals in the second verse, my adoration went to another level. “So What!” is anthemic, perfect for singing along to when life gets too much.
“[So What!] was one of the first songs we started working on after we released our debut EP, Growth & Despair, in October 2023,” Liam said. “The original idea was Tim Irwin’s [drummer] really early in writing, always looking at it wondering how we would use it. It went through a lot of changes but the foundations were always linked back to the original demo. It took working with [producer Ionei] Heckenberg to really pull a chorus together that felt big enough to give the energy to the song we thought it deserved.”
Ionei also shot, directed, and edited the music video for “So What!” with Jaydon Colvin. The clip sees the band coming together with Cordi Club, their playful take on Fight Club. While it’s lighthearted, it also emphasized how even the most mundane things can become meaningful when they’re shared.
“Working with [Jayden and Ionei] was so effortless,” Liam enthused. “They really took our ideas and our lack of experience and really guided us through a massive day. They are so energetic and uptempo with their work and they really want you to walk away with the best product possible. It was something like 36c when we filmed that day and everyone was struggling under all the lights in the cramped spaces but they never showed it, even if we did.”
Cordiform are wasting no time celebrating the release of “So What!”, kicking off an epic East Coast tour supporting Chasing Ghosts tomorrow. Tickets are still available, so get on it!
After eight years together, Meeanjin/Brisbane band the Holy Rollercoasters are calling it quits. But not before a fitting musical send-off. They’ve just released “Down and Dirty,” our first taste of their final ever album, The Last Will and Testament.
As its name suggests, this single is raw and vibrant. It’s pure funk, with big ballsy horns and a groove that just won’t quit. According to the press release, it was recorded with “all the band is the same room, one take, no fancy shit.”
The Holy Rollercoasters will release The Last Will and Testament in early August. They’re also promising one more show, so keep an eye on their socials for news about that big sendoff.
Cardboard Cutouts continue to impress me with their latest track, “Ask Around.” It’s full of musical twists and turns with one of the most epic instrumental breaks I’ve ever heard. If you love Aussie rock music, you won’t find better than what these guys are putting down.
“It was written about the emotional exhaustion of a drawn out break up – it’s messy, raw, heartfelt, and a bit of a belter,” the band explained. “It’s not just about losing a partner, but all of the things that come with that, like close friends and favourite memories.”
Cardboard Cutouts have been releasing some cracking rock tunes, so I can’t wait to hear more when they release their debut album, Politics and Footy Tips, on June 27. As if that wasn’t enough reason to get excited, the band are heading around the country for a national tour in the coming weeks. Get on to those tickets before they sell out.
Up-and-coming Western Australian indie-pop artist Bailey Perrie is back with a brand new sound on her latest single, “For The Plot.” This cool, brooding number is a world away from the country-tinged sweetness of her last single “The Lotto,” but I think it really suits her. Bailey’s voice sounds so haunting against the layered synths, which give enough space for her lyrics to shine.
“This song is about those impulsive, heart-first decisions we make—not because they’re safe, but because they’re real,” Bailey explained. “It’s about trusting the journey, even if it’s a little reckless.”
“For The Plot” gives us an exciting taste of Bailey’s third album, which will see this musical chameleon delivering honest lyrics as she experiments with pop, country, and rock sounds.
Bailey’s not a household name, yet, but she’s already generating some serious buzz. The Australian Songwriting Association named her Youth Songwriter of the Year 2024 and the International Singer Songwriter Association (ISSA) gave her its International Rising Star Award. She’s also been nominated in several categories in this year’s 2025 ISSA Awards and Nashville’s Josie Music Awards. In addition to the accolades, Bailey’s scored radio play around the world and racked up 3.4 million Spotify streams and 1.8 million YouTube views. She’s also shot music videos in Los Angeles and performed in leading venues across Nashville and Atlanta. But right now, Bailey’s entertaining crowds closer to home with shows across Western Australia. Here are all the places you can catch this star on the rise.
4 June 2025 – Unplug and Play @ Indian Ocean Hotel, Balingup/Scarborough (FREE) 7 June 2025 – Intimate Acoustic Gig, Doondalup/Joondalup 7 July 2025 – Monday Milk @ The Bird, Whadjuk Nyoongar Country/Northbridge (FREE) 11 August 2025 – Open Mic, Walyalup/Fremantle
Boorloo/Perth singer-songwriter ALEIA has really impressed me with her debut single “Had Your Fun.”
This is such a well-written indie-pop ballad about a relationship gone wrong. It reminds me so much of songs from fantastic late ‘90s artists like Fiona Apple and Natalie Merchant, so if you’re into them, I know “Had Your Fun” will be right up your alley.
Make sure you follow ALEIA on her socials. When artists release such strong debuts, you know you want to hear what comes next.
If your day has been anywhere as busy as mine, allow “tell me something,” the latest single from Swedish-born, Meeanjin/Brisbane-based singer-songwriter Hazlett, to soothe your soul. I instantly felt calmer as I listened to its gentle vocals and acoustic arrangement. Just make sure you’re not so chilled that you miss those heartbreakingly beautiful lyrics.
“If you’re lucky enough to find someone to throw your whole self into, nobody warns you about the untangling that happens if it ends,” Hazlett said. “The daily things you leaned on them for are no longer around and it feels like the pillow’s missing from under your head. There comes a time when I think holding on isn’t doing anyone any favours. That doesn’t mean those feelings need to turn into anger or disdain, but you might have to swallow that bitter pill that what once was might never be again – and that’s okay.”
If Hazlett’s music is like therapy for you too, you’ll be pleased to know there’s more on the way. “tell me something” comes from Hazlett’s sophomore album last night you said you missed me, which drops on September 12. Hazlett is currently wowing crowds abroad but hopefully he’ll treat us to some local shows once those international gigs wrap up.
Emerging Meeanjin/Brisbane indie punk act Bad Neighbour have just become the latest band to sign with new Aussie label Ninth Life Records. To celebrate, they’ve just dropped a killer new single “Snarling” which really shows their teeth.
“’Snarling’ was written after the end of a long relationship,” explained Bad Neighbour frontman Cooper Riley. “I was coming to terms with letting someone down, and how my life had changed and what the landscape of my future looked like.”
After dropping their debut album Millions last September, the release of “Snarling” marks a new chapter for Bad Neighbour. They’ll celebrate by joining The Smith Street Band on their upcoming shows all around the country, so make sure you don’t miss their sets.
Guyanese-Australian act Thorne has just released his latest single “Honey,” and I know it’s exactly the vibe you need this Saturday. Whether you’ll be hitting the town later or staging a private dance party at home, this sexy celebration of queer love will get you grooving. No matter how you identify, this fierce, feel-good anthem slaps.
“I want people to feel unstoppable when they hear ‘Honey’ — like they’ve lived through the storm and come out hotter, louder, and impossible to ignore,” Thorne said.
Zoe Robinson directed the steamy video which features, according to the press release, “towel-draped teasing, honey-drizzled ice cream, flirty snapshots in bed with a boy, and a house party buzzing with fans, food, and chosen family.” Did it get a few degrees hotter in here or is it just me?
“We were originally meant to film at my dad’s place—until he read the script and said it was too sexy. So we rented an Airbnb, shot it all in a whirlwind night and day, and honestly, it turned out better,’ Thorne said. “The whole process brought me and my friends even closer—it’s silly, it’s steamy, and it’s exactly the delicious kind of queer joy ‘Honey’ is all about.”
Merpire is giving me serious ‘90s vibes with her latest single “Leaving With You.” It’s got a cool grungy feel that reminds me a little of tracks from artists of the era like Juliana Hatfield and Liz Phair.
“‘Leaving With You’ is about those feelings you get around a crush when you have an inkling they feel the same way: the wonder if they’ll turn up to the party you’re at is both unnerving and exhilarating, you’re not sure if you’re hiding it well, nothing fills you with more energy than your crush being in your vicinity,” Merpire said. “You think about going home, you’re tired, but then they turn up and suddenly you could stay all night, living in this space where the probability between hooking up with them and not hooking up with them is equal.”
“Leaving With You” comes from Merpire’s forthcoming album Milk Pool, which drops on July 4. Click through to order your copy on vinyl. No doubt she’ll road test tracks from that release when she supports Ball Park Music at the Metro on May 31. If you’re getting along, make sure you arrive early enough for her set.
