Walyalup/Fremantle-based indie electronic producer FLORUL has teamed up with Boorloo/Perth based vocalist Mona Kaia for a fresh new single, “LEAVE”. I love the way that Mona’s distinct, soulful vocals cut through FLORUL’s epic electro soundscape. Their combination is undeniable and the chemistry between them really elevates this track.
“I wanted ‘LEAVE’ to feel massive and cinematic while keeping that raw energy that makes you want to move,” FLORUL explained. “It’s the perfect introduction to what’s coming next.”
What’s coming next is FLORUL’s sophomore EP, featuring “LEAVE” which we’ll hear later this year.
Jade Gibson wears her heart on her sleeve with her beautiful new single “Bygones.” Cowritten with Oscar Dawson and her producer Josh Hannan, this deeply personal track explores the bitterness that lingers after growing up in a broken family.
Jade has a string of shows coming up in country New South Wales and Victoria. Catch her anywhere you can.
27 April 2025 – Red Feet Wines, Taungurung, Yorta Yorta, Pangerang, Minjambuta, Duduroa, and Jaitmathang Country/King Valley 30 May 2025 – Barooga Sports Club, Yorta Yorta Country/Barooga 8 June 2025 – All Saints Estate, Whroo Country/Wahgunyah 13 June 2025 – SS&A, Bungambrawatha/Albury
Harrison Storm has teamed up with Emily Rink for a spine-tingling new single “Call Me When You Get In.” It explores the journey through grief on the path to healing that’s necessary when recovering from a relationship breakdown.
“The writing of this song came together in a very beautiful and easy way,” Harrison recalled. “It was one of those sessions where we were able to get vulnerable quite quickly. We shared some personal stories and I started playing around with some simple chords. Emily’s melodies started flowing effortlessly as she’s incredibly talented and we both sat back to let the emotional melodies inform the story of the song.
Harrison said the song went to another level when they began working with producer Matt Corby.
“It was so perfect and exciting to work with Matt Corby on this one for production. He brought such immediate soul and heart to this song. The days Emily and I spent in the studio with him were unforgettable and very creative.”
Harrison is currently touring the country with Canadian indie-folk act Wild Rivers. If you’ve got a ticket, make sure you arrive early enough for his set.
21 March 2025 – Prince Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT) 22 March 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT) 23 March 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
On July 5, Emily will play Winter One-Derland at The Station SC in Kabi Kabi Country/Birtinya.
If you’re into the angsty pop of artists like Olivia Rodrigo and Hayley Williams, you’ll love our own EDIE and her latest track “Bleed.” It’s got a fun synth vibe, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll discover that this song has teeth.
“Bleed explores my frustration and anguish to modern dating,” EDIE said. “It seems like no one wants to commit and only wants to lead you on in these long, drawn-out, awful situationships!”
“Bleed” comes with a fantastically dark video that’s not for the faint of heart. Don’t say that I didn’t warn you!
Next up EDIE will play Neon Festival, a free event designed for 15- to 25-year-olds. See it at Manning Community Hall in Boorloo/Manning from 6 pm on April 11.
I’m convinced that everything Joan & The Giants touches turns to gold. “Still Breathing,” their first release for 2025, is another fabulous indie-rock track from this Aussie trio. Born from a jam session, this heartfelt release packs a serious emotional punch.
“The lyrics really speak about an inner war, trying to fight for the people you once were but knowing you have to let it all go – ‘But some things are best kept in the past, and I know we weren’t built to last’,” explained the band’s frontwoman, Grace Newton-Wordsworth.
2025 is set to be a massive year for Joan & The Giants as they prepare to say goodbye to their home in Boorloo/Perth and base themselves in Naarm/Melbourne. They’ve already played their first international shows at SXSW, but they’ll be back on home soil for a string of shows soon, including a big WA farewell. If you live there, make sure you give them the send off that they deserve!
Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Bonita Habils has got underneath my skin with her haunting new single “Underdressed.” It’s a different kind of pop song, with its dark, brooding instrumentation directly contrasting with Bonita’s ethereal voice.
“It’s about a situationship, when you want more than the other person is willing to give,” she explained.
Fans can catch Bonita at Rawkus Live this Sunday, March 23. This all-ages event kicks off at 1 pm at Soundbar in Bunurong Country/Capel Sound. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.
Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Angus Legg gives us an insight into his inner child with his intimate new single “Two Birthdays.” Exploring his feelings as a child of divorce, its poignant lyrics and Angus’ gorgeous vocals really hit home.
“’Two Birthdays’ is for children of divorce, often a forgotten topic and trauma, sadly because it’s all too common,” he said. Creating this track was not only a delve into the depths of my own experience, but it felt like an emotive and direct way to frame one of the most difficult conversations any adult has to have and child has to respond to. I remember after writing this song I cried for a good twenty minutes. I cry when I write most of my music, that’s how I know it’s good, and there were puddles for ‘Two Birthdays’.”
The production of fellow Melburnian artist and close friend San Joseph, known for his work with Peach PRC and Chris Sebastian, helped bring out the best in “Two Birthdays.”
“San Joseph is a creative well, the depths of which I fortunately get to bear the fruits of,” Angus added. “The devil is in the detail, there are countless moments throughout Two Birthday’s’ infrastructure worth paying careful attention. He marries this with creating a perfect bed for the emotion and sonicity of the story, which creates an effortless space for the message of the music. He’s also my best pal, so we had a blast throughout the process.”
You’ll find “Two Birthdays” along with some other fantastic local folk music on my Spotify playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Folk. Give it a listen and follow to hear all the latest music from outstanding artists like Angus.
Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Paige Barnard has given me chills with her latest pop ballad, “Strong.” It’s a powerful stripped-back piano number. Keeping the music simple ensures Paige’s vocals and lyrics really shine through.
“I was really struggling to heal and move on from this relationship because nothing really went wrong, it was more the long distance that we couldn’t manage and commit to and so I felt quite rejected at the same time,” Paige recalled. “So this song was really cathartic for me to write and it ended up being the last song I actually wrote about this breakup, and there was a lot!”
Paige will launch “Strong” for hometown fans this Saturday night, March 15, at The Catfish Bar.
Naarm/Melbourne post-punk act TILE have really impressed me with their latest single “Cloud.” I’m not always a fan of this genre, as all too often its music just sounds like a discordant bunch of noise. But this quartet get things right, embracing catchy hooks and serving up plenty of angst and energy.
Queer frontman James Morris says that “Cloud” explores the inner conflict that arises when it feels like you’re out of step with society’s expectations. “It feels like you’re constantly having to justify your choices, explain why you’re not conforming to a set path,” he explained.
TILE will headline a single launch show for hometown fans at The Cactus Room on March 14. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.
Tori Darke and Jay Santilli are both powerhouses in their own right, but you put them together and you know you’re in for a good time. Their new collaborative single is “Trouble,” a raucous, feel-good girl-power anthem that sounds like it’s come from a Gretchen Wilson and Miranda Lambert album.
“It’s all about those nights when you just need to let loose, have fun, and shake off the stress of life with your best friends,” Jay said. “It’s a song made for dancing, singing loud, and making memories.”
Recording the song with iconic local producers MSquared was extra exciting for Tori.
“Recording with MSquared was a bucket list dream for me,” she admitted. “The guys have produced some incredible music over the years and to be able to get into the studio with them and record/write a song with one of my best friends in music was a total pinch me moment.”
Both women have plenty of shows coming up, with Tori touring the country with fellow Voice Australia alum Brad Butcher and Lee Kernaghan while Jay is booking a bunch of festival and headline gigs. Put these dates in your calendars, country music fans!
