Left Cassette Rock Out With “Always Kinda Late”

Meeanjin/Brisbane indie-rockers Left Cassette are hitting all the right notes with their latest single “Always Kinda Late.” Its bittersweet happy-sad quality reminds me a lot of British acts like The Wombats and Bloc Party, which perhaps isn’t so surprising when you hear that frontman Josh Aldred hails from the United Kingdom.

“It’s a song about heartbreak,” he explained. “I wrote it about an ex-partner. We were both from the UK and while visiting family back home, our holiday ended in a way I didn’t expect. She decided to stay in the UK longer, and that was the moment we knew we were better off going our separate ways. It wasn’t an easy thing to process in the moment; the song came together months later when I was in a better headspace. The line, ‘If you’re gone, promise you’ll remember me,’ really sums up that feeling of wanting to leave a lasting mark, even when things don’t work out.”

Next up Left Cassette will support Letters to Lions at the Black Bear Lodge on April 5. Tickets are on sale now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Kane Vincent Releases Crowd Favourite, “Sarah”

“Sarah,” the latest single from Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca-based singer-songwriter Kane Vincent, has been on a real journey, but it’s finally here for fans to enjoy. Listening to this heartfelt country-folk track, I’d hard to imagine it sounding any other way.

“I had a good friend, Grim Fawkner, a folk-country singer, come to Echuca to play a festival, but he got sick,” Kane recalled. “He was staying at my house while I had to go to Melbourne. He was there for four days with a massive fever and Grim has a song called ‘There Is Always Someone Worse Off Than You’. I thought I’d try cheer him up by parodying his song and calling it ‘The Situation’s Grim’. I never got it right, so it went unsent, unfinished, but the melody stuck in my head.”

The melody sparked an idea about a song about a lonely man aware that his sadness wasn’t necessarily depression but a foil to happiness. From that kernel, the song took on a new life during a Carter & Carter Songwriting Retreat in Victoria where Kane collaborated with Gretta Ziller, Anna Farquhar and Kate Dukes.

“We rejigged the chorus and one of them suggested, ‘What if Serotonin was a girl’s name?’ That’s when it became about pining for Sarah to come back,” Kane continued. “Gretta pushed me out of my comfort zone musically—I would never have had the balls to do the soaring vocals in front of people without her encouragement.”

Kane first performed the song at the 2024 CMAA Academy of Country Music and “people went mental. Over the 2024 Tamworth festival, people kept asking for it and for me to come and sing the song at their gigs.”

The song evolved further when Kane took it to producer Liam Kennedy-Clark.

“Liam understood the sound I was going for but then threw some ideas at me that I hadn’t considered, really pushing it to a new level,” Kane said. “It’s got interest and depth, with some really cool bits and pieces happening throughout.”

And now it’s here, for your listening pleasure. Enjoy!

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Dane Tutty Releases Latest Raw Rock Track, “I Used to Be Someone”

We can always count on Dane Tutty to keep it real. His music is always authentic, with raw, introspective lyrics and powerful vocals that belie the emotions simmering just underneath the surface. If you’re seeking out a song you really connect with, take a listen to his latest track, “I Used to Be Someone.”

“This song is for anyone who’s ever felt like they’ve outgrown a friendship, or been outgrown,” Dane explained. “It’s a reminder that change is a natural part of life, but it still haunts you years and years after.”

“I Used to Be Someone” is the latest track lifted from a larger body of work that Dane plans to drop later this year. Expect him to announce some intimate shows soon to celebrate that release.

Photo credit: Adam Tabonee

The Superjesus Shine Brightly With “Diamonds” Single, Album and Tour On the Way

It’s a controversial take, but I honestly think The Superjesus are making some of the best music of their careers. If you don’t believe me, take a listen to their gorgeous new single “Diamonds.” This beautiful ballad is the latest cut from The Superjesus’ new self-titled album, which drops on March 21.

The Superjesus will take the new songs and plenty of old favourites on the road with a national tour this June and July. The shows will open with some up-and-coming acts handpicked by the band. If you want to join the bill, click this link to submit your details and demos.

The album is still a few weeks away, but you can pre-order your vinyl copy now. The Superjesus will press just 200 copies, so make sure you don’t miss out. Then you’ve got a few months to learn all the new songs for the band’s upcoming shows.

6 June 2025 – The Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
7 June 2025 – Avalon RSL, Garigal Country/Avalon
13 June 2025 – The Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
14 June 2025 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
20 June 2025 – The Crowbar, Meaanjin/Brisbane
21 June 2025 – Norton Music Factory, Kabi Kabi and Jinbara Country/Sunshine Coast
3 July 2025 – Carine Galdes Tavern, Noongar Country/Duncraig
4 July 2025 – The Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
5 July 2025 – The Bridgeway, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Emerauld Shows She’s a Force With “In the First Place”

At just 19 years of age, rising indie-rock act Emerauld has wowed me with her latest single, “In the First Place.” Emerauld channels all the angst, emotion, and uncertainty she felt after graduating high school into this epic new track.

“This song is like my inner battle brought to life,” shares Emerauld. “It dives into my self-doubt and frustration and the chorus reminds me that I don’t owe anyone anything, but also reflects the exhaustion of having nothing left to give”.

If the regular release rocks a little too hard for you, check out the acoustic version on your favourite streaming service. While I appreciate that these twin releases showcase different parts of Emerauld’s compelling voice and the depths of her artistry. Rest assured, she’s one to watch. If you live in Tantanya/Adelaide, you can see for yourself when Emerauld takes the Northern Sound System Emerging Artist stage at Womadelaide on March 10.

Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks

Cardboard Cutouts Release Fantastic Rock Track, “My Best Friend”

Maybe it’s the stormy weather making me angsty, but I’m finding plenty of rock music to get me excited this week. My latest discovery is Cardboard Cutouts, a Toowoom/Toowoomba-raised act who’ve just dropped their powerful new single “My Best Friend.” Hit that volume button, because this one sounds best loud.

“‘My Best Friend’ is about a friend who was involved in a toxic relationship with someone and had substance abuse issues,” the band revealed. “They lost sight of who they were and what their purpose was. This song tells the story of that battle from an observer who is struggling to cope with what is happening, but has lost any bit of leverage to help and support the person.”

After sharing stages with Phil Jamieson, Greta Stanley, and Vera Blue, Cardboard Cutouts are stepping up as headliners with a quick tour celebrating the single release later this month. Check them out at these intimate venues before they inevitably graduate to the big gigs.

21 March 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 March 2025 – Bone Idol Brewery, Toowoom/Toowoomba (FREE)
27 March 2025 – The Tote Upstairs, Naarm/Melbourne
28 March 2025 – Dissent Cafe & Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
29 March 2025 – The Oriental Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)

Image used with permission from Crowd Favourite

Daisy Park Impress With “Always”

Boorloo/Perth indie quartet Daisy Park have got me rocking out with their latest single “Always” this morning. It’s got a quintessentially Aussie sound that feels effortless. Make no mistake, these guys are the real deal.

“At its core, ‘Always’ is about the sudden loss of a relationship and trying to cope with not knowing what went wrong,” explained Daisy Park’s frontman Fyn Slarke. “It covers the feelings I showed externally to my friends and family as opposed to how I really felt on the inside. The contrast of my outward projection and my interior dialogue was a really big part of the writing process.”

Daisy Park shot the video for “Always” along the coast of Walyalup/Fremantle, a place that holds a special nostalgia for the band.

“This was the first music video we’d ever done as a band,” Fyn said. “That green lighthouse is an iconic part of Fremantle, the place where most of us grew up in our teenage years. We’re all just young adults that met in high school and are creating art together and the fact that we do this because we love it is really special to me. I’m super proud that we were able to do this on our own.”

Daisy Park are set to have a stellar year with a debut EP on the horizon and plenty of shows already locked in. Western Australians can catch them at the following upcoming gigs:

7 March 2025 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River (supporting Fool Nelson)
8 March 2025 – Six Degrees Albany, Kinjarling/Albany (supporting Fool Nelson)
29 March 2025 – Hyperfest 2025 @ Locale, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Midland

Photo credit: Juno Shean

Bootleg Rascal Drop Funky Single “From The Very Start” + Announce NZ Shows

Bootleg Rascal have got me grooving with their latest single “From The Very Start.” This Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast duo are always a good time and their soulful, synth-infused newie is right up there with their best.

“As the title and lyrics allude to, this song is all about beginnings – exploring the origins of romantic relationships, musical collaborations, friendships, and careers,” explained Bootleg Rascal guitarist Jimmy Young.

Not content with taking their Booty Block Party all over Oz, Bootleg Rascal recently announced a couple more local festivals and some Aotearoa/New Zealand dates.

“We’re stoked to be coming back to New Zealand!” enthused Bootleg Rascal frontman Carlos Lara. “The vibe there is always incredible, and we’re buzzing to team up with The Darlings for some unforgettable shows. We’re ready to bring the party, and we want everyone to join us!”

You heard the man. Get your tickets now!

9 March 2025 – Booty Block Party @ The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2025 – Booty Block Party @ Crown & Anchor, Tarntanya/Adelaide
21 March 2025 – Tracks Party Tour @ Villa Noosa Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Noosaville
22 March 2025 – Booty Block Party @ Darwin Railway Club, Larrakia/Darwin
28 March 2025 – Booty Block Party @ Altar, Lutruwita/Hobart
29 March 2025 – Booty Block Party @ The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 April 2025 – Booty Block Party @ The Basement, Ngambri/Canberra
5 April 2025 – Booty Block Party @ The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
12 April 2025 – Salty Hops Festival @ Yepoon Main Beach, Yipun/Yepoon
26 April 2025 – Booty Block Party @ Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough
15 May 2025 – The Mothership, Auckland
16 May 2025 – San Fran, Wellington
17 May 2025 – The Loons, Christchurch
18 May 2025 – Yonder, Queenstown

Photo credit: @jaredhinz

Nick de la Hoyde Impressive With Powerful Ballad, “Moments of You”

Strap yourself in for Nick de la Hoyde’s epic new single “Moments of You.” This ambitious pop-rock ballad ticks all the boxes for me.

I’ve enjoyed some of Nick’s other releases, but I’ve never heard him deliver soaring vocals like this before. He gives a true masterclass here. I love the way that the strings, guitars, and drums all combine to match his intensity.

Nick once sat squarely in the pop lane, but his latest cinematic ballads show a greater depth and evolution of his sound and artistry. I’m really looking forward to seeing where this new musical direction takes him.

Image used with permission from Gatcombe Music

Great Job! Impress With “Take Your Meds”

After a massive 2024 that saw them supporting punk heavy-hitters like Frank Turner, Luca Brasi, and Smith Street Band, Great Job! are coming out swinging in 2025 with the release of their latest single “Take Your Meds.” If you like the gritty, introspective lyrics and powerful vocals of the acts they’ve played with, I know this will be right up your alley.

“This song is named after the alarm I have on my phone that buzzes every morning,” vocalist Charlie Hollands said. “It’s about breaking things off with someone and initially feeling freedom before being proven that not only was it not only the wrong decision, but a life-threatening one. Because it’s not about a person at all … it’s about that whole romanticised idea that medication is a hindrance to the soul, and that the answer isn’t valiantly throwing a bottle of prescription pills into a lake.”

“Take Your Meds” gives us our first taste of Great Job!’s debut album, which drops later this year. They’ll launch the single with a show at Monster Mouse in Eora/Sydney on March 7.

Photo credit: Hannah Badorrek