Jessica Fortuin Releases Powerful Pop Single, “The Devil”

Eora/Sydney-based indie-pop artist Jessica Fortuin lays her childhood trauma bare with her breathtaking new single “The Devil.”

“I wrote when I was 16 years about sexual assault and how long-term, it can change a survivor’s life,” she explained. “For me, I felt like there was so much focus on the act itself, and that was kind of it. Not many people took into consideration how, after a trauma, you have to continue with a life that doesn’t feel right anymore”

Jessica said she was inspired by artists like Lana Del Ray and Chappell Roan to share her story in the hope it might connect with and help others who’ve endured domestic violence and assault.

“There are still so many places in this society where we have failed our women. But there’s power in sharing stories,” she said. “The amount of people who have come up to me after a live show or messaged me on social media about how they resonated with ‘The Devil’ is comparable to the amount that has told me they never even considered the aftermath or long-term how this affects someone’s life after the immediate danger is gone.”

Jessica’s next gig is supporting YAGKI at her Adults Back-to-School Party at The Lady Hampshire on February 22. Tickets are on sale now through Oztix.

Image used with permission from Molten Media

Littlefair Release “Happy” Single

Existential exploration isn’t the usual fodder for modern folk-rock songs, but I appreciate that Western Australian act Littlefair are willing to explore the big issues. Their latest single “Happy” has some heavy thematic content, but it’s balanced beautifully with their upbeat sound and sublime harmonies.

Lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Jessica Depiazzi penned “Happy” when she was feeling unsure of her purpose. She said it’s about “ticking off the goalposts of job, relationship etc. in life and then being like – is that it? And then venturing past those and finding your own meaning. This was one of the first songs where we started moving naturally away from the singer-songwriter folk feel to something a bit more up-tempo and fun.”

Littlefair were named best emerging artist at last year’s Nannup Music Festival, so they’re definitely an act to watch in 2025. Expect to hear a lot more from them when they release their debut EP in April. They’ll also return to the Nannup Music Festival stage on February 28 to March 3.

Image used with permission from Blue Grey Pink

The Stamps Release Fire Single, “Slow Burn”

Meet your new indie-pop obsession, The Stamps. Originally beginning as a folk trio, Scarlett Graham, Rubina Bertolini, and Sofia Hourani showcase a more upbeat sound with their latest single “Slow Burn.” This super catchy song showcases their sublime harmonies and nostalgic sound.

Scarlett, who was born and raised in Toronto, Canada, explained the song’s inspiration, noting “I was missing the younger aspect of myself that existed in Canada; the carefreeness of being a child, and the many friends I left behind. One childhood friend of mine was on my mind after we caught up on Facetime. After weeks of missing each other’s phone calls, leaving ‘life update’ voice notes, we were finally able to find moments to connect. It was written when I was feeling frustrated about how difficult it is to keep in touch and the pride I can often have to not be the first one to call. I am guilty of how often I never want to be the ‘needy’ one.”

Scarlett met her fellow Stamps as an exchange student at a Walyalup/Fremantle high school. They formed an immediate bond and remained close even once Scarlett returned home, sending letters via snail mail. After years apart, they decided to start together afresh in Naarm/Melbourne. Their band name celebrates the way they stayed in contact despite their physical distance.

The Stamps will next play Hepburn Mineral Springs as part of Hepburn Shire Council’s free Sunset in the Springs concert series. Catch them alongside Dayfever and Sasha Taylor on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Photo credit: She is Aphrodite

Daphnie Channels ’90s Nostalgia With Latest Single “Wanna Be (with) You”

Alistair Hayes of Daphnie and Max Jacobs of Loretta are some of the hottest up-and-coming pop artists in the country, so I knew anything they wrote together would be a total bop. I wasn’t wrong. Wrap your ears around “Wanna Be (with) You”. It’s the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up.

“It’s inspired by the classic story of not knowing if you wanna be with someone, or if you just want to be them. Obsessing over them to an unhealthy degree, wanting to steal their perfume or clothes, date them, or just be as cool as they are,” Alistair explained. “It pays homage to classic ‘90s rom-coms like Ten Things I Hate About You (the famous bleachers scene), and makes fun of other tropes like somehow running through the airport without getting caught. We even played the movie on mute in the background while writing it to make sure it matched that ridiculous and nostalgic ‘being way too in love with someone’ energy.”

So crank that volume. “This one”Wanna Be (with) You” is a real vibe.

Image used with permission from Alistair Hayes

Ama Drops Latest Perfect Pop Track, “Employee”

Prolific local pop act Ama continues to pump out the tunes, yet the quality never seems to dip. Her latest single “Employee” is an ultra-catchy bop that’ll resonate with anyone who’s suffered through a one-sided relationship.

“It’s the perfect soundtrack for anyone desperately giving their constant attention to a person; kinda like a full-time job,” Ama explained.

“Employee” is just one of the fresh tunes featured on my playlist Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. Stream them all on Spotify.

Image source: Ama’s website

Kora Naughton Releases Gorgeous Country-Pop Single, “Last Call”

If you’ve ever felt like someone’s backup plan, I know you’ll connect with Kora Naughton’s latest country single “Last Call.” It’s a poignant track that exploration of what it feels like to be in a situationship with someone putting in the bare minimum.

While the song’s definitely bittersweet, its lyrics also encourage listeners to reflect on their self-worth and prioritise self-love over being in the wrong relationship. Because no one deserves to be anyone’s last call!

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Talented Teen Natasha Kate Releases “Chore”

The future of Aussie music is in safe hands with talents like Natasha Kate coming through the ranks. The 16-year-old from Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula has blown me away with her angsty new single “Chore.”

“‘Chore’ is about knowing your worth and not giving a second chance to someone who didn’t know what they had until it was gone,” Natasha said.

You can hear more of Natasha’s original music when she plays the Waterfront Festival in Monmar/Frankston on 8 February.

Photo credit: Natasha Kate Fraker

Precious Mess Show They’re a Creative Force With “Rainbows”

Turn the volume all the way up to 11 and rock out with local outfit Precious Mess and their latest single “Rainbows”. Their big riff-heavy sound has really impressed me, especially considering Precious Mess are a duo. You don’t often hear two-piece outfits creating such a full, powerful sound, but guitarist and vocalist Peter “Reggie” Bowman and drummer and artist Nate Hill are nailing it.

Precious Mess came about when Reggie and Nate started discussing how music in the audio realm moves hand in hand with art in the visual world. Through this project, they aim to combine music and art in a fully immersive creative experience. “Rainbows” is one of 10 songs the pair wrote and recorded in the same room. Once they laid down the tracks, they started pushing paint around on canvases to represent each album tune. Check out the film clip for “Rainbows” to understand more about what this colourful two-piece is about.

Image used with permission from Precious Mess

Among the Restless Release “Running Away” Ahead of East Coast Tour

Naarm/Melbourne rockers Among the Restless have really impressed me with their latest single “Running Away.” The band is a three-piece, but they’ve got such an epic sound that wouldn’t be out of place in any stadium. If you love acts like The 1975 and Nothing But Thieves, I know you’re going to crank the volume on this one.

“The lyrics are vulnerable and honest, recounting the emotions felt during parting ways with someone close to you, whilst regrettably feeling happy about the outcome,” Among the Restless explained. “Running Away has a sense of tragic hope that almost all of us have felt at some point in our lives.”

Among the Restless will close out the summer with shows all along the East Coast. Catch them at the following venues:

28 February 2025 – The Railway Friendly, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
1 March 2025 – The Tomcat, Meeanjin/Brisbane
8 March 2025 – The Trocadero Room, Eora/Sydney
15 March 2025 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
29 March 2025 – The Swan Hill Club, Wamba Wamba, Latji Latji, Tatti Tatti, Wadi Wadi and Barapa Barapa Country/Swan Hill
5 April 2025 – Unibar, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Among the Restless

Charlie Bedford Drops Off-the-Wall Single “(The Out of Town) Laundromat Blues”

If think if you’re talented enough, you can write a great song about anything. Charlie Bedford proves my theory with his latest track “(The Out of Town) Laundromat Blues.” This tongue-in-cheek blues-rock number perfectly showcases his incredible guitar chops and knack for writing quirky lyrics.

“I’ve always listened to and enjoyed many different styles of music,” Charlie said. “Growing up there was a lot of the alt pop rock world playing – everything from ‘90s Australia over to David Bowie and The Clash. My real connection with blues music started from getting guitar lessons. My good friend Phil Smith took me under his wing at an early age and invited me to one of his jam nights in the Dandenong Ranges. It was there I discovered blues music, the rawness, grit and honesty. A local blues legend named Billy Kavanagh blew my mind and I was hooked. They told me about the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society and their Youth In Blues program – and it all snowballed from there, from trips to America through to representing Australian youth and starting my first bands – and so much more! I’m now finding through my original music a bizarre blend of all of these sounds and I’m loving it. The more of a mix focused into one song the better I reckon!”

Charlie will release his new album, Daydream, next month so expect to hear a lot more from this local bluesman really soon. If you’re around Victoria or outback New South Wales, you can also see him playing the following shows:

31 January 2025 – Music In The Hargreaves Mall, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo (from 11 am)
1 February 2025 – American Hotel, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca (from 4:30 pm)
15 February 2025 – Broken Hill Pub, Willyama/Broken Hill (time TBA)
28 February 2025 – American Hotel, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca (from 5 pm)
14 March 2025 – American Hotel, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca (from 5 pm)

Photo credit: Nate Hill