Meeanjin/Brisbane-based soul-pop act CHIRAI is making a real splash with her debut single “Blueberry Skies.” It’s doing massive streaming numbers around the world, buoyed by Apple Music playlisting and some serious momentum on Spotify and TikTok. It also hit number one on the Spotify Viral Chart South Africa and number 23 on Apple Music South Africa.
Take a listen and you’ll soon understand the hype. CHIRAI’s voice is like chocolate, so smooth and silky. And the song is fantastic, with gospel elements and a cool “Chapel of Love” sample elevating its cool neo-soul sound.
“Music is the only way I really understand myself and the world around me,” CHIRAI said. “I hope when you listen, you feel seen, a little less alone, and maybe even grateful to be here too.”
After listening to “Blueberry Skies,” I’m pretty excited to hear more from CHIRAI this year.
Image used with permission from Teamwrk Music Group
If you’ve ever felt like you were in a love triangle with your partner and the spectre of another person they still felt drawn to, I know you’ll love “Call Me By Her Name,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter CARDAMONE. It’s a heartbreaking song about trying to hold on to someone, even though you know their heart lies elsewhere.
“The track is an emotionally driven pop song about loving someone who is still in love with someone else,” CARDAMONE explained. “It builds from intimate verses into a soaring, dramatic chorus inspired by artists like Sia, exploring the fear of being replaced and the lengths people go to in order to hold on to someone they love.”
CARDAMONE’s gorgeous vocals really drew me into this one. You can hear her fighting back the emotion as she delivers her heartfelt lyrics. Pop ballads don’t get better than this.
After a big 2025 that saw them release their mini-EP Blue, play Harvest Rock Festival, win best group at the SA Music Awards, and support AC/DC, Tarntanya/Adelaide rock quartet Oscar The Wild are continuing the momentum with their latest single “Ghost.” It’s three and a bit minutes of indie grungy goodness which explores the line between healthy affection and emotional dependence.
“Ghost” has quickly become a staple of Oscar The Wild’s live sets. There are plenty of opportunities to see them play this song and all your favourites at their upcoming gigs. Tickets are on sale now through the links below:
Ella Hooper is really leaning into Americana sounds with her latest single, “I Got Eyes (On You).” This foot-stomping anthem of empowerment combines classic country vibes with a little Zydeco and Cajun flair.
“I Got Eyes (On You) is the next step in sharing this new era. I’m pushing the boundaries of what Americana means to me … including more of the diverse flavours I love like the Cajun and Zydeco elements here,” Ella explained. “From the crazy playing on it, to the production, to the cheeky lyrics – I’m really proud of it”
There’s some serious star power behind this one. Ella co-wrote the song with East Nashville lyricist Melody Walker, who has songwriting credits on many songs Ella loves including “Dollar Bill Bar” and “American Dreaming.” The studio band features Nashville greats like Sheryl Crow’s drummer Fred Eltringham, guitarist Tom “Uncle Larry” Bukovac, Willie Nelson’s bassist Rachel Loy, Dan Dugmore who played pedal steel guitar for James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. And that Zydeco squeezebox you hear? That comes from Australia’s own Flora Smith, Slim Dusty’s granddaughter-in-law.
“I’ve wanted to record in Nashville since I was a kid reading my parents’ record liner notes, seeing the city’s name pop up again and again,” Ella gushed. “Seems like every great singer-songwriter from Dylan to CMAT has their Nashville record, and I felt ready for mine. Being there so much these last few years, I feel plugged into a community — especially in East Nashville — that feels like a perfect chrysalis for my musical evolution.”
While Ella enjoyed her time in the States, she’s making the most of being home with plenty of headlining shows, festival appearances, and dates supporting The Waterboys in the coming months. Tickets are on sale via the links below:
Rosscoe Frantz has captured my heart with his intimate new single “Raw and Bitter.” Its reverb-drenched guitar provides the perfect backdrop for Rosscoe’s powerful lyrics. Each one is like a gut punch, giving voice to a love on shaky ground. One for the heartbroken out there, it’s incredibly impactful and incredibly human.
“‘Raw and Bitter’ is a stark, intimate reflection on the parts of love people rarely talk about,” Rosscoe admitted. “The moment when a relationship is strong, the feeling is real, but the future isn’t necessarily aligned. The song explores the tension between deep affection and quiet doubt, where love coexists with confusion, and staying means asking the hardest questions. It’s a song about holding something precious in your hands and not knowing whether to fight for it or let it go.”
Rosscoe has supported a who’s who of Aussie talent including Sarah Blasko, Boy and Bear, and Pete Murray through his career. He’ll step into the spotlight as the headliner tonight when he launches “Raw and Bitter” at Mojo’s in Walyalup/Fremantle.
Joe Mungovan has got me grooving with his latest single “Runaway.” This one effortlessly blends synthy pop hooks with rock attitude. It’s a little Franz Ferdinand, a little Bloc Party, and a whole lot of fantastic.
“I once met this girl who couldn’t seem to stand still. She was always reaching for the next thing, daydreaming about our escape from our everyday lives … But the fantasy we shared was as fleeting as the girl,” Joe admitted. “‘Runaway’ is for her.”
Joe will mark the release of “Runaway” with a few New South Wales shows in the coming weeks. Catch him at the following venues:
Press play and settle into the groove of “Bodies in Motion,” the latest soulful single from genre-bending storyteller Saint Ergo. Featuring guest vocals from Maddy Herbert, it’s a sensual number that fuses R&B, electro soul, and baroque pop.
“I had imagined this song as a duet from quite early on… but the song only felt like it came together when Maddy and I went into the studio and we recorded our vocals … Finally felt like the song was right,” Saint Ergo explained. “Some of the lyrical components only came along during this session and it made the story come alive for me.”
After a four-year hiatus from the live music scene, Boorloo/Perth band Nautical Mile are back and rocking as hard as ever with “Daydreamer.” This feelgood pop-punk track oozes nostalgia.
“During our time away, we all had a fair amount of life happening, so coming back to the band felt like us recapturing the spirit of those happier, lighter times,” Nautical Mile explained. “It’s a lot of fun to play, and we’re keen to get out and share it with the world.”
Nautical Mile will celebrate their return with a big hometown show at Amplifier Bar on March 28. If you’re on the East Coast, don’t stress. Nautical Mile aim to play shows on that side of the country later this year.
If you’re like me and introspective acoustic guitar-driven music makes you weak at the knees, I know you’ll fall head over heels for “Reflections,” the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter MUKI. This is indie folk-pop at its best, a chilled-out number that leads with vulnerability.
“This is a song I wrote soon after the lockdown, touching on identity issues,” MUKI recalled. “It takes us through a journey in which every single decision one makes defines the person they become. It’s the small decisions we make that shape who we become. When I look in the mirror, it’s hard not to wonder if I’d have been looking at the same person had I chosen a different life or path.”
One of Australia’s most prolific artists, Katie Noonan is preparing to release her 30th studio album, Alone but all one, later this year. Her latest single “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For” gives us an early taste of the new music. This is such a beautiful song. Katie always sounds incredible, but the subtle piano and string arrangement really showcase her sumptuous vocals and bittersweet lyrics.
“This album is for anyone who’s gone through a life shift – not just separation, but grief, uncertainty, or quiet reinvention,” Katie explained. “It’s music for sitting with things. For remembering we’re not alone, even in solitude. It’s personal, but I hope it will resonate in a way that becomes collective.”
Katie will release Alone but all one on June 26. She’ll give us a little time to sit with the songs before embarking on an album tour around some of the country’s best theatres. Mark Wilkinson will join her at all shows except for the Eora/Sydney and Wooditup/Margaret River dates. Tickets are on sale now.
