Saralyn Bares Her Soul On “Goldline”

I’ve always been impressed by the way that country singer-songwriter Saralyn wears her heart on her sleeve and encourages listeners to step into her world. But she’s never been quite as open as with her new single “Goldline,” a moving new ballad from her debut EP.

“‘Goldline’ is the most personal song I’ve ever written,” Saralyn shared. “As I was creating my debut EP, I found myself reflecting on the moments that have shaped me. The loss, the love, the heartbreak, the healing, and the hope that carried me through it all. The song begins with the loss of my sister and grows into a reflection on every challenge I’ve faced since.”

“Goldline” is the emotional centrepiece and title track of Saralyn’s debut EP, which she’ll release on August 28. You can preorder a signed CD copy from Saralyn’s website. She’s also announced a stack of shows to support the EP’s release which take us right through to the New Year.

22 August 2026 – The Oaks, Dharawal Country/Albion Park (Trailblazer: The Lainey Wilson Tribute Show)
28 August 2026 – Shoal Bay Country Club, Worimi Country/Shoal Bay (Trailblazer: The Lainey Wilson Tribute Show)
18 September 2026 – Chattahoochee Joe’s Honky Tonk, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 September 2026 – Tonic Lounge & Bar, Giabal Country/Toowoomba
3 October 2026 – Panthers, Guruk/Port Macquarie
17 October 2026 – Going Country Music Festival @ Muswellbrook Showground, Bimboorien/Muswellbrook
23 October 2026 – Big Little Brewing, Darkinjung Country/Gosford
7 November 2026 – Boots on the Harbour Cruise, Sydney/Eora (with Viper Creek Band – SOLD OUT)
13 November 2026 – Saddler’s Creek Winery, Wonnarua Country/Pokolbin
15 November 2026 – The Old George and Dragon, Illulaung/East Maitland
28 November 2026 – The Paterson Courthouse Hotel, Wonnarua and Worimi Country/Paterson
21 January 2027 – The Press Basement Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (supporting Angela Rose)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Windwaker Impress With “closer” Ahead of New Album and Tour

I’ll admit, I don’t cover a lot of music from metalcore acts like Windwaker because they typically rock just a little hard for my taste. However, I always make a point of listening because I never know when something outside my preferred genres will spark joy. I’m so glad I stay open-minded, because if I didn’t I’d miss gems like their latest single “closer.” It comes from Windwaker’s forthcoming third album, smile, you’re on camera, which they say is their best record yet.

smile, you’re on camera is undeniably our best and most focused collection of songs to date,” Windwaker enthused. “We learned so much making this record together, and we’re incredibly proud of what it’s become. It opens the door to who we are, and offers a glimpse into our world through the highs and the lows. It’s the most personal and honest Windwaker has ever been.”

smile, you’re on camera drops on October 23 and you can preorder a vinyl or CD copy right now. To celebrate its release, Windwaker will travel around the country playing some massive shows with US band The Pretty Wild and local up-and-comers RinRin and DREGG. Then they’ll fly overseas for more gigs in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Tickets for all those shows are on sale now from the links below.

30 October 2026 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth
1 November 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
2 November 2026 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
5 November 2026 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
6 November 2026 – King St, Mulubinba/Newcastle
7 November 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 November 2026 – MGM Music Hall @ Fenway, Boston (supporting Beartooth)
12 November 2026 – Hammerstein Ballroom @ Manhattan Center, New York City (supporting Beartooth)
13 November 2026 – Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia (supporting Beartooth)
15 November 2026 – The Theatre @ MGM National Harbor, National Harbor (supporting Beartooth)
16 November 2026 – Electric City, Buffalo (supporting Don Broco)
18 November 2026 – Stage AE, Pittsburgh (supporting Beartooth)
20 November 2026 – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom, Chicago (supporting Beartooth)
21 November 2026 – Myth Live, St. Paul (supporting Beartooth)
22 November 2026 – Steelhouse Omaha, Omaha (supporting Beartooth)
24 November 2026 – The Intersection – Elevation, Grand Rapids (supporting Don Broco)
25 November 2026 – Hi-fi Indy & Hi-fi Annex, Indianapolis (supporting Don Broco)
27 November 2026 – Delmar Hall, St. Louis (supporting Don Broco)
28 November 2026 – The Truth, Nashville (supporting Beartooth)
29 November 2026 – Coca-Cola Roxy, Atlanta (supporting Beartooth)
1 December 2026 – The Fillmore Charlotte, Charlotte (supporting Beartooth)
2 December 2026 – The Refinery, Charleston (supporting Beartooth)
4 December 2026 – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, St. Augustine (supporting Beartooth)
5 December 2026 – War Memorial Auditorium, Fort Lauderdale (supporting Beartooth)
7 December 2026 – BG’s Lounge @ The Fillmore New Orleans, New Orleans (supporting Beartooth)
9 December 2026 – Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theatre, Austin (supporting Beartooth)
10 December 2026 – South Side Ballroom, Dallas (supporting Beartooth)
12 December 2026 – Fillmore Auditorium, Denver (supporting Beartooth)
13 December 2026 – The Union in Salt Lake, Salt Lake City (supporting Beartooth)
15 December 2026 – Revel, Albuquerque (supporting Beartooth)
16 December 2026 – Arizona Financial Theatre, Arizona (supporting Beartooth)
18 December 2026 – Hollywood Palladium, Los Angeles (supporting Beartooth)
19 December 2026 – Hard Rock Live Sacramento, Wheatland (supporting Beartooth)
3 February 2027 – Elysee Montmartre, Paris (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
4 February 2027 – Hamburg Sporthalle, Hamburg (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
5 February 2027 – TivoliVredenburg, Utrecht (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
6 February 2027 – Haus Auensee, Leipzig (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
7 February 2027 – Columbiahalle, Berlin (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
10 February 2027 – Gasometer, Vienna (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
11 February 2027 – Zenith @ die Kulturhalle, Munich (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
12 February 2027 – Schlachthof Wiesbaden, Wiesbaden (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
13 February 2027 – Palladium, Cologne (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
14 February 2027 – Ancienne Belgique, Brussels (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
18 February 2027 – Galvanizers Yard, Glasgow (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
19 February 2027 – Nottingham Rock City, Nottingham (supporting Bury Tomorrow)
20 February 2027 – O2 Academy Brixton, Brixton (supporting Bury Tomorrow)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

“Gentleman” – Budjerah

The release of Budjerah’s long-awaited debut album Gentleman feels like a reintroduction to this talented artist. The shy indie-pop teen we met in 2020 appears utterly transformed with this polished pop release.

From front to back, Gentleman is an album of bangers. But you might expect that when you browse Budjerah’s collaborators. Some of the songwriters include Poo Bear, known for his work with Justin Bieber, Rob Lewis, who’s been Christina Aguilera’s music director for more than 20 years, and Philip Lawrence, who’s Bruno Mars primary creative partner. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s got a song penned by Diane Warren, one of the most acclaimed lyricists of all time who’s written chart toppers for Cher, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and countless others. These are people who understand what it takes to write a hit.

Their tunes are total earworms, but they would fall flat if Budjerah didn’t bring such charisma and confidence to them. It’s probably easy to be confident when you’ve assembled the Justice League of songwriters though! But they’re not doing all the heavy lifting. Budjerah also enlisted Grammy Award-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, who’s worked with talents like Frank Ocean, Jay Z, and Erykah Badu. His involvement ensures that Gentleman feels sonically interesting, rather than a record that’s commercial but ultimately forgettable.

From the upbeat soul of the title track and opener, Gentleman had me hooked. It feels like a natural companion to the next track “Want You Back.” They’re such perfect pop that Budjerah probably could have released an album entirely in this vein and kept me happy. But rather than play it safe, he experiments with genre. “I Only Remember Your Name” has a deep reggae groove, “Sinner” is a gospel-tinged ballad, and “Lonely” is pure yacht rock. Through all the twists and turns, Budjerah’s undeniable vocals shine through.

Gentleman has been a long time coming for Budjerah fans, but I’m glad he took the time. This is a considered release, one that comes from an artist who knows who he is and is now ready to share that definitive debut statement with the world.

Gentleman is out now. Budjerah will take these songs around the East Coast on his The Gentleman Tour this October and November. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

31 October 2026 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
1 November 2026 – The Sound Doctor, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (ALL AGES)
7 November 2026 – Metro Social, Eora/Sydney (ALL AGES)
20 November 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
21 November 2026 – Triffid Beer Garden, Meeanjin/Brisbane (ALL AGES)

Main photo credit: Daniel Boud

Melody Pool, Tanya Ransom, and Alexia Parenzee Headline Women Out West

While women are represented in increasing numbers, the music industry still feels like a bit of a boys’ club. There also aren’t nearly enough shows in regional Australia. Which is why Women Out West, a new tour from Always Good Nights, feels so revolutionary. It’s the first tour of this scale to employ women in every single role, both in the tour development and delivery. Melody Pool, Tanya Ransom, and Alexia Parenzee will headline the shows scheduled for regional towns across Western Australia this October and November.

The Women Out West tour will travel more than 6,000 kilometres across regional Western Australia, with stops along the way for the intimate performances, workshops, mentoring sessions, and community events. Organisers aim to shine a spotlight on the way women are helping to shape the country’s music industry while recognising the strength, creativity, and passion found in regional communities.

“Women Out West is about more than putting on great shows,” Always Good Nights director Kelsie Miller explained. “It’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and making sure women and girls in regional communities can see themselves reflected on stage and behind the scenes. We want young people to know there is a place for them in this industry, no matter where they live.”

Western Australians can see the Women Out West shows at the following venues:

2 October 2026 – Broome Historical Museum Gardens, Rubibi/Broome
3 October 2026 – Courthouse Gallery, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland
8 October 2026 – Kestral Cafe, Gwoonwardu/Carnarvon
10 October 2026 – Little Leaf Cafe, Wurdimarlu/Kalbarri
11 October 2026 – 30 Knots Distillery, Jambinu/Geraldton
16 October 2026 – Badgingarra Community Centre, Noongar Country/Badgingarra
17 October 2026 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle
23 October 2026 – Geovino, Korijekup/Harvey
24 October 2026 – The Little Theatre, Noongar Country/Eaton
30 October 2026 – The Chapel, Walgine/Witchcliffe
31 October 2026 – Pemberton Mill Hall, Noongar Country/Pemberton
1 November 2026 – Bridgetown Pottery Restaurant, Geegelup/Bridgetown

Image used with permission from Auxiliary Records

Ella Fence Serves Up “Bravado” and Aussie Dates

Already a live favourite, Ella Fence is now sharing her song “Bravado” with the world. It’s such an indie alt-pop banger. While the press release calls it a queer anthem, I expect it’s going to resonate with anyone who loves their pop music a little left of centre.

The release of “Bravado” kicks off a massive second half of 2026 for Ella. She’s supporting The Beefs on their upcoming Great Rarier Beef tour and playing a stack of festivals. She’ll also perform as lead vocalist in the large-scale live music and roller-skating production Roller Coaster, which is part of the Darwin Festival. And somewhere in there she’ll also find time to release some more music! Strap in Ella Fence fans because the new few months will be big! Mark these dates in your concert calendar!

14-16 August 2026 – Roller Coaster @ Mararra Indoor Stadium, Garramilla/Darwin
29 August 2026 – Full Tilt Festival @ Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
5 September 2026 – Tweed Museum Street Party, Cooloon/Tweed Heads (FREE)
25 September 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Beefs)
26 September 2026 – Heaps Normal Health Club, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Beefs)
27 September 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting The Beefs)
4 October 2026 – BLEACH Festival @ HOTA Lake Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (FREE)

Photo credit: @simonegormanclark

Slowly Slowly Join Alex Lahey For “Lets Go Out”

I am always a big believer in finding the right song at the right time. For most people, Alex Lahey’s rerecorded version of “Lets Go Out” featuring Slowly Slowly would just make them long for the weekend. But Wednesday is my pub trivia night, so this one will definitely soundtrack my day! Even if you’re not looking forward to a few bevvies this evening, I know you’ll appreciate the way Slowly Slowly complement Alex on this track.

“When I asked Slowly Slowly to be a part of the rerecording of ‘Let’s Go Out’, I told them I wanted ‘the full Slowly treatment,’ Alex said. “And, boy, did they deliver! I think Slowly are one of the greatest Australian bands of all time and it’s such an honour to have them involved in this recording produced by none other than Ben Stewart himself.”

Ben was equally effusive in his praise of Alex, noting “Working with Alex was a breeze – it was like we had always been in a band together or something! I loved being a part of the effortless recreations of these sentimental and adored songs – the hardest part was trying to honour the originals, but I think we got to a place where they hold their own in a new light.”
This new version of “Lets Go Out” features on B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), a reimagining of Alex’s breakthrough EP. She’s hitting all the major capitals to promote it, so get your tickets now.

20 August 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 August 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
22 August 2026 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
28 August 2026 – The Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
29 August 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Seannie Bryan

Dear Seattle Announce Big Shows With Seahaven

The release of Toy, by Eora/Sydney punk act Dear Seattle, was one of my musical highlights of 2025. Dear Seattle’s recent announcement of a regional Australian tour with America’s Seahaven encouraged me to press play again, and it still sounds every bit as good.

While Dear Seattle are an old favourite, I’m new to Seahaven’s music. It’s pretty fantastic though, moody and atmospheric with a cinematic quality that’s so compelling. This alternative rock act has been making music for two decades so I’m not sure what rock I’ve been hiding under, but better late to discover them than never!

And if the lineup wasn’t already stacked enough, Late 90s, Lucky, and Bad Neighbour will also join the bill for selected shows. All dates are for adults only except for the Tommaghan/Tomakin gig. Tickets are on sale now for Dear Seattle’s massive regional rock shows from the links below:

28 August 2026 – Prince Of Wales, Goomburrup/Bunbury
29 August 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough
30 August 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
3 September 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
4 September 2026 – Barwon Club Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
5 September 2026 – Smokey Dans, Tommaghan/Tomakin
6 September 2026 – Uni Bar, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 September 2026 – Pulse, Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
12 September 2026 – King St Bandroom, Mulubimba/Newcastle
13 September 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Brother Ali and Horrorshow Team Up For East Coast Shows

American rapper and community activist Brother Ali is teaming up with local hip hop royalty Horrorshow for some massive shows this September. Brother Ali’s not a household name here, but he’s been a mainstay of the U.S. scene for more than two decades. He counts Chuck D and Rakim as mentors and has released 10 studio albums, including 2025’s Satisfied Soul. I love that his songs are a force for positive change, a bright light in a genre that’s known for its misogyny and excess.

And of course you know Horrorshow, who became genre leaders in Australia after bursting onto the scene in the mid-2000s. With five studio albums to their name, they’ll bring all your favourites to these shows.

Tickets are on sale now for these double-header shows in the East Coast capitals. The venues are small, so don’t go sleeping on them because they’re bound to sell out.

17 September 2026 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
19 September 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 September 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Casey Barnes Releases “SHE DOES” Single Ahead of Album and Tour

Casey Barnes celebrates the love of his life, his wife Michelle, with his latest single “SHE DOES.” It’s an upbeat country-pop anthem sure to resonate with anyone who’s found their special someone.

“‘SHE DOES’ isn’t just another cliché country song… it’s really about something much deeper,” Casey said. “It’s about the person who still believes in you when you’re doubting yourself, who holds your world together when life gets chaotic, and who loves you even when you give them every reason not to. I think that’s something a lot of people will connect with.”

Casey co-wrote “this song”SHE DOES” in Nashville with acclaimed songwriters Jordan Dozzi, known for his work with Morgan Wallen and Post Malone, and Kyle Sturrock, who’s worked with Blake Shelton and Dierks Bentley. But don’t think Casey’s forgetting his roots. He’ll release his new album MADE FOR THIS on August 7, the same day he embarks on his largest national headline tour. There are more dates to come, but for now you can put these in your calendar!

7 August 2026 – Forth Pub, Tommeginne Country/Forth (FREE POP UP EVENT)
8 August 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 August 2026 – EKKA After Dark @ The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 August 2026 – Hotel Esplanade, Naarm/Melbourne
15 August 2026 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
4 September 2026 – Cairns Festival @ Tanks Art Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
5 September 2026 – Dalrymple Hotel, Gurrumbilbarra/Townsville
12 September 2026 – Triple B Rodeo Series @ Caboolture Showgrounds, Gubbi Gubbi and Duungidjawu Country/Caboolture
19 September 2026 – Country in the Backyard @ Penrith Panthers, Mooroo Murak/Penrith
3 October 2026 – Deni Ute Muster, Barapa Baraba, Wamba Wamba, and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin
28 November 2026 – Launceston Country Music Festival @ Royal Park, Leterrermairrener Country/Launceston

Image used with permission from Casey Barnes

Eric Hutchinson Announces Long-Awaited Aussie Return

Buoyed by its appearance on the final episode of Packed to the Rafters, “Rock and Roll” by Eric Hutchinson hit number one on the ARIA charts in April 2009. And since then, most of us haven’t thought about him. He hasn’t just faded away though. He’s released seven full-length studio albums and an EP and toured the States with Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, Lawrence, Rachel Platten, and heaps more. And he’s coming back to Australia for the first time in 16 years this November.

“I honestly have no idea why I never came back to Australia, other than the fact that it’s super far away from New York City, where I live,” Eric admitted. “I’ve had so many folks reach out over the years and ask me to come play, but the timing never worked out until now. I can’t wait to reconnect with all the listeners after so many years. It’s gonna be special.”

The tour announcement prompted me to dig deep into Eric’s back catalogue, and I’m wondering why I never got into him sooner. He’s got a similar positive soul sensibility to some of my favourites like Allen Stone and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. It takes a lot to get me to a standing-room gig and I’m already seeing two shows that same week, but this tour’s intimate venues and acoustic sets is seriously tempting me. Then there’s the addition of Australian Idol winner Marshall Hamburger as support. Seriously tempted. If you are too, click the links below for some tickets.

19 November 2026 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 November 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
21 November 2026 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Rosalind O’Connor