Discover The Pleasures With “Was It Something I Said?”

Lachlan Bryan and Catherine Britt are both exceptional talents, so you know any music they’ll make together will be fantastic. Their duo The Pleasures has flown underneath my radar, but as they approach the release of their sophomore album I’m taking notice. Their latest single “Was It Something I Said?” gives an exciting taste of what’s to come. It reminds me a little of those great duets that Stevie Nicks did with Don Henley and Tom Petty, where the lyrics reveal a connection in all its perfectly imperfect glory.

“It’s a conversation of sorts,” Lachlan explained. “It’s two ex-lovers that are still trying to prove something. They’re throwing so much shade and sass each other’s way that you just know they’re meant to be together. It’s a concept many of us are familiar with”.

The Pleasures release their second album Enemy Of My Enemy on August 15. If you’ve been sleeping on this duo as I have, make sure you right that wrong and get your ears around it. Vinyl and CD pre-orders are available via The Pleasures’ website. There are more tour dates to come, but until then mark these ones in your calendar music lovers.

4 October 2025 – Deni Ute Muster, Wemba Wemba Country/Deniliquin
23 October 2025 – Brass Monkey, Dharawal Country/Cronulla
24 October 2025 – The Oaks Hotel, Dharawal Country/Albion Park
25 October 2025 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
26 October 2025 – Camden Hotel, Benkennie/Camden
31 October 2025 – Full Throttle Ranch, Wonnarua Country/Buttai
1 November 2025 – The Cordial Factory, Wiradjuri Country/Grenfell
2 November 2025 – Robertson Public House, Gundungurra Country/Robertson
21 November 2025 – Young Street Tavern, Monmar/Frankston
22 November 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Benny Morrell Releases Stunning New Single, “Not Anymore”

Naarm/Melbourne based artist Benny Morrell has me swooning with his dreamy new single “Not Anymore.” Honestly I was suckered in by Benny’s voice, but the more I listened to the lyrics about a love gone wrong the deeper I fell. This is such an exciting alt-pop track that hints at some amazing things to come for Benny.

“‘Not Anymore’ is an argument with your partner being played out in real time,” he explained. “It’s not one-sided – it normally takes two to tango – but when people are arguing and when something breaks, no one really wins. So in that, the song again asks the question that many have asked, is it worth it? And how did we get here? You’re both stuck to the fighting, stuck to pretending everything is okay and doomed to repeat the cycle and in doing so, it just feels the same.”

“Not Anymore” comes from Benny’s forthcoming EP All That’s Left, which he’ll release later this year. You might hear a few more numbers from that release if you catch him supporting Kita Alexander at one of her upcoming shows. If you’re going, make sure you arrive early enough for his set!

26 July 2025 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
8 August 2025 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 August 2025 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Harrison Storm and Winona Oak Duet On “Someone Else”

Local singer-songwriter Harrison Storm has teamed up with Sweden’s Winona Oak for a beautiful new single, “Someone Else.” I’m always a sucker for an indie-folk duet, and this one hits all the right notes. Harrison cowrote this one with his friend and collaborator Brittony May, who was experiencing a breakup at the time. Winona’s ethereal vocals and production from fellow Swede Freddy Alexander took “Someone Else” to the next level.

“There is a particular kind of ache that comes from watching a friend go through a breakup,” Harrison admitted. “Sometimes it can feel like you’re on the sidelines, watching it all unfold at arm’s length, able to offer support but unable to stop what’s happening. You become a resting place for them at times, available and present while they navigate the emotional turbulence. All you can really do is become an anchor point of warmth and wait for them as the dust begins to settle.”

“Someone Else” comes from Harrison’s new album, Empty Garden, which drops on October 3. That’s not so coincidentally the day Harrison kicks off his album tour with the first of two Aussie shows before he heads to Europe and the United Kingdom.

3 October 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
4 October 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
1 November 2025 – Mühle Hunziken, Rubigen
3 November 2025 – Strom, Munich
4 November 2025 – Flex, Vienna
6 November 2025 – Lido, Berlin
7 November 2025 – Mojo Club, Hamburg
8 November 2025 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
9 November 2025 – LUXOR, Cologne
11 November 2025 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
12 November 2025 – Kavka Zappa, Antwerp
14 November 2025 – La Maroquinerie, Paris
16 November 2025 – Whelan’s, Dublin
18 November 2025 – YES, Manchester
19 November 2025 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
21 November 2025 – Union Chapel, London
23 November 2025 – Thekla, Bristol
25 November 2025 – Nalen Klubb, Stockholm

Photo credit: Mikey Conlon

Trousdale Announce First Aussie Tour

I’ve been on the Trousdale bandwagon since they were announced as part of the lineup for a music cruise I’m doing out of the US next year. But after they announced some Aussie shows in intimate venues, I’m seriously considering seeing them before I head to the States.

If you don’t know, Trousdale are an indie-pop group in the vein of HAIM and our own Little Quirks. Their harmonies are next-level good and tracks like “If I’m Honest,” “Over and Over,” and “Growing Pains,” the title track from their recently released sophomore album, are total bops.

Tickets to Trousdale’s upcoming Aussie shows are on sale now. Trust me, you don’t want to miss them.

6 November 2025 — Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 November 2025 — The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
8 November 2025 — Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Joe Drops “Know It All” Ahead of The VANNS Shows

Mondays are never easy, but soundtracking mine with “Know It All,” the latest single from Joe Mungovan, has put a little pep in my step. This relatable song is such a vibe, so don’t waste any time before hitting play.

“This song is for anyone who has ever had to deal with a Know It All… fuck, maybe I’ve even been that guy,” Joe admitted.

Joe is about to head around the East Coast supporting his good mates and Sounds of Oz favourites The VANNS, so you know that’s going to be a good time. These shows were sold out, but The VANNS just added a few more tickets so get them while you can!

31 July 2025 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
1 August 2025 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
2 August 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 August 2025 – Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine, Wodi Wodi Country/Tarrawanna (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Joe Mungovan MGMT

Mark Wilkinson Takes “Wild & Hunted Things” on Tour

Fresh from the release of his gorgeous new album Wild & Hunted Things, Mark Wilkinson is hitting the road next month. He’ll visit some of the country’s best intimate venues to showcase his new introspective folk songs and some old favourites.

“I can’t wait to reconnect with my amazing Aussie fans and showcase the songs from the new album in a live format,” Mark enthused. “I feel like the studio and the live environment are two very different things, both allowing the songs to shine in different ways. There’s a raw energy to the live shows that can’t really be replicated in the studio and I can’t wait to share that energy and some magical unfiltered moments with audiences across Australia!”

Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Mark Crotti will support Mark Wilkinson at all but the final two shows. Tickets are available now. I wouldn’t muck around if I were you, because such small venues are bound to sell out.

1 August 2025 – Avalon Restaurant, Dharug and Gundungurra Country/Katoomba
2 August 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
7 August 2025 – Piano Bar Geelong, Djilang/Geelong
8 August 2025 – Odessa at Leavers, Djandak/Creswick
9 August 2025 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 August 2025 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca
15 August 2025 – QIRKZ in the Hunter, Awabakal Country/Abermain
16 August 2025 – Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
17 August 2025 – Flow Bar, Worimi Country/Old Bar
22 August 2025 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
23 August 2025 – Old Museum, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 August 2025 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2025 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
31 August 2025 – Kidogo Arthouse, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2025 – The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
5 September 2025 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Benjamin Hasic

Piper Butcher Releases Fabulous New Single, “Hard Love”

Piper Butcher perfectly encapsulates the ups and downs of relationships with her latest single “Hard Love.” This total bop blurs the boundaries between country, pop, and folk. Piper sounds amazing on it and the lyrics are first-rate. The track was produced by Andy Mak, known for his work with local artists like Morgan Evans, Vera Blue, and Kita Alexander.

“Working with Andy on the production of this song really made me confident in a studio sense: creating my own guitar parts and collaborating on harmony lines that really brand my own sonic,” Piper enthused. “I love discovering new parts of my voice, while still harnessing the belting notes that I’m known for. There’s beauty in the soft and gentle, and that’s really what I’m learning right now.”

Piper has a massive few months ahead. She’ll head to Nashville for the first time to get creative with local songwriters, support fellow Aussie Brad Cox in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and still have time for some local gigs. If she’s playing near you, make sure you get out and support her.

25 July 2025 – Dashville Does the Bowlo @ Bangalow Bowlo, Banjalang Country/Bangalow
26 July 2025 – Dashville on the Road @ Bellingen Showground, Gumbaynggirr Country/Bellingen
27 July 2026 – Dashville on the Road @ Lakes & Ocean Hotel, Minimbah/Forster
27 July 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Burraghihnbihng/Mayfield (supporting Jenny Mitchell)
12 November 2025 – Whammy Bar, Auckland (supporting Brad Cox)
13 November 2025 – James Hay Theatre, Christchurch (supporting Brad Cox)
14 November 2025 – Errick’s, Dunedin (supporting Brad Cox)
15 November 2025 – Croydon Lodge, Gore (supporting Brad Cox)
16 November 2025 – Barmuda, Queenstown (supporting Brad Cox)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Minor Gold Shine Brightly With “Leave a Light On”

Minor Gold, the award-winning collaboration of Aussie Dan Parsons and Canada’s Tracy McNeil, have won my heart with their beautiful new Americana single “Leave a Light On.” It caught my interest early with Dan’s relaxed vocals, but when Tracy joined him on the second verse I was powerless to resist its pull.

If you love this, you won’t be waiting too long to hear more. Minor Gold will release their sophomore album Way to the Sun on July 25. You can preorder a vinyl or CD copy online now.They’ve also got big touring plans including a stack of Aussie shows, so get on to those!

19 July 2025 – Harrison Festival of the Arts @ Beach Stage, Harrison Hot Springs (FREE)
20 July 2025 – Harrison Festival of the Arts @ Beach Stage, Harrison Hot Springs (FREE)
31 July – 2 August 2025 – Mile of Music, Appleton (FREE)
18 September 2025 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle
19 September 2025 – Deanmill Workers Club, Noongar Country/Deanmill (FREE)
20 September 2025 – Karma Llama Lounge, Geegelup/Bridgetown
21 September 2025 – The River Hotel, Wooditchup/Margaret River (FREE)
25 September 2025 – Boyup Brook Hotel, Booyup/Boyup Brook (FREE)
26 September 2025 – Wesley Uniting Church, Kinjarling/Albany
1 October 2025 – Songwriter’s Café, Walyalup/Fremantle
3-5 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline – Cosmic Country Weekender, Wonnarua Country/Lower Belford
10 October 2025 – Junkbar, Kallindarbin/Ashgrove
16 October 2025 – Oodies Café, Taribelang Country/Bundaberg North
17-19 October 2025 – Groundwater Country Music Festival, Kombumerri Country/Broadbeach (FREE)
23 October 2025 – Pearces Creek Hall, Bundjalung Country/Pearces Creek
24-26 October 2025 – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Gumbaynggirr Country/Dorrigo
31 October 2025 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Awabakal/Mayfield
2 November 2025 – Butchers Brew Bar, Eora/Dulwich Hill
7 November 2025 – Feather & Drum Hat Co, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah
8 November 2025 – Blue Tongue Berries, Taungurung Country/Seymour
9 November 2025 – Cranbourne Bowls Club, Mar-ne-bek/Cranbourne
15 November 2025 – Sandy Point Music Club, Gunaikurnai and Bunurong Country/Sandy Point
16 November 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri-willam Country/Northcote
22 November 2025 – Shedshaker Tap Room, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
28-30 November 2025 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Nherrin-boorwoork/Queenscliff

Photo credit: Lauren Lotz

Ziggy Alberts Going Green For Homecoming Shows

If you missed Ziggy Alberts’ Aussie shows earlier this year, or you’re simply ready for another serve, you’ll be happy to learn he’s doing three more massive local concerts before the year ends. These dates will bring Ziggy’s New Love project full circle as he returns to the place where he began promoting this incredible album.

True to Ziggy’s values, the Homecoming shows will promote and champion sustainability via his Green Touring Initiative which focuses on reducing the environmental impact, giving back to local communities, and educating fans on local causes.

“For this tour, we’ll be aiming for no-single use plastic at each show. We’ve done it before, like at Riverstage, where fans even stayed behind to help clean up – it was amazing,” Ziggy enthused. “We’ll also be hosting environmental stalls at each show, and I’m hoping to squeeze in a sneaky beach clean-up to kick it old school. It’s honestly only a small gesture, but it’s important for me.”

Tickets are on sale now for all of Ziggy’s Homecoming shows:

21 November 2025 – Riverstage, Meeanjin/Brisbane
22 November 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney
23 November 2025 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Wilzen Crawford

Nine Days Making First Trip Down Under for Intimate Shows

Nine Days’ recent Aussie tour announcements was probably the year’s most surprising. Despite their track “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” going gangbusters in this country, the band has never made it Down Under. But they’re righting that wrong this November as they celebrate 25 years of their breakthrough hit and the album that featured it, The Madding Crowd.

“We have been waiting 25 years for this opportunity! Over the years, fans from Australia have reached out to us wanting to know when we were going to make it there to play some shows. Well, now we can finally give them an answer – this November! I collect all the cool things that Sony Records put out for the band, and I always loved the CD single they pressed back in 2000 that had some ‘bonus’ live and unplugged recordings we did in Seattle,” the band’s lead singer John Hampson said. “As far as I can tell, Australia was the only country where these CD singles were sold. For some reason, this fascinated me. This year we celebrate 25 years of The Madding Crowd album, and “Absolutely (Story of a Girl)” and I cannot wait to finally make it down under to hopefully meet some of those people who’ve been waiting for quite a long time to see the band; and if you happen to have one of those CD singles, please bring it with you.”

This tour announcement encouraged to me to dive into Nine Days back catalogue, and I’m pretty impressed. They might be a one-hit wonder, but they’ve released plenty of quality music across eight studio albums. You can look forward to music that celebrates their rich history, including their monster hit, at their intimate East Coast shows. Tickets are on sale now.

13 November 2025 – Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 November 2025 – Caringbah Hotel, Eora/Sydney
15 November 2025 – The Back Room, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from beehive