Award-winning singer-songwriter Steve Lane delivers the goods with his latest single “A Song You Can’t Write No More.” Steve Lane has long created stellar music that plays with pop,folk, and Americana sounds, but the psychedelic elements of this one are something new. The lyrics, which champion authenticity, as always hit home.
I also love the music video, which shows Steve’s nephew and emerging Naarm/Melbourne artist Darcy Shilton shaping a limestone block into a sculpture inspired by this track. It’s such a unique concept for a music video, but it’s utterly mesmerising.
“A Song You Can’t Write No More” comes from Steve’s fourth album, Where The River Meets, which will be released on October 5. He’s all play the following shows around its release:
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.
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.
James Johnston is making some of the most consistently good music on the country scene today. His latest track “Good For Me” sounds like a hit from the first listen. James was inspired to write the song after reflecting on the special, simple moments he spends with his wife Talia Rose.
“It’s about the feeling of coming home to her and just doing the simple things—sitting and watching a movie, having a cup of tea,” he shared. “It’s those moments I appreciate more than ever, and I wanted to capture that joy in a song. I want people to listen to this and reflect on the person they love, to appreciate the simple things between them that makes what they have together truly special.”
James will appear at the following events in the coming months.
Meeanjin/Brisbane-based folk singer Maddison Kate has warmed my heart with her beautiful new single “More To Me.” It’s a gentle track with a sweet melody, and heartfelt lyrics and vocals from Maddison. It’s ticking all the boxes for me.
“More To Me” comes from Maddison’s upcoming EP What I’d Say To You, which she’ll release on August 8.
When asked about the EP, Maddison said, “It’s about having the courage to let go of who you’ve been, speak your truth, and feel everything — even when it’s messy.”
Maddison will launch What I’d Say To You with a special hometown show at The Junk Bar on August 17. Tickets are on sale from Oztix now.
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)
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!
Nathan Lamont is showing us why there’s so much buzz about his music with the release of “What Comes After.” It’s more vulnerable and tender than the music Nathan’s released in the past. While I love his bops, I’m really resonating with this more emotional material.
“This song was born out of real-life experiences, both ours and those around us. For me personally, it’s deeply tied to moments in my relationship with my wife, moments where we stood right on the edge of walking away,” Nathan said. “It’s about choosing to fight for love when it would be easier to give up. It’s about pushing past the pride, digging into the memories of how it all began, and holding onto the belief that the story isn’t over yet.”
Nathan, who is a proud Wiradjuri man, recently became the first ever First Nations recipient of the CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Exchange. The opportunity will see him connecting with world-renowned producers, songwriters, and industry leaders in the USA’s country music capital. He’s also got a busy couple of months on local soil with the following shows:
“Got My Love” is a star-studded collaboration from Mister Co., Ambraya, Ivanka Fernando, Judular, and the HALO Vocal Ensemble. With its elements of soul, funk, and gospel, I know it’s going to give you goosebumps.
“This song is a love letter – not just to each other, but to the voices, the communities, and the spaces in Melbourne that have shaped us,” said Mister Co., who wrote “Got My Love” with Ambraya. “Collaborating with Ambraya and HALO brought a sacred energy to the track. It felt like we were honouring something bigger than ourselves.”
“Got My Love” is the latest track from Mister Co.’s upcoming Homegrown EP, which features a whole range of new collaborations with local artists that highlight the depth of talent in Naarm/Melbourne. Mister Co. will mark its release with a massive launch with Ambraya and other featured artists at The Corner Hotel in Quo-yung/Richmond on August 30.
The VANNS are one of my favourite modern Aussie acts. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to wrap my ears around their latest single “Accomplice,” but I’m making up for lost time today. It’s fresh rock cut that’s instantly accessible but just a little better with each and every listen.
“‘Accomplice’ is about having the complete support of somebody in life no matter what you’re going through or maybe even putting yourself through,” the band explained. “It’s a hopeful love song dressed up as a quasi-crime story, and vice versa.”
“Accomplice” comes from The VANNS’ third album All That’s In My Head, which is scheduled for release on August 1. Their album launch shows have all sold out, but you can still catch them at Wanderer Festival at Pambula Beach on October 5.
