Nathan Lamont Releases Country Bop, “Name on It”

Nathan Lamont effortlessly combines country, rock, and pop influences with his latest single “Name on It.”

“I wanted to highlight how love can completely upturn and transform a person’s outlook on life for the better, filling spaces we never knew were empty,” Nathan explained about the song he cowrote with his regular producer Alex Maher. “Alex and I have spent a lot of time in the studio together recording and songwriting, and we have many shared values and experiences when it comes to life and love.”

“Name On It” has already earned the seal of approval from none other than Keith Urban, who told Nathan to “keep it coming.” While Nathan looks up to Keith, his wife is arguably a bigger inspiration. His muse plays a starring role in the single’s film clip.

“I was excited to feature my wife in this project,” Nathan said. “She’s been the biggest source of inspiration behind my songwriting and has been on the sidelines supporting me since day one, so to have the opportunity to work with her so closely on something I love has only brought us even closer together.”

Nathan has already announced a couple of shows for next year, so don’t miss him if he’s playing near you!

17 January 2025 – Moonshiners Honky Tonk Bar, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
15 March 2025 – A Night In Nashville @ Orange Showground, Coona Boloo/Orange

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

The Urban Sea Drop Brilliant Breakup Anthem, “My Own Time”

“My Own Time,” the latest track from Meeanjin/Brisbane indie rockers The Urban Sea, is one of the best indie-rock tracks I’ve heard in some time. The lyrics are poetic and personal, and they’re wrapped up in such a fantastic shimmery sound that’s bound to have you grooving by the time the first chorus kicks in.

“There’s a bit of Arctic Monkeys swagger and Spacey Jane jangle in there, especially in how we approached the arrangements,” shared songwriter and guitarist Shanan Kilner. “’My Own Time’ came from a pretty emotional place during a breakup where I was ready to move on, but my ex was struggling to let go. The relationship had reached its end, and deep down, we both knew it. Writing this song was my way of processing those feelings and realising that sometimes the healthiest thing to do is move on. The line, ‘You got love on your lips but blood on your hands,’ sums it up. There was still affection, but we both had a hand in why things didn’t work out. It’s not about blame, but about recognising that love alone couldn’t fix what was broken. I wanted to move forward without rehashing old arguments or trying to pin down who was at fault, which is where the lines ‘I got no more coins for that wishing well’ and ‘lay low and let it go’ came from – sheer exhaustion from going over the same things again and again. The bridge ‘In my own time, get my feet back on the ground’ was a reminder to myself that healing takes time and it’s okay to take things at your own pace. When I first wrote it, it felt like a release.

“I didn’t want the song to be heavy or sad, even though the emotions were. The upbeat indie vibe reflects that sense of freedom that comes with finally letting go, even when it’s hard. I think we’ve all been in situations where we know it’s time to move on, but the comfort of the familiar pulls us back. It’s not about heartache – it’s about strength, about taking control of your own life and time. I think a lot of people can relate to that feeling of needing to reclaim their space after a relationship ends. Writing this song helped me find that closure, and I hope it resonates with anyone else who’s ready for their own fresh start.”

There’s more new music on the way from The Urban Sea, with the band set to release a new EP, Sunsets and Silhouettes, in February.

Photo credit: Ryan Kovchenko

Venice Qin Releases Sexy New Earworm, “Rodeo Star”

You know those songs you start out hating but realise you love by the end? Usually ultra-poppy and infectiously catchy? “Rodeo Star” by Eora/Sydney-based Kiwi Venice Qin is a song exactly like that. I’m not sure exactly when my brain made the switch and embraced it, but I was definitely bopping along long before the final notes. Think of this track as a queer, spicy, local version of Steps’ “5, 6, 7, 8”.

Venice said that “‘Rodeo Star’ is all about the surge of energy I feel when that perfect, super c***ty song comes on at a house party. It’s me, moving my hips, making eyes at all the hot, sexy people around, totally caught up in the moment. This track celebrates confidence and the joy of exploring your sexuality, all wrapped up in the drop-a** Y2K vibe. It’s about letting loose, embracing the playful side of life and not being afraid to show who you really are.”

This single probably won’t be for everyone, but that message definitely is! I also love the video, which Venice shot after performing at the 41st Rocky Mountain Regional Gay Rodeo in Denver, Colorado, earlier this year. As I say, I expect this song will be a bit polarising, but the best art usually is!

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Skyscraper Stan Tackles Conspiracies With “Talk to Me”

Skyscraper Stan is spreading all the good vibes with his fabulous new single “Talk To Me.” If your day’s off to a rough start, this soulful little ditty is just the stuff to turn things around. Make sure you tap into those lyrics too which explore conspiracy theories and how we can help our nearest and dearest separate fact from fiction.

“I’ve had friends fall down the rabbit hole and it can be alarming. This tune is for anyone out there trying to save a loved one from the loonysphere,” he said. “Don’t turn your back on them. Have a chat. That might be all they need!”

Skyscraper Stan is currently touring around the country with his band The Commission Flats to celebrate the release of “Talk To Me.” Here are all the remaining dates:

29 November 2024 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (with Al Matcott + Quality Used Cars)
14 December 2024 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
15 December 2024 – Petersham Bowling Club, Eora/Sydney (with Charlie Finn and Band)
18 January 2025 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Chris Familton Publicity

Helen Shanahan Releases Beautiful Cover of Tim Minchin’s “The Aeroplane”

Tim Minchin’s well-recognised for his hilarious tunes and musical theatre contributions, but many people don’t realise he’s just an incredible songwriter, period. So I’m glad that fellow Western Australian Helen Shanahan is shining a light on one of his more serious, brilliant songs with her cover of “The Aeroplane.” Her voice has the perfect storyteller quality for this incredible track.

“The song resonates deeply with me, especially now, with my second baby due just weeks after its release,” Helen explained. “The lyrics, ‘any fuel or any fire will do / I will fly to you,’ carry a special meaning for me.”

Take a moment to properly listen to this one. Trust me, you don’t want to miss a lyric. It’s really something special.

Photo credit: Tanya Voltchayanska

Wafia Releases Beautiful Single for Sister, “Say It To The Moon”

Wafia’s dreamy new single “Say It To The Moon” is the perfect antidote to the grind of the working week. Press play and just let your mind drift for a few minutes. I swear it’s more soothing than meditation.

Wafia said she wrote the song for her sister. Wafia writes from the perspective of the moon, which both Wafia and her sister would see at night, just from different vantage points.

“This is a song I wrote inspired by all the nights my little sister tried to call me from Brisbane
while I was in LA but she didn’t quite understand time zones,” Wafia explained. “I wanted to write her something from the perspective of the moon, in a way that made her feel like I was always listening and always there.”

“Say It To The Moon” is the latest track from Wafia’s debut album Promised Land, which will arrive on January 17.

Photo credit: Sherrie Garcia

Daphnie Release Indie-Pop Bop “Perfect Piece of Person I’m Made For”

If you need a little mid-week pick-me-up, look no further. Daphnie’s latest single “Perfect Piece Of Person I’m Made For” may just be the perfect piece of pop music.

“I wrote this one with Will O’Donohue (Runaway Mornings), and produced/mixed it in my bedroom,” explained Alistair Hayes, who performs under the Daphnie moniker. “We wanted to create a cruisy silly absurd love song that you could dance to with your significant other in your bedroom while your neighbour yells at you through the walls for being too loud. I think we really got it there, mostly because that actually happened.”

With Aus Music T-Shirt Day approaching, Daphnie has you covered. Check out the Daphnie merch store for some fantastic November 28 options.

Image used with permission from Daphnie

Bully Hay Impressed Ahead of Album Release

With his new album set for release tomorrow, I figured it was about time I put Bully Hay on your radar. He recently released the song “Bushfire Moon,” inspired by the bushfires that tore through Paredarerme Country/Dunalley in Tasmania a few years ago. It tells the fictional love story of a firefighter searching for his love amongst the devastation around him. You know how the greats like Paul Kelly and Bruce Springsteen can sing you a song about fictional characters but there’s so much truth in their voices that you believe it all? Bully’s exactly like that.

“The fire wiped out most of the Tasman Peninsula and caused a lot of damage and disruption,” Bully recalled. “It ended up cutting off a lot of people from the rest of the island to the point where people could only get on and off the peninsula by boat. So, the community had to band together to get help to those that needed it. It felt like just about anyone that had a boat was ferrying supplies and people back and forth for days because the roads were all blocked with debris from the fires. I had this fictional story in my head inspired by those events of a volunteer firefighter right in the thick of it, fighting the fires and totally exhausted. At some point he knows it’s a lost cause. The situation is hopeless and too far gone and he needs to get out of there. All he can think of is finding his love and he sets out, determined to find her amongst all the chaos.”

“Bushfire Moon” comes from Bully’s album Black Dogs & Songbirds, which drops tomorrow. Inspired by artists as diverse as Soundgarden, Rage Against the Machine, Jeff Buckley, Crowded House, and the Tea Party (Jeff Martin even recorded and mixed all the songs on this LP), it’s sure to be an interesting listen.

Photo credit: Eden Meure

Dana Gehrman Delights With “Let It Be You”

If you’re one of those old-school music fans who complain that all the best stuff is behind us, Dana Gehrman’s new single “Let It Be You” might just change your tune. Her sound is a total throwback to the 70s, in the best possible way. This song sounds like an instant classic, soulful, sultry, and incredibly smooth.

Dana has just wrapped up a string of cool shows including playing support for Charlie Musselwhite and gracing the Dashville Festival stage. While she’s taking some downtime for now, I can’t imagine she’ll be off the road for too long. Until then, make sure you give this song a spin.

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Joan & The Giants Channel the Rage With “How Could You?”

Everything Joan & The Giants touch seems to turn to gold, and their latest single is no exception. “How Could You?” is a fabulous indie-rock track that perfectly encapsulates the heartache that comes with a major betrayal.

“When a person breaks all the trust you once had in them it isn’t just sad, it’s completely chaotic,” vocalist Grace Newton-Wordsworth shared. “I was going through life still doing all the things I have to do like working multiple jobs, playing shows, seeing friends and family – whilst internally, I was screaming.”

If you love their music and want to get your hands on some exclusive merch, preorder a copy of their new limited edition vinyl. There’ll be just 100 copies of this exclusive 7-inch featuring Joan & The Giants and Seb Szabo’s Baked Sessions recorded in Collingwood in June. Pre-order a copy here to make sure you don’t miss out when they’re released on November 8. That same day they’ll also be part of Western Australia’s massive Blues at Bridegtown festival, which runs from November 8 to 10.

Photo credit: Isabelle Haubrich Photography