Chloe Marks & The Mayhem Drop Genre-Bending Single, “Cheaper Than Therapy”

Chloe Marks & The Mayhem are pushing the boundaries of the country genre with their latest single, “Cheaper Than Therapy.” The band blends country vibes with Americana, soul, and hippie sentiments in this earworm.

“‘Cheaper Than Therapy’ is about my personal journey in finding out who I am,” Chloe said. “It’s about admitting my flaws but also celebrating the incredible road I’ve had to walk to become this version of myself. It’s about spirituality, honesty, and openness.”

Chloe Marks will play shows through the rest of the year and into 2026. Here are all the places you can catch her: 

18 December 2026 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 December 2025 – Gem Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Yatala
26 December 2025 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 December 2025 – Brooklyn Standard, Meeanjin/Brisbane
31 December 2025 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 January 2026 – Tudor Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 January 2026 – Southgate Inn, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (3-6 pm)
17 January 2026 – Tudor Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (7:30-10:30 pm)
18 January 2026 – Joe Maguires, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
20 January 2026 – Joe Maguires, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
22 January 2026 – Riverside Stage, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
29 January 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 January 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
31 January 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
5 February 2026 – Brooklyn Standard, Meeanjin/Brisbane
6 February 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 February 2026 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2026 – Brooklyn Standard, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 February 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
14 February 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 February 2026 – Beechmont Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Advancetown
19 February 2026 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 February 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 February 2026 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 February 2026 – Brooklyn Standard, Meeanjin/Brisbane
28 February 2026 – Chattahoochee Joes, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 March 2026 – Beechmont Hotel, Yugambeh Country/Advancetown
6 March 2026 – The Irish, Giabal, Jarowair, and Jagera Country/Toowoomba
7 March 2026 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 March 2026 – Brooklyn Standard, Meeanjin/Brisbane
13 March 2026 – Suzi Wongs Goodtime Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 March 2026 – Bearded Dragon, Yugambeh Country/Tambourine
17 March 2026 – Brooklyn Standard, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 March 2026 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 March 2026 – Honky Tonks, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 March 2026 – Suzi Wongs Goodtime Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Pilot Crisis Rock Out With “No Vacancy”

Crank up the volume, press play, and give yourself a couple of minutes to appreciate “No Vacancy,” the latest single from Meeanjin/Brisbane-based rock outfit Pilot Crisis. With Evie Cowen out front, this is an absolute belter.

Guitarist and core songwriter Mitch Chen said he wrote “No Vacancy” during an introspective moment of procrastination.

“I was sitting on the couch watching King of the Hill, noodling on the guitar and thinking about how I’d spend long stretches of time just wasting away,” he reflected. “Hours would slip by while I kept dreaming of doing something better, but never putting the energy into actually doing it.”

The release of “No Vacancy” caps off a big few months for Pilot Crisis, who toured with Vipersnatch, supported Beddy Rays, and laid down a bunch of new music which we’ll hear in the coming months.

Photo credit: Annabelle Cowen

Sidney Opens Up With “sliding doors”

‘90s romantic-comedy Sliding Doors is one of those movies that lives in my mind rent-free. The premise of a single decision completely changing the trajectory of your life is fascinating. It seems local singer-songwriter Sidney agrees, as the flick inspired her fantastic new indie-pop single, also called “sliding doors.”

“I was still holding onto the belief that if I just pushed hard enough, maybe it could still work. But sometimes, choosing one path is what shows you the truth about what you actually wanted,” Sidney explained. “With its light/dark contrast and undercurrent of emotional unrest, ‘sliding doors’ sonically captures the emotional tug-of-war at the heart of the EP, sitting right at the tipping point between fantasy and clarity.”

Sidney will release that EP on February 27. You can hear a couple more songs from that release, including previous singles “golden boy” and “what if it ends?” on your favourite streaming services.

Photo credit: Claire Warren

Lucid Safari Impress With “Running”

If you’re feeling that midweek slump, take a moment to press play on “Running,” the latest track from Meeanjin/Brisbane-based rockers Lucid Safari. It’s such a fabulous feel-good track from a band that seem destined for big things.

“‘Running’ is about that ache you feel for someone you never really got the chance to know. It’s that unspoken connection that lingers, the one that got away before anything real could even start,” explained Lucid Safari’s lead singer, Daniel Lewis. “You’re replaying moments, chasing fragments and memories that never quite left you. Underneath the energy of the song, there’s a quiet kind of longing about how time moves on, people change, but some feelings just stay with you.”

Discovering “Running” has sent me down a little rabbit hole listening to all of the most recent Lucid Safari’s releases, and I am so impressed. Hopefully we hear plenty more these guys in 2026.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Charly Oakley Releases Pop Gem, “Against the Odds”

Charly Oakley has won my heart with their poppy new single “Against the Odds.” This is one of those special pop tracks that wears its heart on its sleeve. The combination of Charly’s relatable lyrics and gorgeous, warm voice is incredible.

Charly might be just starting their musical journey, but they’re already impressing the right people. They were signed to management under Sam Dainty and Paul Dainty AO, AM, which put them on the radar of Jonathan Daniel, founder of CRUSH MUSIC whose roster includes megastars like Miley Cyrus and Lorde. Jonathan introduced Charly to LA producer Xandy Berry, who’s worked with artists like Rihanna, Bon Iver, and Miley. Along with his long-time friend and collaborator Jordie Thomas, he helped bring Charly’s vision for “Against the Odds” to life. With all those heavy hitters on their side, you know we’ll be hearing a lot more from Charly Oakley.

Photo credit: Annabelle Bahuth

Joe Mungovan Shows He’s Got Balls With “Hurts”

Joe Mungovan takes the idea of suffering from art to the next level with his latest single “Hurts.” While the lyrics of this ultra-catchy indie-rock bop say “I love it when it hurts,” he might have reconsidered the notion after filming the video at Kiama Tennis Court. Take a look and you’ll see exactly what I mean!

“This was without question the most painful release I’ve ever made – and not in a deep, emotional, ‘artist suffers for his craft’ way,” Joe joked. “No. I mean actual, physical pain. I had this brilliant/stupid idea for the visual world: ‘What if I just… got hurt? Repeatedly?’ And, as always, my long-time collaborator and good mate Mikey Conlon laughed and said, ‘Yep. Love it. Let’s make it worse.’ So we did. Sometimes the best creative decisions are also the dumbest.”

So you’ve got to watch, if only so his efforts won’t be in vain! Fresh from supporting The Rubens last weekend, Joe will also play the following headlining shows to support the release of “Hurts.”

29 November 2025 – Becks, Kiaram-a/Kiama (FREE breakfast show from 9am, BYO chair)
30 November 2025 – Equium Social, Mulubimba/Newcastle (from 4 pm)
3 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Co, Garigal and Gayamaygal Country/Freshwater (FREE from 6pm)

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Ellis King Impresses With “fitymi”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Ellis King has blown me away with her latest single “fitymi.” Standing for “fake it till you make it,” “fitymi” is one of six songs Ellis wrote to process the end of her first long-term relationship. While it came from heartbreak, “fitymi” has a bright, piano pop sound that is bound to put a smile on your face.

“I’ve been trying to push myself to write about different things and also be a bit more reflective. After a big life event, like a breakup, you end up doing a lot of that,” Ellis said. “Thinking about yourself, the effort you put into your life, and where your energy really goes. For me, this song is about realising how much time I’ve spent putting on a face, holding it together, while actually struggling underneath – not wanting anyone to see me as anything other than a perfectly well put together person.”

Ellis will drop all of her breakup musings when she releases her EP Everything That Comes After on February 20.

Photo credit: Courtney King

Floodlights Show Romantic Side With Latest Single, “Tricky”

Floodlights may be one of the most exciting acts you’re yet to hear about. Allow me to change all that and introduce you to their latest single “Tricky.” It’s an anthemic rock song that reminds me a bit of The Killers or Arcade Fire. It’s so polished, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the heart.

“It’s the first love song we’ve written” explained Floodlights’ frontman Louis Parsons, “Although it still sounds like us, we did want ‘Tricky’ to be something that felt new. We leant more on synth and rhythm to drive this track which helped to create that feeling of euphoria that comes from letting go of the past and embracing the future.”

After wowing crowds in the UK while supporting our own Amyl and the Sniffers, Floodlights are back home playing local gigs. They’re destined for stadiums, so make sure you take the opportunity to see them at these smaller venues while you still can.

27 November 2025 – King St, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 November 2025 – BOMBIES @ Harbord Hotel, Kay-ye-my/Manly
29 November 2025 – Thirroul Music Festival @ Anita’s Theatre, Dharawal Country/Thirroul

Photo credit: Josh Sabini

Bud Rokesky Releases Stunning Alt-Country Single, “Hey Now”

There’s a beautiful intimacy about the music Bud Rokesky’s making. As you listen to his voice, it’s easy to believe he’s speaking directly to you. I was wowed by his song “Newtown” back in April, and I’ve fallen in love all over again listening to his latest single “Hey Now.”

“’Hey Now’ is about the push and pull of love when it’s at its most fragile – those moments where you’re close in heart but far apart in every other way,” Bud explained. “I wanted it to carry the ache of trying to hold on when things feel out of your control, but still leave room for people to hear their own story in it.”

Bud’s press release mentions all of the amazing festivals and tours he’s been a part of, but what comes next is a bit of a mystery. When he’s making music this gorgeous though, I’m on the edge of my seat anticipating whatever comes next.

Photo credit: Marcus Coblyn

Darcy Pilitz Wows Me With “Wishing Your Life Away”

I love discovering fantastic new artists in my own backyard. Darcy Pilitz is the latest musician from Darkinjung Country/Central Coast to wow me with his music. His latest single “Wishing Your Life Away” is a fantastic grungey pop-punk number in the vein of local acts like Dear Seattle and Slowly Slowly. Its stripped-back opening draws you in, ensuring you’re well on board when the guitar riffs amp up.

“This track really hones in on being in your 20s. Everything feels crazy and chaotic, people are having kids and buying houses, others are really just getting started on their own story,” Darcy explained. “It’s about working those shit jobs to try and make money to do the things you want. At it’s core, this song is about trying to be present and appreciate what you’ve achieved so far, before immediately trying to chase the next ‘thing’. Feels like a bit of a ‘note to self’ to remember what it’s all about and trying not to get caught up in the rush.”

I’m bummed to see I missed a couple of local gigs recently, but I’m determined to avoid repeating that mistake. If you feel the same way, make sure you give Darcy a follow on Instagram to stay in the loop.

Photo credit: Eddy Hill