Budjerah Releases Title Track of Upcoming Debut Album, “Gentleman”

After releasing music for seven years, it’s a little wild that Budjerah hasn’t yet released an album. However, all that is about to change on July 24 when his long-awaited record Gentleman drops. He’s giving us an early taste with the release of this killer title track.

Gentleman is my debut album and it’s inspired by who I wanted to be when I was growing up,” Budjerah explained. “This album was almost a four-year process for me. Between my life at home and life on the road, I experienced so much change and growth. Chasing my dreams, I faced new challenges which helped me understand who I wanted to be. Every song on this album holds a piece of me. I hope little Budjerah is proud.”

Listening to this song, I’m kind of glad Budjerah didn’t rush things. This track is so slick, smooth, and confident. I’m not sure teenage Budjerah could have delivered all that swagger!

We’ll hear more for Budjerah when his debut album Gentleman drops on July 24. Warner Music are taking pre-orders now for digital download, CD, and vinyl copies with signed cards, so get onto that if you’re a fan!

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

All Regards Get Angsty With “resist”

After making an impact with their pop-punk-influenced track “discontent” in January, Victorian rockers All Regards have delivered their follow-up, “resist.” This one is a bit grittier, with a heavier sound that’ll appeal to the emo fans out there. Like its predecessor, “resist” explores feelings of anxiety and angst against the backdrop of the modern world.

“I wrote the lyrics for ‘resist’ as a direct response to the lyrics Stefan [Sepulveda, co-vocalist] wrote for ‘discontent’ in which he wrote about the state of the world from his perspective,” explained Jeremy Allen, who shares the band’s frontman duties. “It inspired me to do the same which is why both singles are so intrinsically linked together. ‘resist’ for the most part is an honest take on how frustrated one can become with external and internal factors within the world, and that it may not be the picture-perfect life planned out for one’s self. It’s also a call to arms that if there is something you want to change to better yourself and you have the power to do it, quit complaining and fight the good fight to turn things around.”

All Regards will celebrate the release of both “resist” and “discontent” tonight with a big double-single launch at the Workers Club in Naarm/Melbourne tonight. You’re not forgotten either Eora/Sydney. All Regards will play Last Words Emo Night at Bootleggers on April 2.

Photo credit: Beth Morrison (Four Act Photography)

Karise Eden and Greg Gould Duet on “All That Glitters”

When I saw Karise Eden and Greg Gould performing together last September, I hoped I’d hear them making music together. While they were outstanding as individuals, my favourite moments came when their two powerhouse voices combined. So I’m thrilled to get my ears around their epic new duet, “All That Glitters.”

Karise co-wrote this song with Andrew Lowdon, drawing on the challenges she faced dealing with sudden fame as a teenager after winning The Voice Australia. Greg found the song resonated strongly with him as he faced his own hardships navigating the industry as a gay artist after he was also thrust into the spotlight after a stint on reality TV. As their voices come together, “All That Glitters” makes a powerful statement about autonomy, resilience, and refusing to be defined by other people and their fears.

“After albums, touring, and building my independence, I went through a period where life caught up with me and writing felt out of reach. ‘All That Glitters’ became the song that brought me back,” Karise shared. “When Greg came into the picture, the story opened up, bringing two perspectives together, two artists, two stories carrying different experiences, but finding common ground in resilience and honesty.”

While they’re not performing together right now, Karise and Greg have both got plenty of gigs on the horizon. Here are all the dates you need music lovers!

11 April 2026 – Greg Gould plays Strings Attached Festival @ Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
8 May 2026 – Greg Gould & Emily Williams George Michael and Whitney Houston show @ Birds Basement, Naarm/Melbourne
9 May 2026 – Greg Gould & Emily Williams George Michael and Whitney Houston show @ Golden Vine, Djandak/Bendigo
29 May 2026 – Greg Gould, Tarryn Stokes, & Royston Noell This is Australia show @ Piano Bar, Djilang/Geelong
30 May 2026 – Greg Gould, Tarryn Stokes, & Royston Noell This is Australia show @ Royal Brighton Yacht Club, Ngaruk Wilam/Brighton
31 May 2026 – Karise Eden @ Shaws Bay Hotel, Bundjalung Country/East Ballina (FREE)
2 July 2026 – Karise Eden @ The Victoria, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
3 July 2026 – Karise Eden @ Crossroads Bar, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
7 August 2026 – Karise Eden Sings Janis Joplin @ Karralyka Centre, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country/Ringwood

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Ella Hooper Embraces New Sounds With “I Got Eyes (On You)”

Ella Hooper is really leaning into Americana sounds with her latest single, “I Got Eyes (On You).” This foot-stomping anthem of empowerment combines classic country vibes with a little Zydeco and Cajun flair.

“I Got Eyes (On You) is the next step in sharing this new era. I’m pushing the boundaries of what Americana means to me … including more of the diverse flavours I love like the Cajun and Zydeco elements here,” Ella explained. “From the crazy playing on it, to the production, to the cheeky lyrics – I’m really proud of it”

There’s some serious star power behind this one. Ella co-wrote the song with East Nashville lyricist Melody Walker, who has songwriting credits on many songs Ella loves including “Dollar Bill Bar” and “American Dreaming.” The studio band features Nashville greats like Sheryl Crow’s drummer Fred Eltringham, guitarist Tom “Uncle Larry” Bukovac, Willie Nelson’s bassist Rachel Loy, Dan Dugmore who played pedal steel guitar for James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. And that Zydeco squeezebox you hear? That comes from Australia’s own Flora Smith, Slim Dusty’s granddaughter-in-law.

“I’ve wanted to record in Nashville since I was a kid reading my parents’ record liner notes, seeing the city’s name pop up again and again,” Ella gushed. “Seems like every great singer-songwriter from Dylan to CMAT has their Nashville record, and I felt ready for mine. Being there so much these last few years, I feel plugged into a community — especially in East Nashville — that feels like a perfect chrysalis for my musical evolution.”

While Ella enjoyed her time in the States, she’s making the most of being home with plenty of headlining shows, festival appearances, and dates supporting The Waterboys in the coming months. Tickets are on sale via the links below:

20 March 2026 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Dhudhuroa Country/Yackandandah
28 March 2026 – TBA, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland (SOLD OUT)
1 May 2026 – Manning Entertainment Centre, Biripi Country/Taree
2 May 2026 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
3 May 2026 – Dangar Island Bowlo, Guringai Country/Dangar Island
9 May 2026 – Portland Arts Centre, Pulumbete/Portland
11 May 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (supporting The Waterboys)
12 May 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (SOLD OUT – supporting The Waterboys)
14 May 2026 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Waterboys)
15 May 2026 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT – supporting The Waterboys)
16 May 2026 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda (supporting The Waterboys)
18 May 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting The Waterboys)
20 May 2026 – Meow Nui, Wellington (supporting The Waterboys)
21 May 2026 – Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland (supporting The Waterboys)
23 May 2026 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch (supporting The Waterboys)
29 May 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
30 May 2026 – Greg Cooley Wines, Ngadjuri Country/Clare
31 May 2026 – Trinity Sessions, Kaurna Country/Clarence Park

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Katie Noonan Teases New Album With “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For”

One of Australia’s most prolific artists, Katie Noonan is preparing to release her 30th studio album, Alone but all one, later this year. Her latest single “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For” gives us an early taste of the new music. This is such a beautiful song. Katie always sounds incredible, but the subtle piano and string arrangement really showcase her sumptuous vocals and bittersweet lyrics.

“This album is for anyone who’s gone through a life shift – not just separation, but grief, uncertainty, or quiet reinvention,” Katie explained. “It’s music for sitting with things. For remembering we’re not alone, even in solitude. It’s personal, but I hope it will resonate in a way that becomes collective.”

Katie will release Alone but all one on June 26. She’ll give us a little time to sit with the songs before embarking on an album tour around some of the country’s best theatres. Mark Wilkinson will join her at all shows except for the Eora/Sydney and Wooditup/Margaret River dates. Tickets are on sale now.

10 July 2026 – Old Museum @ Concert Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 July 2026 – Art Gallery of NSW, Eora/Sydney
12 July 2026 – Art Gallery of NSW, Eora/Sydney
16 July 2026 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
17 July 2026 – Camelot Arts Club, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Mosman Park
18 July 2026 – Miss Chow’s, Wooditup/Margaret River
30 July 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 August 2006 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Cybele Malinowski

Kaiyah Mercedes Rocks Out With “3 Month Blackout”

Kaiyah Mercedes recalls a whirlwind relationship in all its angsty glory with their latest track “3 Month Blackout.” It’s raw and unfiltered, the kind of indie pop-rock single that encourages you to grab your hairbrush and let loose. I love the way its structure mimics the aftermath of a relationship, with moments of quiet reflection juxtaposed with unbridled emotional outpourings.

The music video for “3 Month Blackout” sees Kaiyah and her band crash-landing on a desert island. While surviving outside civilisation isn’t easy, at least it’s far removed from messy emotional entanglements! Kaiyah created the clip in collaboration with Francis from District Down Under.

Kaiyah will celebrate the release of “3 Month Blackout” with a launch show at Bergy Bandroom in Bulleke-bek/Brunswick on March 29.

Photo credit: Mouk Media

Casey Barnes Soundtracks NRL With “Made For This”

I’ll admit, I’m still struggling to get back to earth after my amazing holiday. What’s really helped is footy season. It doesn’t hurt that my Eels smashed it this week! While settling in for the game, my ears pricked up hearing Casey Barnes’ new track, “Made For This.” What a belter of a song, perfect for the hard-hitting game I love!

“This song is about backing yourself when everything’s on the line,” Casey said. “It’s about coming back from adversity, not being afraid of the challenge, and using it as fuel.”

If you’re not already across it, there are plenty of opportunities to hear this song as Nine will use it on all their Thursday, Friday, and Sunday matches across the entire 30-week NRL season. You’ll also hear plenty more from Casey this year, as he’s got a new album scheduled for the middle of the year and some big festival appearances in the coming months. Catch him anywhere you can!

21 March 2026 – CMC Rocks Qld 2026 @ Willowbank Raceway, Tulmur/Ipswich
28 March 2026 – Echuca Country Music Festival @ Echuca Racecourse, Yorta Yorta Country/Echuca
18 April 2026 – Man from Snowy River Bush Festival, Jaitmathang, Dhudhuroa, Ngarigo, and Wolgal Country/Corryong
2 May 2026 – Stomping Groundz @ the Groundz, Dharawal Country/Dapto
15 August 2026 – Regfest Mildura @ Nowingi Place, Latje Latje Country/Mildura
12 September 2026 – Triple B Rodeo @ Caboolture, Kabultur Country/Caboolture
28 November 2026 – Launceston Country Music Festival @ Royal Park, Letteremairrener Country/Launceston

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

LamBros. Wow Me With Soulful Single “You Won’t Call”

Nothing quite tickles my brain quite like good soul music. Give me emotive vocals and a deep groove and I’m yours. So I’m totally swooning over “You Won’t Call,” the latest track from Eora/Sydney sibling duo LamBros. If you’re into artists like Teddy Swims, Nathan Rateliff, and our own Teskey Brothers, I know you’ll vibe with this one.

“’You Won’t Call’ stemmed from our own experiences being led on and let down by someone important in your life,” explained Connor Lambrou, the duo’s lead vocalist, guitarist, and lyricist. “It comes from that sinking feeling that something is not right with your relationship, be it romantic or friendship. It comes from the internal conflict of loving someone while knowing deep down that they don’t feel the same way. Despite years of dedication, love, and patience, ‘You Won’t Call.’ Despite giving everything to keep this together, ‘You Won’t Call.’ Despite everything we’ve been through, ‘You Won’t Call.’ This is the essence of the song.”

Listening to this track, you know there’s no studio trickery going on behind the scenes. Connor and his brother Harry (drums, percussion, backing vocals) wrote, played all the instruments, produced, mixed, and mastered the track at their home studio. This music is so authentic and organic, so it’s bound to sound just as good live. Experience LamBros. for yourself at one of their upcoming free shows.

“Expect pure, unadulterated live music, and entertainment,” Connor said. “Our shows are an expression of ourselves in the purest way. We give everything on stage, and travel through genres and styles, telling stories and expressing ourselves through our own, and other artists’ music.”

13 March 2026 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal Country/Towradgi (FREE – ALL AGES)
14 March 2026 – Dulcie’s Cottage, Djiringanj and Thaua Country/Merimbula (FREE – ALL AGES)
21 March 2026 – Pleasure Club, Eora/Sydney (FREE – 18+)

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Flea Releases Jazzy Frank Ocean Cover

When an artist goes solo, I appreciate a left turn. Don’t give me more of the kind of music you make with your band. I want to hear something new, out of the box. And you don’t get much more out of the box than the music that Naarm/Melbourne-born creative Flea, best known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, has recorded for his solo album. His forthcoming album Honora features Flea on trumpet and bass making fantastic jazz music. I’m totally digging his version of “Thinkin Bout You,” originally recorded by Frank Ocean.

“Channel Orange! When that record came out, it really blew me away,” Flea enthused. “I listened to it ten million times. It was something I just couldn’t stop listening to. I loved it so much and still do. Just one of those real watershed moment records for me. ‘Thinkin Bout You’ is one of the many great songs on that record, and I thought it would be fun to play on trumpet. Then I went to Nate Wolcott, who plays keyboards on Honora on several tunes. He did that string arrangement for me. He stepped up to the plate and really did something beautiful. I just wanted to get the honest beauty of the melody because it’s a great song.”

Flea will release Honora on March 27 before embarking on a solo tour in May.

7 May 2026 – Thalia Hall, Chicago
9 May 2026 – The Opera House, Toronto
10 May 2026 – Théâtre Beanfield, Montreal
12 May 2026 – Webster Hall, New York
13 May 2026 – Black Cat, Washington, DC
16 May 2026 – The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles
21 May 2026 – Heimathafen, Berlin
22 May 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
26 May 2026 – Koko, London
28 May 2026 – Alhambra, Paris
Photo credit: Gus Van Sant

Chloe Gill Bares Her Soul With “Pushing Punishment”

Mulubinba/Newcastle-based country artist Chloe Gill has wowed me with her latest single “Pushing Punishment.” Her voice is so compelling, I could listen to her sing the phone book. But this empowering and deeply personal track is so much better than that.

“This song feels like me becoming me,” Chloe said. “Growing into my adult self, growing into my personality, being kind to myself and others, listening to my own heart and my own needs, accepting my neurodivergence and my personality and learning about how to pave my own life for how I want to live it and achieve my dreams. Learning to ‘fill my cup’ first or to ‘put my own oxygen mask on first.’ I can’t show up for anyone else until I’ve shown up for me first.”

“Pushing Punishment” comes from Chloe’s debut album I Have a Habit of Dreaming, which she’ll release on March 12. She’ll give us a little time to sit with her songs before touring the album from April. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

17 April 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Mayfield
21 May 2026 – The Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne
22 May 2026 – The Taproom @ Shedshaker Brewing, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (FREE)
23 May 2026 – Peninsula Hot Springs, Bunurong Country/Mornington Peninsula (FREE with bathing)
24 May 2026 – Shiraz Republic, Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung, and Yorta Yorta Country/Cornella
30 May 2026 – Knappstein, Ngadjuri Country/Clare Valley
31 May 2026 – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 June 2026 – The Factory Fusebox, Bulanaming/Marrickville

Photo credit: Jade Steg & Jess Macc