Tom Busby Builds Anticipation for Debut Solo Album With “In the Dark”

While I enjoyed his music with Busby Marou, I’ve been really excited watching Tom Busby’s solo journey. He’s dropped a string of singles, including “Waiting For Tomorrow” with Ben Kweller, but I think his latest release “In the Dark” is his best yet. It’s a beautiful ballad with one of the rawest and most powerful vocals I’ve heard in some time.

“In the Dark” comes from Tom’s solo album Rockhampton Hangover, which drops on February 20. He’s currently giving fans a taste of the new material on an East Coast tour.

“I just love being back on the road with this young band,” he enthused. “They are red hot and bring so much energy. Playing these intimate rooms feels special, the connection is real, and the storytelling is off the hook.”

Click the links for tickets to Tom’s remaining solo shows:

20 November 2025 – The Citadel, Bandjalang Country/Murwillumbah
21 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 November 2025 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
28 November 2025 – Bellarine Estate, Bellawiyn/Bellarine
29 November 2025 – Shedshaker Taproom, Djandak/Castlemaine
30 November 2025 – The Retreat, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot

Morgan Evans Celebrates Hometown With Latest Single, Album

As a Novocastrian born and bred, I’m incredibly proud of the place I grew up and its musical exports. My heart is so full seeing hometown hero Morgan Evans taking the world by storm. His career might have taken him to Nashville, but his heart is never far from Mulubinba/Newcastle.

After recently signing a new deal with the Virgin Music Group, Morgan has just released his latest single “Beer Back Home,” which was no doubt inspired by boozy nights out at local haunts like The Del or Stag and Hunter. The single gives us our first taste of Morgan’s sophomore album Steel City, which drops on March 20.

“I’m stoked to partner with Virgin Music Group on this record,” Morgan said. “They’ve built a global team that gets Nashville, Europe, Australia, and they get me. The industry’s changing fast, but their model keeps artists in control, especially creatively. I couldn’t be prouder of this new music or more excited to share it with the world alongside the legends at VMG. Let’s go!”

Morgan will be back in the Steel City on February 14 for the Howlin’ Country Music Festival. He’ll also play Meatstock in Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba and Gunaikurnai/Gippsland in April before returning to the United States.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute

Talk Heavy Shows Softer Side With “Wedding Bands”

The punk genre isn’t known for its love songs, but Meeanjin/Brisbane band Talk Heavy aren’t afraid to buck the trends and show their vulnerable side. Their latest single “Wedding Bands” has got to be the sweetest emo track I’ve heard all year!

“It reflects on meeting someone, those early moments, and how they compare to where you are now, looking forward to the rest of your lives,” explained Talk Heavy’s frontman Matt Cochran. “Musically, it pulls influence from Rozwell Kid, Modern Baseball, Joyce Manor, and even Modest Mouse in the lead guitar. I think it tells a strong lyrical story from the daydream of the first verse, to the real-time moment of the second verse, into the realization of the outro.”

After recently inking a deal with local label Ninth Life Records, Talk Heavy are preparing to release a stack of fresh tracks in the coming months. Follow them on the socials to learn more about the tunes to come.

Photo credit: Joshua Redbeard

Pacific Avenue Mark New Chapter With “Working Class Hero”

Pacific Avenue have taken their sound up a gear with their latest single “Working Class Hero.” With more intensity than their usual beachy fare, this is a proper indie rock anthem. Press play, turn up the volume, and enjoy this one.

“‘Working Class Hero’ serves as a tribute to our hometowns of Kiama and Gerringong (Wodi Wodi Country), and the hardworking people who keep them alive,” the band explained. “Growing up in small regional towns, we were shaped by a tight community where loyalty and perseverance ran deep. As we pursued music, moving away from home brought a sense of guilt—leaving behind family and friends. The song’s verses reflect the nostalgia of growing up with a close friend and the joys of small-town life, while the chorus explores the regret and longing of wondering if we’d made the right choice to leave. While we love being on the road and touring, part of us misses the integrity of actively contributing to a community. We aim to convey the heroism that often goes unnoticed, and hope this leaves viewers with a renewed appreciation for their own communities.”

“Working Class Hero” delivers our first taste of Pacific Avenue’s sophomore album, which should drop early next year.

Image used with permission from Varrasso PR

Cheeky Leash Spread Sunshine With “Change”

After a few gloomy cold days, I’m happy to see some sunshine in my part of Australia in time for the weekend. It’s the perfect weather for hitting the beach, and the perfect time to blast “Change,” the latest single from Woolyungah/Wollongong quartet Cheeky Leash. It’s got such a fun, upbeat vibe, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll realise it’s a little deeper than you might think.

“The song ‘Change’ is rooted in the cost-of-living crisis and reflects how society has become so focused on getting ahead that we’ve lost a sense of connection with each other,” the band explained. “It’s a metaphor for transformation whether that’s personal growth, the evolving world, or even the band’s own musical development. There’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age film feel to the track and lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. Lines like ‘Still searching for change…’ play on the dual meanings of spare money and a deeper desire for societal change, making it resonate differently depending on the listener’s own experiences.”

Cheeky Leash will celebrate the release of “Change” with a whole stack of shows this November and December, including headlining performances and concerts supporting South Summit. Expect plenty of good vibes at the following gigs.

6 November 2025 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
7 November 2025 – Elsewhere ‘Bespoke,’ Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
8 November 2025 – Solbar, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
14 November 2025 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting South Summit)
15 November 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting South Summit)
16 November 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
22 November 2025 – Felons Barrel Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
23 November 2025 – Hotel Steyne Upstairs Beach Club, Gayamegal Country/Manly (FREE)
28 November 2025 – Dissent Cafe & Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
29 November 2025 – Marlin Hotel, Murramurrang Country/Ulladulla
5 December 2025 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
12 December 2025 – Gage Roads Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)

Photo credit: Tiarna Stahmer

Ruby Gilbert Drops Dramatic New Noir Country Single, “Goddamn Fool”

I had to check the date before posting about “Goddamn Fool,” the latest single by Ruby Gilbert. It sounds like it could score a classic Sergio Leone spaghetti western, but I assure you it’s a fresh 2025 release.

When asked about “Goddamn Fool,” Ruby explained “It’s about karmic justice; being outplayed, knowing you had it coming, and accepting the fall without asking for forgiveness or redemption.”

I just love how this one sounds. You’ve got country staples like the banjo and acoustic guitar, but also a Mariachi-style brass section in the mix. It’s so lush and layered, with Ruby’s unique voice the cherry on top. If you like your country music dark, feast your ears on “Goddamn Fool.”

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Late 90s Release Rock Belter, “Low”

Boorloo/Perth rock act Late 90s have really impressed me with their latest single “Low.” It’s a little heavier than the music I usually go for, but if it’s good, it’s good, right? And this epic rock anthem is really good.

“‘Low’ is about that internal monologue of self-love and self-loathing – knowing you’re heading off course and wanting to be better but you just don’t know how to be a better version of yourself and then beating yourself up for it,” the band explained.

Guitarist Stephen Loreck added “Last year I struggled a bit with self-esteem and valuing myself. Sometimes you don’t know where to start to get better, maybe you’re waiting for someone or something to happen for you to get your shit together.”

Stephen didn’t just play on “Low”; he also took over production duties for the first time. The band looked to their live sound engineer Emmett Carroll for mixing and entrusted the mastering to Brodie Stewart.

“The process of making ‘Low’ was so different to any other song we have done as we took way more of a DIY approach, with me producing the song,” Stephen explained. “We started recording this song before our previous EP came out, so we had a bit of time to obsess over all the parts, trying everything we could to just give the song an extra 10% for example tracking vocals three different times and bass twice haha. Some of our favourite parts of the song we wrote in the studio, just trying out random stuff, so having the time and freedom to experiment more was something we really valued. It was also really beneficial to have Emmett Carroll involved as he provided a lot of technical support, engineering when I was playing guitar or singing and coming up with some good ideas.”

Next up Late 90s will play for hometown fans at Sidefest, which will hit Rosemount Hotel from November 21 to 23. Catch them on the first day alongside top artists like Stand Atlantic, Dear Seattle, and heaps more. Or buy a weekend pass to catch all the action!

Photo credit: Mitch Love

Malaika Mfalme Wows Me With “Berlin”

I really appreciate artists who prioritise quality over quantity. I’d much rather musicians take time to create something meaningful than churn out substandard work. Malaika Mfalme’s album Yasmin was one of my favourites of 2023, and now he’s back with “Berlin.” This is a stunning, stripped-back track that explores friendship, grief, and the freedom of anonymity against the backdrop of Germany’s capital.

“I wrote this song about three years ago, when I was in Berlin. I’d just lost my passport, was feeling disconnected from friends, and realised how freeing it can be to be unknown,” Malaika said. “There’s a line in the chorus that still hits me: ‘Maybe I won’t apologise for who I am in a place that don’t give a damn.’”

As a proud trans artist, Malaika’s work has consistently celebrated Black queer joy and resilience. He explained that they found the joy that helped them through such a challenging time in Berlin’s party scene. “It made me feel at home and fully accepted within the queer community there. That sense of joy and belonging was such a contrast to the heaviness I’d been carrying.”

“Berlin” is our first taste of Malaika’s new EP Forthcoming, which is slated for a November release.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

My Chérie Impresses With “Dishes in the Sink”

After wowing me with her cinematic, genre-bending singles “Darkness & Gold” and “Don’t Compare Yourself” last year, I’m thrilled to wrap my ears around fantastic new music from My Chérie. Her latest release “Dishes in the Sink” is a haunting and poetic exploration of relationship friction and the longing for peace. Take a moment to really absorb this one, because you won’t want to miss a single note.

“This one came from a place of grief and self-reflection,” My Chérie explained. “It’s about sitting with the parts of ourselves we’re still learning to love, and the disconnect that can exist even in the closest relationships. We crumble into old selves we swore we’d outgrow … but healing isn’t linear, and love isn’t always simple.”

My Chérie is establishing herself as such an important voice on the contemporary music scene. Hopefully “Dishes in the Sink” is the first in a whole lot more new material from this exciting artist.

Photo credit: Clementine’s Gallery

Infinity Song Announce Aussie Return

After wowing crowds on their first Australian tour in late 2024, New York sibling quartet Infinity Song are preparing for a return visit. They’ll touch down for a string of intimate shows, including their first in Boorloo/Perth, early next year.

If you’re not already across Infinity Song, let me get you up to speed. They started out busking around New York City before Jay-Z signed them to his Roc Nation label. Their music is a beautiful retro throwback with sublime harmonies that have seen them compared to acts like the Mamas and the Papas and the Fifth Dimension. It’s like nothing people are making now, yet it’s seen them take stages at festivals like Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and Bonnaroo.

While their Aussie venues are slightly bigger this time around, they’re still intimate enough for you to appreciate the special music this four-piece creates. If you missed out last time, don’t make the same mistake this tour. Tickets are on sale now for all Infinity Song’s upcoming Aussie shows:

30 January 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
31 January 2025 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne
1 February 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 February 2025 – Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from beehive