Category: Film Clips

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Winters End Honour Late Member Christopher With “Deadtree”

In the 2010s, fantastic songs like “Ivy” and “Afterthought” put Eora/Sydney act Winters End on my radar. However, in 2020 they disappeared from view when founding member Christopher Pinto passed away suddenly from a head injury. After several years of grief and soul searching, his sister and collaborator Marissa Pinto has decided to continue Winters End in her brother’s memory. The new single “Deadtree” is a heartbreaking tribute to Christopher. Marissa’s voice has always captivated me, but I’ve never been quite so moved by it as I am listening to this song.

The recording sees Marissa reuniting with Winters End’s longtime producer Lachlan Mitchell, known for his work with The Whitlams and The Jezabels. It was recorded at Parliament Studios and mastered at Studios 301 by Steve Smart.

Winters End will support Ocean Wizard at Wombat Brewery in Yuin Country/Ulladulla on January 17 before a hometown headliner show at Oxford Art Factory on January 24 to promote the release of “Deadtree.”

Image used with permission from Winters End

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amy Pania Reinvents Herself as Amyrah

Rubibi/Broome-based artist Amy Pania is laying her heart bare under a brand new musical moniker, Amyrah. She admits her latest single “Inside Out” is the “rawest” track she’s ever released.

“I wrote it at the bottom of an emotional pit, struggling with my mental health and these cycles of anger that left me seeing red, but creating the song became the moment I finally climbed out,” she said.

Amy’s voice is gorgeous, soulful and brimming with emotion. And I love when artists aren’t afraid to be vulnerable and so authentically themselves. This is pop music that matters. I can’t wait to hear from Amyrah this year.  

Image used with permission from Blue Music Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Colin Lillie Celebrates Unity in Australia With “Our Land”

Last year I felt division within Australia in a way I’ve never felt before. I happened to catch a train full of people heading to Eora/Sydney for an anti-immigration march. It was packed with white retirees holding flags sounding off about migrants taking over their country. I watched in horror as one man said loudly that he should have worn his steel-capped boots as an Asian woman apologised while trying to make her way through the crowd and get off the train. That same night an Asian man wearing a Make America Great Again cap asked me whether I had a problem with him. Of course I said no, swiftly looked down, but wondered what would have happened if I’d answered in the affirmative. A couple of months later, I found myself sitting in a crowded park during a local seafood festival, trying to enjoy my fish and chips, when more white Boomers began sounding off about immigration. Then of course there was the terrorist attack in Bondi, a frightening reminder that hatred against people based on they are can turn deadly.

I’m naïve enough to think that the tragedy at Bondi and the acts of brave Aussies like Ahmed al-Ahmed may help remind us that we are one community and that our differences make us stronger. I’m also naïve enough to think music can make a difference. So in that spirit, I wanted to post about “Our Land” by Colin Lillie, a Scottish immigrant living in Mparntwe/Alice Springs who’s pretty proud to call Australia home. He’s joined by diverse contributors who played their parts from all parts of the country: Norman Daymarringu, Liam Jangala Price, Xueyan Chen, Gretta Ziller, Pete Denahy, Brad Bergen, Wayne Davis, and the stunning Austranesia Choir from Cairns.

“Its refrain, ‘We belong to this land,’ captures the essence of those who’ve come from all corners of the world to call Australia home”, Colin said. “The song is both personal and universal – a declaration of love for a country that welcomes, unites and inspires.”

Wayne Davis of Treetop Media shot the gorgeous video to highlight the contributions Colin’s collaborators and the parts of Australia they call home. He also made a feature-length documentary which follows Colin’s journey across the country meeting elders, artists, and everyday Aussies, which will be released later this year. After the 2025 we’ve just had, art like this which celebrates togetherness is exactly the sort of thing I want to champion in 2026.

Photo source: Colin Lillie promo kit

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sewell Siblings Playing Bloodline Shows

The ultra-talented Sewell siblings – Conrad Sewell and his sister Grace Sewell (Saygrace) – are teaming up for some intimate shows in the major capitals next June. The tour announcement comes off the back of the release of Conrad’s gorgeous new single, “Deserve.”

“We’ve always wanted to tour together, but our schedules never aligned – Grace being in LA and me being in Australia made it pretty tough. It finally feels like the right moment in both of our careers to share the stage and make this happen,” Conrad said. “We’ll both be bringing our own sets, but the real magic happens when we come together – harmonies, stripped-back versions of our songs, and a few surprises we’ve never done publicly before. It’s a celebration of family, storytelling, and the music that shaped us – this tour is all about connection: with each other, with our fans, and with the songs that mean the most to us.”

If you’re a fan of Conrad, Saygrace, or both, you won’t want to miss this. Tickets to Conrad and Grace’s Bloodline tour are on sale now through the links below.

5 June 2026 – The Night Cat, Naarm/Melbourne
6 June 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide (ALL AGES)
26 June 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (ALL AGES)
27 June 2026 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ella Hooper Releases “Growing Up is Hard to Do” Ahead of Summer Shows

She’s probably still best known for rocking out front of Killing Heidi, but I really dig the country feel of Ella Hooper’s solo material. Her latest single “Growing Up is Hard to Do” is a fantastic example of the brilliant new music she’s making. It’s so much fun with its relatable, introspective lyrics and catchy country-rock sound. Just when you think it can’t get any better, that sax solo from Mika Kohlman kicks in!

“This song comes from a period of self-reflection that kinda started with Small Town Temple – my last album,” Ella continues. “It finds me in a place where I can almost accept that growing pains never stop…I’m just learning to write different songs about them. It feels playful to me, as life is a little lighter now, internally anyway,” Ella adds. “Some days I can roll my eyes at the chaos of the last few years, or my whole life actually…it’s certainly been a hell of a ride. And as they say, if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry!”

If you want to hear more of Ella’s new music, catch her on her summer tour. Tickets are available through the links for all shows.

10 January 2026 – Music in the Vines @ Dellatite Winery, Taungurung Country/Mansfield
21 January 2026 – Tamworth Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
31 January 2026 – Bundalaguah & Myrtlebank Hall, Gunaikurnai Country/Bundalaguah
1 February 2026 – Archie’s Creek Hotel, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
6 February 2026 – The Stag & Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Mayfield
7 February 2026 – Mangrove Mountain Hall, Darkinjung Country/Mangrove Mountain
8 February 2026 – Little Alberts @ The Victoria Bathurst, Wiradjuri Country/Bathurst
13 February 2026 – Boyup Brook Country Music Muster @ Music Park, Noongar Country/Boyup Brook
21 February 2026 – Americana on the Bellarine @ Ocean Grove Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Ocean Grove
28 February 2026 – Westernport Yacht Club, Boon Wurrung Country/Balnarring Beach
15 March 2026 – Music in the Gardens @ Albury Botanic Gardens, Bungambrawatha/Albury (FREE)
20 March 2026 – Yackandandah Folk Festival, Dhudhuroa Country/Yackandandah
28 March 2026 – Always Good Nights @ TBA, Marapikurrinya/Port Hedland
17 April 2026 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
2 May 2026 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach
9 May 2026 – Portland Arts Centre, Gunditjmara Country/Portland
29 May 2026 – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Ngarrindjeri Country/Goolwa
31 May 2026 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Jeremy Dylan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Flips the Script With “Reasons”

After all this time following them, I thought I knew what to expect from Bootleg Rascal. But they’re really shaken things up with their latest song “Reasons,” taking their tongues out of their proverbial cheeks and delivering a touching heartbreak anthem.

“‘Reasons’ was a co-write we did with our mate Matt Collins from Wharves,” explained guitarist Jimmy Young. “He had a demo of the song and wasn’t totally sure where to go with it. We saw something in it and decided to give it a crack. It also features the always exquisite production skills of our mate Caleb Tasker, and we’re all pretty stoked with how it turned out in the end. On face value, ‘Reasons’ could easily be passed off as another break-up/heartbreak song. Those themes are in there for sure, but I think bubbling under the surface, the song also touches on broader elements of human connection. The commonality of emotions that we as people all share at some point in our lives, no matter our race, sex or background.”

“Reasons” comes from Bootleg Rascal’s self-titled album, released in October. They’re bringing songs from that record and all your old favourites to venues across the country in the New Year. Tickets are available now through the links.

10 January 2026 – Hair of the Dog @ The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 January 2026 – Six Strings Brewing, Darkinjung Country/Erina
16 January 2026 – Ruby’s Upstairs @ Bank Hotel, Mulubinba/East Maitland
17 January 2026 – Freshwater Brewing Company, Dharug Country/Brookvale
22 January 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
23 January 2026 – The Lansdowne Hotel, Eora/Sydney
24 January 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 January 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
31 January 2026 – The River, Wooditchup/Margaret River
7 February 2026 – Railway Sports & Social Club, Larrakia/Darwin
12 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 February 2026 – Republic Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
15 February 2026 – Royal Oak Hotel, Kanamaluka/Launceston
21 February 2026 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast

Image used with permission from Bootleg Rascal

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bic Runga Bringing Red Sunset Shows Down Under

To many people, Kiwi singer-songwriter Bic Runga is a one-hit wonder. While “Sway” was a monster hit, that tag is a bit dismissive of her artistry. She’s actually released five studio albums, and on February 13 she’ll add Red Sunset to the collection. So perhaps it’s not so much of a surprise that in April she’ll grace our shores for some intimate shows.

Red Sunset is Bic’s first album of all original material since 2011’s Belle. Listening to the title track, you can hear that Bic has seriously evolved since her breakthrough hit. Its dance-pop flavour is a bit of a left turn, but Bic pulls it off. After taking a bit of a deep dive into her music today, I’m excited to hear the rest of the new stuff.

Bic will visit Australia after playing gigs in her native Aotearoa/New Zealand. While promoting Red Sunset, she promises to play plenty of favourites from her earlier albums. Tickets are available now through the links.

9 April 2026 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
11 April 2026 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 April 2026 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
14 April 2026 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri Country/Canberra
16 April 2026 – Freo.Social, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ben Provest Releases Beautiful Folk Gem, “Trying to be Brave”

Some songs capture your heart from the first listen. Others are a bit more subtle. You need to have patience to see their beauty. Listening to those songs can often be more rewarding, because you know you might have missed out if you had just moved on to the next thing. Ben Provest’s “Trying to be Brave” is one of those slow burns for me. So take your time with it. It might not hit you instantly, but when it does I know you’ll fall just as hard as I did.

Ben wrote, performed, recorded, mixed, and mastered this single himself during a month-long residency in a small Icelandic fishing village. You can hear that isolation and calm coming through this single. It’s special. I’m so glad I didn’t overlook it.

“I recorded it in Studio Silo, an incredible space built as a labour of love and filled with restored vintage gear,” Ben explained. “The upright piano was recorded with a pair of Coles 4038 ribbon microphones, and the acoustic guitar and lead vocal with a U67-style condenser. The instruments include my Martin 000-18M acoustic guitar, a Roland Juno 106, the cheap banjo that was laying around the studio, a Fender Precision Bass, and programmed drums. I recorded, mixed, and mastered everything myself in Logic Pro X.

“At its heart, the song was inspired by someone I was close to, Amelia,” adds Ben. “We broke up after living together in Melbourne during COVID, and I wrote this with her in mind. But more broadly, it became about letting go of fear – being brave enough to trust again, to follow your instincts, and to live an authentic life.”

Give yourself a moment or two and let this song seep into your pores. It’s a special one.

Photo credit: Answer Fraser

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Madi Leeds Releases Dreamy New Single, “Nightmare”

Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Madi Leeds has got me feeling nostalgic with her latest single “Nightmare.” While the song was inspired by a creepy lucid dream, it’s got a chill indie feel that reminds me of 90s acts like Aimee Mann and Shawn Colvin. It’s the most relaxed song about existential dread you’re likely to hear today!

“People often say things like, ‘Why don’t you leave that for later in life?’ or ‘What’s the rush?’ But I’ve always felt that getting older is a privilege and feel that tomorrow isn’t promised,” Madi explained. “From experiences with grief and loss I try not to take things for granted.”

She noted that the song was inspired by a lucid dream she had after fainting during a Phoebe Bridgers festival set.

“In the dream, I was asleep in my own home while an old, witch-like woman in a cloak watched me from my street – then suffocated me and I couldn’t wake up. Later, I found out it’s a common lucid dream known as ‘the old hag’. The lyrics draw from that dream but also use it as a metaphor – of being haunted by my future self, or the fear of looking back one day and realising I didn’t live my life to the fullest.”

After recently playing a string of shows in Asia, Madi plans to announce some local dates and more music for 2026. Watch this space!

Photo credit: Isaiah Cirillo @wip.zay

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Show Sensitive Side With “Here We Go Again”

Pacific Avenue are wearing their hearts on their sleeve with their sophomore studio album Lovesick Sentimental. Their new single “Here We Go Again” sets the tone with its emotionally honest lyrics.

“The new single ‘Here We Go Again’ is a song about holding onto love, through the good times and the hard throughout a relationship, it’s finding the small things that make you continue to fall for that person,” frontman Harry O’Brien explained. “The song reads like a first-person recount; however, moments of the lyrics are meant to shift perspectives, ‘I almost forgot what you did’ is meant aimed back towards me, in times when I was hard to love.”

Pacific Avenue will release Lovesick Sentimental on March 6 and waste no time getting back on stages. They’ll kick off their Aussie tour the same day in Boorloo/Perth before hitting most Aussie capitals followed by shows in Europe and the United Kingdom.

6 March 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
7 March 2026 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 March 2026 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2026 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2026 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 March 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 April 2026 – POPUP!, Paris
4 April 2026 – MTC Club, Koln
5 April 2026 – Badehaus, Berlin
7 April 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
9 April 2026 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
10 April 2026 – The Louisiana, Bristol
11 April 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
13 April 2026 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
14 April 2026 – O2 Institute, Birmingham
16 April 2026 – The Dead Famous Late Night Liquor Lounge, Newquay
17 April 2026 – The Garage, London

Image used with permission from Varrasso PR