Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hassall Impresses With “Overpopulator”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Hassall hits all the right notes with her relatable new indie-pop single, “Overpopulator.” With intricate lyrics and unpredictably addictive melodic movements, just see if you can resist playing this one a few times in a row.

The song’s music video, filmed by Willem Kingma (Bones & Jones, The Grogans), was shot in several locations around the regional Victorian town of Kolijon Country/Colac. Hassall said the clip aims to replicate the song’s over-caffeinated vibe.

“My favourite part of the day was shooting at our friend Maggie’s house,” she added. “It was a beautiful old house with feature pieces of furniture, and each room was painted a totally different colour, which made it ideal for filming.”

“Overpopulator” comes from Hassall’s debut album Means More to Me Than It Does to You, which drops on July 3. Before that she’ll support Killing Heidi on their 25 Years of Reflector shows, so if you’ve got some tickets make sure you don’t miss her set!

20 June 2025 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
21 June 2025 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth
26 June 2025 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 June 2025 – Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
28 June 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Jurek Lubinski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston Releases Ode to the Past, “Back in the Day”

James Johnston tugs at the heartstrings with his nostalgic new single, “Back in the Day.” The track, which James cowrote with Morgan Evans, celebrates a simpler time when the world felt more connected, honest, and a little less crazy.

“’Back in the Day’ was written from a raw and unfiltered place!” James said. “I’ve known Morgan since I was about 10 years old and we just started chatting about that time in our lives and how things just seemed simpler. We started writing and the song came effortlessly! Putting myself back there brought back mixed feelings. On one hand there is a real joy in going back to those simpler times, but at the same time there is a sadness in missing what felt like a happier, safer world! I feel ‘Back in the Day’ really captures both of those emotions.”

James has some exciting headlining shows and appearances at leading country music festivals coming up, so make sure you catch him anywhere you can.

27 June 2025 – Country Fest@ Dittman Bull Pit, Yuwibara Country/Bloomsbury
31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor State Forest, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie
14 September 2025 – Night at the Parkland @ Roma Street Parkland, Meeanjin/Brisbane
3 October 2025 – Night at the Barracks @ North Head Sanctuary, Kay-ye-my Country/Manly
11 October 2025 – Savannah in the Round @ Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Muluridji Country/Mareeba

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cordiform Drop “So What!” Ahead of East Coast Tour

If you’re struggling to get through the working week, give yourself a moment to crank up “So What!”, the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne-based emo pop-punk act Cordiform.

I don’t throw the term perfect around lightly, but this might just be the perfect pop-punk song. Its energetic intro piqued my interest, but those relatable lyrics delivered so convincingly by James Hibble assured me these guys are the real deal. Then when the intensity of those drums went up a notch to match the power of Liam Nolan’s grittier vocals in the second verse, my adoration went to another level. “So What!” is anthemic, perfect for singing along to when life gets too much.

“[So What!] was one of the first songs we started working on after we released our debut EP, Growth & Despair, in October 2023,” Liam said. “The original idea was Tim Irwin’s [drummer] really early in writing, always looking at it wondering how we would use it. It went through a lot of changes but the foundations were always linked back to the original demo. It took working with [producer Ionei] Heckenberg to really pull a chorus together that felt big enough to give the energy to the song we thought it deserved.”

Ionei also shot, directed, and edited the music video for “So What!” with Jaydon Colvin. The clip sees the band coming together with Cordi Club, their playful take on Fight Club. While it’s lighthearted, it also emphasized how even the most mundane things can become meaningful when they’re shared.

“Working with [Jayden and Ionei] was so effortless,” Liam enthused. “They really took our ideas and our lack of experience and really guided us through a massive day. They are so energetic and uptempo with their work and they really want you to walk away with the best product possible. It was something like 36c when we filmed that day and everyone was struggling under all the lights in the cramped spaces but they never showed it, even if we did.”

Cordiform are wasting no time celebrating the release of “So What!”, kicking off an epic East Coast tour supporting Chasing Ghosts tomorrow. Tickets are still available, so get on it!

6 June 2025 – The Austral, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 June 2025 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat
8 June 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
13 June 2025 – Oxford Art Gallery, Eora/Sydney
14 June 2025 – Greaser Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
9 August 2025 – 2 Pizza 2 Planet Festival @ Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Tony Tailor

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Bites Back With “Snarling”

Emerging Meeanjin/Brisbane indie punk act Bad Neighbour have just become the latest band to sign with new Aussie label Ninth Life Records. To celebrate, they’ve just dropped a killer new single “Snarling” which really shows their teeth.

“’Snarling’ was written after the end of a long relationship,” explained Bad Neighbour frontman Cooper Riley. “I was coming to terms with letting someone down, and how my life had changed and what the landscape of my future looked like.”

After dropping their debut album Millions last September, the release of “Snarling” marks a new chapter for Bad Neighbour. They’ll celebrate by joining The Smith Street Band on their upcoming shows all around the country, so make sure you don’t miss their sets.

11 July 2025 – Altar, Nipaluna/Hobart (supporting The Smith Street Band)
12 July 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT – supporting The Smith Street Band)
13 July 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting The Smith Street Band)
18 July 2025 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney (supporting The Smith Street Band)
19 July 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT – supporting The Smith Street Band)
20 July 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting The Smith Street Band)
24 July 2025 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting The Smith Street Band)
25 July 2025 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth (supporting The Smith Street Band)
26 July 2025 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Noongar Country/Scarborough (supporting The Smith Street Band)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thorne Shows His Sexy Side With “Honey”

Guyanese-Australian act Thorne has just released his latest single “Honey,” and I know it’s exactly the vibe you need this Saturday. Whether you’ll be hitting the town later or staging a private dance party at home, this sexy celebration of queer love will get you grooving. No matter how you identify, this fierce, feel-good anthem slaps.

“I want people to feel unstoppable when they hear ‘Honey’ — like they’ve lived through the storm and come out hotter, louder, and impossible to ignore,” Thorne said.

Zoe Robinson directed the steamy video which features, according to the press release, “towel-draped teasing, honey-drizzled ice cream, flirty snapshots in bed with a boy, and a house party buzzing with fans, food, and chosen family.” Did it get a few degrees hotter in here or is it just me?

“We were originally meant to film at my dad’s place—until he read the script and said it was too sexy. So we rented an Airbnb, shot it all in a whirlwind night and day, and honestly, it turned out better,’ Thorne said. “The whole process brought me and my friends even closer—it’s silly, it’s steamy, and it’s exactly the delicious kind of queer joy ‘Honey’ is all about.”

Thorne will celebrate the release of “Honey” with a special show at Shotkickers in Naarm/Melbourne on June 21.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Merpire Releases Nostalgic New Single, “Leaving With You”

Merpire is giving me serious ‘90s vibes with her latest single “Leaving With You.” It’s got a cool grungy feel that reminds me a little of tracks from artists of the era like Juliana Hatfield and Liz Phair.

“‘Leaving With You’ is about those feelings you get around a crush when you have an inkling they feel the same way: the wonder if they’ll turn up to the party you’re at is both unnerving and exhilarating, you’re not sure if you’re hiding it well, nothing fills you with more energy than your crush being in your vicinity,” Merpire said. “You think about going home, you’re tired, but then they turn up and suddenly you could stay all night, living in this space where the probability between hooking up with them and not hooking up with them is equal.”

“Leaving With You” comes from Merpire’s forthcoming album Milk Pool, which drops on July 4. Click through to order your copy on vinyl. No doubt she’ll road test tracks from that release when she supports Ball Park Music at the Metro on May 31. If you’re getting along, make sure you arrive early enough for her set.

Image used with permission from Special Interest

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Flynn Gurry Releases Exciting New Single Ahead of East Coast Tour

Flynn Gurry effortlessly blends earnest folk with pop energy on “Don’t Stop Dreaming,” his first single released under ABC Music. If you’re into artists like Vance Joy and Mumford & Sons, I know you’ll dig this.

“This song was written post-comedown from my first big tour,” Flynn said. “The last show I had played on that tour is still one of my most memorable shows and I had begun writing the lyrics in the green room whilst the headline band was playing. Feelings of bittersweet. There was a period after that tour where I spent a lot of my time wondering what was next because essentially, I had ticked off a very important bucket list moment – and the chorus came from this place. Ultimately this song is a reminder to myself to not stop dreaming, reminding me to keep pushing and not forget the little person with his guitar just wanting to play the fuck out of it in front of people.”

Since Flynn penned “Don’t Stop Dreaming” during some post-tour blues, it’s no surprise that he’s back on the road next month to support its release. This will be his first headlining tour, so make sure you get out there and show your support.

6 June 2025 – Wesley Anne, Wurundjeri-willam Country/Northcote
7 June 2025 – The Space, Dhauwurd Wurrung/Warrnambool
20 June 2025 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
21 June 2025 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Michael Peters

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Riley Pearce Releases New Indie-Folk Gem, “Good To Me Now”

As the sun finally makes its presence felt in New South Wales for the first time in what feels like forever, “Good To Me Now,” the latest single from Western Australian indie-folk act Riley Pearce, is exactly what I needed to hear. Its cool, chilled-out acoustic vibe is the perfect match for a weekend with clear skies.

“Music and its place in my life has shifted somewhat since becoming a father, as other things take priority, and I’ve morphed music to fit my life instead of the inverse… ‘Good To Me Now’ is a representation of these changing priorities,” Riley explained.

“Good To Me Now” comes from Riley’s next body of work. I’m not sure whether that will be an album or an EP, but I’m looking forward to hearing it!

Photo credit: Cedric Tang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Releases Bold New Banger, “This City”

Fresh from winning Good Intent’s Greater Good prize, talented Meeanjin/Brisbane-based teen ixaras has dropped her fantastic new single, “This City.” With a blend of percussion, didgeridoo, and synths, this track doesn’t sound like anything else. It’s a masterclass in what can happen when sonic risks pay off.

“‘This City’ is a portrait of self-reinvention in a world where survival demands transformation,” ixaras explained. “Inspired by the novel ‘Jekyll and Hyde,’ the song explores the psychological toll of killing off your past self to succeed. The refrain, ‘This City Knows My Name’, is manifestation, declaration, and lying all in one. It’s about the pursuit of ambition, acknowledging what parts of yourself you’ve sacrificed along the way, such as the paranoia of being perceived, a love letter to the version of you that had to disappear so the world would take notice.”

“This City” comes with a cool black and white music video shot in Eora/Sydney and directed by Mellow Minh.

“Ixara and I met a while back when I was out on tour with Skeggs — I instantly knew as soon as I heard her play, an exhilaration that I never heard before. So, as soon as I finished the leg, I dm’d her, wanting to work with her,” Mellow Minh said. “As manifestation has it, while in Vietnam she hit me with this track, and it blew my mind. I knew I wanted to make something out of it — the idea instantly came to mind, and we never looked back.”

If you’re not already over ixaras’ music, it’s time to take a deep dive on the streaming services. She’s definitely a local artist to watch.

Photo credit: Billy Zammit

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

GLVES Releases Bold New Bop, “Time”

First Nations artist GLVES is pushing the envelope with her stunning new single “Time.” It’s a cinematic alt-pop number that’s bound to stay with you long after you hear it.

At its core, this song is about connection. GLVES reflects on how being present is the most radical form of love we can give someone. It comes with an incredible film clip directed by Butchulla/Kamilaroi filmmaker Rhianna Malezer, choreographed by Ewamian, Cobble Cobble, Birri, and South Sea Islander artist Allirah Fisher, and produced by GLVES.

This is such an exciting release from GLVES and I can’t wait to hear more.

Photo credit: Jason Star