Joe Mungovan channels a classic Brit Pop sound with his cool new single, “Melodrama.” Its clever lyrics explore the contemporary capitalist culture, where it often feels like humanity is in short supply.
“I think ‘Melodrama’ came from feeling overwhelmed by the world and how performative everything can feel now,” Joe admitted. “Everyone’s chasing something, selling something, escaping into something… but underneath all of that, I still think people just want to connect and feel loved. The song’s kind of sarcastic and cynical on the surface, but there’s also this genuine message in there of ‘be kind and good to one another,’ because at the end of the day, that’s really the only thing that cuts through all the nonsense.”
Joe has had a massive 12 months, clocking up 1.6 million views for his grassroots Cowchella video, headlining three national tours, and supporting top acts like The Vanns, Ben Lee, The Rubens, and Katy Steele. So what’s next? Give him a follow on Instagram to find out first!
Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Ninoosh has put her song “That Sinking Feeling” back in the spotlight with the release of its official music video. While this track originally appeared on Ninoosh’s 2016 EP Town of Two Hundred, if you’re anything like me it probably escaped your attention. So I’m thrilled that through this music video, more people can discover this upbeat earworm.
The music video for “That Sinking Feeling” was brought to life through a collaboration between director and animator Asher McShane from the Jacky Winter Group and Wild at Heart Records. It features animated versions of Ninoosh, her husband, and her dog experiencing the ups and downs of life, from sharing Vegemite on toast to enjoying roller coasters.
Ninoosh admitted that seeing the music video for “That Sinking Feeling” come to life has been an emotional process. “I got really teary. It’s an old song, one I produced many years ago so I’m so glad to see it come alive in video form.”
The release of the music video for “That Sinking Feeling” comes at an exciting time for Ninoosh. She’ll be releasing her new EP, Rebirth, really soon and relaunching her collective Synth Babes, which supports creative women and LGBTQ+ artists. They’re calling for new tracks for their next compilation, so if you think you fit the bill, get in touch with them at synthbabesunite@gmail.com.
It is so good to hear new music from Eora/Sydney pop-punk outfit BESTIES. Their fantastic new single “Deadmau5” has all of the energy you need to get out of that midweek slump. It’s one for those of us to refuse to give in society’s expectations and conventional ideas of what it means to grow up.
“Life’s too short to be safe, take a risk and don’t forget through it all, you’re still that dumb emo kid at heart, just like us,” BESTIES explained.
The release of “Deadmau5” ushers in a new chapter for BESTIES as it’s their first single under their new label, Greyscale Records.
“It can be hard finding people who get you, or what you’re trying to do. And Greyscale were the label who understood we’re not trying to do anything. We’re just idiots with instruments, and that’s why we work,” BESTIES said. “In a scene and industry where people are so deathly serious, it’s been a godsend to find people who understand that there’s a path to success while sticking true to who you are. We know there’s a thirst out there for a band and a sound that takes its cues from the lighter side of life. And we know that band’s us.”
Isabelle Skye has blown me away with her latest single “Subaru.” This beautiful indie-pop number perfectly showcases her compelling vocals. Her voice is so unique and soulful, gentle to draw you in, then intense as “Subaru” hits its emotional climax. Make sure you listen to those incredible lyrics that tap into the vulnerability women often feel in public spaces.
“‘Subaru’ was born out of an experience I had where my safety was compromised on a walk home. This theme is so common for women and changes how we navigate life. On a day-to-day basis we alter the decisions we make so we aren’t vulnerable to people with bad intentions. I hope this song can make people feel validated in their experiences, big or small, it just shouldn’t be a reality for anyone.”
“Subaru” has already become a standout song in Isabelle’s live sets, with several punters approaching her to say how much the track resonates with them. Hopefully she’ll announce more shows sooner rather than later so more people can discover this special talent.
Meeanjin/Brisbane-based five-piece Colleen Ave have got me grooving with their upbeat new indie synth-pop single, “i cant believe it.” If you’re suffering through the nine-to-five grind, I know this one will give you the lift you’re looking for.
“’i cant believe it’ is a tune about someone who is in a love triangle and the confusion and hurt that can come from it,” the band explained in their press release.
Although she packs out venues playing covers on her Lainey Wilson shows, Saralyn wants to remind listeners that she’s also an incredible songwriter. Her latest original single, “Free as a Bird” is an empowering country anthem about moving forward with lightness.
“Free as a Bird came from this idea of carrying your past with you, but not being weighed down by it,” Saralyn explained. “The song really wrote itself once I found that central image of someone who’s a little wild, a little restless, but completely at peace with who they are.
“I wanted to capture that feeling of being out on the open road, where every mile teaches you something and every mistake somehow gives you wings. For me, it’s a celebration of living untethered, embracing every story and scar, and still choosing to move forward.”
Saralyn has some big shows coming up this weekend, so catch her anywhere you can!
Alex Lahey is marking 10 years since the release of her debut EP by revisiting the songs that put her on the musical map. On July 17, she’ll release B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), featuring reimagined versions of the original tracks.
“I am not exaggerating when I say this EP completely changed my life,” Alex said. “These songs found their place in the world in a way I could have never fathomed and have forged a life of their own over the last decade. They’ve taken me to corners of the world I could only have dreamed of seeing, let alone playing music in, given me the privilege of meeting so many people who have found their own stories in the songs and they have enabled me to keep making the next thing. I feel indebted to all of these songs and treat them with extra care and love whenever I play them live.”
One of the standouts from the new EP is likely to be Alex’s re-recorded version of “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me” featuring Tegan and Sara.
In a shared statement, Tegan and Sara said, “The first time I heard Alex Lahey, I remember thinking, oh—this is the artist I wish I was, but don’t quite have the lungs to pull off being. When we toured together ten years ago, I realized she wasn’t just a great songwriter and performer—she’s also weird and very funny, which somehow makes her even more of a powerhouse. Going from watching her sing ‘You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me’ from side stage to singing on it for the B-Grade University ten-year re-release feels like a full-circle moment. If you don’t know Alex yet, congratulations—you’re about to have a new favorite. Just remember we knew her first.”
While B-Grade University (Reunion Edition) will be all over streaming, if you’re a serious fan you’ll want the limited-edition vinyl version available for pre-order right now. American fans will also get to see Alex touring this EP at the following shows:
Meeanjin/Brisbane-based R&B artist Jordan Briton has just served up his smooth new single, “Satellite.” He was inspired to write this song after reconnecting with his roots and getting to know someone new.
“In early 2025, I booked a solo trip to the Philippines, somewhere I hadn’t been since I was a child,” Jordan recalled. “After my most successful single to date, the awards still felt empty. I realised I’d been pursuing music to show people how high I could climb rather than enjoying the journey for myself. While visiting my Lola and Lolo, I met a local singer-songwriter. Because we were both artists, I connected with her in ways I hadn’t felt before. I’d never pursued a long-distance relationship before, but I knew I’d regret not trying. ‘Satellite’ captures that genuine yearning of ‘if only’ put to music.”
If you’re into “Satellite,” you’ll be happy to know there’s a lot more new music on the way. This is the first of six singles Jordan plans to release before he drops his debut album Slow Burn in November.
As the season’s chill sets in, it’s the perfect time to listen to “Autumn,” the latest single from local singer-songwriter and producer Dingo. His voice is so captivating. This song’s definitely snuck up on me, and now I can’t stop listening.
“The song was inspired by the changing of seasons and how that can relate to how we grow and change within a relationship,” Dingo shared. “It’s a love song that ultimately speaks to the way we can fall in love again and again like autumn leaves fall each year.”
“Autumn” comes from Dingo’s forthcoming album Nightwire, which he’ll release on October 9. He’ll barely have time to celebrate its launch, because he’s got shows scheduled with Adam Harvey and Ian Moss and Troy Cassar-Daley’s right through til mid-November. Make sure you arrive early enough for his set if you’re heading to any of these gigs.
A force on the Australian music scene for nearly 20 years, Kingswood are ushering in a new era with the release of their seventh studio album Midnight Mavericks today. Their first album with ABC Music, it pays homage to their love of vintage rock, country soul, and storytelling. The band is currently on the road to support its release, but I found time to catch up with frontman Fergus Linacre to chat about Midnight Mavericks, life on tour, and what comes next for Kingswood.
You’re currently out on the road playing shows in regional centres and capital cities. What can music lovers expect when they come out to see you?
Well I sure hope they experience a tremendously enthralling and life-changing evening of high-octane, yet soulfully romantic country rock’n’roll. I’m told we spend more time on the road than any other, so I expect we are in pretty good shape to perform our pants off for y’all.
So many bands fly around the country, but you do it old school and drive around in your tour bus, Peggy. Even now with petrol prices sky high! Why do you prefer the road trips?
We absolutely prefer to tour on Peggy. She is our second home and we miss her whenever we return to our first home. On the bus, we can get to people and places that it’s difficult to on plane, hiring a van etc. Peggy’s gone up through Alice, across to Broome, down the west coast, and the Nullarbor. She’s a beast.
You’ll be headlining those shows, but I saw you in March supporting the Counting Crows. What was it like to tour with those guys?
We had a ball. They’re a great band who’s been at it for a long time, so they provided many words of wisdom. It’s great to see a band that still loves touring, loves their fans, and is addicted to the feeling of being on stage. It feels familiar. I think we gained a few more fans along the way too.
How do you approach gigs like that, where people are there to see another band and may not be familiar with your music?
With no disrespect to whoever we are supporting, our approach is always to try and blow them off the stage and steal their fans. It sounds mad, but it’s a good mindset to have when you walk out onto someone else’s stage. And it hurts no one; there is plenty of love to go around and the better you hype up the crowd, the better the headline show will be.
You’re promoting your new album, Midnight Mavericks,on these shows. What can you tell me about it?
I’ve never been more excited to play new songs. When we were recording, I just knew they would translate to the stage in a way that would enhance each song. The album is packed full of romance, longing, heartbreak, and resolution. It’s an album that celebrates different emotional states. I think people will connect differently with each song and some will resonate with their own experiences. That’s when music can become really powerful.
The songs I’ve heard from Midnight Mavericks remind me so much of music from the greats my dad raised me on, like Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. What is it that you love about that Americana sound?
I think it’s timeless. It’s music we grew up on, from Dolly to Cash and many more, it’s never been a phase, it’s music we’ve always listened to. And, in a state of total freedom of musical expression, it felt right to embrace the warm hug that is this pocket of Country Rock’n’roll.
So if we were to jump in the Kingswood tour bus, would we be hearing those classics or more modern music? What are you all listening to right now?
One of the benefits of time on the bus is being able to listen to so much music together, whether diving into a deep dive appreciation of Vince Gill, or debating the worthiness of hype listening to the new Geese record. And sometimes we listen to Disney classics. If you stepped onto the bus, you could find yourself listening to any genre from any time.
After this tour wraps up, what’s next for Kingswood?
We have a pretty busy year ahead with the album being released. Lots of festivals, a trip to the States for CMA festival, and we’ve actually already recorded a few tunes for the next record.
You’ve been making music together for nearly 20 years. What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way?
One of the great lessons I’ve learned is to find appreciation in as much of your life as you can. I remember playing Splendour and we had some technical issues and I was so pissed off I didn’t realize I’d just played to 20,000 people on the Splendour main stage. It was a wake-up call. So now I appreciate everything now, every moment.
Finally, do you have a message for your fans out there?
I’m eternally grateful for the support we have and have had over the years. It’s not lost on me that we still have so many fans along for the ride, coming to shows and supporting us. They keep Kingswood on the road!
Midnight Mavericks is out now. Listen to it on your favourite streaming services or get a CD or vinyl copy from Kingswood’s website. And make sure you catch them live at one of their upcoming shows.
