Category: Video

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

All Regards Release Rock Anthem, “discontent”

I wouldn’t normally go so hard on a Sunday as I understand many of you are nursing sore heads, but I had to share “discontent,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne All Regards. So it may not be your usual laidback weekend folky fare, but it’s so good that I think you really need to get your ears around it.

Speaking of the inspiration for “discontent,” All Regards’ co-vocalist Stefan Sepulveda said “I think a lot of people (myself included at times) feel overwhelmed by the state of the world and the never-ending cycle of conflict and disasters, both natural and man-made. There have been times in my life where I’ve felt that there is no hope for positive change and been resigned to just watching everything turn to shit.

“The problem with that is that it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy – and that’s the message of the song, if you sit there waiting for the world to burn then that’s exactly what you’re going to get. So together with the next single ‘resist’, there’s a real call to action to get out and create positive change in whatever ways you can.”

All Regards aren’t wasting time getting both songs into the world. “resist” will be released next month before the band launches both songs with a massive hometown show at the Worker’s Club on March 27. Their EP launch sold out in 2024, so make sure you don’t sleep on tickets for this one when they go on sale.

Photo credit: Beth Morrison (Act Four Photography)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pretty Moi Rock Out With “ROAD DOG”

Naarm/Melbourne rock act Pretty Moi have won me over with their back-to-basics new single “ROAD DOG.” It’s got a fantastic garage rock sound, free of studio bells and whistles that might dilute its intensity. I also appreciate the surf and psychedelic rock influences that Pretty Moi wears proudly on their musical sleeve.

“’ROAD DOG’ started as a bunch of old ideas that finally clicked once we leaned into storytelling,” Pretty Moi’s guitarist and cofounder Ruben Vasconez Swett explained. “It’s intentionally absurd and a bit delusional, inspired by an old Norm Macdonald joke.”

“ROAD DOG” is so appealing in its raw sound, but Pretty Moi has more up their sleeve. The track’s B-side “WITH YOU,” featuring the horns of local outfit FREE PARKING blends that psychedelic bent with jazz and Latin flavours. Expect more music that will keep you guessing with Pretty Moi unveil their upcoming EP VOL. 2 later this year.

Image used with permission from G.Y.R.O.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MAXON Calls for Unity With “Everybody”

In a world where there seems to be so much division, MAXON’s new folk-rock track “Everybody” is like chicken soup for the soul. It’s an uplifting anthem that reminds us of the humanity that unites us all.

“A lot of the songs on the album – while hopeful – carry a thread of sadness,” MAXON said. “‘Everybody’ felt like the emotional homecoming. Nay [Pattuwage] and I wanted to write something that celebrates love and connection; something that uplifts.

“I’ve been through dark spaces in my life, and I know first-hand that singing together is healing. ‘Everybody’ is a reminder that joy and love are just as infectious as pain. Let this song be an anthem for togetherness. Honestly, I’d love to make a world choir with this one – send me your audition tapes! Let’s heal the world together!”

MAXON’s debut album Talking With Strangers will be released April 8. Expect to hear more new music from the LP when Maxon plays the following festivals:

7 February 2026 – Out Loud on the Ninch, a Mid Summa Activation @ Peninsula Community Theatre, Boon Wurrung Country/Mornington
28 February 2026 – Flinders Fringe Festival, Boon Wurrung Country/Flinders (FREE)
21 March 2026 – Seven Sisters Festival, Taungurung Country/Glenaroua

Photo credit: @heapsstoked

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Riley Pearce Releases New Duet Version of “You Won’t Be There” With Sorcha Richardson

“You Won’t Be There” was already one of the highlights from Riley Pearce’s 2025 album The Weight of Our Dreaming. But he’s just elevated the track with the help of Irish singer-songwriter Sorcha Richardson, who was last on our shores for Misneach. The artists collaborated remotely on the duet single, “You Won’t Be There (Time Zone Version),” which hit the streaming services today.

“‘You Won’t Be There’ always felt like it could live a double life,” Riley said. “A version where it had a more conversational tone, capturing the two sides of a relationship’s distance that comes with touring. I heard Sorcha’s song ‘Maps of Manhattan’ when I was on tour last year and it instantly became a favourite. I was so impressed with the energy and world she built with her verse – I actually like this version more than the original.”

“When Riley sent me this song, I knew I wanted to write to it,” Sorcha added. “I loved the subtlety he had created within it, and the effortless ebb and flow of the arrangement. The sentiment was something that had been on my mind already; nights spent thousands of miles from home, cinematic and romantic in their own lonely way, but impossible to experience without thinking of somebody you wish could be there with you.”

While I’m not sure when we’ll see Sorcha back in Australia, Riley is preparing to take songs from his The Weight of Our Dreaming album around the country this month. With shows in the capitals and regional centres, there are plenty of opportunities to catch him live.

29 January 2026 – House Concert, Colomatta/Blue Mountains
30 January 2026 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney (with Laura Lucas)
31 January 2026 – Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane (with Laura Lucas)
6 February 2026 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (with Laura Lucas + Jack Raymond)
7 February 2026 – Grow, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (with Jack Raymond)
8 February 2026 – Grace Emily Hotel, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with Laura Lucas)
14 February 2026 – Green Door Wines, Noongar Country/Ferguson Valley (with Laura Lucas)
15 February 2026 – Suburban Vibes, Walyalup/Fremantle (with Laura Lucas + Ben Morgan)

Image used with permission from Nettwerk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

franxie Impresses With Powerful Folk Single, “Nobody’s Home”

Dharawal Country/Wollongong singer-songwriter franxie has wowed me with her latest single “Nobody’s Home.” This gentle indie-folk single drew me in with its hushed vocals, acoustic sound, and introspective lyrics exploring dissociation and emotional shutdown. It’s heavy subject matter, but themes that are worth sitting with when they’re presented so exquisitely. Take a moment to really listen to this one and take in its beauty, because it deserves so much more than becoming background to your workday!

“This song is about dissociating when things become overwhelming and recognising that shutting down was a coping mechanism,” franxie explained. “It’s not about a relationship ending, but about losing and finding yourself within that state.”

“Nobody’s Home” is a natural follow-up to franxie’s debut single, “Fucking Around,” which tackled themes of autonomy and self-determination. Expect more self-reflection and exploration of honest emotions when franxie releases more music throughout the year. A fiercely independent artist, she’s developing her sound and an EP at her own pace, prioritising her artistic freedom, confidence, and evolution on her own terms.

Listen to “Nobody’s Home” and more fantastic local folk music on my Spotify playlist, “Sounds of Oz Loves Folk.”

Photo credit: Taylah Chapman

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sidney Teases Upcoming Ep With “long haul”

After wowing me with “sliding doors,” Naarm/Melbourne-based talent Sidney is impressing me all over again with her latest release “long haul.” This track cements her reputation as one of the best indie-pop acts in the country. With serious songwriting skills, a knack for crafting unforgettable melodies, and a compelling voice, she’s really one to watch.

Recalling the time that inspired “long haul,” Sidney shared “I was on the road all the time doing what I loved, but my partner couldn’t be there with me. The distance caused tension, and I felt torn between chasing my career and showing up for the person I loved. ‘long haul’ was my way of saying: I’m here, I’m choosing you, and I’m in this for real.”

“long haul” is the latest track lifted from Sidney’s forthcoming EP what if it ends? which drops on February 27.

Photo credit: Julia Firak

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Girish and the Chronicles Announce First Aussie Shows

Fresh from the America’s Got Talent stage, Indian rock act Girish and the Chronicles are heading Down Under for their first ever Aussie tour.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalist Girish Pradham, these guys have an old-school bombastic energy that I really enjoy. Aside from their stint on US TV, they’ve supported the likes of Guns N’ Roses, Nazareth, and Skid Row. After being blown away by their cover of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” I started to binge their original music. It’s all stellar.

With Naarm/Melbourne rock act Shotgun Mistress in support, Girish and the Chronicles’ Australian shows are bound to be face-meltingly good. Get your tickets now through the links.

19 March 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 March 2026 – Max Watt’s House of Music, Naarm/Melbourne
21 March 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Australian Radio Promotion

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