Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Faker Drops Comeback Single “Comet”

It’s been far too long since Faker set the charts ablaze with tracks like “This Heart Attack” and “Hurricane,” but the voice behind the music, Nate Faker, is back doing what he does best. Coming 14 years after his last single, “Comet” has a classic feel that I know you’ll love.

“It’s about a comet crashing down into the middle of your street, home, neighbourhood, town, and life and trying to stand your ground, even though it feels ridiculous to do so,” Nate said. “It’s about what the world is at the moment, and trying to find an optimistic spin. Ultimately, we’re surviving. Sometimes you can see the comet coming, and there’s no point running, you just have to face it.”

What a return to form this is. Thankfully Nate won’t leave us waiting too long for a bunch more music. He’ll release his new album Enjoy Your Problems later this year. I also hear he’ll play some full band shows in 2026, so there are plenty of reasons for Faker fans to get excited.

Photo credit: Clayton Boyd

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ellis King Gets Romantic With “The Blueprint”

With so many of us caught up in “New year, new me” sentiments, I figured it was only right to ease into the year with some positivity. “The Blueprint,” the latest single from local folk-pop act Ellis King, definitely fits the bill. It’s sweet and romantic, the kind of track that reminds you how lucky you are to have someone special or restores your faith that this kind of love is possible.

“I think I can call Blueprint my first love song,” Ellis said. “It’s about finally finding what feels like ‘real’ love, after a lifetime of relationships that never felt fully stable, natural, or complete. It reflects on the chaos, the lessons, and the people I thought were right for me but weren’t, and how those experiences shaped me to recognise the real thing when it arrived…This song is about building something lasting with someone who sees you fully, (flaws and all) and how different that feels compared to the versions of love I thought I knew before. It’s about creating a home, not just in a place, but in a person (and a spotty dog).”

“The Blueprint” comes from Ellis’ EP Everything That Comes After, which drops on February 20.

Photo credit: Courtney King

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

2025: Year in Review

2025 has gone by in a whirlwind. It was a tough one for me as I dealt with the fallout of a car accident last December, but it was also one of my favourite years for appreciating music. I saw what is among the best concerts of my life, and surprisingly it wasn’t from my all-time favourite artist Rob Thomas! It still has me buzzing more than a month later. The albums were fire! So here’s what got me tingling this year. What about you readers? I’d love to know about some of your favourites. Happy New Year Sounds of Oz readers. I’ll see you on the other side!

Top 10 Albums/EPs of 2025

  1. Unfurling – Malaika Mfalme
  2. Forgiving Spree – Slowly Slowly
  3. Politics and Footy Tips – Cardboard Cutouts
  4. Julie’s House – Ama
  5. WHAT IS AND WHAT ISN’T – ixaras
  6. TOY – Dear Seattle
  7. The Significance of Time – Tanya Ransom
  8. 4PM in the Morning – Felicity
  9. New Love – Ziggy Alberts
  10. Redemption Arc – Siobhan Cotchin

Top 10 Concerts of 2025

  1. Lenny Kravitz
  2. Rob Thomas (don’t make me choose between the two shows I saw!)
  3. Jimmy Barnes and friends
  4. Toto and Christopher Cross
  5. Cyndi Lauper
  6. Mayday Parade, Jack’s Mannequin, and The Home Team
  7. Billy Ocean
  8. Damien Rice
  9. George Clinton with Parliament Funkadelic
  10. Fanning Dempsey National Park

Photo credit: Kelly Sikkema

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

Ama Drops New Pop Gem, “You’re never gonna get the girl”

According to my Spotify Wrapped, Ama was my most played Aussie artist of the year. Her heart-on-sleeve pop numbers really got under my skin, and I had every single on repeat for a while. So I’m thrilled that she’s giving us one more track to close out the year. “You’re never gonna get the girl” is Ama’s first release since her debut EP Julie’s House dropped in May, and it’s probably no surprise that I love it.

Ama has such a gift for writing songs that combine self-aware humour with bittersweet emotion, and “You’re never gonna get the girl.” The gentle layered pop sound reminds me a lot of the music LANY released on their soft album this year, undeniably catchy but acting as the support for the strong lyrics rather than attempting to steal focus.

Ama’s music has made such a strong impression on me this year. With the start of this new chapter, something tells me she’s going to follow up with a massive 2026.

Photo source: AMA EPK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live Nation Helping New Acts Play Live Shows With Next On

Getting in front of audiences can be tough for emerging acts. Venue overheads are pricy and as the cost of living bites us all and many music lovers prioritise seeing major acts simply breaking even if a challenge. Live Nation is giving up-and-coming Aussie and Kiwi acts a bit of a leg-up with its new Next On initiative.

Every month, Live Nation will give an artist the keys to one of their iconic venues, totally rent-free. It’ll cover all the show costs – from venue rental and production to marketing – and make sure every dollar from ticket and merch sales goes straight back to the artists. Live Nation will also promote the shows and provide professional support that could be absolutely massive for all acts selected. No wonder local talents like Kate Ceberano, Tim Rogers, Missy Higgins, and Teenage Joans are right behind this one. And they’re encouraging Aussie music lovers to do the same.

“Taking a punt on a new act, a new group, a book reading, a theatre show that is not necessarily on the popular culture radar WILL make you a more fulfilled human,” Tim Rogers enthused. “While the rush of being part of a spectacle is palpable, to engage with an artist as they begin makes you, more than ever these days, part of the experiment. To be a fan, a participant, a patron is a noble thing. You are not just an audience. You were involved, and joined the community. Welcome, Onward we go.”

“Giving young artists the chance to stand on iconic stages early, to find their voice and confidence in the right environment, is invaluable. I’m 100% behind it, and I’m thrilled to see these sorts of initiatives help make this possible,” Kate Ceberano added. “This is how we build a healthy industry – one strong foundation at a time.”

Do you want to play at the Palais Theatre, The Triffid, Fortitude Music Hall, Anita’s Theatre, Hindley Street Music Hall, or Tuning Fork as part of Next On? Click through for the Next On registration form. And if you just love music, keep an eye on the Live Nation website next year for all the details of its Next On shows.

Photo credit: Sam D’Agostino

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

Ricky Rosen Makes Long Awaited Return With “I Got You”

It’s been more than three years since Ricky Rosen dropped a single, but his comeback is definitely worth the wait. “I Got You” is an ultra-catchy pop-soul number that lays on the charm.

“‘I Got You’ was always meant as a fun track that doesn’t take itself too seriously,” Ricky admitted. “It has an authentic live band sound with an equally authentic feeling; gratitude for the people in your life who make the unbearable bearable and the ordinary extraordinary.

“It came about after three hours of listening to music with (co-writer) Glenn Hopper and complaining about how I’m too much of a cynic to write a love song, right after which we proceeded to write a love song. It was borne out of an honest appreciation that as long as I have my person, and my people, I’m never alone.”

Only time will tell whether Ricky delivers more music in 2026. He juggles his music career with the serious business of being a doctor, and those lives won’t save themselves! But if this is it for a while, at least it’s a banger!

Image used with permission from Blue Music Services

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Homegrown Trio Ready to Wow TCMF

Now Christmas is behind us music lovers across the nation are looking forward to the annual pilgrimage to the Tamworth Country Music Festival. Of course, all the usual suspects will be there, but there are also plenty of up-and-coming acts worth your time.

Homegrown Trio are one of the new breed that deserves to be on your radar. They’ve been nominated for a Golden Guitar for Best Duo or Group and just released their gorgeous new single “Do Over.” If you love American acts like Sugarland and Lady A, I know you’ll appreciate this vulnerable song about relationship regrets.

Homegrown Trio will stop by the Toyota Fanzone during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth at 3:45 pm on January 23. They’re also playing Outback Sounds at Buchanan Park, Kalkadoon Country/Mt Isa on May 9.

Image used with permission from Tom Rivers Agency

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