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

Santa Fe Teams Up With Caitie Jayde For “Undercut”

As someone with pretty eclectic music taste, I appreciate artists who take left turns. Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter-producer Santa Fe has been making lo-fit surf rock since 2013, but he’s taken a new direction with his latest single “Undercut.” Featuring warm vocals from Caitie Jayde and Santa Fe on piano, drums, and guitar, it’s a fantastic indie pop number.

“’Undercut’ is about being around people who don’t allow you to reach your potential,” Santa Fe said. “It’s usually because you value different things, and I think you need to be around people who let your strengths shine through. More than anything, I find that positive emotional experiences inspire me to create my songs.”

Santa Fe recorded and produced “Undercut” in his home studio, with mixing by Jeremy Smith at Labsix, and mastering by Dan O’Connor at EncoderSound. This single lays the foundation for Santa Fe’s new music, so expect more direct, heart on sleeve songs from him in 2026.

Photo credit: Amanda Preston

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Paul Dempsey, Kashus Culpepper, and Heaps More Join Howlin’ Country

If you were on the fence about attending the Howlin’ Country festival in Mulubinba/Newcastle next month, let me twist your arm. It’s just gotten even cooler, with Alabama’s Kashus Culpepper, Aussie favourites Paul Dempsey’s Shotgun Karaoke, Sweet Talk, The Wet Whistles, Lewis Love, and local legends Grand Pricks and Sharnee Fenwick just added to the bill. That’s in addition to the already announced talents of Lainey Wilson, Morgan Evans, Kaitlin Butts, Flatland Cavalry, Adam Newling, and Tyla Rodrigues. Yes, this lineup is absolutely stacked. Visit the Howlin’ Country website to see all the set times.

The music is the main attraction, but it’s not all that’s on offer. Since this year’s festival lands on Valentine’s Day, the Love Truck will be selling roses, Lil’ Howlers will have handmade love and friendship bracelets, and Ladies Love Country will host some speed dating. Traveller Whiskey will offer samples of Chris Stapleton’s spirits and Tooheys will sponsor the bungee run. The Lil Howlers kids zone has free face painting, a jumping castle, and heaps more for the little ones.

Howlin’ Country hits Newcastle Foreshore on February 14. The long-range forecast says we can expect a perfect day with highs in the mid 20s, so what better way to spend it? Tickets are still available from Oztix, but with the new additions to the lineup don’t expect them to last too long.

Photo credit: Dan Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MUKI Releases Fire New Folk Single, “Gasoline”

I’m a sucker for a guy with an acoustic guitar playing sweet indie folk music. If you are too, I know you’re going to flip for MUKI and his new single “Gasoline.” Born in Dubai with Indian roots, he now calls Naarm/Melbourne home. His voice seems to be able to do it all, moving effortlessly from a passionate rasp to an airy falsetto. The song is also really, really good.

“’Gasoline’ is my debut single as MUKI, and it’s deeply personal,” he said. “With ‘Gasoline’, I wanted to capture the tension of a relationship that wouldn’t survive despite every effort. It’s a breakup song, but one about acceptance and moving on.”

MUKI is wasting no time bringing this music to the people. He’ll play a free show at Bodriggy Brewing Co. in Naarm/Abbotsford tomorrow night, January 22.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bakers Eddy and merci, mercy Cover Len

“Steal My Sunshine” is one of the best one-hit wonders of all time. The original Len version is perfection, but a new cover by Bakers Eddy featuring merci, mercy comes pretty close!

This version is a little heavier, but it doesn’t lose the nostalgia that makes the original such a banger. I love the way that merci, mercy bring a little sweetness which smooths out Bakers Eddy’s punk edge. Press play and hit that volume button, because this one sounds best loud!

Photo credit: Brianna Da Silva

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Figurehead Release Summer Anthem, “Shotgun”

The rain’s well and truly set in in my part of the country, but tracks like “Shotgun,” the newie from Walyalup/Fremantle band Figurehead, are helping me hold on to my summer vibes for as long as possible. This is everything you want in a summer tune, with its cool indie rock sound and breezy vocals from Joe Caddy. Tap into the lyrics though and you’ll realise there’s a little more going on.

“Despite its feel-good, summery feel, ‘Shotgun’ contains lyrical depth and explores themes of self-improvement in the face of daily struggles and addictions,” Figurehead explained. “The song’s protagonist ultimately chooses love over fear, and gives insight to those struggling with external dependencies.”

Figurehead say they’re gearing up for a “massive” 2026, so make sure you follow them on the socials to keep track of all their upcoming releases and shows.

Photo credit: Mia Shaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Judah Kelly & Asabi Goodman Serve Up Soul Classics in The Big Chillout

If you love classic soul music, you’re going to love The Big Chillout which brings music from the iconic ‘80s film The Big Chill to stages around the country this year. The show features a 10-piece band fronted by The Voice 2017 winner Judah Kelly and Chicago star Asabi Goodman.

You’ll be singing along with them as they cover timeless songs from Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and heaps more. The first act features songs from the original Big Chill soundtrack while the second is packed with tracks from the Deluxe Edition and some of Motown’s biggest hits.

The Big Chillout kicks off next month in Eora/Sydney before travelling around the country. Tickets for these shows are on sale now, with more dates to follow:

5 February 2026 – The Concourse, Cammeraygal Country/Chatswood
6 February 2026 – The Pavilion, Dharawal Country/Sutherland
12 February 2026 – Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston
13 February 2026 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
14 February 2026 – The Forge Theatre, Ganai Country/Bairnsdale
26 February 2026 – Glasshouse Theatre, Birripi/Port Macquarie
27 February 2026 – NEX, Mulubinba/Newcastle
28 February 2026 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
27 March 2026 – Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
28 March 2026 – Albert Hall, Leterrermairrener Country/Launceston
10 April 2026 – The Empire Theatre, Woomba Woomba/Toowoomba
16 April 2026 – Wendouree Centre for Performing Arts, Wadawurrung Country/Wendouree
17 April 2026 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
18 April 2026 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha/Albury
2 May 2026 – Saraton Theatre, Gumbin Gir/Grafton
21 May 2026 – The Art House, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
22 May 2026 – Evan Theatre, Dharug Country/Penrith
23 May 2026 – The B @ Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Ngarigo Country/Queanbeyan
29 May 2026 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
30 May 2026 – Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre, Yuwibara Country/Mackay
11 June 2026 – Memo Music Hall, Euro Yuroke/St Kilda
12 June 2026 – Geelong Performing Arts Centre, Djilang/Geelong
13 June 2026 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon
3 July 2026 – HOTA, Kombumerri Country/Gold Coast
4 July 2026 – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Quandamooka Country/Redland
31 July 2026 – The J, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Noosa
1 August 2026 – Kings Theatre @ The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra
28 August 2026 – Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Maryborough
29 August 2026 – Moncrieff Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Bundaberg
18 September 2026 – Redcliffe Entertainment Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Redcliffe
24 October 2026 – Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns

Image used with permission from PSM Publicity

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

Kisschasy Gear Up For New Album Release With “Better”

Kisschasy are continuing to turn back the clock with their latest single “Better.” The track’s a powerful reminder that this Naarm/Melbourne quartet are more than just a nostalgia band. They might just be making the best music of their career right now.

“’Better’ is the last song on [new album] The Terrors Of Comfort and for good reason; it offers a glimpse of hope after taking the listener through the unsettling world of vice and distraction,” explained Kisschasy frontman Darren Cordeux. “It’s a kind of an inverted love song – a song about saying goodbye to something or someone in order to better love oneself. Many times, when writing a song, the music and melody can inform the lyrics, or at least the theme. This song had an optimistic, expansive sound so I thought the concept could be about liberating oneself from that negative force mentioned in previous singles ‘Parasite’ and ‘Lie To Me’.”

Kisschasy’s brand new album The Terrors of Comfort will be released on February 13. Just a few days later they’ll load up the van and hit the road with Good Charlotte and Yellowcard. You have no idea how much I’m regretting missing these shows due to an overseas holiday! First-world problems and all, but please buy tickets so you can tell me all about it!

17 February 2026 – RAC Arena, Boorloo/Perth
19 February 2026 – Entertainment Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 February 2026 – Racecourse, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Bendigo
25 February 2026 – Qudos Bank Arena, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive