Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Unfurling” – Malaika Mfalme

When I first discovered Malaika Mfalme’s music, they were creating songs processing their grief. Their debut album Yasmin was a tribute to their late partner and an exploration of the emotions that loss triggered. It was a challenging listen, but a beautiful one. Now several years have passed and Malaika has released Unfurling, a collection of songs that reflect on their path to healing.

“Unfurling is that quiet moment when you realise you’ve survived, and you’re finally beginning to bloom again,” Malaika explained. “The word itself makes me think of plants, of finally opening after all the mess and heartbreak, realising that the waiting was actually growth.”

The opener, “Cobblestones,” is a breathtaking spoken word piece which sets the scene, explaining how Malaika needed to leave Sydney (Eora) and all the heavy emotions he felt there and travel to Germany’s capital. It naturally leads us into the EP’s first single, “Berlin,” which Malaika penned during their time in the European city. “Smoke” is another stunning spoken word piece, part letter, part poetry. “Thirteen” is bittersweet and nostalgic, giving glimpses into friendships past, the ghosts they leave behind, and the patterns we seem destined to repeat. Another gorgeous poem, “Grace,” precedes the stunning final track, “The History of Me and You.” This perfect closer honours the quiet moments shared with loved ones and the scars and stories from the past that make us who we are going forward.

Unfurling is another truly special offering from Malaika Mfalme. Through sharing their poems and songs, they share their heart. While we meet them in a place that’s not quite as raw this time around, these warm, folky tracks are every bit as moving and authentic. Set aside 18 minutes of quiet to listen to them, really listen to them, taking in the words and the way they make you feel.

Unfurling is out now. Malaika will support its release with the following shows in the coming weeks.

28 November 2025 – The Red Rattler, Eora/Sydney
29 November 2025 – The People’s Blockade Protestival @ Camp Shortland, Mulubinba/Newcastle
5 December 2025 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
6 December 2025 – Kindred Side Room, Woiwurrung and Boonwurrung Country/Footscray

Images used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele Bringing One Tree Hill Shows to Oz

For a generation of TV fans, Tyler Hilton and Kate Voegele are better known as Chris Keller and Mia Catalano. However, since One Tree Hill wrapped they’ve both been making some incredible music. They’ll celebrate where their careers began when they head Down Under for a string of intimate shows next March.

Tyler visited our shores earlier this year, so it might seem like a return visit has come quickly. However, he’s just released his latest album Well Well Well with One Tree Hill alum Bethany Joy Lenz. Their cover of Ryan Adams’ “When the Stars Go Blue,” which they originally performed together in season two, is a real treat. Meanwhile Kate recently released the album Impatient for the Dream with another One Tree Hill favourite, Mike Grubbs. Recording under the moniker Yor Future Ghost, their music is creative and incredibly cool. However, if you’ve followed Mike’s career as Wakey! Wakey! that’s no surprise.

Tyler and Kate are currently playing their Celebrating the Music of One Tree Hill shows overseas and selling out gigs all over the place. Aussie shows are following suit, so grab the limited tickets available while you can!

5 March 2026 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
6 March 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
7 March 2026 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
8 March 2026 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
12 March 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
13 March 2026 – Adelaide UniBar, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT – waitlist available)
14 March 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
15 March 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri Country/Northcote

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Talk Heavy Shows Softer Side With “Wedding Bands”

The punk genre isn’t known for its love songs, but Meeanjin/Brisbane band Talk Heavy aren’t afraid to buck the trends and show their vulnerable side. Their latest single “Wedding Bands” has got to be the sweetest emo track I’ve heard all year!

“It reflects on meeting someone, those early moments, and how they compare to where you are now, looking forward to the rest of your lives,” explained Talk Heavy’s frontman Matt Cochran. “Musically, it pulls influence from Rozwell Kid, Modern Baseball, Joyce Manor, and even Modest Mouse in the lead guitar. I think it tells a strong lyrical story from the daydream of the first verse, to the real-time moment of the second verse, into the realization of the outro.”

After recently inking a deal with local label Ninth Life Records, Talk Heavy are preparing to release a stack of fresh tracks in the coming months. Follow them on the socials to learn more about the tunes to come.

Photo credit: Joshua Redbeard

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Seb Szabo Releases Swoon-Worthy Single, “Tangerine (All I Want)”

Seb Szabo has thoroughly charmed me with “Tangerine (All I Want),” a sweet folk-country-pop mashup with romantic lyrics that should have you swooning too. He wrote this track after meeting someone special that helped him break down his walls and believe in love again.

“Like a lot of people do, I think I stopped believing that I was ever going to fall a bit in love with someone again, and then somebody came along and changed that for me unexpectedly,” he explained. “The song started with a simple moment where I realised I was starting to sort of feel that magic again, seeing someone smoke a cigarette out their bedroom window in dim lamplight in London – just observing someone living in their own space and realising how much joy that person’s existence and presence in
your life is bringing you.”

A call-and-response refrain and joyous energy have helped make “Tangerine (All I Want)” a highlight of his Seb’s live sets. Experience that magic yourself when Seb takes this song on the road next month.

11 December 2025 – Oxford Art Gallery, Eora/Sydney
12 December 2025 – Smith’s Alternative Downstairs, Ngambri/Canberra
19 December 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Peter Foster

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Continues Winning Streak With “Casually”

ixaras has a real knack for writing absolute bops that perfectly encapsulate all the messiness of modern relationship. She never puts a foot wrong, and her latest track “CASUALLY” is no exception. Crank it up and marvel at the talents of one of Australia’s most exciting up-and-coming artists.

“When you go on tour you spend a lot of time away from home. I wrote the song as a reassurance to my family, friends and loved ones how much I care despite not being able to always be there. My song ‘CASUALLY’ is an anthem about the obstacles that come with relationships and how no matter what, loving unconditionally is a choice that I will always actively participate in no matter what stands in the way.”

“CASUALLY” comes from ixaras’ upcoming EP WHAT IS AND WHAT ISN’T, which drops on November 14. ixaras will celebrate its release with a string of capital city shows in the new year. Tickets are on sale now for all dates:

10 January 2026 – The Loft, Eora/Sydney
11 January 2026 – The Leadbeater, Naarm/Melbourne
18 January 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 January 2026 – The Y HQ, Boorloo/Perth
24 January 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Image used with permission from Get.Your.Record.Out.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Yamaha Main Stage Grant Applications Closing Saturday

There’s still time to get your entry in for Yamaha Music Australia’s Main Stage Grant. This brand-new initiative looks to support the next generation of local artists by providing key tools for creating, recording, and performing music. The winning band, singer-songwriter, and music producer will each take home $5,000 in cash and $5,000 worth of instruments from Yamaha Music Australia.

“Main Stage is about giving the next generation of Australian musicians the platform and support they deserve,” explained Yamaha Music Australia spokesperson, Mitch Kelly. “Whether you’re a band, a songwriter, or a producer, we want to help you take that next big step with real backing. We believe Australia makes the best music, and we want to continue to support you.”

Applications close at 10 am AEDT this Saturday, November 15, so make sure you hop to it. Head to www.au.yamaha.com to learn more.

Photo credit: Alice Naish

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Streetlights Release Charming Rock Track, “What’s Your Name Again?”

If you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, skip the coffee and press play on “What’s Your Name Again?” the bittersweet new single from Boorloo/Perth-based indie-rock act Streetlights. It captures all the excitement of an instant infatuation with a stranger on public transport.

“You’re catching the bus and someone hops on and goes to sit directly across from you. You lock eyes and BAM! – you’ve fallen in love with a complete stranger, only for them to get off at the next stop,” recounted frontman John Toplis.

I’m new to Streetlights music, but I’m instantly hooked. Hopefully we hear more from them really soon.

Photo credit: Caleb Cameron – Argate Creative

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zara Haines Keeps it Real With “Common Ground”

Zara Haines is showing us her softer side with the release of her latest single, “Common Ground.” It’s a real change of pace from her previous high-energy song “It’s Chemical,” with cutting lyrics that directly address a cheating partner.

“This song is one I was so proud to write, and really shares my love of songwriting to the world,” Zara said. While the lyrics are superb, the vocals also impressed me. Zara isn’t afraid to be vulnerable here. You can hear the emotion behind every word she sings. The pop production is strong but a little stripped back to make sure you catch every line.

“Common Ground” comes from Zara’s forthcoming EP.

Image used with permission from Zara Haines

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“The Lovers” @ Theatre Royal, Eora/Sydney

After a strong season in Meeanjin/Brisbane, it’s safe to say that The Lovers has struggled to find its feet in Eora/Sydney. I snapped up tickets for a mere $48 during a sale. Despite the bargain prices, it’s still wrapping up early. I try to go into any production with an open mind, but I was nervous I may be disappointed. I needn’t have worried. This modern reimagining of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is an absolute joy.

The Lovers is the brainchild of local creative Laura Murphy, who brought us The Dismissal and Zombie! The Musical. She streamlined Shakespeare’s original text, eliminating the play within a play and most of the fairies to focus on the love tangle of Hermia, Helena, Lysander, and Demetrius. It works so well, I’m sure Shakespeare would approve. Pieces of the Shakespearean text are cleverly interspersed with super catchy and original pop songs. Full of pop culture references and wit, they do a superb job of refreshing the original story.

Every member of this small cast was superb. We’d seen Mat Verevis in Beautiful and Stella Perry in the Rocky Horror Show, but they were eclipsed by actors in larger roles. With such a small ensemble, I saw them shine. Jayme-Lee Hanekom is such a light as Puck. Natalie Abbott was also absolutely radiant as Helena. Six alum Loren Hunter was also breathtaking. Nic Van Lits stepped in for Jason Arrow as Demetrius during our matinee. He may not be a big name like the Hamilton star, but he made the role his own and was every bit the equal of the cast regulars.

I’m not sure why The Lovers is struggling to find an audience in Eora/Sydney this time around. It’s funny, moving, a celebration of love and literature, a true pleasure. It’s everything I wanted it to be and so much more than I hoped for. Do not let the early closure put you off. This is such an exciting musical and one you really should see before it leaves the Theatre Royal on November 16.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Quarter Short Releases Sensational New Single, “Dreams Have Meaning”

Quarter Short, the musical alter-ego of Meeanjin/Brisbane-based artist Eloise McElroy, has wowed me with just her second solo single, “Dreams Have Meaning.” Fresh to all your favourite streaming services today, it’s a quirky alt-pop track about waking up feeling more restless than rested.

If Regina Spektor and Hayley Williams ever collaborated on a song, I imagine it might sound a little something like “Dreams Have Meaning.” It hooked me in from the first beats of its punchy drum track. Eloise’s vocals are ethereal and seemingly effortless. They keep up with rapid-fire lyrics in the verses with ease, yet soar on the chorus with just as much composure. “Dreams Have Meaning” is such a complex track with a melody that takes so many twists and turns. When the hits of so many mainstream pop artists feel predictable, it’s a joy to hear music like this that’s truly original.

As a word nerd, a song needs to do more than sound great to hold my attention. Eloise checks this box too with brilliant lyrics that challenge the idea that our dreams always hold some deeper meaning. She was inspired to write “the song”Dreams Have Meaning” after waking from an adrenaline-pumping and frankly perplexing dream starring iconic action hero Bruce Willis. “I was bamboozled with what the dream actually meant and, how are you supposed to work out its message?” she said.

“Dreams Have Meaning” is such an ambitious and impressive track, especially considering how early it comes in Quarter Short’s career. However, she’s had a little help along the way. Eloise credits Gabi Kochlani, formerly of Universal Music in Los Angeles, for helping her strengthen the song’s complex structure and believe in her songwriting skills. Cameron Bower, known for his work with Meeanjin/Brisbane rock acts Big Dead and milk buttons and local jazz ensemble Cowbird, put on his producer hat and helped it become the bold pop bop that it is today.

“Dreams Have Meaning” is the follow-up to Quarter Short’s first single, “It Keeps.” Both songs will feature on a five-track EP to be released in the coming months. If you want to hear more music from Quarter Short before then, you can catch her playing a free acoustic show with Topaz Rose and Shanleigh at Bardon Bowls Club tomorrow, November 8, between midday and 4 pm.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media