Sounds of Oz

Posted on 31/10/202531/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Cheeky Leash Spread Sunshine With “Change”

After a few gloomy cold days, I’m happy to see some sunshine in my part of Australia in time for the weekend. It’s the perfect weather for hitting the beach, and the perfect time to blast “Change,” the latest single from Woolyungah/Wollongong quartet Cheeky Leash. It’s got such a fun, upbeat vibe, but tap into the lyrics and you’ll realise it’s a little deeper than you might think.

“The song ‘Change’ is rooted in the cost-of-living crisis and reflects how society has become so focused on getting ahead that we’ve lost a sense of connection with each other,” the band explained. “It’s a metaphor for transformation whether that’s personal growth, the evolving world, or even the band’s own musical development. There’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age film feel to the track and lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. Lines like ‘Still searching for change…’ play on the dual meanings of spare money and a deeper desire for societal change, making it resonate differently depending on the listener’s own experiences.”

Cheeky Leash will celebrate the release of “Change” with a whole stack of shows this November and December, including headlining performances and concerts supporting South Summit. Expect plenty of good vibes at the following gigs.

6 November 2025 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay (FREE)
7 November 2025 – Elsewhere ‘Bespoke,’ Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
8 November 2025 – Solbar, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
14 November 2025 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting South Summit)
15 November 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney (supporting South Summit)
16 November 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)
22 November 2025 – Felons Barrel Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
23 November 2025 – Hotel Steyne Upstairs Beach Club, Gayamegal Country/Manly (FREE)
28 November 2025 – Dissent Cafe & Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
29 November 2025 – Marlin Hotel, Murramurrang Country/Ulladulla
5 December 2025 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
12 December 2025 – Gage Roads Brewery, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)

Photo credit: Tiarna Stahmer

Posted on 31/10/202531/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Rollin’ Stone” – Roosta and Tim Roose

There’s a certain magic that happens when blood relatives make music together. We often hear it when siblings collaborate, but partnerships between parents and their offspring are much rarer and potentially more interesting. With natural chemistry and a shared love of music, Roosta and his son Tim Roose deliver their exciting new EP Rollin’ Stone.

Although he’s much younger, Tim Roose has more recording experience under his belt after releasing his debut EP Polarity just a few months ago. At 59 years young, Rollin’ Stone is Roosta’s first EP but you would know it to listen to him. His voice has a seasoned quality that reflects his life experience. Roosta also wrote every song on the EP, so there’s an authenticity to his delivery that only comes when an artist shares their story. Tim Roose is more than just a supporting player though. His incredible guitar skills elevate every song on Rollin’ Stone. Each one gives Tim the space to really showcase his talents with impressive solos and prominent riffs.

I was instantly captivated by the opening track “Bitumen to Gravel.” With guest vocals from Chelsea J Gibson, this blues-rock number has an irresistible deep groove. Much like the proverbial rolling stone, this EP refuses to stay in just one place. There’s a little country in the stripped back “Down by the Riverbed,” a little psychedelic rock with “Deadwood,” even a little soul and gospel in the final track “I’ll Be Gone.” With Chelsea making her return, it’s the ideal closer for this eclectic, yet satisfying EP.

Rollin’ Stone is out now. Take a listen on your favourite streaming service.

Posted on 30/10/202531/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

jnr. Drops Impressive Comeback Single, “I guess it’s fine”

Following a year of soul-searching, Eora/Sydney artist jnr. is back with some of the best music of his career. His fantastic new single “I guess it’s fine” comes from jnr.’s long-awaited debut EP. This song sets the foundation for that release by tackling themes of race, generational trauma, and developing a sense of self that jnr. was keen to explore with his new music.

“I had this moment of self-discovery where I realised I didn’t really know who I was. Being a mixed kid is tough because you never really see yourself in other people and I had always pushed to the back of my mind how this made it quite difficult to fit in growing up,” jnr. explained. “This concept accidentally bled into the music as I was in the thick of realising it all”

It’s been some time since we’ve heard new solo music from jnr. but he’s been far from idle. He wrote his debut EP during a two-week residency in France. He also helped produce music for ages like Daphnie, Hevenshe, and RAGEFLOWER, and joined the band FVNERAL. All of that creative and self-exploration has led him here, to the point where he’s ushering in a new chapter for his solo music which seems incredibly bright.

Image used with permission from jnr.

Posted on 29/10/202530/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

KYARNA Releases Folky Gem, “Forest Song”

I seem to be all about the calming music at the moment. I’m sure something with angst will inspire me soon, but when so many artists are releasing beautiful, gentle tracks I’m just going to roll with it. If you’re feeling the folky vibes, make sure you listen to KYARNA’s latest single “Forest Song.”

KYARNA wrote this song after spending time in Champagne, France for an artist’s residency. During her time abroad, she connected with fellow creatives who she says “quickly became part of my soul. We all spent a lot of time walking through the forest along the river, and every day I would sit with my feet in the freezing water and talk to the trees (as I do). At the time, I was grieving so deeply, I was trying to find meaning in anything I could, and I had this realisation that no matter where I go, Country holds me. I don’t have anything particularly profound to say about this next love letter, except that I hope you hear what Country is saying to all of us.”

KYARNA is about to tour the country with Liz Stringer. When that wraps up, she’ll play some of the country’s top folk festivals. If you’re attending one of these events, make sure you don’t miss her set:

16 November 2025 – Anglesea Memorial Hall, Kuarka Doola/Anglesea (supporting Liz Stringer)
21 November 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Liz Stringer)
27 November 2025 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Liz Stringer)
28 November 2025 – Brunswick Picture House, Bundjalung Country/Brunswick Heads (supporting Liz Stringer)
5 December 2025 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Awabakal Country/Mayfield (supporting Liz Stringer)
6 December 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney (supporting Liz Stringer)
13 December 2025 – Meeniyan Town Hall, Brataualung Country/Meeniyan (supporting Liz Stringer)
16-18 January 2026 – Illawarra Folk Festival @ Bulli Showground, Bulla Bulla/Bulli
27 February – 1 March 2026 – Cobargo Folk Festival @ Cobargo Showground, Yuin Country/Cobargo

Image used with permission from Soul Sound Management

Posted on 28/10/202529/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Leila Soars With “Butterfly”

After a draining day dealing with social media hackers, I turned to my inbox in the hopes of finding a little musical solace. I discovered exactly what I was looking for with “Butterfly,” the beautiful new single from Ngambri/Canberra artist Leila.

The press release describes Leila as a country-pop act, but I’m also hearing some soul influences in this beauty. Her unique voice sits beautifully amongst the piano melody and lush string section.

Leila has supported some of Australia’s best acts including Ella Hooper and The Eurogliders, but she’s ready to become the headliner. Catch her at the following shows supporting the release of “Butterfly.”

6 November 2025 – Society City, Woolyungah/Wollongong
21 November 2025 – The Polo, Ngambri/Canberra
28 November 2025 – Wesley Anne, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Evergreen Artists

Posted on 27/10/202527/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Prepare to Get Hooked on Reckless Coast’s “Addictions”

After wowing me with their debut EP Naked & Famous last year, Meeanjin/Brisbane trio Reckless Coast are back with the killer new single “Addictions.” They’re making the sort of straight-up rock music we don’t hear enough of these days. There’s no bullshit. The vocals from Jaeden Ogston soar and the band is tight without being buttoned-up.

“Addictions” explores the psychological toll of romantic dependency from the perspective of a protagonist feeling jaded by mislead relationships. Jaeden explained “Some people can’t stand the thought of being alone, rushing from one relationship to the next without healing or self reflection, which fuels an almost self fulfilling prophecy. I wrote ‘Addictions’ after a three year relationship ended, and I caught myself looking for something new at a time when I wasn’t emotionally ready.”

Reckless Coast have a couple of local gigs to close out the year. Catch them at the following venues:

7 November 2025 – Blute’s Bar, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (supporting VERUM)
4 December 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Fortitude Valley (supporting Dellacoma)

Image used with permission from Reckless Coast

Posted on 24/10/202524/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Gilbert Drops Dramatic New Noir Country Single, “Goddamn Fool”

I had to check the date before posting about “Goddamn Fool,” the latest single by Ruby Gilbert. It sounds like it could score a classic Sergio Leone spaghetti western, but I assure you it’s a fresh 2025 release.

When asked about “Goddamn Fool,” Ruby explained “It’s about karmic justice; being outplayed, knowing you had it coming, and accepting the fall without asking for forgiveness or redemption.”

I just love how this one sounds. You’ve got country staples like the banjo and acoustic guitar, but also a Mariachi-style brass section in the mix. It’s so lush and layered, with Ruby’s unique voice the cherry on top. If you like your country music dark, feast your ears on “Goddamn Fool.”

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on 24/10/202524/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Stella Dunai Makes Stunning Debut With “Can’t Sleep”

The last few days have been pretty rough, so I’ve been all about music to soothe my mood. I’ve got my latest serotonin hit from “Can’t Sleep,” the debut single from Stella Dunai. While this is Stella’s first solo single, you might know her as part of Naarm/Melbourne R&B collective Empress. This song’s a lot folkier with dreamy vocals that will get right under your skin.

Stella wrote “Can’t Sleep” while battling insomnia as she travelled through Italy. It’s a little ironic that it sounds like a beautiful lullaby, but I’m digging it.

“I was in the mid-summer heat in Florence with an old wonky nylon string guitar I bought for €20 in France and carried with me on trains and buses,” Stella recalled. “I went on to work at a vineyard in the Dolomites and the owner insisted I play a song for her. So the first people to hear ‘Can’t Sleep’ were Anna, the vineyard owner, and her two Italian friends who spoke very little English – under the stars up on a vineyard in the mountains.”

With her debut EP Nothing to Be Scared Of slated for a November release, we’ll hear a lot more from Stella soon.

Photo credit: Bridgette Winten

Posted on 23/10/202523/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“The Significance of Time” – Tanya Ransom

From the moment I heard Tanya Ransom’s vocals open her new album The Significance of Time, I knew I was in good hands. This is her third full-length studio album and one that’s likely to fly under the radar. You won’t find it on the major streaming services, and its songs are unlikely to gain airplay on mainstream radio. But it’s so good that it’s worth the investment.

It seems fitting that Tanya has kept The Significance of Time away from the streaming services, because listening to it feels like a throwback. I was never tempted to skip or shuffle tracks, preferring instead to hear them in the order Tanya intended. I’ve heard this album countless times over the last week, with the sort of focus I used to feel when I’d purchase music as a teenager. There was no streaming then, so I’d listen to one album on repeat until I could afford the next. There’s no heavy-handed production either, just good songs presented without bells or whistles. I was reminded of classic acts like Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty as I listened. Tanya has a similar lack of pretence, a way of making music that seems so organic and honest.

Every song on The Significance of Time is a standout. Tanya has refined her signature sound, a blend of folk, alt-country, and Americana that serves as the perfect vehicle for her stellar songwriting. “Winter Song,” “Traffic Lights,” and the fitting closer, “The Light at the End” hit me hard, but ask me for my favourites next week and I may have different answers. It’s that kind of album.

The Significance of Time is available via Tanya’s Bandcamp page as a digital download, CD, or vinyl. She’s currently on tour to support its release. Catch her at one of the following venues around the country.

23 October 2025 – Wesley Anne, Wurunjeri-willam/Northcote (with Adele Oliver and Misty Harlowe)
24 October 2025 – Shedshaker Brewing, Djandak/Castlemaine (FREE- with Adele Oliver)
31 October 2025 – Hybrid Warehouse, Walyalup/Fremantle (Trio show with Adele Oliver)
7-9 November 2025 – Blues At Bridgetown, Geegelup/Bridgetown
29 November 2025 – Good Day Sunshine Festival @ Gloucester Park, Wooditjup/Margaret River
5 December 2025 – Denmark Arts House, Kwoorabup/Denmark (with Tracey Barnett)
6 December 2025 – Wilson Brewing Co, Kinjarling/Albany (FREE – with Tracey Barnett)

Images used with permission from Tanya Ransom Music

Posted on 21/10/202523/10/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Paper Cuts” – Lyn Bowtell

If the buzz surrounding the Australian premiere of The Golden Bachelor has taught it’s anything, it’s that Aussies want to hear from people who’ve lived a life. The Taylor Swifts and Sabrina Carpenters of the world might dominate the charts, but there’s perhaps a more important place for releases from seasoned talents like Lyn Bowtell. At almost 50, Lyn is sharing some of her most personal stories with the release of Paper Cuts.

The album’s name is so telling. Some say paper cuts are the worst kind. They sting while the rest of the world barely notices. But they heal, and you keep moving forward. In that spirit, Paper Cuts explores themes of pain and resilience.

Lyn eases us into the gritty stuff with the fun single “Cold Shiver” and uplifting blues number “I’m Here.” But by the time her Bella sisters Kate Ballyntyne and Karen O’Shea join her for “I Don’t Want to Stay,” she starts peeling back the layers. Lyn wraps some of the hardest-hitting words in upbeat music. The ukulele in “Small” feels playful, but its lyrics exploring insecurities are so vulnerable and relatable. “Scene of the Crime” has a cool country-rock feel, but it tells a powerful personal story drawn from Lyn’s own experiences of domestic violence, coercive control, and alcoholism. Paper Cuts also has some beautiful quiet moments, including the piano ballad “Ordinary” and the uplifting acoustic “Ride.”

There seems to be so much of Lyn in this album that it’s interesting that the final track, “Paper Cut,” is the only one with a solo songwriting credit. However, when talking about “Scene of the Crime” she explained that the song was too raw and personal to finish alone. I imagine many of the tracks had a similar songwriting journey. Lyn’s collaborators have helped her create an album which shares so much wisdom and makes a profound emotional impact.

Paper Cuts is out now. Lyn is currently on tour to support its release. See her anywhere you can.

Images used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity