Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saralyn Releases Upbeat Country Anthem, “Cowgirl Blues”

I get it. It’s Valentine’s Day. That Hallmark holiday celebrating love. And that’s lovely. But if you want love songs, there’s plenty of that around. So I want to do something different and showcase a song for all of my single readers out there. If you’re looking for a feel-good independent anthem today, you’ve found it with “Cowgirl Blues” from Saralyn. This reminds me of those upbeat country floor-fillers Shania Twain used to release in the ‘90s. It’s so much fun, whether you usually listen to country music or not.

“Cowgirl Blues was built around a fun, high-energy recording process that leaned into big country sounds and feel-good momentum,” Saralyn reminisced. “Guitarist Adam Osmanovic (Viper Creek) brought the unmistakable country twang, supported by honky-tonk keys, pedal steel, banjo, and driving drums. The track grew naturally into something bold, playful, and full, capturing the joy of the room and delivering a big, confident country anthem made to be turned up loud.”

The video, shot by Jake Davey Studios in Gringai Country/Gresford, captures that sense of fun.

“The night came together with the pub rallying the local ladies, crackers, cheese, wine, and dancing well into the night. Surrounded by friends & family, the blue 1975 Kombi van became part of the story, with standout moments including the choreographed leg kick, a confetti pop ‘owe!’ moment, and carefree scenes of driving the Kombi turning the shoot into a celebration rather than just a video.”

“Cowgirl Blues” is the first single to drop from Saralyn’s forthcoming debut EP, which we’ll hear a little later this year. While that release celebrates her original music, Saralyn will also pay tribute to one of her idols, Lainey Wilson, with a string of tribute shows next month. Catch her anywhere you can:

7 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Lainey Wilson show)
8 March 2026 – Kings Beach Tavern, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast (Lainey Wilson show – supporting the Luke Combs Experience)
14 March – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ The Entertainment Quarter, Eora/Sydney (Lainey Wilson show)
21 March 2026 – Summer in Nashville Country Music Festival @ Riviera Beach Club, Naarm/Melbourne (Lainey Wilson show)
2 May 2026 – The Big Giddy Up @ The Paterson Court House Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Paterson (Full band original show – FREE)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers Blow Me Away With “One Woman One Love”

Many of the world’s best singers only need one name because they’re so recognisable, so iconic. Think Cher. Adele. Beyonce. Madonna. And now add Kaliopi to the list. Her voice captured me from the first gutsy note of “One Woman One Love,” her new single with her band The Blues Messengers.

Kaliopi’s powerful blues voice is undeniable, but The Blues Messengers match it so beautifully. Every musician on this track is a force of nature. Greg Rowan’s driving drumbeat, Paul Leeder’s easy bass, and Brendon Price’s piano chops, and John Drew’s talent on the retro Hammond organ create a classic shuffle sound that’s absolutely irresistible. Then Wayne Albury’s saxophone rips in and it all goes to the next level.

If you long for the “good old days” of music, before oversaturated production, auto-tuning, and sampling started to drown out the essence of the song, I know you’ll appreciate “One Woman One Love.” Consider it your invitation to deep dive into the music of Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers before they release their third album later this year. And if you’re in Naarm/Melbourne, catch Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers launching “One Woman One Love” tonight at Kew Court House. Tickets are still available for just $25 from the Boroondara Arts website.

Image used with permission from Kaliopi & The Blues Messengers



Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maggie Lindemann Announces Aussie Return

Fresh from the release of her sophomore album i feel everything, American alt-punk artist Maggie Lindemann has announced her Australian return. She wowed crowds on her first visit in 2023, and with some incredible new songs in her arsenal, she’s bound to generate just as much buzz.

Personally, I think the material from i feel everything is Maggie’s strongest. It’s powerful but emotionally nuanced, personal but so relatable, with a dynamic, eclectic sound that keeps you guessing. However, don’t stress if you love her earlier music. I’m sure Maggie will deliver all your favourites when she graces Aussie stages in May. Destroy All Lines and artist presales kick off on Tuesday 17 February at 11 am ahead of the general sale at 11 am the following day.

10 May 2026 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth (18+)
12 May 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Lic/AA)
14 May 2026 – Roundhouse, Eora/Sydney (Lic/AA)
15 May 2026 – Forum Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
17 May 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Lic/AA)

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kate Ceberano Encores Australian Made With Big Aussie Tour

Kate Ceberano’s Australian Made album went a little under the radar on its release last August. Honestly, I wasn’t aware she’d recorded an awesome album of live Aussie covers until she supported Jimmy Barnes on his Working Class Man shows last year. If you weren’t in the loop when she sold out shows last year, you’ll appreciate that she’s planning an encore tour later this year.

“Last year was an unexpected runaway success,” Kate said. “It ended up being the biggest rock move of my career. Coming back to do it again, and push it further, felt irresistible.”

If you saw Kate’s Australian Made shows last time, this tour is still worth another look. Kate promises to refresh the setlist, expand the arrangements, and tell more stories about her connection to iconic Aussie anthems.

“It’s the same engine, but a different gear,” Kate explained. “The setlist’s been reworked, stretched, and opened up. More stories. More risk. More Australian classics, old and new, and more room to live inside the songs.”

Kate Ceberano’s new Australian Made encore tour kicks off in London in August before the Aussie run commences in Boorloo/Perth in September. Tickets went on sale this morning, so jump on them at the links below!

8 August 2026 – The Garage, London
4 September 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
5 September 2026 – ManPAC, Bindjareb Country/Mandurah
6 September 2026 – Heart, Wooditjup/Margaret River
11 September 2026 – MECC, Yuwibara/Mackay
12 September 2026 – GECC Theatre, Goeng Goeng Country/Gladstone
13 September 2026 – Pilbeam Theatre, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton
18 September 2026 – CPAC, Gimuy/Cairns
19 September 2026 – The Warehouse, Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville
20 September 2026 – Burdekin Theatre, Bindal Country/Ayr
2 October 2026 – Civic Centre, Wiradjuri Country/Orange
3 October 2026 – TRECC Town Hall, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
4 October 2026 – The Art House Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Wyong
9 October 2026 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
10 October 2026 – The Playhouse @ Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngambri/Canberra
11 October 2026 – Concert Hall @ Sydney Opera House, Eora/Sydney
23 October 2026 – Hamer Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
24 October 2026 – Ulumbarra Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
25-28 October 2026 – Rock the Boat
30 October 2026 – West Gippsland Arts Centre, Darug Country/Warragul
31 October 2026 – Costa Hall, Djilang/Geelong
1 November 2026 – Lighthouse Theatre, Kurrn Kopan Noot Country/Warrnambool
5 November 2026 – Northern Festival Centre, Thalpiri/Port Pirie
6 November 2026 – Chaffey Theatre, Ngarringjeri Country/Renmark
7 November 2026 – Her Majesty’s, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 November 2026 – Twin Towns, Bundhalung Country/Tweed Heads
14 November 2026 – QPAC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
15 November 2026 – The Events Centre, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Caloundra
19 November 2026 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballaarat/Ballarat
20 November 2026 – Riverlinks Eastbank, Kanny-goopna/Shepparton

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chuck Sics Drops Nostalgic New Track, “Arms”

Eora/Sydney-based artist Chuck Sics is kicking off his next chapter with his dreamy new indie pop-rock single “Arms.” This is Chuck’s first new release since he dropped his debut EP Slipstream last September. I love its nostalgic noughties-influenced sound and vulnerable lyrics.

“’Arms’ is a song about falling in love, and letting love win you over when you’re afraid to lose it,” Chuck said about the track. “I guess it’s normal to be afraid to lose someone, but it’s also easy to become nihilistic in that fear and let it cloud your feelings. It’s easy to get swept away in the fear that nothing lasts forever. With Arms, I wanted to remind myself, and hopefully others, to be present, hold your loved ones and let them hold you – that’s all you need.”

Chuck is a true creative who wrote, sang, and performed almost every instrument on “Arms.” He also produced and mixed the track with a little help from frequent collaborators Blake Wares and River Langford.

Chuck is currently playing a hometown residency at Pleasure Club. After wowing crowds on the 5th, he’ll take the stage again with a free gig on February 19. Chuck is also planning to announce a string of local and interstate gigs really soon.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Pacific Avenue Release Sentimental Rock Single, “Things We Wanna Say”

Pacific Avenue are getting me buzzing their upcoming sophomore album Lovesick Sentimental with the release of another new track, “Things We Wanna Say.” While their previous single “Here We Go Again” was a sweet ballad, this newie is a pure rocker.

“‘Things We Wanna Say’ is an ode to the core friendships that you build in the ‘coming of age’ years of your life,” said Harry O’Brien, Pacific Avenue’s vocalist and guitarist. “So much of our adolescence we’re surrounded by close friends and as [you] grow up together, experiencing the world and new things for the first time, you create bonds that are fundamental to our individual identities, then as you move through your 20s and people start getting jobs or moving away from home, the experience becomes a much more isolated one. We never say the things we want to say. We aim to lift up the meaningful connections that you’ve made and more openly feel like you can express your love for the people who make it all worthwhile.”

We’ll hear more new material from Pacific Avenue when they release Lovesick Sentimental on March 6. You can pre-order it now. They’re wasting no time bringing the new tunes to the stage, with their tour kicking off in Boorloo/Perth the same day and continuing on to Europe and the United Kingdom.

6 March 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
7 March 2026 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 March 2026 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
14 March 2026 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
20 March 2026 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 March 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
3 April 2026 – POPUP!, Paris
4 April 2026 – MTC Club, Koln
5 April 2026 – Badehaus, Berlin
7 April 2026 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
9 April 2026 – Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth
10 April 2026 – The Louisiana, Bristol
11 April 2026 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
13 April 2026 – King Tuts Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
14 April 2026 – O2 Institute, Birmingham
16 April 2026 – The Dead Famous Late Night Liquor Lounge, Newquay
17 April 2026 – The Garage, London

Photo credit: Matt Sav

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hands Like Houses Call For Aussie Supports

Fancy sharing a stage with Hands Like Houses? The Ngambri/Canberra rockers are giving back to the scene by launching a national search for local acts to support them on their April shows.

“There are a lot of stacked international tours rolling through right now (which is awesome), but real opportunities for local Aussie bands to play bigger rooms are still super limited,” Hands Like Houses said. “So we want to do this properly. We started our career opening for touring shows through Canberra, and we understand the confidence and momentum it can help build for any artist. We’ll check every submission, stats don’t matter, music does. Every selected support band will be PAID. Always. Much love, support local, support Aussie music.”

If you think you have what it takes, apply for one of those coveted support slots via this form. And if you just want to see Hands Like Houses, their already announced support act Dream On Dreamer, and one of the winning bands, get your tickets for the Lótus Tour at the links below:

16 April 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
17 April 2026 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
18 April 2026 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
19 April 2026 – Kings Beach Tav, Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
23 April 2026 – Beer Deluxe, Wiradjuri Country/Albury
24 April 2026 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
25 April 2026 – UniBar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 April 2026 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Matt Higgs

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tommy Lellan Releases Queer Jazz-Pop Gem, “CURSÈD”

Most queer anthems tend to be high-energy dancefloor fillers, so I was really excited to hear Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Tommy Lellan taking a different route with his new single “CURSÈD.”

“CURSÈD” is a gorgeous jazz-pop track with powerful lyrics that encourage queer listeners to tune out negativity and practice self-acceptance. While it’s available on all the streaming services, I’ve decided to post the lyric video to make sure you don’t miss Tommy’s insightful songwriting. Follow him on Instagram to learn more about his releases as they drop.

Image used with permission from Tommy Lelland

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rhys Tolhurst Releases Feelgood New Single, “Dance With Me”

Naarm-Melbourne-based artist Rhys Tolhurst is bringing the good vibes for your Friyay with his brand-new single “Dance With Me.” If Ben Rector and Guy Sebastian ever collaborated, it might sound a little like this upbeat pop gem. It’s inspired me to take an impromptu dance break, so I’m sure it’ll at least have you bopping along.

“’Dance With Me’ is about letting go, living in the moment, and celebrating love, positivity and diversity,” Rhys said.

And we couldn’t use a little more of that right now? Locals who want to hear more from Rhys can catch him headlining at Hamer Hall on May 11 as part of the 2026 Morning Melodies program. This is Rhys’ first time leading a show of this scale, but with bangers like this in his catalogue I’m sure it won’t be the last! Tickets for that show are on sale now from the Arts Centre Melbourne.

Image used with permission from Killer Entertainment

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca Duet Ahead of Green Electric Tour

If you were on the fence about seeing Sarah McLeod and Dallas Frasca on their Green Electric Tour, the release of their latest single “’Til It’s Gone” might tip you over the edge. Hearing these two vocal powerhouses on the one track is an absolute joy. It’s bluesy, edgy, and so incredibly cool.

“The song was inspired by a line in ‘Big Yellow Taxi,’ written more than half a century ago, and it’s confronting how little has changed,” Sarah and Dallas said in a joint statement. “We’re still prioritising profit over care for country, and the climate is pushing back hard. ‘Til It’s Gone’ speaks to the moment we’re in right now, a crossroads, and the responsibility we all share to make better choices before the damage becomes irreversible.”

Sarah and Dallas don’t just pay lip service to the issues. They’ve teamed up with Green Music Australia for their upcoming tour to reduce their carbon footprint through initiatives like plotting sustainable travel routes, using meet-free catering and eco-certified accommodation, and selling merch made from recycled materials. They’re encouraging fans to get in on the act too by choosing low-emission transport options and wearing sustainable fashion to the shows. The Green Electric Tour kicks off on February 19 in Bungambrawatha/Albury. Tickets for all shows are still available but won’t last long!

19 February 2026 – Bended Elbow, Bungambrawatha/Albury
20 February 2026 – Moyhu Hotel, Pangerang and Ya-itma-thang Country/Moyhu
21 February 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
22 February 2026 – Pelly Bar, Monmar/Frankston
27 February 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
28 February 2026 – The Royal Quarters, Turrbal Country/Nundah
1 March 2026 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
5 March 2026 – Big Easy Radio, Ngaltingga/Aldinga
6 March 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
7 March 2026 – Mojo’s Bar, Walyalup/Fremantle
8 March 2026 – Indi Bar, Mooro Country/Scarborough
11 March 2026 – La La La’s, Dharawal Country/Wollongong
12 March 2026 – The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
13 March 2026 – The Bridge Hotel, Wangal Country/Rozelle
14 March 2026 – Stag & Hunter, Mulubinba/Newcastle

Image used with permission from beehive