Sounds of Oz

Posted on 23/08/202524/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“Spin the Wheel” – Lloyd & The Leftovers

You know what they say about the best things coming to those who wait? Fans have been waiting years for Walyalup/Fremantle act Lloyd & The Leftovers to drop their debut album, and now their patience has been rewarded with the release of Spin the Wheel.

This album is the very best of indie-folk/alt-country. People might use the term Americana to describe the sound, and it certainly sits neatly alongside music from artists like Nathan Rateliff, Jason Isbell, and Ryan Adams. But there’s also something distinctly Australian about the twang in Luke Giglia-Smith’s vocals and the stories he tells. Music this great isn’t meant to sit in a box though. It’s meant to be felt, experienced, embraced.

Many artists bring out their heavy hitters early, but I appreciate the way Lloyd & The Leftovers let this album creep up on listeners. The opening number “Fruit and Wine” is such a gentle summery song that you might miss its easy charm if you’re not listening closely. The band kicks things up with “Kaarta Koomba,” but even with this song they seem reluctant to show all their cards. For me, the album really hits its stride with the third track, “Listen to Invalidate.” There’s such a beautiful, quiet power about it. It took my breath away from the first listen, but still makes an impression on me. With “Something Rainproof,” the band again shows the power of stillness.

With “Breathe Says the Sign,” Lloyd & The Leftovers seem to turn the dial up a notch and embrace a full-band sound rather than performing like a solo act. For me, that’s when this act resonates most. The harmonies are exquisite and the instrumentation is layered enough to make an impact without overshadowing the exceptional songwriting. Quieter numbers like “Cowboy” and “Twice in a Day” never fade into the background because the rich instrumentation and beautiful backing vocals support Luke Giglia-Smith’s voice so superbly.

Lloyd & The Leftovers saves some of its biggest songs to the back end of this album. Singles “Tried It On Tuesday” and the title track lose none of their potency here.

Spin the Wheel offers such a rich, rewarding listening experience. Lloyd & The Leftovers make exceptional indie-folk music and deliver it with heart. From quiet introspective moments to crowd-pleasing upbeat numbers, this album has it all and then some.

Lloyd & The Leftovers will launch Spin the Wheel tonight at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Walyalup/Fremantle. Get your tickets now from OzTix.

Images used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on 22/08/202517/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Songwriter Ned Houston Launches Solo Career With “Self Defence”

After writing songs with Guy Sebastian and for The Voice winner Lachie Gill, Ned Houston is stepping behind the mic with his debut single. The singer-songwriter from Ngambri/Canberra wrote “Self Defence” in Nashville with Melissa Fuller, who’s written songs for everyone from Trisha Yearwood to Grace Potter, and Grammy-winning lyricist David Hodges, who’s known for his work with Ed Sheeran, Evanescence, and Christina Perri.

Melissa was pregnant at the time, and Ned said her “calm, maternal energy” helped him open up and process his feelings about the relationship he left behind six months prior. “Self Defence” was the result of that vulnerable songwriting session.

“The song came from a very real moment in my life — a betrayal I didn’t fully process until much later. I’d found out, through a friend, that my partner had been with someone else while I was overseas working,” he recalled. “When I confronted her, she tried to cover it up using a family member’s mental health crisis as an excuse. I ended things immediately – no arguments, no closure – just silence. At the time, I thought I was okay. But months later in Nashville, the grief of that relationship hit me unexpectedly, and hard. ‘Self Defence’ is about that delayed processing of a relationship that ended suddenly without any closure. It explores the blurred line between protecting yourself and leaving something unresolved.”

With a dream team of songwriters, the track was always going to feel more polished than your average debut. But couple those lyrics with Ned’s vulnerable vocals and you’ve got a recipe for success. Hopefully this marks a new chapter as a solo artist, because he’s clearly got the goods.

Image used with permission from 3Keys Records

Posted on 21/08/202517/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

John Butler Releases Romantic New Single, “King of California”

I’m feeling all warm and fuzzy listening to new material from John Butler. His latest single “King of California” celebrates his 25-year partnership with his wife, muse, and regular collaborator Mama Kin. If you love love, I know you’ll fall for this one as hard as me.

“My partner and I have been on a pretty big ride together, constantly evolving and working out what it means to be life partners,” he said. “With every new phase of living comes a new season of self-reflection and reassessment. We’re here to ground and uplift each other, never to minimise or restrict.”

“King of California” comes from John’s new studio album PRISM, which drops on September 5. You can preorder the vinyl, CD, or merch bundles now. He’ll play shows all around the country, across the ditch, and in the UK and Europe to support its release. Tickets are selling fast though, so get on it!

Image used with permission from KAOS

Posted on 20/08/202516/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Eliza Hull Covers Silverchair

If you’ve caught the trailer for the new Paramount+ series Playing Gracie Darling, you’re probably wondering who recorded that fantastic version of Silverchair’s “Tomorrow.” It’s none other than our own Eliza Hull. I love the way she’s stripped this song right back to bring some extra gravitas to the lyrics. Something tells me the lads from Mulubinba/Newcastle would approve.

“Reimagining Silverchair’s ‘Tomorrow’ means so much to me, not just as an artist, but as someone who grew up feeling at times inadequate and different,” Eliza said. “As a young person, this song helped me make sense of the world around me. Music was often an escape, and I remember feeling the power of the lyrics. They feel as poignant as ever, in a time when we are seeing greed and money continue to take hold. To now be an artist performing this iconic track feels like a powerful full-circle moment – especially because Daniel Johns recently shared my song ‘Running Underwater’ on his social media, the first I ever wrote about having a disability. I loved reimagining ‘Tomorrow,’ and when recording it, felt a new level of emotion that I didn’t expect. I actually burst into tears.”

This cover’s fabulous, but if you’re craving more Eliza Hull originals you won’t have to wait too long. She recently returned from a songwriting trip to London, where she collaborated with talents like Liam Howe (Lana Del Rey), Brett Shaw (Florence & The Machine), James Knight (Ellie Goulding, The Kooks), and Tom Iansek (Big Scary) on material for her next album. You can catch also see Eliza at the following events:

23 August 2025 – Words of Winter Gala @ Hotel Bellizona, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Hepburn Springs
6 September 2025 – Big Love Festival @ Chenrezig Institute, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Eudlo

Photo credit: Josh Rodgers

Posted on 19/08/202515/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Kee’ahn Drops Breathtaking New Single, “Heavy”

Naarm/Melbourne chanteuse Kee’ahn casts a spell with their latest neo-soul single “Heavy.” While you’re settling into the groove, don’t miss the lyrics which speak of the importance of connection in the healing process.

“It’s a reminder that our heaviest moments are meant to be shared,” Kee’ahn said. “That we need each other. It’s about the power of community, holding on and letting ourselves be held. A message we all need right now.”

Kee’ahn looked to their community to bring this one to life. It features guitar and bass from OjiAji, keys from Yusuf Harare Jnr, flute from Kasinda Faase, and drums from Kawel Che. This soundscape is all tied together neatly with production from Pataphysics. “Heavy” also comes with a film clip shot and edited by Sapphic Flicks in Kee’ahn’s hometown of Gurambilbarra and Thul Garrie Waja/Townsville after a period of intense flooding.

“All three of us stayed in the house I grew up in and filmed in the backyard with my mum, aunties, cousins, nan, and niece assisting and featuring in the piece,” Kee’ahn explained. “I wanted the visuals to honour women, family, and country. That we must hold each other just as country and water hold us.”

I can hear Kee’ahn’s influences like Lauryn Hill and Janelle Monae coming through, but they reinterpret the neo-soul genre in such an exciting, Australian way. I love this song and can’t wait to hear more from Kee’ahn.

Image used with permission from Northside Records

Posted on 18/08/202514/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

BOY SODA Shines Bright With “4K”

Smooth as butter, BOY SODA is coming at you with his latest single “4K,” which features the talents of Dean Brady and Siala. This song has got such a cool groove and soulful vocal runs from the awesome artists involved.

“We made ‘4K’ when everyone was staying at our spot and it’s such an honour to be friends with artists who are so incredible, vocally and artistically,” BOY SODA enthused. “Dean and Siala in their own right are prolific artists so it feels like a really important contribution to the soul/R&B scene we’re trying to build here in Australia. We spend a lot of time together making music and just sharing space when either of them fly in, so it’s really amazing to have a song like ‘4K’ that speaks to our collective taste and love for embedding our souls in our music.”

“4K” comes from BOY SODA’s highly anticipated debut album SOULSTAR, which we’ll hear on October 3. You can pre-order or pre-save it now. He’ll also play a couple of launch shows to support its release.

1 October 2025 – Lazybones, Bulanaming/Marrickville
11 October 2025 – The Evelyn, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Satoru Takamatsu

Posted on 18/08/202516/01/2026 by Lauren Katulka

Canada’s Ocie Elliott Announce Aussie Return

I’m a sucker for a good folk duo, so I’ve fallen pretty quickly for Ocie Elliott, who are making their way to Australia this summer. They’re far from a household name here, but in their native Canada they’ve been nominated for JUNO Awards and earned widespread acclaim for their studio albums We Fall In and In That Room. They’ve toured extensively through North America and Europe, and they’re excited to make a return visit to our shores.

“Australia, after nearly three years away, we finally get to return!” they gushed. “We are more than excited to perform in your beautiful country again and enjoy your delicious coffee, beaches and açai bowls. And of course, to be back in the same space as all of you. See you in summer 2026.“

Since they haven’t blown up here, we get to see them at intimate venues which are honestly perfect for their gentle folk music. Prepare to be entranced when Ocie Elliott grace local stages next year.

30 January 2026 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 February 2026 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
4 February 2026 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
5 February 2026 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
6 February 2026 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
8 February 2026 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads

Photo credit: Kelly Lovett

Posted on 17/08/202514/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

SEETALI and Kaiyah Mercedes Release Beautiful Ballad, “Poison & Wine”

Naarm/Melbourne-based talents SEETALI and Kaiyah Mercedes have teamed up for a gorgeous new single, “Poison & Wine.” Raw and introspective, this beautiful ballad was designed as therapy for anyone struggling with openness and vulnerability.

“It’s a bittersweet truth about accepting not everyone’s going to be sorry, or care to the same extent you are and how for your own headspace you need to learn to accept that, and sometimes you need to be your own form of closure,” SEETALI said.

“Working with SEETALI means working with the full extent of my creativity,” Kaiyah added. “She brings out the most in the art and together we made a song that is truly special.”

This is the latest of several collaborations from SEETALI and Kaiyah. Hopefully they continue making such incredible music together in the future.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on 17/08/202517/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

RISSA Slays With “FOREVER”

Coming out of Dharawal/Campbelltown, RISSA is giving me old school R&B vibes with her latest single “FOREVER.” Her pure, heavenly vocals remind me a bit of Ashanti or Aaliyah.

“‘FOREVER’ encapsulates the moments and feelings in dating when you feel yourself falling for someone but are unsure if those feelings are just for now or forever,” RISSA said. “Teaming up with New Zealand talents, Edy Liu and Sam V, we pieced together an R&B track full of soul. This one is for the yearners who want a forever kind of love!”

“FOREVER” comes with a cool video filmed and edited by four:three, who are known for making fire clips for hot local artists like Barkaa and Chanel Loren. It all comes together so beautifully, I can’t wait to hear and see more from RISSA.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on 16/08/202514/08/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Peach Fuzz Drop “Fall Right Back to You” Ahead of EP Release and Tour

It’s an exciting time to be a Peach Fuzz fan. The Naarm/Melbourne-based indie-rockers have just dropped a fantastic new single, “Fall Right Back to You” ahead of the release of their new EP and headlining tour of the East Coast. I love this song. It’s not just a total banger. It also has some really relatable lyrics about second-guessing the decision to walk away from a relationship.

“The lyrics speak to that feeling of remorse and yearning,” the band said. “When you’re unsure if you made the right call.”

“Fall Right Back to You” comes from Peach Fuzz’s new EP Isn’t it Obvious? which they’ll release on September 17. You can pre-order a fabulous pink vinyl copy here.

“Every song on this EP lets you sing your heart out about some very real and very chaotic emotion you’ve probably had towards someone,” Peach Fuzz shared. “It’s indecisive, emotional, and loud – just like your early 20’s should be.”

You’ll have a couple of weeks to learn all those new lyrics before Peach Fuzz head out on their East Coast tour supported by rising indie-folk act Lottie McLeod.

10 October 2025 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
24 Oct 2025 – Blute’s, Meeanjin/Brisbane
25 Oct 2025 – The Trocadero Room, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Blue Music