Sounds of Oz

Posted on 10/07/202510/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Jad Pinnone Releases Epic New Single, “Siren of the Rock”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Jad Pinnone has floored me with his latest single “Siren of the Rock.” With its easy marriage of guitar and vocals that effortlessly flow between an angelic falsetto and gritty lower register, this song reminds me of the music of Jeff Buckley and Matt Corby. However, there’s an original spark here that helps Jad stand out on his own merits.

Jad was inspired to write this song after hearing the Māori story of Pania of the Reef, a tragic tale of an ill-fated romance between a siren and a human.

“The song’s protagonist has a complicated relationship with a beautiful, alluring being and calls out to see if she would come back to him,” Jad explained. “The circumstances that are in place keep the protagonist and the siren from frequenting each other. The characters are deeply in love but ultimately can’t be together.”

“Siren of the Rock” comes from Jad’s debut album Isteria, which we’ll hear later this year.

Photo credit: Ariel Russell

Posted on 09/07/202509/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Mister Co., Ambraya, and More Bring Us “Got My Love”

“Got My Love” is a star-studded collaboration from Mister Co., Ambraya, Ivanka Fernando, Judular, and the HALO Vocal Ensemble. With its elements of soul, funk, and gospel, I know it’s going to give you goosebumps.

“This song is a love letter – not just to each other, but to the voices, the communities, and the spaces in Melbourne that have shaped us,” said Mister Co., who wrote “Got My Love” with Ambraya. “Collaborating with Ambraya and HALO brought a sacred energy to the track. It felt like we were honouring something bigger than ourselves.”

“Got My Love” is the latest track from Mister Co.’s upcoming Homegrown EP, which features a whole range of new collaborations with local artists that highlight the depth of talent in Naarm/Melbourne. Mister Co. will mark its release with a massive launch with Ambraya and other featured artists at The Corner Hotel in Quo-yung/Richmond on August 30.

Image used with permission from Cartel Australia

Posted on 09/07/202508/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

The VANNS Release “Accomplice” Ahead of New Album Launch

The VANNS are one of my favourite modern Aussie acts. I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to wrap my ears around their latest single “Accomplice,” but I’m making up for lost time today. It’s fresh rock cut that’s instantly accessible but just a little better with each and every listen.

“‘Accomplice’ is about having the complete support of somebody in life no matter what you’re going through or maybe even putting yourself through,” the band explained. “It’s a hopeful love song dressed up as a quasi-crime story, and vice versa.”

“Accomplice” comes from The VANNS’ third album All That’s In My Head, which is scheduled for release on August 1. Their album launch shows have all sold out, but you can still catch them at Wanderer Festival at Pambula Beach on October 5.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on 08/07/202508/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham Drop Fantastic New Duet, “Tone Deaf”

If you’ve ever felt like you were losing yourself in a relationship, “Tone Deaf,” the latest single from Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, is for you. It’s an empowering anthem which celebrates breaking free from that type of partnership and reclaiming your own identity. It’s such heavy subject matter, but by focusing on independence rather than oppression, Felicity and Josh have kept their single upbeat.

“We’ve all had experiences in life where we feel like we are dancing to someone or something else’s tune and losing a sense of who we are. The expectations of others and society at large can easily funnel you into a space where you wake up one day and ask, where am I and who have I become?” Felicity said. “Being held back and held down is bad enough, but when your oppressor is tone deaf to your needs, it’s time to make yourself tone deaf to their song of control. Tuning out is the first step in healing, but the ultimate growth comes from writing your own song to sing.”

Josh and Felicity’s musical journey is going from strength to strength after they signed with ArtBridge Entertainment in March and joined Craft Music’s roster in April. They’ve also got a stack of gigs lined up in New South Wales, the ACT, and Tasmania, so catch them anywhere you can:

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on 07/07/202508/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Abbey Lane Releases Hot New Single, “Burning Out”

We’re at the halfway point of the year, so it seems kind of appropriate to introduce you to “Burning Out,” the latest flawless folk-pop single from Abbey Lane. Stripped back and intimate, its soft synths are subtle electronic beat are the perfect complement to Abbey’s delicate vocals and introspective lyrics. This one has given me chills.

“This track is for anyone having a quarter-life crisis. I wrote it in a confused time of feeling lost in my twenties, where some friends are getting married and having kids, others are living day to day travelling the world, and I was conflicted between knowing what I should want and where I should be,” Abbey explained.

This is Abbey’s first self-produced track and a sign of more exceptional music to come as she takes greater creative control over her sound.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on 06/07/202504/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

The Bamboos Celebrate 25 Years With Album + Tour

I can’t quite believe The Bamboos have been releasing the funkiest music in the country for 25 years, but here we are. That fact could make us all feel old, or we could simply look ahead to all the wonderful things this milestone brings.

First there’s the deluxe compilation album The Bamboos Best, available on gatefold gold marble double LP or CD on July 25. It features 20 of the band’s best songs taken from their 12 albums, including many tracks that haven’t been available on vinyl since their initial release. You can preorder yours from Impressed Recordings here.

And if course The Bamboos do their best work on the stage, so we’ve got shows. You know they’re going to be massive, so if you’re a fan don’t miss them. Standard tickets and ticket bundles with the vinyl or CD are all available from the links below.

11 September 2025 – City Recital Hall, Eora/Sydney
13 September 2025 – Moorooka Block Party @ Peggs Park, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)
20 September 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (Followed by a free afterparty at Northcote Theatre Mezzanine with DJs Kano and Lance Ferguson)

Photo credit: Ian Laidlaw

Posted on 05/07/202504/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Darcie Haven Releases Dark Pop Single, “Doomsday”

If you’ve ever felt like the world was going to end because your relationship did, you’ll love “Doomsday,” the latest single from Aussie indie-pop darling Darcie Haven. Its darkly playful and cathartic, the perfect heartache anthem.

“‘Doomsday’ is about feeling like the world is ending when a relationship doesn’t pan out the way you’d hoped,” Darcie said. “It’s a bit petty and tongue in cheek, while being deathly serious at the same time. Equating a breakup to an apocalypse is dramatic, but deeply true to the inner turmoil of short term, explosive relationships.”

If you love this, you’re in luck. There’s more new music from Darcie on the way with her next EP Angel of the Apocalypse dropping on July 30. You can pre-order your exclusive clear vinyl copy now. She’ll play the following shows around the country to support its release. Some shows have already sold out and the others are sure to follow, so get yours soon!

15 August 2025 – The Y HQ, Boorloo/Perth (SOLD OUT)
16 August 2025 – The Austral, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
23 August 2025 – Leadbeater, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
29 August 2025 – Metro Social, Eora/Sydney
31 August 2025 – The Outpost, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Joey Clough

Posted on 04/07/202504/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

“O2” – Kevin Silvester

Naarm/Melbourne-based artist Kevin Silvester is making a splash today with the release of his bold debut EP, O2. With its high-octane fusion of pop and rock sounds and introspective lyrics, this release is impossible to ignore.

The opening track “I THINK I NEED THERAPY!” perfectly sets the scene. We’re exploring mental health with an upbeat pop-punk style song on track one? Why not?! It’s those kinds of bold moves that make O2 such an unforgettable listen. I can hear influences like The Veronicas and Avril Lavigne coming through loudly, but Kevin’s unique perspectives as a neurodivergent, queer artist and his fearless approach to songwriting ensure he’s got something new to say.

I immediately found myself bopping along to songs like “STRANGER” and “BAD OMEN” as this EP unfolded. Kevin barely takes his foot off the accelerator, but when he does for the epic ballads “FOOL’S GOLD” and “SLEEPWALKER” you start to appreciate the full breadth of his artistry. Something tells me there’s even more in the tank that we’re yet to see.

At eight tracks, O2 feels closer to an album than an EP, no matter what the press release says. But every track deserves its place here. Each one is a banger with a message, and that all might be more important than the format.

O2 is out now. To celebrate its release, Kevin Silvester will play his biggest headline show to date at The Toff in Town on July 18. During this theatrical, immersive experience, Kevin will play the EP in full, along with fan favourites and some surprises. “It’s going to be heartfelt, expressive, and just the right amount of unhinged,” Kevin promised. Tickets are on sale now from Moshtix.

Images used with permission from Tall Poppy MGMT

Posted on 04/07/202504/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Spender Tease Upcoming Album and Tour with “Arrows”

Mama Kin (aka Danielle Caruana) and Dingo Spender are acclaimed artists in their own right, so they were always going to make musical magic when they joined forces as Mama Kin Spender. It doesn’t seem like they’re suffering from that dreaded second album syndrome, because their latest single “Arrows” may be their best yet. The track comes from Mama Kin Spender’s sophomore album Promises, which will be released on August 15.

The duo says that “Arrows” explores “the drifting apart through small acts of carelessness, and yet somehow aching to connect. Near misses – every attempt landing awkwardly, landing wrong, lashing out, sly evasive remarks eroding the fabric of love.”

Mama Kin Spender will celebrate the release of Promises with a tour around some of the best small venues this country has to offer.

“You’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna feel uncomfortable and at the same time, not alone, you’re gonna yell with us, and then most likely cry,” Dingo told fans about these upcoming shows. “You’re gonna reflect on your own heart, your own little journey with love and pain and grief and happiness. You’re gonna feel elation, you’re gonna feel brave and also need a hug and a whiskey at the end.”

Put simply, you won’t want to miss it. Catch Mama Kin Spender anywhere you can from September.

5 September 2025 – Majestic Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Pomona
6 September 2025 – The Citadel, Bundjalung Country/Murwillumbah
7 September 2025 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 September 2025 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
13 September 2025 – Archie’s Creek Tavern, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
14 September 2025 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
3 October 2025 – Paddington Uniting Church, Eora/Sydney
4 October 2025 – Milton Theatre, Dhurga Country/Milton
5 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline, Wonnarua Country/Dashville

Photo credit: WILK

Posted on 03/07/202503/07/2025 by Lauren Katulka

BIGSOUND Announces Bumper Live Lineup for 2025

BIGSOUND is always one of the hottest events around, and after the 2025 lineup was revealed it seems this year will be no exception. Over 120 acts will perform across 18 stages in Meeanjin/Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley this year including WAFIA, Polish Club, Hatchie, Dylan Wright, Azure Ryder, Inkabee, and heaps more.

“We’re thrilled to finally share the BIGSOUND 2025 lineup with you,” co-programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne said in a joint statement. “Curating this year’s program has been such a joy — the artists we’ve selected reflect the incredible depth of talent in Australia, and each one is doing truly exciting things with their music. We’re so proud of this group and can’t wait to see them bring the Fortitude Valley to life in September.”

BIGSOUND happens from September 2 to 5. There are plenty of ticket options available via the BIGSOUND website, from one-night tickets to the all-access delegate passes. Mobility access tickets are also available by calling the BIGSOUND office on (07) 3257 0013.

Image used with permission from beehive