Posted on by Lauren Katulka

End of Fashion Celebrates 20 Years With Vinyl And Shows

The first thing I did on hearing that End of Fashion are celebrating 20 years since the release of their self-titled debut album was feel old. The second was to fire it up on Spotify. And I’ve got to say, it sounds even better than I remember it.

There’s the monster single “O Yeah” of course, but all the songs around it really stand up. It makes me wonder why they weren’t all over the charts.

The album sounds good on Spotify, but no doubt the special anniversary double vinyl will sound even better. The first record features the original album remastered while the second has rare demos, B-sides, and unheard gems. It also features artwork from the archives, a never-before-released lyric sheet, and a collage of photos submitted by fans. You can preorder yours now from Universal.

“When we made this album, we never dreamed it would still mean so much to people 20 years later. That’s a real gift for us and we wanted to give something back. We put this re-issue together with a lot of love — and a lot of memories…our own and most importantly, the fans. Which is why we got them involved. This is as much theirs as it is ours. To have this out in the world again, on vinyl, with all this amazing material from the archives that we never thought would see the light of day, feels really special,” said End of Fashion frontman Justin Burford.

To celebrate the milestone, End of Fashion will head out on their first national tour in almost a decade. They’re promising to play their debut album in full plus plenty of fan favourites. You know this is going to be big, so make sure you get your tickets before they sell out.

15 August 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
16 August 2025 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
22 August 2025 – The Night Cat, Naarm/Melbourne
23 August 2025 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2025 – The Rosemount, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Peter Sherlock

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saif, Samiul Haque, and THKreturns Unite For “Gangladesh”

Aussie hip hop artist Saif has teamed up with the UK’s Samiul Haque and America’s THKreturns for “Gangladesh.” This song delivers more than a fusion of cultures. There’s also a really cool fusion of sounds, with jazz influences and a soulful chorus contrasting beautifully with the rap verses. Make sure you tap into those lyrics that explore class struggles, inequality, and injustice from a global perspective.

Saif opened up on his Instagram page about what motivated him to write “Gangladesh,” noting “Growing up in Dhaka, I could never make sense of something that felt so wrong: I had clothes on my back and food on my plate, but kids who looked just like me stood barefoot on the streets, begging. As a kid, it was impossible to understand. But it stayed with me — always. That contrast, that injustice, followed me everywhere I went.

“It’s what led me to study Economics, to try to make sense of global inequality — why poverty, child labor, and exploitation still shape so much of the world. ‘Gangladesh’ is my attempt to step into someone else’s shoes, to reflect on the weight of these experiences. But it’s only my first step toward a larger purpose: a life committed to international development and meaningful change.

“I never got into music for accolades, money or fame. I turned to music when I had nowhere else to go – when life felt like a bottomless pit. Now, it’s become my channel for hope, reason and action.”

If you want to follow Saif on his musical journey, make sure you follow him on Instagram to learn more about his next moves and the global issues that inspire him.

Image used with permission from Saif

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Palace Sell Out Shows Ahead of Aussie Tour

After wowing crowds in 2022 and 2023, British indie-folk band Palace are heading back to Australia later this month to support their new EP Greyhound.

I must admit, I wasn’t across Palace’s music until I received the press release, but I’ve had the Greyhound EP on repeat for a couple of days now. If you dig lush, honest folk music in the vein of Fleet Foxes and Bright Eyes, I know you’ll be into these guys too.

Tickets are selling fast, with some shows already sold out, so if you’re keen make sure you grab yours soon!

25 June 2025 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
26 June 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
28 June 2025 – Palais, Naarm/Melbourne
29 June 2025 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
1 July 2025 – Metropolis Fremantle, Walyalup/Fremantle

Image used with permission from Live Nation

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Chuck Sics Wows Me With Debut Single, “Redo”

Chuck Sics shows you don’t need a big studio or years in the business to create a fantastic song. He recorded, produced, and mixed his psychedelic-rock debut single “Redo” in his bedroom studio, but it sounds every bit as polished as a major label release.

“The song is about the aftermath of confessing love for a friend who doesn’t share those feelings, and wishing everyone could forget it happened. Wishing you could disappear, or do it over again,” Chuck said. “The shame of rejection surely drives this need to forget it ever happened, but in the song I also tried to address that the way I dealt with the rejection at that time had not been fair. So the song is also about the pitfalls of self-victimising. Wallowing in sorrow and feeling as though everyone is out to get you – you manufacture this reality to justify your attitude, when really it’s your attitude that’s the problem. It’s a pretty high school problem, and I wish I’d been mature enough to handle the situation differently.”

Chuck Sics has set the bar pretty high on his debut release, but I can’t wait to hear how he evolves as a musician.

Photo credit: Tilly Langford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harrison Storm Releases Calming New Single, “Find A Way”

Harrison Storm is injecting a little folky goodness into your Thursday with his gorgeous new single “Find A Way.” Penned in a quiet moment during a solo cabin retreat, it’s a celebration of self-care and comfort that so many of us need.

“This song is a conversation between myself and the anxious part of me that I have been nurturing for years. The part that doesn’t feel safe in the world,” Harrison explained. “It’s a very literal song in that sense. The place I’m singing from is the calm, peaceful, and compassionate part of me that exists within, and the version of myself I’m singing to is this part that needs a lot of care and support.”

“Find A Way” gives us our first taste of Harrison’s sophomore album, which he’ll release later this year. He’ll play a couple of shows here in Australia before heading to the United Kingdom and Europe in November. Here are all the dates you need:

3 October 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
4 October 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
1 November 2025 – Muhle Hunziken, Rubigen
3 November 2025 – Strom, Munich
4 November 2025 – Flex Cafe, Vienna
6 November 2025 – Lido, Berlin
7 November 2025 – Mojo Club, Hamburg
8 November 2025 – Nachtleben, Frankfurt
9 November 2025 – LUXOR, Cologne
11 November 2025 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
12 November 2025 – Kavka Zappa, Antwerp
14 November 2025 – La Maroquinerie, Paris
16 November 2025 – Whelan’s, Dublin
18 November 2025 – YES, Manchester
19 November 2025 – King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow
21 November 2025 – Union Chapel, London
23 November 2025 – Thekla, Bristol
25 November 2025 – Nalen Klubb, Stockholm

Photo credit: Mikey Conlon

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Self Talk Drop Sweet New Single, “Stuck”

If your energy levels are running low this morning, hit play on “Stuck,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne five-piece Self Talk. With its punchy guitars and upbeat energy, this indie-pop rock track is better than any caffeine hit. Sitting somewhere between The Mavis’s and Paramore, there’s a real nostalgic charm to this one.

“Stuck is a simple, unashamed love song,” Self Talk explained. “An ode to the early moments of connection and the feelings you feel when you meet someone who gets stuck in your head. We really tried to capture some of those feelings musically — I feel like I can hear the butterflies and electricity and excitement in moments like the synth flourishes, the key change, and the trumpet that comes in at the end.”

Self Talk will launch “Stuck” with a hometown show at The Tote Upstairs on June 13. With support from Sick Visors and Grass Stains, it’s bound to be a fantastic night out. Tickets are available now from Oztix.

Image used with permission from Self Talk

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hassall Impresses With “Overpopulator”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Hassall hits all the right notes with her relatable new indie-pop single, “Overpopulator.” With intricate lyrics and unpredictably addictive melodic movements, just see if you can resist playing this one a few times in a row.

The song’s music video, filmed by Willem Kingma (Bones & Jones, The Grogans), was shot in several locations around the regional Victorian town of Kolijon Country/Colac. Hassall said the clip aims to replicate the song’s over-caffeinated vibe.

“My favourite part of the day was shooting at our friend Maggie’s house,” she added. “It was a beautiful old house with feature pieces of furniture, and each room was painted a totally different colour, which made it ideal for filming.”

“Overpopulator” comes from Hassall’s debut album Means More to Me Than It Does to You, which drops on July 3. Before that she’ll support Killing Heidi on their 25 Years of Reflector shows, so if you’ve got some tickets make sure you don’t miss her set!

20 June 2025 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (SOLD OUT)
21 June 2025 – Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth
26 June 2025 – The Tivoli, Meeanjin/Brisbane
27 June 2025 – Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
28 June 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Jurek Lubinski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Tim Finn, Birds of Tokyo, Richard Clapton, and More Play Lighthouse Rock Festival

After taking a year off in 2024, Lighthouse Rock is back with a massive line-up for 2025. Tim Finn, Birds of Tokyo, Richard Clapton, You Am I, Ross Wilson, The Superjesus and heaps more will all hit Taribelang Country/Burnett Heads this October.

Joining all these household names will be the winner of Triple M Battle of the Bands. If you’d like the chance to play in front of more than 5,000 people, head to the Lighthouse Rock website to register.

“We are so excited to be bringing this amazing lineup of Aussie rock to the region again!” Gavin Hales from Lighthouse Presents said. “This year will be even bigger and better than anything we have done before!”

For the first time, Lighthouse Rock will be an all-ages event. Organisers understand the cost-of-living crisis, so kids 10 and under can go for free and tickets for 11- to 17-year-olds are half price.

The 2022 and 2023 events both sold out, and with such a stellar lineup I expect 2025 to do the same. Don’t get caught sleeping on this one. Tickets are available from the Oztix website now.

Image used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wanderer Festival Back for 2025

Is this gloomy winter weather getting you down? Don’t stress. Sunshine will be here before you know it, and with it the festival season. Wanderer Festival is one of the first cabs off the rank. Its stacked lineup featuring local talents Missy Higgins, The Living End, and Boy & Bear alongside international up-and-comers Saint Motel and Jacob Banks will hit Yuin Country/Pambula this October.

The music runs alongside an arts program featuring circus performers, a morning dance party, morning yoga, a hair dressing salon, and Welcome To Country and Smoking Ceremony with Duurunu Miru Dancers. I’m also assured the food will be “heavenly,” so this is one of those events that ticks all the boxes.

Wanderer Festival hits Pambula Beach on October 4 and 5. The campgrounds open on Friday October 3 so you can get settled before the music kicks off. Single day and weekend tickets are on sale now, so start planning your Yuin Country/ Sapphire Coast getaway. This is a biennial event, so if you miss this one you’ve got to wait another two years. That’s far too long. Just do the thing!

Photo credit: David Rogers Photography

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Johnston Releases Ode to the Past, “Back in the Day”

James Johnston tugs at the heartstrings with his nostalgic new single, “Back in the Day.” The track, which James cowrote with Morgan Evans, celebrates a simpler time when the world felt more connected, honest, and a little less crazy.

“’Back in the Day’ was written from a raw and unfiltered place!” James said. “I’ve known Morgan since I was about 10 years old and we just started chatting about that time in our lives and how things just seemed simpler. We started writing and the song came effortlessly! Putting myself back there brought back mixed feelings. On one hand there is a real joy in going back to those simpler times, but at the same time there is a sadness in missing what felt like a happier, safer world! I feel ‘Back in the Day’ really captures both of those emotions.”

James has some exciting headlining shows and appearances at leading country music festivals coming up, so make sure you catch him anywhere you can.

27 June 2025 – Country Fest@ Dittman Bull Pit, Yuwibara Country/Bloomsbury
31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster @ Amamoor State Forest, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie
14 September 2025 – Night at the Parkland @ Roma Street Parkland, Meeanjin/Brisbane
3 October 2025 – Night at the Barracks @ North Head Sanctuary, Kay-ye-my Country/Manly
11 October 2025 – Savannah in the Round @ Mareeba Rodeo Arena, Muluridji Country/Mareeba

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia