Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Discover The Pleasures With “Was It Something I Said?”

Lachlan Bryan and Catherine Britt are both exceptional talents, so you know any music they’ll make together will be fantastic. Their duo The Pleasures has flown underneath my radar, but as they approach the release of their sophomore album I’m taking notice. Their latest single “Was It Something I Said?” gives an exciting taste of what’s to come. It reminds me a little of those great duets that Stevie Nicks did with Don Henley and Tom Petty, where the lyrics reveal a connection in all its perfectly imperfect glory.

“It’s a conversation of sorts,” Lachlan explained. “It’s two ex-lovers that are still trying to prove something. They’re throwing so much shade and sass each other’s way that you just know they’re meant to be together. It’s a concept many of us are familiar with”.

The Pleasures release their second album Enemy Of My Enemy on August 15. If you’ve been sleeping on this duo as I have, make sure you right that wrong and get your ears around it. Vinyl and CD pre-orders are available via The Pleasures’ website. There are more tour dates to come, but until then mark these ones in your calendar music lovers.

4 October 2025 – Deni Ute Muster, Wemba Wemba Country/Deniliquin
23 October 2025 – Brass Monkey, Dharawal Country/Cronulla
24 October 2025 – The Oaks Hotel, Dharawal Country/Albion Park
25 October 2025 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
26 October 2025 – Camden Hotel, Benkennie/Camden
31 October 2025 – Full Throttle Ranch, Wonnarua Country/Buttai
1 November 2025 – The Cordial Factory, Wiradjuri Country/Grenfell
2 November 2025 – Robertson Public House, Gundungurra Country/Robertson
21 November 2025 – Young Street Tavern, Monmar/Frankston
22 November 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Benny Morrell Releases Stunning New Single, “Not Anymore”

Naarm/Melbourne based artist Benny Morrell has me swooning with his dreamy new single “Not Anymore.” Honestly I was suckered in by Benny’s voice, but the more I listened to the lyrics about a love gone wrong the deeper I fell. This is such an exciting alt-pop track that hints at some amazing things to come for Benny.

“‘Not Anymore’ is an argument with your partner being played out in real time,” he explained. “It’s not one-sided – it normally takes two to tango – but when people are arguing and when something breaks, no one really wins. So in that, the song again asks the question that many have asked, is it worth it? And how did we get here? You’re both stuck to the fighting, stuck to pretending everything is okay and doomed to repeat the cycle and in doing so, it just feels the same.”

“Not Anymore” comes from Benny’s forthcoming EP All That’s Left, which he’ll release later this year. You might hear a few more numbers from that release if you catch him supporting Kita Alexander at one of her upcoming shows. If you’re going, make sure you arrive early enough for his set!

26 July 2025 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
8 August 2025 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
15 August 2025 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harrison Storm and Winona Oak Duet On “Someone Else”

Local singer-songwriter Harrison Storm has teamed up with Sweden’s Winona Oak for a beautiful new single, “Someone Else.” I’m always a sucker for an indie-folk duet, and this one hits all the right notes. Harrison cowrote this one with his friend and collaborator Brittony May, who was experiencing a breakup at the time. Winona’s ethereal vocals and production from fellow Swede Freddy Alexander took “Someone Else” to the next level.

“There is a particular kind of ache that comes from watching a friend go through a breakup,” Harrison admitted. “Sometimes it can feel like you’re on the sidelines, watching it all unfold at arm’s length, able to offer support but unable to stop what’s happening. You become a resting place for them at times, available and present while they navigate the emotional turbulence. All you can really do is become an anchor point of warmth and wait for them as the dust begins to settle.”

“Someone Else” comes from Harrison’s new album, Empty Garden, which drops on October 3. That’s not so coincidentally the day Harrison kicks off his album tour with the first of two Aussie shows before he heads to Europe and the United Kingdom.

3 October 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
4 October 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
1 November 2025 – Mühle Hunziken, Rubigen
3 November 2025 – Strom, Munich
4 November 2025 – Flex, 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

James Johnston Celebrates Little Moments of Life and Love With “Good For Me”

James Johnston is making some of the most consistently good music on the country scene today. His latest track “Good For Me” sounds like a hit from the first listen. James was inspired to write the song after reflecting on the special, simple moments he spends with his wife Talia Rose.

“It’s about the feeling of coming home to her and just doing the simple things—sitting and watching a movie, having a cup of tea,” he shared. “It’s those moments I appreciate more than ever, and I wanted to capture that joy in a song. I want people to listen to this and reflect on the person they love, to appreciate the simple things between them that makes what they have together truly special.”

James will appear at the following events in the coming months.

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

Photo credit: Josh Kelly

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Trousdale Announce First Aussie Tour

I’ve been on the Trousdale bandwagon since they were announced as part of the lineup for a music cruise I’m doing out of the US next year. But after they announced some Aussie shows in intimate venues, I’m seriously considering seeing them before I head to the States.

If you don’t know, Trousdale are an indie-pop group in the vein of HAIM and our own Little Quirks. Their harmonies are next-level good and tracks like “If I’m Honest,” “Over and Over,” and “Growing Pains,” the title track from their recently released sophomore album, are total bops.

Tickets to Trousdale’s upcoming Aussie shows are on sale now. Trust me, you don’t want to miss them.

6 November 2025 — Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 November 2025 — The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne
8 November 2025 — Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lloyd & The Leftovers Impress With “Spin The Wheel”

Lloyd & The Leftovers had me at the harmonica introduction of their latest single “Spin The Wheel.” It’s one of those honest Americana-flavoured tracks that sounds like an old favourite from the first listen. Trust me, you’ll want to hear this.

“I want the song to give a sense of longing for someone and weighing up feelings for someone who lives that same life of working on the road, always being far away from home and out of service, counting the days until you can get back and lift all the weight of these feelings off your chest,” explained the band’s singer-songwriter Luke Giglia-Smith.

As someone who’s enjoyed every Lloyd & The Leftovers track I’ve heard, I’m pretty excited that their new album, also called Spin The Wheel, is just around the corner. Listen out for it when it drops on August 8. The band will celebrate its release with a launch show at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Walyalup/Fremantle on August 23.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Maddison Kate Releases “More To Me” Ahead of EP Launch

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based folk singer Maddison Kate has warmed my heart with her beautiful new single “More To Me.” It’s a gentle track with a sweet melody, and heartfelt lyrics and vocals from Maddison. It’s ticking all the boxes for me.

“More To Me” comes from Maddison’s upcoming EP What I’d Say To You, which she’ll release on August 8.

When asked about the EP, Maddison said, “It’s about having the courage to let go of who you’ve been, speak your truth, and feel everything — even when it’s messy.”

Maddison will launch What I’d Say To You with a special hometown show at The Junk Bar on August 17. Tickets are on sale from Oztix now.

Photo credit: Georgia Bellini

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Drops “Know It All” Ahead of The VANNS Shows

Mondays are never easy, but soundtracking mine with “Know It All,” the latest single from Joe Mungovan, has put a little pep in my step. This relatable song is such a vibe, so don’t waste any time before hitting play.

“This song is for anyone who has ever had to deal with a Know It All… fuck, maybe I’ve even been that guy,” Joe admitted.

Joe is about to head around the East Coast supporting his good mates and Sounds of Oz favourites The VANNS, so you know that’s going to be a good time. These shows were sold out, but The VANNS just added a few more tickets so get them while you can!

31 July 2025 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney
1 August 2025 – The Workers Club, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
2 August 2025 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 August 2025 – Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine, Wodi Wodi Country/Tarrawanna (SOLD OUT)

Image used with permission from Joe Mungovan MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mark Wilkinson Takes “Wild & Hunted Things” on Tour

Fresh from the release of his gorgeous new album Wild & Hunted Things, Mark Wilkinson is hitting the road next month. He’ll visit some of the country’s best intimate venues to showcase his new introspective folk songs and some old favourites.

“I can’t wait to reconnect with my amazing Aussie fans and showcase the songs from the new album in a live format,” Mark enthused. “I feel like the studio and the live environment are two very different things, both allowing the songs to shine in different ways. There’s a raw energy to the live shows that can’t really be replicated in the studio and I can’t wait to share that energy and some magical unfiltered moments with audiences across Australia!”

Eora/Sydney singer-songwriter Mark Crotti will support Mark Wilkinson at all but the final two shows. Tickets are available now. I wouldn’t muck around if I were you, because such small venues are bound to sell out.

1 August 2025 – Avalon Restaurant, Dharug and Gundungurra Country/Katoomba
2 August 2025 – Mary’s Underground, Eora/Sydney
7 August 2025 – Piano Bar Geelong, Djilang/Geelong
8 August 2025 – Odessa at Leavers, Djandak/Creswick
9 August 2025 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
14 August 2025 – Avoca Beach Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca
15 August 2025 – QIRKZ in the Hunter, Awabakal Country/Abermain
16 August 2025 – Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
17 August 2025 – Flow Bar, Worimi Country/Old Bar
22 August 2025 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
23 August 2025 – Old Museum, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 August 2025 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2025 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
31 August 2025 – Kidogo Arthouse, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2025 – The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
5 September 2025 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra

Photo credit: Benjamin Hasic

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zara Haines Continues to Impress With “It’s Chemical”

After showcasing a more stripped-back sound with “Freight Train,” Zara Haines is back with a new upbeat single called “It’s Chemical.” This track is everything you want in a pop song, from Zara’s killer vocals to its ultra-catchy melody.

“It’s been my favourite song to record so far,” Zara enthused. “This track marks a new chapter for me creatively. It’s playful, personal, and taps into that moment in your 20s when you stop taking everything so seriously, and just let life happen.”

“It’s Chemical” comes from Zara’s debut EP, Bad Decisions, which we’ll hear later this year.

Image used with permission from Zara Haines