Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bootleg Rascal Release “Steppin” Ahead of UK and European Shows

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast act Bootleg Rascal may be one of the country’s most consistent bands. You can always count on them for a good time, and their latest single “Steppin” is absolutely no exception. It sonically brings all the good vibes we expect from the band, but listen to those lyrics and you’ll realise this single is a little darker than those that came before. I’m not sure whether I’m experiencing a whole lot of new track energy or it really is their best, but I’m in love.

“‘Steppin’ is a raw and emotive cut that dives deep into themes of isolation, inner struggle, and resilience. It captures the feeling of being stuck in a cycle of self-blame and disconnection, while still holding onto a fierce sense of survival. Through the lyrics, the song reflects the battle between wanting to give up and finding the strength to endure, offering an honest portrayal of pain, anger, and the human instinct to keep moving forward even in the darkest moments.”

Bootleg Rascal will take this song global with shows in the United Kingdom and Europe. They’re also got a cheeky local gig before they depart. Wherever you are, take note of the dates near you!

7 June 2025 – Winter Wine Festival, Dharawal/Gerringong
28 June 2025 – Timboektoem, Wijk Aan Zee
29 June 2025 – Paradiso, Amsterdam
30 June 2025 – Hebebuehne, Hamburg
4 July 2025 – Stadtstrand, Dusseldorf
5 July 2025 – Milla, Munich
7 July 2025 – Hafenkneipe, Zurich
9 July 2025 – The Louisiana, Bristol
10 July 2025 – Dues Lodge, Bournemouth
11 July 2025 – O2 Academy, London
12 July 2025 – Watering Hole, Cornwall

Photo credit: Jared Hinz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Shane Smith & The Saints Announce Maiden Aussie Tour

Texan alt-country-folk act Shane Smith & the Saints are heading to Australia for the first time to promote their latest album Norther. I’ve had this album on repeat today. It’s just so good. Shane Smith has got that sort of weathered, seasoned voice that demands you pay attention, and the musicality of his band is off the charts. If you love acts like Mumford & Sons and Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, I know these guys will be right up your alley.

While they haven’t been to Australia before, they’ve spent the last decade on the road building a passionate fanbase and refining their sound. They’re playing tiny venues here, and you can almost guarantee that won’t be the case next time they visit us. Back home they’ve played legendary venues like the Ryman Auditorium and Red Rocks Amphitheater (which they sold out in just 36 hours). But they haven’t forgotten their roots.

“If you spend 10 years playing dive bars and small clubs almost every single night, and you go to the merch booth after every show and hang out with the fans until the staff literally kicks you out, you get to turn those fans into friends,” Shane Smith said. “That’s how we built this thing. We’ve done as many as 240 shows in a single year. We’ve worked so hard to get there, and that hard work has created a beautiful, meaningful audience.”

Here are those Aussie dates. Don’t let yourself sleep on them.

17 October 2025 – Groundwater Music Festival, Kombumerri Country/Broadbeach
18 October 2025 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 October 2025 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
22 October 2025 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fanning Dempsey National Park @ Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 16 May 2025

The release of The Deluge by Fanning Dempsey National Park was one of the unexpected joys of 2024. The coming together of Bernard Fanning and Paul Dempsey, two of the country’s most respected singer-songwriters, on original ’80s-inspired music was heaven. So I was thrilled to see them bring this album to life, and so much more, at the Civic Theatre on Friday night.

Local singer-songwriter Jen Buxton warmed up the crowd with her incredible songs. To say she was unassuming was an understatement. She introduced herself only as Jen – I had to do a bit of Googling to figure out exactly who to follow on the socials! Her songs were punctuated by self-deprecating humour. But I was transfixed. Her lyrics were incredible, and her rich, seasoned voice drew me in. When you can captivate an audience with only an acoustic guitar, you’re doing something right.

The Fanning Dempsey National Park set was everything I’d hoped for and then some. Recording this music together seems to have reinvigorated these artists. From the title track that opened their show, they seemed in high spirits. Songs like “Strangers” and “Disconnect,” which both came early in the set, have such a party vibe and you could feel that energy coursing through the room.

It was a night for celebrating the music Bernard and Paul make together, but also one for looking back fondly on the past. Something for Kate’s biggest hits “Ramona Was a Waitress” and “Monsters,” Bernard’s smash “Wish You Well” and his Powderfinger anthem “Pick You Up” all made the set. The latter track was especially electric, so it’s a shame that the Civic security wouldn’t allow us to feel the music and enjoy a little dance. While we complied with their request to sit down then, they were powerless when the whole floor stood to enjoy a rousing cover of “Under Pressure.” What a time! It also gave me the opportunity to bend the rules and snap a few cheeky photos for you.  

While they didn’t make this set, I noticed that Fanning Dempsey National Park have dropped a few new tracks this year. Hopefully it’s a sign that this pairing may have a few more albums and tours left in them. But just in case they don’t. I’d urge you to see them while you can. Limited tickets are available for the remaining shows on Fanning Dempsey National Park’s regional tour.

22 May 2025 – Powerhouse, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
23 May 2025 – Venue 114, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
24 May 2025 – HOTA, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town Release Impressive Debut Single, “All My Friends (Atrophy)”

In the modern age, when so much music is overcomplicated and overproduced, I appreciate the simple things more than ever. Honest lyrics that speak to me. Organic instruments. A great melody. Pure vocals that follow it, without runs or autotune. I’ve found all that and more in “All My Friends (Atrophy),” the debut alternative-folk single from Western Australian outfit Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town.

This song immediately captured my attention with its classic acoustic guitar intro and opening lyric “All my friends are moving in a straight line while I’m spinning in time.” What a great line! “All My Friends (Atrophy)” goes on to celebrate the pals that help you through the hard times. It acknowledges the challenge of feeling out of step with your peers while paying homage to the people willing to support you until all feels right with the world.

From the single acoustic guitar at the beginning, the sound gradually builds. The introduction of more instruments echoes the song’s theme that if the right people are in your orbit, you’ll never truly be alone.

While “All My Friends (Atrophy)” is the first single from Clay Brown & The Trouble Round Town, he’s no stranger to the music scene. Over the last decade, Clay has built a reputation as one of the most versatile guitarists in Boorloo/Perth. Locals might know him from shoegaze outfit The Limbs, grunge act Filth Wizard, or jazz fusion act King Proteus. The Trouble Round Town are equally seasoned. Drummer Jess June played with Clay in Filth Wizard. Bassist Zoe Gol was a member of Single Cell Sharks, while lead guitarist Michael Menna is best known for his time in Art of Dysfunction.

The release of “All My Friends (Atrophy)” is just the start of an exciting musical chapter for Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town. They’ll drop their debut EP later this year.

Image used with permission from Clay Brown & the Trouble Round Town

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Clare Perrott Wows Me With Debut Single, “Philadelphia”

Boorloo/Perth artist Clare Perrott has captured my heart with her gorgeous debut single “Philadelphia.” Listening to her confident dulcet vocal tones, I can’t believe this is our first taste of her music. She’s a natural storyteller who I’m sure we’ll hear a lot more from in the future.

This song tells the story of losing someone as they move on to the next chapter of their life. There’s an acknowledgement that the distance will irrevocably change the connection, no matter how hard they try to maintain it.

Clare will launch “Philadelphia” at Clancy’s Fish Pub in Walyalup/Fremantle on July 6. If you’re local, you’re going to want to be there so you can tell everyone you knew about her music first.

Photo credit: Lizzie Wilkie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Lamont Off to Nashville After Scholarship Win

Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga-based country artist Nathan Lamont has taken out this year’s CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Scholarship. The prize will see Nathan jetting off to the United States this September to represent the nation at Americanafest. While he’s in Nashville, Nathan will connect with leading songwriters, producers, and other industry figures.

“It means so much to me,” he said. “I feel a sense of obligation and responsibility to really give it everything — not just for myself, but to show what’s possible for others. I’m incredibly humbled. I don’t take it lightly. I realise just how massive and amazing this is. I’ve only been to Nashville once before – just one night on a holiday with my wife – and tried to soak up everything I could. Now I get to go back and actually do what I’ve always dreamed of doing.”

A proud Wurudjeri man, Nathan also added “I’m privileged to be the first black fella to go over as part of this scholarship. If I can inspire a young emerging First Nations artist to follow my journey, that would be the best thing to come out of this.”

Nathan’s plans for songwriting, attending workshops, and building on his existing connections with Aussie expats will no doubt help him edge closer towards completing his debut album.

“I’ve released single after single, but ticking off that album box is going to be a lifelong achievement for me. The money I was saving for this trip can now go into recording.”

I’m wishing Nathan all the best for his upcoming trip. Aussies still have a few more opportunities to see him perform before he leaves. He’ll also play Heartbeat of the Hunter on his return. Catch Nathan Lamont at the following shows:

16 May 2025 – Kickin’ Country @ Panthers, Mooroo Murak/Penrith
17 May 2025 – Country Music Raceday @ Kembla Grange Races, Dharawal Country/Kembla
28-31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Gimpi-Gimpi/Gympie
27 September 2025 – Heartbeat of the Hunter @ Tocal Agricultural College, Yimmang/Paterson

Image used with permission from CMAA Academy of Country Music

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Julie’s House” – Ama

After wowing me with her relatable pop songs for nearly a year, Ama has released her debut EP. Julie’s House is a gorgeous collection of coming-of-age songs that has really struck a chord with me.

It’s been a long time since I was caught in the throes of infatuation, but I don’t think those feelings ever leave you. Listening to Ama’s music brings back all the insecurities and heightened emotions we all experience as we’re trying to figure things out. Ama articulates them so beautifully, with songwriting that’s achingly honest. She’s also got an incredible knack for melody. These are some of the catchiest songs I’ve heard. I also love her voice, warm, pure, and emotive. She makes listening such a joy.

Julie’s House features some of Ama’s best singles including “Metro Girl” and “Bite.” They sit perfectly alongside undiscovered gems like the wistful closer “If i dated a guy” and the epic title track. This EP was inspired by Ama’s feelings for the same girl she met online, and it’s fascinating to learn about that relationship through this collection of songs.

Julie’s House is a fantastic EP from one of Australia’s best emerging pop acts. It’s out now on Spotify and all your favourite streaming services.

Image source: Ama’s website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Torizon Tackle Big Issues With “Bloom”

Meeanjin/Brisbane band Torizon are coming at you with “Bloom,” a rocking track which defines the new genre they coined, petalcore. The band say it’s alternative metal with pop sensibilities, a sound that draws from their collective love of genres including metalcore, pop-punk, alternative rock, emo, and hip hop. Their sound reminds me of a modern Evanescence, complete with kick-ass vocals from frontwoman Mish Sharma. The band hopes the song can bring the topics of miscarriage and fertility issues into the light.

“There is still stigma around the topic of miscarriage and fertility issues – it’s one of the most traumatic things people go through, and yet it’s still not talked about enough,” they said. “When we started exploring this concept, people in our circle opened up about the societal pressure to be secretive about it all, which only perpetuates the isolation. This set in motion a body of work that starts with ‘Bloom’ and will unfold over the next few months.”

Torizon are building a reputation as one of their hometown’s most exciting live acts. They’ve packed headlining shows and supported the likes of Circles, The Last Martyr, Days Like These, and Valhalore. Next up they’ll play pinkNOISE tectonic at The Cave Inn on June 12. This free show features a stacked bill of the city’s best LGBTQIA2S+ artists.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

FARAH Releases Brave Debut, “Gasoline”

Djilang/Geelong-based artist FARAH is holding nothing back with the release of her stunning debut single “Gasoline.” Written after her 2023 cancer diagnosis, this introspective song is like a letter to her former self and the person she’s becoming. It’s got such a quiet power, it’s beautiful.

“This release signifies the beginning of a new chapter for me as an artist and as a person,” FARAH shared. “It’s a letting go, and a promise to myself to always create with intention and free-flowing expression, without judging the words that want to be sung.”

The release of “Gasoline” comes with a gorgeous short film directed by Sam Biddle. It follows FARAH as she learns to lean into joy once again after overcoming devastation. We’ll hopefully see her leaning more into that joy as releases more new music. I’m so excited to hear what she shares next.

Image used with permission from broken leg

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Abbey Lane Drops Nostalgic Pop Single “Younger”

Hit the volume on Abbey Lane’s joyous new single, “Younger.” This nostalgic indie-pop tunes captures the carefree vibes of youth, when our greatest responsibilities were being a good friend and figuring ourselves out. Abbey wrote the song during her first solo travels in a van, an experience which helped her feel a little more connected to her younger self.

“Younger is all about embracing your youth and searching for new experiences,” Abbey explained. “It’s a track about trying to discover yourself; wanting to make new connections, travel and see new things.”

Coming hot on the heels of “Baby Steps,” this is another fantastic track from Abbey. Her Facebook page reveals she’s been in the recording studio, so she should have more to share with us really soon.

Image used with permission from Abbey Lane