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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Piper Butcher Releases Fabulous New Single, “Hard Love”

Piper Butcher perfectly encapsulates the ups and downs of relationships with her latest single “Hard Love.” This total bop blurs the boundaries between country, pop, and folk. Piper sounds amazing on it and the lyrics are first-rate. The track was produced by Andy Mak, known for his work with local artists like Morgan Evans, Vera Blue, and Kita Alexander.

“Working with Andy on the production of this song really made me confident in a studio sense: creating my own guitar parts and collaborating on harmony lines that really brand my own sonic,” Piper enthused. “I love discovering new parts of my voice, while still harnessing the belting notes that I’m known for. There’s beauty in the soft and gentle, and that’s really what I’m learning right now.”

Piper has a massive few months ahead. She’ll head to Nashville for the first time to get creative with local songwriters, support fellow Aussie Brad Cox in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and still have time for some local gigs. If she’s playing near you, make sure you get out and support her.

25 July 2025 – Dashville Does the Bowlo @ Bangalow Bowlo, Banjalang Country/Bangalow
26 July 2025 – Dashville on the Road @ Bellingen Showground, Gumbaynggirr Country/Bellingen
27 July 2026 – Dashville on the Road @ Lakes & Ocean Hotel, Minimbah/Forster
27 July 2025 – Stag & Hunter, Burraghihnbihng/Mayfield (supporting Jenny Mitchell)
12 November 2025 – Whammy Bar, Auckland (supporting Brad Cox)
13 November 2025 – James Hay Theatre, Christchurch (supporting Brad Cox)
14 November 2025 – Errick’s, Dunedin (supporting Brad Cox)
15 November 2025 – Croydon Lodge, Gore (supporting Brad Cox)
16 November 2025 – Barmuda, Queenstown (supporting Brad Cox)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Minor Gold Shine Brightly With “Leave a Light On”

Minor Gold, the award-winning collaboration of Aussie Dan Parsons and Canada’s Tracy McNeil, have won my heart with their beautiful new Americana single “Leave a Light On.” It caught my interest early with Dan’s relaxed vocals, but when Tracy joined him on the second verse I was powerless to resist its pull.

If you love this, you won’t be waiting too long to hear more. Minor Gold will release their sophomore album Way to the Sun on July 25. You can preorder a vinyl or CD copy online now.They’ve also got big touring plans including a stack of Aussie shows, so get on to those!

19 July 2025 – Harrison Festival of the Arts @ Beach Stage, Harrison Hot Springs (FREE)
20 July 2025 – Harrison Festival of the Arts @ Beach Stage, Harrison Hot Springs (FREE)
31 July – 2 August 2025 – Mile of Music, Appleton (FREE)
18 September 2025 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle
19 September 2025 – Deanmill Workers Club, Noongar Country/Deanmill (FREE)
20 September 2025 – Karma Llama Lounge, Geegelup/Bridgetown
21 September 2025 – The River Hotel, Wooditchup/Margaret River (FREE)
25 September 2025 – Boyup Brook Hotel, Booyup/Boyup Brook (FREE)
26 September 2025 – Wesley Uniting Church, Kinjarling/Albany
1 October 2025 – Songwriter’s Café, Walyalup/Fremantle
3-5 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline – Cosmic Country Weekender, Wonnarua Country/Lower Belford
10 October 2025 – Junkbar, Kallindarbin/Ashgrove
16 October 2025 – Oodies Café, Taribelang Country/Bundaberg North
17-19 October 2025 – Groundwater Country Music Festival, Kombumerri Country/Broadbeach (FREE)
23 October 2025 – Pearces Creek Hall, Bundjalung Country/Pearces Creek
24-26 October 2025 – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival, Gumbaynggirr Country/Dorrigo
31 October 2025 – Stag & Hunter Hotel, Awabakal/Mayfield
2 November 2025 – Butchers Brew Bar, Eora/Dulwich Hill
7 November 2025 – Feather & Drum Hat Co, Dhudhuroa/Yackandandah
8 November 2025 – Blue Tongue Berries, Taungurung Country/Seymour
9 November 2025 – Cranbourne Bowls Club, Mar-ne-bek/Cranbourne
15 November 2025 – Sandy Point Music Club, Gunaikurnai and Bunurong Country/Sandy Point
16 November 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Wurundjeri-willam Country/Northcote
22 November 2025 – Shedshaker Tap Room, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine
28-30 November 2025 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Nherrin-boorwoork/Queenscliff

Photo credit: Lauren Lotz

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Lamont Shows His Softer Side With “What Comes After”

Nathan Lamont is showing us why there’s so much buzz about his music with the release of “What Comes After.” It’s more vulnerable and tender than the music Nathan’s released in the past. While I love his bops, I’m really resonating with this more emotional material.

“This song was born out of real-life experiences, both ours and those around us. For me personally, it’s deeply tied to moments in my relationship with my wife, moments where we stood right on the edge of walking away,” Nathan said. “It’s about choosing to fight for love when it would be easier to give up. It’s about pushing past the pride, digging into the memories of how it all began, and holding onto the belief that the story isn’t over yet.”

Nathan, who is a proud Wiradjuri man, recently became the first ever First Nations recipient of the CMAA Sister Cities Nashville Exchange. The opportunity will see him connecting with world-renowned producers, songwriters, and industry leaders in the USA’s country music capital. He’s also got a busy couple of months on local soil with the following shows:

31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Kabi Kabi Country/Gympie
27 September 2025 – Heartbeat of the Hunter @ Tocal Ag. College, Wonnarua Country/Tocal
1 November 2025 – Denman Wine, Food, & Film Affair, Wonnarua Country/Denman
14 November 2025 – Carnival of Cups @ Riverina Paceway, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga (FREE)

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Felicity Releases Relatable New Bop, “I’ll Have What She’s Having”

If you’ve ever listened to your inner saboteur for a little too long, Felicity’s new single “I’ll Have What She’s Having” will resonate with you. The subject matter gets a little dark, but it’s balanced beautifully with Felicity’s upbeat indie-pop sound.

Boorloo/Perth-born but Nashville-based, Felicity co-wrote ‘I’ll Have What He’s Having” with Asia Whiteacre, who’s penned songs for Louis Tomlinson and Hailee Steinfeld, and producer Dan Pallarin.

“Asia, Dan and I had a hell of a good time writing this song. Dan is such a talented guy and everything he was playing on piano sparked a hundred fun pop melodies. Quickly the song started to take shape,” Felicity recalled. “We wrote it to be a love song on the surface but beneath that it’s more about the feeling of being jealous of those who have a healthier, kinder self-image than I seem to have. The main chorus lyric is ‘I’ll have what he’s having, what’s it like to be nice to yourself? I’m just mean, dammit’ and that’s a good synopsis for me as a person but also the song as a whole.”

“I’ll Have What He’s Having” comes from Felicity’s upcoming EP 4PM in the Morning, which she’ll release on August 1.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Selve Breaks the Mould With “Loki Horror Picture Show”

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast outfit Selve are doing things differently with their latest single “Loki Horror Picture Show.” It’s a campy blend of post-punk, new wave, and indie-pop which namechecks the band’s fabulous frontman, proud Jabirr Jabirr man Loki Liddle. The film clip’s brilliant, but give it a miss if you’re triggered by gun violence.

The band explained that this song examines “the cult of celebrity, the society of the spectacle, and the strange fetishisation of our wildest dreams that we all criticise while still marching on towards them.” It’s also a stone-cold banger.

Selve say “Loki Horror Picture Show” is “the most fun song” on their upcoming album Breaking Into Heaven, which drops on September 12. Before its release, Selve will build anticipation with a show at HOTA with the Australian Session Orchestra, proudly presented by BLEACH* and Experience Gold Coast. There’ll be lasers, immersive visuals featuring First Nations dance company Karul Projects, and stacks more. Tickets for this one-of-a-kind hometown show are on sale now.

Photo credit: James Caswell