Posted on by Lauren Katulka

divedown Get Real About Mental Health With “Calm Me”

Ahead of the release of their debut EP, Naarm/Melbourne alternative rockers divedown have dropped a fantastic new single “Calm Me.” This one’s bound to resonate with anyone who’s struggled with their mental health.

“It’s about anxiety, depression and how I tend to be really hard on myself in all aspects of my life,” explained frontman Sam Bianco. “From my own mental health, to my interactions with others, and the standards I set for myself.”

“Calm Me” comes from divedown’s debut EP Where They May, which they’ll release on May 29. That gives you a little time to get your ears around the tunes before the official EP launch for hometown fans at Bar Open on June 13.

Photo credit: Tony Taylor

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Finn Wheatley Gets Nostalgic With “Better Days”

Bundjalung Country/Mullumbimby-born singer-songwriter Finn Wheatley delivers an exciting taste of his upcoming EP with the release of his latest single “Better Days.” It’s a back-to-basics sentimental slice of acoustic pop reminiscent of tracks by Ed Sheeran and Xavier Rudd.

“Better Days is a sentimental acoustic pop song I wrote reflecting on my early childhood and a longing for innocence,” Finn explained. “I see this song as a love letter to all that was good in those times, and I suppose, as the world seems to become more and more a force of chaos. ‘Better Days’ is an ode to the simplicity of playing outside without a care for anything beyond the joy of the moment.”

With this song, Finn continues the musical legacy of his famous family name while forging his own identity. Finn said his uncle, the late Glenn Wheatley, played a key role in shaping his early connection to music.

“My dreaming of music was seeded when I was very young,” Finn said. “I can remember being in awe of all that my family achieved in music as a child.

“Better Days” comes from Finn’s forthcoming debut EP Hearth, which he’ll launch for hometown fans at the Mullumbimby Drill Hall on June 12.

Image used with permission from Wheatley Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Impress With “Mean Faces” Ahead of Album Release

Meeanjin/Brisbane emo rockers Bad Neighbour have blown me away with “Mean Faces,” the opening track from their forthcoming sophomore album Burns From the X-rays. It starts at barely a whisper, drawing you in until those electric guitars kick in and the emotional intensity lifts.

“I wanted this song to be like a letter to myself … I love the line ‘it’s not gonna do what you need it to’, because sometimes we place unrealistic expectations on things, wanting them to happen the way we so badly want them to,” said Bad Neighbour’s vocalist Cooper Riley. “But more often than not you get what you need instead of what you want.”

We’ll hear more from Bad Neighbour when Burns From the X-rays drops on June 5. You can preorder a copy and associated merch, including some fabulous bundles, from Imprint Merch now.

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MARLON Drops First Solo Single, “Blood in the Water”

After choice collabs with Urthboy, A.B. Original, Hilltop Hoods, and heaps more, MARLON has finally unveiled his debut solo single “Blood in the Water.” It’s an R&B-infused pop banger in the vein of The Weeknd and Jason Derulo. But beyond that infectious sound, there are some serious lyrics worth listening to.

“’Blood in the Water’ speaks to the age-old analogy of ‘out of sight, out of mind’ making reference to the human habits of not acknowledging and speaking to things that do not affect us,” MARLON explained. “As humans, many of us walk, play, live in multimillion-dollar cities, and walk past homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, and disadvantage. More often than not, it is the disadvantage of my people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that we remain to be silent on, in a system designed to break them.”

MARLON has had an incredible journey to this point. Hailing from the tropics of the Larrakia in Garramilla/Darwin, he had a professional AFL career playing for Port Adelaide before he started cowriting and performing with some of the country’s biggest names in hip hop.

With his debut album on the way later this year, it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more from MARLON.

Photo credit: Josh Gleelan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Skip the Details; Listen to “Feels Like”

The press release for STOW’s new single “Feels Like” says “Most pressers bore you with too many details. I’m going to keep this short and let you listen to the track.” And it’s probably right. How music makes you feel is much more important than the details about how it came to be.

And so in that spirit, I’m just going to tell you that this song is pretty awesome. Take a listen and enjoy Sounds of Oz readers!

Photo credit: Flash Daddy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Crank Up the Volume on Rosalie Chilvers’ “TINY TSHIRTS”

I can never resist some quality angry girl pop. So you can bet I’m blasting “TINY TSHIRTS,” the latest single from queer Western Australian artist Rosalie Chilvers. It’s angsty, energetic, and oh so good!

“’TINY TSHIRTS’ is a song about moving on from a toxic relationship dynamic, not only with your ex but with their family,” Rosalie explained. “The song was directly inspired by the night two years after our breakup, my ex’s mum accidentally liked an Insta photo of mine and it brought me right back into those feelings of judgement…Sometimes the ultimate answer to your problems is to put on a tiny t-shirt and go out with your friends.”

Rosalie is halfway through their TINY TSHIRTS tour. Here are the remaining dates, music lovers!

9 May 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth (supporting WAAX)
16 May 2026 – Café Gummo, Naarm/Melbourne
22 May 2026 – Cherry Bomb: Alternative Queer Party @ Connections Nightclub, Boorloo/Northbridge

Photo credit: Jenna Elson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Get “Acquainted” With Laura Adeline

If you’re not already across Laura Adeline’s music, her latest single “Acquainted” is the perfect introduction. A sublime mix of R&B and pop sounds, this track shows off Laura Adeline’s heavenly voice and knack for relatable storytelling.

“Acquainted is about looking back on something and thinking that I wish this person the best… but I’m actually still mad,” she admitted. “But then they probably have the right to be mad at me, too… but I’ve changed. Have they changed? I don’t want to ever see them again, but if I do… I hope I can find out. And then this process repeats itself.”

“Acquainted” has such a chill feel, I think it’s perfect for a cruisy weekend. I hope it’s providing the perfect soundtrack for your Saturday.

Photo credit: Jordenne Mills

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlotte MacInness Impresses With “Celestial” Ahead of EP Release

Aussie-born, London-based talent Charlotte MacInnes has been building towards something big. She shone as part of the cast of British-Australian thriller North Shore and on the stage playing Daisy Buchanan in Florence Welch’s production of Gatsby. While she’s best known for her acting chops, Charlotte’s Instagram proudly states that she’s a “singer and actress in that order.” She’s proving her point with the release of “Celestial.” This fantastic alt-pop single comes from Charlotte’s debut EP Highwater, which drops on June 5.

“I’ve been living with this new music for a while now, and working with the most incredible people to bring it to life. I am in love with the magical yet honest world we’re building,” Charlotte enthused. “The whole process was a very empowering catharsis and I hope that feeling extends out to anyone that hears it.”

Some of those incredible people include Ashnikko, Joe Janiak, Amanda Ghost, and producers Coffee (Dua Lipa, Jessie Ware, Bebe Rexha) and Zhone (Charli XCX, Zara Larsson, Troye Sivan). Charlotte’s surrounding herself with the right people and she’s got the amazing vocals and songwriting skills to back that up. Expect big things from this Aussie expat in 2026.

Photo credit: Olivia Ezechukwu

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ghost Care Release “So Long” Ahead of WA Shows

Western Australia’s Ghost Care are set for a massive month following the recent release of their new single “So Long.” They’ll launch the single with a headline show before rounding out the month supporting Ball Park Music at their sold-out shows in Walyalup/Fremantle.

Frontman Beau Torrance said “[‘So Long’] is about being with someone who is clueless to the fact that it’s over, and won’t acknowledge that they are not right for each other. It’s a song where you can say goodbye and good riddance with a bit of attitude – a good one for those people who maybe have ended a relationship, and want to move forward from the sad phase into the acceptance phase. We had a lot of fun bringing this one together in the studio.”

Western Australia, Ghost Care will treat you to the following shows this month. Hopefully they don’t leave fans on the East Coast hanging for too long!

9 May 2026 – The Bird, Boorloo/Perth (with special guests Blush and Clare Perrott)
29 May 2026 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT – supporting Ball Park Music)
30 May 2026 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT – supporting Ball Park Music)

Photo credit: Lizzie Wilkie

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Fall For Appletinis’ New Single “Lovesick”

Have you ever heard a song from a local band that’s so good that it makes you wonder why you haven’t heard of them before? “Lovesick” is the fifth single from Eora/Sydney band Appletinis, but the first one of their releases on my radar. Better late than never, I am obsessed with the gutsy vocals from lead singer Jaz Bell and the cathartic chorus. The press release called Appletinis an indie-pop band, but there’s some serious rock energy and edge in this track.

“Ever lowered your standards and wanted more? Our fifth single ‘Lovesick,’ is a relatable track for when love makes you sick,” Appletinis explained. “Driven by gritty guitars, punchy drums, and confessional lyrics, it captures the nausea of self-awareness in real time.”

Whether you’re in a post-breakup spiral or you’re just wanting some music with a little angst to see you through your working week, crank up “Lovesick.”

Image used with permission from Appletinis