Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mama Kin Spender Tease Upcoming Album and Tour with “Arrows”

Mama Kin (aka Danielle Caruana) and Dingo Spender are acclaimed artists in their own right, so they were always going to make musical magic when they joined forces as Mama Kin Spender. It doesn’t seem like they’re suffering from that dreaded second album syndrome, because their latest single “Arrows” may be their best yet. The track comes from Mama Kin Spender’s sophomore album Promises, which will be released on August 15.

The duo says that “Arrows” explores “the drifting apart through small acts of carelessness, and yet somehow aching to connect. Near misses – every attempt landing awkwardly, landing wrong, lashing out, sly evasive remarks eroding the fabric of love.”

Mama Kin Spender will celebrate the release of Promises with a tour around some of the best small venues this country has to offer.

“You’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna feel uncomfortable and at the same time, not alone, you’re gonna yell with us, and then most likely cry,” Dingo told fans about these upcoming shows. “You’re gonna reflect on your own heart, your own little journey with love and pain and grief and happiness. You’re gonna feel elation, you’re gonna feel brave and also need a hug and a whiskey at the end.”

Put simply, you won’t want to miss it. Catch Mama Kin Spender anywhere you can from September.

5 September 2025 – Majestic Theatre, Kabi Kabi Country/Pomona
6 September 2025 – The Citadel, Bundjalung Country/Murwillumbah
7 September 2025 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
12 September 2025 – Brunswick Ballroom, Naarm/Melbourne
13 September 2025 – Archie’s Creek Tavern, Gunaikurnai Country/Archie’s Creek
14 September 2025 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
3 October 2025 – Paddington Uniting Church, Eora/Sydney
4 October 2025 – Milton Theatre, Dhurga Country/Milton
5 October 2025 – Dashville Skyline, Wonnarua Country/Dashville

Photo credit: WILK

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BIGSOUND Announces Bumper Live Lineup for 2025

BIGSOUND is always one of the hottest events around, and after the 2025 lineup was revealed it seems this year will be no exception. Over 120 acts will perform across 18 stages in Meeanjin/Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley this year including WAFIA, Polish Club, Hatchie, Dylan Wright, Azure Ryder, Inkabee, and heaps more.

“We’re thrilled to finally share the BIGSOUND 2025 lineup with you,” co-programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne said in a joint statement. “Curating this year’s program has been such a joy — the artists we’ve selected reflect the incredible depth of talent in Australia, and each one is doing truly exciting things with their music. We’re so proud of this group and can’t wait to see them bring the Fortitude Valley to life in September.”

BIGSOUND happens from September 2 to 5. There are plenty of ticket options available via the BIGSOUND website, from one-night tickets to the all-access delegate passes. Mobility access tickets are also available by calling the BIGSOUND office on (07) 3257 0013.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dane Tutty Wows Me With New Songs

Mulubinba/Newcastle singer-songwriter Dane Tutty continues to impress me with his heartfelt music. His latest release is “Diamonds/Stay,” a double A-side single with two incredible songs that I know you’ll love as much as I do.

“’Diamonds’ is penned as a letter to my son as he navigated hard times in a relationship,” Dane explained. “And ‘Stay,’ a song written in the wake of one of too many funerals from suicide this year.”

These songs are as impactful as their subject matter suggests. Dane has such a gift for translating his emotions into songs that are both moving and magical. Take a moment to listen to these ones, because they deserve your full attention.

Images used with permission from Dane Tutty

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

POLLY Releases Defiant New Single, “B.I.T.E Me”

It’s midweek, and I wouldn’t blame you if you’re feeling a little frustrated by some stuff that’s already happened, and the thought that Saturday is still so far away that you’ll probably face a few more challenges before this week’s through. All of that calls for some angsty music. Naarm/Melbourne-based queer artist POLLY delivers it with her latest single “B.I.T.E Me.” POLLY wrote this song to process her heartache after a breakup, but its angsty vocals and lyrics are ideal for sorting through any kind of issues.

“This song really helped the angry, fuck you part of me heal,” she said. “I hope people bop along to this song and also heal some trauma along the way.”

“B.I.T.E Me” comes from POLLY’s EP Daddy Issues, which drops on July 18.

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ixaras Ready For “DO YOU LIKE GIRLS?” Tour

Up-and-coming pop act ixaras will hit the road this morning for her first headlining tour. She’ll stop by the East Coast capitals to promote the release of her fabulous new bop, “DO YOU LIKE GIRLS?”

“’DO YOU LIKE GIRLS?’ is a song that helped me better understand my own sexuality,” ixaras said. “Every time I’ve shared it, whether in a small room or online, the response has been overwhelming. So many people have told me how it helped them feel seen, or helped guide them through their own experiences. That connection means everything. I knew this song needed its own moment.”

Fans can expect an intimate, high-energy show featuring all ixaras’ beloved tracks and some you’ve never heard before. You can almost guarantee she’ll play bigger venues next time around, so make sure you see her playing these small shows while you can.

12 July 2025 — Espy Basement, Naarm/Melbourne
13 July 2025 — Inner West Pride Center, Eora/Sydney (FREE ALL AGES – SOLD OUT)
20 July 2025 — The Triffid Garden, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anna Schneider Releases Dreamy New Single

Walyalup/Fremantle-based artist Anna Schneider casts a spell with her latest single “Bad Dream.” Her sublime vocals bring this “ode to isolation, dread, and the inner landscapes we often try to escape” to life.

“It’s a song about stagnating,” Anna said. “That feeling of being isolated and drowning within the walls of your home, and the debilitating frustration between what is and what could be. Since I was a child, I have always had extremely vivid nightmares, where I can wake up and recount every detail like a cinematic piece. I was often afraid to go to sleep because I felt like I would just be terrorised by my own brain. ‘Bad Dream’ is about that fear of being alone with your thoughts, whether in your dreams or in the monotony of our everyday spaces.”

Stop what you’re doing and let “Bad Dream” wash over you. It’s a stunning song from one of Western Australia’s most exciting up-and-comers.

Photo credit: Emma Daisy

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

SoSo Doing It Their Way With “Messed Up”

Eora/Sydney-based alt-punk act SoSo describe themselves as “offensively average,” but take a listen to their latest single “Messed Up” and you’ll soon hear that they’re selling themselves short. It’s a fantastic pop-punk track with a face-melting guitar solo and relatable lyrics about being in the wrong relationship.

“Lyrically, the track is about opening up to someone when you kind of knew deep down that you shouldn’t, then having it thrown back at you by their actions,” frontman Rhys Weeks explained. “The kinda toxic relationship where you’ve created an idea of what your life with that person would look like, rather than seeing the relationship for what it was from the start – and having to mourn not only the end of the relationship, but also the end of whatever future you thought you might have seen for yourself and having to reset your outlook for your future.”

“Messed Up” comes from SoSo’s forthcoming debut album So Much For Second Chances. It’s not out yet, but already the band are predicting big things.

“We’re going to turn heads,” Rhys said. “We’re going to be the band that goes against the grain and pushes back on the traditional way of doing things. By keeping ownership of our music, self-funding and self-promoting our debut LP AND GUARANTEEING a Number 1 Record, we’re convinced that we can show independent bands that you don’t need to sign away your rights to be successful.”

If you want to see SoSo hit number one, you can help them along by pre-ordering So Much For Second Chances for up to 50% off the recommended retail price (depending on your chosen format) from the band’s website.

Image used with permission from Capital Artist Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

One More Weekend Release Trippy New Rocker, “Aunty Meredith”

Stop what you’re doing and hit that volume button. Naarm/Melbourne-based band One More Weekend are here to rock your face off with their latest single “Aunty Meredith.” It’s an all-out assault on the senses, with chunky guitar chords, arresting vocals, and a hooky chorus you’ll find yourself singing long after the final note.

“This one’s about that thin line between freedom and losing control,” explained One More Weekend’s lead vocalist Connor Dougan. “It’s personal, intense, and we didn’t want to sugarcoat any of it.”

Mission accomplished!

You won’t find this song on Spotify or many of the mainstream streaming services, but you can check it out on Bandcamp, Square, or One More Weekend’s Patreon page, where you’ll get access to all the band’s new material first.

The wild music video for “Aunty Meredith” depicts the highs and horrors of a psychedelic experience gone awry at a music festival. It’s both a literal and metaphorical trip that you won’t quickly forget.

One More Weekend will celebrate the release of “Aunty Meredith” with a massive hometown show at The Catfish on July 12. Shows around the rest of the country will follow really soon, so watch this space!

Image used with permission from One More Weekend

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Lucas Releases Sublime Folk Single, “The Atlantic”

Canadian-born, Naarm/Melbourne based singer-songwriter Laura Lucas has gotten under my skin with her beautiful new single “The Atlantic.” It’s a gentle folky slow burner that wraps its way around you and doesn’t let go. Give yourself a moment to really listen and let it work its magic.

“This really is a song for my inner child,” she shared. “I found so much healing in writing the lyric ‘I was a kid.’ It’s a simple phrase, but it flicked a switch in my brain and helped me release a lot of misplaced shame.”

“The Atlantic” comes from Laura’s debut album There’s a Place I Go, which we’ll hear on November 14.

Photo credit: Carly Boomer

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Politics and Footy Tips” – Cardboard Cutouts

Cardboard Cutouts cement their reputation as one of the most exciting new rock acts in the country with the release of their debut album, Politics and Footy Tips. With raw lyrics, honest vocals, and an epic sound, this Jagera, Giabal, and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba-based band checks all the boxes, and then some.

I say and then some, because this is an album that keeps you on your toes. While the band’s name suggests one-dimensionality, they refuse to make a rock album by the numbers. The opening track “Dishy” sets that standard. Dishies and glassies are rarely rock song heroes, but these icons of Aussie pubs get their moment here. The gentle start, more country-folk than indie-rock, is also unexpected. Soon enough the band’s full throttle, but when they do let rip it’s so much more powerful for the contrast to the quiet moments before.

It’s another bold move to bring out singles “My Best Friend” and “Steer” so early in the album, but it speaks to Cardboard Cutout’s faith in these songs. What comes later is far from filler. While other tracks like “A Story of Numbers, Bottles & Anxiety” and the incredible closer “Better Voice” may be unfamiliar to listeners, they’re destined to become new favourites.

Cardboard Cutouts makes the best kind of rock music. There’s no veneer or bravado, just pure heart. They get real about topics like anxiety, self-doubt, self-acceptance, and perseverance, showing vulnerability that’s rare and beautiful. Whether they’re belting out a tune at 11 or stripping their sound back on a bittersweet ballad, listening to this music from Cardboard Cutouts is such a cathartic experience.

Politics and Footy Tips is a fantastic album from a band with such a bright future ahead of them. Cardboard Cutouts will support its release with headlining shows around the country starting in Meeanjin/Brisbane tonight.

27 June 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 July 2025 – Vinnies Dive, Kurrungul/Gold Coast
11 July 2025 – The Presynct, Kabi Kabi Country/Nambour
12 July 2025 – The Tinana Hotel, Butchulla, Gubbi Gubbi and Wakka Wakka Country/Maryborough
19 July 2025 – Otherwise Bar, Bwgcolman Country/Townsville
25 July 2025 – The Retreat Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
26 July 2025 – Twisted Lime, Nipaluna/Hobart
14 August 2025 – Moshpit Bar, Eora/Sydney
15 August 2025 – 15 Festival @ The Baso, Ngambri/Canberra
16 August 2025 – The Servo, Woolyungah/Wollongong
17 August 2025 – The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle (FREE)

Main photo credit: Harrison Innes