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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sweet Talk Drop “Miller’s Bay” Ahead of Album Release and Red Clay Strays Tour

We’ll get to hear their debut album Switch On next week, but Sweet Talk are giving us one more tasty preview before it drops. They’ve just released their soulful new single “Miller’s Bay,” and I can definitely understand why it’s a fan favourite.

“Miller’s Bay” was produced by celebrated Americana artist and producer Robert Ellis and engineered by Trina Shoemaker, who you may know from her work with Brandi Carlile and Emmylou Harris. Guest vocals from American soul duo Uncle Roy & Spice provide the extra special sauce.

Switch On will hit all the streaming services on May 23, but if you’re old-school you can preorder a limited edition, numbered orange and yellow vinyl pressing here. You know you want to! Sweet Talk are about to hit the road with American country-roots act The Red Clay Strays, so if you’re heading to one of these shows make sure you don’t miss their set. They’ve also got a couple of headlining shows on the horizon. Here are all the dates you need!

16 May 2025 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kal’owen-dha/Caloundra (FREE)
17 May 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Red Clay Strays)
19 May 2025 – Bar on the Hill @ University of Newcastle, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Red Clay Strays)
20 May 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (supporting Red Clay Strays)
22 May 2025 – Festival Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT – supporting Red Clay Strays)
23 May 2025 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
24 May 2025 – Metro City, Whadjuk Country/Northbridge (SOLD OUT – supporting Red Clay Strays)

Photo credit: James Adams

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Blve Diamond Releases Fire New Single “Flubber”

South African-born to Congolese parents but raised here in Australia, Blve Diamond shows he’s a world-class talent with his latest single “Flubber.” This fresh track just dropped today and it’s already got me grooving.

“I was speeding to see my new girl, got fined. We laughed, she fed me food. Thus ‘Flubber’ was born,” Blve Diamond said of the song’s inspiration.

I can’t stop listening to this one. Hip hop isn’t one of my go-to genres, but Blve’s Diamond’s smooth flow and loved-up lyrics are irresistible. If you haven’t already pressed play, what are you waiting for?

Image used with permission from Blve Diamond

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Salt Tree Release “Cold Hard Ground” Ahead of European Tour

Salt Tree charmed me with their EP Swell last year. Now they’re back with “Cold Hard Ground,” a self-produced indie-folk anthem that evokes the coastal vibes of their Wooditup/Margaret River home.

“‘Cold Hard Ground’ is about the moments when you’re at your lowest, but someone reaches out and lifts you back up,” the duo said. “It’s a song about mental health, connection, and the quiet strength that comes from being there for each other. We wrote it as a reminder that even when you’re laid out by life, love can help you stand again.”

Salt Tree have had a whirlwind few months since releasing Swell, including their first headline tour of Europe, songwriting sessions in Stockholm, and shows supporting Jeremy Loops in Europe and Ziggy Alberts in their hometown. They’re taking some time to rest and record new music, but they’ll be back on the road with a batch of new songs really soon. Here are the European dates; hopefully there’ll be some Australian ones to follow.

18 July 2025 – Gondola Sessions, Laucnalo
19 July 2025 – Montreux Jazz Festival, Montreux
25 July 2025 – Bootshafen Sommer, Kiel
2 August 2025 – UFO, Bruneck
7-12 August 2025 – Enter the Wave Festival, Spain
14 August 2025 – Le Surfing, Seignosse
18 August 2025 – Muhle Hunziken, Rubigen
20 August 2025 – Mountain Hostel, Gimmelwald
22 August 2025 – Konzerthaus Schuur, Luzern
23 August 2025 – Hohgant Open Air, Schangnau
25 August 2025 – Lac Souterrain de St-Leonard, Saint-Leonard
28 August 2025 – Conradsohm, Dornbirn
29 August 2025 – Alles Gute Open Air @ Botanischer Garten, Innsbruck
30 August 2025 – Cheesecake Festival, Hamminkein
1 September 2025 – Knust, Hamburg
3 September 2025 – Club Stereo, Nuremberg
4 September 2025 – Strom, Munich
5 September 2025 – Scheunenkonzert, Bad Munstereiffel
6 September 2025 – Bulli Summer Festival @ Auesee, Wesel
8 September 2025 – Zakk, Duesseldorf
9 September 2025 – Kavka, Antwerp
11 September 2025 – The Watering Hole, Cornwall
13 September 2025 – Omeara, London

Image used with permission from Nettwerk Music Group

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hazel Release Powerful New Single “The Void”

“The Void”, the dreamy new release from Boorloo/Perth five-piece Hazel, defies classification. While I can’t fit it neatly into a genre box, I can definitely recommend opening your ears and heart to this emotional track.

“‘The Void’ has definitely become one of the band’s favorite tracks we’ve created so far,” Hazel said. “The way it shifts from moody, introspective verses to a powerful, impactful chorus really draws listeners in—exactly the emotional journey we hoped to create. The style of this track flows naturally between the five of us, making the writing and recording process feel effortless.

“Lyrically, the song is told from the perspective of someone watching a loved one navigate the aftermath of loss. It explores the quiet strength in observing their journey—how over time, pain slowly shifts from an open wound to a scar. That grief never fully disappears, but it begins to hurt a little less as time goes on. It’s a reflection on how healing often comes in subtle, silent steps, and how witnessing that growth can be just as powerful as experiencing it yourself.”

Hazel have sold out plenty of headlining shows of late, so don’t go sleeping when they launch “The Void” at Mojo’s in Walyalup/Fremantle on May 16.

Photo credit: Ben Davidson