Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Hote’ Hote'” – Charles Maimarosia

Proving that music really is the universal language, Charles Maimarosia has captured my heart with his sophomore album Hote’ Hote’. Born in the Solomon Islands and now based in Naarm/Melbourne, Charles celebrates his Are’ Are’ roots with this special collection of songs.

From the bold native drums of album opener “Parani O’o,” this album makes one thing clear: this isn’t like anything else you’ll hear 2025. That might be a bold statement to make in February, but I can make it confidently knowing that it’s such a rare gem.

As a word nerd, I tend to listen to albums listening for lyrics I can connect with. I couldn’t do that here, as Hote’ Hote’ is recorded entirely Are’ Are’. That approach forced me to listen to the music in a different way than I’m used to. Are’ Are’ is such a beautiful Melanesian language, it becomes almost like another instrument on these recordings. They combine with guitars and traditional Melanesian panpipes to tell stories that you might not understand, but you certainly feel. The stirring “Nanaratana Hu’ A Kurmauri” uplifted me. Laidback “Na A’ Ma Si’ O” transported me to the beaches of Charles’ original island home. “Roropau,” a traditional Are’ Are’ lullaby, soothed me. Individually these songs are beautiful, but listen to the way they weave together and you get a sense of the culture that Charles honours so beautifully.

“The album explores themes of voyaging, family, love, and cultural preservation,” he explained. “It celebrates the beauty of the Pacific, the strength of community, and the stories of my ancestors. It’s also a call for unity and respect across all cultures and generations. And also my own journey from small Pi Pi Su village in Malatia Solomon Islands to Australia and touring the world following and sharing My culture and music from the age of 17.”

Hote’ Hote’ probably isn’t like anything you’ve heard before, but that’s a good thing. Open your ears and heart and let yourself be transported away by this release. Hote’ Hote’ is out now. Charles will bring this music to the masses at the following shows:

21 February 2025 – Wauchope Arts Hall, Birrpai Country/Wauchope
22 February 2025 – Red Rattler, Bulanaming/Marrickville
23 February 2025 – Smith’s Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
3 May 2025 – Theatre Royal, Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Castlemaine (supporting Ruth Moody)

Images used with permission from On the Map PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Andrew Swift Drops Feelgood Anthem, “Nothing Better”

For someone who doesn’t consider themselves a country music fan, I’m sure enjoying a lot of it lately. Or maybe there’s just a glut of outstanding country music coming out of this country. The latest track to delight my ears is Andrew Swift’s new feelgood single, “Nothing Better.” Andrew drew from his own experiences of a life that couldn’t be panning out any better!

“It feels like not long ago I was mentally preparing to be fixing caravans and living life as a single man until the end of my days,” he admitted. “I didn’t think that being a full-time musician, homeowner, having a loving partner and a baby on the way would be on the cards, but here we are. Sometimes life blindsides you in the best way possible.”

Recording “Nothing Better” saw Andrew reunite with his long-time collaborator, the multi-award-winning Matt Fell.

“Having previously worked together on the last three albums, I feel like we’re on the same page now more than ever,” Andrew said. I love being able to get down to his new studio, Wilder Studios, in remote Tasmania. It feels like you’re a million miles away from the real world and you can really focus on the recording process.”

You can hear Andrew’s authenticity in his lyrics and vocals, so it’s only right that the music video features the real people and places that shaped him rather than actors and fancy locations. Jeremy Minnett of Eyes and Ears Creative captured footage of Andrew’s childhood home and real-life partner Simone.

Country artists are some of the hardest working musicians in the nation, and Andrew is no exception. Even though he’s got a baby on the way, it’s on the road and playing shows all over this wide brown land. Make sure you catch him anywhere you can.

23 February 2025 – TumbaFest @ Tumbarumba Creekscape, Tumbarumba/Tumbarumba
28 February 2025 – Altar Bar, Nipaluna/Hobart
1 March 2025 – Little Sisters General Store, Tang Dim Mer/Sisters Beach
2 March 2025 – Wilder, Turrakana/Gowrie Park
21 March 2025 – Commercial Hotel, Wurundjeri Country/South Morang
22 March 2025 – RegFest @ Horsham City Oval, Wopetbungundilar/Horsham
4 April 2025 – The Duke of George, Walyalup/Fremantle
5 April 2025 – Gatsby’s Skyline, Manjinup/Manjimup
12 April 2025 – arcobar, Boonwurrung Country/Heatherton
29 April 2025 – Oodies Café, Bunda/Bundaberg
30 April 2025 – Oodies Cafe, Bunda/Bundaberg (SOLD OUT)
1st May 2025 – Oodies Cafe, Bunda/Bundaberg (SOLD OUT)
3-10 August 2025 – Tunes In The Tropics, Norfolk Island
28-31 August 2025 – Gympie Music Muster, Gimpi-Gimpi/Gympie

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Major Zulu Celebrates Life in Oz With “Down Under”

Major Zulu was born and raised in Zambia and lived in the United Kingdom and France before settling in Australia. She’s celebrating her new homeland with her smooth new soul single, “Down Under.” The song joyously pays tribute to the natural wonders and cosmopolitan culture of her new home in Eora/Sydney.

“It was as if I was returning to my essence, reconnecting with the vibrant, adventurous spirit that had always been a part of me. The vibrant community, the simple joys of sharing a meal outdoors, and the embrace of the natural world mirrored the carefree spirit of my Zambian childhood.”

Major Zulu’s vocals are off the charts. She reminds me a lot of artists like Sade and Anita Baker. Aren’t we lucky that she now calls Australia home? Hometown fans can see Major Zulu at the Art Gallery of New South Wales on April 12.

Image used with permission from This Much Talent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Hill Releases Sublime New Single, “Space for You”

I’ve got chills listening to “Space for You,” the gorgeous new single from Laura Hill. Her soulful voice really casts a spell as this stunning number plays out. Those vocals stopped me in my tracks, but as I listened longer I was struck by the song’s vulnerable lyrics.

“Most of us are trying to understand or navigate something internally,” Laura explained. “Holding space for someone is about creating a small corner of your heart where they can share their feelings without judgement, while also being mindful of your own emotions. It’s messy, sometimes awkward, but always worth it.”

Laura recorded “Space for You” at Wundenberg’s Studios with live-tracked orchestration, an inspired choice that gives the song such a warm, spontaneous energy.

“The energy of tracking live is magical—you never know what’s going to happen, but when it clicks, it’s like catching lightning in a bottle. Everyone held space for me, and I’m so grateful for the care and talent they brought to this track.”

Laura and her band will launch “Space for You” at Big Easy Radio in Ngaltingga/Aldinga on February 28. Doors open at 6 pm and music lovers are encouraged to pay what they can.

Image used with permission from Pretty Good Thanks

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mayday Parade, Jack’s Mannequin, & The Home Team Heading to Australia For Monster Pop-Punk Tour

I’m buzzing today with the news that Mayday Parade are celebrating 20 years in the business with an Aussie tour, and they’re bringing The Home Team and one of my favourite acts of all time – Jack’s Mannequin – along for the ride.

Just a couple of weeks ago I was cursing that Jack’s Mannequin were playing shows in Japan while I was cruising around the country, meaning I’d be stuck in the middle of ocean while they were entertaining the masses. Thankfully they’ve been considerate enough to schedule the Eora/Sydney show for the day after I return. Jetlag cannot get in the way of what promises to be a good time!

“Mayday Parade is so excited to return to Australia to headline in celebrating 20 years as a band and our current releases,” the band’s guitarist Alex Garcia said. “Throughout all this time some of our best shows have been in Australia and that’s because our fans there are so incredibly special. We can’t wait to celebrate this band with you guys!”

The Three Cheers for 20 Years tour travels to the major capitals this September. The early bird presale begins this Friday before the general sale on Tuesday February 25, so get on it!

12 September 2025 – Margaret Court Arena, Naarm/Melbourne (LICENSED ALL AGES)
13 September 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (LICENSED ALL AGES)
14 September 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (LICENSED ALL AGES)
17 September 2025 – Hindley St Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide (LICENSED ALL AGES)
19 September 2025 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth (18+)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lucy Korts Releases Strong New Single

After a pretty stressful few months dealing with the aftermath of my car accident, Lucy Korts latest single “Stronger” is exactly what I needed to hear. This authentic girl power anthem sees the Meeanjin/Brisbane artist reclaiming her own power, and hopefully inspiring a few listeners to do the same. I know she’s got me fired up!

“I hope that ‘Stronger’ can give you the same strength that I found writing it,” she confirmed. “I hope that it can pick you up when you don’t know how to get up. And I hope that it can help to push you forward when you don’t know which way forward is. I hope that ‘Stronger’ can remind you to be stronger than whatever it is that hurt you.”

For more pop goodness, check out my Spotify playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. It features plenty of fabulous new pop music from local artists including Lucy. I’m always adding new music so make sure you follow me to stay up-to-date!

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harry Carman Releases Folk Charmer, “It’s All Good”

Harry Carman’s new single “It’s All Good” is the musical equivalent of a warm hug. Whether you need a little sonic support or just want to chill out today, you’ve got to hear this sweet indie-folk song.

“This song was originally written when my ex was going through pregnancy with our youngest son,” Harry recalled. “I wanted to make a song that was reassuring and comforting in the hardest of times. It’s now become a song I play for my two boys (they already know all the words) whenever we’re in the car or before bed. Myself and my producer, Josh Richens, made the production of the song evolutionary to capture how the song evolved from a simple phone recording, to a demo for SoundCloud, all the way to what it is now.”

If you want to hear more from Harry and you’re around Ngambri/Canberra, treat yourself to lunch at Ballyhoo today. He’s playing from midday to 4 pm, so get out and show your support.

Image source: Harry Carman website

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Origami Angel Announce Maiden Aussie Tour

Hailing from Washington, D.C., emo rock duo Origami Angel are making their way to Australia for the first time this April. I must admit, these guys weren’t on my radar, but after spending the afternoon with their music I understand why they’ve clocked up tens of millions of Spotify streams! They’re so good!

Emo rock doesn’t quite describe what they do. It’s definitely scene adjacent, but there’s also a little metalcore, electronic, and even jazz in their music. I appreciate that they do things differently and I have no doubt these shows will be amazing.

Origami Angel are currently headlining shows in Europe and the UK, so they should be in fine form when they arrive on our shores. If there’s any justice these guys will be much bigger when they visit Australia again so don’t miss your chance to see them in tiny local venues this April. Tickets are on sale now for the following shows:

10 April 2025 – Jive Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide
11 April 2025 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne
12 April 2025 – LaLaLa’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
13 April 2025 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney
14 April 2025 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Stephen Royale Drops Party Anthem, “VIP”

As we inch closer to the weekend, it’s time to put the working week behind us and drop some party tunes. “VIP,” the latest single from Stephen Royale has me buzzing. It’s a total 2000s throwback that reminds me a bit of classic Chris Brown and Jason Derulo tunes, and I’m personally here for it. Crank this one and I’m sure you’ll be grooving along in no time!

“VIP is an electro RnB/pop song designed to get everyone on the dance floor,” Stephen explained. “It’s got that throwback flavour but feels fresh enough to own today’s scene. We poured so much into this track, and I just want people to feel it, vibe to it, and party with it. Let’s gooooo!”

“VIP” comes from Stephen’s debut EP, so we can expect plenty more tunes from him in the near future.

Image used with permission from Stephen Royale

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Taking TOY On the Road

After topping the Australian Album ARIA charts and nabbing a fourth place on the overall ARIA charts, Dear Seattle have announced they’re hitting the road to celebrate their latest album TOY. I’m still listening to this album regularly weeks after its release.

“We’ve been putting in the hard yards to ensure this tour is the absolute best you’ve ever seen [from] DS,” the band said. “We always put in everything, but this time we wanna push the boundaries of what we’ve done in the past and make this album tour the most memorable one yet. We can’t wait to see you there!”

I only wish the shows didn’t come during an already busy May, as I have a sneaky suspicion that these songs will sound ever better in a sweaty pub. They’re also bringing Cleveland punk rockers Heart Attack, Tarntanya/Adelaide pop-punk act TOWNS, and Naarm/Melbourne indie-rock act LUCKY along for the ride. If your schedule isn’t as hectic as mine, make sure you grab some tickets while you can!

8 May 2025 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth (18+ – LUCKY not performing at this show)
9 May 2025 – Croxton Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
10 May 2025 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Matinee ALL AGES)
10 May 2025 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Evening 18+)
15 May 2025 – King St Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle (18+)
16 May 2025 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney (18+)
17 May 2025 – Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (Licensed ALL AGES)

Photo credit: Charlie Hardy