Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Lessons in Love” – Thndo

It’s no coincidence that Thndo’s released her new album Lessons in Love this Valentine’s Day. While the day might be a Hallmark holiday, it’s also the perfect time to discover this diverse collection of “love songs.”

I put the term in quotes because most songs aren’t love songs in the traditional sense. While they all touch on relationships, they’re not formulaic or overly saccharine. Thndo bares her heart here, exploring the emotions that come when you open yourself up to someone. There’s excitement over infatuation, but also trepidation over being vulnerable. Love comes in all forms, so it’s only fitting that Thndo touches on motherhood with songs like “Another Day” and the incredible closer, “Purpose.” The struggles in relationships are celebrated as part of the story rather than sugar-coated. While Thndo’s not afraid to show the scars, this is ultimately an uplifting collection of songs that offers hope that love can conquer all.

These are songs of real substance, so I wanted to celebrate that first before I mention Thndo’s voice. It’s important to stress that her talent goes much deeper than her vocal chops. But of course, I also have to mention Thndo’s voice. It’s simply one of the best in the country. It can truly do anything, from the upbeat grooves of “Along the Way” and “Bedroom Eyes” to the cinematic ballad “Holding On.” But I love it best in pared back numbers like “Another Day” and “Given Time.” When you strip the music back, there’s nowhere to hide. If there were any imperfections, we’d hear them. There are none. Thndo’s rich, soulful voice is simply incredible.

I liked Lessons in Love from the first spin, but after a few listens I feel deeply in love with it. Press play and let it find its way into your heart this Valentine’s Day. You can see Thndo performing selected songs from Lessons in Love at the following venues:

14 February 2025 – A Valentine’s Affair @ Jazz Lab, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick
22 February 2025 – Under the Stars @ Packer Park, Bunurong and Wurundjeri Country/Carnegie (FREE)
16 April 2025 – Northcote Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting BJ the Chicago Kid)
27 June 2025 – Karralyka Theatre, Wurundjeri Country/Ringwood

Main photo credit: She is Aphrodite

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH Celebrates Emerging Talent at the Gaso Tonight

Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH concert series has unearthed some massive talent including Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, Halsey, and local Sounds of Oz favourites like Ishan, Carla Webhe, and Sophisticated Dingo. And it’s back for 2025! The first show kicks off tonight at the Gasometer in Naarm/Melbourne.

Sadly it’s an invite-only showcase for industry types so I can’t help you get tickets, but I can put the new artists on your radar. Fletcher Kent, Salty, and Lotte Gallagher will all share the spotlight tonight. So look them up and get across their music, because they’re definitely going places.

“I’m absolutely stoked to be joining Live Nation’s ONES TO WATCH Backed by Vodafone!” Fletcher said. “Making the trip down to Melbourne to join Salty and Lotte Gallagher at The Gaso is going to be so fun. It’s an honour to be included in this discovery series and join a fantastic list of artists who have played it in the past.”

Fletcher, Salty, and Lotte have got plenty of fantastic music on the streaming services, so get amongst it. The exposure they receive from Live Nation might just be the boost that takes their careers to the next level.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brad Cox Hits Regional Towns

Australia’s still basking in that Luke Combs’ tour glow, but many locals don’t realise our country talent is every bit as good as the American artists. Aussie singer-songwriter Brad Cox reminds me a lot of Luke with his authenticity and vulnerability. And he’s touring the Eastern states really soon.

If you’re sitting on the fence, take a listen to the Hot Lettuce Sessions recorded in Nipaluna/Hobart last year. When someone sounds this good on a live recording, you know they’re the real deal.

Brad Cox will play a few festivals before he kicks off his Coxy’s Regional Road Show. With the fabulous Piper Butcher warming up the crowds, country fans won’t want to miss these gigs.

15 February 2025 – Howlin’ Country Music Festival @ The Station, Mulubinba/Newcastle
1 March 2025 – Yours & Owls Festival @ University of Wollongong, Woolyungah/Wollongong
7 March 2025 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
8 March 2025 – The Station, Kabi Kabi Country/Sunshine Coast
13 March 2025 – Barwon Heads Hotel, Koornoo/Barwon Heads
14 March 2025 – Meatstock @ Bendigo Showgrounds, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
15 March 2025 – Pier Bandroom, Monmar/Frankston
27 March 2025 – Beer Deluxe, Bungambrawatha/Albury
28 March2025 – Panthers, Wahluu/Bathurst
29 March 2025 – Garden Hotel, Wiradjuri Country/Dubbo
18 April 2025 – Byron Bay Bluesfest, Cavanbah/Tyagarah

Photo credit: Jordan Munns

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Club Drop Double A-Side Single Ahead of Album Release + Tour

After spending much of 2024 on the road here and abroad, Press Club are serving up more new music this year. They’ll independently release their fourth album, To All The Ones That I Love, on Friday May 2 featuring the songs from their new double A-side single, “Tightrope” and “Vacate.” These songs are everything I love about Press Club: killer rock music that perfectly backs up the force of nature that is frontwoman Natalie Foster.

She said “’Tightrope’ is about hitting that point where you’re done trying to fix things, becoming frustrated and numb taking on everybody else’s thoughts, worries and expectations. It’s that feeling of barely holding it together, like you’re walking a tightrope on the edge of a breakdown. Musically, it’s a bit of an ode to The Hives, written after meeting them at Hurricane festival in Germany.”

Meanwhile the band were inspired by classic acts like David Bowie, New Order, and Joy Division when writing “Vacate.” You can definitely hear their influence in those retro guitars.

Press Club will play a string of shows here and overseas to promote the release of To All The Ones That I Love. See them while you can at the following gigs:

26 April 2025 – Danson Fest, Ngambri/Canberra
3 May 2025 – The Tote, Naarm/Melbourne (ALL AGES)
3 May 2025 – The Tote, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
23 May 2025 – The Sound Doctor, Kuarka Dorla/Anglesea
22 June 2025 – Farewell Youth Festival, Dresden

Photo credit: Nick Manuell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Butter Releases Smooth New Single, “Baby I’m in Love”

I am absolutely vibing with Butter’s new single “Baby I’m in Love.” Featuring the talents of 1800 Sleep, this is a cool neo-soul number that’s probably better suited to Saturday nights than Monday afternoons. However, maybe playing it now will put you right back into that relaxed weekend state. It’s worth a shot, right?

“The recording process really captured our energy as a live band,” lead vocalist Lachlan Payet explained. “A relaxed studio environment helped us to feel comfortable and brave with the creative choices made. I feel it’s the most Butter thing we’ve ever made as our personality and humour really shines through in the absolute sweetest way possible!”

Butter will celebrate the release of “Baby I’m In Love” with a single launch on February 14 at Mills Records in Walyalup/Fremantle. With free entry, it’s the perfect way to spend your Valentine’s Day.

Photo credit: Robin Bottrell

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Melbourne Guitar Show Heading to New Home in March

The Melbourne Guitar Show is back for 2025 with a brand new venue and massive line-up featuring Dallas Frasca, Paul Dempsey, Gretta Ziller, and heaps more. You can see all two days of action at the Victoria Pavilion at the Melbourne Showgrounds.

Expect performances from guitarists of all genres and plenty of opportunities to buy from global brands and local luthiers. For the first time the show features a special Fender room and showcase of Aussie guitar brands. You can also improve your skills at the playing and songwriting workshops. With a licensed bar and plenty of food vendors, you can really make a day or two of this event.

“This will be an unmissable event for guitar fans,” assured the event’s product, Alex Masso. “You will just have to be there to see our new home and what we have planned for this year. We have picked up new ideas from our audience, brands, musicians and other events. Fans of the Melbourne Guitar Show will recognise it but we’re making the show even better for more people to enjoy.”

Check our the Melbourne Guitar Show at Melbourne Showgrounds on March 1 and 2. Tickets are on sale now from the event’s website. Get in quick, as discounted early bird tickets are available until February 12.

Photo credit: Jason Rosewarne

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

A Swift Farewell Make Their Mark With “Silence”

Eora/Sydney emo powerhouse A Swift Farewell are back with their first single of 2025, “Silence.” Don’t let the title or gentle start fool you. This track really kicks in when the chorus drops.

It’s also the first song the band recorded with their new bassist, Gabrielle Michael. “I’m beyond excited to be teaming up with my very best friends in A Swift Farewell,” they enthused. “It feels like a long time coming after filling in on bass for them on tour. Nothing feels better than sharing the stage with people who you not only love, but know that they share the same deep passion for the art you create together.”

A Swift Farewell have a couple of gigs at The Lansdowne coming up to celebrate the release of “Silence”. Catch them at the following hometown shows:

15 February 2025 – The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (supporting As December Falls)
28 February 2025 – Good Intent’s After Dark Event @ The Lansdowne, Eora/Sydney (FREE)

Photo credit: Bree Vane

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Miramar Chase Away Monday Blues With “Work It Out”

There’s not a lot that’s fun about Mondays. While I can’t do anything about your back-to-work hassles or the gloomy weather that’s lingering around my part of the country, I can introduce you to Miramar’s new single “Work It Out.” This dance-pop single is the aural equivalent of a dopamine hit, so pump up that volume! It sounds upbeat, but it’s got a strong message if you pay attention to the lyrics.

“The lyrics are a really vulnerable, personal story of taking a minute during a fight with someone you love to remember that you still love them and you’ll get through it,” the Eora/Sydney-based band revealed. “It’s a conversation we had to have with ourselves about music as well. There’s been many times we were burnt out and needed to remind ourselves that we love it and need to keep going – we’re actually doing okay and we’re going to make it work. We originally wrote the song while we were still in a bit of a burnout spiral. When we finally went to finish we were coming out the other side of that, so it ended up a much more hopeful and optimistic song which we love.”

“Work It Out” is the latest single from Miramar’s sophomore EP, which drops later this year. Before that they’ll play the following shows around New South Wales in the coming weeks.

28 February 2025 – Beach Road Hotel, Boondi/Bondi
16 March 2025 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
22 March 2025 – Pleasure Club, Gadigal Country/Newtown
28 March 2025 – The Landsdowne, Gadigal Country/Chippendale (supporting Mickey Kojak)

Photo credit: Tom Brazel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Bailey Pickles and Hugo Hui Release Incredible Owl City Cover

Think you know Owl City’s “Fireflies”? I promise you’ve never heard it quite like this. Local talents Bailey Pickles and Hugo Hui have teamed up with the Sydney Conservatorium Choir for a magical version of the synth-pop smash. With its lush orchestral arrangements and harmonies from the choir, it sounds like it belongs on an epic movie soundtrack.

“Our goal was to take the magic of ‘Fireflies’ and expand it into something that feels like the soundtrack to a dream,” Bailey said. “Collaborating with the Sydney Conservatorium Choir was an incredible opportunity to push our vision to the next level.”

“’Fireflies’ is a celebration of everything we love about music, nostalgia, creativity, and the power to transport listeners to another world,” Hugo added. “We’re so grateful to the Sydney Conservatorium Choir for helping us bring this vision to life.”

This is the latest single lifted from Bailey and Hugo’s highly anticipated EP, which features four cinematic covers and two original pieces.

Image used with permission from GYRO PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Benny J Blake Starts Again With “Begin”

Benny J Blake is appropriately ushering in a new chapter of music with his uplifting new single “Begin.” He has around 20 years’ experience in the music industry, but this is his first release under his current musical moniker. It all came about after Benny left his previous band and split with his long-term partner. Such big life events are bound to shake things up!

“’Begin’ is an exploration of healing,” Benny explained. “A cathartic starter pistol to “begin” the long road to recovery and acknowledging the small wins along the way. While slowly eliminating distractions and vices that have kept me stoned and frozen in existential dread and maladaptive coping mechanisms while accepting my human flaws and practicing foreign self-love and compassion.”

Benny took control of this project, playing most of the instruments and recording them in his home studio in Gadigal Country/Newtown. But you will hear guest vocals from Georgia Jones and Wade Keighran of Wolf and Cub on bass. He also produced this amazing track.

“Begin” comes from Benny J Blake’s forthcoming debut album, The Sharpest Tooth in the Jaw.

Photo credit: Maclay Heriot