Posted on by Lauren Katulka

KEZRA Wows Me With First Country Single, “Another Life”

I’m a long-time fan of KEZRA’s warm vocals and songwriting ability. She’s best known for folky music, but she’s taken her first foray into country with her latest single “Another Life.” She makes the transition sound easy, with her trademark talents priming her for success in this new genre.

“This one was a bit of a cheeky/fun write for me. Usually, I write sad, deep songs but this was formed by a rhythmic jam I started on my acoustic guitar which set the tone for the whole song,” KEZRA explained. “I wrote it about meeting someone for the first time who you feel so deeply connected to – you don’t know why or how as you don’t really know them at all – but there’s this instant lust/love kind of feeling, that makes you feel like you’ve known them for a lifetime. Becoming hyper-fixated over the idea of what they would be like in a relationship if they took a chance on you, but they’re with someone else.”

Next up KEZRA will joint Bootleg Rascal and a host of other talented musos at the Booty Block Party at the Esplanade Hotel in Euro-Yroke/St Kilda on March 9.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nathan Lamont On the Up With “Bigger Things”

Fresh from his first headlining show at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, Nathan Lamont shows he’s a star on the rise with “Bigger Things.” It’s a fabulous country-rock crossover track which reminds me of music from industry icons like Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts, and our own Keith Urban. Nathan’s not imitating these artists though. Instead he shows he just might be their natural successor. The single saw Nathan working with MSquared (Michael Paynter and Michael DeLorenzis), who’ve previously written and produced hits with Aloe Blacc, Tina Arena, and Casey Barnes.

“This was my first time working with the MSquared fellas! We had so much fun working on this track together,” Nathan said. “I have been a big fan of their work for a long time so to have the opportunity to get in the studio with them, I knew we would cook up something amazing, and I feel like we achieved just that.”

While headlining a Tamworth Country Music Festival show is likely to remain one of the year’s highlights, Nathan’s got plenty of other exciting shows in store. Catch him promoting “Bigger Things” at the following gigs:

1 March 2025 – Country Music Night @ Glenorie RSL, Darug Country/Glenorie (FREE)
15 March 2025 – A Night In Nashville @ Orange Showgrounds, Wiradjuri Country/Orange (SOLD OUT)
11-12 April 2025 – Karijini Experience @ Karijini National Park, Banyjima, Kurrama, and Innawonga Country/Karijini (FREE)
29 April 2025 – The Beer Shed, Dharawal Country/Campbelltown
2 May 2025 – Home Ground Sounds @ Canowindra Sports Oval, Wiradjuri Country/Canowindra

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Hayden Phillis Gives Taste of Debut EP With “Lies”

Hayden Phillis shows maturity beyond his years with his latest single “Lies.” The insightful track sees Hayden questioning the religious teachings he’s absorbed since childhood as he searches for the truth. He worked the concept with his mentor Kevin Welch before cowriting “Lies” with Michelle Cashman.

“I was really happy with the song after we wrote it,” Hayden said. “It already felt like an accomplishment and it’s about those moments of realisation we all have when we start questioning the things we’ve been told.”

“Lies” comes from Hayden’s forthcoming EP, which we’ll hear later this year.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Gill Releases Incredible New Single, “Touch Me There”

Ruby Gill has absolutely floored me with their latest single, “Touch Me There.” This intimate exploration of sensual awakening and coming out is a real revelation. Take a few moments just to listen to this one. It’s subtle, but if you give it your full attention I know you’ll fall as deeply in love with it as I have.

“During the longest dry spell of my life, I came out to myself,” Ruby recalled of the song’s inspiration. “The first time I said it out loud was in this song – all that sitting by a river waiting for the truth to come out led to me being honest for the first time about who I was attracted to and what kind of sex I wanted in my life. It took almost two years of zero kissing to get to that point of self-knowledge. Not intentionally – everything just felt so wrong and scary after being touched in really unsafe ways before that. I was numb for years, but I finally felt sensation in my body again after writing ‘Touch Me There.’ It broke me open. I hope it breaks other people open too, whether it’s about queerness or otherwise. You have a say over your love and pleasure.”

“Touch Me There” comes from Ruby’s sophomore album Some Kind of Control, set for release on March 28. They’ll play the following shows through March and April to celebrate the new music:

5 March 2025 – BMF @ Brunswick Uniting Church, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 April 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Kira Puru

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Willie J’s 6v6s Rock Hard With “Love On The Loose”

“Love On The Loose” is a song for rock music fans who crave classic sounds. Delivered with plenty of swagger, big crunchy guitars, and even bigger vocals, Willie J’s 6v6s’ latest track is making me nostalgic for the crowded pubs with sticky floors of my youth.

This song already sits at 11, but I have a feeling that Willie J’s 6v6s can turn the voltage up even higher. Find out when they launch “the single”Love On The Loose” at The Gem Bar in Yálla-birr-ang/Collingwood on March 15.

In the meantime, if you want more rocking tunes check out my playlist Sounds of Oz Loves Rock. It’s got a bunch of new Aussie rock music featured on this blog including “Love On The Loose”. I’m adding new songs all the time, so give it a follow to listen to the latest.

Image used with permission from Dave Laing Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rachael Coltrona Gets the Party Started With “Everybody’s Doing It”

Rachael Coltrona has just dropped “Everybody’s Doing It” a fresh floor-filler for your Friday. Whether you love clubbing or those days are long behind you, I think you’ll vibe with this empowering dance anthem.

Rachael says “It’s about owning who you are, no matter what everyone else is doing.”

Like so much of the best music, this “Everybody’s Doing It” came together quickly. Rachael actually wrote and recorded it, with the help of Eora/Sydney-based producer Phil Anquetil, in just two days. Talk about talent! Turn this one up loud and it just might give you the energy you need to make it to the weekend!

Image used with permission from Rachael Coltrona

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Press Play on Melanie Cowmeadow’s “Snakes & Ladders”

Last February, Melanie Cowmeadow brought a tear to my eye when she paid tribute to her late father with the single “Dear Dad.” This year she’s making me smile with her latest release, “Snakes & Ladders.” It’s a much more upbeat number that stays true to the country sound Melanie’s known for.

“I wanted to write something that captured how life can sometimes feel like a game,” she explained. “Sometimes you’re climbing that ladder, other times you slip down a snake, but you keep going. This song is my way of making light of those moments that can feel heavy.”

“Snakes & Ladders” is the title track from Melanie’s forthcoming debut EP which tells relatable stories of love, loss, and personal growth. Follow her on the socials to hear more about it ahead of its release later this year.

Image used with permission from Melanie Cowmeadow

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