Sounds of Oz

Posted on 13/04/202613/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

Michael Paynter @ Avoca Beach Theatre – Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 12 April 2026

I’m a little biased, but I think Australia has produced some of the world’s greatest songs. Our artists are diverse, with strong, unique voices that tell our stories. So when Michael Paynter announced his shows paying tribute to that music, and a matinee show at Avoca Beach Theatre was amongst them, I jumped at the chance to see him solo for the first time.

I’m incredibly biased towards Avoca Beach Theatre, but it was really the perfect venue for Michael’s Great Australian Songbook show. The audience is always so attentive, just what you want for a show with a musician who wants to share stories about the songs he’s performing. We hung on his every word, whether he was sharing those tales or delivering fantastic Aussie songs that had a special place in his heart.

The set list was brilliant, celebrating classics and newer additions to the “great Australian songbook.” Michael says he regularly changes the set, but I imagine the biggies like “Working Class Man” and “Flame Trees” are fixtures. However, Michael’s not afraid to move away from the predictable pub standards. I expected I might hear a few John Farnham tracks given his recent casting in Whispering Jack, but I didn’t anticipate the criminally underrated “Angels” among them. I also didn’t expect him to deliver Sia’s “Chandelier,” Wolfmother’s “Joker and the Thief,” or Silverchair’s “Straight Lines.” These modern classics are so demanding and an acoustic set leaves nowhere to hide. I always knew his vocals were next level, but I was in awe!

I knew Michael could have standout moments playing alongside Icehouse and Jimmy Barnes, but it was exciting to see the way he could command a room for nearly two hours. The time flew by as he delivered flawless songs on the piano and acoustic guitar. He didn’t need any support, but it was a thrill to see him performing alongside young Ruby Rodgers, the 16-year-old daughter of Mahalia Barnes and Jimmy Barnes’ guitarist Ben Rodgers. She’s certainly inherited her family’s music chops. Her voice was haunting on Gotye and Kimbra’s “Somebody That I Used to Know,” delicate and earnest on Leonardo Bride’s “Even When I’m Sleeping.” Michael said that in five or ten years, we’d look back and remember what a special moment we shared, seeing her so early in her career. He’s probably right.

Michael Paynter’s Great Australian Songbook concerts are a beautiful celebration of the diverse music that makes this country great. They’re selling out all over the place, and I expect demand will only increase as more people see them and tell all their friends. Here are all the remaining dates.

22 April 2026 – The Foundry, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
23 April 2026 – The Foundry, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
24 April 2026 – The Regent Theatre, Eora/Sydney
2 May 2026 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
3 May 2026 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (SOLD OUT)
8 May 2026 – Playhouse Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra
15 May 2026 – Athenaeum Theatre 2, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
16 May 2026 – Athenaeum Theatre 2, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
17 May 2026 – Athenaeum Theatre 2, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
29 May 2026 – Athenaeum Theatre 1, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
3 June 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
13 June 2026 – Story House Theatre, Djilang/Geelong (SOLD OUT)
10 July 2026 – Festival of Voices @ Theatre Royal, Nipaluna/Hobart
11 July 2026 – Festival of Voices @ Burnie Arts Centre, Pataway/Burnie

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka

Posted on 11/04/202610/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

Kyla-Belle and Nooky Collaborate on “Took a Turn”

Seventeen-year-old Gomeroi country singer-songwriter Kyla-Belle has teamed up with acclaimed Indigenous hip-hop artist Nooky for a surprising new single, “Took a Turn.” Their genres aren’t natural bedfellows, but this song really works! I love to hear artists taking risks, especially so early in their careers.

“This song tells the story of my life and how things always take a turn for the better,” Kyla shared. “It talks about hardships, then overcoming them through music. I wrote this song just like I write all my music, on my bedroom floor, aiming for a song that sticks to your brain.”

We’ll be hearing a lot more from Kyla-Belle this year. Look out for her debut EP when it drops this June. She’ll also play Savannah in the Round in Muluridji Country/Mareeba this October.

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on 10/04/202610/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

UK Rockers Amber Run Bring “5AM” Shows Down Under

No matter how much I try to keep my finger on the pulse of modern music, some releases inevitably slip through the cracks. That’s especially common with international albums. Unless they’re the blockbusters everyone’s heard of, I often miss them while I’m focusing on the local scene. So UK band Amber Run weren’t on my radar until I heard about the local tour celebrating 10 (and a bit!) years of their 2015 debut album 5AM. However, considering this is their first Aussie tour and they’re playing intimate venues, it looks like I’m not the only one.

My advice readers? Make up for lost time. 5AM is such a great alt-rock album, and Amber Run will play it in full at their upcoming Aussie shows. If I hadn’t already committed myself, I’d buy some spontaneous tickets after hearing it just a handful of times. It’s that good.

Amber Run kick off their 5AM shows in Eora/Sydney next Friday, so take a listen and snap up some of the remaining tickets!

17 April 2026 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
18 April 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
19 April 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 April 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
23 April 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Raph_PH – APENationalVicPark020618-13 (CC BY 2.0)

Posted on 09/04/202609/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

Bachelor Girl Release”Treat Me Good” With Jess Mauboy Ahead of Reimagined Album

Bachelor Girl are breathing new life into their breakthrough debut album Waiting for the Day with the upcoming release of Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions. Set for a June release, it’ll feature fresh takes on all the songs you know and love from that album featuring a who’s who of Aussie talent.

“We (somewhat audaciously!) began to ask some of our favourite Aussie artists and friends if they would lend their voices and/or instrument to our bucket list project,” explained Bachelor Girl’s frontwoman, Tania Doko. “What started with one, became 13 artists on this 15 track Redux album, and we could not be more chuffed they enthusiastically said yes.”

We get a little taste of what’s in store with this reimagined version of “Treat Me Good” featuring Jessica Mauboy. It’s a little poppier than the original, but Jess’s voice sounds fabulous on the track. And if it introduces this song to a new generation, so much the better!

After Waiting For The Day: Artist Sessions drops, Bachelor Girl will hit the road and play a few intimate shows. Expect stacks of singalong moments at the following gigs:

8 August 2026 – Brunswick Ballroom, Bulleke-bek/Brunswick (18+)
23 August 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
28 August 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide (18+)
4 September 2026 – Cube 37 @ Frankston Arts Centre, Monmar/Frankston (ALL AGES – u15s with adult)
18 October 2026 – Factory Theatre, Bulanaming/Marrickville (18+)

Photo credit: Jess Macc

Posted on 08/04/202609/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

“Talking With Strangers” – MAXON

With every single release, Victorian singer-songwriter MAXON has been building a reputation as one of the most solid female voices on the scene. Now that her debut album Talking With Strangers is out in the world, there’s no doubt that she’s the real deal.

As someone with eclectic music taste, I appreciate the diversity of Talking With Strangers. MAXON delights in exploring different sounds. It all seems so effortless for her to move from raucously upbeat numbers like “18” and “Yabada” to heartbreaking ballads like “Best Shot” and the stunning closer, “Circles.” Often she plays in an Americana/country/folk space, but she isn’t afraid to throw us curveballs, like the synth-heavy retro pop-inspired “Tangerine Dream.”

While Talking With Strangers takes plenty of musical left turns, the album never gives listeners whiplash. It’s anchored so beautifully by MAXON’s voice. It’s rich, warm, comforting, authentic, steady. You know you’re in safe hands listening to her, so you’re open to wherever these songs take you. And then there’s MAXON’s exceptional songwriting skills. She’s a natural, writing songs that speak to the heart of her experiences as a woman and member of the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, they do an exceptional job of introducing MAXON to music lovers.

Talking With Strangers is out now. MAXON will officially launch her debut album with a hometown show at The Toff on May 7.

Photo credit: @heapsstoked

Posted on 07/04/202607/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

“Steel Town” – Morgan Evans

For a long time, I’ve said if you’ve never lived in Mulubinba/Newcastle, you don’t really understand how special the place is. It’s one of those cities that never leaves your heart, no matter how far you move away. Once a Novocastrian, always a Novocastrian. But now with the release of Steel Town, I think Morgan Evans might have given the country the scoop. His third album is a beautiful love letter to the place he still calls home and the feelings associated with it.

As someone born and raised in Newy, I was thrilled to hear the references to Burton Road, The Cambridge Hotel, and the rowdy home ground crowd (if you’ve ever been to a Knights game, you know) in the title track. It’s the perfect opener, rooting this album in a place that means so much to Morgan and many of his loyal fans. But he understands that many of the people who listen to his music don’t know Newy, and so other songs tap into the essence of the city without being so specific. If you’ve ever frequented local watering holes like The Del or The Lucky, you understand the culture that drinking songs like “Beer Back Home” and “Another Drink Coming” bring to life. But these songs could just as easily be written about pubs across Australia, bars across America, and beyond. “Land I Love” is a more general tribute to Australia, one which takes us from the white sand and crashing waves of the coast to the “red dirt tracks” of the Outback.

Then there are the stunning love songs celebrating the feeling of home that you get when you’re with the right one. “Two Broken Hearts,” a duet with American singer-songwriter and new love interest Laci Kaye Booth, talks about mending the pain with the right person. Her home state gets a nod in “She Talks About Texas.” The closer, “Settle It Down” perfectly brings together those ideas of love and home.

Listening to Steel Town, it seems like this is the album Morgan Evans was always meant to make. It’s a loving tribute to the things that matter most to him, although it’s accessible enough to touch the hearts of fans far beyond his hometown. As a Novocastrian, I’m very proud of this one, but I hope the rest of the world gets behind it too.

Steel Town is out now. Morgan will play Meatstock this month before kicking off his Aussie tour in May.

11 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Toowoomba Showgrounds, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
18 April 2026 – Meatstock @ Lardner Park, Gunaikurnai/Gippsland
21 May 2026 – ICF Warehouse, Boorloo/Perth (18+)
23 May 2026 – Forum Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
25 May 2026 – Thebarton Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (Lic. All Ages)
27 May 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney (Lic. All Ages)
30 May 2026 – The Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
2 June 2026 – Powerstation, Auckland (18+)
4 June 2026 – Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch (Lic. All Ages)

Photo credit: Nick Swift

Posted on 06/04/202605/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

The Wolfe Brothers End Touring Hiatus for Australian Made Shows

The Wolfe Brothers are celebrating the 2025 release of Australian Made with a massive trip around the country. Their upcoming shows end an 18-month break from touring, so expect these guys to be pumped up when they hit your hometown.

“The Australian Made concept really came from looking around at our lives and the people we grew up with,” Tom Wolde explained. “It’s a reflection of where we are from, the stories, the landscapes, the proud communities and the spirit of Australia. We wanted to make a record that felt honest, a record we would be proud of, without overthinking it.”

“Those couple of hours on stage is where we feel most alive,” added his brother Nick. “We don’t take for granted that most people never get to experience playing to a crowd that has lived the songs you have written and sings them back to you. There is no greater feeling.”

After their 2023-2024 Livin’ the Dream tour was voted Australian Tour of the Year at the inaugural Countrytown Awards last March, The Wolfe Brothers will be working hard this year to uphold their reputation as one of the best live acts in the nation. Tickets for the following shows are now available from the links below, but there’s more to come through 2026 and 2027 if you missed out this time around:

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on 05/04/202605/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

Ama and Tanisako Join Forces For “Bad Guy”

Local singer-songwriter Ama has teamed up with Japanese-American artist Tanisako for an exciting new duet, “Bad Guy.” I’m always a sucker for a good duet, so this one ticks all the boxes for me.

Ama says the new single is “about not wanting to be the bad guy when you need to break up with someone. It still fits the vibe you’ve been hearing from me lately with the sad girl indie-pop.”

So if you’ve enjoyed Ama’s previous releases or you’re new to her music, make sure you give this one a listen. You’ll find it and a bunch of other local gems on my playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Pop. If you’re not already, make sure you head to Spotify and give it a follow!

Image source: Ama’s EPK

Posted on 04/04/202604/04/2026 by Lauren Katulka

Bad Neighbour Drop “Rush Apart” Ahead of New Album Release

Meeanjin/Brisbane rockers Bad Neighbour have me feeling nostalgic with their fantastic new coming-of-age track “Rush Apart.” With his angsty emo sound and lyrics exploring young love, this third single from Bad Neighbour’s new album is taking me right back to my teenage years.

“‘Rush Apart’ was one of the first songs we wrote for the record. I had the ‘Rush Apart’ line saved in my lyric folder for so long, and I wanted the general theme of the song to be about young, dumb love – we are often so quick to hurt each other when we have no idea what we’re doing,” admitted vocalist Cooper Riley.

“Rush Apart” comes from Bad Neighbour’s sophomore album Burns From the X-rays, which drops on June 5. You can pre-order the album and Bad Neighbour’s brand new hoodies and tees, including some fantastic bundles, right now from Imprint Merch.

Photo credit: Will Johnstone

Posted on 02/04/202631/03/2026 by Lauren Katulka

Prince Daddy & the Hyena and Macseal Announce Double-Header Aussie Debut Show

New York acts Prince Daddy & the Hyena and Macseal are teaming up for a double-headline tour this July. Both acts are visiting Australia for the first time and playing some of the country’s coolest intimate venues.

I have to shout out the promoter Destroy All Lines who have put together some fantastic double- and triple-bills for up-and-coming and niche acts of late. They’ve made sure fans can see these bands who probably couldn’t tour Australia under their own strength. They just don’t have the following to make it feasible. But pair them up and it’s all systems go! I must admit, I wasn’t across either band before the press release hit my desk, but I’ve been listening to them both all day. Prince Daddy & the Hyena’s punk-rock sound has my heart, but Macseal also make fantastic indie-rock music. Take a listen, because of this tour goes well they’re going to graduate to larger venues next time around.

Prince Daddy & the Hyena will be here promoting their highly anticipated fourth album Hotwire Trip Switch, which drops on April 17. Macseal only just released their EP Macseal on Audiotree Live last December, which gives you a taste of how good they are on stage. Find out for yourself when Prince Daddy & the Hyena and Macseal hit local venues later this year.

17 July 2026 – The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane (18+)
18 July 2026 – Hamilton Station Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle (18+)
19 July 2026 – Marys Underground, Eora/Sydney (ALL AGES)
21 July 2026 – La La Las, Dharawal Country/Wollongong (18+)
22 July 2026 – Stay Gold, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
23 July 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country/Belgrave (18+)
24 July 2026 – Jive Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide (ALL AGES)
25 July 2026 – Lynotts Lounge, Boorloo/Perth (18+)

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR