Davey Lane Impresses with Solo Single

He’s best known as the guitarist for You Am I, but Davey Lane is proving he’s a solo force to be reckoned with. He’s just dropped a fantastic single, called “God, I’m Fucked Up Over You”, and there’s more to come on a brand-new album.

There’s a story behind the song, and while it’s a little longer than the quotes I normally share, it’d be a shame to cut it. Davey said “Sometimes the path of best intentions turns inexplicably muddy and murky, leaving behind nary but a memory or a picture – or if you’re so inclined a song, and/or some lines on a page to make sense of the mess. When closure ain’t an option, you sit and wait for it to present itself to you.

“Some dear family friends kindly offered me a place to sit and wait, and finish writing songs for this new record. The sounds of the environs (Hua Hin, Thailand) informed the reinvention of this song that I’d originally started as a chugging guitar pop song – which was nice, but something I felt I’d written a few times before.

“A month or so later, we were at Robert Muinos’ Rat Shack studios. The track was recorded but for some reason I could never finish the last verse – there was no ending to the story. I was going to sing the front half of the song anyway and mumble something at the end to finish later. An ending of sorts became apparent that day. Door shut, story done, song finished. It wasn’t the ending I’d hoped for but it was an ending…

“There’s a lot that’s jagged and jarring about this song for me, but with the passing of time, I get comfort from it, oddly. But maybe that’s the marimbas, Mellotron, swathes of harmony and exemplary bass line courtesy of dear pal and one of the land’s finest bass players, Luke Hodgson …

“Onward we roll, hey?”

Onward we roll indeed. “God, I’m Fucked Up Over You” Is the first track lifted from Davey’s forthcoming solo album Finally, a Party Record, which we should hear in the middle of next year.

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Bukowski Release Pop-Punk Banger, “What Do You Want Me To Be?”

I can always count on a good pop-punk song to really lift my mood. As I recover from my accident, I found myself gravitating towards old comfort music and struggling to connect as easily with new sounds. But the nostalgic feel of Bukowski’s latest single “What Do You Want Me to Be?” has got me pretty excited. I won’t be getting into mosh pits anytime soon, but this upbeat single makes me sentimental for them!

Bukowski said the lyrics for their latest single were inspired by the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber.

“Lyrically, it also captures all those messy feelings around juggling being a people pleaser and
letting yourself be who you are,” added the band’s frontman, James Karagiozis.

“What Do You Want Me to Be?” comes from Bukowski’s forthcoming debut album I Don’t Wanna Live. I Don’t Wanna Die, which drops on February 14.

Photo credit: James Dominko

Jade Gibson Embraces New Sound With “Technicolour”

Jade Gibson has always had a knack for pumping out upbeat, feelgood country-pop hits. But she’s taken a bit of a left turn with the release of her latest single, “Technicolour”. With its John Mayer-esque bluesy guitar licks and moody vibe, this track showcases a brand-new sound for Jade. But gee it sounds good on her.

“Technicolour” is the first song released from Jade’s new project scheduled for a 2025 release. If the rest of the tracks sound as good as this one, we’re in for a real treat. You might hear some more new material if you get to one of her upcoming shows:

21 December 2024 – Henley’s Wine Bar & Kitchen, Waveroo Country/Milawa
24 December 2024 – Precinct Bar & Restaurant, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
26 December 2024 – Christmas Recovery @ Cofield Wines, Yorta Yorta Country/Wahgunyah
31 December 2024 – Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club, KuukuYa’u, Wuthathi, Umpila, Kaanju and Uuthalganu Country/Lockhart

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Nick Keogh Releases Romantic New Single, “Messina”

Nick Keogh is showing us his softer side with his beautiful new single “Messina.” This intimate track paints a beautiful picture of the tender moments that make a relationship special. Forget about those schmaltzy, formulaic love songs; this one is the real deal.

“This song is really special to me,” Nick said. “I don’t usually write a lot of love songs. I find it hard to take myself too seriously and be earnest but with this song I tried blending the silly-goofy parts of being in love with the sincere and honest parts of being in a relationship.”

“My favourite thing I’ve ever written is the second verse and it was inspired by a trip to my cousin’s wedding out near the farm where I grew up. My partner, who is vegan, was excited to see all the sheep but didn’t know why they were all standing around this big factory. She genuinely wanted to know where they were going, so I said they were on their way to Coles.”

The year is almost over, but Nick is squeezing in one more gig before 2024 is done. You can catch him at The Tote Bandroom in Naarm/Melbourne on December 28 as part of the A Very Good Christmas lineup.

Photo credit: Chris O’Toole

Joe Mungovan and Aodhan Join Forces for “Old Dog/New Tricks”

Joe Mungovan and Aodhan have teamed up for a cool new single “Old Dog/New Tricks.” I’ve written about how much both artists have impressed me in the past, so you can bet this is right up my alley. I’m sure you’re going to love it every bit as much.

“This song is about our bad days and the struggles we face when going about our day-to-day routines,” Aodhan explained.

“Old Dog/New Tricks is a song for anyone who has ever struggled with even the simplest of daily tasks and the monotony of life,” Joe added.

If you love hearing Joe and Aodhan together, you’re in luck. These talented artists will play the following shows together in the coming months.

15 February 2025 – La La La’s, Woolyungah/Wollongong
28 February 2025 – Low 302, Eora/Sydney
7 March 2025 – The Catfish, Naarm/Melbourne
8 March 2025 – Paper Scissors Rock, Budja Budja/Halls Gap (Joe solo)

Image used with permission from Joe Mungovan

Ziggy Alberts Releases ” Singing for Country Ahead of New Album & Homecoming Tour

Ziggy Alberts is easing you into your working week with his latest single, “Singing for Country.” This patriotic, chilled-out folk song is the latest track from Ziggy’s forthcoming seventh album New Love which drops on February 21.

“I wrote ‘Singing For Country’ along the Mid-North Coast of Australia. It’s a song about what it means to be Australian, to love this land and our planet. For me, being Australian is about embracing a unique mix of cultures on this sunburnt land,” Ziggy explained. “This song was my way of celebrating what and how it feels to be Australian. I performed this song across my tour in Europe, UK and North America and despite it being about my love for Australia, people really connected to it. I think that for anyone who loves the natural beauty of their homeland will relate and feel camaraderie in this too. It speaks to the core reason I write songs; to sing and celebrate people and nature.”

Ziggy has played plenty of shows all over the world, but he’ll be back home in February with gigs in the capitals and regional centres supporting New Love’s release.

“After being on tour all year, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of coming home,” he said. “You don’t realise how much you love a place until you’re back, breathing it in again. There’s something raw and grounding about being back on home soil, smelling the bottlebrush, and returning to the ocean. Originally, this song was just going to be part of the album, but when I got back home, that visceral feeling reminded me how important it was to share it as a single ahead of summer. I’m grateful my team helped make it happen.”

Some shows have already sold out so don’t wait to get yours.

21 February 2025 – The Station, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
22 February 2025 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
23 February 2025 – Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
25 February 2025 – Hindley St Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
26 February 2025 – Palais Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
27 February 2025 – Metropolis, Walyalup/Fremantle
1 March 2025 – 3 Oceans Winery, Wooditup/Margaret River
6 March 2025 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
8 March 2025 – The Powerhouse, Giabal Country/Toowoomba
9 March 2025 – Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Bundjalung Country/Kingscliff (SOLD OUT)
12 March 2025 – Bellingen Memorial Hall, Baligin/Bellingen (SOLD OUT)
13 March 2025 – Bellingen Memorial Hall, Baligin/Bellingen (SOLD OUT)
14 March 2025 – Bar on the Hill, Mulubinba/Newcastle
19 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul
20 March 2025 – Anita’s Theatre, Thurrural/Thirroul (SOLD OUT)
21 March 2025 – UC Refectory, Ngambri/Canberra
22 March 2025 – Tilba Winery, Yuin Country/Corunna
26 March 2025 – The Cube, Wiradjuri Country/Wodonga
27 March 2025 – Civic Hall, Balaarat/Ballarat
5 April 2025 – Oak and Anchor Hotel, Dhauwurd Wurrung Country/Port Fairy (SOLD OUT)

Photo credit: Janneke Storm

James Johnston and Appel Duet on “Country is For Me”

The United States might be the home of country music, but our own James Johnston and South Africa’s Appel prove the Americans don’t have the market cornered. These talents have teamed up for a fantastic new country single appropriately titled “Country is For Me.” It’s funny; I often say that country really isn’t for me, but then I hear a tune like this and start reconsidering my protests!

“I’ve always dreamed of sharing my music with the world and celebrating the country way of life through the lens of different cultures,” James said. “’County is For Me’ is the embodiment of that dream. Collaborating with Appel has been an incredible experience. His passion and genuine connection to his fans, family, and country have been so inspiring. At the beginning of this journey, I was searching for a kindred spirit in music, but I never could have imagined I would find a lifelong friend. The joy of creating ’County is For Me’ shines through in the recording. I’m excited to share it with the world and show that, despite being born in different places, we’re not so different.”

“Meeting James and collaborating to unite cultures through the universal language of music has been a journey neither of us realised the world needed,” Appel added. “By weaving together our stories, voices, and distinct roots, we’ve proven that when barriers come down, the music only grows stronger. It has been a truly mutual and inspiring experience, highlighting the limitless potential of music.”

James recently played the Cape Town Country Music Festival in South Africa, but he’s back home and ready to play for local crowds this summer. Catch him at all the hottest country music festivals in the coming months.

28 December 2024 – Kix Country Rockin Rocky @ Great Western Hotel, Darumbal Country/Rockhampton City
24 January 2025 – The Music That Made Me @ Tamworth Town Hall, Kamileroi Country/Tamworth
5 April 2025 – Melbourne Muster @ Caribbean Park, Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and Bunurong Country/Scoresby
3 May 2025 – Qld Music Trails – Outback Sounds @ Charleville Showgrounds, Bidjara Country/Charleville

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

“full lover fake friends” – ixaras

Teen prodigy ixaras is quickly proving she’s one of the most exciting forces in the Aussie music scene. Last time I wrote about her I was impressed by the launch of her label Anti Dismal which helps make music more accessible for other young people. Now I’ve got her debut EP full lover fake friend on repeat. This incredible indie-pop release shows ixaras’ musical talent matches her passion.

Through this intimate collection of songs, ixaras shares her experiences navigating life as a young queer artist. That might sound a little niche, but these songs are so powerful that I know they’ll resonate with anyone who’s felt different. We hear her trying to figure things out as she seeks connection, falls in love, and experiences all the challenges that so many struggle with growing up.

ixaras marries her confessional lyrics with catchy pop melodies and post-punk edge. I know these songs will move you, but they also encourage you to pick up your hair brush and use it as a microphone while you jump around. Every track is an earworm.

ixaras is so young, but with the release of full lover fake friend she shows an incredible maturity and talent beyond her years. I am so excited to see where her musical endeavours take her. The release of this EP is a brilliant beginning.

ixaras is in for a busy New Year with performances at NYE on the Hill at The Farm in Gunaikurnai Country/South Gippsland and Great Escape in Lutruwita/Nugent. Tickets for both shows are on sale now.

Images used with permission from Gyro PR

In Good Hands Release Nostalgic Rock Single, “Old Friends”

In Good Hands have ushered in a new era of music with the release of their latest single “Old Friends.” It’s a nostalgic indie-rock track that captures the transition from childhood to adulthood, the period where you gain freedom but you grapple with new responsibilities that might just weigh you down.

The band’s lead singer Jack Kenyon says that the lyrics “reflect the struggle of feeling lost in the routine of adult life. We remind ourselves—and you—that it’s okay to feel scared but never too tired to chase those memories again.”

For “Old Friends”, In Good Hands reunited with Jack Nigro who produced their Daylight EP.

“This one came together super quickly and naturally, with the bones turning into the finished song in a week or so. We knew straight away that it would be a track we had to record with Jack Nigro up at Sonora Studios, so we rushed up there to get it done!” they said.

With the release of “Old Friends,” In Good Hands sound like they’re going from strength to strength. I can’t wait to hear what comes next.

Image used with permission from In Good Hands

“Half a World Away” – Dylan Wright

My review of Dylan Wright’s EP, Half a World Away, has been a long time coming. I intended to write it before I left for New Zealand, but time got away. And then I had my car accident, and I started to wonder whether it was even relevant anymore given that this EP dropped in October. But then I started to think about it, and I didn’t want you guys to miss it, especially considering Dylan has just been named as Tina Arena’s support on her upcoming tour.

This isn’t your typical post-Idol release. It’s better than that. There are no covers. There’s not even his winner’s single. It’s just fantastic, original music that really showcases who Dylan is. His words, his voice.

The opening track “Little Lost” is the perfect introduction to this collection of songs. It’s warm and stripped back, anchored by Dylan’s vocals and acoustic guitar. Its classic sound makes me hungry for road trips. He takes things up a notch with “All I Need, a darker song driven by yearning and heart. There’s a similar vibe to “Back to You.” We didn’t see this brooding side on Idol, but gritty tracks like these provide great contrast to the lighter moments. “Mess of a Man” may be my favourite song on this EP. It’s so raw and honest. At a time when we still expect men to be so strong, it’s refreshing to hear one share their broken parts. Dylan’s love for his family was well-documented through his Idol journey, so it’s only fitting that he shares a little of his joy surrounding that with us too. “Old Oak Tree” is such a beautiful, uplifting song about legacy and tradition, a celebration of the best parts of the human experience. The gospel-tinged title track shows us a different sound, one that hints that Dylan has more to share in the future.

Recording an EP, with six quality tracks, is a smart choice. Dylan could have taken more time and released an album, but dropping Half a World Away instead capitalises on his moment in the sun, ensuring we get to really know him and don’t forget him like so many people who’ve taken the Idol crown in the past. Could he be the one to reverse that Idol trend? It’s too early to say, but I really hope so. As I mentioned, Dylan will tour Australia with Tina Arena next year. Presale tickets are available now for the following shows ahead of tomorrow’s general sale:

27 April 2025 – Riverside Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
29 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
30 April 2025 – State Theatre, Eora/Sydney
4 May 2025 – Evan Theatre, Mulgoa Country/Penrith
6 May 2025 – Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle
8 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
9 May 2025 – Palais Theatre, Euro-Yroke/St Kilda
17 May 2025 – Munro Martin Parklands, Gimuy/Cairns
20 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 May 2025 – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
23 May 2025 – The Star, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
30 May 2025 – Her Majesty’s Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Images used with permission from Sony Music Australia; main photo credit: Marissa Mills