Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Slowly Slowly Join Alex Lahey For “Lets Go Out”

I am always a big believer in finding the right song at the right time. For most people, Alex Lahey’s rerecorded version of “Lets Go Out” featuring Slowly Slowly would just make them long for the weekend. But Wednesday is my pub trivia night, so this one will definitely soundtrack my day! Even if you’re not looking forward to a few bevvies this evening, I know you’ll appreciate the way Slowly Slowly complement Alex on this track.

“When I asked Slowly Slowly to be a part of the rerecording of ‘Let’s Go Out’, I told them I wanted ‘the full Slowly treatment,’ Alex said. “And, boy, did they deliver! I think Slowly are one of the greatest Australian bands of all time and it’s such an honour to have them involved in this recording produced by none other than Ben Stewart himself.”

Ben was equally effusive in his praise of Alex, noting “Working with Alex was a breeze – it was like we had always been in a band together or something! I loved being a part of the effortless recreations of these sentimental and adored songs – the hardest part was trying to honour the originals, but I think we got to a place where they hold their own in a new light.”
This new version of “Lets Go Out” features on B-Grade University (Reunion Edition), a reimagining of Alex’s breakthrough EP. She’s hitting all the major capitals to promote it, so get your tickets now.

20 August 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
21 August 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
22 August 2026 – Manning Bar, Eora/Sydney
28 August 2026 – The Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
29 August 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide

Photo credit: Seannie Bryan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Vernons Release Rebellious Rocker, “Don’t Give a Damn If You Don’t Believe Me”

Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast rockers The Vernons have got me grooving with their latest track “Don’t Give a Damn If You Don’t Believe Me.” This one has a cool, dirty blues vibe to it that reminds me of The Black Keys meets Cage the Elephant.

“Born from the sting of being doubted by someone whose support should have been unwavering, the track transforms betrayal into a fierce declaration of self-belief,” The Vernons said. Raw, raucous guitars collide with deliberate moments of silence, creating a dynamic push and pull that lingers long after the final note.”

“Don’t Give a Damn If You Don’t Believe Me” is the latest tune lifted from The Vernons’ forthcoming album Strike Out Again, which drops on August 12. Hear them play tunes from that album and some old favourites at The Long Sunset. It hits Ugarapul and Yuggera Country/Boonah from October 31 to November 2.

Photo credit: Charli Burrows

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

ANUJA and Daniel J Farthing Join Forces For “Wild Love”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriters ANUJA and Daniel J Farthing have teamed up for a gorgeous new single, “Wild Love.” There’s a beautiful tenderness about this indie-folk ballad. It’s sweet without being saccharine, so honest and endearing. If you love music from Vance Joy and Hozier, expect to fall hard for this one.

ANUJA met Daniel at a Real Songwriters of Melbourne (RSOM) networking evening and immediately began planning to create music together. As they bounced between their home studios, their friendship flourished as they connected on their shared passion for songwriting. It’s that passion that makes “Wild Love” so good. While they sound great, this track wouldn’t have nearly the same impact without those powerful lyrics about processing the end of a relationship.

“Wild Love” is out today on all your favourite streaming services.

Image used with permission from ANUJA

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Annie-Rose Maloney Impresses With Raw New Single, “You Will Cry”

Annie-Rose Maloney has floored me with her latest single “You Will Cry.” Annie-Rose has taken a truly back-to-basics approach here, recording the song entirely on a second-hand tape machine at her Naarm/Melbourne home with her partner Jess Ellwood. Just one take, the song in its purest form. And when a song is this good, that’s all it needs.

“We threw out the rule book and listened to what sounded good as we went – essentially moving our bodies around the room til we found a sound we liked – then pressed record,” Annie-Rose recalled. “We placed the mic in random places (sometimes the opposite way to the sound source) and mixed it in the moment. There are errors – wrong chords – but we got the real performance, so none of that matters.”

Annie-Rose says “We Will Cry” is the first song off her upcoming album, but we shouldn’t expect it any time soon.

“We’re doing it all ourselves, in our own way, in our own home, in our own time,” she said. You know what they say about good things coming to those who wait.

Photo credit: Willem Kingma

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“be.” – NEAV

Darkinjung Country/Central Coast-based singer-songwriter NEAV lets listeners into her world with the release of her debut EP be. With these four songs, she walks the delicate line between sharing songs that are personal, yet incredibly relatable.

“I often find myself overthinking, worrying about the future, and struggling to stay present,” NEAV said. “be. reflects my personal journey toward self-discovery and acceptance, both in my mind and during my physical travels. These songs serve as a personal reminder to slow down, breathe, and find peace in the right now – to just ‘be.’ These tracks are incredibly personal to me, and my hope is that they give listeners a safe space to sit with their own thoughts.”

The opening track “Me” is a catchy pop number with real depth. While I appreciated its groove, I fell in love with its lyrics which celebrate self-acceptance. “Full of Yourself” is another irresistible upbeat track. Here NEAV turns the lens on someone who’s so self-absorbed that they left no space for her. The lyrics have real bite and NEAV’s vocals seem to have no limits.

NEAV changes direction with the third song, “Forever,” stripping the sound back to give space to her vulnerable lyrics and delicate vocals. This song is the heart of this EP for me. It’s so, so good. The final song, “Alone,” is an anthemic pop number which celebrates independence. NEAV’s strength is evident in every note. What a fitting way to close this EP.

be. is a beautiful EP from one of the country’s most promising new voices. While her knack for pop melodies is on full display here, her introspective lyrics are what will stay with me. be. is out now on all your favourite streaming platforms.

Images used with permission from Niamh Watson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Announce Big Shows With Seahaven

The release of Toy, by Eora/Sydney punk act Dear Seattle, was one of my musical highlights of 2025. Dear Seattle’s recent announcement of a regional Australian tour with America’s Seahaven encouraged me to press play again, and it still sounds every bit as good.

While Dear Seattle are an old favourite, I’m new to Seahaven’s music. It’s pretty fantastic though, moody and atmospheric with a cinematic quality that’s so compelling. This alternative rock act has been making music for two decades so I’m not sure what rock I’ve been hiding under, but better late to discover them than never!

And if the lineup wasn’t already stacked enough, Late 90s, Lucky, and Bad Neighbour will also join the bill for selected shows. All dates are for adults only except for the Tommaghan/Tomakin gig. Tickets are on sale now for Dear Seattle’s massive regional rock shows from the links below:

28 August 2026 – Prince Of Wales, Goomburrup/Bunbury
29 August 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough
30 August 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
3 September 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
4 September 2026 – Barwon Club Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
5 September 2026 – Smokey Dans, Tommaghan/Tomakin
6 September 2026 – Uni Bar, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 September 2026 – Pulse, Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
12 September 2026 – King St Bandroom, Mulubimba/Newcastle
13 September 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wren Akrose Wows Me With “I Choose My Name”

I really respect artists who focus on quality, rather than quantity. It’s taken Wren Akrose a year to release their second single, but “I Choose My Name” is certainly worth the wait.

Wren, a singer-songwriter who grew up on Yagara Country/Greater Brisbane before relocating to Naarm/Melbourne, was inspired to write this song after choosing to build a new life following struggles with addiction. It’s a song all about inner strength, healing, and evolution. Take a moment to really sit with this one, because you won’t want to miss a lyric.

Photo credit: Grace Auld

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Releases New Party Anthem, “Wasted”

It might be the start of a working week, but I can almost push that to the side listening to “Wasted,” the latest track from Joe Mungovan. It’s an upbeat pop-rock party gem with some of the sexiest lyrics I’ve heard in some time. Crank this up and take a well-earned dance break, music lovers!

This song came about when a roll of film (remember those?!) came back with a half-developed photo of Joe’s girlfriend. He decided to turn the mistake into a creative experiment and called on artists to finish the incomplete image. He promised he’d write a new song based on the winning artwork, which he’d of course use as the single cover. The winning artwork came from Yuin Country/South Coast artist Madeline Guthrie, and “Wasted” was born.

“Wasted” is the final single from Joe’s new EP Preparing for Lift Off, which drops on July 31. Joe will celebrate release day with his first hometown show in more than a year at Fillmore’s Kiami. It sold out quickly, but don’t stress if you missed out. He’ll be announcing some more gigs really soon.

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Louella Releases Impressive Debut Single, “Before I Go”

The gloomy weather in my part of the country is encouraging me to hibernate for the weekend and listen to chill indie folk like “Before I Go,” the debut single from Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter Louella. Her beautiful voice brings this reflective song about love, loss, and letting go to life.

Louella shot the music video for “Before I Go” in Tokyo.” Scenes capture the diversity of the city, from the bustling city streets to serene cherry blossom parks.

“The contrasting locations reflect the experience of navigating an unfamiliar culture and finding your place away from home,” Louella explained.

She’ll showcase more of her music at Backyard Bash, a backyard show in her hometown on August 1. Tickets are on sale now from Humanitix.

Photo credit: Kaisa Käsper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MORGx Releases Raw Rap Single, “Where The Wild Things Are”

Proving that it’s not just country artists who come out of Kamileroi Country/Tamworth, MORGx has really impressed me with his latest single “Where The Wild Things Are.” I love the way this track blends melodic hooks with MORGx’s raw, honest vocals. He’s unafraid to get real with his audience as he shares his challenging yet ultimately uplifting story.

“Named after my favourite childhood book, ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ touches on my mental health journey over the years and the way that creating art has helped me through those times,” MORGx said.

If you love what MORGx shares here, you can catch him supporting NJE on his “Warning Signs” single launch at The Cave Inn in Meeanjin/Brisbane on August 1. Tickets are on sale now through Humanitix.

Image used with permission from MORGx