“500 Miles” is best known as a raucous pop number that people enjoy singing loudly when they’ve had a few beers. Victorian duo Moonshine & Maple have taken it in a new direction for their debut single, and it’s never sounded more beautiful. This tender country version strips this song back to its basic elements, just a sweet melody and some beautiful lyrics. It’s the idea showcase for Lisa Joy’s sweet voice and Joseph Calderazzo’s acoustic guitar.
“The result allows listeners to appreciate the song’s message of love and commitment,” Lisa said.
“We’ve been playing the song live for quite a while and have had many requests to record so off we went to the studio,” Joseph added.
Lisa and Joseph met at the Bellarine Country Music gathering, where they are now both members of the house band, The Urban Collective. They bonded quickly over their love of country music and began playing shows together, including the Cowboy Christmas Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival. See this emerging country duo for yourself at the following shows:
When Naarm/Melbourne-based indie artist Amalia released her debut single “Electric Rush” in 2024, I declared it “one of the strongest debuts I’ve ever heard.” Now that she’s released her debut album HEAVEN IN A HURRICANE, I’m feeling every bit as effusive. Featuring 11 tracks written over three years during her late teens and early twenties, this album aims straight for the heart and doesn’t miss.
The late teens and early twenties are a tumultuous time, punctuated by sweet highs and crushing lows. Amalia takes us to all those places and in between as she grapples with life, love, and coming into her own. The high-octane opener “Borderline” alerts listeners that they’d better strap in. It’s the sort of song that encourages you to grab a hairbrush, dance around your room, and try to sing along, even if you don’t have Amalia’s incredible vocal range.
Amalia’s voice is really superb, and it seems to have no limits. It can go from an impassioned rock belt to a show-stopping falsetto with ease. It commands attention, demanding that you listen. There’s such power in that alone, but Amalia is also an incredible songwriter. Her lyrics pack an emotional punch, and her melodies are so catchy you can expect to be humming them long after you stop listening. I can hear the influences of Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, Lana Del Rey, Florence Welch, Kate Bush, Pat Benatar, the greats that came before her, but Amalia is still so clearly her own artist.
I feel so connected to this album. Singing along to the powerful choruses of tracks like “Lies” and “Sugar Baby” is utterly cathartic. My heart broke hearing the emotion in Amalia’s voice in the beautiful closing ballad “Cruel to be Kind,” but I was healed by the joy of the independence anthem “Break Free.” I’ve always felt the true measure of music is whether it moves you. The way every track on HEAVEN IN A HURRICANE makes me confident it will be one of my favourite albums this year.
As a freelance writer, I don’t need to keep a traditional schedule. I love nothing more than staying up until the early hours of the morning. The world is quiet, my time is truly my own. I’d much rather enjoy that, then catch up on sleep while the rest of the world is moving. So I’m really vibing with Josh Setterfield’s night owl anthem, “We Are The Night.” Whether you stay up for work, partying, or just the quiet time I enjoy, I know you’ll love this upbeat country track.
“This one’s for everyone who comes alive after dark,” Josh confirmed. “There’s a whole world that exists after the sun goes down. I wanted to write an anthem for those people because I don’t think they’ve ever really had one… and I’m one of them”
Torres Strait Islander artist Torres Green is making a strong statement with his latest track “Loopin’”. Torres created this one with N’fa Jones, best known for fronting 1200 Techniques, as part of the Singing Our Futures program. I’ve been so impressed by the way this program, created by the Archie Roach Foundation, continues to find and elevate exceptional First Nations voices.
Torres began honing his craft in the theatre at just eight years of age. His enthusiasm for performing saw him naturally gravitate towards songwriting, a pursuit which allowed him to tell his own story rather than someone else’s. He’s become an active presence in the hip hop community in Naarm/Melbourne, performing at open mic nights, live showcases, and battle events.
We’ll be hearing a lot more music from Torres in the future. He’s already recording more new tracks produced by local beatmaker and bassist Anthony Liddell featuring guest vocals from fellow First Nations artist Candice Lorrae. Follow Torres on Instagram for more information about the new music as it drops.
Naarm/Melbourne-based creative Spike Fuck is back with his new single “All By Myself,” his first released via legendary New York label Sacred Bones Records. It comes ten years after he pioneered his sound with the Smackwave EP, then disappeared without a trace. Spike gives no explanation for his absence, although there were rumours he might have traded in the spotlight for years in monastic solitude or perhaps relapsed. All the speculation just makes his return more iconic.
Speaking on the release of “All By Myself,” Spike says “If someone asks ‘What does it mean?’ We’ve done the job. As society has abandoned mythologies, we must create our own… that sounds trite and I’m not quite sure how to defend that statement really. We’re not existentialists. In any case, we also live in a completely schizophrenic society in this sense, so the idea to create a story of a war hero/criminal undergoing an absurdist spiritual transformation seemed almost obligatory. Purgatorial musings, heaven and hell, redemption, fantasy, a mushroom that talks, so on and so forth.
“People understand truth through analogy, moreover, parables. We sought to create something about redemption, forgiveness, faith, hope, and charity that is available to whomever seeks it. I may not be the most reliable narrator, I admit that freely, yet the fantasy of it all is healthy. So is a dose of whimsy or even a small dash of grand delusion. So this video, along with the entire record, is a series of clues, a collection of pieces of evidence… Hopefully this video raises more questions than it answers.”
“All By Myself” is the lead single from Spike’s debut album evidence, which drops on October 2. He’ll celebrate the release with a massive tour. It kicks off in Australia on release day, then travels to the United Kingdom and Europe.
I love a track that steps outside the box and keeps me guessing. Making real art requires taking some risks, and that’s exactly what Blake Appelqvist does with their latest single “IKYLT.” While it’s definitely pop music, it’s a world away from the formulaic tracks that dominate the genre.
“I wanted to make something that felt emotionally honest, like that moment where you’re deciding whether to leave or stay a little longer,” Blake explained. “’IKYLT’ is about those rare situations where someone sees a version of you that usually stays hidden — and how intense that can feel with someone you’ve only just met.”
The time signature for “IKYLT” is unpredictable, its structure complex. Just when you think you have it figured out, there’s another sonic curveball. Yet every twist and turn pays off to create a surprising yet satisfying listening experience. “IKYLT” is streaming everywhere right now.
Memphis hard rock act Sleep Theory burst onto the music scene in 2019, and then COVID-19 happened. Any plans for world domination got put on hold, until now. With one album and a couple of EPs under their belts, they’re finally heading our way, and they’re bringing fellow American band RIVALS along for the ride.
I must admit, while I was aware of Sleep Theory I wasn’t across their music before this announcement. But that’s taken me down a bit of a rabbit hole. The hard rock tag doesn’t really do them justice because their music really blurs genre lines. It’s so melodic and hooky, with pop and R&B influences that really set them apart.
They’re going to tear the roof off the venues they’re playing next February. Many venues have already been upgraded, but I still can’t see tickets lasting into the New Year. Get them while you can music lovers!
Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth-based hip hop artist IamSnap has reunited with frequent guest vocalist Lydia Caesar for an incredible new single, “Last Round.” Hot on the heels of their previous collaborations “Lifer” and “Alive,” this song is a powerful pop anthem born from Iamsnap’s own battles with depression and anxiety.
On paper, these talents make an unlikely pair. Iamsnap’s gritty rapping is so different from the big soulful vocals Lydia brings to “Last Round.” But I love the way their contrasting tones and energies play together. You can also hear their chemistry, that special sauce that comes when artists have worked together long enough to truly understand one another.
IamSnap’s lyrics show a wicked sense of humour, but he doesn’t shy away from the challenges that come with mental illness, the procrastinating, the self-doubt, the creative paralysis that can make achieving goals seem insurmountable. But rather than dwell in that dark place, Iamsnap remains defiant, determined to keep fighting. Lydia’s soaring vocals embody that sentiment. So while the voices of IamSnap and Lydia are so different, we need them both to tell this story.
Roughly one in five Aussies have struggled with their mental health, yet talking about mental illness still feels taboo. And when relatively few people talk about it, it’s little wonder that so many battling mental health issues feel so alone. That makes tracks like “Last Round,” which give voice to the battles so many of us face, so important. It’s streaming now. If you’re concerned about your mental health, remember free support is always available through Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636).
I’ve always been impressed by the way that country singer-songwriter Saralyn wears her heart on her sleeve and encourages listeners to step into her world. But she’s never been quite as open as with her new single “Goldline,” a moving new ballad from her debut EP.
“‘Goldline’ is the most personal song I’ve ever written,” Saralyn shared. “As I was creating my debut EP, I found myself reflecting on the moments that have shaped me. The loss, the love, the heartbreak, the healing, and the hope that carried me through it all. The song begins with the loss of my sister and grows into a reflection on every challenge I’ve faced since.”
“Goldline” is the emotional centrepiece and title track of Saralyn’s debut EP, which she’ll release on August 28. You can preorder a signed CD copy from Saralyn’s website. She’s also announced a stack of shows to support the EP’s release which take us right through to the New Year.
I’ll admit, I don’t cover a lot of music from metalcore acts like Windwaker because they typically rock just a little hard for my taste. However, I always make a point of listening because I never know when something outside my preferred genres will spark joy. I’m so glad I stay open-minded, because if I didn’t I’d miss gems like their latest single “closer.” It comes from Windwaker’s forthcoming third album, smile, you’re on camera, which they say is their best record yet.
“smile, you’re on camera is undeniably our best and most focused collection of songs to date,” Windwaker enthused. “We learned so much making this record together, and we’re incredibly proud of what it’s become. It opens the door to who we are, and offers a glimpse into our world through the highs and the lows. It’s the most personal and honest Windwaker has ever been.”
smile, you’re on camera drops on October 23 and you can preorder a vinyl or CD copy right now. To celebrate its release, Windwaker will travel around the country playing some massive shows with US band The Pretty Wild and local up-and-comers RinRin and DREGG. Then they’ll fly overseas for more gigs in the United States, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Tickets for all those shows are on sale now from the links below.
