Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amber Farnan Shares Personal Illness Journey With “When I Get Better”

Amber Farnan has blown me away with her personal new single, “When I Get Better.” Through this beautiful indie-pop ballad, she shares the pain and acceptance of living life with chronic illness.

“There’s a kind of loneliness that doesn’t come from being alone, but from watching life move without you. ‘When I Get Better’ is a song born from that space,” Amber explained. “‘When I Get Better’ sits inside a kind of grief that’s harder to name, the feeling of growing up while also being held back. Written from the experience of living with chronic illness, the song reflects on years spent in and out of hospital, stretches of time bed-bound, and the quiet realisation that parts of adolescence weren’t just missed, but taken. Not postponed. Not waiting. Gone.

“There’s something particularly confronting in recognising that no matter what happens next, you don’t get those years back. The song lives in that feeling of being robbed of something you can’t replace. At its core, ‘When I Get Better’ isn’t just about illness, it’s about what it means to hold onto the idea of a future version of yourself when the present feels uncertain. It captures that persistent belief that things might change, and the emotional weight of carrying that belief for years.”

The release of “When I Get Better” marks an exciting return to the music scene for Amber, who last gave us her EP The Motions in 2022. Listen out for more new music from this talented singer-songwriter in the months ahead.

Photo credit: Saskia Hilton Imagery

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

BESTIES Release First Single Undle Greyscale Records, “Deadmau5”

It is so good to hear new music from Eora/Sydney pop-punk outfit BESTIES. Their fantastic new single “Deadmau5” has all of the energy you need to get out of that midweek slump. It’s one for those of us to refuse to give in society’s expectations and conventional ideas of what it means to grow up.

“Life’s too short to be safe, take a risk and don’t forget through it all, you’re still that dumb emo kid at heart, just like us,” BESTIES explained.

The release of “Deadmau5” ushers in a new chapter for BESTIES as it’s their first single under their new label, Greyscale Records.

“It can be hard finding people who get you, or what you’re trying to do. And Greyscale were the label who understood we’re not trying to do anything. We’re just idiots with instruments, and that’s why we work,” BESTIES said. “In a scene and industry where people are so deathly serious, it’s been a godsend to find people who understand that there’s a path to success while sticking true to who you are. We know there’s a thirst out there for a band and a sound that takes its cues from the lighter side of life. And we know that band’s us.”

Fresh from supporting Story Untold, BESTIES will headline Emo Never Sleep’s King’s Birthday Eve show at Bourke Street Courtyard in Naarm/Melbourne this Sunday, June 7.

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Isabelle Skye Wows Me With “Subaru”

Isabelle Skye has blown me away with her latest single “Subaru.” This beautiful indie-pop number perfectly showcases her compelling vocals. Her voice is so unique and soulful, gentle to draw you in, then intense as “Subaru” hits its emotional climax. Make sure you listen to those incredible lyrics that tap into the vulnerability women often feel in public spaces.

“‘Subaru’ was born out of an experience I had where my safety was compromised on a walk home. This theme is so common for women and changes how we navigate life. On a day-to-day basis we alter the decisions we make so we aren’t vulnerable to people with bad intentions. I hope this song can make people feel validated in their experiences, big or small, it just shouldn’t be a reality for anyone.”

“Subaru” has already become a standout song in Isabelle’s live sets, with several punters approaching her to say how much the track resonates with them. Hopefully she’ll announce more shows sooner rather than later so more people can discover this special talent.

Photo credit: Sinead Leigh

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Colleen Ave Make a Splash With “i cant believe it”

Meeanjin/Brisbane-based five-piece Colleen Ave have got me grooving with their upbeat new indie synth-pop single, “i cant believe it.” If you’re suffering through the nine-to-five grind, I know this one will give you the lift you’re looking for.

“’i cant believe it’ is a tune about someone who is in a love triangle and the confusion and hurt that can come from it,” the band explained in their press release.

Give Colleen Ave a follow on Instagram to learn all about their latest releases and where they’re playing next.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MKTO Waste No Time Announcing Another Aussie Tour

MKTO clearly had a good time on our shores last year, because they’re heading back in September and extending their trip. During their first tour of Australia in 12 years, the American pop duo stuck to the major capitals, but this time around they’re playing more capitals, some regional centres, and even heading across the ditch to see our Kiwi cousins.

“We’re super excited to still be able to do shows with music we put out years ago,” MKTO enthused. “Even more excited to add New Zealand to this run as well as more cities in Australia. Places that showed us love from the very beginning. Can’t wait to see everybody and have a good time!”

You can guarantee you’ll hear “Classic,” plus a host of other pop gems, at the following shows:

3 September 2026 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane
4 September 2026 – 170 Russell, Naarm/Melbourne
5 September 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
6 September 2026 – Freo Social, Walyalup/Fremantle
10 September 2026 – Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
11 September 2026 – King St Bandroom, Mulubinba/Newcastle
13 September 2026 – The Studio, Auckland

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Budjerah Gears Up For Gentleman Release With “Could I Be”

I’m not sure when Budjerah got so smooth, but I’m absolutely vibing his confident new soul releases. His latest is “Could I Be,” a Bruno Mars-esque number from his forthcoming debut album, Gentleman.

“Gentleman is my debut album and it’s inspired by who I wanted to be when I was growing up,” Budjerah said. “This album was almost a four-year process for me. Between my life at home and life on the road, I experienced so much change and growth. Chasing my dreams I faced new challenges which helped me understand who I wanted to be. Every song on this album holds a piece of me. I hope little Budjerah is proud.”

We can feast our ears on more new Budjerah material when his debut album Gentleman drops on July 24. Expect to hear many of those new tunes and all your old favourites at the following upcoming Budjerah shows:

14 June 2026 – OneSydney @ Sydney Opera House, Eora/Sydney
10 July 2026 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
18 July 2026 – Wisely Wine and Food Day @ Queens Park, Yuwi/Mackay (FREE)

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sandy Louis Shines With “Keep on Riding”

Mulubinba/Newcastle-based singer-songwriter Sandy Louis has wowed me with her new single “Keep on Riding.” Her voice is so rich and textured, it’s stopped me in my tracks. The production keeps her vocals and lyrics front and centre, just as they should be.

This song has a beautiful message about resilience and learning to keep your heart open, even if it’s experienced pain. Sandy Louise cowrote this one with Shawn O’Friel, who she’s shared the stage with for many years at Sandy’s songwriter events. The collaboration’s been a long time coming, but it’s definitely worth the wait. Country ballads don’t get much better than this.

Along with hosting her regular Open Mic Songwriters Sing night at the Newcastle United Sports Club every Wednesday, Sandy Louis will play the following gigs this month:

6 June 2026 – Batesy’s Bar @ The Entrance Leagues Club, Darkinjung Country/Bateau Bay (duo with Brett Chapman from 8 pm)
13 June 2026 – Benchmark on Booner @ Hawks Nest (solo from 6 pm)

Image used with permission from Rock This Country

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saralyn Drops New Country Anthem, “Free as a Bird”

Although she packs out venues playing covers on her Lainey Wilson shows, Saralyn wants to remind listeners that she’s also an incredible songwriter. Her latest original single, “Free as a Bird” is an empowering country anthem about moving forward with lightness.

“Free as a Bird came from this idea of carrying your past with you, but not being weighed down by it,” Saralyn explained. “The song really wrote itself once I found that central image of someone who’s a little wild, a little restless, but completely at peace with who they are.

“I wanted to capture that feeling of being out on the open road, where every mile teaches you something and every mistake somehow gives you wings. For me, it’s a celebration of living untethered, embracing every story and scar, and still choosing to move forward.”

Saralyn has some big shows coming up this weekend, so catch her anywhere you can!

29 May 2026 – Nashville Jukebox @ Royal Hotel, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
30 May 2026 – Nashville Jukebox @ The Oaks Hotel Albion, Woolyungah/Wollongong
31 May 2026 – Cronulla Jazz and Blues Festival, Kurranulla/Cronulla

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Angus Legg Offers Final Folky Taste of EP With “Like I Never Left”

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Angus Legg continues to charm me with his latest single “Like I Never Left.” This beautiful acoustic folk number is a companion piece to his previous release, “12th of May.”

“’Like I Never Left’ is about coming home, carrying the quiet uncertainty of whether ‘home’ is still waiting on the other side,” Angus explained. “In this story, home isn’t a place, it’s a person. Where ‘12th of May’ captures the day I left – full of grief and uncertainty – ‘Like I Never Left’ lives in the return, holding onto the blind hope that what you had might still be there.”

“Like I Never Left” is the final single from Angus’ debut EP A Long Time Gone, which he’ll release on June 25.

Photo credit: Lucinda Goodwin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Butcher, Lover, Runner” – Jean Elliot

In an era where concept recordings are a dying breed, especially among female artists, Jean Elliot’s Butcher, Lover, Runner reminds listeners of their value. This is a boldly ambitious EP which blurs genre boundaries to tell a compelling story of survival in the Australian bush.

The EP’s title refers to its three central characters whose paths cross in the Devil’s Wilderness, a cinematic gothic-noir setting inspired by Jean’s home in the Dyarubbin/Hawkesbury River. The bluesy opening track “Hole in Her Head” introduces us to the Runner, the story’s female protagonist driven out of the township and into hiding after she was falsely accused of attempted murder. The intensity of this situation is revealed with “Wiretrap.” It’s a powerful alternative rock song that reminds me of music from Tori Amos and Fiona Apple with the contrast between its heavenly vocals and dark, grungy music. The darkness lifts for a moment when the Runner meets the Lover in the “Beneath Your Sun.” He’s a highwayman and a willing accomplice to her plans. Of course, their peace is short-lived, and we’re returned to the bleak reality of their existence with “Devil’s Wilderness Theme.” A spoken-word soundscape, it’s an ambitious piece that anchors this EP beautifully. “Lennon” and “Highwayman” bring the story to a close as the Runner and the Lover travel to confront the ringleader of the witch-hunt – The Butcher – and deal with the fall-out.

“The genre of Australian gothic-noir inspired the lyricism and visuals,” Jean explained. “The ideas about witch-hunts and boy gangs are inspired by the attitudes of young people I have come across, with the hunter and prey metaphor running through the story symbolising cycles of violence, relationships, and the cruelty/beauty of nature.”

Butcher, Lover, Runner takes listeners on a journey with its characters and genre shifts. Jean manages to do it all effortlessly, playing with country, blues, folk, rock, and genres in between. Whatever sounds she’s exploring, her striking voice and engaging narrative compel you to listen. It’s such an original, impressive EP. Butcher, Lover, Runner is streaming now.

Main photo credit: Ollie Acosta
EP artwork credit: Wilma Acosta (edit Layla George)