Posted on by Lauren Katulka

James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, and Kylie Fisher Headline Sunset Sounds

As the weather warms up, I’m already thinking about summer getaways. If you are too, perhaps a trip to Woppa/Great Keppel Island is in the cards? This tropical paradise will host a sparkling variety of talent this November when Sunset Sessions returns.

This year’s line-up is stacked, with James Blundell, Lyn Bowtell, and Kylie Fisher all heading up the bill. Lily-Grace Grant, Trent Richardson, The Short Fall, The Loops, Dawn & The Sax, and No Drahma will round out two days of entertainment in one of the most picturesque parts of the country.

“There’s something really special about bringing artists and music lovers together on Great Keppel Island,” Sunset Sounds organiser Amy Harris said. “People come for the music, but they also get to enjoy everything the island has to offer. Whether it’s spending the morning on the beach, catching up with friends over lunch or settling in for an afternoon and evening of live music, it’s a weekend that people remember.”

If you’re keen, I wouldn’t wait too long before organising your accommodation. Options on the island regularly sell out before the festival. If they book out, consider staying in Yeppoon or Rosslyn Bay and catching the ferry across for the music.

Sunset Sessions hits Woppa/Great Keppel Island on November 13 and 14. Tickets are on sale now from the Sunset Sounds website.

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Talib Kweli Hitting Intimate Aussie Venues This November

If you’re a fan of old-school hip hop as I am, Talib Kweli needs no introduction. Coming out of Brooklyn, he formed Black Star with Mos Def in the late ‘90s. Both artists carved out massive solo careers and Talib formed his own record label Javotti Media. In recent years he’s collaborated with the likes of Anderson .Paak, Q-Tip, and Winston Surfshirt. And away from the music scene, he’s been a fierce campaigner against racial inequality and police brutality. In short, he’s one of the most influential people in the hip hop scene, and he’s coming to Australia this November.

Not only is Talib coming, but he’s coming to some tiny venues. Insanely small considering his stature in the hip hop world. So tickets will not last long people. You have been warned. They’re on sale now from the links below.

5 November 2026 – Max Watts, Naarm/Melbourne
6 November 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
7 November 2026 – Freo Social, Boorloo/Perth
8 November 2026 – Oxford Art Factory, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Bamboos Make Welcome Return With “Rockets & Flowers”

It’s been three years since The Bamboos served up new music, but it’s definitely been worth the wait. Their latest track “Rockets & Flowers” is just the kind of smooth soul you need to soundtrack your Saturday.

It’s not surprising that this is so good, because it’s another gem from The Bamboos’ bandleader and guitarist Lance Ferguson and the band’s lead singer Kylie Auldist. This songwriting partnership has stood the test of time and shows no signs of slowing down.

“Writing songs with Kylie Auldist remains one of the most fulfilling, fun, and meaningful experiences that I’ve had in all of my time in music,” Lance said. “It’s a relationship and friendship that I cherish.”

The Bamboos’ website tells us to “hold tight for more to come” so strap yourself in music lovers! It sounds like exciting things are afoot!

Photo credit: Rick Clifford

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

El Cosgrove Launches New Music as Goldie

El Cosgrove is back with a brand new musical moniker and a whole lot of attitude. Now recording as Goldie Cosgrove, she’s just released a brand new single “Karma Kicks In,” her first under her new pseudonym. This atmospheric country-folk single ushers in a new musical chapter for this celebrated artist.

As El Cosgrove, she graduated from the CMAA Academy and became a finalist in the Toyota Star Maker and 2026 Ekka Country Music Showdown competitions. So why switch things up and start recording under a new name? On her website, El explained “Goldie isn’t just a stage name. She is the highest artistic self of EL Cosgrove. The heroine of the story. The version of the artist who walked through heartbreak, setbacks, doubt, grief and every hardship life threw her way, and came out the other side with something brighter, bolder and undeniable. Goldie rises from the ashes of everything that tried to quiet the dream. And what rises is powerful.”

“Karma Kicks In” is streaming right now. Follow Goldie on Instagram to learn all about the new music to come.

Image used with permission from Tom Rivers Agency

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leslie D. King Shines Bright With “Gold”

If you love soulful blues-tinged rock and roll, take a listen to “Gold,” the debut single from Leslie D. King. I’m not sure how he’s delivered a first single that sounds so seasoned and rich, but I’m soaking this one up today.

Perhaps more staggering is the thought that Leslie may never have released this single at all. Listening to it, clearly music is what he was born to do. But stepped away from music for a while to focus on becoming a husband and father. Rather than putting an end to his creative journey, that experience gave his songwriting greater depth, perspective, and purpose.

Thankfully, there’s much more where this came from. “Gold” is the lead single from Leslie’s forthcoming debut album, a collection of songs that reflect on gratitude, resilience, and the beauty of everyday moments. Until then, fans can see Leslie launching “Gold” with a free show at Lulie Tavern in Carran-carramulk/Abbotsford on September 5.

Image used with permission from Oily Rag Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Margo Mann Releases Impressive New Single, “Not Love”

Naarm/Melbourne artist Margo Mann has really impressed me with her latest single “Not Love.” Its bouncy melody is an absolute earworm, but it’s much more than just a fun indie-pop song. The lyrics, which reflect on a relationship with someone more in love with the idea of their partner than the person they actually are, are fantastic. They’re so biting, witty, and insightful.

“’Not Love’ is a song I wrote after being in a situationship with someone who told me they believed they were more ‘spiritually enlightened’ than I was. They were probably right about that at the time, but what the comment also revealed to me was how toxic masculinity can sometimes masquerade as this brand of new-age enlightenment,” she explained.

“Not Love” comes from Margo Mann’s upcoming album Love Is a Dog, which she says “was forged from a time of absolute questioning and unravelling. A time where I hadn’t quite reassembled myself properly. But equally, it was born out of an attempt at ruthless self-trust.” Listen out for it when it’s released on October 16.

Photo credit: James Morris

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Amourie T. Blows Me Away With Beautiful New Single, “Turbulence”

In a world where so much pop music is overproduced, the purity of a song like “Turbulence,” the latest single from Dharug Country/Western Sydney-based singer-songwriter Amourie T. really stands out. A gentle piano melody accompanies her angelic voice, drawing listeners in and ensuring they pay attention to her lyrics about a relationship unravelling.

This is just Amourie’s second single, but she actually began performing at the age of seven so she’s far from a newcomer. She discovered the creative outlet of songwriting at 16, when she began writing melodies to accompany the words in her journal, which is something she still does to this day. No wonder that when you listen to a song like “Turbulence,” you feel like you’re gaining access to Amourie’s innermost thoughts. In a world that often encourages us to hide our feelings, her honesty is so refreshing.

If you like music from Gracie Abrams, Phoebe Bridgers, and Birdy, and I know you’re going to love “Turbulence. It comes from Amourie T’s debut EP Clumsy, which she’ll release on September 18. Follow her on Instagram to be the first to learn about the new music and any upcoming shows.

Photo credit: Kirsten Maglalang

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Olivia Coggan Draws Me In With Introspective New Indie-Pop Single, “faultline”

Some great songs grab you from the first listen. Others are more of a slow burn, getting under your skin only after repeat listens. Olivia Coggan’s new song “faultline” falls into the latter camp. This indie-pop number doesn’t have a big hook and the vocals are subtle, but there was something about it that kept drawing me back and encouraging another listen. Now I’m hooked.

“The song was inspired by my own experience of navigating change over the past year and learning to trust my instinct to follow what feels right, even when it’s scary,” Olivia explained. “’faultline’ is really about that pull towards the unknown — standing on the edge of something bigger and hearing a quiet inner voice that keeps guiding you forward, even when you can’t see exactly where it’s leading. It sits in that space between excitement and fear, in that moment before change where everything feels uncertain but full of possibility at the same time.”

Sydneysiders can see Olivia live at the Eveleigh Hotel this Friday, August 28. Tickets are on sale now from Humanitix.

Photo credit: Gabe Coggan

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Charlotte Le Lievre Honours Friend’s Memory With “I’ll Never Forget The Words That You Shared”

When so much country music aims for crossover appeal, it’s refreshing to hear a song that celebrates the genre’s traditions. “I’ll Never Forget The Words That You Shared,” the latest single from Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Charlotte Le Lievre, is a timeless country tune. Its lyrics tell you a story that’s supported beautifully by the sounds of the acoustic and pedal steel guitars.

Charlotte wrote this song in tribute to her friend and Mulubinba/Newcastle-based musician Tommy 9 Fingers, who tragically passed away in 2014. She recalls the years they spent living together in a rundown share house, the way his songwriting shaped her own creative development, and the time they spent together before he passed.

“Tommy’s songs had a profound impact on me and many people in our Newcastle music community,” Charlotte explained. “His brilliant mind will forever be immortalised in his music, and his words are something we will always carry with us.”

“I’ll Never Forget The Words That You Shared” comes from Charlotte’s sophomore album Grief Knows No Borders, which she’ll release early next year. Before then, you can catch Charlotte playing the following shows:

5 November 2026 – THEYDY’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
6 November 2026 – Studio 188, Tulmur/Ipswich
8 November 2026 – Sounds of Spring @ Roto House, Birpai/Port Macquarie
18 January 2027 – Americana in the Park @ Toyota Park State, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (FREE)

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Moonshine & Maple Reinvent “500 Miles”

“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:

19 September 2026 – Community Country Music Showcase @ Canberra Irish Club, Ngunnawal Country/Weston
21 January 2027 – The Bluebird Room, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth (supporting Sally-Anne Whitten)
19-21 February 2027 – Lake Charlegrark Country Music Marathon @ Lake Charlegrark, Wotjobaluk Country/Minimay

Image used with permission from Bec Gracie Publicity