Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Loose Bricks Make Long Awaited Return With “Another Day”

After a three-and-a-half-year hiatus, Naarm/Melbourne indie rock outfit Loose Bricks are back and sounding better than ever. Their latest single “Another Day” is honestly my favourite track they’ve ever released. It’s got a more mature sound and incredible, relatable lyrics drawn from their own struggles.

“Our music pulls a lot of inspiration from real-life experiences, struggles, and hardship of depression and keeping the Black Dog at bay,” Loose Bricks explained. “Other themes focus on love and deep connection, falling in love, falling out, and trying to navigate through this world as a young adult. The initial skeleton of the song is usually written by Levi [Smith] on his acoustic guitar, but just recently we have been in our home studio laying down ideas all together. We find that we end up having a more complete sound right from the first demo.”

Loose Bricks will celebrate the release of “Another Day” and more new music to come with the following shows this November.

6 November 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
7 November 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
13 November 2026 – Burdekin Hotel, Eora/Sydney
15 November 2026 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Chloe Matthias

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Gill Releases Powerful New Single, “Carol /not carol”

Seeing a car crash can be a really confronting experience. As the survivor of a pretty gnarly one, I remember so vividly how it felt sitting on the side of the road as people buzzed around. I was numb and the rest of the world seemed to melt away. I was conscious of it, but totally disconnected from it. It takes some time to process, and that’s exactly what Ruby Gill has done in their latest single “Carol / not carol.” Ruby and her wife co-wrote this song to process the way they felt after arriving first on the scene at a car crash on the Nullarbor.

“This song started with us trying to process the car crash – the injuries, the playing cards strewn all over the tar, the couple and what they’d lost – but it soon became about me as well, facing myself in the rearview mirror and why I’ve spent so many years escaping my life, family and community, and what being away really does to a person,” Ruby explained.

“Ultimately, it’s about over-compensating for pain, about taking things for granted, about the community and kindness of strangers out on the road/in Australia, and about regret. It’s also a little bit about shame and struggling to be vulnerable, especially for older men who need to act brave, and lesbians like me who have emulated that too much in their lives.”

“Carol / not carol” comes from Ruby’s new album Fishing is Not About Fishing, which drops on October 16. You can preorder your vinyl copy on its own or bundled with some other goodies from Sound Merch. Ruby will play the following shows supporting #1 Dads following its release.

28 October 2026 – Season Three, Meeanjin/Brisbane
30 October 2026 – Bellingen Golf Club, Baalijin/Bellingen
31 October 2026 – Lela’s, Yaegl and Yaygirr Country/Yamba

Photo credit: Bridgette Winten

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Anya Alchemy Conjures Up Soul Magic

Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Anya Alchemy has got one of those soulful voices that just cuts through and stops you in your tracks. Her incredible instrument shines on her latest single “Don’t Say You Never Felt It.” Anya wrote this song with Alice Ivy, aka Annika Schmarsel, about someone she cared about who couldn’t admit they felt the same way.

“I usually write with my brother so creating with Annika was a really fun experience,” Anya shared. “We had great chemistry and flow in the studio, and the songs just seemed to pour out. I don’t often write from scratch during co-writing sessions either but the lyrics for Don’t Say You Never Felt it seemed to come so naturally when I heard Annika’s beat.”

Anya says she has “stacks of singles waiting to be released this year and next,” so it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more from her in the coming months!

Photo credit: Niko Pirounakis

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Leslie D. King Announces Victorian Tour

If you streamed “Gold” when I posted about it a few weeks ago, you know Leslie D. King is making the kind of back-to-basics music that’s the perfect antidote to the AI age. It sounds like it might have come from an impromptu jam session where the musicians play by feel and feed off one another’s energy. It’s the sort of music that’s made for the stage.

I recently caught up with Leslie to chat about the song, the album he’s been working on, and his recently announced Victorian regional tour. If you want to learn all about that, click through to read my feature article on Hold the News. This online publication feels like a breath of fresh air in these days dominated by social media and its algorithms. If you’re looking for thoughtful articles exploring travel, technology, and topics that will make you think, make sure to subscribe. It won’t spell the end of the unfiltered interviews I publish here, but I might refer you to my articles there when it makes sense.

And if course, you don’t have to go anywhere if you just want those tour dates! You can see Leslie D. King for “a very large dose of high-energy Rock ‘n’ Soul” at the following shows:

2 October 2026 – Martians Saloon, Gadubanud Country/Deans Marsh
3 October 2026 – Old Church on the Hill, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
17 October 2026 – Patchewollock Music Festival @ Patchewollock Hotel, Wergaia Country/Patchewollock
25 October 2026 – Young Street Tavern, Monmar/Frankston
20 November 2026 – Whalers Hotel, Gunditjmara, Dhauwurd Wurrung, and Kirrae Whurrong Country/Warrnambool
21 November 2026 – Birre Rec Revival @ Birregurra Hall, Gulidjan Country/Birregurra
22 November 2026 – Bell’s Beach Brewing, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay

Image used with permission from Oily Rag Records

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Stranger That I Know” – Toby Mobbs

Listening to a new Toby Mobbs album always feels like catching up with an old friend. He wowed me with his debut album Placid in the Rough in 2022, and impressed me again two years later with In Between The Words. Now another two years have passed and he’s gifted us with another fantastic collection of songs, his latest album Stranger That I Know.

Toby eases us in with the nostalgic pop-rock ballad “Far From Home.” It’s a song of longing and memories that builds to a beautiful brassy climax. It’s a natural precursor to “Returning,” which also has Toby reflecting on the life he’s led and where he’s heading. I love the way these songs start so small, with just the strum of an acoustic guitar and gentle piano chords, drawing us in before taking us on moving musical journeys as they gain emotional momentum.

Stranger I Know takes its first musical left turn with “Birdcage,” a rollicking rock number that will have you punching your fist in the air. It’s gloriously rebellious, an anthem to freedom and self-belief. He also rocks out on “Best For Me,” a duet with fellow Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga native James Oswald. Meedie, a singer-songwriter from Mulubinba/Newcastle, joins Toby for “Long Forgotten,” a bittersweet breakup anthem. The reggae vibes of “200” put a smile on my face before Toby had me wiping away tears with “Rather Stay.” This powerful piano ballad is such a fitting end to a really special album.

As with his other releases, Toby has taken the time to create music he can be proud of on Stranger That I Know. Every detail is considered, every lyric heartfelt, every genre shift intentional. Stranger That I Know is available to stream or purchase on CD at JB Hi-Fi. He’ll celebrate the album’s release with a national tour featuring gigs in every single state and territory. Get your tickets for the following dates from the links below:

7 October 2026 – Thirsty Crow, Wiradjuri Country/Wagga Wagga
8 October 2026 – Pot Belly Bar, Ngambri/Canberra
9 October 2026 – Society City, Woolyungah/Wollongong
11 October 2026 – The Nook, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast
17 October 2026 – Durack Community Arts Centre, Larrakia Country/Palmerston
23 October 2026 – Kokomo’s, Walyalup/Fremantle
27 October 2026 – Prince Albert Hotel, Kadlitiya/Gawler
30 October 2026 – The Old Church on the Hill, Djandak/Bendigo
1 November 2026 – Don Memorial Hall, Paranaple/Devonport
13 November 2026 – The Cube, Bungambrawatha/Albury-Wodonga (with Albury-Wodonga Symphony Orchestra)

Photo credit: M Rehman Photography

Stranger That I Know was:

Written by Toby Mobbs with additional writing by Matt Cross
Produced by Toby Mobbs and Matt Cross
Arranged by Matt Cross
Engineered and mixed by Simon McKenna
Mastered by Forrester Savell
With cover art by Ian Cossor

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Portair and Joy Williams Join Forces For “Loved By You”

Aussie-born, Berlin-based creative Portair has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning American songstress Joy Williams for a gorgeous new single “Loved By You.” I’m a sucker for a good indie pop duet, and this one ticks all the boxes with its vulnerable lyrics and honest vocals.

“It came from exploring the feeling of losing the ability to be loved by someone whilst fighting the push and pull of figuring out whether to stay or to leave,” Portair explained. “Working with Joy on this was one of those rare collaborations where everything just clicked. We were introduced through a mutual friend and she understood the song’s heart immediately, and that shows in every part she brought to it. I’m incredibly honored to have her on the record.”

“Working on ‘Loved By You’ together felt like diving into an age-old question so many of us have asked in relationships before: ‘do I stay or do I go?’” Joy added. “Sometimes the instinct comes quickly. Other times, the answer to that question can slowly, painfully emerge over time. And then what? You try to sort out what you really need, what to share, and when to share it with this person you’ve loved. It’s never the right time. But, telling the truth – like this song- is loving…even when it leaves the sting of I cannot do this anymore.”

“Loved By You” comes from Portair’s forthcoming debut album, Gathering Dust, which he’ll release on December 4. You can pre-save a copy right now on your favourite streaming platform.

Photo credit: Rodrigo Bardin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dami Im Releases Powerful New Single, “Proud of Me”

Dami Im has always impressed me as a vocalist, but with every new release she’s showing she’s a songwriter to be reckoned with. I’ve got chills listening to her latest single “Proud of Me,” a song that the presser calls her “most personal and vulnerable song yet.”

“It’s about that aching need for validation – not just from others, but from myself.,” Dam explained. “I grew up trying so hard to be perfect, to meet expectations and some kind of moving standard that I could never reach. This song came from a place of questioning: What would it take for me to feel truly seen? Truly enough? It’s about the pressure to perform, to fit a mould, and the quiet, painful truth that often the harshest critic is the voice inside my own head. At its heart, this song is a cry for self-acceptance – a longing to finally be proud of myself, just as I am.”

“Proud of Me” is the emotional heart of Dami’s latest EP, Stormy Weather. Dami will take this song to Europe when she reunites with Eurovision alum at the Het Grote Songfestivalfeest in Amsterdam on November 13.

Photo credit: Glenn Hunt

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mertas Sound Off On “CC”

Tuesday’s not too early in the working week for a little business-related rage, right? If your nine-to-five has you feeling a little angsty, take a listen to “CC,” the latest track from Mertas, a punk group from the tiny coastal community of Nhulunbuy in Arnhem Land. Before you press play, you might want to grab some headphones though, because this one’s definitely not safe for work!

“’CC’ is an anthem for anyone who’s ever lost patience waiting on a reply, decoding corporate jargon, or resisting the urge to smash a keyboard,” vocalist Matt McLean explained. “It’s about the passive-aggressive world of corporate email culture we’ve all had to tolerate when trying to get the information we actually need.”

Fresh from their appearance at BIGSOUND, it’s clear that Mertas are destined for big things. Follow them on Instagram to learn about what’s coming next.

Photo credit: Zenith Gaston

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Australian Music Touring Network On the Horizon

The Australian Government is making it easier for artists and their teams to find venues through their new Australian Music Touring Network website. They’re encouraging venues to sign up to this national platform now ahead of its official launch next month.

The Australian Music Touring Network aims to make touring easier by helping artists and their teams identify suitable venues and discover new touring opportunities across the country.

“Touring is the lifeblood of our industry, and knowing where to take your music and who to connect with is essential to every artist,” explained Emily Tulloch, the acting general manager of the government’s Australian Music Industry Network. “The Australian Music Touring Network connects artists to venues, and promotes touring and industry relationships across the country. I’m really proud to be working on a project that addresses equity of access to information, and provides the tools needed to form the relationships that underpin successful touring.”

Registering on the Australian Music Touring Network is totally free, so venues have nothing to lose and a whole lot of live shows to gain. All venues that host original contemporary live music are encouraged to get their names on the site, from regional pubs, community halls, and cafes to big city venues. Visit australianmusictouringnetwork.com/venues to be a part of it.

Photo credit: Em Jensen

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ricky Albeck’s Latest Single is Your Perfect Saturday Soundtrack

I don’t know what your Saturday night will entail, but Ricky Albeck’s latest single “Playing Pool and Drinking All Night” definitely sounds like the kind of track that’s bound to hit for some of you tonight. Even if you’re not heading out for a few bevvies, I know you’re going to appreciate this bluesy post-pub-rock from one of the finest rising musicians out of Tarntanya/Adelaide.

“My friends and I used to play pool and drink a lot at The Cranker [the recently closed Crown & Anchor Hotel in Adelaide], it’s basically how I spent most nights of my early 20s,” Ricky recalled. “For a while we would just go there almost every night – played as many gigs as possible there, worked there, would stick around after work and even go in on nights off. We would stay until everyone else left and sometimes they’d let us play a couple games of pool while they cleaned the bar. We just wanted to keep hanging out forever. The song mostly focuses on the good parts of these memories, but there’s a darkness there too. Questioning how much is too much and whether you’re trying to run away from something with all the excess.”

“Playing Pool and Drinking All Night” is the first single lifted from Ricky’s forthcoming album, which is set to drop later this year. Ricky will close out 2026 with a bang, as he’s also got plenty of headlining shows scheduled in the coming months. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

10 September 2026 – Ern Malley, Tarntanya/Adelaide
12 September 2026 – ShopFront740, Naarm/Melbourne
13 November 2026 – The Bellum Hotel, Bunganditj Country/Mount Schank
14 November 2026 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
19 November 2026 – The Curtin Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
20 November 2026 – Medusa, Djilang/Geelong
21 November 2026 – The Tanswells Hotel, Baarmutha/Beechworth
22 November 2026 – Young Street Tavern, Bunurong/Frankston
26 November 2026 – Dissent, Ngunnawal Country/Canberra
27 November 2026 – The Junkyard @ Grand Junction Hotel, Wonnarua Country/Maitland
28 November 2026 – The Servo, Wadi Wadi Country/Port Kembla
29 November 2026 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney
5 December 2026 – The Junk Bar, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Nash Blight