Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Laura Frank Gives Album Sneak Peek With “How Do We”

I’ve been following Lisa Frank’s career since 2023, so I was amazed to read she hasn’t released an album yet. All that will change in October, when she drops her long-awaited debut Life in the Front Seat. This highly anticipated release will feature her incredible new single “How Do We.”

“How Do we” showcases what Laura does best. Its vocals and lyrics are compelling, hard-hitting and vulnerable. The production never overwhelms those elements, ensuring you pay attention to this story of a couple attempting to fix their broken-down relationship.

“‘How Do We’ is, in its simplest form, a song about a relationship breakdown — but more specifically, it’s about that moment when you’ve reached the end of the road and you genuinely don’t know what comes next. Do we fix it? Can we? Do we stay or do we go?” Laura explained. “It’s a song full of questions because that’s exactly what that moment feels like — you don’t have the answers, you just have the weight of everything that’s broken and the impossible task of figuring out what to do with it. The title says it all, really. ‘How Do We’ — we didn’t even know how to finish the sentence.”

Laura Frank will release Life in the Front Seat on October 7. Before that, you can catch her at the Deni Ute Muster in Wamba Wamba and Perrepa Perrepa Country/Deniliquin on October 2 and 3.

Photo credit: Bluejay Films

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jessica Mauboy Drops Live Hoopla EP Ahead of Local Shows

Jessica Mauboy has just released a timely reminder of just what a firecracker she is on stage. Her latest digital EP Live at Mighty Hoopla Sydney features performances of four fan favourites captured at the massive LGBTQIA+ festival earlier this year.

“Mighty Hoopla was honestly one of the most fun and uplifting crowds I’ve ever played to,” Jessica said. “There was just so much love, freedom and happiness in the air, everyone completely letting go and living in the moment through music. We recorded the performance, and listening back afterwards, I kept feeling that same energy and connection. I really wanted to release this EP to capture that feeling and bottle up that moment so fans could experience it with me too.”

Jessica will be back on stages soon on her Story of Me tour. These intimate shows see Jess reflecting on her career through music and candid stories. These shows offer a much more personal experience than your typical gigs, so make sure you don’t miss them.

1 August 2026 – Concert Hall @ QPAC, Meeanjin/Brisbane
5 September 2026 – Odean, Nipaluna/Hobart
3 October 2026 – Canberra Theatre Centre, Ngambri/Canberra
30 October 2026 – Geelong Arts Centre, Wadawurrung/Geelong
14 November 2026 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from Bronwyn Tasker PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Lana Karlay Explores Her Edge With “Think it Through”

I’m relishing the reinvention of Djilang/Geelong artist Lana Karlay. Hot on the heels of “For the Weak,” she’s released another pop-rock number called “Think it Through.”

“It feels frustrating, messy and a bit chaotic, that feeling of wanting to shake them and say ‘Wake up, you deserve better’,” Lana explained of the song’s inspiration. “At the same time, there’s that selfish emotional side too, because you care more than you probably should. It’s direct, unforgiving and very much a scream it in the car kind of song.”

Like “For the Weak,” Lana penned “Think it Through” in Los Angeles with Aussie expats Mason & Julez and they have a similar Veronicas-esque edge to them.

“This song came together incredibly quickly; it was one of those sessions where everything just clicked. By the end of the day, we all kind of looked at each other and knew we had something really special.”

It really feels like Lana is finding her voice in this pop-rock space, which delivers a little more grit than her earliest releases. She says “there are so many more songs sitting unreleased, half-finished, or still in demo form,” so it sounds like we’ll be hearing a lot more from her through the remaining months of 2026.

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Carl De Villa Shines Bright With Indie Pop Gem, “Good Enough”

If your working week needs a pick-me-up, look no further than “Good Enough,” the exciting new single from emerging non-binary independent act Carl De Villa. A sultry dance-pop track that celebrates knowing your own worth, this irresistible number is perfect for your weekend party playlist.

What struck me most about “Good Enough” is just how incredible Carl’s voice is. It captures you from the first notes. As a non-binary artist, they use it to full effect, unafraid to move from a femme falsetto to their more masc head voice to tell this story. Most artists seem more comfortable in one part of their register, but Carl executes “Good Enough” with such confidence no matter where their voice goes. There’s nowhere to hide with this song. The cool bassline sits in the background, ensuring those vocals are always front and centre.

One glance at Carl’s CV and you understand a little more about how they came to release a track like “Good Enough.” They impressed the judges on The Voice Australia in 2019 and earned acclaim playing Angel in Rent and Lola in Kinky Boots. They’ve also celebrated the music of incredible vocalists including Freddie Mercury, Prince, Bruno Mars, and George Michael through their covers shows.

So we know Carl can really sing. We know they have serious stage presence and theatricality. But with the release of “Good Enough,” we get to hear Carl’s story. Through their original music, we’re learning about the authentic artist beyond the voice and charisma. And I can’t wait to learn more with every new release.

“Good Enough” is available on all your favourite streaming platforms now. And if you need some inspiration for that party playlist, check out my Sounds of Oz Loves Pop playlist. It features “Good Enough” and some other choice tracks from Aussie artists including Budjerah, Sam Fischer, and Kita Alexander.

Carl De Villa also has several covers shows in the coming months. Here are all the places you can catch them perform:

8 August 2026 – New Sensation: A Tribute 2 INXS @ Camelot Lounge, Bulanaming/Marrickville
22 August 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
5 September 2026 – Honouring George Michael: 10th Anniversary @ Liberty Hall, Eora/Sydney
17 October 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Magnet House, Boorloo/Perth
6 November 2026 – Honouring George Michael: 10th Anniversary @ Max Watt’s Melbourne, Naarm/Melbourne
21 November 2026 – Honouring Prince: 10 Years On @ Studio The Venue, Auckland

Image used with permission from Carl De Villa

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kevin Mitchell Celebrates 20 Years of Bob Evans’ “Suburban Songbook”

It’s hard to believe that Bob Evans’ Suburban Songbook turns 20 this year. Kevin Mitchell will celebrate the milestone by releasing a new anniversary edition of the album and playing it in full at intimate shows all around the country.

The news encouraged me to revisit Suburban Songbook. I’d honestly forgotten how good it is, full of understated gems delivered with such sincerity. The new edition, available digitally and on a limited edition “gold nugget” vinyl, features all of the studio tracks plus a stack of home demos including several songs you’ve never heard before.

“When I think back to going to Nashville in 2005 to make the record and the whole two years that followed the album’s release, it does feel like a whole other life almost,” Kevin said. “I was coming fresh out of 10 years with Jebediah and even though I had been working on the Bob Evans thing for a while, it was always a side project that was never very serious. But with Suburban Songbook things were getting much more serious, both creatively and professionally. I guess when I think back to that time, I see a someone who is still a kid but not for very much longer. It was very much a transitional time of my life. I feel way older now!”

The 20th anniversary edition of Suburban Songbook drops on September 4. You can preorder your copy now, either on its own or when you’re purchasing tickets to one of the upcoming shows. The anniversary tour kicks off in Kevin’s hometown of Boorloo/Perth the following day before hitting other capital cities around the country.

“I’m really excited to revisit this album and all the songs that kind of fell off the setlist over the years,” shares Bob. “For example, a song like “Don’t Walk Alone” is one that I barely ever played again once the album tour had finished but it is one of my favourite songs on the album. It’s just one that doesn’t translate well solo. I’ve assembled a really wonderful group of players for this tour and so recreating the album with a full band will be awesome. I’m also excited to see how the record still resonates with people after so long.”

Tickets for all the following shows, including the ticket and vinyl bundles, are available now via the links:

5 September 2026 – Rosemount Hotel, Boorloo/Perth
16 October 2026 – Howler, Naarm/Melbourne
22 October 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
23 October 2026 – Crowbar, Meeanjin/Brisbane
24 October 2026 – Crowbar, Eora/Sydney

Photo credit: Sophie Howarth

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kieran Wallace Celebrates Growth and Self-Love With “Man in the Temple”

If you’re looking for a new track for your road trip playlist, you’ve found it with “Man in the Temple.” The latest release from independent Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Kieran Wallace is a feel-good country-rock track that reflects on his own personal journey towards total acceptance.

“‘Man in the Temple’ is about recognising that growth isn’t about becoming somebody else,” Keiran explained. “It’s about making peace with the cards you’ve been dealt, forgiving your younger misaligned self, and having the courage to live unbridled and authentically.”

If you love classic acts like Neil Young or more modern artists like Chris Stapleton and John Mayer in his Born and Raised era, I know “Man in the Temple” will be right up your alley.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Figurehead Continue Winnning Streak With “Human”

After impressing me earlier this year with “Shotgun,” Walyalup/Fremantle rock act Figurehead are proving that was no fluke with their latest release, “Human.” This is the relatable rock anthem we need right now when so much of the world seems divided.

“From our first live performance of ‘Human’ the crowd chanted the chorus,” recalled Figurehead’s frontman Joe Caddy. “The powerful simplicity of the lyricism invites listeners to apply their own human experience to the song.”

“Human” comes from a larger collection of Figurehead music to be unveiled later this year.

Photo credit: Mia Shaw

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harmony Romsloe Impresses With “Still Can’t Sleep”

Boorloo/Perth-based singer-songwriter Harmony Romsloe is giving me all the feels with her latest single “Still Can’t Sleep.” It’s a nostalgic indie folk-rock song with a raw, grungy vibe I really dig.

“If older sibling energy could be shoved into an indie rock song, this would be it,” Harmony said. “This track is about bearing responsibility for someone else and the guilt of never being able to do enough. As the title suggests, this song fleshes out my own sleepless nights fueled by the guilt of leaving someone behind.”

“Still Can’t Sleep” is Harmony’s third single release of the year. They’ll all feature on a larger project to come. Expect to hear a little more from that when Harmony officially launches “Still Can’t Sleep” at The Buffalo Club in Walyalup/Fremantle on June 28.

Image used with permission from Harmony Romsloe

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

OH! Daisy Releases Cathartic New Track, “Just Say”

OH! Daisy delivers a punky punch of feminine energy with their latest single “Just Say.’ If you prefer women who speak up rather than act like delicate flowers, I know this one will resonate with you.

“I hope for anyone who relates, that you’re not there anymore. That you’re listening to it past that feeling,” admitted OH! Daisy’s frontwoman Bambi O’Kelly “If you’re there, I hope this makes you feel seen. You shouldn’t need to beg someone for more for the rest of your life.”

“Just Say” comes with OH! Daisy’s very first music video, which was directed by the band’s bassist Emma Friday, who is also the director of Staircase Creative.

“In OH! Daisy we’ve always had a quasi-psychic connection where we see the vision of our projects very clearly, so I had a crystal-clear picture in my head of what we were making,” Emma said. “We are so proud of it!”

The release of “Just Say” marks a new musical chapter for OH! Daisy, who dropped their debut EP It’s Okay I’m Ugly Too last year. I can’t wait to hear all the new music to come from this exciting act.

Image used with permission from Limited Edition AU

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Harley Drop Irresistible New Single, “Tell Me You Love Me”

It’s difficult to fire on a Thursday at the best of times, especially when the weather’s gloomy. If your regular coffee isn’t doing it for you, press play on “Tell Me You Love Me,” the latest track from Meeanjin/Brisbane indie rock act Harley. It’s giving me serious 1975 and Sam Fender vibes. Crank that volume and enjoy this one.

“‘Tell Me You Love Me’ is a search for validation and fulfilment. Something I think we all feel but instead put on a brave face and ignore,” said Harley Meszaros. “However, I love when songs have double meanings and can be interpreted by the listener in multiple ways. I think for me the song serves in the light of a musician searching for fans and validation. Seeking sold-out shows, people who truly connect with the music and perhaps the strength to be unapologetically goofy and weird.”

Fans can catch Harley at Elsewhere Bar in Krurungal/Surfers Paradise on July 3.

Photo credit: Darcy Goss Media