Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dear Seattle Announce Big Shows With Seahaven

The release of Toy, by Eora/Sydney punk act Dear Seattle, was one of my musical highlights of 2025. Dear Seattle’s recent announcement of a regional Australian tour with America’s Seahaven encouraged me to press play again, and it still sounds every bit as good.

While Dear Seattle are an old favourite, I’m new to Seahaven’s music. It’s pretty fantastic though, moody and atmospheric with a cinematic quality that’s so compelling. This alternative rock act has been making music for two decades so I’m not sure what rock I’ve been hiding under, but better late to discover them than never!

And if the lineup wasn’t already stacked enough, Late 90s, Lucky, and Bad Neighbour will also join the bill for selected shows. All dates are for adults only except for the Tommaghan/Tomakin gig. Tickets are on sale now for Dear Seattle’s massive regional rock shows from the links below:

28 August 2026 – Prince Of Wales, Goomburrup/Bunbury
29 August 2026 – Indian Ocean Hotel, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Scarborough
30 August 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
3 September 2026 – Sooki Lounge, Wurundjeri Country/Belgrave
4 September 2026 – Barwon Club Hotel, Djilang/Geelong
5 September 2026 – Smokey Dans, Tommaghan/Tomakin
6 September 2026 – Uni Bar, Woolyungah/Wollongong
10 September 2026 – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
11 September 2026 – Pulse, Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
12 September 2026 – King St Bandroom, Mulubimba/Newcastle
13 September 2026 – UC Hub, Ngambri/Canberra

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Wren Akrose Wows Me With “I Choose My Name”

I really respect artists who focus on quality, rather than quantity. It’s taken Wren Akrose a year to release their second single, but “I Choose My Name” is certainly worth the wait.

Wren, a singer-songwriter who grew up on Yagara Country/Greater Brisbane before relocating to Naarm/Melbourne, was inspired to write this song after choosing to build a new life following struggles with addiction. It’s a song all about inner strength, healing, and evolution. Take a moment to really sit with this one, because you won’t want to miss a lyric.

Photo credit: Grace Auld

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Releases New Party Anthem, “Wasted”

It might be the start of a working week, but I can almost push that to the side listening to “Wasted,” the latest track from Joe Mungovan. It’s an upbeat pop-rock party gem with some of the sexiest lyrics I’ve heard in some time. Crank this up and take a well-earned dance break, music lovers!

This song came about when a roll of film (remember those?!) came back with a half-developed photo of Joe’s girlfriend. He decided to turn the mistake into a creative experiment and called on artists to finish the incomplete image. He promised he’d write a new song based on the winning artwork, which he’d of course use as the single cover. The winning artwork came from Yuin Country/South Coast artist Madeline Guthrie, and “Wasted” was born.

“Wasted” is the final single from Joe’s new EP Preparing for Lift Off, which drops on July 31. Joe will celebrate release day with his first hometown show in more than a year at Fillmore’s Kiami. It sold out quickly, but don’t stress if you missed out. He’ll be announcing some more gigs really soon.

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Louella Releases Impressive Debut Single, “Before I Go”

The gloomy weather in my part of the country is encouraging me to hibernate for the weekend and listen to chill indie folk like “Before I Go,” the debut single from Gubbi Gubbi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast singer-songwriter Louella. Her beautiful voice brings this reflective song about love, loss, and letting go to life.

Louella shot the music video for “Before I Go” in Tokyo.” Scenes capture the diversity of the city, from the bustling city streets to serene cherry blossom parks.

“The contrasting locations reflect the experience of navigating an unfamiliar culture and finding your place away from home,” Louella explained.

She’ll showcase more of her music at Backyard Bash, a backyard show in her hometown on August 1. Tickets are on sale now from Humanitix.

Photo credit: Kaisa Käsper

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MORGx Releases Raw Rap Single, “Where The Wild Things Are”

Proving that it’s not just country artists who come out of Kamileroi Country/Tamworth, MORGx has really impressed me with his latest single “Where The Wild Things Are.” I love the way this track blends melodic hooks with MORGx’s raw, honest vocals. He’s unafraid to get real with his audience as he shares his challenging yet ultimately uplifting story.

“Named after my favourite childhood book, ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ touches on my mental health journey over the years and the way that creating art has helped me through those times,” MORGx said.

If you love what MORGx shares here, you can catch him supporting NJE on his “Warning Signs” single launch at The Cave Inn in Meeanjin/Brisbane on August 1. Tickets are on sale now through Humanitix.

Image used with permission from MORGx

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sazr Shines With Debut Single, “To You”

Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter Sazr has impressed me right out of the gate with her debut single “To You.” Her pure, ethereal voice and relatable lyrics immediately drew me into this beautiful indie-folk ballad.

It’s not surprising that Sazr sounds like she’s been doing this for years, even though this is her first single. She began composing short melodies on an out-of-tune piano in her living room as a kid. She received classical piano training, but found she was much more interested in improvising and composing original songs than completing the homework. It’s all led her to this point where she’s sharing her stunning music with the world.

If you like what you hear, make sure you catch Sazr launching her single at Lazy Thinking in Gadigal and Wangal Country/Dulwich Hill on August 25.

Image used with permission from Sazr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brother Ali and Horrorshow Team Up For East Coast Shows

American rapper and community activist Brother Ali is teaming up with local hip hop royalty Horrorshow for some massive shows this September. Brother Ali’s not a household name here, but he’s been a mainstay of the U.S. scene for more than two decades. He counts Chuck D and Rakim as mentors and has released 10 studio albums, including 2025’s Satisfied Soul. I love that his songs are a force for positive change, a bright light in a genre that’s known for its misogyny and excess.

And of course you know Horrorshow, who became genre leaders in Australia after bursting onto the scene in the mid-2000s. With five studio albums to their name, they’ll bring all your favourites to these shows.

Tickets are on sale now for these double-header shows in the East Coast capitals. The venues are small, so don’t go sleeping on them because they’re bound to sell out.

17 September 2026 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
19 September 2026 – The Triffid, Meeanjin/Brisbane
20 September 2026 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Honey Blue Inspires With “Make You Proud”

Australian soul chanteuse Honey Blue has just dropped her gorgeous new single “Make You Proud.” The song marks a new chapter for Honey Blue personally and musically as she reflects on what the hard times have taught her and looks forward to what’s to come.

“This song feels like stepping back into the sunlight after a long season of looking inward,” Honey Blue affirmed. “It’s about believing that everything I’ve been through has shaped me into who I’m becoming. At its core, it’s a reminder that growth doesn’t happen by accident—the grass really is greener where you water it. It’s about believing in yourself and trusting that you’re going to be okay.”

Honey Blue’s vocals have impressed me for some time now, but “Make You Proud” feels like a step forward for her songwriting. I can’t wait to hear more of the music that this new artistic chapter brings.

Image used with permission from Honey Blue

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Brad Cox Back and Melting Hearts With “What Are the Odds”

Soulful country singer Brad Cox is back with “What Are the Odds,” his first new material since the release of his 2025 album Endemic Intelligence in Multiple Dimensions. It’s such a sweet song about finding a love that feels like destiny.

“What Are The Odds is probably the wedding song I should’ve written a couple of years ago,” Brad admitted. “It’s an honest love song about meeting the right person and looking back on all the twists and turns that somehow brought us together. At its heart, it’s a simple song about love, gratitude, and appreciating the people who make life what it is. Sometimes the best songs are the ones that come from your own backyard.”

Brad will hit the road this week to promote the release of “What Are the Odds” ahead of his performances at Strummingbird Festival, where he’ll share the stage with international icons Post Malone, Bailey Zimmerman, and Stella Lefty. So where are you seeing him?

17 July 2026 – Astor Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
19 July 2026 – Hindley Street Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
23 July 2026 – Finnians Tavern, Guruk/Port Macquarie
24 July 2026 – Hotel Brunswick, Bundjalung Country/Brunswick Heads
25 July 2026 – Eatons Hill Hotel, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 July 2026 – The Station, Ngarigo Country/Jindabyne
31 July 2026 – Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
1 August 2026 – Enmore Theatre, Eora/Sydney
8 August 2026 – Tanks Arts Centre, Gimuy/Cairns
19 September 2026 – The Whitianga Oceans Festival @ The Esplanade, Waikato
10 October 2026 – Strummingbird Festival @ Victoria Park, Ballaarat/Ballarat
17 October 2026 – Strummingbird Festival @ Foreshore Park, Mulubinba/Newcastle
18 October 2026 – Strummingbird Festival @ Kawana Sports Precinct, Gubbi Gubbi Country/Sunshine Coast

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Jack Gray Makes Me Swoon With “Swimming in Jeans”

I’m such a sucker for a cutie who plays guitar. So you can bet I’ve fallen hard for Jack Gray and his new single “Swimming in Jeans.”

This song sees Jack at his rawest and most vulnerable. Taking a deep dive through his music, I enjoyed hearing more of his artistry. He’s got such a knack for melody, and he’s a multi-instrumentalist so he delivers much more than those stripped-back sounds. And it’s all so good.

“Swimming Jeans is the title track from Jack’s debut album which drops on September 11. He’ll spend September on the road promoting it, but I wouldn’t wait too long before nabbing tickets. Eora/Sydney has already sold out, and more venues should follow. Get them while you can music lovers!

4 September 2026 – The Tuning Fork, Auckland
5 September 2026 – The Y HQ, Boorloo/Perth
6 September 2026 – Lion Arts Factory, Tarntanya/Adelaide
10 September 2026 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
11 September 2026 – Waywards Ballroom, Eora/Sydney (SOLD OUT)
12 September 2026 – Black Bear Lodge, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Photo credit: Grace Wethor