Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“i’ve been looking for you my whole life” – jnr.

With the release of his debut EP i’ve been looking for you my whole life, Eora/Sydney-based singer-songwriter jnr. establishes himself as one of the freshest names in indie pop. His tunes are ultra catchy with sweet vocals and romantic sentiments that will have listeners swooning. But pay attention and you’ll soon discover that this local talent has a unique point of view that sets his music apart.

Like so many great pop records, i’ve been looking for you my whole life was inspired by a girl. But as he wrote music in France, his partner’s birthplace, jnr. found himself contemplating much more than their relationship.

“When I got there, I started to think a lot more about my relationship to my own culture and the reasons I didn’t want to face my own identity,” he admitted. “Writing my first body of work, which could be some people’s first introduction to me, in a place so foreign to me felt quite ironic. These songs became love songs for both her and my inner child who’s still figuring out where he belongs.”

i’ve been looking for you my whole life is full of bops. The beats are sure to get you grooving and the choruses are made for singing along. Every one delivers a dopamine hit, but understanding the depth of emotions behind them makes for a much richer experience. Up-tempo numbers like the outstanding singles “I guess it’s fine.” and “as you are” dominate, but jnr. shows he can shine in gentler moments too with the poignant closer, “everything.” jnr. strips back his sound here to deliver his final declaration of love. If you weren’t already taking notice, this will be the track that forces you to pay attention.

i’ve been looking for you my whole life is a fantastic pop EP, a collection of irresistible songs that provide powerful commentary on romantic love and self-acceptance. jnr. will showcase this music for hometown fans tonight when he officially launches the EP at Buddy’s Bar. The music kicks off at 7:30 pm with support acts GRXCE and Zhuli.

Images used with permission from jnr.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Rosscoe Frantz Releases Revealing New Single, “Raw and Bitter”

Rosscoe Frantz has captured my heart with his intimate new single “Raw and Bitter.” Its reverb-drenched guitar provides the perfect backdrop for Rosscoe’s powerful lyrics. Each one is like a gut punch, giving voice to a love on shaky ground. One for the heartbroken out there, it’s incredibly impactful and incredibly human.

“‘Raw and Bitter’ is a stark, intimate reflection on the parts of love people rarely talk about,” Rosscoe admitted. “The moment when a relationship is strong, the feeling is real, but the future isn’t necessarily aligned. The song explores the tension between deep affection and quiet doubt, where love coexists with confusion, and staying means asking the hardest questions. It’s a song about holding something precious in your hands and not knowing whether to fight for it or let it go.”

Rosscoe has supported a who’s who of Aussie talent including Sarah Blasko, Boy and Bear, and Pete Murray through his career. He’ll step into the spotlight as the headliner tonight when he launches “Raw and Bitter” at Mojo’s in Walyalup/Fremantle.

Photo credit: Emily Preston

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Joe Mungovan Releases Latest Rock Gem, “Runaway”

Joe Mungovan has got me grooving with his latest single “Runaway.” This one effortlessly blends synthy pop hooks with rock attitude. It’s a little Franz Ferdinand, a little Bloc Party, and a whole lot of fantastic.

“I once met this girl who couldn’t seem to stand still. She was always reaching for the next thing, daydreaming about our escape from our everyday lives … But the fantasy we shared was as fleeting as the girl,” Joe admitted. “‘Runaway’ is for her.”

Joe will mark the release of “Runaway” with a few New South Wales shows in the coming weeks. Catch him at the following venues:

27 March 2026 – Towradgi Beach Hotel, Dharawal Country/Towradgi (FREE – full band)
4 April 2026 – Sunset Sessions @ Cockatoo Island, Eora/Sydney (solo)
17 April 2026 – Chuck Trailers, Eora/Sydney (FREE – full band)

Image used with permission from Luke Hammer MGMT

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Saint Ergo Teams Up With Maddy Herbert For “Bodies in Motion”

Press play and settle into the groove of “Bodies in Motion,” the latest soulful single from genre-bending storyteller Saint Ergo. Featuring guest vocals from Maddy Herbert, it’s a sensual number that fuses R&B, electro soul, and baroque pop.

“I had imagined this song as a duet from quite early on… but the song only felt like it came together when Maddy and I went into the studio and we recorded our vocals … Finally felt like the song was right,” Saint Ergo explained. “Some of the lyrical components only came along during this session and it made the story come alive for me.”

“Bodies in Motion” comes from Saint Ergo’s highly anticipated debut album Lived Experience, which she’ll release on April 18.

Image used with permission from Maddy Herbert

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Nautical Mile Announce Comeback With “Daydreamer”

After a four-year hiatus from the live music scene, Boorloo/Perth band Nautical Mile are back and rocking as hard as ever with “Daydreamer.” This feelgood pop-punk track oozes nostalgia.

“During our time away, we all had a fair amount of life happening, so coming back to the band felt like us recapturing the spirit of those happier, lighter times,” Nautical Mile explained. “It’s a lot of fun to play, and we’re keen to get out and share it with the world.”

Nautical Mile will celebrate their return with a big hometown show at Amplifier Bar on March 28. If you’re on the East Coast, don’t stress. Nautical Mile aim to play shows on that side of the country later this year.

Photo credit: Nick Henrisson

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Anywhere But Here” – Bully Hay

Bully Hay lays his heart bare with his sophomore album Anywhere But Here. At its core this is a break-up album, but describing it as such doesn’t quite convey all that makes this collection of songs one of the best you’ll hear this year.

After all, albums based around themes of love and loss are a dime a dozen. But few have the grittiness and soul of Bully Hay’s latest release. His voice soars on the opening rock anthems “Lovers Get High” and “If You Can’t Forgive Me, Forgive Yourself” before drawing you in with a heartbreaking acoustic rendition of Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill.” This song has seeped into the public consciousness since its feature in Stranger Things, but I promise you’ve never heard it quite like this. While I’ve appreciated versions from Placebo and Meg Myers, this has become the definitive cover for me. It’s one of three “acoustic versions” on this album, but these aren’t the only songs stripped back. Songs like “Trinkets and Coal” and the haunting closer “Here it Comes Again” are also gentle folk numbers that showcase Bully Hay’s impressive vocals and unfiltered lyrics. These quieter moments provide the perfect counterpoints to cathartic rock songs like “Another Lost Soldier” and “Talk Me Off the Edge.”

Anywhere But Here goes beyond the standard break-up album because it doesn’t wallow in that post-relationship limbo. Its powerful songs instead deal with moving forward any way you can, the struggle that comes from putting one foot in front of the other when the ground has collapsed from underneath you. It’s about surviving the fallout, resilience, and the human spirit.

Anywhere But Here is out now. Bully Hay will mark the release with the following Tasmanian shows:

4 April 2026 – The Pier, Lutruwita/Ulverstone
25 April 2026 – The Royal Oak Hotel, Letteremairrener Country/Launceston
26 April 2026 – Longley International Hotel, Nipaluna/Hobart
5 July 2026 – Festival of Voices, Nipaluna/Hobart

Images used with permission from Empire Music Promotions

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

MUKI Makes Magic With “Reflections”

If you’re like me and introspective acoustic guitar-driven music makes you weak at the knees, I know you’ll fall head over heels for “Reflections,” the latest track from Naarm/Melbourne-based singer-songwriter MUKI. This is indie folk-pop at its best, a chilled-out number that leads with vulnerability.

“This is a song I wrote soon after the lockdown, touching on identity issues,” MUKI recalled. “It takes us through a journey in which every single decision one makes defines the person they become. It’s the small decisions we make that shape who we become. When I look in the mirror, it’s hard not to wonder if I’d have been looking at the same person had I chosen a different life or path.”

Hometown fans can see MUKI launching his single tomorrow, March 19, at Lulie Tavern. It’s totally free, so make sure you get along and support him.

Photo credit: Hyunbin Shin

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Katie Noonan Teases New Album With “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For”

One of Australia’s most prolific artists, Katie Noonan is preparing to release her 30th studio album, Alone but all one, later this year. Her latest single “This Isn’t What I Signed Up For” gives us an early taste of the new music. This is such a beautiful song. Katie always sounds incredible, but the subtle piano and string arrangement really showcase her sumptuous vocals and bittersweet lyrics.

“This album is for anyone who’s gone through a life shift – not just separation, but grief, uncertainty, or quiet reinvention,” Katie explained. “It’s music for sitting with things. For remembering we’re not alone, even in solitude. It’s personal, but I hope it will resonate in a way that becomes collective.”

Katie will release Alone but all one on June 26. She’ll give us a little time to sit with the songs before embarking on an album tour around some of the country’s best theatres. Mark Wilkinson will join her at all shows except for the Eora/Sydney and Wooditup/Margaret River dates. Tickets are on sale now.

10 July 2026 – Old Museum @ Concert Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
11 July 2026 – Art Gallery of NSW, Eora/Sydney
12 July 2026 – Art Gallery of NSW, Eora/Sydney
16 July 2026 – The Rechabite, Boorloo/Perth
17 July 2026 – Camelot Arts Club, Whadjuk Noongar Country/Mosman Park
18 July 2026 – Miss Chow’s, Wooditup/Margaret River
30 July 2026 – The Gov, Tarntanya/Adelaide
1 August 2006 – Melbourne Recital Centre, Naarm/Melbourne

Photo credit: Cybele Malinowski

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Kaiyah Mercedes Rocks Out With “3 Month Blackout”

Kaiyah Mercedes recalls a whirlwind relationship in all its angsty glory with their latest track “3 Month Blackout.” It’s raw and unfiltered, the kind of indie pop-rock single that encourages you to grab your hairbrush and let loose. I love the way its structure mimics the aftermath of a relationship, with moments of quiet reflection juxtaposed with unbridled emotional outpourings.

The music video for “3 Month Blackout” sees Kaiyah and her band crash-landing on a desert island. While surviving outside civilisation isn’t easy, at least it’s far removed from messy emotional entanglements! Kaiyah created the clip in collaboration with Francis from District Down Under.

Kaiyah will celebrate the release of “3 Month Blackout” with a launch show at Bergy Bandroom in Bulleke-bek/Brunswick on March 29.

Photo credit: Mouk Media

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams with the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra @ Civic Theatre, Mulubinba/Newcastle – 14 March 2026

I still rate a 2009 Whitlams concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra as one of the best shows I’ve ever seen, so when the band announced a run of dates with local orchestras I snapped up a couple of tickets, hoping to recapture the experience. Of course, concerts are like snowflakes, and one can never replicate another, but Saturday’s show with the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra certainly had a magic that scratched the itch.

The Whitlams’ rich back catalogue keeps me coming back. It also ensures a symphony show makes so much sense. The set list leaned more towards their introspective numbers which might get lost at a rowdy pub gig. How incredible to hear all Charlie songs in order. How special to hear an extended version of “Out the Back,” complete with a five-minute orchestral interlude arranged by the late, great Peter Sculthorpe. How brilliant to hear the way strings elevated lesser-known tracks like “Fondness Makes the Heart Grow Absent” and “The Ease of the Midnight Visit.”

Not that this show totally sidestepped the hits. I’m sure Tim and his mates know they have an obligation to play “No Aphrodisiac” and “Blow Up the Pokies” at every show until the end of time. They always hit, but I took greater joy in the singles that I didn’t expect. “Thank You,” “Gough,” and “Sounds Like Louis Burdett” turned the Civic Theatre into party central. Just when we thought we couldn’t smile any wider, Tim said he’d try to play one that he hadn’t played this tour. It took a few notes to settle into the groove, but once he was there, “I Make Hamburgers” was just a joy.

I’ve seen Tim Freedman play countless times over the years, with The Whitlams, The Black Stump Band, solo, and the very best shows are always those where he can vibe with exceptionally talented musicians and an attentive audience. His joy jamming with other talents is palpable, and it takes familiar songs to another gear. His appreciation for fans who love what they do is evident, and he gives to them so selflessly. If you get a chance to see The Whitlams on their symphony run, do not hesitate. Tickets are on sale now via the links for the remaining shows.

10 April 2026 – Festival Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra)
11 April 2026 – Festival Theatre, Tarntanya/Adelaide (with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra)
2 May 2026 – Coliseum Theatre, Dharug Country/Rooty Hill (with the Sydney Philharmonic Orchestra)
8 May 2026 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra (with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra)
9 May 2026 – Canberra Theatre, Ngambri/Canberra (with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra)
6 June 2026 – Empire Theatre, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba (with the Toowoomba Concert Orchestra)
13 June 2026 – Riverside Theatre, Boorloo/Perth (with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra)

Photo credit: Lauren Katulka