Paulina and Tom Thum Reunite On “Jaded”

Following the viral success of their last collab “Focus on Me,” Paulina and Tom Thum have released a brand-new song today called “Jaded.” While their last track was pretty chill, this one ramps up the energy. It’s exactly what you need to get moving midweek!

Paulina says “Jaded” is “about finding your strength and exposing the truth in the most fun, unapologetic way possible.”

“We wanted to create something that felt like a throwback to a sweaty Miami nightclub in the 80s but with a twist,” Tom added. “It’s nostalgic yet forward-thinking, organic but polished.”

It sounds like a classic dancefloor banger, so you may miss that its creation was a bit left of center. The pair sampled random objects, including beer cans and lighters, to create the sounds they were looking for. Too cool!

Image used with permission from Hunger Digital

Belle Haven Back for 2025 With “it’s not that deep”

Belle Haven are back with their first new music for 2025. “it’s not that deep” is an angsty emo anthem that explores the frustrations associated with being misrepresented and pressured to conform to the expectations of those around you.

“You don’t have to carry the weight of someone else’s version of you,” explained Belle Haven frontman David De La Hoz. “People will paint you however they need to fit their story, but sometimes that’s all it is. It’s not that deep.”

Belle Haven are having a little downtime after touring the country with As December Falls in February. Hopefully we see them back on stages doing what they do best really soon.

Image used with permission from Bigmouth PR

Nardia Impresses With Soul Single, “Is It You”

Naarm/Melbourne soul songstress Nardia has just dropped a gorgeous new single “Is It You,” and it’s exactly what you need to listen to right now. Stop what you’re doing and press play, because this is absolute fire. Nardia’s vocals and the soaring instrumentation are just beautiful.

“’Is it You’ captures that moment of intrigue when you meet someone and feel an undeniable pull toward them,” Nardia explained. “The song explores the tension between attraction and curiosity, the desire to uncover someone’s true essence, and the mystery that makes love both exciting and uncertain, leaving you feeling uncomfortably excited.”

“Is It You” gives us a taste of the music we’ll hear when Nardia releases her album Own Every Scar. She’s actually travelling to Nashville today to finalise that release and get it to you this July. Based on this single alone, I can’t wait to hear it.

Image used with permission from On the Map PR

The Stamps Release Beautiful New Single, “Jamie’s Song”

The Stamps have delivered another taste of their upcoming debut album with the release of their gorgeous new single “Jamie’s Song.” It’s a gentle, intimate folk-pop song which perfectly showcases the trio’s sublime harmonies. I’m in heaven.

The Stamps wrote “Jamie’s Song” after watching fellow travellers fall in love during a trip to Vietnam, despite knowing the relationship was unlikely to last in the “real world.” One third of the trio, Scarlett Graham, said the song “helped me process the fact that it’s okay not to have everything quite figured out and assured me that sometimes you will lose a bit of yourself when you’re experiencing things completely foreign to you. It’s my ultimate ‘what on earth is going on right now? I have no clue, but I guess for tonight I’ll just enjoy it’ song.”

“Jamie’s Song” comes from The Stamps debut album In All the Ways I Am, which drops on August 8. Fans can see them play it live At Merri Creek Tavern in Naarm/Melbourne this month. They’ll be there tomorrow night, April 14, with Nick Keough, and again on April 28 with support from Mia June.

Photo credit: @sheisaphrodite

Discover Why Everyone’s Talking About Sweet Talk

Kasey Chambers calls Naarm/Melbourne-based six-piece Sweet Talk her “new favourite band” while Whitlams’ frontman Tim Freedman said “Sweet Talk was an absolute stand out at the two festivals in the last year where I caught them, Tamworth and Bluesfest.” While industry movers and shakers are just discovering them, we’ve been on the Sweet Talk train since they released “Warm Love” in 2023. If you’re yet to get on board, there’s no better time. Take a listen to their latest single “Stoned in Texas, Queensland” and I know you’ll be just as impressed as their long-term fans.

“Stoned in Texas, Queensland” is the second single lifted from Sweet Talk’s highly anticipated debut album Switch On, which drops on May 23. While you can stream it anywhere, fans will want in on the limited-edition, numbered orange and yellow vinyl editions available for preorder now.

Just before the album drops, Sweet Talk will kick off a tour supporting Americana superstars Red Clay Strays. They’ll also play Bluesfest and some headlining shows, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch them doing what they do best in the coming months.

19 & 20 April 2025 – Bluesfest @ Byron Events Farm Tyagarah, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
2 May 2025 – Court House Gallery, Gimuy/Cairns (FREE)
16 May 2025 – Kings Beach Tavern, Kal’owen-dha/Caloundra (FREE)
17 May 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Red Clay Strays)
19 May 2025 – Bar on the Hill @ University of Newcastle, Mulubinba/Newcastle (supporting Red Clay Strays)
20 May 2025 – Hordern Pavilion, Eora/Sydney (supporting Red Clay Strays)
22 May 2025 – Festival Hall, Naarm/Melbourne (SOLD OUT – supporting Red Clay Strays)
23 May 2025 – Honky Tonk Blues, Walyalup/Fremantle (FREE)
24 May 2025 – Metro City, Whadjuk Country/Northbridge (SOLD OUT – supporting Red Clay Strays)

Photo credit: The James Adams

Amariah Cook Joins A Swift Farewell For “The Haunting”

A Swift Farewell have teamed up with Amariah Cook from Future Static for their epic new single “The Haunting.” This is a bit heavier than the music A Swift Farewell usually release, but it’s so good that I think most fans will be along for the ride. I know I’m cranking this one up today!

“Working with Amariah has been an incredible experience,” said A Swift Farewell’s frontman, Ryo Andi. “Every time I hear her voice, I’m in awe of her talent. She is such a gifted vocalist, and having her on this project has truly taken the song to the next level.”

Ryo also directed and edited the music video, which was shot at Valhalla by Viking Lounge.

“This shoot has been an absolute blast to direct and edit,” he said. “The idea revolves around switching between day and night, drawing inspiration from the horror genre. During the daytime, the room is ‘brighter’ to highlight life and energy, while at night, the furniture is draped with bedclothes to create a haunted, abandoned house atmosphere.”

A Swift Farewell will celebrate today’s release of “The Haunting” with a string of shows along the East Coast.

19 April 2025 – AM//PM Emo Night @ Burdekin Hotel, Eora/Sydney
3 May 2025 – AM//PM Emo Night @ The Brightside, Meeanjin/Brisbane
17 May 2025 – Bergy Bandroom, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting nightlight)

Photo credit: Niko Bon Frere

Abbey Lane Celebrates Life’s Little Wins With “Baby Steps”

I think most of us need a little pick-me-up on Mondays. Enter Abbey Lane with her beautiful new single “Baby Steps.” This gorgeous folky-pop number celebrates the small wins and small joys. I know it can be challenging to see them, but this song reminds us that they’re always there.

“It can be hard to motivate yourself to do things to better yourself, so this track is all about making small changes to feeling better and acknowledging that you’re making progress one small step at a time,” Abbey explained.

The only thing that might make you feel better than listening to this song is seeing Abbey live. Fans in New South Wales will get the opportunity when she plays the following shows in the coming weeks:

25 April 2025 – The Vicar, Dooral Dooral/Dural
4 May 2025 – Pepe’s on the Beach, Woolyungah/Wollongong

Image used with permission from Kick Push PR

Mel Parsons Announces Aussie Shows

Have you ever heard a new song that you swear you’ve heard before? I got that beautiful sense of déjà vu listening to Mel Parsons’ latest single, “Post High Slide.” It feels like a throwback to the glory days of folk music, which talented female singer-songwriters like Carole King and Joni Mitchell ruled the airwaves. On the back of its release, the Kiwi artist is heading to Australia for a string of shows this June.

“I used to get post tour blues pretty bad,” she said. “I’d come home and thump back down to earth after a sustained period of excitement and adventure. Touring is the daily adrenaline shot of performing live, then the contrast of coming back to the reality of domestic life and the never-ending admin of being an indie artist.”

If you’ve seen Mel play leading folk festivals like Woodford, Port Fairy, or Bluesfest, you know how good she is. Don’t miss this opportunity to see her headlining the following shows.

12 June 2025 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm/Melbourne
13 June 2025 – The Bridge Hotel, Djandak/Castlemaine
14 June 2025 – Archies Creek Arts, Gunditjmara Country/Archies Creek
15 June 2025 – The Vanguard, Eora/Sydney

Image used with permission from Jo Corbett Publicity

Flow Kobra Fly the Trap-Metal Flag With “ROLL IT OVER”

I’ve got to admit, when I heard Woolyungah/Wollongong-based act Flow Kobra made trap-metal, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I make a point of listening to absolutely everything I receive. I’m so glad I have that policy. Because the band’s latest single “ROLL IT OVER” is awesome! Honestly, it’s enough to make me wish there were more bands making trap-metal!

“‘ROLL IT OVER’ marks a new chapter for us, leaving behind the dark grittiness of ‘CRINGE CLIQUE’ for a more uplifting and euphoric journey,” said Flow Kobra’s lead singer Kobe Stimson. “The track embodies the resilience of making it through life’s storms to reach a blissful state, embracing hope and transformation.”

Flow Kobra will play for hometown fans at Darkside Fest, held at UOW, on 26 April alongside the likes of Windwaker, Sienna Skies, Heists, and Alienist. If you like your music on the heavier side, you won’t want to miss it.

Image used with permission from Good Intent

Oscar the Wild Explore New Sounds With “Big Think

Tarntanya/Adelaide four-piece Oscar the Wild are serving up some grungy rock for your Saturday with their latest single “Big Think.” It’s a little darker than the rest of the music we’ve heard from that band, with a hypnotic sound that simmers with brooding tension. But when you can pivot so effortlessly, why not have a change of pace? The lyrics see vocalist Ruby Gazzola wrestling with reality and existential reflection.

“I am very grateful to be a good sleeper. Regardless of environment, time or physical/ mental state, I consistently get a corpse-like 8+ hours every night,” she said. “But in that time, I exist in the most wild dreams. Then, throughout the day, I catch myself thinking about that dream version and question, is that the real me?”

This single saw Oscar the Wild reuniting with Rhys Williams, who’s produced, mixed, and mastered their music since their 2023 debut EP, She’ll be Right.

“Sonically this song came together like pieces of a medium level puzzle, one could achieve it in an afternoon,” Ruby said. “I should also probably mention that we’re diving into heavier, driven waters. We hope you enjoy the turbulence!”

Oscar the Wild will launch “Big Think” with the following shows in the coming weeks.

19 April 2025 – Jive Bar, Tarntanya/Adelaide (ALL AGES)
26 April 2025 – The Catfish, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)

Photo credit: Mayah Salter