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

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

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

360 Releases “Coastline” Ahead of New Album + Tour

Eight years after releasing his last album Vintage Modern, iconic Aussie rapper 360 is back with some fresh new music. His latest single “Coastline,” featuring rising star Gigi Russ, is a chill summery song that combines acoustic melodies with 360’s rapid-fire rhymes.

“Coastline” is the third single from 360’s fifth studio album Out of the Blue, which drops in July. He’ll celebrate the release with some massive shows all around the country. With his longtime collaborator PEZ joining the tour, you know it’s going to be a party. Tickets are on sale now!

18 July 2025 – The Forum, Naarm/Melbourne
19 July 2025 – Odeon Theatre, Nipaluna/Hobart
25 July 2025 – Metro Theatre, Eora/Sydney
26 July 2025 – Fortitude Music Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane
1 August 2025 – Hindley St Music Hall, Tarntanya/Adelaide
2 August 2025 – Metro City, Boorloo/Perth

Photo credit: Michelle G Hunder

“Survival” – Harry Cleverdon

It feels like Harry Cleverdon’s album, Survival, has been a long time coming. He released an experimental psychedelic album under the moniker SonofHarry in 2023, but Survival is the first released under his own name. It’s also the first featuring the sweet country-folk-pop sound I’ve enjoyed from Harry since 2022. But you know what they say about good things coming to those who wait.

Now that it’s out in the world, I appreciate that Harry took his time. He’s still a young artist, but the experience and wisdom he’s gained through the last few years I’ve spent following his career shows. Songs like the incredibly catchy album opener “House of Cards” and the stirring title track, which you can listen to below, are among the best he’s released. I love the cheekiness of “Empty Bottles,” but I’m also glad Harry balances it with more vulnerable numbers like “Nothing For Myself” and “Superman (Late Night Trance).” He shows more of his heart with “The Best That I Can,” an earnest love song that’s sure to leave most listeners swooning.

There’s also an ease about Harry’s music that only comes with growing comfortable in your own skin. When so many new releases rely on heavy production, Survival comes as a breath of fresh air. Harry’s not afraid to buck the trends and get back to basics with his music. With acoustic, organic instrumentation in support, his sweet vocals are never overpowered. We can hear every lyric, which is such a blessing when the songs are so well-crafted. Listening to these tunes you get the sense that they’d sound the same live as they do on the recording. There’s no tricks or wizardry here, and the music is better for it.

Survival is the perfect showcase for Harry’s talents as a singer and songwriter. The songs are instantly accessible, but spend a little more time with them and know you’ll fall as deeply in love as I have. Stream it on your favourite platform now. You can also hear Harry and other fantastic Aussie country acts on my Spotify playlist, Sounds of Oz Loves Country.

Images used with permission from Lambing Flat Records

Tune in to Mika James and Her “Nonna’s Trolley”

Mika James has stepped out from behind the drum kit of Naarm/Melbourne punk act The Vovos to launch her solo career. Her first single “Nonna’s Trolley” is a joyous folk song with a splash of punk sensibility. Just see if you can resist singing along to those “la la las”!

“’Nonna’s Trolley’ is a song that was written out of the feeling you get when you overestimate how many things you can carry when you’re walking down the street – when you have to get from A to B but everything you’re carrying is impossibly balanced across bags strung on both shoulders, jean back-pockets and two waiter-style-full hands,” Mika admitted. “You’re in a target stare of the destination but you can feel something slipping – it’s a panic laugh in a La la la. I wrote it in a time of my life where everything was a bit off-kilter and retrospectively wild, but when I looked down at all the things I was carrying, and the people who were at the A and B – I think of it as a highly special time in my life. ‘Nonna’s Trolley’ is for the people who run into door frames and make Bolognese for their friends who come over and eat it in their bath, for champagne in the shower – It’s for the laugh when everything falls out of your arms after you try to pick up what fell out of the bag over your left shoulder.”

I’m obsessed with this song and the sentiment behind it and I can’t wait to hear more from Mika.

Image used with permission from Riot House Publicity

Tom Nethersole Releases New Queer Love Song, “Ardmona Rd”

I’ve been thoroughly charmed by “Ardmona Rd,” the latest release from local independent folk-pop act Tom Nethersole. An exploration of young queer love, it’s brimming with optimism and nostalgia. Take a listen and I know you’ll be smiling by the time the chorus kicks in.

“It’s deeply personal but also relatable, especially for queer listeners who are searching for that fairytale moment we don’t always see reflected in music,” Tom said.

Tom is definitely an artist on the rise. He’s graced the stages of Midsumma Pride Street Party, Always Live, and the Rockhampton River Festival and amassed more than 180k streams. No wonder major media outlets like Rolling Stone, JOY FM, FBi Radio, and this blog are starting to take notice.

Image used with permission from Tall Poppy MGMT

Tom Busby and Ben Kweller Team Up For “Waiting For Tomorrow”

For years we’ve known Tom Busby as one half of local indie-folk duo Busby Marou, but now he’s going solo. Sort of. Ahead of the release of his first solo album, Tom has dropped a fantastic new single “Waiting for Tomorrow,” which he recorded with Ben Kweller. If you know anything about Ben’s music, this song is everything you’re hoping for. I was a big Busby Marou fan, but I think this might just be the best thing Tom’s released.

“Waiting for Tomorrow” comes from Tom Busby’s new solo album Rockhampton Hangover, which we’ll hear in the middle of the year.

“This record is me at my most honest – no filter, no hiding, and ‘Waiting for Tomorrow’ sets the tone for that,” Tom said. “It’s about regret and restlessness but also about dusting yourself off and charging forward. Recording it with Ben Kweller in Texas, with my family there, made it even more real. It’s a new chapter, and I’m all in.”

Something tells me we’ll hear a lot more from Tom Busby this year as he enters this new musical chapter.

Image used with permission from Revolutions per Minute