SNIPPETZ: THURSDAY MAY 29, 2025
This week’s Snippetz features news from James Reyne, Ally Row, Yellowcard, The Amity Affliction, Tash Sultana, Queenscliff Music Festival, Minor Gold, MRCY, Saint Motel, Mareya, Benny Morrell, The Narrator and more.
JAMES REYNE ‘Going back To Nashville’ (Single)
James Reyne has unveiled his new single Going Back To Nashville, his first new music since 2020’s acclaimed album, Toon Town Lullaby. Going Back To Nashville is a classic driving country-rock song, filled with James Reyne’s razor-sharp observations and wonderfully wry wordplay. The words tumble out as James tells the tale of a songwriter having “one more shot at Cow Town”.
Many years ago, James wrote some songs with the legendary Tony Joe White. “Next time you’re in Nashville,” the swamp rock king said, “give me a call.” When James found himself in Music City for an ill-fated songwriting trip, he reached out to the Swamp Fox, who took him on a tour, showing him the Nashville sights.
Years later, after returning to the music mecca, James decided to document his experiences of “Cashville”, where songwriters from around the world venture, seeking fame and fortune. James remembers Tony Joe White pointing out the Nashville landmarks as they drove around town. “Back then, a bit of a status symbol was how many head of buffalo you had on your ranch,” James recalls. “Pointing at Wynonna Judd’s place, Tony Joe said in that distinctively deep voice, ‘She’s got like 20 head of buffalo.’”
The song also sees James revisiting Australian Crawl’s first international tour – their shows with Willie Nelson in New Zealand in 1981.
James spotted a sticker on Willie’s road cases: “Honk if you love Delbert”, which now turns up in Going Back To Nashville. “I’ve always loved Delbert McClinton,” James notes.
The song also references Tom T. Hall’s Watermelon Wine and namechecks Jerry Jeff Walker, as well as George Jones, Tammy Wynette, Porter Wagoner and Dolly Parton, with James singing: “Now I ain’t George and she ain’t Tammy/ I ain’t Porter and she ain’t Dolly.”
James recorded Going Back To Nashville with Sydney producer Matt Druery and engineer Dan Willington (who also provided the guitar and bass), with James’ long-time compadre John Watson on drums. The song is like James Reyne’s Lonely Planet guide to Nashville, “where Wynonna’s buffalo roam” and “if it ain’t the heat, it’s the humidity”. “This song is how I see Nashville,” James says.
James Reyne – Tour Dates
Friday June 6 – Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta, QLD
Saturday June 7- Coolangatta Hotel, Coolangatta, QLD
Saturday June 21- The Tivoli, Brisbane, QLD – with Alex Lloyd
Saturday July 5 – State Theatre, Sydney, NSW – with Alex Lloyd
Saturday July 12 – The Palais, Melbourne, Vic – with Alex Lloyd
CONNECT WITH JAMES REYNE Facebook Instagram Twitter YouTube iTunes
www.jamesreyne.com.au
ALLY ROW ‘Middle of the Road’ (Single)
After ABC Country High Rotation and Double J/ Triple J success with their singles ‘This Time’ and ‘The Great Unknown’, Gippsland based alt-country duo Ally Row have just released their highly anticipated Pop/Rock Country cracker ‘Middle Of The Road’.
This moody, gritty number captures the feeling of being emotionally marooned “between a rock and a hard place”; knowing where you want to be, but seeing others pass you by without asking if you need a helping hand. The upbeat airy arrangement and light hearted, spirited vocals provide a hopeful contrast as if to say “if you’re going through tough times, you’ll get though it with or without help”.
‘Middle Of The Road” is reminiscent of KT Tunstall’s ‘Suddenly I see’, it has the moodiness of ‘Nothing matters’ by The Last Dinner Party with a modern country flare along the lines of Chappell Roan’s ‘The Giver’.
The single features chugging acoustic banjo and guitar, warm and silky electric banjo plucking and sweet shy harmonies that support a lead vocal that’s both emotional and powerful (think Missy Higgins texture and storytelling meets Avril Lavigne’s intensity).
For the first time ever Ally Row have featured the drumming talent of Alex Keser. His rocky rhythm gives ‘Middle Of The Road’ the beat of a runaway engine. This song will make you want to get in the car crank up the radio and drive.
Recorded/mixed/produced by Spud Thompson at Elusive Creative Studios and mastered by Nick Franklin, ‘Middle Of The Road’ is out now on all streaming platforms.
ABOUT ALLY ROW
Gunaikurnai/Gippsland based, Triple j unearthed winning Ally Row are a folk rock/alt country duo blending genres with their toe tapping music and heartfelt lyricism. The multi-instrumentalists incorporate electric banjo, guitar, keys, harmonica, stomp box and tambourine, creating an unexpectedly full and upbeat live experience. Their honest lyricism shines a light on the darker sides of love and mental health delivered with warm vocals, velvety harmonies and an infectious beat. The duo take inspiration from Mumford and Sons, The 502s, Caamp, Sons of the East and Of Monsters and Men, while maintaining their own unique and distinct sound.
This year has shown no signs of slowing down, performing on the main Toyota stage at Tamworth Country Music Festival not once but twice! As part of Americana in the Park and also getting into the highly competitive Top 10 Buskers Championship as well as being invited as special guest performers for Australiana legends, The Bushwackers.
In 2024 their single ‘Bare feet’ was a semi-finalist in both the Unsigned Only and International Songwriting Competition (ISC), opened for ARIA award winner William Crighton, Golden Guitar winner Fanny Lumsden, folk legend Kim Churchill, Irish folk band Seo Linn and singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry.
In 2023 they were winners of the Triple J Unearthed NYE on the Hill Fest competition, Port Fairy Folk Festival busking competition winners, Semi-finalists in the Listen up Music Songwriting Prize and grand finalists in the Passport to Airlie Music Festival competition.
They have performed at Tamworth Country Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, NYE on the hill Fest, Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Longwood Fest, Wodonga North East Food & Wine Fest as well as headlining Patchewollock Music Festival.
Their latest singles “The Great Unknown” and “This Time” were released to great acclaim, being played on ABC Grass Roots, Edge of Country, Saturday Night with Beccy Cole, Henry Wagon’s Double J Tower of Song, Triple j unearthed Country Hour, as well as selected for high rotation on ABC Country.
Keep up to date via their socials and website for more information.
ALLY ROW LINKS 2025
https://www.allyrow.com.au/
https://www.facebook.com/allyroww
https://www.instagram.com/ally_row_/
https://www.youtube.com/@ally_row_
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6gLauhibvHS5NORxI3wY1x?si=Wysdbw1CQ02fMGazj1RgRw
bandcamp – https://allyrow.bandcamp.com/
YELLOWCARD Announce Their First Album In Almost A Decade: Better Days. To Be Released October 10 via Better Noise Music
Alt rock favourites Yellowcard are celebrating the announcement of their new album Better Days by releasing the lead single and title track “Better Days” along with album track “honestly i.” Better Days is the band’s first full feature length album in almost a decade and will be available on October 10. This highly anticipated album is produced as well as executive produced by Travis Barker. Barker also plays drums on every song.
The single “Better Days” is an unflinching reflection on gratitude, forgiveness, perspective and purpose. Once ubiquitous on MTV and the Billboard Hot 100, the Vans Warped Tour veterans, whose first two albums produced double-platinum and gold title tracks in the US, sound fully recharged and revitalised in 2025. William Ryan Key, Sean Mackin, Ryan Mendez and
Josh Portman have never sounded stronger.
The song “Better Days” is also accompanied by a music video that has the guys depicting iconic 80’s movie characters performing in a vintage video shop. Directed by Jordan Phoenix, the video is a refection of how much fun the guys are having this time around as a band and with their music. Ryan Key says, “We are focused on this chapter of our career being about happiness.
This is the most fun we’ve had making a video in 20 years and we hope everyone has a smile on their face when they watch it.”
Listen to Better Days here
https://yellowcardofficial.lnk.to/betterdays
Watch the video here
www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnNjrV1OnHs
The band agreed that making a new album was pointless unless it was the best of their career. They refused to rush the process and for the first time gave themselves permission to ask for help. Ryan Mendez invited his long time friend Nick Long into the writing sessions and it was through Long that Barker became part of the project, coming on board to play drums and produce the whole ablum.
“I started the record as one version of myself and came out the other side changed,” says front man Ryan Key who credits Barker with a significant impact on his personal and creative studio breakthroughs. “I went in knowing I needed help. I came out of it writing songs like I was 19 again.”
Formed in Jacksonville, Florida in 1997, Yellowcard became one of the most influential bands in the 2000’s alternative rock scene. Known for blending high energy pop punk with a signature violin twist, their 2003 breakthrough Ocean Avenue is certified Platinum in the US with the title track now certified 2 times platinum. With over 4 million albums sold worldwide and over 1 billion streams, the band is poised for continued success on this new endeavor. After disbanding in 2017, Yellowcard reunited in 2022 entering into a new creative era and a year packed with a global tour to support it.
Better Days will be released on October 10
Pre Orders are available now
https://yellowcardofficial.lnk.to/bdalbum
CONNECT WITH YELLOWCARD
Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify | Apple
THE AMITY AFFLICTION reveal new single ‘ALL THAT I REMEMBER’
With the remainder of 2025 set to have The Amity Affliction touring throughout North America, Europe and the UK, the legendary metalcore group kicks off the second half of the year with brand new music in the form of ‘All That I Remember’. The Amity Affliction have never shied away from delving into darker emotional tones, exploring the complexities of the human condition – and with ‘All That I Remember’, the listener is served up a moment of reflection that is laced with haunting resonance. Lyrically, the track discusses personal recollections of a fractured relationship with a parent – with frontman Joel Birch explaining “My mother knew only abuse and isolation, even in death as she cut her own children off; she died as she lived, paranoid and alone. “Both of Joel’s siblings weigh in on their own reflections surrounding the new song, with brother Beau stating “Time and again, our mother showed us that she would put herself first, and use life’s pain to justify her actions of self-interests – while we were left to fend for ourselves.” Reaffirming this, Joel’s sister Chanel stated “This song reminds me how she would pit us against each other constantly, so much so I feel like my relationship with my brothers only grew after she was gone. When I was young I couldn’t see it, I didn’t understand the manipulation until years had passed, and I crossed oceans to breathe.”
Returning with a brutal sound such as this, The Amity Affliction lands with impact – a reminder of the talent that has permeated throughout the band’s career and output to date. ‘All That I Remember’ is the beginning of a new chapter for the band, featuring Jonny Reeves on clean vocals for the first time.
Fans of The Amity Affliction will recognise Reeves’ voice; the Sacramento, California musician and vocalist having joined the band on their last few tours of North America and Europe. Coming via a recommendation from Josh Gilbert (Spiritbox), Reeves had already built a strong community following in the metalcore scene for his work with the band Kingdom of Giants. With ‘All That I Remember’, Reeves officially becomes The Amity Affliction’s clean vocalist, following the exit of Ahren Stringer.
2024 saw The Amity Affliction return to radars everywhere in a big way, namely with the tenth anniversary celebration of their seminal album, Let The Ocean Take Me. The release of redux version of the project, as well as a national tour with We Came As Romans and Ice Nine Kills brought The Amity Affliction to huge Australian stages – a triumphant return for the band who, at that point, was taking the independent route for the first time in over a decade.
The second half of 2025 will see The Amity Affliction headline venues throughout North America, before joining Parkway Drive on their 20th anniversary tour of Europe from September through November.
The Amity Affliction: Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | X
The Cat Empire, Thelma Plum, Donavon Frankenreiter (USA), The Waifs, King Stingray, Little Birdy plus The Cosmic Psycho’s head up Queenscliff Music Festival’s 2025 line up
On the last weekend in November the Bellarine Peninsula comes alive as music lovers of all ages flock to the coast to soak up the sun, sounds and chill vibes of Victoria’s favourite beach festival. Running across 28, 29 & 30 November, the Queenscliff Music Festival returns for 2025, bringing three unforgettable days of music, community and coastal charm to the breathtaking Princess Park and the historic heart of Queenscliff’s Victorian streetscape. This year’s event showcases a bumper line up of Aussie legends and new discoveries, and a splash of International talent offering a stellar array of rock, indie, folk, hip hop, blues, country and beyond.
Festival headliners just announced include the masters of high energy vibes The Cat Empire, beloved Gamilaraay singer-songwriter, Thelma Plum, US surf rocker, Donavon Frankenreiter, festival folk favourites, The Waifs, Yolŋu surf rock sensations King Stingray, punk rock icons, Cosmic Psychos, the return of WA alt-rocker outfit, Little Birdy, the high energy twin sounds of the Pierce Brothers, new music collaborators, Didirri + Rowena Wise, cosmic disco groovers, Squid Nebula, sun dappled folk rockers, Minor Gold, genre defying collective, Sex On Toast, the swamp-soaked psychedelic blues of Opelousas, powerhouse vocalist Fenn Wilson & The Weather, alt country newcomers, The Smith & Western Jury, poetic lyricist, Riley Catherall and soul-funkboogie maestro’s, Suneden, plus for the kids the ever popular, Teeny Tiny Stevies and there’s plenty more names still to come.
“Queenscliff Music Festival is more than just a music event — it’s a full sensory experience,” said Claire Stickland, Festival Director. “With an unbeatable coastal setting, diverse lineup, and welcoming vibe for all ages, it’s the perfect escape for music lovers and experience seekers.”
Attracting more than 10,000 music lovers of all ages annually Queenscliff Music Festival is held on the last weekend of November and is the ideal weekend getaway for music lovers of all tastes and walks of life being just 90 minutes from Melbourne. Festival goers are treated to the best the Australian live music scene has to offer while sampling the delights of local produce, immersive arts and the creative heart of the local community. Always a family friendly event, Queenscliff also features a dedicated kids stage and programming. For the outdoorsy type, camping is just a short stroll through the main street to the festival site, or treat yourself and hire-a-tent.
With all this musical goodness set against a stunning backdrop of sandy beaches, pristine waters, cliff walks and historic piers of the Queenscliff Foreshore, punters should get their tickets quickly to ensure they’ll be heading down the Bellarine Highway this November to enjoy the hottest beach festival around. Take advantage of the Earlybird Tickets, which are on offer till July.
Queenscliff Music Festival is staged on the traditional lands of the Wadawurrung people. We respect and acknowledge their unique cultural heritage and pay our respects to their ancestors, descendants emerging leaders as the Traditional Owners of this country.
2025 EARLYBIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW
3 Day Adult – $285
3 Day Accompanied Youth 14-17 – $139
Children 1-13 – $32 (sold in conjunction with an Adult ticket)
QMF Camping – $30 for 3 nights (per person)
Rent A Tent – $460 for 3 nights
CLICK HERE FOR TICKET + CAMPING INFO
TASH SULTANA ‘Return To The Roots’ (EP)
Multi-instrumentalist, producer and global sensation Tash Sultana unveils their most personal work to date with the new EP, Return To The Roots out now —a six-track collection that strips away the noise and dives straight into the heart of raw, unfiltered artistry.
LISTEN TO RETURN TO THE ROOTS EP HERE
Return To The Roots marks a bold recalibration: a reconnection with the spirit of spontaneity and freedom that first ignited Tash’s meteoric rise nearly a decade ago. Equal parts nostalgic and evolved, the EP captures the push and pull of growing up in the spotlight, all while clinging to the moments that made music feel magical in the first place.
Commenting on the release of the EP, “My goal for Return to the Roots EP was to capture a feeling that I used to have when I played music for no other reason than pure, honest, unfiltered art.”
Today, Tash Sultana unveils the official live performance visuals for focus track and fan-favourite “Kiss The Sky”—a song that began as a spontaneous jam and quickly took on a life of its own. Cryptic yet deeply personal, the track’s raw energy first captured fans during a live set and has since evolved into a full-blown anthem. After resurfacing on TikTok earlier this year, teaser clips racked up over 3.5 million views, firmly cementing its place as a standout moment in Tash’s growing catalogue.
WATCH THE LIVE PERFORMANCE VIDEO FOR ‘KISS THE SKY’ HERE
From the opening moments of ‘Milk & Honey’, the hypnotic looping and improvisational energy that defined Tash’s early sound make a triumphant return. The track sets the tone for an EP born in real time — raw, instinctive, and alive in the moment —free from expectation, bursting with feeling. Since its release, the single has gained serious traction, earning rotation on triple j, topping the AMRAP Metro Charts, drawing praise from Rolling Stone, and landing on major DSP playlists including Spotify’s The Local List and Apple Music’s Heaps Indie.
Midway through, the EP dives deep with ‘Hazard To Myself’, an unflinching meditation on mental health, medication, and the often-chaotic relationship between emotional extremes and creative brilliance. It’s a vulnerable and honest snapshot of an artist learning to embrace every side of themselves.
That emotional honesty swells in ‘Hold On’, a searing anthem of resilience in the face of battles—including their wife’s recent cancer diagnosis. Fierce, defiant, and deeply moving, it turns exhaustion into power and pain into purpose.
On ‘Unleash The Rage’, Tash breaks all expectations, delivering a rally cry for individuality and freedom. With roaring energy and primal clarity, it’s a celebration of existing outside the lines—and a rejection of the boxes the industry so often tries to impose.
The EP closes with ‘Ain’t It Kinda Funny’, a reimagined version of one of Tash’s earliest tracks. Now revisited as a duet with Dallas Green (City and Colour), the collaboration offers a soulful bridge between past and present—two artists honouring their roots while embracing the growth that time brings.
Return To The Roots is more than a body of work—it’s a statement. A reminder that art doesn’t have to be polished to be powerful. That vulnerability is strength. And that sometimes, the truest path forward is the one that circles back.
Tash reflects, “This is the best record I’ve made. Not because it’s perfect—but because it’s real.”
Rooted in authenticity and fuelled by instinct, this is Tash Sultana, uninterrupted.
Hot off a lightning-fast sell-out at Red Rocks, Tash Sultana is set to embark on a massive 2025 US tour—bringing their genre-defying sound and electrifying live energy to stages across the country. This is more than a tour—it’s a full-throttle return to the raw, immersive performances that have captivated audiences worldwide. Tickets are available now via tashsultana.com
LISTEN TO RETURN TO THE ROOTS EP HERE
TASH SULTANA ‘RETURN TO THE ROOTS’ US TOUR. TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
GET SOCIAL WITH TASH SULTANA WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | APPLE
CHARLIE PITTMAN RETURNS WITH NEW MUSIC ’the comedown’ OUT NOW
Half British/half Australian singer, songwriter and self-taught musician, Charlie Pittman is back with his brand-new alt-rock single, ‘the comedown’, the first taste of new music from his forthcoming sophomore EP due for release later this year.
Recorded in Nashville with producer Jonathan Class (Medium Build, The Wldlfe, Abby Holiday) and co-written with Lach Bostock (Mansionair, Tyne-James Organ, REDD.) and Laura Hyde (Hellcat Speedracer, Ukiyo, Ūla). Charlie Pittman’s visceral storytelling paired with his honesty has become his musical super-power, as ‘the comedown’ clearly hones into that relatable raw vulnerability with grit and heart. “That’s the only way I really know how to write, being super-honest – to my detriment of exposing myself and putting myself fully out there,” Charlie shares. “The narrative in this song isn’t linear, it’s messy and raw, about being single and trying to find purpose through other people.”
‘the comedown’ metaphor is used to describe the feeling after a relationship where you feel numb and are craving emotional closeness, illustrating a sense of a lack of control throughout the song with chorus lyrics like “I think I’m losing my shit in slo-mo, I went to blink but I missed it, in pursuit of a purpose, in pursuit of a person.” The lyric “I don’t tick too many boxes, all my flags are kinda beige,” Charlie admits, “I was literally just rotting in bed when I wrote that, doom scrolling, and all those lyrics just fell out of me like word vomit. I usually slave over lyrics.”
WATCH the official music video clip ‘the comedown’
Charlie teamed up with music director and photographer Jack Craig (Forest Claudette, 360, Allday) to shoot the music video clip in Melbourne, to bring the visual element alive, showing the messiness of relationships and the existential crisis that we see during this song. Jack explains, “the comedown is when your mind slips out of your control, and you’re stuck feeling everything and nothing at the same time. Charlie and I spoke about the meaning behind the song and developed the final concept together. We wanted to use a bedroom — a place that’s typically a sanctuary, somewhere safe and familiar — but over time, it becomes a cage, trapping us in isolation. The video combines performance-driven visuals with surreal, disjointed life events. Characters drift through Charlie’s room like memories or dreams, completely unaware of his presence. He becomes a passive spectator in his own life — watching it unfold around him, but never truly part of it.”
Charlie’s new single is the first since the release of his debut EP ‘nothing is forever’ in 2024. Charlie has just returned from playing SOLD OUT shows in the UK in May, where he recently signed to 13 Artists (Arctic Monkeys, Inhaler, Joan, Tame Impala, Radiohead) and he plans to head out on tour in Australia as well later this year. With Sydney fans treated to an impromptu and intimate live performance of the new single for the first time at a surprise pop up at Newtown, Sydney. Charlie is also already confirmed to head back to the UK later this year to perform at the Live At Leeds Festival.
HASSALL continues to tease debut LP with new single ‘OVERPOPULATER’
‘MEANS MORE TO ME THAN IT DOES TO YOU’ set for release July 3rd
Following on from the release of ‘Dinner Table’, ‘Boss Level Shit’ & ‘Tracey Grimshaw’, Naarm singer-songwriter Hassall is back with another hint of what is to come on her much-anticipated debut album, MEANS MORE TO ME THAN IT DOES TO YOU, with ‘Overpopulater’.
With this new track, the listener is pulled further into a meticulous space of sound and lyricism that Hassall has been creating since we first met her in 2021. Beautifully layered and personal songwriting meets honest perspectives and outlook. In a similar vein to artists including Courtney Barnett and Angie McMahon, there’s a distinct emphasis on lyrical delivery and tone that makes this sort of music unique to Hassall herself.
Of ‘Overpopulater’, the songwriter explains: “‘Overpopulater’ is for anyone who, like me: a) drinks too much coffee and b) can’t decide whether they want kids or not (due to environmental reasons, of course), and c) is head over heels in love with at least one person 24/7.
I’ve been playing ‘Overpopulater’ live for a while now, and it always seems to be one the audience remembers. I think that’s credited to its relatability for a twenty-something (particularly one who lives within a 25km radius of Melbourne city. See: left-wing coffee addicts), and also the fact that this may be my only song that you can dance to for the entire duration of the song.”
Along with the single release, official visuals for ‘Overpopulater’ have been shared by Hassall today. Filmed by Willem Kingma (Bones & Jones, The Grogans), the music video takes place in a number of locations in the small town of Colac, Victoria. For Hassall, the objective of the clip was to replicate the song’s overall feeling of being over-caffeinated.
“My favourite part of the day was shooting at our friend Maggie’s house – it was a beautiful old house with feature pieces of furniture, and each room was painted a totally different colour, which made it ideal for filming.” HASSALL
Set for release come July 3rd, Means More To Me Than It Does To You stands to be a great moment of arrival for Hassall, who has consistently been building in recent years into one of Naarm’s most engaging and exciting artists.
Hassall has made waves throughout the Melbourne indie scene for a few years now; supporting the likes of MIa Wray, DICE, Pacific Avenue, Majak Door, Adam Newling, You Am I, Jacob Fitzgerald and Little Quirks; and playing festivals such as Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Homegrown Festival, By The Pier and White Night Geelong. On top of that, Hassall has seen significant radio support from triple J, triple J Unearthed, SYN, Inner FM, 2SER, 3MDR, 4ZZZ, & PBS, and praise from local tastemakers such as Music Feeds, Rolling Stone, Forte Magazine and more.
She’s showing no signs of slowing down in 2025 – with a national tour lined up with Killing Heidi; support slots with Crash Test Dummies (CAN) and The Scratch (IRE); and an upcoming appearance at Darker Days Festival in Bright, Victoria.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Friday June 20 The Gov Adelaide SA
Supporting Killing Heidi TICKETS
Saturday June 21 Magnet House Perth WA
Supporting Killing Heidi TICKETS
Thursday June 26 The Tivoli Brisbane QLD
Supporting Killing Heidi TICKETS
Friday June 27 Liberty Hall Sydney NSW
Supporting Killing Heidi TICKETS
Saturday June 28 Northcote Theatre Melbourne VIC
Supporting Killing Heidi TICKETS
‘OVERPOPULATER’ out now
Hassall: Official Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube | Tik Tok | Unearthed
Benny Morrell Unveils His Stirring New Single ‘Better Off Alone’
Rising Naarm/Melbourne singer-songwriter Benny Morrell unveils his new single, ‘Better Off Alone’, a powerful and emotionally resonant offering that marks a bold next step in the journey toward his forthcoming EP, All That’s Left. Layered in raw introspection and wrapped in forward-thinking alt-pop production, ‘Better Off Alone’ is an anthem for anyone battling with the weight of their own thoughts.
Produced by Harry Charles (King Princess, dv4d, Tate McRae), the track is both lush and stark, a delicate balancing act that mirrors the subject matter. Beneath its melodic hooks and sweeping instrumental is a vulnerable lyrical core that sees Benny wrestling with isolation, emotional suppression, and the human desire for connection. LISTEN HERE
“‘Better Off Alone’ explores the challenge of overcoming one’s own obstacles,” Benny shares. “It delves into the internal struggles that many introverts face, especially during moments when they feel silenced. The track also highlights the desire to hold onto someone who can alleviate mental strain, quiet the turmoil, and ease life’s challenges. It raises the poignant question of what it truly takes to open up without any barriers to stop yourself from self-destruction or implosion along the way.”
From its haunting piano lines and soaring synths to Benny’s distinctively emotive vocal performance, ‘Better Off Alone’ is a cathartic and cinematic listening experience. It’s a song that doesn’t just ask for empathy, it demands it.
A standout track on All That’s Left, this new single sets the tone for an EP that is unflinchingly honest, merging classic storytelling with progressive pop flourishes. Benny’s ability to tap into the intimate corners of the human experience has already resonated with audiences across the globe and this release only solidifies his voice as one that needs to be heard.
Benny Morrell’s career to date is already marked by a string of impressive achievements. With over 70 million global streams, he first rose to viral success with his debut single, catching the attention of Brazilian producer KVSH, whose remix helped skyrocket the track to more than 65 million streams and 20 million YouTube views. Over the past two years, Benny has been writing and recording with collaborators across the globe, and is becoming one of Australia’s most in-demand topliners. He co-wrote Nate Smith’s ‘Gave It All’, featured on Smith’s latest album California Gold, and has recently performed to audiences in Nashville, London, Paris, and back home in Melbourne.
With each release, Benny Morrell continues to carve out a unique space in the global alt-pop scene where emotionally charged storytelling and world-class production collide. ‘Better Off Alone’ is a testament to that vision.
Shepparton Airplane Announce New Album “Forecast”. Releases August 8th, 2025 Title Track Out Now
“AC/DC’s id, clashing with the Clean’s superego in a supremely-talented hive mind” Bandcamp Daily
Naarm/Melbourne-based Shepparton Airplane are thrilled to announce the upcoming release of their fourth album, Forecast, set for release on August 8th via Wing Sing Records. The record is led by its title track, out today.
The highly anticipated follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2020 LP, Sharks, Forecast marks a compelling evolution for the band, leaning into a more song-oriented approach while still retaining the raw energy their live shows are celebrated for. While previous albums embraced extended jams, Forecast showcases a collection of more traditionally structured songs, with only one instrumental track on offer this time around.
The journey of Forecast began in December 2022 in Almurta, the same location where the band recorded their second album (2018’s Almurta), opting again for a self-recording approach in a relaxed, time-unbound setting, a deliberate return to their roots. Recording continued throughout 2023 in nearby rural Victorian town Kernot. Final mixing duties were completed by Matt Duffy and mastered by Nao Anzai in 2024.
Reflecting on the album’s direction, the band notes, “This differs from past albums in a few ways – the recording sessions were done sporadically over a couple of years in different locations, with instruments being tracked separately on a number of songs (a first for us) – as opposed to bashing it all out live over the course of a few days, although a good chunk of the record does still utilize this tried-and-true method. Another thing would be the songs themselves. More traditional in terms of structure, more lyrically driven. Some dating back a number of years but fitting much more comfortably, in amongst this collection of tunes.”
Despite the varied recording process, Forecast maintains a natural cohesion, bottling the palpable live energy that fans have come to expect. Drummer Steve Carter, bassist Stewart Rayner, and guitarists Ezra Dowling and Matt Duffy are in top form, locked in with a tight looseness, with Rayner and Duffy sharing the majority of vocal duties.
Adding a special touch to the album is a guest appearance by Michael Beach, a long-time favourite of the band, who contributed keys to the instrumental track “Thursday, Simply”. As the band states, “We did manage to sneak in one classic instrumental jam, complete with some beautifully gnarly organ tones courtesy of Michael Beach, one of our all-time favourite humans.” While the band has experimented with both songwriting and recording techniques over their four albums, one thing remains constant: “We’ve come to realize through experimentation both with songwriting and recording techniques that we always manage to sound like us, which is not a bad thing at all.”
Forecast promises to impress fans of outsider guitar-driven sounds and followers of the band members’ other projects. Ultimately, the album reaffirms that raw, honest, loud rock’n’roll is alive and well in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia.
Shepparton Airplane is a Naarm/Melbourne-based band known for their frenetic blend of jagged melody, pithy punk rock discourse and screaming feedback.
The band was formed in the mid-2010s, initially making waves with their energetic and raw approach to punk rock music. Their debut album, Shepparton Airplane (2016), immediately captured the attention of Melbourne local music lovers with its post-punk sensibilities. The album was characterized by catchy hooks, driving beats, and fuzzy guitars, with a strong immediacy that resonates through each track. The record announced the band’s arrival as a force in Melbourne’s music scene, and it set the stage for their evolution.
In 2018, the band released Almurta, a follow-up that was recorded in a farm shed in regional Victoria. This album showcased a more expansive sound, combining abrasive riffs with a pounding rhythm section, resulting in a raw but colorful collection of songs. The production of Almurta captured a balance between intensity and warmth, with each track feeling both grounded and exploratory. It marked a moment of growth for Shepparton Airplane, as they continued to refine their sound while maintaining their signature energy.
By the time they released Sharks in 2020, Shepparton Airplane had evolved further, incorporating noisier, punkier, and even shoegaze elements into their music. Working with producer Anna Laverty at Sing Sing Recording Studios, the band crafted a more polished and expansive sound, signaling their intent to push their musical boundaries while still retaining the fiery energy that defined their earlier work.
The band’s latest LP, continues this trajectory of sonic exploration, replete with unpredictable twists and genre-spanning soundscapes. It signals a new chapter for Shepparton Airplane, one where their trademark frenetic energy meets a more expansive and experimental approach to songwriting. Despite these developments, the band retains the sharp, pithy punk rock and jagged melodies that have defined their sound since their early days.
With each release, Shepparton Airplane demonstrates a commitment to growth and reinvention, while never losing sight of the raw energy and authenticity that first drew audiences to their music. As they continue to push the boundaries of what punk rock can be, Shepparton Airplane remains one of Melbourne’s most exciting and innovative bands.
Follow SHEPPARTON AIRPLANE on Instagram + Facebook + Bandcamp
HARRI LARKIN ’Slowburn’ (EP)
Sheffield-based singer-songwriter Harri Larkin is proud to announce the release of their brand new EP, Slowburn, officially out now via Golden Robot Records. Blending elements of indie, funk, jazz, and grunge, Slowburn is a genre-defying collection that captures the emotional intensity and evolving artistry of Harri Larkin. Known for her heartfelt lyricism, soaring vocal melodies, and an undeniably infectious sound, Harri delivers an EP that is both introspective and anthemic – burning slowly but leaving a lasting mark.
The new EP follows the powerful single ‘Too Close to the Sun’, a song written in tribute to a close friend lost to an accidental overdose. The single set the emotional tone for Slowburn, an honest and cathartic body of work that explores grief, healing, and the quiet power of vulnerability.
Harri Larkin first made waves with debut album ‘Beach City’ that caught the attention of BBC Introducing, who broadcast it in full. In 2023, Harri was named the winner of the national Tramlines “Apply to Play” competition, landing performances at major UK festivals and earning national radio play along the way.
Harri continues to push creative boundaries with Slowburn – a record that embraces nuance, celebrates growth, and invites listeners into a deeply personal world.
Slowburn is available on all major streaming platforms now.
Stream Slowburn HERE
Sixties British Legends THE ANIMALS – “The Final Curtain” Australian Tour
The Animals were a major force in the British Invasion of the 1960s, blending blues, R&B, and rock into a sound that has inspired generations. Their music remains as relevant and powerful today as it was back then!
Still on the prowl, The Animals are still commanding great respect internationally amongst their peers as well as from fans of all ages – crowds still adore edgy anthems from The Animals catalogue such as the classics, ‘We Gotta Get Out Of This Place’, ‘Boom Boom’, ‘Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood’, ‘It’s My Life’ and the bands’ iconic multi-million selling, and Number One worldwide, hit – ‘House of The Rising Sun’
Do not miss your last chance to witness one of rock’s most influential bands take their last bow on Australian soil for what will be ‘’The Final Curtain’’
Founding member and original drummer John Steel says, “Australia has always felt like a second home for us. The fans here have been amazing over the years, and we just had to come back to enjoy one more chapter of this amazing journey’’
THE ANIMALS “The Final Curtain” Australian Tour Dates
Thursday 23rd October – NEWCASTLE, Flamingos (Ex Lizotte’s)
Friday 24th October – KINGSFORD, The Juniors
Saturday 25th October – ROZELLE, The Bridge Hotel
Friday 31st October – THIRROUL, Anita’s Theatre
Saturday 1st November – COOGEE, Selina’s Coogee Bay Hotel
Sunday 2nd November – QUEANBEYAN, Bicentennial Hall
Tuesday 4th November – BRISBANE, Princess Theatre
Thursday 6th November – TOOWOOMBA, The Empire Theatre
Friday 7th November – TWEED HEADS, Twin Towns
Saturday 8th November – GRAFTON, Saraton Theatre
Tuesday 11th November – BALLARAT, Her Majesty’s Theatre
Wednesday 12th November – MELBOURNE, The Palms at Crown
Friday 14th November – WARRAGUL, Gippsland Performing Arts Theatre
Saturday 15th November – WONTHAGGI, The Union Theatre
Tuesday 18th November – ADELAIDE, The Gov
Friday 21st November – PERTH, Astor Theatre
Saturday 22nd November – FREMANTLE, Freo.Social
Tickets:
Pre-Sale: Wednesday, 28 May 2025 10:00 AM Local Time
General Public On-Sale: Friday, 30 May 2025 10:00 AM Local Time
From: https://metropolistouring.com/the-animals-uk/
BAKER BOY COLLABORATES WITH BRIGGS AND HAIKU HANDS FOR NEW SINGLE ‘FREAK OUT’
Three of Australia’s most electrifying acts have come together for c’s new single ‘FREAK OUT’, released now. LISTEN + STREAM
Teaming up with Yorta-Yorta/Wurundjeri/Wemba-Wemba man BRIGGS and Australian electropop trio HAIKU HANDS, Baker Boy serves up another dose of grit and energy on ‘FREAK OUT ft. Briggs & Haiku Hands’ – a perfect follow-up to recent single, ‘PEACEKEEPER’.
Co-written with Briggs, Haiku Hands, Rob Amoruso, Pip Norman, Ziggy Ramo and REDD., ‘FREAK OUT’ carries the high-energy of ‘PEACEKEEPER’ but with sharper lyricism and a commanding delivery.
In Baker Boy’s words, “FREAK OUT is all about the bratty energy, it’s a bit of an f you to the man, to the ‘grown ups’, and to the system but done in kind of a cheeky and playful way. It hits on the very real experiences of being a Yolŋu man in the city and living in the white world. The reality of balanda (non-Yolŋu) people touching my hair, tokenising me, and telling me how to live my life, but me taking back that control, and being like “nah I’m not putting up with this, I’m going to live the way I want to.”
Reflecting on working with Briggs and Haiku Hands, “Briggs brings this huge energy, reinforcing that we’re not going to conform, we’re not going to be a statistic, we’re not going to fit their stereotype, he’s braggy and arrogant, but keeps it playful and clever. Then Haiku comes in and brings the big feminist boss energy; they’re bold and not holding back, again this idea of like nah we’re not conforming to what you want us to be, we’re doing what we want and taking ownership.”
Briggs says of working with Baker Boy for the first time in a musical project, “It’s about time! I’ve known Danzal for nearly 10 years; I watched him grow as a person and an artist – Yolngu & Yorta-Yorta connecting again! ”
The accompanying official video was co-directed and co-produced by his longtime creative collaborator AURIE INDIANNA and Melbourne filmmaker JORDAN RUYI BLANCH (Hilltop Hoods, Memphis LK) – the same team behind the ‘PEACEKEEPER’ video.
Returning to Werribee Mansion (Victoria) to film with dancers, Briggs and Haiku Hands, the creative team knew with a track like ‘FREAK OUT’ – bold in its message but cheeky in tone – it was important that the visuals reflected the same balance; strong, confident and a little wild.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR ‘FREAK OUT’ ft. Briggs & Haiku Hands
Baker Boy says of the ‘FREAK OUT’ video, “it’s still dance focused, but with a different energy to PEACEKEEPER. It’s stronger and bolder. I’m owning the space more in this one. The vibe is fun, cheeky, and a little chaotic, just like the track.”
Aurie Indianna shares, “picking up where PEACEKEEPER left off, with Baker Boy transitioning from the balcony into the ballroom, we again used dance as a nod to his origins, but this time to challenge and disrupt the grandeur of the space. We wanted a sense of growing chaos throughout the video. It begins with sharp, choreography-led moments that show a new staunchness in Baker Boy’s performance. As Briggs and Haiku Hands enter, the energy becomes more chaotic. Briggs brings undeniable power, while Haiku Hands inject playful, feminist strength. Again, such a joy to co-direct this with Jordan, and Hena’s choreography really anchored the piece with movement that felt powerful but playful.”
With ‘FREAK OUT’ and ‘PEACEKEEPER’, setting the tone so far, it looks like we’re set for Baker Boy’s biggest chapter yet as he continues to shake things up in 2025.
The Moving Stills Call for Change with Emotive New Single ‘Can’t Be Like This Forever’
Fresh from a string of standout releases and live performances, Central Coast (Darkinjung Country) favourites The Moving Stills return with Can’t Be Like This Forever, a shimmering, indie-pop anthem that captures the urgency of our times with a hopeful, heartfelt punch.
Pairing driving drums and dreamy guitar lines with a reflective vocal delivery, Can’t Be Like This Forever is both personal and political, using the breakdown of a relationship as a lens to explore greater themes of injustice, climate anxiety, and the need for meaningful change. The result is a track that balances infectious energy with quiet power, perfect for big festival singalongs and introspective late-night drives alike. LISTEN HERE
“Can’t Be Like This Forever” is a reflection on the current things happening in the world. The injustice faced by so many, and the issues around climate change. Change and progression is so important. This message has been projected through the lens of a relationship. We love this song’s upbeat feel, and are looking forward to playing this one live.” says The Moving Stills
The single builds on the success of Running Out, which received its first play on triple j’s Drive and was added to top editorial playlists across Spotify (New Music Friday, Indie Arrivals, Radar AU & NZ), Apple Music (New In Indie, New Music Daily), Amazon Music (Down Under, Brand New Music), and Audiomack (Indie Jams, Best of the Week Rock).
The Moving Stills are currently on the road with Spacey Jane, supporting them across their Australian and New Zealand tour. Their live reputation has grown through appearances at The Great Escape, Woodford Folk Festival, and SXSW Sydney, alongside past support slots for Nothing But Thieves, Ocean Alley, and The Rubens.
Their acclaimed album Wabi Sabi was named a triple j Feature Album, with every single receiving full rotation. It hit #2 on the ARIA Vinyl Chart and #6 on the Australian Albums Chart, while the band closed 2024 as the cover of Amazon Music’s Down Under. Meanwhile, their track Westside is currently soundtracking a WA Government campaign.
With Can’t Be Like This Forever, The Moving Stills continue to prove they can evolve sonically and thematically offering music that’s not only easy to love, but increasingly vital.
MINOR GOLD RELEASE NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘MOONLIGHT SILVER HIGHWAY’
NEW ALBUM WAY TO THE SUN OUT JULY 25. PRE-SAVE HERE | PRE-ORDER CD/VINYL HERE
Minor Gold return with “Moonlight Silver Highway”, the third single from their highly anticipated forthcoming album Way to the Sun. This new single follows on from the success of Way to the Sun and Hair Hang Down, which have each landed major Spotify & Apple playlists along with high rotation nationally on Double J, and ABC Country (WTTS), also clocking in over 200,000+ streams on Spotify in the first weeks of release. Moonlight Silver Highway takes the darker coastal road, than the sundrenched debut offerings. LISTEN
Produced and recorded by Dan Horne—who also lends his touch on bass and pedal steel guitar—the track is a soul-stirring meditation on loss, longing, and the strange comfort sometimes found in solitude.
Rooted in the raw emotionality of The Band, the finely woven harmonies and guitar work of Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, and the lush, melodic storytelling of Fleetwood Mac and Jenny Lewis, “Moonlight Silver Highway” feels both timeless and immediate. The song captures a nighttime drive through familiar roads where echoes of a lost loved one linger in the stillness, drawing a fragile line between presence and absence.
Lyrically intimate and emotionally unflinching, the track traces the aching struggle to move forward while caught in the gravitational pull of the past: “Keep moving out of range, trying to turn a page / Look at something different, feel a little change / But the tide keeps pulling me in.”
Drummer Austin Beede provides the steady pulse beneath Horne’s lush production, anchoring a sonic landscape that shimmers with restraint and release. It’s a fitting backdrop for a song that lives between the real and the remembered—a quiet reckoning with the beautiful, brutal weight of holding on and letting go.
What began as a voice recording on Tracy’s phone in the middle of the night on an Australian highway, was finished in the middle of America. You can hear the faint hum of the engine under the melodic murmerings on her iphone. There is a beautiful, loneliness that feels baked into the track, but the groove and feel still make you feel like your moving forward…we love that contrast” – says Dan Parsons.
Moonlight Silver Highway is available on all streaming platforms May 23.
Album Way to the Sun is out July 25, 2025 via MGM Distribution.
Preorder a copy on CD / Vinyl HERE.
WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR MOONLIGHT SILVER HIGHWAY
FOLLOW MINOR GOLD: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Apple Music
MAREYA gets vulnerable on high-energy new single ‘ADHD & ME’
Melbourne-based Māori pop artist Mareya brings a whole lot of energy and a whole lot of vulnerability on her brand new single, ‘ADHD & Me’. Detailing the struggles of living with the titular condition, ‘ADHD & Me’ is a candid and powerful anthem about the Aotearoa-born artist spending so much of her life not understanding the nuances of her own brain, and the immense sigh of relief which accompanied the arrival of her diagnosis:
“‘ADHD & Me’ is a song that encapsulates the ADHD experience while also touching on the sense of freedom I had when I finally knew what was going on with me. Knowing the reasons why I did the things I did allowed me to lift a lot of self blame off me for being the way I am. I finally had an explanation and it was like a lightbulb moment for me.” MAREYA
WATCH THE ‘ADHD & ME’ MUSIC VIDEO HERE
A powerhouse producer as well as songwriter and performer, Mareya captured the magic and emotion of the single in her very own home studio in Melbourne, with co-production by Younique, mixing by Lachie Milne and mastering by Nic Barnshaw. Wanting to approach the huge central theme with the care and consideration that it deserves, Mareya put a lot of energy into finding the right sonic qualities to accompany its meaning. Striking the perfect balance to celebrate its own beautiful brand of chaos while also doing justice to its hardship, she decided that a bright and bouncy pop track, full of heart and sincerity, was the way to go about it:
“There was a choice that had to be made when writing the song, do I make it a ballad or do I make it fun? If I make it fun, does it invalidate the experience? I chose to make the song mostly fun and upbeat because the lyrics capture the truth of the song and I wanted fellow ADHDer’s to at least have something upbeat and feel good to bop to transmute its heaviness. I also feel that the choice I made here expresses the hyperactivity that comes with the type of ADHD I and many others have. I chose to have a slow and softer bridge section to honour the pain, sadness and frustration that comes with living with ADHD.” MAREYA
Beyond its immediately personal significance for Mareya herself, ‘ADHD & Me’ was written with the hope that it might encourage further learning and understanding amongst audiences, as well as that it might provide some comfort to anyone who perhaps sees themself reflected back in its lyrics:
“This song really validated me and was so healing and cathartic to write and perform. I just hope it makes even one other person feel that way and feel seen. I also hope this song reaches people who have ADHD who don’t know they do! It was the people around me and online talking about what I talk about in the song that made me book an appointment with my doctor, so if this song gets even one person a diagnosis or explanation that would also be so amazing! For people who don’t have ADHD, maybe they will hear this song and understand their friend, partner or family member more.” MAREYA
A rising star who has already scored opportunities to share stages with the likes of The Jungle Giants and The Veronicas, Mareya has over 620K streams across DSPs to her name, as well as over 1.9 million video views across Instagram and Tiktok. With a big heart, a mountain of talent, and a steadily growing audience, Mareya is a sure name to keep your eye on.
‘ADHD & Me’ is out Friday May 23rd
MAREYA: Official Website | triple j Unearthed | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Tiktok
AMORPHIS to release 15th studio album BORDERLAND on September 26, 2025
AMORPHIS are back: After taking a brief creative hiatus from the scene, the iconic Finnish metal titans return with the announcement of their 15th studio album, BORDERLAND arriving on September 26, 2025 via Reigning Phoenix Music!
Guitarist Esa Holopainen shares the band’s excitement about the forthcoming album: ““Borderland” is the first AMORPHIS album produced in collaboration with Danish producer Jacob Hansen. Before that, we had made three amazing records at Jens Bogren’s studio. During the planning phase of the project, we strongly felt that it was time to explore something new and see what working with a different producer might bring to the table!”
As a first introduction to BORDERLAND the band is thrilled to reveal that a brand new single ‘Light And Shadow’ will be released on June 6, 2025. More details to follow shortly.
Pre-save ‘Light And Shadow’ now: https://amorphis.rpm.link/lightandshadowPR
More from AMORPHIS: amorphis.net | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok
X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM
MRCY SHARE NEW SINGLE ‘FLICKER’
FORTHCOMING PROJECT VOLUME 2 OUT THIS FRIDAT 30 MAY 2025
VIA DEAD OCEANS PRE-SAVE HERE
London-based duo MRCY today return with ‘Flicker’, ahead of their new project VOLUME 2, which is due for release later this week on Friday 30 May via Dead Oceans. Quickly becoming a formidable live act not to miss, MRCY will celebrate the release with their third ever headline London show at Islington Assembly Hall on 29th May, after both of their previous headline shows sold out.
Landing alongside a stunningly realised video starring Stefano Saa and choreographed by Theophilus O. Bailey, ‘Flicker’ is a clear standout from their new body of work which sees Kojo sing about the temptation to give yourself emotionally to people who don’t deserve it over Ghanaian highlife melodies and a dance-floor-filling bassline. Speaking on the track, MRCY explains, ”Flicker’ is about putting too much energy into people who don’t give it back. It’s that feeling when you realise you’ve been pouring into the wrong cups – people who wouldn’t do the same for you.’
Director Dumas Haddad adds, ”MRCY’s artistry is rich, intentional, and deeply emotive and this video was all about capturing that with movement as a narrative force. We wanted the choreography to guide the viewer through shifting spaces, blurring the line between performance and story. It’s a visual reflection of the track’s emotion and energy.’
MRCY – Flicker (Official Video)
In dark and difficult times, the music of Barney Lister and Kojo Degraft-Johnson lifts us up. As MRCY, across the eight tracks of VOLUME 2, they deliver on their premise of emotive music that surprises as much as it comforts, referencing timeless sounds as much as a sense of the cutting edge. If their debut release, 2024’s VOLUME 1, which blended Kojo’s ecstatic vocals and Barney’s masterful analogue production, showcased MRCY’s lightning-in-a-bottle chemistry, VOLUME 2 builds from there to a collection that is more sophisticated, thematic, and definitely more modern, exploring love, self-discovery, and healing.
‘We’re trying to extinguish fear with optimism and worry with love,’ Barney says, on confronting the many crises of modern life in their new release. ‘VOLUME 2 breaks the mould to present a bigger picture of who we are – something with angst, surprises and more guts.’
The duo’s innate confidence in each other stems from their impressive musical pedigree. Barney grew up in Huddersfield and was introduced to the Yorkshire town’s soundsystem culture from an early age before going on to produce and collaborate with everyone from vocalist Obongjayar to popstar Rina Sawayama, Mercury Prize-nominees Joy Crookes, Olivia Dean and Celeste and Glaswegian soul singer, Joesef. Kojo, meanwhile, draws on his South London Church-going background with a mighty vocal power that references gospel emotion, choral harmony and the catalogue of soul greats like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. Earning his stripes on London’s jam circuit, he has since provided vocals for Cleo Sol, Little Simz, Jungle and Liam Gallagher.
Following the release of VOLUME 1 last year, MRCY earned a nomination for Rising Star at the Rolling Stone Awards, were named one of DIY’s Class of 2025 and Rolling Stone’s Ones to Watch. The duo also embarked on a UK and EU tour with US soul group Black Pumas and sold out their headline show at London’s Jazz Café, honing an assertive stage presence that channels tight-knit classic soul ensembles in the process. They stormed the festival season – All Points East, Great Escape, Green Man, End of the Road, Iceland Airwaves, Pitchfork Paris, ESNS – and picked up support across Radio 1, 6Music and Apple Music (including Zane Lowe, Elton John and Guy Garvey shout-outs). At the heart of the band is the opposites-attract chemistry of Barney and Kojo themselves, two hugely distinct and multi-talented personalities with the confidence to step out of the shadows and show a little MRCY.
‘Flicker’ Out now via Dead Oceans. Listen/buy here
Volume 2 LP. Out Friday 30 May 2025 Pre-save/pre-order here
ALEIA Debuts With Tender Indie-Pop Gem ‘Had Your Fun’
Get real with Perth/Boorloo artist ALEIA and her debut dose of sweetened indie, ‘Had Your Fun’, out now. Stream ‘Had Your Fun’
Known for her open-book honesty and overthinking tendencies, ALEIA brings a down-to-earth charm to her unique blend of alt-folk-pop. Her songwriting tackles the messiness of modern dating without sugarcoating the bare minimum — instead, she leans into the awkward, vulnerable truths that often go unsaid.
Her debut single, ‘Had Your Fun’, is a haunting yet tender indie gem — as gutting as it is graceful. With delicate piano, ticking percussion, and ALEIA’s ghostly vocal delivery, the song pulls you in from the first note. Even without knowing the lyrics, the emotion is unmistakable.
Written in a moment of post-breakup clarity, ‘Had Your Fun’ reflects the moment when the rose-tinted glasses finally come off and the toxicity of a past relationship comes into focus. It’s a poetic post-mortem — raw, reflective, and full of the emotional depth that makes ALEIA so captivating.
‘Had Your Fun’ is out everywhere now.
Follow ALEIA Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
MATILDA DUNCAN GOES TO A NEW LEVEL WITH THE RELEASE OF FORTHCOMING SINGLE “GROCERY STORE” (out June 6)
Matilda Duncan is poised for a huge latter half of 2025. Following on from the release of her single “10 Seconds of Silence”, her lyrical and melodic ability is shown more than ever in her forthcoming single “Grocery Store”. Having already supported powerhouse artists such as Vera Blue and sharing the stage with the likes of Australian icons The Rubens and Thirsty Merc, it is clear she had the potential to be seen in a similar light in years to come.
Making the move from the regional Queensland town of Townsville to Melbourne to pursue her dreams of becoming a full-time musician, Matilda has shown her ambitious songwriting is matched by her audacious personality. Speaking on the inspiration behind “Grocery Store”, Matilda explains “…it is a testament to the other side of heartbreak. The song is near to me not just because of the way it helped me move forward, but now I hope it might give someone else a place to hold all the same feelings I experienced”. The new single is sure to connect on an emotional level with Matilda’s ever-growing fanbase, demonstrating the passion that is at the heart of her talent and music.
Matilda Duncan is set to make the leap from a rising indie singer/songwriter crafting lyrically poignant music, to joining the likes of her diverse range of influences including Phoebe Bridgers, Lizzy McAlpine, Missy Higgins, and Gretta Ray. Even as a young artist, Matilda won a supporting slot on the tour of platinum selling Australian band, The Rubens, through Triple J. This not only provided Matilda with the well-deserved recognition as a gifted singer/songwriter, but as an impressive live act just as capable of engaging a large audience. Since then, Matilda has play Groovin The Moo Festival in 2019, boasting headliner Billie Eilish, supported Vera Blue, Thirsty Merc, Kim Churchill, Katie Noonan, Ruby Fields, and international acts such as Tyler Hilton. If that wasn’t enough evidence that she is quickly becoming recognised by a prominent list of musical peers, she has also joined the stage at festivals with Eskimo Joe, Boo Seeka, and fellow North-Queensland Greta Stanley.
Produced by Cameron Nacson and mastered by Klaus Hill, “Grocery Store” is the beginning of a new chapter in Matilda’s already exciting career and impressive musical journey. Keep an eye out this year for more to come from one of Australia’s most intoxicating singer/songwriters!
“GROCERY STORE” IS OUT ON 6TH JUNE 2025
Genre defying Los Angeles four-piece SAINT MOTEL announce debut Australian tour dates. Also appearing at WANDERER FESTIVAL 2025
Renowned for a gleeful blend of genres and sonic influence, indie four-piece SAINT MOTEL have finally locked in a debut tour of Australia. Set to bring their energetic live show to East Coast venues this September and October, Saint Motel will also be making their Australian festival debut on the Sapphire Coast, appearing at this year’s anticipated Wanderer Festival.
Saint Motel’s core sound has remained ambitious, stretching back to their debut studio release, 2012’s Voyeur. Since then, the band has expanded their sound – encompassing indie, pop, and funk inflections to bolster the rhythms and warm textures permeating throughout – their latest album, Saint Motel & the Symphony in the Sky perfectly capturing the band’s current creative peak.
WATCH ‘GET IT AT HOME’ MUSIC VIDEO
The Platinum-selling group have made consistent strides forward with their music, all the while their audiences have grown exponentially: testament to Saint Motel’s insatiable appetite for crafting memorable sounds and moments of songwriting storytelling.
Their music has been streamed and viewed over 2 billion times, while their live shows aren’t without an immersive element – energy that has been hungrily absorbed across countless headline tours and stages shared with the likes of Panic! At The Disco, Imagine Dragons, Arctic Monkeys, Weezer and Twenty One Pilots, just to name a few. Festival favourites, Saint Motel can count successful performances at the likes of Coachella, Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo to their already long list of achievements. And with this long-awaited Australian tour now confirmed and in the can, Saint Motel can add this run of shows to the list.
SAINT MOTEL AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Pre-sale tickets available via Handsome Tours HERE
11am local, Tuesday 27 May
General tickets available via Handsome Tours HERE
11am local, Wednesday 28 May
Tuesday 30 September Metro Theatre Sydney
Wednesday 1 October Princess Theatre Brisbane
Thursday 2 October Croxton Bandroom Melbourne
Saturday 4 October WANDERER FESTIVAL Pambula Beach
WET LEG SHARE PALPITATION-INDUCING NEW SINGLE & VIDEO ‘CPR’+ SECOND ALBUM moisturizer OUT 11 JULY
Kicking off their UK tour last week that saw the band play two storming shows at London’s Brixton Academy as well as Radio 1’s Big Weekend, Wet Leg continue their comeback with the palpitation-inducing new single ‘CPR’. LISTEN / WATCH
The opening track of their second album moisturizer (due July 11th), ‘CPR’ is one of the many love songs found on their upcoming record. However, Rhian Teasdale’s refrain of “Is it love, or suicide?” confirms that this is not exactly Wet Leg Does Barry Manilow. As the band lock into a sleazy beat, Teasdale sings about her new romance with a sly, nihilistic deadpan, before letting all hell break loose on the chorus.
The video for ‘CPR’, directed by the band, is a headbanging, cruising one-take glimpse into the world of the UK’s most beloved oddballs.
Although Teasdale previously felt allergic to writing love songs, moisturizer is defined by its sheer exuberance and Teasdale ended up finding the process empowering. moisturizer is the band turning the dial up and delivering a record that is unapologetically bolder, stronger and raunchier.
‘CPR’ follows the frenetic, alluringly combative lead single ‘catch these fists‘ which has now been performed live on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and The Jonathan Ross Show.
Wet Leg are Rhian Teasdale, Hester Chambers, Ellis Durand (bass), Henry Holmes (drums), and Joshua Mobaraki (guitar, synth).
moisturizer is available to pre-order on limited edition 3D gatefold cream coloured vinyl w/ signed photo, picture disc vinyl, standard vinyl, cassette, CD and digitally.
Watch The Music Video For ‘CPR’
‘CPR’ SINGLE OUT NOW STREAM HERE
moisturizer ALBUM OUT 11 JULY PRE-ORDER HERE
MORE INFORMATION:
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
TIKTOK
FACEBOOK
YOUTUBE
JAZZ PIONEER JOHN MCLAUGHLIN and earMUSIC ANNOUNCE “LIVE AT MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL 2022” TO BE RELEASED August 8th, 2025
John McLaughlin makes his return with “Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022”. This essential live album beautifully captures the seamless synergy between John and his longtime band The 4th Dimension on audio and HD video.
On July 11th, 2022, John returned to the Montreux Jazz Festival with The 4th Dimension and award-winning special guest Jany McPherson on piano and vocals. Delivering a masterclass in fusion to the audience of Stravinski Auditorium. Performing favorites such as ‘New Blues Old Bruise’, ‘El Hombre Que Sabia,’ as well as Pharoah Sanders’ ‘The Creator Has a Master Plan.’
PREORDER THE ALBUM HERE
John’s history with the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival spans 52 years as a headlining artist and sometime guest performer. Those who couldn’t be there now have the chance to see what they missed. Those who had the honor of being there can relive this monumental performance, available as a Blu-ray+2CD Digipak, 2 LP Gatefold and digital download on August 8th, 2025 worldwide via earMUSIC.
“I’ve said it many times before – The MJF is the greatest Festival in the world. Having played there since 1971, I’m in a good position to make that statement. The night of this particular recording was no exception and we musicians rose to the occasion. This performance is outstanding for all of us. There was joy, virtuosity, and a fantastic collective experience…“-John McLaughlin
Hear “Abbaji (Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022),” the first single and see the video HERE
“Abbaji” by John McLaughlin is a deeply emotional and nostalgic piece, dedicated to the tabla maestro Alla Rakha, also known as “Abbaji.” The song is a heartfelt tribute, reflecting McLaughlin’s profound respect and admiration for Alla Rakha’s contributions to music and his personal influence on McLaughlin’s musical journey.
Single:
“Abbaji” (Live at MJF 2022)
Digital Release: 14.05.2025
Album:
Live at Montreux Jazz Festival 2022
Album Release: July 25th, 2025
Available as
Blu-ray+CD Digipak
2 LP (Black) Gatefold
Digital Download
Tracklisting (All Formats):
Side A:
1. Introduction (Blu-ray only)
2. Kiki
3. Lock Down Blues
4. The Creator Has a Master Plan
Side B:
5. Hijacked
6. Gaza City
7. Mr. DC
8. Abbaji
Side C:
9. New Blues Old Bruise
10. Here Come the Jiis
11. The Light at the Edge of the World
Side D:
12. Echoes From Then
13. El Hombre Que Sabia
14. Outro (Blu-ray only)
* Blu-ray/download video only
RISE AGAINST ANNOUNCE RICOCHET, FIRST ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS OUT AUGUST 15TH ON LOMA VISTA RECORDINGS
LEAD SINGLE I WANT IT ALL AVAILABLE NOW LISTEN | WATCH
When the stakes could not be higher, Rise Against return with news of their most resounding and reinvigorating music to date. Out August 15th on Loma Vista Recordings, Ricochet marks the rock band’s first album in four years, arriving in a world of constant stimuli, where the algorithm wants us all to be angry: like a pile of marbles hit hard and bouncing uncontrollably, continuing to spread further and further. But across these twelve songs, produced by GRAMMY®-winner Catherine Marks (Boygenius, Foals, Manchester Orchestra, St. Vincent) and mixed by Alan Moulder (Nine Inch Nails, Paramore, Queens of the Stone Age, The Killers), Rise Against ask listeners to consider who ultimately benefits from this collective division and displeasure – to look before we leap, to think about the consequences our actions have on each other, as the power structures that prod us remain preserved and protected.
Rooted in unification, Ricochet is a record massive in sound, but centered around the small parts of the psyche that lead to the biggest positive change. It all starts with oneself, and on the searing lead single, I Want It All, Rise Against rev the engine and jump-start a mission of self-determinism that is ardent, ambitious and unapologetic.
Listen to I Want It All, available now on Loma Vista Recordings, and watch the Sisyphean music video here:
I Want It All follows recent singles Nod – hailed as a “particularly potent rallying cry for the moment” (Rolling Stone), and “the anthem we need right now” (VICE) – as well as Prizefighter, illustrating the internal battle between making art, maintaining autonomy and meeting the demands of our rapidly-shifting attention span. Throughout the rest of Ricochet, Rise Against dive deeper into the solace we find in community and the chain reaction of our words and actions – how hurt is not something that can be reversed, and that the fight for a better existence begins not with blind allegiance, but through an unpopular opinion from a minority of voices. While so much of the world is designed to feel like we are in a constant state of emergency, band members Tim McIlrath (lead vocals/guitar), Joe Principe (bass/vocals), Zach Blair (guitar/vocals) and Brandon Barnes (drums) urge us to come together to not simply survive, but to save it now.
In the four years since 2021’s Nowhere Generation, the Chicago band’s outspoken messages, bulletproof melodies and deep body of multi-Gold and Platinum hits have reached more fans than ever, uniting millions in a necessary embrace of vital, progressive issues. Whether they are singing about injustice, instability, environmentalism, animal rights or the way the social and economic decks have been stacked against the youth, Rise Against continue to fill arenas, top charts, break records and earn billions of streams.
Starting next month, they are back bigger than ever. Having already performed at LA’s Kia Forum and toured across three continents this year, Rise Against return to the road hot on the heels of the album announcement, for an impressive EU/UK tour and festival headliner run in June, followed by Vans Warped Tour, and dozens of arena and amphitheatre shows in the US.
I WANT IT ALL – OUT NOW https://i.riseagainst.com/iwantitall
RICHOCHET – OUT AUGUST 15 https://found.ee/riseagainst_store
THE NARRATOR Release New Single ‘Unbind Me’
After THE NARRATOR announced their signing to Nuclear Blast Records a couple of weeks ago, the band today releases its brand new song ‘Unbind Me’.
‘Unbind Me’, which was mastered by Ted Jensen, captures THE NARRATOR at their fiercest, with an unrelentingly heavy composition, encompassed within anthemic melodies, proving that once again that THE NARRATOR is a must-have on every playlist.
Stream ‘Unbind Me’:
https://thenarrator.bfan.link/unbindme
Watch the music video for ‘Unbind Me’:
https://youtu.be/B_dyI9MrteE
THE NARRATOR commented:
“Unbind Me marks a fresh chapter for us – with our new partners and a strong team by our side. The video, brought to life by the amazing Daniel Prieß, captures all the energy we put into this song. We can’t wait to play it live on our upcoming shows this summer and fall.’’
About THE NARRATOR:
THE NARRATOR were founded in 2017 in the Ruhr area and have been captivating audiences with their energetic songwriting and electrifying live performances from the very beginning. After successful tours and festival appearances, THE NARRATOR steadily made a name for themselves in the German metalcore scene.
In September 2024, THE NARRATOR released their highly anticipated debut album Lore – 10 tracks that speak volumes, boasting an impressive 10 million streams on DSP´s. Their latest single, ‘Unbind Me’, mastered by Ted Jensen (STERLING SOUND – BRING ME THE HORIZON, GREEN DAY, KORN, and many more), and accompanied by a striking music video directed by Daniel Prieß, proves once again that THE NARRATOR is a must-have on every playlist. One thing is certain: the best is yet to come!