SNIPPETZ: THURSDAY OCTOBER 2, 2025

SNIPPETZ: Thursday October 2, 2025

This week’s Snippetz features: Roya, The High Street Drifters, Ixaras, Paleface Swiss, Paulina and Tom Thum , Chris Lanzon, Whiskey Jack, Louis Tomlinson, Becca Hannah, Sunny Luwe, Becca Hannah, Charley, Holly ‘Cookie’ Baker, Arabella And The Heist, Sound Affliction, Geese, Harry Vanda, Kreator and more.

 

ROYA ANNOUNCE AUSTRALIAN TOUR FOR JAN 2026

Electrifying Danish pop duo, ROYA are set to bring their euphoric, house-infused live show to Australia for the very first time for a string of Aussie summer sets, set to lavish Brisbane (The Triffid) on Jan 29, Melbourne (The Night Cat) on Jan 30 and Sydney (Oxford Art Factory) on Jan 31.

Tickets go on sale today from 10am AEST from teglive.com.au/live_tour/roya/.

Emerging from Denmark, Line Gade and Sebastian Igens have built one of Europe’s fastest-growing fanbases. They first captured worldwide attention when a clip of their single Ain’t Just A Game went viral, with their follow-up single Cruise solidifying their breakout moment, snagging over 44 million streams and more than 500 million views across social platforms.

Now with millions of streams and sold-out international shows under their belt, ROYA’s momentum shows no signs of slowing down and Australia is finally getting in on the action.

Hyped to be jetting across the world to play for their Australian fans, Roya said, “From the very beginning of this journey, we’ve felt the love and support pouring in from Australia. Every message, every stream, every comment – we’ve seen it all, and we’ve felt so connected to the Aussies even from the other side of the world. This is not just another show for us. This is something we’ve been manifesting since day one and now the dream is finally becoming reality! We can’t wait to bring the beats, the love, the sweat, the energy and to live the music together!”

Tickets are on sale from 10am from teglive.com.au/live_tour/roya/.

ROYA – AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES:
Tickets available from teglive.com.au/live_tour/roya/

THUR 29 JAN | THE TRIFFID, BRISBANE | TICKETS
FRI 30 JAN | THE NIGHT CAT, MELBOURNE | TICKETS
SAT 31 JAN | OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY | TICKETS

 

 

THE HIGH STREET DRIFTERS Words for Leaving” and “Snakes Reach (SINGLES)

Fresh off a CMAA Golden Guitar nomination and a run of major festival appearances, Melbourne’s The High Street Drifters return with their highly anticipated new release, a double single featuring the heartfelt “Words for Leaving” and the blazing instrumental “Snakes Reach.”

Out now, the two tracks highlight the dual sides of the Drifters’ artistry: storytelling and virtuosity. “Words for Leaving” is a poignant vocal track inspired by the heartbreak of parting ways on the road. With soaring harmony and a driving rhythm section, the track captures both the intimacy of love found and the ache of inevitable goodbyes.

By contrast, “Snakes Reach” showcases the group’s instrumental firepower. With fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and bass locked in a whirlwind of bluegrass energy, the track channels the Drifters’ inventive spirit and love of tradition into a hard-driving instrumental.

Written by Justin Vilchez, “Snakes Reach” earned 3rd place in the prestigious International Monroe Mandolin Songwriting Competition, highlighting the band’s skill and creativity within the global bluegrass community.

“Words for Leaving shows what drives us as songwriters and our inspirations, while ‘Snakes Reach’ captures the joy of playing flat-out bluegrass,” says guitarist Daniel Watkins.

“Being part of Australia’s growing bluegrass scene while carrying our sound onto the world stage is something we’re really proud of.”

The new release follows a packed run of festival appearances, including Woodford Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival and Tamworth Country Music Festival, where the Drifters have been met with acclaim for their energetic performances and fresh take on Australian bluegrass music.

Their momentum has only grown since their Golden Guitar nomination for Bluegrass Recording of the Year earlier this year and an upcoming showcase at IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, TN, cementing their status as one of the most exciting young acts in Australian country roots music.

“Words for Leaving” and “Snakes Reach” will be available on all streaming platforms September 3, 2025.
thehighstreetdrifters.com

 

 

NEW POWERHOUSE SINGLE ‘AROUND U’ FROM PEKING DUK, DRAX PROJECT & KITA ALEXANDER VIA COKE STUDIO – OUT NOW!

Released now on all streaming platforms is the high-energy collaborative single titled “Around U” with an unforgettable sonic collision between ARIA-Award winning hitmakers Peking Duk, multi-platinum-selling Kiwi band Drax Project and chart-topping singer-songwriter Kita Alexander.

This new track out in time for Spring brings together the incredible Australian and New Zealand talents to create something that not only sounds amazing but also celebrates the collective spirit of our region. “Around U” is all about joy and unity, fusing Peking Duk’s dynamic electronic beats combined with Drax Project’s smooth pop-jazz groove, and Kita Alexander’s infectious pop prowess.

The release from Coke Studio, a global music platform that sparks unexpected collisions, which can be anything from artists who don’t usually collaborate to mixing genres that aren’t traditionally fused to create one-of-a-kind collaborations.

Peking Duk’s electronic duo Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles said: “We’re stoked to be part of Coke Studio this year. Creating a song with the incredible Kita Alexander and the Drax boys was pure magic – everyone brought their own flavour, and it just clicked. ‘Around U’ is a banger. Turn it up!”

Martyn Ferguson, Senior Director of Marketing at Coca-Cola Australia and New Zealand, expressed his excitement about the return of Coke Studio AU/NZ: “We’re turning up the real music magic, because Coke Studio Australia and New Zealand is back for season two! At Coca-Cola, we love how music brings people together, and this project is one of our favourite ways to make that happen”.

The three artists will unite on stage to perform “Around U” for the first time for an exclusive live performance in Sydney on Thursday, October 9 at the National Art School. Fans can grab tickets to the exclusive live performance and/or follow along the Coke Studio journey at @cocacolaau or @cocacolanz on Instagram or via the website HERE

FOLLOW ARTISTS @pekingduk  @draxproject @kitaalexander

 

 

IXARAS captures the raw contradictions of modern love on new single CASUALLY

Indie pop-rock artist and songwriter Ixaras returns with CASUALLY, a heartfelt exploration of the messy contradictions at the core of modern love. Known for pairing sharp lyricism with emotionally charged melodies, ixaras has quickly established herself as one of the country’s most compelling new voices, and CASUALLY sees her stepping further into the spotlight with unflinching honesty.

“When you go on tour you spend a lot of time away from home. I wrote the song as a reassurance to my family, friends and loved ones how much I care despite not being able to always be there. My song “Casually is an anthem about the obstacles that come with relationships and how no matter what, loving unconditionally is a choice that I will always actively participate in no matter what stands in the way.” ixaras shares.

Born in Meanjin/Brisbane,ixaras’ music reflects the intensity and volatility of youth while carving out space for connection, expression and inclusivity. Through her DIY record label and event platform Anti-Dismal, she has redefined what accessibility in live music looks like, throwing all-ages gigs in backyards, skateparks, community halls and houses and building a grassroots community around her music.

With each release, ixaras has proven herself a rising force. Her songs have earned multiple triple j first plays, a full triple j add for ‘This City’, and consistent national and international radio support across triple j Unearthed, Double J, Radio Adelaide, 4ZZZ, Joy FM and Sirius FM USA. Media have rallied behind her story, with features across ABC’s docuseries with Myf Warhurst, triple j, Junkee, Happy Mag, The Music, Women in Pop, Purple Sneakers, The Aus Music Scene, Good Call Live and more. Her debut national headline tour in June 2025 sold out across every city, following festival slots at NYE On The Hill, Great Escape Tasmania and Sweet Relief, with forthcoming appearances at Spilt Milk and as a national support act for The Rions’ October 2025 tour. She has also shared stages with Esha Tewari and Aleksiah.

ixaras streaming presence continues to surge, with Spotify playlisting support across New Music Friday AU/NZ, Fresh Finds AU/NZ, Glow, Local Noise and more, alongside major support from Apple Music, where she was highlighted as an Up Next Artist, appeared on the New Music homepage banner, and landed on flagship playlists including New Music Daily, Today’s Indie Rock (#1 positioning), Superbloom, Indie Anthems, Antidote, Heaps Indie, The Sound and more.

Momentum shows no signs of slowing. ixaras will join The Rions’ national tour this October, perform at the Australian Women In Music Awards on 8 October, and take the stage at Spilt Milk Gold Coast on 14 December.

With CASUALLY, ixaras captures the contradictions of intimacy, heartbreak and gratitude with the authenticity that has become her trademark. It’s a song that lingers, both vulnerable and defiant, cementing her place as a voice for a generation navigating the complexities of connection in real time.

CASUALLY Single LISTEN

CONNECT WITH IXARAS 

 

 

PALEFACE SWISS Team Up With STICK TO YOUR GUNS For Crushing New Single ‘Instrument of War’

Limited Edition Charity T-Shirt On-Sale Now With Proceeds Going To Doctors Without Borders Buy HERE

It hasn’t been long since Paleface Swiss kicked off 2025 with their breakthrough album Cursed, swiftly followed by CURSED – The Complete Edition, featuring the brand-new track ‘I Am A Cursed One.’

After a dynamic and successful year across Europe, a near sold-out tour of Australia, a run through Mexico, and selling over 35,000 tickets in the U.S., the next step felt inevitable: a massive European tour spanning from Ireland to Spain, once again teaming up with Stick To Your Guns.

During their joint U.S. tour, Stick To Your Guns vocalist Jesse Barnett and Paleface Swiss frontman Marc “Zelli” Zellweger formed a strong creative bond, which led to a writing session that birthed the powerful new single ‘Instrument Of War.’ The track was recorded in-studio with manager and producer Marco Bayati, and mixed by longtime friend Florent Salfati (Landmvrks), who infused it with the signature Paleface Swiss punch. The result is a compelling fusion of the Zelliverse and Jesse Barnett’s unmistakable voice.

The creative synergy between the two bands demanded a visual counterpart, culminating in a striking music video directed by the band’s manager Kriss Jakob. The title Instrument Of War was inspired by a quote from Pablo Picasso, shared by Jesse during the tour:

“No, painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war for attack and defence against the enemy.”

Listen to ‘Instrument Of War’ here: https://palefaceswiss.bfan.link/instrument-of-war

Watch the video: HERE

This quote became the conceptual backbone of both the song and the video. Beyond its artistic impact, the track carries a powerful charitable message: 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Doctors Without Borders, supporting their emergency medical work in conflict zones worldwide. A limited-edition Instrument Of War charity shirt is also available now at palefaceswiss.com, with all profits going directly to the organization.

Zelli and Jesse shared: “No, painting is not done to decorate apartments. It is an instrument of war for attack and defence against the enemy. We felt like we both relate to this. Our music isn’t just some shit to put on in the background. It’s something real that comes from a real place, and it’s meant to attack the things that divide us and defend all the things that bring us together.”

 

 

Paulina and Tom Thum Continue Their Collaboration with Pop-Soul Anthem ‘Wrong Signal’, A Sonic Statement on Confidence and Respect

Paulina returns with her boldest single yet, ‘Wrong Signal’, in collaboration with world-renowned beatboxer and sonic innovator Tom Thum. ‘Wrong Signal’ marks the next evolution of the Paulina x Tom Thum creative partnership, building anticipation for their upcoming collaborative EP.

The pair started the year hot with viral momentum of their previous hit ‘Focus On Me’ before moving into production-heavy track ‘Jaded’. Paulina and Tom once again come together to push boundaries with ‘Wrong Signal’ – a confident, empowering pop-soul track that takes a stand against disrespect and celebrates self-worth. Co-produced together, the track is a playground of inventive sounds. Think subtle layers of beatboxing, everyday objects like wine glasses sampled for organic texture, and a lead bass line crafted from Paulina’s own voice. The result is a fearless, experimental soundscape.

‘Wrong Signal’ was inspired by an experience I think nearly every woman I know has had at least once – a guy who just won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. Even though it’s a serious topic, I didn’t want to let them win & write a sad song about it. I think women (& anyone for that matter) should have the right to love themselves, feel sexy & be confident, without that being a green light for some creep to disrespect you. So, this is a bit of a screw you kind of song, directly aimed at anyone who is incapable of respecting people’s boundaries xx”

At just 21, Meanjin/Brisbane-based singer, songwriter, and producer Paulina has already made a significant mark on the Australian music scene, blending emotional lyricism, immersive production, and a voice that is both ethereal and commanding. The track reflects Paulina and Tom’s fearless experimentation and artistry, giving listeners a deeper listen into their forthcoming collaborative EP. Paulina first gained recognition with her breakout single Parasite, earning her the Youth Award at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards. Since then, she has garnered support from major platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, MTV, Rolling Stone Australia, and triple j. Tom Thum is well known for his approach to beatboxing which has seen him create the world’s first “human synthesized band” for Google, to conducting a beatbox endoscopy live at TEDx. As well as teaming up with some of the world’s finest symphony orchestras and a performance at the world’s most celebrated Classical music festival – The BBC Proms. Tom’s artistry continues to redefine what’s possible in music production and is shared with Paulina’s approach to songwriting and production.

Their first collaborative release ‘Focus on Me’, gained millions of views and expanded their global following, with Paulina gaining over 60k fans since the release. The beatbox heavy track was followed up with ‘Jaded’ showcasing the pair’s inventive sound production for the first time. This saw them land Spotify Editorial playlist spots including Pop n’ Fresh, All New Pop, Turn Up AUS, EQUAL AU/NZ and a number of  New Music Friday globally, as well as Apple Music’s Lifted and Pop Chill playlists. Paulina and Tom Thum are also recipients of the American Apparel StAArt Up Fund, releasing a line of merchandise that complements their artistic vision.

The pair will showcase their musical talent at this year’s SXSW Sydney. Having sold out all four of her headline shows and performed alongside notable artists like Jack Botts, FELIVAND, Hanni, Velvet Bloom, as well as international shows in London and Germany. SXSW Sydney will be a special occasion where audiences will be able to see Paulina debut new music with her full band on Wednesday, October 15 at The Chippo Hotel from 7:00pm – 7:30pm and Thursday October 16 at The Abercrombie Hotel from 8:00pm – 8:30pm. Keep your eyes peeled because a secret SXSW set with Tom Thum will be announced soon.

Drawing inspiration from contemporary icons like RAYE, Olivia Dean, and Billie Eilish, Paulina fearlessly dives into serious themes with signature boldness and flair. Supported by tastemakers including Rolling Stone, Happy, TMRW Magazine, Mixdown, and more, ‘Wrong Signal’ pays homage to the rich R&B soundscapes of the early ’90s and 2000s. Driven by hypnotic loops and propulsive drums, the track is made for head-bopping and letting loose, while delivering a message that cuts deep and lingers long after the beat fades.

https://www.instagram.com/paulinas_music/

 

 

CHRIS LANZON RELEASES NEW SINGLE “SPIRAL”: A TITLE TRACK ABOUT CYCLICAL GROWTH, ISOLATION, AND EMERGING STRONGER ON THE OTHER SIDE

On the back of his USA and Australia album tour announcement, Chris Lanzon unveils his powerful new single “Spiral”, the latest track from his forthcoming album. The latest offering captures the romantic yet melancholic push and pull of spiraling down through hardship and spiraling up toward renewal.

Written in collaboration with Jerome Blazé, “Spiral” is a song about confronting feelings of being invisible, trapped, and weighed down, and realising that hardship is unavoidable and necessary. The track mirrors this journey in its structure: opening heavy, intimate, and solitary, before blooming into a more hopeful space. Near the end, the entrance of female voices becomes a turning point, like the sudden presence of a friend, lover, or guiding hand offering encouragement, and reminding us we are not truly alone.

“This song is about feeling trapped and overlooked/invisible and alone and stressed out and realising you need to go through all the shit to come out the other side. It is unavoidable, and your journey alone. No one can do it for you. It’s acknowledging that you need to face the journey alone, or trying to tell someone you love that they need to do so, in order to be the best you can for each other. The spiral shape is important, because it goes both ways. You can spiral down and spiral up. The song follows this structure, as does the album. This is the title track with the lyric “you’re missing the best part”. By the end of the song the female voices enter, like the presence of another person, a lover, a friend, someone encouraging us on this journey, and assuring us they’ll be here to catch us on the other side.” – Chris Lanzon

At its core, “Spiral” is about resilience and perspective. Acknowledging that lows are an essential part of life’s cycle, while holding onto the quiet hope that renewal will come. Romantic yet sad, chill yet deeply moving, the song embodies Lanzon’s ability to translate raw vulnerability into something universal, reminding us that even in solitude, there is always light ahead.

ABOUT CHRIS LANZON Chris Lanzon is a quietly powerful songwriter and storyteller, known for his emotionally rich blend of pop, folk, and ambient indie. His work balances vulnerability with melodic finesse, drawing comparisons to artists like Big Thief, Phoebe Bridgers, and Jeremy Zucker. Through his soft-spoken delivery and intimate self-production, Lanzon creates music designed not for spectacle, but for resonance.

With four EPs and millions of streams behind him, Lanzon has grown a dedicated global following. His previous releases have earned support from BBC Radio 1, triple j, Rollingstone and iHeartRadio (Emerging Artist). In late 2024, he sold out his debut headline shows and has supported artists such Blake Rose, Eloise, and Sam Fischer. He recently showcased at SXSW Austin 2025 and has just signed with US booking agent Mike Hayes (Sky Ferreira, Kneecap, Matt Maltese).

With “Spiral”, Lanzon deepens his artistry, weaving raw vulnerability with quiet strength. It marks a moment of profound creative honesty and self-awareness, affirming his evolution as both songwriter and storyteller while capturing the cycles of struggle and renewal that define the human experience.

CHRIS LANZON USA TOUR 2025 (SOLO)

Fri Nov 7 – Beat Kitchen – Chicago IL
Sun Nov 9 – Drake Underground – Toronto ON
Tue Nov 11 – Elsewhere – Brooklyn NYC
Thu Nov 13 – Mohawk Indoor – Austin TX
Mon Nov 17 – Brick + Mortar – San Francisco CA
Tue Nov 18 – Moroccan Lounge – Los Angeles CA

CHRIS LANZON AUS TOUR 2025
Fri Nov 28 – Metro Social – Sydney NSW
Sat Nov 29 – The Evelyn – Melbourne VIC
Sun Nov 30 – Blute’s Bar – Brisbane QLD

Tickets from www.chrislanzon.com

 

 

GROOVE TUNES 2025 LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT

The accessibility focused festival for absolutely everyone! Friday 29 November | The Corner Hotel, Melbourne Tickets on sale now!

Groove Tunes, the micro festival with macro heart, is back – bigger, bolder and more inclusive than ever! Returning to Melbourne’s iconic Corner Hotel on Friday 29 November, the 2025 edition marks four incredible years of celebrating live music, community and inclusion – bringing unforgettable performances to everyone, no matter their access needs.

Launched in 2022, Groove Tunes has become a trailblazing blueprint for how all live music events should look and feel: an all-accessible festival where absolutely everyone can enjoy the energy of a live gig.

Groove Tunes 2025 lineup features rising R&B artist Dean Brady, bringing his powerhouse vocals and live show to the Corner stage. He’ll be joined by dreamy indie-soul collective Velvet Bloom, genre-blending artist Dani Enli’s big hooks and high energy, and multi-instrumentalist Bel Kil, who delivers shimmering, feel-good indie-pop.

Descended from the Gugu Yalanji and Birrigubba people and raised in a musical household, Dean Brady blends Motown influences with a fresh, future-facing style. His forthcoming mixtape Dean’s Home (out 31 October) is a groove-soaked journey through love and self-discovery, featuring the stunning single “Lost To The Moon”. With soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, Brady is fast becoming one of Australia’s most exciting voices and Groove Tunes can’t wait to share his unforgettable set with audiences.

Australian collective Velvet Bloom blend soul, pop, funk, folk, and indie to create their unique sound. Fronted by Maddy Herbert, whose emotive vocals and poetic lyrics captivate, the band combines expressive guitars, atmospheric keys and dynamic percussion into a cinematic soundscape. Known for immersive live shows, their 2025 self-titled debut album was hailed by Claire Mooney of Triple J Unearthed as “one of the best releases of 2025”.

Perth’s Dani Enli is shaking up modern pop with her fearless fusion of Jersey Club, R&B and trap. A self-produced, self-written powerhouse and skilled dancer, she’s racked up viral hits like “till the end of time” and “I LIKE YOU”, each with millions of organic views on Instagram. Dani’s electrifying live shows supporting Kennyon Brown, DJ Noiz and Teo Glacier have established her as a bold force, championing Asian representation and redefining global pop.

Bel Kil create a magnetic blend of indie-pop, mixing sharp songwriting and raw emotion with lush production with vocals. Bel’s EPs My Year and Wasted Emotion have earned her Spotify Editorial playlisting, spins on Triple J Unearthed, Rage and more. On stage, she’s captivating, lighting up venues and festivals across Australia. Catch Bel and her band when they bring their electrifying energy to Groove Tunes.

Dean Brady | Download high res HERE

Groove Tunes in the brainchild of Dina Bassile, a passionate advocate for inclusivity and accessibility in the music industry. As a person who uses a wheelchair, Dina has firsthand experience of the gaps in accessibility within the Australian music scene. In response, she founded her business, Tibi Access to help open-up gigs and events of all sizes to everyone – a mission that led to the launch of Groove Tunes.

Alongside Groove Tunes, Dina has led and consulted on patron accessibility for the Australian leg of Taylor Swift’s The Era’s Tour, collaborated with St Kilda Fest to introduce Auslan interpreters for the first time in the festival’s 43-year history, created an accessible stage at BIGSOUND and received numerous awards in recognition of her work.

By embedding accessibility from start to finish – from venue design and ticketing to performance interpretation – Groove Tunes proves that accessibility and atmosphere go hand in hand.

“When I first created Groove Tunes, I wanted to prove that accessibility and live music don’t just coexist, they amplify each other. Four years on, it’s incredible to see how this festival has grown into a community that celebrates music, connection and inclusion. Groove Tunes is living proof that when everyone can be part of the experience, the energy in the room is unlike anything else,” said Dina Bassile.

Now a much-loved annual event on the Melbourne music calendar, Groove Tunes offers patrons a wide range of support including:

• Patron Support Service – tailored assistance for anyone who needs it
• Comprehensive accessibility info – FAQs and social content to help you prep ahead
• Sensory quiet space – for anyone needing a calm moment during the show
• Auslan interpretation and lyric videos – so performances are accessible for everyone
• Companion ticketing – so you can enjoy the night alongside your support networks
• Haptic vests – letting you feel the music in a whole new way
• Friendly volunteers ready to support patrons throughout the event

Groove Tunes is proof that when accessibility is prioritised, the music experience gets better for everyone. So grab your crew, sort your tickets and get ready to groove!

GROOVE TUNES 2025
DEAN BRADY, VELVET BLOOM, DANI ENLI & BEL KIL
The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Friday 29 November TICKETS on sale now!

 

 

WHISKEY JACK – BROKEN FASHION (SINGLE)

Award-winning singer-songwriter Whiskey Jack is known for his smooth sound, timeless vocals and poetic lyricism. With folk, alt-country, and Americana influences, he crafts a distinctive sound that pushes boundaries. Named after the grey jay, a clever bird of the North American wilderness, his music captures everyday beauty with heartfelt storytelling and introspection.

In a landmark year, Whiskey Jack released his second EP ‘Extra Luck’, was handpicked by Angus & Julia Stone for the Wild Turkey House of Music mentorship programme in Sydney, and took home the 2025 WAM Country Song of the Year for his single Wild Card.

A Cinematic Journey Through Betrayal and Redemption

Whiskey Jack makes a powerful return with Broken Fashion, a raw and cinematic alt-country track that dives deep into the sting of betrayal, the unmet potential of relationships, and the hollow echo of empty apologies.

Inspired by soundscapes and themes of the West, particularly the stylised grit of 1960s Spaghetti Westerns, Broken Fashion invites listeners on a journey with a stranger in a cool green blazer, navigating heartbreak, hard times, and the challenge of forgiveness.

The song’s metaphorical creek crossings and well-worn excuses are musically underscored by cowboy chords in a minor key, evoking dusty trails and emotional reckoning. As the track unfolds, a melodic shift to a major key offers a glimmer of hope.

The instrumental suggests an unspoken thought: maybe it’s time to fashion a new outlook, break in a new outfit, and chase that dream you’ve been having. Broken Fashion is not just a song, it’s a reckoning, a release, and a reminder that healing sometimes means walking away.

“I wrote this song as a kind of honest therapy,” says Whiskey Jack. “Tired of second chances and empty apologies.”

Launch Event ‘Broken Fashion’ Launch Party, Friday October 17, at The Bird Northbridge. With supports Sophie Lilah, Hey So Hungry and Harry Foxton – tickets here.

ABOUT Whiskey Jack: From the hills of Perth, springtime and nature enthusiast Whiskey Jack is known for his smooth sound, timeless vocals and poetic lyricism. Blending indie, folk, alt-country, and Americana influences, he crafts a distinctive sound that pushes the boundaries of modern folk, captivating audiences with heartfelt, finely honed compositions.

Drawing inspiration from wandered trails and the quiet beauty of everyday moments, Whiskey Jack finds poignant metaphors in plain sight. His songwriting is rich in storytelling and introspection, resonating deeply with listeners seeking authenticity and emotional depth.

The name Whiskey Jack pays homage to the grey jay, a clever and curious bird found in the boreal forests and subalpine zones of North America. Known for its presence in remote wilderness and its folklore associations, the bird reflects the artist’s connection to nature and his instinct for noticing the poetic in the everyday.

In a landmark year, Whiskey Jack released his second EP Extra Luck, was handpicked by Angus & Julia Stone for the Wild Turkey House of Music mentorship programme in Sydney, and took home the 2025 WAM Country Song of the Year for his single Wild Card.

With fresh releases, live shows, and dynamic collaborations on the horizon, 2025 promises to be Whiskey Jack’s most exciting chapter yet.
Spotify | Instagram

 

 

LOUIS TOMLINSON RELEASES NEW SINGLE “LEMONADE”

THIRD ALBUM “HOW DID I GET HERE” DROPPING JANUARY 23, 2026

Global music superstar Louis Tomlinson overnight released his highly anticipated new single ‘Lemonade’ (Listen Here), where it debuted on BBC Radio 1 as their ‘Hottest Record’. ‘Lemonade’ is a mix of tight funkified guitars, shimmering keys, and organic percussion leading to a captivating chorus. “She’s so bitter, she’s so sweet, a little taste is all I need”.

Louis shared, “The most important thing was for the first single to sound ambitious sonically. It had to be big and fun. To me, ‘Lemonade’ really has instant and natural personality. It ended up being the perfect way to begin this chapter.”

Louis has also just announced that his third album ‘How Did I Get Here?’ will be released on 23rd January 2026 and is available for pre-order now HERE!

“I sum up it as ‘The record I always deserved to make’,” he says. “My bread and butter is the honesty. I genuinely wear my heart on my sleeve, and I hope it comes through in the music. I’m still learning and getting better as a singer and a songwriter. I find it impossible to be complacent; it’s not in my vocabulary. For the first time now, I’m allowing myself to be the artist I’d always hoped to be.”

For his third album Louis has pushed himself as a lyricist, songwriter, and performer, holding nothing back on these tracks. Though he certainly doesn’t have to prove himself, it’s clear that he still writes music, plays shows, and sings as if everything is on the line. In the studio, restless creativity and a hunger for artistic exploration drive his process. Live, he leaves everything on the stage as sold-out crowds meet him head-on with the same amount of enthusiasm and energy. As a writer, he’s diving deeper into who he is than ever before.

This time around, Louis assembled a handful of initial ideas in the English countryside before decamping to Santa Teresa in Costa Rica for three weeks in early 2025. He dove into writing and recording alongside primary collaborator and co-producer Nico Rebscher [Aurora, Alice Merton]. The atmosphere of his surroundings underscored the ensuing body of work.

Ultimately, Louis is unabashedly himself on the album, and it’s utterly undeniable. “Taking all of the steps I did to get here was important. I needed to do for confidence to become the artist I wanted to be and make a hopefully big, but personal album. I think I did.”

Following a world-conquering run as a member of One Direction, Louis formally introduced himself as a solo artist with Walls [2020]. Dubbed “excellent” by Rolling Stone, his debut LP moved over 1.2 million copies worldwide and reeled in nearly 1 billion total streams. Two years later, he levelled up on Faith In The Future [2022]. The album hit No.1 in the UK, Spain, Argentina and Belgium plus No. 2 in Australia. It cracked the Top 5 of the US Billboard 200, capturing No.2 on the Top Album Sales Chart, Top Current Album Sales Chart, Top Independent Albums Chart, and Top Vinyl Albums Chart.

Louis has shined on collaborations such as the Platinum-certified “Back To You” [feat. Bebe Rexha & Digital Farm Animals] and Gold-certified “Just Hold On” with Steve Aoki. Beyond a slew of awards, he also impressively emerged as the rare presence who could appear on Family Guy or compete in the coveted football game Soccer Aid on the English squad. Along the way, he launched The Away From Home Festival (now in its fifth year), which he curates and headlines.

Notably, the Faith in the Future World Tour canvased five continents and affirmed his status as one of today’s most in-demand live performers, selling out arenas to capacity in 34 countries and stadiums in five countries, making an incredible homecoming at The O2 Arena in London. He accomplished yet another extraordinary feat and once again made history as the very first male solo artist to headline Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez F1 track. In 2023 Louis released a feature length documentary ‘All Of Those Voices’ which was screened in cinemas in 65 countries, and had movie premieres in London, Tokyo, LA and Mexico City.

New Single ‘Lemonade’ Out Now Third Album ‘How Did I Get Here?’ Released 23rd January 2026

FOLLOW LOUIS TOMLINSON

 

 

SOULFUL R&B/JAZZ SINGER-SONGWRITER BECCA HANNAH ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM’ TONIGHT IN MY DREAMS’ (JANUARY 23 PRE-SAVE) & SHARES STICKY, SWEET FIRST TASTE OF A NEW LOVE WITH “CARAMEL”–LISTEN + WATCH LIVE VIDEO

LA via Boston soulful/R&B singer-songwriter Becca Hannah announces her warm, velvety debut album Tonight In My Dreams due out January 23 and available for pre-save now. With the announcement is the sweet first taste, “Caramel,” out now, which playfully encapsulates the feelings of a new love. Watch the live video from the studio here.

Born from real life experiences, the forthcoming ten track project touches on lust, love, growth, fear, loss, and longing with soulful vocals and layers of jazz and R&B as Hannah pulls from female powerhouses like Amy Winehouse, Corrine Bailey Rae and Erykah Badu. Hannah hopes the music connects to listeners in whichever ways they find meaningful. Creating her own sense of community through music, Hannah adds, “We all love, we all suffer, and how beautiful is it that we can relate to each other through songs that highlight all of the above? It brings a sense of community and acknowledgement of our humanness. It makes the ebbs of life more manageable, and the flows all the more blissful.”

The album was tracked live with a 9-piece ensemble, and recorded and mixed by seven time GRAMMY-winner Jim Scott at his own Plyrz Studio in Valencia, CA.

Scott’s work with Tedeschi Trucks Band, Tom Petty, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and countless others drew Becca and Tristan to working with him. A visit to his secret studio, filled with magical vintage gear and creative energy sealed the deal–this album could only be made at Plyrz with Scott.

“Caramel” emerged from a lingering scent from Hannah’s 27th birthday cake. “We approached the writing process in a silly, playful, somewhat ridiculous manner. This was kind of a nice break from my emotionally intense / confessional songs I’ve written in the past. Light-hearted and laid-back, the track relishes in the buzz of a new connection. “What started off as a joke of a line about cake turned into a whole story about longing, fantasy, and lusting over a crush.”

Debuted on Atwood Magazine, calls “Caramel” the “perfect jazzy single paradise for pinning over a crush,” adding “From the very first lyric and vocal note, the track draws us in with its allure, and the instrumentation is truly just as tantalizing.” Atwood goes on to say, “Blending the smoky soul of Macy Gray with the elegance of Norah Jones, Becca Hannah’s seductive single “Caramel” pours into the ears like the smooth drizzle of its namesake.” On the accompanying video, Atwood says, “As we watch Hannah sing into the mic, we can fully feel her energetic confidence and fervor shine through. It is also clear to see how much fun she is having with every warm grin. That positivity ripples through the room, making every other musician beam with smiles of their own.”

Watch “Caramel” (Live from the studio)

The track is complete with an energetic trumpet solo from Austin Drake, a playful horn arrangement from George Pereli, a sprinkling of tasty piano from Pàppa D, and smooth guitar licks by guitarist and collaborator, Tristan Jantz.

With her signature sultry, gritty rasp, Becca Hannah has captivated audiences from Boston to Los Angeles throughout the last several years. The artist has played Made In America Festival in Philadelphia and was a 2025 Tiny Desk contest finalist. After connecting with Tristan Jantz in the local Boston scene, the pair hit it off and later both happened to move to Los Angeles a year apart. Now, they’ve come together to collaborate fully as co-writers and producers on the forthcoming project, Tonight In My Dreams out this January.

Becca Hanna’s radiant sophomore album, Tonight In My Dreams, is due out January 23 available for pre-save now. “Caramel,” the jazzy, bubbly first taste is out now. Don’t miss more from the soulful singer-songwriter–connect via Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.

CONNECT WITH BECCA HANNAH Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Soundcloud

 

 

Sunny Luwe Returns Home in Heartfelt Video for ‘It Won’t Be Long Til I See You Again’

‘Feeling Good’ Album Out October 10

Sunny Luwe unveils the music video for her latest single ‘It Won’t Be Long Til I See You Again’, arriving just ahead of her sophomore album ‘Feeling Good’, out next Friday, October 10. Shining with her trademark optimism, the track blends pop, soul, and country into a cathartic anthem that uplifts the spirit while tenderly acknowledging themes of love, grief, and hope.

The accompanying video, directed and edited by award-winning cinematographer Alisha Todd, returns Sunny to her hometown of Canungra and the family home that shaped her earliest years. Filmed in golden light, among the landscapes that hold both memory and meaning, the clip becomes a moving visual diary of healing. “It felt nice to journey back to Canungra and see it with fresh eyes,” Sunny reflects. “For years I avoided it because of painful memories, but writing and releasing this song has healed some of those scars.”

The union of song and video captures more than nostalgia. It shows the alchemy of turning heartbreak into hope. ‘It Won’t Be Long Til I See You Again’ is a reminder that music can be both a vessel for grief and a lantern toward brighter days, radiating comfort and strength in equal measure.

With ‘Feeling Good’ arriving October 10, Sunny will celebrate with a series of special appearances: presenting at GC Music Network’s BandCamp (Oct 3), an intimate album listening party and acoustic performance at Wild Flower Gin Distillery (Oct 10), and a live-on-air album launch with 4ZZZ (Oct 11). More details below.

Upcoming Shows / Panels:
Fri, Oct 3 – Presenter/Workshop Facilitator at GC Music Network’s BandCamp
Fri, Oct 10 – Wild Flower Gin Distillery, Varsity Lakes (QLD) | Album Listening Party / Acoustic gig
Sat, Oct 11 – LIVE ON AIR Album Listening Party on 4ZZZ
Sat, Nov 15 – The Triffid Beer Garden, Brisbane | Free
Fri, Nov 21 – The Beach Hotel, Byron Bay | Free

Follow Sunny Luwe Official Website | Spotify | Apple Music | Youtube |Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Triple J Unearthed

 

 

 

Nigel Wearne releases New Single Beautiful Blue (Acoustic) OUT NOW

Singer-songwriter Nigel Wearne releases his new single Beautiful Blue (Acoustic). Sultry, vivid and seductive; Beautiful Blue is a sordid romantic tale with compelling gypsy overtones. Picture a full moon, blood-red wine and a murder of crows. A raw, emotive, stripped back rendition of his 2012 crowd favourite; recorded in its original form featuring a solo performance with moody finger-style guitar and brooding vocals. Stream HERE   Watch LIVE Video

Beautiful Blue follows on from his recent acoustic singles I Don’t Want This Rage Anymore (August 22), Eventide (June 5) and 8 Minutes (April 30). The 4th single and featured bonus track from his upcoming solo acoustic album The Lone Reckoning OUT October 17.

Wearne wins the 2025 Telluride Blues Challenge (USA): In early September with just 10 days notice, Nigel flew to the USA where he was one of 6 finalists to compete in the 2025 Telluride Blues Challenge. The prize? A coveted slot at the 2026 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, a cash prize and a beautiful Martin Guitar. Nigel was thrilled to be crowned the 2025 winner! (pictured below)

The Telluride Blues Challenge has quickly grown to be one of America’s premier music competitions, drawing rising blues talent from across the globe. Located at 2,668 metres elevation in the San Juan mountains, it was quite the journey for Nigel, travelling all the way from Gunditjmara country in Southwest Victoria.

Fresh from touring the UK and Ireland with a performance at the Clonakilty International Guitar Festival (IRE), he returns home this month to play a couple of festivals in Australia.

TOUR DATES
18 OCT || WARRNAMBOOL, VIC – SoundTracks Festival
24-26 OCT || DORRIGO, NSW – Dorrigo Folk & Bluegrass Festival

Nigel’s had a huge couple of years touring internationally, performing at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals including Hardly Strictly Bluegrass (USA), MerleFest (USA), Cambridge Folk Festival (UK), Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion (USA), Philadelphia Folk Festival (USA) and the recent 30A Songwriters Festival (USA) and Blissfest (USA.

Website | Youtube | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify

 

 

CHARLEY RETURNS WITH SULTRY NEW SINGLE ‘CHERRIES’

Sydney-based pop chanteuse delivers her most daring track yet, celebrating queer love with a striking Marie Antoinette-inspired music video

Sydney-based, ARIA-nominated, pop songstress Charley is back with her most captivating release yet – the sultry and empowering new single ‘Cherries’, out now. The track marks the first chapter from her highly anticipated debut album slated for release in 2026.

Written and produced across LA and Sydney by Charley and Lukas Costas (Jonas Blue, Devin Kennedy)alongside TBHits (Ariana Grande, BLACKPINK) as part of the Inaugural ARIA Collab Initiative, ‘Cherries’ showcases the artist’s evolution into bolder, more intimate territory. The track pulses with dark synths and infectious energy, capturing the intoxicating rush of a situationship while celebrating queer love.

“I was in LA when I wrote it last year, and wanted to write something that felt sexy and dark and sounded like the thrill of a short situationship.” explains Charley.

The single arrives accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by Roman Anastasios (Hilltop Hoods, Jacotene), perfectly complimenting the song’s dramatic flair.

“This music video was so much fun to create. I’ve always wanted do choreography in a music video and it finally came to fruition,” says Charley. “I wanted it to give the last supper x God Is A Woman x iconic pop culture reference like Marie Antoinette. Something that feels messy and fun like it does when you’re in the rush of ‘the’ act.”

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:

Since releasing her acclaimed debut EP ‘TIMEBOMBS’ in 2023, which earned her an ARIA nomination for the Michael Gudinski Breakthrough Artist Award and debuted on the ARIA albums chart, Charley has cemented her position as one of Australia’s most exciting pop exports. With over 10.5 million combined streams and 1.5 million YouTube views to her name, she’s embarked on sold-out headline tours, supported major acts including Stephen Sanchez, G-Flip, Griff and FLETCHER, and delivered show-stopping performances at SXSW.

Her previous singles ‘Hard For Me’, ‘Arizona’, and ‘I Suck At Being Lonely’ – the latter earning her a Top 4 position at Eurovision Australia Decides in 2022 – have showcased her ability to blend vulnerability with infectious pop sensibilities. Her Valentine’s Day 2024 cover of Paramore’s ‘Still Into You’ as a global Amazon Music Original further demonstrated her versatility, amassing over 100,000 streams in its first week.

Drawing inspiration from powerhouse vocalists like Kelly Clarkson, Ariana Grande, and Paramore, as well as contemporary artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Troye Sivan, Charley describes her sound as “yearning while crying while dancing” – a perfect encapsulation of the emotional complexity that defines her artistry.

With a debut album on the horizon, ‘Cherries’ signals that Charley isn’t just another pop hopeful – she’s an artist ready to push boundaries and tell her truth, no matter how bold.

“This song goes out to all of my queer girlies who also agree that papaya is just better than eggplants.”

‘CHERRIES’ IS OUT NOW – LISTEN HERE

 

 

FROM ‘THE SUMMER’ TO ‘THE WINTER’, HOLLY ‘COOKIE’ BAKER TRANSFORMS HEARTBREAK INTO HOPE WITH POWERFUL NEW SINGLE

Holly ‘Cookie’ Baker returns with her evocative new single, The Winter, an accidental sister song to her 2017 duet The Summer with Tim Rogers. Written and refined over several years, The Winter is a reflective yet hopeful ballad about love’s emotional toll and the journey through self-realisation, heartbreak, and renewal.

The Winter weaves a soundscape that is both cinematic and intimate, pairing Cookie’s poetic storytelling with lush string arrangements by South Australian composer Thea Martin. Produced by Mario Spate at Danger Deer Studios in Adelaide, the track showcases Spate’s mastery of pop and atmospheric sonic textures. Cookie ventures into new sonic territory, seamlessly blending expansive chamber pop with emotionally rich vocal harmonies. Long-time friend Ollie English lends his enthralling vocal talent to the track, delivering a powerful performance that complements Cookie’s trademark shimmering voice.

“I’d always come back to The Winter whilst working on other music, for years actually. I’d pick it up and sing only the chorus over and over, turning it around in my mind.” Cookie shares. “It’s a song about navigating the complex layers of dissatisfaction in a relationship—acknowledging the sadness, confronting the resignation, and yet still reaching for hope.”

“My introduction to The Winter was on this beautiful old piano at Cookie’s house; she played the song back to front and I instantly connected with it,” says Ollie English. “She’s a wordsmith with really cool vocal phrasing, and a lot of the original ideas remained in the studio. My favourite element is the dynamics – from subtle whispers to roaring crescendos. It’s an honour to sing on this song.”

Known for her lyricism and grit, Cookie’s work has earned her collaborations with Australian music icons Tim Rogers, Angie Hart, and Mick Thomas, while sharing stages with renowned acts including Neko Case, Augie March, Kate Miller-Heidke, and Ben Lee. Raised on a farm by the sea in rural South Australia, Cookie draws from an eclectic mix of alt-country, indie pop, and contemporary folk influences, as showcased on her debut LP, This Is Not A Love Song.

Capturing the raw beauty of vulnerability and emotional resilience, The Winter invites audiences to find solace and strength in their own journeys of renewal.

The Winter is now available on all major streaming platforms.

Holly ‘Cookie ‘Baker The Winter

UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS
5 OCTOBER – NAARM/MELBOURNE – THE MERRI CREEK TAVERN W/ OLLIE ENGLISH – TICKETS HERE.
10 OCTOBER – TARNTANYA/ADELAIDE, SA – SALT TREE AUSTRALIAN TOUR – TICKETS HERE.

FURTHER 2025 DATES ANNOUNCED SOON.

Follow Holly ‘Cookie’ Baker

 

DEATH BY DENIM SHARE EXPLOSIVE NEW SINGLE ‘KETAMINE DREAM’

REVEAL THIRD STUDIO ALBUM LADYBUG  SET FOR RELEASE MID-NOVEMBER

Western Australia’s beloved rock outfit Death By Denim return in 2025 with a bold new single, ‘Ketamine Dream’, out today; a track that hits like ketamine for your headphones – disorienting, euphoric and unexpectedly healing.

LISTEN TO ‘KETAMINE DREAM’ HERE

“Buckle up for a wild ride,” the band says. “This is a song written about an intense trip with ketamine infusion therapy. It’s a hazy rock and roll soundscape set against a driving beat, filled with many twists and turns – both dark and euphoric – to reflect the unconventional healing experience.”

Alongside today’s release, Death By Denim also rip the veil off their third studio album Ladybug, set for release mid-November – a collection born from the band’s journey through, and triumph over, a difficult chapter

Fresh from a powerhouse year of touring across Australia, New Zealand and the UK alongside Great Gable and The Terrys, Death By Denim have spent 2025 quietly crafting a darker, cinematic rock sound, one that could be lifted straight from a Tarantino film.

This new chapter finds the band returning to their rock ’n’ roll roots with raw energy and a vulnerable edge. Ladybug reflects personal struggles and triumphs that shaped the past year, capturing the cathartic process of moving through pain into renewal.

‘Ketamine Dream’ is a driving, hypnotic anthem blending hazy guitars, pulsing bass, and an undercurrent of psych-rock swagger. Lyrically, it grapples with themes of unconventional healing, altered states, and emotional catharsis, setting the tone for what’s to come on their third studio album.

As ‘Ketamine Dream’ blazes a trail for the release of Ladybug, Death By Denim step into their boldest chapter yet, a cinematic rock spectacle that proves once and for all why they’re one of Australia’s most explosive live band

LISTEN TO ‘KETAMINE DREAM’ HERE

GET SOCIAL WITH DEATH BY DENIM WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY | UNEARTHED | YOUTUBE

 

 

Dirt Road Wave ‘Again ‘n’ Again’ (SINGLE)

Dirt Road Wave are back with their latest single, ‘Again ’n’ Again’, out now through Golden Robot Records.

‘Again ’n’ Again’ dives into the cycles we all inevitably fall into – whether conventional or unconventional, for better or worse. It’s about those patterns in life we sometimes don’t want to acknowledge yet continue to repeat. As the band puts it: “We’re all in it, and you’ll do it Again ’n’ Again.”

With their signature mix of grit, groove, and anthemic hooks, Dirt Road Wave once again deliver a track that hits as hard lyrically as it does sonically. Expect driving rhythms, raw energy, and a chorus that sticks in your head long after the song ends.

This release marks another bold chapter for Dirt Road Wave, further cementing their reputation as a band unafraid to explore the everyday truths we all live through – wrapping them in a sound that feels both fresh and timeless.

‘Again ’n’ Again’ is officially available to stream now on all major platforms via Golden Robot Records.

Stream ‘Again ‘n’ Again’ HERE

 

 

Arabella and The Heist Capture Tension and Release in ‘Maraschino’ Music Video. Single Out Now

Arabella And The Heist lean deeper into the chaos of their latest single, ‘Maraschino’, with the release of the music video. Shot DIY-style in a space too small to stand, the video’s red and black palette mirrors the track’s wild push and pull, embodying both its sensual sound and the sharp tension of its lyrics.

No strangers to raw immediacy, the band chose an intentionally confined set-up, one camera, one space, to channel the song’s pressure into something visual, tactile, and unflinching.

“The music video, like the song, came from a place of wanting to play with the idea of tension and release,” frontwoman Holly Arabella shares. “We chose an unconventionally claustrophobic space to set it within, set up a camera and filmed it ourselves. This allowed us the ability to play with the space in a way that portrays the pressure of the song.”

Directed and edited by Ryan Jones, with camera work by Ashton Taylor, the clip’s stripped-back approach amplifies its unfiltered intensity. Where the single exploded with pulsing basslines, fever dream vocals, and the anarchic glimmer of electronic sparks, the video strips the chaos back to its core, bottling the band in a space that feels ready to combust. It is messy, ecstatic, and irresistible, a snapshot of Arabella and The Heist’s electro punk world where confinement becomes liberation, and the smallest room is big enough to hold anarchy.

Arabella and The Heist’s ‘Maraschino’ (out now) pushes their sound and vision further into electrified punk territory. Catch them launching ‘Maraschino’ at Melbourne’s The Old Bar on Saturday, Oct 4 – details below.

‘Maraschino’ Single Launch
Saturday, October 4th – Fitzroy, Victoria @ The Old Bar w/ The Stripp and W.O.M.B.A.T | Tickets

Follow Arabella and The Heist Spotify | Apple Music | Bandcamp | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

 

 

SOUND AFFLICTION Brisbane Rockers Focus On Mental Health with New Track, Leave The Light On

Brisbane rock outfit Sound Affliction have shown their tremendous range via first two singles, the emotionally charged Sober and the riff frenzy of Devil In Me.

With ‘Leave The Light On’ they deliver another powerful track, full of sincere moments and mature songwriting.

The band comment that Leave The Light On “is about experiencing mental illness, and the need for help and acceptance from others. In this complicated world we live in, it is easy for one to fall through the cracks and be left with depression and no drive to move forward. Sometimes, you need love from another to give you the strength to push on through.”

Listen to Leave The Light On at
https://lnk.to/Hq9wsl

Watch the Video here
https://youtu.be/3zfCEUDs5HU

XMusic Bossman, Tim McLean-Smith says “Sound Affliction continue to deliver huge songs to get your teeth into and are growing strength to strength. Can’t wait to see these songs live as we head into 2026”

Catch Sound Affliction at HeavyFest
SOAPBOX BEER – BRISBANE
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
DOORS – 12 NOON –
$50 Online & $70 DOOR

Tickers available from
xmusic.au

Though Sound Affliction might be unfamiliar, the band’s lineup is stacked with seasoned talent. Frontman Matt, previously of Scandal Tree and Don’t Come Monday, commands your attention with a vocal range that shifts effortlessly from raw intensity to soaring majesty. Guitarists Dan (Black Whiskey) and Wayne (Scandal Tree, Cactus Dill Dos) are a dual-edged harmonious sword, weaving shredding riffage with melodic beauty to create songs that sound instantly familiar but also completely new.

Drummer Travis, also from Don’t Come Monday, drives the band’s engine and can take it from zero to a hundred in an instant. On bass Kev Brown (Pyre & Ice), brings a massive low end anchor to the bands massive sound.

Follow Sound Affliction
Facebook | YouTube | Spotify

Merch available at
https://xmusiclabel.bigcartel.com/sound-aflliction

Follow all XMusic artists at
xmusic.au

 

 

Favourite Kid Arrive With Bright Momentum On ‘Eyes on the Road’  And Announce Debut Album

Single Out NOW | Album ‘Two Cent Journal’ Out Friday November 21

Storming the Queensland scene with the type of musical chemistry that only the tumultuous nature of siblinghood delivers are Favourite Kid, bringing with them the bouncy country-pop and indie folk sounds of their single ‘Eyes On The Road’. Alongside the release is the announcement of their debut album ‘Two Cent Journal’, out Friday, November 21.

Headed by Ethan Roberts, who performs solo as Aspy Jones and was awarded a 2024 Queensland Music Award, Favourite Kid is driven by the creative bond he shares with his two equally musical siblings.

Joining forces with his sister Jaimie and brother Saul, the trio known as Favourite Kid is a pop/indie/country powerhouse to be reckoned with, already supporting icons like The Fabulous Caprettos and performing at killer festivals like Woodford Folk Festival, Mitchell Creek, Rock and Blues Fest, Undercover Artist Festival, Gympie Music Muster, and the Caloundra Music Festival, where they earned a Limelight Award for their incredible showcase of talent.

After spending their teen years studying at the Australian Institute of Country Music’s ‘Rockskool’ and working on their separate bands, they’ve come together in harmony once and for all, though the timeless sibling question still persists: ‘Who is the Favourite Kid?’

Marking a major milestone for the band, Favourite Kid are set to release their debut album, ‘Two Cent Journal’. Spanning five years in the making, the record captures the heart and honesty that define the trio’s sound, blending the charm of indie-folk, the grit of alt-country, and the polish of modern pop. It’s a body of work shaped by personal growth, hard-earned lessons, and the power of music as a coping tool. Ethan states:

“The album is called Two Cent Journal, and it’s a collection of songs about how I try to maintain good mental health whilst dealing with life. The songs are a real genre mix of indie-folk, alt-country and pop because I really find it difficult to stay in one lane. Two Cent Journal reflects my views of some of the hard lessons I’ve learned throughout my life, and I’m hoping it might help someone else who is struggling. This album has been five years in the making, so it’s a bit of an understatement to say I’m excited (and very nervous) for people to hear it.”

Off their debut album, ‘Eyes on the Road’ features a bright, bubbly beat with sparkling guitar riffs that open the song with a welcoming feel. The bridges are softer, more stripped-back as they reflect on how hard life’s valleys can be to climb from, and the chorus is clear and hopeful as all of the instruments rise and come together, encouraging people to keep their heads up and keep moving forward. Sun-soaked vocal layering reminds the listener that everyone is on their own journey, and no one is alone, while the drums tap out an optimistic beat.

This single is all about focusing inward, moving at one’s own pace, and remembering that comparison is the thief of joy. It’s important to walk one’s own path and remember that life is a ride, not a race!

Walk your own path with sibling trio Favourite Kid and their new single ‘Eyes on the Road’, which will be followed by their debut album ‘Two Cent Journal’ on Friday, November 21.

‘Eyes On The Road’ Launch Show:
Saturday, September 27 (2 pm) -The Junk Bar, Brisbane
Supporting Damien J. Johnson | Tickets

Follow Favourite Kid Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | SoundCloud | Tiktok | Facebook | Instagram | Website

 

 

 

FOOL NELSON ELECTRIFY WITH ‘BIG SHOT’ OFF FORTHCOMING ‘BAD DREAMS’ EP AND NATIONAL TOUR DATES

Hot on the heels of a cross-country run with Skegss, and their very own sold-out-debut-national-tour, WA-based indie rock trio Fool Nelson have just kicked the door down with their punchiest release yet, ‘Big Shot’. Alongside the release is the announcement of their third EP, ‘Bad Dreams’ and their biggest national headline tour to date, with their Boorloo/Perth all-ages show selling out within 48 hours.

Through blistering riffs, heart-on-sleeve lyricism and rollicking choruses, ‘Big Shot’ cements Fool Nelson’s place as one of Australia’s most exciting young bands. It’s urgent, melodic, and unapologetically big-hearted – a rallying cry to cut through the noise, drop the ego and hold onto what truly matters. Produced and mixed by Andy Lawson (The Buoys, Death by Denim), mastered by George Georgiadis (Ruby Fields, Hockey Dad).

“‘Big Shot’ was written as a reminder for us to remember what’s actually important,” the band shares. “It’s about ego getting the best of us, and making it feel like we can do everything on our own. The song talks about how important the people around us are in helping to stay grounded and reminding us of what matters.”

Appropriately noted as ‘Ones To Watch’ by triple j and selected as the Unearthed Competition Winner for Busselton’s One Night Stand (the only ever act to win an Unearthed Competition, twice) they have Rolling Sets Festival on the horizon, and look back at impressive sets at HYPER FEST, NYE On The Hill, Out & About Festival, Groovin the Moo Festival, Tone City Records Festival, plus impressed on support-act duties for Spacey Jane, Old Mervs, Ball Park Music, The Grogans and The Rions.

Fool Nelson’s latest single ‘Bad Dreams’ hit top 5 most played song on triple j, lit up Shazam Charts, and previous release ‘Don’t Feel Right’, climbed Shazam Charts in Perth, Adelaide and Melbourne, and was the most played song on triple j for multiple weeks. Their past 5 singles have all been added to rotation on triple j, widely embraced by Australian radio, they were cover stars of ‘Rock Out.’ on Spotify and added to countless Apple Music and Spotify playlists across the globe.

‘Big Shot’ is available worldwide now
‘Bad Dreams’ (EP) will be available worldwide Friday, October 17

FOOL NELSON ‘BAD DREAMS’ EP TOUR
Tickets available at foolnelson.com.au

FRI 10 OCT | THE TOTE, NARRM/MELBOURNE VIC
SAT 11 OCT | JIVE, TARNTANYA/ADELAIDE SA
THU 16 OCT | VINNIES DIVE, MUNDHARABA/SOUTHPORT QLD
FRI 17 OCT | THE BRIGHTSIDE, MEANJIN/BRISBANE QLD
SAT 18 OCT | SOLBAR, MAROOCHYDORE/SUNSHINE COAST QLD
FRI 24 OCT | THE LANSDOWNE HOTEL, EORA/SYDNEY NSW
SAT 25 OCT | LA LA LA’S, DHARAWAL/WOLLONGONG NSW
FRI 31 OCT | THE Y HQ, BOORLOO/LEEDERVILLE WA
SAT 1 NOV | THE Y HQ, BOORLOO/LEEDERVILLE WA SOLD OUT
FRI 7 NOV | PORT BEACH BREWERY, BOORLOO/NORTH FREMANTLE WA
FRI 5 DEC | HARBORD HOTEL, GARIGAL/FRESHWATER NSW

Additional Live Shows

FRI 26 SEP | WAVE ROCK CARAVAN PARK, HYDEN WA
SAT 29 NOV | ROLLING SETS, EBENEZER PARK, GUGAY/TWEED HEADS NSW
SAT 6 DEC | ROLLING SETS, MEMORIAL PARK, KARAGI/THE ENTRANCE NSW

FOLLOW FOOL NELSON
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TRIPLE J UNEARTHED | WEBSITE
SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | AMAZON MUSIC | SOUNDCLOUD | YOUTUBE

 

 

Geese Release Their Highly Anticipated New Album, Getting Killed Geese make their Australia + New Zealand debut in 2026 for Laneway Festival!

Album out now via Partisan Records Listen to Album

Today New York City’s Geese release their third studio album Getting Killed via Partisan Records. The album includes the band’s three early singles ‘Taxes’, the accidental ‘Trinidad’, and ‘100 Horses’, which unfurled the opening wave of the album’s barrage of sounds. Those early offerings have been described as “akin to an exorcism” (Alternative Press), “a tear-duct-cleansing release” (NYLON), and “unfettered euphoria” (Rolling Stone).

Ripping up the expected blueprint the band set with their 2021 debut Projector and the cowboy rock follow-up of 2023’s 3D Country, Getting Killed puts the very idea of conventional rock structures in the band’s crosshairs. Working at a feverish clip with renowned producer Kenneth Blume over a month-long stretch, Geese emerged wielding a sharp, novel new vision for the genre, sporting wry smiles and a resolute confidence. The band recently spent several days with GQ to talk about the process of making the record and their rapid journey over the last few years from high school friends to formidable rock stars.

In a few weeks, Geese will kick off their ‘The Getting Killed Tour’, the biggest headline tour run of their career, with sold-out headline shows across North America with the majority of the tour is now sold out. The band will also be embarking on the European leg of their Getting Killed tour in March 2026. Last week, Geese were also unveiled as part of the 2026 Laneway Festival and 2026 Coachella lineup, marking their debut in both Australia and in the desert next year. You can find all the tour information here.

The band’s 2023 sophomore album 3D Country has become a modern classic, with Rolling Stone calling it “one of the best New York rock albums of the past few years” and Paste calling it the “best rock record made by Zoomers ever.” Geese first started teasing music from the new album at festival sets earlier this year, corralling fans into an absolute frenzy as they speculated about new Geese music on the heels of frontman Cameron Winter’s widely-lauded and mildly befuddling solo debut Heavy Metal. Critically-acclaimed by The New York Times, Pitchfork, i-D, GQ & more, Winter’s idiosyncratic, soul-searching personal journey led him back to Geese, with newfangled ways to careen his voice into the chaotic comedy of Getting Killed.

GEESE Australia + New Zealand Laneway Festival February 2026

Thu 5 Feb 2026, Auckland
Sat 7 Feb 2026, Gold Coast
Sun 8 Feb 2026, Sydney
Fri 13 Feb 2026, Melbourne

Connect with Geese https://geeseband.com/

 

 

 

Harry Vanda, one of Australian music’s true architects, has released his first ever single

LISTEN HERE

Three-part podcast featuring exclusive interviews LISTEN TO EXCERPTS HERE AND HERE

At almost 80 years of age, Harry Vanda is still creating history with the release today of ‘Devil Loose’ (Flashpoint via Orchard/Impressed). It’s significant not just because of the legacy Vanda has already created in a career like no other, but because it’s the first time Vanda has released a single in a six-decade career.

‘Devil Loose’ can be streamed here or purchased as a 7” limited edition collectible, with B side ‘Free and Easy’ here

Vanda still writes and records from his Sydney studio, and ‘Devil Loose’ is as vibrant and connected to the world today as anything Vanda has ever done. Written with Mark McEntee (Divinyls), the track is a prescient commentary on the state of the world: corrupt politicians, climate disasters, social unrest, and a pandemic that laid bare humanity’s best and worst instincts.

It’s timeless and yet immediate and marks the dual ARIA Hall of Famer’s first project following the passing of his lifelong collaborator George Young.

To accompany this milestone, a companion three-part podcast called ‘Devil Loose: The Life and Music of Harry Vanda’ begins today, available on your favourite podcast platform, with Vanda talking fully and frankly for the first time with music journalist Bernard Zuel.

Episode two will be released on October 6 followed by the final episode on October 13.

The podcast tells the story of Johannes Hendricus Jacob van den Berg, a Dutch immigrant who in 1963 became “Harry Vanda, quintessential Australian”, part of The Easybeats, Australia’s first internationally successful rock band to break American charts, and half of legendary songwriting/production duo Vanda & Young.

Guest contributors on the podcast include John Paul Young, Phil Jamieson, Colin Hay, Tim Rogers and others.

About Harry Vanda:
Harry Vanda is the legendary Dutch Australian songwriter and performer, whose credits include timeless hits such as ‘Friday On My Mind’, ‘ Evie’, ‘Love Is In The Air’ and many more.

Born Johannes Hendricus Jacob van den Berg in 1946, his music career started in 1964, when Harry and friends formed The Easybeats. They went on to become one of Australia’s most successful bands in the 1960s, with seven top 10 hits in Australia, including the #1 singles ‘Sorry’ (1966) and ‘Friday On My Mind’ (1966). The latter was voted by a panel of experts in 2001 as the greatest Australian song of all time.

After the band’s demise, Vanda and fellow Easybeat George Young formed Vanda & Young, the most successful songwriting and production team in Australian history. They were part of the in-house production team for Albert Productions, including producing several AC/DC albums that have sold millions of copies around the world that included hits such as ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)’ (1976) and ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ (1976). Vanda & Young went beyond rock, and produced hits for John Paul Young such as ‘Love Is In The Air’ (1977) and former Easybeats lead singer Stevie Wright’s ‘Evie’ (1974). Vanda & Young also made music under various other names, most notably Flash and the Pan, who had a #5 hit in Australia with ‘Hey, St Peter’ (1976).

Harry Vanda has twice been inducted in the ARIA Hall of Fame, as part of Vanda & Young and later through The Easybeats; in addition to the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame. The Easybeats’ story was dramatised in the ABC TV series ‘Friday on My Mind’ in 2017.

George Young died in 2017. ‘Devil Loose’ is the first music Vanda has released since the death of his longtime creative partner. It is also the first time he has released music under his own name.

 

 

RUTH HAZLETON ‘HERONBONES’ (ALBUM)

Acclaimed Australian folk artist Ruth Hazleton Has released Heronbones – her most ambitious and transformative body of work to date.

The album has already been heralded through the release of three singles: Letter From a Friend (Fire Song), The Returning (Selkie), and Tri-Coloured House. Each track illuminates Hazleton’s deep fascination with storytelling that moves between historic and contemporary, exploring themes of memory, transformation, myth, and struggle.

Heronbones is a collection of stories told through both soundscape and word—where tradition becomes porous, and voices from the past resonate powerfully in the present.

Drawing from deep wells of folklore and traditional song, Hazleton reshapes these narratives through a darkfolk lens, blending electronic sampling, textured sound design, guitar, banjo, drums, and expansive string arrangements.

The album also realises an artistic vision seeded many years ago, inspired by 90s downbeat, electronica and trip hop, and celebrates Hazleton’s 30th year in music.

Co-produced with acclaimed musician & producer Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty), the album features trad and original songs, with the concept of storytelling firmly at its core. In doing this, Hazleton bridges her work as a folklorist and oral historian with her life as a musician: Heronbones does not simply revive tradition, it interrogates, reclaims, and re-sounds it—revealing the ways old stories continue to echo within us today – a transformational, grounded, and powerfully contemporary folk release.

“Ruth Hazleton has the rare gift to make the new sound old and the old sound new. Past and present flow together through her stunning vocal delivery of these fine songs.” — Thomm Jutz (Nashville, USA)

“What makes Ruth Hazleton most compelling is her ability to hold tradition and transformation in the same hand. She is a keeper of old stories and a teller of new ones. A scholar of sound and a seeker of soul. With Heronbones, she invites us on a mythic journey… to the core of what it means to remember who we are.” — Stevie Connor, Sound Café (Toronto, Canada)

ABOUT RUTH HAZLETON
2021 Artist of the Year Australian Folk Music Awards

Melbourne-based singer, banjo player, guitarist and songwriter Ruth Hazleton has remained a prominent figure in Australia’s folk music scene for 30 years.

An artist known for her appearances with several high-profile Australian acts (Kate Burke & Ruth Hazleton, Closet Klezmer & Dev’lish Mary), Ruth has toured nationally and internationally (UK, Ireland and America), released eleven studio albums and made guest appearances on many more.

Artists Ruth has recorded and performed with over the years include: Andy Irvine (Ireland – Planxty, Mozaik), Bruce Molsky (USA – Mozaik), Nancy Kerr & The Sweet Visitor Band (UK – BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2015), Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty), Nancy Kerr & James Fagan (AUS/UK), Rens Van der Zalm (Netherlands – Mozaik), James Keelaghan (Canada), Martyn Wyndham-Read (UK) and Bill Jackson (Australia).

Ruth began her solo journey in 2019, releasing Daisywheel, produced by acclaimed musician and composer Luke Plumb (Shooglenifty). The album was nominated for ‘Best Folk Album 2020’ at the Music Victoria Awards and has been described as “…compelling and intimately fierce” (Living Tradition – UK).

In 2021, Ruth was awarded ‘Solo Artist of the Year’ at the Australian Folk Music Awards, and supported by Sounds Australia as a participant in export program Global Music Match. She also represented Australia as an International Spotlight Showcase Artist at Folk Unlocked (Folk Alliance International).

Ruth is celebrating 30 years in music with a new album release, Heronbones (due out September 2025). A darkfolk offering, Heronbones explores traditional and contemporary song and folkloric themes using a combination of sampling, sound design, electronic beats, electric guitar, banjo, drums and strings.

linktr.ee/ruthmusic   ruthhazleton.com.au

 

 

KREATOR Announce New Album KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD + Release Video For New Single
‘Seven Serpents’

Metal Titans KREATOR have announced that their sixteenth studio album, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD, will be released on January 16th, 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records. Following the recent releases of the KREATOR documentary film Hate & Hope as well as Your Heaven, My Hell, the autobiography of front man Mille Petrozza, KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD will be the next step in the evolution of KREATOR – a band that is still at its peak more than forty years into their career.

KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD is not a shy title, it is a statement, an expression of pride and self-awareness knowing how long and hard the band’s path has been and knowing what they still have to say and share with their ever growing following. After the buzz around the movie and book, it is time for KREATOR to let the riffs, the roaring vocals, and thunderous drums do the talking.

Rounded off by a triumphant production courtesy of Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, who previously worked with the group on Phantom Antichrist (2012) and Gods Of Violence (2017), KREATOR return in perfect shape. The stunning cover artwork was created by none other than Polish genius Zbigniew Bielak (Ghost).

Mille Petrozza commented: “We are beyond excited to kick off the new year with the release of our brand-new album KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD, dropping January 16, 2026!

But that’s not all! On March 20th, we’re hitting the road to bring you our biggest tour production ever. This will be a night of unrelenting metal mayhem, featuring our brothers-in-arms Carcass, Exodus, and the mighty Nails.

This marks an exciting new chapter for the band, and we can’t wait for you to experience the new music live plus a selection of classic Kreator, old and new.

Hail to the hordes! \m/”

Alongside the album and tour announcement, KREATOR have unleashed a krushing new single called ‘Seven Serpents’, accompanied by a cinematic music video, which you can watch below.

PRE-ORDER/PRE-SAVE KRUSHERS OF THE WORLD:
https://kreator.bfan.link/krushers-of-the-world

STREAM THE SINGLE ‘SEVEN SERPENTS’:
https://kreator.bfan.link/seven-serpents

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR ‘SEVEN SERPENTS’:
https://youtu.be/xPRvLYHKD-I

ABOUT KREATOR: When KREATOR’s earliest incarnation formed under the influence of Kiss and Judas Priest in the early 80’s none of the above was thinkable. For young adults, Essen, back then a 600k plus city in the Ruhr area, was a grim place. Unemployment rates were surging, houses had been blackened by smoke from factories and coal mines, for some alcohol and drug abuse were the only escape route from this dismal, post-industrialized backdrop.

Whereas Birmingham spawned Black Sabbath and undoubtedly became the legitimate birthplace of heavy metal, the bands associated with the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal like Iron Maiden, Venom, Saxon pushed the genre with a street-fighting attitude, US artists such as Metallica, Exodus, Slayer, and Swedes Bathory intensified the style even more, and altogether concocted a dangerous brew KREATOR poured down their throats in gallons. For today’s remaining founding members Mille and drummer Jürgen “Ventor” Reil, music was the way out from these dire surroundings, and provided an outlet for the frustration and contempt boiling in their guts. And KREATOR went all in. Naive, chaotic yet utterly determined.

And they left their own mark on heavy metal history, radicalizing thrash and inspiring legions of musicians including Arch Enemy, Cannibal Corpse, Behemoth and Ghost, with Papa Emeritus joining a TV performance of ‘Satan Is Real’ in 2017.

Their newest studio album, Krushers Of The World, shows a band that has lost none of its bite kicking off with the rabid aggression of ‘Seven Serpents’. It also tackles Petrozza’s love for horror flicks by paying tribute to Dario Argento’s Suspiria in ‘Tränenpalast’ with extreme metal vocal coach Britta Görtz (Hiraes) adding her own vicious tone over dark yet catchy melodies. And of course, you shall have hefty doses of pure, thrashing aggression as well! ‘Barbarian’, ‘Deathscream’ or ‘Psychotic Imperator’ deliver your fix of merciless riffs, majestic leads by Sami Yli-Sirniö and some of Ventor’s fastest parts ever. Are you looking for powerful mid-tempo sections allowing bassist Frédéric Leclercq to shine? Then the monumental groove of the title track and stunning chorus of ‘Satanic Anarchy’ will have you covered. Rounded off by a triumphant and – no pun intended – krushing production courtesy of Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, who previously worked with the group on Phantom Antichrist (2012) and Gods Of Violence (2017), KREATOR return in perfect shape.

A novelty to Krushers Of The World is immediately obvious when staring at its cover. With Zbigniew Bielak, renowned for his work for Ghost, art and design offer an interesting twist to KREATOR’s history. Transforming classic visual trademarks dedicated fans will recognise from Coma Of Souls (1990), Out of the Dark… into the Light (1988) and Pleasure To Kill (the font!) into a highly detailed tapestry garnered with occult symbolism, Bielak crafted an outstanding piece paying homage to a band he loves since his teenager days yet with a daring and unique flair. The cover of Krushers Of The World rewards everyone willing to analyze the grandiose sleeve design.

In essence, Krushers Of The World is of course not a throwback to KREATOR’s past, it is furious, massive sounding and creative in its own right, gifted with a songwriting quality honed over years. It displays a band which earned its spot among the giants of the genre, and developed its youthful anger further into a professional, internationally successful, nonetheless intimidating creature. Krushers Of The World underlines the fact that fueled by the reflective look at their own legacy sparked by 2025’s Hate & Hope movie, KREATOR nowadays appear more mindful of their early days while simultaneously progressing uncompromisingly, unstoppable in their search for new realms to conquer and new worlds to krush.

KREATOR ONLINE: https://www.kreator-terrorzone.de/

 

 

THE HEART SHAPED ACES CONTINUE THEIR RISE WITH THE RELEASE OF “iloveyourguts”

Melbourne-based duo The Heart Shaped Aces return with their most emotionally raw and sonically bright release to date, “iloveyourguts”, out now!

Formed in late 2023, The Aces is the creative project of Charlie Swansson and Oscar Robson, longtime friends and musical collaborators who found common ground in their love of post-punk, indie, and new wave – citing influences such as The Cure, LCD Soundsystem, Fontaines DC, and zzzahara. The pair are joined live by Liam Gage (bass) and Iliya Zakhrov (drums), forming a tight four-piece that is making a name for itself as one of the most electrifying acts in Melbourne’s music scene.

Premiered on Triple J Unearthed by Claire Mooney, the blistering track blends bittersweet lyricism with a buoyant arrangement, a contrast to the song’s deeper emotional core. “It’s about a tragically doomed romance where one party has essentially decided they’re incapable of feeling or giving love”, says Charlie. “There was a lot of bleakness I needed to get out, but I always try to play things that cheer me up so it ended up sounding deceptively upbeat”.

Recorded and mixed DIY-style in Charlie’s bedroom studio, with mastering by Joe Carra at Crystal Mastering, the bandmates bond and unique collaboration results in an emotionally resonant single that typifies the ongoing evolution in the bands sound and steady rise to prominence.

“iloveyourguts” also acts as the emotional centrepiece of their forthcoming EP, Ride, a record that Charlie describes as “delicate, atmospheric, and rooted in geography and familiarity”. Inspired by emotional turbulence and the interplay between horror and beauty, Ride is set to explore liminal spaces and inner conflict through textured sonic landscapes and evocative storytelling.

To celebrate the release of “iloveyourguts”, Heart Shaped Aces sold out two massive free shows in September:

• Sydney – The Lansdowne – 12th September
• Melbourne – The Punters Club – 19th September

With “iloveyourguts”, The Aces continue to carve out their name as one of the most exciting emerging acts coming out of Australia. The band have already sold out their first national tour off the back of the success of their most recent EP Dancing In Decay, including shows at The Curtin in Melbourne and The Lord Dudley in Sydney.

Tickets to see the band in action will no doubt be worth a small fortune in the future!

“iloveyourguts” IS OUT NOW

 

 

BROTHER SISTER DUO CRY BABY MAKE MELODY OUT OF MESS WITH RELEASE OF“COFFEE STAINS”

Returning for the first time since her self-titled EP, Cry Baby returns with the release of her latest single “Coffee Stains” in collaboration with her brother Somewhat Strange. Siblings Bek & Judah Winnett are the creative brains behind the creative project, producing their most exciting work yet with “Coffee Stains”. An offbeat ode to everyday chaos, born from a real-life accident and turned into a track that sticks in your ears, it all started during a studio session when Judah, armed with a fresh iced coffee, baptised his brand-new white T-shirt in caffeine. “There’s a song in that”, he said, half-joking. Six months later, Bek made good on the promise – “Fast forward to 6 months later, working on the latest album, I whipped out the lyrics for Coffee Stains… I like to like to live up to my lyrical duties!”

Written and recorded during an intense week locked away in Groundswell Studio in Agnes Water, “Coffee Stains” is the product of three people throwing everything on the (coffee) table – judgement free, brutally honest, and weird in all the right ways. Joined by long-time friend and collaborator Jye Pouzet who was on the cusp of moving to Melbourne, Judah holding it down in Central QLD, and Bek based in Brisbane, the trio converged with unfinished lyrics, rough ideas, and years of writing behind them. By the end of the week, they had the bones of a full album and a finished track that encapsulates the magic behind the brother-sister duo’s dynamic, being described as “easier to understand where either one is coming from and genuinely wanting the best for each other and to lift each other up”.

Produced collaboratively between Judah, Bek, and Jye, and mastered by Paul Blakey, the song is equal parts hip hop grit, punk nerve, and pop charm. Think Mac Miller meets Weezer at a cafe run by Amy Winehouse. The result is uniquely Cry Baby – genre-hopping, emotionally tuned-in, and undeniably catchy.

Having shared the stage with Late November and Playlunch previously, Cry Baby have been laying low recently working on “a whole album screaming to see the light of day, hopefully a launch party to coincide, and writing some new tracks”. Cry Baby are sure to emerge soon enough – loud, polished and with an enthralling chemistry that only a brother and sister duo could convey.

 

 

KING ULTRAMEGA Partners With Joe Satriani On New Single  ‘BE YOURSELF’ A Heartfelt Tribute To Chris Cornell

Alternative rock collective KING ULTRAMEGA, featuring members of ALICE IN CHAINS, ANTHRAX, MASTODON, and SOUNDGARDEN, have returned with a haunting instrumental rendition of the AUDIOSLAVE classic, ‘Be Yourself’. This new single release once again aims to celebrate Chris Cornell’s musical genius while raising funds and awareness for MusiCares. MusiCares is the Recording Academy’s nonprofit that provides mental health, addiction recovery, and emergency services to those in the music community.

‘Be Yourself’ features legendary guitarist Joe Satriani on lead guitar, echoing vocalist Chris Cornell’s melodic motifs and building on the song’s phrasings. Though following in Cornell’s footsteps on a different instrument sounds like a tall order, Satriani rose to the challenge, proud to show his love for a fallen hero. Expertly replicating the essence of the song with crystal-clear lead tones, tasteful vibrato, and subtle pedal effects, Satriani lets his guitar sing with all the passion and tenderness that the song’s lyrics originally conveyed. This loving instrumental homage proves that the message and power behind AUDIOSLAVE’s composition transcends words.

Satriani comments, “[Chris Cornell] was a brilliant vocalist and communicator. He often used his voice like an instrument, shaping the tone of his voice like a guitarist would finesse riffs and phrases. I took a deep dive into his magical sensibilities and came up with a multi-tracked guitar production approach that I felt would pay proper homage to his brilliance.”

The concept for an instrumental rendition of ‘Be Yourself’ originated with the bassist, producer, and mastermind of KING ULTRAMEGA, Mark Menghi. As a producer, he envisioned a version of the song that deftly balanced the art of paying respect to the original, while also reimagining the song with a unique musical voice from Satriani. As a bassist, Menghi strove to keep the bass parts nearly identical to the original song, allowing Satriani the freedom to lend his own voice to the music. Renowned drummer Kenny Aronoff, who has been named one of the greatest drummers of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, and has toured and recorded with a who’s who of legendary artists such as THE ROLLING STONES, THE SMASHING PUMPKINS, PAUL MCCARTNEY, JOHN FOGERTY and many more, provides the laid-back, but emotionally-resonant groove of “Be Yourself”, laying the foundation with Menghi for Satriani’s melodies to shine.

Menghi comments, “I remember like it was yesterday, I was on a run through some crazy trail,  just zoning out and the original song came on through my headphones… as I was running, I remember hearing Chris sing ‘to be yourself is all that you can do’ it was like he was talking to me… then thought to myself ‘I can totally hear this as an instrumental a-la Satch style’… My hope is that whomever is listening to this song hears Chris over Joe’s guitar and understands that we are paying homage to Chris with our take on this tune.”

Aronoff comments, “I listened to ‘Be Yourself’ over and over again, absorbing the lyrics and the feel and vibe of this song, then I recorded my drums. Their recording had an emotional impact on me and that had a big effect on my performance.”

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu2lIPEl6D0

Listen: https://kingum.rpm.link/beyourself

Lineup for ‘Be Yourself’:
Joe Satriani – Guitar
Mark Menghi – Bass
Kenny Aronoff – Drums

More by KING ULTRAMEGA:

Rusty Cage (feat. Bill Keliher & William DuVall)‘ OFFICIAL LYRICVIDEO:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKdMKFBrQpk

About KING ULTRAMEGA: KING ULTRAMEGA is a passion-driven musical project honouring the life, voice, and genius of Chris Cornell, one of the most gifted artists of our time. It launches in conjunction with SOUNDGARDEN’s long-overdue induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

This project did not begin with a single, dramatic moment. Instead, it grew quietly and gradually, an organic result of years of conversations, inspiration, and deep reverence for a musician whose impact remains immeasurable.

“There is not a singular moment in time that led to this project,” says bassist and producer Mark Menghi, the driving force behind KING ULTRAMEGA. “It was a trail of events that led to the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA and the evolving creation to pay tribute to the voice of a generation.”

It started in 2020, in the midst of the pandemic, when Menghi recorded a version of ‘Rusty Cage’ with friends. What began as a creative release soon became something larger. With every step forward, the project deepened in meaning and purpose. “I kept crossing the mental roadblock of ‘you are entering uncharted waters, are you sure you wanna do this?'” Menghi reflects. “Chris is one of those dudes if you cover, you better do it justice.”

The decision to continue became clear when SOUNDGARDEN guitarist Kim Thayil joined the project and re-recorded one of his own iconic tracks. “Once Kim got involved and re-recorded one of his own songs, I knew something was brewing,” Menghi says.

Thayil embraced the project wholeheartedly. “I’m super honoured to record alongside all the amazing musicians appearing on the KING ULTRAMEGA project,” he says. “I’m equally proud that it celebrates SOUNDGARDEN in this tribute to the songwriting of Chris. Ultra-admirably, everyone’s participation is supporting the work of the MusiCares Foundation. Thank you Mark Menghi, Charlie Benante and Reigning Phoenix Music (RPM).”

For Menghi, this project is as personal as it is musical. “I went through some very difficult times in my life. I should not be here right now, but I am,” he shares. “I like to think my past trials and tribulations helped me understand Chris just a little, hence the formation of KING ULTRAMEGA.”

Song selection was guided by instinct. “My mood. It’s really that simple,” Menghi explains. “‘Rusty Cage’ was recorded simply because it’s one of my favourite songs featured on one of my favourite records.” Other songs came to Menghi during moments of reflection and inspiration. “There is a bunch more in the can right now, all with drums fully recorded, which are currently being worked out for future releases.”

The goal was never to reinvent Cornell’s work. It was about honouring it with the respect it deserves. “It really is only about honouring the legacy of Chris Cornell. Nothing more,” Menghi says. Each musician brought their own voice, but always in service to the song and to Cornell’s memory.

“Each musician has their own individual musical stamp,” Menghi explains. “You hear the absolute best of each one of them. You are talking about musicians who helped invent and shape musical genres and helped define their generations in popular culture, not just music, but society as a whole.”

The cast of collaborators is remarkable. Kim Thayil, Charlie Benante, Joe Satriani, William DuVall, Bill Kelliher, Alissa White-Gluz, Kenny Aronoff, Menghi himself, among many others. The mix of past friendships and new connections created a unique bond among them. “I think back and go ‘did I really ask Joe Satriani to do an instrumental reinterpretation of one of the greatest modern vocal songs ever recorded?’ or ‘what the fuck was I thinking asking the great Kim Thayil to re-record one of his own classic Soundgarden songs? ‘”Menghi laughs. Yet, no egos entered the room. “Each participating musician saw the vision and understood that this is about honouring the legacy of not only an inspiring musician, but an amazing husband, father and man.”

For Menghi, Cornell’s music has always been a constant presence. “Chris Cornell has been one of only a very small handful of musical constants in my life,” he says. “I never waivered, not once.”

Certain moments in the process were surreal. Recording with Thayil was one of them. “I remember thinking back saying to myself ‘holy fuck, I’m on a SOUNDGARDEN song with Kim Thayil. What planet are we on?'”

Throughout it all, Menghi served as the project’s creative director, always guided by one central question. “How would Chris like this?” Every choice, from guest musicians to mixes to artwork, was measured against that standard. “If there is even a shred of uncertainty at any point in the process, back to the drawing board we go.”

The recordings were completed remotely over several years. The final tracks were mixed with care to ensure a cohesive sound that still captured the raw emotion of the performances.

Hope is the underlying theme that runs through KING ULTRAMEGA. It is an offering to longtime fans and an invitation for younger listeners to discover the timeless brilliance of Cornell’s work. “KU is just a blip in the Chris Cornell universe,” Menghi says. “We are a subtle reminder that Chris was a true musical genius.”

For Menghi and his collaborators, KING ULTRAMEGA is both a deeply personal labour of love and one of the greatest honours of their musical lives. “To be here thirty-plus years later paying tribute to whom I believe was the king of those times is one of the greatest musical honours of my life.”

Connect with KING ULTRAMEGA: kingultramega.com | Apple Music | Spotify | Deezer | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | X

 

 

Enter BORDERLAND: AMORPHIS 15th studio album out now via Reigning Phoenix Music

BORDERLAND the 15th studio album from Finnish metal visionaries AMORPHIS, is out now through Reigning Phoenix Music. BORDERLAND represents a passage, a crossing into unexplored realms of sound and spirit. It’s the final call before AMORPHIS rise again on stage this autumn, a beacon for what lies ahead.

 ORDER/STREAM: BORDERLAND

BORDERLAND is not merely a name, but a threshold where past meets future, where myth bleeds into memory, and where music becomes both guide and guardian. With this record, AMORPHIS invite their listeners to step with them into a space at once familiar and untamed. Here, horizons shift, echoes resound, and new destinies are forged in sound.

The journey to BORDERLAND began at Hansen Studios (Denmark) in late 2024 and early 2025, under the masterful production of Jacob Hansen (VOLBEAT, AMARANTHE, PRIMAL FEAR). The album’s striking artwork was created by renowned Dutch artist Marald Van Haasteren (METALLICA, BLACK SABBATH, KVELERTAK, ALCEST), while the ever-thoughtful lyricism of Pekka Kainulainen once again provides AMORPHIS’ music with a profound narrative depth.

Among the album’s highlights is the haunting focus track ‘Fog To Fog,’ a piece born of desolate landscapes and timeless echoes.

Keyboardist Santeri Kallio recalls: “I travelled as far north as I could, to the last corner of the Arctic Ocean, and there I found the inspiration for ‘Fog To Fog’; dead black cliffs and feelings frozen forever. A journey to the Norwegian fjords, where no one lives voluntarily…maybe the Vikings once upon a time, most likely out of necessity.”

From the icy edge of the Arctic to the echoes of ancient Vikings, ‘Fog To Fog’ captures a voyage through frozen memories and silent landscapes, where solitude is a whisper of survival. The black cliffs stand as monuments to resilience, their shadows whispering tales of necessity and destiny. In this journey, AMORPHIS present a testament to the human spirit’s endurance amid the cold, unyielding wilderness. In every frozen breath, a story of life pushed to the brink unfolds.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5TIPBwZsRQ

With BORDERLAND AMORPHIS cross yet another frontier in their sound, bridging myth and modernity, melody and heaviness, darkness and hope. It’s an album both monumental and intimate, inviting fans to follow them into landscapes where the only certainty is transformation.

Get your ‘passport’ to BORDERLAND here: https://amorphis.rpm.link/borderlandPR

More from BORDERLAND:
‘Light And Shadow’ OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aF80ycx5JQ

‘Bones’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnSjYxh5yHM

‘Dancing Shadow’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpSNEY9mfPg

About AMORPHIS: With BORDERLAND the title of the album couldn’t have been chosen more fittingly. Throughout their career, spanning over more than three decades, AMORPHIS — Tomi Joutsen (vocals), Esa Holopainen (guitars), Tomi Koivusaari (guitars), Olli-Pekka Laine (bass), Santeri Kallio (keyboards) & Jan Rechberger (drums & percussion) — have been an ever-evolving act, wandering on an exciting boundary-pushing path. From their sinister death metal debut Karelian Isthmus over genre-defining mid-90s melodic death works like Tales From The Thousand Lakes and Elegy as well as the melodic 2000’s grandeur of Eclipse or Skyforger to records combining the very best of all prior eras to refreshing new soundscapes (f.e. Under The Red Cloud or Queen Of Time): Whatever this group works on promises long-range success.

With 2022’s Halo, the Finn’s were rewarded for their researching musical approach once again: The album marked AMORPHIS’ sixth no. 1 album in Finland, even cracked the top 3 of the official German album chart, and last but not least the sextet took home two awards from the prestigious Emma Gaala (“Band of the Year” & “Export of the Year”).

The impact of Halo became a driving force for what’s to come. Rather than rushing into a follow-up, the band chose to step back from live performances and focus fully on their next chapter. The result is BORDERLAND – a meticulously crafted opus that builds on their celebrated recent era, while seamlessly weaving in new, timely elements. It’s a bold, organic continuation of their journey, shaped by experience and guided by vision.

More from AMORPHIS: amorphis.net | Facebook | Instagram | Threads | TikTok|  X | YouTube | Spotify | Apple Music | RPM

 

BETTER NOISE MUSIC CELEBRATES  ROCKTOBER

With New Music From Five Finger Death Punch, Sabaton, Yellowcard, Bad Wolves, Cory Marks, The Rasmus, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus & Solence

Label Launches ‘Rocktober Sale For Catalog & Deluxe Albums From Nothing More, The Hu, From Ashes To New & More

BETTER NOISE MUSIC (BNM) will take part in ‘ROCKTOBER’—the annual celebration of rock music for the entire month of October—with a vast array of new music and releases from the premiere independent music label’s chart-topping current roster as well as compilations from their extensive catalog of past acts.

The label has started festivities early, treating rock fans with the new album from

Cory Marks – Sorry For Nothing Vol. 2 (Out Oct 3)
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – X’s For Eyes (Out Oct 3)
Yellowcard – Better Days (Out Oct 10)
Sabaton – Legends (Out Oct 17)
Five Finger Death Punch – BEST OF (Volume 2) (Out Oct 24)
Solence – Angels Calling (Out Oct 31)

These are following from recent releases from:
Five Finger Death Punch – BEST OF (Volume 1)
Bad Wolves – Die About It (Deluxe)
The Rasmus – Weirdo

 

BETTER NOISE MUSIC

Just released Recent music from
Sabaton – Crossing The Rubicon (feat. NOTHING MORE)
Bad Wolves – Hanging On To Thunder (feat. Stand Atlantic)
The Rasmus – Weirdo (feat. Lee Jennings of The Funeral Portrait)
Finger Eleven – Last Night On Earth (With album Nov 7)

And we will keep the new music coming throughout ROCKTOBER with new track releases from:
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Perfection Oct 3
Cory Marks – Whiskey River Oct 3
Yellowcard – You Broke Me Too (feat. Avril Lavigne) Oct 10
The Rasmus – Creatures of Chaos (feat. Tyler Connolly of Theory of a Deadman) Oct 10
Sabaton – I, Emperor Oct 17
NOTHING MORE – We’re In This Together, a cover of NIN Oct 17
Eva Under Fire – Awakening Oct 17

Rounding off the month with Five Finger Death Punch’s – Cold (2025 Version) Oct 24
And Solence – Monsters In My Head Oct 31

To celebrate the support of rock music fans, BNM will be holding a huge ROCKTOBER sale for several releases from their extensive rock catalog as well as many new releases and deluxe-edition records from their vivid current roster.  The sale will include titles such as:

From Ashes to New – Black Out Deluxe and Standard album
The Funeral Portrait – Greetings From Suffocate City Deluxe and Standard album
Five Finger Death Punch – AfterLife Deluxe and Standard album
The Hu – Rumble of Thunder Deluxe and Standard album
Nothing More – Carnal Deluxe and Standard album
Bad Wolves – Dear Monsters Deluxe and Standard album
Eva Under Fire – Love, Drugs & Misery Deluxe and Standard album

For all the latest music from BETTER NOISE MUSIC follow the “BETTER NOISE 101” playlist HERE.

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BETTER NOISE MUSIC PRESENTS: “THE NOISE”

Featuring Five Finger Death Punch, Sabaton, Bad Wolves, Finger Eleven, Solence and The Rasmus.

“A look at what’s NEW and what’s HOT RIGHT NOW! from Better Noise Music.”

Better Noise Music, home to bands including Five Finger Death Punch, The HU, Dirty Heads, NOTHING MORE, Sabaton, Yellowcard, Bad Wolves, The Funeral Portrait and many more, have released their latest edition of “The NOISE”, a monthly trailer highlighting the label’s newest music.

Watch OCTOBER 2025 EDITION HERE:

https://youtu.be/4uyfrHEUybo

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FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH

Announced “20 Years Of Five Finger Death Punch – Best Of Volume 2,” Arriving October 24

A Collection Includes 16 Re-Recorded Songs Along With Three Previously Unreleased Live Tracks

New Lyric Video For The Single “The End” Featuring Baby Metal

Multi-platinum hard rock powerhouse FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH (@5fdp) are marking their 20th anniversary with the release of two definitive greatest hits collections: Best Of – Volume 1 (available now) and Best Of – Volume 2 (forthcoming October 24, 2025). Both collections feature newly re-recorded versions of the band’s biggest anthems, created in response to their former label’s sale of the original song masters – made without the band’s knowledge or the opportunity to reclaim their legacy.

Turning that setback into something powerful and positive, the band chose not to simply remix or remaster but to fully re-record fan favorites across two volumes of greatest hits – both as a tribute to the songs and to the fans who’ve stood with the band over the last two decades.

Leading the charge as the first single from Best Of – Volume 2 is the 2025 version of “The End” featuring BABYMETAL. Vocalist SU-METAL reflects: “We were invited to take part in a 20th-anniversary collaboration project featuring guest artists on past songs. Five Finger Death Punch and BABYMETAL had performed at the same festival overseas back in 2015, so I was really happy thinking they might have remembered me from then. I sang Japanese lyrics inspired by and based on the original lyrics of “The End,” and spent a lot of time experimenting to figure out what kind of voice would best suit such a deep, cool track. My favorite part of the song is the flow from the section starting with “Negai o kakete” right after the chorus into the break — I loved how my voice gradually got covered and engulfed by Ivan’s growl, which gave me chills. I hope listeners will enjoy that moment as well.”

With over 13 billion streams, countless #1 hits, and multiple gold and platinum certifications, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH remain one of the most dominant rock acts of the 21st century. Their 20th anniversary continues with Best Of – Volume 2, featuring 16 re-recorded classics plus three never-before-heard live versions of “Wash It All Away,” “Wrong Side Of Heaven,” and “Jekyll And Hyde.”

“20 YEARS OF FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – BEST OF VOLUME 2,”

PRE-ORDER & PRE-SAVE https://ffdp.lnk.to/bestofvol2

 “THE END” FEATURING BABYMETAL

Watch Lyric Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIc383iYLJ4

“20 YEARS OF FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH – BEST OF VOLUME 1” FEATURING CHART-TOPPING SINGLE “I REFUSE” WITH MARIA BRINK OF IN THIS MOMENT – ALREADY OUT!

Stream the Album HERE  |  Buy CD / Vinyl HERE

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SABATON

Released Their Latest Single “Crossing The Rubicon” (Featuring Nothing More)

11Th New Studio Album ‘Legends’ Due Out October 17

SABATON (@sabatonofficial)—the #1 Global Power Metal Band and one of Sweden’s most successful bands released their latest single “Crossing The Rubicon”featuring singer Jonny Hawkins and guitarist Mark Vollelunga of NOTHING MORE. This is a special collaborative version of the track, while the original version will be available as part of the LEGENDS album release.

“Working with our American brothers in NOTHING MORE on our new single ‘Crossing The Rubicon’ has been an absolute pleasure,” says frontman Joakim Brodén. “When we shared the song with the guys, they really liked it and were genuinely excited about a collaboration, which got us really pumped. There’s something powerful about bringing two worlds together in music.”

“I’m really glad we got the chance to team up with our new labelmates NOTHING MORE for this one,” continues bassist Pär Sundström. “Collaborating with them added a cool touch. This one’s a special treat for both their fans and ours!”

NOTHING MORE frontman Jonny Hawkins says, “This song awakens that old, war spirit in me and makes me want to ride a horse straight into the gates of hell. I’m proud to be a part of it with such an incredible band like Sabaton.”

“We are very honored and excited to release this collaboration with our newfound Swedish labelmates Sabaton,” adds NOTHING MORE guitarist Mark Vollelunga. “It was fun to do something a little different than we were used to, and we’re stoked they wanted us to put our special NOTHING MORE sauce on their Scandinavian Metal.”

“CROSSING THE RUBICON” (FEATURING NOTHING MORE)

STREAM/DOWNLOAD HERE

WATCH THE LYRIC VIDEO HERE

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BAD WOLVES

Released Deluxe Edition Of Fourth Studio Album ‘Die About It’

Featuring 9 New Tracks And New Track “Hanging On To Thunder” (Feat. Stand Atlantic)

Platinum-certified, 5x #1 Hard Rock radio-charting BAD WOLVES (@badwolvesofficial) released a special deluxe edition of their album DIE ABOUT IT. It contains nine new tracks, including a new version of “Hanging On To Thunder” featuring Stand Atlantic.

“Hanging On To Thunder” (feat. Stand Atlantic) preaches strength in moments of adversity. “This song embodies what we do best: big hooks, raw emotion, and pure power,” says drummer John Boecklin. “It’s an undeniable BAD WOLVES classic. Stand Atlantic takes it to the next level with an absolutely insane vocal performance. We’re incredibly proud of this one.”

“Hanging On To Thunder” is the follow-up to the rebooted “Say It Again” (featuring Lauri Ylönen, frontman of 6x Platinum and 8x Gold-certified, record-breaking Finnish rock outfit The Rasmus),

DIE ABOUT IT Deluxe also showcases 14 tracks—including “Hungry For Life” (feat. Daughtry)–that pushes the band’s sound in new directions, blending heavy riffs and distinctive melodies. The album so far  has surpassed 32 million streams, with accompanying videos amassing over 3.8 million views.

“HANGING ON TO THUNDER” (FEAT. STAND ATLANTIC)

STREAM/DOWNLOAD HERE

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

DIE ABOUT IT DELUXE

Available HERE.

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FINGER ELEVEN

Released The Title Track From First Studio Album In A Decade ‘Last Night On Earth’

One of the best-selling Canadian bands of all time, multi-Platinum rockers FINGER ELEVEN (@finger_eleven) are bringing more new music to their legions of fans with the release of “Last Night On Earth.” Which is the title track from their first new studio album in a decade.

While everyone agreed the title track was a special song, it took FINGER ELEVEN—Scott Anderson (vocals), James Black (lead guitar, backing vocals), Rick Jackett (rhythm guitar), Sean Anderson (bass), and Steve Molella (drums)—many years to find the diamond inside of this movingly candid string-laden ballad about how relationships fall apart. Jackett realized that they had no true chorus, but as they were tracking drums for the last four songs on the album, drummer Steve Molella suggested doing an acoustic, campfire- style jam. They nailed it during their final hour of studio time.

“Scott wrote some of my favorite lyrics,” Molella beams. “It was the most natural the song has ever sounded.”

“I think ‘Last Night On Earth’ could be placed squarely in a traditional relationship frame where you forget what you’re even fighting about,” continues Scott Anderson, whose vocals compellingly illuminate the song’s sadness. “But you hate that feeling in the pit of your stomach when something’s not resolved and you don’t know what tomorrow’s gonna look like.”

‘LAST NIGHT ON EARTH’

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “LAST NIGHT ON EARTH” HERE

STREAM/DOWNLOAD HERE

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THE RASMUS

Release New Album, Weirdo And Video For The Title Track

Featuring The Funeral Portrait Singer Lee Jennings

Touring Australia In January

Finnish rock outfit THE RASMUS (@therasmusofficial) released their highly anticipated 11th studio album, WEIRDO. Known for their musically dark atmospheres, the band subversively merges catchy modern pop stylings with stadium-sized guitar crunch throughout the songs on WEIRDO.

To celebrate the album release, THE RASMUS shared the title track with their legions of fans, especially since they teamed up with The Funeral Portrait singer Lee Jennings for song and accompanying video.

“‘Weirdo’ was the first song we wrote and it shaped the concept for the entire album,” says Ylönen. “It celebrates being different and individual. Since the first song I ever wrote in 1994 called ‘Myself,’ I’ve felt like an outcast and someone who doesn’t quite fit in.”

“Being a part of ‘Weirdo’ with The Rasmus has been incredible,” continues The Funeral Portrait singer Lee Jennings. “It’s an anthem for the outcasts, and I’m beyond proud of how it turned out. Working with such an iconic band has been awesome, and now we’re hitting the road together across Europe. Get ready! The Funeral Portrait and The Rasmus are coming to represent all of the Weirdos across Europe this November.”

Last month (on July 19), The Rasmus played a charity concert in Ukraine on as the headliner of the Atlas Festival, as the only foreign artist at the event. Over 110,000 people were in attendance and they were able to raise over $2.5 million Ukraine’s air defenses. Last year, the festival raised over two million euros. The artists can choose to direct their charitable funds to any Ukraine-related cause, such as supporting children’s hospitals, purchasing ambulances, or helping combat medical personnel.

 ‘WEIRDO’

FEATURING THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT SINGER LEE JENNINGS HERE

STREAM/DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM HERE

AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Fri, Jan 30: The Triffid, Brisbane
Sat, Jan 31: Manning Bar, Sydney
Sun, Feb 1: Max Watts, Melbourne

Tickets from

thephoenix.au

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SOLENCE

Released Bold Title Track From Forthcoming Album ‘Angels Calling’

Electronic metal group SOLENCE (@solenceofficial) are as bold as ever on their new single “Angels Calling,” an anthemic song about living out loud and in the moment.  It’s the title track of, and fourth single from, their ANGELS CALLING album, due October 31.

“We started writing ‘Angels Calling’ while on tour with The HU back in 2024, inspired by Eastern European folk music,” explains singer Markus Videsäter. “When we had the vocals and the song started to come together, it instantly felt like a perfect title track. This song has everything—the lyrics, the energy, the chorus, the breakdown—everything we wanted the album to include. We really hope the fans enjoy it as much as we do!”

SOLENCE returns on ANGELS CALLING with fresh visuals, a new look, and a retrofitted sound that combines the best of their past with a look into the future for both the group and the genre. “For some reason, I’ve always felt like my time on earth is limited, as if I might die young,” Videsäter explains. “Our music is about making the most of life, relationships, and passion before heaven calls us home.”

‘ANGELS CALLING’

LISTEN TO THE SONG HERE

WATCH “ANGELS CALLING” VIDEO HERE

Pre-orders for ANGELS CALLING are available HERE

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See Past Episodes of The NOISE

On the Better Noise Music YouTube Page Here:

www.youtube.com/user/ElevenSevenMusic