THURSDAY, February 20, 2025
KRISTIN VENAE – ‘Still Here’ (Single)
Sydney-based indie soul and pop sensation Kristin Venae is back with her highly anticipated new track, Still Here, a masterful blend of pop, funk, and dance that showcases her signature sultry elegance and powerhouse vocals. With influences from icons like Prince, Mariah Carey, and Whitney Houston, Kristin delivers a bold and timeless anthem that cements her place as a rising star in modern music.
Still Here is more than just a song—it’s a deeply personal declaration. Written from a place of contentment, it honours the quiet beauty of enduring love, celebrating the secure, unshakable bond of connection and the everyday moments that define it. The track’s crisp guitar riff and funk-driven groove build to an explosive chorus, carried by Kristin’s magnetic vocal dynamism and ethereal harmonies, creating an unforgettable listening experience.
Kristin’s return marks a significant milestone. Having stepped away from the spotlight to receive treatment for Stage 2 breast cancer, she is now using her platform to raise awareness for young people facing cancer, advocating for early detection and hope.
To celebrate the release of Still Here, Kristin Venae and Citigraphica Media hosted an event on 12th February 2025. Proudly endorsed by the National Breast Cancer Foundation the evening premiered the Still Here music video and a special screening of the documentary Kristin: Still Here. The documentary offers an intimate look into Kristin’s journey through cancer, her triumphant return to music, and the creation of this powerful new track. https://www.instagram.com/kristinvenae/?hl=en
TROY CASSAR-DALEY TO PERFORM FREE OPENING WEEKEND CONCERT AT PARRTJIMA FESTIVAL IN THE HEART OF AUSTRALIA
Cassar-Daley’s only free performance announced for the remainder of 2025 and his only free gig scheduled for 2025 in Outback Australia. Country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley will ignite the heart of Australia with an exclusive free, all-ages performance on 5 April 2025, kicking off the opening weekend of Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, which this year celebrates its 10th edition.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges in Mparntwe (Alice Springs), Cassar-Daley’s Parrtjima performance is his only free performance announced for the remainder of 2025, and his only free gig scheduled for 2025 in Outback Australia. Parrtjima, the only Aboriginal light festival of its kind in the world, will see Cassar-Daley bring his signature storytelling and deep cultural connection to life under the starry skies of Central Australia.
Looking ahead to his performance, Cassar-Daley said: “I’m really proud to be part of a festival that shines a light on Aboriginal artists and cultures on beautiful Arrernte Country. Music has always been my way of telling stories, and I can’t wait to see those incredible light installations bring stories to life in such a special way. There’s just something about playing on the rich red earth of Central Australia – it’s an experience like no other.”
With Indigenous heritage through his mother, a Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung woman, Cassar-Daley is among several highly anticipated music acts set to feature at this year’s Parrtjima festival.
Adding to the musical magic, Darwin Symphony Orchestra will perform a special ticketed closing-weekend performance at the festival — the first orchestral performance in Parrtjima’s history. The 50+ piece orchestra will perform a mesmerising open-air concert, alongside celebrated Desert Divas Catherine Satour, Casii Williams, and Bronwyn Stuart.
The evening will also showcase Gurrulwa Guligi (Big Wind) – a powerful cultural collaboration by Bilawara Lee and Netanela Mizrahi, blending orchestral classics with Indigenous artistry for an unforgettable sound and light experience.
Parrtjima Curator Rhoda Roberts AO emphasised the cultural depth of this year’s Parrtjima music lineup: “Music in culture is more than entertainment – it’s a way of preserving and sharing knowledge. Artists like Troy Cassar-Daley and bands like Dem Mob connect traditional sounds with modern storytelling, bridging old ways with contemporary experiences.”
The award-winning Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, returns to Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 4-13 April 2025. The free, all-ages festival brings the world’s oldest continuous living cultures to life with modern technology over a vibrant 10-night program combining culture, art, music and more. Travellers can start planning their ultimate Parrtjima holiday today by booking a variety of travel packages, including accommodation and tours, through Flight Centre.
Visit flightcentre.com.au/deals/parrtjima for more details.
Free registration for Parrtjima 2025, including Troy Cassar-Daley’s performance, and costed tickets for the Darwin Symphony Orchestra concert, are available now at parrtjima.com.au.
Troy Cassar-Daley performance details
What: Troy Cassar-Daley performance at Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
When: He will perform on the evening of Saturday, 5 April 2025
Where: Alice Springs Desert Park
More info: parrtjimaaustralia.com.au
FISHER’S OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL IS BACK EVEN BIGGER IN 2025!
Australia’s biggest beach party returns to Gold Coast, Australia this May for a second edition. Curated and headlined both days by international superstar artist FISHER who will bring the ENERGY to Surfers Paradise, alongside Chris Lake, Hayden James, Patrick Topping, DJ Boring, Noizu, and more
Following a monster debut in 2024 which sold out 30,000 tickets instantly and injected more than $50 million into the local economy, TEG Live and FISHER are thrilled to announce that OUT 2 LUNCH Festival with Vodafone will return for a second edition this May.
Back even bigger in 2025, the one-of-a-kind Festival will cater to phenomenal demand by expanding to two huge days and a brand-new beach location, with over 40,000 music-lovers set to descend on Surfers Paradise Beach for the ultimate long weekend this Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May.
Those lucky enough to snag 2-day tickets will experience all-new production and an unprecedented double headline slot from FISHER, backed by a fully stacked lineup of international heavyweights Chris Lake, Patrick Topping, DJ Boring, and Noizu, along with local legends Hayden James, Little Fritter, Shimmy, Jake Smith, and more, at the biggest dance event Surfers Paradise has ever seen. Single-day tickets will also be available.
Euphoric to be upping the ante on his already mega hometown beach party and grinning from ear to ear, FISHER shares, “OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL is back this May for the second year running and I can’t wait to do it all again!! We’ve got a great lineup and there’s no better place than Surfers Paradise to have a beach bash. Aussies just love a party and I’m ready to put it on for you!!”
Vodafone customers can access an exclusive pre-sale at http://www.vodafone.com.au/ticket/out-2-lunch-festival, starting Tuesday 25 February, 9:00am AEST and ending Wednesday 26 February, 12:00pm AEST. An OUT 2 LUNCH fan pre-sale will run from Tuesday 25 February, 1:00pm local time until Wednesday 26 February, 12:00pm AEST (register here).
Tickets will go on sale to the general public Wednesday 26 February, 1:00pm AEST. A limited number of VIP packages will be available. For Event information, visit out2lunchfestival.com and teglive.com.au.
Rebecca Darley, Chief Marketing Officer at Vodafone shared her excitement “Our customers are passionate about music, and we’re thrilled to offer them exclusive pre-sale access to the Out 2 Lunch Festival with Vodafone for the second year in a row. The festival’s incredible line-up is set to be one of the biggest dance events on the Gold Coast, and we can’t wait to see the excitement and joy it brings to our customers again this year.”
The positive impact of OUT 2 LUNCH Festival with Vodafone in 2024 was undeniable, with 30,000 tickets sold to a national fanbase, $50 million injected into the local economy, 2,000 jobs created, 200+ local businesses engaged, and sold out accommodation across the Gold Coast. Additionally, $35,320 was raised for the Starlight Foundation and The Pink Elephants Support Network. Spearheaded by the Fishers, in 2025 the Festival will continue with its commitment to giving back as it announces a donation of $1 per ticket to the Make a Wish Foundation.
A truly perfect amalgamation of all things sun, surf, music, and Aussie good vibes, OUT 2 LUNCH Festival with Vodafone is the hottest ticket in town this year; if you thought summer was winding down, you ain’t seen nothing yet. Don’t miss your chance to follow the Fish to the largest ever beach party Australia has ever seen this May, and be there front and centre as FISHER and friends take it to the next level in 2025.
OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL WITH VODAFONE 2025
MAY 3 & 4 (QLD LABOUR DAY WEEKEND)
SURFERS PARADISE BEACH, GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA
SATURDAY 3RD MAY
FISHER
HAYDEN JAMES
PATRICK TOPPING
NOIZU
JAKE SMITH
SUNDAY 4TH MAY
FISHER
CHRIS LAKE
DJ BORING
LITTLE FRITTER
SHIMMY
TICKETS ON SALE
Vodafone customer pre-sale: Starts Tuesday 25 February, 9:00am AEST and ends Wednesday 26 February, 12:00pm AEST
OUT 2 LUNCH fan pre-sale: Starts Tuesday 25 February, 1:00pm AEST and ends Wednesday 26 February, 12:00pm AEST
Tickets on sale to the general public: Wednesday 26 February, 1:00pm AEST
View the full OUT 2 LUNCH 2024 set on YouTube| OUT 2 LUNCH 2024
Find FISHER online: Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Facebook | Website
Find OUT 2 LUNCH Festival online: Instagram | Website
Find TEG Live online: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website
For all event information visit out2lunchfestival.com
JACK PANTHER ‘Just A Dog’ (Single) ‘When I’m Feeling Better We Could Dream Together’ (Out March 14)
Rapidly approaching the release of his hotly-anticipated third EP, when i’m feeling better we could dream together due out next month, New Zealand-born, London-based queer alt pop alchemist Jack Panther returns today with a heart-rending yet soaring new single, Just a Dog, ahead of his debut Australian performance also locked in for May.
With stylistic nods to Mitski and Lana Del Rey, Just a Dog also brushes with influences from Portishead, Caroline Polachek, Ryan Beatty, Mk.geeand Dijon, with its lush textural climax also recalling the powerful serenity of Coldplay merged with Jack Panther’s inescapable charm. “This single I view as a part two to Why Won’t We, the sophomore single from the EP, which featured a video directed by David J East (Foals, The Japanese House),” shares Jack of Just a Dog. “Just a Dog is a little more metaphorical and harrowing in its approach to its lyrics and melodies. I wrote it during my first winter here in London, it was cold, the sun was setting so early and I feel that you can really hear the longing in my vocals and the sound.”
“It’s about falling in love with a friend and instead of telling him how I felt, I wrote this song,” Jack adds. “A lot of songs I write about things left unsaid, and this might be the most intimate one of mine yet.”
Written and produced by Jack Panther himself, along with UK pop-producer and writer duo Rhys Fletcher and Lucan Mills (Gia Lily, Matt Terry), Just a Dog and the broader when i’m feeling better we could dream together EP also features additional production from Will McGillivray, who co-produced every track on the project, with mixing courtesy of the Grammy Award-nominated Andrew Maury (Kacy Musgraves, Shawn Mendes, Lizzo), and mastering by the Grammy Award-nominated Emily Lazar (Jacob Collier, Lady Gaga, Coldplay). And across four tracks, Jack paints a vivid sonic portrait of empowerment and introspection, with each song on when i’m feeling better we could dream together reflecting real-world emotions and/or moments in Jack’s life over the past three and a half years in exceedingly relatable fashion.
Hailing from New Zealand and now based in London, Jack Panther has seamlessly cultivated a reputation for his raw, emotional storytelling, and his unique blend of indie, alt and pop since first announcing himself to the world in 2020 with his debut single This Dream. From there, Jack has gone on to release two EPs, most recently showcasing his insatiable creative flair with his 2022 sophomore EP, why don’t you come over?, which saw Rolling Stone Australia declare its lead single, SKI LIFT 001, to be “one of the most hard-hitting tracks you’ll hear all year”. Securing chart success in New Zealand and international airplay, 2022 also saw Jack generate 250,000 streams, sell out a homecoming show in Auckland, and catch the attention of Tone Deaf, with the latter featuring Jack to their Class of 2022 roundup. In 2024, Jack’s vibrant music video for the single WEEKEND AT BERNIES won Best Directing (NZ) at the Clipped Music Video Festival, with last year also finding Jack signing a distribution deal with Mahogany Songs, unveiling new material, and selling out his first ever international headline show in London.
In 2025, the sky is barely the limit for Jack Panther, with his sublime third EP due out on March 14, as well as an international tour that will see Jackhead to London, Auckland and also tick off a career first in Melbourne imminently, set to perform his first ever show on Australian soil at The Evelyn Hotel on May 3. “I’m HUGELY excited to play my first Australian show in Melbourne,” Jack enthuses. “I’m a massive fan of the Melbourne music scene and I just love the venue The Evelyn Hotel, it’s been a goal of mine to play there for years! Previously selling out headline shows in both London and Auckland, this marks my second headline in London which is so exciting, and marks my homecoming show in Auckland. I’m very excited to play some of these songs LIVE for the very first time and to play a special cover my band and I have been working on!”
Just a Dog is out now.
when i’m feeling better we could dream together is due out, Friday March 14.
JACK PANTHER – UPCOMING SHOWS:
Tickets available from jackpanthermusic.com
SAT 3 MAY | THE EVELYN HOTEL, MELBOURNE VIC
APPLICATION OPEN FOR 2025 LIGHTHOUSE AWARD FOR ARTIST MANAGERS
Applications for the 2025 Lighthouse Award are now open to all women and gender diverse artist managers. Managers are invited to apply now until Wednesday 19 March for the chance to receive a $5,000 grant to support their business and professional pursuits.
The Lighthouse Award exists to support a forward-thinking manager who is dedicated to Australian music. It was established to encourage women and gender diverse artist managers in memory of pioneering artist manger and mentor, Linda Gebar, who died tragically in 2008 soon after the birth of her second child.
Gebar was one of the few women in artist management in the ‘90s, working with bands like The Killjoys, Frente and The Blackeyed Susans. She also booked the Punters Club, worked at PBS FM, had a record label and worked at APRA AMCOS.
Previous recipients of the award have included Bonnie Dalton, Charlotte Abroms, Jen Cloher, Kristy Gostelow, Lorrae McKenna, Maggie Collins and Simone Ubaldi.
2024 Lighthouse Award recipient, Hayley Ayres from 360 Artist Logistics, explains: “With the Lighthouse Award funding, I was able to invest in specialised music business strategy consultation, which made a huge impact on developing my growth strategy as an independent business.
“I’ve also been able to hire a part time staff member to take some of the administrative load off me, which has enabled me to focus on broader development and significant portfolio building. So, it’s also resulted in a new paid role for someone in music which will extend for years to come and far beyond the initial funding! I just needed that nudge to take the leap more than I knew.”
Karen Don, Head of Membership at APRA AMCOS, adds: “Awards like this are so important in recognising the incredible impact that artist managers are making in our industry. It supports and encourages more women and gender diverse managers to enter the industry and build long-term sustainable careers, following in the footsteps of the incredible people who have come before them.”
Applications are open now until Wednesday 19 March and the recipient will be announced at the Association of Artist Managers (AAM) Awards on Wednesday 30 April in Melbourne.
For more information and to apply, visit apraamcos.com.au.
TROPICAL FUCK STORM ‘Goon Show’ (Single)
Tropical Fuck Storm are thrilled to announce they have signed to independent powerhouse Fire Records, marking the occasion with their latest single, ‘Goon Show’—a surreal, sharp-edged slice of their signature chaos. “Here’s a neat little jingle to usher in the dumb phone revolution of 2025,” they say. “It’s time to downgrade and spend an afternoon or two outdoors away from our glasshouses. Meatspace is a magical land where we can all picnic and discover the things we have in common, away from Silicon Valley’s Angertainment Industrial Complex.”
Since 2016, the ARIA Award-winning four-piece made up of Gareth Liddiard, Fiona Kitschin, Erica Dunn, and Lauren Hammel have released a string of critically acclaimed albums, 2018’s ‘A Laughing Death In Meatspace’, 2019’s ‘Braindrops’ and 2021’s ‘Deep States’ gaining a reputation for their incendiary live shows across the globe after years of international sold-out headline and festival shows.
‘Goon Show’ feels like a nightclub singer crash-landing into a dystopian post-grunge fever dream. Like a warped video game soundtrack, it sets the scene before guitars explode bodies and the song spirals into glorious, unhinged mayhem.
Acidic, acerbic, angsty, anarchic; their command of wordplay, undercut by snarling guitars, pulsing rhythms and explosive salvos presenting a distorted broadcast from the edge of reality. They live in the hinterland between light and dark, the vocal interplay between Liddiard and the soaring harmonies of Fiona and Erica create a teetering balancing act that’s intensified by their frantic narratives and gloriously unrestrained delivery.
Tropical Fu*k Storm have one last show at OK Charlton on Feb 21/22 before they head off for a World Tour, including stops at End Of The Road Festival, Manchester Psych Fest, and an extensive run across the U.S. Stay tuned for more news!
EWAN MCVICAR ANNOUNCES 2025 AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Scottish DJ and producer Ewan McVicar, has announced he’s headed to Australia, bringing his blend of house and techno to two headline shows presented by Untitled Group. Having captivated Australian audiences with his standout set at Beyond The Valley in 2023, he returns in 2025 to deliver two nights of pulse-pounding beats and carefully curated tracks. Hitting Sydney’s Roundhouse on Friday 16th May, presented in conjunction with Finely Tuned, and Melbourne’s Timberyard on Saturday 17th May, fans can expect a taste of the curated magic McVicar brings to his shows.
Crowned DJ Mag’s Best British DJ, Ewan McVicar is rewriting the rules of house and techno with his uncompromising originality and dedication to the underground. From his humble beginnings in Ayr, Scotland, to creating anthems like the platinum-selling ‘Tell Me Something Good’, McVicar’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric.
Beyond his chart-topping hits, Ewan’s productions on renowned labels such as Ninja Tune’s Technicolour, Shall Not Fade, and Nervous Records have cemented his reputation as a producer with a deep respect for dance music’s roots. His remix credits for The Chemical Brothers, Groove Armada, and Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs showcase his ability to blend genres seamlessly, appealing to both underground aficionados and mainstage crowds.
PRESALE BEGINS THURSDAY 20TH FEBRUARY AT 12PM AEDT
GENERAL ON-SALE BEGINS FRIDAY 21ST FEBRUARY AT 12PM AEDT
PRESALE REGISTRATION HERE
EWAN MCVICAR – 2025 AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Presented by Untitled Group
*Presented in conjunction with Finely Tuned
Fri 16th May – Roundhouse, Eora/Sydney*
Saturday 17th May – Timber Yard, Naarm/Melbourne
Whether playing to intimate clubs or commanding crowds of over 30,000 at legendary festivals like Creamfields, Glastonbury, and Parklife, his performances are nothing short of transformative. With a growing fanbase that continues to thrive and his reputation of pushing a sound that’s intrinsically his own, McVicar’s 2025 Australian shows promise to be a celebration of cutting-edge electronic music.
Presale commences on Thursday, 20th February, at 12 PM AEDT, with general on-sale following on Friday, 21st February, at 12 PM AEDT.
For more info on Ewan McVicar, visit: INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE
CONRAD SEWELL ANNOUNCES FIRESTONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY: ACOUSTIC SESSIONS TOUR FOR APRIL/MAY
Celebrating a decade of his multi-platinum hit, Firestone, Conrad Sewell has today announced his biggest regional tour of Australia yet, set to take his iconic voice and sweeping hits to all pockets of Australia in an intimate, acoustic setting throughout April and May, with national support from René Le Feuvre.
Kicking off in Coffs Harbour on April 4, the tour will move through to Kingscliff, Central Coast, Dee Why, Bowral, St Georges Basin, Newcastle, Elizabeth Beach, Wagga Wagga, Albury, Mackay, Yeppoon, and Cleveland, before finishing up at Kings Beach on May 31.
Tickets are on sale now from conradsewellmusic.com/
“I’m extremely excited for this tour, some of my favourite memories are from touring Regional Australia,” enthuses the Brisbane singer songwriter. “Getting to see the country while playing to my loyal fans is always so special. I am looking forward to just being on the road again, I also have a bunch of new music that I have been itching to test out on a live Audience which is always exciting.”
With over 1 billion streams on Firestone on Spotify alone, there is no doubt Conrad’s hit with Kygo captured music lovers the world over and cemented his place in global superstardom, but Conrad’s musical journey began much earlier; singing, writing and shopping demos from as early as 8 years old, before picking up an ARIA award for Song Of The Year with his single, Start Again in 2015, also nominated for Breakthrough Artist and Best Pop Release that year. In May 2015, his sister Grace hit number one on the ARIA charts with her cover of Lesley Gore’s You Don’t Own Me, with Start Again landing Conrad the top spot of the ARIA charts in June 2015, making Conrad and Grace the first Australian-born siblings in the history of the charts to hit number one as separate acts. 2018 single, Healing Hands went triple Platinum and was nominated for Song Of The Year at the ARIAS, and 2019 saw Conrad release his debut album LIFE to critical acclaim.
Excited to celebrate 10 years of Firestone, Conrad explains, “Firestone changed my life in many ways, it’s always incredible to be a part of a song that touches that many people. But for the song to still stand the test of time and be so loved 10 years later is a dream come true.
“Most of my songs I wrote on an acoustic guitar or just a piano, they were all born from a very raw place, and that is what we are going to be showcasing on this tour, the storytelling and the essence of the biggest songs of my career.”
The Firestone 10th Anniversary acoustic sessions tour is on sale now.
For tickets and information, visit conradsewellmusic.com/
FIRESTONE 10TH ANNIVERSARY: ACOUSTIC SESSIONS TOUR DATES
FRI 04 APR | JETTY BEACH HOUSE, COFFS HARBOUR NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
SAT 05 APR | KINGSCLIFF BEACH HOTEL, KINGSCLIFF NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
FRI 11 APR | DRIFTERS WHARF, CENTRAL COAST NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
SAT 12 APR | DEE WHY SHOWROOM, DEE WHY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
FRI 02 MAY | BOWRAL BOWLING CLUB, BOWRAL NSW | 14+
Tickets available from eventbrite.com.au
SAT 03 MAY | THE COUNTRY CLUB, ST GEORGES BASIN NSW | 18+
Tickets available from stickytickets.com.au
FRI 09 MAY | EXCHANGE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
SAT 10 MAY | THE RECKY, ELIZABETH BEACH NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
FRI 16 MAY | WILLIAM FARRER HOTEL, WAGGA WAGGA NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
SAT 17 MAY | BEER DELUXE, ALBURY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
FRI 23 MAY | METROPOLITAN HOTEL, MACKAY QLD | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
SAT 24 MAY | THE STRAND, YEPPOON QLD | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
FRI 30 MAY | CLEVELAND SANDS HOTEL, CLEVELAND QLD | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
SAT 31 MAY | KINGS BEACH TAVERN, KINGS BEACH QLD | 18+
Tickets available from oztix.com.au
All tickets available from conradsewellmusic.com
ONE OF ONE REVEAL AWARDS FOR 2025 ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
With their tenth anniversary tour set to kick off this Women’s History Month in March, ONE OF ONE are gearing up for their biggest and most ambitious schedule of gatherings to date. Synonymous with a sense of empowerment and nurturing, ONE OF ONE has curated a national run of events that will continue to uplift the Australian music industry’s community of female and gender non-conforming members.
Yet for 2025, there is an added layer of opportunities to excel and become acknowledged for achievements in the field, with ONE OF ONE today announcing a fantastic collection of awards, grant and scholarship opportunities that will be presented at each event.
In collaboration with a range of event sponsors including Warner Music Australia, Mushroom Music, UNIFIED Music Group, GYROstream and White Sky, these awards and opportunities exist to help further the work and aspirations of the industry’s broad and talented community of artists, entrepreneurs and creatives. More information and links to apply can be found below.
Says the ONE OF ONE team of these opportunities, “These awards will create a positive impact for the recipients and have been carefully put together by our partners with thoughtful consideration. They show a deep commitment to enacting real and sustainable change for women and GNC people in our industry and we are proud to help present them.”
ONE OF ONE 2025 AWARDS
ONE OF ONE x WARNER MUSIC INNOVATOR AWARD
The Music Innovator Award recognises and celebrates the groundbreaking contributions of women and gender non-conforming individuals in the Australian music industry. This award honours those who have made significant strides in music marketing, management, A&R, and production, empowering the next generation of industry leaders with a $2,000 cash prize. If you have developed new approaches to music marketing, management, A&R, live music promotion or production, please apply here.
ONE OF ONE x WHITE SKY ENTREPRENEURS SCHOLARSHIP
The White Sky One of One Entrepreneurs Scholarship is awarded annually to an emerging woman or gender non-conforming entrepreneur in the Australian music industry. The opportunity provides invaluable business support and expertise to founders, no matter what stage their venture is at. The scholarship will help an entrepreneur take their business to the next level by providing business support and advisory services to the value of $10,000, including services such as: business mentorship, leadership coaching, financial forecasting, strategy support, help in pitching for investment and introductions to potential investors, and board governance training. Previous winners of The White Sky Scholarship include Anne Wiberg and Emily Ulman.
An EOI is open from March 7 with applications open from April 1, here.
ONE OF ONE x MUSHROOM MUSIC GRANT
The Mushroom Music Grant will be awarded to an independent music industry professional or music creator to support a woman or gender non-conforming person in advancing their career in the music industry. The award comes with a $5,000 financial contribution from Mushroom Music. Previous winners include director and photographer, Triana Hernandez.
ONE OF ONE x UNIFIED COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
The annual UNIFIED Music Group x One of One Community Impact Award is awarded to a woman or gender non-conforming person/s making an impact to the music industry in the fields of equality, diversity and inclusion. A trailblazer within the first five years of their career impacting the wider community, demonstrating initiative and passion for their work, while inspiring others. The award includes a $2,000 financial prize from UNIFIED that will assist in their professional goals.
Previous recipients of the award include: Chloe Turner, Michelle Grace Hunder and Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore, Coco Eke and Saba Alemayoh and 2023 winner, First Nations Womxn in Music Victoria.
ONE OF ONE x GYROstream ‘GET YOUR ONE ON ONE’
In celebration of International Women’s Day, One of One and GYROstream present ‘Get Your One On One’, an exclusive mentoring package designed to empower and elevate women and GNC artists. This initiative, valued at $5,000, provides hands-on industry guidance, including a full DSP and social media audit, free distribution for a year, DSP pitching support, and organic social strategy insights to help artists maximise their reach. Participants will also receive personalised one-on-one consulting sessions with industry experts, covering content strategy, PR, and best practices to refine their approach. The package is designed to equip women/GNC artists with the tools and connections to thrive in the music industry.
The 2025 ONE OF ONE tour will begin with its first-ever Perth event on March 7th, before continuing around Australia in venues across Brisbane, Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Announced as part of the first phase of special guests, is ARIA and BRIT Award winning recording artist, producer and Australian icon, TINA ARENA, who joins the tenth anniversary celebrations as keynote speaker for the Melbourne event on March 25th.
Further announcements regarding keynote speakers, performances and more special guests are still to be announced but, in the meantime, note the dates below and ensure your place at the table!
ONE OF ONE 2025 TOUR
Friday 7 March The Rechabite Perth / Boorloo TICKETS
Wednesday 12 March The Triffid Brisbane / Meanjin TICKETS
Tuesday 18 March Botanic Garden Centre Darwin / Larrakia TICKETS
Thursday 20 March Factory Theatre Sydney / Eora TICKETS
Tuesday 25 March Corner Hotel Melbourne / Naarm TICKETS
Friday 28 March The Gov Adelaide / Kaurna Yerta TICKETS
ONE OF ONE: Website | Facebook | Instagram
AGENDER ‘Action Reaction’ (Single/Video out March 7)
Los Angeles-based post-punk band Agender share their biting, explosive third album, Berserk, out everywhere now. Alongside the album release, the group attempts to stay afloat in the black-and-white, stirring official music video for “Action Reaction.” Fierce and sharp, Berserk is a raw, unflinching commentary on an age dominated by hyper-information, capitalism, and self-improvement culture. Celebrate the album live in Los Angeles on March 28 at the official record release show at Zebulon with Muscle Beach and Allison Wolfe (DJ set), open to the public.
The long-awaited third album from the group is more than just a record—it’s a seismic eruption of punk that spits, snarls, and scratches at the raw nerve of contemporary existence. Over ten tracks produced by David Scott Stone (LCD Soundsystem) and lead singer, guitarist and primary writer Romy Hoffman, Berserk delivers the kind of eclectic, electric energy that traverses through the plains of pop-punk, post-punk, disco-punk, and schizo-synth-punk, and bites hard and fast, all while pushing the listener to confront the gnawing absurdity of living in the world today.
At its core, Berserk is a frenetic response to the shifting tides of life—an album that is unapologetically queer and embodies the chaos of an era where nothing feels stable, where the self is both the center of its own universe and being sucked into the disorienting orbit of a hyper-connected, hyper-consumptive culture. Hoffman says, “Everyone’s trying to improve, to ‘do the work,’ but the conundrum is: there’s no ethical consumption under capitalism. This album is a snapshot of that dilemma, wrapped in something catchy enough to make you want to dance–or scream–a solution.” Written before Trump’s second term and the fires that ravaged Los Angeles, the album remains relevant and timely, acting as a love letter to the city that built the band.
Also out today, “Action Reaction” offers a raw, introspective dive into the dichotomies of the human experience. Describing the track, Hoffman explains, “A slower, more spacious departure from previous singles, the track juxtaposes monotone verses with a sweeter, more melodic chorus—mirroring the push and pull of emotion and reason, of love and repulsion, hush and harsh, letting go versus holding on.”
Watch “Action Reaction” (Official Music Video)
The moody, striking black-and-white visual shot on a cold winter morning at Hermosa Beach, captures this emotional abyss through the metaphor of the ocean—vast, uncontrollable, and deeply tied to the sensation of drowning in one’s own emotions. Directed by Hoffman and synth player Sara Rivas, who also edited the video, Hoffman shares, “The video embraces a DIY ethos, made with no budget but plenty of heart. The video’s stark simplicity mirrors the song’s rawness, offering an intimate reflection of the struggle to escape a psychological trap, to rescue something—perhaps even oneself—from the depths of what feels like an abandonment abyss.”
Agender formed in 2011 as a solo punk project for lead singer and primary writer Romy Hoffman. Just two years later, it morphed into a trio, and by 2014, the band became known for their thrashing punk shows. The group’s first album Fixations arrived that same year, and eight years later, the introspective, tongue-in-cheek second LP, No Nostalgia was released. Buzzbands LA called 2022’s celebratory disco-punk anthem “Top Bottom Top,” “deliciously throbbing.” The band expanded on the track with an EP of remixes with the help of friends and queer icons–Le Tigre’s JD Samson as well as Harvey Sutherland. Made up of Hoffman, Cristy Michel (bass), Christy Greenwood (drums) and Sara Rivas (synth), the quartet carves out a space that is uniquely their own–filled with fierce pride, a delicate balance of satire and earnest observations of life, and a piercing sound that energetically empowers and uplifts voices that are often stifled.
Fiery and fully charged, Berserk, out now sees Agender tackle themes like love addiction, abandonment wounds, consumerism and aging, as the ever-present tension between self-empowerment and capitalist exploitation permeate the tracks. The self-assured, impassioned project masterfully combines punk’s spirited, guttural energy with heart-wrenching moments of reflection. On March 28, join Agender live in Los Angeles at the official record release show at Zebulon with Muscle Beach and Allison Wolfe (DJ set). Connect with Agender on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more.
Watch “Things Things Things” (Official Music Video) | Listen
Watch “Jeans” (Official Music Video) | Listen
CONNECT WITH AGENDER: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Bandcamp | SoundCloud | YouTube
DEAN OWENS ‘Spirit ridge’ (Album)
New album by award winning Scottish singer songwriter, recorded in the land of his Italian lion tamer ancestor, with acclaimed producer Don Antonio. 2024 was a landmark year for award winning Scottish musician Dean Owens with standing ovations and sold out tours including Cambridge Folk Festival, Netherlands, UK and USA. 2025 is shaping up to be even better with the highly anticipated release of his twelfth album Spirit Ridge, recorded at Crinale Studio, a 400 year old farmhouse in the hills in Emilia Romagna, Italy – the land of Dean’s lion tamer great great grandfather – with renowned Italian producer Don Antonio. Spirit Ridge will be launched at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections on 2 Feb, with upcoming tour dates including the prestigious Port Fairy Festival in Australia, plus UK, US and The Netherlands.
Spirit Ridge is the follow up to Dean’s critically acclaimed collaborations with US Latin rock icons Calexico which resulted in 2 remarkable albums – Sinner’s Shrine (2022) and El Tiradito (The Curse of Sinner’s Shrine) (2023) – which dramatically evoked the wide panoramic landscapes of the south western US desert states. The twelve songs on Spirit Ridge are a musical and lyrical development, both monumental and deeply personal, rooted in a liminal hinterland which connects the lush Italian hills, the US desert states and post industrial Scotland. The spirit of the lion tamer is rarely far away!
Preceded by 3 well received “taster” EPs (The Ridge Trilogy) released July-Dec 2024, the full Spirit Ridge album is now ready to launch into the world in all its guitar driven, brass infused glory! A magical mix of Dean’s trademark melancholy and unforgettable melodies, a masterpiece of concise songwriting about family and connections to places, with a nod to spirit animals. Vocally he has never sounded better.
Spirit Ridge begins quietly with Dean’s tribute to the area around Crinale with Eden Is Here, before picking up pace with instrumental Spirito with its swelling brass notes. My Beloved Hills and Light This World continue the theme of the importance of family and the healing power of special landscapes. There’s a change of perspective with the soaring The Buzzard And the Crow, imagining the world seen from the birds’ viewpoint, with a celebration of the stoicism of the buffalo in Face The Storm (The Buffalo). Dean returns to a frequent theme – the plight of the dispossessed and displaced – in Burn It All, and takes a dark turn for Sinner Of Sinners – a dark tale about a dark soul. Wall Of Death is a standout track – again, with a big production, a surprisingly upbeat song about living with “the black dog”. There’s a more melancholy mood with A Divine Tragedy about the aftermath of a divorce, followed by the romantic ballad Spirit Of Us (one of Dean’s oldest songs, given a new lease of life here). The final track, Tame The Lion, is a reflection on how the spirits of people long gone can still seem to walk with us in special places.
Dean and Don Antonio were introduced by mutual friend John Convertino of Calexico who thought they’d be kindred spirits. He wasn’t wrong! Convertino guests on several tracks, on drums, marimba and vibraphone, with other Calexico musicians including Marttin Wenk and Tom Hagerman. The main band is comprised of Dean plus four talented Italian musicians including Don Antonio, with other notable guests including Scotland’s Kirsten Adamson (daughter of Big Country/Skids’ Stuart Adamson) on backing vocals.
Don Antonio is a renowned Italian producer, musician and film maker, whose work includes producing Alejandro Escovedo’s Echo Dancing album (also recorded at Crinale), as well as his own projects including Sacri Cuori, known for their rich, atmospheric sound.
Dean: This album’s for family. Those who are long gone, those who’ve recently passed on, those who are here right now and those whose spirits will be forever present in our lives… all around us on Spirit Ridge.
Don Antonio: ‘I am Italian, Dean is Scottish, these are stories and sounds written and played in a way which deeply reflects who we are, the places we’ve been, the seeds we planted and the fruits we harvested. These songs are monumental!’
LOW MONROE ‘Deviant Hotline’ (Single)
Emerging once again from the shadows, Low Monroe reaches out to deliver yet another taste of his signature brand of twisted cinematic post-punk. And the basis for this new adventure into the sordid depths of the underworld? Vampires and gothic romance.
“‘Deviant Hotline’ was a song that I had such clear direction for story-wise. It was definitely an aesthetically driven song. It follows a modern vampire, lurking from landline to landline, with the intent to feed. However, one voice catches them by surprise, and levels of infatuation grow that conflict with hunger-related urges.” Low Monroe
In contrast to previous single ‘Exxon Tears’, the track adopts a grittier, less-polished veneer, in no small part due to the prominence of its guitar. Reminiscent of dirty rockabilly and 60s garage, with its evocative tone and undeniable sense of cool, Daniel Motta’s guitar sets the scene for Low Monroe’s seedy depiction of lust and longing in dimly lit streets. “Instrumentally, I wanted to compose a moody goth piece that had a slight glimmer of hope,” explains Low. “I co-wrote the song with Fugitive band member Daniel “Daz” Motta. For a moment I was pretty stagnate with the song, I was struggling to write something satisfactory on guitar. I usually write everything on my own for my individual releases, but Daz came up with a catchy line that drastically elevated the song.”
Low Monroe began as the solo project of multi-instrumentalist and producer Mark Sergi in 2022, with the release of debut single ‘Second Try Theme.’ Almost as much a performance piece as a musical project, Low Monroe is heavily influenced by the stylised visuals and hardboiled stories of Old Hollywood and its gripping crime and noir genres.
Although originally a solo project, during the release phase for second single ‘Velvet Cell’, Low began recruitment for a live band. Before long The Fugitives were born, and they performed their first show at the launch for ‘Velvet Cell’ in September 2023. Sliding steadily away from a solo project and closer to a collaborative effort, Low Monroe and The Fugitives have found intrigue mounting around them, as they become increasingly in-demand for their alluring live shows.
Low Monroe is – Mark Sergi (vocals, keys, sax)
The Fugitives are – Daniel Motta (guitar) Jake Hohaia (bass) Finn Smith (drums)
Out Now Listen and download the track here:
SoundCloud | GDrive (with media assets) | Spotify
LOW MONROE ONLINE Instagram | Bandcamp | Facebook | Spotify
ATLAS FRANKLIN ALEXANDER ‘New Remedy’ (Single/Video)
An ethereal exploration into vulnerability, atmospheric whimsy and psych pop elements, the brand-new track New Remedy out today from Newcastle artist Atlas Franklin Alexander wields nostalgic modernity, while also offering glossy insight into what lies in wait at the core of his impending new EP, Flexible New Replica, due March 13, and celebrating its release with an east coast tour, set to hit Wollongong, Sydney and Melbourne in March.
A raw yet resplendent outing that glimmers with touches of Peter Gabriel’s experimental 80s side, Radiohead’s atmospheric dreaminess, Tame Impala’s synth-meets-psych-pop sensibilities and a dash of Kurt Vile’s vulnerability, New Remedy also firmly showcases Atlas Franklin Alexander’s ability to balance modern hues with throwback tendencies, while also traversing extremely relatable lyrical fare in an open-veined fashion, as Atlas Franklin Alexander shares, “New Remedy is about finding clarity in the middle of confusion. It’s that feeling of wanting to fix something that feels broken, but not knowing exactly how. There’s a vulnerability in wanting to make things right, and this song explores that tension. It’s a mix of personal reflection and a kind of quiet desperation for resolution. I think it’s a universal feeling—wanting a “remedy” for what ails you, whether it’s a relationship or just your own inner struggle. In terms of inspiration, it came from a combination of personal experience and the way those emotions often feel heightened in moments of uncertainty. There’s a bit of that ‘80s energy where everything felt bigger—more dramatic—but also something modern, like trying to capture those feelings in today’s world. It’s kind of like a snapshot of a moment when you’re searching for something that feels like it could fix everything, even if you don’t know exactly what that is.”
Teaming up with long-time collaborators Harri Gilbert and Dave Fulham, the accompanying video for New Remedy perfectly encapsulates the single’s otherworldly sonics, while also channelling its lyrical content through abstract yet entirely fitting visuals. “I came up with the concept and directed the video myself with the help of two pals Harri Gilbert and Dave Fulham,” Atlas Franklin Alexander explains. “The video is a bit of an abstract reflection of the song’s themes—like an exploration of the different facets of human experience. You’ve got the green man dancing in the kitchen—he’s kind of a symbol for something that’s “other,” something outside the typical norm. There’s the girl who is in love with a robot—representing that strange tension between human connection and the things we create, I’d say in 5-10 years these kind of relationships with robots will become our reality. Then we have the fortune teller, predicting what is all about to unfold, and finally we got the gang of youths and I’m there, singing the song, trying to make sense of it all. It’s about navigating confusion and finding that piece of clarity, even in the midst of chaos.”
An immersive and holistically DIY labour of love, both New Remedy and its overarching body of work, Flexible New Replica, was written, recorded and produced entirely by Atlas Franklin Alexander, with the six tracks all simultaneously standing alone as separate creative journeys, and carrying a sharp yet cohesive creative thread. From its buoyant opener, New Remedy, Flexible New Replica unfurls into percolating 80s synth wave (Firebird), modern ambience (Crave), lolling atmospheric bliss (Dolphins), ethereal haze built for driving down dark highways at night with the windows rolled down (Young Love) and, ultimately, an uplifting cloud of smooth textures and languid-yet-driving beats via closing track Brighter Days. A deeply engaging collection of tracks that collectively celebrate a retro-future aesthetic, Flexible New Replica is also firmly helmed from start to finish by this talented artist, with the entirely solo endeavour a soaring reflection of catharsis and self-exploration, as he elaborates, “It is a true DIY project—everything from the writing to the recording to the production came from my home studio, where I’ve always felt most connected to the work. I think there’s something deeply personal and reflective in making music this way. It’s not about perfection; it’s about honesty. Each instrument is played by me, each decision made with a purpose, even if it’s an imperfect one. In a way, the song becomes an extension of my environment, my mindset. There’s a certain beauty in the DIY process, in shaping everything from the ground up, even if it’s a little rough around the edges. That’s where the real magic lies for me.”
Hailing from Mulubinba/Newcastle, Atlas Alexander Franklin has dazzled with his post-punk and indie pop wiles over the years, layering lashings of imagination across ambient synths and immersive beats in a way that is both fresh and familiar; and entirely fascinating. Releasing his debut EP ENTER ECHO in 2021, Alexander blends raw emotion into his sonic dreamscapes, offering uplifting messaging and relatability along with resplendent catharsis. And, for Alexander, his musical output is as much a therapy for himself as it is for any of his listeners who venture into his spellbinding creations. “It’s almost like writing music is my form of self-therapy,” shares Alexander. “The drive to understand, to express what’s inside through writing & recording. My song writing came from wanting to create something that was completely real & honest with no outside influences. So yes, it’s definitely like I’m counselling myself through my music lol. I just have always had and will always have this strange impulse to create stuff. Sounds a bit hippie-dippie but music’s always been my way of navigating life, and this project came from wanting to make something completely on my own terms.”
With the imminent release of Flexible New Replica, Atlas Franklin Alexander is also set to embark on a special run of shows in support of the new EP, with the Flexible New Replica Tour visiting Wollongong on March 7, Sydney on March 13 and Melbourne on March 21.
New Remedy is out now. Flexible New Replica is due out March 13.
ATLAS FRANKLIN ALEXANDER – UPCOMING SHOWS:
Tickets available from https://linktr.ee/atlasfranklinalexander
FRI 7 MAR | TBH, WOLLONGONG NSW | 18+
THURS 13 MAR | HOLLYWOOD HOTEL, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
FRI 21 MAR | LULIES TAVERN, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Stream: NEW REMEDY Watch: NEW REMEDY
TORI DARKE & JAY SANTILLI ’Trouble’ (Single/Video)
One dazzled the country in 2024 with her appearance on the hit TV show, The Voice, while the other captured the hearts of fans as a 2024 Toyota Star Maker Grand Finalist. Today these two firecrackers – Tori Darke and Jay Santilli – join forces to deliver their cheeky new single, ‘Trouble’.
‘Trouble’ is a bar room anthem that plays like the soundtrack to a girl’s night out. “It’s all about those nights when you just need to let loose, have fun, and shake off the stress of life with your best friends,” shares Jay. “It’s a song made for dancing, singing loud, and making memories.”
The track’s carefree spirit was crafted in a relaxed songwriting session between the two. “The writing process was so natural especially since we have been friends for nearly 15 years – we were just bouncing ideas off each other, sharing stories, and bringing that excitement to life.”
When it came time to infuse their modern country anthem with its electrifying sound, the girls turned to veteran producer duo, MSquared (Kaylee Bell, James Johnston). “Recording with MSquared was a bucket list dream for me,” admits Tori. “The guys have produced some incredible music over the years and to be able to get into the studio with them and record/write a song with one of my best friends in music was a total pinch me moment.”
With stadium-worthy drums and walls of guitar encompassing Tori and Jay’s massive vocals, the single brings instant party vibes. That sentiment carries into the song’s stellar video clip, shot at the raucous Cowboys bar room in Surfer’s Paradise. “I have one word for the Trouble music video and that is FUN,” exclaims Tori. Shot with Jake Davey behind the lens, the rowdy clip is all about liquor and line dancing.
Together these artists have amassed over 1.5M streams and shared stages with some of the industry’s best. Jay has warmed up crowds for Morgan Evans, Kaylee Bell and Andrew Swift, while Tori has been on the road with superstar Lee Kernaghan for the last 18 months.
The Voice star also recently teamed up with her TV-bandmate Brad Butcher to deliver an Australian tour, kickstarted by their thrilling on air cover of Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The Chain’. Jay has been crisscrossing the east coast with dynamo’s, Taylor Moss and Tyla Rodrigues for the better part of a year and has her sights set on a slew of festivals in 2025, including Sweat & Dust Country Festival in Rome, Italy.
Designed to bring people together, drown out the noise of everyday life, and ignite dance floors everywhere, ‘Trouble’ demands to be played at full volume – whether you’re cruising down the highway with the windows down or leading the charge on a wild night out.
So, grab your boots, raise a glass, and get ready—because when Tori Darke and Jay Santilli roll into town, the only thing you can count on is pure, unfiltered fun. ‘Trouble’ has arrived, and it’s here to stay!
TORI DARKE TOUR DATES
Saturday 22nd February – Oberon Rodeo – Oberon, NSW
Friday 7th March – Tamworth Services Club – Tamworth, NSW (w/ Brad Butcher)
Saturday 8th March – Macksville Services Club – Macksville, NSW (w/ Brad Butcher)
Sunday 9th March – Coronation Hall Coutts Crossing – Coutts Crossing, NSW (w/ Brad Butcher)
Friday 28th March – Old Bundy Tavern – Bundaberg, QLD (w/ Brad Butcher)
Saturday 29th March – Junction Cafe – Toondoon, QLD (w/ Brad Butcher)
Sunday 30th March – Great Western hotel – Rockhampton, QLD (w/ Brad Butcher)
Friday 4th April – Metropolitan Hotel – Mackay, QLD (w/ Brad Butcher)
Saturday 5th April – Mansfield Hotel – Townsville, QLD (w/ Brad Butcher)
Thursday 10th April – The Brass Monkey – Cronulla, NSW (w/ Brad Butcher)
Friday 11th April – Django Bar – Marrickville, NSW (w/ Brad Butcher)
Saturday 12th April – The Beer Shed – Leumeah, NSW (w/ Brad Butcher)
Sunday 13th April – The Royal Hotel Queanbeyan – Queanbeyan, NSW (w/ Brad Butcher)
Saturday 28th June – Country Fest – Bloomsbury, QLD
Saturday 23rd August – Gympie Music Muster – Amamoor State Forest, QLD
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIK TOK
JAY SANTILLI TOUR DATES
Saturday 22nd February – Berwick Show – Berwick, VIC
Friday 4th April – Melbourne Muster (Pre-Muster) – Scoresby, VIC
Saturday 10th May – Country Gals Festival – Shepparton, VIC
Sunday 15th June – Sweat & Dust Country Festival – Rome, Italy
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIK TOK
SPILL TAB ‘ANGIE’ (Single/Video) (Album out 6th May)
LA-based French-Korean singer, songwriter, and producer spill tab (aka Claire Chicha) has shared the details of her long-awaited debut full length ANGIE alongside a video for the album’s title track. With its lush, organic instrumentation and vintage synth textures, the single was co-produced by Chicha, John Hill (FKA Twigs, Charli xcx), and Solomonophonic (SZA, Lola Young, Remi Wolf) and was premiered on Jack Saunders’ BBC Radio 1 show last night. Listen now and watch the official video via the link below:
WATCH :: ‘ANGIE’ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Set for release 16th May on Because Music, ANGIE’s 12 tracks fizz with enthusiasm, uninhibited creativity, and intricate musicianship. As evinced by her recent singles, the album spans Chicha’s variegated musical interests, joyously veering from the bass-weight and pitched-up vocals of glitchy opener ‘PINK LEMONADE’ to the grungy distortion and sultry French-language lyrics of ‘De Guerre’ to the euphoric guitar solos of the title track.
“I love this collection of songs so deeply,” she states, “they feel more honest than anything I’ve created in a long time, and I’m so proud of the hundreds (thousands??) of hours that were spent writing, producing, chipping away at vocals, tightening up harmonies, re-writing bass lines, deleting entire sections, coming up with completely new ones, with all the the insane collaborators that worked on this project. It’s really special to hear all these experiences on love and loss, rejection and passion, walking away and holding on too tight, all coexisting together in one place: a cumulation of these last few years of my life.”
ANGIE Track List
1. Pink Lemonade
2. Adore Me
3. Assis
4. Athlete
5. by Design
6. Hold Me
7. Want Me
8. morning dew interlude
9. Doesn’t That Scare You?
10. Angie
11. De Guerre
12. wet veneer
ANGIE – out 16th May on Because Music – presave here
ANGIE OUT 16 MAY VIA BECAUSE MUSIC
PRE-ORDER // PRE-SAVE
MORE INFO:
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
X
YOUTUBE
JENSEN MCRAE ‘Praying For your Downfall’ (Single)
Folk’s modern muse Jensen McRae has revealed the release date for her highly anticipated sophomore album, I Don’t Know How But They Found Me!, set to drop on April 25 via Dead Oceans. Alongside the announcement, she’s dropped her newest single and video, ‘Praying For Your Downfall,’ a masterclass in candour that blends snark and charm as McRae reflects on letting go of the impulse for revenge against someone who broke her heart. It’s not about wishing them well—it’s about no longer caring enough to wish them ill.
Set against the backdrop of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the complexities of love, I Don’t Know How But They Found Me! is a bold evolution for the young artist. The eleven-track album, recorded in North Carolina with Brad Cook (Waxahatchee, Bon Iver) and featuring contributions from Nathan Stocker (Hippo Campus), Matthew McCaughan (Bon Iver), and her brother Holden McRae, is a vibrant collection of songs anchored by razor-sharp lyrics and timeless pop melodies.
McRae’s voice is as versatile as her songwriting—wispy and textured at times, clear and bright at others. It’s a voice that embodies both the heartbreak of being left and the strength of doing the leaving. The album’s title, inspired by a line from Back to the Future, reflects McRae’s resilience: “I could’ve easily collapsed beneath the weight of what happened to me, but I didn’t. I was bulletproof the whole time.”
At just 27, Jensen McRae has already toured with Noah Kahan, MUNA, Amos Lee, and Corinne Bailey Rae, graced a Times Square billboard, and served as the cover of Spotify’s Today’s Singer-Songwriters playlist. A graduate of USC’s Thornton School of Music and a GRAMMY Camp alum, McRae is carving out space for young Black women in the folk genre with unflinching honesty and raw lyricism.
She released her debut album, Are You Happy Now?, in 2022, featuring viral singles like “Immune” and “Wolves,” has earned widespread acclaim from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Vulture, UPROXX, NY Post, Billboard, and Stereogum. She’s been spotlighted in PAPER, DORK and Wonderland Magazine, with the latter declaring, “The future is just beginning for Jensen McRae.” Of her most recent work with “Massachusetts,” NYLON praised her candid storytelling: “Listening to Jensen McRae almost feels too personal, as if every lyric was not just a line in a song, but an unraveling of her innermost thoughts.”
Inspired by the likes of Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman, McRae’s voice—both literal and lyrical—resonates deeply, personifying the human experience with rare vulnerability and grace. With a sound that blends introspection and artistry, she’s an artist who’s here to stay.
‘PRAYING FOR YOUR DOWNFALL’ – OUT NOW VIA DEAD OCEANS
I DON’T KNOW HOW BUT THEY FOUND ME – OUT 25 APRIL VIA DEAD OCEANS
FOR MORE INFO: INSTAGRAM TIKTOK X FACEBOOK YOUTUBE
KINGSWOOD ANNOUNCE FEATURE FILM DOCUMENTARY ‘CLAPTRAP’
In 2024, beloved Australian rock group KINGSWOOD embarked on a record-setting live venture, completing Australia’s longest ever music tour. The Hometowns Tour encompassed 112 shows across the span of six months, taking KINGSWOOD to every corner of Australia and to over 60,000 fans.
A mammoth effort for any artist, the experience not only exposed KINGSWOOD to audiences new and alike following the release of their sixth studio album HOME, but it also redefined the group as a live unit. The relentless grind of the tour brought KINGSWOOD closer together, while also pushing them into visceral emotional territory as they navigated such an expansive undertaking on the road.
The entire journey has been documented and beautifully brought to life in a feature documentary film titled CLAPTRAP – a project that will premiere in Melbourne on Friday 4 April at the iconic Astor Theatre, before select screenings commence on the East Coast throughout April.
Directed by Darcy Newton and produced by Luca Catalano, CLAPTRAP provides a compelling insight into the life of a touring musician, while also highlighting the charisma and electrifying nature of KINGSWOOD when they are in their natural element – on stages of all kinds.
Says Newton of the experience, “When KINGSWOOD asked me, a 23 year old filmmaker, to document Australia’s longest ever tour, I knew that if I actually managed to make it home, the film would be very unique and strange. I wanted to create an unreplicable, charming and honest glimpse into the extraordinary world of touring musicians, and this became CLAPTRAP.”
For Catalano and Newton, stepping into the world of live music and touring in this way left an indelible mark on them as creatives; ultimately making for an exciting final product.
As they explain, “We are filmmakers still from a maturing generation, whose voice, perspectives and concerns aren’t hugely represented on the big screen yet. It’s exciting to be able to contribute and complicate this representation. Certainly, this film has been made for fans of KINGSWOOD. If you want to see your favourite rock band wake up together, sleep, eat, argue, dance, drive – and of course, perform – tune in.”
Since the release of HOME, KINGSWOOD have released a seventh studio album in The Tale Of G.C. Townes, and have completed two further national tours. There is still something special about what they were able to accomplish with The Hometowns Tour, and to have it captured forever through the CLAPTRAP film is something KINGSWOOD is struck by.
Songwriter and guitarist Alexander Laska says of the experience, “The documentary process was unusual and fantastical. The most compelling aspect was being aware of, and willfully subjecting to the experience of one’s life being documented in the pursuit of artistic expression.”
Fellow songwriter and guitarist Fergus Linacre adds, “It was surprising how quickly and easily I was able to live as if there wasn’t a camera in my face all day. Credit to Darc and his ability to shoot surreptitiously, and to gain our trust. This enabled him to shoot more real life moments providing the depth and intimacy you experience in the film.”
Kingswood have cemented themselves as one of Australia’s premiere acts across their career, with support from all corners of the industry and a dedicated fan base. Their long list of achievements and accolades include an ARIA nomination for Best Rock album in 2014; 6x entries in triple J’s Hottest 100 list; 2x ARIA top 10 albums; 4 x nominations at the upcoming 2025 Golden Guitar Awards ; 2x J Awards; National support tours with the likes of AC/DC & Aerosmith; and 70 million total streams across their catalogue.
CLAPTRAP will screen at special events in Melbourne, Geelong, Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney, with KINGSWOOD in attendance at the noted dates below.
Tickets available now for Melbourne and Brisbane screenings, with more screenings to be announced across the country soon.
CLAPTRAP AUSTRALIAN SCREENINGS
** KINGSWOOD attending
Friday 4 April Astor Theatre Melbourne VIC **
PREMIERE EVENT
Tickets
Saturday 5 April Thornbury Picture House Melbourne VIC **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Tickets
Sunday 6 April Pivotonian Cinema Geelong VIC
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Wednesday 9 April Regal Theatre Adelaide SA
SCREENING
Wednesday 9 April Byron Bay Palace Byron Bay NSW **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Thursday 10 April New Farm Cinema Brisbane QLD**
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
Tickets
Friday 11 April The Ritz Sydney NSW **
SCREENING, Q&A EVENT
CLAPTRAP: Instagram
KINGSWOOD: Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
GORDI ANNOUNCES 3RD ALBUM ‘Like Plasticine’ & Releases ‘Peripheral Lover’ (Single)
“Summer in Nashville a few years ago, it was damn hot. I was there for a week to write, staying in some Airbnb that was actually just someone’s garage with a touch of plumbing. I was thinking about the beginnings of queer relationships – I’m talking real early, like so early that at least one person is still in the closet. Accepting the available love instead of it orbiting around you. There comes a breaking point, a demand, a pleading for honesty – and the relationship either explodes into the open, or melts from the periphery away into nothing. From these thoughts, ‘Peripheral Lover’ was born. It exploded into being in about 3 hours.
“The journey from the song’s writing to its finish was long, with many false starts. It’s a simple song with a simple message, and so I wrote KISS (keep it simple, stupid) on a post-it note and stuck it on my desk in Melbourne, while I layered up guitars and synths and drums. Me at my most ‘pop’ – terrifying and ludicrously fun.
WATCH: Gordi – ‘Peripheral Lover’
“A couple years ago, my friend Troye Sivan had txt me asking if I would help him write a song for a movie. We wrote ‘Wait’ for the film ‘Three Months’, which was written and directed by the talented Jared Frieder. Jared popped into my head when I was wondering how to bring ‘Peripheral Lover’ to life with visuals, so I asked would he shoot the music video.
“We flew to Dallas and shot on a 45-degree (celsius) day, as I dragged a kissing booth around the city. We’d put a call out to any non-male queer people in Dallas who were up for coming to the shoot and making out with a total stranger – unsurprisingly, an abundance of people showed up (and all went for drinks together after, bursting my heart open). We shot the make out scenes, by total coincidence, right next to the Future Farmers of America convention (the Venn diagram of the two groups did not exist).” – Gordi
Set for release on May 30 via Mushroom Music, Like Plasticine chronicles the last few transformative years of Gordi’s life. From coming out and having to adjust the vision of her future, to working as a doctor on the frontline during the pandemic, Gordi explores the beauty, heartbreak and finite nature of human experience across 12 new songs.
“Being surrounded by death made me think about how beautiful life is…. I thought about all the ways we are like plasticine in life – how forces we can’t control, contort us into shapes, stretch us thin, and test our resilience. But sometimes, heart-wrenching change can be a thing of beauty.”
There’s the effervescent, euphoric pop of ‘Peripheral Lover’, the drama and intrigue of the fractured, experimental and recent single ‘Alien Cowboy’, the pain and anguish of songs like ‘PVC Divide’ and more tender moments like the absolute gift of last year’s ‘Lunch At Dune’. Throughout, Gordi’s vocals are at the fore, layered over experimental, intelligent production. No two songs are the same, each its own unique part of the whole. All songs are charged with emotion and insight, taking the listener on a breathtaking, cerebral journey along the highs and lows of Gordi’s life (and in part their own).
“On the first page of my notebook – where all the songs from this record are written – I wrote in the top corner “inject emotion into everything”. It was about making the music as undaunted as the stories within it.”
Gordi – Like Plasticine
Out Friday 30 May via Mushroom Music PRE-ORDER
BLOSSOMS SHARE ‘I LIKE YOUR LOOK’ FROM UK #1 ALBUM GARY & TOURING AUSTRALIA WITH KASABIAN MARCH 2025
Set to make their long-awaited Australian return in March, Blossoms are bringing with them their latest chart-topping album, GARY. Ahead of their national tour supporting British indie icons Kasabian, the Stockport five-piece share focus track ‘I Like Your Look’ – a key entry in GARY’s sprawling tapestry of fun and dynamic sounds.
Co-written with breakthrough Irish musician and performer CMAT, ‘I Like Your Look’ is a homage to the aesthetic and sounds of the ‘80s, with vocalist Tom Ogden noting, “‘I Like Your Look’ is a tipping of the hat to Blondie’s ‘Rapture’ and a wink to Joan Baez ‘Time Rag’, and lyrically it explores a tongue-in-cheek approach to high fashion. ’Mothers’ is an ode to my and Joe’s friendship and it references the fact that our mothers were friends back in the 80s.’”
Their fifth studio album, GARY sees Blossoms engage with some of their most dynamic music to date. Having consistently released music that has remained in line with the energy of their earlier releases, the five-piece have also kept their focus very much trained on new sounds and directions that keeps the chemistry within the band fresh and tight.
GARY is a perfect example of such chemistry. Their first studio record as independent artists, there is a spirit of rejuvenation that threads its way through the record; from its singles in ‘Gary’, ‘Perfect Me’ and ‘What Can I Say After I’m Sorry?’, the album captures a unique turning point in Blossoms’ journey. The music is fun without losing poignancy in songwriting; dynamic without sacrificing precision in execution.
The impact of GARY only speaks to Blossoms’ continued staying power – debuting at #1 on the UK Albums Chart, the album has become the band’s fourth #1 record and has gone on to spark two special additional editions: a deluxe edition, and a covers edition featuring reworks of songs by artists including Radiohead, Whitney Houston, Caroline Polachek and Lady Gaga.
Selling over 100,000 tickets in the last year alone, as well as logging excellent sets at festivals including Glastonbury, Blossoms are set to have another busy and fruitful year with the release of GARY putting them back on the map as a band not to be missed.
Since forming in 2013, Blossoms have enjoyed widespread success and acclaim. Their 2016 debut Blossoms topped the album charts for two consecutive weeks and went on to earn the band BRIT Award and Mercury Prize nominations, while 2018’s Cool Like You charted at Number 4 in the UK album chart, spawning the anthemic singles I Can’t Stand It, There’s A Reason Why (I Never Returned Your Calls) and How Long Will This Last? Their third studio album, 2020’s Foolish Loving Spaces was the band’s second UK Number 1 album, while their fourth studio LP Ribbon Around The Bomb gave the band their third UK Number 1 album, with the record’s standout tracks Ode To NYC, The Sulking Poet and Care For well established as fan favourites. Blossoms have had five top 5 albums in the UK, including their In Isolation/Live From The Plaza Theatre, Stockport release.
BLOSSOMS AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES SUPPORTING KASABIAN
Tickets via destroyalllines.com
Tuesday 11 March Forum Melbourne
Wednesday 12 March Forum Melbourne SOLD OUT
Saturday 15 March Enmore Theatre Sydney SOLD OUT
Sunday 16 March Enmore Theatre Sydney
Tuesday 18 March Fortitude Music Hall Brisbane
GARY is out now.
BLOSSOMS: OFFICIAL WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE
CROWNSHIFT ‘Black Velvet’ (Single)
Following up on their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album from 2024, modern metal supergroup CROWNSHIFT has unleashed a hard-hitting metal cover of Alannah Myles’ smash hit ‘Black Velvet’ from 1989. The original, which is undoubtedly one of the biggest pop hits of the late 80s, has been given an exciting contemporary facelift by the Finns, who effortlessly updated the song with their signature sound and made it their own.
The band that’s currently one of Finland’s hottest new rock music exports has received a lot of praise for their debut album and their superb crossover of modern metal, melodic death metal and progressive metal has instantly excited fans and critics all over the globe.
In just a week from now, CROWNSHIFT will embark on an extensive European tour with heavy metal legend DIRKSCHNEIDER and ALL FOR METAL Scroll down for all confirmed dates.
STREAM CROWNSHIFT’S ‘BLACK VELVET’ COVER:
https://crownshift.bfan.link/black-velvet
PURCHASE / REVISIT CROWNSHIFT’S DEBUT ALBUM:
https://crownshift.bfan.link/cslp
CROWNSHIFT – Crownshift
Release Date: 10 May 2024
LP | CD | Digital Album
01. Stellar Halo
02. Rule The Show
03. A World Beyond Reach
04. If You Dare
05. My Prison
06. The Devil’s Drug
07. Mirage
08. To The Other Side
Born as the long-time idea of four friends, CROWNSHIFT are a new high standing crossover metal act from Finland. The members, who come from the ranks of Finland’s finest metal exports, are thrilled to start a new journey together and spread their authentic sonic print across the globe.
Seamlessly covering a diversity of styles, the quartet has a unique signature to their modern sound. Hypnotizing melodies paired with ripping riffs, from moody mid-tempo songs to fierce prog-death-metal opuses, CROWNSHIFT were born to be master of all trades.
Their highly acclaimed self-titled debut album consists of eight contemporary melodic death metal anthems with a progressive edge and captivating choruses for the ages. CROWNSHIFT’s members are or have been involved in some of Finland’s most renowned and universally beloved metal bands, including NIGHTWISH, CHILDREN OF BODOM, WINTERSUN and MYGRAIN, and it shows. On their first album CROWNSHIFT have managed to combine their collective experiences and have crafted a modern metal masterpiece that sounds distinctively Finnish and offers stellar songwriting and excellent production.
CROWNSHIFT IS:
Tommy Tuovinen: Vocals
Daniel Freyberg: Guitar, Backing Vocals
Jukka Koskinen: Bass
Heikki Saari: Drums
CROWNSHIFT online:
https://linktr.ee/crownshiftofficial
https://www.facebook.com/crownshiftofficial
https://www.instagram.com/crownshiftofficial
https://www.tiktok.com/@crownshiftofficial
YouTube