SNIPPETZ: THURSDAY May 28, 2026
This week’s Snippetz includes: Sleeping With Sirens, Jagger Leith, Tilly Fenton, Millie Clifton, The Audreys, Ashanti, Necrosonic Festival, Rachel Bolan, Grace Cummings, THERADIOMUSICOLA, Sadie Welch, Indie-Con Australia & A2IM Indie Week, Cheekface, Heists, No Cure, The Pretty Reckless, 8 Ball Aitken & Taya Chani, Kingswood, Boston Manor, FVNERAL, Panda Bear & Sonic Boom, Jungle, Blums, Beans, Gollylagging, Tin Town, Isabelle Skye, Fangz, Tarja and more.
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS RELEASE HEAVING NEW SINGLE PARALYZED TAKEN FROM UPCOMING NEW ALBUM AN ENDING IN ITSELF
Entering sharp new sonic terrain as they approach the release of their eighth studio album, emo-metalcore icons Sleeping With Sirens have stunned fans with a surprise drop of a brand new single Paralyzed, releasing the fresh track ahead of their upcoming new record An Ending In Itself, due out on June 12 via Rise Records.
STREAM: Paralyzed
PRE SAVE: An Ending In Itself
Showcasing a powerful expansion on their trademark sound, Paralyzed finds Sleeping With Sirens leaning into their heavier roots without sacrificing their trademark modernity and flair. Fresh on the heels of previous single Forever/Always, Paralyzed showcases the band’s most crushing new entry to date from their forthcoming album, with caustic and palpitating verses, soaring choruses, and throwback alternative and metal nods that reflect an amalgamation of shared influences, as frontman Kellin Quinn elaborates, “Paralyzed is one of the heaviest songs on the new record. We had a blast making it and really leaned into the bands that shaped and inspired us growing up – artists like Thrice, The Used, and Haste The Day. It’s aggressive, emotional, and captures a side of us we’ve always loved exploring.”
Produced by Will Yip (Turnstile, Circa Survive, Movements), Paralyzed offers a towering peek further into what lies in wait on album #8 for Sleeping With Sirens, with the new record set act as both a homecoming and a reckoning for the band, reviving the restless spirit of their classic sound with the nuanced experience of recent years, and also marking their first album to be released with Rise Records since 2013’s Feel. Described by Kellin as both a culmination and a continuation, An Ending In Itself will also complete the recent emotional and thematic arc of How It Feels to Be Lost and Complete Collapse while reconnecting with the spirit that first propelled the band forward, capturing lightning in a bottle, Sleeping Sirens-style, like never before across the space of twelve tracks.
“It feels like a final chapter to the last couple of records,” Kellin shares “But it also has a lot of our second record, Let’s Cheers to This, in it. That energy where we weren’t trying to fit in anywhere and we just made the record we wanted to make.”
“A lot of what this record is about is not giving up hope,” adds Kellin, “and finding faith in the middle of hardships.”
Poised at the crossroads of post hardcore, pop and alternative rock, Sleeping With Sirens have spent fifteen years sharpening their signature sound, constantly stupefying airwaves and fans alongside releasing seven studio albums, one EP and one live album. With thousands of shows under their belts, Sleeping With Sirens have also become infamous for their future-forward perspective, as well as for their magnetic live performances and a deep connection with their audience that has catapulted the quintet into a generational global fixture.
A band now in command of gold and platinum certifications, chart success, millions of streams, sold out shows and a long-term commitment to trusting their intuition along the way, Sleeping With Sirens ultimately offer catharsis against the uncertainties of life, rallying with moments of calm and chaos armed with the urgency of punk, melodic ambition and vulnerability. Whether helping to define the early mid-2000s Warped Tour era or redefining new creative frontiers to this very day with long-time fans and an entire new surge of younger audiences in tow, Sleeping With Sirens are truly an immersive force to be reckoned with; and their most recent sonic outings further elevate the pursuit for meaning in a world gone mad.
The brand new release of surprise single Paralyzed is a resounding declaration of sonically transcending the past, present and future in a way only a band like Sleeping With Sirens can. A haymaker coated with raw emotion and oscillating dynamics, part confessional portal and instantly daring to become a fan-favourite, Paralyzed is another home-run primer ahead of the hotly-anticipated release of An Ending In Itself.
Paralyzed is out now.
An Ending In Itself is due out June 12.
Exclusive colored vinyl with signed inserts, and a zine CD featuring 24 pages of behind-the-scenes photos and handwritten lyrics are available to pre-order now here.
JAGGER LEITH SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘WHY’
Emerging Australian singer, songwriter and producer Jagger Leith today unveils his deeply personal new single, WHY, a heartfelt indie-pop release capturing the emotional fallout of a relationship breakdown and the lingering questions that remain after love fades.
Following in the footsteps of his musical father, Damien Leith, at just 18 years old and five songs into his discography, Jagger is steadily carving out his own lane in the Australian music scene, blending vulnerable songwriting with melodic modern pop production. Inspired by artists like Justin Bieber, The Kid LAROI and Michael Jackson, Jagger’s sound sits between indie-pop and singer-songwriter territory, driven by authenicity and a growing artistic identity.
WHY showcases Jagger’s expressive vocals and effortlessly infectious hooks, pairing sun-soaked production with intimate, vulnerable lyricism that reflects his evolving pop sensibilities and developing artistry.
“WHY is a breakup song about the end of a relationship and that feeling of looking back on when everything was good, and now it’s not,” says Jagger. “It’s about questioning what happened and why things changed.”
“I wrote and recorded it in my home studio, usually late at night. That’s when I feel most creative and can lock in for hours. It’s a very personal track shaped by real emotions and past relationships.”
“I’m especially excited because this is the first track that I’ve created entirely myself. I love working with other people (my Dad included), but it’s pretty exciting seeing a song come together from scratch and to know you’ve created it.”
Written, produced, recorded, mixed and mastered entirely by Jagger in his home studio, WHY marks his most independent and creatively hands-on release to date. Every layer of the track, from instrumentation and arrangement through to vocal production and sound design, was crafted during late-night studio sessions where he feels most creatively connected.
Driven by real emotion and personal experiences, the single reflects Jagger’s commitment to using music as both expression and escape.
“I’m still working on building my sound, but WHY is very me and where I’m at right now, musically,” he says. “This is really just the start for me, I love making music, I’m never gonna stop. I’m excited to keep creating, keep releasing, and keep building what I love to do.”
WHY by Jagger Leith is out now. Stream: WHY
https://www.instagram.com/jaggerleith_/
TILLY FENTON SHARES FLIRTY POP ANTHEM I JUST WANNA KISS YOU
Melbourne indie pop artist Tilly Fenton levels up with her infectious new dreampop single I Just Wanna Kiss You out today, paired with a perfectly lush 90s inspired karaoke bar video clip.
Layered with upbeat synths and oozing with dreamy pop sensibility reminiscent of Blusher, Holly Humberstone and Gracie Abrams, the track was produced by Tilly’s mainstay producer, Michael Belsar (The Jungle Giants, Hayden James, Bob Moses) and mastered by powerhouse engineer, Dale Becker (Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish).
“I Just Wanna Kiss You is all about that flirty kind of love that feels easy at first, but ends up meaning a little more than you expected” explains Tilly. “It’s rooted in those small, in between moments where everything feels light, but there’s this quiet urgency underneath it.. like wanting to show someone you’re in it for real, before the moment slips away.”
Sharing a sumptuous, 90s inspired video for I Just Wanna Kiss You, Tilly flourishes in her sparkly pop glory, performing her pop anthem in a glitter-laden karaoke bar, complete with an impressive bevy of girlfriends and all the confetti and photobooth fun a pop queen could dream of.
“From the beginning, I knew I wanted this video to have my friends in it, because it feels like a song I would sing and dance along to with my girlfriends on a night out. Then director Michelle Pitiris came on board to bring the concept to life even further and that is where we leant into a more narrative-free approach, capturing the carefree candid moments between my friends and I. We intertwined that with some more intimate shots that reflect the vulnerability of the song.”
Starting her musical journey in 2023, Tilly Fenton has spent the past few years crafting her debut EP, working alongside renowned producers and songwriters Anna Laverty and Michael Belsar, while also channelling inspiration from Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams and Phoebe Bridgers into her own unique sound. An artist capable of balancing vulnerability with strength, Tilly is one of the rare few who can imbue the emotional complexity of growing up and navigating relationships through a mature lens far beyond her 23 years, with her debut single The Secret and Valentine already captivating listeners along the way. In 2025 she released five-track EP it’s a feeling that i know, snagging some solid support from triple j and commercial radio, and has been busy supporting exciting pop artists Lexi Jayde, Aleksiah, Seb Szabo and Mariae Cassandra.
I Just Wanna Kiss You is out today.
MILLIE CLIFTON DEBUT SINGLE ‘EYES ON YOU’
Australian singer-songwriter Millie Clifton will release her debut single “Eyes On You” on May 28, introducing listeners to a warm and intimate sound shaped by emotional honesty, cinematic songwriting, and soulful folk-country influences.
After more than 10 years performing across Australia and internationally as a touring artist, Clifton now steps forward as an original artist with a deeply personal first release. Blending contemporary pop with indie folk, Americana, and country-inspired textures, “Eyes On You” captures the feeling of finding comfort and safety in another person while navigating the vulnerability that comes with emotional closeness.
Built around warm acoustic instrumentation, reflective lyricism, and heartfelt vocals, the single draws inspiration from artists including Kacey Musgraves, Leif Vollebekk and Angie McMahon.
“‘Eyes On You’ is a complete labour of love that I wrote almost five years ago,” says Clifton. “Every time I sing or hear the song, it takes me right back to that chapter of my life. I wanted the song to feel soft, warm, and comforting — like a quiet moment you never want to leave.”
Accompanied by dreamy coastal-inspired visuals and intimate production, “Eyes On You” serves as the first introduction to Millie Clifton’s artistic world and marks the beginning of more original releases throughout 2026.
“Eyes On You” will be available on all major streaming platforms from May 28.
Linktree: linktr.ee/millieclifton
Instagram: instagram.com/milliecliftonmusic/
THE AUDREYS – BETWEEN LAST NIGHT AND US – 20th ANNIVERSARY RE-RELEASE
Pressed on sexy clear blue vinyl, this limited edition run of the The Audreys debut album is available through Love As Fiction records here (https://www.loveasfictionrecords.com.au/collections/the-audreys).
Jump in quick to grab a special deal that includes a limited edition band tee vinyl!
The album is also available at the band’s live shows, BandCamp and select record stores, and includes two bonus tracks for digital download.
Digital downloads of the album include a ten track companion album How Big Does The Sky Get?: New, Not So New, B-Sides & Rarities. Keep an ear out for the band’s cover version of The Man That Got Away, Judy Garland’s epic power ballad from the very first A Star is Born movie.
NSW/ACT TOUR
Presented by Wheelhouse Agency and Love as Fiction Records
The Audreys will spend the rest of 2026 touring in celebration of this milestone, beginning with this first run through NSW and the ACT. These exclusive shows will see the band perform the songs that first defined their sound, alongside carefully selected highlights from across their catalogue.
Stay tuned for more dates to be announced later in the year.
Thu 28 May Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW
Fri 29 May Avoca Beach Theatre, Avoca Beach, NSW
Sat 30 May The Estate, Camden, NSW
Sun 31 May Heritage Hotel, Bulli, NSW
Thu 04 Jun Woopi Brewing, Woolgoolga, NSW
Fri 05 Jun Bowraville Theatre, Bowraville, NSW
Sat 06 Jun Flow Bar, Old Bar, NSW
Sun 07 Jun Moonshiners, Tamworth, NSW
Thu 11 Jun The Street Theatre, Canberra, ACT
Fri 12 Jun Smokey Dan’s, Tomakin, NSW
Sat 13 Jun The Marlin, Ulladulla, NSW
Thu 02 Jul – Baroque Bar, Katoomba, NSW
Fri 03 Jul – Flamingo’s, Newcastle, NSW
Sat 04 Jul – Paddo RSL, Sydney, NSW
Sun 05 Jul – Danger Island Bowlo, Dangar Island, NSW
Tickets and further info (https://theaudreys.com.au/#shows)
Facebookhttps: (//www.facebook.com/theaudreys)
Instagram: instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/theaudreysmusic
Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YhCaFhYdUaPihkxTqEtkZ)
Apple Music: (https://music.apple.com/au/artist/the-audreys/178724744)
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAudreysMusic)
BandCamp: (https://theaudreys.bandcamp.com/)
ASHANTI ANNOUNCES 2026 AUSTRALIA/NZ TOUR. GRAMMY WINNING PERFORMER RETURNS IN NOVEMBER
GRAMMY winning singer/songwriter and actress ASHANTI will be back on theatre and arena stages in Australia and New Zealand this November!
Returning to Australia/NZ following an extensive run of international tour dates including a recent successful UK arena tour with Sean Paul, this new chapter for ASHANTI is one that is only adding to a career marked by numerous awards and accolades.
One of music’s forever icons, ASHANTI has maintained her status as a genre champion since her debut, self-titled album launched her to global stardom in 2002. Earning her the #1 spot on both the Billboard Top 200 and R&B Charts and becoming the fastest-selling debut album by a female in history (per Soundscan), the ASHANTI album solidified the artist’s place as part of music’s DNA for a whole generation.
“Australia and New Zealand has always shown me so much love, and I’m so excited to be coming back this coming Fall for my “Rock Wit U” tour! The energy, the fans, the memories — it’s always so amazing. I can’t wait to Rock with you all! Australia and New Zealand get ready… we’re going to have a blast together! ” ASHANTI
In the years that have followed, ASHANTI has built a catalogue of six studio albums and has received numerous Billboard Music Awards and American Music Awards alongside her GRAMMY, while also counting multiple Soul Train and ASCAP Awards among her extensive collection of awards and honours.
Among her biggest hits of course: ‘Foolish,’ her signature single and lead single from her self-titled album; ‘Rock Wit U (Awww Baby),’ taken from her Chapter II record and more recently experienced a resurgence when sampled by British artist Aitch; and ‘Only U’ from her Concrete Rose record, a defining shift in sound that became a club favourite. As a collaborator as well, ASHANTI was a voice of a generation and teamed up with the likes of JA RULE (‘Always On Time,’ ‘Mesmerize’), FAT JOE (‘What’s Luv?’) and FABOLOUS (‘Into You’).
She has sold over 30 million albums to date, while also having ventured into film successfully, starring in and producing projects alongside Samuel L. Jackson, Sharon Stone, Susan Sarandon and more. A decorated author and ambassador of various youth organisations and initiatives in the United States, ASHANTI has long used her platform for advocacy and artistry, while consistently being recognised for her contributions to music and recording. In April 2022, ASHANTI received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Her return to Australia and New Zealand this November is an unmissable opportunity to reconnect with one of music’s greats!
ASHANTI ‘ROCK WIT U’ AUSTRALIAN / NEW ZEALAND TOUR DATES
Pre-sales from 1pm Local Wednesday 3 June
General sales from 1pm Local Thursday 4 June
Tickets via www.destroyalllines.com
MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER Riverside Theatre PERTH
WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER Fortitude Music Hall BRISBANE
FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER TikTok Arena (ICC) SYDNEY
SATURDAY 14 NOVEMBER Margaret Court Arena MELBOURNE
MONDAY 16 NOVEMBER Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre AUCKLAND
ASHANTI: Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube | TikTok
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐕𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐑𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐃
𝗡𝗘𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗜𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘
The altar demands more… and Year Three answers with chaos.
Necrosonic Festival 2026 is now complete, with two devastating additions joining this year’s gathering and pushing the lineup deeper into sonic extremity. From machine-driven violence to razor-sharp melodic aggression, these final acts cement a festival built for total annihilation.
𝟑𝟎 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝟑 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐒 𝟏𝟐+ 𝐇𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒
𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐙𝐄𝐑𝐊𝐄𝐑
FIRST SHOW IN 17 YEARS
Australia’s cybergrind architects return from the void to unleash their trademark collision of speed, chaos and sensory overload. Violent, mechanical and completely uncompromising, The Berzerker remain one of the most infamous and extreme acts ever to emerge from the Australian underground.
𝐄𝐘𝐄𝐎𝐅𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐘
Melodic fury collides with crushing precision as Eye of the Enemy bring their explosive live assault to Necrosonic Festival. Renowned for commanding stages with intensity and power, the band continues to stand among Australia’s most formidable modern metal acts.
With these final additions locked in, the Necrosonic 2026 lineup is complete.
𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟐𝟐 𝐀𝐔𝐆𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐒𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐓𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍 • 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐄
Ticket allocations are disappearing fast
https://tinyurl.com/NECROSONIC2026
Enter the circle before the gates close!
𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐄𝐓𝐄𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐔𝐏
Rivers of Nihil (USA)
Psycroptic (TAS)
The Berzerker (1st Show in 17 Years)
Gravemind (VIC)
Lynchmada (Exclusive ‘One Last Time’)
Segression (30 Year Reunion) (NSW)
Minus Life (Resurrected – Exclusive)
Pestilential Shadows (NSW)
Five Star Prison Cell (Resurrected) (VIC)
Witchskull (ACT)
Dreamkillers (Special EP Set)
Helm (Resurrected – One-Off Show)
M.S.B.I. (Resurrected – One-Off Show)
Barriers (SA)
Eye of the Enemy (VIC)
Meth Leppard (SA)
Permafog (TAS)
Destruktor (VIC)
F.U.C
RUN (VIC)
John Lee Spider
The Matador
Body Prison (VIC)
Growth (VIC)
Grotesque Bliss
Vyrion
Neomantra (WA)
Nembutolik (VIC)
Slaughtercult (NSW)
Bruxa
𝐑𝐄𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐑𝐘𝐏𝐓:
The Berzerker ⛧ 1st Show in 17 Years
Lynchmada ⛧ Exclusive ‘One Last Time’
Five Star Prison Cell ⛧ Back from the dead
Minus Life ⛧ Exclusive one-off show
Helm ⛧ One-off show
M.S.B.I. ⛧ One-off show
Segression ⛧ 30 Year Reunion
𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐌𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐑𝐒 𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐀𝐋
Performing their first two EPs ⛧ Poison in the Soup (1992) and Carnival of Skin (1993) ⛧ back-to-back, in full.
𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐀𝐑 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐈𝐓𝐒…
https://tinyurl.com/NECROSONIC2026
ZIPPAY is available to make it even easier:
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3 STAGES || 30 BANDS || 12+ HOURS || MARKET STALLS || FOOD
RESURRECTED BANDS BACK FROM THE DEAD
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY BESERK.COM.AU
FOR MORE INFO || www.necrosonicfestival.com
SKID ROW’S RACHEL BOLAN Releases Third Single “Memory” From His Debut Album “Gargoyle Of The Garden State” Out June 12
With “Memory”, the third single before the release of his debut solo album, Rachel Bolan from Skid Row delivers an honest, straight forward track from the upcoming record. The track leans into a more introspective mood, balancing strong melodies with direct, heartfelt lyrics. It reveals a new side of the album and sparks anticipation for what’s still to come.
“Memory” features Rachel Bolan on Vocals, bass and guitar, Damon Johnson on lead guitar, Rob Hammersmith on drums and Matt Farley on backing vocals. After four decades as a driving force behind Skid Row, bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan steps forward with his first solo album under the name BOLAN. “Gargoyle of the Garden State” is a bold, deeply personal debut rooted in the grit, attitude, and storytelling spirit of his New Jersey upbringing.
STREAM NOW https://bolan.lnk.to/MemoryPR
WATCH THE VIDEO https://youtu.be/7ZNqpC1KPtQ
The video for “Memory” was directed by Dale ‘Rage’ Resteghini (Raging Nation Films). Produced by multi-Grammy winner Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Skid Row, Rush, Evanescence, Alice In Chains) The album began as a simple conversation between friends. What started casually quickly evolved into a record that would ultimately define Bolan’s voice as both a songwriter and storyteller. “Gargoyle of the Garden State is not a project, it is every bit of my soul,” says Bolan. “Like me, it knows when to be serious and also knows where the party is.”
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE https://bolan.lnk.to/GargoyleoftheGardenStatePR
The record delivers several standout moments, including a surprising cover of Oasis’ “Rock And Roll Star,” reimagined through Bolan’s distinctive lens. Expanding well beyond his role as a bassist, Bolan performs most instruments himself, shaping the record from the ground up. Drawing on influences ranging from Brit Pop and Glam to Punk Rock and New Wave, the album reflects a lifetime immersed in music. “Gargoyle of the Garden State” also features an impressive lineup of guests, including Corey Taylor, Danko Jones, Nuno Bettencourt, Damon Johnson, Steve Conte, and fellow Skid Row members Scotti Hill, Dave “Snake” Sabo and Rob Hammersmith.
GRACE CUMMINGS Announces New Album And Single
Grace Cummings reveals her 4th album, Bloodhorse! is due for release on August 14 via Virgin Music Group
The first single from the album, My God, introduces the album with a galloping rhythm and ushers in some of the album’s recurring themes – charmers, creeps and captors; mythological spectres; intense self-reflection; and an elusive definition of God. The track comes replete with a homespun video by director Ben Portnoy. The song itself is a haunting piano track cantered around Cummings’ deep, breathy vocals, recorded while she was
suffering from pneumonia.
Watch the video for My God here
Stream My God here
“Lyrically, this song is about hatred, jealousy, rage. The God here is the dark forces that are wrapping around us, that we scroll through, the toxic energy that binds us together in this modern world, and the fear we feed it every day.
‘My God’ describes a false God I wish I wasn’t subscribed to, but am. I don’t want to talk about phones or whatever, but…that God lives in there. It’s not what I believe in, but we all subscribe and are hooked to it. And I use the word ‘God’ in my music because it’s the biggest word there is. I don’t know what it means, but I feel it in a lot of things.” explains Cummings.
Bloodhorse! is Cummings most restless and uncompromising album yet. Recorded in two weeks at producer Jonathan Wilson’s Topanga Canyon studio, it pushes her trademark sound — soulful voice, campfire melodies, expressive piano — into darker, stranger places: shuddering synths, tense strings, woozy grooves, and moments of full-on psychedelia.
Across 12 tracks, Cummings moves between oblivion and clarity, dissociation and fierce self-possession — processing abuse, control, fear, identity, and the particular exhaustion of making yourself palatable to the world. Like someone building an entire universe in isolation.
Weird, fearless, and occasionally very funny, this is one of the most ambitious albums you will hear this year, from a unique Australian voice.
Pre order Bloodhorse! Here
Bloodhorse! Follows on from her AMP shortlisted album of 2024, Ramona, which The Guardian described as ‘elemental’, The Australian said was ‘powerful and wide-ranging’ and Rolling Stone called ‘utterly commanding’. The release saw her touring with King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, My Morning Jacket and Father John Misty, as well as selling out her own shows across three continents.
INSTAGRAM // YOUTUBE // FACEBOOK
THERADIOMUSICOLA MAKES A MEMORABLE DEBUT WITH POWERED UP TRACK ‘COS WE’RE GIRLS’
As the first music release from Melbourne-based artist and producer THERADIOMUSICOLA, ‘Cos We’re Girls’ arrives with excitement and enthusiasm driving each tempo and hook, backed up by some incredibly slick production. Born from a love of powered up pop and rock music, the first single from the artist gives the audience an insight into the wide bed of influences that drives this project.
‘Cos We’re Girls’ is a fun first step forward from the prolific Melbourne multi-instrumentalist and artist, while also creating an air of mystery and intrigue around him and what is to come. Firstly, listeners will hear the female vocalist on the track; a presence that remains unidentified but is nonetheless the charismatic heart of the track.
“… I just want to acknowledge the incredible vocal performances on this track. It was a total blast in the studio working with this Australian based singer! We were both so “intune” with the track, that the vocals went down in record time – and there’s lots of them. This singer is an Artist in her own right and has chosen to stay anonymous at this point. This may change in the future as we are still collaborating. In the meantime just enjoy that vocal delivery!” THERADIOMUSICOLA
Recorded between Melbourne’s SCREAM LOUDER Studio & THERADIOMUSICOLASTUDIO with musician/producer Reggie Bowman (Southern Sons), and then mixed by engineer/producer Ricki Rae (Taxiride), the track was one THERADIOMUSICOLA describes as “a labour of love”.
The song itself, written from a female’s perspective, is at its core about empowerment and breaking down stereotypes and social barriers that young people often experience. In this context, the track details a strained young relationship where ultimately, the female protagonist is able to take her power back.
“It definitely took a long while to complete, but I’m glad I didn’t rush it. While all the parts and tracking went down pretty quickly, it was the editing and arranging that took most time – as well as going through hundreds and hundreds of sounds usually late at night, just to find one that would only happen once in the whole song! Using some amazing people also really transformed the look and sound of the finished track as well. I thought the track was pretty strong when I wrote it, but it was upon hearing what longtime friend, mentor and music collaborator Reggie Bowman delivered guitar wise, that I knew I had to finish it.” THERADIOMUSICOLA
Working with videographer David Mijahlov on the visuals for ‘Cos We’re Girls’, THERADIOMUSICOLA realised that his idea for the story behind the song was being interpreted and fleshed out in ways he didn’t even anticipate would be possible.
“I watched it a couple of times and showed it to one other person. While I was watching it, it dawned on me that David’s concept had brought another dimension to the visual side, that I could never have brought to the table, [and it was] one that I nearly bailed on. Add to that, except for one frame, David’s first edit was unchanged and is the video that was released!” THERADIOMUSICOLA
THERADIOMUSICOLA has had a long and successful career in the Australian pop and rock scene, inspired by the likes of Max Martin, Kate Bush, The Strokes and Radiohead – all speaking to his diverse love for music. Having performed with a number of Australia’s premier vocalists including Bonnie Anderson and Rhys Tolhurst, the musician has written songs for a wide range of Australian artists, spanning genres including pop, indie, rock and acoustic rock.
‘Cos We’re Girls’ is his first release as a solo artist and an exciting taste of what is still to come!
‘COS WE’RE GIRLS’ is out now
THERADIOMUSICOLA: Official Website | Instagram
AUSTRALIAN CHART-TOPPER SADIE WECH ANNOUNCES CAPTIVATING NEW SINGLE ‘A COWGIRLS DREAM’
Following a stellar double #1 run on the Australian charts, the award-winning Southland-born powerhouse delivers a nostalgic, visual country ballad.
Fresh off a spectacular chart-topping run that saw her previous release dominate the airwaves to land Number #1 in Tasmania and Number #1 on the Australian National Country Chart, acclaimed singer-songwriter Sadie Wech returns with her highly anticipated follow-up, ’A Cowgirls Dream’.
Known for her deeply felt, romantic storytelling, the 2024 MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards winner delivers another masterclass in emotional resonance. ’A Cowgirls Dream’ weaves a vivid visual narrative around the poignant theme of déjà vu and second chances, tracking the exact moment of crossing paths with an old flame.
The track beautifully captures how a single glance can collapse time, instantly transporting a person back to the reckless innocence of being young and in love. Rich with atmospheric country instrumentation, the song explores the magnetic, enduring hold of a classic cowboy’s look and manner, a sentiment that lingers long after the moment passes.
Sadie’s rise to the top of the Australian charts follows the massive success of her debut single ’You and I’, which pocketed her the coveted Solo Female Artist Award at the 2024 MLT NZ Gold Guitar Awards. Inspired to write the track after being engaged to sing at a wedding, Sadie wanted to surprise the couple with a song that captured the journey of two people whose love changes, grows, and evolves over time, sharing the message that no matter what happens, your person is your home.
“Always having a hopeless romantic heart, I wanted to surprise them with a song,” Sadie reflects. “I love how sometimes you can’t express the emotions you feel and can’t seem to put it into words, but somehow in song form it is able to be expressed. Ever since I was little, becoming a singer was always such a big dream – being able to write music that people can relate to and make people feel something. I hope all of my music will do that for you.”
Music and singing have been central to Sadie’s life throughout primary and secondary school, where she threw herself into leads in musicals, Rockquest, variety shows, and the Gold Guitars. Raised in a close-knit, rural farming community in Southland alongside her four younger siblings, music is firmly woven into her DNA. Her dad’s side of the family is deeply musical, with her Granny having been trained classically as an opera singer by the very same coach who trained Dame Kiri Te Kanawa.
Now based in the picturesque region of Arrowtown, Sadie balances her rapidly rising music career with running her own successful business in massage therapy and biomechanics.
“I have always loved how the body works and love helping people be able to live their life without limits by getting to the root cause,” she says.
With ’A Cowgirls Dream’, Sadie Wech continues to bridge the gap between physical and emotional healing, establishing herself as one of the most compelling, authentic, and chart-proven voices in contemporary Australasian country music. Given the massive listener demand that propelled her last track to the top of two major charts, her new single is poised to become an immediate staple for country radio.
Discover Sadie Wech:
Facebook: Sadie Wech official
Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/sadiewech
Credits:
Dan Cosgrove – producer, backing vocals, percussion, bass, guitar
Josh Blaikie- drums
Organ – Nick Jones
Fire swamp studios – Josh Schuberth
Digital Store Link: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sadiewech/a-cowgirls-dream/
Global music industry voices Nina Las Vegas, Hannah Silk Champagne (Ninja Tune), Théo Seffusatti (Warp), and more join Indie-Con Australia & A2IM Indie Week Australian Edition 2026
Last chance to secure Early bird tickets
The Australian Independent Record Labels Association (AIR) announces its next intake of speakers for its annual conference that will be held from the 29-31st July in Adelaide, Australia’s UNESCO designated City of Music, thanks to continued support from the South Australian Government through the Music Development Office.
This year, AIR will hold its 10th Indie-Con Australia conference that has grown from a small gathering in Adelaide to become Australia’s preeminent independent music business conference. It will be attended by speakers and industry leaders from around the globe and from across the nation, to discuss challenges and opportunities affecting the sector. AIR will also host A2IM’s Indie Week Australian Edition as part of its conference, bringing the world’s largest music market to South Australia.
The 2026 edition will focus on Touring, Artist-run labels and Self-Managed Artists, AI, Marketing, Sync, Artist Development, Distribution, Gaming, Metadata to money, a case study on Folk Bitch Trio, together with Spotlights on ASIA, AXEAN & Scandinavia, Keynote speakers and workshops.
Joining the previously announced speakers is Bridget Hustwaite, one of Australia’s most recognisable music media voices, a bestselling author, presenter, podcaster, and former triple j host whose influence spans radio, television, and digital culture.
Alongside Bridget, the conference welcomes an international lineup of powerhouse music industry leaders shaping the future of artist development, touring, publishing, sync, management and independent music worldwide. Speakers include Select Music’s Casey O’Shaughnessy, Swedish manager and agent Emmy Sjöström, Ninja Tune’s Hannah Silk Champagne, Winspear co-founder Jared Jones, Level Two Music’s Jen Taunton, Ground Control Touring agent Lindsay Ibberson, The Annex founder Mardi Caught, NLV Records founder Nina Las Vegas, Community Music’s Rachel Kelly, Golden Hour founder Sarah Hamilton and Warp Publishing’s Théo Seffusatti, each bringing decades of experience working with globally celebrated artists, award-winning campaigns and some of the most influential independent music companies across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the US.
Announced speakers in alphabetical order:
Aaron Winning (IMAT, THA)
Bridget Hustwaite (AUS)
Casey O’Shaughnessy (Select Music, AUS)
Darlene Hall (Create Music Group, USA)
Emmy Sjöström (Havet Brinner, SWE)
Eva Karman Reinhold (SOM, SWE)
Hannah Silk Champagne (Ninja Tune, USA)
Ian Harrison (A2IM, USA)
Jared Jones (Winspear, USA)
Jason Peterson (GoDigital, USA)
Jen Taunton (Level Two Music, AUS)
Joanie Eaton (Mexican Summer, USA)
Lindsay Ibberson (Ground Control, USA)
Lisa Hresko (A2IM, USA)
Mardi Caught (The Annex, AUS)
Marty Ro (Sound Republica, KOR)
Nerea Serrano (WIN, ESP)
Nina Las Vegas (NLV Records, AUS)
Rachel Kelly (Community Music, AUS)
Sarah Hamilton (Golden Hour, AUS)
Takuya Yamazuki (IMCJ, JPN)
Thaddeus Rudd (Mom+Pop, USA)
Théo Seffusatti (Warp Publishing, NZ)
More speakers and the full program to be announced in late June.
Early bird tickets are on sale until 31st May – get yours HERE
South Australian residents get $70 off. Simply use SA2026 at checkout.
AIR members can purchase discounted tickets via their membership portal.
Find out if you qualify for AIR membership HERE
Sofitel Adelaide, Hotel Partner
We are proud to announce that Sofitel Adelaide is our preferred hotel partner. Perched above Adelaide’s skyline, Sofitel exudes French elegance and vintage charm as the city’s latest luxury hotel. Boasting 251 guest rooms over 24 floors, it merges old-world details with modern aesthetics. Experience opulent French colonial design and stunning city, coast, and Adelaide Hills views, and indulge in curated textiles, amenities, and colours for ultimate comfort. Delight in French-inspired gastronomy with an Australian flair at Garçon Bleu, while Déjà Vu, the Champagne bar, offers luxurious street-level encounters. Centrally located, Sofitel provides easy access to Adelaide’s business district, top attractions, cultural gems, and renowned events for a lavish, immersive stay.
A limited number of rooms are available at discounted prices by booking HERE
Follow AIR and join the conversation:
air.org.au | twitter.com/ausindies | facebook.com/australianindies | instagram.com/ausindies
CHEEKFACE SHARE NEW SONG: “I DON’T WORK HERE”
NEW ALBUM, PODIUM, OUT JULY 28. HEADLINING TOUR KICKS OFF IN AUGUST.
Cheekface returns with “I Don’t Work Here,” a ranting post-punk hip-shaker from their new album, Podium, out July 28. The track recalls Idles, Amyl & The Sniffers and Sleaford Mods, with its tirade about working a dead-end retail job and memorable chorus of, “you can put away the cuck chair, it’s just you and me tonight.”
The song follows a funny TikTok moment for catalog cut “I Feel So Weird!,” which in April became a trend amongst furries (yes, you read that right), who have since made 5,000 videos and counting lip syncing to its memorable lyrics.
Following the previously released “Hostile Street,” “Black Site,” and “MFT,” “I Don’t Work Here” continues to deepen the universe Cheekface has been building over five albums and consistent touring that’s converted indifference into conga lines and singalongs across the world.
Throughout Podium, Cheekface is at their most uncomfortably tender and simultaneously sharp, expanding their collaborative sphere to include Teddy Roxpin (known for his work with Mac Miller), Skatune Network’s Jer Hunter, Elise Okusami of Oceanator, and more. They remain, as always, a band that take the mundanity of everyday contradictions and mash them against the backdrop of our world on fire.
Cheekface will headline a U.S. tour this summer and fall, bringing with them support from Catbite, Apes of the States, and Waitress.
HEISTS RELEASE SEARING SINGLE ‘LIGHTS OUT’
Click to stream / view ‘Lights Out’
Eora/Sydney-based modern metal four-piece Heists have returned at full force with their ferocious new single, ‘Lights Out’.
Exploring themes of resilience, vengeance, and defiance, ‘Lights Out’ is a relentless anthem about standing your ground against those who underestimate you. Lyrically, the track pulls no punches delivering biting lines like, “Count the seconds till the end cause it’s lights out. Run for cover,” and “The catalyst of chaos, that’s planned your demise.” It is the definitive sound of a band that has earned its scars and is ready to claim its space in the heavy music landscape.
The new single rides the wake of a mammoth 2025 for Heists. Last year, the band supported genre titans Northlane and Ocean Sleeper on national runs, culminating in a sold-out November headline tour in support of their highly acclaimed EP, ‘Beneath The Surface’. The EP has gone on to receive wide acclaim and over 1.5M+ streams.
To celebrate the release of “Lights Out,” Heists will bring their chaotic, high-energy live performance to fans with exclusive single-release headline shows in Sydney and Melbourne.
Following a massive, breakout year in 2025 that cemented their status as one of Australia’s most exciting heavy acts, ‘Lights Out’ captures the band at their most formidable and unapologetic to date.
‘Lights Out’ is available worldwide now
HEISTS ‘LIGHTS OUT’ SINGLE RELEASE SHOWS
Tickets on-sale at heistsau.com
SAT 30 MAY | STAY GOLD, NAARM/MELBOURNE VIC
FRI 5 JUN | BURDEKIN HOTEL, EORA/SYDNEY NSW
FOLLOW HEISTS
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NO CURE ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM IT IS GOING TO GET DARK;
UNLEASH CRUSHING NEW SINGLE CONVULSING IN THE DARK
Alabama hardcore wrecking crew NO CURE have announced their long-awaited debut full-length album, It Is Going To Get Dark, due out July 10 via SharpTone Records. Alongside the announcement, the band has unleashed the album’s first single, Convulsing In The Dark, a punishing introduction to the band’s most expansive and emotionally charged material to date.
Rooted in extreme metal precision and D.I.Y. hardcore aggression, It Is Going To Get Dark finds NO CURE widening their scope beyond personal experience to confront the collapse unfolding around them. Across the album, the band channels existential dread, societal decay, and internal conflict into a volatile collection of songs that are as crushing as they are cathartic.
Commenting on the record, vocalist Blaythe Steuer says: “There is a deep malaise overhead as we are subjected to the way the world is turning. It is clear that things are getting worse, and there is no end in sight. This fixation combined with the gruelling touring lifestyle we’ve lived the past few years has resulted in the perfect first No Cure LP. We recorded this deep in the woods of Alabama between tours, and loss surrounded the band as it was being written. Despite the great shows and tours we’ve been doing, this has been a painful time for the band. Each song has purpose and it is critically important that we deliver a record that is worth listening to from start to finish. If you don’t see that it is going to get dark yet… you will soon.”
Produced and engineered by longtime collaborator Kevin Langley, the album was recorded during a secluded retreat in a remote cabin — the same environment that helped shape much of the band’s previous work. The result is NO CURE at their most focused, ferocious, and dynamic.
Leading the charge is Convulsing In The Dark, an unrelenting assault of razorwire riffing, tectonic grooves, and death metal-inspired chaos. Ominous choirs and unpredictable shifts sharpen the song’s suffocating atmosphere as Steuer delivers one of the album’s most confrontational performances.
Commenting on the new song and accompanying video, Steuer adds: “Convulsing In The Dark brings our wide base of influences as a band into one song. It is the perfect taste of what is to come. The music video features full male nudity too, which is joyous, as Nick Chance’s physical form was sculpted in the visage of a god. You are welcome for this divinely abundant opportunity to witness The Flesh Of The Chancellor.”
Watch the Convulsing In The Dark video here:
Since emerging in 2022, NO CURE have rapidly become one of hardcore’s most talked-about new acts through a relentless string of releases including For The Stainless Steel…, The Commitment To Permanence, and I Hope I Die Here. Their uncompromising sound and chaotic live performances have earned them tours alongside The Acacia Strain, Cattle Decapitation, Boundaries, and Judiciary, while publications like NO ECHO, Brooklyn Vegan, and Lambgoat have championed the band as one of heavy music’s most promising rising forces.
CONVULSING IN THE DARK – OUT NOW https://bfan.link/convulsing-in-the-dark
IT IS GOING TO GET DARK – OUT JULY 10 https://bfan.link/it-is-going-to-get-dark
CONNECT WITH NO CURE: https://itisgoingtogetdark.com/
THE PRETTY RECKLESS RELEASE NEW SINGLE DEAR GOD
TITLE TRACK FROM UPCOMING FIFTH STUDIO ALBUM ARRIVING JUNE 26
Platinum-selling powerhouse rock band The Pretty Reckless have released title track Dear God from their upcoming fifth studio album, arriving June 26th via Fearless Records – listen HERE and pre-order DEAR GOD HERE.
With Dear God, The Pretty Reckless lean into a haunting and emotionally driven sound, led by frontwoman Taylor Momsen’s commanding vocals as she pleads in the chorus, “Dear God, can you lift me up, can you take me higher / Dear God, can you lift me up, keep me from a fire.” The track steadily builds toward an electrifying guitar solo that gives the instrumentation room to fully shine, underscoring the song and album’s themes of wanting to escape “hell” for something greater.
Taylor Momsen says of the song, “Dear God is desperation set to music. When life gets that physical, that brutal, you leave your body and start begging something bigger than yourself to pull you out. That space between heaven and hell isn’t a metaphor. It’s somewhere you actually live.”
Last month, the band released their the single Love Me, which was charged with intensity, grit and edge, while previous single When I Wake Up entered at #10 on the Mediabase Active Rock chart and has currently reached #16 on Billboard Mainstream Rock, while the album’s lead single For I Am Death became their eighth Mainstream Rock Radio #1. DEAR GOD leans further into vulnerability and creative freedom, shaping one of the band’s most raw and uncompromising releases to date. Written with diaristic honesty, the record captures The Pretty Reckless at their most unfiltered.
Announced earlier this year, The Pretty Reckless will bring their electrifying stage performance to fans across the world with their all-new headlining DEAR GOD Tour. The tour will kick off in North America, making stops in New Orleans, Dallas, and Los Angeles before wrapping in Europe. This tour follows their incredible two-year long trek across the globe alongside AC/DC on the PWR UP Tour.
This upcoming marquee year follows a remarkable 12 months for the band, which included an acclaimed performance at the prestigious 2026 Musicares Person of the Year Gala, where Taylor honored the legendary Mariah Carey alongside the Foo Fighters, as well as a performance at the 2025 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame where Taylor performed with Soundgarden for their induction. Additionally, the band released their holiday EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, which features the revamped Where Are You Christmas? – the lead single hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Hard Rock Songs Chart, reigniting over two decades of global fandom and nostalgia.
DEAR GOD (SINGLE) – OUT NOW https://link.theprettyreckless.com/deargodsingle
DEAR GOD (ALBUM) – OUT JUNE 26 https://link.theprettyreckless.com/deargod
About The Pretty Reckless: The Pretty Reckless is a record-breaking rock band fronted by the incomparable Taylor Momsen, whose commanding vocals move seamlessly between raw power and haunting vulnerability. Known for their electrifying live performances, the band has toured the world with legends including AC/DC, The Rolling Stones, and Soundgarden.
Since their debut Light Me Up, they’ve earned global acclaim with hits including Heaven Knows and made history as the first female-fronted band to score seven No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart. Their latest album, Death by Rock and Roll, is a visceral exploration of life, loss, and the enduring spirit of rock. In 2025, they released their holiday EP Taylor Momsen’s Pretty Reckless Christmas, led by a reimagined version of Momsen’s iconic song Where Are You Christmas?.
Next, the band will release their forthcoming fifth studio album DEAR GOD and will support the album with a headlining world tour. Marking the beginning of a new creative chapter, DEAR GOD embraces vulnerability, intensity and artistic freedom, inviting listeners into one of the band’s most raw and uncompromising records yet. The album’s release is preceded by its lead single For I Am Death, which saw the band repeat their record of earning four consecutive number ones on Billboard’s mainstream rock chart.
8 BALL AITKEN and TAYA CHANI ‘MOVING ON’
Australian soul-blues-rock duo 8 Ball Aitken & Taya Chani have built a reputation for heartfelt songwriting, rich harmonies, and groove-driven guitar work inspired by Southern American blues, soul, country, and rock ’n’ roll. Their brand new single ‘Moving On’ is the first single release for 2026.
Their musical partnership began during the 2020 lockdowns, exchanging songs and recordings between Nashville and Sydney. What started as a creative friendship quickly evolved into a powerful collaboration that has since taken them across Australia and the United States for multiple tours and festival appearances.
Together with their band, they proudly represented the Blues Association of South-East Queensland at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, USA, reaching the semifinals and further cementing their growing international profile.
Their debut collaboration album, Nightbird, earned widespread radio success, with both the title track and the single “Miss You The Most” reaching #1 on the Australian AMRAP Regional Charts. The album also held the #2 position on the Australian Blues & Roots Radio Charts for several months. Their first duet was a soul number “Only Guiding Light” from album Ice Cream Man 2, that topped the Australian Blues & Roots Charts.
Slide-guitar virtuoso 8 Ball Aitken has toured extensively through more than twenty countries and spent nine years based in Nashville, Tennessee, performing and recording alongside some of the finest names in blues and roots music. In 2021, he placed second at the International New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival. He now calls Queensland’s Sunshine Coast home.
Sydney singer-songwriter Taya Chani first gained attention with her 2019 debut album Restless Heart, which received strong airplay and glowing reviews for its soulful vocals and emotionally honest songwriting.
Now unveiling new music from their forthcoming second collaboration album, 8 Ball Aitken & Taya Chani continue to captivate audiences with their signature blend of blues, soul, country, and rock energy, both on stage and on record.
8 Ball & Taya are performing their third Australian tour in 2026. Check out the tour dates, videos, merch and more on 8ballaitken.com
New Album NIGHTBIRD: https://open.spotify.com/album/4Jkpt6xg0f3Zhx6OqonmSY?si=VpkpB7S8TA637XLnQZ9Cog
MUSIC & MERCH STORE: https://www.8ballaitken.com/8ball-aitken-shop
SUBSCRIBE TO MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL: http://www.youtube.com/8ballaitken
WEBSITE: http://www.8ballaitken.com
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/8ballaitkenmusic
INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/8ballaitkenmusic
ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/8-ball-aitken/219690404
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LLlMQFnYUd7M9H7dYLR78
KINGSWOOD RELEASE THEIR NEW ALBUM MIDNIGHT MAVERICKS
LAUNCH NATIONAL ALBUM TOUR
Multi-Platinum & Gold ARIA-certified, ARIA-nominated, and 4x Golden Guitar-nominated, KINGSWOOD return with their new album, Midnight Mavericks. Born from a love of vintage rock, country soul, and storytelling that lingers, KINGSWOOD is where Tom Petty meetsAlan Jackson, and Johnny Cash shares a whiskey with Lynyrd Skynyrd – a perfect intersection of grit, groove, and heart.
Midnight Mavericks is a bold, after-dark record written in the quiet hours between the show and the silence — shaped by long drives, back rooms and hard self-reflection — exploring ambition and belonging, love and restlessness, loyalty and escape, all wrapped in worn-in country-rock built on melody, muscle and storytelling rather than polish. The album has already generated major momentum with acclaimed singles — “Lovin’ A Girl,” “Faith” and “Highway Signs” — earning radio additions across key country and rock radio networks, impacting the Countrytown Top 50 National Country airplay chart and securing attention on global playlists. Midnight Mavericks was produced by Alexander Laska, who also co-wrote all tracks on the album.
As the band describe the album, “Midnight Mavericks is an album written after the lights go out. You’re forced to reckon with who you are when no one’s watching. There’s grit here. There’s tenderness. It’s country and rock — worn in, not dressed up — built on melody, muscle, and stories, blending lived-in boots and hopeful dreamers.”
In line with the new album release, the band drop a new single, The Action. As Fergus describes the track, “The Action” is a dance floor belter that revels in the freedom of sinless attraction and fearless endeavor, as one feels when you finally swim out past the crashing waves of heartbreak, and you’re ready to stand up on your board and surf again.”
With over 80 million global streams and a career spanning more than a decade, KINGSWOOD has solidified its status as one of Australia’s most enduring and genre-defying bands. Known for seamlessly straddling the line between rock and country, the band’s new release plants its boots firmly in the dust of Americana, echoing the musical spirits of Neil Young, Gram Parsons, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. Mature, intentional and confidently delivered, Midnight Mavericks captures KINGSWOOD operating at full force — a cohesive, purpose-driven album built for bigger stages, long roads and repeat listens — not chasing the spotlight, but marking a defining moment in the band’s career and firmly establishing their next chapter.
To coincide with the album release, KINGSWOOD will hit the road with their Midnight Mavericks Tour, dates below. Find more details here
KINGSWOOD – MIDNIGHT MAVERICKS TOUR DATES:
Friday May 22 – The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC (hometown show)
Saturday May 23 – Savannah Sounds Festival, Port Douglas, QLD
Thursday May 28 – Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday May 29 – The Factory Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Saturday May 30 – Full Throttle Ranch, Hunter Valley, NSW
Friday June 19 – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns QLD
Saturday June 20 – Cooktown Discovery Festival, Cooktown QLD
CONNECT WITH KINGSWOOD WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE
BOSTON MANOR TO CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEBUT ALBUM BE NOTHING. WITH REISSUE OUT AUGUST 14 VIA PURE NOISE RECORDS
Boston Manor has announced plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their beloved debut album Be Nothing. with a reissue plus UK and US touring. The Be Nothing. 10 Year Anniversary edition will be released on 14 August.
Originally released in 2016 on Pure Noise Records, Be Nothing. – produced by Neil Kennedy – became an immediate hit with critics and fans for its deft wielding of alternative sounds and powerful, emotional songwriting. Be Nothing. set the blueprint from which Boston Manor would become the borderless, innovative rock band that the are today, spawning three key singles in Laika, Lead Feet, and Fossa. On the Be Nothing. 10 Year Anniversary collection, a number of the album’s original tracks are given special acoustic reworkings including both Laika and Lead Feet.
Commenting on the anniversary, bassist Dan Cunniff says: “For me; writing and recording Be Nothing. was one of the most exciting things we had done at that time. Doing the “band thing” for many years previous to Boston Manor, I’d always wanted to be involved in writing a full length record but never had the opportunity to do it properly. So by the time the opportunity came round, I felt like we were all hyper focused on what we wanted to achieve and also keeping in mind what this record would sound like in 10 years from that point. That being said; I think we achieved our goals with Be Nothing. because I believe this record holds up even today 10 years on. The record did more than we thought it would do for us. It opened up so many doors, especially in the touring world. Having the opportunity to travel all around the world because of one record is pretty insane!
Off the back of the release we announced Boston Manor’s first ever UK/EU headline tour (which we were shi**ing ourselves over btw) and to our amazement the shows all sold out. And I feel like at that point it was only the beginning for our band. be nothing. gave us the confidence that we can be a “real” band after all.
Standout song for me has to be Lead Feet (Corner Piece). It was one of the first demos we made for the record and going through the process it taught us a lot about song writing and structure. We thought it’ll be a nice touch to put some lyrics in the bridge from our very first EP “Here/Now”. It was a nod to how far we’ve come from recording our first EP.”
The Be Nothing. 10 year Anniversary edition will be available on CD and digital formats, as well as a number of very special vinyl variants. Pre-order / pre-save HERE.
Hear Lead Feet (acoustic) on streaming services here and via YouTube below.
FOLLOW BOSTON MANOR: https://www.bostonmanorband.com/
FVNERAL RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘landline’ ft. BUKOWSKI AND ANNOUNCE chosen family EP
Rapidly rising indie darlings, FVNERAL have announced their upcoming EP, chosen family, set for release on 26 June.
Alongside that news they have teamed up with Melbourne’s Bukowski to release new single ‘landline’.
Described by Ash McGregor as a “queer supergroup”, FVNERAL is a collaboration between trans non-binary songwriter/producer Tay Blunt – whose discography (Stand Atlantic, Birds of Tokyo) has clocked more than 15 million streams – alongside Madeleine Powers (aka RAGEFLOWER) and Ben Siva (aka jnr.), whose respective solo projects have garnered significant critical acclaim in their own right.
Says Tay on the single and the EP; “Our forthcoming EP, ‘chosen family’, is a collection of songs that explore what it means to navigate the world as a trans and queer person today. ‘landline’ chronicles the inner turmoil that I experienced in wrestling with the idea of coming out as a trans non-binary person and what the consequences of doing so might be; it also describes the brief moments of optimism where I imagined what life could be like if I ever found the courage to come out.“
They continue, “’landline’ is a song I’ve been trying to write for a long time, and when it all eventually started coming together, I knew that the bridge needed to be the point where all the angst and tension could finally release itself. As soon as I sent it to Bukowski, and explained to James (their vocalist) what the song was about, they jumped at the opportunity to be part of it. After throwing some ideas back and forth, it came together really fast, and as someone who grew up on emo music, having Bukowski – one of the best emo bands in the country – bring the song to life with us definitely does something sweet, if not healing, to my inner child. I know it’s a heavy one lyrically, but I really hope this song can help trans and queer folks – actually, anyone who finds themself feeling like they’re on the outside in some kind of way – to know that it gets so much better, especially through granting yourself permission to be your truest self, through finding your chosen family and then being vulnerable enough to truly lean on them when you need to most.”
Joining ‘landline’ on the EP are previously released singles ‘rosie’ and ‘friendly fire’ ft. Ben Lee which was released to time with Trans Awareness Week.
Earlier this month the group supported Playlunch at their Sydney show with headline shows to be announced.
In a short time, FVNERAL have received support from the likes of triple j, FBi Radio, Rolling Stone, MTV, Entertainment Tonight, Brooklyn Vegan, Ones To Watch and Atwood Magazine, and landed over 80 rotation adds on US college radio – where their two EPs hit #18 and #27 in the (NACC) charts. In addition to selling out their headline shows, FVNERAL have toured relentlessly around Australia and New Zealand, supporting international heavyweights Real Estate, KiNG MALA, and more, as well as local heroes including Ben Lee, aleksiah, and WAAX.
https://www.instagram.com/fvneralworld
Panda Bear & Sonic Boom Announce new album A ? of WHEN
Out July 10 via Domino. Available on vinyl, CD, cassette and download only
Panda Bear (Noah Lennox) and Sonic Boom (Pete Kember) announce their new album A ? of WHEN, due out July 10th on Domino. Their delightful and winning second album together, A ? of WHEN maintains the sense of musical play found on Panda Bear and Sonic Boom’s triumphant 2022 debut, Reset.It is, to wit, built on loops of harp and sequences of steel drum, webs of pedal steel and even bits of a mariachi band from Mexico City. At one point, Panda Bear actually does his best yodel. Listening to A ? of WHEN feels like being a kid inside this pair’s musical playground, beaming as you bound from station to station.
But maybe more than ever, Sonic Boom and Panda Bear emerge through these 10 songs as two people with frank opinions about these times, with a real stake in the sway of the world. These tunes grapple with online exhaustion and pervasive depression, with political chicanery and ecological sustainability, all while advocating for respecting the power of luck and giving one another grace in a moment when very few of us actually know what the hell is happening.
The record will be released on vinyl, CD, cassette, and download via Domino Mart and Bandcamp; it will not be available on streaming services. Says the duo:
Change. Exciting & frightening at the same time. The slow slips & the big shifts. Highs & lows from the distraction of connectivity.
AI slop becomes an AI slope. Algorithm tables & algorithms tumble.
We’re taking things a little off piste.
More rock n’ roll than flick & scroll…
From here on in we’re getting back to a place of real connectivity and as you might have noticed from our new Graveyard/Lucky Charm 7″ (only available from record stores) there’s no streaming, no videos, and a minimisation of online everything.
Going forward we’re looking to radio, live shows, listening parties, Q&A sessions & real life interactions to get back to a place we feel makes more sense.
To that end, we’re asking you to join us offline, outside of social media. To meet us in the real world. IRL not URL…
A ? of WHEN is the follow-up to Panda Bear and Sonic Boom’s instant classic 2022 LP Reset and its two alternate versions, the Adrian Sherwood rework Reset in Dub and theReset Mariachi EP featuring Mexico City’s Mariachi 2000 de Cutberto Pérez. The mariachis return for a couple tracks on A ? of WHEN, and the album also features contributions from harpist Mary Lattimore, British multi-instrumentalist Daniel O’Sullivan (Sun O))), Ulver), and “Steel Witch” Zena Kay on pedal steel guitar. Alongside today’s announcement, the album’s title track is available to download. Despite how ebullient it sounds, with its bouncing beat and flute riffs and lyrics about kitty cats and flip-flops, ‘A ? of WHEN’ is about that inexorable moment when all the shit we’ve fucked up finally catches up with us. A ? of WHEN is the sound of looking out at the world, sighing, and transforming it into ebullient songs with your friend, anyway.
Panda Bear & Sonic Boom will perform live at the below festivals this summer; stay tuned for more live dates.
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Panda Bear & Sonic Boom On Tour
3rd July – Open’er Festival – Gdynia, PL
4th July – Roskilde Festival – Roskilde, DN
12th July – Kikimu Festival – Jäneda, EE
A ? of WHEN is available to pre-order on limited edition pink vinyl, orange vinyl (Domino Mart), black vinyl, CD, baby pink/pisello green cassette, and digital download. LP and CD formats feature a first-pressing exclusive 3D embossed sleeve. LP, CD and cassette formats each come with their own distinct colorway.
Panda Bear Online Website | Instagram | Facebook | X
Sonic Boom Online Instagram | Facebook
JUNGLE SHARE NEW SINGLE AND MUSIC VIDEO ‘THE WAVE’. NEW ALBUM SUNSHINE TO BE RELEASED ON 14 AUGUST. AUSTRALIA TOUR DATES IN 2027
BRIT Award winning and global arena headliners, Jungle share new single and music video ‘The Wave’, the latest track from their upcoming album Sunshine, out 14 August. It follows on from ‘Carry On’, which was premiered as Radio 1’s Hottest Record before quickly amassing more than 13 million streams and playlist support across Radio 1, triple j, Radio 2 and Virgin Radio.
Jungle – J Lloyd, Tom McFarland and Lydia Kitto – took inspiration for ‘The Wave’ from the Brazilian music scene of the ‘60s and ‘70s, channeling the warmth and musicality of that era into a distinctly sleek production. Lyrically it is about finding the strength to persevere with a relationship as it goes through challenges – a dose of optimism in the face of tough times.
Sunshine is now available to pre-order/pre-save HERE, with physical formats including black 180g single gatefold LP, Desert Peach single gatefold LP, translucent brown marble single gatefold LP and digipak CD.
Jungle’s Sunshine world tour features huge arena dates spanning North America, the UK, Europe and Australia, including two homecoming shows at London’s O2 after a second date was added due to demand.
Sunshine Australian tour dates
2 March 2027 – Brisbane – Entertainment Centre
4 March 2027 – Sydney – Qudos Bank Arena
6 March 2027 – Melbourne – Rod Laver Arena
10 March 2027 – Perth – RAC Arena
About Jungle
Jungle were formed in London in 2013 by Tom McFarland and J Lloyd, before their regular collaborator Lydia Kitto became an official member of the group in 2024. Matching a euphoric concoction of modern disco, soul and hip-hop with exemplary visual content defined by world-class choreography, they shot to attention with their self-titled UK Top 10 debut album in 2014. Their rise continued with another Top 10 with 2018’s For Ever and then Loving In Stereo which hit #3 in 2021.
2023 saw Jungle become a global force with Volcano. Reaching #3 in the UK, the album featured their biggest hit to date in the shape of ‘Back On 74’ which has been certified Platinum in both the UK and US. The campaign saw Jungle rise to sell-out arenas all over the world, playing to hundreds of thousands of fans across 2023/24 with highlights including The O2 in London, Coachella and headlining All Points East. To date, Jungle have amassed an incredible 3.4 billion streams.
https://www.junglejunglejungle.com/
BLUMS ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM. SPRAWLING ART POP RECORD, SUNK COST FANTASY, ARRIVES AUGUST 7, 2026
VIA TAKE CARE RECORDS – PRE-ORDER
ANTHEMIC LEAD SINGLE “CASHOUT” OUT NOW – LISTEN
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO FEATURES NEW YORK CITY SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN IN HER POWER – WATCH
New York City’s Blums, the project of songwriter and musician Kelsea Feder, is excited to announce her debut album, Sunk Cost Fantasy, arriving August 7, 2026, via Take Care Records. On lead single “Cashout,” pulsating synths and a driving kick drum punctuate every cutting lyric that Kelsea delivers. Reflecting on distressing memories and searching for a release, she ponders the cyclical nature of the highs and lows we often return to. The song bursts into operatic vocals and a cascade of drum beats, mirroring the chaos of an internal struggle between wanting to live in the moment, but being forced to remember the past.
The official music video is a reflection of these emotions and features Kelsea in her power, brandishing a knife on a New Jersey road as she’s confronted with reality. Directed by Ella Sinskey and Colter Fellows (Lip Critic, Isabella Lovestory, etc.), the concept for the video grew from Kelsea’s desire for a “fever dream Coyote Ugly bar dance sequence,” which was choreographed by Matilda Sakomoto.
Speaking about the new song and video, Kelsea shares, “Initially, I wrote this all on guitar and a GarageBand drum beat in 2022 or 2023, none of which made it into the final version. I came home from a night with a guy during which I had a pretty unpleasant memory pop up and wig me out during what was supposed to be a fun time. It unlocked a lot of unpleasant memories/anger during what was supposed to be a sexy, fun time, and I wanted to turn it into a celebration of catharsis. This song also points a lot to repeated patterns and how we find ourselves back inside of what we’re trying to get away from. I walked manically around Maria Hernandez Park for a couple of hours when we were close to being done and wrote layers of vocal parts that all go over each other at the end of the song. I had the video idea for ‘Cashout’ over 2 years before I was finally able to make it. I knew that I wanted some fever dream Coyote Ugly bar dance sequence interspersed with knife flipping on the side of the road where I grew up in South Jersey. The song deals with uncomfortable memories and feeling stuck/frozen, so I wanted to turn the video into a fantasy/celebration of the anger to express what couldn’t be in a previously frozen state.
LISTEN TO “CASHOUT”
WATCH “CASHOUT”
PRE-ORDER SUNK COST FANTASY
Last month, Blums debuted with the winding and weaving “Sinking/Soaring,” which chronicles the cyclical nature of self-torment. Inspired by Kelsea’s stint as a jazz club hostess, the track is laced with mellow vibraphone and delicate keys, building into a melodic spiral. Alongside the song, an official music video directed by Ava Burka and Marianna Kamiaklioyis documents a hazy, disillusioned world of dilapidated houses and glamorous performances. “Sinking/Soaring” turned the heads of Nina Protocol, Alternative Press, The Line of Best Fit, and more.
WATCH “SINKING/SOARING”
Blums is a project collaged out of fragments of time and every experience Kelsea has captured and coveted: a childhood spent tearing up VHS tapes of old Hollywood musicals, the move to New York to study at an actor’s conservatory, time cutting her teeth playing the Bushwick show circuit in a power-pop band, singing backup vocals on tour with friends’ bands, losing and rediscovering her footing in the rush of the slipstream. You could build universes out of the people she’s been, measure the dimensions of the fantasy waiting to be seized. You can’t quite hold a moonbeam in your hand, but once you’ve collated all of the people you’ve been before and the sounds they each made, maybe you could at least try to compress the moonbeam onto tape. Sunk Cost Fantasy is the culmination of years of writing and discovery.
Known for her memorable live performances, Blums has built a following within the New York scene and played with a range of contemporaries like May Rio, Bella Litsa, Nyxy Nyx and more. Last month, she previewed new material during an intimate set in Brooklyn, NY, for artist Rachel Lime’s album release show at Union Pool. More shows will be announced soon. For more information on upcoming performances, see below and follow the band on Instagram at @blums____ .
ABOUT BLUMS: The rupture is usually the place to start—the place where an artist connects the fractured shards of every sound or movement or lightning strike that they’ve collected and marked as their own, spitting the collage of experience back out in even line breaks. As any musician will tell you, this slow expansion takes time. Cycles must rotate to their delight before these creations can snap them into useful, beautiful pieces. A constructed world that holds all of our being, delivered in spurts of glitchy drum samples and layers of voices projecting a prayer of solitude skyward, takes ages to render.
Almost a decade removed from those initial attempts at writing her own songs for the first time, Blums’s first full-length release comes in the form of Sunk Cost Fantasy—the title of which plays on the cyclical phenomenon of the sunk cost fallacy, in which one refuses to abandon a failing financial strategy due to the time or resources they’ve already dedicated towards it. Working with co-producer Kirk Palsma after several false starts in recording her own written material, the record saw Feder dedicate the collage of herself to tape over several years while also playing and singing live with local scene stalwarts like fantasy of a broken heart, May Rio, and Shallowhalo.
By honing her own artistic vision and playing chops over that recording period—backed up in the sessions mostly by musicians with jazz and classical backgrounds—she developed a firmer grasp on the sound Blums makes: chaotic and ephemeral, hook-forward but transient, a rose-tinged make-believe with sharp teeth, coming in hiccuping starts and stops. It might have come largely by throwing sounds at the wall to see what stuck on studio time, but the disorder operates within her clear artistic parameters. It comes in the lineage of the art-pop or singer-songwriter greats so many of her ilk have pulled from, sure, but through its recorded origins of trial-and-error, it also feels as exacting in its worldbuilding efforts as so many of those giants of each genre have made us feel. Opener “Intro” provides a fitting portal into the record’s world, pitched up and fragmented, before sending us headfirst into the Disney movie swirl of “Still,” floating on the power of its airy backing vocals and woozy strings over skittering percussion before the closing shove of drums knocks the dream off its axis.
These moments of disruption become the record’s driving emotional force, erupting the titular fantasy into something sacred and tangible, like where the warmth of “Celsius” is punctured by sampled noises that sound like they’re attempting to swallow the tale of distant love dying whole, or in the sputtering trip-hop interlude of “Side of the Road,” or the moment where acoustic ballad “Judy” bursts into a rhythm built on manipulated vocals. These moments are as trippy or bewildering as they are deeply felt, like you’re catching her scratching at the paradox of her desire through the door, relishing the messy sonic overload she might leave in your wake. For all the time the record took to fully realize, it plays like a burst of feeling that couldn’t be planned or rehearsed, only captured by a stroke of luck. “Cashout” builds to a fuzzy crescendo of vocalizations, written by Feder while walking manically around Maria Hernandez Park on the day of recording, and you feel like you’ve heard any constraints holding her back snap in your headphones.
Here’s the thing: escapism used to be easy. Even as we gain more man-made fantasy worlds to bury ourselves under, the circumstances around us have grown more dire and impossible to ignore. There is only so much fear the human body can hold at once before needing to dispel it, before the crush overwhelms. Blums, in its fully-realized glory, emerges as the sound of an artist who has known the moment before the wave crests and held out to discover her voice, if only to realistically capture what that near-collapse looked and sounded like. It’s the sound of searching for a cyclical break while treading water to keep yourself afloat, and the collage of ourselves that we can piece together if we finally force the break in the cycle we’re bound to. “Love unspent / It’s gotta go somewhere,” she sings repeatedly over the fairytale swoon of the record’s closing track, wishing for a place where she can prop those emotions up and stand by them, no running from the rupture.
If you say something enough times in a dream, you might make it your reality. In Sunk Cost Fantasy, the dream has already been pressed into tape and made tangible, folded into your hands. There’s nothing more real than that.
ABOUT TAKE CARE RECORDS: Take Care Records is an independent record label based in Brooklyn, NY, built from a passion for music. Guided by the simple but profound mantra, “It’s no good unless it’s real,” the label focuses on fostering authentic artistic expressions that resonate on a personal level. Take Care maintains a close-knit connection with the city’s indie music scene, championing singular artists with creative integrity.
CONNECT WITH BLUMS: YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | BANDCAMP
BEANS NEW SINGLE ‘RESISTER’ OUT NOW WATCH VIDEO / STREAM!
ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘LESS LOUDER’ OUT SEP 11 ON FUZZ CLUB PRE-ORDER!
Geelong / Melbourne, Australia band Beans, fronted by The Murlocs drummer Matt Blach, are today announcing their fourth studio album ‘Less Louder’. Due out September 11th 2026 on Fuzz Club, the album news lands alongside new single ‘Resister’, out everywhere now.
Written and recorded around the time as its predecessor, 2024’s ‘Boots N Cats’, ‘Less Louder’ is that album’s more mellow and laid-back counterpart. Where the first of the two records that Blach set to work on in his DIY garage studio over the pandemic was a drum-driven set of rhythmic garage-psych grooves, ‘Less Louder’ is a blissed-out, harmony-driven record firmly in the “Sunday Afternoon” category, as Blach puts it. Left undisturbed for a few years, the second and final set of Beans recordings from that era is finally seeing the light of day now, landing mixed by Jesse Williams and mastered by John Lee.
On new single ‘Resister’, Blach says: “Resister is about new romance, or something that seems too good to be true. Another learning curve, something new. Also something you want to hold on to. People may come and go in your life for reason and that’s important to appreciate. The clip (by Willem Kingma and Kel Blackmore) explains it in an intentional comedic way. We can often feel like we look like a fool, but it’s what it is intentionally meant to be about. ‘Fools for love’…”
Drifting through psychedelic pop, surf and doo-wop influences, the incoming ‘Less Louder’ is all breezy, deeply-infectious melody and hazy jangle – foregrounding softer, more acoustic production, more piano and Rhodes, and dialling down the distortion and the wig-out lysergic grooves you might expect from a Beans record.
“We went a lot more folky and chill on ‘lockdown sessions 2’”, Blach recalls: “Although Less Louder was recorded around the same time as Boots N Cats, as the title intentionally describes, it’s a lot more laid-back in comparison. We’re pleased to share some different paths and a new intimacy so to speak. There’s a change in feel to these songs, with more mellow tones. Lyrically, the songs are based around the time they were written. Some about love, some about loneliness, some about memories, some about sleeping or hiding away.”
Like ‘Boots N Cats’, ‘Less Louder’ was written over that surreal extended limbo period and self-recorded at Blach’s home in back in 2021: “It kept me sane and feeling productive to still be writing/recording and achieving something, having that opportunity and time and space really got my tires turning.”
However, where the first of the two found Blach playing all instruments himself, the full Beans line-up are back in tow here: Blach on songwriting and much of the vocals / guitar / drums duties, whilst backed up by bandmates Jack Kong on guitar, Mitch Rice on keys, Vincent Clementson on bass and Lachie McKiernan on drums.
‘LESS LOUDER’ OUT SEP 11 ON FUZZ CLUB
ALBUM PRE-ORDER HERE!
Follow BEANS on: INSTAGRAM + FACEBOOK + BANDCAMP
BOSTON DIY INDIE ROCK BAND GOLLYLAGGING CUT TO THE BONE ON “JACKKNIFE” OUT NOW–LISTEN & PERFORM IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS IN OFFICIAL VIDEO–WATCH
“‘Bronco,'” however, is more suitable for the band’s obliterating instrumentation, which harnesses the superior electrical currents of their native region – Dinosaur Jr., Swirlies, Pile – to produce the musical equivalent of a bomb going off in Wile E. Coyote’s face. This is an absolute scorcher of a song. High-decibel degenerates, take note.” – CHASING SUNDAYS
“The tune’s emotional weight seems to stretch its runtime far beyond two and a half minutes, as repeated laments of “don’t remind me” simmer underneath a bedrock of post-hardcore.” – VANYALAND
Boston-based DIY indie rock band Gollylagging make peace with the end of a friendship on “Jackknife” out today with a matching video set in outside in a local park. Over cutting, layered electric guitar riffs and melancholic vocals, the four-piece sink into the emotional intricacies of parting ways with a loved one. This June, the group will perform live in Boston and NYC with Dino Gala and warmachine and Carrying respectively.
Unafraid to detail the ugly, shameful parts, Gollylagging’s “Jackknife” is an honest, apologetic assessment of a friendship painfully falling apart. On the tender track’s subject matter, vocalist and guitarist Jake Regulbuto says, “‘Jackknife’ is about the aftermath of friendship fallouts. You can want the best for people but know your relationship to them can’t be the same as it used to be.” Here, they lean into a lighter, melodic sound with a hooky chorus and masterful, sharp guitar riffs.
Expanding on the painstaking production process, drummer Andrew Garas shares, “This one was a tough one to get right. We recorded everything for it in a short six hours and really had to put in a lot of time re-recording things and revising the mix to get it how we wanted it to sound. Our producer, Rowan, helped tremendously and put up with us asking for 10+ revisions on it.”
Watch: “Jackknife” (Official Video)
Directed and edited by Joey Lorant (bass), the video shows the band performing outdoors. Lorant shares, “I tried to capture how it feels for us to play the song live, fun and light, featuring us goofing around and strumming along to the track in our neighborhood park.”
Gollylagging is a Boston-based quartet who has spent the last several years cutting their teeth across bars and venues in Boston and the greater New England area. The band, made up of Jake Regulbuto (vocals, guitar), Jules Skiffington (guitar), Andrew Garas (drums) and Joey Lorant (bass), shared a split EP in 2023 called fauna with going222jail and Dino Gala and was followed up by Dry Rot in 2024 with a string of singles in between. Earlier this year, the group shared “Bronco,” which Chasing Sundays called “an absolute scorcher.” Vanyaland added, “The tune’s emotional weight seems to stretch its runtime far beyond two and a half minutes, as repeated laments of “don’t remind me” simmer underneath a bedrock of post-hardcore.”
They’ve played Boston’s Something in the Way Festival and most recently, shared bills with Ohio State Fair, Soup Dreams and My Guitar Is Trying To Kill Me. Blending sounds across shoegaze, bedroom pop, punk and alt-country, the group continues to chart their own territory with each release as they bring new listeners into the fold and cement themselves in the indie rock space.
Gollylagging’s latest offering “Jackknife” is out now. There’s much more to come from the quartet, including live shows this summer in Boston and NYC. Connect with the band on Instagram.
ABOUT GOLLYLAGGING
Big brothers of the Boston scene, the four members of Gollylagging have spent the last few years sharpening their rock and roll axes at DIY venues, bars, opening gigs, and bedrooms around New England, with a smattering of singles, EPs, and splits to show for it. They like Pavement, they like Dinosaur Jr., and Alex G, and Lil Wayne and Future, they like chilling, they like playing loud and fast and sometimes not. This is indie rock in 2026 as it’s meant to be. The sounds are all there—those we’ve become familiar with after ten-ish years of shoegaze, bedroom pop, punk, alt-country synthesis—but, as with any band worth writing about, they’re played with brand new color.
Longtime frontman and guitarist Jake Regulbuto splits vocals for the first time with lead guitarist Jules Skiffington, both of their voices resting in an upper register that finds melody naturally. Their guitar conversations are shepherded through time by Andrew Garas on drums and Joey Lorant on bass, whose sharp playing partakes in but gives shape to the fuzz that Gollylagging embraces so intentionally. Gollylagging is basically preoccupied with making good rock music.
CONNECT WITH GOLLYLAGGING Instagram | Bandcamp
TIN TOWN ‘SILVER STRANDS’ (SINGLE)
Tin Town return with Silver Strands arriving Thursday 28th May, the latest single lifted from their debut album Down in the Dirt.
Sitting somewhere between Americana, folk-rock and Australian alt-country, Silver Strands is a quietly defiant song about ageing, self-worth, and the hard-earned peace that comes with experience. There’s a timeless quality to the arrangement, reminiscent of classic songwriting traditions while still feeling raw, immediate and deeply personal.
Built around the striking opening line, “These silver strands upon my head / I wear them like a crown,” the song rejects society’s obsession with youth and relevance, instead finding strength in acceptance, perspective and personal freedom. Silver Strands speaks to anyone who has felt overlooked, underestimated, or pushed aside, while ultimately celebrating the confidence that comes from no longer needing validation.
There is both tenderness and resilience woven throughout the track, balancing vulnerability with a sharp honesty that cuts through lines like “I don’t give a fu*k no more that I’m no longer seen / I’m happier than before, I’m better than I have ever been.”
Silver Strands is out everywhere Thursday 28 May.
Upcoming shows:
Friday 29th May – Murray Delta Juke Joint, Goolwa SA (Supporting Ella Hooper)
Saturday 30th May – Greg Cooley Wines, Clare Valley SA (Supporting Ella Hooper)
Sunday 31st May – Trinity Sessions, Goodwood SA (Supporting Ella Hooper)
Sunday 7th June – Coastal Sounds, Semaphore Foreshore SA
https://www.facebook.com/tintownmusic
https://www.instagram.com/tintownband
Isabelle Skye confronts vulnerability on ‘Subaru’. New single out now
Naarm/Melbourne indie-pop singer-songwriter Isabelle Skye releases her evocative new single, ‘Subaru’, a track that pairs an undeniable musical beauty with deep, emotional unease. Anchored by Isabelle’s characteristically emotive, dusky vocals, the song unfolds with graceful restraint before gradually letting go, her voice becoming increasingly strained as she confronts the aftermath of a deeply personal encounter.
Instrumentally, ‘Subaru’ superbly balances vulnerability and purpose. Ethereal harp lends a sense of fragile beauty, while the nuanced drum and guitar lines provide a warm neo-soul backdrop that carries the narrative. The result is an achingly raw performance; intimate and personal, honest and inviting.
The story of ‘Subaru’ explores an all-too-real experience, one felt by women every day. As Isabelle explains; “‘Subaru’ was born out of an experience I had where my safety was compromised on a walk home. This theme is so common for women and changes how we navigate life. On a day-to-day basis we alter the decisions we make so we aren’t vulnerable to people with bad intentions. I hope this song can make people feel validated in their experiences, big or small, it just shouldn’t be a reality for anyone.”
As if to confirm the universality of its theme, the track has already become a standout in Isabelle’s live set, resonating deeply with audiences, many of whom have approached her after shows to share how profoundly the song has affected them.
An Aboriginal artist raised in Naarm/Melbourne, Isabelle has been immersed in music for as long as she can remember. Her creative journey truly took flight in her teenage years when she began writing songs and performing, eventually going on to study music formally at age 17. Today she’s a fixture in Naarm’s thriving scene, performing in a range of projects including Doe Eyes, China Beach, and Shot By Jane.
‘Subaru’ was recorded at Fish Bones Tone Shack. It was produced and mixed by Fabian Hunter and mastered by Andrei Eremin.
With only two singles under her belt, Isabelle Skye has earnt the high praise of many notable outlets with coverage and airplay across The AU Review, PBS, RRR, Triple J, Unearthed, 4ZZZ, SYN, and was added to rotation on FBi Radio. She is also cementing herself as a formidable live act, performing shows with her band such as Share the Spirit Festival and Brunswick Music Festival.
Watch the video for ‘Subaru’ here
ISABELLE SKYE is – Isabelle Skye (she/her) vocals and songwriting.
Additional instrumentation on ‘Subaru’ recorded by Fabian Hunter (he/him) drums, guitar, bass. Lucy Clough (she/her) keys, backing vocals. Katia Mestrovic (she/her) harp. Declan Stewart (he/him) backing vocals. Andrew Blackman (he/him) backing vocals.
ISABELLE SKYE ONLINE Instagram | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music | AMRAP | Triple J Unearthed
FANGZ RETURN WITH RENDITION OF ‘SOMETHING REAL’ AND ACCOMPANYING MUSIC VIDEO
Eora/Sydney-based punk rock quintet FANGZ have today unveiled the stunning stripped back version of ‘Something Real’, taken from their ARIA Australian Album #1 and ARIA Album #8 charting debut record ‘Shui’ – produced by Tim Maxwell (LOSER) and mixed by Jonathan Gardner (Front End Loader, Grinspoon).
Tapering away from the noise to shine a light on the heart of the song, the track revels in its minimalist architecture and raw lyrical honesty. A buoyant acoustic guitar anchors the arrangement, providing a rhythmic pulse that balances the weight of beautifully haunting strings. At the centre of it all is Josh Cottreau, whose raw, emotive vocals – unfiltered and deeply resonant – capture a rare duality that feels simultaneously weighted by melancholy and lifted by a quiet, persistent hope.
Cottreau describes the motivation behind the rendition:
“‘Something Real’ is about feeling completely lost in the noise of modern life and trying to find literally anything that still feels genuine. We only recorded it because we finished the album about eight hours early, and our producer, Tim, was trying to escape for his birthday and get to the pub. We reminded him we’d paid for the whole day, so he pitched recording an acoustic version because it meant he barely had to set anything up before leaving. So, naturally, the most emotionally vulnerable song we’ve ever released exists because a man wanted a schnitzel and a few birthday beers.”
To celebrate the release, the group will host a one-off special performance at Dead Set, Darlinghurst, on Friday, June 19, where they’ll perform ‘Something Real’ and other select stripped-back songs, alongside a full band live set of all the classics from their catalogue.
Since their 2018 inception, FANGZ have completed an East Coast tour in 24 hours, launched their own hot sauce (Fang Us Some Sauce), and run their curated mini-festival FANGZstock, to all East Coast Capitals. Cottreau also holds the Guinness World Record for the most hard-boiled eggs eaten in one sitting (143 eggs in three minutes and ten seconds).
Since their 2019 inception, the band have released three EP’s and a slew of singles, receiving strong support from triple j, triple j Unearthed, Triple M, Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Metal Hammer (UK), Loudwire (USA), Classic Rock (UK), Metal Injection (USA), Louder Sound (UK), NME, Rolling Stone Magazine, The Guardian, and many more.
They’ve traversed the country multiple times, selling out headline shows, performing at festivals and sharing stages with the likes of FIDLAR (USA), Pennywise (USA), The Bronx (USA), Cancer Bats (CAN), RedHook, Comeback Kid (CAN), and He Is Legend (USA).
‘Shui’ is the culmination of five years of mayhem, growth, and everything in between – a career-defining release from one of Australia’s most exciting punk bands.
‘Shui’ is available now via Impressed Recordings
FANGZ ‘SOMETHING REAL’ LAUNCH PARTY
Tickets available via fangz.band
FRI 19 JUN | DEAD SET, EORA/SYDNEY NSW
Click to stream ‘Something Real’ (Acoustic)
FOLLOW FANGZ
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TRIPLE J UNEARTHED
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TARJA Releases New Single “The Trace Outlives”
New album “Frisson Noir“to be released on June 12 via EarMusic
Today, Tarja releases “The Trace Outlives,” the third single from her upcoming studio album “Frisson Noir,” which is set to arrive on the 12th of June – in less than three weeks.
The track offers a glimpse into a more introspective and emotional side of “Frisson Noir,” while retaining the signature heaviness that defines Tarja’s sound.
Inspired by the Japanese phenomenon of “Johatsu” people who deliberately disappear from their lives “The Trace Outlives” tells a story of vanishing without a trace, exploring the emotional weight of leaving one’s identity behind to start anew in anonymity, while reflecting on regret, freedom, and the invisible marks that remain even in absence. Rooted in this concept, the song also incorporates the sound of the shamisen, a traditional Japanese instrument resembling a guitar but with a distinctly more percussive character, brought to life by the young talent Sayo Komada.
Musically, “The Trace Outlives” blends crushing heaviness with sweeping symphonic arrangements and operatic elements, staying true to the signature sound we know and love from Tarja, while elevating it to an entirely new level, making it feel like a bold and refined next chapter of her artistry.
“I was looking for a sound that would take me to Japan and found a beautiful ancient instrument that resembles a guitar, but has a more percussive sound – the shamisen, traditionally used in puppet theaters. I invited the young talent Sayo Komada to blend her art with my song.” – Tarja
Listen to the track here
https://tarja.lnk.to/TheTraceOutlives
Watch the video at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHjoCeUVzpc
The official music video, released alongside the single today, brings the song’s atmosphere vividly to life through a cinematic visual language, unfolding like a uniquely crafted love story shaped by tension, longing, and emotional depth. With its carefully developed narrative and striking imagery, it translates the track’s intensity into a powerful on-screen experience, merging performance and storytelling into a compelling and immersive whole.
“Frisson Noir” reflects Tarja’s ongoing dialogue between cinematic orchestration, classical heritage, and the power and intensity of contemporary metal. The album moves between intimate piano passages, dramatic orchestral textures, and powerful guitar-driven moments.
At the center of the soundscape is Tarja’s distinctive voice, moving effortlessly between fragile emotional expression and operatic power. Around it, orchestral arrangements, choirs, and layered instrumentation create a cinematic world that constantly shifts between darkness and light, exploring deeply human themes such as fear, beauty, nostalgia, resilience, defiance, transformation, identity, disappearance, independence, trust, and perseverance.
Across 10 tracks, Tarja delivers intensity, emotion, and strength, joined by special guest Dani Filth (Cradle of Filth), Apocalyptica, Marko Hietala (ex-Nightwish), and Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers). Mixed by GRAMMY-winning producer Neal Avron (Linkin Park, Skillet, Disturbed), the album blends a modern, hard-hitting sound with the dramatic and emotional elements that define Tarja’s unmistakable metal identity. The album will be available in retail as CD Digipak, Black 2LP Gatefold and Ltd. Purple 2LP Gatefold. The first pressing of all formats is finished with high-quality copper foil and logo embossing.
About Tarja: Since launching her solo career, Tarja has consistently charted internationally and built one of the most loyal fanbases in the genre, willing to follow Tarja in every new adventure. Across more than two decades, Tarja has released a highly successful catalogue, reaching the Top 10 of multiple European album charts and establishing herself as an artist of rare consistency and presence. Her live performances have become a defining element of her career: touring worldwide and appearing as a celebrated guest at major metal festivals, Tarja creates a powerful and emotional connection with audiences, turning every show into a memorable experience.