Thursday June 19, 2025
This week’s Snippetz features: Jacob’s Run, The Thing, Ocean Alley, 8 Ball Aitken and Taya Chani, Fallujah, Girlfriends, Black Briar, H09909, Mama Kin Spender, The Hu, Cooee, Playlunch, Laura Cox, Big Sound and more.
JACOBS RUN – ‘SUNDAY’ (Single out June 20)
From the heart of Melbourne’s ever-thriving music scene, Jacobs Run have long stood apart. Their self-titled 2019 debut was not the work of wide-eyed newcomers but of seasoned musicians crafting songs that felt fully formed, imbued with a keen sense of melody and introspection. Now, with a much-anticipated second album titled The Other Side set for release in 2025, Jacobs Run return as a band with a renewed sense of purpose, sonic ambition, and an eye on legacy.
Comprising Michael Jacobs (lead vocals, guitar), Peter Curigliano (bass, backing vocals), and Fabian Bucci (drums, backing vocals), Jacobs Run formed out of long-standing musical camaraderie. These are players who have walked the well-worn stages of Melbourne’s rock circuit for years, sharpening their craft in various outfits before arriving at the definitive chemistry that fuels Jacobs Run. It is a chemistry built on trust, an unshakable belief in the power of songwriting, and a love of lush, anthemic arrangements.
A song can be both uplifting and melancholic, hopeful and bittersweet. ‘Sunday’, the latest release from Jacobs Run, is precisely that – a layered, evocative meditation on love, memory, and the passing of time.
From the outset, ‘Sunday’ conjures the reflective textures of R.E.M., with its 12-string acoustic guitars meandering in quiet contemplation, before a gentle flute arrangement, orchestrated by George Ellis, welcomes the listener into its world. It is a song built on delicate craftsmanship, where every element – from the ethereal vocal harmonies led by Susie Ahern’s choir to the unexpected swell of a euphoric string section – is carefully placed to evoke something intimate yet expansive.
Lyrically, ‘Sunday’ speaks to devotion and the longing for presence, a love song tinged with the spectre of distance. ‘I’m coming home on Sunday / Please tell me you’ll be waiting right where I left you for a while,’ sings Michael Jacobs, his voice carrying a quiet urgency that makes the sentiment all the more affecting. It is an ode to reconnection, where simple gestures – roses purchased on the way home, time spent away from the world – carry the weight of something profound. ‘I’ll catch that tear before it dries / Stop that fear just where it lies,’ he continues, offering a moment of comfort wrapped in melody.
Despite its warmth, there is an underlying sadness that runs through the song, a tension between what is said and what lingers beneath the surface. ‘It sounds like a sweet and happy love song but has a tinge of sadness flowing throughout,’ says Jacobs. That duality is heightened by Jacobs’ insistence on the contrarian sound of wedding bells in the closing moments – a touch of ambiguity in an otherwise straightforward declaration of love. That’s all that Jacobs’ will reveal – he doesn’t like to talk about the origins of songs, nor their meaning, as he’d prefer that everyone take their own message from songs.
With echoes of The Byrds and The Mamas & The Papas in its 60s-influenced harmonies and luminous instrumental arrangements, ‘Sunday’ feels at once timeless and deeply personal. It is a song that invites the listener to step inside its embrace, to find their own meaning in its words and textures.
‘Sunday’ marks the first single from Jacobs Runs’ forthcoming album, The Other Side, a record that sees the band expanding their sonic ambitions under the guidance of legendary producer Mark Opitz (INXS, Cold Chisel, Noiseworks). The album, recorded with a 32-piece orchestra led by renowned conductor George Ellis, embraces sweeping arrangements and lush instrumentation, bringing the band’s signature melodic sensibilities into a grander, more cinematic space.
Jacobs Run have long been a band that understands the quiet power of melody, and ‘Sunday’ is yet another example of their ability to craft songs that resonate beyond their immediate moment. This is music that doesn’t demand attention but earns it, drawing you in with its tenderness and keeping you there long after the final note fades.
https://jacobsrun.com.au/
THE THING ANNOUNCE DEBUT AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE TOUR
Four piece, New York rock & rollers The Thing have announced their debut Australian headline tour this October presented by Secret Sounds alongside their SXSW Sydney performances. The tour kicks off in Brisbane on Tuesday, 14 October, before continuing south to Sydney for their SXSW performances on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 October, and concluding in Melbourne on Saturday, 18 October.
Brisbane and Melbourne tickets go on sale 10:00am (local) Thursday, 19 June.
Secret Sounds members can secure Brisbane and Melbourne tickets during the presale which commences at 10am (local) on Wednesday 18 June and concludes at 9am (local) on Thursday, 19 June. Fans can register for access at secretsounds.com.
Over the years, the four piece have honed their craft, self recording and writing songs influenced by 60’s pioneers like The Kinks and Grand Funk Railroad. Delivering raw, high-energy rock with fuzzed-up riffs and a retro edge, they are gaining momentum as one of the freshest newcomers that are tearing through the modern music scene.
In 2024, they completed their full North American tour including sold out shows in Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Richmond, Charleston, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as big slots at Governors Ball, Boston Calling, Hopscotch Festival, and Summerfest.
Currently in the midst of their European tour, their next highly-anticipated self-titled debut album will be released 8 August.
SECRET SOUNDS PRESENTS THE THING
AUSTRALIA 2025
Crowbar, Brisbane
Tuesday, 14 October
SXSW Sydney*
Wednesday, 15 October
Thursday, 16 October
(*not presented by Secret Sounds)
The Curtin
Saturday, 18 October
BRISBANE & MELBOURNE TICKETS ON SALE 10:00AM (LOCAL) THURSDAY, JUNE 19
Secret Sounds Presale: Wednesday 18 June, 10am – Thursday 19 June, 9am
For complete tour & ticket information, visit: secretsounds.com
ABOUT THE THING:
What is The Thing? It’s a New York band, sure, but it’s also an ethos. A return to rock & roll’s roots — to garage bands toiling between the family minivans, to groups like the Beatles and their unique alchemy, to tape machines and live band recordings instead of slick studios and myriad songwriters. “We’ve kind of adapted the ethos of: with restriction comes creativity — old becomes new. And throughout every part of the process that remains true,” says guitarist/vocalist Jack Bradley.
Never is that more apparent than on their self-titled third record, out August 6th on their own label. A rough and tumble suite of 12 songs that nods to everyone from The Kinks to The White Stripes, The Thing sounds like old New York revivicated and remixed. “It showcases all of us, all of our different personalities,” says bassist/vocalist Zane Acord. “In The Thing, we’re a collective band. We hang our hats on being a true band — where we all have the spotlight. I think that gives us a different edge.” That album follows 2023’s debut, Here’s the Thing, and The Things Is, which dropped the following year.
The four members of Thing came from intersecting backgrounds, lending to their rock-and-roll-as-melting-pot vibe. Acord grew up with a drummer dad who hipped him to bands like Led Zeppelin and Grand Funk Railroad; he met guitarist/vocals Michael Carter — an avid Beatles fan — in middle school. The duo went on to collect Bradley in high school, an aspiring producer with a studio in his basement and a yen for psych rock. Jazz drummer Lucas Ebeling linked up with the band when everyone found their way to New York in 2022. They’ve since played more than 300 shows across the world.
The band’s self-titled work, then, is a culmination of all those influences — and all that hustle. “We threw all of our different various influences throughout — all the decades of rock and roll and adjacent genres — and ended up with something of our own,” Bradley says. “Our contribution to the genre. Our style. Our… thing.”
CONNECT WITH THE THING
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY
OCEAN ALLEY ANNOUNCE 2026 AUSTRALIAN HEADLINE SHOWS
Globally renowned Australian rockers Ocean Alley are thrilled to announce their biggest Australian headline shows to date, taking place this Summer in support of their upcoming fifth album Love Balloon. They’ll be joined by special guests Nothing But Thieves and Rainbow Kitten Surprise on all East coast dates, Ruby Fields across all shows, plus Skegss and Smol Fish on the West coast.
With a reputation for their magnetic live performances, and a catalogue that’s now surpassed 1 billion streams, Ocean Alley have proven themselves as one of Australia’s most influential contemporary bands. After selling out their last local headline run in 2023/2024, Ocean Alley will take their fifth album Love Balloon – set for release on 19 September – on the road in early 2026 for five massive shows around the country.
Kicking off at Melbourne/Wurundjeri’s Catani Gardens on Saturday 24 January, the band will then head to Brisbane/Meanjin Showgrounds on Friday 30 January, before hitting The Domain in their hometown of Sydney/Eora on Saturday 31 January. Performing exclusively as special guests in these cities are UK alt-rockers Nothing But Thieves, who have achieved 1.6 million worldwide album sales, with multiple gold and platinum records including here in Australia. They were last in the country touring off-the-back of their ARIA Top 10 Album Dead Club City (2023). Platinum-selling American indie rock outfit Rainbow Kitten Surprise also join the lineup, re-emerging creatively invigorated after a deeply transformative few years and fresh off-the-back of their 2024 album Love Hate Music Box. Both acts are supported by the raw and relatable Ruby Fields, renowned for her striking lyricism, punk energy and indie rock sensibilities.
My Live Nation and Face to Face Touring members can secure tickets for Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney during the presale which commences at 10am (AEST) on Friday 20 June and concludes at 9am (AEST) Tuesday 24 June. Fans can register for access at livenation.com.au or facetofacetouring.com.au.
Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney. Mastercard Presale starts 9am (AEST) Wednesday 18 June and ends 9am (AEST) Friday 20 June. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from 10am (AEST) Tuesday 10 June. Check out priceless.com/music for details.
Ocean Alley round out the tour on the West Coast at Freo Esplanade in Fremantle/Whadjuk and 3 Oceans Winery in Margaret River/Wadandi on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February respectively. At both shows, they’ll be joined by DIY kings Skegss – renowned for their raw energy and infectious anthems, alongside Ruby Fields and Perth’s rising indie-pop darlings Smol Fish, whose heartfelt songwriting has captivated local audiences.
Fans can secure tickets via the Artist Presale from 10am (AEST) on Wednesday 18 June until 9am (AEST) Friday 20 June. Register for presale access at oceanalley.com.au.
Next year’s Australian tour follows a huge run of international dates to come throughout 2025, including festival appearances at Lollapalooza, Sziget and Austin City Limits, alongside shows at LA’s Hollywood Palladium and Brooklyn Paramount in New York. The group will make their first trip to Latin America with shows in Mexico, Brasil and Chile, before taking on their largest headline show to date, anywhere in the world – at London’s iconic 10,000 capacity Alexandra Palace in September.
These shows will mark the first time Australian fans get to experience Love Balloon live, led by the recently released title track which offers a blissful glimpse into the band’s creative direction on the upcoming album. Anchored by an irresistible groove and a shimmering Nile Rodgers-inspired guitar riff, the track threads an unexpected touch of disco flair along its pulsating bassline, marking playful new territory for Ocean Alley. It feels effortlessly spontaneous, echoing the carefree energy of previous singles “Tangerine” and “Left Of The Dealer”. Produced by legendary producer Nick DiDia (Bruce Springsteen, Powderfinger, Rage Against The Machine), the band embraced a stripped-back, more emotionally resonant approach across the 10 tracks of Love Balloon, taking listeners on a journey through life and love in all its complexity, underscored by moments of light, vulnerability and connection.
These shows mark a bold new chapter for Ocean Alley – a chance to see a band at the height of their powers, bringing their most vibrant and confident work to the biggest stages of their career.
OCEAN ALLEY – LOVE BALLOON [LP]
Out 19 September via Community Music
Artwork by Nick Curl
PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM
Presented by Live Nation, Face to Face Touring, Macro Music, UNIFIED Music Group
Supported by triple j
OCEAN ALLEY LOVE BALLOON AUSTRALIAN TOUR 2026
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NOTHING BUT THIEVES (UK),
RAINBOW KITTEN SURPRISE (USA), SKEGSS, RUBY FIELDS
AND SMOL FISH
CATANI GARDENS, MELBOURNE/WURUNDJERI VIC*
SATURDAY 24 JANUARY 2026 | Tickets
BRISBANE SHOWGROUNDS, BRISBANE/MEANJIN, QLD *
FRIDAY 30 JANUARY 2026 | Tickets
THE DOMAIN, SYDNEY/EORA, NSW*
SATURDAY 31 JANUARY 2026 | Tickets
FREO ESPLANADE, FREMANTLE/WHADJUK, WA^
SATURDAY 21 FEBRUARY 2026 | Tickets
3 OCEANS WINERY, MARGARET RIVER/WADANDI, WA^
SUNDAY 22 FEBRUARY 2026 | Tickets
TICKETS ON SALE TUESDAY 24 JUNE, 10AM AEST
Mastercard Presale: Wed 18 June, 9AM – Fri 20 June, 9AM AEST
Artist Presale: Wed 18 June, 9AM – Fri 20 June, 9AM AEST
Live Nation and Face To Face Presale: Fri 20 June, 10AM – Tue 24 June, 9AM AEST
Spotify Presale: Fri 20 June, 12PM – Tue 24 June, 9AM AEST
For complete tour and ticket information, visit: oceanalley.com.au
*Supported by Nothing But Thieves, Rainbow Kitten Surprise (both exclusive to Mel/Bris/Syd) and Ruby Fields
^ Supported by Skegss, Ruby Fields and Smol Fish
These shows are licensed all ages.
FOLLOW OCEAN ALLEY
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TIKTOK | SPOTIFY
FALLUJAH ‘XENOTAPH’ (album) + New Lyric Visualizer For Album Streaming Now
Progressive death metal masters FALLUJAH have released their highly-anticipated new album, Xenotaph, with Nuclear Blast Records. Critically revered from the outset, Xenotaph is a cataclysmic composition of highly evolved, profound metal immersed in an epic, otherworldly futuristic saga.
Vocalist Kyle Schaefer has said of the new album: “We are excited to finally reveal Fallujah’s new album Xenotaph, marking the sixth chapter in our discography. This is our most ambitious record yet, and is certainly the band’s most technical, dynamic and progressive material to date. The music carried out by these eight tracks is matched with an equally ambitious concept, a lyrical story that traverses unfolding layers of time and reality in an otherworldly, post-death realm of existence.
Xenotaph is also our most collaborative album, with broad input from the current lineup leading us to expand the scope of our songwriting while simultaneously highlighting the true potential of everyone involved. We hope you’ll join us in welcoming this bold new stage of the band’s evolution.”
Today, FALLUJAH presents a lyric visualizer for the full album that can be viewed HERE
Purchase/Stream Xenotaph: https://fallujah.bfan.link/xenotaph
XENOTAPH LYRIC VISUALIZER: https://youtu.be/p30_S3d5pCQ
More about FALLUJAH:
Prog death-metal outfit FALLUJAH expand horizons and solidify their position as one of America’s most exciting acts on their new album, Xenotaph, through Nuclear Blast. The quintet’s confidence in the lineup that made their previous album, Empyrean (2022), such a resounding success—earning high marks from Metal Injection, New Noise, and Guitar World—has been reconfigured slightly, with guitarist Sam Mooradian (INHALE EXISTENCE, SAM MOORADIAN) and drummer Kevin Alexander (DISEMBODIED TYRANT, BROUGHT BY PAIN) bringing their jaw-dropping musical proficiency to the fold, as vocalist Kyle Schaefer, guitarist Scott Carstairs, and bassist Evan Brewer enter a new chapter with FALLUJAH. Moored by singles ‘Kaleidoscopic Waves,’ ‘Labyrinth of Stone,’ and ‘Step Through the Portal and Breathe,’ Xenotaph is FALLUJAH personified, reinvigorated, and re-imagined.
Xenotaph was produced by FALLUJAH, engineered by Dave Otero (CATTLE DECAPITATION, ARCHSPIRE) and Mike Low (VITRIOL, ABORTED) at Flatline Audio in Denver, Colorado and Top Track Studios in Nashville, Tennessee. Otero also mixed and mastered Xenotaph. The main goal was elevation, building upon yet soaring upward from Empyrean, one of the group’s strongest productions to date. The team focused the separation of FALLUJAH’s breakneck pace, meticulous songcraft, euphonious leads, and unrivalled intensity, creating an experience pulls the listener into Xenotaph’s high-calibre music and concept.
Beyond releasing Xenotaph to an anticipating fanbase, FALLUJAH take aim at the road, drawing upon the success of their Empyrean runs. Indeed, attendees to the group’s live performances have witnessed some of Xenotaph’s songs already, namely the shimmery prog-bounce and inner world horror of ‘The Obsidian Architect.’ FALLUJAH are in a perpetual state of evolution, and Xenotaph demonstrates the group’s hard-won, if profound journey. For there is no reverse—only forward progress, and the path ahead is illuminating before them. Step through the portal if you dare…
Follow FALLUJAH: Linktree | Facebook | Instagram | X | Youtube | Patreon
8 BALL AITKEN & TAYA CHANI ‘Keep Believing’ (Single)
8 Ball Aitken & Taya Chani have teamed up for a new album project. New single ‘Keep Believing’ is a big stage blues-rocker showcasing Taya’s powerhouse vocals and 8 Ball’s soulful slide guitar. This one is a banger with a message of strength and enduring love. 8 Ball Aitken and Taya Chani are hitting the road Australia-wide for an autumn / winter tour.
TOUR DATES:
JUN 21 – QLD, Palmwoods Hotel, 8pm
JUN 22 – QLD, Brisbane Blues Cruise, 8 Ball Aitken Band + Taya Chani, 2pm-5pm, TIX: https://schmicklivemusic.com/events/8-ball-aitken-band-plus-taya-chani-blues-cruise/
JUN 28 – NT, Darwin Railway Club, Doors 7pm, TIX: https://events.humanitix.com/8-ball-aitken-darwin-railway-club/tickets
JUL 10 – QLD, Bundaberg, Oodies Café, (w- Taya Chani) TIX: https://oodies.com.au/product/8balltayathursday2025/
JUL 18 – QLD, Ipswich, Banshees, 8 Ball Aitken Band + Taya Chani & Captain Moonshine. TIX: https://bansheesbar.com.au/event/spark8ball
JUL 19 – QLD, Brisbane, TBA
AUG 1 – VIC, Melbourne, Memo Hall, Saint Kilda
AUG 2 – VIC, Melbourne, Bayview Country Art Club, 2pm-5pm. TIX:
AUG 3 – VIC, Swan Hill Town Hall
AUG 28 – QLD, Gympie Music Muster
► MUSIC & MERCH STORE: https://www.8ballaitken.com/8ball-aitken-shop
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► INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/8ballaitkenmusic
► ITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/8-ball-aitken/219690404
► SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1LLlMQFnYUd7M9H7dYLR78
MISSUS JONES: The Ultimate Amy Winehouse Celebration Comes To Life On Stage Touring Australia This September
“From the first song, the band jams away any thought that Amy Winehouse isn’t standing before you. The band is phenomenal and has limitless energy throughout the night.”
A 10-Piece Powerhouse Reignites the Soul, Swagger, and Spirit of a Modern Icon. If you love Amy Winehouse or just great live music, Missus Jones is the tribute you don’t want to miss. This isn’t just a show. It’s a full-blown celebration. For over a decade, Missus Jones has been honouring the music and legacy of Amy Winehouse in the most spectacular fashion, through a high-energy, emotionally charged live performance that brings her music roaring back to life. From the soul-drenched jazz clubs of Camden to the global stages Amy once conquered, this show captures it all.
Missus Jones is fronted by sensational vocalist, Alana Nabors, the Los Angeles native who embodies the look, attitude and raw emotional power that made Amy unforgettable. Backed by a world-class 10-piece band, complete with a full horn section, this is not your average tribute act. This is a wall of sound, style, and soul that turns every venue into a party and every performance into an event.
Don’t get it twisted, the show is not just about the hits but the full scope of Amy’s music being brought to life, including fan faves and deep cuts, moving through her signature blend of soul, jazz, funk, blues, reggae, and R&B with style and swagger. From Frank and Back to Black, you’ll hear the songs you love, delivered with respect, power, and passion. Songs from a tragically short career which defined a decade and gave Amy Winehouse five Grammy wins in one night!
Missus Jones doesn’t just perform Amy’s music they celebrate it. Every show is a vibrant tribute to her artistry and influence, delivered with authenticity, heart, and a few surprises along the way including a mid show detour into the world of Amy’s influences – think funk, disco and classic soul, all of which reminds us all of the musical world Amy was part of.
This is a show honouring a legacy and one that does not come around often. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering Amy’s brilliance, Missus Jones is an experience you’ll remember long after the lights go down.
TOUR DATES
Thurs, Sept 18: Freo Social, Perth
Fri, Sept 19: The Prince, Melbourne
Sat, Sept 20: Factory Theatre, Sydney
Thurs, Sept 25: Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide
Fri, Sept 26: The Station, Sunshine Coast
Sun, Sept 28: The Triffid, Brisbane
Tickets available now
https://bit.ly/msjau25
tributetouring.com
ELECTRONIC ARTIST BABY JANE SHARES VISCERAL GOTHIC RAVE ODYSSEY ’A GRAVE MARKED STRANGE’
Los Angeles, CA-based indie electronic artist Baby Jane shares ethereal, boundary-breaking debut album, A Grave Marked Strange, out now alongside the long-awaited early 2000s-style rave track “End of the Night.” Releasing aptly today on Friday the 13th, the project blends hardstyle, jumpstyle, witch house, hard bounce, and techno into something cinematic, theatrical, and unafraid to break form.
Each track on A Grave Marked Strange, co-produced by Baby Jane and War Tourism, draws from classic horror themes—but with a campy, self-aware twist. Over 16 tracks, the tone is dramatic and stylized, but rooted in real vulnerability. Beneath the distortion and percussive intensity are sticky melodies, sharp hooks, and emotional undercurrents. The project features a collaborative verse from Damazein and additional guitar work by Matthew Michna on the ballad “Sistine.”
Baby Jane shares, “I wrote ‘A Grave Marked Strange’ about the feelings of such intensity that walk the line between life and death. It is the place where you meet your lover in pure bliss or agony outside the realms of convention and mundane life. At her core, Baby Jane is the protagonist I play in my fantasies; macabre and hopeless in nature, but holding out for reality to give her a reason to not to slip into the other side.”
“End of the Night” which has already gained heavy traction on TikTok officially arrives today. The euphoric dance track delivers punchy, nostalgic Eurodance and hardstyle energy. With hard bounce influences and a hook built to last, it taps into the pulse of the early 2000s rave sound reimagined for today.
Calling back to her Eastern European roots, Baby Jane says, “‘End of the Night’ is my attempt at reviving the care-free nostalgia of 2000s eurodance. Inspired by early memories of driving around with my mom listening to Russia’s hit dance station ‘Evropa Plus,’ the synths and hardstyle kick are meant to feel like dancing all night in a Lithuanian disco thrown in a storage unit. Thematically, the song tells a story of the internal war of good and evil that occurs when you succumb to temptation, the fallout, and the plea for forgiveness.”
Born to Soviet immigrants, Baby Jane left school at 14 to pursue songwriting full time and later studied music production. Influenced by the melancholic pop of her early childhood, Baby Jane draws from her Eastern European roots while carving a resonant, distinct space of her own through textural, cinematic soundscapes. She later began work as a DJ in the LA underground techno scene, leading to the development of her own gothic house sound. Earlier this year, Baby Jane honed her artistic vision through a string of singles and now reaches nearly a million monthly Spotify listeners. With the release of her debut album, written, recorded and engineered herself, a steadily growing online presence and fervent fan base known as The Coven, Baby Jane is proving herself as one to watch in the genre-defying, experimental electronic space.
Entirely new and entirely Baby Jane, the artist has finally, officially arrived with her visceral debut album A Grave Marked Strange out everywhere now. Keep up with the artist on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube for more.
Watch “Eternal Embrace” (Official Visualizer) | Listen
Watch “Psychotrance” (Official Video) | Listen
MORE ABOUT BABY JANE
Baby Jane is an independent electronic artist from Los Angeles blending witch house, hardstyle, and ethereal pop into a sound that’s uniquely her own. Born to Soviet immigrants, she left high school at 14 to pursue songwriting full-time and later attended school to study music production, deepening her ability to shape her own sound. Inspired early on by the melancholic pop music of 1980s Russia, she draws from both her heritage and personal experience to create emotionally resonant, genre-defying work.
Growing up with a strong lisp, she kept her singing private for years, gradually developing a raw and emotional vocal style. Her music began to gain attention online, especially through TikTok and Spotify, where she now reaches nearly a million monthly listeners. In an effort for her grandparents to understand her songwriting, she occasionally includes verses in Russian, adding another layer of intimacy and cultural texture to her work. Her fanbase, known as The Coven, has grown steadily through her consistent online presence, distinctive sound, and unique lore.
At the center of Baby Jane’s world is a self-created mythology called Terem, which includes three archetypes — The Cowboy, The Warrior, and The Goddess. Fans group themselves by an online quiz as part of their initiation into the Coven. This framework helps shape her music, visuals, and the way listeners connect with her project. Some have even gotten tattoos of the Terem symbol.
After nearly stepping away from music entirely, she began writing again during the isolation of the pandemic. That period, followed by her work as a DJ in LA’s underground techno scene led to the development of her “gothic house” sound — a mix of distorted textures, cinematic visuals, and emotional storytelling.
In 2025, she released a string of singles including “Cemetery Date,” “Reincarnate,” “Psychotrance,” and “Eternal Embrace,” leading up to her debut full-length album, A Grave Marked Strange, out June 13.
CONNECT WITH BABY JANE Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Soundcloud
GIRLFRIENDS ‘Landslide’ (Single)
Pop-rock duo girlfriends return, fresh off of opening Avril Lavigne’s nationwide tour, with their latest single, “LANDSLIDE” (released via Big Noise). A frenetic, high-energy rollercoaster of a track, “LANDSLIDE” urges listeners to let go and simply live despite the pressures and turmoil of the world around them. Composed of lead singer Travis Mills and drummer Nick Gross, girlfriends is a riotous act, always evolving in its pop-punk artistry rooted in classic alternative sounds and headbanging lyrics. On your worst days, girlfriends is here to prove that everything will be alright with a little crunchy electric guitar and an anthem-y drumline, a clear demonstration that shows that pop punk is far from dead.
Mills says of “LANDSLIDE”: “Two months on the road with Avril Lavigne & Simple Plan showed us a missing ingredient in our live set – we needed something electric, something full of nonstop energy. “LANDSLIDE” is a song that lets people scream at the top of their lungs, move like no one’s watching, and believe, even for a moment, that everything will be alright”
Produced by John Feldmann (Blink-182, Avril Lavigne), “LANDSLIDE” is jam-packed with gritty guitars and grunge tones, bursting at the seams with a soundscape reminiscent of early 2000’s alt bangers. The duo does not shy away from determined authenticity in their songwriting, and their raw vocals cut through the noise, striking a chord with anyone who’s ever felt backed into a corner. Championing a hard-won hope in the face of a world crumbling down around them, they sing, “Life comes at you like a landslide / Knocks you up & down until you’re on the ground with your hands tied / Behind your back & you can’t get out / The good news is I’m bruised but I’m breathing / And I’m here for a damn good reason”.
Born out of a deep-seated desire for a creative vehicle to process recent emotional turbulence in his life, Apple Music radio host Travis Mills teamed up with drummer Nick Gross to create girlfriends, a band that has taken the caffeinated pop-punk style that first inspired them and made it all their own. Destined to cross boundaries, the duo has inspired countless massive sing-alongs on stages across the globe, including Slam Dunk Festival and So What Music Festival. After opening for pop-punk legend Avril Lavigne’s Greatest Hits tour with special guests Simple Plan, girlfriends has been in the studio, working hard to craft a special collection of songs they are eager to share with their fans. They will also be hitting the road again for Warped Tour 2025 this summer. Hailed by the likes of The Aquarian, AltPress, and SPIN for music that is full of adrenalized hooks, optimistic swagger, and emotional catharsis, girlfriends is old-school yet post-modern, vulnerable yet volatile, and altogether inspiring.
FREE TO SHARE: girlfriends – LANDSLIDE
GIRLFRIENDS SOCIALS: Spotify / Instagram / Facebook / Website / YouTube / TikTok / X
THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT Illuminate Modern Anxiety With Release Of “Evergreen”
From The 24-Track Deluxe Edition Of ‘Greetings From Suffocate City’
“It’s an attempt to put all of our anxious thoughts into one place,” explains singer and songwriter Lee Jennings of THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT about the inspiration for their newly released single “Evergreen.”
Watch the video https://youtu.be/exDJBs3kOYY and listen to the song at https://thefuneralportrait.ffm.to/gfscdeluxe
“Evergreen” is one of the three brand new songs featured on the deluxe edition of the red-hot emo-rooted band’s second album, the 24-track
GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY – FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS: DELUXE EDITION. Out now via Better Noise Music, with digital, CD, and vinyl (out June 27)
“The song speaks to universal and painful truths—that love is the source of all suffering, and the bittersweet feelings that coincide with it,” elaborates Jennings. “The lyrics come from an extremely personal place and are set against a melancholy, stripped-back track that helps accent one of our most emotional hymns to date.”
The montage video for “Evergreen” illustrates THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT’s exciting success story. It’s been steadily growing since joining forces with Better Noise Music, known for its creative artist development, innovative cross-media strategies, and ability to build international success stories. The campaign for THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT began in August 2022, almost three years ago, with the release of “Voodoo Doll” when they were an opening band in 300-400 person venues (or smaller). Now they’re drawing the biggest crowds at the major festivals, touring all year with bands like Ice Nine Kills.
GREETINGS FROM SUFFOCATE CITY – FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS: DELUXE EDITION contains 24 songs including tracks from the CASSANOVA EP and the FROM BEYOND THE ABYSS EP, as well as the recently released versions of “Holy Water” feat. Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch, “Hearse for Two” feat. Lilith Czar and three brand new songs: “Skinny Lies,” “Evergreen,” and “Lost Boy.” The vinyl and CD two-disc deluxe packages feature 21 tracks, one of which is exclusive to the physical formats (“Friends Like These”).The album that was originally released September 13, 2024 via Better Noise Music, consists of 14 tracks of theatrical, dramatic, unapologetic, full-throated flair with guest appearances from Bert McCracken of The Used, Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, Danny Worsnop of Asking Alexandria and Amanda Lyberg of Eva Under Fire.
Meanwhile, THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT and Z2 have consolidated the rich lore from GREETING FROM SUFFOCATE CITY into a one stop graphic companion for fans to be enthralled in. The Funeral Portrait Presents Welcome to Suffocate City tells the story of Irving Westhound, a man on a mission to save the youths of his town from the enigmatic leader of the Coffin Crew Cult. The 44-page oversized 12”x12” comic in a slipcased Deluxe Edition, which comes signed, with art prints, and a four-piece THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT card collector’s set in a frame. Deluxe editions are available exclusively at Z2’s website [HERE,]
Exclusive merch bundles are available HERE at the BNM label store.
Follow THE FUNERAL PORTRAIT online at
Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube
BLACKBRIAR Release New Single ‘Harpy’ + New Album A THOUSAND LITTLE DEATHS Is Out On August 22nd
Today, macabre raconteurs Blackbriar are proud to release their latest single, the soaring ‘Harpy’. The track weaves a tale about the mythological being, the Harpy – the spirit of the wind and storms, a chilling creature who was known to abduct people, particularly those cursed by the gods.
Stream ‘Harpy’ here: https://blackbriar.bfan.link/harpy A video will be following in the coming days.
Vocalist Zora Cock comments: “In this song, I call upon a Harpy to please carry me away after I’ve died a thousand little deaths. I lure it with my carrion heart, after all, Harpies are known as human vultures. If not, I fear I might be stuck in the same place, slowly left eroding. I need to die one last time to be laid to rest finally. This song, Harpy, inspired the album title.”
Blackbriar’s new album A Thousand Little Deaths will be released on August 22nd 2025 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Pre-order the album here: https://blackbriar.bfan.link/a-thousand-little-deaths
Few bands are capable of conjuring up such vivid cinematic vision as Blackbriar. The band’s lavish history of evocative dark fairytale storytelling and compelling gothic soundscapes continues to expand as we move further into 2025 and their upcoming third full length album, A Thousand Little Deaths. Tackling themes of love, loss, and death, Blackbriar seek to take all willing Thorns on a passionate and resounding journey filled once more with mesmerizing imagery, masterful lyricism, and dark symphonic metal power.
Expect even more big things for Blackbriar as 2025 continues along. With YouTube streams now reaching 71 million views and over 253,000 subscribers, and equally massive Spotify stats including a total of over 65 million streams, with over 190,000 monthly listeners who contribute to 1 million streams a month and 12 million streams per year, the world has taken notice of their distinctively macabre yet whimsical sense of metallic storytelling. Prepare to wrap yourself up in their seductive siren songs, and expect to be swept away on an unforgettable journey.
BLACKBRIAR is:
Zora Cock – VOCALS
René Boxem – DRUMS
Bart Winters – GUITARS
Robin Koezen – GUITARS
Siebe Sol Sijpkens – BASS
Ruben Wijga – KEYS
https://www.facebook.com/blackbriarmusic
KING GIZZARD & THE LIZARD WIZARD ‘Phantom Island’ (Album)
Phantom Island marks the band’s second release on their own p(doom) records label, and sees our intrepid heroes add a new dimension to their ever-evolving song craft, embracing the symphonic and embroidering their tangles of lysergic riff and melody with strings and horns and woodwind.
If Flight b741 was an album of rambunctious adventure stories, Phantom Island picks up that thread, spinning its tales of quests and piracy out into the stars. But it’s a more interior album than its predecessor, more melancholy – more “introverted”, bandleader Stu Mackenzie says. Sure, these are tales of high adventure in galaxies far, far away, but the focus is less on the action, and more on the interior lives of those adventurers, reflecting the kind of insight Gizz have gleaned from 15 years of travelling the world and leaving their homes behind to take their music to the people. There’s a wiser, more mature, more sensitive Gizz at play here, questioning their place within the universe, their responsibilities, the ties that bind. “When I was younger, I was just interested in freaking people out,” admits Mackenzie, “but as I get older, I’m much more interested in connecting with people.”
King Gizzard will embark on an Australian tour this December, playing a mix of orchestra and rock shows. The orchestra shows, which include two nights at the famous Sydney Opera House, will be conducted by Chad Kelly and feature a full 29-piece orchestra. A full list of the band’s tour dates with tickets available here and detailed below.
AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
Orchestra Shows
Dec 2 – Warrane/Sydney, NSW @ Sydney Opera House *
Dec 3 – Warrane/Sydney, NSW @ Sydney Opera House *
Dec 9 – Meeanjin/Brisbane, QLD @ Princess Theatre #
Dec 12 – Naarm/Melbourne, VIC @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl %+
Rock N’ Roll Shows
Dec 5 – Warrane/Sydney, NSW @ Enmore Theatre ~
Dec 7 – Meeanjin/Brisbane, QLD @ Fortitude Music Hall ~
Dec 13 – Naarm/Melbourne, VIC @ Sidney Myer Music Bowl ^
* with Sydney Symphony Orchestra
# with Queensland Symphony Orchestra
% with Orchestra Victoria
~ with Party Dozen
^ with Barkaa
+ with Folk Bitch Trio
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Phantom Island
Album out now via p(doom) records
https://kinggizzardandthelizardwizard.com/
H09909 Release New Single, ‘Upside Down’
Los Angeles by way of New Jersey punks Ho99o9 (horror) will release their third album, Tomorrow We Escape, on September 9th. A true amalgamation of all the band’s influences; experimental, hip-hop, digital, hardcore, future-facing punk, metal, jarring industrial and off-kilter electronics—the album is their most emotional offering to date, rooted in personal struggle and triumph. “When we started this process, we knew we wanted to make more relatable songs,” says theOGM. “It was a healthy challenge to focus on emotion. In the past, a lot of our material was politically charged. That element is present to a degree, but we wanted to take a more personal route. This mindset drove how we wrote songs. Everybody has a struggle. The goal is to find motivation for preservation.”
Today, the band shares the album’s lead single Upside Down, a neck-snapping blend of warped guitars, woozy melodies, and driving bass-lines.
Listen to it here
https://ffm.to/upsidedownsingle
The track arrives alongside a dystopian video set in a world where the Chinese Yuan is world currency and water has become a black market commodity.
Watch that here
https://youtu.be/OciLiPdH5Ug?si=RiPJ-f7A9phPlm2l
The New Jersey-bred outfit made its way to Los Angeles over a decade ago. Surging and seething just below the surface, the pair broke through as an apocalyptically fascinating outlier with their 2017 full-length debut, United States of Horror. In the meantime, their infamous live shows became the stuff of legend as they packed houses on their own and shared stages with everyone from Slipknot, Korn, Alice In Chains, Rob Zombie, Ministry and The Dillinger Escape Plan to Lil Uzi Vert, Denzel Curry, Cypress Hill, and Ghostface Killah. Earning the respect of an elite cohort of peers, popular collaborations placed them toe-to-toe with Corey Taylor of Slipknot, The Prodigy, JPEGMAFIA, Ghostemane, HEALTH, 3TEETH, and N8NOFACE, to name a few. Jack Black made an appearance in their KULT CABLE series while they guested on The Eric Andre Show. They’ve received further acclaim from The New York Times, NME, The Guardian, Kerrang!, Metal Hammer, The FADER, Revolver, and more. They stand out as the rare phenomenon who can decimate Hellfest and Aftershock Festival and captivate on A COLORS SHOW.
TOUR DATES w/ THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN
Sunday, August 10: Metropolis, Perth
Tuesday, August 12: The Gov, Adelaide
Wednesday, August 13: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne – SOLD OUT
Thursday, August 14: Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Saturday, August 16: The Enmore, Sydney
Sunday, August 17: The Tivoli, Brisbane
Tickets and info at
PLAYLUNCH ANNOUNCE SOPHOMORE LP + SHARE NEW SINGLE ‘KEITH’, WATCH VIDEO FEATURING BARRY HALL
Controversy? Threatened lawsuits? Hotlines, hot button subjects and a white hot video featuring a certain notorious hot tempered AFL Hall of Famer? Oh yes, Playlunch are back, with their latest single ‘Keith’ and a raucous new album to boot!
Following from the viral hit ‘Boys’, a scathing commentary on boorish male culture in the disguise of an irresistibly slinky 70’s disco pop romper stomper, “Keith” once again subverts expectations by introducing the irascible, volatile character of the title, the male equivalent of a Karen and one that, unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately for us?) appears to be based on an actual character the band encountered.
“Keith regales the tale of the psycho tradie neighbour who lived beside us at our old outer-Melbourne sharehouse. Inseparable from his Ute and beloved two-wheeler trailer, Keith would terrorise the streets verbally assaulting anyone who DARED leave their car in the on-street parking out front of his house. From the moment we first played it live, this one has been a fan favourite – no matter who you are or where you come from, EVERYONE knows a Keith.” – Liam, Playlunch
Indeed, it’s a move which nearly torpedoed the whole enterprise, as eagle eyed fans might have noticed from the band’s socials…
In typical Playlunch fashion, ‘Keith’ weaves together several concurrent musical threads to create their very own genre – Bogan Funk, finding the sweet spot where tongue in cheek humour meets euphoric electropop, complete with catchy hooks that feature their signature effortlessly sublime sound.
But it’s just the start of the Playlunch takeover. There is, of course, the aforementioned album, but there is also so much more – an accompanying video, starring none other than the iconic AFL Hall of Famer & TV host Barry Hall. Known as much for his aggressive outbursts on the footy field as his talent, Barry ‘Big Bad Baz’ Hall is perfect example of what Playlunch would describe a ‘Keith’. The clip wouldn’t be complete without a re-enactment of ‘Big Bad Baz’s’ infamous punch in 2008.
In their quest to make ‘Keith’ the new slang for a male version of a ‘Karen’ in Australia, the band have set up a 1800 KEITH Hotline, where fans can phone in and relay their own stories in a nationwide search for the biggest Keith! People have already started calling in with their own stories and it’s all kicking off right now, so listen up and do not miss out.
‘KEITH’ – OUT NOW VIA ABC MUSIC BUY/STREAM HERE
MORE INFO: Instagram TikTok Spotify YouTube
MAMA KIN SPENDER ‘Arrows’ (Single)
A bewitching bullseye balancing soul folk, raw relatability and beguiling melodies, the new single Arrows out today from ARIA-nominated and WAM award-winning duo Mama Kin Spender tantalisingly parts the curtains further into what lies in wait on the pair’s upcoming sophomore album Promises, also announced today and set for release on Friday August 15. With the anticipated LP set to drop ahead of a special run of national album launch shows through September and October, Mama Kin Spender will be hit the road to share their new record with audiences in Pomona, Murwillumbah, Brisbane, Melbourne, Archie’s Creek, Belgrave, Sydney, Milton and Dashville.
Opening with gritty guitars, oozing harmonies and plenty of elegant swagger, Arrows evolves into a powerful yet delicate outing, wearing its heart defiantly on its sleeve as Mama Kin Spender, aka Danielle Caruana and Dingo Spender, detail bad behaviour in relationships. Also drawing inspiration from the likes of Alabama Shakes, Shovels and Rope, Liz Stringer and Pat Benatar for Danielle, as well as Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Nina Simone, The Motels and Sam & Dave for Dingo (all of which also permeate on the broader Promises album), Arrows explores, as the band puts it, “the drifting apart through small acts of carelessness, and yet somehow aching to connect. Near misses – every attempt landing awkwardly, landing wrong, lashing out, sly evasive remarks eroding the fabric of love.”
Co-writing Arrows and the entirety of Promises together, the album saw Mama Kin Spender work alongside engineer, mixer and co-producer Dan Carroll, with mastering courtesy of Lacklan Carrick. A concept album that explores love’s optimism, decay, rampage and transformation, Promises is an enchanting journey, accompanied by a primal fusion of garage, soul and folk. A roaring yet tender and vulnerable collection of songs that plunge the depths of emotion and experiences, Promises begins with today’s new single Arrows, before traversing into perky instrumentals and suggestive yet warmly relatable lyricism via Bleeding Out. From here, Mama Kin Spender weave their powerful spell over pounding percussion and raw ruminations (Promises), hazy soundscapes lined with hypnotic melodies (Desert Rain), and musing melancholia that goes down like a shot of smooth whiskey (We Are The Water). Heralding the album’s back end with potent urgency and sinuous harmonies (Dance With Me), Promises goes on to tug at the heartstrings with haunting, soulful beauty (A Love That Will Not Die).
“These are songs hewn from real life journeys,” shares Danielle. “Bruises, Shame, Rage, Desire, Contempt, Bad Behaviour. Death by a thousand cuts of carelessness, small unkind moments, projections, stacked up and smothering the innocence of love’s true desire – to change the very shape of us. This is a coming-of-age/coming-of-rage album. This is the doorway of the domestic debris that we accumulate, which ultimately needs to flush out to make way for who we might become as adults; real adults, responsible to ourselves and others, accountable, respectful, liberated from our child wounds and teenage tantrums.”
“The songs are essentially taking any single journal entry from the last 3 years of my love life and adding music to it,” Dingo adds. “The ending and transformation of a marriage, the pain of grief, the yearning for love, the twisted top lip of sarcasm in response to the honesty of accountability, the owning of a great many slippery truths that lay hidden in my guts, the searing, cleansing power of rage, of letting go, of accepting something I just couldn’t stand to accept… It’s basically very complicated and ornate therapy but woven into songwriting, self-expression, the joy of singing, and ultimately, the power of our friendship as we held each other through storms that were set to break us…”
Renowned for their raw, percussive energy and beguiling harmonies, Mama Kin Spender is the collaborative creative project from long-time friends and creative partners Mama Kin (Danielle Caruana) and Dingo Spender. With a stalwart reputation for songwriting that grips at your core, as well as their unforgettable live performances, Mama Kin Spender released their debut full-length album in 2018, with Golden Magnetic scoring an ARIA Award nomination for Best Blues and Roots Album. The pair have previously won Best Folk Act (2013) and Best Blues / Roots Act (2018) at the West Australian Music Industry Awards, and have also performed at the likes of WOMADelaide and Woodford Festival, Perth, Darwin and Vivid Festival, and toured across North America and Ireland and across Australia; with plenty more to come.
With the impending arrival of Promises this August, the stage will also be firmly set for an expansive new Mama Kin Spender chapter that extends beyond the new album and into the theatre. The theatre show; Promises & Wild Beasts, led by multi-award-winning director Craig Ilott, transforms the album Promises into a powerful live theatrical production; a multi-disciplinary show that will bring the album’s themes to life through live music, design, movement and storytelling. Set for an early 2026 premiere through international arts festivals, Promises & Wild Beasts is guaranteed to transcend audiences with its gripping and relatable adaptation of Promises.
“You’re gonna laugh, you’re gonna feel uncomfortable and at the same time, not alone, you’re gonna yell with us, and then most likely cry,” says Dingo of what fans can expect from the upcoming album release shows this September and October. “You’re gonna reflect on your own heart, your own little journey with love and pain and grief and happiness. You’re gonna feel elation, you’re gonna feel brave and also need a hug and a whiskey at the end.”
“We are storytellers,” adds Danielle “we mine the depths of our experiences to build the bridge of connection. Our songs are the vehicles, the embodiment of our shared experiences, joys, grief, confusion, and transformation. We seek to reach towards each other, play our hearts out, howl in harmony.”
But before Mama Kin Spender return to stages later this year, the arrival of Arrows today and the upcoming release of Promises are truly landmark moments from the pair, ultimately serving as a universal vessel for catharsis that pulses with honesty, resonant vulnerability and astonishing craftsmanship.
“It’s a relief to be putting these real and gritty songs into the world,” reveals Danielle. “Cathartic to reach from the depths of personal experiences into distilled works that will reach into other’s lives. I understand myself better because of these songs – they have been doorways through to becoming a better person, to forgiving myself, to making changes, to owning my shit, to realising the impact of promises that I made when I was too young and naive to understand what keeping them would really mean.”
“It really has been a labour of love”, Dingo concludes, “nurturing and growing these songs from strange and challenging seeds in the odd weather of the current music industry and in the dark and, at times, gritty soil of singing about things that feel uncomfortable. This album is a coming of age into the realisation and understanding of mature relationships, mature love, actually listening to love and letting it humble me in its wisdom and, at times, brutal truth. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders, to be honest.”
Arrows is out now.
Promises tour tickets are on sale now
Promises is due out Friday August 15.
MAMA KIN SPENDER – UPCOMING ALBUM TOUR DATES:
FRI 05 SEP | MAJESTIC THEATRE, POMONA QLD
Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/DCRQO
SAT 06 SEP | THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH NSW
Tickets available from https://events.humanitix.com/mama-kin-spender
SUN 07 SEP | LEFTY’S MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE QLD
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/3f3d0a57-6292-43f9-a87f-8f323901e9fe
FRI 12 SEP | BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, MELBOURNE VIC
Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/mama-kin-spender/181349
SAT 13 SEP | ARCHIE’S CREEK TAVERN, ARCHIE’S CREEK VIC
Tickets available from https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1416568?embed
SUN 14 SEP | SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE VIC
Tickets available from https://sookilounge.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/8b1839a3-e2d9-4cd4-93f5-bd67b48ae868
FRI 03 OCT | PADDINGTON UNITING CHURCH, SYDNEY NSW
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/0ade135c-14c9-47b4-9f15-b461f0d88f84
SAT 04 OCT | MILTON THEATRE, MILTON NSW
Tickets available from https://www.stickytickets.com.au/uz0rr/mama_kin_spender.aspx
SUN 05 OCT | DASHVILLE SKYLINE, DASHVILLE NSW
Tickets available from https://www.dashville.com.au/dashvilleskyline
Buy tickets to Mama Kin Spender ‘Promises’ album tour
THE HU Release ‘Echos Of Thunder’ Digital EP
While their legions of fans anxiously await a new album, innovative Mongolian rock group and global phenomenon The HU have released a new digital EP ECHOS OF THUNDER via Better Noise Music. It contains alternate versions of three standout songs from their album, RUMBLE OF THUNDER: “This Is Mongol,” “Bii Biyelgee,” and “Triangle”, with special guests including members of Alice In Chains, Thousand Foot Krutch, Neon Trees and ROME.
ECHOS OF THUNDER is available now at https://thehu.lnk.to/eot
The visualizer video for “This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls) (Feat. William DuVall from Alice In Chains and Trevor McNevan from Thousand Foot Krutch) – Teerawk Remix” can be viewed at https://youtu.be/GcAYWpC8vSs
“This Is Mongol” receives a dynamic remix treatment by Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch, working under his remix alias Teerawk. Teerawk brings his signature energy to the track, layering in additional vocals and lyrics that both complement and expand upon William DuVall’s (Alice In Chains) original vision. The ECHOS OF THUNDER EP also contains “Bii Biyelgee,” featuring Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees, and “Triangle,” featuring ROME, offering listeners a diverse and compelling reimagining of the original album’s spirit. The EP also includes the original versions of “This Is Mongol,” “Bii Biyelgee,” and “Triangle.”
“I am glad that our label partners at Better Noise Music suggested this EP because, as I like to say, from Classic Rock to Heavy Metal, our genre of Hunnu Rock has no limits,” says frontman Galaa. “The ECHOS OF THUNDER EP presents an opportunity for more collaborations with different artists to expand on our original music. We hope our loyal fans will enjoy these new versions of songs from the RUMBLE OF THUNDER album!”
The HU released RUMBLE OF THUNDER in 2022 via Better Noise Music while continuing to tour across the globe, including shows in Japan and festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza, Download Festival and more. In November 2022, The HU became the first-ever rock/metal band to receive the prestigious UNESCO “Artist of Peace” Designation at UNESCO’s headquarters in Paris, France by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. Previous recipients include Celine Dion, Shirley Bassey, Sarah Brightman, Herbie Hancock, Marcus Miller, and World Orchestra For Peace. They’ve brought Mongolian music to the forefront with their unique brand of Hunnu Rock which blends traditional Mongolian instrumentation and throat singing with contemporary rock music.
With over 900 million all-time streams, 300 million video views, #1 charting albums, multiple sold-out headlining tours, prestigious government honors and awards, collaborations with several of rock’s biggest names, and featured music on video games including EA Games’ Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, THE HU have cemented their status as a global powerhouse.
ECHOS OF THUNDER:
1. This Is Mongol (Warrior Souls) (feat. William DuVall and Trevor McNevan) – Teerawk Remix
2. Bii Biyelgee (feat. Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees)
3. Triangle (feat. ROME)
4. This Is Mongol (Original Version)
5. Bii Biyelgee (Original Version)
6. Triangle (Original Version)
Follow The Hu WEBSITE // FACEBOOK // INSTAGRAM // TWITTER // YOUTUBE
SARAH CATANIA STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT WITH HER NEW SINGLE ‘FRONT ROW’
Melbourne country artist Sarah Catania is claiming her space in the spotlight with the release of her empowering new single ‘Front Row’.
With a sharp lyrical hook, dancefloor-ready rhythm, and Sarah’s powerhouse vocal at the centre, ‘Front Row’ doesn’t ask for your attention, it demands it. Co-written with Heath Milner, the track is a fearless celebration of self-worth and female empowerment.
“For me, Front Row represents everything I aspire to be, both as an artist and as a person” Sarah explains. “It’s about confidence, empowerment, and boldness. I wanted to create a song that could serve as an anthem for women everywhere, one that reminds them to value themselves highly and never settle for anything less than they deserve.”
Produced by Rod McCormack at The Music Cellar, ‘Front Row’ plays like a high-octane anthem, blending Shania-esque sass with a slick country-rock edge.
“It was such an amazing experience recording with Rod” she says. “I came in with my demo and a few adjectives to describe how I envisioned the song sounding, and he brought it to life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. He is a true professional, and I cannot wait to work with him again sometime soon!”
The music video, directed by Blacklist Productions, brings the track’s self-assured attitude to life. Shot at The Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy, the clip oozes cool and confidence with a cheeky behind-the-scenes twist.
“The entire process was so much fun, and also way faster than I expected. Jay knew exactly what shots we needed to get and made the entire experience stress free and super enjoyable. My favourite part of the day was when we finally got to relax at the end of it, and we all sat around in the band room of the Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy and ate pizza together!”
Cutting her teeth in the local Melbourne scene, Sarah Catania has been quietly building a reputation with her sincere songwriting and bold blend of old and new sounds. A graduate of the CMAA Academy of Country Music, Sarah has made her mark at major festivals including the Tamworth Country Music Festival (13 appearances and counting) and Gympie Music Muster; and she’s shared stages with powerhouse names like Taylor Moss, Shane Nicholson, and Amber Lawrence.
Her debut single ‘Venus and Mars’ dropped in 2022, and she hasn’t slowed down since, releasing fan favourites like ‘Little She Knows’, ‘Those Kind of Men’ and her most recent single, ‘Here I Am’ – a tune that shot to #5 on the AMRAP Metro Chart.
Following the release of ‘Front Row’, Sarah’s taking her dynamic live energy to stages across the East Coast. “Get ready, East Coast Australia, I’m hitting the road for my ‘Front Row’ tour! I’m so excited to bring my music to brand-new places and connect with fans I’ve never performed for before. Expect a night packed with high energy, feel-good beats, and more dance-worthy moments than you can count. It’s going to be a party you won’t want to miss!”
Whether she’s belting out empowering bangers or baring her soul in song, Sarah Catania brings fearless energy and authenticity to every performance, and with ‘Front Row’, she’s taking her seat at the table. Front and centre.
SHOW DATES:
Friday 27th June – The Toff In Town – Melbourne, VIC
Thursday 3rd July – Honkytonks – Brisbane, QLD
Friday 4th July – Chattahoochee Joes – Brisbane, QLD
Saturday 5th July – Lasso Country Music Festival – Brisbane, QLD
Sunday 6th July – Wallaby Hotel – Gold Coast, QLD
Thursday 10th July – The Savoy Bar and Music – Long Jetty, NSW
Friday 11th July – Jolenes – Sydney, NSW
CONNECT WITH SARAH CATANIA
COOEE RELEASE DEBUT SINGLE ‘SACRED WOMEN’S WAYS’
Cooee, the newly formed collaboration between Gunai multidisciplinary artist Kirli Saunders (OAM) and musician-producer Mark Chester Harding, released their debut single ‘Sacred Women’s Ways’ today.
The project began serendipitously, after Kirli and Mark met performing with Jack River for triple j’s Like a Version in late 2023. That same week, Kirli had released her poetry collection, Returning (Magabala) — a book that would linger with Mark and ultimately form the lyrical foundation of their early songwriting sessions. A handful of Kirli’s poems were soon set to Mark’s pre-existing musical sketches, marking the start of a dynamic creative partnership.
Their first single, ‘Sacred Women’s Ways’, is a reverent tribute to matriarchal strength, rooted in Saunders’ poem of the same name from Returning. Grounded in themes of cultural continuity and feminine sovereignty, the track features the Shoalhaven-based First Nations women’s choir Mudjingaal Yangamba and drums by Harry Day of Middle Kids. The final recording opens with a field recording of crickets — preserved from the original iPhone demo, captured on Cammeraygal land.
Musically, the single nods to the tradition of classic Australian driving songs, but its path to completion was far from linear. Initially recorded and then abandoned, the song underwent several iterations, including a dramatic orchestral-synth version, before the pair returned to a more grounded, spacious arrangement that allowed the lyrics and layered harmonies to breathe.
‘Sacred Women’s Ways’ is available on all major streaming platforms now.
About Cooee:
Cooee is a newly formed collaboration between multidisciplinary artist Kirli Saunders and musician-producer Mark Chester Harding.
Kirli Saunders, a proud Gunai woman and recipient of the Order of Australia Medal for her contributions to the arts, brings a literary sensibility to the project. Her writing, spanning eight books, with works like Kindred (Magabala), Returning, and Eclipse (Allen & Unwin, 2025), explores connections to Country, culture, love, and loss.
Mark Chester Harding is a producer and songwriter known for his collaborations with artists such as Jack River, Sons of the East, and Little May. His solo releases have collectively garnered over six million streams.
Both Kirli and Mark are also visual artists, designing all accompanying artwork and content for the project themselves — an extension of their shared commitment to storytelling through multiple forms.
‘SACRED WOMEN’S WAYS’ – OUT NOW BUY/STREAM HERE
MORE INFO ON COOEE: INSTAGRAM TIKTOK YOUTUBE
BIGSOUND WELCOMES A NEW WAVE OF CULTURE SHIFTING ARTISTS IN 2025. KAIIT, WAFIA, INKABEE, AZURE RYDER AMONG 120+ ACTS SHOWCASING AT AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MUSIC DISCOVERY FESTIVAL THIS SEPTEMBER 2-5
TICKETS ON-SALE NOW TICKETS
Brisbane/Magandjin’s Fortitude Valley district becomes a playground for new music discovery from 2-5 September, with musicians from across Australia and neighbouring countries gathering to showcase at the southern hemisphere’s premiere music industry event – BIGSOUND.
Today, BIGSOUND affirms itself as a destination for music celebration and curation of a new generation of impactful artists, with the announcement of the official artist lineup. Powerhouse performers from across a variety of genres and backgrounds reflect the diversity of the music communities that are shaping music innovation and influence.
It is a lineup that BIGSOUND is fiercely proud of, testament to the vision of Festival Programmers Casey O’Shaughnessy and Katie Rynne, as well as the talented Programming Advisory Group, specifically selected to assist in the curation of the 2025 Official Showcase program.
Over 120 acts will perform across the 18 stages at BIGSOUND this year; from rock and pop, to country, R&B, folk, punk, electronic and hip hop, there truly is something for everyone to discover and fall in love with.
Featured on the 2025 BIGSOUND Festival Program are artists including WAFIA, whose brand of soulful electronic/R&B music has been capturing audiences around the world. Releasing her long-awaited debut album Promised Land at the beginning of 2025, WAFIA’s performances at BIGSOUND mark her first shows back in Australia since embarking on a brand-new chapter of artistry.
Also embarking on a new journey with music, is Melbourne/Naarm-based Papua New Guinean neo-soul artist, KAIIT. The recent APRA Music Award winner has returned to radars in a big way in the last year, with the new releases hinting at a stunning new chapter of work – set to be revealed on their highly anticipated debut album, And Off She Goes, in 2025.
Quite possibly one of BIGSOUND’s youngest ever showcasing artists at just twelve years old, Perth/Boorloo hip hop artist Inkabee has been showing the world what he’s made of, as well as representing his community and culture via viral performances at SXSW and even America’s Got Talent. As he navigates adolescence, Inkabee’s observations and perspectives are fueling exciting new music out of Australia’s West Coast, undoubtedly set to flourish in 2025.
Sydney/Eora indie artist Azure Ryder joins the BIGSOUND 2025 lineup after a breakout year in the UK, performing with Teddy Swims and BoyWithUke. Now back in Australia, she supports Alexander Stewart ahead of her BIGSOUND showcases.
The Southern River Band has wasted no time in becoming one of Australia’s fiercest names in live rock ‘n’ roll. With four albums to its name, the four-piece out of Perth/Boorloo brings an insatiable confidence and stage presence to BIGSOUND following festival appearances throughout Europe in 2024, and upcoming sets at Download Festival, Copenhell, Hellfest and more.
Beloved for her blend of dreamy pop and shoegaze soundscapes, Brisbane/ Magandjin’s own Hatchie is set to serve a potent reminder of her songwriting and performance talents as part of this year’s BIGSOUND lineup. An AIR and J Award nominee, Hatchie’s music has been a striking part of the Australian indie songbook, particularly with the release of her second album, Giving It All Away, in 2022.
Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek acknowledged the importance of BIGSOUND 2025 as a key industry event that attracts musicians, industry managers, music lovers and visitors to the state.
“BIGSOUND is a highlight on our calendar of events, and it serves an important role in helping to amplify Queensland’s reputation as a vibrant cultural destination,” Minister Langbroek said.
“The Crisafulli Government is proud to support BIGSOUND to back our local music artists, venues and businesses, while creating a thriving live music scene ahead of Brisbane 2032.”
BIGSOUND Music Festival Programmers, O’Shaughnessy and Rynne, say of this year’s lineup:
“We’re thrilled to finally share the BIGSOUND 2025 lineup with you. Curating this year’s program has been such a joy — the artists we’ve selected reflect the incredible depth of talent in Australia, and each one is doing truly exciting things with their music. We’re so proud of this group and can’t wait to see them bring the Fortitude Valley to life in September.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to every single artist who applied. We were genuinely blown away by the quality, creativity and diversity of submissions — it made the selection process incredibly tough, in the best possible way. There’s so much talent out there, and while we couldn’t include everyone this year, we recognise the heart you put into your music, and we’re excited for what lies ahead for you.” – Casey O’Shaughnessy & Katie Rynne, BIGSOUND Co-Programmers
Across BIGSOUND’s either one or three nights, punters are encouraged to embrace the choose-your-own-adventure style of programming, exploring the myriad venues and being led by the music and sounds pouring out from each of them. From open-air stages beneath the stars to cozy, intimate spots where you can connect closely with the music, your single BIGSOUND Festival wristband will get you access to 18 venues across Brisbane’s iconic Fortitude Valley.
Previous years at BIGSOUND have seen the discovery of Australian superstars including Flume, Tash Sultana, Tones And I, Courtney Barnett, Baker Boy and King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard – this unique opportunity for artists to perform for hungry audiences of music fans and industry delegates alike is truly one of a kind in this area of the world.
BIGSOUND MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKETS
ON SALE 9AM FRIDAY, 13 JUNE
BIGSOUND 3-NIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKET
A BIGSOUND 3-Night Music Festival ticket gives you access to all performances: 120+ artists, across 18 venues, and the closing night party with just one wristband.
Early Bird 3-night: $79 +bf (on sale until midnight, 31 July, or until sold out)
Under 25 3-night: $65 +bf
Mobility Access Ticket*: $44.50+bf
BIGSOUND 1-NIGHT MUSIC FESTIVAL TICKET
A BIGSOUND 1-Night Music Festival ticket gives you access to all 18 venues, on your selected night of the Festival – Tue / Wed / Thu – with just one wristband.
Festival 1-Night Ticket: Standard rate $49 + bf
Festival 1-Night Ticket: 25 & Under $25 +bf
Mobility Access Ticket*: $24.50 +bf
EARLY BIRD ALL-ACCESS DELEGATE PASSES
This is your ticket to access the full conference, 3-night music festival, parties, networking events and workshops.
Early Bird Offer: General: $659 / QMusic Members: $559 / Students $399
(On sale until midnight, 30 June, or until sold out)
*MOBILITY ACCESS TICKETS*
While every effort is made for BIGSOUND venues to be fully accessible, we recognise that some venues aren’t accessible to those with mobility requirements such as ramp or lift access. If you would like to purchase a Mobility Access Ticket, please complete the form here to submit a request for our Ticketing team to call you OR contact the BIGSOUND office on (07) 3257 0013.
For more information for BIGSOUND 2025 visit
BIGSOUND 2025
2 – 5 September Fortitude Valley Brisbane, QLD
LAURA COX “No Need To Try Harder” (Single)
French rock powerhouse, Singer and Songwriter – Laura Cox returns with a bold new stand-alone single, “No Need To Try Harder,” out June 18th via earMUSIC / Verycords. A high-octane anthem brimming with raw confidence and blistering guitar work, the track reaffirms Cox’s place at the forefront of the European rock scene and proves her creative momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
Best known for her explosive rise from YouTube (@lauracoxofficial on YouTube, Instagram & Facebook) sensation—boasting over 903K subscribers and 105 million views—to commanding international stages at Hellfest, Rockpalast, and Pol’and’Rock, Laura Cox continues to evolve her sound with authenticity and power. Her 2023 album Head Above Water received critical praise for its classic-meets-modern rock fusion, and now, with “No Need To Try Harder,” she shows a freer, sharper side of her artistry.
Laura Cox began as a viral guitar prodigy on YouTube before evolving into one of France’s most electrifying rock exports.
Fusing classic influences with a contemporary edge, her music captures the spirit of raw, unfiltered rock while pushing boldly into the future.
Listen to “No Need To Try Harder” https://lauracox.lnk.to/NNTTH
« It is the fulfillment that comes from simplicity. The happiness found in the flow of life, the flow of a relationship. Opening one’s eyes to what truly matters »
https://www.lauracoxmusic.com/
DENZEL KENNEDY reveals ‘1997’ from forthcoming album THE LUCKY ONES
A brand new chapter waits to be eagerly embraced for Meanjin-based hip hop artist, Denzel Kennedy. Having garnered impressive momentum off the back of charged up performance style and strong music including full-length records IDEL, Devote ur Heart and a multitude of single releases already in 2025, Kennedy announces his next stride forward – namely a new studio album titled The Lucky Ones.
From the project, Kennedy releases a new single in ‘1997’, a strong representation of the artist’s dynamism and talent as a lyricist and performer. ‘1997’ is a song that blends style, confidence and strength in vision. For those coming to Denzel Kennedy for the first time with this track, it makes for a perfect introduction to one of the East Coast’s most exciting names.
“‘1997’ is a track that blends my playful, witty side with that over the top braggadocious style of rap. The song stands as a statement of my confidence as a rapper but also sticks to the theme of reflecting on my journey in life and music in recent years. The meaning of the track is to talk through the highs and lows of the rap game as an up-and-coming Australian artist.
Music has always been a form of catharsis for me. Talking about my life in a way that makes the not-so-fun seem fun, and keeping in check with the realities I face have always been at the forefront of my writing. ‘1997’ was a track that as soon as I heard the beat play, the song came to me.” DENZEL KENNEDY
With The Lucky Ones, Kennedy has poured three years’ worth of lessons, observations and stories into this collection of music – a collection driven by purpose and pure intent to take himself further as an artist and individual.
“The album is a thinking-out-loud reflection on what it means to grow up as Indigenous Australian. My perspective is as unique as the next, and the title ‘The lucky ones’ stems from the belief that my upbringing was that of great privilege compared to the upbringing many Indigenous Australians face and are still facing in 2025. The album fuses that strong-tone with a mix of trap, boom-bap and jazz-rap beats to tell the full story.” DENZEL KENNEDY
Already, his music has been resonating with audiences around the country, earning support from triple j and Triple J Unearthed, as well as a strong following online. Kennedy’s music to date has earned over 100,000 streams across DSPs, playlist support from Spotify (Beats ‘n’ Bars, R&B Feels, The Drip, Deadly Beats, Blak Australia), Apple Music (New Music Daily, FIRST, Blacklist) and Amazon Music (Blak Loud). On TikTok, Kennedy has also maintained a strong presence, his music used over 2 million times on the platform.
As a live performer, he has supported the likes of Horrorshow, Kobie Dee, Tasman Keith, JK-47 and more, with audiences being drawn to Kennedy’s natural confidence on stage – a style reminiscent of artists such as Joey Bada$$ and J. Cole.
‘1997’ out THURSDAY 19 JUNE
‘THE LUCKY ONES’ outTHURSDAY 17 JULY
DENZEL KENNEDY: FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TRIPLE J UNEARTHED | TIK TOK