Fresh Local Produce

Look, you're busy. You love music, but you don't have the time to go out and find new stuff and you can’t trust the Spotify algorithm any more (my most played is currently ‘Do The Propeller!’ by the Wiggles - I feel you!).

The local music scene is fantastic - there's amazing, innovative, deeply cool stuff coming out every day. And lucky for you, I am a music-obsessive with no ability to stop thinking about this stuff, even when I should be thinking about something else.

This is the place to find all my thoughts on the Australian music scene. I'll be posting reviews of compelling new tracks by up-and-comers, and there will also be the odd gig review, listicle, story and random musing.

You can find all the songs I review in one playlist, available on Spotify.

Got something to add, a hot take or an artist you think I should know about? Drop it to me in the comments - I am always keen to journey down a musical rabbit hole.

Tom Clarke 20/12/24 Tom Clarke 20/12/24

The Top 10 Australian Songs of 2024

Celebrating another banner year in Aussie music with the best songs of the year, featuring the likes of Amyl and the Sniffers, King Stingray, Nick Cave, and Angie McMahon.

Tom Clarke 8/11/24 Tom Clarke 8/11/24

New Music Review #29: ‘Old Friends’ by In Good Hands

Evocative, melancholic and sunny indie rock from In Good Hands, plus cool new music from Warbaby, Ms. Thandi, and False London.

Tom Clarke 18/10/24 Tom Clarke 18/10/24

New Music Review #28: ‘Just A Little’ by Abbey Lane

A burst of indie rock energy from Sydney's Abbey Lane, plus awesome new music from Mac The Knife, Hannah Brewer, and Zhuli.

Tom Clarke 17/5/24 Tom Clarke 17/5/24

New Music Review #27: ‘Ice Cold’ by Armlock

A moody masterpiece of modern day shoegaze from Melbourne’s Armlock, plus incredible new songs from Ruel and DMA’s, The Buoys and Jem Cassar-Daley.

Tom Clarke 29/12/23 Tom Clarke 29/12/23

The Top 10 Australian Songs of 2023

Crowning the best Australian songs of 2023, from underrated rappers like JK-47 and Squid The Kid, pop powerhouses like G Flip and Peach PRC, and pop-punk upstarts like Teenage Joans and Sophisticated Dingo.

Tom Clarke 22/9/23 Tom Clarke 22/9/23

New Music Review #26: ‘Are You Having Fun?’ by Sarah Levins

A brilliantly unpredictable new track from Sydney folk-pop singer Sarah Levins, plus awesome new songs by Jem Cassar-Daley, The Tullamarines and Glenn Hopper.

Tom Clarke 30/6/23 Tom Clarke 30/6/23

New Music Review #25: ‘Tone Of Voice’ by Grass Stains

An exciting debut by Melbourne pop-punk band Grass Stains, plus great new music by Tjaka, Vallis Alps and Dear Seattle.

Tom Clarke 2/6/23 Tom Clarke 2/6/23

New Music Review #24: ‘Beaming’ by FRIDAY*

A warm and inventive track from FRIDAY*, plus brilliant new music from Mitch Sanitago, RedHook and Yours Truly, and Go-Jo.

Tom Clarke 19/4/23 Tom Clarke 19/4/23

Gig Review: South Summit at The River, Margaret River, 15 April 2023

An outstanding live show from rising stars South Summit in the beautiful Margaret River, supported by Sophian, Tied Down and Slim Jimz.

Tom Clarke 11/1/23 Tom Clarke 11/1/23

30 Years of Obsession and Wonder

A reflection on how music has shaped my life as I turn 30 years old. Plus, my 100 favourite songs of all time.

Tom Clarke 30/12/22 Tom Clarke 30/12/22

The Top 10 Australian Songs of 2022

The very best music released in a banner year for Australian music, from heavyweights like Gang of Youths and Parkway Drive to up-and-comers like Little Green and Suzi.

Tom Clarke 2/12/22 Tom Clarke 2/12/22

The Top 10 International Songs of 2022

The rare sojourn outside the bounds of Australian music, for a review of this year’s best tracks by international artists, including songs by the likes of Denzel Curry, Gorillaz, Maggie Rogers and Slipknot.

Tom Clarke 11/11/22 Tom Clarke 11/11/22

New Music Review #23: ‘Freak Like Me’ by Munan

Cruisy indie-pop psychedelia from Korean-Australian artist Munan, plus awesome new music from BVT, Hannah McKittrick, and Genesis Owusu

Tom Clarke 28/10/22 Tom Clarke 28/10/22

New Music Review #22: ‘Lost in Limbo’ by Little Green

A stunning track by the effervescent singer-songwriter Little Green, plus astonishing new music by Clea, Mell Hall and Sahara Beck, and Lastlings.

Tom Clarke 14/10/22 Tom Clarke 14/10/22

New Music Review #21: ‘Dancing Through The Fire’ by Austin Mackay

Indie folk meets dance rock in the newest track by Newcastle singer-songwriter Austin Mackay, plus outstanding new music by Wongo, Vera Blue and Folk Bitch Trio

Tom Clarke 30/9/22 Tom Clarke 30/9/22

New Music Review #20: ‘Sand Monkey’ by Kid Pharaoh

A furious, brilliant new track from Illawarra MC/producer Kid Pharaoh, plus excellent new music from Surf Shop Cops, Ashli and Crooked Colours.

Tom Clarke 16/9/22 Tom Clarke 16/9/22

The Top 10 Australian Songs of the 1990s

Inspired by the release of ‘Sound As Ever: A Celebration of the Greatest Decade in Australian Music (1990-1999)’, by Jane Gazzo and Andrew P Street, here are my picks for the best Aussie tracks of the 90s.