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.
The Top 10 Songs Australian Songs of 2022 (So Far)
A mid-year check in on some of the incredible music released in 2022. Here are the best 10 local tunes released so far this year…
New Music Review #16: ‘Long Story Short’ by Yeloboi Tommy
Introspective and melodic storytelling from Sydney rapper Yeloboi Tommy, plus fantastic new music from Sweater Curse, Cookii, Cosmo’s Midnight and Tkay Maidza.
New Music Review #15: ‘Answers’ by Darby and Ok2222
An injection of atmosphere and emotion from Melbourne producers Darby and Ok2222, plus exceptional new music from Northlane, The Grogans and Yawdoesitall.
New Music Review #14: ‘Everyone I’ve Met Hates Me’ by Suzi
The highly anticipated return of Suzi, plus phenomenal new music by Siala, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, and Mallrat.
New Music Review #13: ‘Colin’ by Blue Honey
An astonishing debut by WA indie band Blue Honey, plus awesome new music by Tasman Keith and Genesis Owusu, Sophisticated Dingo, and 5 Seconds of Summer.
New Music Review #12: ‘DELETE MY HISTORY (ctrl+alt+delete)’ by Lola Scott
A fascinating new talent emerges on the Australian pop scene in Lola Scott, plus cool new music from King Stingray, Mouse and Gravemind.
Gig Review: The Buoys at The Night Cat, Fitzroy, 19 March 2022
A fabulously ferocious performance by The Buoys at Fitzroy’s The Night Cat, ably supported by Tamara and The Dreams and Hallie, was my first gig in over a year. Live music is back!
New Music Review #11: ‘In Your Dreams’ by Jadu Jadu & Tambala (feat YTK)
A gorgeous, lush production from Jadu Jadu & Tambala, plus phenomenal new music from merci, mercy, Slowly Slowly, and Mason Dane.
New Music Review #10: ‘Softly Spoken’ by Blusher
The first single from edgy, sophisticated indie pop outfit Blusher, plus fantastic new music from Stand Atlantic, Arno Faraji, Just A Gent and Tyne-James Organ
New Music Review #9: ‘Miss Your Birthday’ by Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers
In my first new music blog of 2022, it’s the colourful pop-punk of Canberra’s Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, plus great new music from Peach PRC, Pridelands, and Caroline & Claude.
Wrapping Up Local Produce in the Hottest 100 2021
My wrap up of one of the weirdest, wildest, most unlikely Hottest 100s in recent memory, and the awesome contingent of local acts that made it pop.
The Top 10 Australian Songs of 2021
The very best in Australian music from a very challenging year, these are my favourite songs by local acts from 2021
New Music Review #8: ‘Disassociation’ by The Rions
Another intelligent and soulful indie-rock anthem from The Rions, plus cool new music from Big Skeez, AViVA and The Moving Stills.
New Music Review #7: ‘Getaway’ by Bec Sykes
A stunning, soulful folk ballad from Melbourne singer-songwriter Bec Sykes, as well as magnificent new music from Milan Ring, Mirrors, and Miiesha.
New Music Review #6: ‘The Sun’ by Aborted Tortoise
A sprightly, summery surge from Perth punks Aborted Tortoise, plus fresh new stuff from Triple One, Lorelai, and Shannen James & Paul Dempsey.
New Music Review #5: ‘Y U NO LIKE ME’ by KANADA THE LOOP
A bubbling, genre-shattering earworm from KANADA THE LOOP, plus awesome new music from Flight Facilities, Crooked Colours and Yung Gwopp.
New Music Review #4: ‘Halloween’ by POOKIE
An energetic, vigorous and hilarious introduction from rising hip hop star POOKIE, plus fantastic new stuff from Isabella Manfredi, Anabl and iiiConic.
New Music Review #3: ‘Out For Blood’ by Wildheart
A rampaging, pulsating protest track from hardcore band Wildheart, plus great new stuff from Yibby, Brain Flowers and Audition Tape.
New Music Review #2: ‘October’ by Molly Millington
A gorgeous, spellbinding nostalgia trip from Molly Millington, plus awesome new music from Suzi, POOLCLVB and Ball Park Music.
New Music Review #1: ‘I Care About You’ by Zig Zag
A super fun, uplifting and unexpectedly essential new track from Zig Zag, plus some other fresh tunes from The Buoys, South Summit and Jacob Bierman.