 Amaya Laucirica is back and has delivered a profoundly moving piece with her latest single, "Now or Never." Known for her signature blend of dreamy pop, rock, and psychedelia, Laucirica crafts a sonic world that is both intimate and expansive. At its core, "Now or Never" mediates love, commitment, and future uncertainties. The track effortlessly captures the highs and lows of long-term relationships, addressing the fear of change while embracing the need to move forward. The chorus serves as both a comfort and a call to action: "And this feeling it won’t last forever. And this feeling will subside." Produced by James Cecil (Architecture in Helsinki), the track weaves lush orchestral arrangements, pulsating electronic beats, and shimmering synths. Laucirica’s ethereal vocals float effortlessly above the instrumentation, creating a beautifully layered, nostalgic and forward-looking soundscape. Laucirica’s impressive career, spanning albums like Rituals and performances at international festivals such as Primavera Sound and Dark Mofo, proves she is an artist committed to pushing her craft. "Now or Never" is a testament to her evolution—delicate yet powerful, melancholic yet hopeful. With her upcoming shows at The Vanguard in Sydney (March 27) and The Retreat Hotel in Brunswick (March 30), fans can experience her evocative sound in an intimate setting. Laucirica has once again reminded us why she remains a vital force in Australia’s music landscape. "Now or Never" is available now on all streaming platforms.
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 Sunflower Bean have always been a band that thrives on reinvention, and their latest single, "Nothing Romantic," is a testament to their ever-evolving sound. A striking follow-up to "Champagne Taste," this track leans into a bold, anthemic energy reminiscent of classic rock powerhouses like Heart and Pat Benatar. Propelled by soaring power chords, shimmering piano courtesy of Roger Joseph Manning Jr., and Julia Cumming's commanding vocals, "Nothing Romantic" is a fist-in-the-air rock anthem that refuses to wallow in self-destruction. Lyrically, the song dismantles the myth of the tortured artist, offering a refreshing perspective on creativity as something that can thrive without suffering. The accompanying video takes viewers on the road with the band, capturing the contrast between the euphoria of live performance and the solitude of life in transit. The tension between connection and isolation mirrors the song’s themes, making "Nothing Romantic" a deeply personal yet universally resonant anthem. With their upcoming album Mortal Primetime shaping up to be their most ambitious project yet, Sunflower Bean prove they’re still at the peak of their creative powers—on their own terms.  Jessie Monk’s double single release, ‘A Constellation of Voices’ and ‘O’ My Love,’ is a breathtaking introduction to her forthcoming album, Mis O’ The Mountains. With one foot in myth and the other in raw personal experience, these tracks weave a deeply immersive sonic and narrative tapestry.
‘A Constellation of Voices’ is a thunderous, emotionally charged piece that encapsulates grief in its most primal form. Written in the wake of Monk’s father’s passing, the song was composed amidst the natural surroundings of the Birrarung Marr in Naarm, and its instrumentation reflects the tumult of loss. The live recording crackles with electricity, as if the musicians are conjuring something beyond themselves. Thunderous percussion from Max Andrzejewski, eerie violin from Fabiana Striffler, and corrosive saxophone lines from Conor Cunningham swirl together, mirroring the unpredictable waves of mourning. Brian Trahan’s post-production wizardry heightens the song’s otherworldly quality, layering whispers and haunting delay effects to pull the listener deeper into Monk’s underworld. On the other side of the coin, ‘O’ My Love’ is a tender, cinematic ballad—an ethereal love song that radiates warmth and transformation. The track tells the story of Dubh Rois, a gentle harpist who soothes the monstrous Mis with music, a metaphor for the power of love and art to heal. Unlike the raw, stormy nature of ‘A Constellation of Voices,’ ‘O’ My Love’ is delicately arranged, with producer Brian Trahan crafting sweeping symphonic strings reminiscent of golden-era orchestras. The flute, violin, contrabass, and piano coalesce into a dreamlike reverie, evoking a timeless romanticism. Together, these songs present two sides of Monk’s artistic universe: darkness and light, despair and hope. They hint at an album that will be as expansive as it is intimate, as mythic as it is deeply personal.  Following the shimmering indie-rock of Ohio All The Time, Momma’s second single from their upcoming album Welcome to My Blue Sky (out April 4 via Lucky Number) shifts gears into something darker, more feverish. I Want You (Fever) is the sound of desire spiralling into obsession—blistering, hypnotic, and utterly addictive. The Brooklyn quartet locks into a tight groove from the jump, with jagged, swirling guitars and a relentless rhythm section backing Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten’s signature vocal interplay. The track builds tension with each verse before exploding into a chorus that feels as dizzying as the emotions it captures. There’s a manic push-and-pull, mirroring the song’s theme of longing for someone emotionally unavailable but still within reach. “It’s pining after someone, but there’s also some confidence knowing that that person wants to be with you,” the band explains. That sense of self-awareness sets the track apart—it’s not just about yearning but revelling in the mess of it all. With Welcome to My Blue Sky, Momma is shaping up to deliver their most emotionally charged and sonically ambitious record yet. Suppose I Want You (Fever) is any indication. In that case, this album will be a thrilling deep dive into the highs and lows of desire, heartbreak, and self-discovery—proof that Momma is pushing their sound to exhilarating new heights.  Sunflower Bean's new single "Champagne Taste" signals an exhilarating return for the New York-based rock trio, offering a tantalising preview of their forthcoming album Mortal Primetime (out this April). The track is an explosive mix of feral guitar riffs, blistering power chords, and bassist/vocalist Julia Cumming’s raw, commanding delivery. With its unrelenting energy, "Champagne Taste" is as much a rallying cry for perseverance as it is a testament to the band’s resilience during their most challenging chapter yet. The song draws its name from a long-time alias the band used for secret shows, adding an extra layer of intimacy for fans who’ve followed their journey. But the fiery determination in the music and lyrics cements its power. It’s about fighting forward after hitting rock bottom—a theme that resonates throughout the album. Cumming channels a mix of gritty defiance and Iggy Pop-inspired swagger, capturing a moment that’s as personal as it is cathartic. Accompanied by a chaotic, electric video directed by Isaac Roberts, "Champagne Taste" brims with the raw intensity that defines Sunflower Bean’s legendary live performances. It’s no wonder they’ve graced stages at Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, and alongside icons like Beck and Interpol. If this track is any indication, Mortal Primetime promises to be Sunflower Bean’s most vulnerable and ambitious project. Self-produced and recorded live to preserve the band’s unvarnished energy, the album reflects their deepened artistry. From Cumming’s reflective lyricism inspired by personal heartbreak to drummer Olive Faber’s experiences of transformation, Mortal Primetime embodies the idea of claiming your moment despite the chaos.
With Caesar Edmunds (The Killers) and Sarah Tudzin (Illuminati Hotties) contributing their expertise, Mortal Primetime stands poised to be both a bold statement and a celebration of the band’s decade-long evolution. Sunflower Bean reminds us that fighting to create something real is worth every second.  With "Metamorphosing," Jessie Monk has crafted an audacious and emotionally charged piece that solidifies her place as a boundary-pushing artist. The track is the megalithic centrepiece of her upcoming concept album, Mis O’ The Mountains and marks a pivotal moment in its narrative. The protagonist, Mis, undergoes a physical and emotional transformation as she grapples with loss. In a sonic landscape marked by avant-garde influences, "Metamorphosing" is a daring exploration of grief, metamorphosis, and the underworld. The track unfolds in three distinct sections, beginning with a jagged, Stravinsky-inspired rhythm that propels the song forward. Monk’s decision to fragment lyrics, à la Brian Eno and David Bowie, results in a disorienting, non-linear structure that mirrors Mis’s inner turmoil. As the word "metamorphosising" is repeated, the song deepens musically and emotionally, with Monk’s vocals growing darker and heavier through a varispeed technique. This descent is mirrored in the following Bardo Thodol-inspired section, where the soundscape becomes an improvisational journey through the underworld—perfectly capturing the essence of death, memory, and transformation. Ultimately, "Metamorphosing" is not just a track but a sonic journey that demands to be experienced. Jessie Monk’s ability to blend experimental sounds with deeply personal storytelling makes this single a powerful introduction to what promises to be an ambitious album. Fans of avant-garde, emotionally charged music will find much to explore in this haunting and transformative piece. 
In Rage and All Its Friends, Alex the Astronaut delves into grief, frustration, and self-discovery with a new openness and grit. Moving beyond the bright introspection of their previous work, this EP reveals an artist unafraid to confront their tumultuous feelings head-on and, crucially, to do so in the company of friends. These six tracks capture the stark honesty and occasional humour needed to navigate life’s roughest patches, transforming anger, sadness, and healing into relatable anthems for anyone dealing with life’s inevitable lows.
The EP’s opening track, “Cold Pizza,” co-written with legendary Australian songwriter Paul Kelly, sets the tone for the raw authenticity that defines the entire project. With a humble line about eating pizza on the floor evolving into a poignant ballad, this song illustrates Alex’s gift for turning everyday moments into profound reflections on love and loss. Kelly’s influence is tangible; the duet brims with vulnerability and bittersweet nostalgia, creating an unforgettable, moving introduction. “If You Have To Go” is another deeply personal track written during Troye Sivan’s World Pride songwriting camp. Its slow-burning melody and poignant lyrics convey Alex’s feelings of loss and unfulfilled connections. Here, Alex’s voice aches with sincerity, and with the inclusion of their first guitar solo, the song becomes a standout that marks their creative evolution. There’s a feeling of collective mourning, resonating with the shared sadness felt during the writing camp, and its rawness leaves a lasting impact. “Road Rage,” produced by Gordi, injects an energetic burst of humour and catharsis into the EP. This song confronts pent-up anger and frustration, channelled into shouting fits at careless drivers — an amusing and relatable metaphor for the helpless rage many felt during the pandemic. Alex turns the frustrations of daily life into something cathartic and relatable, underscoring the EP’s recurring theme of facing, rather than ignoring, one’s emotions. Contrasting the high-energy tracks, “Numb” is a meditation on the sensation of burnout and disconnection. Written on a train ride through Italy, it perfectly captures the feeling of watching life pass by without feeling engaged. The subdued tone and reflective lyrics capture a universal moment of attempting to reconnect with life after a period of emotional distance, and it feels like a much-needed pause in the EP’s emotional journey. “Change,” inspired by Audre Lorde’s words on anger and transformation, is perhaps the most politically charged track on the EP. Alex aims at the slow pace of societal progress, especially within the male-dominated music industry. With a refrain, Lisa Mitchell sings, “Change” channels righteous anger yet also carries a sense of hope for a more equitable world, giving listeners a powerful, heartfelt call to action. The EP’s final track, “Actually The End,” closes this emotional journey on a contemplative note. Written with Benjamin Francis Leftwich, it explores the problematic acceptance of a breakup’s finality. Alex’s lyrics here are strikingly honest, portraying the universal feeling of letting go with authenticity and grace. It’s a gentle reminder of the inevitability of life’s endings and the importance of processing grief fully — a fitting close to an EP that never shies away from facing difficult emotions. The EP cover, designed by ARIA Award-winning artist Connor Dewhurst, visually encapsulates this powerful emotional journey. With striking imagery that complements the EP’s themes, it reinforces Alex’s message of confronting big emotions with bravery and humour. Rage and All Its Friends is not just an EP — it’s an invitation for listeners to sit with their sadness, laugh at their frustrations, and find comfort in shared experiences. This release showcases Alex the Astronaut’s artistic growth and courage in the face of vulnerability, resulting in their most intimate and compelling project yet.  The SoundMerch Australian Music Prize, proudly presented by SoundMerch, has unveiled the nine outstanding albums shortlisted for the 2024 prize. This prestigious award celebrates the artistry and innovation of Australian musicians and honours the album as a powerful form of creative expression. The 2024 shortlist reflects the best Australian music released between October 28, 2023, and October 25, 2024, showcasing the diversity and richness of the country’s musical landscape. In this milestone year, an expert panel of judges from various music industry sectors meticulously reviewed over 600 albums to create this exceptional shortlist. Their selections highlight artists whose unique voices and styles push the boundaries of contemporary music in Australia. THE 20TH SOUNDMERCH AMP SHORTLISTED ARTISTS ARE: AUDREY POWNE 'FROM THE FIRE' AMYL & THE SNIFFERS 'CARTOON DARKNESS' DOBBY 'WARRANGU; RIVER STORY' GRACE CUMMINGS 'RAMONA' HIATUS KAIYOTE 'LOVE HEART CHEAT CODE' KANKAWA NAGARRA 'WIRLMARNI' NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS 'WILD GOD' ROWENA WISE 'SENSELESS ACTS OF BEAUTY' THE DIRTY THREE 'LOVE CHANGES EVERYTHING' The AMP’s Founder and Prize Director, Scott Murphy, extended his gratitude to the judges: “On behalf of The AMP, SoundMerch, our industry partners, and the Aussie music industry, I sincerely thank our judges for their time, expertise, and passion. It’s no easy task to review over 600 albums and then select just nine.” Among the nominees, Audrey Powne expressed the personal significance of her album From the Fire, noting the validation she feels for her self-produced debut. Likewise, Dobby reflected on his album Warrangu; River Story, stating, “Australian music is dear to our hearts, and we are incredibly proud to be able to create and perform the music we make.” Congratulations to all shortlisted artists for their tremendous contributions to the vibrant Australian music scene.  In "Road Rage," Alex the Astronaut channels the universal frustration and lingering anger of a post-pandemic world. The single, a standout from the upcoming EP RAGE AND ALL ITS FRIENDS, pulls no punches, diving deep into the chaos and resentment that bubbled up for many during and after COVID-19. Alex’s honest storytelling shines here, painting a vivid picture of feeling stuck and disillusioned in career, relationships, and personal growth. Produced by Gordi, “Road Rage” is an intense mix of humor and introspection, featuring energetic instrumentals and Alex's signature wit. The production brings a palpable tension, capturing the turmoil behind the track's creation, inspired by a memorable moment of road rage. Alex’s biting lyrics reflect the absurdity and honesty of anger that often feels like a knee-jerk reaction to an increasingly difficult world. With themes of grief, self-acceptance, and resilience, "Road Rage" isn't just a song; it’s a personal, cathartic release. Alex’s raw and grounded approach feels refreshing and relatable, offering fans a glimpse into their own struggles with frustration and growth.
Momma’s latest single, “Ohio All The Time,” is a vibrant throwback to early-2000s alt-pop, offering a nostalgic yet fresh sound. The Brooklyn-based band expertly blends punchy guitar riffs with breezy vocals, creating an irresistible anthem for anyone longing for the past. The track, produced by Aron Kobayashi Ritch, evokes a sense of carefree youth, rooted in the band’s own experiences during a transformative summer tour. The accompanying video, directed by Zack Shorrosh, perfectly captures this vibe, showing the band running around upstate New York with a playful energy that feels genuine and fun.
After their critically acclaimed singles “Bang Bang” and “Rockstar,” as well as standout performances at Coachella and alongside Alex G and Pavement, Momma proves once again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the indie rock scene. “Ohio All The Time” is both a personal reflection and a universal ode to the joy of those fleeting, life-changing moments that come with youth.
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