Every week, Rolling Stone AU/NZ rounds up our favourite Australian music releases from the past seven days.
Catch up on previous coverage on BIG WETT, Confidence Man, and check out fresh highlights from Thelma Plum, Guy Sebastian, JK-47, Bananagun, and more below.
Thelma Plum – I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back
Gamilaraay artist Thelma Plum has released her highly anticipated sophomore album, I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back. Recorded in Brisbane, Byron Bay, London, Sydney, and Melbourne, the deeply personal record reflects five years of writing and introspection. It’s filled with stories of heartbreak, positive affirmations, and – true to her style – pop songs about dogs.
Plum shares, “This record has been a long time in the making. It was created with love, heartache, forgiveness and care in mind. It’s personal and kind of like I’m sharing pages from my diary with you, but it’s time for it to fly free.”
JK-47, Chiggz – “BLAKT OUT”
Good vibes and brotherhood shine in NSW rapper JK-47’s latest single, a collaboration with his older brother Chiggz. It’s a perfect song for sun-soaked summer days, calling for speakers to be cranked up as anticipation builds for JK-47’s upcoming three-track EP, A ROAD LESS TRAVELLED.
On the collaboration, JK-47 says, “This song is about those moments when you feel on top of the world, riding around with the music blasting, your people in the back, and everything just feels right. Having my older brother Chiggz on the track makes it even more special—this one’s for the family.”
Guy Sebastian – “No Reason to Stay”
Guy Sebastian surprises fans with a soulful new single about letting go.
He explains, “It’s simply about getting out of a situation because you literally can’t find one reason to stay. No reason to stay is a reason to go.’ If you’re giving and giving and can’t find the ‘why’ for staying, whoever it’s with, then it’s time to go.” He acknowledges the challenge of incorporating such a direct phrase into a song but embraces it with heartfelt conviction.
Imogen Clark – The Art of Getting Through (Expanded Edition)
Australian-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Imogen Clark has released the deluxe edition of her album, The Art of Getting Through, which includes a stunning cover of Neil Finn’s classic “She Will Have Her Way.”
Clark reflects, “This song has been one of my favourite songs for as long as I have loved music. Neil Finn has a magical ability to make the emotional sound spiritual, with melodies that take your head off and lyrics that leave enough space for you to put your whole heart into them. It was amazing to find my way into this song and try to do it justice.”
Bananagun – “With the Night”
Naarm-based genre-hopping outfit Bananagun unveil their new single and video, “With the Night,” from their upcoming album, Why Is the Colour of the Sky?, due out November 8th. This piano-led track reflects frontman Nick Van Bakel’s recent experiences with spirituality.
He explains, “This is our first piano song. It’s about losing faith in our system and seeing how broken and corrupt it is. I got a lot of peace and inspiration from studying natural law, finding my own way outside organised religion, and looking for my own light. A dark night of the soul that forces you to search inward for the treasure the external world denies.”
Ninajirachi – girl EDM (remixes)
Ninajirachi unveils girl EDM (remixes), featuring reinterpretations from her previous EP by her favourite producers, including KAVARI, Bamster, DJmegan23, galen tipton, Miss Jay, and dj something.
She shares,“These are some of my favourite artists right now and I’m so happy that they’ve come into my world like this. From New York to Glasgow to Kincumber there is nothing but excellence on girl EDM the remixes <3.”
Anna Lunoe – “Look My Way”
Anna Lunoe shares her dreamy house track “Look My Way,” the final single before her debut album, Pearl. She describes it as “uncertain but hopeful, and I love it.”
Broken Waves – “Do You Understand?”
Broken Waves tackle their frustrations with “Do You Understand?” but maintain an upbeat vibe, infusing their signature blend of funk and indie rock into the track.
