Oliver Cronin – Burning House

Following his sold out debut Australian headline tour, rising dark-pop artist Oliver Cronin has dropped another new banger for you to obsess over. “Burning House” is Oliver’s biggest pop moment yet. Reminiscent of “Purpose” and “Justice” era Justin Bieber, meets “Waffle House” by Jonas Brothers, he hits you hard with pulsating synths and an earworm hook that won’t leave your head for hours. His smooth vocals bring a commercial pop sensibility that intertwines so perfectly with the energetic tone. It’s got a lighter feel compared to the angsty previous single “Hello Goodbye” which matches the romantic lyricism he explores. Reflecting on the idea if everything goes wrong, he reassures he will be fine as long as he’s with the person he cares most about. “So let the world fall all around us. When these four walls close around us, we’ll be dancin’ in a burning house” he confidently sings. “Burning House” feels like a reset moment for Oliver as he commands your attention and shows a slightly smoother side to his artistry, making him a definite one-to-watch for 2024. 

Nick Ward – Shooting Star

Nick Ward recently opened a new chapter with the energetic “Gimme”, and now he’s backing it up with the anthemic “Shooting Star” which certifies that 2024 is truly going to be a year to remember for him. The self-belief anthem is all about the unwavering support and love his mum has given him over the years, and the self-belief she’s instilled within him to keep pushing through hard times. Infusing pop-rock and hip-hop influences together, he’s created this DIY but polished sound that uplifts and truly makes you believe you can do anything. There’s also a touch of nostalgia ingrained that feels like its taken straight from a coming-of-age early 2000s film. “You are a shooting star. I watch you from afar. You don’t know who you are, but few years boy you’ll go far” he sings. From the very first listen you will be hooked, and the sentiment you’ll take away is Nick Ward is a bonafide star. 

Nina Nesbitt – Mansion

Following the recent release of the poignant “Pages” and “On The Run” last month, Nina Nesbitt has just announced that her fourth studio album “Mountain Music” will be released on September 27. She’s also dropped the warm new single “Mansion” which continues the folk-pop inspired direction this forthcoming record is heading in. This song hears her reminding a friend of her worth and that she is as powerful as she wants to be, and she should let others in to help her through hard times. “So open the blinds, let the vines grow. They can watch as they’re passing. Darling, you’re more than a bed in a box room in the wrong end of Acton. You are a mansion” she sings. The imagery and messaging of “you are a mansion” to capture that self-worth is so important and special. I can’t wait for people to remind themselves and their friends of that sentiment in years to come, because it’s true, we are all mansions. Her hauntingly beautiful vocals accompany soft acoustic guitar, keys and strings as it builds so poignantly. Sitting in a similar vein to Noah Kahan, this tender track feels like a future-classic in her discography and one fans will hold very close to their hearts. 

Alfie Templeman – Hello Lonely 

Alfie Templeman feels unstoppable right now. The British singer, songwriter and producer is authentically building a soundscape that is DIY, nostalgic, chaotic, and unashamedly him. His sophomore studio album “Radiosoul” is out June 7, and his new single “Hello Lonely” continues the bright sonical exploration which will have you dancing immediately. Bursting at the seams with trumpets, drums and funky guitars, it opens with a guttural punch of euphoric production that feels like it might just become the perfect opener to his future live shows. It finds moments where it recluses, to then just hit you back in the chest with full force again. Capturing those existential questions of “so what now?” In a state of busy and confusion, he explores coping with those big quiet moments and looking after yourself. “Round and round and round again its plays on my mind. Cause I haven’t found the time to let go” he sings. “Hello Lonely” is my favourite single to-date from “Radiosoul”, but something tells me Alfie is only just getting started.

Eves Karydas – Girlboss

Eves Karydas has opened a new chapter as an independent artist, and is taking full control of her narrative as she prepares for the release of her long-awaited sophomore album “Burnt Tapes” out July 4. Following the release of the shimmery lead single “Sunday Drive”, she’s followed it up with the deeply intimate “Girlboss” that strips it all back to her incredible songwriting and hauntingly beautiful vocals. It feels like a song that early Eves Karydas wished she had to help steer her through the unknown, but now this song will become the soundtrack for so many other young women needing reassurance. “The truth of me is hidden in the things I don’t say. In the things that I will take to the grave” she honestly sings before adding “I wanna be everything. Both the best and the worst. Wanna be unbreakable. But still someone you could hurt”. The production is quite bare and led by a guitar riff that has a light pop beat added later for texture but is then removed to end with just the guitar again. It’s a tender song that will have you falling in love with Eves Karydas all over again. 

The Rions – Sweet Cocoon

The Rions are ready to take Australia by storm with their biggest headline tour yet which is storming across Australia this May and June with special guests Blusher and PARK RD. To coincide with the big tour announcement they’ve dropped a new single which feels like it’s going to become a future highlight in their live set for years to come. “Sweet Cocoon” is an anthem in its own right, and feels reminiscent of Catfish & The Battlemen and The Snuts. It’s loud, bold, and has this radiating energy that will have you wanting to run around immediately while you scream it out.  

The Rions Australian Tour
Friday 10 May – Freo.Social, Fremantle WA
Friday 31 May – 170 Russell, Melbourne VIC
Saturday 1 June – Altar, Hobart TAS
Saturday 8 June – Uc Live, Canberra ACT
Sunday 9 June – The Gov, Adelaide SA
Friday 14 June – The Triffid – Brisbane QLD
Saturday 15 June – The Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW

Wafia – Background 

It’s been two years in-between releases for Wafia, but she’s finally back with the first taste of what is to come as she steers into 2024. “Background” is a summer-soaked pop track that has a light bounce that feels warm and tender. Building upon the sonical exploration of her previous single “In The Honey” and her EP “Good Things”, she finds an honesty within the production led by guitar, drums and her soothing vocals. Reflecting on her current relationship with a fellow musician, she explores the importance and healthiness of being their biggest fan and taking moments to bask in their background. “Whatever you do, I wanna do it with you gently. I’ll follow you wherever you go if you let me. Keep me closer at your fingertips. And, if you need me now, baby, I’ll be in the background” she sings. The romantic track is such a positive and nice listen that you need in your life.