TALENT ON TAP // A NEW YEAR, SO MUCH NEW MUSIC
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURLEIGH BREWING CO.
Words by Emily Halloran
Last year was a busy one for local artists – and it shows throughout the incredible number of new releases this month. As the calendar flips to February, the Gold Coast music scene is already buzzing with new releases from some of our favourite homegrown talent.
This month’s Talent on Tap serves up a mix of fresh sounds — from alt-folk to indie rock and pop – from both emerging artists and seasoned favourites.
Tune in, February’s lineup is a bumper one!
FEBRUARY SPOTLIGHT: THESE IDLE HANDS
A RAW & REFLECTIVE THIRD ALBUM
These Idle Hands have unveiled a third album, eponymously titled. Featuring 14 alt-folk tracks, this hour-long album explores themes of personal grief, fond childhood holiday memories, love/loss and self reflection. The album was recorded by fellow Gold Coast artist and band member Benny D Williams and mastered by the notable Paul Blakey. It’s an album that resonates, offering both comfort and catharsis. If you’re a fan of alt-rock band The National, you’ll love this. Our picks are Somewhere Else To Go and Giant Bees.
These Idle Hands is made up of several big-names in the Gold Coast music industry including Murray Webber, Josh Morris, Sue Ferrers, Craig Johnston, Benny D Williams, and Paul Muller – all of whom have boasted impressive music careers over the decades. The GC Music Network checked out These Idle Hands at a free show at Miami Marketta recently, previewing some of the new captivating music from the album.
NEW ALBUMS
6 FINGERS BACK WITH 6 NEW SONGS
Closure By Silence is the newly released EP from three-piece band, 6 Fingers. The EP features six tracks that take listeners on an emotional journey brought to life with ballads and hard-hitting rock. There’s a lot to enjoy about this diverse sounding album – Don’t Smile At Me is upbeat and honest fun, while All The Wrong Places is grungy and bold.
NEW TOMI GRAY EVERY MONTH
2025 is going to be a big year for Tomi Gray, who plans to release a new song every month. Known for his unique blend of alt-indie/folk and psychedelic sounds, Gray has been captivating listeners since 2017 with his expansive catalogue of songs. A first for the year, Busted Broken Bones is an easy listen – a mellow, introspective journey that showcases his signature sound while offering a fresh, new take.
NEW RELEASES
A SULTRY NEW SINGLE FROM RHEA
Rhea Robertson is back with a hot new single, Selfish, marking the start of an exciting year ahead. Written by Rhea and produced by Hakaman, with co-production by Luke Calleja, the track pulls listeners into a world of unapologetic desire. This release is just the first of five singles under Robertson’s new deal with Love Renaissance (LVRN), a US-based label. Fun fact, Selfish was written, recorded and mastered in less than 30 hours.
A NEW SINGLE FOR HAYDENGOSEEK
HaydenGoSeek’s latest single, Handmade, was born out of a time when he found himself stuck in a concrete box for three months while doing a warehouse renovation. Feeling disconnected from the world and nature, he took a walk by the lake, followed by a journey into the bush, and thus, wrote Handmade. The track is smooth, gentle and uplifting honest reflection on striving to be better in a complex and ever-changing world.
JIM’S INSTRUMENTAL COVER OF ICONIC SONG
Award-winning composer Jim Ottaway has released an instrumental rendition of the classic Don’t Let The Sun Catch You Crying, made famous by Gerry & The Pacemakers in 1964. It’s a refreshing and unique take on the original hit, making it a new experience for listeners.
LOLA HIGHLIGHTS SOCIAL ISSUES WITH NEW SONG
19-year-old artist Lola Wallace‘s new song, None of Us Can See, showcases her bold approach to songwriting. Recorded with fellow young producer Emily Ross, the track explores the haunting similarities between modern-day misogyny and the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Lola is an artist to watch in 2025, with an EP in the making.
AMIRA SATISFIES WITH SECOND RELEASE
Emerging pop and R&B artist AMIRA has released her second single, satisfy, on January 31. The song is said to be a deeply personal ballad that explores her personal and complex connection with music and her identity as an artist. Check it out now.
COMING SOON
MILLIE MAKES DEBUT
Millie Atlas (real name Georgia Bryne) is making her debut as an artist with the release of her first ever single, Sucks Getting Old, out on February 26. Co-written and produced by Thomas Eggert, this track brings the pop-energy with relatable lyrics, capturing the highs and lows of navigating your twenties. Stay tuned, Millie’s tipped us off that she has a big year ahead, with plenty more new music to come.
A LOVED-UP VALENTINE’S RELEASE
Alt Pop-Rock singer-songwriter, Kent Dustin is releasing a funky pop anthem that captures the magic of falling in love with Closer To You. Released on Valentine’s Day (14 February), this track boasts catchy lyrics and melodies, taking listeners on a journey of the thrill of falling in love, with Kent saying it’s about “the unforgettable moment when time slows and the world fades away, leaving two people locked in a chemistry-filled gaze”.
IN OTHER NEWS:
LAVELIN’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO
Following the four-track EP release, Forget About Us last year, LAVELIN has teamed up with the QLD School of Film & Television to create a mesmerising music video for the title track. Take a look!
STREAM THE TALENT ON TAP PLAYLIST NOW!
The Gold Coast Music Network’s Talent On Tap is brought to you by Burleigh Brewing.
ARE YOU A GOLD COAST ARTIST WITH NEW MUSIC ON THE HORIZON? WE WANT TO HEAR IT!
If you’ve released new music or have something due for release in February or March, shoot us the details for the chance to be considered for the next ‘Talent On Tap’ column. Email our new music guru Emily Halloran on newmusic@gcmusicnetwork.com.au with a link to the song (Spotify preferred), an artist press shot and a few words/media release about the track or album being released.