TALENT ON TAP // NEW MUSIC FOR JUNE
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURLEIGH BREWING CO.
Words by Emily Halloran | Cover: Jinn Barons
This month’s Talent On Tap is all about the singles… a bold one-off, a first drop, or a teaser of something bigger on the way.
From DIY pop-punk recorded in a car, to lush indie-rock and raw experimental grit, these songs are short stories with serious staying power.
Spin the playlist, discover a new favourite, and enjoy the wealth of new music from Gold Coast artists this June.
JUNE SPOTLIGHT
SELVE – BREAKING INTO HEAVEN
Alternative band, Selve have released a punchy new song, Breaking Into Heaven – a psych-rock fused track that highlights First Nations storytelling and reclamation. From its opening notes, Breaking Into Heaven grabs you by the collar. It starts unravelling with repetitive short and sharp singing and lyrics, almost like protesting. It then slashes into gritty and rift-y guitars and chaotic drums, before ending with an electronic sounding spin-out. It’s loud, demanding and deserves to be heard.
Selve are a six-piece band led by Jabirr Jabirr man Loki Liddle. They say the song’s name was inspired by 60’s jazz star Nina Simone’s words that “the people who built their heaven on your land, are telling you that yours is in the sky”.
The release of Breaking Into Heaven is off the back of the band releasing four singles and an EP throughout 2024. However, they’re not stopping, with plenty more new music to come later in the year… The GC Music Network was tipped off that Selve has a new album in the works, that will be released in September. The forthcoming album, currently being mastered, will mark history being the first full-length album recorded by an Aboriginal artist at the iconic Abbey Road Studios – the London-based studio made famous with The Beatles recording their iconic Abbey Road album there.
NEW TRACKS
ELLA FENCE IS BACK
After a decade long hiatus of releasing music Ella Fence returns with a striking return with two singles Short Term Parking and Unknown Water (Redux). Both tracks lean into Ella’s signature alt-pop territory with raw and smoky vocals and lyrical edge that’s as self-assured as ever. These releases mark the beginning of a new chapter, with a full album on the horizon. We’ve been lucky enough to catch both tracks live recently and can see these growing into sing-along anthems.
GRIT & GRACE WITH NEW JINN BARONS
Sonically distinct and layered, Jinn Barons’ latest release, BoxCar, is a uniquely crafted soundscape defying categorisation. It’s a cinematic track featuring clean guitar work, hypnotic violin and raw vocals that claw through. Set to feel like a train in motion, it does just that, riding the line between chaos and control. Jinn Barons is a collaborative project by longtime friends Jolley and Charlie, who carve their music’s authenticity through experimental, genre-blending sounds. Recorded live in their home studio, BoxCar captures the raw power and chemistry of two artists who know exactly how to move together.
A STRONG MOVE FROM LYRIC
Lyric has dropped her first release of the year with Make A Move. The 21-year-old singer-songwriter with a massive, dedicated fan base delivers another confident, infectious pop tune that’s already gaining serious attraction. Since releasing on May 14, the track has had more than 30,000 streams and been on rotation on triple J, making it a fourth song to be picked up by the radio network. Last year was a huge year for Lyric, who went on her first tour and played multiple sold out shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. We can’t wait to see what else is to come from this pop-superstar on the rise.
DAMIANO MEX IS COMING OUT OF THE SHADOWS
Damiano Mex returns with The Shadow, a stripped-back and deeply personal track that throws genre conventions out the window. This release marks the first time Damiano has sung on his own track, and we think it cuts deeper because of it. In his own words, Damiano says: ‘like everything I’ve released so far, The Shadow doesn’t fit neatly into a genre or some clever niche. I’ve never written with that in mind … I make music because something inside me tells me to.” To that we say: give yourself far more credit. And we loved the harmonica send out, Damiano.
DARK POP WITH A PULSE
Fresh off the success of her debut single Hold On (Psycho) in February, alt-pop artist ALBII returns with Heart Attack – a haunting, high-drama anthem. A cancer survivor and a bold new voice in the alt-pop space, the song dances between fear and fearlessness, turning personal adversity into power. Delivering vulnerable vocals layered over unique sounds (ebbing between fast-pace and drawn-out twisting moments), the track is just over 3:30 minutes. It’s catchy but with unexpected turns. ALBII says: “It’s scary putting yourself out there when your own mind is working against you. Heart Attack is me trying anyway. There’s strength in showing up scared, and I hope this song reminds people of that.” If you’re a fan of Billie Eilish and Lorde, ALBII’s sound is reminiscent. We’ve been told there’s many more releases to come this year too.
PARKER KNOWS NOSTALGIA
PARKER, the 19-year-old rising sensation, has two new catchy hits. Teenage Daydream is one you may have heard once or twice before, with the track being a staple of his live music set list. Teenage Daydream is an indie synth-pop tune with a sing-along chorus that we can’t get out of our head. WE DO THIS ALL THE TIME (released 6 June) takes a fresh and moodier turn. Leaning deep into the synths and upping the ante on the pulsing dance bass, WDTATT explores the endless cycle of toxic relationships. Parker has carved his way into creating an authentic sound and we’re keen to find out when he’ll be releasing a full album.
ASK FOR ATTENTION AND YOU WILL RECEIVE
Genre-blending multi-instrumentalist favourite Jerome Williams has dropped a groovy new single, Attention. Recorded in a single take at Rocking Horse Studios alongside a full band, the 2:18 minute track is true to Jerome’s style: high in energy, funky hooks and the sounds of numerous guitars. Attention is a song about wanting to reconnect with the one who got away and was mastered by acclaimed engineer Paul Pilsneniks and produced by Jerome himself.
A HEAVY-HITTING TRACK
Heavy punk-rockers Friends of Friends have also released a track called Attention. This one’s a punchy and fierce track packed with gritty riffs, pounding drums, and vocals that don’t hold back. It’s a short number, packed with dark lyrics. Friends of Friends keep the spirit of punk alive with this no-nonsense single.
MORE NEW TOMORROW’S FORECAST
Indie-rockers Tomorrow’s Forecast have delivered another tune to add to your playlist with the release of Pocket Money. True to the Tomorrow’s Forecast sound we know and love, this track is filled with rowdy rhythmic guitars, infectious melodies and a bit of atmospheric synth layering. Excitingly, Tomorrow’s Forecast have a sophomore EP on the way, titled Speaking Terms. Featuring six tracks, it’s set to come out on 20 June, and we can’t wait to give it a spin.
NEW TO THE SCENE: JACK CASEY
Written during a period of heartbreak and reflection, Tell Me is the first release from newcomer Jack Casey. Produced by Gold Coast Music Award-winning producer MattyMadeIt, Tell Me is a relatable, emotional pop track that’s melodic, layered with emotionally-charged lyrics that feel like a late-night confessional. It’s about navigating what it means to rebuild love. Jack let us know a full album is in the works, so if you love this one, stay tuned.
RAW POP-PUNK ENERGY
The new single ‘I HOPE U NEVER KNOW HER’ from rising artist Ronan Maclean is a refreshing blast of pop-punk. Packed with driving guitars and an infectious chorus, the track delivers an unapologetic energy that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Think 2000’s Avril Lavigne and blink-182. The track was entirely written, produced, and recorded by the artist, with Ronan telling us more of it was recorded right from his car. This DIY approach adds an authentic rawness to the track, perfectly matching its rebellious spirit.
MORE NEW LOOSE GOOSE
Energetic rock band Loose Goose has dropped a punchy four-track EP, Stubborn. The tracklist includes Stubborn, San Diego, Rango and one of last month’s Talent on Tap standout tracks, What I’d Do For You. The EP is filled with raw energy – it’s rowdy, perfect to be played loud and already clocking up the streams as the four-piece band builds a solid fan base.
WE WON’T LIE TCAT
TCAT has joined forces with singer Becky Harris to release Tell Me, a soft electronic-pop track with big dance floor energy. It’s the second release for TCAT this year following four singles in 2024. If you enjoyed last year’s releases Stand Still or Undone (we know you have as it’s clocked almost 200,000 streams), you’ll enjoy this new one.
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 June or July, 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.