TALENT ON TAP // NEW MUSIC FOR SUMMER ’25-26
Words by Emily Halloran | Cover: clovo
As we head into summer and close out another huge year for Gold Coast music, the Talent on Tap Summer Edition is here to soundtrack your December and the New Year.
This month’s lineup is packed with fresh releases – whether you’re after sun-soaked poolside grooves, late-night heartbreak anthems, moody, introspective indie gems, or something a little heavier.
We spotlight an incredible summer-soaked album and a round-up brimming with standout releases across all genres. However you like to soundtrack the balmy days, there’s something to carry you through the warmest stretch of the year.
It’s a bittersweet farewell to 2025, but what a year it’s been for Gold Coast music. Over the past year we have featured around 100 local artists and bands, and we can’t wait to do it again in 2026.
SUMMER SPOTLIGHT
LIFE IS A MYTH – GOLDEN GROOVES
Life Is A Myth, aka. L.I.A.M, steps into summer with Golden Grooves, a sophomore album spanning jazz-house, nu-disco, funky bass and big dancefloor moments. It starts with Tropical Piano Groove Machine, the song that’s been most streamed on the album and sets the album tone immediately: rhythmic, hypnotic and drenched in balmy afternoon energy. It’s a rhythmic instrumental summer dance track. I Know You Want It, I See You’ve Got It is our next pick: a fun, more late-night hit with spinning synth. Dancing On Those Keys is heavy on the saxophone, as is Indeed, I Like Pina Coladas which features takes on a different flow. It ends with a punchy and key-based Máquina de Ritmo de Paino Tropical. All tracks are infectious and will have you moving from early afternoon to late night all throughout summer.
Golden Grooves is a totally new direction for L.I.A.M since he debuted album Hinterland Haze last year, which paid tribute to the natural ambience and organic textures of the Gold Coast’s hinterland and coastal areas. It’s an evolution that feels both surprising and completely natural, seeing L.I.A.M lean deeper into groovy rhythm, instrumentation and production. We’ll have this album on rotation all summer long.
NEW TRACKS
ALBII – PTSD
ALBII returns with what’s considerably her most vulnerable release yet, PTSD. It’s an honest, raw and layered heart-wrenching pop track written during her battle with breast cancer. Some of the vocals were recorded mid-treatment, when ALBII was most fragile, imperfect and real. “When I listen back, I can literally hear the struggle. I kept the imperfections in [the song] because that’s part of my story. I didn’t want to hide behind ‘I’m fine’ anymore,” ALBII says. It starts punchy and focused on lyrics, before moving into what sounds like the chaos of something gruelling and deep from within, adding “this song is everything I wish I could’ve screamed”. Despite navigating the trauma and being overwhelmingly vulnerable lyrically, it’s uplifting and shows her strength.
HEAVY WAX – IT AIN’T COOL
Eight-piece roots group blend funk-rock with the track It Ain’t Cool. It is bold and rhythmic, boasting sharp horns, a soulful chorus and an uber-cool rap section. Heavy Wax says the track bids to call out humanity’s mistakes, greed and division as the world spirals out of balance: “the track is a wake-up call: to think, to care, and to stop treating destructive behaviour like it’s acceptable…because it ain’t cool.” It’s the third single released from their upcoming EP, The Rockinghorse Sessions, recorded in Byron with Gold Coast producer George Carpenter.
IZZY DAY – DISTANT LOVE
Distant Love marks the third single release of the year for singer-songwriter and producer, Izzy Day. It’s an intimate contemporary R&B track with gentle flow and lush lyrics that reflects on the final stretch of a relationship already slipping out of reach. Smooth and well produced, Distance Love is very much a collaboration: it was written by Izzy Day three years ago, co-produced with Jaedon Leaf, guitar work from Eduardo Martins, mixed by Hayden Lauersen and mastered by Ben Feggans.
LAUREL HILL – SNAKE EYES
Fresh off the back of being crowd-picked to perform at Rolling Sets Festival in Cooly, Laurel Hill also dropped their third release of the year: Snake Eyes. It’s another perfect indie surf-rock hit, bound to be lapped up this summer. Laurel Hill came to the scene only in July and it’s been incredible to see how they have grown over just a few months, jumping on support act after support act and their debut release Rusty taking off.
JIM OTTWAY – ADIOS AMOR (GOODBYE MY LOVE)
Ambient and electronic composer Jim Ottaway steps into a different world with his new instrumental cover of Adios Amor (Goodbye My Love). A passion project for Jim Ottaway, who has a longstanding love for ’60s and ’70s classics, the track pays homage to José Feliciano’s 1969 hit with a modern cinematic touch. Gentle, nostalgic and crafted with care, this stand-alone single adds a unique chapter to his ongoing collection of vintage reinterpretations. If you’re looking for sound-scapey tracks with intricate elements or something re-envisioned this summer, take yourself on an explorative journey with Jim Ottaway.
SCANDAL TREE – AVA DON’T CRY
Heavy-hitters Scandal Tree return with another wild, genre-blurring release, Ava Don’t Cry. It’s a loud, punchy, grungy and angry electrifying fusion of sonic chaos. It is a nod to the band’s forthcoming debut album, titled Never Look A Gift Foot in the Mouth. Since 2020, five-member band Scandal Tree have been affirming their unique sound and we look forward to what’s to come next year. We’re expecting big things in 2026.
NICKY ANACIN – HARD TO DEFINE
Filipino-Australian artist Nicky Anacin brings a fresh alt-rock hit, Hard to Define. A sophomore single, the track starts rowdy and loud, before quieting to showcase Nicky’s sharp vocals, and ends accompanied by stirring guitar solos. It’s a standout release from an emerging rock artist with a clear, confident voice.
THE VULTURES – WILLOW
A third single from The Vultures’ upcoming album Chaos Reflections, Willow is a moody and emotive, tension-filled alternative rock track that reflects the sound the band has built their strong following from. Liam Bowditch and Joe Bon MacPhail formed The Vultures in 2013. It’s the third release of the year for the band, who had slowed down on new music over the past few years, more so since the release of their 2022 debut album Escobar.
TRILLA – THE WOLVES
Multi-instrumentalist and genre-blending artist TRILLA gives us a cinematic folk-rock track this summer, The Wolves. It’s formed from a decade-old idea that fell into something deeper and instinctive the more TRILLA worked on it. If you listen, it’s a hauntingly beautiful expressive story-telling driven track, driven by sweeping violin, primal drums and of course, TRILLA’s powerful vocals. The Wolves, a second release for the year after a massive 2024, explores intuition and returning home to oneself.
MILLIE ATLAS – KILL THE DIRECTOR (STRIPPED BACK)
If you’re looking for a reflective late-night pop track to help ease the heartache, Millie Atlas exposes her vulnerable side a little more with Kill The Director (Stripped Version). Focused more on vocals and lyrics than sound, it’s an intimate release. The track tells the story of a romance derailed and the sting of being replaced. It’s a confident step back from Millie’s past two releases, which have been more upbeat, pop-esque and sweet, since she launched into the music scene this year. Pop is something Millie is shaping up to do well, and it’s been a pleasure to hear a heart-felt track reminiscent of her live shows.
BARDONDIAN – FAKE IT
Bardonian follows up his debut August single Firebreather with Fake It, a high-energy and gritty rock track reminiscent of ’90-00s grunge meets punk. Recorded with a lineup of seasoned local musicians and brought to life at Sunnyside Sound, the track pairs catchy guitar work with Bardonian’s (Brien Hare) punchy vocals. It was inspired by personal business experiences: “the hustle, leaps of faith, and uncomfortable growth that comes from trying something new … lyrically it is designed to inspire people to get out there and have a go.” Bardonian is already back in the studio preparing more music for 2026 and we look forward to hearing what’s to come.
ELLA FENCE – COUPLE KIDS
A slow-building indie-rock track, Couple Kids is the latest release by contemporary artist Ella Fence. Through reverb-soaked guitars and soaring harmonies, she delivers a sound that moves from fragile to unrestrained emotion that Ella Fence is well-known for. It boasts Ella’s impressive vocal range, accompanied by layered percussion, synth and electric guitar. “It’s about the quiet urge to escape, and the tenderness that comes with finally understanding where that desire comes from. I’m thankful for the space music gives me to explore that in a healthy way,” she says. Ella is fresh off the back from supporting Sofia Isella across Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and multiple GCMA finalist nods – and we couldn’t be more proud of her growth and strength this year.
CLOVO – DOGTOOTH
Sharp, sexy and edgy, clovo’s dogtooth is a uniquely dark club-driven track and fresh release to add to your summer playlist. With playful lyrics and alluring vocals, it’s a high-energy beat-focused track that follows on from her July release, fetish. dogtooth is about reclaiming your self-worth after leaving a toxic relationship: “it’s about stepping out of a toxic relationship and realising just how far beneath you they really were,” clovo says. “Made for anyone who’s ever walked away from a loser and looked hotter doing it”.
CHLOE STYLER – PLACEHOLDER
Chloe Styler strips back the glossy pop exterior and lets the ache rise to the surface in Placeholder. Warm guitar, soft synths and diary-entry lyricism build the emotionally charged track. It’s a slightly new sound for Chloe who is known for her bright pop-energy. Placeholder takes listeners inward as Chloe unravels with her vulnerability. “This song stirs up some messy, emotional feelings and still leaves an ache in my chest when I listen to it. But it’s honest, it’s raw, and it lives in that uncomfortable space between wanting to be loved and knowing you’re just being kept around as an option in someone’s life.” It’s a third release for 2025 and we’ve enjoyed listening to Chloe evolve and stretch her style in new areas.
You can hang out with Chloe at a free social hangout, Girlhood Summer, in Brisbane on December 21. Check out her socials for full info.
TOMI GRAY – NEXT STOP, MASCOT & ACID IN THE WATERTANK
Genre-fluid Tomi Gray returns with two new tracks, both distinctively different and unique in contrast. Acid In The Watertank is more of what we’ve heard of Tomi before: gritty, dark and guitar driven. While Next Stop, Mascot – co-produced with MattyMadeIt – is something fresh: a deeply layered instrumental, explorative and fun rap track. Tomi describes himself as a musical shapeshifter with DIY nonsense, and these two new songs are exactly that, showing his musical diversity and expansiveness. Tomi tells us he’s shaping a new ambitious body of work that “balances spectacle with sincerity” and we’re anticipating something that continues to blend sounds and genres.
INTRODUCING NEW ACTS
LORIEN LAYNE
Hailing from just over the border in Kingscliff, Lorien Layne storm their way into the music scene strongly and loudly with their sophomore release, Tell Me How I Feel. It’s a confident and bold track that blends edgy alt-rock riffs with darker grungy undertones and raw lyricism. They worked closely with Cameron Lockwood for the release to form a polished track with a raw feel. “[It’s] one of the first songs we made where the tune has a dance feel with emotional lyrics,” the band say. It follows the late November release of Her Dark Eyes, also a classic alt-rock track we know you’ll love. Lorien Layne are one to watch. Stay tuned, they promise there’s more on the way.
Catch Lorien Layne live for FREE at Coolangatta Hotel on 18 December.
INTRODUCING: WOLF WHISTLE WOUNDS
Newcomers, Wolf Whistle Wounds say their genre-blending music is going to be hard to define. The two-piece fit say they rock, rap and also blend groove with synthy loops and base to create something that wounds; that gives a nostalgic nod to the Beastie Boys. Their debut single, The Gaslight District will be released on 17 December. The next release will be Imposter Sindrone in February, with a video paying tribute to the Southport precinct. Both tracks will be showcased at Vinnies Dive Bar when they play with Beast Machine and SFDU on 31 January. From there, in the lead up to their debut self-titled LP, Wolf Whistle Wounds will drop a new track on the last Wednesday of every month throughout 2026.
You can check out Wolf Whistle live at Vinnies Dive in Southport on 31 January.
STREAM THE TALENT ON TAP PLAYLIST NOW!
WE’RE TAKING A BREAK, BUT KEEP SENDING YOUR MUSIC!
Talent On Tap will take a short break over the summer and we’ll be back in February 2026 with a tonne of new year bangers!
If you’ve released new music or have something due for release between now and February, shoot us the details for the chance to be considered for the next ‘Talent On Tap’. Send us an email at 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.
See you in the new year legends! ☀️