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HARLEY GIRL drops high-energy new EP The Music, delivering club-ready chaos and...

December 4, 2025

Live at the Gardens announce epic March 2026 season | Royal Botanic...

December 4, 2025

Interview: Sola Rosa on Rebirth, Rhythm and the Making of ‘Jupiter’ –...

December 4, 2025

JULES ANNOUNCES IT’S COMING ON CHRISTMAS EP

December 4, 2025

44 Ardent’s New EP ‘Me, Again’ Marks a Powerful Return to the...

December 4, 2025

Interview: bbyclose steps into her own world with ‘ego’ – confidence, contrasts,...

December 4, 2025

Callum Padgham Turns Life’s Chaos Into Gold on ‘Everything is a Blessing’

December 4, 2025

Legendary NZ producer SOLA ROSA teams up with IVA LAMKUM once again...

December 3, 2025

AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST GUITAR SHOW LAUNCHES IN SYDNEY

December 3, 2025

FROM THE BACKYARD TO THE WORLD STAGE: SUMMER JAM GOES NATIONAL WITH...

December 3, 2025
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Music News

Music News

HARLEY GIRL drops high-energy new EP The Music, delivering club-ready chaos and emotional release

by the partae December 4, 2025
written by the partae

Over the past few months, Australian producer/DJ HARLEY GIRL has been steadily building anticipation for his latest body of work, The Music, which is a high-energy, club-ready collection that cements his reputation as one of the most exciting new producers in Australia’s electronic scene.

Following the release of four dancefloor weapons – ‘Gimme !’, ‘The Music’, ‘Turn Up The Sound’, and ‘1Mhz*’ – HARLEY GIRL now shares the full EP, complete with the energizing sounds of ‘Nobody (Like You)’.

Speaking on the new track, HARLEY GIRL explains: “I started with the main synth line, which kind of reminds me of a rubber band being stretched out. I wanted the track to have that same kind of feeling and energy — like it could tear apart at any moment.”

The Music marks HARLEY GIRL’s second EP of 2025 (arriving just months after legitimate dj behaviour EP) which came together almost by chance, yet it carries a striking emotional weight. Through its thumping rhythms, playful synths, and bursts of club-fuelled energy, the EP channels both spontaneity and purpose.

“To me, this EP felt like it came out of nowhere. I’d just finished my first EP for 2025 and knew I wanted to drop a few more tracks this year. The tracks and the concept felt like they arrived in front of me, always just in time too. When I wrote the title track, it really became apparent that music is such a reprieve for me from the craziness of the world, and I wanted this EP to be that for other people as well. It could be a moment on a dancefloor, or in your headphones, in your car, on a walk, or with friends.”

 

Stream:

https://bfan.link/the-music-ep

Socials:

https://linktr.ee/harleygirl.vroom

Credits:

Written & Produced by Connor Grant (aka HARLEY GIRL)

Mixed by Connor Grant & Doug Wright

Mastered by Suture Mastering

Artwork by Leo Horton

Photos by Koady

December 4, 2025 0 comments
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Festival NewsMusic News

Live at the Gardens announce epic March 2026 season | Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne

by the partae December 4, 2025
written by the partae

WHERE WORLD-CLASS MUSIC MEETS MELBOURNE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR STAGE – LIVE AT THE GARDENS RETURNS IN MARCH FOR ITS EPIC FOURTH SEASON

BLISS N ESO, CUT COPY, LEFTFIELD, MARLON WILLIAMS, SONS OF THE EAST AND THELMA PLUM TO HEADLINE MELBOURNE’S MOST MAGICAL MUSIC SERIES UNDER THE STARS

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS MELBOURNE

6-8 MARCH & 13-15 MARCH 2026

 TICKETS ON SALE WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER
PRESALES COMMENCE MONDAY 8 DECEMBER

WEBSITE
PRESALE SIGN UP

After a hugely successful third season of Live at the Gardens that wrapped last weekend, excitement is already building for what’s coming next. Fans can now look ahead and mark their calendars for next year – the acclaimed concert series has confirmed its return to the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne in March.

Set against Melbourne’s most stunning natural backdrop, Live at the Gardens will once again deliver another unforgettable lineup of live music under the stars. Across two magical weekends – 6-8 March and 13-15 March – the Royal Botanic Gardens’ Observatory Precinct will be transformed into a vibrant open-air venue, with MG Live thrilled to today announce five shows for the March 2026 season, featuring an incredible mix of Australia’s biggest names and international stars.

Tickets on sale Wednesday 10 December at 12pm AEDT, with presales commencing Monday 8 December at 11am AEDT. Sign up here for presale access.

The opening weekend launches with the soulful sounds of MARLON WILLIAMS echoing through the Gardens as he brings his extraordinary artistry to Live at the Gardens on Friday 6 March. Hailed as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most compelling singer-songwriters, Marlon is known for his haunting vocals, magnetic stage presence and blend of folk, alt-country and indie-rock – with his new te reo Māori album, Te Whare Tīwekaweka, further showcasing his poetic storytelling and cinematic soundscapes. The album was Marlon’s third chart-topper in a row in New Zealand, and his fourth Top 40 album in Australia. Powerhouse Gumbaynggirr soul sensation EMMA DONOVAN and the dynamic KEE’AHN join the lineup.

Get set for a triple treat on Saturday 7 March when three of Australia’s finest acts captivate the Gardens with quality songwriting and storytelling. THELMA PLUM, a proud Gamilaraay artist who writes about culture, heritage, love and pain, has released two Top 10 albums – 2019’s Better In Blak and 2024’s I’m Sorry, Now Say It Back. The title track of Better In Blak won the prestigious Vanda & Young Song of the Year award, and Thelma has been nominated for 15 ARIAs, winning this year’s Best Pop Release. Sydney band SONS OF THE EAST recently released their second album, Sons. With a catalogue of hits that run deep, their legendary live shows have thrilled audiences worldwide. The STACK review declared, “Sons Of The East bring sunshine to even the bleakest of winter days, with magical melodies and heavenly harmonies … they’re ready for stardom.” Sons was nominated for Best Blues & Roots Album at the 2025 ARIA Awards. Opening the night is enchanting singer-songwriter JEM CASSAR-DALEY. 

Electronic music pioneers LEFTFIELD take over the Gardens on Sunday 8 March for a night of legendary grooves, seismic bass and immersive, boundary-pushing, high-energy electronic dance music. Formed in 1988, and originally comprised of Neil Barnes and Paul Daley, LEFTFIELD quickly became one of the most influential and innovative acts of all time, with seminal albums Leftism and Rhythm & Stealth and classic tracks such as Open Up and Phat Planet cementing their place in dance music history. Now led solely by Barnes for more than 15 years, LEFTFIELD – whose acclaimed fourth album, This Is What We Do, was released in 2022 – continue to push boundaries, shake foundations and sell out venues around the world. This is their first visit to Australia in eight years. Acclaimed musician, producer and songwriter PAUL MAC (DJ Set) and Australia’s Godfather of Techno, LATE NITE TUFF GUY both join the bill, adding to what will be an electrifying celebration of hypnotic sound, rhythm and dancefloor energy.

Get ready for a hometown dancefloor takeover when Melbourne’s own CUT COPY bring their euphoric blend of synth-pop and indie electronica to the Gardens on Friday 13 March. The Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning group have for more than two decades shaped the sound of Australian electronic music with era-defining hits including Hearts On Fire, Lights & Music and Take Me Over. CUT COPY recently returned with their seventh studio album Moments, an album made to bring people together, pulsing with warmth and optimism. Expect a mesmerising live set of celebrated anthems to fresh new sounds, perfect for dancing under the stars. Joining CUT COPY is a stacked lineup of international and local legends, with DJ sets from TODD TERJE, CC:DISCO!, CRAZY P and COLETTE.

Aussie hip hop heavyweights BLISS N ESO bring the series to a dynamic close on Sunday 15 March. Five ARIA number one albums, two ARIA Awards and more than half a billion streams, the Sydney crew have carved an enduring legacy in Australian music. Their latest album, The Moon (The Dark Side) – a bold companion to their chart-topping The Moon (The Light Side) – showcases their continued evolution. And BLISS N ESO’s live shows are legendary for their energy, connection and scale. Fresh off a national tour that sold more than 30,000 tickets, they return to prove once again why they’re icons of the Australian live scene. Multiple ARIA Award-winning artist DRAPHT joins the bill, delivering his trademark sharp lyricism and high-voltage energy, with hip hop duo HORRORSHOW rounding out the lineup.

“Any event that can be enjoyed under the stars is a welcome addition to the summer calendar. Hopefully, after a triumphant season, it returns!”
The Music

 “Live at the Gardens teased what it’s like to be in Melbourne for a summer of music, nature and culture.”
Arts Hub

“The people behind the acclaimed A Day On The Green series have transformed Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens’ Observatory Precinct into a delightful new inner-city live music experience … Incredible band, great venue, good times.”
Australian Musician Magazine

“One of the most beautiful places on earth.” 
Alex Kapranos, Franz Ferdinand 

World-class music under the stars in the heart of the city! We’ll see you Live at the Gardens!

Tickets on sale Wednesday 10 December from Ticketmaster.

TOUR TRAILER

LIVE AT THE GARDEN MARCH 2026 DATES

Friday 6 March

Marlon Williams 
Special guests Emma Donovan and Kee’ahn
*Presented by Triple R

Saturday 7 March

Thelma Plum and Sons Of The East
Special guest Jem Cassar-Daley

Sunday 8 March
*Public Holiday Eve

Leftfield
Special guests Paul Mac (DJ Set) and Late Nite Tuff Guy
*Presented by Triple R
Visit frontiertouring.com for national tour dates

Friday 13 March

Cut Copy
Special guest DJs Todd Terje, CC:DISCO!, Crazy P and Colette
*Presented by Triple R

Sunday 15 March

Bliss n Eso
Special guests Drapht and Horrorshow

TICKETING

LIVE AT THE GARDENS MEMBER PRESALE
via liveatthegardens.com.au
Runs from: Monday 8 December, 11.00am AEDT
For 48 hours or until presale allocation exhausted

MG LIVE MEMBER PRESALE
via mg.live
Runs from: Monday 8 December, 11.00am AEDT
For 48 hours or until presale allocation exhausted

GENERAL PUBLIC ON SALE 
Tickets on sale Wednesday 10 December, 12.00pm AEDT
From Ticketmaster

December 4, 2025 0 comments
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Music InterviewsMusic News

Interview: Sola Rosa on Rebirth, Rhythm and the Making of ‘Jupiter’ – The First Signal of a Bold New Era

by the partae December 4, 2025
written by the partae

What pulled you toward the sonic world of this new track, and when did you realise Jupiter was the right song to signal the beginning of a new chapter?

 I think the shift started during the lockdowns. I was watching heaps of producer tutorials on YouTube and found one from Decap, known for his Drums That Knock packs. He had this short video basically saying, “just make a beat a day with zero judgement.” I tried it, and honestly it changed everything. It opened doors I’d usually keep shut.

As a producer you know your comfort zone – mine’s always been 85-95bpm, hip-hop beats, samples, live-band friendly stuff. And because I was performing with a live band, I’d avoid anything that wouldn’t translate onstage. But the Decap method made the process exciting again, and I had to ask myself: do I follow this new path, or keep sticking to an established format? The new path felt way more joyful.

Jupiter came out of those sessions and just felt like the right track to signal something new for me.

You’ve spoken about starting the track from a chopped chord loop that evolved on its own. What was the moment the groove revealed its true direction to you?

 The chopped chords and samples had the vibe straight away, and the tempo felt right, but I struggled with the drums for a while. Then I stumbled across this Oliver sample – he’s everywhere on Splice. I questioned whether I should use it as-is, knowing I might hear it pop up in someone else’s track one day. So I filtered it and added extra percussion.

But the shuffle and swing were perfect. It just locked in with the sample. And look, producers are still using the Amen break to this day, so I’m cool with it. I haven’t heard it in anyone else’s tune yet, but I’m sure that day’s coming.

There’s a sleek confidence running through Jupiter that feels both effortless and intentional. What internal shift sparked that energy for you?

A beat kind of needs that confidence early on. Jupiter was one of those ones I just kept playing in the studio because it felt good. You get attached to that early magic – until the honeymoon is over baby, its never gonna be that way again! That’s a Cruel Sea reference for those too young to know. 

Then Iva sent through a vocal demo and it pulled me right back in. Everything started clicking after that.

You and Iva Lamkum have a rare creative chemistry. What was it like reconnecting after so many years and stepping back into the room together?

Honestly, it was really special. Most people don’t realise that when she recorded Turn Around – which was a big tune for us – we didn’t actually meet. She recorded in Wellington, I was in Auckland, and we just bounced demos back and forth. We only met later when she came up for shows.

After the Get It Together touring cycle we drifted into our own worlds, so reconnecting after something like 13 years felt pretty special.

Jupiter feels spacious, warm, and full of movement. How much of that atmosphere comes from instinct, and how much comes from deliberate sculpting in the studio?

It’s a mix of both. If you heard the early demos, the vibe is already there. The mixing and refining helps shape it, but the spark has to exist at the start.

Mixing definitely elevates it though. Simon Gooding mixed Jupiter and the whole album – he’s a bit of a Kiwi mixing mantis (Neil Finn, Pink, Dua Lipa, Ladi6, etc). I like to try my own mixes first and I’m getting better, but I’m slow, and overthinking can really derail the process. So having someone with fresh ears at the end is a lifesaver.

You’ve always blended genres without ever sounding derivative. How do you balance absorbing influences like Tame Impala or Oliver while still protecting your own lane?

Finding your sound is about tuning into your own sensibilities – everything you’ve absorbed since birth: art, music, how you see the world. It’s all uniquely yours. That’s what gives your music a voice.

Every now and then I’ve caught myself trying too hard to mimic someone else’s vibe. It never works, and honestly I wouldn’t want it to. It’s a dead end.

That Decap beat-a-day method really helps reveal your sound. Maybe not on day one, but give it a few days and wonderful things start happening.

Kenji Iwamitsu-Holdaway added some striking touches to the track. What did his contributions unlock that wasn’t present in the early demo?

 Kenji’s is so great. He’s a virtuoso player but also incredibly musical. He listens to what the track actually needs and fits into it without cluttering anything. He brings all these flashes of colour and little ear-candy moments.

On Jupiter he added these super funky bass pops that, once filtered, almost feel like a synth. He also added a simple little lead line at the end – nothing over the top, just exactly what the track needed.

Iva described the song as carrying a bold, in-your-era energy. What does that phrase mean to you personally at this point in your artistic life?

That’s probably one for Iva, since she wrote the lyrics. I helped here and there, but it’s her story. My take – and don’t quote me – is that she’d lost some confidence after some rough industry experiences, being signed to a major and all that.

Before recording Jupiter, she’d started to find her footing again – as a mother, as a woman, as an artist. That’s the energy I feel coming through.

This upcoming album arrives after a long run of evolution and reinvention. What felt different about the creative headspace this time around?

Honestly, just letting go. Breaking down whatever walls I’d unconsciously built around what Sola Rosa should be. Lockdowns, for all their downsides, were a freeing period at first. I look back at that time as a real turning point – heaps of change and growth.

Not all sunshine, but definitely transformative.

Your catalogue has travelled far beyond Aotearoa and built an international following. How has that global reach shaped the way you approach new music today?

I don’t really shape the music to suit any specific audience. I just follow whatever’s inspiring me and hope people connect with it. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t – but I’m always fully invested in what I’m making.

With the new album, I definitely wanted music that moves people on a dancefloor or at a show. Still managed to sneak in some chill beats too. It’s a good mix – my version of dance music anyway.

Sola Rosa: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

December 4, 2025 0 comments
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Music News

JULES ANNOUNCES IT’S COMING ON CHRISTMAS EP

by the partae December 4, 2025
written by the partae

Photo Credit: Kiera Chevell

Music has always been a thread of connection for many during the holiday season – from the traditional standards, to hymnal classics and the contemporary songs that have created new memories for many fans across the globe, when it comes to Christmas…the songbook has never been stronger. 

Sydney songwriter and performer Jules knows this all too well, and has brought her affinity to such a unique collection of music together with a natural talent for storytelling, in the curation of a brand new Christmas EP: It’s Coming On Christmas. 

In making this EP, Jules has been able to embark on a special creative project that has not only brought her more knowledge surrounding Christmas standards and musical traditions from different countries, but it has also captivated her own curiosity about the impact of this music on generations of music fans.

The EP, recorded at Church Street Studios in Camperdown with Emmy Award winning producer Sean Carey (Julia Stone, Daniel Johns), captures the essence of the season – one that Jules describes as being beautifully complex in its nature.

“Christmas is filled with complexities. Images of homes, greenery, merriment, and the warmth of fireplaces and hot summers, sit against a backdrop of war, longing, death, and grief. This all occurs as centuries of carols, hymns, and songs provide the soundtrack. It is with this in mind, that I embarked upon curating a Christmas EP.

The music traditions we have drawn from in It’s Coming on Christmas are a tried-and-true mix. German hymns are placed next to the yearning melancholic ballads of wartime Hollywood, and the first iterations of Laurel Canyon truth-telling.” JULES

Featuring songs like ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’, ‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, ‘Silent Night/Night of Silence’ and a cover of Joni Mitchell’s 1971 classic ‘River (It’s Coming On Christmas)’ – the latter of which stands as a special highlight of the record, a song that has been a favourite of artists all over the world when it comes to the Christmas canon.

“What makes ‘River’ resonate with people is how immensely sad it is. Against the Californian sunshine, Joni Mitchell wants a frozen river on which to skate away. In sunlight, she wants a cold winter. Is there anything that could define an artist more? It’s a confessional and very personal song; an oddity at the time. My whole Christmas EP is blue, but this song is the bluest.” JULES

The release of It’s Coming On Christmas marks Jules’ return, her first collection of music since the much-praised 2023 studio album, Familiar Drama. With four records to her name that have charted an impressive and authentic sonic evolution, Jules is a performer who leads from the heart – her brand of songwriting and performing has garnered the love of audiences around the country and internationally.

Establishing her own record label, Lights Record Label, in 2015 gave Jules the power to control her own creative output, redefining her role as the architect of her own journey. Weaving pop, blues and folk influences with honest and open storytelling, Jules’ music represents a great love for the craft of storytelling through music – It’s Coming On Christmas is a fitting addition to the catalogue.

PRAISE

“Take Me Back To The City, a buffeted-by-winds ballad in the style of Tina Arena, where city and country play as metaphors, punctuates its penitent pace with the sharp snap of an impatient snare, and is laced with a clear bitterness.  For all that, the tone of most of the darkest songs is regretful rather than revengeful, such as in the mellow Scandinavian hum of Heartsick.  And in the breezy ‘70s of Summertime Waits For You (think Seals and Croft meet Carly Simon)…”

BERNARD ZUEL (Familiar Drama, 2023)

“Kerr finds herself indebted to yacht-rock: for the first time in her career, she’s recorded a cover in the form of Christopher Cross’ 1979 smash Sailing. What started out as a little bit of fun ultimately snowballed into one of the album’s standout moments.”

THE MUSIC

“A sprawling ten-track collection documenting the throes and complexities of grief and nostalgia, the stirring record is carried by the sheer force of Jules’ songwriting.”

HAPPY MAG (Familiar Drama, 2023)

December 4, 2025 0 comments
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Music News

44 Ardent’s New EP ‘Me, Again’ Marks a Powerful Return to the Music That First Defined Him

by the partae December 4, 2025
written by the partae

Over the last few months, Australian producer 44 Ardent has been building anticipation for his new EP with a string of exceptional singles – including “Curtain Call,” “Wake Up,” “Hold On (Forever),” and “Who Do You Think That You Are?” – and this week he finally delivers the full six-track collection, alongside its two previously unheard songs, ‘Chemicals’ and title-track ‘Me, Again’.

Blending influences of Caribou, Bonobo, Tourist, and Odesza, ‘Me, Again’ is a vibrant and emotive journey through dance, house, and electronic soundscapes – a heartfelt nod to the early inspirations that shaped 44 Ardent’s musical identity.

44 Ardent also explains that the ep title carries a deeper meaning which is tied to his creative evolution, and his other project, cln:

“‘Me, Again’ is a reference to 44 Ardent being my second musical project. I’ve always loved making music as cln and plan to keep creating in that world, but 44 Ardent has given me a different kind of freedom that I am really enjoying. I am trying to think less about social media and more about music, which is probably not very smart in the current landscape, but feels much more authentic on a personal level. This EP is about reconnection with my electronic musical roots — the sort of music that made me fall in love with production in the first place. I am basically revisiting where it all began, but older and hopefully a bit wiser. The artwork is made from a photograph that I took from a cave on one of my favourite mountains, about an hour drive away from my home.”

‘Me, Again’ is out now via Mammal Sounds Records.

Stream:

https://bfan.link/me-again

Socials:

https://soundcloud.com/44ardent

https://www.facebook.com/44ardent

https://twitter.com/44Ardent

https://www.instagram.com/44ardent

Credits:
Production by 44 Ardent

Mixing & Mastering by Callan Alexander

Artwork by 44 Ardent

December 4, 2025 0 comments
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Music News

Interview: bbyclose steps into her own world with ‘ego’ – confidence, contrasts, and a fully-formed creative era

by the partae December 4, 2025
written by the partae

What does releasing “ego” as your first solo single represent for you personally and creatively after years of major collaborations? 

I think what excites me most is continuing to paint the picture of who bbyclose is. There’s a lot of people out there who know all the words and can sing along to my songs but they don’t necessarily know me. ‘ego’ feels like a chance to really introduce myself and to bring people into this fun, playful, dreamy and bright world. 

You’ve worked with some of dance music’s biggest names — how did stepping out on your own change your approach to songwriting and production? 

It’s really no different! I think that I feel that all my collaborations could also just be bbyclose tunes on their own. A lot of my melodies I start at home and bring them into the studio. ‘Kisses’ was a melody I came up with in 15 mins on my piano one afternoon and I had it for months before I brought it into the studio. With 

‘Craving 4 U’ the entire first line and melody came to me on a walk around St Pauls in London. Whether it’s a song for me or with someone else, I always just try to write something that speaks to me and from there I let the rest fall into place. 

“ego” feels both sleek and defiant — how did you want listeners to feel when they first hear it? 

Like a bad fucking bitch honestly! 

There’s a balance of vulnerability and power running through the track — how do you explore that tension in your music and persona? 

I’ve always been interested in characters who have juxtaposing characteristics, the way someone can be so confident and still be shy. That’s reality for most people I feel, to be a little bit of everything. So I always try to have some contrast – whether it’s sonic or lyrical friction, because the space in between feels interesting and thought provoking. 

Having already shaped global hits like “Kisses,” what was most liberating about crafting something that’s purely yours? 

Honestly it’s been getting to choose the team involved with me. From my label team to my creative team, I have been able to surround myself mostly with women. My team and I have a level of communication and synergy that I’ve never really experienced before and I feel really lucky to have that. We work hard, play hard and are really united in what we are trying to do. 

How has your experience in the club scene and working with producers like Sub Focus and FISHER influenced your solo sound? 

I feel so lucky to have been able to observe and learn from DJs who have really put in their 10,000 hours to hone their craft. Both Sub and FISHER have created such worlds for themselves and it’s inspiring. I’ve always been a club goer and been able to picture my songs in those settings, but this summer I got to see Sub drop ‘On&On’ at Ally Pally, and Fisher play ‘Blackberries’ to a crowd of maybe 10,000 people at Greenwich Docklands. To see my voice and my words on that big of a stage is not something I’ve ever seen before and it helped me envision how my own bbyclose songs would fit into that landscape.

Confidence seems central to this new era — what does confidence mean to you when it comes to being a woman in dance music? 

Confidence to me is remembering that you are the magic. You bring the magic and to never let anyone make you question or doubt your magic. Us girls have to stand up for ourselves and our inherent magic. 

You’ve said this marks a “fully formed creative era.” How would you describe the world or vision of bbyclose that’s emerging from “ego”? 

FUN. FUN. FUN. SILLY. FEMININE. CONFIDENT. 

As an artist blurring the lines between pop and underground energy, what do you think defines the sound of this next generation? 

I think lyrical identity is going to be such a defining factor and identifier for any artist who is looking to be part of this next wave of music. 

What’s coming next after “ego,” and how do you plan to build on the momentum of this debut into 2025? 

Next year is going to be really fun… We’ve just decided on my next single which is a song I adore and one that truly waves the flag for the bbyclose spirit. There’s a couple collabs which I know people have been waiting on and i’m really excited for them to finally have and I’m also looking forward to start playing some live sets and digging into that world more.

 

INSTAGRAM

December 4, 2025 0 comments
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Music News

Callum Padgham Turns Life’s Chaos Into Gold on ‘Everything is a Blessing’

by the partae December 4, 2025
written by the partae
Callum Padgham shares his top 5 blessings in disguise
G’day, I’m Callum Padgham and my debut single Everything is a Blessing is a reminder that our biggest challenges can be our greatest teachers! Here’s my top 5 blessings in disguise, that felt like legit curses at the time…
1. Rocking up to shoot my music vid and the location was fenced off for demolition 🚧
Picture this: You’ve been planning this spectacular Autumnal shoot day for months, your 14 cast and crew members have all taken work off, you’ve rented expensive equipment and even flown in your choreographer from interstate. You all turn up on the day, buzzing with excitement, it’s finally here – and then BAM: 10 foot high fences surround the exact location you need to shoot whilst bulldozers tear up the paths!!! GUTTED is an understatement.
But get this: When the fences eventually came down and we filmed the sequence a month later, Autumn was peaking unseasonably late and we ended up capturing the best looking sequence of the entire clip! Honestly, I can’t believe our luck…
2. Quitting drinking 🍷
It sounds like a cliche, but the biggest positive change in my life came from hitting my personal low point – which catalysed me to give up alcohol and never look back! 8 years of improved health, wealth and relationships later and I can confidently say that ‘rock bottom’ was my greatest blessing of all!
3. 2020 lockdowns 😷
Ok this one’s controversial, because I know a lot of Melbournians had a justifiable shit one. When the world stopped, my creative endeavours stopped too – which sent me spiralling into a full-blown identity crisis (I know you feel me, fellow artists)! It was time to pivot and go inwards – I started live-streaming DJ sets from my garage for fun, which turned into a talk show about dance music, hosting some of the world’s top DJs and blessing me with a genuine sense of purpose for the next 5 years!
4. My ex girlfriends 👧
For real though, you the real MVPs (and you never felt like a curse). Thanks for being patient with me – I wouldn’t be who I am, where I am, without you!
5. The GRIND, amirite? 💼
Between my day job creating video content and DJing all weekend, it’s easy to lose sight of why we sacrifice so many hours of our lives to make ends meet. That’s when I need a reality check… whilst some people struggle to find employment, I don’t have to go to work, I get to go to work! And not only that, I get to pour my remaining time, money and effort into a 4-track EP of original music, 3 self-produced music videos and a run of 200 vinyls! What a privilege. What a blessing.
Check out my debut single Everything is a Blessing on YouTube!

CALLUM PADGHAM: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

December 4, 2025 0 comments
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Music News

Legendary NZ producer SOLA ROSA teams up with IVA LAMKUM once again on new single ‘JUPITER’

by the partae December 3, 2025
written by the partae

Photo Credit: Tom Grut 

Andrew Spraggon, better known as Aotearoa New Zealand’s Sola Rosa, has returned with the first teaser for his upcoming eighth studio album, currently set for release in early 2026. The first cut is titled‘Jupiter’; a confident statement of intent — with a shuffling rhythm, gleaming synths and the effortless cool of long-time collaborator Iva Lamkum.

‘Jupiter’ finds Sola Rosa stepping into a slick new orbit. There’s a nod to the glossy funk of Oliver and the hazy shimmer of Tame Impala, but Jupiter stands firmly in its own lane; polished, propulsive and full of that rare quality: genuine uplift without the clichés. Spraggon’s production feels spacious and assured, the kind that rewards both a packed dancefloor and a solo drive with the windows down. Jupiter is a reminder that confidence isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s just knowing exactly what you’re doing, and trusting your own rhythm.

“This track started like most of my songs, with a sample flip. I chopped up some chords from a Splice loop, layered them up, and initially aimed for a 120 BPM four-on-the-floor beat. But it naturally evolved into more of a shuffling groove.. still funky, just with a looser, rolling feel.

Around that time, I was listening to a lot of Tame Impala, so maybe a bit of that sound slipped in subconsciously. I’m often influenced by whatever I’ve got on rotation, but never with the intention of copying, more just letting it filter through naturally. The track probably sits somewhere between Oliver’s futuristic funk and that hazy, melodic vibe of modern psych-pop. SOLA ROSA 

As expected, the personnel on ‘Jupiter’ is an all star cast, with Simon Gooding (Pink, TEEKS, Neil Finn, Dua Lipa, Ladi6, Fazerdaze, Balu Brigada) mixing the track, as well as additional guitar/bass work from Yoka-Zuna’s Kenji Iwamitsu-Holdaway (who has also worked with CHAII & Six60 in the past). ‘Jupiter’ also features the return of Iva Lamkum’s vocals to Sola Rosa’s expansive beats – a partnership that was last seen around 15 years ago. 

“I wrote all the music, then Kenji added his trademark bass pops and atmospheric guitar textures. It had been over ten years since I worked with Iva Lamkum on Turn Around (a bit of an underground hit in 2009). We reconnected online, I sent her a few beats, and she came back with the idea for Jupiter. When I was in Melbourne for some In The Mids session work, we met up – mostly catching up, but by the end of the day the song was done. I wrapped up the production back home and sent it to Simon Gooding for mixing.”

SOLA ROSA

Commenting on her approach to the track lyrically, Lamkum describes ‘Jupiter’ as “a strong, confident track with real “I’m in my era” energy. It’s about celebrating yourself, whether you’re already feeling it or need a little lift. The lyrics are empowering and self-assured, striking a balance between sleek sophistication and fun, night-out energy.”

Sola Rosa has proven himself time and time again as one of New Zealand’s most inventive musical exports, over a career that now spans two decades. Since winning the Best Electronic Release award for his debut album Solarized at the 2001 New Zealand Music Awards, Spraggon has gone on to play stages at Secret Garden Party (UK), Green Man (UK), Shambala (UK), Kendall Calling (UK), Nostock (UK), Womad (NZ), Big Day Out (NZ), Splore (NZ) and many others. His unique blend of R&B, Funk, Jazz, Hip-hop and Pop has earned a global following, attracting top-tier collaborators such as Tall Black Guy, Hermitude and DJ Vadim and racking up over 65 million combined DSP streams across his catalogue in the process. 

PRAISE

“Andrew Spraggon reaches for the big time”

MOJO (‘Chasing The Sun’, 2020) ★★★★

“..blooms with sensuality and sass”

ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE (‘Low & behold, High & Beyond’, 2012) 

“Low And Behold is fresh and funky”

NZ HERALD (‘Low & behold, High & Beyond’, 2012) ★★★★

“Melodic Soul Poetry”

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD (‘Get It Together’, 2010) ★★★★

Sola Rosa: Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

December 3, 2025 0 comments
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AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST GUITAR SHOW LAUNCHES IN SYDNEY

by the partae December 3, 2025
written by the partae

Since its inception in 2015, the Melbourne Guitar Show has become a mecca for guitar-lovers, a flagship gathering for the industry, and a totally unique event. In 2026 the iconic event will arrive at Sydney Olympic Park for two big days of guitar gear, performances, workshops and experiences for the Sydney Guitar Show on Saturday 7 March and Sunday 8 March. An extensive celebration of the versatility and endless possibility of the world’s most popular instrument, this all ages, all levels event will span two unforgettable days for the first time ever in Sydney next year, guaranteed to ignite axe-slingers from all walks of life. The first program announcement includes Lismore-based Americana duo Hussy Hicks, Australian blues icon Ray Beadle, trailblazing guitarist and producer Godriguez, and 2025 ARIA Award winning bassist Lucy Clifford, YouTubers SuperFunAwesomeHappyTime Pedal Show, and more to be announced.

Tickets for the Sydney Guitar Show are on sale to the general public today from guitarshow.au/tickets/, and just in time for the festive season, Super Early Bird prices are available now until December 25.

“We have been running a successful and popular guitar show in Melbourne for a decade and people always ask us, why not Sydney?” shares Alex Masso, Producer of the Sydney Guitar Show and CEO of the Australian Music Association (AMA). “We’re answering their question with a big debut at Sydney Showground.”

“We’re building on the success of Melbourne, but the Sydney Guitar Show will have a character of its own”, said Masso. “I can’t wait to give Sydney’s guitarists the same kind of experience that people have been enjoying for the past decade in Melbourne. There is really no event like this in Australia.”

The multi-purpose and expansive Sydney Showground Hall 5 at Olympic Park offers easy access to public transport, parking, accessibility from all parts of the city, and the perfect meeting place to check out over 80 brands, multiple stages, interactive displays and other surprises. 

“The Guitar Show is a place for guitar lovers to be completely absorbed in all things ‘guitar’, whether it’s trying new gear, talking to luthiers and pedal makers directly, enjoying performances, discovering new brands and new music, learning something, and surrounding themselves with a community that loves the same instrument that they do,” says Masso. 

Boasting Australia’s largest showcase of guitars and just about anything guitar-related, the Sydney Guitar Show will also feature a vibrant program of ideas, workshops and live performances. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, just starting your guitar journey, even if you don’t play but love the instrument, the Sydney Guitar Show is your one-stop-shop. Iconic brands like Fender, Marshall, Ibanez, ESP, BOSS and PRS will sit alongside many great Australian made guitars from Cilia Custom Guitars (NSW), Ormsby Guitars (WA), Cole Clark Guitars (VIC), Fenech Guitars (QLD) and the launch of Mestric Guitars from Port Macquarie. 

Much more than a guitar products showcase and music festival, the Guitar Show is evolving and introducing new elements including:

  • The Make Music Room: a full program of workshops and interactive sessions to inspire and inform music makers about playing styles, songwriting, and more. 
  • A dedicated Kids’ Room, in partnership with Big Music, will offer guitars to try and some helpful advice for younger players, including total beginners. 
  • Quieter mornings, with no amps in the exhibitor halls until midday. If you’re not ready for the full volume experience or want to bring the family at a quieter time, get along to the show from 10am-12pm on either day. 
  • The Studio, a dedicated room showcasing recording / pro audio equipment and software for home recording, content creation and live performance. 
  • The popular Pedal Party, curated by Pedal Empire, featuring Australian pedal makers. 

“The goal that ties all this together is to create a place and an experience where people are excited about the guitar,” explains Masso. “Whether you want to check out gear or enjoy some live music, whether you’re one of Australia’s top professional guitarists or a total beginner, whether you’re obsessed with guitars or just curious, whether you’re ready to buy something or just want to hang out with other guitarists, the Sydney Guitar Show has something to offer.”

The Sydney Guitar Show will be held at Sydney Showgrounds, Olympic Park, on Saturday March 7 (10am-5pm) and Sunday March 8 (10am-4pm), 2026. 
Purchase your Sydney Guitar Show tickets online now and save, with Super Early Bird prices available until 25th December. https://guitarshow.au/tickets/ 

Visit the Sydney Guitar Show site at http://guitarshow.au/sydney for the latest show announcements and information.

SYDNEY GUITAR SHOW 2026

Tickets available from http://guitarshow.au/sydney 

SAT 7 MAR | SYDNEY SHOWGROUND, SYDNEY NSW | LIC AA
SUN 8 MAR | SYDNEY SHOWGROUND, SYDNEY NSW | LIC AA

SYDNEY GUITAR SHOW 2026 BRAND / EXHIBITOR LIST:

Abasi  |  ACS Custom  |  Adlib Music  |  Admira Classical Guitars  |  Alvarez  |  Belfield Music |  Black Mountain  |  Blue Murder Pickups  |  Bonham Guitars  |  BOSS  |  Bourgeois  |  Breedlove  |  Cargill Custom Guitars  |  Chase Bliss  |  Cilia Guitars  |  Cioks  |  Cole Clark Guitars  |  Collings  |  Cort  |  D’Addario  |  Dean Guitars  |  Devirra  |  Diezel  |  DK Strings  |  Duesenberg  |  Eastman  |  Elixir Strings  |   EMG  |  Epiphone  | ESP |  Fender  |  Fenech Guitars  |  Fishman  |  Fractal Audio Systems  |  Friedman  |  G7th  |  Gibson  |  Gladesville Guitar Factory  |  Gretsch  |  Headfirst Amplification  |  Headrush  |  Hercules Stands  |  Hotone  |  Ibanez  |  Jackson  |  Jack Spira Guitars  |  Katoh |  Kemper  |  Kepler Guitars  |  K&M  |  Koala Audio  |  Loog  |  Lowden  |  Manuel Rodriguez |  Marshall  |  Matchless Amplifiers  |  Mestric Guitars  |  Mission Engineering  |  Mountain Art Guitars  |  Old Blood Noise  |  Orange  |  Ormsby Guitars  |  Ovation  |  Parekh Exports  |  Pedal Empire  |  Peterson Tuners  |  Port Mac Guitars  |  Pratley Guitars  |  Presonus  |  PRS |  QSC  |  Radial Redsound  |  Roland  |  RockBoard  |  Sadowsky  |  Santa Cruz |  Schecter  |  SKB  |  Soldano  |  Southern Tonewood  |  Stringjoy  |  Strandberg  |  Strymon  |  Sustainiac  |  Tanglewood Guitars  |  TC Helicon  |  Tone King  |  Two Notes  |  VASE Amplifiers  |  Walden  |  Walrus Audio  |  Wampler  |  Warwick  |  Wildwood Instruments  |  xenonOz  |  Zoom  | + more to be announced

   

December 3, 2025 0 comments
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FROM THE BACKYARD TO THE WORLD STAGE: SUMMER JAM GOES NATIONAL WITH A STREETBALL REVOLUTION

by the partae December 3, 2025
written by the partae

Australia’s biggest celebration of basketball culture, Summer Jam, is set to return for its 14th edition with a major national expansion that will see the streetball phenomenon travel to four major cities before culminating in Melbourne in February 2026.

What began as a grassroots tournament on local outdoor courts has evolved into a cultural movement uniting basketball, music, and community. Founded in 2011 by Eamon Larman-Ripon and Daniel Ella, Summer Jam has grown from a local event into Australia’s premier streetball festival, one that gives pro-am and emerging players across the country a platform to compete, connect and represent their city on the national stage.

The Summer Jam Tour will kick off in January 2026, bringing its signature energy to Brisbane (Sunday 18 January), Perth (Saturday 24 January), Melbourne (Monday 26 January), and Sydney (Saturday 31 January), before culminating in the Summer Jam Championships in St Kilda, Melbourne from 20–22 February 2026. Each stop of the tour will host a free, family-friendly streetball festival featuring elite 5v5 competitions, live DJs, MCs, National and World Slam Dunk Contests, food trucks, prizes, and special guests. Winners from each city will earn automatic entry into the Summer Jam Championship event held at Peanut Farm Reserve, St Kilda, Melbourne.

The Summer Jam Championships will feature both men’s and women’s divisions competing for a $20,000 prize pool, the National Slam Dunk Contest featuring top Australian and international dunkers, and the Creator Cup, where teams of creators and athletes will be led by a surprise NBA guest coach. Fans can also look forward to global street food and live entertainment celebrating the intersection of basketball and culture.

Since its inception, Summer Jam has been driven by the belief that world-class basketball moments can be created locally. “We grew up dreaming of the NBA, so we made our own, in our backyard,” said Summer Jam co-founder Daniel Ella. “Summer Jam was born from the love of the game and the community that surrounds it. It’s about giving players a platform, connecting cultures and celebrating basketball at every level.”

Co-founder Eamon Larman-Ripon added: “What started as a single event in Melbourne has grown into a national and now, global movement. Summer Jam is about breaking down barriers, creating opportunities, and showing that streetball in Australia can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the world.”

Proudly supported by Jordan Brand and Foot Locker, Summer Jam continues to lead the way in inclusivity and equality, hosting the world’s largest women’s streetball prize purse. With basketball participation at an all-time high – 1.3 million players nationwide and women’s participation up 25% over the past three years – Summer Jam stands at the forefront of Australia’s basketball evolution, representing a new era of cultural and sporting unity.

Since its early days, the event has attracted teams and talent from Tokyo, Manila, Auckland, China, and the USA, cementing its reputation as the pinnacle of streetball culture in the Asia-Pacific region.

Summer Jam Early Bird tickets go on sale on Tuesday 2nd December, followed by First Release General Admission and VIP tickets from Monday 8th December 2025. With past years selling out in record time, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early at Australia’s biggest basketball festival.

For Summer Jam Tour event updates, exclusive announcements, and ticket details, visit summerjam.com.au or follow on Summer Jam on Instagram and Facebook using #SpreadTheJam

December 3, 2025 0 comments
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The-everyday-agency Logo Freaks of Nature festival returns to Riyadh in February 2026 with episode 7, Freakyard

by the partae December 3, 2025
written by the partae

Taking place across Thursday–Friday, 5th–6th and 12th–13th February 2026, Freaks of Nature returns with its seventh episode, titled Freakyard. Across three stages, it will welcome 120 DJs to Riyadh and attract more than 30,000 visitors per day, further establishing the boutique electronic music and arts event as Saudi Arabia’s most dynamic, immersive and memorable festival experience.

Since its inception, Freaks of Nature has consistently hosted a wide array of leading international and local artists, including Lost Frequencies, Nic Fanciulli, Morten, Agents of Time and many more. The upcoming episode will unfold on the same grounds as MDLBEAST’s Soundstorm Festival, transforming the site into an industrial yet visually striking and fully immersive new universe for attendees to explore.

Freakyard invites festival-goers to embrace a sense of freedom, leaving behind work, stress and the pressures of daily life. It celebrates the “Freak”, an unapologetically authentic, fun-seeking individual, encouraging attendees to reconnect, lose themselves in the music and atmosphere and create unforgettable memories that endure long after the night ends.

As part of the 2026 programming, which will be revealed over the coming weeks, Freakyard will also introduce a new merchandise range, a DJ competition, and several other experiential activities for local and international guests to enjoy throughout the duration of the festival.

Freakyard will feature meticulously designed stages, each with its own distinctive concept and visual identity, brought to life by immersive art installations and characters that roam the grounds, creating a truly interactive and unforgettable experience like no other.

Yazeed Al-Hashim, Chief Freak, comments:

“As a team, we’ve spent the last two years building an experience that treats every person with the care, intention, and creativity they deserve. Freakyard 2026 isn’t just our return; it’s a homecoming for everyone who believed in us. This festival was designed to make people feel seen, connected, and free to be themselves. That’s what Freaks of Nature has always stood for, and this year we’re bringing that feeling back to life in the biggest way yet.”

Freaks of Nature is an internationally recognised series of boutique electronic music and arts festivals born in Saudi Arabia and loved globally. It provides a vibrant platform for international headliners, emerging artists and local talent to showcase a diverse electronic soundscape focused firmly on the dance floor and encouraging freedom of expression for attendees. Each event is a multi-sensory experience, featuring electrifying dance, stunning visuals, immersive special effects, and flamboyant costumes. Freaks of Nature actively transcends barriers, celebrates music, and continues to captivate audiences with its unforgettable, transformative atmosphere. As Saudi Arabia’s first globally exportable entertainment brand, Freaks of Nature fosters cultural exchange and positions the Kingdom as a hub for world-class festivals, elevating its presence at the forefront of the international scene.

Set to take place on 5th–6th and 12th–13th February 2026 in Riyadh, Freakyard promises diverse musical programming, immersive art designs and a visually stunning festival experience, with the first wave of artists to be announced in the coming weeks.

 Be the first to enter the Freakyard and sign up now to get early access to Episode 7.

Register Here https://freaksofnature.me/

Find out more & follow:

Website | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

December 3, 2025 0 comments
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Good Things Festival Is Almost Here. Stand Atlantic + Alpha Wolf Join The 2025 Line Up

by the partae December 3, 2025
written by the partae

The Good Things Festival is just days away, and the excitement is building as we count down with you.

Life can be unpredictable, and moments like these remind us just how important it is to come together, support one another, and cherish the experiences that connect us. Good Things Festival isn’t just about music, it’s about community. Over the years, you’ve become like family to us.

We rally together in the highs and stand together through the challenges, and this moment is no different, as unfortunately, we would like to share an important update that due to family emergencies The All-American Rejects and Knocked Loose will no longer be able to perform.

“We’re heartbroken to share that due to a sudden family loss, we won’t be able to make it to Australia as planned. This has been an incredibly difficult moment for us, and as much as it devastates us to miss such a great opportunity to reconnect with our Australian fans, family has to come first.

Thank you for your understanding, your patience, and all the love you continue to give this band. We’ll make it up to you as soon as we’re able.” – The All American Rejects

“We’re very sorry to everyone but we have to cancel our Australia trip, including the Good Things Festival and our headline shows around it.

Anyone familiar with this band knows we do not take cancelling shows lightly; but family will always come first. We are already planning our return and cannot wait to be back as soon as possible. Love you all.” – Knocked Loose

Critically acclaimed and resoundingly adored, Sydney’s Stand Atlantic and Aussie metalcore behemoths Alpha Wolf will join the line up.

Due to the extensive logistics involved with trucking, flights, accommodation, and stage production for these bands across three days, we’re unable to adjust the timetable. As a result, the newly added bands will fill the existing schedule slots.

“Our hearts are with The All-American Rejects – it’s never an easy decision to make no matter what the circumstances are. We are honoured, nervous, and ready to show up and do what we do best.” – Stand Atlantic

“Unfortunately, our friends in Knocked Loose are unable to play the Good Things Festival, we’re sending them all our love and we’re going to try our best to fill their shoes on super short notice. Catch us on the Main Stage at 3:30pm in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane this weekend!” – Alpha Wolf

Our thoughts are with the band and their families during this time. We want to also acknowledge our fellow artists and colleagues who feel this absence alongside us.

While life can throw unexpected hurdles our way, the show will go on, and this weekend, we’ll come together as one community to create a great experience.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support. We look forward to delivering an unforgettable experience for you all.

GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL LINE UP:TOOL
Weezer
Garbage | All Time Low | Machine Head | Lorna Shore
Refused | New Found Glory | Alpha Wolf | Make Them Suffer | Dayseeker
Stand Atlantic | James Reyne | Kublai Khan TX | Cobra Starship | Goldfinger | Tonight Alive

In Alphabetical Order:
Bad Nerves | Civic | Dead Poet Society | Fever 333 | Gwar | High Vis
Inertia | Maple’s Pet Dinosaur | Palaye Royale | Scene Queen
South Arcade | Wargasm | Windwaker | Yours Truly

Plus the chaos of Stage 666!

DATES AND VENUES:
Friday 5 December – Flemington Racecourse, Melbourne (16+)
Saturday 6 December – Sydney Showground, Sydney (16+)
Sunday 7 December – Brisbane Showgrounds, Brisbane (16+)

Tickets available from www.goodthingsfestival.com.au

GOOD THINGS FESTIVAL | FACEBOOK | X | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK

December 3, 2025 0 comments
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Queenscliff Music Festival Celebrates A Huge Weekend Of Music On The Bellarine Peninsula

by the partae December 2, 2025
written by the partae
Queenscliff Music Festival has wrapped up for another year with a huge weekend of live music, sunshine and community spirit, welcoming more than 11,000 ticket holders to the Bellarine Peninsula from November 28 – 30, for three unforgettable days on Wadawurrung Country.

The weekend was truly alive with celebration as over 75 artists took to the festival stages,
as crowds were treated to King Stingray lighting up Friday night and a surprise appearance from Baker Boy setting the tone for an unforgettable event. Thelma Plum, The Cat Empire, The Waifs, Cosmic Psychos and an incredible lineup of local talent kept the foreshore buzzing all weekend long, while the new floating stage upon the Peninsula Princess Ferry became an instant festival favourite.

King Stingray lit up the main stage on Friday night with their high energy Yolnu surf groove, made even more special when Baker Boy jumped on for a surprise appearance that sent the audience into a frenzy. Earlier, Tex Perkins and Matt Walker belted out their iconic Australian rock classics, warming up the afternoon crowd in style, before Ella Hooper delivered a joyous tribute to Linda Ronstadt in a set filled with admiration, storytelling and soaring singalongs of some of the greatest songs ever written.

Saturday delivered one of the most anticipated lineups in Queenscliff Music Festival’s memory. Thelma Plum warmed hearts and souls in a set overflowing with laughter and connection as the audience lapped up every note. Didirri and Rowena Wise held the crowd in quiet awe through the afternoon, offering a beautiful moment of stillness before The Waifs had thousands singing back every word. The Cat Empire followed with an explosive blend of jazz, Latin and funk, driving the foreshore into raptures long into the night. On the other side of the park, Cosmic Psychos closed out Saturday with a thunderous set that sent fans home grinning all the way home.

Festival goers were also quick to jump aboard the new Queenscliff Music Festival floating stage on the Peninsula Princess ferry, with seven gigs across the weekend proving an instant favourite. These intimate shows offered a completely unique way to experience live music, pairing the beauty of the bay with up close performances by a handpicked selection of artists including Skyscrapper Stan & The Commission Flats, Romaine, Ally Row, Minor Gold, Grace Robinson and more.

Across the whole weekend, audiences embraced the incredible array of local talent, from emerging artists making their QMF debut to regional favourites returning to the festival stage. The depth and diversity of home-grown music remained one of the event’s defining strengths, drawing full venues across the town of Queenscliff with passionate crowds from morning until long into the evening. Performances from Bones and Jones, Madeliene Cope, Fenn Wilson, Get Behind the Mule, Imaginary Millions, Kit Genesis, Kook Joey, Lewis Love, Matt Davis and dozens more helped cement QMF as one of the most important platforms for Victorian and Australian music discovery.

The closing Sunday saw the energy rise from the afternoon into the evening with standout sets from Mama Kin Spender, whose stirring vocals and rhythmic communal energy sparked one of the biggest singalongs of the weekend, especially when joined by the 37 piece Acabella choir.

The Preatures delivered a powerful and polished performance, reminding audiences exactly why they remain one of the country’s most dynamic live acts as Isabella Manfredi commanded the stage with charisma and fire. The Pierce Brothers followed with an unforgettable set that had audiences hanging on every note, before Donavon Frankenreiter brought his unmistakable laid back Californian soul to the foreshore to close the main stage, gliding through warm grooves and effortless vocals that held the entire crowd.

Queenscliff Music Festival Director, Claire Stickland, Said,

“What an incredible weekend for Queenscliff Music Festival. With packed stages and an electric atmosphere along the foreshore, this year was a true celebration of music and joy.

“We are so proud of what unfolded, and none of it would have been possible without the amazing artists and people behind the scenes. More than 550 volunteers pour their time, passion and care into making this festival what it is, and it wouldn’t be possible without them. Queenscliff Music Festival remains a genuine community celebration of music and the arts, set in one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations.”

Queenscliff Music Festival will return in 2026.  from 27 – 29 November, on Wadawurrung Country, in the historic Victorian seaside town of Queenscliff.
 
For more information – WWW.QMF.NET.AU 

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December 2, 2025 0 comments
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Tobey Kai Finds Light Again With ‘Twinkle Twinkle Mistletoe’

by the partae December 2, 2025
written by the partae

For Tobey Kai, Christmas has never been a simple season. It has always carried a bittersweet pull—filled with longing, distance, and the quiet ache of rarely being able to spend the holidays with the people she loves most. That emotional mix became the spark behind her new original Christmas song, “Twinkle Twinkle Mistletoe.” In it, Kai distills the magic of wishing, waiting, and believing that love—romantic, familial, or otherwise—can bridge any distance. The song is both tender and hopeful, celebrating the warmth the season can bring while reflecting the resilience that has defined Kai’s own journey.

That resilience was tested in profound ways. Following a life-altering accident that left her with a severe brain injury, Kai faced an uphill battle to rebuild her body, mind, and voice. Returning to music took years of determination, and “Twinkle Twinkle Mistletoe”—a light, whimsical track three years in the making—now stands as a milestone in her recovery. Its release on Christmas Day marks a personal triumph, a joyful statement that creativity and spirit can survive even the darkest chapters.

Kai’s work has long been shaped by emotional truth and lived experience. Known for her cinematic sound and soulful storytelling, she first connected with audiences through songs like “Who Are You” and “Time,” pieces rooted in personal loss—from her grandfather’s struggle with dementia to the grief carried by families affected by political violence. A musician since the age of six, she has built a catalogue that transforms heartache into something deeply human and universally felt.

With “Twinkle Twinkle Mistletoe,” Kai adds a brighter thread to that tapestry. The song offers a reminder of survival, connection, and the enduring pull of hope—especially during the holidays, when emotions often land hardest. For Kai, music has never been just self-expression; it’s a way of bringing light to others. And with this new release, she continues to prove that even after life’s hardest storms, the human spirit can find its way back to joy, clarity, and song.

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December 2, 2025 0 comments
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Hoi AIRBEAT ONE Festival reveals the first artists for 2026

by the partae December 1, 2025
written by the partae

Brennan Heart, Dual Damage and Charly Lownoise lead the Dutch lineup for the “Netherlands Edition” – Amelie Lens, Boris Brejcha, Charlotte de Witte,
Holy Priest, Lilly Palmer, Scooter, Timmy Trumpet, Vini Vici and more kick off the international announcements.

The preparations for AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2026 are in full swing. The 23rd edition will take place from 8–12 July 2026 and will transport visitors to the “Netherlands”, home to countless DJ megastars and birth­place of the modern festival culture. Fittingly, the first artist announcement already features a strong Dutch contingent.

Fans can look forward to four heavyweight acts from the Dutch dance scene. Leading the charge is Brennan Heart, the undisputed Mister Hardstyle and one of the genre’s global icons. After his spectacular Mainstage set at the last edition—marking the first-ever Hardstyle performance on that stage—he will once again deliver the harder sounds in 2026. And of course, “Wonderful Days” needs no introduction: the legendary Happy Hardcore anthem by Dutch duo Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo. Charly Lownoise has practically become a Butterfly Stage resident, guaranteeing the most euphoric throwback journey of the weekend. The Dutch Hardstyle duos D-Block & S-te-Fan and Dual Damage complete the first Harder Stage announcement.

Techno has long since reclaimed Mainstages worldwide, and AIRBEAT ONE was one of the first festivals to showcase the genre at this scale. With Amelie Lens, Charlotte de Witte and Lilly Palmer, 2026 will bring three Techno queens to the Mainstage. Joining them are three major German Techno heavyweights: Alfred Heinrichs, Boris Brejcha and Holy Priest. Adding to the impact is Scooter—one of the most successful Techno acts of all time—returning to Neustadt-Glewe.

EDM remains an essential part of one of the world’s largest and most spectacular Mainstages. Australian superstar and Top 10 DJ Timmy Trumpet will bring his unmistakable energy to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Psytrance legends Vini Vici from Israel and Novah complete the first Mainstage announcement.

On the Arena Stage, fans can expect dark, driving sounds from German DJ Kobosil, along with cinematic hard techno from Nicolas Julian and Schrotthagen. The PsyTrance community can look forward to stars like Andrew Rayel and Slovakian DJane Nifra on the Second Stage.

A brand-new stage will debut in 2026: the Groove Castle. The first confirmed acts, Cara Elizabeth and Davyboi, will deliver vibrant house and groove sounds.

The Butterfly Stage will once again transform into a nostalgic sanctuary with Charly Lownoise, Aquagen, Cascada, DJ Gollum and DJ Quicksilver delivering unforgettable classics.

In total, the first 25 artists for the “Netherlands Edition” of AIRBEAT ONE Festival are now confirmed. Ticket sales are already in high demand. The 3-Day Regular Ticket – Full Weekend is currently available in presale phase 1 for €175.99 including fees via https://airbeat-one.myticket.de

AIRBEAT ONE is a subsidiary of DEAG Deutsche Entertainment AG. Exclusive ticket partner is myticket.de.

AIRBEAT ONE Festival 2026

vom 08–12 July 2026

Flugplatz Neustadt-Glewe (near Schwerin), Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Theme 2026: „Netherlands Edition”

7 Floors: 

– Mainstage (EDM, Trance, Progressive) 

– Arena Stage (Techno)

– Terminal (Electro, Tech House, Tropical) 

– Harder Stage (Harder Styles) 

– Second Stage (Trance, Psy, Goa)

– Butterfly Stage

– Groove Castle

 

http://www.airbeat-one.de/

facebook.com/airbeatone

https://www.youtube.com/@airbeat1festival

instagram.com/airbeatone

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