Words by Kate Johnson

ELSY WAMEYO - ‘SINNER’ (SINGLE)

Bring on the conspiracies of ‘another one fallen for the music industry devil’ – though this eerie tune is more relatable than we’d like to admit. ‘Sinner’ unveils the reality of our dark side and sees Elsy Wameyo dancing with her demons rather than turning away. The track sparks discussion about the emotional toll on a songwriter, and the hurdles ‘celebrities’ face. Wameyos’ clear, enunciated and emotional vocals matched with haunted, upbeat and spine-shivering production make ‘Sinner’ a serious contender for mainstream success. This artist is proving to be our city’s most promising female hip-hop export. ‘Sinner’ is her second single since her 2022 EP Nilotic.

Listen to ‘Sinner’ here.

ESKATOLOGY - ‘I’M SORRY’ (SINGLE)

Another local hip-hop release! The single’s artwork sets the scene, with Indigenous poet Eskatology sitting on a couch, looking hopeless while staring at the ceiling. Rather than giving in to his despair, Eskatology encourages those suffering in silence to speak up, and without saying ‘I’m Sorry’. According to Suicide Prevention Australia, Indigenous Australians die by suicide at a rate twice higher than the non-Indigenous. Eskatology has seen it in his community: ‘[I’ve] seen the impacts of suicide, within my family circle and friends’ circle’. Youth worker by day, hip hop artist by night, he uses his Indigenous roots and lived experience to push discussions of mental health – and not a moment too soon.

Listen to ‘I’m Sorry’ here.

INDIAGO - ‘BONES’ (SINGLE)

Indiago sent The Note an exclusive peek at their new single, ‘Bones’ – a business-savvy move from the Adelaide Hills five-piece. Also, intentionally or not, they’ve created the ideal wedding tune, or the perfect slow-motion-running song in a rom-com. Lyrically, ‘Bones’ is about finding balance between financial, social and artistic endeavours, something songwriter Will Solomon says ‘many artists experience’. They’ve amped up the lyrical-rizz and slowed down the tempo, proving Indiago are versatile, or perhaps need a breather during their energetic live set. A stripped back piano-version of ‘Bones’ is also out now, recorded in their high school gym at Cornerstone College. A debut album is also on the way.

Listen to ‘Bones’ here.

STELLAR - ‘SPACE SONG’ (SONG)

Indie surf-rock is huge in the Aussie music scene and largely dominated by men: think Skegss, Hockey Dad and The Vanns. Well boys, it's time for the girl-bands to rise up, ’cause this ‘down-south’ band is here to rock. Drawing influences from Ruby Fields, Teen Jesus and The Jean Teasers and Amyl and The Sniffers, STELLAR pipes in with an edgy, youthful and punchy sound. It’s clear their surfy vibe is a product of growing up in Port Noarlunga, with their super-fun lyrics reminding you of a teenage girl sleepover. Their debut EP consists of five titles which sound like something you’d shout in the surf, or at the chip shop: think Jetty Chick, Rush 4 Nothin’ and Down ‘N’ Out. This band is cool and contagiously joyful. They’re also chill enough not to worry about trademark law. (There’s a New Zealand band with the same name.)

Listen to ‘Space Song’ here.

BEYONCE'S FIANCÉS - ‘THESE FOUR WALLS’ (SINGLE)

Melbourne-born, Adelaide-based band Beyonce’s Finances clearly intended to have you dancing like it’s the 1980s. ‘These Four Walls’ is a synth-pop tune with a melody that instantly ‘hits’, reminding us of that scene in Stranger Things where Eleven visits the mall for the first time. Vocals and production techniques are reminiscent of Cub Sport, and their other releases keep us looking backwards, with references to The Killers, Madonna and corners of the 1980s. So, if you can’t make Taylor Swift’s 1989 set during her Era’s Tour this month, listen to ‘Beyonce’s Finances’ -- it’s more financially viable and has plenty of synths to go around.

Listen to ‘These Four Walls’ here.