The Jukebox: the best new local tunes to add to your playlist this month
Another month, another round of fresh tracks from some of the state’s best singers, songwriters and musicians. April saw some of Brisbane’s biggest bands pursue solo projects, while a few local independent acts demanded attention with their debut work. From chaotic anthems of independence to groovy folk debuts, we’ve hunted down a selection of Queensland’s best new music.
‘Hands’ by WAAX
Marking an anticipated return, indie-punk rocker WAAX is back on the Brisbane music scene with album Angel’s Mess, an exploration of the ‘power diva core’ sound she is exploring as her first project since becoming a solo act.
One of the first singles off the album, Maz De Vita describes ‘HANDS’ as the culmination of twelve years of performing and the most important work of her career to date – and the result is an undeniably potent anthem delivering chaos at full tilt.
The track comes from a place of self-exploration and WAAX’s journey from band to one-woman-show, when De Vita kickstarted her career after making the move to LA.
‘HANDS’ serves as a turning point for the Brisbane-born artists, articulating the importance of place and community in finding your sound: “I’m so grateful to have found my people all over the world who see in me, what I’ve known all along: I can fucking do this.”
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‘Beautiful Blueberries Pt II’ by Zeano
Ball Park Music’s Dean Hanson recently dropped his first solo album Window Seat, Always under the name Zeano, which he recorded over the course of ten days with help from friend and producer Tim Hart (Boy & Bear).
The album features a track called ‘Beautiful Blueberries Pt II’, a continuation of Ball Park Music’s ‘Beautiful Blueberries’ from its 2022 Weirder & Weirder album which draws inspiration from the true story of Christopher McCandless.
Zeano wrote the song late one night after seeing an image of McCandless’ Bus 142 being lifted out of the Alaskan wilderness by a helicopter – the phrase beautiful blueberries comes straight from the last journal entry of the explorer.
‘Beautiful Blueberries Pt II’ leverages on McCandless’ small moment of appreciation in a desperate situation to create a track that evokes acceptance and gratitude through its soft melody and comforting lyrics.
‘Better Off’ by Tear Drive
With an impressive resume supporting acts like Keli Holiday, The Velvet Club and Bean Magazine, Tear Drive just dropped their debut EP Face To Face, created alongside ARIA-Award winning producer Cody McWaters.
Subscribe for updatesStandout track ‘Better Off’ offers a perfect introduction to the polished four-piece alt-indie rock outfit before they head off to support The Jungle Giants on an upcoming nationwide tour this June.
Vulnerable, cathartic, cinematic – ‘Better Off”, originally written by band members Nic and Gabe when they were 17, has song has grown with the band over time, with sweeping guitars and strong rhythm section joined by an improvised cello arrangement and hints of melancholic piano.
For a chance to experience the band’s emotionally grounded songwriting and anthemic soundscapes, Tear Drive will be celebrating the launch of Face To Face at the Brightside on Friday May 22.
‘Reservoir’ by Hag ft. The Zon
You may not have heard of Hag yet, but chances are you’ve already seen her perform. Bess Egerton, aka Hag, has played more than 200 shows with acts including Red Hill, Haley Marsten, Phia Scott, Lighthouse Mouse, Leevai, Georgie Taylor and The Zon. Now the music powerhouse has released her debut album Gap Creek Falls.
Hag’s signature blend of folk, punk and alternative rock has been most purely distilled in ‘Reservoir’, a track that features Brisbane-based artist The Zon. Warm, dreamy and nostalgic, ‘Reservoir’ is the kind of track that is best listened to on a mid-afternoon stroll in the sunlight.
Hag will be celebrating the release of Gap Creek Falls on Friday May 14 at The Junk Bar in New Farm, supported by The Ra Ta Ta’s and Mitchell Duke.
‘Chore’ by Dropics
Gold Coast’s indie/alt rock band Dropics are back in our headphones this month with the release of its newest single ‘Chore’, marking the band’s first music drop since 2024.
Featuring the five-piece’s signature smooth vocals, ambient melodies and sonic synergy, the track explores feeling like a chore and continues the Dropics’ mission to create “music that doesn’t sit still.”
‘Chore’ was able to come to life through band member Alana’s work with the Gold Coast City Council Professional Program and mentorship under producer George Carpenter.
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