Acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Lyn Bowtell has once again captured the hearts of listeners with her latest single, Paper Cut. The emotionally charged track, released on January 17, is a poignant exploration of resilience and the enduring impact of emotional wounds.

At its core, Paper Cut is more than just a song; it serves as a cornerstone for Bowtell’s forthcoming album, which celebrates the strength of women supporting women. The single’s origin story is as personal as it is relatable. Inspired by the sharp yet fleeting pain of an actual paper cut, Bowtell connected the experience to the lingering ache of relationship breakdowns. She describes the song as one of those rare creations that “arrive swiftly, almost fully formed.”

The track features the distinctive backing vocals of Kasey Chambers, a long-time admirer of Bowtell’s work. Chambers first heard Paper Cut during one of Bowtell’s transformative SHE Songwriting Retreats and was moved to collaborate. The retreats, founded by Bowtell, provide a haven for female songwriters to come together, share stories, and foster creativity in safe and supportive environments. With mentors like Chambers, Ashleigh Dallas, and Felicity Urquhart, the retreats have become a beacon of empowerment and healing for women in the music industry.

Produced by Bowtell and her partner Damon Morton, Paper Cut is a masterful blend of heartfelt lyrics and classic country instrumentation, with Bill Chambers lending his signature slide guitar. Bowtell’s roots in country music shine through, drawing inspiration from legends like Emmylou Harris and Patsy Cline while offering a modern perspective on heartbreak and healing.

Bowtell’s passion for advocating for women extends beyond her music. Through her SHE retreats, she continues to inspire women to care for themselves and each other, creating a ripple effect of empowerment in the industry and beyond.

With Paper Cut, Lyn Bowtell not only delivers a powerful anthem of resilience but also reaffirms her commitment to uplifting women through art and community. This release promises to resonate deeply with listeners and set the stage for an album that celebrates connection, healing, and solidarity.

Katelann Maree, a singer-songwriter hailing from the rural town of Miles in Queensland’s Western Downs, is set to captivate audiences with her heartfelt new single, Australia My Home. Set for release on 24th January, this vibrant track is a love letter to the essence of Australian life, blending nostalgia with pride for our unique culture, landscapes, and traditions.

“With backyard BBQs, singing along to old Slim’s tunes
It’s barefoot footy and cricket on Australia Day
Where the beer tastes different in the land down under
The Milky Way… This is Australia, my home,”

Katelann beautifully captures the soul of the Australian way of life, from iconic backyard barbecues to the wonders of the Milky Way stretching across our skies.

The single marks the first of four original tracks to be released throughout 2025 under the Western Downs Regional Arts Development Fund grant, supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland. This initiative showcases Katelann’s connection to her roots and her talent as a storyteller.

A lifelong Western Downs resident, Katelann’s musical journey is deeply personal. Her debut single, Grandad’s Guitar (2020), paid tribute to her grandfather, Jimmy Grealy, known as “Chinchilla Slim,” whose fingerpicking guitar style inspired her artistry. Her debut EP, A Different Kind of High, brought her songwriting to life under the mentorship of country music icons Catherine Britt and Melody Moko at the CMAA Academy.

In addition to her flourishing music career, Katelann is a dedicated music teacher, fitness trainer, and mother of three, with her youngest born on New Year’s Day 2025. Despite her busy life, her passion for storytelling through song remains her guiding force.

Australia My Home is not just a song; it’s a celebration of identity, history, and belonging. Katelann Maree invites listeners to join her on a journey through the heart of Australia, where every melody and lyric serves as a reminder of the beauty and resilience of our homeland.

Stay tuned for more releases in 2025 as this talented artist continues to share her story and celebrate the country she calls home.

Van Walker’s latest album, Healing Descent, is a testament to his lyrical brilliance and emotional depth. Recorded in just four days during a break in his Canadian tour, the album reunites Van with long-time collaborator Chris Altmann and introduces Carl Jennings as part of the creative force behind its production. Together, they’ve crafted a collection of ten tracks that are as musically diverse as they are thematically profound.

Drawing inspiration from the first spring of lockdown in 2020, Van captures a delicate balance between optimism and reflection. Tracks like “Persephone’s Return” and “Her Gentleness” sparkle with hope, celebrating renewal and the unstoppable resilience of nature. Yet, the album doesn’t shy away from darker undertones, with songs like “Certainty of Sand” exploring themes of loss and uncertainty.

Healing Descent also showcases a subtle yet powerful interplay of seasons, with tracks such as “Summer Thunder” and “Winter’s Last Words” adding a cyclical, almost poetic, narrative. This undercurrent of “Ruin & Refuge” and “Death & Reanimation” ties the album together, making it more than just a collection of songs—it’s a cohesive journey through life’s tumultuous moments and the promise of renewal.

Van’s vocal and lyrical artistry are perfectly complemented by Altmann’s production expertise and Jennings’ studio mastery, breathing life into the album’s earthy yet intricate soundscapes. With Healing Descent, Van Walker proves once again why his music resonates deeply, offering listeners an album that is both profoundly personal and universally relatable. This is an artist at the peak of his craft, reminding us of the beauty and resilience found in both music and life itself.