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The editorial home of Local Sounds.

SoundVerge is a music magazine amplifying new and independent artists. We put the story behind the music on the record, before others catch on.

Feature7 Aug 2026

BIGSOUND 2026 Artists - Bigger Hair, Bigger Shoes, and No Regrets: Unpacking the Evolution of Queenie

She’s a pink, fluffy, sensitive soul with a rock n' roll heart, an artist who can make an audience weep one minute and tear through a delightfully chaotic set the next.Starting out as a larger-than-life alter-ego, the Melbourne-via- Lutruwita/Tasmania artist has spent the last few years carving out a space that is entirely her own. Ahead of her upcoming BIGSOUND showcase, we asked Queenie to chat about her latest release "Vivid" and her upcoming all important second album Pleasance.

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Story•3 Aug

Katie Reid on Winter In Sydney, Self-Trust, and Her New Single July

From backing vocals to center stage, Scottish-born, Sydney-based artist Katie Reid is carving out her own space in indie pop. Her raw new single, July, turns the bitterness of a broken promise into self-acceptance. We caught up with Katie to chat about why Sydney’s winter hit so close to the bone.

Story•29 July

BIGSOUND 2026 Artists - Brisbane’s blue diner.

There is a really distinct vibe in the Brisbane music scene right now, and right at the center of it is blue diner. The four-piece have been quietly carving out a space for themselves with a sound that sits somewhere between ambient shoegaze and heavy, textured indie rock. With their latest release Disc 2 getting plenty of airplay on Local Sounds Radio and a spot locked in for the BIGSOUND 25th Anniversary showcase this September, things are moving fast.

Story•21 July

Best Mates, Housemates, and the Story Behind "Scared To Lose"

After a massive year of collaborations, Sydney trio PEPTALK returns to their roots. Frontwoman Phoebe Sinclair breaks down the deeply personal rewriting process of their new indie-pop anthem.

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The Songwriting Sanctuary: Mihali Notaras on the magic yellow couch and his restless heart

From an accidental songwriting partner in the form of a bright yellow leather couch to the profound influence of his Greek heritage, Sydney acoustic-pop artist Mihali Notaras pulls back the curtain on his creative evolution. Fresh off the release of his vulnerable new single "Restless Heart," Notaras opens up about stepping out of his comfort zone in Indonesia, the theatrical roots that shape his live shows, and how finding balance through philosophy keeps his creative tank full as he heads into a major studio season for the remainder of 2026.

10 July

Dispatch

Discover Your New Favorite Track: Exploring the Local Sounds Spotify Playlist

The Local Sounds Spotify Playlist serves as a dedicated digital stage for Australia’s independent artists, bridging the gap between radio discovery and on-the-go streaming. By featuring a curated mix of fresh, radio-ready tracks, the playlist offers listeners an essential gateway to the best emerging and independent talent in the country.

2 Feb