Fresh Finds: Class Of 2025 – Aussie Acts To Add To Your Playlist

Steve Bell, Journalist

Steve Bell

Many, many moons ago Steve Bell was unassumingly writing a small fanzine for the inner-city Brisbane record store where he worked when on one otherwise normal day he was poached into the cutthroat world of street press, embarking on an eye-opening journey interviewing bands and banging on about music for the street press publication Time Off. It's an association that's now existed for well over 20 years - including a decade full-time as the print editor for Time Off/The Music - and one which still provides him with immense enjoyment and satisfaction, even though in recent times it's nestled alongside other music-related vocations such as co-owning a record store and indie label, radio broadcasting and navigating the podcast world.

Features / Music
Nahko & The Medicine For The People
Nahko Bear Knows The Healing Power Of Music Through 'Moving Your Bodies'
"I love being able to create a show that's so eccentric and focussed on the listener and their willingness to transform with you."
Features / Music
"You Can Really Feel The Strength Of The Legacy And The Way It's Resonated With People"
"Everyone's personal favourites aren't necessarily those big singles."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Teenage Fanclub, The Goon Sax
"They're looking a bit older these days but ... have lost none of their natural simpatico."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Kurt Vile, Mick Turner
"The show soars despite little in the way of visual support."
Reviews / Arts
Luke Heggie: Rough Diamante (Brisbane Comedy Festival)
"Affably scathing blue collar philosophy with no punches pulled but plenty to love."
Reviews / Arts
Chris Wainhouse: Judged (Brisbane Comedy Festival)
"There are brilliant moments in this show, but the premise itself seems somehow awkward."
Features / Music
Heading Out Solo & "Dramatic Personal Experiences" In Old-Time Tunes
"I maybe touch their hearts and souls in a way that they hadn't expected with the words of a song".
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Hurray For The Riff Raff - The Navigator
"A cinematic masterwork in both scope and execution."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: The Blackeyed Susans - Close Your Eyes And See
"A strong and eclectic batch of atmospheric noir."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Grandaddy - Last Place
"A beautiful, laidback journey from start to finish."
Features / Arts
'American Idiot' Stars Chris Cheney & Phil Jamieson Learn They Might've Been Actors All Along
"While I do think that this acting caper is a stretch for the two of us, obviously, maybe it's not that much of a stretch."
Features / Music
On Creative Balance, Jamming With Mick Turner & Why Australians Are His 'Favourites'
"We did a little jamming in the studio, actually — me, Mick, [Dirty Three drummer] Jim White and Courtney Barnett, even."