EMELINE SHARES PROPULSIVE NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘EMOTIONAL VIRGIN’
A propulsive, vulnerable and sharply modern (yet classic) love song, today Los Angeles-via-Rhode Island artist, songwriter and producer EMELINEunveils Emotional Virgin, forging a glossy and sonically vibrant aesthetic into both the anthemic track and its evocative accompanying music video, with the Emotional Virgin also marking her first ever ode to love.
Buoyed by lush instrumentals and driving beats, Emotional Virgin dazzles alongside EMELINE’s crystalline vocals, nodding to stylistic hues of Madonna, Cyndi Lauper and Prince, while also intimately capturing the blissful innocence and excitement of falling in love for the first time. “A lot of my legacy as an artist has been about my past and liberating myself from the pain I’ve been through,” shares EMELINE. “With this song, I am feeling real love for the first time. I am feeling just like a kid with a crush, shocked with the way someone is looking at me with such sweetness in their eyes. Being an “emotional” virgin is about feeling real love for the first time, and I’m really happy to share with my fans that I’ve gotten there. I hope you love my very first love song.”
Working alongside producer Peter Thomas, EMELINE co-wrote Emotional Virgin with Peter as well as Sarah “Solly” Solovay and Sean Kennedy, with mixing by Victor Verpillat, and mastering by Dale Becker and Katie Harvey. And devising the accompanying music video’s concept and creative direction entirely herself, spurred by some sharp visual ideas from day one, EMELINE teamed up with Paige Strabala who co-directed and co-edited the vibrant and ultimately transcendent clip. “Paige is such an incredible creative who puts her all into the art she makes,” says EMELINE.“It’s beautiful when everyone involved cares the same amount, you can make anything happen.”
“I have a super visual mind and pictured the colors/visuals as I wrote the song,” EMELINE adds. “I wanted to bring a camp-y feeling 80’s pop-star blowing in the wind mixed with a bit of rocky horror. I have a “hands on me” theme with my project and a classic black and red color theme. I wanted to express the vulnerability that it feels to have a crush. It feels other worldly, like you’re in your own dimension. I wanted to express be the pop-star version of what my heart feels like when I’m truly falling for someone.”
With nearly 1 billion global streams under her belt, sold-out shows centred around female empowerment and a legion of fans around the world, EMELINE has rapidly become one of the most provocative and powerful new voices in pop. An entirely hands-on creative, writing, producing and directing every aspect of her artistic universe, EMELINE has become renowned for her spellbinding vocals and fearless, feminist perspective, first turning heads via her 2017 performance at the Women’s March. Since then, her strident yet insightful output, cinematic music videos and burgeoning social media presence has continued to flourish, leading to the release of her debut 2025 EP, the devil on my bra strap, which released in May this year to widespread acclaim. Ticking off major editorial support, a coveted co-sign from Elton John on Apple Music’s ‘Rocket Hour’, and securing a spot as a featured artist for YouTube Music PRIDE, EMELINE has also previously had her music featured in hit series on Apple TV and Netflix, received airplay on domestic and international radio, and achieved RIAA Gold certification.
A pop powerhouse in every sense of the word, equal parts bold, blunt, ethereal and proudly feminine, EMELINE’s creative reach also extends well into to Australia, and continually treats her fans worldwide to ongoing creative Easter eggs and pure passion poured into every facet of her work.
“I am a deep feeler and a deep thinker,” EMELINE reveals. “I love putting my all into my work and attracting intellectual fans who can obsess over little details and lyrics the way that I do for the art that I love and consume. Being an artist was never a choice for me, I’ve been one since before I could remember. I feel really lucky that I’ve always known my purpose. And I’ve been able to grow that love into something bigger than I could’ve imagined… healing myself and others.”
“I also think Australia is full of tastemakers,” EMELINE adds, “and I cannot wait to tour there one day soon.”
Recently releasing the single PORN STAR, and with a follow up debut album slated for release in 2026, EMELINE continues to wow with her sound, embracing the glamour and drama of ABBA, Queen and Madonna with a raw, modern-day honesty. But before the arrival of her forthcoming album, fans can devour EMELINE’s latest sonic charmer, Emotional Virgin.
“It feels cathartic to be releasing Emotional Virgin,” shares EMELINE. “This project has been close to my chest for a long time and I got to make it with such a tight knit crew. I am more than ready to jump into this new era and my debut album head first.”
Emotional Virgin is out today.
THE SEED FUND RETURNS WITH ESTEEMED MUSIC MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP FOR 2026
“Life changing, soul shaking, awe inspiring – you come in one human and leave as another with 30+ other humans by your side.”
– Jamila Grace – GRXCE, Kitschen Boy, Salary Men
“The Seed workshop was a formative experience that reshaped my understanding of what it means to be an efficient, empathetic, and successful artist manager—teaching me that true leadership in this role lies in balancing strategic thinking with deep emotional intelligence and unwavering support for the artist’s vision.”
– Chris Bettiol – Telenova, George Alice, Edward Quinn
“This workshop was a total game-changer. It cracked me open and gave me a whole new perspective on my music career, helping me develop the tools, mindset, and connections to approach the business side with the same creativity and clarity I bring to my songwriting.”
– Joe Mungovan – self-managed artist
“The Seed is an intensive music industry survival skills program that embodies the spirit of sharing, generosity, vulnerability and resource swapping. It shows by example that we are better together, and instills a sense of common purpose and connection in a notoriously siloed industry. I wish I could do it every year.”
– Tyler McLoughlin – Bobby Alu
“Working in the music industry can be an incredibly isolating experience. The seed fund provides a critical avenue for us as self-managed artists to build connection and community to fracture this isolation.”
– Charlotte LeLievre – self-managed artist
Powerfully advocating for artists and managers, The Seed Fund has become a cornerstone in the contemporary music landscape. Starting life in 2005, The Seed Fund, spearheaded by directors John Butler and Danielle Caruana and managing director Stacia Goninon, has spent decades raising vital funds and advocating for the artistic community; and today, The Seed Fund is proud to announce another round of its flagship Management Workshop Program once again in 2026.
Applications for The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop will open this Friday, the 19th September fromhttps://www.theseedfund.org/management, and will close on Friday 31st October.
Created by artists for artists, The Seed Fund Management Workshop Program began in 2006 as a way to bring emerging artist managers and self-managed artists together with industry leaders to share resources and impart wisdom, creating new national networks.
The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop Program is a NSW based, national professional development training for up to 35 emerging managers and self-managed artists. The program is holistically designed; a 5 day workshop immersion, followed by 12 months of mentoring. Participants develop interstate and territory networks with alumni, peers and industry leaders and practical skills to propel their careers.
The Seed Fund has shown an unwavering dedication to shaping the industry through practical, peer driven support and importantly, is the only national management program catering to self-managed artists. Over the space of 19 years, The Seed Fund has delivered 13 management workshop programs, kickstarting a horde of careers along the way, marking a triumphant return in 2025 following a hiatus against the pandemic years.
“It was amazing to be back in 2025,” shares managing director Stacia Goninon. “From the applications opening to the workshop we felt the surge of what was out there waiting for us. It was nice to be able to feel that even after a break we could just pick up where we left off.”
“I think what COVID offered was a chance to really reflect on how we spend our time and energy,” Stacia continues. “So, deciding to bring the program back was a decision we did not take lightly at all. I think our workshop intensive in 2025 was the best yet. I would expect them to get better every time we delivery them (or why bother right?), but there was a level of commitment and intentionality in the cohort that felt particularly alive, the program was sharp, our delivery is always improving and we have no doubts about who we are, what we are doing, why we are doing and where we fit and serve in the eco system of the industry and music community.”
Spanning some of the biggest behind-the-scenes names in the Australian music industry, The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop Program alumni includes Katy Steele, Van Picken, Andrew Stone, Jen Cloher, Jodie Regan, Luke Girgis, Maggie Collins, Fred Leone, Jake Mason, Melody Forghani, Anthony Zaccaria, Monique Rothstein, Scott Mesiti, Leah Flanagan, Jess Beston, Katie Besgrove, Nick Lynagh, Rick Chazan, Nicole BZ, Rowan Brand and many more.
“The workshop really is an intensive, there’s no doubt about that, the fact that we get to take people away from their everyday lives and put them in a room with others who are on similar but distinct paths really reminds them that they are not alone…they get to build an instant community,” says Stacia.
“It is an example of who we can be as a community, shown in real time. It is model making of how we are better as a collective than a bunch of competing individuals. It capitalises on our most important assets – the energy of our shared passion for music and the innate generosity of us as a collective of professionals,” adds Danielle.
“Watching the cohorts all become their own network and then finding ways to support and uplift each other is my favourite light bulb moment, the moment where they have the – aha…I thought I was coming here for me.. but this is an “us” situation,” shares Danielle.
With over 300 managers and self-funded artists coming through the program since its inception, and the distribution of over $1.8 million dollars through grants and initiatives, The Seed Fund’s legacy is only set to grow with its 2026 iconic Management Workshop Program return, fostering and invigorating the future of the music industry, and bringing together like-minded yet silo-ed individuals into a thriving eco-system.
“To me – magic is the first word I always use when telling people about the workshops,” says Danielle. “And The Seed Fund is a collective effort. We are constantly surprised at the alchemy when you intentionally bring people together.
“The thing I love the most is the legacy of connection,” Stacia concludes. “Every time I see a festival line up, or I go to a music conference I can spot seed alumni (and speakers) all over the place, and more so, they spot each other. I’m at BIGSOUND right now and ran into two people who were at the first ever workshop in 2006, it’s a very humbling legacy! So the fact that we are able to keep growing this community is so special and important to our values as an organisation.”
Applications for The Seed Fund’s Management Workshop are open now from https://www.theseedfund.org/management, and will close on Friday 31st October.
The Seed fund thanks Sound NSW for their support.
For more information, visit https://www.theseedfund.org/
NORTH GONG HOTEL ANNOUNCES STACKED LINEUP FOR 2025/2026 NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA
The Gong’s biggest New Year’s Eve party is back to bid farewell to 2025 and kick off 2026 in unforgettable fashion, with the North Gong Hotel NYEextravaganza ready to ring in the new year at its annual home, the North Wollongong Hotel. Boasting three stages, pop up bars and foods, DJs and all the entertainment you need to make it a night to remember, this year’s event also boasts a stacked lineup, with performances from Chillinit, The Terrys, RedHook, Switch Disco and more.
Tickets for North Gong Hotel NYE will go on sale to the general public on Friday 12 September at 10am AEST from https://bit.ly/4pdwWoD.
“This event is the ultimate party at North Gong,” enthuses North Gong Hotel manager Josh Hill. “Every year for the New Year’s Eve, we create a massive festival vibe at the pub, we bring in stages and massive production, and book a rad music lineup. This year we’ll have pop up food and bars, three stages, a bunch of DJs, and we’re hyped to have Chillinit, The Terrys and RedHook joining us. What more fun could you want to celebrate NYE in Wollongong?!”
Hailing from Sydney, rap icon Chillinit catapulted from Western Sydney’s grime and drill scene into a multi-Platinum artist following the release of his debut full-length, 2018’s Women Weed & Wordplay. Armed with his trademark rapid-fire flow, raw authenticity and unwavering independent spirit, Chillinit is now in command of hundreds of millions of streams, four studio albums, including 2021’s ARIA Award-nominated Family Ties, and a reputation for igniting stages at the likes of Splendour In The Grass, This That Festival, Wildlands and beyond. A force to be reckoned with and an artist extremely fluent in setting the vibe onstage and off, Chillinit will be ready to take you into 2026 soundtracked by some new and old fan-faves at the North Gong this New Year’s!
“There’s nowhere like Wollongong when it comes to the 420fam, it’s like my second home,” beams Chillinit, “I’ve always felt the love so what better news to announce I’m COMING BACK again for a huge NYE party alongside the Terrys and more. Let’s bring in the New Year with some big energy and good vibes, let’s see the whole fam travel out, I already know some of y’all gonna be coming from everywhere.”
Forming in 2020, indie rockers The Terrys evolved from a shared trailer house during the pandemic to storming the Aussie scene with their catchy hooks, raw lyricism and endless buoyant energy. Channelling their coastal Gerringong roots into their effervescent creations, The Terrys also fuse their mantra “Don’t think. Just do. And go with your heart” into tracks like Our Paradise, Pesos and Penny, with the group also ticking off three songs featuring in triple j’s iconic Hottest 100, multiple chart successes at home and abroad, and most recently in 2025 enamouring with their third self-titled studio album. Taking audiences on a journey of self-discovery and celebration in a live setting, prepare for pure immersive joy from The Terrys when the hit North Gong’s NYE party this December.
A band eternally defiant of genre confines, expectations and limitations, Sydney’s RedHook are undeniably one of the most exciting modern acts on the scene, both at home and on a global scale. With 35 million streams and counting, touring with the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins, Stand Atlantic, Sevendust and countless others, and a penchant for infectious hooks, razor-sharp delivery and powerfully authentic lyrics, RedHook’s sweltering live show reputation has also seen them in demand at some of the biggest stages on earth, from Germany’s Rock Am Ring and Rock Im Park, Download UK and, closer to home, at Good Things Festival and Groovin The Moo. If you thought bubbles and blood onstage don’t mix, think again; RedHook are precisely what the live music doctor ordered.
“The Gong has always held a special place in our hearts and we are so beyond pumped to get to ring in the New Year at the North Gong Hotel on this absolutely off chops pub fezzy lineup!” enthused RedHook vocalist Emmy Mack. “Vibes are gonna be through the roof and it’ll be extra bloody special to have a ‘Soju’ singalong with our OG choir from the mighty Illawarra.”
The UK’s Switch Disco forged a career from mashup virality, establishing themselves as a DJ/producer duo who are in demand internationally thanks to their forward-thinking blends serving up past, present and future club anthems. They exploded on SoundCloud from their mashup of Bicep “Glue” and Nelly Furtado “Say It Right” which has more than 9 million plays on the platform. Their originals combine influences to create timeless dance classics, as seen by their current single Hideaway featuring Tones & I. The duo sampled Robert Miles’ “Children” in the studio with Ella Henderson to create their platinum record “REACT“; with over 200 million streams, it also earned a nomination for ‘Song of the Year’ at the 2024 BRIT Awards. And off the back of a 21-week Ibiza residency and multiple weekly shows across Europe and the US, Wollongong sure has landed on its feet, because North Gong Hotel is next up on their agenda!
“We’re beyond excited to return to Australia for our third tour!” said Switch Disco. “It’s been a year since our last visit, and we’ve been working on so much new music that we can’t wait to share. Aussie crowds always have this unmatched energy – every show feels electric – so we’re counting down the days until we’re back on stage for you!”
Swiftly becoming one of Wollongong’s hottest live music calendar events, North Gong Hotel NYE’s previous editions has seen the likes of Hockey Dad, Mallrat, Mansionair and Set Mo in 2023, while last year’s event boasted Cub Sport, The Vanns and Bag Raiders. With your food, drink and entertainment sorted under the picturesque lights of North Gong Hotel’s iconic glowing tree, surrounded by friends, good tunes and good times – there’s no better place to be this New Year’s Eve. Grab your tickets and come and start 2026 off with a bang!
Tickets for North Gong Hotel NYE will go on-sale to the general public on Friday 12 September at 10am AEST from https://bit.ly/4pdwWoD.
NORTH GONG HOTEL NYE:
WED 31 DEC | NORTH WOLLONGONG HOTEL, WOLLONGONG NSW | 18+
Tickets available from https://bit.ly/4pdwWoD