This is part three of a six-part series on the year in indie Aussie music. 

Country, folk, and melancholy pop are three well-loved genres in Australia, and there was plenty of it to choose from in 2025!

On the sad pop scene, we saw Darcie Haven release Angel of the Apocalypse, an EP showcasing her intimate dear-diary approach to songwriting. Lottie McLeod had a stand-out with her reflective EP Bug, and chloe: the brand released three brilliant singles in SPILL, Nosedive, and London.

chloe: the brand

Country music saw some classic releases, including a cracking debut album from Sandee Facy with Chasing Clarity, and the delightful pairing of Henry Wagons and Queenie on Queenie & Hank, a collection of originals and covers.

Australian/Canadian duo Minor Gold hit on the ultimate folk and country blend with their album Way To The Sun (and a special mention must go to the ripper title track), while Favourite Kid burst onto the scene with 2 Cents Journal, a catchy country pop album.

Favourite Kid (image: Leeroy Todd)

There were plenty of great folk releases this year, but we're highlighting the deeply introspective album Severe Clear from Emily Ulman, who's been prolific this year, as well as Josh Rennie-Hynes' eighth studio album, the honest and warm Stars in the Southern Sky.

Josh Rennie-Hynes

HAVE A LISTEN!

There were heaps of fantastic releases this year, but we've made it easy for you to check out the year's top country, folk and sad pop tracks!

Find all our favourite folk and country tracks of the year on our TAKE HEART! playlist.

Check out all our fave melancholy pop tracks of the year on our FALL APART! playlist.

Who knows, you might find some tracks to include when you vote in the HOMEGROWN HUNDRED (voting is open until Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - vote for your fave Aussie artists now!)