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MELBOURNE JOINS ELEVEN CITIES WORLDWIDE TO PRESENT WORLD-FIRST VIRTUAL SCULPTURES CREATED BY NEW YORK ARTIST KAWS
Melbourne’s National Gallery of Victoria will join 11 iconic international sites, including The Louvre Pyramid in Paris, Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Brooklyn Museum in New York, and Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing, to unveil an augmented reality (AR) sculpture created by celebrated contemporary New York artist KAWS, from 13 to 27 March 2020.
EXPANDED HOLIDAY, a global art experience presenting monumental KAWS sculptures in 12 international locations, is produced in collaboration with Acute Art and KAWS.
Public sculptures will be located in Doha (MIA Park – Museum of Islamic Art), Qatar; Hong Kong, Statue Square; London, Millennium Bridge; Melbourne, National Gallery of Victoria; New York, Brooklyn Museum; New York, Times Square; Paris, The Louvre Pyramid; Sao Paulo, Ibirapuera Park; Seoul, Dongdaemun Design Plaza; Taipei, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall; Tanzania, Serengeti National Park; and Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing.
As part of this project, the NGV will provide access to KAWS’s monumental 10-metre long virtual sculpture in the NGV Garden. Depicting KAWS’s popular character, COMPANION, the AR sculpture will act as the starting point for the discovery of the range of KAWS’s works in his survey exhibition at the NGV.
EXPANDED HOLIDAY will demonstrate the enormous potential of AR technology, which provides virtual perspectives on real-world environments, and conveys KAWS’s mischievous humour through the juxtaposition of physical and virtual worlds.
These virtual sculptures will be accessible via the Acute Art app and can be experienced in conjunction with the NGV’s exclusive exhibition KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness, a comprehensive survey of 25 years of KAWS’s oeuvre and his largest solo survey to date. Full of humour, hope and humanity, the exhibition features more than 100 works including iconic paintings reappropriating pop-culture figures to more recent largescale, layered works, and an impressive collection of KAWS’s celebrated sculptural figures.
“It’s incredibly inspiring to be harnessing the potential of AR to bring my work to life in a virtual context,” said KAWS. “Creating public art using new technology opens up so many exciting possibilities where people can respond, experience and feel in a new way.”
“Melbourne and the NGV are joining some of the world’s most extraordinary locations in teaming up with KAWS and Acute Art to provide new and innovative ways of experiencing art that push the boundaries of what people consider an art experience” said Tony Ellwood AM, Director, National Gallery of Victoria.
About KAWS
KAWS engages audiences beyond the museums and galleries in which he regularly exhibits. His prolific body of work straddles the worlds of art and design to include paintings, murals, graphic and product design, street art, and large-scale sculptures. Over the last two decades KAWS has built a successful career with work that consistently shows his formal agility as an artist, as well as his underlying wit, irreverence, and affection for our times. His refined graphic language revitalises figuration with both big, bold gestures and playful intricacies.
KAWS often appropriates and draws inspiration from pop culture animations, forming a unique artistic vocabulary across mediums. Admired for his larger-than-life sculptures and hardedge paintings that emphasize line and colour, KAWS’s cast of hybrid cartoon characters are the strongest examples of his exploration of humanity. As seen in his collaborations with global brands, KAWS’s imagery possesses a sophisticated humour and reveals a thoughtful interplay with consumer products. With their broad appeal, KAWS’s artworks are highly sought-after by collectors inside and outside of the art world, establishing him as a uniquely prominent artist and influence in today’s culture.
KAWS has exhibited extensively in renowned institutions including solo exhibitions at — The National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Australia (2019); Fire Station, Qatar Museums, Doha, Qatar (2019); Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Michigan (2019); Contemporary Art Museum of St. Louis, Missouri (2017); Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, Texas (2016), which travelled to the Yuz Museum, Shanghai, China (2017); Yorkshire Sculpture Park and Longside Gallery, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom (2016); Brooklyn Museum, New York (2015); Centro de Arte Contemporáneo, Málaga, Spain (2014); Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art, Overland Park, Kansas (2013); Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, Philadelphia (2013); High Art Museum, Atlanta, Georgia (2011); and Aldrich Museum of Contemporary Art, Ridgefield, Connecticut (2011). He will be the subject of a major survey exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum in the spring of 2021.
About KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness
This exhibition is the largest survey to date of internationally celebrated contemporary artist KAWS and is exclusive to the NGV. Across more than 100 works including paintings and sculptural figures, KAWS engages with universal feelings of isolation and loneliness in response to the turbulent world we live in today. His larger-than-life sculptures are playful, toy-like figures, however at closer look, they reveal a fragility and darkness in the vulnerable poses of the characters. At the entrance to the exhibition, visitors can also experience the newly commissioned GONE 2019, which is currently KAWS’s largest bronze sculpture. Accompanying this exhibition is KAWS: PLAYTIME, a free kids’ exhibition filled with sensory rich activities inviting children to interact with KAWS’s iconic character BFF.
About Acute Art
Providing access to cutting-edge technologies, Acute Art is a production house fostering close working relationships with the world’s leading artists, including Marina Abramović, Olafur Eliasson, Cao Fei, Antony Gormley, Jeff Koons, and Nathalie Djurberg & Hans Berg. For more information visit the Acute Art website.
EXPANDED HOLIDAY is unveiled at the NGV from 13 to 27 March 2020. To experience the virtual sculptures, download the Acute Art app via the Apple Store and Google Play and simply point your phone at the designated areas.
KAWS: Companionship in the Age of Loneliness is on display until 13 April 2020 at NGV International, 180 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Australia. Tickets and information are available from the NGV website.
Social media
#KAWSNGV @ngvmelbourne @KAWS #KAWSxAcute #EXPANDEDHOLIDAY @acuteart_
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A.Swayze & the Ghosts have unleashed ‘Mess of Me’, a rollicking punk anthem that’s as fun and bold as their theatrical live shows. The track received its world premiere by Matt Wilkinson on Beats 1 and is accompanied by a groundhog-day inspired video, directed by Nick Green.
In further exciting news, A.Swayze & the Ghosts will embark on their first North American tour across April-May, including Shaky Knees festival as well as headline shows across the East & West Coast. Following the US, the band have announced a UK/EU run of shows, returning home in May for a three-night residency at the Old Bar (Melb), a three-night residency at The Grand Poobah (Hobart) and Big Pineapple (QLD).
Parallel to the sass and irresistible swagger of the track is a deep dive into the attitudes and habits we develop from childhood. Described in the words of frontman Andrew Swayze:
“This song discusses inheritance. Not the conventional heirloom, but the type of negative trait you may learn as a child voyeur of your surroundings. Hendrik brought the song to us with the chorus “you’re always trying to make a mess of me”. Since I don’t have any saboteur but myself, I changed his lyrics and wrote the rest around the new chorus.”
The Hobart natives have amassed a fierce live following thanks to their raw, bold and at times, wild shows – heightened by the notably charismatic and enigmatic lead singer, Andrew Swayze.
Over the last 18 months A.Swayze & the Ghosts have performed at Falls Festival, Splendour in the Grass, The Great Escape, BIGSOUND (in many ‘best of’ lists across STACK, triple j, Double J, The Music), A Festival Called Panama and Boogie Festival. As well as shows alongside Shame, Total Control, Nude Party, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, West Thebarton, Jet, The Vines, Batpiss & The Stems to name a few.
A.SWAYZE & THE GHOSTS
North American Tour
Sun Apr 26- Washington, DC – DC9
Mon Apr 27- Allston, MA – Great Scott
Wed Apr 29- Brooklyn, NY – Baby’s All Right
Thurs Apr 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy
Sat May 02 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees Music Festival
Tues May 05 – Los Angeles, CA – The Echo
Wed May 06 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom of the Hill
UK & Europe
Sat May 09 – Hamburg Germany, Molotow
Sun May 10 – Cologne Germany, MTC
Mon May 11 – Paris France, Le Pop Up
Tue May 12 – Lille France, Aeronef
Sat May 16 – Birmingham UK, The Sunflower Lounge
Sun May 17 – Leeds UK, Golden Sounds Festival
Tue May 19 – Glasgow UK, Broadcast
Wed May 20 – Manchester UK, Gullivers
Thu May 21 – London UK, Pinups
Australia
Wed May 27 – Melbourne, Old Bar
Thur May 28 – Melbourne, Old Bar
Fri May 28 – Melbourne, Old Bar
Wed June 3 – Hobart, The Grand Poobah (Kissing Room)
Thur June 4 – Hobart, The Grand Poobah (Kissing Room)
Fri June 5 – Hobart, The Grand Poobah (Kissing Room)
Sat May 30 – The Big Music Pineapple Festival
For all ticket information, head to www.aswayzeandtheghosts.com
LISTEN TO ‘MESS OF ME’ HERE
facebook.com/A.SwayzeandtheGhosts
Twitter @ASwayzeTas | Instagram @aswayzeandtheghosts
Orlando
Penned and produced in his bedroom, Orlando’s time is spent between London and a chocolate-box village in the heart of the Cotswolds. After a stunning debut with his December release ‘Sinking’ which is headed towards 50,000 streams, Nike’s and Dandelions is the perfect follow up.
Kaylon Hallman
Blinding My Vision is about focusing on that path to success and hitting your goals, something that Kaylon Hallman takes pride in. Kaylon Hallman’s 9-track project Evolve dropped on February 28th, and the project was produced by Samuel Smith, Kaylon Hallman, Quantae Johnson and Greg Edwards. Blinding My Vision is the last final track on the project, and it opens with 2019 release Want You Baby. The project will be self released by Kaylon Hallman’s label Holy Rollaz Entertainment.
Saint Lanvain
Saint Lanvain is back with his energy, contagious enthusiasm and spicy beats in his new single ‘Oh Bang! Bang! Bang’ that has made him known for being the creative genius in house music. Saint Lanvain has become a DJ that is known all across the club and festival scene where his talents in production are giving birth to massive tracks.
Harry Daniels
Returning with a glittering EP Into Words, Birmingham hailing Harry Daniels is back with a bang. Building on memorable singles Dear Elsie and Aim For The City, 51 switches from hard-hitting chorus lines to blissful intervals. The EP title track, Into Words, seems rooted in acoustic-folk whilst still maintaining much of the tasteful indie-rock features that has seen Harry rise to greater prominence.
Izzie Derry
Coventry born singer-songwriter Izzie Derry released her brand new EP titled ‘Take It From Me’ on the 23rd February 2020. The now Brighton based artist performed her first show at the age of 15 and was immediately offered a number of shows and festivals. Izzie has performed in venues all across the UK.
Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L.L
The Brooklyn born hip-hop artist Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L will drop a two-track double single on Valentines day 2020. The rapper, who hails from New York, began writing music as a form of self reflection and recognition, however, he is now fully embarked upon a mission of making solo career success. His atmospheric and ambivalent music paired with his bouncy and playful vocals caught the ears of people surrounding him, which has allowed him to develop a significant and organically grown following.
Mizbee
Reeling off the back of her heavy hitting single ‘Joy’, Mizbee is set to release the second single from her upcoming LP ‘Here I Am’, titled Stranger. Peppered with trip-hop magic with flowing narratives of teenage unrequited love, Mizbee’s sound is as accomplished as ever. Stranger is moody, gritty and eerier, opening like a Portishead record whilst retaining a singable quality.
Night Zero
The Essex based band NightZero released their latest track to add to the collection. The four piece band who are originally from East London, have carefully trimmed down a huge list of band songs to select the few to feature on the EP. The band takes many inspirations from household names such as Skillet, Smashing Pumpkins, Paramore and Foo Fighters, and pride themselves on their energetic and crowd pleasing performances. NightZero are known for their best known hits such as ‘Perfect Escape’ and this single ‘Pieces’.
Kiss My Super Bowl Ring, the fourth studio album from The Garden (Wyatt and Fletcher Shears) is out today via Epitaph Records. Though primarily self-produced, the album includes tracks co-produced by Dylan Brady, and Wharfwhit, along with tracks featuring Ariel Pink, Khalif Jones (aka Le1f) and even a snippet from Carrot Top.
Today, the duo unveils an intimate interview about the new record.
LISTEN TO KISS MY SUPER BOWL RING NOW
Southern California twin duo, The Garden have been carving their own path since their formation in 2011. Known musically for their fast, punk-influenced jungle and DnB styles, they have a total of four studio albums and four EPs under their name, including LPs The Life and Times of a Paperclip (2013), Haha (2015), and Mirror Might Steal Your Charm (2018), and Kiss My Super Bowl Ring (2020). Touring at a constant rate across the US, Europe, UK, China, Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Mexico since 2013, their show is a mix of aggressive, unpredictable and trickster-ish tendencies. Additionally, The Garden made their Coachella debut in 2019 with previous festival appearances at Camp Flog Gnaw, Sasquatch, Riot Fest, Concrete & Grass in Shanghai, Neon Desert, End of the Road Festival, Tropicalia, and more.
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The Under the Southern Stars spectacular Rock Carnival Festival Series has been postponed.
UTSS features +LIVE+, BUSH and
Under The Southern Stars promoter, Andrew McManus has issued the following statement.
Producing Under The Southern Stars music festivals each summer is a privilege and our fans and patrons have become part of the family. In light of the current global health crisis, we feel that it is imperative to protect the Under The Southern Stars family and proceed in a clear and calm manner.
We have been closely monitoring the situation as it develops and following directives from the Chief Medical Officer of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). With the increase of travel bans and lock downs, in an effort to stop transmission of the virus, and with the safety of our patrons, artists, staff and crew in mind we have no other alternative than to postpone our April 2020 festival tour dates.
We’ve been in consultation with all UTSS2020 artists in regard to their touring schedules and we plan to announce revised festival dates for Under The Southern Stars next week. It is expected that our festival will be postponed until February/March 2021.
All tickets already purchased will be valid for the new festival dates in 2021.
Go in rock and stay healthy.
Andrew McManus
Further information concerning rescheduled dates will be available in the coming days.
www.underthesouthernstars.com.
FOLLOW UTSS
Web | Facebook | Instagram
Live | Bush | STP
#UTSS2020
Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
I am based in Trail, a small town in the Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada. There’s a pretty good live music scene in Rossland and Nelson which are close to here! I can often sell out our Charles Bailey Theatre as I have a lot of home town support here! It’s fun!
How did you first start playing music?
I started singing at 8, but when I was 15, I started playing jam sessions at a local bar. The legal drinking age is 19, so I would wait outside for my turn to sing and then be escorted to the stage. For me, it was a great chance to learn how to connect with an audience through music.
What’s been happening recently?
Besides the time I’m spending promoting my new single, “Wait on Me”, I am a huge podcast nerd. Naturally, I released a podcast. It’s called “Wild Hearts” and you’ll find me chatting about the music business, health, fitness, self love, and lifestyle! You can listen to it on any of your favourite streaming platforms.
Your new single Wait On Me is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
This songwriting is influenced from my own journey of balancing a music career and my relationship back at home. The sound was influenced by the writers (Dave Pahanish and Jason Thomas – my guitar player of many years), the musicians and my producer, Jeff Johnson.
Jason played all the guitar parts to the song, while Jeff added a pop influence that fit in well with a new musical direction that I was eager to take.
How did you go about writing Wait On Me?
I wrote this down in Nashville in March of 2018 after I had moved there. Jason had accompanied me for our drive across Canada and into Nashville. Once we got there, we connected with Dave Pahanish, an amazing hit songwriter, and the song was a natural extension of my own personal and professional circumstances and artistic goals.
Where and when did you record/produce and who with?
This was the first song we recorded from my new album coming out, which is called “Where the Wild Hearts Beat”. We recorded the whole album in the beautiful Okanagan region of British Columbia last spring with Jeff Johnson.
How did you approach the recording/production process?
This song was probably the quickest to record because Jason and I have been playing it since we wrote it. We couldn’t not. It didn’t need any lyrical or melody changes. We started with a drum groove, acoustic guitar and a rough vocal. From there Jeff built the track and did the piano, bass and programming. He even got Travis Toy from Rascal Flatts to play the Banjo and Steel Guitar. To make it even more special I had my “band mom”, Tonnie Stewart sing all the background vocals on this one.
Please tell us about your experience with working with Jeff Johnson:
He’s the best. He worked me hard and we dug deep to get exactly what we wanted. He really took the time to get me into the right zone. Even pumped me up by doing push-ups one day in the studio, haha – He’s super comfortable to work with. But basically he’s a musical ninja.
How was your time living in Nashville?
I love Nashville. It was so good for me to spend that time writing and singing every day. It was the best way to hone in on and focus on my craft. I felt very at home there.
You recently sang on stage with Keith Urban, how did this come about? How has this experience affected you?
It came about when I asked him! haha – partially kidding. A few years ago, he was playing a pop up/word of mouth show that I knew about. I signed my CD to him in the line, called my family back home and told them I was planning to sing with him. Once the concert started, I made my way to front stage, waited for a quiet moment and asked him! It really literally was a dream come true. Not everyone can say they sang with one of the best male Country artists on the planet and I was fortunate to do it in Nashville of all places!
The experience affected me deeply as it inspired me to go back to Nashville to live a year later. Now with my new music, I feel more determined as a result of my own choices, but they wouldn’t have happened the way they did if I hadn’t had that moment of inspiration.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I love Miranda Lambert’s new album “Wild Card”, Maren Morris’ “Girl” and Taylor Swifts album “Lover”.
What do you like to do away from music?
I do Crossfit about 5 times a week, and also ride horses as often as possible – a couple of times a week if I can! I also love hiking and being outdoors!
Please tell us about your podcast ‘Wild Hearts’:
I really wanted to invite my fans in on a deeper level, open up and be more vulnerable and real. I thought what a better way then this! And I’m loving it! I am almost 15 weeks in and have talked about topics such as “How The Music Industry Can Make You Feel & 5 Reasons for A Hit Song” to “Peanut Butter, Crossfit And An Eating Disorder” and “How To Produce Your Own Music Video”.
What’s planned for 2020?
I’m so excited for this year! We are getting ready to hit the road in March for a Radio & PR tour throughout Canada. Of course, I will be continuing with the podcast and we will be releasing another single in time for summer. This is going to be a fun one! Throughout the summer, I will play various festivals and venues and by the time the fall comes around, we will be heading back out to Hamilton, Ontario for Canadian Country Music Week, and more shows. The album release will be after that, so stay tuned!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Oh my favorite food… I love Adams peanut butter and apples as a snack! Or blending a frozen banana with peanut butter – it’s like ice cream! Also when I feel like cheating, I love fish and chips!!
Favourite place to hang out, well.. I am a bit of an introvert. So I love being at home because I’m always out being social the rest of the time. BUT I do love going to the cutest town of Nelson BC about an hour away. It’s full of cute coffee shops, boutique shops and great restaurants. It’s fun to restaurant and bar hop and try different food with friends!
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NEW SINGLE OUT NOW
Dave Ruby Howe, triple j Unearthed“This is exceptionally good. 4.5/5”
Claire Mooney, triple j Unearthed
After wrapping up his End Of Summer Tour last week, rising Australian singer-songwriter Jack Botts has revealed new headline dates kicking off in April. The tour will support his new single ‘I’ve Got You‘, which has already landed the praise of triple j Unearthed rotation and triple j’s Home & Hosed.
It comes after a whirlwind response to his 2019 Northern Rivers EP, which has already picked up over three quarters of a million streams and launched Jack onto stages supporting the likes of Tash Sultana, John Floreani and Ash Grunwald. Meanwhile, Botts was also recently announced support slot for none other than Pierce Brothers on their extensive regional run.
The I’ve Got You Australian East Coast Tour will be supported by Felipe Baldomir and Ben Camden, with tickets on sale now.
“Lyrically, it’s written from his perspective, with the desperation and hope, that he’ll get back in contact with these people again,” he explains. “It’s about being in that state of mind where nothing else matters, you know what you want/need, staying positive, and not stopping until you get it. This is for anyone missing someone/something.”
Brandishing a no-frills, down-to-earth approach to life and a charming knack for storytelling, Botts has swiftly and organically build a fanbase with little infrastructure behind him. Deep-thinking, heart-string-pulling and utterly endearing, Jack Botts is a breath of fresh air poised to command widespread attention before too long.
Find a full list of Jack Botts’ I’ve Got You Tour dates below, with tickets available HERE.
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House master Saint Lanvain is back with his first single in 2020, titled Oh Bang! Bang! Bang! Packed with contagious rhythms and spicy beats, the track is the perfect floor filler for party lovers. Having already landed huge festival spots at Solidays, Les Plages électroniques and Virgin Radio Electroshock. Listen to Oh Bang! Bang! Bang! Here.
Saint Lanvain says “Oh Bang! Bang! Bang! Is all about life change”, however we’re thankful that he hasn’t changed his style of dancible deep-house. Having hit two million streams for ‘Jesus Loves Me’, it’s clear that Saint Lanvain has a huge and loyal following.
Make sure to add this to your playlists, it’s not to be missed!
The Temper Trap’s Jonny Aherne has announced a new solo project called Shacks & Palaces and released his debut single ‘Once Upon A Hilltop’ alongside an official video. Billboard premiered this first taste of Shacks & Palaces, saying “The visual for ‘Once Upon a Hilltop’ stars The Temper Trap bassist’s own kids, Stella and Jesse, dressed in whimsical bird costumes as they explore Brooklyn with their dad. “One!/ Once upon a hilltop/ Two!/ It’s one for you, it’s one for me/ Three!/ Three times we both got lost/ Lookin’ at the sun/ Lookin’ at what’s to come,” Aherne croons on the track’s folk-inspired chorus.”
The Australian-born, Brooklyn-based artist creates upbeat, folk-informed indie pop, sparkling with likenesses to eclectic icons from The Flaming Lips to Modest Mouse. His music ranges from infectious to truly exaltant, a blissful blend of bouncing melodies, boomerang hooks and colorful production. Aherne’s voice — a jubilant, stony sort of roar — is recognizable from his contributions to the mid-aughts sensation, but here, rings absolutely reckless with spirit.
Aherne says, “The song started with a challenge to write about something beautiful. Love, adventure, and imagination became the parameters of its creation. At times I felt like a kid as I wrote this song, letting go of adulthood complexities and embracing the wild childlike hope lands that still dwell in me.”
The video appropriately stars Aherne’s own young children, who dance their way through everyday experiences — going out for pizza, exploring the neighborhoods of Brooklyn, playing in the park. This spirit of innocent bliss and childlike wonder recurs throughout Aherne’s offerings, lifting Shacks & Palaces from the increasingly dark, apocalyptic themes occupying much of pop, and letting it shine as something relatable, inspiring, and sincere.