New Signs Of Life, the new studio album from Sydney now Los Angeles band Death Bells, is out now on Dais Records.
Death Bells is the longtime musical collaboration between Will Canning and Remy Veselis. Formed in 2015 during their late adolescent years in Sydney, Australia, the act has proven to be a mainstay in the alternative underground musical landscape both in their homeland and overseas during their five-year history. Blurring the lines of post-punk and garage rock, Death Bells has morphed and transformed as the two members have grown up throughout their late teenage years living together into early adulthood. With Canning’s distinctive baritone and the kinetic collection of reverb-drenched leads by Veselis being a constant during their musical output, the two made the permanent move 7,000 miles away to Los Angeles, California in 2018 where the current incarnation of Death Bells has blossomed.
Following the releases of their debut E.P, much-loved first album, and seven-inch single on Funeral Party Records and their 2019 single on Metropolitan Indian, Death Bells have joined the Dais Records family for their highly anticipated sophomore album New Signs of Life. Three years in the making, the release sees the act embrace their diverse tastes to deliver unforgettable hooks and more expansive sounds across its nine graceful songs.
Engineered and mixed under the attentive eye of Colin Knight at Paradise Studios throughout mid-to-late 2019, New Signs of Life is the band’s most complete work to date. Along with classic Death Bells brooding romanticism, the themes of the record divulge personal insight into their move across the world and both the strained and new relationships that have materialised throughout their existence. Slated for release on September 25th, New Signs of Life is as advertised – it is the career-defining new chapter to commence the new decade.
New Signs Of Life, the bands sophomore album, is definitely one of the most polished post-punk records you will hear this year.
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It’s been a tough year for many, and with over six months since Novel’s last event, it’s been a quiet one too. The agency, known for high-quality productions like B3 @ Marvel Stadium, Let Them Eat Cake @ Werribee Mansion and Pitch Music & Arts Festival, is waiting patiently like most other businesses to finally put up the ‘Doors Open’ sign.
As we start to see some light at the end of the tunnel, everyone can share in the small comfort that, at least, we are all in this together, a sentiment shared by Novel Director Daniel Teuma: ‘Without a doubt, for many, myself included, this has been a challenging year. Who knows what the other side will look like – but the silver lining here is that there is an ‘other’ side. We are choosing to focus on that.’
And by that he is referring to Novel’s first physical event launch since the start of the pandemic – a promising prospect set to open their 2021 account with a bang. The event will see the return of flagship series smalltown, a brand they roll out for top tier international dance acts including DJ KOZE, Nina Kraviz and Stephen Bodzin. The series is also known for conceptualising and utilising diverse and interesting locations, which in the past have included spaces like Caulfield Racecourse and St. Kilda Foreshore. ‘For our first event back we have secured a 5000 plus capacity inner-city location that has never been used before. It’s a location we’ve been working since before COVID.’ For now, however, Novel will announce the event at a later date. Why? ‘We like to build anticipation’, he says calmly before showing us a cheeky smile.
What we can parse out of him is that the location is in an industrial area and has acres of space. More importantly, its almost secluded location will ensure that sound restrictions will be a virtual non-problem. And that will be music to the ears of ticket holders – and the Full Throttle Entertainment team responsible for overseeing and installing their crisp Funktion-One Soundsystem.
So who will play at it? The headliner will be Maceo Plex who will be Ben Klock, who will make his first Australian appearance in two years. There can be no doubt that he is a Melbourne favourite, and you would be hard-pressed to find anyone who does not agree on his techno pedigree. Ben Klock would be worth the price of admission alone. Still, Teuma promises more announcements down the track: ‘We have more international artists lined up which we will announce over the next couple of months.’
Ben Klock (GER)
A fixture in Resident Advisor’s top-10 DJs for the best part of a decade, Ben Klock needs little introduction. Having become a Berghain resident in 2005, he has since established himself at the forefront of Berlin’s modern techno movement, an ever-present symbol of the city’s vast musical landscape. His long-standing relationship with the notorious techno institution has formed the backdrop to his success, providing an invaluable platform that has allowed him to become one of the most in-demand DJ-producers of his generation. Soundcloud
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Where are you currently based?
The sleepy town of Kurnell, New South Wales Australia.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
Covid was pretty tough on us financially as we all had our jobs put on hold. Creatively though it really forced us to finish off the album we had been recording at my place intermittently over the past year. We live together so it made it easy to knuckle down and put time into the recording and mixing process.
How did you first start playing music?
I first started playing the trumpet when I was about 4, haha. I picked up a guitar at the start of high school and haven’t looked back. We’ve all been a part of many bands growing up and all have metal backgrounds so playing the style we are now is really refreshing.
How did Beyond The Willows form?
Beyond the Willows formed after Matty (guitar) actually approached me to record a song for him. He was cousins with one of my best mates Harry who was hanging out with us during the recording process and we ended up having a jam afterwards.
We got on really well and the rest was history. We have had a few line-up changes since then but our current line up; Matt Joyce (guitar), Mitch Coelho (bass) and Liam Newman(drums) has been the driving force along with myself in putting this album together.
Your new single ‘Into The Sun’ is out now, what or who influenced the sound and songwriting?
Into the Sun is a song I wrote just under 3 years ago after I lost my best mate in a tragic accident. It had been stowed away for a long time and we decided to bring it out for this album at the last minute. We have a lot of blues and country influence in our earlier songs. Keeping it acoustic but still at a rock tempo just made it a lot more fun to play and kept the vibe of the song more positive than your traditional blues sound.
How did you go about writing Into The Sun?
Matt brought the music to me one day pretty much complete minus a few sections and we worked on it with some lyrics I had been writing at the time. It came together really quickly.
How did you come to work with Ruby Fields and how was the experience?
Ruby is one of my best friends and had previously released the song ‘Conny’ on her last EP. She had asked me to play the guitars on that song as it is about the same friend of ours. As soon as we started recording the song I wanted Ruby to be a part of our song as well as he meant so much to both of us.
Where and when did you record/produce?
We recorded and mixed the whole album in my house. It was a fun experience doing it all ourselves, Daniel Antix at Def Wolf Studio then mastered the record for us.
How did you approach the recording process?
Most of the songs I had recorded demo’s for with midi drums so they were pretty much complete tracks. We then started from the ground up and re-recorded each section again getting everything perfect. It’s a longer process doing everything twice but it just gave us the opportunity to really listen to each song and make any structural changes before we were too far down the rabbit hole.
What programs/instruments did you use?
I use Pro Tools and a UAD rig for recording. We play a selection of Gibson and Fender Guitars through Fender and Orange amps. Liam has a pretty nice custom Pearl kit and way too many Cymbals.
You have an album on the way, please tell about the creative process and a little idea of what we can expect:
The album is quite a bit heavier than any of our previous releases. We still have kept our roots however there is a heavy doom and psych influence throughout the album.
What do you like to do away from music?
We all live by the beach so surfing is our main hobby aside from music, besides Matt he’s pretty good at rock climbing and sinking beers though.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
All Them Witches new album has been on repeat the last few weeks for me, I can’t fault a song on that. We all have pretty heavy taste between us so a lot of Polaris and bands like Witch, Graveyard etc. Ruby’s latest release Pretty Grim is epic too.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
Having plans in 2020 is almost laughable hey, I’m done with trying to plan anything and just taking each month as it comes. We are hopefully going to tour this record in Summer though! Fingers crossed Covid chills out.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
Kurnell Rec Club and the internal Chinese restaurant is where you’ll find us most of the time.
Into the Sun Single Launch
Brass Monkey, Cronulla Wednesday 30th September and Thursday 1st of October – both sold out.
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/beyondthewillowsband
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/beyondthewillowsband/
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JaEpPwtQyyu7ciAK3YTtY
What’s been happening in the last couple of months?
Lachlan: in the last couple of months we’ve been doing plenty of song writing for our next album, planning the year to come and recording for a special release in Christmas!! We also just released our new single Woodstock69.
Your new single Woodstock69 is out now, please tell us about the influences and songwriting process?
Sarah: I wrote this song over in Nashville as an ode to one of the most iconic music festivals of all time and generally, that era in music which we love so much. We grew up listening to all of that music from the 60s and 70s and it’s had such a big impact on us as a band and as people. I wanted to write a song on our debut album that spoke to that influence and love we have for that music.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
Lachlan: we recorded, produced and mastered everything over in Nashville Tennessee with the legendary Chad Carlson, it was an insane experience to say the least and we’re all over the moon with how everything turned out. We’ve also been doing alot of recording in my home studio while working with Chad Carlson remotely in Nashville for an up and coming release this Christmas.
The video clip was directed by Molly Buckley at Chris Murphy’s property, Sugar Beach Ranch. Please tell us about how the film clip concept came about and the special meaning that this clip has to you in particular:
Molly: Creating and directing the Woodstock69 music video was such an incredible journey/ experience and to also be able to film it on Chris Murphy‘s property ‘Sugar Beach Ranch’ gives the music video such a deeper meaning.
The music industry has dealt with so many losses these past couple years and still continues to, so when coming up with the initial concept for the video I was exploring how I wanted to visually communicate the song in a time when the lyrics couldn’t seem more prevalent and real.
‘Woodstock69’ has so much more meaning to me after this experience. I realised it’s representing everything we have all been so greatly missing – live music, festivals, singing crowds, dancing feet, and peace.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the film clip?
Molly: I can’t think of anything that was the most challenging, especially since I absolutely loved every twist and turn that came with the creation of this clip. There’s so much knowledge and growth that comes with the challenges I was facing with editing, or the day of filming and making sure everything was lined up etc. The most rewarding part was probably overcoming any challenges that came my way, also proving to myself that I could make a music video from start to finish was an awesome feeling.
Sarah Buckley recently won the APRA development award, how did this come about and what does it mean to you?
Sarah: To be recognised by APRA and winning the Professional Development Award is such an honour for me as a songwriter. I applied for this award many months ago and to be honest, when applying for awards like this I often end up forgetting about it because I don’t think anything will come of it or that I’ll win but it’s always worth a shot! When I found out I won it was so unbelievably exciting and unexpected and I just feel so thankful to be recognised as a songwriter by such a prestigious organisation as APRA.
You’re playing Bluesfest next year and will be playing live shows as soon as lockdown is over, how has not being able to play live affected the band?
Molly: It’s been really really hard not being able to play live shows. We miss being on the road, the adventure, the people and the atmosphere of a live show… everything! We couldn’t be more excited for our upcoming gigs!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Lachlan: I’ve been listening to a lot of Allman brothers band and A Tribe Called Quest. Those two groups have some of my favourite music in the entire world!
What’s planned for the next few months?
Sarah: Well it’s the Christmas season and we’re very excited to be releasing our very first Christmas track! I think people will be really surprised by what’s coming and we’re excited for them to hear it… Christmas like you’ve never heard it before!
Where are you currently based?
Patrick: I’m up in Vancouver right now and Mike is down near San Diego.
Mike: We haven’t been able to play and had various shows cancelled and that’s been a real bummer. But, we found our new label Pet Shop Records during this time and we have been very happy with them. We just released our first single “Eyeliner” through them along with a music video we made using, of course, eyeliner (MAC brand if it must be known, but we are happy to be won over by other brands if they would prefer us using their eyeliner). All in all I think we have been pretty fortunate during the covid experience, we haven’t had any friends or family fall ill although I swear I had it in January when we were recording, and we have been able to work tons on new material, which is always a blessing when you are given time for that.
Patrick: I had begun emailing back and forth with Mike in 2016, and after being pen-pals for a while we decided to meet up. We had a lot of similar music tastes and were enjoying the music each other was putting out at the time, so I flew him up here in 2018 and we spent a month writing and listening to lots of the Smiths and Depeche Mode.
Patrick: I was listening to a lot of electronic music and pop on our last EP, but for this song and a few I wrote around the same time I was really into some of the glam music from the 80s and a lot of 90s grunge that I grew up on. Weezer and The Offspring were big for me, and some new bands like Paerish and my friend Marshall’s band Teenage Wrist.
Patrick: Lyrically, it’s about a time where I was at rock bottom in life, and at one point literally sleeping at people’s houses just so I didn’t have to sleep in my car.
Patrick: We recorded some tracks back in January, luckily before the pandemic happened, up here in Vancouver at Park Sound Studio with our pal Dan Ponich. It was mixed by Josh Tyrell and produced by ourselves with some help from Skip Curtis who runs the label we’re on.
Patrick: It was really cool, since Mike and I are best friends and speak the same language musically we breeze through tracking. On our last EP, Mike’s drummer from the Bravery, Anthony Burulcich, played drums and Marshall Gallagher played guitar. This time, we decided to take it as a two-piece, and I played drums, guitar, synths etc which I hadn’t done for almost 5 years before this. But it was a really cool production idea, because my drumming was a lot more raw and unrehearsed and I think complemented the songs really nicely.
Mike: Alfred Aholo Apaka (the voice of Hawaii) soothing tunes to help escape the hectic world.
Mike: Surf, doodle and meditate in isolated places
Mike: Favorite food is definitely Phó with a Twizzler desert. The Library is always a cool hang because you don’t have to think of anything to say.
Where are you currently based?
I am currently based in the hinterlands of the Gold Coast. 🙂
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
To be honest, it hasn’t changed a whole lot for me.. I’ve been teaching the same amount and have been working on writing and recording some new tunes in the background.
How did you first start playing music?
My mother caught me singing around the house (and everywhere I went) when I was about 9 and booked in a singing lesson for me. I’ve never looked back since. ? I fell in love with playing the piano, flute, cello, and started writing songs in Grade 10 after borrowing a guitar from my work experience week working at a primary school.
Your new single ‘DNM’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Ah – for a long time (probably since I started writing). I always really wanted to write a pop song – the best pop song that I could ever write. I’ve played in bands all throughout university and after I realised that I wanted to be a solo artist and pursue writing the ‘best songs’ that I could write.
In the recent year, I’ve been wanting to challenge myself and try to write the catchiest, strongest pop song I can write. DNM was one of those songs that came out around that time.. I really love the fat synths from The Chainsmokers and am obsessed with ALMA and Years and Years’ music. I wanted DNM to fall in line with these artists. I wanted it to be catchy, and big and melodic. I hope I have achieved this. ?
How did you go about writing DNM?
One night I was feeling supa lonely and had so many things I wanted to share with someone. “I’m dying for a DNM” came to my mind and I immediately went to the piano with my thoughts and this melody. That’s how it was born. When I played the hook on the piano “I’m dying for a DNM”, I knew there was something there worth trying to conceive.
Please tell us about the studio that your partner and yourself built in the Gold Coast Hinterlands:
Yes! Ah, it has been a journey!
I used to own a music school in Parkwood, Gold Coast called Nighitngale Music. We did super well but I kind of struggled with managing the whole business as well as trying to pursue my own music, so I sadly decided to close down the school. The funny thing is that I would’ve had to close it down anyway because of the pandemic. Anyway! Josh and I live in the hinterlands and knew that building a studio was an option so my dad had us digging holes the very next week which would
My room really is for artists to develop themselves. To come in, develop their singing voice and songwriting and for me to also help in any mentoring way that I can. One of my students Jenna is an up-coming singer-songwriter on the Gold Coast who’s only 17 and is AMAZING. I am so passionate about helping her in her musical career.
Josh on the other hand is the master-mind. He does an incredible job at understanding an artists’ vision and bringing that vision to life, mostly in terms of production but also in artist-development areas. He put in a lot of detail into making his space really accommodating for artists. His studio space design has a boutique feel and is super Instagram-able!
We may plan to build a room for artists to stay here during their recording process, as well. We’ve called the studio ‘Our Space Studio’.
Is this where you recorded?
Actually, we recorded DNM mostly in our bedroom while the studio was being built however, we recorded my vocals at QSound with Maddy Breen.
Please tell us about your music teaching and who are some of your clients/students:
I have been teaching for a decade now and every year I seem to love it more and more. I really love to motivate and inspire people and I thoroughly enjoy teaching students who are currently singer-songwriters and wanting to break into the industry or kids who are passionate about music and singing.
One of my students, Jenna Cogzell who I mentioned above is a singer-songwriter with incredible talent. I’m trying everything I can to help guide her in the right direction. You should go check out her song Roses! Go now. ? ?
You have a few upcoming releases with some collabs with popular artists, please tell us more:
Yes! I absolutely LOVE to collaborate. It’s so much fun and it kind of takes the ease off coming up with the chord progression and the feel. I think I tend to stick to the same patterns so it’s super refreshing and inspiring to write to something new.
I have a song coming out with TINY on October 23rd who is a good friend of mine and a successful DJ, producer and singer-songwriter! I am so honoured to be releasing her very FIRST original track with her called ‘On My Mind’.
I also have a song coming out with the amazing Luke Howell who used to tour with One Direction!! (Fun fact!). We have a song called ‘Closer’ coming out in December.
And then I also have a collaboration coming out in November which this Instagram artist called Tokyonite from Kenya!! The track is a vapourwave pop-ballad and I absolutely can’t wait to release it because it’s been a dream of mine to record something like this!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Oh man, I found this chick called MARINA who I’m loving lately and also watched the Above & Beyond Acoustic live show which brought tears to my eyes – absolutely beautiful!
What do you like to do away from music?
I actually like to be a boring 27 year old haha. I really enjoy just being at home and being creative.. Cooking, cleaning, gardening.. I also take care of my grandma and uncle who is disabled which brings me a lot of joy. <3
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
I’ve got so many tracks coming out in the next 5 months, I am so excited! Mostly those collaborations but then hopefully a couple of more strong solo songs early 2021.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
The Henchman in Miami is my new grill! The burgers are amazing and I’m so glad there’s live music there too. But otherwise, I really like Dust Temple or any cafes that allow me to sit and ponder for hours while drinking amazing coffee…
“Unexpected, bold and artistic, Manson remains an artist it is dangerous to underestimate.” – Kerrang! ★★★★
“Masterful…The musicianship and songwriting are among the best of Manson’s career”
– Consequence of Sound, A-
“Arguably his most emotionally exposed and vulnerable offering on a purely visceral level…sounds fresh, modern and exciting.” – Blabbermouth 8/10
The album is produced by Manson and GRAMMY® Award winner Shooter Jennings [Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker] and includes previously released single, WE ARE CHAOS.
Today, Manson releases the video for DON’T CHASE THE DEAD, which stars Manson alongside Norman Reedus.
LIVESTREAM PERFORMANCE VIA WILL YIP’S LIVE AT STUDIO 4 SERIES ON SUNDAY OCTOBER 11 AT 12PM AEDT
From Exile, a reimagined stripped-down version of The Menzingers’ 2019 release Hello Exile, is available today via all streaming platforms. The album will be available on vinyl November 13 and can be pre-ordered via the band’s webstore, here.
From Exile was recorded from the band’s respective homes while in isolation during COVID-19 stay at home orders.
The Menzingers will perform a career-spanning full band livestream concert as part of the Live At Studio 4 series, curated by longtime producer and friend Will Yip at his renowned Philadelphia studio, on Sunday, October 11 at 12pm AEDT. The stream will be full band electric but will also feature a stripped-down portion to celebrate the release of From Exile.
Tickets are on-sale now via Live At Studio 4’s website here. The full livestream will be available on-demand to ticket holders for 72 hours.
Pre-Order From Exile (includes limited edition coloured vinyl)
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Indie Con, Australia’s only conference focusing on the independent music industry, is only 3 days away and is set to be held as an online event, with thanks to the South Australian Government.
The conference will have a future-thinking focus, with topics ranging from streaming, new tech options for artists and labels, and how the industry can progress to be a more inclusive space for all.
Highlights include Music As Part Of Developing Tech, which will cover AR, VR, music and the gaming world and everything in between.
Code Of Conduct For The Music Industry, which will discuss ways in which it can be better for the people that work within it.
Livestreaming & Releasing Music In Lockdown, two separate panels which will cover how artists and labels can continue to monetize and protect rights in a brave new post-COVID world.
And an interview between Ollie Wards, ex triple j, newly appointed director of music for Tik Tok Australia, and Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin, global music rights agency.
Indie Con is free for AIR members, trade association members of WIN and members of other Australian Industry bodies. Register for Indie Con now HERE
Full list of speakers and program can be found HERE
As well as Indie Con, AIR and the South Australian Govt are presenting the AIR Awards on Oct 1st, which will be held as a hybrid event and is free to watch on YouTube. Save the date and watch the show live HERE
AIR Awards 2020 – 1st October, 8.30pm AEST
@ausindies | @australianindies | @southaustralia | #AusIndies | #indieconaus | #ADLCoM | #SeeSouthAustralia | #ADLcityofmusic
“The latest single from their third album, ‘Ahmed’ sees Immigrant Union once again prove their worth as leaders of the Melbourne music scene.”
– Rolling Stone
“A rollercoastering collection of folk infused psychedelia that certainly won’t betray your high expectations of the band.” – Francis Tait, Trouble Juice
“It is an excellent album. I mean a properly excellent album, full of twangy psychedelia, slow burning jams, urgent surfy guitars and hypnotic, slinky grooves.” – The Mad Mackerel (UK)
Off the back of their recently released and well-loved third album JUDAS, Australian-American outfit Immigrant Union are pleased to reveal a new video for their standout single ‘Ahmed’. Recorded in Melbourne and mixed in Portland, Oregon, JUDAS showcases Immigrant Union’s signature Americana elements with psych-rock in their most explorative sound yet. Focus single ‘Ahmed’ is driven by a groovy bassline beneath sharp lyricism, distorted guitar riffs and toe-tapping percussion, creating the perfect soundtrack for director and long time friend, Alexander Francis to work his magic.
“Ahmed is the latest single from our new album JUDAS. To help bring the single to life we collaborated with director and long time friend, Alexander Francis. Francis wrote up a killer treatment for the video that we loved immediately. He took our initial video idea of commentary on the trap of missing moments due to being submerged in the bullshit of one’s phone and extended on that beautifully. Ahmed, lyrically tells the story of a refugee trying to make their way to London. It also comments on ignorance surrounding the plights of refugees. Ahmed is a journey and Francis was able to take that journey and spin it into a journey of his own all the while allowing the themes of the song to breathe through his new creation.”
– Bob Harrow, Immigrant Union
Featuring The Dandy Warhols’ Brent DeBoer and boasting Aussie indie rock icon Courtney Barnett and her bandmates as former members, Immigrant Union are a local band with international rock royalty heritage. JUDAS is the first record to feature relative newcomers Ben Street (bass) and Paddy McGrath-Lester (drums) who join founding members Brent DeBoer, Bob Harrow and Peter Lubulwa in their 10+ year reign of Melbourne’s world-class psych underground.
Judas is out now via Cheersquad Records & Tapes
‘Ahmed’ Video Credits:
Written and Directed by Alexander Francis
Shot by Alexander Francis on location at Mitchelton Wines, Nagambie, Vic, Aus.
‘Ahmed’ taken from Immigrant Union’s album JUDAS
‘Ahmed’ written by Harrow / Deboer
Immigrant Union band members:
Brent DeBoer
Bob Harrow
Peter Lubulwa
Ben Street
Paddy McGrath-Lester
What’s been happening recently and how has your Melbourne Covid experience been so far?
It’s been a tough one for everyone, we’ve definitely had a tough time in Melbourne recently with the strict and extensive lockdown. It’s good to see cases dropping though and there’s seems to be a light at the end of a long tunnel which is good!
How did you first start playing music?
I originally started playing guitar and writing songs when I was 13 and it all started from there, I was mainly obsessed with rock music and played in noisy bands for many years, then slowly my music tastes became more eclectic and my writing evolved in to a more electronic direction.
You’ve just released two singles ‘Air’ & ‘Illuminate’ what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Both of these tracks were written during lockdown and I think this definitely influenced the mood of the tracks, they both have melancholic feel and slightly darker undertones than I’ve written for a while. I have definitely been craving the outside world and missing the freedom I usually have and that has definitely influenced the feeling in these tracks.
How does your creative process take place?
Normally it starts with experimenting, I might loop a simple beat and then start jamming on a synth or guitar over the top until something excites me, then it’s like completing a puzzle, gradually building and adding layers until I find a balance that feels right. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ method I find but often when I’m not feeling too pressured I find I can come up with my best ideas.
Where and when did you record/produce and who with?
I have a home studio set up in my flat where I record, produce and mix everything.
What programs/instruments did you use?
I use Ableton and for these tracks I used a mix of my Korg Minilogue, Moog Minitaur, soft synths, electric guitar, field recordings and samples I created.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
This week I’ve been enjoying listening to Washed Out, Zola Blood, Tourist and Kaytranada.
What do you like to do away from music?
I love to travel and explore new places / other cultures, something which I’ve really missed this year. I’m also a designer, so I love creating new visuals and working with other artists to bring their ideas to life. Other than that I like to try and keep fit, I enjoy cycling and swimming, I grew up by the seaside so any chance I have to jump in the sea… I’m in there!
What do you have planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
I have a 2 remixes I’ve done for other artists coming soon, as well as 2 collaborative tracks made with Koresma. Then in Dec / Jan I have a new EP coming out, which is a collection of ambient tracks – so it’s a little bit different to my usual releases but it’s something I’ve wanted to do for while. Then early next year I also plan to release a new full length album, that’s the main project I’m currently focusing on. I’ve written so many tracks this year and I’m currently refining them and working out how it will all work as an album, I’m really excited about how it’s sounding so far.
Where can we hear your music?
Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, YouTube and all the usual places.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love sushi. Also anything spicy pretty much!
Place to hang out – any sunny beer garden with friends would be a dream right now!
Listen to “Air” & “Illuminate” here:
Connect with edapollo on socials here:
What is your name and role within Love Drunk Hearts?
Aaron Ikin – Main songwriter, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist.
Where are you currently based?
The Northern Beaches of Sydney.
How did you first start playing music?
I had always had an inclination for poetry growing up and an ear for good music, but it wasn’t till I lost my dad at 21 to Motor Neuron Disease I taught myself guitar, singing and songwriting. I decided at that point music is twofold – great for self-expression but also a gift to someone else.
How did Love Drunk Hearts form?
There was a warehouse in Brookvale on the Northern Beaches which was a bit of a hub for a lot of musicians and bands. Some features included an Elvis picture on the wall and a bike hanging from the ceiling. Benny Bryant (Bass) had auditioned Chris Falkland (Lead Guitar) to play in his old band Bec and Ben and invited Chris along to a party at the warehouse. Aaron was there with some pretty raw and undefined songs and hit it off with Chris over ‘Rock The Casbah’. Michael Brown (Drums) had also played with Benny in his old band so we asked if he wanted to jump on board. It clicked.
Your new single ‘Those Boys’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
The sound has a definite 90’s feel in both guitar and melody. I really love the Britpop songwriting. Oscar Dawson of HOLY HOLY produced the track and had such great input on the song sonically and structurally.
How did you go about writing the track?
Initially I had come up with the verse and chorus melody over 2 chords. I sang this in practise, and everyone immediately clicked with it. Chris had been working on his own song called Ghost Town which had an eye worm riff like the 90’s. I couldn’t sing Chris’s melody as it was too high so we decide to marry the 2 songs together and it worked a treat. Brought the song to life and a great example of all our heads working together. We then took it into the studio with Oscar and he added a whole another level of knowledge, experience and flair!
Where and when did you record/produce and who with?
In Melbourne at Aviary Studios with Oscar Dawson. That was April last year. We had a blast.
How did you approach the recording process?
We came at it from a live feel. We all got in the room and tracked live. After 3 or 4 takes we would escape to the NASA control room and pick the best parts. Once the bed of the track was done we recorded the vocals and worked on extra guitar parts.
How did the concept for the music video come together?
The inspiration for the video came from the title of the song (i.e. ‘Those Boys’). It along with the lyrics tend to ignite ideas that sometimes many men or boys can get lost in their own world of interest or passion. The 1978 BMX footage (that we were so fortunate to use) was a perfect vehicle for this, showing all the men passionately supporting each other, when people not part of this scene might not find it interesting/impressive at all.
Who did you work with to create the music video?
It was in house. Brownie created and edited the video.
What do you like to do away from music?
Everyone in the band surfs which is great for writing sessions by the coast. Michael likes his woodwork. Ben and Chris have an unhealthy obsession with golf. Aaron likes to run half marathons and perform yoga stretches.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
The new Taylor Swift album is great. I believe the guitarist from The National helped with the songwriting. I’ve been listening to some classic dance floor anthems like Praise You and Music Sounds Better With You. Love the idea of those circular melodies. It’s melody economy.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
Another track to release for summer. We’re currently putting the final touches on a new song, set to be released real soon and also getting ready to film some draft ideas for the video this week.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I’d have to say a burrito with chips. California style with a beer. The best every time. I love hanging out in Manly by the beach. Nothing better. Home in Freshwater isn’t too bad either.
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‘Holding his own alongside true icons, big things clearly beckon for this London selector’ – DJ Mag
See an introduction to Hollis Parker HERE
SOSURE MUSIC
HOLLIS PARKER – ‘NEWSCAPSIM’
OUT NOW
Pure House from an emerging name is rare – the kind of sound that you would expect to hear from the greats, Masters at Work, Dennis Ferrer, Honey Dijon, Kerri Chandler, CJ Mackintosh… This is the authentic real deal from Hollis Parker and his new album Newscapism. He is a unique DJ who crafts his productions with a touch of the old-school NYC production style with added hip hop feel and jazz fusion style, but with a totally contemporary and fresh approach, effortlessly holding his own against the above greats and an artist to take note of.
New York (Queens) born and London based, his roots really shine through with regards to his production style. First turning heads with his 2014 ‘Sunshine’, edit of Roy Ayres dreamy classic ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ setting a standard, he then released further vinyl only house E.Ps on his own co-owned imprint SoSure Music. Soon after, he cemented himself into the scene with his first critically acclaimed album ‘Last Raw Era’ (2016) a work full of sub-bass and sass and establishing his ongoing style.
The Last Raw Era was an album inspired by his time in NYC, a musical diary of his feelings and emotions after a breakup, with the songs reflecting exactly how he felt; documenting particular moments in time for him. Punctuated with clips and samples from film and constructed in a way many hip-hop artists would present their work.
His new album Newscapism is produced in the same way, a natural extension of his last album, continuing the story, reflecting his final 24 hours in the city and his move away to a new life. The tracks individually examining what was holding him there and why he had to move away. Continuing the narrative, naturally bringing you to the next chapter in his life with a new city, new loves and new adventures.
Using samples to create a collage of different feels and structures in his tracks like ‘Can’t Let Go’ exhibiting the emotion of a reluctance to leave, full of energy, pace and floating piano keys and a driving kick, house production at its finest. With diverse tempo’s and feels featuring throughout ‘The Way You’re Making Me Feel’ is slightly low slung but still dreamy in its feel. Moving onto ’Uptown Sunday Morning (AKA Flashback), with more sub-bass, spoken word and jazz elements, it is then followed by the interlude ‘Reasons For Leaving’ giving further insight int the city.
Further pace, guitar licks and house mastery are introduced on City Blues, and a homage to the big apple in ‘A Page About Manhattan’ and then onto ‘A Fair Goodbye’ closing out his NYC story and bringing his album to a subtle end. This is a cohesive and emotional collection of pure house tracks and joy to hear in its entirety.
Hollis Parker has managed to consistently put out material that pays homage to his roots both in Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz Fusion and House, garnering support from heavyweights such as Larry Heard, DJ Sneak, Charles Webster and Joyce Muniz to name a few. This is undoubtedly a name that many of you will first discover and subsequently pay attention to.
Hollis Parker ‘Newscapsim’ is out now on SoSure Music
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