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“Oh my, my… I’ve fallen in love with this band. Dance Pop is one of the best albums of 2020!” – Scenestr
“Ironism is a song that encapsulates the album at its best, descending into the madness of Wedance as they merge together distorted electric guitar with foundations that move between pop, indie and electronica; the song very much being a stand-out from the record’s more slick, electronic focus with its roughness and energy, largely brought by that emphasised rock grit.” – Hayden Davies, Pilerats
Earlier this year, Korea’s masters of moving and shaking, Wedance (위댄스) shared their latest LP Dance Pop with the world. Unlike any other releases of theirs, however, the album marked a momentous occasion in the band’s history as their first ever material to be available digitally. The prolific duo have always prided themselves on maintaining this idea of a musical scavenger hunt, only ever offering their music on limited edition runs of CDs handed out at their live shows. This transformation to the digital realm sparked an exciting new way of connecting with fans both at home and throughout the world, and would eventually catalyse the band’s imminent ‘Danceparty at Your Fingertips’ digital Australian tour. In celebration of their upcoming trip to our virtual shores this month, Wedance are thrilled to reveal a new video for their beloved Dance Pop single ‘Ironism’.
Bringing together a group of friends, misfits and oddballs, the video is a perfect encapsulation of a Wedance live show, complete with dancing, bouncing, flouncing and laughing. Though uncharacteristically devoid of any colour, the black and white video is as joyous as it is totally bizarre and proves why the dynamic duo are making waves with their infectious positivity and entirely unique style.
Dancing their way to Australian devices this spring, Wedance will bring their unprecedented energy, charisma and penchant for all things fashion to our virtual shores for a run of special performances across the country. Having previously performed in Australia at the 2016 Aus Asia Festival and the 2018 Bigsound Festival, as well as multiple Festival appearances throughout Asia and the world including Fuji Rock, Primavera Sound, Nuits Sonores, Bug Sounds, Baybeats and more, their upcoming virtual tour is not one to miss. This month, join Wedance for a stint of online dance parties to end all dance parties as they take on Bigsound, Isol-Aid and The Tivoli, beckoning all to join in on the alt-bacchanal. Be sure to pack your dance shoes!
Wedance ‘Danceparty at Your Fingertips’ Digital Tour Dates
Bigsound ‘Dancing On The Farm’ Showcase + Q&A
Wednesday 21 October
Showcase time: 7PM AEST
Details: Bigsound Website
Isol-Aid Festival
Saturday 31 October
3:40-4:00PM AEDT
Details: Isol-Aid Website
Open Session Program at The Tivoli – Supporting Jaguar Jonze
Friday 20 November
Doors 7.00pm AEST
Starts 8.00pm AEST
Tickets $35 for cabaret style show via The Tivoli Website
Video Credits
Directed by David Cardonal
Performance by
전수현 / 김찬우 / 재아 / 상미 / 효정 / 구름 / 연두 / 성림 / 은준 / 숲이아 / 파람 / 은미 / 알록 / 조영국 / 임도연 / 위보 / 위기
Written, Composed, Arranged and Performed by Wedance (Wevo & Wegui)
Produced by Wedance (Wevo & Wegui) & BA Wheeler
Recorded at Union Studio (by BA Wheeler) & Shelter (by Wegui and Wevo), Seoul
Mixed and Mastered by BA Wheeler at Union Studio, Seoul
Published By MO records
Released through Beeline Records
https://www.facebook.com/bandwedance/
Get your tickets on-sale now
The Bluesfest 2021 Fourth Artist Announcement adds an eclectic, diverse list of names to what is already a legendary line up of Australian artists confirmed to perform next Easter on April 1st – 5th at the beautiful green Byron Events Farm located in Tyagarah 10 minutes north of Byron Bay.
The line-up is programmed with the intention to appeal to a broad audience featuring artists across all genres for all members of the family to enjoy. With the light at the end of the tunnel in sight, Bluesfest is confidently positioned to be one of the first major festivals back on the circuit for the many music loving patrons aching to come out and soak in some highly anticipated festive vibes.
Back in April this year, many called Bluesfest’s intention to proceed with an event in 2021 as a “brave and bold move”. Proceed it did nonetheless and fortunately the festival is well-poised for a successful event with tickets currently hitting the 60% mark of sell-out in sales, with the bigger nights [Fri-Sat-Sun] selling consistently and rising.
Commenting on the announcement Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM says “Time will tell, but It is being said that the 2021 Bluesfest line up is the greatest assembly of Australian artists to ever perform at one event. Ticket sales are showing that the Australian public is ready to celebrate safely and we are on target for a sell-out at our expected capacity. My focus right now is on bringing this festival home in 2021.“
Leading the already diverse announcement is Northern Beaches of Sydney natives and ARIA award winners Ocean Alley. Their platinum-selling single ‘Confidence’ won the #1` spot on triple j’s Hottest 100 in 2018 and since that time the band have gone on with sell-out shows right across Australia winning hearts along the way.
Considering Australian music icon John Williamson will celebrate his 51st anniversary in 2021 you can bet this show will be one for the history books. John’s “The Winding Back” tour will celebrate his 51 years in the entertainment industry and foresee closing the book on his regular touring. The last time John performed at Bluesfest in 2014, so captivated was the crowd that you could hear a pin drop. This great man’s storytelling talents through song and banter is outstanding. He has sold over five million albums and is regarded in the Top Five best-selling Australian artists joining Slim Dusty who sits at No. 1. Considering this is one of the last chances to catch John Williamson live this show should be marked up as “do not miss” in any festival planner.
When Tex Perkins struts up on stage to embody the role of “The Man In Black” for a special Bluesfest only performance you just know you are in for one hell of a good time. Imbued with the best of Johnny Cash hits, Tex Perkins’ reverence for Cash’s career is evident in the way he approaches every song and it is little wonder why “The Man In Black” has been lauded by critics and fans alike, and won Tex and his crew a Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Australian Concert.
Get ready for an assault of the senses with the Jon Stevens | The Noiseworks & INXS Collection show. The former lead singer of Noiseworks and INXS stacks this show with nothing but relentless hits. Jon’s visceral charge of emotion is guaranteed to transport you back in time including the INXS songs that were such a huge part of the soundtrack of our lives.
This has got to be the coolest collaboration announced this year; Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald will take to the stage together and perform songs from a forthcoming album titled “Push The Blues Away”. The album released on 13th November is born out of a mutual love for the Blues and a genuine appreciation for each other’s talents.
An Australian lineup of this size would not be complete without Vika & Linda. They are Australia’s most revered singing sisters, known for their rich vocal harmonies and stylistic breadth. These ARIA chart toppers bring an added touch of class to the program.
Originally from Canada, Byron Bay local singer-songwriter Garrett Kato went from busking and living out of a backpack to tallying over 45 million worldwide streams and performing sold-out shows alongside Damien Rice and Ziggy Alberts. Immensely talented this young and rapidly rising star will be a musical gem for many to discover at Bluesfest.
Mia Dyson is always welcomed to Bluesfest by her many fans. A Blues pocket-rocket of a performer Mia has won multiple ARIA & APRA awards, toured with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks and Eric Clapton. Now based in LA, this little lady is one big Blues star and is always welcomed back onto the bill. This will be Mia’s 6th time at Bluesfest.
SNAPSHOT ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
OCEAN ALLEY
Northern Beaches of Sydney natives Ocean Alley released their critically acclaimed third LP ‘Lonely Diamond’ in June, debuting at #3 on the ARIA Album Chart and garnering four-star reviews from NME and Rolling Stone Australia who praised “a rich, expansive universe brimming with a kind of electricity that’ll make for huge on-stage moments” and “they’ve managed to set a new standard for what their music can be” respectively. It follows the success of their second full-length ‘Chiaroscuro’ in 2018 which propelled the band into national prominence and saw them sell 25,000 tickets over 15 sold out shows that year in Australia along – culminating with their ARIA nominated, double platinum-selling single ‘Confidence’ taking out #1 in triple j’s Hottest 100 of 2018. Their breakthrough year was backed-up with 30 sold out shows around the world in 2019, plus major festival appearances at ‘Reading & Leeds Festival’[UK], ‘Splendour in the Grass’, ‘Sziget’ [HU], ‘BottleRock’ [US] and more, with the band amassing more than 315 million cumulative streams to date.
JOHN WILLIAMSON
In 2021 Australian music icon John Williamson will celebrate his 51st anniversary in the entertainment industry and embark on “The Winding Back” tour which will foresee him closing the book on his regular touring. When John Williamson wandered into Richmond’s GTV9 studios in 1970 with a guitar under his arm, little did the Mallee farmer realise he’d make a 50+-year career out of singing and performing. His performance of ‘Old Man Emu’, the first song John had ever written, on Channel Nine’s popular New Faces program resulted in a number one single and a record deal. It also marked the appearance of a striking new talent: an unofficial custodian of Australian stories. Half a century on, John Williamson has made an art of expertly capturing Australia in song. Painting lyrical pictures of our unique fauna and flora, landscapes and people, John has encapsulated the beauty, wonder and, sometimes, heartbreak of life Down Under. From boabs to billabongs and snowy mountains to sandy beaches, the Mallee-born songwriter’s 52 albums–including 20 original studio albums–have traversed Australia like a dust-covered road train, deftly moving between larrikin humour and touching pathos and have placed him in the Top Five best-selling Australian artists joining Slim Dusty who sits at No. 1. ’The Winding Back’ tour takes in more than 40 dates across Australia through to the end of 2021. With his honours including the ARIA Hall of Fame, an Order of Australia, 28 Golden Guitar Awards, Australian Roll of Renown induction, not to mention over 5 million albums sold and thousands of shows performed, it’s hard to begrudge the 75-year-old a less hectic schedule. First though, there’s a 51sth anniversary to celebrate and what better place than Bluesfest to experience it with Mr True Blue himself.
TEX PERKINS – THE MAN IN BLACK
There are few artists within Australia who can translate the work of ‘The Man in Black’ and bring it to modern day like Tex Perkins. His reverence for Johnny Cash’s career is evident in the way he approaches every song. Johnny Cash made an indelible impact on the international music scene. He passed away in 2003 but is still considered one of the most influential musicians of all time, as his sales of over 50 million records will attest. Tex Perkins needs no introduction to Australian audiences; he is a legend within the Aussie music industry and is revered as one of the country’s rock n’ roll outlaws. It is said his affinity with Johnny Cash started in his earliest band and is an enthusiasm he hasn’t relinquished. After fronting The Cruel Sea, Beasts of Bourbon and touring with Tex, Don and Charlie and The Dark Horses, Tex Perkins has had an incredible and varied music career. Now Perkins returns to his love of singing the songs of Johnny Cash with a special Bluesfest-only
performance. Tex Perkins – The Man In Black at Bluesfest will be more intensely music driven, less talking and more of the music of Johnny Cash. ‘The Man In Black’ has been lauded by critics and fans alike and won Tex and his crew a Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Australian Concert.
JON STEVENS
In 2018 a co-founding member of INXS, Andrew Farriss, surprised Jon Stevens by entering the band room after not seeing each other in 15 years to tell Jon he should add more INXS songs to the set list. Jon was on The Best of Jon Stevens Tour reflecting on his 40-year career, performing songs from Noiseworks, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Dead Daisies and his solo collection with just a couple of INXS classics. This reunion with his old friend with whom he’d shared the stage with around the world fronting INXS from 2000-2005 formed the idea for his new tour – ‘Jon Stevens | The Noiseworks and INXS Collection’ Tour. After a sell-out tour in 2019 the former lead singer of Noiseworks and INXS is back tributing the legendary bands that catapulted him into Aussie Rock Royalty! Jon Stevens l The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour brings hits “Take Me Back”, “New Sensation”, “Don’t Change”, “Hot Chilli Woman”, “Never Tear Us Apart, “No Lies” and more. This show is an assault of the senses, with nothing but relentless hits. Miss it and you’re MAD!
JOSH TESKEY & ASH GRUNWALD
Two local powerhouses Josh Teskey [lead singer The Teskey Bros] and Ash Grunwald have teamed up for ‘Push The Blues Away’ (out Friday 13 November) – an album born out of a mutual love for the blues and a genuine appreciation for each other’s talents. This special show will no doubt bring the best out of both artists and is a definite for the “My Planner” section of your Bluesfest App. On ‘Push The Blues Away’, Josh and Ash cast off the weight of expectation and revel in music’s most simple pleasures. Recorded entirely live and straight to tape, with their only percussion consisting of gospel-inspired hand claps and stomps, the pair laid down seven original tunes, some penned by Josh, some by Ash, along with two classic Blues covers, Son House’s ‘Preachin’ Blues’ and the song that kickstarted the whole project, ‘The Sky Is Crying.’ To help them achieve this vision, they enlisted the help of Josh’s brother, Teskey Brothers’ guitarist, vocalist and Grammy-nominated engineer, Sam Teskey on production duty. Both artists have had an extremely busy 12 months; renowned as one of Australia’s finest live performers, Ash Grunwald released his critically acclaimed new album ‘MOJO’ along with his first book, “Surf By Day, Jam By Night” whilst The Teskey Brothers followed up their ARIA Award-winning and Grammy-nominated second album ‘Run Home Slow’ with the 2020 release of ‘Live At Forum’, earning them their first ARIA chart #1.
VIKA & LINDA
They’re Australia’s most revered singing sisters, known for their rich vocal harmonies and stylistic breadth. After three classic albums with The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda have released six studio albums, two live albums and a chart-topping anthology. They have also sung on number one albums by Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers and John Farnham, done gigs for the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and the King of Tonga, and been nominated for four ARIA Awards. Recently, whilst still celebrating the recent release of their first ever best-of collection (and first ARIA #1) ‘Akilotoa (Anthology 1996-2004)’, Vika & Linda have wasted no time in following up with an inspired album of gospel songs titled ‘Sunday’(The Gospel According To Iso),’ out now (ARIA #2). The album was borne out of their Sunday Sing Song livestreams on social media during lockdown, and pays tribute to gospel pioneers including Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Mahalia Jackson. These are songs about survival, compassion and redemption.
GARRETT KATO
Originally from Canada, Byron Bay local singer-songwriter & producer Garrett Kato went from busking and living out of a backpack to tallying over 45 million worldwide streams and performing sold-out shows alongside Damien Rice and Ziggy Alberts. He landed a sync in Hollywood blockbuster ‘Bad Moms’ and his single ‘Take It Slowly’ has surpassed 13 million Spotify streams. His 2019 EP, ‘Distant Land’, earned the endorsement of triple j and Beatroute Magazine as the title track eclipsed 2.7 million Spotify streams. At the same time, he cemented himself as an in-demand, platinum-award winning producer. He worked with Ziggy Alberts on his 2016 EP ‘Four Feet in the Forest’ (certified Platinum) and his 2018 album ‘Laps Around the Sun’ (certified Platinum) and has also worked with Pete Murray, Kyle Lionheart, Riley Pearce, Pierce Brothers, Jack Botts and more.
MIA DYSON
Mia Dyson is an award-winning guitarist and singer/songwriter who has toured the country with the likes of Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak and many more. A multiple ARIA & APRA award-winning artist, Dyson has been named one of Australia’s top 25 guitarists of all time. Growing up in the Australian bush and in the sleepy beach town of Torquay, Mia Dyson was raised listening to American music as her dad was a big Blues fan and her mother a big Bob Dylan fan. It was at an early age Mia became fascinated by the mythology of American rock & roll. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2010, Dyson’s triumphs have included opening for Stevie Nicks at the Santa Barbara Bowl, in addition to self-releasing ‘Idyllwild’, ‘The Moment’ and ‘If I Only Said So Far I Take It Back’ to critical acclaim.
All ticket types and Add-Ons are on-sale now.
For further information on the line-up or artists please see here.
Bluesfest 2021 is being held from 1 – 5 April 2021. Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix.
Having been out-of-print for a couple of decades, the Cosmic Psychos have dug up some old masters, given them a spit and polish, and are ready to release TWO absolute classics on coloured vinyl this November.
If you’re up for a smack of nostalgia this Christmas, it might be a mighty fine time to requaint yourself with some of the ‘Psychos’ finest work to date. Featuring the original line-up of Ross Knight, Robbie Watts and Bill Walsh, ‘Blokes You Can Trust’ and ‘Self Totalled’ lay the foundations for many of today’s young pub rock upstarts, and even the grunge scene, globally.
Butch Vig (producer of Nirvana’s Nevermind) agrees, “I think the Cosmic Psychos were a band that was highly influential on the Seattle so called grunge scene. I know that Kurt and Nirvana were fans, they played shows with Pearl Jam. Even though the Cosmic Psychos never had the commercial impact or success that those bands had, they were still a major influence on them, and I think a lot of it had to do with the spirit and the sound of their music.
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SELF TOTALLED (1995)
Yellow and Red Vinyl options.
Pre-order now
Where are you currently based and what’s the music scene like there?
I’m currently based in Osaka, Japan.
There are a lot of bands playing — rock, punk, heavy metal, noise, hip hop.
There are a few clubs — drum n bass, techno, house, bass music.
There are some spaces for more experimental music, ambient, IDM, modular.
So there is a good music scene, but it’s all quite hidden and underground.
Only certain people go to these kind of places which is a shame.
You recently spent a prolonged period in London, what took you there?
I actually came back to Osaka in 2012.
The love of music took me there.
I found myself getting into music from the UK when I was in Japan, and I was curious to experience the music scene and culture for myself.
I wasn’t really into electronic music until I experienced it in London. I had some many memorable nights there.
How is it being back in Japan? Did you experience any reverse culture shock?
When I came back to Japan, I stopped making music for a while and worked full time as an English teacher.
Having a routine and not having to think too much was quite nice, after my more free-like lifestyle in London.
The first year was fine, but during the second year, I started to feel like I was starting to miss something.
I missed something so much, I can’t explain what that something was, but I knew I wanted to create music again.
How has it been getting back into the music scene there?
It has been really great. I saw Andy Stott, Mala and DBridge amongst others, and I have played in various venues around Osaka, such as Circus Club supporting Machinedrum.
How did you first start playing music and how did you evolve into electronic music?
I first got into music writing songs with my acoustic guitar, and being in a band.
I still love bands. I got into electronic music after I experienced some amazing nights at clubs in London.
I also became a member of Nedry (electronic band).
How would you describe your sound/the music that you play?
My music, especially, the latest album sayonara dance is like you are under the water.
Swimming slowly, trying to get to the other side.
Last year you released a new album ‘Sayonara Dance’. Can you tell us a bit about it?
I did everything except mastering, so it was a challenge and it took me 4 years to make this album.
I wanted to paint feelings with the sound. I was interested in the feelings in between.
Between the light and the darkness. I was very inspired by Four Quartets by T.S.Eliot
The track in the middle of the album “The lights are extinguished “ has the lines from East Coaker by T.S. Eliot.
——So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing————
Then at the end of last year, dBridge made a remix of this song, and I was blown away by it.
The titled song sayonara dance is saying sayonara to your love by dancing together for the last time.
Was there anything in particular that influenced the sound behind it?
Not really, nothing in particular.
Can you tell us a bit about the process?
I first bought a new computer, a good audio interface(RME) and monitors
Then after that it was pretty much, trying, failing, trying , failing until I was happy with it.
Did you record the parts yourself?
Yes, I did everything in my bedroom.
What programs/instruments do you use?
Ableton Live mostly, I used to use pro-tools but I got Ableton Live and taught myself to use that.
I also used KORG MS200, and Gibson acoustic guitar
Tell us about your live set up, what do you use?
A:I use Ableton push, a guitar with various effect pedals, vocal with voice live, a RME interface, and MacBook
Where can we see you perform?
At music venues in Osaka such as Socore Factory, environment 0g
Follow me on instagram @ayu_okakita
What do you like to do away from music?
I love swimming and going to sentos (Japanese public bath)
Being in a sauna after a cold bath feels so good, and after that I love taking a walk with a drink.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of UK Grime because of my boyfriend, he has introduced me to some other music too.
My favorite songs of the month are Patience by RHYE and Dismantle by Andy Stott.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
I’m working on my next album!!
And I’m planning to organise a music event with Jack, called 深音(shinon), a night that focuses on deep sounds.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love going to standing bars, one of my favorites is Ushitora in Minami.
Base Island Kitchen serves great vegan food. And for a late night Bar Muffin is a fun intimate bar with an amazing sound system.
Where are you currently based?
Mornington Peninsula, Melbourne
How did you first start playing music?
My mum ran a Backpackers accommodation in the 90’s and all the international guests would bring the latest cassette tapes from places like London & Amsterdam. At the age of 13, I was given the responsibility of playing music for the wild parties that were happening.
How did Uone & Western form?
I started doing A&R for BEEF records in the 2000’s, Nick was one of the owners at the time. Our friendship and shared passion for music grew from there. We started producing music 4 years ago after a series of successful releases on Sol Selectas, Katermukke, Beat & Path. We decided to release a concept album that focused on combining our love of cinema (spaghetti westerns), live instruments, psychedelic culture and rolling deep tribal house.
How has Covid impacted the underground electronic scene?
It’s been pretty hard actually. Not being able to play music, and connect with humans has been challenging. But at the same time the COVID-19 outbreak opened up the opportunity to reset and reflect on where music and DJing started. It’s been a time to reflect on my early roots and a time I was young, free and completely transfixed with the art of DJing and the music it embodies.
What are you doing to support the industry and stay creative?
I run a weekly radio show called RANCH-O-RADIO, which is broadcast on 33 radio stations globally. It’s a platform to showcase local artists as well as international artists I love. I have also been doing a few live streams raining money for Multiple Sclerosis to keep my creative juices satisfied.
Your new album ‘The Lone Wranglers’ will be out on October 16, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
The biggest influence on this album is the love of cinema that Western & I share. I remember in between studio sessions we went to see Blade Runner 2049 and had a vivid conversation about the importance sound plays in creating mood and feeling. The conversation naturally flowed into the studio and we ended up writing 3 cinematic musical interludes for the album, (Let Red Go, Cotton in the Clouds, Forest Walker). The second biggest influence would have to be Quentin Tarantino and his modern day take on western cinema culture, the album naturally developed to be a modern day western dance musical tale.
Where and when did you record/produce?
Mostly produced at the Smith and Western Studios’ in Sydney over the last 2 years, but a lot of the tracks finalised at the Ranch-O-Relaxo studio. A special thanks to Jamie Stevens for helping us finalise a lot of the mix downs on this album. Jamie’s musical knowledge & studio skills are phenomenal, having a 3rd party come across and give the music a final tweak really brought extra clarity to the mix. The mastering was done by Danny Bonnici from Liquid Mixes.
What programs/plugins/equipment did you use?
We use Ableton 10, big fans of Spectrasonics’ plugin called the ‘Keyscape’. A lot of the piano, vintage keyboards & Rhodes sound come from this extraordinary plug in. We also spent a lot of time recording live guitars with different pedals, all our percussion is recorded live and then processed inside Ableton. Combining a human feel inside the digitized computer world is important. Some key synths used were the Roland Juno-106 & Nord Electro 3 Stage piano.
What can we expect from this upcoming album?
The album is a combination of some key key influences for Western & I. Quentin Tarantino films are a big one, The Doors and Pink Floyd also heavily inspired the album.
‘The Lone Wranglers’ has a super unique sound, you can definitely hear the psychedelic influences and tribal deep house sounds. The live guitars and tribal drums really make you feel like you are experiencing the album in person.
How did Covid affect the creation of this album?
Fortunately, it was completed before COVID fully set in, but we pushed back the release date because we felt like the timing wasn’t right. There’s no time like the present, onwards we go!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
New Zealand based Sanoi and Beacon Bloom have been on high rotation. Plus, diving back in the late 1990s & early 2000s sounds of Underworld, Orbital, Brian Eno, Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendrix and Midnight Oil.
What do you like to do away from music?
Gardening! I am somewhat of a green thumb. Here at our property we have 5 acres of gardens & vegetable patches to look after. I really enjoy mowing the lawns with my John Deer. Also having recently become a father, spending time with our baby girl has been filling my heart with joy.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
I’m taking part in Beyond Borders ‘Desert Dwellers’ live streaming event October 23, then we plan to follow up this album with an EP ‘Magician On Duty’. In December I’m super excited to be playing ‘Elements Music Festival’ in QLD – a return to live music!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
During COVID it’s been our local Goat Curry at the Himalayan & Nepalese Restaurant.
Hey Mark Roma, welcome to the Partae! Your debut on DOORN has just dropped, ‘The Realm’, massive congrats! How did the release come about?
Hey, thanks for having me! It’s quite cool how the release happened, I started sending tracks to Morten at the start of the year and he loved them. He supported The Realm in a Spinnin Records X 1001 tracklist ID livestream and when I asked would he think spinnin would like The Realm, he personally introduced me to the A&R team via email and it stemmed from there! So really all I can say is networking is SUPER important!
How long had you been working on the track, did it work quite naturally or did it take quite a bit of tweaking?
Most of the track happened to just fall into place in about a day (maybe I was having a good because this is rare haha!) I started searching really strange cinematic sounds on splice and I used lots of dark sounding stabs and pads and the drop sounded cool. The acid took a bit of tweaking to make it fit in with all these pads but not too much. I even sampled a racoon and a dinosaur sound but it works!
Where does the name for the track come from?
The name came from the feeling that the breakdown gives me, like a feeling of flying over a mountain range or over an ocean through a feeling of elation. I’m a huge lover of trance and love to incorporate some in most tracks I create so that was the aim to give a huge euphoric flying feeling.
What sort of music did you grow up listening to yourself? What actually influenced you to go into production and a career in music?
I grew up listening to a lot of trance, mainly Tiesto, Armin and Ferry Corsten, which eventually branched out into more electro and now I’m a fan of pretty much all dance music genres. When I was younger I used to down synthesiser apps onto my phone and would play about making trance melodies, then a friend of a friend I met mentioned he was doing a music technology degree and I immediately signed up. I almost was not allowed to do the degree as I had no previous music qualifications but I was determined and it showed so here I am 5 years later getting signed to my dream labels. Determination and hard work pays off!
What advice would you give to others who were hoping to follow in your footsteps and release on the labels of their heroes?!
The best thing I can advise is to network. Go to ADE, go to local networking events, like Liverpool Audio Network Sound Summit which is local to me. Make sure you setup meetings beforehand and talk to the right people who are relevant to you, face to face interactions are SO IMPORTANT!
On another note for productions, finish tracks faster, don’t spend too long forcing a track to work. I used to spend upwards of 3 months on a track and it would be trash. First time I finished a track in 4 days, Blasterjaxx supported it!
Also, do not give up. I get knocked back weekly by labels but I learn from it, maybe the track did not suit, maybe the quality was not great, maybe the A&R had a bad day, do not give up! Work hard and consistently and I promise it will happen.
Buy Link: https://doornrecords.
https://www.instagram.com/markromamusic/
Returning with their second release for 2020, The Grogans unleash new single ‘Got A Girl’.
Continuing to fuse a shared love for fiery punk, surf-rock and indie sounds together, the Melbourne trio have executed a melodic and tight track that, just over two minutes, gives listeners a charged up dose of Grogans-esque mischief.
‘Got A Girl’, taken from The Grogans’ forthcoming second record Day / To / Day, follows on from July’s ‘Dead Weight’ single. What started as a jam sesh late in the recording process of the album, ‘Got A Girl’ soon became a favourite with the band. Thematically, the single is a straightforward tune about being carefree, enjoying the moment and the upsides of being in a relationship.
“We started it as a little jam, pretty late in the recording process of the album. Lyrically, it’s about our girlfriends and enjoying cruisey relationships and how we don’t have any money and to not stress about that.” The Grogans
An insight into the new sounds and dynamics of the new Grogans material, ‘Got A Girl’ comes strong with its hooks and melodies, balancing punkish attitudes with surf-rock guitars and vocals. Diving further into vintage sounds, The Grogans present a defined picture of themselves on this single and by extension, the new album.
Recorded at Grogans HQ and out in Ocean Grove, Day / To / Day had the opportunity to come together outside of Melbourne, with Ocean Grove providing an idyllic relaxed setting for The Grogans to settle into. Spending their time making music, skating and hanging out made the album process far easier an experience to get through; with new ideas and sonic sessions coming naturally for the band over time.
“We wanted to build off of our last album and EPs, writing songs that we enjoy playing and listening to. It’s got a bit more of a 60s surf sound than our last releases; we just like that era – the style, the sound of the time, the cars. We also tried to have less limits, to show our wide variety and bigger picture of what The Grogans are, who we collectively are as people.” The Grogans
Forming in high school, The Grogans have got a stack of releases as well as a strong live reputation to their name in debut album Just What You Want (2019) and EP releases Grogan Grove (2018), Twangs ‘n’ Cans (2017), and Cacteyed (2016). Emerging as a dominant constant on the Melbourne music scene and an exciting presence on stages around the country.
PRAISE FOR THE GROGANS
“A bold and heavier mix from The Grogans, and I’m liking them up the ante.”
Triple J, Declan Byrne (‘Dead Weight’)
“The Grogans capture the laid-back lifestyle we all yearn for.”
Beat Magazine
“The Grogans continue to kill it. This is a massive chiller. The amount of people at both your shows this weekend was insane. A line around the corner and everything?!?!! Any time now… I can’t wait to see you guys explode! “
Triple J Unearthed Claire Mooney
‘Got A Girl’ is released Wednesday 21st of October
‘Day / To / Day’ is released Friday 13th of November
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
“Wine chosen with love, to be enjoyed with good music and nice people.”
Crowbar and UNIFIED Music Group are proud to announce their collaborative music and wine project and online store “Built To Spill Wine”. The launch comes alongside the release of the brand’s first artist team up, a unique goon in collaboration with none other than The Chats. Find more details below.
After years of friendship, mutual business, shows and spilled drinks shared between them, each company is bringing their penchant for music and drink together in the form of an online store. Built To Spill Wine offers a delicious selection of natural wines from across the globe, while they also invite musicians to team up with some of Australia’s best natural winemakers to craft the bottle of their dreams for music fans and wine lovers to enjoy.
The life and business paths of the team at BTSW have been inextricably linked for over two decades – from running DIY venues and labels supporting hardcore bands in the early 2000’s, to the promotion and hosting of countless UNIFIED related bands at Crowbar, and most recently Crowbar running the VIP bar at UNIFY Gathering. Roots in punk-rock and Do-It-Yourself are at the heart of what UNIFIED & Crowbar do – no less a commitment to Do-It-With-Friends – and Built To Spill Wine is the ultimate extension of this ethos.
Premium bespoke bottles are the product, which is where Crowbar’s chief Wine Wizard Tai Tate comes in. With over 15 years experience in wine and fine dining (credits include the likes of Porteno, Bodega, Mary’s, P&V), Tai brings an expert knowledge and extensive industry network to the team, scouring the country for its top winemakers to partake in artist collaborations.
“We are excited to expose the whole country to a new wealth of talent in both wine and music, to push the boundaries of creativity and collaboration, to pair the old guard with the new school, and maybe find common ground between the established and the up and comers,” he says, adding that the project also offers a unique opportunity to educate consumers on the care that goes into crafting both wine and music.
All Built To Spill Wines are considered “natural”, meaning they enjoy a wild ferment (ie: no packet yeast), possess no corrective additives such as acid/colours/powdered tannin, and contain minimal sulphur.
UNIFIED Founder & CEO Jaddan Comerford explains that BTSW ultimately encompasses each company’s dedication to boundary-pushing creativity and collaboration, arguably needed in business and art now more than ever before.
Tyla Dombroski (Crowbar) elaborates that once COVID-19 shut down their live music business arm and left so many artists stranded, the team put their heads together to find new ways to forge business opportunities for themselves and bands alike.
“The best thing about it all has been connecting everyone together, not only helping ourselves while our venue has been closed and artists who haven’t been able to tour, but the winemakers around Australia as well,” she says.
“They’ve had a rough year since the fires impacting their grapes and now with COVID-19 closing down bars and restaurants. Everyone is super happy to be working together to create something different for music and wine lovers from all walks of life to enjoy while working with sustainable and minimal impact farming.”
Today BTSW launches The Chats Goon, meanwhile a second artist collaboration will launch next week. It comes after the Crowbar team independently launched successful drink collabs with artists including WAAX, Northlane, Josh Pyke and more earlier this year.
The Chats Goon:
Take your clothes off the line and get ready to peg a few silver pillows on, because BTSW have put together a box of the finest goon with The Chats and Delinquente Wine Co. Encased in the most primo cardboard, with some pictures by local legend Struthless, this is the perfect accompaniment to your Pub Feed, your Smoko, or to make you feel better about getting The Clap.
This is white goon made with a bunch of all natural, happy grapes chucked together, fermented wild and bugger all other stuff added except for a bit of sulfur just to Keep the Grubs Out. Save up your Bus Money or go halves with a mate, being the equivalent of two bottles in one glorious box, it is such good value you won’t even have to Dine n Dash. Beauty.
“It’s fucken good”
– Eamon, The Chats
Head to the Built To Spill Wine website for more details and to order your wine before the weekend. Customers can also sign up to the mailing list for 10% off their first order, and score a free record when placing an order of 3 wines (while stocks last).
Today The Rubens are proud to announce Study Break and the 0202 Music Grants – both designed for Year 12 students who are interested in pursuing a career in the music industry. The drive to support the next generation came from the numerous emails and DMs the band has received throughout COVID-19 from students doing it tough at a time that should be full of anticipation for the future.
Study Break:
“Study Break is a 1hr online professional development hang out with us and our team. If you’re a Year 12 student and you have an interest in pursuing music as a career, we want to take you behind the scenes and tell you stories about our career; song writing, recording, touring, marketing and the general ins and outs of the industry. We hope to inspire and give back to the next generation of musicians and music industry biz people. Roll call….!”
Study Break will take place on Tuesday 27th October, 5pm-6pm AEDT. The session is completely free and open to the first 500 people who sign up. To secure your spot, sign up HERE.
0202 Music Grants:
“The Class of Year 12 2020 has endured a big long year of disruption. And we think that ain’t fair. So in partnership with our label & musical home Ivy League Records & Mushroom Group, we want to award TEN Year 12 students who demonstrate a passion for music and a desire to further their studies or business ideas by way of $500 each to contribute to your next journey.” – The Rubens
“Clearly 2020 has been an incredibly tough time for so many and in particular Year 12 students. We hope these grants and access to The Rubens stories creates some optimism and inspiration to some students who are passionate about music and our industry”.
– Chris Maund, C.O.O., Mushroom Labels and Mushroom Music Publishing
The 0202 Music Grant applications are now open and will close at 6.00pm AEDT on Monday 2 November. The successful applicants will be chosen by the band based on their application. For more details, click HERE.
Last week The Rubens released the powerful video for ‘Time Of My Life’, a track that boasts one of the biggest hooks in the band’s catalogue to date. The video includes a cast made up entirely of 18-year-old, year 12 students.
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“Jessica Jade is one of those artists that you’ll be glad to have known about before they got big, and trust us, it is going to happen soon.” – Tone Deaf
“Bet is an extremely likeable track from an artist I could literally listen to all day.” – Project U
“Sydney has a new R n B star on the rise.” – SNIFFERS
Western Sydney local Jessica Jade explores the highs of love in the film clip for her infectious new single ‘You’, which features on her debut EP ‘BET’ out November 13th.
Inspired by personal experience, ‘You’ was premiered by triple j and is a raw look at those deep and young feelings of infatuation laid bare in full in the video.
‘You’ comes from the multi-dimensional R&B artist’
Recently selected as one of FBi Radio’s Independent Artists and performing as a part of their Independent Play Series, she’s already been tapped on the shoulder by Converse, Champion and JD Sports. She’s also struck a chord with tastemakers Complex, Life Without Andy, SNIFFERS and Project U along wth Tone Deaf who dubbed her a ‘future R&B legend’.
Flourishing in the digital realm her previous releases have clocked spots in Spotify’s New Music Friday AU/NZ & Denmark, R&B Connect, Pop N Fresh and Apple Music’s Best of the Week and Mood.
JESSICA JADE
‘YOU’
OUT NOW
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