Monthly Archives

February 2021

YOUNG THUG RELEASES NEW TRACK ‘THAT GO’ FEATURING MEEK MILL AND T-SHYNE LATEST SINGLE FROM UPCOMING ALBUM SLIME LANGUAGE 2 RELEASED ON YOUNG STONER LIFE RECORDS

by the partae February 15, 2021

written by the partae

Young Thug releases his new single ‘That Go’ featuring Meek Mill and T-Shyne via his label, Young Stoner Life Records. Produced by Nick Papz, ‘That Go’ sees Young Thug and Meek Mill reunite for the first time since 2017’s ‘We Ball’, bringing together their signature flows with the energetic addition of Young Stoner Life Records’ newest talent, T-Shyne.

LISTEN TO ‘THAT GO’

Since signing to Young Stoner Life Records, New York rapper T-Shyne has become a staple in the family, with ‘That Go’ building on Young Thug and T-Shyne’s collaborative history, last coming together on the hard-hitting 2020 single ‘Moncler’. T-Shyne will be releasing a new project in 2021.

The track is the third single from Young Thug and Young Stoner Life Record’s highly anticipated album, Slime Language 2, released later this year. Singles ‘Take It to Trial’ by Young Thug & Gunna and ‘GFU’ by Yak Gotti & Sheck Wes feat. Yung Kayo were both released in 2020.

Recognised worldwide as the godfather of new wave rap, Young Thug has broken convention at every single turn and reinvented the sound of popular music. His Grammy award-winning, platinum-selling records have paved the way for generations beyond him. In 2020, he achieved fourteen Billboard charting hits with no album release and released records by artists including Gunna and Lil Keed through Young Stoner Life Records, of which he is the Founder and CEO.

Now in 2021, Young Thug leads the charge as a certified cultural tycoon. In addition to owning multiple hugely successful businesses, Thug continues to challenge and redefine the boundaries of culture in his vision of the future.

February 15, 2021 0 comments

Music News

Berlin Based Band GHEIST Present Their ‘acoustic – unusual’ EP; A Collection Of Acoustic Versions | Stream Now

by the partae February 15, 2021

written by the partae

LISTEN TO ‘ACOUSTIC – UNUSUAL’ HERE

Berlin based trio GHEIST have a long affinity with song writing, composition and melody; defined by their process of crafting powerful electronic music from behind a piano. 2020 presented a year like no other in modern memory, leading GHEIST to produce an EP that is unlike any of their recent output with the aim of providing an honest interpretation of their artistic expression. Through the ‘acoustic – unusual’ EP on their own RADAU imprint, the band proudly present their personal and vulnerable acoustic versions of their own music to the world.

All musicians over time develop and finely tune their creative processes, GHEIST are no different; the majority of their songs begin life behind a piano and a microphone, a simple idea or chord transformed into driving club ready tracks. Their ‘acoustic – unusual’ EP, opens the door to this process and forms a connection to the audience, that have been starved of their sound for what seems an eternity.

“It’s times like these that lead us to slowing down and gaining a new perspective.
Our acoustic EP reflects on that very fragile and intense moment of change, creating an intimacy that allows you to dive in and get lost in your very own cinematic mind” – GHEIST

Reverse engineering their existing catalogue, GHEIST have transformed tracks ‘Salvation’, ‘Closest Ever’, ‘Venere’ and ‘Unusual’ into acoustic masterpieces. The full EP presents a juxtapose in their style and reveals their emotional approach to music creation, further solidifying their position as a Hybrid-Live Act and band. Through the use of strings and piano, ‘Salvation’ is reimagined in a dark, emotive and powerful style that shifts the main focus to the melancholic vocals. This theme is continued on ‘Closest Ever’ and ‘Unusual’, the latter infusing folk-style tones. Finally, EP track ‘Venere’ shines as a bright and positive note.

Sharing this project with the world, GHEIST look to reconnect with their audience, presenting the EP as an honest reflection of their feelings and most intimate moments during the last 12 months. Via the ‘acoustic – unusual’ EP, they invite you into their world to share their lyrics, melodies and emotions.

GHEIST – ‘unusual – acoustic’ EP – Track List:

Salvation
Closest Ever
Venere
Unusual

GHEIST’s ‘unusual – acoustic’ EP Is Out Now via GHEIST’s RADAU Imprint.

Connect with GHEIST

February 15, 2021 1 comment

Where are you currently based? On Gadigal land of the Eora nation aka Sydney. How did you first start playing music? When I was little I copied everything my older sister Jeanie did. She brought a guitar home one day when I was 10 and I adopted it. I was painfully shy back then so I started writing songs as a way to communicate. What's been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far? As weird and depressing as a lot of things have been politically/globally/culturally during this pandemic, the whole experience has been a wake up call for me. Waking up to what’s important in life and what’s not. Waking up to the future we face as a species and the environmental crisis in our hands. Waking up to contributing my skills to make change. I was unemployed most of last year until I got a job with an environmental NGO run by a small group of incredible women. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve felt like I’m working towards something important. It’s made me feel a lot of hope for the future but also know how urgently things need to change. In terms of music though, I have missed playing shows and watching live music a lot. Having an imposed break has made me really appreciate it. Now when I go see live music you can hear a pin drop because everyone is so focused on the music. The audience is soaking up every note. I haven’t played a live show since I left Australia in September 2019 which is weird after playing every week or so for years. Can’t wait to get back on stage. You were overseas in 2019 and then came back to Australia due to Covid, please tell us about what you got up to: I had wanted to live in Europe forever and got a three year working visa for the UK in 2019. So I released my second album Hysteria! in September 2019 and a week or so later I left. I spent three months in London, three months in Paris and three months in Athens walking 20 kilometres a day exploring the streets, parks, music, galleries. I taught myself a music recording program called Logic and wrote songs every day and demoed them in Logic. I was basically by myself working on my craft with jobs on the side to fund adventures. Then in Athens, I was working for an NGO supporting LGBTIQ refugees and the situation politically got pretty scary - there were anti-refugee riots and people started burning refugee camps in Lesvos. They had to shut the shelter I worked at due to threats so I lost my job. The next day I got an emergency text from the Greek government saying a lockdown was going to happen because of COVID and no-one could leave their house without a permit. Trump announced he was closing the US borders. My family called and said Morrison was about to do the same. I had to make a very quick decision. I didn’t even have time to tell my landlord I had to leave and threw all my shit in a bag, went to the airport and got the first plane back to Sydney I could. It was the right decision - it would have been hard to stay living alone in the current climate. And now seeing all these stranded Australians still trying to get home 14 months later. Your new single 'Waiting For Time' will be out on Feb 16, what influenced the sound and songwriting? I wrote this song walking around London with a heart that fell full and empty at the same time. When I left Australia I had just fallen in a terribly timed romance. I decided to leave anyway with the hope and a promise they would join me eventually. This song is about feeling in limbo, wondering when and if I’d see them again. Talking to them on the other side of the planet at odd times of day and night due to the time difference. In terms of the sound, I penned the term Stargaze for this new collection of songs I’m releasing this year. Think shoegaze but instead of looking down you look up at the stars, trying to absorb and reflect the sound of their beauty, darkness, silent noise, infinite space, twinkling hope in the distance. I'm always using the stars for inspiration. How did you go about writing Waiting For Time? I wrote it in winter in London when I was feeling pretty lonely but also experiencing a weird long-distance love bubble. I didn’t have a guitar at the time so I wrote it on bass with lyrics and melody and stitched the rest together in a kind of patchwork from random recording sessions in Paris, Athens and Sydney. Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with? When I got back to Australia during the first wave of COVID, I did a (socially distanced) session at Harvest Recordings in Marrickville to get the bones of the song down. Kat Ayala laid down some beautiful lush guitars for it. And Sarah Fenn-Lavington smashed out drums. I co-produced the song with Ben Moore (Harvest Recordings), who also added his guitars and synths. We kept layering things on, rearranging, adding things and taking them away. It was the first time I'd worked on a song in this way and the first time I'd worked closely with a producer. It felt so good to collaborate creatively like this in a safe place - my living room mainly. We did vocals in my bathroom and Ben mixed it too. I got Casey Rice in Melbourne to master. I'm really proud of where it ended up sonically. Who are you listening to at the moment? RVG, Vagabon, Arlo Parks, Spiritualized, Sol Seppy, Brian Eno, Grouper. What do you like to do away from music? Spending time in nature mainly. Solo swims at the beach, exploring rock pools, I love going on ferry rides in Sydney and taking my dog for walks near water. Also I love my friends and laughing as much as possible with them. What's planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021? I'm working on and releasing a bunch of new songs this year and going to work with a director for a special music video or two. Mostly I'm excited about rehearsing a new set with a new band and getting back on stage on on tour as soon as possible/ Favourite food Cheese Favourite place to hangout? Lady Bay and Camperdown Park :) https://www.instagram.com/juliawhymusic/ https://www.facebook.com/JuliaWhy/ Twitter: @Julia_Why

JuliaWhy?

by the partae February 15, 2021

written by the partae

Photo Credit: Amaya Lang

Where are you currently based?

On Gadigal land of the Eora nation aka Sydney.

How did you first start playing music?

When I was little I copied everything my older sister Jeanie did. She brought a guitar home one day when I was 10 and I adopted it. I was painfully shy back then so I started writing songs as a way to communicate.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

As weird and depressing as a lot of things have been politically/globally/culturally during this pandemic, the whole experience has been a wake up call for me. Waking up to what’s important in life and what’s not. Waking up to the future we face as a species and the environmental crisis in our hands. Waking up to contributing my skills to make change. I was unemployed most of last year until I got a job with an environmental NGO run by a small group of incredible women. It’s the first time in a long time I’ve felt like I’m working towards something important. It’s made me feel a lot of hope for the future but also know how urgently things need to change.

In terms of music though, I have missed playing shows and watching live music a lot. Having an imposed break has made me really appreciate it. Now when I go see live music you can hear a pin drop because everyone is so focused on the music. The audience is soaking up every note. I haven’t played a live show since I left Australia in September 2019 which is weird after playing every week or so for years. Can’t wait to get back on stage.

You were overseas in 2019 and then came back to Australia due to Covid, please tell us about what you got up to:

I had wanted to live in Europe forever and got a three year working visa for the UK in 2019. So I released my second album Hysteria! in September 2019 and a week or so later I left. I spent three months in London, three months in Paris and three months in Athens walking 20 kilometres a day exploring the streets, parks, music, galleries. I taught myself a music recording program called Logic and wrote songs every day and demoed them in Logic. I was basically by myself working on my craft with jobs on the side to fund adventures.

Then in Athens, I was working for an NGO supporting LGBTIQ refugees and the situation politically got pretty scary – there were anti-refugee riots and people started burning refugee camps in Lesvos. They had to shut the shelter I worked at due to threats so I lost my job. The next day I got an emergency text from the Greek government saying a lockdown was going to happen because of COVID and no-one could leave their house without a permit. Trump announced he was closing the US borders. My family called and said Morrison was about to do the same. I had to make a very quick decision. I didn’t even have time to tell my landlord I had to leave and threw all my shit in a bag, went to the airport and got the first plane back to Sydney I could. It was the right decision – it would have been hard to stay living alone in the current climate. And now seeing all these stranded Australians still trying to get home 14 months later.

Your new single ‘Waiting For Time’ will be out on Feb 16, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I wrote this song walking around London with a heart that fell full and empty at the same time. When I left Australia I had just fallen in a terribly timed romance. I decided to leave anyway with the hope and a promise they would join me eventually. This song is about feeling in limbo, wondering when and if I’d see them again. Talking to them on the other side of the planet at odd times of day and night due to the time difference.

In terms of the sound, I penned the term Stargaze for this new collection of songs I’m releasing this year. Think shoegaze but instead of looking down you look up at the stars, trying to absorb and reflect the sound of their beauty, darkness, silent noise, infinite space, twinkling hope in the distance. I’m always using the stars for inspiration.

How did you go about writing Waiting For Time?

I wrote it in winter in London when I was feeling pretty lonely but also experiencing a weird long-distance love bubble. I didn’t have a guitar at the time so I wrote it on bass with lyrics and melody and stitched the rest together in a kind of patchwork from random recording sessions in Paris, Athens and Sydney.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

When I got back to Australia during the first wave of COVID, I did a (socially distanced) session at Harvest Recordings in Marrickville to get the bones of the song down. Kat Ayala laid down some beautiful lush guitars for it. And Sarah Fenn-Lavington smashed out drums. I co-produced the song with Ben Moore (Harvest Recordings), who also added his guitars and synths. We kept layering things on, rearranging, adding things and taking them away. It was the first time I’d worked on a song in this way and the first time I’d worked closely with a producer. It felt so good to collaborate creatively like this in a safe place – my living room mainly. We did vocals in my bathroom and Ben mixed it too. I got Casey Rice in Melbourne to master. I’m really proud of where it ended up sonically.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

RVG, Vagabon, Arlo Parks, Spiritualized, Sol Seppy, Brian Eno, Grouper.

What do you like to do away from music?

Spending time in nature mainly. Solo swims at the beach, exploring rock pools, I love going on ferry rides in Sydney and taking my dog for walks near water. Also I love my friends and laughing as much as possible with them.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
I’m working on and releasing a bunch of new songs this year and going to work with a director for a special music video or two. Mostly I’m excited about rehearsing a new set with a new band and getting back on stage on on tour as soon as possible/

Favourite food

Cheese

Favourite place to hangout?

Lady Bay and Camperdown Park 🙂

https://www.instagram.com/juliawhymusic/

https://www.facebook.com/JuliaWhy/

https://linktr.ee/juliawhy

Twitter: @Julia_Why

February 15, 2021 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Chutney

by the partae February 14, 2021

written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

All four of us are based right here on the Gold Coast within about 20 minutes of each other.

How did Chutney form?

Chutney formed in late 2019! We all had our own separate musical projects that we had been part of. I (Matt) wanted to try a different sort of genre from what I had been focusing on at the time and wrote a few indie-rock numbers. I had brought these songs to Cal (Guitar) and Pat (Bass) and we decided to form this little project. Andy (Drums) came on board after a few of the first songs were written out and the rest is history.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been?

We were only really just starting out as a band when COVID first bared its teeth so our mentality was to use that time to get all the structures in place for a successful post-COVID world. We tried to work on refining our sound, building a brand and creating an image… as well as write lots and lots. As things opened back up we snatched up any and every gig and it’s honestly worked quite well.

Our focus recently has been writing the years worth of music out and getting ready for our Invisible tour.

Your new single Invisible is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I wrote the basic chord structure and lyrics after watching Elton John’s Biopic “Rocketman.” I was particularly taken aback by one quote – “Real love is hard to come by. So you find a way to cope without it.” I thought it was kinda sad that there are those who feel they aren’t worthy enough to be loved. I thought it was a pretty heavy notion, however its those sorts of ídeas/moments that I love writing about.

How did you go about writing Invisible?

My little moment of inspiration came halfway through the movie so I made a little voice memo and got to it later. I had some pretty chords I was playing with so I wrote the whole song that afternoon. That same week we came together and played it as a band and pretty much had it 95% complete, it was one of those ones that just falls into place I suppose.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?

We recorded with our long time collaborators Scotty French from Love St Studios and Paul Blakey for Mastering. We’re always happy with the sound we achieve with these two and honestly recording with Scotty is such a good experience.

You have a tour coming up this February, where are you headed?

The tour is just a small one to showcase our single so we are doing 2 shows in Brisbane and 2 shows in our hometown. You can find us at Black Bear Lodge (18th), Elsewhere (19th), Vinnies Dive Bar (27th) & Greaser Bar (5th).

How do you prepare for live shows and what can we expect?

It’s pretty much just about getting into a rehearsal space a few times before a gig and making some noise. We have an array of music, from faster numbers to ballads, but I think for the tour we are gonna keep it as energetic as possible. We also have a bunch of new music to test out which is exciting.

Any new music on the way?

Yes yes! We have around 10 tracks done; it’s just about choosing the right ones at this point if you know what I mean. There’s about 3 of them that are worthy of being the next single… time will tell which one we pick.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been getting around the local scene ALOT recently. Beddy Rays, Sycco, Girl and Girl and Local Safari come to mind. I’ve also been absolutely smashing Fontaines DC recently. Absolutely love their sound.

What do you like to do away from music?

We are all quite a close group of friends; so just hanging out on weekends and playing any sport we possibly can or having a bit of a drink. We also love checking out any of the local artists that we can. There’s so much good music coming out of the Gold Coast, you don’t need to leave the city to enjoy an amazing show.

What’s planned for 2021?

The next thing will be our follow-up to Invisible and the tour. We want to get out to a couple of the major capitals of Australia (COVID pending) but really we just love playing shows and writing music – so we will continue to do that.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Definitely our local pub the Lonestar Tavern in Mermaid – or perhaps Options for Andy 😉 We may spend a bit too much time there.

February 14, 2021 0 comments

Where are you currently based? Geographically, in Melbourne, emotionally, somewhere on another planet. What's been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far? We’ve just come back from seeing our beautiful friends & family in Perth which was such a huge opposite to what our COVID experience was. No friends to so many friends, feeling depressed to crying with laughter. The only constant has been we drank and ate way too much. Your new EP 'Starters & Appetizers will be out Feb 19 2021, what influenced the sound and songwriting? We wanted a bright, 80s pop sound that sparkled with a little mystery & weirdness. We wrote all the songs during lockdown so a lot of those feels are incorporated into a few melodic moments and definitely through the lyrics. When you’re stuck at home by yourself, you start reflecting on things a little too much, and so a lot of the lyrics are reflections on past experiences and feelings. Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with? We recorded & produced everything in house, and by that we literally mean in the house. Noni recorded vocals in a wardrobe padded with yoga mats. One of our super talented friends Joel Dowling mixed all the tracks for us - all of his stuff is bloody incredible and has worked with so many cool artists like Matt Corby & Samsaruh. The EP covers various topics of depression, anxiety / social anxiety, heartbreak and finding out who you are, how did you approach the writing process? It was different with each song… For Jules, he would be up late with a bottle of wine and a MIDI keyboard - definitely how all the melancholic magic happens. For me, I would often lock myself in a room and listen to the Jules’s track over and over again until something stuck. One of the songs took 10 minutes to write, the other took 5 weeks. I think that time alone & apart from each other allowed for an introspective & emotional canvas. Please describe a bit about the background of each track: Track 1: Butterflies & SSRIs This is an instrumental track that we hope paints a melodic journey about addressing depression & anxiety through therapy and medication (SSRIs) and finally being able to function and see the world in colour for the first time. For Jules, this has been a super long journey and so we felt it would be perfect to open the EP with an instrumental that would frame the topics of each track after - there are a bunch of different elements that you’ll hear repeated in other tracks to draw the whole thing together. Track 2: Ultra Passion We originally released this Nov 1st last year. Ultra Passion is about foolishly jumping into a bad relationship with your heart on your sleeve and having it break your heart. For me, this recounts a particularly heartbreaking time in my life. The first line sums up the song: “21 and a fool, we didn’t know what we were doing.” Track 3: Sober Spaceman Another re-release from last December. This one is about being held back from making decisions in life for fear of disappointment and living life passively on ‘autopilot’ because of crippling anxiety. Almost like you’re floating through space, unable to redirect where you’re going in life and finally sobering up to the reality of the situation. Track 4: Sad Champagne Is about trying not to jump into a relationship after heartbreak - not wanting to be alone, but knowing that you need to be alone to heal, and reflecting on the brokenness of past relationships. Track 5: Private Wine Story through an introvert’s eyes at a party and struggling to ‘be normal’ and fit, because of social anxiety. I wrote the lyrics to this one with Jules in mind. It’s about finally finding your rhythm and ‘dance’ in life, something we both found in 2020. What did you find most challenging and rewarding through out the creation of the EP? I think its always tricky working with your romantic partner, and we both have very different working styles and processes. But the reward was the fact that we produced this together and got through it on the other side and we still like working together. Who are you listening to at the moment? I’m listen to RAYE (@raye), LEON (@Leon), & SayGrace (@callmesaygrace). All powerhouse female artists. What do you like to do away from music? Personally I like to binge watch TV shows on Netflix, nap, eat and clean - I guess classic traits you’d find in most Racoons. For us, a perfect day is a drive down to Mornington listening to music and then grabbing a gin & tonic. What's planned for 2021? Fingers crossed our first show! We’ve got a bunch of new singles lined up after the EP (some cool collabs in the mix). Also a sneaky music video or two. Favourite food and place to hangout? Definitely Japanese - we are huge suckers for ramen, particularly Shujinko in the city, hands down best ramen in Melbourne. I love a trip to the National Gallery of Victoria - it’s super igniting on a creative level, plus I love to make memes out of the Renaissance paintings.

Music Interviews Music News

FancyNormal

by the partae February 14, 2021

written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Geographically, in Melbourne, emotionally, somewhere on another planet.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

We’ve just come back from seeing our beautiful friends & family in Perth which was such a huge opposite to what our COVID experience was. No friends to so many friends, feeling depressed to crying with laughter. The only constant has been we drank and ate way too much.

Your new EP ‘Starters & Appetizers will be out Feb 19 2021, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

We wanted a bright, 80s pop sound that sparkled with a little mystery & weirdness. We wrote all the songs during lockdown so a lot of those feels are incorporated into a few melodic moments and definitely through the lyrics. When you’re stuck at home by yourself, you start reflecting on things a little too much, and so a lot of the lyrics are reflections on past experiences and feelings.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?

We recorded & produced everything in house, and by that we literally mean in the house. Noni recorded vocals in a wardrobe padded with yoga mats. One of our super talented friends Joel Dowling mixed all the tracks for us – all of his stuff is bloody incredible and has worked with so many cool artists like Matt Corby & Samsaruh.

The EP covers various topics of depression, anxiety / social anxiety, heartbreak and finding out who you are, how did you approach the writing process?

It was different with each song… For Jules, he would be up late with a bottle of wine and a MIDI keyboard – definitely how all the melancholic magic happens. For me, I would often lock myself in a room and listen to the Jules’s track over and over again until something stuck. One of the songs took 10 minutes to write, the other took 5 weeks. I think that time alone & apart from each other allowed for an introspective & emotional canvas.

Please describe a bit about the background of each track:

Track 1: Butterflies & SSRIs

This is an instrumental track that we hope paints a melodic journey about addressing depression & anxiety through therapy and medication (SSRIs) and finally being able to function and see the world in colour for the first time. For Jules, this has been a super long journey and so we felt it would be perfect to open the EP with an instrumental that would frame the topics of each track after – there are a bunch of different elements that you’ll hear repeated in other tracks to draw the whole thing together.

Track 2: Ultra Passion

We originally released this Nov 1st last year. Ultra Passion is about foolishly jumping into a bad relationship with your heart on your sleeve and having it break your heart. For me, this recounts a particularly heartbreaking time in my life. The first line sums up the song: “21 and a fool, we didn’t know what we were doing.”

Track 3: Sober Spaceman

Another re-release from last December. This one is about being held back from making decisions in life for fear of disappointment and living life passively on ‘autopilot’ because of crippling anxiety. Almost like you’re floating through space, unable to redirect where you’re going in life and finally sobering up to the reality of the situation.

Track 4: Sad Champagne

Is about trying not to jump into a relationship after heartbreak – not wanting to be alone, but knowing that you need to be alone to heal, and reflecting on the brokenness of past relationships.

Track 5: Private Wine

Story through an introvert’s eyes at a party and struggling to ‘be normal’ and fit, because of social anxiety. I wrote the lyrics to this one with Jules in mind. It’s about finally finding your rhythm and ‘dance’ in life, something we both found in 2020.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding through out the creation of the EP?

I think its always tricky working with your romantic partner, and we both have very different working styles and processes. But the reward was the fact that we produced this together and got through it on the other side and we still like working together.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’m listen to RAYE (@raye), LEON (@Leon), & SayGrace (@callmesaygrace). All powerhouse female artists.

What do you like to do away from music?

Personally I like to binge watch TV shows on Netflix, nap, eat and clean – I guess classic traits you’d find in most Racoons. For us, a perfect day is a drive down to Mornington listening to music and then grabbing a gin & tonic.

What’s planned for 2021?

Fingers crossed our first show! We’ve got a bunch of new singles lined up after the EP (some cool collabs in the mix). Also a sneaky music video or two.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Definitely Japanese – we are huge suckers for ramen, particularly Shujinko in the city, hands down best ramen in Melbourne. I love a trip to the National Gallery of Victoria – it’s super igniting on a creative level, plus I love to make memes out of the Renaissance paintings.

https://www.facebook.com/fancynormal/

https://www.instagram.com/fancynormal_/

February 14, 2021 0 comments

Where are you currently based? Montreal, Canada How did you first start playing music? Picked up a bass at age 16 after listening to (and being blown away) by Steve Harris, the bass player for Iron Maiden. Haven't been into metal for a while, but that's how it all started. How has your approach t0 creating music changed over the years? I've been in an indie rock band for many years, and for most of that time, our approach to music involved jamming out complete songs. Lately, we've been more into splicing parts together on a DAW. And for my solo work, I write beats, jam out a live bassline over them, and add on keyboard parts on that. What's been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far? I've been lucky: COVID hasn't impacted me that much. Musically and otherwise, things have been relatively normal. Your new single 'Teacups' is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting? The feel and mood of the song was inspired by Yves Tumour's album Serpent Music. Amazing album, by the way. I love the field recordings in the album and just the feeling of mystery. How did you go about writing Teacups? Teacups started with a beat I tapped out on my knuckles, and then recorded. I then added a reverb effect and some drums, and the bassline. I put a melody over it all using a keyboard patch. Lastly, I put some field recordings of my daughter playing with a small porcelain tea set and talking, and saturated with reverb. Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with? My first LP - called The Gamins - was recorded at my home studio. I did the mixing myself, and mastered it online. In my band we've used other people to mix our stuff quite a bit - but for Nimrawd I felt it made more sense for me to do it myself. My music is very lo-fi and intense - so the album was forgiving of my possibly inexperienced mixing technique. How did you approach the recording process? I start by tapping out a drum line on my iPhone, more often than not. Next, I put a live bassline down. I feel that live bass is key to my music. There's something about the analog nature of it that really just lets the rhythm breathe and open up. I then add other instrumentation on top. The actual "recording" process will typically happen over sessions that last a few hours. Then the arranging and tinkering happens. I'll do that over a period of months, in short bursts - sometimes of just a few minutes. What programs/instruments/equipment did you use? iPhone for beats. Sometimes an iPad, sometimes a drum pad. I used a Warwick fretless 4-string bass for all the basslines. Everything was recorded on Logic Pro and using MIDI patches. How did the concept for the Teacups video come about? I felt the song had a movement to it, and one day the idea of doing a ballet-type of video came into my head. It just felt right. Where and when did you film/produce and who did you work with? I hired a dancer on Fiverr to do it. It's crazy what you can do online these days. I sent her the song, the words my daughter says in the music, and she took it from there. I gave her full artistic freedom to do what she felt was right, and I think she did a great job. You have an LP to be released later in 2021, how has the progress been so far? The progress has been great. In fact the album is mostly done - but with a big asterisk. I have a series of songs, but I need to make sure they work as a whole. I also need to see if I need to add a new song to make sure I'm covering all the styles I'd like to have on the LP. And, of course, there might be some situations where I have to cut a song I like because it doesn't fit with the others. How are you approaching the creation of the LP? I would say the songs on this new LP are a bit more electronic foused, and less "beat tape" focused. I'm also experimenting with shorter "ditties" which push the music a bit more in terms of experimentality. Who are you listening to at the moment? Ras G, Madlib, Mike Ladd, Actress, Brian Eno, Dakim, Inga Copeland, The Beach Boys. What do you like to do away from music? Skip this question What's planned for the remainder of 2021? Complete the album, and start the next one. I'm in a bit of a netherzone right now. Once I'm nearly done with an album I find it hard to really get into new songs. I've started experimenting with some texture ideas, but the next step is really to release my second LP. Favourite food and place to hangout? Skip this question

Music Interviews Music News

Nimrawd

by the partae February 13, 2021

written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Montreal, Canada

How did you first start playing music?

Picked up a bass at age 16 after listening to (and being blown away) by Steve Harris, the bass player for Iron Maiden. Haven’t been into metal for a while, but that’s how it all started.

How has your approach t0 creating music changed over the years?

I’ve been in an indie rock band for many years, and for most of that time, our approach to music involved jamming out complete songs. Lately, we’ve been more into splicing parts together on a DAW. And for my solo work, I write beats, jam out a live bassline over them, and add on keyboard parts on that.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

I’ve been lucky: COVID hasn’t impacted me that much. Musically and otherwise, things have been relatively normal.

Your new single ‘Teacups’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The feel and mood of the song was inspired by Yves Tumour’s album Serpent Music. Amazing album, by the way. I love the field recordings in the album and just the feeling of mystery.

How did you go about writing Teacups?

Teacups started with a beat I tapped out on my knuckles, and then recorded. I then added a reverb effect and some drums, and the bassline. I put a melody over it all using a keyboard patch. Lastly, I put some field recordings of my daughter playing with a small porcelain tea set and talking, and saturated with reverb.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

My first LP – called The Gamins – was recorded at my home studio. I did the mixing myself, and mastered it online. In my band we’ve used other people to mix our stuff quite a bit – but for Nimrawd I felt it made more sense for me to do it myself. My music is very lo-fi and intense – so the album was forgiving of my possibly inexperienced mixing technique.

How did you approach the recording process?

I start by tapping out a drum line on my iPhone, more often than not. Next, I put a live bassline down. I feel that live bass is key to my music. There’s something about the analog nature of it that really just lets the rhythm breathe and open up. I then add other instrumentation on top. The actual “recording” process will typically happen over sessions that last a few hours. Then the arranging and tinkering happens. I’ll do that over a period of months, in short bursts – sometimes of just a few minutes.

What programs/instruments/equipment did you use?

iPhone for beats. Sometimes an iPad, sometimes a drum pad. I used a Warwick fretless 4-string bass for all the basslines. Everything was recorded on Logic Pro and using MIDI patches.

How did the concept for the Teacups video come about?

I felt the song had a movement to it, and one day the idea of doing a ballet-type of video came into my head. It just felt right.

Where and when did you film/produce and who did you work with?

I hired a dancer on Fiverr to do it. It’s crazy what you can do online these days. I sent her the song, the words my daughter says in the music, and she took it from there. I gave her full artistic freedom to do what she felt was right, and I think she did a great job.

You have an LP to be released later in 2021, how has the progress been so far?

The progress has been great. In fact the album is mostly done – but with a big asterisk. I have a series of songs, but I need to make sure they work as a whole. I also need to see if I need to add a new song to make sure I’m covering all the styles I’d like to have on the LP. And, of course, there might be some situations where I have to cut a song I like because it doesn’t fit with the others.

How are you approaching the creation of the LP?

I would say the songs on this new LP are a bit more electronic foused, and less “beat tape” focused. I’m also experimenting with shorter “ditties” which push the music a bit more in terms of experimentality.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Ras G, Madlib, Mike Ladd, Actress, Brian Eno, Dakim, Inga Copeland, The Beach Boys.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?

Complete the album, and start the next one. I’m in a bit of a netherzone right now. Once I’m nearly done with an album I find it hard to really get into new songs. I’ve started experimenting with some texture ideas, but the next step is really to release my second LP.

https://www.facebook.com/Nimrawd/

https://www.instagram.com/nimrawd/

February 13, 2021 0 comments

Music News

DADA LIFE PARTNER WITH REVEALED RECORDINGS TO LAUNCH NEW LABEL ‘CRASH & SMILE’ AND DROP FIRST SINGLE ‘RUMBLE SLOW’!

by the partae February 13, 2021

written by the partae

DADA LIFE PARTNER WITH REVEALED RECORDINGS TO LAUNCH NEW LABEL ‘CRASH & SMILE’ AND DROP FIRST SINGLE ‘RUMBLE SLOW’!
Launch date: Out now!
Stream here: revr.ec/RUMBLE-SLOW

Swedish duo Dada Life are renowned for their fun sensibility and broad view of nonsense and surrealism. So, fans of their sound and ethos will be excited by the news that the Dada revolution continues to gather pace with the arrival of their own recording label – Crash & Smile – and a new single with ‘Rumble Slow’.

Undoubtedly moulded in a laboratory of madness, Dada Life has spawned Crash & Smile to be a buoyant, grin inducing imprint that will not only serve the full on, big room anthems that fans have come to expect! But it’s also going to be an environment for building and support a new generation of artists that share Dada Life’s focus for top notch productions and big bass lines.

When pinned down to reveal why Crash & Smile came to be, Dada Life responded: “We’re super excited to start a new chapter in Dada Land with the Crash & Smile label. It’s a natural step since we’ve felt something is missing in the music space. We felt there must be more people than just us that want to crash with a smile on their face! Big melodies and high energy are the essence of what makes us feel happy! We’ve been working a lot with Hardwell and Revealed, so to be able to do this label with them feels amazing! We can focus on finding great music, like our new release ‘Rumble Slow’, and being creative!”

In partnership with Revealed Recordings, Dada Life and their newly formed Crash & Smile have international reaching aims for the label. Utilising the esteemed Dutch powerhouse’s long experience and in-house personnel, Crash & Smile seeks to climb musical mountains with its output. From being the source for all things Dada Life, the record label shall also be a springboard for other artists and music releases.

Dada Life’s manager Toby Benson added: “I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Revealed team for many years across a number of projects, so it was an obvious next step to partner on launching Dada Life’s new label ‘Crash & Smile’ together. This deal gives Dada Life the creative freedom to release their unique style of music and also a platform for them to sign and develop talent under their own imprint.”

Olle Cornéer and Stefan Engblom are the Stockholm duo that embodies Dada Life in the physical form. Every piece of sound, sweat and swirling idea comes from them. They are known for their anthemic hits such as ‘Kick Out The Epic Motherf**ker’, ‘One Last Night On Earth’, ‘Happy Violence’, ‘Born To Rage’, and ‘Feed The Dada’. The Dada Life boys has also been a prominent feature at large scale events over the years showcasing their crazy antics, including declaring their own nation, at mainstages everywhere from Electric Daisy Carnival, Ultra Music Festival, Creamfields and Tomorrowland.

Commenting on the partnership Revealed’s Managing Director Massimo Baudo said: “We have all heard Dada Life’s iconic songs played in clubs and festivals, on the radio and tv all around the world. These guys have always been pioneers and their music will continue inspiring fans in the future. Everybody within the team is thrilled to be working with Dada Life and be part of this new adventure, so we couldn’t be happier they have chosen Revealed as the home for their new Crash & Smile label.”

Revealed Recordings have been on the frontier of music experience since its launch in 2010—a hotbed for artists such as Maddix, KAAZE, Dr Phunk, and Sick Individuals. Revealed has also welcomed into its family established names that include Steve Aoki, Tiësto, Jason Derulo, Craig David, Austin Mahone, Afrojack, Quintino, KSHMR, Timmy Trumpet and Snoop Dogg.

The first release on Dada Life’s new Crash & Smile label is ‘Rumble Slow’ out now!

For information check:

Crash & Smile
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/CrashAndSmile
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/CrashAndSmile/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0pZ3b9GJGez7u6x3TTHDkQ
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/CrashAndSmile/
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/user/clec4fffxcofpi5kjwgwas01n?si=5dw3v_gZSCOzvhaaNMaRUQ

Dada Life
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dadalife/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dadalife/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/dadalife/
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/dadalife
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/dada-life
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/00sAT5YX8W3xNd1EuqyHw9?si=n2MbiPd0Rr6aBJCyARL8tQ

Revealed Recordings
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/revealedrecordings
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/revealedrec
Twitter – https://twitter.com/revealedrec
YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/user/Revealedrec
Soundcloud – https://soundcloud.com/revealed-recordings
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/user/revealedrec

February 13, 2021 0 comments

Music News

Yawdoesitall

by the partae February 13, 2021

written by the partae

Where did it all start for you? Is there a particular artist you can remember first hitting you with inspiration to start exploring music as a career?

.I’ve always been intrigued about music and the art of performing but I think it kicked off after high school, learning how to make beats with goals to perform the stuff that I make one day. I grew up in Ghana so a lot of my influences came from Ghanaian musicians. i then got heavily into Tinie tempah and then also got into Christian rapper Lecrae. I also vividly remember discovering Miracle (who goes by Blessed now), and like another Ghanaian brother making music in Australia, I was so inspired and introduced more to hip hop and music than ever. After that is when the discovery of the j Coles and Kendrick Lamars came into picture and solidified the inspirations more.

You have been involved in not just music, but different artistic mediums – was this a natural progression of interests for you, or did you find being involved in one thing (music, say) led to another (photography, say)?

Photography and film became something I picked up over time and realised I was good at it. For a couple of years, these were the more professional side of me but I worked closely with a lot of musicians and artists. Music has always been around but I never felt ready as I was still learning. I think music then overshadowed as I realised there’s a stronger passion and there’s more room to learn and grow. I think with Photography and film I did it well for payment but with music, I made it regardless of what it could bring.

It’s been interesting but the good thing is that now, Music is the centre and every other creative endeavour surrounds it.

The latest single with Tawanda marks a slight change up in vibe and execution when it comes to the music we’ve heard from you. What makes ‘Test Drive’ a significant entry in the new body of work you’re set to unveil in 2021?

Test drive solidifies my ability to be versatile. I never saw myself going this lane with the music I make and I think after that I realised I could jump and make any track and still keep it Yaw. Every other release including features has also been slightly different. I guess Yaw really does it all

You’re based in Sydney – what’s the scene like there at the moment when it comes to the support for fresh hip hop names on the come up? What’s exciting you the most about being part of it all?

The scene is interesting. I think there’s way too many talents available that the people are not ready for so it’s taking time. I think I cherish content more and I think the noise sells more than the developing talents and creativity that is coming up. But also I think we’re such a growing scene so there’s hope for what it could be. I’m just glad to share my art with the city and world

Do you think your aims for making music and art have changed heaps/any from when you first started? If so, in what ways?

I think it’s changed a bit. I’ve always wanted to perform on big stages and I think that is bound to happen. But I think I’m more focused about purpose and enjoying what I do now and impact more than being heard. And that’s is definitely a growth that changed my goal

2020 was trash all round, but what did you learn about yourself and your artistry as a result?

I learnt that the time to be great is now. And also the time to create is now. There might not be the freedom to do what you wanna do.

We’re no doubt going to be hearing more from Yawdoesitall as 2021 rolls on out; what’s surprised you the most about the way your artistry has developed and how are we set to hear that in the music?

What surprised me is the kind of music I’m making. I never thought it could branch and be this huge thing that has multiple hands involved. I think I’m more than just a rapper and you’re gonna feel it.

The faces of Australian hip hop look hella different now to how they did even 10 years ago – which is really exciting. Do you think this change is permanent?

Yessir, I think change is important. Perhaps not permanent but its evolving and I’m here for all of it.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed

February 13, 2021 0 comments

“Produced by Julien Lopes (aka Ramzoid), and written by Haddad - “On The Low” is her introduction to the music world. “I wanted to explore my words, feelings and musicality through the creation of a song that fused my love for R&B and Pop,” says Haddad. The new single is a testament to her burgeoning musical flair, one that is modern, progressive and distinctly her. A resident of PEI, Haddad has been involved with a myriad of community arts projects ranging from starring in the Charlottetown production of “Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart” to lending her talents to good causes such as the “Beacon of Light” candlelight vigil commemorating the victims of the 2020 Beirut explosion. With a future that is full of unlimited potential, Nadia Haddad is an artist to keep an eye on. WATCH/LISTEN https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAYRdXmU98E&feature=emb_logo SOCIALS https://www.instagram.com/nadiaxh_/?hl=en

Music News

Nadia ‘On The Low’ Premiere

by the partae February 13, 2021

written by the partae

“Produced by Julien Lopes (aka Ramzoid), and written by Haddad – “On The Low” is her introduction to the music world. “I wanted to explore my words, feelings and musicality through the creation of a song that fused my love for R&B and Pop,” says Haddad. The new single is a testament to her burgeoning musical flair, one that is modern, progressive and distinctly her.

A resident of PEI, Haddad has been involved with a myriad of community arts projects ranging from starring in the Charlottetown production of “Stan Rogers: A Matter of Heart” to lending her talents to good causes such as the “Beacon of Light” candlelight vigil commemorating the victims of the 2020 Beirut explosion. With a future that is full of unlimited potential, Nadia Haddad is an artist to keep an eye on.

WATCH/LISTEN

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAYRdXmU98E

SOCIALS

https://www.instagram.com/nadiaxh_/?hl=en

February 13, 2021 0 comments

Known for his worldly folk sound, BOCEPHUS KING (James Perry), has played music for crowds around the globe as well as collaborated with master musicians from all over the world, and quite fittingly. Bocephus King carries a sound from places near and far, familiar and foreign, rooted in folk tradition and infused with his contemporary, unique approach. He is a troubadour through and through and his ability to connect with his listeners transcends cultures. "I wrote this song wanting to start with a first-hand account of the modern version of this gypsy-style life and to finish with a reminder of the very message the original Troubadours tried to hide from the dreaded, soulless inquisition. That is this: enlightenment is a choice, everything you need dwells in you. You are the universe trying to understand itself. You don’t need a middleman to reach spirituality." - Bocephus King LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/album/6jyWd4uuidUV9oZl5u7sek?highlight=spotify:track:4HxrORO6Gjl9Jb82MPWIgP SOCIALS http://www.tonicrecords.com/artist/bocephus-king/ https://twitter.com/bocephusking?lang=en https://www.facebook.com/BocephusKing/ https://www.instagram.com/bocephusk/?hl=en

Music Interviews Music News

Bocephus King Premiere

by the partae February 13, 2021

written by the partae

Known for his worldly folk sound, BOCEPHUS KING (James Perry), has played music for crowds around the globe as well as collaborated with master musicians from all over the world, and quite fittingly. Bocephus King carries a sound from places near and far, familiar and foreign, rooted in folk tradition and infused with his contemporary, unique approach. He is a troubadour through and through and his ability to connect with his listeners transcends cultures.

“I wrote this song wanting to start with a first-hand account of the modern version of this gypsy-style life and to finish with a reminder of the very message the original Troubadours tried to hide from the dreaded, soulless inquisition. That is this: enlightenment is a choice, everything you need dwells in you. You are the universe trying to understand itself. You don’t need a middleman to reach spirituality.” – Bocephus King

http://www.tonicrecords.com/artist/bocephus-king/

https://twitter.com/bocephusking?lang=en

https://www.facebook.com/BocephusKing/

https://www.instagram.com/bocephusk/?hl=en

February 13, 2021 0 comments

Music News

Sam Blacky Releases Debut Single “Too Late” and Launches Her Stabby Records Imprint

by the partae February 13, 2021

written by the partae

Artists: Sam Blacky
Title: Too Late
Label: Stabby Records
Release date: February 12, 2021

Download / Stream

LA-based DJ/producer Sam Blacky makes an explosive debut with her brand new single “Too Late,” which serves as the world’s official introduction to Sam’s underground-influenced house and techno sound. “Too Late” opens with disco-inspired vocals and a kickdrum driven bassline, quickly setting the stage for a late-night vibe that perfectly reflects her DJ sets; listeners can imagine themselves taking part in one of her “A New World” series, dancing underneath the stars of some of Mexico‘s most beautiful locales. The single is out on Sam Blacky‘s label Stabby Records, which will deliver cutting-edge house music from Blacky herself and other artists, representing the same sonic vision. Sam and Stabby Records have plenty of surprises and new music in the works this year, so keep an eye out for what’s next!

Samantha Black is a multitalented DJ/producer, model, and influencer professionally known as Sam Blacky. Originally from San Diego, Sam spent several years in Australia, where she first fell in love with producing music and performing live. Since moving back to Los Angeles, music and performing have taken a front seat in her life. In addition to her hectic modeling schedule, Sam has performed live across the world from 2017 to 2021, from Mexico to Ibiza to Bali, racking up over 120 gigs a year at some of the premier electronic festivals and clubs on the planet. With the global pandemic in 2020, Sam released a series of videos on Youtube called “A New World,” where she streamed live sets from some of her favorite places in Mexico, giving viewers a taste of vacation vibes even while staying safe at home. Before all the music, her modeling portfolio included brands such as Nike, L’Oréal, Galore, Marie Claire, Superdry, Guess, Sports Illustrated, Malibu, and Playboy, giving her a unique creative perspective to all types of cultures and styles to bring to her music. With the launch of Sam Blacky‘s label, Stabby Records, and her first releases, 2021 is set to be a breakout year for Sam as she expands her artistic brand.

More info on Sam Blacky / Stabby Records:

February 13, 2021 0 comments

Where are you from and where are you currently based? Born and raised Australian, from Western Sydney. Sacrificed the sun and moved to East London, 8 years ago! How did you first start playing music? From a young age I was given a “thing” by my parents, something to keep me preoccupied and out of trouble. Some get sports, others dancing, it was singing for me. What's been happening recently for you and how has your Covid experience been so far? I managed to put out a record through the pandemic, so most of 2020 was based around that. Kinda think it was a good thing, kept me busy in what was a really difficult year. Always trying to see the silver lining, I learnt a lot last year and was forced to think outside the box creatively. Your new single 'Revolution' is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting? Revolution was written in 2019 about the person who brings out the best in you, encourages a change within. I love the Woodstock era, empowered female singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin. I suppose they inspired the sound in many ways. Some songs go on to have more depth as they exist in the world, the more I lived with Revolution the more meaning it had. In light of 2020 and the shift in global conversation about equality across race, gender, environmental justice - Revolution was that song I put out to help face the days with. How did you go about writing Revolution? I took in the concept, I’d seen a street sign in capitals saying “Revolution” on the way to write. Small things sometimes funnily inspire songs. I wrote it with Paro Westerlund and Professor P in Sweden. Professor P specialises in lyrics predominantly, I was working on my storytelling at the time and it really helped to have those two to bounce ideas off. To take such a grand concept and make it into something relatable and close to home - that was tough. So happy with how we managed to make it work though! Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with? Revolution was written in Sweden, but produced over in LA. I’ve always been really lucky to have people believe in my songs and get on board because they’re excited by it and wanna see me win. Onree Gill produced the track and got the gospel choir Ella + Q to record over it. Onree’s worked with Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Gwen Stefani and Ella + Q with Prince and Whitney. I mean, I’m just a small town girl from Western Sydney so pretty mind blowing! We then had additional production done by a Maestro The Baker, a Grammy award winning producer here in the UK. How did you approach the recording process and what did you find most challenging and rewarding? I executive produced my album “Hunger” alongside Joe Garrett and my managers, I think getting 12 songs and bringing them into the same sonic world proved to be our biggest challenge. Even now there are a few different sounds across the album, but we managed to get them all sounding like they lived in the same world. No one ever prepared me for listening to 7+ mixes per song, but it was so important for me to be a part of that process. Who are you listening to at the moment? I’ve started to rehash some 2000’s power pop women Robyn, Gossip, Florence. Also I’m always listening to Bon Iver, James Blake, Ólafur Arnalds. What do you like to do away from music? I spend a lot of time away from music walking in nature, which helps me to clear my mind. What's planned for 2021, what other projects / releases do you currently have in the pipeline? I’m taking this new found down time to focus on writing songs for other artists, I have a few features I’m excited about coming up! I’m also working on a side project in the dance world which is nothing like anyone’s heard from me before called AR/CO, so watch this space.

Music Interviews Music News

Mali Koa

by the partae February 12, 2021

written by the partae

Where are you from and where are you currently based? Born and raised Australian, from Western Sydney. Sacrificed the sun and moved to East London, 8 years ago!

How did you first start playing music?

From a young age I was given a “thing” by my parents, something to keep me preoccupied and out of trouble. Some get sports, others dancing, it was singing for me.

What’s been happening recently for you and how has your Covid experience been so far? I managed to put out a record through the pandemic, so most of 2020 was based around that. Kinda think it was a good thing, kept me busy in what was a really difficult year. Always trying to see the silver lining, I learnt a lot last year and was forced to think outside the box creatively.

Your new single ‘Revolution’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

Revolution was written in 2019 about the person who brings out the best in you, encourages a change within. I love the Woodstock era, empowered female singer-songwriters like Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin. I suppose they inspired the sound in many ways. Some songs go on to have more depth as they exist in the world, the more I lived with Revolution the more meaning it had. In light of 2020 and the shift in global conversation about equality across race, gender, environmental justice – Revolution was that song I put out to help face the days with.

How did you go about writing Revolution?

I took in the concept, I’d seen a street sign in capitals saying “Revolution” on the way to write. Small things sometimes funnily inspire songs. I wrote it with Paro Westerlund and Professor P in Sweden. Professor P specialises in lyrics predominantly, I was working on my storytelling at the time and it really helped to have those two to bounce ideas off. To take such a grand concept and make it into something relatable and close to home – that was tough. So happy with how we managed to make it work though!

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?

Revolution was written in Sweden, but produced over in LA. I’ve always been really lucky to have people believe in my songs and get on board because they’re excited by it and wanna see me win. Onree Gill produced the track and got the gospel choir Ella + Q to record over it. Onree’s worked with Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Gwen Stefani and Ella + Q with Prince and Whitney. I mean, I’m just a small town girl from Western Sydney so pretty mind blowing! We then had additional production done by a Maestro The Baker, a Grammy award winning producer here in the UK.

How did you approach the recording process and what did you find most challenging and rewarding?

I executive produced my album “Hunger” alongside Joe Garrett and my managers, I think getting 12 songs and bringing them into the same sonic world proved to be our biggest challenge. Even now there are a few different sounds across the album, but we managed to get them all sounding like they lived in the same world. No one ever prepared me for listening to 7+ mixes per song, but it was so important for me to be a part of that process.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve started to rehash some 2000’s power pop women Robyn, Gossip, Florence. Also I’m always listening to Bon Iver, James Blake, Ólafur Arnalds.

What do you like to do away from music?

I spend a lot of time away from music walking in nature, which helps me to clear my mind.

What’s planned for 2021, what other projects / releases do you currently have in the pipeline?

I’m taking this new found down time to focus on writing songs for other artists, I have a few features I’m excited about coming up! I’m also working on a side project in the dance world which is nothing like anyone’s heard from me before called AR/CO, so watch this space.

Instagram.com/Malikoa

@Malikoa

February 12, 2021 0 comments

Festival News Music News

THE RUBENS’ NEW ALBUM ‘0202’ – OUT NOW!

by the partae February 12, 2021

written by the partae

0202 – a forward thinking album for a backwards year is the band’s first self-engineered and produced album
The album features singles ‘Live In Life’, ‘Heavy Weather’, ‘Time of My Life’ and current single ‘Masterpiece’
First single ‘Live In Life’ was nominated for ARIA Song of the Year, was the 4th biggest Australian song of 2020 & is now certified Double Platinum with over 40 million streams
Their 0202 album tour through April-Jul this year will be their biggest Australian headline tour to date
Over their career to date The Rubens have 7 singles that have surpassed Gold status + a Gold and Platinum album

Ivy League Records are thrilled to release 0202 – the exceptional fourth album by local legends, The Rubens! Loaded with effortless jams like ‘Live In Life’ (double Platinum, ARIA Song of the Year nominee & the fourth biggest Australian song of 2020 (ARIA)), ‘Time Of My Life’, ‘Heavy Weather’ & current single ‘Masterpiece’, with 0202 the band have fully transformed into an alt-rock/pop powerhouse and, for the first time, have self-produced an album that will have people re-evaluating what they thought they knew about The Rubens.

By the time album opener and absolute belter ‘Masterpiece’ comes to an end, it becomes very clear that The Rubens have emerged inspired from all the twists and turns thrown at them in 2020 and injected a new energy into this incredible record. 0202, a forward-thinking album for a backward year, sees The Rubens creating a sound that effortlessly dances across genres – alt-rock, rnb, pop and hip hop all collide into something uniquely their own.

The band unexpectedly found themselves self-producing what would become their most “pop” sounding album so far, recording everything together in their friend’s Camden-based studio, a converted WWII communications building, simply known as The Bunker, with bass player Will Zeglis taking on the role of engineer. Together they built each track up, starting with drummer Scott Baldwin’s beats, piecing the whole thing together part by part. When they felt like they’d taken a song as far as they could on their own, they would send it on to one of three producers – Kon Kersting, Rob Amoruso or Eric J – depending on what the song needed and who they thought would be best suited to the track, to add extra production and mix the track.

While the recording process might have been a love-in, the album itself isn’t all rainbows and sunshine. With song titles like ‘Muddy Evil Pain’, tunes about retrospectively realising you lost The One (‘Masterpiece’) and lyrics like, “All this heavy weather in my chest again, will I ever see a change?” (‘Heavy Weather’) there’s a melancholic undercurrent to 0202. “It’s a little darker than the last album,” Elliott agrees. “Thematically darker and sonically too. Even though it’s pretty and hi-fi, there’s a lot of darkness there.” If you saw the title of album closer ‘Party’ and were expecting a good time, summer jam, think again. “With anything we do, we can’t help but throw a bit of pessimism in there,” smiles Sam. “We can’t write a song that’s just purely happy and uplifting. I guess it’s just a realistic view, y’know?”

It’s this clash of light and dark that makes 0202, the band’s fourth studio album, such a compelling listen. After four albums and almost ten years together, The Rubens show no sign of slowing down. By being true to their creative instincts, the band have delivered an album brimming with big ideas, clever production and bucket loads of excitement. Or as Elliott simply puts it, “I think it’s our best yet.”

0202 follows third album LO LA RU, which featured hits ‘Never Ever (feat Sarah)’ (Double Platinum), ‘Million Man’ (Certified Gold), ‘God Forgot’ (Certified Gold) and lead to sold out shows and a 42-date Arena tour supporting megastar P!NK. Their second album Hoops saw the band sell out headline shows at Hordern Pavilion and Margaret Court Arena and included hits ‘Hallelujah’, ‘Cut Me Loose’ and of course the 4 x Platinum the hit title track, which topped the 2015 triple j Hottest 100, while their debut self-titled LP was home to ‘My Gun’ (Certified Platinum), ‘Lay It Down’ (Certified Gold), ‘The Best We Got’ and more fan-favourites.

The Rubens are currently half way through their regional NSW album launch shows, and will kick off their official 0202 album tour from April – July, playing metro cities as well as regional venues across their biggest headline tour to date.

The Rubens – 0202
Out now through Ivy League Records
Buy/stream here

0202 tracklisting:
1. Masterpiece
2. Heavy Weather
3. Live In Life
4. Time Of My Life
5. Thank You
6. Muddy Evil Pain
7. Holiday
8. Explosions
9. State Of My Mind
10. Apple
11. Back To Back
12. Party

THE RUBENS
0202 ALBUM LAUNCH SHOWS 2021
For more details head to therubensmusic.com

Fri-Feb-12-21 – Dubbo, NSW – Dubbo Convention Centre
Sat-Feb-13-21 – Port Macquarie, NSW – Port Macquarie Glasshouse
Sat-Feb-20-21 – Thirroul, NSW – Anita’s Theatre

THE RUBENS
0202 ALBUM TOUR 2021
Supported by Alice Ivy

Sat-Apr-03-21 – Crooked River Winery – Gerringong, NSW
Thu-Apr-08-21 – Fortitude Music Hall – Brisbane, QLD
Fri-Apr-09-21- Moncrieff Entertainment – Bundaberg, QLD
Sat-Apr-10-21 – Highfields Tavern – Toowoomba, QLD
Fri-Apr-16-21 – Enmore Theatre – Sydney, NSW
Sat-Apr-17-21 – Bar On The Hill – Newcastle, NSW
Wed-Apr-28-21 – Riverlinks Westside – Shepparton, VIC
Fri-Apr-30-21 – Forum – Melbourne, VIC
Wed-May-05-21 – Whitestar Hotel – Albany, WA
Thu-May-06-21 – The River – Margaret River, WA
Fri-May-07-21 – Freo Social – Fremantle, WA
Sun-May-09-21 – Wintersun Hotel – Bluff Point, WA
Fri-May-14-21 – The Gap View Hotel – Alice Springs, NT
Thu-May-20-21 – Altar Bar – Hobart, TAS
Fri-May-21-21 – Altar Bar – Hobart, TAS
Sat-May-22-21 – Saloon Bar – Launceston, TAS
Sun-May-23-21 – Forth Pub – Forth, TAS
Wed-May-26-21 – The Leichardt Hotel – Rockhampton, QLD
Thu-May-27-21 – Seabreeze – Mackay, QLD
Fri-May-28-21 – Otherwise Bar – Townsville, QLD
Sat-May-29-21 – Tanks Arts Centre – Cairns, QLD
Wed-Jun-09-21 – Beer Deluxe – Albury, NSW
Thu-Jun-10-21 – The Whalers Hotel – Warrnambool, VIC
Fri-Jun-11-21 – Torquay Hotel – Torquay, VIC
Thu-June-24-21 – Canberra Theatre, ACT
Sat-Jul-3-21 – Shadows, Mount Gambier, VIC
Sat-Jul-24-21 – The Gov – Adelaide, SA

THE RUBENS

February 12, 2021 0 comments

Music News

DANNY ELFMAN SHARES NEW SONG “LOVE IN THE TIME OF COVID”

by the partae February 12, 2021

written by the partae

“There’s certainly nothing light-hearted or funny about Covid, but I can still poke a little fun
at the crazy way social isolation has changed our lives in every way shape and form…” – Danny Elfman on “Love In The Time of Covid”

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, composer, singer and songwriter Danny Elfman is sharing his new song “Love In The Time Of Covid”. The short film accompanying the track is directed by German filmmaker and photographer Sven Gutjahr and Elfman’s creative director Berit Gilma. It tells a somewhat bizarre story of longing for intimacy in today’s socially isolated world in a very unique way.

Filmed in Berlin, the video’s main character is played by Scottish transgender performer Shrek 666 who wears extensive makeup and prosthetics. The non-human form echoes the universal surrealism of life during lockdown. Elfman also appears in a few surprise cameos in the video.

Listen and watch it HERE.

“There’s certainly nothing light-hearted or funny about Covid, but I can still poke a little fun at the crazy way social isolation has changed our lives in every way shape and form, and that’s what “Love In The Time of Covid” is about,” Elfman explains. “An expression of the borderline madness that so many of us have been experiencing. Lord knows I have. I wrote it from the view point of a young man going crazy in his apartment. Creators Gutjahr and Gilma had the idea to turn the lead character into a green skinned animal-like creature. As many us feel completely alienated in this insane new world we live in, and I thought it was an interesting idea.”

“Love In The Time Of Covid” features vocals, guitars and synths by Elfman, drums by Josh Freese, guitars by Nili Brosh, bass by Stu Brooks, percussion by Sidney Hopson and strings by the Lyris Quartet. It was executive produced by Laura Engel and the project producer was Melisa McGregor. Throughout this year Elfman will continue to release songs on the eleventh day of the month. The number 11 has always had significance to Elfman, with his name Elf meaning “eleven” in German.

Last month Elfman released “Sorry”. “The anger-fueled track pulls from industrial and prog-rock influences to create an uneasy atmosphere that’s made even more unnerving with a jarring video animated by Jesse Kanda,” said SPIN. Kanda (Arca, FKA Twigs, Bjork) originally created the video’s intricate animation as a visual backdrop for Elfman’s live performance of the song for the now postponed Coachella 2020.

Watch it HERE.

A four-time Oscar nominee and Grammy winner, Elfman has scored over 100 films including: Milk (Oscar nominated), Good Will Hunting (Oscar nominated), Big Fish (Oscar nominated), Men in Black (Oscar nominated), Edward Scissorhands, Batman, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Spider-Man, Silver Lining’s Playbook and many more.

February 12, 2021 0 comments

Music News

GORDI & ALEX LAHEY TEAM UP TO RELEASE ‘DINO’S’ IN TIME FOR VALENTINE’S DAY, WITH VIDEO

by the partae February 12, 2021

written by the partae

Dino’s (pronounced Dean – o’s) song and video out today
First joint single release from Gordi and Alex Lahey
Inspired by Nashville dive-bar of same name
Gordi’s show at The Forum in Melbourne next week has now sold out, with a new show added for Friday March 12

Gordi and Alex Lahey team up to release ‘Dino’s’ – a big, open-hearted song – just in time for Valentine’s Day. Many moons in the making, ‘Dino’s’ was inspired by the much-loved Nashville dive-bar of the same name from the pair’s time there in 2018. It arrives with an accompanying video from Melbourne based director and creative, Nick Mckk. Mimicking the look and feel of the dive-bar, the video spotlights the evocative and playful nature of the song and features cameos from both artists as a cast of affable local oddities.

VIDEO: ‘Dino’s’ by Gordi x Alex Lahey

“This song has been two and a half years in the making. We wrote it on a very humid summer’s day in Nashville before breaking for late night pasta and beer.”

Premiered yesterday on triple j Breakfast, much of the original recording of ‘Dino’s’ still exists from that humid Summer’s day in another world, although the song did later go through a series of final revisions in Sydney, Eau Claire and Melbourne.

“The song is inspired by the East Nashville dive bar institution ‘Dino’s’, which we both frequent on our visits to the city. The eccentricity of Dino’s makes it a place where it feels like anything could happen and anyone could walk through the door. The song captures the feeling of being totally captivated by the person sitting across from you while the world spins madly on. Anyone who has been to Dino’s knows that there is genuinely a Dolly Parton cardboard cut-out that lives in the bar and she is Nashville icon.”

Both artists have enjoyed prolific, successful careers globally. Gordi’s second record Our Two Skins was released in June last year and crowned a triple j feature album; making its debut into the Top 20 of the ARIA Albums Chart. It was also nominated for an ARIA Award and two J Awards – recognition of its depth, intricacy and beauty.

In addition to releasing her second record last year, Gordi also balanced work as a doctor, donning the scrubs to assist with under-staffed local hospitals in Melbourne during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. She performed a debut, globally broadcast show at the Sydney Opera House, launched her very own VR immersive album experience titled Buried City and even managed to sneak in some shows at year’s end for fans in NSW. She is currently touring Australia for Our Two Skins and has just added a second show for Melbourne fans after selling out her forthcoming February date at The Forum. The new show will take place on March 12.

Alex Lahey broke through in 2016 with her hit song “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me”, which earned her a slew of positive press including best new track on Pitchfork. Her debut record I Love You Like A Brother and follow up The Best Of Luck Club earnt her similar acclaim locally and internationally along with a performance on Late Night with Seth Meyers and main stage slots at festivals including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Splendour In The Grass. With over 50 million streams to her name, three ARIA nominations, four Hottest 100 tracks and a gold-certified single for ‘Every Day’s The Weekend’ Lahey is one of Australia’s finest singer-songwriters.

Together, the pair have collaborated on a number of tracks for other artists – including co-writing a track for US pop-punk artist Maggie Lindemann and a forthcoming track for Annie Hamilton. ‘Dino’s’ highlights their natural prowess as singer-songwriters and sees their vocals coalesce in and around each other to create a delectable pop gem.

Gordi x Alex Lahey – ‘Dino’s’

Out now through Liberation Records

Buy/stream here

GORDI
OUR TWO SKINS TOUR DATES
Tickets via gordimusic.com

GORDI

February 12, 2021 0 comments

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