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Releasing a full collection of music can be daunting for any artist, though dropping an album like this after the year we’ve all just been through feels cathartic – how are you feeling about the whole process, now you’re at the end of it?
I think yes to a lot of people, the idea of dropping any type of work during or post covid is a bit of a weird one. For me the concept of releasing my own album was something I thought I’d be delving into years down the line. I wouldn’t say my project was the sole consequence of covid, but it did play a big part. Like many I was out of a job, I had moved back home, and it gave me a chance to listen to a lot of the music/demo’s I had done over the past three years. About half of the songs on the project are a result of this study and the rest of the songs came through time and as the world kind of grew back together. Whilst I’m super proud of the album itself, I still feel a sense of imposters syndrome about it all. ‘How have I even put this together?’ etc etc. In saying all this, the album to me was about my personal growth, and has been a really good basis in the new music which I’m writing everyday.
We’ve heard some tops singles already from the album – how do you think they represent who Oly Sherman is as an artist in 2021?
I think with any of my work but particularly my singles off the album, they quite literally depict my life in those circumstances. Songs such as ‘Madness’ and ‘In The Summer’ are lyrically, pretty accurate representations of my emotional and physical state within the perspective. Whilst saying all of this, my taste and musical writing continues to grow. This album is definitely a representation of myself, but also a chance to show my growth. I’m even more excited to show what I’ve been cooking after the albums release.
And within the wider scope of the album, what is it about these recent singles that represent the energy of the whole album do you think?
I think in regard to a ‘wider scope’, these singles best represent my first few years of song writing as a whole. I was and to some respect, still am super familiar with writing those types of songs. The album is definitely a representation of that type of writing process that I felt comfortable with.
What has it meant to you that you’ve been able to have music as an outlet to concentrate on as we’ve had to grapple the pandemic?
I think its necessary to firstly say, that I was definitely a lucky one during covid. I was very, very thankful to have my family there as a support and know that a lot of other people weren’t so lucky in those respects. For me music and writing of music will always be a personal thing. I’m lucky enough that I can somewhat place that on an empty canvas and share it with the world. It’s a creative method which seems both easy and ‘nonchalant’. Rather than a distraction, I used my music as a means of perspective. It was present every day and kept my mind on what made me mentally healthy.
For people who might be coming to your music for the first time with this music, is there a particular song/s off the record that you’d say are the one/s you’re most connected with now (and why)?
Different for me, as some of the songs from the project I love in certain ways, and some songs which the band and I have performed I love in different ways. I think for someone coming to my gig for the first time, the main message from me is just to just focus on having a good time. I think especially when comparing it to covid related things, everyone coming back to gigs just want to be happy and share the joy of live music again. I want nothing more than that in my live shows.
This album is one of those records specifically made to be listened to front to back: was this an element you always had wanted to implement?
To be honest at the time, no but I think projects and music grows naturally into ways you didn’t expect them to prior. I’ve listened to the album a number of times and am pretty confident the order shares my mind state throughout.
Land of All Pretend is out now.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
Ruben Dawnson – Hold Your Head
This gem is the latest offering from the scandi-pop sensation Ruben Dawnson, and is jam packed full of grooving bass licks, warm keys and driving rhythms that leave you smiling from ear-to-ear. Loaded with summer cheer, this one will be sure to keep you moving.
Olive Featherstone – I’ll Be Sweet
Moody and all encompassing is the best way to describe Olive’s signature alternative-indie sound, with her newest work being tinged with a country and western feel whilst harking back to the likes of Jefferson Airplane. Following her glittering debut, ‘Opium Requiem’, Olive is certainly destined for great things.
PerfectParachutePicture – White Walls EP
This EP is a gluttony of gut-wrenching riffage that renders difficult to put down. The 4-track body of work is the band’s most triumphant release yet. Give it a spin, for goodness sake.
Katie Kittermaster – Out Of Love
Sifa – Angel Energy
Alex Stanilla – Crab
Hazel Mei – Fool
Alto Key – Things Will Change
Boy Untitled – Losing Time
Ines Rae – New Girl
Adoni – The Storm
Di Ivories – Offer My Spine
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July 2 sees Sydney duo Dust Of Us unveil their meticulously crafted debut EP Never Had The Time – a collection of six songs that chart the arc in the Prescott brothers’ creative journey over the past two years. From the EP, they also share a brand new cut – ‘Surrender’ – the pair’s most upbeat track to date.
Beginning with a pulsing synth and mellotron, the song soon blossoms and explodes into a huge chorus with hints of LCD Soundsystem, Pulp or Gang of Youths.
“‘Surrender’ is about sliding doors moments; looking back at key pivot points in your life and wondering whether you made the right choice. It’s also about identity – the different masks we wear throughout the course of the day – and how we make little adjustments to our personality based on the situation we’re in. Which is also something we’re aiming to capture with the video.”
Ed Prescott, Dust Of Us
All instruments on the EP were played by brother Ed and Lloyd Prescott, with the exception of guest vocals from UK-based Sydney ex-pat Jess Chalker on two songs. All six tracks were co-produced and mixed by Matthew Neighbour (The Avalanches, Matt Corby, Sky Ferreira).
The Never Had The Time EP features two new tracks in addition to previous Dust Of Us singles including ‘Punching Bag’, ‘The Swans’ and ‘7 Years’. To hear all of this music threaded together paints a full picture for the listener of the fleshed out and textured soundscape that Dust Of Us have been developing over the past two years.
“My brother and I are incredibly proud of these songs. We’ve gradually been chipping away at them in my bedroom for the past couple of years; building them up brick by brick. Our music takes a while to piece together because it’s quite layered – and also because we’re interested in so many different textures and genres. We have to give it time to understand what it is we’re making and how all the jigsaw pieces fit together.” Ed Prescott, Dust Of Us
PRAISE FOR DUST OF US
“Brilliant. Hard to believe this is just the second release from this brotherly duo.”
Mick Rad – 2SER, The Music
“Reminds me of the first time I heard ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ by Massive Attack. Get in now for maximum bragging rights.”
Ryan Sahb, Radio Adelaide
“[4 stars] Wow! This just keeps taking turns that I’m not expecting but definitely loving.”
Gemma Pike, triple j
“[4 stars] Love how this track develops over its course with some quietly sizzling energy. It’s a bit like LANKS meeting The xx..”
Dave Ruby Howe, triple j Unearthed
Never Had the Time is released Friday, July 2nd.
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
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Spencer.
Website | Twitter I Facebook |
Where are you currently based?
Melbourne, Australia 🙂
How did you first start playing music?
When I was 5 I started singing in a choir! I started playing professionally at 15 by pretending I was 18 and getting into bars.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
I just released my new single “Can’t Do Anything Right” and I have some huge things happening in August you should keep an eye out for. Covid has been a roller coaster for many artists but I’ve persevered staying positive and active, I released a full EP called Normality in 2020, another single “Welcome” in 2021, a film clip and sold out my show at Howler.
Your new single ‘Cant Do Anything Right’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I was frustrated! I felt like I couldn’t do anything right for myself or live up to everyone else expectations even though I was trying my hardest. It sort of just came out in 5 minutes.
How did you go about writing ‘Can’t Do Anything Right’?
I vocal looped it, did some pretty harmonies, a beat and a heavy simple bass line then I just started singing how I felt; “I can’t do anything right, trying my best, help me if I look left or I need my rest”. Then I added some instruments to thicken it up this time.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
I wrote the song at home in my room, on my looper after receiving an email I was frustrated at in about April and recorded it in May, produced it Michael Cooper and Mastered it Nicholas Di Lorenzo, Panorama Mastering.
How did you approach the recording process?
I always have my own demos, phone recordings and all my ideas stored in my looper, then I smash it all out in the studio and add the cherries on top with extra layering or effects.
You’re playing Chapel Off Chapel on the 31 of July, how do you prepare for shows and what can we expect?
Yes I am! I will be looping, might play some guitar, I will also have some friends joining me on stage.
Who will you be playing with?
I will be solo with my looper and special guests.
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m pretty music obsessed, but I love a red wine over dinner or exercising.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Fresh Finds Australia and New Zealand playlist on Spotify because Spotify just added “Can’t Do Anything Right” to that Spotify playlist!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?
Can’t say too much yet but SO much, keep an eye out as you won’t be missing it. Expect an album in 2022.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Shujinko Ramen, Russell Street, Melbourne
Instagram @tanyageorgemusic https://www.instagram.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/
Website https://www.tanyageorgemusic.
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/
All Links: https://linktr.ee/tanyageorge
A Who’s Who of Rock ‘n’ Roll Production Talent Lend Their Expertise To The Project
Toronto, ON – East Coast Rock BandAndre Pettipas and the Giants are set to release their new album No Fools No Fun on July 9 via all streaming platforms. The 13-track album captures the no holds barred, kick-ass ethic the band brings to everything they do, and like never before.
Recorded at the The Chalet Recording Studio in Uxbridge, Ontario, 10 of the 13 tracks were produced by Brian Moncarz (Alice Cooper, Our Lady Peace, The Tea Party), along with some other well-known rock n roll heavy hitters including: Max Kerman of Arkells(Saint John String Quartet) who arranged “Dark Times”, John-Angus MacDonald of The Trews (Glorious Sons) producer of “Sympathy Card”, and Jason Jenkyns (The Stanfields, The Town Heroes) and Jon Landry (The Stanfields, The Town Heroes) who co-produced “The Swedish Motel”.
“Everyone has enough pain and anguish taking up residence in their minds at any given time. For us, it’s like, let’s just forget about all of that for a while and have a good time.’ That’s what we do at our shows and that’s the approach we took to this album,” said lead vocalist Andre Pettipas.
The first released single off the new album “Sympathy Card”, gained ground at Rock radio reaching #27 on Billboard’s Active Rock Chart in Canada and breaking the top 50 on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart in North America. The song is a damn the torpedoes, full steam ahead track emphasizing shrugging off adversity and not wasting time complaining about what you can’t change, but always making an effort to change what you can. In contrast, the singles “The Swedish Motel” and “Overtime” display the band’s ability to combine vastly disparate genres of rock and roll into a sound that’s undeniably and uniquely their own.
The album will also include the most recently released single “Homesick”, giving a major nod to late eighties and early nineties rock featuring Christopher Thorn the guitarist of critically acclaimed, chart topping, southern psych-rock band Blind Melon. Other standout tracks include “Last First Date Ever”, “Gone”, and “No Fools No Fun” – the perfect soundtrack to chase away the ongoing pandemic blues.
The Nova Scotia natives are already on the rise to fame with three #1 singles on nationally syndicated show, “East Coast Countdown” and showcasing internationally at Live at Heart/Sweden. They were also named Arkells: Leather Jacket Cover Contest Winner, were Casino NS Artist in Residence Finalists from 2016-2018, Q104 Homegrown Champions out of 120 bands (15k in prizes including the recording of our industry demo which led to the band working with Brian Moncarz), and Jim Beam National Talent Search Regional Winners (Halifax).
With their take no prisoners; live performances, stellar musicianship, and habit of finding grist for the songwriting mill in everything from southern rock to hip-hop and pop to prog, Andre Pettipas and The Giants are a rarity – an act who absolutely refuse to let anything take the fun out of their creative process and performances on record or on stage, and with absolutely no fear of stepping outside of the box to get their message across.
Andre Pettipas and The Giants– No Fools No Fun
1. No Fools No Fun
2. Dark Times
3. Gone
4. Last First Date Ever
5. Homesick
6. Sympathy Card
7. The Swedish Motel
8. Labels
9. Overtime
10. Wound Up
11. Spoonfed Lies
12. Russian Roulette
13. Read Between the Lines
WATCH
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Ivy League Records is incredibly proud to announce Tiny Little Houses’ long-awaited second album, Misericorde, will be released on Friday 19 November! Produced and mixed by long-time collaborator Steven Schram, the Melbourne-based quartet present a collection of fuzzed out yet intricate indie rock songs, through which singer, guitarist and chief songwriter Caleb Karvountzis lays his interior life bare and takes an unflinching look at the world around him, pulling no punches in the process. Misericorde will be released on digital, CD, limited edition light blue transparent vinyl & limited merch bundles and is available to pre-order now.
To coincide with the album announce, the band have released their new single ‘Smartest Guy’, described by Karvountzis as “an ode to foot in mouth disease”, turning the lens on himself & taking the piss out of his need to always have the last word. “It’s constantly getting me in trouble with people, but I just always have to have my little say and it’s not always a good thing,” he laughs. Watch the crooner-themed video below, complete with their signature TLH charm, starring Caleb and directed by Mike Ridley.
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FOLLOW LARISSA TANDY:
Website | Spotify | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
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Nigel Young’s background is as storied as his music. Attendance at university was followed by character building forays into the blue collar world of truck driving, the high stakes world of bong sales and even an ill advised stint in the army. In 2018 Nigel moved to Vancouver to join the psych rock outfit The Intelligence Service led by Alex P. Concurrent with this Nigel played a string of sessions until he formed the psychedelic garage rock group RAG with Mila Krajina in 2019.
Since then he has played in a number of bands such as Apathy Spells, Fez Monkeys, and Spank Williams. Nigel started recording his debut solo album in 2019 and released it in April 2020. Immediately following that Nigel started collaborating with Eric J Brietenbach, of The Spot Sessions and completed the album “…” with Eric which came out summer 2020. This has been followed with Nigel’s second solo album entitled Frog Hound which started recording in late August 2020 and is slated for release July 2021.
https://nigelyoung.bandcamp.com/
Where are you currently based?
I am usually in between LA and Sydney but with the travel restrictions I am based in Sydney, Australia for the time being
How did you first start playing music?
I’ve always loved to sing! I remember my first time singing in front of my family was when I was 8 years old at my sisters birthday party
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been?
When Covid really started to get serious I was in LA, and had to rush home to make it in time just before the lockdown. I was meant to be back in LA after just a few weeks but haven’t been back for over a year and a half now. At first it was really hard to adjust to the shift in environment. Being in LA it is really non-stop, and being home especially with lockdown it was super slow.
A lot of my projects were pushed back because everything planned in LA couldn’t go through, (shooting visuals etc). So I really took the time to meet with the creatives here in Sydney and find people I enjoy working with. I learned a lot more about engineering my own vocals, and about directing. The good thing is that with technology I am still able to work closely with my team in LA. Its been really fun diving into different parts of the industry that ultimately have helped me grow into a better artist!
Your new single ‘Trap House’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I love telling stories, and really finding melodies that carry the emotion of the lyrics I am singing to it. That is always my priority!
As for the inspiration behind the story, being in this industry can be very tricky. Theres a lot of smokey mirrors and blurred lines. I was offered a deal whilst in LA that seemed amazing but something didn’t feel right. I was back home in Sydney when I had to make a decision. As I was reflecting on my journey so far, the inspiration just hit. All those feelings of fear, chaos and belief started to write the song for me. The lyrics reminded me to trust myself. So I said no.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
The song was just living in my notebook, until I was in LA again a few months later. I was singing at a live music venue when I caught the attention of My guy Mars. He mentioned that he wanted to work with me. So we went to his studio and I showed him the song I had written called “Trap house”. He instantly loved it & agreed to produce the record for me.
How did you approach the recording/production process?
Being in the studio with mars was really mind blowing. Watching him in his element just create with so much passion and ease was insane. He had the first demo done within an hour session. I had a few elements I still wanted to add so we had another session working together and finalising the production. Once that was done we went to Sound Factory Studios, and I worked with Austen Lux chandler on the vocal production. He was great to work with and really helped to get the best vocal performance & he created some awesome harmonies too!
How did the concept for the music video come about?
While searching for someone in Sydney to direct the music video, I was so lucky to come across Connor O Connor. She is a genius. From the first time meeting her I knew she was the right woman for the job. We had a few conversations about the meaning behind the song & the story. We worked very closely throughout the entire process but it was really important to me that she had creative freedom. She had created the concept, and the creative direction for every scene.
Where did you film and who did you work with?
We filmed the video at D1 Studios in Marrickville, Sydney.
Connor O’ Connor (Director) put together the entire team / crew.
What did you find most rewarding and challenging whilst creating the film clip?
It was very challenging organising the shoot with the covid 19 rules changing weekly. We wanted to make sure everyone was safe & that we followed all the rules correctly.
The most rewarding part was being able to play the video to my family.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I am always listening to different music, I can never narrow it down to one artist haha.
What do you like to do away from music?
I love hanging out with my family !
What’s planned for 2021?
My plan is to just keep releasing music, keep making music !
Favourite food and place to hangout?
My families restaurant Villaggio for both!
( I promise my dad didn’t make me say that) haha
https://www.tiktok.com/@itsjazzyk
https://www.facebook.com/jazzykofficial/
https://www.youtube.com/user/jasminekmusiic/videos
Stream ‘So Much Love’ (Jess Bays Remix) Here
FFRR
Owen Westlake – ‘So Much Love’ (Jess Bays Remix)
Out Now
Owen Westlake is already well on the way to becoming an established hit maker, the London based producer and DJ has now sensationally and some could argue randomly propelled into the spotlight by of British football’s biggest names, Steven Gerrard.
After his 2016 track ‘So Much Love’ appeared on a viral video posted by Rangers F.C. manager Steven Gerrard, sound tracking his journey into the stadium to celebrate the win. Alongside earning himself a place in Rangers’ footballing folklore, Owen’s track was been picked up for re-release by FFRR Music and now receives a remix from rising star and standout artist Jess Bays, which is out now.
Brought back into consciousness, ‘So Much Love’ held #1 on UK Spotify Viral Chart for 4 weeks and is currently #35 in the Shazam chart, as well as making gains in the iTunes Dance Chart and being added to many playlists. In addition, Owen’s original has so far picked up an incredible 6 Million streams to date, as the track is set to soundtrack the summer. With the record now showing its true potential, Owen Westlake shares his hidden gem with the world.
Rising star Jess Bays steps forward for a remix of ‘So Much Love’, the artist hotly tipped for a breakthrough year has over the last 12 months showcased her passion, ambition and dedication. With releases on labels such as Stress Records, Armada and Good Company, Jess is breathing new life into the deeper sounds of house music, with support coming from the likes of BBC Radio 1 and BBC Introducing, as well as Kiss and Capital Dance. Her remix offers a deeper side to ‘So Much Love’, stripped back and groove driven she retains the vocals for the perfect pool party anthem.
Owen Westlake has been immersed in music all his life, from early inspirations such as Bob Dylan, The Beatles and The Red Hot Chilli Pepper to his electronic music influences coming in the form of Massive Attack and The Chemical Brothers. Winning a Beatport competition for a remix of trance legend Tiesto, brought him his first success as an electronic music producer, the same remix also appeared on an episode of US TV drama Grey’s Anatomy.
Fast forward to 2016, Owen has released two records ‘What I’m Gonna Do’ and ‘So Much Love’, both of the piano driven tracks picking up support from Radio 1 DJ’s Annie Mac and Danny Howard. Now sensationally, ‘So Much Love’ has re-emerged, thanks to a viral video from football star Steven Gerrard. As Gerrard drove into Rangers home ground, Ibrox he was met by thousands of adorning fans to celebrate their monumental title win. Playing through Gerrard’s car stereo that day, was Westlake’s track and unbeknown to him the track had caught the attention of the world.
Owen Westlake’s ‘So Much Love’ (Jess Bays Remix) is available now via FFRR.
