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Monthly Archives

September 2023

Music News

Sam Blacky returns with world music-inspired house single “Salvador” and “Bogota” EP (out on Thrive)

by the partae
written by the partae

Artist: Sam Blacky
Title: Bogota EP
Label: Thrive Music

Download / Stream

Sam Blacky is back with her latest tech-house masterpiece, “Salvador,” which rounds out her newest “Bogota” EP with its predecessors, July’s “Munca” and namesake “Bogota” from April. Opening with shimmering melodies and deep, undulating progressive basslines, Sam begins to weave her sonic magic with layers of percussive instrumentals and a muted, tribal vocal riff that’s bound to bring on the goosebumps during a live set. Blacky is a master at using music to transport her listeners to the exotic locales that fuel her inspiration, and “Salvador” continues her love affair with Afrobeats, tribal rhythms, and Latin melodies, making for a sultry track that evokes raves in the deep jungle fringed by a sparkling blue sea and white sand beaches. “Salvador” will no doubt be making appearances during Sam‘s frequent live performances worldwide, so listen up!

“Travel has been my biggest inspiration since I started my journey in the dance music scene. Immersing myself in different cultures and being around people from all around the world has given me the tools to go into the studio and make music that resonates with my soul. ‘Salvador‘ and all the tracks on the ‘Bogota‘ EP capture all the feels from my travels these past 12 months – and shines a light on rhythms and sounds that have stayed with me and made me who I am today. Enjoy!” – Sam Blacky

Samantha Black is a multitalented DJ/producer and creator 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. Sam has performed live across the world from 2017 to the present day, from Mexico to Ibiza to Bali, at some of the premier electronic festivals and clubs on the planet. During the pandemic, Sam released a series of videos on Youtube called “A New World,” live streaming sets from some of her favorite places in Mexico, giving viewers a taste of vacation vibes even while staying safe at home. Following the release of her first EP on her own label, Stabby Records, Sam has also released singles with Repopulate Mars, Terms & Conditions and now Thrive Music as well as an official remix for the viral TikTok single “Gaslight” by Inji.

More info on Sam Blacky / Thrive Music:

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Townes ‘Shadows’ Premiere

by the partae
written by the partae

Townes (aka Matt Radich) is one of Nicolas Cage’s only genuine fans, a cynic with a dry wit, and also a recording artist film-maker. If asked to describe his music, he might laugh and say “it’s just bad”, but that would be unsurprising as one could find a lot more self-deprecating humour within his music. With a series of home-recorded EP releases to his name and several new studio singles, Townes has found an addictive middle point between indie-rock and pop. Combining stellar songwriting and nostalgic late-00’s production, he draws on influences from Beck, Hot Chip, and Diamond Rings.

Radich has spent several years perfecting his live shows in small- to mid-size venues. Along with headlining his own shows, he’s supported acts such as Holy Fuck, Zola Jesus, and many others. Townes engages his audiences with the might of a four-piece band, incorporating set pieces and manually programmed lights, despite being a solo act. Radich’s upcoming EP “Ghostwriters” continues his journey to blend music and visuals, while doubling down on the comedic elements of his music. With an accompanying short-film of the same name, “Ghostwriters” tells the story of two songwriters who are kidnapped and tortured in order to write a comeback hit for a popstar going through a public scandal.

 

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Nighteyes Moody New Single, In The Wake, Premiere

by the partae
written by the partae

Photo: Rick Clifford

Nighteyes is premiering her new single In The Wake ahead of its release to all digital stores tomorrow, February 16th 2023.

A dark ballad fusing acoustic guitars with evocative strings and synths, In The Wake explores the themes of climate change and catastrophe, imagining a post-apocalyptic world dealing with the fall out of industrialisation. In her own words:

“When I began to write this track back in 2014, the image in my mind was of a burning shore with choking smoke blocking out the sun, collapsing cliffs and fire all around. I wanted to create a mourning song that evokes the sense of helplessness that a lot of us feel when faced with the environmental catastrophes we’re facing today. The protagonist is on the water, looking back to a dead land that’s beyond repair. In the first verse, they’re beginning to realise the extent of the damage done, to the second verse inviting the listener to ‘let go’, to move away from the idea of saving the land they’re leaving behind. With the repeating lines in the chorus, the lyrics evoke a sense of disbelief, and how powerless we feel as individuals when faced with these huge world-wide issues”.

The aural listening experience of In The Wake opens with a menacing low rumble, evoking the catastrophe that precedes the song. A repeating pattern on the acoustic guitar weaves in with strings synth lines to create the perfect backing for Trainor’s haunting vocal melodies, bringing to mind the vocal stylings of Chelsea Wolfe, Emma Ruth Rundle and Lana Del Ray.

Trainor began the recording process for In The Wake while in between tours with other projects throughout 2021 and 2022, completing the final instrumentation in late 2022 in her home studio. “Although the instrumentation for this song is fairly simple, getting the right combination of instruments and parts for this track has been an interesting ride, and I thank my producer and partner Drew Handcock (Honeybone, Divine Wave) for his hard work in helping me to realise what I was hearing in my head”.

Nighteyes is tying the release of In The Wake to coincide with the opening weekend of The Defiant at Adelaide Fringe, a contemporary circus show that the song features in which Trainor is the sole musician for. Trainor explains “In The Wake is perfect for The Defiant, as the show takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, with the song evoking the catastrophe that took place before the show starts. It’s interesting because although the song was written a long time before the show was created, it was a perfect match for what we were trying to create with the show. While lyrically the song is quite bleak, during the live rendition of the track in the show the acrobats are coming together for an ‘around the fire’ moment, showing human connection during hard times is really important’

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700 FEEL DROP FIRST HALF OF DOUBLE EP MUSCLE MEMORIES: VOLUME 1 LISTEN + WATCH HAUNTINGLY EPIC ‘GREEN N GREY (FEAT. ARCHIE MIKE)’

by the partae
written by the partae
Photo by LadStreet

PRAISE FOR 700 FEEL

“700 Feel specialise in sexy, low-lit dance music that recalls the champagne-soaked
minimal house of The Soft Pink Truth and Loraine James”
The Guardian Australia

“An explosive force that is constantly evolving”
FBi Radio

“700 FEEL uses countless samples, from countless genres, to create interesting and unique textures, taking it back to OG DJ days when all you’d have is a few vinyls, a tabletop, and a willingness to push the boundaries of sound”
VICE

“A class act”
Dave Ruby Howe (triple j Unearthed)

“Really tapping into that strange, weirdness you wanna hear in the early, early hours of the morning. I love the glitchy, hip hop, industrial feel to it.”
Claire Mooney (triple j)

“I don’t think I can fault anything 700 Feel releases; kudos to their ability range for
the sheer span of sounds they touch so delicately on.
Sounds like home, from home – these boys are onto something special”
Deepa (Sunset on FBi Radio)

“The two lads mould their unique stories, journeys and their experiences
in Western Sydney to create a sonic palette that is as unique as it is welcoming”
Acclaim Magazine

“Be blown away by skewing rhythms, unfamiliar structure and vibe while feeling at home in their warmth, soul and personality”
Purple Sneakers

700 Feel, the cult-followed, guided by feeling, electronic partnership of Jonny Reebok and Myspacejuan today unveils Volume 1 of their double EP series Muscle Memories. Complete with video by Harry Welsh for ‘GREEN N’ GREY (feat. Archie Mike)‘. LISTEN + WATCH HERE.

Through Muscle Memories Volume 1, 700 Feel manifests their diligent attention to genre – de-constructed and meticulously studied one beat at a time – remoulded into their own cultivation. Unravelling their purview of patience and growth through experimentations of instrumentation that are never-the-same, spooled in a 700 Feel specific imprint. Muscle Memories is bound by their spirited purpose in the sanctity of kinship, meditation and reflection side by side with side by side with their own stories and experiences abroad and at home with the universally understood insular and communal. Ruminating thematically on the double entendre of its title, Volume 1 of the series presents a deep excavation of their ability to manipulate tension, space and the intensity of feeling to ruminate on the strength that comes with perseverance.

Most notably through the opening ‘GREEN N’ GREY (feat. Archie Mike)’ whose experience directly encapsulates the “muscle memories” sentiment. Incarcerated for the last four years, including time spent during the pandemic, on ‘GREEN N’ GREY’ Archie speaks to loss, watching life pass by and human connection via spoken word. As their childhood friend, his feature on ‘GREEN N’ GREY’ arrived in 700 Feel’s lap as a demo recorded on a jail phone from a mutual friend. Without prior conversation, they communicate his feelings of loss and endurance through sparse backing instrumentation. Low end that simmers from ear to ear with every sigh, every deep breath, preluded by sombre horns. Archie Mike poignantly celebrates Muscle Memories’ Volume 1 with his own release day from life behind bars.

A stark contrast to the triumphant tone of their earlier releases ‘BRIDGES GET BURNT’ and the skiffling, ‘FAMILAR FLAVOURS’, Archie shares “The lyrics to this song were written in a pretty deep place of loss and isolation. I remember using Bruno Mars’ “Locked out of Heaven” as inspiration for the melody and I wanted to depict a sense of calling out from another world that I was isolated in. It depicts the profundity of the stories we create through our lives, and holding onto those indescribable moments of quietness that come where our thoughts are clearest. In that quietness, there’s a deep urge to call out, to see if anyone’s out there. The beautiful thing is there are people out there, that feel you. The amalgamation of minds, spirits, feelings and sounds is what brought this song together and proves the ever-elusive experience of connection manifested from our deepest and most isolated experiences.”

‘GREEN N’ GREY’s germination highlights just how 700 Feel weave their own stories and experiences abroad and at home with the universally understood, insular and communal in their creative partnership. Of their relationship and nature of collaboration on ‘GREEN N’ GREY’, 700 Feel explain “We knew him as just a kid before he went in and he’s always been a musician at heart. He was taught to play guitar by another inmate and then kept teaching himself by listening to King Krule. The guitar gave him a way to express himself and write songs. One day when some friends visited him, he sang some lines he wrote through the phone. That recording ended up with us and inspired us to write a two of the tracks off Vol 1.”

Of the process, Archie continues “I remember singing it over the jail phone with no idea where it would go or if anything would ever be done with it. A couple years passed and my brothers 700 Feel had put it together with their own sound, and I remember it rocking me to my core. They really kept every intention I had with the pads, maintaining the raw phone vocal sound. It was one of those songs that came together in a strangely perfect way, where none of us had a plan for this when we created our parts to the song, but when it was put together it was made complete.”

700 Feel is an experience of sound, sight and sense, with Muscle Memories serving as the vessel for their virtuosity fully established. Volume 1 reveals what they consider “the real beginning of the exploration of our sound,” including a second feature from Archie Mike on ‘AIN’T SHIT CHANGED’ alongside pieces of field recordings from time spent outside (‘STROLL THRU MALVERN HILLS’) and overheard public transport conversations (‘CDG TO GLICHY’) and freestyle piano chord progressions from Jonny’s father Stu (‘PLAY WHATEVER YOU WANT’ and ‘12 AM ON ERASMUS BRIDGE’). With Volume 2 due later this year, Muscle Memories’ first half invites listeners to pause, relish their surroundings, and consider what comes to mind. Including the earlier single ‘FAMILIAR FLAVOURS‘, praised by The Guardian for their “remarkable talent for controlling chaos” amongst Spotify playlisting in Fresh Finds (Global) and Experimental, Genre Glitch, Night Shift, Bleeps^glitches, Quirktronica and more alongside support from Pilerats, Music Feeds, FBi Radio, 2SER and SYN. 700 Feel are destined to transcend.

MUSCLE MEMORIES: VOLUME 1 is out now, buy/stream here.

TRACKLIST
GREEN N’ GREY (FEAT. ARCHIE MIKE)
STROLL THRU MALVERN HILLS
FAMILIAR FLAVOURS
CDG TO CLICHY
AINT SHIT CHANGED (FEAT. ARCHIE MIKE)
“PLAY WHATERVER YOU WANT”
12 AM ON ERASMUS BRIDGE (FEAT. STU)

Stay connected with 700 Feel:
23 Profile | Instagram | Bandcamp | SoundCloud

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Festival NewsMusic News

COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS return with ‘I’M COMIN’ HOME TO YOU’ Featuring STELLA ANGELICO

by the partae
written by the partae

Cookin’ On 3 Burners are back, baby. Returning with a brand new track that puts not only their divine brand of funk and soul music, but the wonderful vocal talents of Stella Angelico, to the fore, the Melbourne group drops ‘I’m Comin’ Home To You’.

The single, a fitting follow on from ‘Wind Up’ (released in June), is a gorgeous and rich offering that yearns musically, as it does lyrically, to wrap itself around you with its warmth. ‘I’m Comin’ Home To You’ is a Cookin’ On 3 Burners masterclass – blending strong production with an innate grasp on influence and a core sonic identity that has established them as a globally renowned unit.

Recorded at the group’s Soul Messin’ Studios in Melbourne, ‘I’m Comin’ Home To You’ was mixed by CO3B’s Jake Mason, and mastered by Lachlan Carrick (Gotye, C.W. Stoneking). And along with the talents of Mason on piano, tenor and baritone saxophone, Dan West on guitar and Ivan Khatchoyan on drums and percussion, the track also features Rohan Wallis on trumpet and Raleigh Williams on additional vocals.

Of their new track, CO3B say ‘I’m Comin’ Home To You’ is about what it offers on the title – a certified soul stomper that is about returning home to get what you need. Says vocalist Angelico of the new track, working with CO3B on this was a no-brainer.

“As soon as I heard this one, I knew I wanted to write on it. It conjured images of water sparkling in the sun, bright blue skies, riding a bike on a warm night. I was thinking of Sicily, I was thinking of Melbourne, where I’ve grown up and feel most at home – and where we chose to shoot the gorgeous, very domestic cover shots with Jo Duck. I was thinking of coming home to someone you love, coming home to yourself…”
STELLA ANGELICO

The track highlights the ease of dynamic that exists between Angelico and Cookin’ On 3 Burners; an easy energy exchange that has led to the formation of a striking live presence together, and continued collaborations in the studio. With more new music on the way, ‘I’m Comin’ Home To You’ is a beautiful addition to what has become an impressive catalogue of music for Cookin’ On 3 Burners.

With over five million monthly listeners to their name on Spotify, membership on APRA AMCOS’ exclusive 1,000,000,000 List (‘This Girl’), as well as an unshakeable level of respect as a live band not just in Australia, but around the world, Cookin’ On 3 Burners have never waned in their relevance or impact.

Having taken their brand of funk and soul throughout Europe, the U.K. and Japan, not to mention confirming their status as favourites on the Australian festival scene at the likes of Queenscliff, Port Fairy and Sydney Festivals; supporting the likes of Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings and Fat Freddy’s Drop, the group has endeared themselves to thousands.

PRAISE FOR COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS

“Catchy, satisfying and authentic soul groove”
Sydney Morning Herald

“The trio just get sharper and sharper with each record” 
Dustygroove (U.S)

“Cookin‘ On 3 Burners‘ musical skill, enjoyment, enthusiasm and sheer damned determination positively explode out of the stereo”
The Skinny (UK)

“Perfectly formed soul nugget!”  
Craig Charles BBC6 (UK)

This September, Cookin’ On 3 Burners will launch ‘I’m Comin’ Home To You’ with a special hometown romp at the Northcote Social Club. Supported by DJ Miss Goldie and Haych, the show is going to be a complete love-in for new and long-term fans alike.

“The Burners music and feel and the way I work are very complimentary  – in fact I think we energise each other on stage, and so I’ve just continued to say yes to joining them, all over the world! “

“It is really exciting to be sharing something totally fresh and new with the world; something that is a real  collaboration between the Burners and myself.  I love it and can’t wait to share it.”
STELLA ANGELICO

COOKIN’ ON 3 BURNERS ‘I’M COMIN’ HOME TO YOU’ LAUNCH

Friday 15 September Northcote Social Club Melbourne
Supported by DJ Miss Goldie, Haych
Tickets

PLAY/LISTEN

‘I’M COMIN’ HOME TO YOU’ is out now.
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
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NOFX Final Tour: 40 Years 40 Cities 40 Songs Per Night Hitting Australia January 2024

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written by the partae

Influential punk band NOFX is known as one of the world’s most controversial and significant punk bands of their time. They are no strangers to pushing boundaries at their live shows, and their final tour will be no different.

January 2024 will see the iconic punk band hitting the east coast of Australia for the final time. NOFX will perform forty songs a night, including 3 albums and rarities, plus they will never repeat a setlist to ensure that each show is unique.

Fat Mike adds, “This is not a final tour like Mötley Crüe or Black Sabbath...These are the very last shows NOFX will ever be playing. We are gonna play with all our hearts…With all our joy…And then we are done. We are done done.”

What better way to celebrate the amazing career of NOFX. The final tour will see the band perform songs from their classic releases Wolves In Wolves’ Clothing, Punk In Drublic, The War On Errorism, White Trash Two Heebs And A Bean, So Long And Thanks For All The Shoes and The Decline over 2 nights in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Full tour info below.

LIVE NATION, SBM & MOTHERSHIP EVENTS PRESENTS
NOFX Final Tour:
40 Years
40 Cities
40 Songs Per Night

SAT 20 JAN – SYDNEY, HORDERN PAVILION
WOLVES’ IN WOLVES CLOTHING / PUNK IN DRUBLIC / THE WAR ON ERRORISM

SUN 21 JAN – SYDNEY, HORDERN PAVILION
WHITE TRASH, TWO HEEBS AND A BEAN / SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE SHOES / THE DECLINE

TUE 23 JAN –  BRISBANE, FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL
WOLVES’ IN WOLVES CLOTHING / PUNK IN DRUBLIC / THE WAR ON ERRORISM

WED 24 JAN – BRISBANE, FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL
WHITE TRASH, TWO HEEBS AND A BEAN / SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE SHOES / THE DECLINE

FRI 26 JAN – MELBOURNE, FESTIVAL HALL
WOLVES’ IN WOLVES CLOTHING / PUNK IN DRUBLIC / THE WAR ON ERRORISM

SAT 27 JAN- MELBOURNE, FESTIVAL HALL
WHITE TRASH, TWO HEEBS AND A BEAN / SO LONG AND THANKS FOR ALL THE SHOES / THE DECLINE

LNA / SBM / Mothership Presale: Thu 7 Sep, 10am > Fri 8 Sep, 9am
Ticket Agent / Venue Presale: Thu 7 Sep, 10am > Fri 8 Sep, 9am
General On Sale: Fri 8 Sep, 10am

“Exclusive VIP packages will be available – more info at livenation.com.au / sbmpresents.com

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Countdown to Indian Spirit Festival 2023

by the partae
written by the partae

Only 15 days until the small town of Eldena in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania turns into a place of pilgrimage for Goa and Psytrance fans from all over the world. From August 30 to September 04, 2023, the Indian Spirit Festival will present non-stop music on a total of six stages for five days. It is one of the biggest happenings of its kind and offers the best line up of these genres in Europe. A total of 250 internationally renowned artists from Goa, PsyTrance and Techno will play on three main stages and three smaller stages. Over 20,000 visitors will go on an unforgettable journey into the world of “love, dance and trance”. The construction for the biggest psychedelic festival in Germany, Austria and Switzerland has already been going on for two weeks. Now the last details are revealed.

The “Sun Stage” will be the largest covered stage in all of Germany. For this, the fabrics will be painted and sewn by one of the best decoration teams in the world. This area will become a visual synthesis of the arts, additionally equipped with the latest video mapping technology and state-of-the-art laser systems, which will allow visitors to visually immerse themselves in psychedelic spheres in addition to the music. The terrific line up of this stage presents stars like Ace Ventura, Astrix, Liquid Soul, Neelix, Infected Mushroom, Vini Vici and many more will perform.

The “Moon Stage” offers the guests music at every minute of the festival. Here it starts on Thursday at 6 pm and ends Monday at 1 pm – 24 hours non-stop with well-known artists like Avalon, Captain Hook, GMS, Atmos or Sonic Species. Of course, the most modern video mapping offers visual overkill at any time of day.

The third main stage is the “Mushroom Stage” and offers a variety of acts, such as Boom Shankar, Kindzadza, Hujaboy, Fabio Fusco or Bluespace, which will make the hearts of psytrance fans beat faster.

The three smaller stages are the “Chill Out” area, where visitors can relax to the sounds of Ace Ventura & Gaudi in Dub, Alpha in Dub, Gaudi or Lavinia. The Techno Stage presents a diverse line-up of highly talented artists from the techno scene. And the Fire Tent offers a special atmosphere thanks to a mixture of electronic sounds and pulsating beats that will immerse visitors in another dimension.

The 10-hectare festival site offers visitors not only first-class music. A large market mile in the style of the hippie market on Ibiza with over 100 booths invites you to stroll, shopp and enjoy. In addition, workshops, yoga, meditation and healings will be offered in various tipis. At Yoga & Meditation Magic Sky, from Friday to Sunday, you can join classes such as Yoga & Body Activation, Chakras Yoga & Sound Mediation, Kundalini Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Flow Yoga, Vinyasa Flow Yoga, Power Vinyasa Yoga, Partner Yoga and many more. The Workshop Tipi will offer classes such as Infinate Creativity, Macramé with Mellikrame, Silten Disco UV Paint Party or Dreamcatcher. The Healing Tipi will feature classic massages, lectures such as Energizing Water, Water Memory and Healing Effects, a harmonious healing sound bath, and Reiki and Swedish massages combined with other healing modalities. The Double Tipi features an art exhibition by Caos Concept, Public Beta, Raven PicUps, Tiny Space Art and is a place for various interviews. Last but not least the Fire Place in front of the Fire Tent, which invites jugglers and fire artists to play freely at any time, but also offers Hula Hoop Dance & Tricks or Flow Art Workshops.

The Indian Spirit Festival has been a special kind of experience since 1999 and is known for its lively and warm community, which provides an unforgettable journey into the world of electronic music. The Indian Summer transforms the leaves of the trees into a colorful sea of colors, providing the perfect backdrop for the biggest psychedelic festival in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Countless artists, jugglers and fire artists on the area deepen the flair of a never-ending summer and enchant the guests. Every year thousands of psytrance fans from all over the world make a journey to Eldena in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to celebrate the end of the European festival season.

The Indian Spirit Festival will take place from August 30 to September 04, 2023 in Eldena, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Full Weekend tickets are available in the pre-sale phase 2 for 109.99 euros plus fees at https://www.indian-spirit.de/.

 

Indian Spirit Festival 

30 August – 04 September 2023 

Eldena (County Ludwigslust-Parchim)

www.indian-spirit.de

Full Line Up Indian Spirit Festival 2023:

https://www.indian-spirit.de/line-up-so-far/

Timetable Indian Spirit Festival 2023:

https://www.indian-spirit.de/timetables-indian-spirit-festival-2023/

Aftermovie Indian Spirit Festival 2022:

https://www.indian-spirit.de/aftermovie-2022/

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Defunk Releases Meaningful 5th Studio Album, 1st in Almost Decade, “The Voyage.” A Journey Through Bass, Funk, and Hip-Hop, Featuring Taylr Renee, ERO808, Liinks and More. Out Now on Westwood Recordings

by the partae
written by the partae

Artist: Defunk
Title: The Voyage
Label: Westwood Recordings

Download / Stream

Canadian DJ and producer Defunk releases his brand new 14-track body of work “The Voyage,” his 1st in almost a decade and 5th in overall, and it is a true journey through the genre-bending soundscapes that have established him as a pioneer of bass-influenced music throughout his long career. It is also a deeply personal body of work for him, which serves as a testament to his journey both as an artist and as a man as he navigated both the global pandemic and becoming a father. From the opening notes of “The Departure,” Defunk makes it clear that the voyage the listener is about to embark on is not for the faint of heart, as the piano melodies and ethereal vocals fuse into the deep basslines and serrating synths of “Blast Off.” Each track melts into the next with liquid sophistication as Defunk expertly steers through the groovy tech-house beats of “Coming In Hot” to the headbanging, drum & bass-oriented synths of “Waves” and the hip-hop vocal bass of “All Your Love.” Wrapping up with the sparkling notes and futuresque drops of “Sunrise,” the album displays Defunk‘s impressive versatility in a sprawling range of bass-focused gems and it’s clear that there’s heart and soul in every track. The album’s drop also launches Defunk‘s “The Voyage Tour” across North America, which begins in September and spans across Detroit, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Portland, Kelowna, Las Vegas, and more till November.

“I can finally release my first full-length album in almost 10 years. I’ve never worked so hard on such a large project, with so much of my heart poured into every song. ‘The Voyage‘ is a very personal 14-song concept album that tells the story of my evolution, both personal and musically, through the pandemic and into my new role as a parent. The voyage will be released on Westwood Recordings, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.” – Defunk

Canadian-born Logan Anderson, known as Defunk, has made a distinct name for himself in the electronic music scene with his dirty, funky, bass music. Defunk‘s unique fusion of funk, hip-hop, electro, and heavy bass music allows him to be a true connoisseur of genre-blending. His innovative style has paved the path for fans of all genres to venture into the bass music scene and a niche that has left him virtually untouched. He constantly pushes the boundaries of what bass music can be with live performances that captivate audiences all over. The versatility Defunk delivers in his sets, and live performances has caught the attention of Pretty Lights, GRiZ, Gramatik, LSDream, and others across the bass music scene. He’s played at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, Insomniac‘s Electric Forest Festival, Canada‘s Shambhala Festival and toured internationally for 10 years. Equipped with constantly changing sets and a rapidly expanding discography, Defunk constructs each performance to the brim with allure and absolute magic.

Defunk‘s “The Voyage” Tour (tickets):

Sep 08 – Galaxie – Louisville, KY
Sep 09 – Unison Festival – Aztek, MN
Sep 15 – Tangent Gallery – Detroit, MI
Sep 16 – The Stache – Grand Rapids, MI
Sep 23 – The Red Room – Vancouver, BC
Sep 30 – Pryes Brewing Co. – Minneapolis, MN
Oct 05 – The Get Down – Portland, OR
Oct 07 – Waverly Hotel – Cumberland, BC
Oct 20 – Distrikt – Kelowna, BC
Oct 21 – Five Mile Hall – Grande Prairie, AB
Nov 04 – Arkadia Festival – Las Vegas, NV
Nov 09 – Summit Music Hall – Columbus, OH

More info on Defunk / Westwood Recordings:

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Festival NewsMusic News

HOT GLUE find forgiveness & relinquish grudges in debut album ‘HATCHET’

by the partae
written by the partae

Photo credit: Mala Kras

To “bury the hatchet” can be to end a quarrel or conflict; to even become friendly with the other person. On their 2023 debut album ‘Hatchet’, Melbourne’s sibling-fronted trio Hot Glue have done just this, taking melancholic indie & combining it with gritty angst to drive forgiveness from themselves & those around them. ‘Hatchet’ sees the three-piece all combining eloquently to elevate their intrepid indie-rock sound & piece together a ride of forgotten grudges, apologies & heartfelt conflicts. Whilst ‘Hatchet’ appears only in name on track ‘Honey’ & ‘Forgive It All’, its themes are consistently felt throughout. 

Recorded across various points of 2022, Hot Glue used St Kilda’s iconic Hothouse Audio (Jet, Motorace, Ash Grunwald), to track the record, in-between university semesters & European jaunts. With most tracks having been played live in-front of audiences already, the studio brought a whole new life to the songs, with Hot Glue embracing a big rock, fuzzy sound across the album; conscious of the certainty that this was their sound. With father Craig Harnath (Kylie Minogue, Jack Howard) an industry stalwart in his own right, the band entrusted him with mixing & mastering duties for the album.

“‘Hatchet’ began only with the intention of putting together the songs we had been playing live for the last few years. It became apparent very quickly that we were writing about forgiveness. Forgiving, holding grudges, being sorry, needing someone else to be sorry. The eponymous “hatchet” appears by name only in ‘Honey’ and ‘Forgive It All’, one of the first and last songs written for the project, but it was clearly haunting every other track. You find it, you bury it, you forget, you dig it up, you carry it around, you regret it.”  

Pearl Harnath, Hot Glue

“We recorded the whole album at Hothouse Audio in St Kilda at different points in 2022 in-between uni semesters and European holidays. It was really great having a space to come back to and be creative together. The process felt so different to recording in the past, now with Henry as our permanent drummer, and working on songs we had heard living and breathing in front of audiences for months, some for years. I feel like we really embraced a big rock, fuzzy sound on the album, with more certainty of what Hot Glue sounds like.” Lily Harnath, Hot Glue

 

Artwork by: Henry Lucas

Having traveled all across Naarm, from Northcote Social Club to the Esplanade Hotel, Hot Glue are looking to celebrate a massive year & the release of ‘Hatchet’ with an album launch show at The Gasometer Hotel.  Joining them for the night will be local favorites Polly and the Pockets, as well as Kincaid. The three-piece are itching to share the album & its cuts, live for the first time post-release with their friends, family & fans. 

“After a hugely successful launch for our single ‘The Knife’ hosted at The Retreat Hotel, we eagerly began planning the album launch. This year has been a big year for us performing all over Naarm, from the Northcote Social Club to the Esplanade Hotel, supporting a whole swathe of amazing bands along the way, and it’s all building up to this September. We can’t wait to officially launch our debut album at The Gasometer Hotel, one of our favorite venues to play, and are very grateful to be able to share the stage with Polly and the Pockets alongside Kincaid. It’s gonna be huge!” Henry Lucas, Hot Glue

Undoubtedly familiar to anyone within the Melbourne indie scene, Hot Glue have forged a name for themselves across a multitude of years, with relentless gigging & a captivating live show earning them slots alongside Body Type, Bad Bangs & Jess Rebeiro, as well as performing at The St Kilda Festival. A loyal following saw the band sell out The Esplanade Hotel for a headline performance, with a consistent audience wherever they go. Now with 60,000+ streams across DSP’s, as well as airplay on triple j (Home & Hosed, Weekend Breakfast), and support from triple j Unearthed (rotation) Hot Glue are perfectly poised for national attention, bringing their dynamic, forthright & stormy debut album ‘Hatchet’ along for the journey. 

HOT GLUE ‘HATCHET’ ALBUM RELEASE SHOW

TICKETS

Thursday, September 7th The Gasometer Hotel Melbourne, VIC w/ Polly and The Pockets & Kincaid

PRAISE FOR HOT GLUE

“I love the way this song drops you immediately in the moment and keeps you gripped until the very last second.”

Abby Butler, triple j

“Hot Glue have a really gripping way of welcoming you into their world, sharing their story and taking you along for the entire journey… It’s been a whole 3 minutes and 3 seconds and I’ve been wholeheartedly invested <3”

Anika Luna, triple j Unearthed

“Empowering anthem[s] at full kick”

 Claire Mooney, triple j

‘Hatchet’ is out Now

Hot Glue: Official Website | triple j Unearthed | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube 

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Music InterviewsMusic News

Jay Wood ‘Respire’ EP – Interview

by the partae
written by the partae

Your EP “Respire” will be out on September 1, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I think in terms of the overall sound, Respire was mostly influenced by artists such as Missy Higgins, as well as including my own fairly obvious flare. I love how Missy writes with such authenticity and also includes particular instruments into her songs, which add to the overall feel of the Track, specifically the use of strings.

In terms of song writing, I almost always write from a place of lived experience. I think we are all united in our journey through this world, although with obvious slight difference to accommodate individuality.  I think being a musician allows for such an amazing expression of life and the overall human experience, to which I aim to stay true to by writing straight from my heart in order to connect with my audience.

How did you go about writing Respire?

This EP was written over a number of years, and as with the changing of life, so too the track evolved into what you hear today. My intention was to continue with the utmost authenticity, and in order to do so, some songs needed to be changed/added to. Once in the studio, I sat with each session musician and shared my vision and together we created each component to each song. Overall it was a tough, ye incredibly rewarding process!

What does this EP mean to you?

After being hit by a drunk driver and losing my daily functions, including losing the ability to play music, or even remember my songs to begin with, this EP is the culmination of many years of personal hard work. It serves not only as a personal “up yours” to the many who told me I wouldn’t amount to anything since my Brain Injury, but also as an example of how powerful you can be when you simply decide to choose the life you want.  It is an extremely personal triumph for me and so very clearly means quite a lot!

Do you have any live shows coming up?

For the moment I don’t have any live shows planned, after tackling some relatively recent and lasting health issues, I am focusing on all the many other facets to being a musician! That said, there has been some talk of international shows on the horizon, so stay tuned!

What do you have planned for Respire?

I plan to get that bad boy out into the world and to use it as a means to spread a message of hope and inspiration to many! I am a regular person, from a regular background, I simply chose not to let the dire circumstances I found myself in, dictate my future. My hope is to show people that they too can overcome whatever difficulty they may face, and I stand with them.

You have been recovering from a traumatic brain injury after a car accident 7 years ago and relearning to play music, please tell us about what you have learned about overcoming obstacles and your passion for showing people that they can get through anything:

You can CHOOSE. The most beautiful and incredible power we all have, is the power of choice. My favourite thing about having the ability to choose, is that if by some chance you don’t like whatever it is you have chosen, guess what? You can choose again! Haha nothing is ever fixed, even if at first it does not seem it. It all starts with a thought.

 I grew up with a saying on my bathroom wall that I never really took much notice of, until my life taught me its significance. It said “HARMONY – What happens to you does not matter. What you BECOME through those experiences is all that is significant. This is the true MEANING of life.”

What a blessing it is to be able to choose how to respond and come to understand how powerful each of us are!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment I am listening to a completely random mix of songs that I have been collating over the period of years! I don’t have any particular style of music that I mostly listen to, I love to keep my ears surprised with every banger from every kind of genre! Music is LIFE in all of its array!

What are some of the things that you enjoy about music?

I love how music has the ability to really get beneath your skin. I don’t believe music simple goes into our ears, I believe it goes smack bang like a shot from cupid to the heart! That’s why when we really hear a song we love, our body reacts with covering us in goosebumps! That is what it’s all about, the feeling of the song! So powerful! Makes life all the more enjoyable to experience!

Linktree | Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Music News

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano and Gian Varela Team Up For Urban, Latin House Track “Keloke,” Featuring Ecuadorian Singer Bla-De

by the partae
written by the partae

Artists: Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano x Gian Varela
Title: Keloke feat. Bla-De
Label: SONO/Armada Music

Download / Stream

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Gian Varela, and singer Bla-De‘s new collaboration “Keloke” is an urban, Latin house crossover gem that’s bound to heat things up around the globe. The track is a sonic feast with multiple instrumental melodies, including a xylophone and trumpets, combined with a bouncy bassline and plenty of tribal percussion in its layers, perfectly highlighting Gian Varela‘s Panamanian roots. “Keloke” breaks genre barriers with its driving house rhythms, tropical melodies, and Spanish rap-style vocals that carry listeners to a balmy jungle drum circle and encourages them to dance with wild reverence. Out on Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano‘s SONO imprint under the Armada Music‘s umbrella, the track follows their recent remix of Steve Angelo‘s “Monday” as well as Gian Varela‘s meaningful “L.O.C” EP from earlier this year. Read on for quotes from the artists on their heater of a collab.

“From Gian Varela‘s initial rough demo to the dancefloor anthem we’ve created together. Months of playing it live have made us even more hyped, seeing how the fans really love this record. Now we’re super excited to share it with everyone!” – Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano

“‘Keloke‘ to me is a true example of how a Latin Tech House should be. It has high energy, tropical Latin sounds, and Bla-De‘s deep urban vocals to top it off. Because of their huge influence on the Latin House movement, it is an honor for me to collaborate with Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano on this record. Everytime I played the track during my performances, the crowds responded with such enthusiasm, which for me represents the energy and magic of this track.” – Gian Varela

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano

Dynamic Dutch duo Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano have built a reputation as prestige artists both behind the decks and in the studio. Combining their unmatched energy on stage and their tribal house influenced signature sound, the duo are one of the most in-demand acts in the industry today: From São Paulo to Ibiza and Tomorrowland, SJRM dominate the live stage. 2023, and Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano look set to continue on their upward trajectory with a string of big single releases this summer, on the back of their debut Gold-record Album ‘Fundamentals.’ With a ground breaking Album delivered, big singles lined up for the summer and an extensive global tour locked in, 2023 will be another huge year. “We’re just getting started“, is what the guys will happily tell you.

Gian Varela

Hailing from Panama and honed in the United States, Gian Varela is a dynamic and groundbreaking house music DJ, producer, and songwriter who has quickly risen to global acclaim. With an innate rebellious spirit, Gian‘s distinctive style of seamlessly blending Latin genres and electronic sounds has cemented his position as a master of his craft. His upbringing in Panama, the birthplace of reggaetón’s roots, and subsequent move to the US have resulted in a unique, globally oriented sound that has won him legions of fans worldwide. Gian‘s impressive track record includes viral collaborations with Latin superstars like Sech, Feid, El Chombo, and Maffio, as well as releases on some of the world’s top dance music labels, including Spinnin’ Records, Armada Music, and Mixmash Records. His tracks and remixes have gained support from top DJs and producers like Armin van Buuren, Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Laidback Luke, Hugel, Wax Motif, and Vintage Culture. With an innate ability to connect with crowds and transmit powerful energy, Gian has honed his craft through years of performing across the Americas. His mastery of the decks allows him to seamlessly transition from his signature Latin tech house on festival mainstages like Ultra Abu Dhabi to his Afro/Caribbean tech sound in more intimate venues. His creative vision has seen him push the Caribbean-infused house genre to new heights, and his dynamic live performances have electrified audiences across the world. From Afro house to peak hour tech-house, Gian elegantly blends his productions while always remaining true to his unique sound. This year promises to be a standout year for Gian, with high-profile collaborations and high-energy fusions in the dance music world that will showcase the full spectrum of Latin house music. With his signature global sound, Gian is sure to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the years to come.

More info on Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano / Gian Varela:

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Music InterviewsMusic News

The Transits Interview

by the partae
written by the partae
Where are you currently based?
 
We are based in two countries. Tyrone and myself (Dom) live in New Zealand and Ryan is in South Africa. But we are all originally from Durban, South Africa. Being based in two countries has it’s challenges but we’ve worked out a really great process to make it work in a way that’s progressive and fun. Tyrone plays drums. Ryan sings, plays guitar and synth. I also sing and play bass. We have dual singers in The Transits.

 

How did the band form?
 
Technically we formed when we were 15 year old high school kids. We were friends first and then one day picked up instruments. At the time in South Africa there were not many young bands. We were heavily influenced by a number of American and English bands. Like The Pixies, Weezer and even Oasis. Back then we played under the band name Cabbage.

 

Then once we finished school we formed other bands and enjoyed different levels of success through touring and album releases. Eventually we moved apart and then suddenly last year we decided to reform the band but under a new name The Transits. Thankfully technology is so easy now that it makes it possible for us to be a band in the digital world. We feel we’re better than ever.

 

What’s been happening recently?
 
Since reforming last year we’ve been very busy growing a following of new fans, writing and recording new songs, creating content and visuals to promote our band. We came from the era where album covers and strong visuals often introduced fans to an artist. These days everything is saturated and disposable. So we’re trying to bring back the joy in music discovery.

 

Your latest single ‘Fall Into Dark’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
 
Fall into dark is filled with a haunting atmosphere which is balanced with a melodic vocal, driving guitars and pulsating drums. The juxtaposition between light and dark is always a big component of our sound, which is often represented from verse to chorus. We can’t have one without the other.

 

Fall into dark grapples with hope and despair. The contrast of absolute despair and light at the end of the tunnel is a powerful one. It can be a feeling of being in the darkest of times, when you feel like all is lost, and yet there is still a glimmer of hope, equally a feeling of knowing that even though things are bad right now, they can get better.

 

How did you go about writing Fall Into Dark?
 
Ryan wrote the bulk of this song a few years ago. When we reformed he played us a few old demos and this one really jumped out at us. We could wait to add our own parts and see where it went. It had a real filmic vibe which we gravitated too.

 

Where and when did you record and who did you work with?

 

We all record our parts in our own mini home studios. Again, thank you technology! Tyrone and I then send our parts to Ryan in South Africa who takes care of all the production, mixing and mastering. We typically have a few songs in production.

 

How did you approach the recording process?

 

Before we start recording we talk about the outcome. What’s the vibe or the mood we want from the song. We share voice notes and demos over WhatsApp before we officially start the recording the track. From there Ryan shares the track in different stages and we shape and finesse from there. We all have a shared vision for the band but it’s thanks to Ryan that we can write and record this way.

 

Please tell us about your upcoming album:

 

Our debut full length album comes out in February. A summer release. It includes a few of our current singles but also quite a few other brand new songs which we are currently writing. All the songs lean into our blend of rock, punk, indie and synth pop. Lots of big anthemic feel good tunes with some dark edging.

 

Who are you listening to at the moment?
 
Jean Dawson, KennyHoopla, Petey, Beauty School Dropout, Luca Brasi and we’re looking forward to hearing more of the new Blink 182.

 

What’s planned for the remainder of 2023 going into 2024?

 

Apart from finishing the album we still have two singles coming out this year. In October we’re releasing a short film/music video for our single LOST ONES. Both the song and film are a Halloween horror release. The video is set in the 1980’s and is influenced by two of our favourite movies of the decade. The cult Hollywood skateboard film ‘Thrashin’ and The Lost boys.

 

Follow us on Instagram and our other social channels to stay tuned for more music and releases.

 

Favourite food and place to hangout?
 
For me personally it’s hard to turn down Japanese or Korean cuisine. Hangout wise, we love the beach. We all grew up very close to the ocean, so that’s our special place.
 
 
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Music News

Cris Gamble – Oscuro

by the partae
written by the partae

Cris Gamble is a standout in Australian hip hop. The multi-talented artist is unmatched in his ability to create sophisticated, atmospheric beats and dual-language toplines. With his Chilean and Anglo-Indian heritage, the Melbourne native effortlessly switches between English and Spanish, creating a vibrant bilingual experience. Gamble has played headlining shows in Melbourne at the Golden Monkey and The Gasometer Hotel among others and always brings a cut-throat energy to his performances.

His new single, “Oscuro,” is a prime example of his talent. The song is delicate and robust, with an exquisite interplay between nylon string guitar and warm thick bass. Cinematic sounds and transient, drifting ribbons of backing vocals add depth and texture. Gamble’s bars are delivered with humble power, as he shifts between rapping and singing with a calm dexterity.

Out Now: “Oscuro” is a must-listen for fans of Australian hip hop and a great bench mark of where the modern scene is up to. Things are only getting more interesting.

Spotify Link: https://open.spotify.com/track/0nn8FlBrDBmZ977gRRnyD8

Commercial/Pre-Save Link: https://crisgamble.ffm.to/oscuro

https://www.instagram.com/papitogamble/ 

https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/cris-gamble/

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Music InterviewsMusic News

NIIVA INTERVIEW

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Now I live in Toronto, but before that I lived in Vancouver, London (England), and Bulgaria, which is where I was born.

How did you first start playing music?

I’ve been in performance groups and choirs since I was a little girl, so I’ve been singing since day one. When I got a little older I started writing poems and such, and then when I joined a band in high school is when I started to dip my toes into actual songwriting.

What’s been happening recently?

It’s been a really exciting, crazy time actually.. Late last year I released a single called “Friends” which ended up charting #13 on the CHR/Top 40 chart in Canada, and it also earned me my first two Billboard chart placements with my own music, which was insane. I’ve been lucky enough to earn a few #1 Billboard Chart plaques for the writing I’ve done in the KPop world (“Black Mamba” by aespa specifically), but when you chart with your own music it really is an entirely different feeling of accomplishment.

Then Amazon Music chose me as their Breakthrough Artist this April and put my face on a big ol’ billboard in downtown Toronto, which coincided with my birthday so it was the absolute best birthday gift I could’ve asked for!

And now I’m releasing a brand new single called “That Song” which I adore because it’s very much a redemption anthem for all the songs that my past relationships have ruined.

Your new single ‘That Song’ is out on August 25th, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I wrote “That Song” with Ali Milner and Joel Stouffer (who also produced it), and from the get go I knew I wanted to write a feel-good, rhythmic song that makes you want to bounce along. I have this thing where I tend to put lyrics that aren’t necessarily happy on top of bouncy, up-beat instrumentals because I feel like in that way I don’t have to be sappy about whatever I’m going through. For a while I’ve been wanting to write a song about how all my favourite songs have been tainted because they’re so connected to memories of past relationships that now I can’t enjoy them fully. Ali and Joel were totally on the same wavelength as me and I’m so grateful that this song fell into their hands to help craft and shape it into exactly what I wanted it to be.

What does ‘That Song’ mean to you?

It feels very empowering to me because like it says in the song, I get to create new melodies and shape new memories for myself now; free of negative associations of the past. I’m reclaiming the joy that music brings me. It’s very therapeutic, actually.

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

Ali, Joel, and I wrote and recorded at Sony Music Studios in Toronto earlier this year, and I instantly fell in love with it and wanted it as my next single. That Song was mastered by Joao Carvalho, who’s also absolutely amazing.

How did you approach the recording process?

We actually originally wrote the song in a slightly lower key than the final version, but when I got in to do the final vocals we decided to play around and take it up a little bit. That ended up being the total right move because it added that extra bit of energy and sparkle.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I am absolutely rinsing Tori Kelly’s new EP “tori”. It’s the perfect EP and I can’t wait for her to release more. When I like something, I absolutely obsess over it and listen to ONLY that, all day, every day, until I throw up.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2023?

I’ve got more music coming this year, music videos, and shows! More to come 🙂

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I could eat tacos and sushi every single day for the rest of my life, and die happy. Now give me that, put a book in my hand, and put me on the new couch I just bought, and you’ve got yourself the happiest camper you could ever imagine. I get wild, I know.

Instagram: @itsniiva

Twitter: @itsniiva

Facebook: /itsniiva

Website: https://itsniiva.com/

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Festival NewsMusic News

FOLEY unleash highly anticipated debut album CROWD PLEASER Featuring lead single and video ‘WHAT GOT INTO YOU’ Aotearoa duo to appear at BIGSOUND and SXSW SYDNEY 2023

by the partae
written by the partae

Photo by: Frances Carter

Energised, fresh and strikingly vibrant, multi-instrumentalists Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett – aka Foley – have made significant impact already as formidable players in Aotearoa’s current pop movement.

In their music, listeners become instantly immersed in the crystalline vocals, sharp pop production, and infectious rhythms that Foley has become synonymous with. Knitting together a variety of sonic influences in creating their core sound, the duo have built solid momentum around their releases since their Award Nominated Vacation EP.

Building consistently as a studio and live unit, Foley have arrived in their most potent and powerful form to date, delivering their highly anticipated debut album, CROWD PLEASER.

Since that debut back in 2017, Foley have accrued over 11 million streams worldwide. Their impact has been highlighted by various achievements; their presence amplified by 5x Top 10 tracks in the New Zealand Pop Radio Charts, and a Top 10 placement on the New Zealand album chart for the release of their debut EP, On My Conscience in 2020.

Now signed with Nettwerk under a global deal, Foley are pushing further into global markets with their stunning take on diverse pop sounds.

The work never stopped for Wallace and Everett. As their catalogue grew, so did their standing as writers and performers: nominations at the Aotearoa Music Awards and the APRA Silver Scrolls, plus numerous support slots for the likes of Tove Lo, Remi Wolf, Still Woozy and more positioned Foley as the next potential break out pop group from NZ.

Since the release of Crowd Pleaser Pt. 1, Foley’s profile has risen internationally; notably, they secured the lucrative cover of Spotify’s EQUAL playlist for Australia and New Zealand, which saw Foley appear on billboards in Times Square, New York City.

Accomplishments like this are certainly momentous for a band like Foley, yet their journey has been littered with significant successes and empowering moments that have kept Wallace and Everett pushing forward in elevating their craft.

Having gifted fans the first chapter of the record earlier in 2023, featuring stellar cuts including ‘Coffee’, ‘Smooth It Over’, ‘Killing Me Babe’ and ‘Nothing’, Foley now unleash Crowd Pleaser in its full glory, ahead of their Australian debut at BIGSOUND 2023.

With Aotearoa tour dates already underway, Foley are looking ahead to a busy second half of the year, including showcases at SXSW Sydney in October, and wrapping up the year at NZ’s biggest festival, Rhythm & Vines over New Year’s Eve.

A boldness and confidence sits at the foundation of Crowd Pleaser – confidence heard right throughout the releases to date, but bolstered in the album’s deep cuts; moments that allow Foley to thrive and properly flourish. Most recent single ‘Tongue’ tackled these themes with dynamism and flair.

Lead single ‘What Got Into You’ is a perfect example; prime representation of Wallace and Everett’s tight songwriting partnership and musicianship. A collaboration with long time producer Josh Edmonds (Vetta Borne, Niko Walters), the unique production style is a result of running the entire song through a guitar pedal board to see what chaos would result.

As they describe, ‘What Got Into You’ is about the constant churning of the rumour mill.

“One little whisper can circulate and cause a huge story to erupt, that does more damage than you ever expected. That swell to chaos happens quickly, even if someone didn’t have bad intentions and isn’t usually the type to gossip. ‘What Got Into You’ explores an unraveling where a rumor gets away from you and takes on a life of its own.” FOLEY

Working with video director Tom Grut on the music video for ‘What Got Into You’, Foley let themselves lean all the way into their creative chaos – the end result coming together in an awesome final cut, which can be viewed below.

“The song is all about a small rumor becoming a hugely damaging story – so we really wanted to communicate the way something small can get out of hand incredibly fast. In a visual context that was far more light hearted and fun and we let our imaginations run wild with the kind of chaos we could show – throwing feathers, lamps, trees, fire, bubble wrap – anything and everything has touched this video!”
FOLEY

Crowd Pleaser, while in many ways a glimmering and danceable pop record, explores deeper thematic textures, as Foley uses the pop form to buoy narratives focused on the complexities of relationships and the nuances that make human interactions…human.

Gorgeous grooves meet moments of reflection and stripped back vulnerability. For fans of Caroline Polachek, Remi Wolf; to artists like Charli XCX and BENEE, this record by Foley is going to provide similar feelings of euphoria, emotional swells and comfort.

“Crowd Pleaser is such a mixed bag of emotions and experiences – which is exactly what your 20s feel like. One day it’s up, the next it’s right down, so this album really honestly tracks that emotional lollipop for us. 
There is no better feeling than hearing a song and realizing someone else is going through exactly what you are. To feel seen and part of something in that way is unmatched – so our hope is that our audience feels that type of connection in this album. That’s the power of music!”
FOLEY

PLAY/LISTEN

PRAISE FOR FOLEY

“The infectious melody of their new hit “Coffee” takes listeners on a joyride of upbeat bliss, while the lyrics explore the serious struggle of feeling exhausted and struggling to do better.”
Rolling Stone AU/NZ

“Foley are the kind of band that leave you feeling like you’re suspended in space. Their lush melodies and dense soundscapes are delivered with precision and charm.”
Happy Magazine

“…has the makings of a quintessential pop ballad laced with glossy backdrops, and earworm melodies to match.”
Earmilk

“This is the first half of their debut album, and it’s interwoven with addictively catchy, heartfelt, and electrifying pop anthems.”
Unclear Magazine (Crowd Pleaser, Pt. 1)

“Foley have always focused on pure, unadulterated pop but across the five tracks …they transform their sound into an electrifying mix of 1980s-inspired synthpop and electronica.”
Women In Pop

“Foley is the artist you play when you want to dance.”
Indie Band Guru

FOLEY 2023 LIVE SHOWS

Tuesday 5 September – Friday 8 September BIGSOUND BRISBANE AU
Tickets

Sunday 15 October – Sunday 22 October SXSW Sydney SYDNEY AU
Tickets

Saturday 28 October – Sunday 29 October Manawatu Food and Wine Festival MANAWATU-WHANGANUI NZ

Friday 29 December Rhythm and Vines Festival Mainstage GISBORNE NZ
Tickets

CROWD PLEASER is out now.
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok

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