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Follow Joan & The Giants Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud | Youtube |
What would you do if you were living the dream and your career was halted by a global catastrophe, you suddenly found yourself a single parent and your existing anxiety & depression boiled over to a point where you were left bed ridden? The past couple of years have been hard for a lot of us but the infamously cheerful producer Paces (Mikey Perry) has had quite the run. “I was struggling to do simple things like go to a grocery store or drive my car without having anxiety attacks. I was spiraling every day and despite exercising regularly, meditating, doing yoga, going to therapy every week, journaling, etc, it just kept getting worse.” The tendency to think that if we just do all the right things it’ll get better, is strong with so many of us. “Eventually my physical health declined and for a few months I barely had the strength to cook for myself. I had to sleep through most of the days and I wasn’t able to look after my son (who is my whole world). I was at rock bottom. At that point, I relented and started taking antidepressants. They helped with the anxiety a lot and gave me a foothold to start climbing out of the pit I was in.”
Mikey then found headroom to start creating again. An experimental but authentic combination of sounds started to emerge. The future bass/hyper-pop sound we’ve loved Paces for started merging with Mikey’s lifelong passion for raw and emotive punk music. “The songwriting turned out to be a positive goal to focus on, so I kept chipping away at it and eventually ended up with a handful of new songs, out of this really crap part of my life.” Another barrier to fall ment that for the first time Mikey put his own voice into the microphone. ”I’m not a singer, I’ve never been a singer, but I sing on these songs because they’re too personal to have had anyone else do it.” A new freedom came with starting from scratch. No momentum, a new sound and his own label to release under. “It’s been super cathartic. At the moment I kind of feel like nothing matters, which has been a refreshing headspace to make music from.” The first single to emerge is the stirring Adrift. A skate-punk bass riff sets the pace before warped electronic drums open up for the chorus. The track ultimately, apexes in a big rock moment when the drum kit kicks in and the mosh pit vibes take over. Armed with his new “hyper-punk’ sound and a renewed energy Paces has found reasons to make noise again: “I’m sad, so now I sing.”
Adrift is out everywhere today!
Commercial Link: https://bfan.link/adrift
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Photo Credit: Ross Hillier
South African artist Jeremy Loops has played some of the world’s most prestigious venues – including a sell-out headline Brixton Academy show here in the UK – with his high-energy music, amassing over 250 million global streams, and growing. Today he releases his long-awaited third album, ‘Heard You Got Love’, a record of head-bopping anthems perfect for sunny days.
Also released today is Jeremy’s feel good, laid back and hooky single ‘Head Start’, produced by the prolific Red Triangle (Camilla Cabella, Charlie Puth, Yungblud), co-written by Wayne Hector (Nicki Minaj’s ‘Starships’) and featuring Jeremy’s easing voice and effortless guitar.
This follows his previous single ‘Better Together’ which was co-written with none other than Ed Sheeran. After meeting backstage at a show in South Africa, the pair hit it off – with Ed even joking that Jeremy was a better ‘loop’ artist than him – and decided to work together.
The first single from this album was written and recorded with one of Jeremy’s life-long influences, the iconic, world-renowned, South African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo. The group formed in the 1960s to create traditional world music with energetic, uniquely spirited harmonies, and here their distinctive style fits perfectly with Jeremy’s sound. Ladysmith Black Mambazo’s celebrated career was followed by a young Jeremy who was brought to tears after first seeing them live. To collaborate on this album was a dream come true.
Jeremy is a self-taught musician who picked up his first guitar at university. As his love for writing songs grew, the South African penned melodies while working aboard superyachts, where he worked his way up from deckhand to yacht master. Obsessed with squeezing music into every day on shore and evening on deck, Jeremy’s trusty loop pedal followed him around his tour of the seas.
Whilst working closely with the water, Jeremy was shocked to see the volume of waste in the industry. It is this experience that fuelled one of his many initiatives, Greenpop, the eco-project that has filled 400 green-free spaces with over 150,000 trees. As his career quickly developed, Jeremy has worked hard to offset any carbon emissions from touring and constantly puts social responsibility at the forefront of his movements. The long-time activist founded The Big Food Drive to deliver food supplies to some of the poorest communities in South Africa. The crowd-funded campaign has built a food distribution network with other partners that contributed towards 55,000 meals per week for 6 months for those in need.
Jeremy has carefully merged these values into each corner of his latest record. He says, “This is the album I’ve always wanted to make and my hope is that some of the things I’ve written about will mean as much to others as they do to me. Every song speaks to something I care deeply about.”
The album ‘Heard You Got Love’ allowed Jeremy to explore more technical aspects of recording than he has previously. The record came to life in Jeremy’s home studio in between daily dips in the ocean. He collaborated with world-renowned artists such as Simone Felice (The Lumineers), Jake Gosling (Shawn Mendes), Tobias Kuhn (Milky Chance) and Carey Willets (Dermot Kennedy). He also brought on a fleet of high-end producers for the album, including Ed Holloway (Lewis Capaldi), Eg White (Adele) and Cam Blackwood (George Ezra).
Jeremy will set sail around the globe once again this year for his extensive 2022 tour, stopping at Glasgow, Dublin and Manchester before embarking upon a string of dates at European cities and closing the run at London’s Eventim Apollo (Hammersmith) on 6th October (Full Tour Dates HERE)
JEREMY LOOPS 2022 TOUR DATES HERE
HEARD YOU GOT LOVE TRACKLIST
It’s All Good
Head Start
Let It Run
Happy Birthday
Sugarcane Love
Better Together
This Town
Mortal Man
Diamond Lake
‘Til I Found You
Postcards
Wake Up
Chasing Grace
PRAISE FOR JEREMY LOOP
“Even though Jeremy Loops isn’t Australian, you could mistake him for one of us”
Happy Mag
“Loops blew minds with the release of his Critical As Water.”
Music Feeds
“Gorgeous acoustic meditations with superb pop textures”
Clash
“Loops [brought] his stunning live show and mesmerising tunes to eager crowds around the country”
The Brag
“Superstar”
Songlines magazine
“Vivid, bright and joyous”
1883 magazine
“Rising Music Star”
The Sun
Heard You Got Love is out now
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Youtube | Twitter
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SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS
Friday 22 to Sunday 24 July 2022
SET TIMES, SITE MAP, LINEUP CHANGE & MORE
But before you start loading the car, you best get planning your time at the ultimate music lovers reunion with the festival SET TIMES & EVENT MAP! Yeah, it’s finally happening!
The best way to program your party is with the Splendour app, which includes a planner that allows you to select all the artists, talks, performances and workshops you want to be at and creates a personalised schedule, right in the palm of your hand. The app is also your go to destination for all the latest event info, artist profiles and more. The Splendour app is available now for both iOS and Android, update or download it now so you’re ready!
While you’ve got your organising hat on, get your transport sorted too. No matter your preferred method of movement, Splendour has you covered with loads of options to get you to and from the festival. Confirm your plans now so you can really focus on the important things like what you’re going to wear, what you’ll sing at karaoke and whether to eat the Byron Bay Donut or the gozleme.
Still need somewhere to stay? ICYMI, there is a limited amount of camping available at Splendour’s new satellite campground just ten mins down the road at Byron Events Farm (BEF). Getting a lift? BEF will also be the new home of Splendour’s Drop Off / Pick Up and Park n Ride where you’ll then catch a shuttle to the festival. A friendly reminder that BEF campers and those utilising Drop Off / Pick Up & Park n Ride must pre-purchase a bus ticket online before boarding.
While you’re at it, don’t forget to pre-purchase your vehicle pass or you’ll be charged double the price if you arrive at the festival without one, so hop to it now! For more info about this, bus timetables, bus tickets, vehicle passes and all other transport info, head to splendourinthegrass.com. You so prepared!
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Motorbike James is a stream of consciousness writer, he writes through pure emotion and what he feels in the moment. What comes out the other side is a unique offering of music that is hard to pin under any one genre. Elements of electronic, indie rock, psychedelic, and R&B poke through each song. The summer single TRUCK is here to take you for a ride “any way you’re feeling, any way you wanna be”. TRUCK is Motorbike James’ follow up debut album VIISIONS.
Alias of Michael Werbicki – Motorbike James is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer from Edmonton, Canada. Motorbike James’ natural prerogative is to live a life in the moment, for the moment. That emotion comes out in all sides of his life – chasing adrenaline highs, riding motorbikes, exploring the world, and most of all through music. Motorbike James is a stream of consciousness writer, he writes through pure emotion and what he feels in the moment. What comes out the other side is a unique offering of music that is hard to pin under any one genre. Elements of electronic, indie rock, psychedelic, and R&B poke through each song.
The way Sydney R&B artist Anieszka has emerged as a stunning presence in the past year and a half has been nothing short of impressive. Her music, an effortless blend of striking influences and a fresh, contemporary view on the genre; Anieszka has been consistently building a body of work that reflects the sound and culture that has raised her, as well as reflecting the passionate approach she brings to her writing now.
New single ‘Human’ is the latest from Anieszka and the lead single from her forthcoming EP project of the same name. A love letter to the personal facets that make us who we are as individuals and interconnected beings, ‘Human’ is a captivating creation from the young artist, who has already been impressing fans and industry alike with a string of recent releases including ‘Motive’, ‘Tender Without You’ and ‘Choices’
‘Human’ has a dreamlike haze to it, threaded through it we hear Anieszka’s hypnotic vocals and elements of her Mauritian culture in a beautiful way. Working on the music at Offbeat Collective Studios with producer and fellow artist Chelsea Warner, and engineer Diego Raposo on mixing and mastering, Anieszka describes the process and final outcome as one she was fulfilled and excited by.
“I have wanted to incorporate traditional Mauritian elements into my music for years, and when I started writing this one I knew Chelsea Warner had to be part of the creating process. I wanted the ravanne (traditional Mauritian drum) to be at the core of the song, and to almost be a never-ending rhythm, kind of like a heartbeat. We also have the maravanne (also known as a kayamb) which is a traditional percussion instrument, and the triangle. This trio forms the basis for Mauritian Sega music.
I’ve never heard a fluid blend of R&B/Soul with a traditional Mauritian beat, and I wanted to be the first to do it. I’m excited for people to learn more about my culture, and to connect with the song on a pure human level too.”
ANIESZKA
On the track itself, and further to the EP, Anieszka explores the nuances and complexities of the human condition. The pressure we put on ourselves to be at our best form at all times, with little to no room for breathing and alleviation.
“We are imperfect beings, yet we often focus so much on the need to be perfect and something other than who we are. The ways of the world and society often dim the light we have within us. This song speaks to that inner child, and the innocence and hope we all once had. It’s an anthem to step into our light and our power, and to practice self-acceptance, self-love and healing along the way. ‘Can you see through my flaws? I am human but whole’ – we all have flaws, but they don’t make us broken or incomplete, they are simply layers to a whole being.”
ANIESZKA
The road to the HUMAN EP project has already been paved with success and moments of evolution and elevation for Anieszka. She has received praise and placements across national radio through Triple J First Plays and Unearthed premieres, BBC Radio and Rinse FM; while FBi Radio has named Anieszka as ‘Independent Artist of the Week’. Anieszka’s music has courted playlist success with both Spotify and Apple Music, while editorially, she has been featured across titles including Acclaim Mag, RUSSH, Life Without Andy, Pilerats, Purple Sneakers and more.
With over 9000 monthly streams and notable shows at The Vanguard and King St. Carnival to her name, Anieszka is set for another fruitful year of new music and anticipates more new fans getting to know her through this music: reflective of her pure love for the craft.
PRAISE FOR ANIESZKA
“Her powers of sonic healing knows no bounds…”
Life Without Andy
“Another slice from Anieszka that glides into the room and makes it all look so easy.”
Triple J, Declan Byrne
“The Australian/Mauritian singer channels the same cathartic energy as US heavyweights like Summer Walker and SZA, tunneling into the healing properties of low-slung R&B and giving them a rich, Australian twist that sets herself apart.”
Pilerats
“Anieszka dives deep with her lyricism, creating an evocative experience, intertwining our mind and body.”
Purple Sneakers
ANIESZKA ‘HUMAN’ LAUNCH
Wednesday 13 July Mary’s Underground Sydney
Supports TBC
Tickets
The HUMAN EP is released Thursday, July 7th.
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
Photography & Words: Darren Chan
After a series of rescheduled dates, Californian metalcore outfit Black Veil Brides finally made it to Australia. The second show of the day at the Croxton Bandroom saw the venue full of eager fans.
And the band more than delivered. It was a sledgehammer wall of sound from the opening chugging riff of “Faithless”. This was not a show if you wanted to hear ballads. It was back to back bangers including “Coffin”, “Rebel Love Song”, the crowd-chanting “Wake Up” and their US radio hit “Scarlett Cross” which had the crowd fist pumping.
The synergy between guitarists Jake Pitts and Jinxx was evident with wicked solos, Iron Maiden-ish dual harmonies such as during “All Your Hate” and “Knives and Pens”. Christian Coma on drums maintained the intensity and energy, highlighted in the double-kicking “The Legacy”, all while Lonny Eagleton solidly laying the rhythm backbone on bass. Frontman Andy Brierack’s demonstrated his singing versatility from holding melody to high intensity screaming.
Black Veil Brides finished the night with a deep cut “In the End” that left the crowd wanting more. They delivered tight, highly polished performance evidently forged by developing their craft over a number of years.
Nick Tesar from Bar Liberty in Melbourne has been crowned Diageo World Class Australian Bartender of the Year for 2022 and will represent Australia in the Global Finals being held in Sydney this coming September.
Nick Tesar at the Diageo World Class National Finals in Sydney
Tuesday, 5 July, 2022 – This week, Australia’s top five bartenders battled it out in Sydney to take home the title of Australia’s best bartender and a coveted place in the World Class Global Finals in September, with Nick Tesar from Bar Liberty in Melbourne taking the top spot at the final round of the competition last night.
Following multiple cocktail challenges at Sydney’s Shell House Tesar took the win from fellow top five finalists Samuel Cocks (Bar Rogue, WA), Sarah Proietti (Maybe Sammy, NSW), Eduardo Conde (No.92 GPR, NSW) and Kayla Saito (Black Pearl, VIC)
Going head-to-head across three rounds, the competitors battled it out with three whisky-focused challenges – ‘The Icons of Sydney’ featuring Johnnie Walker Blue Label, the ‘Speed Round’ featuring brands from the Diageo Reserve portfolio, and ‘Into The Wild Mystery Box’ featuring Talisker – each round testing the finalists’ skills, creativity and speed.
Tesar expertly crafted a collection of superb cocktails proving too tough to beat including a cumquat cocktail inspired by local produce for the first Talisker challenge ‘into the wild box’. He went on to whip up an impressive 12 cocktails in the space of 5 minutes during the final speed round – almost double that of the other contestants.
He says of the win, “Competing in the Diageo World Class Australian Bartender competition this year has been such an incredible experience. I am incredibly grateful to be part of a this tight knit hospitality community and am proud of being able to represent Australia on the global stage this September. Bring on the finals!”
Based in Melbourne, Tesar is a bartender at Bar Liberty who loves to champion local produce. He is part of the team behind Marionette Liqueurs, who work with local farmers to produce an array of cocktail liqueurs. He is also co-author of the book ‘All Day Cocktails’, that looks at utilising seasonal produce in no and low alcohol drinks.
Tesar will now compete in the Diageo World Class global final which will be held in Australia for the first time in the competition’s history, 9th – 18th September. He will join 55 other global finalists from countries including the United States, Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom, who will touch down in Sydney to represent their nation and battle it out for the coveted title of World Class Global Bartender of the Year.
Krystal Hart, Australia’s World Class Ambassador, added, “Each year I am blown away by the sheer talent from the competitors entering World Class, and this year was no different. The 2022 competition has revealed some incredibly exciting talent with cocktails championing sustainability, driving awareness when it comes to supporting local communities.
All five of the finalists gave it their all, but there could be only one Australian World Class Bartender of the Year. I’m so excited to see Nick Tesar represent Australia in the global finals and show the world what we are made of!”
This year, Australia will not only host the World Class Global Finals, but Sydney will be home to the 2022 World Class Cocktail Festival, a week-long celebration spotlighting the very best of Australia’s bustling bar scene.
From 9th – 18th September, The Rocks and surrounding areas including Surry Hills, Bondi and Sydney’s CBD will come to life as some of the nation’s best bars and restaurants curate the most unique and immersive food and drink experiences. Across the World Class Cocktail Festival, there will be exciting pop-up events and collaborations, the latest cocktail trends and live entertainment alongside bartenders from around the world.
For more information, please visit Diageo Bar Academy. More details will be announced about the World Class Cocktail Festival in the coming months.
The Australian Independent Labels Association (AIR) is thrilled to announce that applications are now open for its next intake of mentees for its Women in Music Mentor program thanks to support from the Australian Government.
The Women in Music Mentor program is a nation-wide mentoring and training program aimed at empowering women in the Australian music industry. Since its inception in 2020, the program has helped connect and guide female, female-identifying and non-binary participants working in or aspiring to work in creative (solo artists, band members, songwriters), technical (engineers, producers, etc.) and/or business roles (managers, promoters, record labels, etc.) within the Australian music industry.
So far, 190 participants have received mentoring with the program, and the feedback has been extremely positive, with 97% rating the professional development offered as excellent, and an overwhelming number of mentees rating the mentorship as having an outstanding impact on their career progression. (Roy Morgan)
“I found the whole process of this mentorship program very rewarding. I enjoyed the resources that were provided prior the mentorship beginning, and I’m sure I will refer to them often in future for other circumstances that might arrive – either in mentoring others or looking for mentorship myself in other areas. Thank you for this experience and congratulations to the AIR Women in Music team for putting together such a worthwhile program.” – Nicola, NT
“I have been able to connect with an industry professionals to commence recording of what will be my first two singles for release in 2022. I have thoroughly enjoyed this wonderful experience. Being selected and being able to meet and network with so many experienced, talented and professional women has been such a privilege and it is an experience I will never forget. thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity.” – Holly, TAS
“Thanks so much! The program really helped me feel more connected with the industry and other artists (particularly women) within it. This was especially important post Covid.” Domini, mentee from Sydney
“I have gained more confidence and knowledge of what is to be expected of me as a film composer. I have learned invaluable techniques and strategies that I can implement immediately in my future compositions.” Candice, Perth
“Thanks to the WIM program, I have been able to provide the artists I manage with decisive strategies on improving the reach of their music. Through the collaboration with Deep Cuts, I have made international connections… I feel more assured in the work I can do, and confident I can provide my artists with a support network as their career progresses.” Phoebe, Brisbane
“I had an incredibly positive experience being part of this program. The amount of workshops, courses, mentor sessions and opportunities were so much more than I expected and such a pleasant surprise. It is such a well-rounded program and I am very grateful for the experience.” Sianne, mentee from Melbourne
The Women in Music Mentor program is an Australian Government initiative delivered by AIR from 2020 to 2023. It is designed to assist with career and leadership progression pathways, strategic decision making, corporate governance, and focus on developing skills in contract negotiation, financial literacy, marketing and leadership.
Mentees will be paired with mentors over a 5-month period and the program will also provide professional development training opportunities, for mentees. This will include workshops with industry professionals and leaders.
With a focus on developing skills to aid the progression of career aspirations, applications for mentorships are now open.
More information about the program, eligibility and how to apply can be found HERE
We invite those of any stage in their career to apply. Whether you are just starting out or looking to take your career to the next level, all applications will be considered.
First Nations people, people with disabilities, those who identify as culturally diverse and those who reside in regional Australia are strongly encouraged to apply.
Minister for Arts, Tony Burke, said the Women in Music Mentor Program continues to play a vital role in empowering women in the Australian music industry.
“This program recognises the Australian Government’s commitment to supporting female, female-identifying and non-binary artists and music professionals. It provides participants with opportunities to advance their careers, build networks, and celebrate their dynamic skills.”
“We look forward to announcing the mentees for the next round of this nationwide program and to delivering professional development to help assist with career progression”
Maria Amato, AIR CEO
Applications close at 5pm on August 10, 2022
Hi GIGEE, thank you for joining us! How’s life for you right now?
Heeeey there! Thank you for having me 🙂
Excellent! Excited to be back on tour, loads of new music coming out, and my family and friends are safe and in a good shape. Life is good 🙂
You had multiple different interests in your upbringing and decided on a career in music. Was this a tough decision as a youngster?
As a child, I used to have a highway of ideas, that is very true. A blessing and a curse at the very same time. Although, music has always been a major part of my life since I can remember…. I always had the best tapes, vinyls, or CDs that everyone wanted to borrow from me haha, but as a kid, I was also very into sports, especially tennis and football. I was taking football seriously in particular, but due to a nasty injury the professional career obviously never happened, and you’d never guess I had anything in common with the sport before! So I guess I’m in the right place, and I don’t regret the path I’ve chosen. This is my passion, this is my destiny and I couldn’t love it more.
What challenges did you face when you began your career as a DJ/Producer and what was the ‘breakthrough’ moment for you?
Well, when I made my first track around 2011 I didn’t take it seriously (I still have it some place on my computer but I’m afraid to listen hehe). I’m harsh on myself and always strive to improve, even when it’s not needed. So it took me a while to really believe in myself and start to realise that I’m capable of making it in the music industry. Back in the days, It was more of a place for my innermost fantasies but somehow I managed to get myself together and try…then I tried once again and again and again, and after few years, after many rejections, self-doubts and more to eventually end up in the place where I am now. I would say it’s rather a process of cultivating the „get up and try again” attitude rather than a single breakthrough.
You’ve enjoyed excellent releases on the likes of Mobilee & Katermukke recently, two imprints who have consistently supported you. How did these relationships come about and what makes a great artist/label relationship?
Yes, I will be eternally grateful for their support. We started as strangers, and music brought us together, but I strongly believe there is no such thing as coincidence. After a few years of collaboration and getting to know each other, our relationship began to evolve in a variety of creative directions. I recently joined Kater’s in-house agency for the GSA region and couldn’t be more thrilled about our long term plans, not to mention mutual trust, respect, and unwavering support. All of that makes it feel like a second family:)
How do you feel your sound is evolving as you progress in your music career?
Electronic music is a hell of a sound spectrum. Not sure which moment should I call the „beginning of GIGEE sound” because I constantly have lots of new ideas that I tend to implement into new releases but maybe that is the way we should put it. I finally started to feel confident and happy with my studio work, my approach, and sound designing. Still experimenting but not too much as I now know where to put a dot and where my signature is. This is exciting but it was also a process that didn’t come overnight.
Who are some of your favourite music artists currently?
I still keep in mind my teenage time gurus, such as Paul Kalkbrenner, Carl Cox, David Guetta, Avicii and Vitalic, but I’ve learned to find inspiration in many different aspects of being a musician. There are so many new talents nowadays with astounding sound and strong personalities that it would be a shame not to acknowledge them. For example, I admire how Charlotte de Witte has evolved over the years. I am a huge fan of Joris Voorn’s sound, and I am constantly moved by Ben Bohmer’s melodies…
You’ve had some huge support across the music industry, including some recent BBC Radio 1 plays in the UK, have you had time to reflect on your success’?
Thank you! I’m really gratefull for this awesome feedback, that’s true. I had a wonderful dinner with my closest ones to celebrate the recent happenings but there is still a lot of work to be done, and I choose to prioritize that. Hopefully there will be a time to fully raise the glass soon 🙂
You also enjoyed your US debut in Los Angeles last month, how exciting was this and are there any other countries you hope to play at in the future?
Los Angeles and California in general hold a special place in my heart, so this was a highly emotional and extraordinary experience. Luckily I’m coming back in July for two gigs with The Fluffy Cloud – Burning Man crew, the first one in LA, the second one in San Diego. Should I mention that I caaaaaan’t wait for this? 😀
My bucketlist with spots and venues that I admire is constantly getting bigger and bigger. We don’t even have enough wine to start this conversation hahah :)))
What would you say has been the proudest moment of your musical career so far?
It’s hard to pick only one but I would say that I’m the most proud of being consistent and moving forward every year. Thinking about where I was 5 years ago and where I am now is motivating me to keep working and pushing my boundaries every day.
What else is coming up for GIGEE in the rest of 2022?
Hopefully busy touring schedule till the end of the year and I’m currently working on a new EP for one of my music mentors; I can’t announce it yet, but we expect to release it this fall. Then I’ll be doing few remixes for a well established label, but I’ll have to keep that a secret for a while as well – BUT – you’ll be the first to know:)
FB: http://www.facebook.com/gigee6
Melbourne emo rockers Vermont have revealed the next instalment from their forthcoming sophomore EP ‘Mature Minds For Overzealous Kids’ out Friday July 15 by-way-of new single, “Numb.”
The melancholic ballad is poised to leave listeners spellbound as vocalist Joshua Swanwick delivers his most emotive performance to date. Heart-on-sleeve lyricism transmits pained emotion and serves as the raw nucleus of “Numb”.
All musical sections, from the huge choruses with empowering leads, to stripped-back ambient verses serve to deliver the powerful feeling behind the lyrics. These elements are enhanced by mammoth production from Ocean Grove’s Sam Bassal, who produced, mixed and mastered the track.
“Choosing the third single off this EP involved a lot of back and forth between a few of our tracks,” reveals the band. “Ultimately though, Numb won out as it’s just that little bit different to the rest. The addition of the cheeky lil’ guitar solo in the bridge was a nice touch. Big thanks to Sam for pushing the idea during the production and for making the track as huge as it is.”
Hailing from Melbourne’s West, four-piece melodic alt rock outfit Vermont is comprised of members Joshua Swanwick (Vocals), Jono Hnatejko (guitar), Nathan Borg (Bass) and Curtly Lyon (Drums). Vermont emerged with their own brand of alternative rock in 2017 when they debuted with “Lonely Mind” and shortly after followed it up with their heart-wrenching melodic anthem “Breathe” in 2018.
Since releasing their self-titled debut EP in 2020, Vermont have been unwavering in their taste for catchy chorus hooks, angsty, powerful vocals and sweet lead lines. Since then the four-piece have cut their teeth live supporting the likes of Stuck Out, Stepson, Pridelands, Rumours, Reside, The Comfort and Sleep Talk.
Their last single, “Headlights” was added to Spotify’s ‘Rock Out’ and ‘Homegrown + Heavy,’ playlists with triple j Unearthed’s Dave Ruby Howe describing the song as, “Potent! Vermont unlocked something visceral on this one.”
One thing is for sure, Vermont never fail to capture an aura of emotion and sentiment through their ability to story-tell. “Numb” is the third single from the extended play, ‘Mature Minds For Overzealous Kids‘ out on July 15, pre-order’s live here.
Title: Easy
Label: Protocol Recordings
Nicky Romero teamed up with American Los Angeles-based producers NIIKO X SWAE for their new track “Easy,” an upbeat and feel-good fusion of pop and dance music. With dynamic melodies and soulful vocals, the summer anthem brings to mind happy and simple times that will forever remain favorite memories. The release comes just after Romero launched his new venture – Protocol Lab sub-label on the 10th anniversary of Protocol Recordings, as well as his recent “Perception” EP. On the other hand, NIIKO X SWAE are hot off their “Save Me” single on Armada Music and earlier releases on Revealed, Warner Music, Hexagon, and Thrive Music.
“We connected a while back ago, and the guys sent me some music. ‘Easy‘ grabbed my attention immediately as it had these very positive vibes, giving me a feeling of happiness. They did amazing work already, but the original demo was a bit slower and needed some more tweaks. I took the stems back to my studio and spent some time on the production, reworking it. After going back and forth a few times with NIIKO X SWAE, ‘Easy‘ was done! We just played it together at my Academy show in Los Angeles on June 18, and we can’t wait to give it more spins and see how people react to it.” – Nicky Romero
“‘Easy‘ is an ode to the little things in life, like the laid-back summers we all experienced in our youth. Whether it’s carefree moments with your friends or cherishing a memory for the rest of your life, ‘Easy‘ is set to invoke a sense of nostalgia that takes you back to that special place in time. Working with Nicky has been a dream come true for us as he has always been one of our biggest inspirations since the day we started producing music. When we got back his version of ‘Easy,’ we knew we had a summer anthem on our hands, and we’re so excited for the world to hear it.” – NIIKO X SWAE
After taking the world by storm with early hits such as “Legacy” with Krewella and the #1 single “I Could Be The One” with Avicii, Nicky Romero quickly proved that his talent is ever-evolving and here to stay. After launching his Protocol Recordings imprint in 2012, the renowned performer, producer, and label head continued his personal successes with a string of high-profile releases, ranging from collaborations with Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, W&W, Timmy Trumpet and Steve Aoki to remixes for the likes of Robin Schulz, Kygo, Rita Ora, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Jess Glynne and more. While showcasing his label’s roster via his weekly Protocol Radio show, Nicky Romero continues to innovate and evolve, and with his annual “Nicky Romero & Friends” ADE showcase and the launch of Monocule alter-ego, he keeps proving his ability to turn into gold everything he touches.
Childhood friends and LA-based duo NIIKO X SWAE spent their early days learning to produce and dreaming of pioneering a new lane in house music. Flash forward to today, they are regulars on dance radio, recently releasing their debut “Field Trip” EP on Armada Music and seeing two of the singles hit worldwide radio via Sirius XM‘s BPM, Evolution Radio, and more, with “I Ain’t Going Home” charting on the Billboard Dance Airplay Chart. In addition to their aggressive release schedule, the duo also hosts their own global radio show NXS Radio via Insomniac Radio. Furthermore, the Hakkasan Las Vegas residents have become a staple to any successful remix package, releasing remixes for Bebe Rexha, Charlotte Lawrence, Bryce Vine, Cheat Codes, and more. NIIKO X SWAE‘s remix of Bebe Rexha‘s “Sacrifice” has seen a multitude of success, topping 3M streams, earning a top spot on KIIS FM‘s “Top 20 Beats of the Week“, helping lead “Sacrifice” to #1 at dance radio. The guys have also been tapped for high-profile collaborations alongside Deorro, Kiiara, Adventure Club, and more.