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The Partae

Music News

ÜHÜ Makes A High-Energy Return to Alok’s CONTROVERSIA Record Label With New Single “Going Out”

by the partae May 15, 2022

written by the partae

Artists: ÜHÜ
Title: Going Out
Label: CONTROVERSIA

Download / Stream

Fresh from Alok‘s label CONTROVERSIA is ÜHÜ‘s new single, “Going Out,” which might just be your newest party anthem. Opening with lyrics about getting ready for a wild night on the town, the Brazilian producer wastes no time heating things up with funky melodies and a bouncy, upbeat bassline. The single is sure to put you in the mood to dress up, gather your crew, and dance until the sun rises, and with the pandemic subsiding, there’s no better time to do just that. “Going Out” is ready for the weekend, and ÜHÜ is here to be your club shaman, following up his previous releases – a single “Thinking About Ü” and a remix of Alok‘s “It Don’t Matter,” on which he joined forces with Alok himself.

Gabriel Murilo Mello‘s newest project for the post-pandemic era comes in the form of ÜHÜ, a bold brand with plenty of existing versatility and experience. Since 2010, Mello has been DJing and producing in his home country of Brazil, gracing the stages of festivals such as Tomorrowland Brasil, EDC Brasil, Green Valley, Dream Valley, PUMP, Rio Music Conference and more. His music has been supported by David Guetta, Martin Garrix, Alok, Tiësto, Steve Aoki, Hardwell, Showtek, and many others. As a producer’s producer, co-producer, and composer, Gabriel Mello amassed over 1 billion streams across all digital platforms. With all this information, ÜHÜ is born: a startup but already experienced artist whose musical identity brings references from deep house, progressive, and tech-house. Stay tuned for ÜHÜ‘s next release coming from CONTROVERSIA.

More info on ÜHÜ / CONTROVERSIA:

May 15, 2022 0 comments

Music News

Alysha Brilla ‘Peace’ Premiere

by the partae May 15, 2022

written by the partae

Today, Alysha Brilla has released her new roots-fusion single “Peace” from her upcoming album “Circle”. A 3 time Juno Award nominated artist, 2022 Keychange Artist, and Top 22 Women Artists to watch in 2022 by TuneCore worldwide – Brilla is songwriter and music producer with a special interest in sound as a healing modality – stemming from a deep belief in music’s power to transform ourselves and our world. As the first female artist in Canada to receive multiple Juno Award nominations for a self-produced album, her genre bending sound is inspired by growing up with parents from two different cultural and religious backgrounds; a Muslim Indo-Tanzanian father and a Christian Irish/Scottish Canadian mother. Alysha’s music connects rhythmic sounds with esoteric lyricism; transporting listeners to a place suspended between the earth and the stars.

Raised in Brampton, Ontario, Brilla’s rocky youth and intersecting cultural influences encouraged the birds eye view, non-linear philosophies that inform her artistry and teachings. At 19, Brilla was signed to a major record deal, but felt limited by the sexism and boxes placed around her in the industry. After a string of heartbreak and disappointment at the hands of the industry, Brilla moved back to Canada from L.A. and began producing and releasing her music completely independently. What followed was one of the most successful indie artist careers to come out of Canada. Thanks to a growing collective of music fans worldwide, Brilla regularly tours internationally including across Australia, Singapore, Tanzania and Chile. In addition to live performances of music, Brilla has conducted creative wellness workshops in schools for the past ten years; promoting storytelling through music and mentoring in self-expression through the arts with a focus on developing skills in songwriting and music production.

https://www.alyshabrilla.com/

https://www.facebook.com/alyshabrilla

https://www.instagram.com/alyshabrilla

https://twitter.com/alyshabrilla

May 15, 2022 0 comments

Dulcie

by the partae May 13, 2022

written by the partae

Your latest single ‘Nothing Left’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

‘Nothing Left’ was written on a zoom call with my friend Myles who has a background in production. When he sent through the first demo of our idea it had so many interesting midi sounds and was quite different to our style of music at the time, but we all loved it. We tried the song multiple ways – full band and stripped back but thought that the pop direction suited it best.

What does Nothing Left mean to you?

‘Nothing Left’ is a really exciting song for all of us. It was the first time we expanded our sound into the realm of production and was a whole new process of recording. This song helped us to step out of our comfort zone and be open minded which is so important as artists!

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

We recorded ‘Nothing Left’ in October last year with our amazing producer Joel Quartermain. He set up his gear in my living room and we had so much fun playing around with different synths and midi sounds. It was really special being able to record from home, we even set up a make shift vocal booth made from clothes racks and rugs! Myles sent through stems from our original demo which we worked into the track too. It was mixed by Cam Parkin and mastered by Leon Zervos.

You’re going on tour through regional Western Australia in May/June with Amy Shark, how did this come about?

Our booking agent pitched us for her supporting act and we were so excited when she said yes!! It’s going to be such a nice way to explore the WA coast, play live and listen to some amazing music!

Are there any shows in particular that you’re most excited about playing?

We all have family that live in Denmark so we’re really looking forward to the Albany show. It’s always nice seeing familiar faces out in the crowd!

What do you find most challenging and rewarding whilst being on tour?

It’s nice being able to spend so much time together and gig consistently – we really gel as a band playing live so often! It’s so rewarding to share our music with new people and play in unfamiliar places. Touring can be pretty go go go, so it’s a challenge to get in your 2&5 and 8 hours of sleep but we try our best!!

What can we expect from your live shows?

Our live show has evolved a lot in the last few months! We’ve got a bunch of new songs in the set and use backing tracks for parts we can’t play live which really enhances our sound! You can expect lots of harmonies, stripped back songs to full on pop – hopefully there’s something for everyone!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Our road trips will always have some Holly Humberstone, Olivia Rodrigo, MAY-A, Samia, Eliza & The Delusionals and Clews in the mix! We’ve created our own playlists through our Spotify if you want to hear more of what we’re listening too!

What’s planned for the second half of 2022?

Can’t believe we’re already half way through the year! You can definitely expect new music and more touring! First up we’ve got a bunch of rural WA shows supporting Amy Shark throughout May/early June. We’re looking forward to jumping back in the studio soon, working with other song writers and continuing to explore our sound.

https://www.facebook.com/dulcie.music

May 13, 2022 0 comments

Festival News Music News

Grapevine Gathering Expands to SA & QLD, confirms 2022 dates

by the partae May 12, 2022

written by the partae

Saturday 1st October – Sandalford Wines, Swan Valley, WA

Sunday 2nd October (Public Holiday Eve) – Serafino Wines, McLaren Vale, SA

Saturday 8th October – Rochford Wines, Yarra Valley, VIC

Saturday 15th October – Roche Estate, Hunter Valley, NSW

Sunday 16th October – Sirromet Wines, Mount Cotton, QLD

Australia’s favourite wine and music pairing Grapevine Gathering have just announced they will be expanding to South Australia and Queensland, confirming dates for 5 wineries around the country.

Loveable Instagram celebrities and all-round legends ‘The Inspired Unemployed’ will be hosting Grapevine Gathering at all 5 shows, performing changeover DJ sets, and various other shenanigans.

For their first foray at festivals, they hosted Grapevine Gathering VIC back in January, taking sweaty shoes from random punters and doing shoeys on stage. They also hosted a segment of ‘The Bachelorette’, performed an acoustic version of ‘Drops of Jupiter’ and gave it a crack at DJing the changeovers. The general consensus was their dancing skills were much better than their DJing skills. Hopefully they learn to DJ before October comes around….

The lineup is yet to be announced, but past headliners have included the likes of Two Door Cinema Club, Flight Facilities, The Wombats, Tkay Maidza and The Veronicas so we’re sure Grapevine Gathering has something special up their sleeves.

Introducing Grapevine Gathering’s new partners in wine….situated in the heart of McLaren Vale and only a 45 minute drive from Adelaide CBD, Serafino Wines will welcome Grapevine Gathering to its charming vineyards for the inaugural South Australian gathering.

Sirromet Wines, located in the picturesque Mount Cotton, the Queensland edition is only a short drive from Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

Grapevine Gathering will also be returning to its homes at Roche Estate in the Hunter Valley, Rochford Wines in the Yarra Valley, and Sandalford Wines in Swan Valley.

Grapevine Gathering is brought to you by Untitled Group, the largest independent music promoter in Australia and the masterminds behind festivals such as Beyond The Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Grapevine Gathering, Wildlands, For The Love, Ability Fest & more.

Get Connected:

https://www.grapevinegathering.com.au

https://www.facebook.com/grapevinegathering/

https://www.instagram.com/grapevinegathering/

May 12, 2022 0 comments

Others

6 Exciting Ideas For A Birthday Party

by the partae May 12, 2022

written by the partae

A birthday party is a great opportunity to let your child celebrate with their friends. It’s also a chance for you to get creative and come up with some unique ideas that will make the party extra special. Also, don’t forget to capture the memories with some fun photos! Here are 6 exciting ideas for a birthday party that will be sure to please.

1. Gel ball blasters

Have a blast with friends and family at your birthday party by renting gel ball blasters. This activity is safe for all ages and super fun! Additionally, it’s a great way to get everyone moving around and enjoying the outdoors. If you want, you can even set up teams and have a little competition going.

Gel blasters are available for rent at most birthday party venues. If you end up buying some for your kids, expect to pay around $200. Also if it ever breaks, gel ball parts aren’t too hard to find and replace. It’s a great activity for both boys and girls! This is an activity that will have everyone at the party talking about how much fun they had.

2. Bouncy castle

A bouncy castle is always a big hit with the kids! They’ll have a ton of fun bouncing around and playing games. Just make sure to set up the castle in a safe area away from any sharp objects or obstacles that could cause injury. Bouncy castles can be rented from most birthday party venues or you can purchase one for around $300.

Additionally, many companies will deliver and set up the castle for you. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained for hours on end! If you have younger kids, consider getting a smaller bouncy castle that’s designed specifically for them. This way, they can safely enjoy the fun without getting lost in a sea of bigger kids.

3. Piñata

A piñata is a classic birthday party activity that’s always a hit with the kids! They’ll love taking swings at the piñata and seeing what goodies fall out. Just make sure to set up the piñata in a safe area away from any obstacles or sharp objects. Piñatas can be purchased from most party stores or you can make your own. If you want to save some money, you can fill the piñata with candy that you already have around the house. The kids will still have a blast!

Additionally, many companies offer piñata rental services. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with the mess of breaking open a piñata. It’s also a good way to avoid any potential accidents.

4. DIY photo booth

Creating a DIY photo booth is a great way to add some extra fun to your birthday party. It’s also a great way to capture all the memories from the day! All you need is a camera, some props, and a few backdrop options. If you want, you can even set up a photo booth in your backyard or at a nearby park. This is a great activity for both kids and adults! Just make sure to have someone designated to be in charge of taking the photos.

Otherwise, things can get chaotic pretty quickly. Additionally, you’ll need to have a plan for storing all the photos after the party. Otherwise, they’ll likely just end up getting lost on someone’s phone.

5. Scavenger hunt

Send the kids on a fun scavenger hunt around the house or backyard! This is a great way to get them moving and burn off some energy. You can hide small toys or candy around the party area for them to find. Just make sure to create a list of items for them to find beforehand. Otherwise, they’ll likely just end up running around in circles! Scavenger hunts are great for both boys and girls. They’re also a good activity for parties with larger groups of kids.

6. Movie night

Having a movie night is a great way to wind down after a busy day of celebrating. It’s also a good option if you have younger kids who might not be able to handle staying up too late. Just pop some popcorn, grab some snacks, and queue up their favorite movie. Then, let them relax and enjoy the show! Movie nights are also a great opportunity to bond with your kids.

You can snuggle up together and watch their favorite movie while they eat popcorn and snacks. Just make sure to have some blankets and pillows on hand. Otherwise, it might not be as comfortable!

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a little creativity, you can easily come up with even more fun birthday party activities! Just make sure to put safety first and have a blast! These were just a few ideas to get you started.

May 12, 2022 0 comments

Music News

JOHNNY HUNTER release ‘Dreams’ + announce debut album

by the partae May 12, 2022

written by the partae

Photo credit: Tom Wilkinson

“incredibly captivating” – The AU Review

“one of the most powerful presences in the Sydney music scene” – Happy

“one of the country’s most promising bands” – The Music

Rising Sydney post-punk outfit Johnny Hunter today return with their wistful new single ‘Dreams’. It comes with the announcement of their debut album Want, out June 24 via Cooking Vinyl Australia.

Stream ‘Dreams’ HERE. Pre-order the album HERE.

Aching with longing yet equally soaring in grandness, ‘Dreams’ is a love song dedicated to the fear of accepting life’s changes – good or bad – and inspired by an ever-changing Sydney. Johnny Hunter masterfully contrast their distinct howling vocal lines with uplifting guitars to rouse the listener into confronting the inevitability of change head on, to keep moving forward.

Reflecting on this idea, frontman Nick Hutt shared “The Sydney I grew up in is a very different Sydney to the one we live in today. Iconic buildings have been knocked down for skyrise apartments and famous music venues destroyed by political legislation. One day you are walking down the street in the sunshine, and the next you’re confined to the four walls of your own bedroom. Johnny Hunter started playing live music during the death of live music in Sydney – wallowing in self pity and declaring the current state of affairs to be insurmountable would result in this band not existing. The same goes for experiencing any modern day hardships – we can’t dwell upon them, we need to run with them in order to progress.”

Emboldened by life’s uncertainties, Johnny Hunter’s forthcoming debut Want is a reminder that we all share what it is to be human, and must embrace our whole selves on the journey to self-actualisation. “Every song is a challenge we faced as a band and as individuals in realising who Johnny Hunter is and ultimately who we truly are”, adds Hutt. Produced by Jack Moffitt (The Preatures) and mixed by critically acclaimed engineer Adam Greenspan (IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds), Want reimagines the sound of new wave and new romantics for the 21st century, fusing them into a surging 10-tracks that are as poetic as they are anthemic; as ferocious as they are vulnerable.

From the cathartic ‘Life’ to darkly hypnotic ‘The Floor’ or thunderous ‘Clover’, the theme of human connection underscores the entire album. “No matter how different we may seem…unbeknownst to what it is we want, we have all been naive, we have all strived to find our version of life, we all fear change, fear sadness, all amidst our own collective fading eternity.”

Since emerging from the shadows of Sydney’s grim nightlife in 2019, Johnny Hunter have quickly risen to underground cult favourites, selling out rooms across Australia’s East Coast and winning audiences over supporting the likes of Jack White and The Saboteurs, City Calm Down and Polish Club to name a few. Their debut EP Early Trauma (2020) garnered critical praise and airplay around the country, citing influences and drawing comparisons to The Smiths, Joy Division and The Cure. Though their sound is rooted in nostalgia, their furiously honest songwriting and explosive performance style is undeniably made for now.

JOHNNY HUNTER – Want [LP]
Out June 24 via Cooking Vinyl AustraliaAvailable to pre-order HERE

Tracklist:
1. Want
2. Endless Days
3. The Floor
4. Life
5. Dreams
6. Fracture
7. Cry Like A Man
8. Eternity Fades
9. Take Off
10. Clover

Follow Johnny Hunter:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | triple j Unearthed

May 12, 2022 0 comments

Festival News Music News

CROOKED COLOURS WANNA ‘FEEL IT’ AUSTRALIAN INDIE-ELECTRONIC TRIO RETURN WITH ELECTRIC NEW SINGLE OFFERING FIRST NEW MUSIC OF 2022

by the partae May 12, 2022

written by the partae

CROOKED COLOURS ANNOUNCE MAMMOTH AU/NZ HEADLINE TOUR
AND SET TO PLAY RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATRE WITH LOUIS THE CHILD

BUY/STREAM: CROOKED COLOURS – FEEL IT

Photo credit: Matsu / @matsufotos

Acclaimed Australian indie-dance trio Crooked Colours have released their first single of 2022, ‘Feel It’ further teasing the release of their third studio album following their critically acclaimed 2017 debut ‘Vera’, and their sophomore album ‘Langata’ released in 2019. The new single was written and produced by the Crooked Colours trio, Phil Slabber (vocals, guitar, production), Leon Debaughn (keys, production), and Liam Merrett-Park (drums), and is available now HERE.

“This is a song that was created in the U.S. on one of our first writing trips together, realising the work it took into being fortunate in this position but still wanting more from our career,” Phil Slabber of Crooked Colours shares. “Realising that you can always do better if that is detrimental or not. This song encompasses a lot of hard work but at the same time the pursuit of something better.”

Known for their stellar onstage charisma, the trio have built a devout following across Australia and New Zealand, having undertaken numerous national tours in support of their albums ‘Vera’, and ‘Langata’, alongside a multitude of festival slots across Splendour In The Grass, Wildlands Festival, Groovin’ The Moo, and Laneway Festival. The band have also undertaken an impressive string of U.S. festivals in recent years such as Bonnaroo, CRSSD, Life Is Beautiful, Firefly & Lightning In A Bottle to name a few. More recently the band toured East Coast Australia for For The Love, alongside Dom Dolla and Mallrat. Today, the trio announce their largest undertaking to date with a headline tour kicking off this August, including shows at Hindley Street Music Hall in Adelaide, Fremantle Arts Centre in Perth, Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, ahead of some massive crowds at Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne, and the iconic Hordern Pavilion in Sydney.

Crooked Colours quickly became one of Australia’s hottest electronic acts, racking up over 200M worldwide streams with their popular singles ‘Light Year (Feat. Masked Wolf & Jasiah),’ ‘No Sleep,’ ‘Falling,’ ‘Love Language,’ and of course, their 2017 breakthrough smash, ‘Flow.’ Hailed by EDM.com for their “harmonious blend of indie, house, and pop,” the Fremantle, Western Australia-based trio fuse delicate acoustic instrumentation, evocative vocals, upbeat lyricism, and dancefloor-ready synth transmissions to create a dynamic, shape-shifting sound all their own. Having earned worldwide critical applause and an ever-growing fan following, Crooked Colours have worked with an array of artists from Jasiah and Masked Wolf to the legendary DJ duo Hermitude, rising DJs/producers like kryptogram, slenderbodies, Hayden James and more.

“There’s a lot of hate and shit going on in the world. Everything is so tense, we just want you to feel good.” – Crooked Colours

“Crooked Colours can do no wrong…the perfect balance of instrumentation and electronic elements.” – THIS SONG IS SICK

“Having established themselves as one of Australia’s hottest emerging electronic acts, Crooked Colours certainly are on their way to the top.” – CULTR

“Uplifting and emotive…suited for both a sunset dance party or the afterhours’ dancefloor.” – DANCING ASTRONAUT

“Crooked Colours (have) quickly made a name for themselves carving their own unique yet perfect blend of indie pop and electronic music.” – FLAUNT

“Dipping into the synth world of electronic, the bright guitars of pop, and the sultry, mysterious lyrics usually associated with indie rock, Crooked Colours shows abilities across the board.” – POPDUST

“Crooked Colours (have) acquired a reputation for that precise festival-friendly sound that makes you want to get outside and frolic in maximum sunlight.” – SF WEEKLY

CROOKED COLOURS: AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND TOUR
Supported by Pacific Avenue & Kinder

For more info, visti: https://www.crookedcoloursmusic.com/
Pre-sale: 1pm AEST Thursday 12th May
General on-sale: 1pm AEST Friday 13th May

THURS 28TH JULY, MEOW, WELLINGTON NZ
FRI 29TH JULY, TUNING FORK, AUCKLAND NZ (ALL AGES)
SAT 30TH JULY, STUDIO, AUCKLAND NZ
FRI 19 AUG, FREMANTLE ARTS CENTRE, FREMANTLE WA
FRI 02 SEP, FORTITUDE MUSIC HALL, BRISBANE QLD
SAT 03 SEP, HINDLEY STREET MUSIC HALL, ADELAIDE SA
FRI 09 SEP, MARGARET COURT ARENA, MELBOURNE VIC
SAT 10 SEP, HORDERN PAVILION, SYDNEY NSW

For more info on Crooked Colours, visit:
FACEBOOK I YOUTUBE I TWITTER I INSTAGRAM

May 12, 2022 0 comments

Music News

ELIZA & THE DELUSIONALS gear up for the release of highly anticipated debut album NOW AND THEN and share lead single, ‘BED SONG’

by the partae May 12, 2022

written by the partae

U.S. BOTTLEROCK FESTIVAL IN MAY

[Photo: Luke Henery]

With their Australian tour underway and their debut album NOW AND THEN in the wings, waiting to be unleashed, Eliza & The Delusionals return today sharing the lead single from the studio album: the addictive ‘Bed Song’.

Released as a follow up to February’s ‘Give You Everything’ and ‘Halloween’ at the top of the month, ‘Bed Song’ is another masterclass in how songwriters Eliza Klatt and Kurt Skuse balance emotionally driven lyricism with fresh and dynamic songwriting arrangements.

As an indication of what the wider NOW AND THEN album is like, ‘Bed Song’ is a prime example of Eliza & The Delusionals in their natural element – harnessing rich indie and alt-rock influences in producing something completely their own.

A song about relationships and the different ways we navigate them, ‘Bed Song’ was recorded between Brisbane’s Airlock Studios and the home studio Kurt and Eliza built during the initial waves of the pandemic; as well as the studio of acclaimed producer Konstantin Kersting (Tones And I, Mallrat, The Jungle Giants).

“’Bed Song’ was an idea that started off so differently, and I’m really glad we came back to it and worked on changing it because it quickly became one of my favourite songs on the record. This song is really about Kurt and myself finding similarities in our past relationships and bringing those ideas together in a way where we could understand each other’s perspectives.”
Eliza Klatt, ELIZA & THE DELUSIONALS

2022 has proven to be a busy return to live touring and forward planning for Eliza & The Delusionals. Currently working their way around the East Coast on their headline ‘Give You Everything Tour’ after playing some incredible rooms earlier in the year with The VANNS, the band is thriving as they hurtle confidently towards album release and their return to North America, where they will kick off their international campaign with an appearance at the Napa Valley’s Bottlerock Festival alongside the likes of Metallica, CHVRCHES, Twenty One Pilots, BANKS and more.

Their journey to this point has been one of many successes in the face of constant pauses to scheduled tour and relocation plans. Since the release of their 2020 EP A STATE OF LIVING IN AN OBJECTIVE REALITY, Eliza & The Delusionals have been consistently establishing themselves as an Australian act with legacy potential; dropping a string of singles throughout 2021 and 2022 that bolstered their reputation as a vibrant powerhouse.

The release of singles ‘YOU’, ‘SAVE ME’ and ‘NOTHING YET’ elevated Eliza & The Delusionals’ presence in Australia and abroad (‘SAVE ME’ accruing over 750k combined streams worldwide alone, as well as 30+ editorial playlist spots and the cover of Front Left on Spotify). The band currently enjoys over 92k monthly listeners on Spotify, with recent release ‘Give You Everything’ racking up over 109k worldwide streams since its release and the official music video accruing over 15.8k views to date.

Now, with the release of ‘Bed Song’ coming just ahead of NOW AND THEN, Eliza & The Delusionals are giving fans one final taste of what’s going to be their most defining effort to date.

PRAISE FOR ELIZA & THE DELUSIONALS

“I’m not afraid to say it. This is just about the best song Eliza and the Delusionals have ever released.”
Triple J Unearthed, Tommy Faith (‘GIVE YOU EVERYTHING’, 2022)

“Eliza & The Delusionals mix nostalgic and euphoric better than anyone else. I’d be holding a lighter up high if only I wasn’t drying my eyes.”
Triple J Unearthed, Dave Ruby Howe (‘GIVE YOU EVERYTHING’, 2022)

“I’d happily let Eliza & The Delusionals soundtrack my entire life.”
Triple J, Claire Mooney

“Australian rock band Eliza & the Delusionals are masters of using rock and pop-inflected sound to elicit emotions and pour their hearts out.”
Atwood Magazine

“…the type of track that pushes forward, reminding us of better days, and sparking excitement for what’s to come.”
Vanyaland

May 12, 2022 0 comments

Music News

Melita

by the partae May 11, 2022

written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

I’m based in the hills district in Sydney.

How did you first start playing music?

I’ve always gravitated towards singing and performing from an early age. There is much evidence of this eg. home videos of me trying to entertain guests by singing ABBA into a paper towel roll. In terms of songwriting, that began at about age 10 when I received a digital piano for my birthday and started to write tunes in my bedroom.

What’s been happening recently?

The Sydney music scene is flourishing again so I’ve been busy doing all sorts of gigs (originals, covers and playing in other bands), teaching and working on my next releases. You definitely need to wear a lot of hats in this industry but I’m really grateful to have enough opportunities to make it work as a full time musician.

Your debut single ‘Hearticulate’ was released on the 6th of May, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

It ain’t no secret that I love 70s music so there are definitely some yacht rock influences in there. Think Steely Dan, Bobby Caldwell and Valerie Carter. I also listen to a lot of current R&B artists like Raveena and Kali Uchis as well as soul/funk revivalists like Silk Sonic and Vulfpeck so there may be some traces of that in there too.

How did you go about writing Hearticulate?

I’m mainly a keyboard player but the initial idea for the song actually came to me on the guitar. I was noodling around in my studio and came up with the arpeggiated chord progression you can hear in the chorus. I then transferred the chords onto the piano and wrote the melody and the lyrics in my bedroom.

What does this debut single mean to you?

This one is a special one for me. I feel super aligned with it stylistically and just ran with my creative instincts which sometimes tells me to do things like play a spacey synth solo. It’s important to me to create from an authentic place and use songwriting as a tool to discover and articulate what’s true in my heart 😉

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

The song was actually made entirely at home as I happen to live with a couple of fine musicians – my Dad and brother. We all have our own studios at home so the song hopped between three spaces. The track was produced by my brother Alex Ertler and I and mixed and mastered by my good ole man John Ertler.

How did you approach the recording process?

The song has been through a few iterations. The first was for a uni assignment in 2020 during lockdown. A year later I revisited it, upped the tempo and added new instrumentation. My fickle self ended up thinking it was better and had more groove in the first demo so I returned to the original tempo and gradually replaced all the instruments and vocals. It wasn’t the smoothest process but I’m glad that I waited until 2022 to perfect the track as I felt more confident with my skills and artistic vision for this project.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?

I’m getting ready for my headline show at Lazybones on the 9th of June! It’s gonna be a groovin’ time playing with a full band and celebrating the release of “Hearticulate”. There may be some Cuervo gold, there may even be some keytar. I’m also preparing the next batch of tunes.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I recently saw Donny Benét at Manning Bar so I have been blasting his disco grooves in the car a lot. Some old school stuff too eg. The Chi-lites and The Crusaders. I listen to a lot of local Aussie artists too. Recently I’ve been enjoying AnnaLina, Gemma Navarrete, Julian Munyard and Chuey.

What do you like to do away from music?

I feel like most of my time is consumed by music but I also enjoy being in nature, clumsily rollerskating, reading, watching films and travelling which I hope to heck I do this year.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I’d say my favourite hangout spot is Frankies. Delish pizza, elite whiskey & apple. They also used to host Tuesday karaoke nights. I recall singing some TOTO and Deep Purple up there. In terms of restaurants, I love Colombian and Japanese food so I’d recommend Tentaciones in Surry Hills and O’Uchi in the CBD (get the green tea creme brûlée).

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/14sf3NdkjTJivkv6JMcCSk?si=LS7ahHwKRcaoJ4ZUlfORrQ

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/melitamusica/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/melitamusica

May 11, 2022 0 comments

Music News

Square Dance Caller Returns With Slick New Single ‘Somebody Like You’

by the partae May 11, 2022

written by the partae

Photographer credit: Tom Groom

MELBOURNE, Australia. On May 5th, Alt Rock outfit, Square Dance Caller will release their slick new single, ‘Somebody Like You’ from their forthcoming EP, ‘Daze In Technicolor’. Listen to ‘Somebody Like You’ HERE

Complete with chugging guitar riffs, punchy synths, layered, pop-laced vocals, and a driving, hypnotic drum groove, ‘Somebody Like You’ conjures a sense of nostalgia that sits somewhere between the group’s sonic influences of early Talking Heads and naughties era Gorillaz. Of the track, Brendan Etherington (guitar/vox) shares:

I wrote this song in 2020 during Melbourne’s second lockdown. Stuck in my room, I’d been mucking around with drum loops and came across a cool beat that I liked. It started with the bass riff and grew from there.

The upbeat ear-worm blends hip-hop-tinged drum loops and samples with distorted rock guitars to create a genre-bending, contemporary take on alt/indie rock. Michael Etherington (drums/BV’s) explains:

We used both sampled drums and real drums to create a nice mix. The guitar solo was a bit of a fluke. It was the one from the demo that Brendan recorded late at night after a bunch of drinks. He could never top it, so we used that one in the final mix. A happy accident that worked out.

With its undeniably catchy chorus hook, “I wish I had somebody like you, when I was twenty-two”, of the lyrical inspiration for the track, the band elaborates:

I think we have all had somebody in our lives either romantically, or platonically, who’s a bit older or more mature and who seems so cool and confident. We either lusted after them or wished we had them in our corner teaching us all their moves.

Replete with sentimental lyricism heavily influenced by their own personal relationships and lived experiences, the group’s earnest display of introspective songwriting has seen them continue to cultivate a wide audience, performing to packed houses across Melbourne.

Square Dance Caller’s forthcoming EP, ‘Daze In Technicolor’, covers a range of styles and lyrical themes, showcasing the band’s creative versatility. Here, dreamy indie-rock soundscapes and balladesque vocals compliment a fiercer, funkier offering in the form of the first single, ‘Somebody Like You’, a rhythmic and lyrical departure with a sentiment of its very own.

‘Somebody Like You’ is out now. Square Dance Caller will launch the new single on May 19th at The Leadbeater Hotel.

BUY TIX TO THE SINGLE LAUNCH

About ‘Square Dance Caller’

Formed in 2021, Square Dance Caller is the latest project from Melbourne-based multi-instrumentalists, songwriters, and brothers Brendan and Michael Etherington. Completing the band for their latest musical instalment is Mat Hooler on keys (KeyHoo) and James Manning on bass (The Solicitors).

A nod to their late grandfather’s tenure as a real-life Square Dance Caller, the band by the same name, draws inspiration from classic rock outfits such as The Eagles, The Clash and The Beatles, and Aussie comrades British India and Bad Pony.

Square Dance Caller isn’t the first collaborative music project that Brendan and Michael have co-led. Their joint five-year rock band ‘Busy Kingdom’ saw the dynamic duo refine their musicianship, touring the country with homegrown legends The Getaway Plan and Thirsty Merc, to name a few.

Square Dance Caller’s debut 2021 album ‘Celebrity’ received resounding success across indie music blogs, college radio and playlists throughout Europe and America. The band’s forthcoming EP ‘Daze In Technicolor’ will be released in 2022.

PLAY/LISTEN

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquareDanceCallerMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squaredancecallerband/

May 11, 2022 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

MARCUS WYNWOOD

by the partae May 11, 2022

written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

I’m based in the little seaside town of Penguin on the NW Coast of Tasmania. It’s an amazing place with a creative community, a heap of cafes, and a couple of pubs on the main street. Oh, and we have a giant 3 metre tall Penguin, can’t forget that.

How did you first start playing music?

It’s something I’ve always done. I started playing guitar when I was 7 on an old acoustic that was pretty much attached to me. I started writing songs and playing in pubs and bars in my early teens and have just kept doing it since.

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve been working on a few new song ideas and preparing for a couple of shows. I’ve been blown away by the response I’ve received from my last couple of singles “Something In My Eye” and now “Little Space”. I’m lucky to be able to do what I love: make music, and it’s even better when people like it. So, recently, I’ve been working on more songs.

Your latest single ‘Little Space’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

A whole bunch of things. When I’m writing a song, there is a thousand different perspectives going around my head. How does the music build, does the song structure take you somewhere, do the lyrics make sense, do they mean something, does it draw you in. Other times when I’m writing a song, my head is completely empty, and it just happens. “Little Space” is a bit of a different direction for me, but it feels good to be writing in this style. It’s also a different because it’s a song with no chorus – but I still wanted to draw the listener in. I wanted the listener to be surrounded by sound, like they are inside something. There are around 6 guitar parts in there, along with bass, drums, and a heap of backing vocals. You can even hear my daughters singing the “and I will always love you” parts. I like creating simple songs, but I also enjoy layering them up – not to add complexity, but to add depth. Jon Grace did an amazing job with mixing the vocals, which I think helps the listener sink into the track. To me, there are aspects of Radiohead, Billie Eilish, Talking Heads and maybe even The Cure in there, but chuck some headphones on and see what you think. Sink into it.

How did Little Space come about?

This song started out as a little two chord guitar riff and just grew from there. I often start with a rhythm and maybe one simple lyrical idea. I like the way the words “there’s a little space” roll off the tongue, and how it represents a place of safety that hopefully we all can find. Some people are doing it tough, but it’s a nice thought to know that there is a little space somewhere in this crazy world where you belong.

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

I have a humble little home studio where I spend a lot of time writing, producing, and recording my music. Everything for “Little Space” was performed and recorded by me in my little studio, and then I sent it to Jon Grace to mix. I’ve worked with Jon on other projects in the past, and he is one of the nicest guys you’ll meet in the industry. Jon has worked with bands like Bakers Eddy, Dear Seattle, Dune Rats and Kingswood, and I really like his creative approach to making music. The track was mastered by Samuel K Sproull who is an accomplished producer and amazing musician in his own right. I’m lucky to be working with such a cool team.

Is there an EP on the way? If so, please tell us more:

After recently releasing “Something In My Eye” and “Little Space”, I’m now taking some time to work on new material – the beginnings of an EP. I guess we’ll see where it takes me.

Will you be touring anytime soon? If so, where and when?

I have a couple shows coming up around Tasmania. I’m playing in Devonport on the 21st of May alongside Without Fail, Adapt, and The True Champions of Breakfast. Then in Launceston on the 9th of July with Slow Down Sonic. I’d love to jump on a plane and tour again (Melbourne, Adelaide, Sydney, Brisbane, everywhere!), maybe when the EP is done?

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to a lot of Tassie music lately, bands like Spkezy, Adapt, Broxton and Verticoli have all got some great music out at the moment. Other Aussie acts I’m enjoying are Sly Withers, Alice Skye, Week Neez, and Totally Unicorn.

What do you like to do away from music?

Hanging out with my family and friends, going to see live music, or just zoning out and playing some old-school SNES. A bit of NBA Jam, Street Fighter, or Mario Kart – that’s always a good time.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?

I’m hoping to spend some time writing and recording, with a few shows thrown in for good measure!

Favourite food and place to hangout?

There is a place called “Wok and Roll” that do great sushi, but my favourite place at the moment is the “Penguin Beer Co”. They do live music, epic burgers, and a range of locally brewed beers. You should try the “Emperor Penguin” IPA, it’s fantastic.

May 11, 2022 0 comments

Music News

AUSTRALIA’S OWN UK CHART TOPPER ALEX HOSKING IS BACK WITH NEW SINGLE ‘NEED YOUR LOVE’

by the partae May 10, 2022

written by the partae

Listen HERE

Hitmakers Alex Hosking and UK Producer, Majestic have joined forces on new collaborative up-beat pop single ‘Need Your Love’.

A pulsating blend of deep, low-slung bass, euphoric piano chords and Alex’s distinctive vocals, ‘Need Your Love’ is a party-starting club banger with serious crossover appeal. A proven talent as a songwriter, Australian Alex Hosking has already made a big impact as co-writer and featured vocalist on PS1 hits ‘Fake Friends’ and ‘Life Goes On’, tracks that have amassed over 90 million combined streams and topped the UK charts. Her huge crossover appeal was underlined by A-lists at BBC Radio 1, Kiss FM and Capital Radio in the UK as well as NOVA, KIIS FM and the Hit Network here in Australia. On the tracks creation she muses:

‘Need Your Love’ was written at the start of the pandemic. I had just been separated from my boyfriend who is from America. The opening line “sometimes I wonder if I had to, could I ever let you go?” – was a reflection of having to say goodbye to my boyfriend overseas and not knowing when I would see him next. Fast forward and I was back in London and the first in person session I had was with Majestic! We hung out, we wrote a song, we ate food and then I showed him Need Your Love and immediately he asked for the song to be sent to him and he started working on the production! A whole year later the song is out, and it is just the best feeling to have a song out that you are truly proud of and that I got to write with good friends in a really vulnerable time.’

The record follows on from ‘Losing My Mind’, Majestic’s collaboration with dance music legend Nightcrawlers, and ‘Rasputin’, his viral reimagining of the Boney M euro-disco classic that has amassed over 200 million global streams, peaked at #11 in the UK Singles charts and made it onto the A-list on BBC Radio 1, Capital FM and iHeart.

Crossing into a multitude of dance music genres, from UK Garage and house to D&B and Dubstep, Majestic has performed with the likes of Sigma, DJ EZ, MJ Cole, Judge Jules, and Laidback Luke. He pioneered an all-new concert-rave hybrid known as LIMITLESS, selling out five shows in London and also taking it to Mallorca’s iconic BCM, Ibiza and Malia. A high-quality remixer, he has previously reworked tracks from Craig David, Preditah, Kaskade and many more. When describing the new record Majestic proclaimed:

‘Need Your Love’ is a dance ballad which gives you the vibes for the club as well as the vibe to scream into your hairbrush whilst getting ready!’

A collaboration between two certified pop talents, it’s little wonder ‘Need Your Love’ sounds so special.

May 10, 2022 0 comments

Fashion & Culture Festival News

IBBY AKBAR RETURNS TO MELBOURNE FOR CHARITY PERFORMANCE

by the partae May 10, 2022

written by the partae

MELBOURNE CHARACTER COMEDIAN & SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION IBBY AKBAR IS RETURNING FOR AN ENCORE PERFORMANCE AT THE PALAIS THEATRE WITH ALL PROCEEDS GOING TO THE MOYAMOYA CHARITY.

Melbourne’s own character comedian and social media sensation, Ibby Akbar is returning to the stage for a very special encore performance on Thursday, 26 May at the Palais Theatre presented by The Hour Group. Tuesday 10th May, 10am (AEST).

Ibby has created a cult following with over 200k fans and boasts over 50M views across his social media platforms, He recently took Australia by storm with his debut live comedy show ‘I Am’ selling out 10 capital city shows around the country.

The star comedian has wowed audiences with his stand-up show which features his candid views of life. From issues in society, to his personal life and experiences – in contrast to his YouTube skits, the roles are reversed, and the audience get a closer look at who Ibby Akbar really is and what makes him tick! He talks about growing up in Melbourne with ethnic parents to toxic relationships, true love and more! One thing’s for sure, Australia wants to see more of Ibby Akbar!

In a very special, one-off event, Ibby is returning to the stage in his beloved hometown for a final encore performance with all proceeds from the show being donated to the MoyaMoya Charity. The charity is very close to Ibby’s heart, his sister has been personally affected by the MoyaMoya disease.

“I had a wonderful time touring Australia with my debut show and was blown away by the response and the demand for more live events. This seemed like a perfect opportunity to raise awareness for MoyaMoya disease and at the same time support the charity that has been helping my little sister.”

SHOW DETAILS

6:30PM DOORS – THURSDAY 26 MAY 2022

PALAIS THEATRE, LOWER ESPLANADE, ST KILDA

TICKETS AVAILABLE FROM $35 FROM – www.ibbyakbar.com/tour

May 10, 2022 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Topic

by the partae May 10, 2022

written by the partae

Hey Topic! Pleased to meet you and thanks for making time to sit down with us.

You’re in Australia touring for two weeks! How has the tour been so far?

A: The tour was great! Australia is definitely one of my favorite countries in the world. I visited Australia in 2017 and instantly fell in love with the country. I was very excited to be back and also play a tour, which was a first for me! It has been a great experience and a huge milestone in my career.

What was your favorite show?

A: That’s a tough one to pick, especially when I played eight shows but I guess it was the one at Marquee in Sydney. It was my final gig of the tour and also got surprised with a plaque from my label a few minutes before stepping into the DJ booth, so I was a little extra hyped that night!

How has the Australian crowd been?

A: The Australian crowd is something else! I described it as “mad” on one of my Instagram posts (check it out and you´ll know what I mean by that :D), you guys definitely go crazy and you also like to drink a lot I guess.

What surprised you most about Australia?

A: I mean, it was not a big surprise but I was traveling to a different city every day and sometimes it was like a four or five hour flight, like from Darwin to Melbourne. Of course, I knew that Australia is big and that not too many people live there in relation… but it’s just so impressive when you fly for so many hours and you don’t see any city or anything and you’re still in the same country – just in a different city. ‘Cause I’m from Europe you know, and when you fly 4 or 5 hours there you´ll fly over six countries and you’re most definitely even out of Europe 😀 That was really impressive to see.

Are you planning another visit to Australia soon?

A: Yeah, while we were there we talked a little bit with my booking agents that we might do something at the end of this year or maybe in the beginning of 2023. I am definitely up to come Down Under again.

What are your other plans for 2022 and what are you looking forward to most?

A: 2022 will definitely be the year that I’ll just go and play as many shows and festivals as possible. I just wanna get out there and finally be able to play all the shows that I missed the past two years. There’s so much I am looking forward to, there’s Parookaville coming, Tomorrowland mainstage and so many other great festivals and so many releases that are lined up, so can’t really pick.

This Friday (22.04.) you’re releasing a new track with Alvaro Solar, can you tell us a bit more about this collaboration?

A: Yeah, on April 22nd I released a track with Alvaro Soler. We have many mutual friends and we were linked up in 2020. He’s a great guy, great songwriter and it was a lot of fun working with him on a track. I am very happy that the song is out now and so far we’ve gotten very good responses about it. I am also very happy that we managed to have a nice symbiosis of like the Spanish world and the dance world.

Can we expect any more new music from you soon?

A: Yes, very soon!!! There will be an announcement very soon. You might have even heard it in my sets before, but that´s about everything I can say about it right now.

What artist do you really want to work with and why?

A: –

Can you tell us a bit more about ‘melancholic dance music’?

A: ‘melancholic dance music’ is a phrase that we came up with, just after “Breaking Me” was release as someone asked me to describe my sound. I always liked melancholic music. And even when I was a kid I was always listened to the more sadder songs but at the same time it made me happy, I don’t know why, it’s just me being weird I guess …haha. But then when I started making music and especially dance music I always loved to put the melancholic touch to it. “Melancholic dance music” – basically songs which bring up various kinds of emotion but at the same time you just can´t stop your body from moving.

What is your favorite track released by yourself?

A: It’s impossible to pick a favorite track by yourself. I mean, all those tracks have a great personal memory for me and have a story to it. So it is pretty tough to pick one. Everyone is special itself. Which one is your favorite?

What kind of music do you like to listen to in your free time?

A: I wouldn’t say that I have a favorite genre that I like to listen to. I like a lot of music. I think with Spotify and the possibility that you can listen to every music literally at the tip of your finger it made everyone’s music taste broader, I guess.

What do you enjoy most when you’re not in the studio or playing at a festival/club?

A: I like to watch and play Basketball myself. I also enjoy to spend time with my friends and family over a good meal!

You’re a big Formula One fan, who’s your favorite team and driver this season?

A: I am a Formula 1 fan again. I was into it a lot when I was a kid and fell back on love with it last year. I don’t really have a favorite driver, last year I was cheering for Max Verstappen and I was very happy that he won. But this year I am just enjoying watching Formula 1 and may the best one win. I´m impressed by Lando Norris though and I think he might be a world champion at some point.

What’s on your bucket list for 2022?

A: Playing at Tomorrowland Mainstage was always on top of my bucket list since I became a DJ. I will be able to tick that one off my list later this year, I am so excited!!!