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The Partae

Festival NewsMusic News

SNAKEHIPS TO TAKE STAGE IN MELBOURNE FOR THEIR ‘NEVER WORRY’ TOUR, PRESENTED BY THE OPERATIVES AND DELIGHT

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written by the partae
Local tastemakers The Operatives and Delight Records have teamed up for a special Snakehips Melbourne show between their Groovin The Moo dates. Supporting the headliners will be fast rising Sydney star Cabu, NZ lord of the dance AROHA, as well as local legends FOURA and Angus Green.

Platinum-selling UK duo Snakehips (Oliver Lee and James Carter) have garnered an ever growing reputation for their signature sound; a sensual, contemporary take on old school R&B, influenced by 90s hip-hop throwbacks and 1970s string samples.

Much like a snake shedding its skin, the Snakehips sound continues to evolve, with each layer being peeled back to reveal another exciting chapter in the story. It was 2015 hit ‘All My Friends’ that turned the boys from promising production duo to a household name. A collaboration with singer-songwriter Tinashe and internationally renowned hip-hop star Chance the Rapper, the track would go platinum in the UK, US, Australia and New Zealand.

Since then they have linked up with the likes of Grammy-winning rapper Anderson .Paak (‘Money On Me’), One Direction’s Zayn (‘Cruel’), Danish singer-songwriter MØ (‘Don’t Leave’) and Brooklyn rap don Joey Badass (‘Either Way’). Continuing to broaden their musical horizons and push their sound into bold, fresh new directions, Snakehips have firmly cemented their status as one of the best double acts in the game.

Among the stellar supports is Sydney artist/producer Cabu, who brings a whole new meaning to the saying ‘smooth as butter’ with his luscious R&B and house infused grooves. Having amassed 50Mil streams and over 750k monthly listeners on Spotify alone, Cabu’s most recent releases have been featured on Triple J, Dj Complexion’s Future Beats radio, Soundistyle, Majestic Casual, Soulection Radio, BBC 1Xtra, Maison Kitsune and many more. Both DJing and live, Cabu has also supported local and international heavyweights such as FKJ, Emotional Oranges, Cosmo’s Midnight, BOO Seeka, Slumberjack & Kilter. With an array of releases locked and loaded, the future is set to be a big one for Cabu.

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Music News

JNR.’S EXPLOSIVE debut single ‘REMEMBER’ A hopeful song for a confused generation

by the partae
written by the partae

Photo by: Megan Donnelly

jnr. have well and truly snatched the spotlight with fiery debut single ‘Remember’. Crackling with energy, this trio of Sydney based musicians and producers have brought a fresh sound to the Australian music scene by channeling electrifying indie-pop.

Distorted and playful vocals adorn refined and rhythmic pop production, creating a supremely catchy tune that is reminiscent of iconic front runners 1975, LANY, and No Rome.

jnr. is made up of Ben Siva, Nico Scali and Max Jacobs who have been writing music together for close to 10 years. Between writing, producing and performing themselves, they have been involved in a wide variety of talent such as Loretta, Khaled, Chris Lanzon, SADBOii and Rageflower just to name a few. 

 It was only in 2020 that they pivoted their attention toward a singular focussed project. The result: a collection of pop production tracks adorned with earnest and self-reflective lyrics. The first of which is sampled in ‘Remember’. By taking the time to hone their skill and synchronicity as a band, their future as unique players in the Aussie pop landscape is incredibly exciting.

This single features a complex underpinning in the lyricism – offering a tension in the push-pull dynamic between bright pop sounds that reveal a darker experience. This space of uncertainty is where lead singer Ben says his artistry flourishes, “‘remember’ deals with grief, nostalgia, and the moment you are forced to put yourself in your parent’s shoes. I think anyone can relate to wanting to remember someone or something from their childhood, but the song has a deeper meaning for me. I’m always drawn to darker lyrical themes and uplifting instrumentals – that push and pull always attracted me to some of my favourite artists.” Ben Siva, jnr.

By embracing the ebb and flow of the complexities of inner emotions and personal experience, it paves the way for a genuine connection between artist and their music, “The feeling of knowing oneself is essential to being human. So the writing process was really me thinking about who I would be without my memories.” Ben Siva, jnr.

The accompanying visualiser explores this space of darker uncertainty. Feeling more like a fever dream than a music video, a retro TV flickers on static whilst pulsating lights and pacing strangers in the background add a layer of surrealism. This, coupled with the unique effects and experimental visual production is a really special addition to already a fantastic song. 

 

Without a doubt, jnr. know what they’re doing and will leave you wanting more.

Official Website | Triple J Unearthed | Facebook | Instagram | Youtube

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Festival NewsMusic News

MOGA Caparica returns to Portugal, reveals the first wave of the lineup including FOLAMOUR, DAN SHAKE, DAM SWINDLE, PARALLELLS and more

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written by the partae
MOGA Caparica 2022
June 1-5
Caparica, Portugal
The much anticipated second edition of MOGA Caparica returns to Portugal’s stunning Costa de Caparica from the 1st to 5th of June. Located just 20 minutes south of Lisbon and offering a sun kissed and escapist mix of sunset beach parties with yoga, surfing, brunches and boat parties, first wave headliners include From A to Z: AMINE K – AUDIOFLY – CARLITA – DAM SWINDLE – DAN SHAKE – DAOX – FOLAMOUR – KALABRESE – LAURENCE GUY – LOLA VILLA – MADD ROD – MAFALDA – MAGUPI – PARALLELLS – SHUGI – YOKOO & many more tba. The Blind tickets have sold out but first release festival passes at 140euros are available now for a limited time.

MOGA was born in Essaouira (Morocco), which was named Mogador by the Portuguese hundreds of years ago. It is a boutique electronic music festival inspired by Atlantic vibes and providing an experience that connects people from all around the world through dance, music, art and wellness. Moga is also a tribe, a strong community of nomads sharing the same values and lifestyle spreading from Essaouira to Caparica and beyond.

This is the second edition of MOGA Caparica after a stunning debut last year. It took place in October as a replacement for Essaouira edition, which returns this year in October with MOGA Caparica moving to June to take full advantage of the summer weather.

This year will feature an extra beach party with two in all on Saturday. A festival pass includes access to the beach parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and as well as the spectacular dancing, you can enjoy free access to the OFF events happening throughout the five days such as music, art, wellness, talks, food and more.

The first wave of names includes Amine K – Morocco’s ambassador for electronic music who always brings happiness through his music, Ibiza favourites Audiofly, Istanbul’s fast rising Carlita, Dutch pair Dam Swindle bring their cross-sectional grooves, Dan Shake brings his warm and heartfelt house sounds and Folamour is part of the recent renaissance of young French house and disco producers with a deep love for all music. Then amongst others come much loved melodic house maestros Parallells. The pair are regulars on Agoria’s Sapiens label. Then comes Portuguese NTS favourite and Melodies International label co-founder Mafalda who plays a famously broad selection of love-fuelled house, soul, disco, Latin, funk and more plus the likes of Laurence Guy, Lola Villa, Madd Rod, Magupi, Shugi and YokoO.
The countdown has now begun to this superb cultural getaway on the gorgeous beaches of Portugal.

FIRST WAVE LINEUP
A-Z:
AMINE K
AUDIOFLY
CARLITA
DAM SWINDLE
DAN SHAKE
DAOX
FOLAMOUR
KALABRESE
LAURENCE GUY
LOLA VILLA
MADD ROD
MAFALDA
MAGUPI
PARALLELLS
SHUGI
YOKOO
& many more tba
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Music News

MDOU MOCTAR Releases Afrique Refait Remix EP With remixes of acclaimed album Afrique Victime by Pan-African electronic artists curated by Mdou Moctar

by the partae
written by the partae
Photo Credit: Jamie Kelter Davis

Mdou Moctar’s Afrique Victime was one of 2021’s most lauded releases: an innovative alchemy of Tuareg folk, blues and rock, electric guitar pyrotechnics, field recordings and electronics with poetic call-to-arms lyrics about the plight of his homeland of Niger.

Today, in line with their activity supporting African artists, Mdou Moctar announce Afrique Refait, a remix collection of songs from Afrique Victime. The tracklist features sound-makers at the vanguard of electronic music in Africa, with a view of highlighting different scenes across the continent. Many of the artists are associated with pioneering Ugandan label Nyege Nyege Tapes who were vital to the making of the project.

Producer and bassist Mikey Coltun says:

“Jay Mitta who remixed ‘Chismiten‘ is one of the pioneers of the Singeli scene in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Like most of the artists picked for these remixes, he is pushing the boundaries of folk music beyond what it started as to something new and untried while remaining true to his roots. When the Nyge Nyege Tapes mixtape came out it was powerful and we got in touch with the label and asked about Jay doing a remix.

Tommy T who remixed ‘Ya Habibti‘ is a producer from Ethiopia who lives in DC and I knew from growing up in the DC music scene. We thought he’d do something different from the other remixers and he took a more traditional approach.

MC Yallah is one of my favourite MC/rappers right now. Here she is paired with producer Debmaster to create a powerful in your face remix of the love ballad ‘Tala Tannam.’

Duma is the duo of Lord Spike Heart and Sam Karugu from the grindcore scene in Kenya. It’s some of the most interesting and sonically innovative music coming out of Africa: noise and grindcore with a mix of Kenyan roots and Ugandan music. Their video for (2020 single) ‘Lions Blood‘ was super powerful and in your face, and we wanted to work with them.

Yugen Blakrock was recommended to me through a friend I met in Mali years back from South Africa. I was told “Yugen is an MC, but she works with great producers and would be amazing!” This is one of my favorites in the series!

Aya Metwalli who remixed ‘Layla‘ is originally from Egypt and is now part of the Lebanese noise scene that should definitely be checked out by more people. There’s an amazing experimental and noise scene in Egypt, Lebanon, Tunisia, Palestine. I got to know Aya Metwalli through people in the Beirut noise community where they’re a small but tight-knit and collaborative scene. We knew she would kill it on this remix.”

DJ Diaki is one of the pioneers of Balani music scene in Mali. Balani is a house party that started in the capital Bamako and moved to the outskirts. They bring a soundsystem and blast music loud and people dance, going back to traditional Malian folk parties. I attended one of these parties in Mali in 2012 and was sent some Balani music on my cellphone. There’s a great shop in Bamako called Mali Retro that originally sold cassettes. Nowadays you tell them what you want and they throw it on a flash disc. In 2016 I was given a combination of traditional Balani phone music and newer electronic stuff. The four remixes of ‘Afrique Victime‘ focus on different elements of the song separately: bass, guitar, guitar II and vocals.

Rey Sapienz, MC Dougis, Kabeaushe and Chrisman are all artists I was previously unaware of before working on this project. These artists were presented by the amazing Nyege Nyege Tapes label and were all essential in completing the Afrique Victime Remix project. While a lot of the artists previously chosen came from either East, West or North Africa, Rey Sapienz, MC Dougis and Chrisman showcase all the cool shit coming out of Central Africa – The Congo.”
Mdou Moctar – Taliat (Rey Sapienz Remix ft. MC Dougis)
Listen / Download: mdoumoctar.ffm.to/taliatremix

Praise for Mdou Moctar

Triple R Album Of The Week
RTRFM Feature Album

Best of 2021 placements

The Monthly Top 10 Albums of 2021
The West Australian Top 10 Albums of 2021
The Music Albums of 2021
Crack #16 Albums of 2021
DJ Mag Albums of 2021
Economist Best Albums of 2021
Gigwise  #23 Albums Of The Year
The Guardian #10 Albums Of The Year
MOJO #20 Albums Of The Year
New York Times Best Albums of 2021 (Lindsay Zoladz, #2)
New York Times Best Albums of 2021 (Jon Pareles, #5)
New Yorker #4 Best Music of 2021
Rolling Stone #26 Albums Of The Year
Uncut #13 Albums of the Year

“The Tuareg guitarist and his bandmates deliver the fullest picture of his gifts yet.”
– Pitchfork (Best New Music)

“This one is essential… It’s musically dense, wildly psychedelic and politically sharp, with Moctar singing in his native tongue across the record to make for the year’s most quintessential guitar albums.” – Mixdown

“Moctar’s guitar is a tangled, twisted, blazing beam of light cutting across a black sky.”
– Rolling Stone

“Searing and soulful” – CLASH

“This is a group that is deeply zoned into one another’s nervous systems, grooving hard, moving as one.” – Aquarium Drunkard

“Afrique Victime, Moctar’s first album for Matador, seems poised to attract his largest audience yet” – Bandcamp

“scarcely has a Fender Stratocaster sounded more alive than in his hands… a propulsive, psychedelic sound that is at once delivered with the cathartic oomph of celebration and the urgent cadence of protest” – Guitar World

“As it becomes safe to go out again, seeing these songs live should be as early a priority as is reasonable.” – Under the Radar

“His electric guitar leaps up from the band’s rhythmic core to trill, twirl, swoop and scream”
– New York Times

“The world’s most uniquely thrilling guitarist” – Dazed & Confused

“Afrique Victime finds Moctar and his band in the studio delivering the raw power of their intense and transcendent live performances.” – Reverb

“Vital, wonderful music with cutting intensity” – i Paper ★★★★★

“This is guitar music, but likely to resonate with club heads. Unlike anything you’ve ever heard in the West, it laughs at the idea that music has run out of new sounds” – DJ ‘Album Of The Month’

“Transcendent” – MOJO ★★★★

“Mesmerizing meld of Tuareg folk tradition and modern rock” – Uncut (9/10)

“Mdou Moctar and his band are the true sound of youth resistance” – Line Of Best Fit (8/10)

“The consensus that is slowly forming is that he is not just one of the leading exponents of Sahel (Sub-Saharan) guitar music, but one of the finest and certainly most expressive, guitarists in the world” – MusicRadar
Mdou Moctar – Afrique Refait is out now
via Matador Records / Remote Control Records.
Mdou Moctar
Official Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
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Psychedelic Porn Crumpets release fresh dose of warped rock with ‘Acid Dent’ single and video, ‘Night Gnomes’ album out this Friday!

by the partae
written by the partae

Photo Credit: Tristan McKenzie

TOURING NORTH AMERICA, UK AND EUROPE IN 2022

As the countdown to the release of their fifth studio album Night Gnomes enters its final stages, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are back to further tease their next phase of delightfully kooked magic with the release of new single, ‘Acid Dent’.

The release of ‘Acid Dent’ comes as the West Coast firebrands prepare for not only the release of their new album, but a long-awaited return to live touring; with already announced dates for North America, Europe and the UK.

‘Acid Dent’ – like singles ‘Bubblegum Infinity’, ‘Dread & Butter’, ‘Bob Holiday’ and ‘Lava Lamp Pisco’ before it – is a masterclass into how Psychedelic Porn Crumpets can have a kaleidoscope of influences and sonic ideas at their disposal, yet never lose sense of their core sound and identity. The new single spotlights guitars and fuzz with flair, while the rhythms buoy Jack McEwan’s hypnotic vocals seamlessly.

A pure avenue for escapism, ‘Acid Dent’ leans into the effects of, well, psychedelics, as McEwan takes listeners on a trip of his own.

“My goodwill ‘Drugs are bad for you kids’ song. And to be perfectly honest they probably are. But good luck telling that to the youth of today I tell ya! It’s not like that safe ‘60s pot we used to smoke. Not like the prescribed methamphetamine us ‘50s housewives were doing! Not like that Cretic Wine us Romans would devour.

Every generation has their means of escapism and for some reason here in Perth, or at least when we were in our heyday you could purchase mushrooms and acid from any decent supermarket. So it’s inevitable we’re gonna be munching jumpers and chatting to fences in a few decades, but as for now, well… we’ve seemed to somehow milk a career out of it. Who’d have thought. But yeah, it’s probably not going to end well, hence my newly appointed position on drug safety. Then again, someone also once told me, “Hell hath no fury like a man who’s pressed pause on his drug abuse”, so now I’m slightly more perplexed as to where I stand. Anyway, good luck to everyone, enjoy yourselves but remember nobody wants to pick up your marbles after.” JACK McEWAN, PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS

For the ‘Acid Dent’ music video, the band reunited with director and artist Ollie Jones – the creative genius behind the claymation music videos fans will remember from Psychedelic Porn Crumpets’ SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound era. This time around, the action takes place at ‘PPC Chemicals’, with hijinx ensuing in classic Psychedelic Porn Crumpets style.

 “I’ve always been a fan of the the horror sub genre ‘ MELT MOVIES ‘ films like Street Trash, The Blob and Body Melt. So when I was given the title of the track, I knew what I wanted to do right away. A simple story of a guy who after a freak accident is granted the powers to melt everything he touches and how it escalates in a comedy of errors throughout the video. Think the Skittles advert only more gruesome.” Oliver Jones

As fans and industry followers around the world await the release of Night Gnomes (April 22nd), Psychedelic Porn Crumpets continue to rack up the acclaim off the back of their 2022 releases to date. Over 1.2 Million streams have been accumulated across ‘Bubblegum Infinity’, ‘Bob Holiday’ ‘Dread & Butter’ and ‘Lava Lamp Pisco’, with radio love continuing to stream in from the likes of triple j, BBC Radio 1, KCRW, KEXP, FLOOD FM and more.

Editorially, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets have been consistently elevating their presence in Australia and abroad thanks to praise from outlets including Rolling Stone Australia, Brooklyn Vegan, Entertainment Tonight, Tinnitist, Music Feeds and Under The Radar.

Acid Dent / Night Gnomes artwork

PRAISE FOR PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS

“Psychedelic Porn Crumpets are continuing their musical evolution on all fronts.”
Rolling Stone Australia

“…an atomic blast of a listening experience, featuring some of the band’s fastest, loudest material yet.”
Triple J (SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound)

“…a carefully curated narrative of psych-rock that delves deeper into the sounds presented on their previous releases.”
Milky Milky Milky (SHYGA! The Sunlight Mound)

“…one of Perth’s finest exports and most inventive bands…”
Backseat Mafia

UK / EUROPE TOUR

Tickets through www.psychedelicporncrumpets.com

Thursday, August 11th Hole44 Berlin
Friday, August 12th Molotow Hamburg
Sunday, August 13th Tivoli Utrecht
Monday, August 15th The Forum Tunbridge Wells
Wednesday, August 17th Brudenell Social Club Leeds SOLD OUT
Thursday, August 18th Rescue Rooms Nottingham
Sunday, August 21st Junction Cambridge
Monday, August 22nd Think Tank Newcastle SOLD OUT
Tuesday, August 23rd Saint Luke’s Glasgow SOLD OUT
Thursday, August 25th Band On The Wall Manchester SOLD OUT
Friday, August 26th O2 Institute Birmingham
Saturday, August 27th Thekla Bristol SOLD OUT
Monday, August 29th The 1865 Southampton
Tuesday, August 30th  Concorde 2 Brighton
Thursday, September 1st Electric Brixton London
Friday, September 2nd Norwich Arts Centre Norwich SOLD OUT
Saturday, September 3rd Manchester Psych Fest Manchester
Tuesday, September 6th La Maroquinerie Paris
Wednesday, September 7th Trix Club Antwerp
Thursday, September 8th Vera Groningen
Friday, September 9th Doornroosje Nijmegen
Sunday, September 11th De Muziekgieterij Maastricht

US TOUR

With support from Acid Dad (except Atlanta)
Tickets through www.psychedelicporncrumpets.com

1st October Independent San Francisco, CA
3rd October Star Theater Portland, OR
4th October Biltmore Vancouver, BC
5th October Crocodile Seattle WA
7th October The Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT
8th Orange The Globe Denver, CO SOLD OUT
9th October The Globe Denver, CO SOLD OUT
11th October 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, MN
12th October Empty Bottle Chicago, IL
13th October Empty Bottle Chicago, IL SOLD OUT
14th October El Club Detroit, MI
15th October The Axis Club Toronto, ON
17th October Bar Le Ritz Montreal, QC
18th October The Sinclair Boston, MA
20th October Le Poisson Rouge New York, NY
21st October Underground Arts Philadelphia, PA
22nd October Union Stage Washington, DC
24th October Exit/In Nashville, TN
25th October Terminal West Atlanta, GA
27th October Satellite Bar Houston, TX
28th October The Parish Austin, TX
29th October Deep Ellum Art Co Dallas, TX
1st November Casbah San Diego, CA SOLD OUT
2nd November El Rey Theatre Los Angeles, CA

Acid Dent is out now!
Night Gnomes is released April 22nd.
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Sarah Yagki

by the partae
written by the partae
Where are you currently based?
I am currently based in inner west Sydney.
 
How did you first start playing music?
I started playing music from a young age, always wanting to get into singing but waiting till I was 14 so I could work and pay for singing lessons. I then started playing piano and then continued my love of music by studying at the Australian Institute of Music.
 
What’s been happening recently?

I’ve recently just released my new single Wanted More, along with performing at The Vanguard for the single launch and sharing original released and unreleased music. I have also been recording, writing and producing some new music along with performing at multiple venues and events, including opening for QLD Pop Artist Erin Foster at Factory Theatre.

Your latest single ‘Wanted More’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
The influences on the sound were my last few singles, and wanting to create a song that really tied up what I have been doing in my previous songs, and what I’m leaning towards in my new songs. The pop melody and beat, along with some melancolic strings and synth sounds really lift the song and enhance the songwriting where I explored the ideas of love and past relationships influencing the new.
 
How did you go about writing Wanted More?
I wrote Wanted More 3 years ago, and recently finished it when it took me time to reflect on the song’s intent. The song’s core is writing about navigating your way in a new relationship, whilst trying to let go of baggage from the last. I needed time to go through my own experiences in relationships, to really convey the meaning of Wanted More as authentically as I can.
 
What does this single mean to you?
This single means a lot to me as it marks a few years of discovering my own meaning to the song through experiencing what myself and my closest friends were going through. It also wraps up a period of music for me and is the last single before a slight shift in my sound as I mature through my own art as an artist.
 
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
The song was recorded in St Leonards with my producer James Guido and mastered by Klaus Hill!
 
How did you approach the recording process?
I approached the recording process through laying down the instrumental with the producer first, and then laying the vocals down and going through the best way to have the quality tone and execution of it vocally.
 
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I am listening to a lot of ROLE MODEL, Blake Rose and Isaac Dunbar.
 
What do you like to do away from music?
I love to go outside in the sun (when it’s actually sunny), spend time with friends and just explore new places and locations.
 
What’s planned for 2022?
2022 will see more live shows, some more visuals and some more singles – maybe even a collection or two of them!
 
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Favourite food is anything Italian and my favourite place to hang out is genuinely in my studio. It’s where I can feel most centred and grounded to myself in my own space among the chaoticness that life can be.
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Music News

Wesley Black Pilots The Jet In ‘King Of The World’ Music Video

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written by the partae

Previous Support for Wesley Black

‘Better With You’ – First Play on Triple J Home & Hosed (Nov 22)

“WB bringing driving melodies and a thumping beat that’ll take you on his ride right to the stars. Obsessed with the vocal treatment, laden with pop textures and still leaving space for a few hardhitting rap verses.” 4.5 / 5 (Pip Rasmussen, Triple J)
[About ‘Better With You’]

“Wesley Black’s shown us he can rap but on this one he’s flexing a pop side to his brain that’s equally impressive!” 4.5 / 5 (Declan Byrne, Triple J)
[About ‘Better With You’]

“Wesley’s ‘ANGEL’ project from earlier in 2021 went fkn hard but he’s flipped it here with the driving production and melodic wash. I’m into hearing this versatility.” 4 / 5 (Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J)
[About ‘Better With You’]

“Better With You is a vulnerable track, and one that’ll resonate with both old and new fans alike.” – Cool Accidents

“… songs like OUTLAW! and Eleven are glimpses of his brilliance in its best form shown thus far, showing his craft as a multi-faceted emcee that can move between flavours and energies with ease.” – Pilerats

“OUTLAW! is a heavy mix of electronic and trap elements alongside high energy vocals with a music video full of powerful scenes and vivid imagery.” – MILKY

Swapping out his pulsing trap beats from previous releases, for laid-back acoustic guitar topped with his slickly spun lyrics, Wesley Black released his sleek indie-pop/ alt hip-hop single ‘King Of The World’ on March 4.

Black is now taking that tune to the sky, piloting his Angel Airlines plane in the accompanying music video directed and visual effects by Nathan Simich.

In all of its full airborne glory, the music video sees Black in the cockpit of a Boeing 747. After reaching cruising altitude, Black leaves his co-pilot in command. Before they know it, the plane stall’s, sending Black to cockpit to find his co-pilot unconscious. Unable to get control of the aircraft, Angel Airlines 747 descends from the skies, as they brace for impact.

Amazingly, Black manages to stumble his way out of the fiery explosion but finds, in a dream-like state he finds himself on a strange island with some mysterious company.

Following the narrative of the song which is centred around a relationship that makes one feel like the king of the world, the music video acts as a metaphor about Black finding his form again. Black states:

“The music video transports the story of the song into a new world, literally. The music video takes this to the next extreme; after experiencing great heights following creating my first EP, represented by me flying the plane of ‘Angel Airlines’, I crash violently into the unknown, with nothing to lose. Scared and confused, I pass through the mysterious terrain and find a sense of love – something to take me back to the heights and desire I know best. The video can be interpreted in a few ways, especially the ending, but to myself, I return to form and fade away in this unknown world, but somehow know everything is going to be fine.“

The track has already seen support from Triple J, Triple J Unearthed (first play and Top 5 tracks of the week), AAA Backstage, Out Now Mag, idobi radio, Livewire AU and more.  Previous releases have also seen support from the likes of Cool Accidents, Tone Deaf, Pilerats, Scenestr, MILKY, Aus Music Scene and more.

Wesley Black’s newest single ‘King Of The World’ and accompany music video are out now.

Follow Wesley Black

Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Bandcamp

Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud | Triple J Unearthed

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Useless Spaceman Release New Single ‘Safe and Sound’ Ahead of Forthcoming Debut Album

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written by the partae

Fully equipped with their bold punk attitudes, abstract psychedelic production and eccentric storytelling, Melbourne indie outfit Useless Spaceman are releasing their new, high-energy single ‘Safe and Sound’ (out April 1) ahead of their debut album, ‘The Marlboro Man Rides Again’ (Out April 29).

Debuting in 2016, the dynamic four-piece have been capturing attention with their zesty guitar-pop melodies, shining sonic wit and obvious mateship, leading to 2019 release ‘Brunswick West’ and then sharing the stage with such artists as The Great Emu War Casualties, Jurrasic, The Rollercanes, Admiral Ackbar’s Dishonourable Discharge and more.

Rolling into 2022, Useless Spaceman are bringing their eclectic sound to new single ‘Safe and Sound’, an animated track featuring twists and turns that rival even the most intense emotional turmoil. Powered by plucky electric guitar chords, the song begins with accented percussion and Michael Downes’ vocals, tinged with their discernable indie-rock gravel. Boasting the instrumental warmth of contended rock, the chorus suddenly expands, joined by lush backing vocals and a powerful guitar riff that runs wild with unchecked feeling.

Emotions run high in the next verse with propulsive percussion and snappy melodies, transitioning into a stirring bridge of uplifting vocal harmonies. Finally, a climactic eruption of renewed passion is punctuated by a thrashing lead guitar solo, acting as a desperate reminder that letting go ain’t easy.

Written about the dying days of a couple’s romantic relationship, ‘Safe and Sound’ details a rollercoaster ride of emotions, conveyed through the band’s witty songwriting, as they explain:

“The narrator realises the end is near and begins spiralling into a pit of self-pity, drunkenness and despair, finding their only comfort ‘on the cold and dirty ground’. Their emotional downfall culminates with a quiet moment of sensible reflection, followed by a climactic burst of renewed passion for the person they once believed would be their partner for life.”

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Set The Record

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

We’re based out of Brisbane.

 

How did you first start playing music?

Ian and I found each other on a musicians website in the classifieds section… they used to be a thing back in the day. We then reached out to other people we knew within our networks to find everyone else. We’ve had 2 new members since forming, but once we all had an obligatory day of hanging out and eating pizza (gotta honor those pop punk roots), that was it. I couldn’t think of a better bunch of guys to be squished next to for hours on end while touring in a disproportionately small car.

 

What’s been happening recently?

Our guitarist Rohan just had his first child, so he’s been learning how to nail Dad jokes and dodge wee in between shows. The rest of us have been doing a bunch of stuff behind the scenes preparing for this release. But now that’s out, it’s back to working on our live show… aka booking a practice room and talking shit for hours, oh yeah… and playing music.

 

Your album ‘Time To Breathe’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

This album is like a time capsule of the past few years. Each of us have really meaningful songs on there, or parts of songs that are real life. Whether that be heartbreak, falling in love… or looking at where you’ve come from or where you might be at – the release is influenced by our lives.

 

How did you go about writing the album?

We had taken a bit of a break prior to recording, so we had a fair few complete songs that we’d worked on during that time. We also had a lot of ‘songs in progress’ and random ideas that needed sorting. So we decided to book a writing/pre-production session over a few days with Troy Brady (ex Amity Affliction). He brought a new perspective to things and helped us narrow the list, focus on the good, bin the bad and finalise the outline of the album.

 

What does this album mean to you?

This album represents a turning point for the band. I feel like we’ve stepped out from the shadow of our youth, and embraced a deeper, more honest side of ourselves. This vulnerability has given us more depth – something we were lacking in before. I know for a lot of us it also represents a release to all of those feelings and situations. It feels good to finally have it out there.

 

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

We recorded in Brisbane in early 2020 with Troy Brady as our engineer and producer. Beau McKee mastered the album.

 

How did you approach the recording process?

After our pre-production and writing session with Troy, we booked in with him to get to work. We’d already done a lot to refine the tracks, so we really just needed to figure out what our ‘new’ sound would be. It was important that we honored our pop-punk roots, while expanding and modernising our sound. We had a rough idea and a few loose references, but once Troy started recording he really helped bring the album to life.

 

Please tell us about your single ‘Give Me a Second’ how it came about and what the tracks mean to you?

As a band, our music has always been quite “positive”, with our lyrics usually looking at the bright side of every situation. For this track (and many off the album) we wanted to be more honest and transparent about those less desirable times. Times when you know you’ve fucked up, or feel hopeless and there’s nothing left to do but scream and beg for forgiveness. Nothing but time will help. For me, this song is an expression of that feeling of helplessness and sometimes you just need to sit with those emotions, put a soundtrack to your feelings, and let time do its thing.

 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

We have extremely varied tastes and right now it’s everything from pop powerhouses like Adele and Ed Sheeran through to Halsey, or BMTH, ADTR and MGK. I personally love me some pop punk/emo so lately I’ve been vibing with Super American. Also, loving the new music our old friends in Stand Atlantic have been releasing – ‘hair out’ is a freakin’ bop.

 

What do you like to do away from music?

I enjoy a cheeky beach trip with my girlfriend and our dogs – or anywhere out in nature. I also ride motorbikes and find that a lot of my creative thoughts come when I’m riding.

 

What’s planned for 2022?

We just released an album, so we’re going back to what we love most: live shows. We want to share our music with as many people we can this year, and nothing beats the energy from a bunch of like-minded people jamming out together. We’re also starting to bring together some ideas for new songs, so probably a bit of writing too.

 

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Anywhere there’s seafood. I will eat the shit out of a moreton bay bug… oh, and Guzzies – classic.

Favourite place to hang out is at band practice. Couple of beers with some of your best mates talking shit and jamming… nothing better.

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Daffodils announce new EP + share blissed out new single ‘How Do You Know?’

by the partae
written by the partae

DAFFODILS ANNOUNCE NEW EP +
BLISSED-OUT NEW SINGLE ‘HOW DO YOU KNOW?’

STAY THE NIGHT EP OUT JUNE 17

+ TOURING AUSTRALIA THIS APRIL
ALONGSIDE THE LAZY EYES SUPPORT

Photo by Tom Grut

PRAISE FOR DAFFODILS

“Certified earworm”
Frankie Magazine

“Energetic”
Coup De Main

“Gloomy synth-pop vibe”
Sniffers

“Refined songwriting and production”
Purple Sneakers

“Introspective and reflective lyricism”
MILKY

Aotearoa / NZ-based indie four-piece Daffodils today share the news of their forthcoming EP Stay The Night, set for release on 17 June. With the announcement, they also share their new single ‘How Do You Know?’. LISTEN HERE.

Following last year’s ‘House Across The Street’, Daffodils enter the new year with ‘How Do You Know?’, complete with their sentimentally vintage sound, they channel the familiar 80’s new wave through an atmosphere that builds on fresh percussion, pop-laced keys and reverberating vocals, highlighting their distinctive brand of music that is equally introspective and reflective.

On the track, the band reveal that “How Do You Know? is about finding substances as a way of coping with the shit that life throws at you, and how easy it is to fall into a cycle of dealing with things by just tapping out of reality. It’s easy to push people away when you’re convinced that you’re capable of solving all your problems on your own, and this song kind of looks at how it feels when you’re stuck in that cycle.”

Daffodils are one of those bands that everyone thinks they discovered first. Since emerging in 2016 after meeting at a 1975 concert, the project of Isaac Keating, Jade Bryham, Louis Graham and Theo Spike Salmon has won hearts and warmed up stages for international artists Foals and Orville Peck, as well as share festival lineups including Laneway Festival, Nest Fest and Rhythm & Vines with the likes of Rex Orange County, Clairo and Parquet Courts.

Pairing tender and brooding lyricism with youthful instrumentalism, Daffodils continue their trajectory that has garnered support across FBi Radio. 2SER, RTR FM and Edge Radio, with fans hailing from their homestead in Aotearoa / New Zealand and beyond. On their forthcoming second EP Stay The Night, Daffodils explain it “is about things changing, losing people, and learning from the things you do when you’re younger. It’s about my experience with how hard it is to let stuff go, and how hard it is to detach yourself from regrets and painful parts of the past, which often tend to overwhelm all the good things that happen. Each song is kind of a different introspection, about different aspects of growing up.”

They have also announced they will be making their Australian live debut with forthcoming performances along the east coast this April, supporting The Lazy Eyes in Naarm/Melbourne at the Northcote Social Club alongside a string of Eora/Sydney appearances at The Royal in Bondi and The Vic On The Park in Marrickville. More details and ticket information below.

DAFFODILS
Stay The Night
EP out 17 June 2022

‘How Do You Know?‘ is out now, buy/stream it here.

TOUR DATES
Thu April 21 – The Royal Bondi, Eora / Sydney (FREE ENTRY)
Fri Apr 22 – The Vic On The Park, Eora / Sydney (FREE ENTRY)
Sat Apr 23 – Northcote Social Club, Naarm / Melbourne* (TIX)

*supporting The Lazy Eyes

Stay connected with Daffodils:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Soundcloud

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Festival NewsMusic News

Gretta Ray touring Australia in June 2022!

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written by the partae
Secret Sounds & WME present
GRETTA RAY
BEGIN TO LOOK AROUND TOUR 2022
BRISBANE | SYDNEY | MELBOURNE | ADELAIDE | FREMANTLE
Tickets on sale from 12pm local today, Thursday 14 April
Secret Sounds is thrilled to announce the charming Australian indie-pop artist Gretta Ray will be touring Australia in June, playing shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Fremantle.

When Gretta Ray hits the stage the crowd immediately feels her energy through her signature storytelling, warm lyrics and songs that take the audience through a journey of emotions

Gretta Ray started on her music path at just five years old, singing in her community choir. At eight she was playing the piano and by early high school she was teaching the school choir and band her songs. Gretta had her first solo debut on stage at a small Melbourne club at sixteen years old with an acoustic guitar in hand. Not too long after at just seventeen, her first set of demos with Josh Barber (Gotye) were released as an indie EP Elsewhere.

In the midst of her final years of high school Gretta won triple j’s Unearthed High and the prestigious Vanda & Young Songwriting Award in 2016 for her high rotation hit, ‘Drive’. During this heady period, she would often find herself writing essays in hotel rooms, sending them off from an Uber on the way to soundcheck, playing shows to 500 people and the very next day flying back to Melbourne to walk into class.

Her 2018 indie EP Here and Now was partly recorded in Nashville along with a diverse array of exploratory singles: ‘Re:Stacks’, a Bon Iver cover with Dustin Tebbutt, ‘Better’ with Japanese Wallpaper and her own, ‘Heal You In Time’.

Gretta’s latest release, the wondrous and empowering 2021 coming of age record, Begin To Look Around, chronicles the journey of a young artist navigating the winding lanes of womanhood, romance, heartbreak, travel and friendship. The making of the bold, layered and colourful pop album took place in Melbourne, Sydney and her adopted home of London with a stellar array of writer-producers working at the vanguard of modern pop. The result is a thoughtful, crafted, hairbrush-singable body of work that has seen Gretta nominated for ARIA’s ‘Breakthrough Artist’ as well as ‘Australian Album of the Year’ at the J Awards of 2021.

Get ready to sing the night away to Gretta Ray’s killer hooks and powerful harmonies when she plays across the country in June. Tickets go on sale from 12pm local today via secretsounds.com.

Gretta Ray Australian Headline Tour Dates
Thursday 02 June 2022 – The Outpost – Brisbane
Wednesday 08 June 2022 – Oxford Art Factory – Sydney
Thursday 09 June 2022 – Corner Hotel – Melbourne
Thursday 16 June 2022 – Jive – Adelaide
Saturday 18 June 2022 – Mojos Bar – Fremantle

Tickets
Tickets on sale from 12pm local Thursday 14 April via secretsounds.com 
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Nostalgic Events & Bunjil Place Presents: Rise Of South Sudan (R.O.S.S.) Music & Arts Festival, 2022

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Header image

Nostalgic Events & Bunjil Place Presents: Rise Of South Sudan (R.O.S.S.) Music & Arts Festival, 2022
 

Featuring a curated edit of South Sudanese-Australian musicians, artists and creators leading the charge.

 

 

MELBOURNE, Australia. March 2022. On April 16th, Nostalgic Events and Bunjil Place will host the 2022 edition of Rise Of South Sudan (R.O.S.S.) Music and Arts Festival — the third annual celebration of South Sudanese-Australian musical and creative talent.

Set in the community hub of Bunjil Place in Melbourne’s South-East, this year’s festival will feature a line-up of thirteen artists and creators. From r’n’b and hip hop to neo-funk and rock’ n soul, for one night only, South Sudanese musicians of varying genres will take the stage, alongside poets, storytellers, dancers and performance artists.

R.O.S.S. was conceptualised in 2017 by Nostalgic Events director Kush K. T. Kuiy as a benefit concert to fund the building of a maternal and child health hospital in South Sudan.

While the idea that sparked the concept has shifted to the end goal, the founders’ short-term mission is focused on artist amplification and exposure, providing a platform for South Sudanese-Australian creatives to share their stories through their chosen artistic medium. In Kush’s own words:

“The idea for R.O.S.S. was born upon my father’s return from visiting family in Ethiopia and South Sudan. He was disturbed and upset by the state of maternal and child healthcare in our communities back home. I was an optimistic 20-year-old at the time, and while I didn’t know how to build a hospital, I knew I could put on an event to bring attention to the issue and raise money to go towards the cause. At this point, I proposed the idea to J.D. (R.O.S.S. ‘s creative director), who immediately shared my vision.”

The idea generated interest among Kush and J.D.’s creative and musical peers, who came together to discuss the specifics of the proposed benefit concert — the line-up, the name, the messaging and all things in between. Here, the acronym R.O.S.S.was established as both a play on their country’s name, the Republic of South Sudan, and as a manifestation of the republic’s social and political ‘rising’. Kush reflects:

“I love thinking about the origin story of R.O.S.S. because it all started so beautifully, with a bunch of very young people, sitting in my living room, talking about this dream”.

 

R.O.S.S.Artists;  Prez, Jacki Tut, Tebir

With a vivacious and growing South Sudanese diaspora located in the South-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne, keeping the event local was of the utmost importance. With both directors also residing in the South-East, it simply made sense to provide an offering that would cater to and involve the local community:

“As an independent producer, 99% of my practice is based in the South-East; providing platforms for local creatives to perform and bringing arts and culture to the precinct”, says Kush. “I want audience members and artists alike, to feel like we have our own culture here that we can be proud of.”

On the artistic direction behind this year’s festival, J.D.’s creative concept was inspired by the local community’s resilience, strength, and endurance, with the theme acting as a reminder that the only person you are in competition with, in art and life, is yourself. J.D. elaborates:

“We live in a competitive world, and sometimes it may feel like society has cast a powerful trick on you to constantly feel pressured to compete with one another. I like to believe that the only person we truly have to fight or face at the end of every turmoil is ourselves.”

The biggest and most considered event to date, R.O.S.S. Music and Arts Festival, 2022, will host an eclectic assortment of incredible artists, making waves locally and fast becoming ones to watch within the national music landscape.

 

 

Clockwise from left; Akelough (visual artist), YTS Gucciboi, AG Johnson, Jag

Here, the uplifting melodies of AG Johnson, Jag, Jacki Tut, and Achai will enlighten and inspire, while lyrical powerhouses Nyareth and Flora Chol command the floor with their creative forms of musical activism.

On the hip hop tip, industry heavyweights Malesh P & Flexx will deliver their mindful musings alongside the artistic prowess of YTS Gucciboi and PREZ, the sonic splendour of Mike Wang, and the music-meets-performance-art of Tèbir and his band. Also on show will be the kaleidoscopic artwork of Mr Unique and A.Costa, providing vibrant visual accompaniment to all performing artist’s repertoires.

 

R.O.S.S.Artists; Achai Ross, Flora Chol & Mike Wang

Both Kush and J.D. proclaim that this year’s festival will be the most highly produced and considered yet. Kush continues:

“Attendees can expect a dynamic and seamless show this year. We’ve upped our game as far as production goes to include high-quality sound, lighting and visuals, giving the show an atmospheric element never seen before at R.O.S.S. Providing the best tools to ensure our line-up of incredible artists can perform to the best of their abilities was paramount in creating this year’s festival,” says Kush.

Kush and J.D are dreaming big at the prospect of R.O.S.S.’s future, with plans for international iterations and an eventual homecoming to South Sudan:

“Kush and I talk about taking R.O.S.S. back to South Sudan one day”, says J.D. “We hope in future to host bigger events and festivals worldwide, showcasing the amazing talent of young South Sudanese communities and the African diaspora as a whole.”

Kush Headshot JD headshot

R.O.S.S founders; Kush & JD

This year’s showcase was made possible by Nostalgic Events, Bunjil Place, Creative Victoria and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

FULL LINE-UP

Ag Johnson

Jag

Nyarath Gatkuoth (poet)

Flora Chol (poet)

A.costa (visual artist)

PREZ

Tèbir

Jacki Tut

Mike Wang

Achai

Lee (dancer)

Mr. Unique (visual artist)

YTS Gucciboi

Malesh P & Flexx

MEDIA NOTES

Event Details: 

Date: Saturday 16th April 2022

Location: Bunjil Place Theatre, 2 Patrick Northeast Drive, Narre Warren, AU 3805

Time: Doors open: 5pm. Showtime: 6pm-8pm

Ticket link HERE.
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Mia Dyson ‘Parking Lots Anniversary Tour

by the partae
written by the partae

Off the back of the 15-year anniversary reissue of her ARIA Award-winning 2005 album Parking Lots, Australian icon Mia Dyson is thrilled to return home to celebrate the belated milestone event with her east coast fans, albeit little further down the road.

After plenty of rescheduling, the seasoned Australian artist will take to the road this Autumn for a month-long tour across NSW, VIC, and TAS for her first live performances in well over a year. Tickets are on sale now and selling fast! For those who already snagged tickets to Mia’s previously announced March or November 2021 shows, these will be valid for the rescheduled 2022 dates.

“I’m sorry to say we had to reschedule the Parking Lots tour again. Everyone has been doing it tough during COVID, especially our beloved live music venues. I think this time, we really will get to play the Parking Lots album for you and celebrate the 15th (well…now 16th) anniversary of its release. I CAN’T WAIT to return to Australia to see you and play :)” – Mia Dyson

In her two-decade long career, Mia Dyson has been nominated for five ARIA Awards with Parking Lots taking out ‘Best Blues and Roots Album’ in 2005. She was the inaugural recipient of Double J’s Artist Of The Year at the 2014 J Awards following the release of her Australian classic LP Idyllwild, and has had four albums up for AIR Awards with The Moment earning her a nomination for ‘Song Of The Year’ at the 2013 APRA Awards. Mia Dyson’s extensive career has seen her support the likes of Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt and Joe Cocker, and most recently touring extensively with her supergroup Dyson Stringer Cloher.

Heading back into the studio in 2020 to revisit five songs from the album, Mia’s Parking Lots (Revisited) EP sheds new light on a selection of her favourite cuts from the record. From beloved single ‘Roll Me Out’ to the stunning homage of motherly love on ‘Rivers Wide’, and the simple yet captivating title track to the empowering ‘Choose’ and heartbreaking ‘I Meant Something To You Once’, the EP captures the sheer musical mastery of an artist who continues to redefine the blues and roots genre, 15 years on, with the rest of her expansive career still to come.

Parking Lots 15th Anniversary Tour 2022 Tour Dates:
**ALL SHOWS SELLING FAST**
Friday 22 April – The Lansdowne – Sydney NSW
Thursday 28 April – Sooki Lounge, Belgrave VIC
Friday 29 April – Caravan Club, Archies Creek VIC
Saturday 30 April – Sandy Point Music Club, Sandy Point VIC
Sunday 1 May – Birregurra Hall, Birregarra VIC
Friday 6 May – Howler, Melbourne VIC
Saturday 7 May – Theatre Royal, Castlemaine VIC
Sunday 8 May – Macedon Railway Hotel, Macedon Ranges VIC
Friday 13 May – Republic Bar, Hobart TAS
Saturday 14 May – Meander Hall, Meander TAS
Sunday 15 May – The Palais Theatre, Huon Valley TAS
Saturday 21 May – Bellingen Brewery, Bellingen NSW
Sunday 22 May – Lizotte’s, Newcastle NSW

Tickets on sale now miadyson.com

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Mia Dyson Facebook
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Mia Dyson Twitter
Mia Dyson Spotify
Mia Dyson YouTube
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