With new single ‘On Repeat’, Fremantle five piece Figurehead are cracking open a brand new chapter for themselves as a group.

They’re part of West Australia’s current wave of young artists adding their own unique flavour to the country’s indie rock tapestry; ‘On Repeat’ serves as an introduction to East Coast newcomers and for those playing at home, a reminder of the talents at play. In recent years, the band has been thriving off their expansion as a live unit, using what opportunities were available in 2020 to road test new music and prepare for a new year of music goodness.

Which brings us here: a three and a half-minute blissed out ride, indie rock built on a foundation of groove, melody and sun-kissed vibes.

Says Figurehead frontman Joe Caddy, ‘On Repeat’ explores feelings of paranoia and entrapment, particularly ‘those that manifest themselves whilst under the influence of psychedelic substances.’

“The main riff that initiated the song was the first thing I played when I picked up my new Fender Telecaster and the lyrics followed. The song initially had a longer run time and a different structure, but the short poppy skeleton of the song was in part, the vision of Dave Parkin of Blackbird Studios, who produced the song.”
Figurehead, Joe Caddy

Danish audio company AIAIAI demonstrates its ongoing commitment to creation with the unveiling of two new editions to its award-winning and uniquely modular TMA-2 range. Trusted by music creators and performers on the road, in the studio, and on stage, AIAIAI continues to set impressive new standards for component headphones.

Featuring an upgraded sound quality and focus on the evolving demands of the modern production environment, the new TMA-2 Studio and TMA-2 Studio XE models are professional modular studio headphones equipped with AIAIAI signature audio and superior comfort. Building upon the industry leading and history of the constantly evolving TMA-2 headphone, AIAIAI’s commitment in producing high-quality headphone ranges is at the forefront of its ethos. The new TMA-2 Studio range has been in development for a number of years, extracting and advancing the impeccable audio quality and design of the TMA-2 headphones which are used globally by creators. Working in collaboration with a network of audio professionals, the TMA-2 Studio headphones take all the defining features of the TMA-2 model to create two new editions, curated for the studio setting and to enhance dynamic workflow. Both editions are set to be released in mid-July.

A headphone for discerning music makers, the TMA-2 Studio features highly detailed audio from the signature bio-diaphragm driver which ensures precise and reliable audio and isolation for the creative process. The bio-cellulose speaker diaphragm is made of a bacterial cellulose, an organic compound grown using certain types of bacteria. Renewable and biodegradable, with powerful acoustic properties, the diaphragm is made up of a structure of fine fibres. These fibres construct a very solid but lightweight material making it ideal for a speaker diaphragm.

“We are inspired by the rapidly growing community of music makers. The entry barriers to music creation have never been lower and we’re excited to be part of it! With the Studio and Studio XE, we bring the best from years of collaboration with artists and the award-winning TMA-2 into the hands of more creative people all over the world.”
Frederik Jørgensen (AIAIAI, Co-founder)

Applauded for their sturdy build and responsible design, the new additions to the range continue with innovation; providing enhanced comfort in the form of indulgent and resilient ear cushions covered in Alcantara on the TMA-2 Studio model and lightweight vegan leather cups with the TMA-Studio XE respectively. With both the TMA-2 Studio and the TMA-Studio XE featuring AIAIAI’s awarding winning and industry first bio-diaphragm driver, the Alcantara ear cushions are the perfect pairing on the TMA-2 Studio model creating both high-level comfort and increased sound profile. The new inclusion of the lightweight vegan leather cups on the TMA-Studio XE offer higher sound isolation, resulting in an advanced and diverse workflow for users. Both new editions also include the C02 cable which has been a signature feature of the TMA-2 headphone making it an ideal asset for studio production.

Both models revolve around the TMA-2 Modular Headphone System, which since its launch in 2015 has now become an industry benchmark with the uniquely bespoke opportunity to upgrade individual parts, or change between different combinations, extending longevity of the product.

The latest editions to the range will be available from mid-July at SRP €229.00 for the TMA-2 Studio and at SRP €179.00 for the TMA-2 Studio XE. AIAIAI have also partnered with digital DJ and music production software company Serato, to offer an exclusive bundle when purchasing the TMA-2 Studio headphones. Consumers will receive a free, limited time monthly membership to Serato’s music production DAW, Serato Studio.

Find out more on the TMA-2 Studio and TMA-2 Studio XE.

KEY FEATURES OF THE TMA-2 STUDIO RANGE

Signature AIAIAI sound tuned for clarity and detail.
Critically acclaimed sound specifically designed for studio use with a clear and highly detailed sound representation. AIAIAI paired the biocellulose diaphragm with a high-grade neodymium magnet which resulted in a speaker unit that offers a clear mid-range better dynamic and a more natural overall tonality. When tuning the speaker unit special attention was given to the clarity in the mid-range without compromising the extension in the bass range. This results in a very wide soundstage with great instrumental separation.

Enhanced comfort with Alcantara®. (applicable to the TMA-2 Studio only)
Ultra-soft over-ear memory foam cushions covered with resilient, CO2 neutral, and highly comfortable Alcantara® ideal for longer sessions.

Bio-diaphragm speaker for enhanced accuracy.
Diaphragm precision-grown from bio-cellulose making it stiffer, lighter and stronger than regular PET speaker units. The biocellulose speaker diaphragm is made of a bacterial cellulose which is an organic compound that is grown using certain types of bacteria. Bio-cellulose is an interesting material for many reasons: it’s renewable biodegradable and it has great acoustic properties.

High quality cable.
High quality coiled cable extending up to 3.2m for flexible and lossless experience.

Responsible modular headphones – designed to last.
Upgrade and expand as technology or needs evolve to extend the functional lifetime of the product and create less waste for the planet.

Two-year warranty
To guarantee long term, reliable audio performance a two-year warranty is included.

ABOUT AIAIAI

Founded in 2006 in Denmark, AIAIAI is an audio company dedicated to developing premium products for music makers. Trusted for music creativity and in the most vigorous environments – on the road in the studio and on the stage. AIAIAI boasts a world-renowned network of professional music makers as part of its highly collaborative development process.

Driven by a responsible design philosophy the brand remains committed to doing things better. This is a foundational principle across all AIAIAI products and packaging. The materials used are carefully selected to reduce the environmental impact and ensure the products are designed to last. By designing for longevity, and with modularity the products can be upgraded as technology or needs evolve, extending the functional lifetime of the products.

Website: www.aiaiai.audio
Stay up to date: https://aiaiai.audio/stories

Connect with AIAIAI

Ruben Dawnson – Hold Your Head

This gem is the latest offering from the scandi-pop sensation Ruben Dawnson, and is jam packed full of grooving bass licks, warm keys and driving rhythms that leave you smiling from ear-to-ear. Loaded with summer cheer, this one will be sure to keep you moving.

Olive Featherstone – I’ll Be Sweet

Moody and all encompassing is the best way to describe Olive’s signature alternative-indie sound, with her newest work being tinged with a country and western feel whilst harking back to the likes of Jefferson Airplane. Following her glittering debut, ‘Opium Requiem’, Olive is certainly destined for great things.

PerfectParachutePicture – White Walls EP

This EP is a gluttony of gut-wrenching riffage that renders difficult to put down. The 4-track body of work is the band’s most triumphant release yet. Give it a spin, for goodness sake.

Katie Kittermaster – Out Of Love

Sifa – Angel Energy

Alex Stanilla – Crab

Hazel Mei – Fool

Alto Key – Things Will Change

Boy Untitled – Losing Time

Ines Rae – New Girl

Adoni – The Storm

Di Ivories – Offer My Spine

July 2 sees Sydney duo Dust Of Us unveil their meticulously crafted debut EP Never Had The Time – a collection of six songs that chart the arc in the Prescott brothers’ creative journey over the past two years. From the EP, they also share a brand new cut – ‘Surrender’ – the pair’s most upbeat track to date. 

Beginning with a pulsing synth and mellotron, the song soon blossoms and explodes into a huge chorus with hints of LCD Soundsystem, Pulp or Gang of Youths. 

“‘Surrender’ is about sliding doors moments; looking back at key pivot points in your life and wondering whether you made the right choice. It’s also about identity – the different masks we wear throughout the course of the day – and how we make little adjustments to our personality based on the situation we’re in. Which is also something we’re aiming to capture with the video.” 

Ed Prescott, Dust Of Us

All instruments on the EP were played by brother Ed and Lloyd Prescott, with the exception of guest vocals from UK-based Sydney ex-pat Jess Chalker on two songs. All six tracks were co-produced and mixed by Matthew Neighbour (The Avalanches, Matt Corby, Sky Ferreira).

The Never Had The Time EP features two new tracks in addition to previous Dust Of Us singles including ‘Punching Bag’, ‘The Swans’ and ‘7 Years’.  To hear all of this music threaded together paints a full picture for the listener of the fleshed out and textured soundscape that Dust Of Us have been developing over the past two years.

“My brother and I are incredibly proud of these songs. We’ve gradually been chipping away at them in my bedroom for the past couple of years; building them up brick by brick. Our music takes a while to  piece together because it’s quite layered – and also because we’re interested in so many different textures and genres. We have to give it time to understand what it is we’re making and how all the jigsaw pieces fit together.” Ed Prescott, Dust Of Us

PRAISE FOR DUST OF US

“Brilliant. Hard to believe this is just the second release from this brotherly duo.” 

 Mick Rad – 2SER, The Music

“Reminds me of the first time I heard ‘Unfinished Sympathy’ by Massive Attack. Get in now for maximum bragging rights.” 

Ryan Sahb, Radio Adelaide

“[4 stars] Wow! This just keeps taking turns that I’m not expecting but definitely loving.” 

Gemma Pike, triple j

“[4 stars] Love how this track develops over its course with some quietly sizzling energy. It’s a bit like LANKS meeting The xx..” 

Dave Ruby Howe, triple j Unearthed

Never Had the Time is released Friday, July 2nd.

Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube |  Triple J Unearthed

A Who’s Who of Rock ‘n’ Roll Production Talent Lend Their Expertise To The Project

http://www.andrepettipasandthegiants.com/

https://andre-pettipas-and-the-giants.prezly.com

Ivy League Records is incredibly proud to announce Tiny Little Houses’ long-awaited second album, Misericorde, will be released on Friday 19 November! Produced and mixed by long-time collaborator Steven Schram, the Melbourne-based quartet present a collection of fuzzed out yet intricate indie rock songs, through which singer, guitarist and chief songwriter Caleb Karvountzis lays his interior life bare and takes an unflinching look at the world around him, pulling no punches in the process. Misericorde will be released on digital, CD, limited edition light blue transparent vinyl & limited merch bundles and is available to pre-order now.

To coincide with the album announce, the band have released their new single ‘Smartest Guy’, described by Karvountzis as “an ode to foot in mouth disease”, turning the lens on himself & taking the piss out of his need to always have the last word. “It’s constantly getting me in trouble with people, but I just always have to have my little say and it’s not always a good thing,” he laughs. Watch the crooner-themed video below, complete with their signature TLH charm, starring Caleb and directed by Mike Ridley.

WATCH: ‘Smartest Guy’ by Tiny Little Houses

Tiny Little Houses have also announced new dates for their sold-out headline shows. Originally due to happen tonight, the band’s Sydney show at the Lansdowne will now take place on Wed 4 August, while their Melbourne show moved to Wed 14 July. On their second record, Misericorde, Tiny Little Houses search for salvation through suffering. “The idea behind the title is the only way to save yourself is through suffering,” says Karvountzis. “The misericorde, which was a knife used to deal the death blow to wounded knights, becomes this mercy that releases you from pain and suffering. It’s this concept that the suffering is good but also the ending of that suffering is good.” It wouldn’t be a Tiny Little Houses release if it didn’t bristle with a heartfelt intensity and Misericorde is no exception.  Written in a period where Karvountzis was testing himself with cold showers and long stretches of fasting – “Just trying to be like a monk and find myself and some peace again,” he says – don’t expect a re-run of the themes that preoccupied the band’s much-loved debut, Idiot Proverbs. This time around, Caleb and his bandmates – guitarist Sean Mullins, drummer Clancy Bond and bassist Al Yamin – have bigger fish to fry. Recorded in three, five-day sessions at Melbourne’s Sing Sing studios – considerably different to the log cabin where they recorded Idiot Proverbs – it was the first time the band had spent so long making an album and it allowed them the mental space to create the kind of expansive record they’d envisioned. Taking that extra time, while also challenging and trusting each other, has paid off in spades across all the album’s 13 tracks. Misericorde is the sound of a band throwing everything in their collective arsenal at a record, unafraid to push their sound into new territory.

TINY LITTLE HOUSES Headline ShowsWed 14 July – Corner Hotel, Melbourne – SOLD OUT Wed 4 August – The Lansdowne, Sydney – SOLD OUT

Tiny Little Houses – Misericorde Out Friday 19 November through Ivy League Records Pre-order here Misericorde tracklisting: 1. Cold Showers 2. Car Crash 3. Golden Boy 4. Smartest Guy 5. Emperor 6. Richard Cory 7. Misery 8. I’m Doing Just The Best That I Can 9. Take a Swing 10. Happy Piece of Gum 11. Some Aliens 12. Heavy Heavy 13. Holy Water

TINY LITTLE HOUSES

July 7, 2021 0 comments

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail