the partae

Indie Con, Australia’s only conference focusing on the independent music industry, is only 3 days away and is set to be held as an online event, with thanks to the South Australian Government.
The conference will have a future-thinking focus, with topics ranging from streaming, new tech options for artists and labels, and how the industry can progress to be a more inclusive space for all.
Highlights include Music As Part Of Developing Tech, which will cover AR, VR, music and the gaming world and everything in between.
Code Of Conduct For The Music Industry, which will discuss ways in which it can be better for the people that work within it.
Livestreaming & Releasing Music In Lockdown, two separate panels which will cover how artists and labels can continue to monetize and protect rights in a brave new post-COVID world.
And an interview between Ollie Wards, ex triple j, newly appointed director of music for Tik Tok Australia, and Jeremy Sirota, CEO of Merlin, global music rights agency.

Indie Con is free for AIR members, trade association members of WIN and members of other Australian Industry bodies. Register for Indie Con now HERE

Full list of speakers and program can be found HERE 

As well as Indie Con, AIR and the South Australian Govt are presenting the AIR Awards on Oct 1^st, which will be held as a hybrid event and is free to watch on  YouTube. Save the date and watch the show live HERE

@ausindies | @australianindies | @southaustralia | #AusIndies | #indieconaus | #ADLCoM | #SeeSouthAustralia | #ADLcityofmusic

“The latest single from their third album, ‘Ahmed’ sees Immigrant Union once again prove their worth as leaders of the Melbourne music scene.” 
– Rolling Stone

“A rollercoastering collection of folk infused psychedelia that certainly won’t betray your high expectations of the band.” – Francis Tait, Trouble Juice

“It is an excellent album. I mean a properly excellent album, full of twangy psychedelia, slow burning jams, urgent surfy guitars and hypnotic, slinky grooves.” – The Mad Mackerel (UK)

Off the back of their recently released and well-loved third album JUDAS, Australian-American outfit Immigrant Union are pleased to reveal a new video for their standout single ‘Ahmed’. Recorded in Melbourne and mixed in Portland, Oregon, JUDAS showcases Immigrant Union’s signature Americana elements with psych-rock in their most explorative sound yet. Focus single ‘Ahmed’ is driven by a groovy bassline beneath sharp lyricism, distorted guitar riffs and toe-tapping percussion, creating the perfect soundtrack for director and long time friend, Alexander Francis to work his magic.

“Ahmed is the latest single from our new album JUDAS. To help bring the single to life we collaborated with director and long time friend, Alexander Francis. Francis wrote up a killer treatment for the video that we loved immediately. He took our initial video idea of commentary on the trap of missing moments due to being submerged in the bullshit of one’s phone and extended on that beautifully. Ahmed, lyrically tells the story of a refugee trying to make their way to London. It also comments on ignorance surrounding the plights of refugees. Ahmed is a journey and Francis was able to take that journey and spin it into a journey of his own all the while allowing the themes of the song to breathe through his new creation.”
– Bob Harrow, Immigrant Union

Featuring The Dandy Warhols’ Brent DeBoer and boasting Aussie indie rock icon Courtney Barnett and her bandmates as former members, Immigrant Union are a local band with international rock royalty heritage. JUDAS is the first record to feature relative newcomers Ben Street (bass) and Paddy McGrath-Lester (drums) who join founding members Brent DeBoer, Bob Harrow and Peter Lubulwa in their 10+ year reign of Melbourne’s world-class psych underground.

Judas is out now via Cheersquad Records & Tapes

‘Ahmed’ Video Credits:
Written and Directed by Alexander Francis
Shot by Alexander Francis on location at Mitchelton Wines, Nagambie, Vic, Aus.
‘Ahmed’ taken from Immigrant Union’s album JUDAS
‘Ahmed’ written by Harrow / Deboer

Immigrant Union band members:
Brent DeBoer
Bob Harrow
Peter Lubulwa
Ben Street
Paddy McGrath-Lester

Immigrant Union Facebook

Immigrant Union Instagram

Immigrant Union Twitter

Immigrant Union Spotify

Immigrant Union Website

STREAM ‘NEWSCAPISM’ HERE

‘Holding his own alongside true icons, big things clearly beckon for this London selector’ – DJ Mag

See an introduction to Hollis Parker HERE

SOSURE MUSIC
HOLLIS PARKER – ‘NEWSCAPSIM’
OUT NOW

Pure House from an emerging name is rare – the kind of sound that you would expect to hear from the greats, Masters at Work, Dennis Ferrer, Honey Dijon, Kerri Chandler, CJ Mackintosh…  This is the authentic real deal from Hollis Parker and his new album Newscapism. He is a unique DJ who crafts his productions with a touch of the old-school NYC production style with added hip hop feel and jazz fusion style, but with a totally contemporary and fresh approach, effortlessly holding his own against the above greats and an artist to take note of.

New York (Queens) born and London based, his roots really shine through with regards to his production style.  First turning heads with his 2014 ‘Sunshine’, edit of Roy Ayres dreamy classic ‘Everybody Loves The Sunshine’ setting a standard, he then released further vinyl only house E.Ps on his own co-owned imprint SoSure Music. Soon after, he cemented himself into the scene with his first critically acclaimed album ‘Last Raw Era’ (2016) a work full of sub-bass and sass and establishing his ongoing style.

The Last Raw Era was an album inspired by his time in NYC, a musical diary of his feelings and emotions after a breakup, with the songs reflecting exactly how he felt; documenting particular moments in time for him. Punctuated with clips and samples from film and constructed in a way many hip-hop artists would present their work.

His new album Newscapism is produced in the same way, a natural extension of his last album, continuing the story, reflecting his final 24 hours in the city and his move away to a new life. The tracks individually examining what was holding him there and why he had to move away. Continuing the narrative, naturally bringing you to the next chapter in his life with a new city, new loves and new adventures.

Using samples to create a collage of different feels and structures in his tracks like ‘Can’t Let Go’ exhibiting the emotion of a reluctance to leave, full of energy, pace and floating piano keys and a driving kick, house production at its finest.  With diverse tempo’s and feels featuring throughout ‘The Way You’re Making Me Feel’ is slightly low slung but still dreamy in its feel.  Moving onto ’Uptown Sunday Morning (AKA Flashback), with more sub-bass, spoken word and jazz elements, it is then followed by the interlude ‘Reasons For Leaving’ giving further insight int the city.

Further pace, guitar licks and house mastery are introduced on City Blues, and a homage to the big apple in ‘A Page About Manhattan’ and then onto ‘A Fair Goodbye’ closing out his NYC story and bringing his album to a subtle end. This is a cohesive and emotional collection of pure house tracks and joy to hear in its entirety.

Hollis Parker has managed to consistently put out material that pays homage to his roots both in Hip Hop, Jazz, Jazz Fusion and House, garnering support from heavyweights such as Larry Heard, DJ Sneak, Charles Webster and Joyce Muniz to name a few.  This is undoubtedly a name that many of you will first discover and subsequently pay attention to.

Hollis Parker ‘Newscapsim’ is out now on SoSure Music

Connect with Gorgon City

It seems like just yesterday that Dutch artist Eelke Kleijn’s third album ‘Moments Of Clarity’ was unleashed on the world, such has been its staying power. Its follow-up was well within the works before the world flipped on its head, but the time off touring has allowed him to pour all his focus into crafting another masterpiece in the form of ‘Oscillations’.

STREAM OR BUY HERE

Another masterclass in melancholy and the spaces between the dancefloor and the home stereo, ‘Oscillations’ is a stunning listen that features a handful of carefully-picked vocalists. Young Dutch talent Josha Daniel sets the tone on the haunting title track, where sorrowful string swells gently support his achingly delicate vocal. He returns for the soaring, club-ready euphoria of ‘Distance’, while former The Boxer Rebellion frontman Nathan Nicholson brings a dramatic rendition to the moody electro chug of ‘Taking Flight’. Another Amsterdam local, Diana Miro, brings mellifluous harmony to the progressive breakbeat stylings of ‘You’. Previous singles ‘The Magician’, ‘Woodstock’ and ‘The Hierophant’ sound even more glorious as part of this complete body of work, providing dancefloor staples which are resplendent in melody and atmosphere and driving intent. ‘Control’ is another high-energy highlight, with its huge electro breakbeat rhythm, fizzing vocoders and spine-tingling melodies. Ambient passages ‘M87’ and ‘Tide’ lay on endlessly unfolding synth sequences, acting as palette cleansers of sorts, while ‘Lifetime’ indulges some of Kleijn’s Balearic-minded, sunset-drenched tendencies. It’s a perfectly balanced listen, with just the right mixture of moods and energies and not a second too long or short. Its glorious sonics are equally matched by the album’s refined, wall-worthy artwork by ARIA-nominated artist, Jack Vanzet. And while fans will have to make do with this excellent new album for the moment, the prospect of a full hybrid live/DJ audio-visual show to support it at some point in the hopefully-not-too-distant future is positively mouthwatering. Not everyone has been lucky enough to benefit from the last couple of months, but Kleijn has been able to use his time very well indeed, incubating another masterful project. Releasing one exceptional album after the other, Eelke Kleijn is and remains an outstanding artist. To celebrate this fourth studio album, ‘Oscillations’ is also available on vinyl.

ORDER THE VINYL HERE

‘Oscillations’ is out now on DAYS like NIGHTS

About Eelke Kleijn Three albums into a well established, yet still rapidly ascending career, Kleijn is an artist very much in his element. In the grand scheme of things, he’s an underground artist, but one who has effortlessly made the jump into the wider world when the time and opportunity have felt right. With a background playing piano, guitar, and bass and a healthy sideline in composing for film and TV, his productions are imbued with a deep sense of musicality and emotion. Remixing for the likes of John Legend, Pendulum, James Newton Howard & Jennifer Lawrence, and scoring Hollywood blockbusters like Rush, Parker, and This Means War, Eelke Kleijn really excels in everything he sets his mind to. His latest artist album ‘Moments Of Clarity’ is the apex of his work so far, combining deep house and techno in perfect harmony. His multi-faceted platform ‘DAYS like NIGHTS’ emcompasses a label, a radio show, a podcast, and spectacular parties, firmly establishing him as one of the scene’s most creative and pioneering producers.

CONNECT W/ EELKE KLEIJN

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Soda State have now made their mark with the debut release, ‘The Look’. A 2020-rework of Metronomy’s 2011 track of the same name which introduced the duo to the ears of the wider music world. Arriving last month, the track set the standard of their signature sound and established Soda State as a ‘one to watch’ act for the new decade. Building upon a flurry of already promising early industry support, Soda State now return with their first original track titled ‘Midnight’.

“So we started this crazy journey with The Look, and since then we’ve been living in the studio, trying to recapture the magic that sent us to Soda State first time round. … And then it happened again. We made it through the portal. This is Midnight.”  Soda State

It was two unsuspecting friends, who whilst making electronic music with home-made gadgets, managed to open up an interdimensional portal with code, slipping into a parallel utopian paradise they call ‘Soda State’. They quickly return to reality as digital versions of themselves. Hypnotized by what they’ve experienced, M & Tracie can’t rest until they find their way back…

Here they present their new and latest pop meets dance track ‘Midnight’. Continuing the nostalgic energy and feel of their first release, ‘Midnight’ is bursting with funky guitar licks, pulsating disco and white-hot synths. With a hint of Italo Disco, it’s a slice of feel good dance with a super catchy vocal line, perfect on the radio or on your favourite playlist.

For those of you new to Soda State, think The Blaze meets Gorillaz. Soda State is a brand-new all-encompassing dance music project and virtual band, brilliantly conceptualised, totally original and are sure to be well recognised digital characters of the future.

Soda State come to us with fascinating and highly creative imagery. They are also lovers of all things retro, think video games, fashion, skating and of course, music. These traits make the characters come to life, with a raft of future music already planned for 2021 and beyond.

Soda State ‘Midnight’ is out now on Potion Records

Connect with Soda State

Dylan Josua – can’t stay

Dylan Joshua has returned with his newest offering ‘can’t stay’. Not one to be penned into strict genres of hip-hop or RnB, Dylan’s art could be defined at V&B – vibes and blues. The track creates the perfect balance of cool and dreamy vibes that maintains a spellbinding stream of consciousness that is effortlessly and melodically performed. With a weightless air and consistent flow that catches the attention, ‘can’t stay’ takes a look at the deep feelings within a relationship and his honest lyrics face up to the unfavourable parts of love and emotion. As the narrative evolves, Dylan paints a vivid picture in the mind of the listener that provides for a lyrical journey, led by pulsing beats and his stylised, distorted vocals. 

Magazines – Happy Alone

Magazines have built a reputation as the new indie darlings of the Irish music scene. The band dropped some debut releases last year and quickly garnered attention on the Dublin live music scene (before… well, you know). The group now return with new single ‘Happy Alone’, a fan favourite that is already being heralded as their best work to date.

Earl Gray Collective – This House

Earl Gray Collective’s new single ‘This House’ propels their artistry to a deeper and more musing level as the lyricism takes an introspective turn. The listener is taken on a story-like exploration of self understanding and realisation that is perfectly constructed as the track progresses. The fluidity of the instrumentals elegantly begin whilst emphatically building, defined by tender piano keys and rich, mellow guitar strums, coated in irresistable harmonic vocals. 

Kleopatra

Transporting electronic dark-pop to new heights, KLEOPATRA’s debut EP ‘Machina’ is a slick compilation of distorted yet silky vocals and psychedelic melodies. KLEOPATRA intriguingly blurs the lines between humanity and the digital, and compellingly highlights themes of dystopia throughout her craft. With a stand out offering, KLEOPATRA’s sound is strikingly powerful, and provides for an electrifying listen. Each song’s lyricism progressively tells the story of heartbreak and mental health, and also covers topics of abstract thought and metaphorical observation, taking a look at the superficial and mechanical constructions of society. This dark-pop singer-songwriter, producer and visual artist combines modern electronic production with fresh smooth vocals – an android with human consciousness.

Don Barclay – Breathe

Scottish sensation Don Barclay’s new single ‘Breathe’ encapsulates his effortless, raw talent. With twangy instrumentals, and warm vocals, the track breathes life into classic indie-folk. His acoustic sound and stripped back style is beautifully soulful, portraying his natural musical talent to the best of its ability. By carefully honing his smooth tone, Don experiments in ‘Breathe’ by adding a   hip-hop inspired drum within the chorus, showing Don’s fearless approach to his music and in turn making the track exceptionally mellifluous. Taking influence from artists such as James Gillespie, Adam French, Dermot Kennedy, Ben Howard and MILKK, Don has refined his heartwarming craft to form a sound that is both exquisite and dreamy.  

Random Weekend – By The Lake House

A fusion of contradicting yet complimentary sounds, ‘Fire by the Lakehouse’ is a production powerhouse formulation by Random Weekend. Harbouring ethereal synth, pounding beats and topped with a mixture of Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L and Pook Hustle’s distinct rap bars, the four tracks ebb and flow with energy, incorporating a plethora of alternative, intoxicating sounds that take a fresh spin on trap. Random Weekend’s genre-blending, vivid vision is projected through their exclusive sound, and their playful, adventurous nature makes for something surely unheard. 

DayDream Frenzy – Nowhere I’d Rather Be

Daydream Frenzy drop feel good alt-rock track ‘Nowhere I’d Rather Be’. With an echoey tone, spirited instrumentals and Don Barclay’s authentic vocal tone, the track is as uplifting as it is edgy. Taking influence from the likes of Twin Atlantic, Biffy Clyro, The Hunna, Catfish And The Bottlemen and Don Broco, Daydream Frenzy’s sound is perfectly nostalgic yet refreshingly progressive. The song’s honest lyricism, focuses on positive emotions and harbours a slight element of tongue-in-cheek, all reflecting on Don’s personal journey, making for something truly musing.

Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L – Lavender

Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L’s new single ‘Lavender’ is a playful take on lust and love, with catchy lyrics and a pulsing beat, the song’s storyline is told through Breon’s adept rap flow and charming confidence. ‘Lavender’s’ accompanying visuals encapsulate the essence of both the lyrics and the title, with dusky purple hues captured in the shots with Breon and his female lead, along with sharp camera cuts and wide shots of Breon in his hometown of New York. Embodying his personality perfectly, the single exemplifies Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L as a standout talent, with his brand of Hip-Hop being highly relatable and equally powerful.

Rosita – 3am

Flourishing with silky vocals and a smooth irresistible melody, Rosita’s new single ‘3AM’ is both entrancing and effortlessly cool. This rising star adds a fresh twist to soulful pop, portraying slick R&B vocals through her emotive melodies and lyricism. Her soul-baring tone is fluent and accurate, with a contrast of vibrancy and dynamism. Taking influence from the likes of Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill, and most recently Summer Walker and Jorja Smith, Rosita’s tone is elegantly refined, and her music takes a fresh approach to classic styles.

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R3HAB teams up with indie-pop powerhouse Nina Nesbitt for his new single “Family Values,” a sultry house gem with a puckish title that doesn’t necessarily mean what the lyrics are about. The track delivers instrumental melodies that build up to a percussive drop with deep, bouncy basslines that fuse seamlessly with Nina‘s soulful vocals. “Family Values” sees R3HAB returning to a groovier sound, which invites listeners to the dance floor any time of day! It also follows his recent foray into the pop world with “love u again” with Olivia Holt and his remix of Jason Derulo‘s “Take You Dancing.” Check out what both R3HAB and Nina have to say about their exciting new collaboration below:

“I got to know Nina‘s voice when I remixed her ‘Somebody Special‘, and I’m happy we got to create ‘Family Values‘ together. Nina‘s writing style is clever and surprising, which makes working on songs exciting and fun. She’s got the best sense of humor and a fun outlook on the world, and I think our song captures that perfectly.” – R3HAB

“I’m so excited to collaborate with R3HAB for the second time after previously hearing him remix my song ‘Somebody Special.’ I wrote ‘Family Values‘ on a day off last festival season while sitting on a trampoline with a guitar, and it’s amazing to see where R3HAB has taken it and how it’s transformed since then.” – Nina Nesbitt

Dutch/Moroccan DJ and producer Fadi El Ghoul, better known as R3HAB, has been trailblazing his way through dance music for the better part of the last decade. From his breakthrough hit remix of Afrojack, Pitbull and Ne-Yo‘s “Give Me Everything” to his dance anthems, such as “All Around The World (La La La)” and “Lullaby,” which have collectively amassed over 600M streams, to his collaborations with the likes of ZAYN, Andy Grammer, Sofia Carson, Timmy Trumpet and more, R3HAB has proven to be one of the most talented and forward-thinking artists in the game. He partnered with Spotify and GATTÜSO to create the first-ever official “mint” single release. In 2016 he founded his label CYB3RPVNK, which passed one billion streams on its catalog within the first two years since the inception. R3HAB himself continues to evolve and diversify his sound by working with a variety of artists around the globe, experimenting with everything from hip-hop to pop through his collaborations. With his combination of innate artistry and innovative attitude, R3HAB is only beginning his journey. Keep an eye out for what’s up to next!

“If its lead single is anything to go by, the conceptual entity that is Night Air is undoubtedly on track to become one of the most immersive and intriguing releases shared this year.”
– Tyler Jenke, Rolling Stone

Sydney bedroom producer Tim Derricourt (Dappled Cities) has been writing and releasing music under his solo muse, Swimwear since his debut EP of 2012. Featuring the head-turning single ‘Easy High’, The Kissing Machine catalysed the first of three Swimwear EPs with follow ups, Low Summer and High Summer building upon Derricourt’s distinct low-fi sound and instantaneous impact both at home and abroad. Four years on and Swimwear is thrilled to announce the imminent arrival of his debut long play Night Air, with the first instalment ‘Happyness’ out today.

Inspired by Richard Yates’ 1962 novel Revolutionary Road and its images of suburban isolation and burnt out love, Night Air is a concept album traversing the explosive start and disintegration of a relationship, capturing feelings of midnight isolation and a world beckoning beyond. Trickled out over four chapters, Night Air begins with the wobbly disco of first single ‘Happyness’. Chapter One introduces a more introspective side to Swimwear’s song-writing, with ‘Happyness’ replacing the gated snares and driving kick of earlier work, and opting for a more atmospheric style, drawing on influences like The Blue Nile, Majical Cloudz and Brian Eno. The result is an ambient, misty world that perfectly captures those late-night feelings of isolation and uncertainty but also the simple, individual joy of being alone, on the road, after midnight, with nowhere to go and no one expecting you back.

STREAM / EMBED CHAPTER ONE: ‘HAPPYNESS’ 
STREAM / EMBED CHAPTER ONE: ‘HAPPYNESS’ VIA BANDCAMP

“Happyness is both the first single and first chapter of my debut record Night Air, the origin point of a tale of burning love and love burnt out. The song is a story of a night out, in the warm summer air and the ground humming beneath his feet, when anything and everything is possible.” – Swimwear

Off the back of multiple festival appearances and sold out headline shows with his psychedelic art rock band, Dappled Cities, Swimwear began its life at the coveted SXSW festival. It was there Derricourt was struck by performers such as Washed Out and Toro Y Moi, creating immersive, psychedelic dance music and performing it with joyful abandon, on stage, on their own. Over the next while, he knocked out a bunch of tunes on the road, on a laptop, combining the homespun DIY aesthetic of songwriters like Dan Deacon and Panda Bear with his love of grand pop crooners David Bowie, The Style Council, Pet Shop Boys and Damon Albarn. Three EPs on and the fruits of his labour have finally gifted us with the debut Swimwear LP Night Air slated for release sometime in 2020. Stay tuned for the release date.

Night Air Chapter One: ‘Happyness’ is out now via Believe
Spotify / iTunes / Apple Music / Bandcamp

Night Air Credits:
Written, recorded and produced by Tim Derricourt
Recorded and Mixed by Luke Bertoz at Ice Cream Alley
Mastered by William Bowden
Released by Believe Digital

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Building upon a wealth of musical influences and time spent developing and honing their artistry, Byron Bay trio The Buckleys present their debut album in Daydream. Released today (via Petrol Records/Universal Records/UMe), Daydream is the culmination of three young lives that have lived and breathed music, now striding out and embracing their own sonic identity.

A fusion of Country, Pop, Americana and Indie, Daydream is a sun-kissed collection of music that embodies the personalities and spirit of the Buckley siblings – Sarah (20), Molly (17) and Lachlan (19).

Between multidisciplinary artist and musician, Jay Jermyn, and musician, Julian Currie, Veople is an experiential sound and collaboration lingering in the space between tension and release through textural, house-orientated rhythms and electronic production.

Since their resurgence this year, the duo have shared the auditory rave of ‘Tilt‘ and the unrelenting post-rock cacophony of ‘Maverick‘, both picking up acclaim from international tastemakers including EARMILK, Dummy Mag, Stoney Roads, Acid Stag, Mystic Sons, FBi Radio, triple j Unearthed and more. ‘Empathy‘, Veople’s latest body of work, changes course yet again, charting unfamiliar musical landscapes—showcasing the group’s ability to hop across rock and electronic genres in an instant.

Photo Credit:  Rob Kuliesk