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Los Angeles, CA – Legendary punk/proto-punk guitar heroes, Rock’n’Roll Hall of Famer James Williamson of Iggy & The Stooges, and ARIA Hall of Famer Deniz Tek of Radio Birdman, have joined forces for a brand new, odds-defying studio album, Two To One, set to be released September 18 by Cleopatra Records. The album features 11 all-new original compositions highlighted by the first single “Stable” and the explosive lead-off track “Jet Pack Nightmare.”
Williamson and Tek met at a memorial show for founding Stooges guitarist Ron Asheton in 2011 and reconnected when Williamson finally made it to Sydney with Iggy & The Stooges in 2013. They’ve since become neighbours in Hawaii. Although generationally separated, they share roots in the fertile Ann Arbor/Detroit high energy rock scene of the late 60s and early ‘70s.
Williamson first took up with the Stooges in 1971 after the release of their second album, and was Iggy’s partner in crime when David Bowie brought the band back to make one of the most iconic and influential albums of all-time, Raw Power. Ann Arbor native Tek, thanks to a lengthy family stay in Sydney in 1967 which precipitated his move to study medicine at the University of NSW at the age of 19 in 1972, was starting to introduce the Ann Arbor/Detroit high energy sound to Australia with a nascent Birdman around the same time as the Stooges were falling apart in 1974.
The pairing of these two greats has a special emblematic significance that reflects the Stooges’ influence on Radio Birdman, and in turn both bands’ shared influence on a notable thread of Australian rock that has continued since the mid-‘70s.
Radio Birdman’s very name came from a (misheard) Stooges lyric, their first album was dedicated to the Stooges and it opened with a cover of the Stooges’ “TV Eye”. “Search & Destroy”, the iconic anthem from the seminal Williamson-era Stooges album Raw Power, was a live Birdman fave. Countless bands that followed in Birdman’s wake in Australia – from the Lipstick Killers to the Birthday Party to the Hoodoo Gurus to the Celibate Rifles to Bored – have cut their teeth on Stooges material.
The fact that the Stooges maintained a strong presence in the Australian musical psyche for decades, even before their early ’00s resurgence and despite never having toured or been played here originally, is very much down to Birdman’s efforts on their behalf. The new album thus reflects part of a great musical continuum. An Ann Arbor/Detroit and Australian rock’n’roll continuum. And it finds master and apprentice working as equals.
It’s not the first time that Deniz Tek has worked with a Stooges member. Having met Ron Asheton on a trip home during Birdman days (resulting in the Tek-Asheton Birdman co-write “Hit Them Again”), Tek enlisted Ron to play in the short-lived supergroup New Race in 1981, and he subsequently employed Ron’s brother Scott Asheton to play on and tour his first solo album in the early ‘90s. Tek even stood in for Ron for a short set of Ron-era material when the Stooges played that memorial show after Ron’s death.
It’s not even Tek’s first project with Williamson: the pair released an EP of acoustic Stooges covers a couple of years back. But it is the first time that Williamson and Tek – a Stooge and a Birdman – have collaborated as partners on a full album of new original material.
Williamson had this to say about the project; “It was really a lot of fun working with Deniz to make a no-frills, good old-fashioned guitar album. Took me back to Raw Power and Kill City days. Deniz comes from a very similar approach to music that I do, both of us have had many years of experience in Detroit and Ann Arbor, Michigan.”
Tek adds: “Raw Power shaped my path as a young guitar player. It was great to partner up with James to make this album. Everything fell into place beyond expectations – the songs, the band, the production, and even the timing. I am very happy with it.”
Two To One will be available on CD, digital and in your choice of red, blue, yellow or classic black vinyl!
Order the album: https://orcd.co/james_
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Today, Captured Tracks, Sharp Film and Larson Media have launched a Kickstarter campaign for the forthcoming documentary, The Jangling Man, the untold story of Cleaners From Venus’ Martin Newell. Though it would be wrong to say Newell is an “unknown“, he has never been directly in the limelight over the years and this film brings to light the amazing career and life work of the artist.
Martin Newell on The Jangling Man: “A film? About me? I’ve often wondered why that camera crew kept popping up everywhere. How marvelous! Can’t wait to see it.”
The documentary is being shot, directed and produced by James Sharp, co-produced and edited by Jim Larson, and features unseen performances and never-before-released footage from the extent of his career along with interviews from from John Cooper Clarke, Dave Gregory (XTC), Iain McNay (Cherry Red), Mac Demarco, Jessica Pratt, Zachary Cole Smith (DIIV), Jack Tatum (Wild Nothing) and more. The Kickstarter will be selling limited, exclusive merch, releases and more to help fund the project. Captured Tracks will also be reissuing Martin Newell’s acclaimed 1995 release, The Off-White Album, on vinyl for the first time. Kickstarters customers are able to pre-order it now as a reward for backing the documentary.
Considered by many to be an influential figure in the history of cassette culture and DIY recording, Martin has been an integral part of the British music scene since the 1970s, from glam rock and pop, to jazz, all the while keeping his glittery shimmer. He’s been produced by XTC’s Andy Partridge, and written for the likes of Captain Sensible of The Damned. Newell has also toured extensively with members of the Damned as his own backing band. During the 1990s Newell was one of the UK’s most-published poets as well as an established…gardener. It’s no wonder he has influenced the likes of Alphaville, MGMT, and Ariel Pink, to name a few. The life of Martin Newell may be one of the greatest untold stories of the music world.
The heady, heavily distorted vocal fits perfectly with the song, floating above a grooving acid bassline that bubbles underneath, hi-passed in the beginning to allow the party-starting vocal to shine. The drop sees the bass hit full throttle, driving the track alongside piercing hats, snares and a reverb-laden kick drum that places ‘LSD’ firmly in main-room anthem territory.
Kryder goes in hard on ‘LSD’, and displays a darker, more brooding side that stands out from his more progressive-leaning recent efforts, showcasing a versatility that underpins the Kryder ethos whilst still maintaining the trademark groove synonymous with his name. Grab your copy of ‘LSD’ when it drops, 31st July via Musical Freedom.
Two unsuspecting friends whilst making electronic music with home-made gadgets manage 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…
Think The Blaze meets Gorillaz, Soda State is a brand-new all-encompassing dance music project and virtual band, brilliantly conceptualised and animated, totally original and are sure to be well recognised digital characters of the future.
They bring us their debut release ‘The Look’ on Potion Records, the label that is famously headed by The Magician. This is a unique debut track, layered with 80s synths, kicking back beat and a beautiful euphoric vocal. Simultaneously contemporary and retro and a perfect slice of pop dance for those seeking a little nostalgia.
Taking influence from French House and iconic acts like Daft Punk, M83 and Duke Dumont’s Ocean Drive, Soda State incorporate the vibe and synth lines inspired by Digitalism, Cassius, Boys Noize and Gesaffelstein, all coming together to form their own inimitable signature sound.
“We want the music we create to take the listener into a place of escapism.
Lyrically, sonically and visually, there’s a sense of taking yourself away from
the world around you, whether giving yourself over to the moment or losing
yourself in a feeling of nostalgia. We call this feeling of escapism
‘The Soda State Of Mind’” – M & Tracie
The band come equipped with a fascinating back story, back in 2019, Mike “M” Ridley and Sam Tracie are in their garage recording studio in London. Using their laptops, classic analogue synths and an array of gadgets they’ve wired themselves, they stumble on a sound, a combination of 0’s and 1’s in digital code that unexpectedly opens an interdimensional portal, transporting them to an alternate reality: the Soda State.
Transformed into digital versions of themselves, M and Tracie find themselves in a utopian world. Euphoric and intoxicating feeling both nostalgic and brand new – like nothing they’ve experienced before. Immediately hooked, they vow never to leave this paradise.
Before long, they find themselves tumbling through the portal again, away from Soda State. Re-entering the human world in their digital forms. Hypnotized by what they’ve experienced, they can’t rest until they find their way back.
Now getting to grips with life in the real world as digital avatars, the friends are on a musical journey to rediscover the sound that will open the portal once more.
Soda State come to us with fascinating and highly creative imagery, they are also lovers of all things retro, think video games, fashion and of course, music. With an original video for “The Look’ in the pipeline and series of future releases already set in stone, these characters will become a common feature on the national airwaves, playlists and even performing live.
Soda State ‘The Look’ is out now on Potion Records
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Perth-based, Zimbabwe-born rapper-producer Arno Faraji today joins forces with Sydney-born production duo Two Another, to release their collaborative new single ‘Just A Phase‘. Listen HERE, watch HERE.
Together, Faraji and Two Another craft a sound that sits between sensuous R&B, shimmering, soul-infused electronica, and wavy West Coast hip hop. With lush, warm synths, rounded bass lines, and an unhurried beat providing the perfect backdrop to Arno’s sly, nimble flow and casual delivery, ‘Just A Phase’ splits the difference between pastel sunset funk and late-night groove. The single highlights both artists ability to collaborate with others who, for Faraji, might not sit entirely within the hip hop world but share his irresistibly playful sense of style (like the Milan Ring produced ‘Scalin’‘); and continue Two Another’s spirit of collaboration with artists, unbound by borders both physical and categorical, and pepper their individual flavor throughout.
Speaking on the release, Arno reveals, “The songs about noticing the way people treat you once you’ve got a good thing going when you HOT. It’s also about knowing a lot of things and people in your life only come for seasons and can dip just as fast as they came.”
Of the collaboration, Two Another also share, “When we linked with Arno in the studio last year he told us to play some ideas and we always had that beat up our sleeves for him. He got in the booth and freestyled the majority of the vocals – the pasta line came out in the first take and we knew it was game over after that!”
‘Just A Phase’ follows two major releases from both artists, arriving off the back of a moment’s 2019 for each. Arno Faraji’s ‘Bass Jumpin‘ saw full rotation adds across triple j and community radio stations nationally, in addition, to praise from Red Bull Music, Acclaim, Pilerats, Purple Sneakers, and more. The West Australian artist’ last year debuted his headline Australian tour ‘Faraji SZN‘ to widespread success, as well as support slots alongside Kwame and Cosmo’s Midnight, playing to sold-out crowds at the Enmore and Forum Theatres on their respective national tours.
Two Another hit the ground running in 2020 with four major releases thus far, the most recent single ‘My Religion‘ garnering praise from Complex, Wonderland, Pigeons & Planes, The Line of Best Fit, Clash and more. Plus radio acclaim from BBC Radio 1 and triple j, following recent performances alongside Daniel Caesar, SG Lewis, and H.E.R.
‘Just A Phase’ by Arno Faraji and Two Another is out now,
buy/stream it here.
Stay connected with Arno Faraji:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Soundcloud | Unearthed
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Goldie’s groundbreaking album ‘Timeless’ today turns 25, and to celebrate Clifford Joseph Price — the pioneering producer and DJ better known as Goldie announces a “’Timeless Capsule’, set to be active for the remainder of the anniversary year.
The website and portal will explore and celebrate a masterpiece of an album that since its release on 31st July 1995 remains foundational to the evolution of British dance music and will include exclusive access to interviews with collaborators, unseen 1995 footage, archival photography and much more to come.
Subscribers to the website will initially be given download access to both the Peshay Remix of “Inner City Life” and an exclusive interview between Goldie and Pete Tong who originally signed the record to his label FFRR back in the mid 90’s.
The campaign will also see entirely re-mastered and re-packaged 25-year anniversary Vinyl, CD and digital editions of the album released. More news of this to come towards the end of 2020.
Goldie who rose to incredible prominence during the Nineties through pivotal albums Timeless and Saturnz Return, collaborated with everyone from David Bowie to KRS-One and launched his (still operational) Metalheadz label.
A complex debut album, Timeless founded a new chapter in the history of the electronic genre originally reaching no. 7 in the charts and has since been celebrated for its unique blend of sublime strings, beautiful atmospheres and sophisticated vocals. Inarguably an ambitious blueprint at the time; Goldie’s production in 1995 fashioned the edgy rhythms and bass of jungle into a newly futuristic model, now globally admired as drum & bass.
To celebrate the milestone, the music video “Inner City Life” that features vocals by British singer Diane Charlemagne, has been painstakingly digitally remastered from the original negatives and can be viewed here.
Register Now: www.goldietimeless.com
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Gold Coast-based party starters Bootleg Rascal have just unleashed ‘Oh so Cool’ – another taste from their forthcoming staggered EP titled ‘Collaborations of Very Isolated Delinquents “19’ – produced by the band themselves, Ian Pritchett (Boo Seeka, Kim Churchill, Angus and Julia Stone), and Simon Dobson (Little May, STUPID BABY).
Continuing down the pathway of sonic experimentation, ‘Oh so Cool’ is a quintessential party track that takes cues from the likes of Beastie Boys, Run-D.M.C. and Gorillaz. The commanding cadences of front man Carlos Lara soar seamlessly above fuzz-laden guitars, rumbling bass and resounding drums, before transitioning into its compelling outro led by an infectious sing-a-long.
Due to the unprecedented and evolving situation around the global pandemic, the band and their team have decided to push back their East Coast headline tour dates. Rescheduled shows will be held across January and February 2021, pending there is no risk to the health and safety of the band, crew, venue staff and fans.
Since their mid-2013 inception, Bootleg Rascal have released a slew of singles, an EP and two albums, all warmly received by critics and fans around the world, with support from the likes of NME, The Line of Best Fit, Clash Magazine, Pilerats and Wonderland Magazine. Multiple tracks have been added to Spotify and Apple Music playlists, high rotation on triple j and they’ve performed on the station’s esteemed ‘Like a Version’ segment.
The band have continually traversed the globe playing multiple sold out headline shows in France, UK, Holland, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, and performed sold out shows in the USA. They’ve also regularly appeared on major Australian festivals including Falls Festival, The Big Pineapple Festival, Lost Paradise, Hills are Alive, Festival of the Sun and Party in the Paddock.
‘Oh so Cool’ is out now
FOLLOW BOOTLEG RASCAL
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Title: Nervous Habits feat. Joey Fleming
Label: Dim Mak Records
Australian powerhouse GG Magree teams up with In Her Own Words lead singer Joey Fleming on “Nervous Habits.” Magree‘s sonic ambition is on full display, as she duets tight hooks over melodic dubstep instrumentation. Although GG Magree has made a name for herself through her raucous bass music, “Nervous Habits” showcases a vulnerable side through personal, refined lyrics. Both GG and Joey flex their singing chops on the single, balancing honeyed lines with angst-ridden verses that roll off like a conversation between a star-crossed couple. A deep synth bass lurks beneath the vocals, which drops into a heavy and intense breakdown that feels like wading through the darkness of this particular relationship. Together Magree and Fleming fuse raw emotion, breathtaking vocals, and bone-shaking bass to create a powerful Dim Mak debut.
“Everyone has that one love that they can’t break away from… ‘Nervous Habits‘ is a story about mine.” – GG Magree
GG‘s indisputable talent as a DJ, producer, and singer/songwriter has made her a triple threat in the electronic music industry. She first made waves in 2016 with her vocal debut “Frontlines,” in collaboration with NGHTMRE & Zeds Dead, which has amassed over 28M streams on Spotify alone. GG is also well known for her reload-worthy remix of Billie Eilish‘s “Wish You Were Gay,” in addition to original singles like “I Wanna Lose You,” “Ghost” with Jauz, and “Flatline” alongside Sullivan King. In her native Australia and beyond, Magree has become a highly sought after artist known for bringing electric energy to audiences worldwide; by far the best way to experience GG is at a live show. She has graced the stage with the likes of Pharrell, DJ Snake, Wu-Tang Clan, Zeds Dead, Virtual Self, Iggy Azalea, NGHTMRE, and many more.
Joey Fleming is the lead singer of the American alt-punk band In Her Own Words, based in Los Angeles. With roots in the underground punk rock scene, Fleming packs high intensity and angst into heartfelt lyrics and melodies to make his listeners feel what he feels. He was introduced to creating and writing at a very young age, which has allowed him to evoke unparalleled passion and unique personality within his music. Fleming has released multiple EPs and albums via In Her Own Words since 2013 and now is breaking into the electronic scene with his feature on “Nervous Habits.”
Title: Party Girl
Label: CYB3RPVNK
R3HAB is never the type to shy away from a sonic adventure, and this time he’s done it again with a remake of “Party Girl,” StaySolidRocky‘s single turned viral hit via TikTok. While the original takes a mellow hip-hop approach, R3HAB ups the ante by infusing it with his signature high-energy electronic sound. The opening instrumental riff quickly progresses into a deep bassline complemented with upbeat, bouncy synths. The catchy lyrics of “Party Girl” are still present, though distorted and perfectly tuned to the new sound of the remake, which will make anyone want to dance. R3HAB previously put his own spin on “BAD!” by XXXTentacion last year, which saw the multi-talented producer dipping his toes into the rap/hip-hop world. He has also ventured into the pop and Latin world with the release of “Besame (I Need You)” with TINI and Reik recently, but he’s not slowing down just yet. Keep an eye out for the official announcement and more exciting music coming soon! In the meantime, vote for R3HAB in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs 2020 here.
“I haven’t done something like this in a while, and I must say it felt great working on this track. It is a different version with a different sound, but when you hear it, you will definitely recognize the touch of R3HAB.” – R3HAB on “Party Girl“
Over the last eight years, the Dutch/Moroccan artist Fadil El Ghoul – better known as R3HAB – has established himself as a leader at the forefront of modern electronic music. His talent has been called the “future of the craft” by the likes of Forbes and Billboard, and he’s circuited the globe’s best clubs and festivals, all without the backing of a formal record label. In 2017, R3HAB independently released his debut album “Trouble” through his imprint CYB3RPVNK, which amassed over a half-billion streams globally and officially placed R3HAB among electronic music’s heavy hitters. He made number 14 on DJ Mag’s Top 100 list in 2019, topping the charts with tracks like “Lullaby” and “Hold On Tight,” while his sophomore album “The Wave,” revealing more complex, emotional and experimental layers of himself, has amassed over 250 million streams on Spotify alone. In 2019 R3HAB‘s “All Around The World” with A Touch of Class quickly became his biggest ever record already topping 200M streams across platforms and achieving gold & platinum status in 8 countries. It was followed by “Flames,” R3HAB‘s collaboration with ZAYN.
Newtown, Sydney. The Best Place.
This was recorded last year at the The Brain Recording Studios (https://www.instagram.com/
Alot actually. In addition to this single. Preparing the release of the next single which will be a change of pace/sound for The Violet Whispers which I find exciting. Me and my engineer friend Angie Watson (https://www.instagram.com/
Luckily I have been busy on the music front. Also was lucky to still be employable which was really lucky considering the layoffs around the country. My friends and I really talked a lot through social media to get us through the insanity of it. But I also caught up on alot of TV Shows that i didn’t have time for before (Bojack Horseman, Fleabag, Killing Eve, Angels in America) and docos. So I did Ok during this period.
Dj Garth – Revolutions in Sound
Yves Tumor – Heaven to a Tortured Mind
Fiona Apple – Fetch The Bolt Cutters
Arca – Kick 1
Fennesz – Venice
Fennesz – Agora
Fennesz – Black Sea
I am an enthusiastic Yoga Practitioner, Hikes, Big Cinephile (Foreign, Cult, Comedy, Arthouse, Indie, Documentaries). Checking out Art Galleries, bars and Cafes with friends. Also quite an enthusiastic podcast/comedy fan (which go hand in hand).
The Sweet Chick (https://www.instagram.com/
The Lansdowne (https://www.instagram.com/
Golden Age Cinema (https://www.instagram.com/
Photo: Renee Oliver/Nae Oliver Creative
We caught up with her to find out what’s been happening in her world, her new single ‘Disaster’ and how she’s faring in Melbourne’s lockdown..
I have been based in Melbourne for several years now.
You lived in Asia for 5 years, tell us more about that and how it is influenced you:
Yes, I moved to Bangkok, Thailand when I was 12 years old as my dad was working for the United Nations and I stayed there till I was 17. It had a profound impact on me in more ways than I could ever vocalise. Thailand is a Buddhist country and the teachings have stayed with me and shaped the person I am. It has helped me over the years to stay centred, calm, focused on the present and be my most authentic self, even if I am standing alone (which is hugely helpful in this industry). It is also behind my choice to be a pescatarian and to be kind to all living things. In Buddhism the lotus flower symbolises spiritual awakening, purity of the body, speech and mind, as if floating above the murky waters of material attachment and physical desire, so my high school best friend Fleur and I got matching lotus flower tattoos on our hips when we were 17 and leaving Thailand. We did this so the memories and philosophy would stick with us.
While in Bangkok I attended an international school and was introduced to people of all nationalities, cultures and walks of life and that has continued into adulthood. I like to be around a mix of people, or I get bored. It was a privileged existence, living in a gated community with a live-in maid. Suffice to say reality hit hard (understatement) when I moved back to NZ into a share house and had to clean, cook, and pay my own bills. Bangkok is also where I learnt meditation, kickboxing, Shaolin kung fu and Tai Chi. My dad used to shave his head and disappear off to a temple to live as a Monk now and then. He still meditates morning and night. I do still miss many aspects of Thai life, including the food/tropical fruit and Songkran festival, in which everyone basically goes onto the streets and has a huge water fight, symbolising the washing away of one’s sins and bad luck. I was also very naughty and started clubbing as young teenager, but we will leave those stories for another time… ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK AND THE WORLD’S YOUR OYSTER… need I say more!
How did you first get into music?
In primary school I was chosen to be in a special choir of a select few and my grandparents would fly down to Christchurch to watch me, which was special. Mum was always singing and playing guitar round the house too, there was always music playing in the background and at every family gathering all the Aunties would be up dancing to the likes of Abba or UB40, so I’ve always been listening. I was also a choir soloist at the International school, the other soloist is now one of Thailand’s biggest pop stars. After school I studied jazz at university, and I have done it on the side ever since. I have lived a transient life in many respects (living in many different places since I was young, going to 6 different schools, 3 tertiary institutions, working many jobs), which has often lead to feelings of loneliness and being misunderstood (that few know and understand me on a deeper level or know my past), but music has been a constant in my life since I was young. No matter where I go it is always there for me. I feel that I have life experience well beyond my years.
Melbourne has pretty much been in lockdown since mid-March, how have you been faring?
You know sometimes I’m good at accepting it for what it is and channel my energy into my music and being productive but I have times where I feel trapped and isolated missing my family back in NZ. I typically head back to NZ 4 times a year to see friends, family and be there for milestones, so clearly that has not been the case this year. My siblings are a lot younger than me (my youngest sister is 15 years younger than me and was 2 years old when I moved out of home), so I try to go back regularly so I feel connected to them and know them as people. I have also used this time to declutter and sell things I no longer want or need.It is a bit difficult watching family and friends’ lives returning to normality back in NZ, whilst we are back in lockdown with no no end in sight.
You worked corporate for a number of years, why the move to music?
Music has always been my #1 love, but I got into sales and broking to make a living but always felt I was in the wrong place, that it was no more than a pay cheque. Writing, creating, and releasing music can be a very personal and emotional yet rewarding experience and a great outlet. I believe I have both creative and business sides, which allows me to push forward when things do not go my way and see things from a business perspective not an emotional one. Most of all I love the process and know that this is what I am born to do.
What do you like to do outside of music?
I love the beach… it’s a Kiwi thing I think. If a week goes by where I have not seen the ocean I do not feel right. I like to go to the gym or do some form of exercise first thing in the morning (after a coffee of course). Exercise helps to put things in perspective and overcome obstacles and just makes me a happier person. I used to be a fitness fanatic, but these days I’m less particular about diet and exercise. Other than that, I like reading (self-help books and biographies) and baking (although only occasionally as I do not trust myself around sweets). Other than that, I like spending time with my cat and partner, going out for a meal or drinks with friends. Oh, and Netflix (limited to an hour each night – haha). My parents have a property on Great Barrier island off the coast of NZ (mum is the island doctor on weekends), which has the most beautiful beaches, so I try and get out there at least once a year. I always come away feeling more in tune with my spirituality and connected to the earth. Putting photographs in albums is also something I enjoy. I have always got a kick out of looking back through albums. Oh, and travelling… when that was a thing!
What are your plans for the remainder of 2020 and future goals?
Happiness is always the goal (In saying that heart break is what produces the best songs so there is a silver lining). Career wise I would of course love to win an Aria or a Grammy (go hard or go home). There are tonnes of amazing artists and producers I would love to work with including Joel Little, Skrillex, and Diplo (to name a few). A collab with Gwen Stefani, Rihanna or Charli XCX would be the ultimate for me though I think. This year I am dropping 3 singles and an EP. I had plans to do shows but for obvious reasons that is not happening, but I will be doing some live performances from home.
You have some new music on the way, what can we expect?
You can expect some edgy, sultry pop with powerful vocals on a bed of synths. As well as a tongue in cheek dance single thrust in there.
Who are some of your Influences:
I love world music, Ragga Music, Ravi Shankar (I love plucking instruments, they always sound ethereal and are used a lot in Thailand), African music (Johnny Clegg), Kate Bush, Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Rihanna, Bjork, Imogen Heap, Flume, Hermitude and Charli XCX.
What are you listening to now?
I listen to such a range. A lot of Jazz (often without a vocal haha). I have been loving Charli XCX’s new Iso album ‘How I’m feeling now’ as she combines a lot of interesting sounds, Kita Alexander, Major Lazer, Hermitude and Ava Max. You can check out my ‘JoannaBop’ Spotify Playlist to hear what I am currently listening too…
What did you find most challenging and rewarding throughout the creative process?
I am very much an innate writer so it usually just comes out without too much thought, however I often sing a melody and then come up with words to it or alter the words in order to create a story that makes sense and or give it meaning/depth. The challenge for most creatives is to silence the inner critic and just be present and not pay too much attention to whether or not the song will be successful or not as that kills the creative process and energy flow.
Your new single ‘Disaster’ is available worldwide today, what influenced the song and how did it come about?
Disaster started off as a remix of one of my unreleased tracks, but I liked it so much that I gave it a new melody and wrote new lyrics. Disaster is part 1 of a 2-part narrative. This song is very much ‘fifty Shades of Grey’ sonically, however the narrative conveys the range of emotions that are felt when a person decides to end a relationship with their significant other. The loss of connection and loneliness that is felt when you realise you are no longer happy and you want different things to your other half, that there is no way forward. Then feeling responsible for tearing something that meant so much apart. Disaster is an anthem for the most difficult time for couples.
If your house were on fire, what would you grab on the way out:
I would grab my cat, photo albums, laptop, and hard drive (because all my music creations are on it). I (like most) enjoy the finer things in life but do not value or get attached to them. These are my only prized possessions.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
My favourite cuisines are definitely Thai …go figure haha (’Blossom Thai’ in South Yarra is the most authentic Thai I’ve found in Melbourne) and Mexican (‘Hecho en Mexico’ in Fitzroy do the best fish tacos, but I do make a mean home-made Guac). On a (rare) sunny Melbourne day you’ll find me walking bayside and popping in to Elwood Bathers for a coffee.