Author

the partae

The Partae

Image: Mitchell Wojcik Leg warmers, Frank Iero on the telly, and that feeling of impending doom... Don’t call it a comeback because rumours of the demise of FRANK IERO AND THE FUTURE VIOLENTS have been greatly exaggerated. The band returns in stealth-like fashion to secretly drop the grand finale of their forays into celluloid activity with their new 'Medicine Square Garden' video under the very smokescreen of 4/20 itself. Being the last video from Iero’s ecstatically received solo record Barriers, 'Medicine Square Garden' caps the evolutionary series of movements that began with the 'Young and Doomed' video almost a year ago. This soon morphed into the opulent energy of 'Great Party' before taking an introspective career-spanning look with 'Basement Eyes'. This quartet of supernatural immersion has now reached its logical conclusion that the end may be nigh with 'Medicine Square Garden'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJDtIefuW_Y&feature=youtu.be On paper, the concept of a band paying tribute to the cultural iconography of their youth set to the soundtrack of the interplanetary, future soul, city punk groove 'Medicine Square Garden' radiates may sound like a wonderful trip down memory lane: Palmer to Parker Jr, Aliens to Dancing Girls, Aviators to Keytars, complete with a lovingly tender, tear-inducing tribute to the greatest metal band of all time. In typical Iero fashion, it isn’t. As it turns out, Elm Street is still a nightmare, The Flash can’t dance, and at the end of a tough weekend with Bernie, it all comes Back To The Future Violents. "It was apparent to me early on while writing Barriers that 'Medicine Square Garden' was its most important track," says Frank. "It was the cornerstone upon which the rest of the record and band was formed. If we lost the battle on that song, the rest didn’t stand a chance. 'Medicine Square Garden' pushed the most boundaries, scratched the most itches, and terrified me far beyond any other song I had written. So when we crossed off every box in Chicago at Electrical Audio and listened back with smiles knowing we had accomplished our goals, a new objective soon emerged: Get the label to see our favourite song as a single, and let us make the video of my dreams." "'Medicine Square Garden' is not your typical single. It’s a five and a half minute attempt at answering the question, 'What if Prince wrote a Sleep song?'" Frank elaborates further on the song itself, "Oh and if that’s not batshit enough for you, I already had the video in my head. So armed with crudely drawn set designs and a typed-up description of a witchy calisthenics workout meets a Robert Palmer alien massacre, I submitted my pitch to the label. This was my vision from the beginning and no one told me I was crazy. What a world." To coincide with the reveal of the 'Medicine Square Garden' video, UNFD will also be releasing a special limited edition blood red vinyl variant of Barriers through its online store. In conclusion, the world thought they knew Frank Iero and what he was up to – but they don’t. No one really does. Is this the beginning or is it the end? Knowing Frank, it's probably both. facebook.com/frankieromusic unfdcentral.com

Music News

FRANK IERO AND THE FUTURE VIOLENTS RETURN WITH THEIR DREAM MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘MEDICINE SQUARE GARDEN’ + NEW LIMITED EDITION ‘BARRIERS’ VINYL OUT NOW

by the partae April 21, 2020

written by the partae

Image: Mitchell Wojcik

Leg warmers, Frank Iero on the telly, and that feeling of impending doom…

Don’t call it a comeback because rumours of the demise of FRANK IERO AND THE FUTURE VIOLENTS have been greatly exaggerated. The band returns in stealth-like fashion to secretly drop the grand finale of their forays into celluloid activity with their new ‘Medicine Square Garden‘ video under the very smokescreen of 4/20 itself.

Being the last video from Iero’s ecstatically received solo record Barriers, ‘Medicine Square Garden’ caps the evolutionary series of movements that began with the ‘Young and Doomed‘ video almost a year ago. This soon morphed into the opulent energy of ‘Great Party‘ before taking an introspective career-spanning look with ‘Basement Eyes‘. This quartet of supernatural immersion has now reached its logical conclusion that the end may be nigh with ‘Medicine Square Garden’.

On paper, the concept of a band paying tribute to the cultural iconography of their youth set to the soundtrack of the interplanetary, future soul, city punk groove ‘Medicine Square Garden’ radiates may sound like a wonderful trip down memory lane: Palmer to Parker Jr, Aliens to Dancing Girls, Aviators to Keytars, complete with a lovingly tender, tear-inducing tribute to the greatest metal band of all time. In typical Iero fashion, it isn’t. As it turns out, Elm Street is still a nightmare, The Flash can’t dance, and at the end of a tough weekend with Bernie, it all comes Back To The Future Violents.

“It was apparent to me early on while writing Barriers that ‘Medicine Square Garden’ was its most important track,” says Frank. “It was the cornerstone upon which the rest of the record and band was formed. If we lost the battle on that song, the rest didn’t stand a chance. ‘Medicine Square Garden’ pushed the most boundaries, scratched the most itches, and terrified me far beyond any other song I had written. So when we crossed off every box in Chicago at Electrical Audio and listened back with smiles knowing we had accomplished our goals, a new objective soon emerged: Get the label to see our favourite song as a single, and let us make the video of my dreams.”

“‘Medicine Square Garden’ is not your typical single. It’s a five and a half minute attempt at answering the question, ‘What if Prince wrote a Sleep song?'” Frank elaborates further on the song itself, “Oh and if that’s not batshit enough for you, I already had the video in my head. So armed with crudely drawn set designs and a typed-up description of a witchy calisthenics workout meets a Robert Palmer alien massacre, I submitted my pitch to the label. This was my vision from the beginning and no one told me I was crazy. What a world.”

To coincide with the reveal of the ‘Medicine Square Garden’ video, UNFD will also be releasing a special limited edition blood red vinyl variant of Barriers through its online store. In conclusion, the world thought they knew Frank Iero and what he was up to – but they don’t. No one really does. Is this the beginning or is it the end? Knowing Frank, it’s probably both.

facebook.com/frankieromusic
unfdcentral.com

April 21, 2020 0 comments

Music News

The Rubens Release New Single ‘Heavy Weather’ + Announce Video Opportunity For Fans

by the partae April 21, 2020

written by the partae

Following on from the release of their summer hit ‘Live In Life’, The Rubens return in full force with their new single, ‘Heavy Weather’, premiered this morning on triple j Breakfast.

Listen to ‘Heavy Weather’ here

Bursting with colossal hooks that are bound to stay in your head for days, ‘Heavy Weather’ is all about empowerment; an anthem reminding us all to take control of the inner critic and back yourself when times get tough – a message that seems timely in this new world order.

Until recently the band were in the final stages of recording what is to be the band’s fourth studio album, giving themselves a break and some space at the end of March to see if inspiration would strike at the final hour before heading on their (now-postponed) tour.

“Like most people, the pandemic has affected us on many levels. We’ve postponed our 27-date tour, which we’ll hopefully have news for fans on this soon. Re-routing these many dates has been a challenge. On the recording front, we were meant to deliver our new record right now for a release later this year. We were SO bloody close to finishing but for obvious reasons we can’t all get in the studio right now, so that’s been pushed back to 2021. But we thought f^&k it, if we can’t tour or record let’s release a new single regardless!”

With album plans on hold for now, the band didn’t want to leave fans waiting for new music.

“We wrote ‘Heavy Weather’ at the end of 2019. The song is about the inner dialogue you have with yourself when you’re going through something heavy/challenging. This song has nothing to do with Covid-19 but I guess more than ever people are going through some very hard times now. So on one hand it’s a bit scary to know the themes relate but what we really want is that pandemic or no pandemic, if you’re going through a tough period, maybe this song can help you through that process and let you know you’re not alone.”

With the new social restrictions in place, the band’s planned video clip also had to be canned. So instead, The Rubens are calling for the community to help them create a music video from isolation.

“We literally had some video treatments for the song by some dope directors, but all of them couldn’t do it because of the COVID-19 restrictions, so we’ve had to rethink the approach. Given the set back with our tour, we wanted to acknowledge our fans somehow. We thought the best way to do that was to invite them to be in a clip. So we’re asking fans around the world to send in videos of them doing anything they’re doing right now and our good mate Russ is going to do his creative thing and make a boss video with all these videos!”

All details for how to be in the clip can be found on this link:
www.heavyweather.video

‘Heavy Weather’ follows the band’s recent hit, ‘Live In Life’, now certified GOLD and with a combined 15 million+ streams. Peaking at #21 on the ARIA Singles Chart, ‘Live In Life’ was hugely embraced by fans, radio & streaming services, with notable highlights including ATB adds across HIT Melbourne, Brisbane & Regional network, ATB on Triple M Sydney & Melbourne, NOVA Nights plus #1 most played on triple j. The track also saw the band retain the #1 position on Spotify’s Hot Hits Australia playlist for four weeks (and grace the cover) as well as top 5 positioning on Apple Music’s Today’s Hits..

‘Live In Life’ followed 2019 standalone single ‘Falling Asleep At The Wheel’, a collaboration with US punk-hip hop start Vic Mensa, which was premiered by Zane Lowe on Beats 1 and live at this year’s Splendour in the Grass to a packed Amphitheatre at sunset. The single received high rotation airplay on triple j and incredible playlisting across Spotify & Apple Music.

2019 also saw The Rubens travel to North America, UK & Europe for headline tours, perform and release their MTV Unplugged Live In Melbourne album, launch their Chucka Buckas initiative + bunker down to write and focus on new music.

2018 proved to be a landmark year for The Rubens, which saw the release of their third album LO LA RU, including hits ‘Never Ever feat. Sarah’ (2 x Platinum), ‘Million Man’ (Gold) and ‘God Forgot’, a mammoth headline tour across Australia, New Zealand, the United States and Europe and supporting P!NK on her massive 42-date sell out arena tour of Australia and New Zealand.

And in more great news, ‘God Forgot’ has just been nominated for Most Performed Alternative Work at this year’s APRA Music Awards. The ceremony will be streamed live on May 26.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=uhHhYoCf214&feature=emb_title

THE RUBENS

April 21, 2020 0 comments

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Chelsea Warner has been writing and playing music almost her entire life. Today she emerges as a frontrunner in the neo-soul/R&B genre’s next generation with her debut single ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’. The song blends contemporary neo-soul, R&B and pop hooks with defiant lyrics that evoke a sense of confidence and wisdom beyond her teenage years. “At the time, I was really obsessed with Erykah Badu and 90s hip-hop, and I think that influenced my writing and production. I loved the moog/synth bass on De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest tracks, and I thought it would be interesting to draw inspiration from these old school sounds for a track with fairly modern subject matter”, says Chelsea on the song’s inspiration. Chelsea wrote the lyrics to ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’ while on a trip to Melbourne and when she got home to Sydney, put chords to it, wrote the verses and produced the track. It was just under a year ago, when she was only 17 years old. Citing artists such as Ariana Grande as inspirations, Chelsea says, “I feel like I grew up with her. Her vocal style and arranging as well as some elements of her song writing still influence me”. Chelsea also sees artists such as Amy Winehouse and Ella Fitzgerald as heavily influencing what she wants to do vocally and harmonically. It’s no surprise that this young talent’s music carries such a mature and refined sound. Chelsea was offered a coveted Universal Music Publishing contract after been ‘discovered’ by Universal Publishing’s VP Creative/ A&R at her University – the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Chelsea is currently focusing on honing her technical skills with her voice and instruments at the Conservatorium, while also writing and producing any spare moment for either herself or other artists. This year, her goal is to play shows across Australia and to release her debut EP. Chelsea says “I feel like I’ve found my stride lately and am so blessed by the people and opportunities around me, so I want to keep creating as much as possible.” Chelsea Warner ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone' is out now through Ditto Music. CONNECT WITH CHELSEA WARNER

Music News

CHELSEA WARNER ‘HOW COME YOU DON’T PICK UP YOUR PHONE’ DEBUT SINGLE OUT NOW

by the partae April 21, 2020

written by the partae

Multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and producer, Chelsea Warner has been writing and playing music almost her entire life. Today she emerges as a frontrunner in the neo-soul/R&B genre’s next generation with her debut single ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’.

The song blends contemporary neo-soul, R&B and pop hooks with defiant lyrics that evoke a sense of confidence and wisdom beyond her teenage years. “At the time, I was really obsessed with Erykah Badu and 90s hip-hop, and I think that influenced my writing and production. I loved the moog/synth bass on De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest tracks, and I thought it would be interesting to draw inspiration from these old school sounds for a track with fairly modern subject matter”, says Chelsea on the song’s inspiration.

Chelsea wrote the lyrics to ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’ while on a trip to Melbourne and when she got home to Sydney, put chords to it, wrote the verses and produced the track. It was just under a year ago, when she was only 17 years old.

Citing artists such as Ariana Grande as inspirations, Chelsea says, “I feel like I grew up with her. Her vocal style and arranging as well as some elements of her song writing still influence me”. Chelsea also sees artists such as Amy Winehouse and Ella Fitzgerald as heavily influencing what she wants to do vocally and harmonically. It’s no surprise that this young talent’s music carries such a mature and refined sound.

Chelsea was offered a coveted Universal Music Publishing contract after been ‘discovered’ by Universal Publishing’s VP Creative/ A&R at her University – the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

Chelsea is currently focusing on honing her technical skills with her voice and instruments at the Conservatorium, while also writing and producing any spare moment for either herself or other artists. This year, her goal is to play shows across Australia and to release her debut EP. Chelsea says “I feel like I’ve found my stride lately and am so blessed by the people and opportunities around me, so I want to keep creating as much as possible.”

Chelsea Warner ‘How Come You Don’t Pick Up Your Phone’ is out now through Ditto Music.

CONNECT WITH CHELSEA WARNER

April 21, 2020 0 comments

Fat Wreck Chords are announcing the triumphant return of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, with the unveiling of the new album: The Ride, to be released on Friday June 19. The Ride was recorded throughout much of 2018 and 2019 by Johnny Carey and Fat Mike (D-Composers), and boasts all of the elements of BCBC’s sound: big guitars, lock-step bass and drums, intricate vocal harmonies, and plenty of attitude. The lead single, “Simple Girl,” is streaming on the Fat Wreck Chords YouTube channel, and all digital platforms. I wrote “Simple Girl” in response to what the man I’m seeing said to me when pausing our relationship.... “We both have complicated lives, the next person I’m going to be with is going to be simple.” It hurt and got me thinking. I decided then to make a declaration of everything I am and am proud to be - vocalist/guitarist Stacey Dee In a time of chronic rage, happiness is revolutionary. Bad Cop / Bad Cop has done angry. The band’s 2017 full-length, Warriors, was recorded in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election. The Los Angeles quartet’s new full-length, The Ride (Fat Wreck Chords, June 19th), shows what happens when you come out the other side of that anger. “It’s not that I am just stoked or blind to suffering,” says singer-guitarist Jennie Cotterill. “I think anger is a legitimate and understandable reaction to injustice and wrongdoing. It’s just that for myself, I am trying to move past ‘reaction’ into productive ‘response.’” The message BCBC is sending this time around is less about wagging your finger at others, or giving the middle one to the Man, than it is about self-love and acceptance. As Cotterill puts it, “Love is a more powerful truth than anger.” That positivity fuels many of The Ride’s tracks: “Originators,” “Simple Girl,” “Community,” “I Choose,” “Perpetual Motion Machine,” and “The Mirage” exude confidence, gratitude, and compassion. In 2020, such things qualify as contrarian. "These are political statements—self-love is a huge fucking statement," affirms singer-guitarist Stacey Dee. "Self-love means putting a fix on the problems at home before trying to fix everything in the world. It's asking people to find it in themselves to create the life that they really want to have so they're not in turmoil, so they're not in a place of stress and sickness." Dee speaks from experience. In 2018 she was hospitalised twice for different ailments, then discovered she had stage one breast cancer at the end of the year. Fortunately it was highly treatable, but the experience was life-altering. Dee captures it with brutal frankness on “Breastless,” whose bright melodies belie the struggle described in the lyrics. “Certain Kind of Monster” and “Pursuit of Liberty”—both written and sung by bassist Linh Le—are blistering repudiations of the current administration’s treatment of immigrants. The former is an imagined conversation with an ICE agent, and the latter juxtaposes her family’s immigration to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1975 to current events, something she’s never explored musically. The perspective behind The Ride lends it an undeniable maturity, without losing its power. Recorded throughout much of 2018 and 2019 by Johnny Carey and Fat Mike of production team the D-Composers, the album boasts all of the elements of BCBC’s sound: big guitars, lock-step bass and drums (the latter by powerhouse drummer Myra Gallarza), intricate vocal harmonies, and plenty of attitude. It’s just that this time, the attitude is encouraging, not raging. Nowhere is that more apparent than lilting album closer “Sing With Me.” Built around acoustic guitar, piano, and Cotterill’s voice, it’s an exhortation to “sing with me / or sing your own song / I don’t mind, just as long as you find / a voice.” Dee adds, "If people are listening to our songs and they're going to sing along to them, they're going to start owning some of those words. And in owning some of those words that gives them some strength and power going forward. That's really the biggest gift that I could give to anybody." “Stronger in every way” aptly describes Bad Cop / Bad Cop in 2020. The anger may have taken a back seat on The Ride, but what’s taken its place is even more powerful.

Music News

BAD COP / BAD COP TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, THE RIDE, ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH ON FAT WRECK CHORDS

by the partae April 20, 2020

written by the partae

Fat Wreck Chords are announcing the triumphant return of Bad Cop / Bad Cop, with the unveiling of the new album: The Ride, to be released on Friday June 19. The Ride was recorded throughout much of 2018 and 2019 by Johnny Carey and Fat Mike (D-Composers), and boasts all of the elements of BCBC’s sound: big guitars, lock-step bass and drums, intricate vocal harmonies, and plenty of attitude.

The lead single, “Simple Girl,” is streaming on the Fat Wreck Chords YouTube channel, and all digital platforms.

I wrote “Simple Girl” in response to what the man I’m seeing said to me when pausing our relationship…. “We both have complicated lives, the next person I’m going to be with is going to be simple.” It hurt and got me thinking. I decided then to make a declaration of everything I am and am proud to be – vocalist/guitarist Stacey Dee

In a time of chronic rage, happiness is revolutionary.

Bad Cop / Bad Cop has done angry. The band’s 2017 full-length, Warriors, was recorded in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election. The Los Angeles quartet’s new full-length, The Ride (Fat Wreck Chords, June 19th), shows what happens when you come out the other side of that anger.

“It’s not that I am just stoked or blind to suffering,” says singer-guitarist Jennie Cotterill. “I think anger is a legitimate and understandable reaction to injustice and wrongdoing. It’s just that for myself, I am trying to move past ‘reaction’ into productive ‘response.’”

The message BCBC is sending this time around is less about wagging your finger at others, or giving the middle one to the Man, than it is about self-love and acceptance. As Cotterill puts it, “Love is a more powerful truth than anger.” That positivity fuels many of The Ride’s tracks: “Originators,” “Simple Girl,” “Community,” “I Choose,” “Perpetual Motion Machine,” and “The Mirage” exude confidence, gratitude, and compassion. In 2020, such things qualify as contrarian.

“These are political statements—self-love is a huge fucking statement,” affirms singer-guitarist Stacey Dee. “Self-love means putting a fix on the problems at home before trying to fix everything in the world. It’s asking people to find it in themselves to create the life that they really want to have so they’re not in turmoil, so they’re not in a place of stress and sickness.”

Dee speaks from experience. In 2018 she was hospitalised twice for different ailments, then discovered she had stage one breast cancer at the end of the year. Fortunately it was highly treatable, but the experience was life-altering. Dee captures it with brutal frankness on “Breastless,” whose bright melodies belie the struggle described in the lyrics.

“Certain Kind of Monster” and “Pursuit of Liberty”—both written and sung by bassist Linh Le—are blistering repudiations of the current administration’s treatment of immigrants.

The former is an imagined conversation with an ICE agent, and the latter juxtaposes her family’s immigration to the U.S. from Vietnam in 1975 to current events, something she’s never explored musically.

The perspective behind The Ride lends it an undeniable maturity, without losing its power. Recorded throughout much of 2018 and 2019 by Johnny Carey and Fat Mike of production team the D-Composers, the album boasts all of the elements of BCBC’s sound: big guitars, lock-step bass and drums (the latter by powerhouse drummer Myra Gallarza), intricate vocal harmonies, and plenty of attitude.

It’s just that this time, the attitude is encouraging, not raging. Nowhere is that more apparent than lilting album closer “Sing With Me.” Built around acoustic guitar, piano, and Cotterill’s voice, it’s an exhortation to “sing with me / or sing your own song / I don’t mind, just as long as you find / a voice.”

Dee adds, “If people are listening to our songs and they’re going to sing along to them, they’re going to start owning some of those words. And in owning some of those words that gives them some strength and power going forward. That’s really the biggest gift that I could give to anybody.”

“Stronger in every way” aptly describes Bad Cop / Bad Cop in 2020. The anger may have taken a back seat on The Ride, but what’s taken its place is even more powerful.

April 20, 2020 0 comments

Festival News Music News

CHILLINIT DROPS DELUXE EDITION OF ‘THE OCTAGON’ WITH 4X NEW TRACKS, ALSO FINALLY AVAILABLE ON VINYL + ANNOUNCES RESCHEDULED AUS ALBUM TOUR

by the partae April 20, 2020

written by the partae

Photo Credit: Pat Stevenson

Following the release of his hugely anticipated sophomore album ‘The Octagon’ in January, which debuted at #2 on the ARIA Album charts, spent two weeks at #2 on the Australian Artist Album charts and has over 14 million streams and counting, breakout Sydney rapper Chillinit today announces the release of The Octagon (420 Deluxe).

Available now on all streaming services, this deluxe version brings three brand new songs – “Trampoline (Booty Bounce)”, “Arabian Nights” which features rising rap star Nerve, and “Stickin To The Facts”, as well as fan favourite “Overdrive Pt. 2” (which has over 1M views and quickly became #1 trending on Youtube upon its release) to streaming for the first time.

‘The Octagon’ is also now available on vinyl, the first in his catalogue to be pressed to wax!

– – CLICK HERE TO STREAM ‘THE OCTAGON’ (420 DELUXE) – –

Artist: Chillinit

Album: The Octagon (420 Deluxe)

Release Date: Out Now (via 420FAM / Caroline)

1. Ready For The Pain

2. Soulmates & Strippers (Wait For It)
3. Laying Low
4. Lights Off
5. Love Is Hard
6. 230 Pounds
7. Interlude (Mama)
8. Same Old Brothers
9. Bleed For You
10. Your Side, My Side, The Truth
11. Trampoline (Booty Bounce) *New*
12. Arabian Nights [feat Nerve] *New*
13. Stickin To The Facts *New*
4. Overdrive Pt 2 *New*

Chillinit also announces the rescheduled tour dates for his sold out album tour – which were originally set to take place this month. Marking the biggest tour and venues to date for the rapper, the new shows will now take place across September and October and are on sale now!

CHILLINIT ‘THE OCTAGON’ TOUR
**NEW DATES**

FRI 11 SEPTEMBER – METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY

FRI 18 SEPTEMBER – 170 RUSSELL, MELBOURNE

SAT 19 SEPTEMBER – CAPITOL, PERTH

SAT 26 SEPTEMBER – THE GOV, ADELAIDE (16+)

SAT 10 OCTOBER – THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE (all ages)

Remaining tickets available via www.chillinit.net

“Is it boastful? Is it arrogant? Or is it simply a sign of a rapper who knows that at the end of the day, the biggest champion you can have, is yourself? Chillinit knows himself and his product incredibly well, that cannot be faulted.” – triple j

“Like Hooligan Hefs and OneFour, Sydney’s Chillinit is shaking up local hip-hop” – Herald Sun

“ChillinIt levels up in 2020… confirming his new and shiny crown as one of Australian hip-hop’s most exciting names.” – Purple Sneakers

LIKE / FOLLOW CHILLINIT:

April 20, 2020 0 comments

Music News

Debut EP from Natalie Shay Effervescent Multi Award-Winning Artist

by the partae April 20, 2020

written by the partae

Natalie Shay is a 21 year old indie pop/rock artist hailing from North London. The multi award-winning musician has established an ever-growing presence, media acclaim and a loyal fanbase through her explosive live performances and viral-worthy anthems, recognising her as one of the UKs hottest emerging talents.

Combining her youthful and charismatic aura with her classical training and time spent at the prestigious BRIT School, Shay has finessed the ability to produce undeniably catchy music, whilst maintaining a musical maturity. Compared to the likes of Haim, Little Comets and Fickle Friends, the Londoner has absorbed a similar energy and dynamic within her new music.

Shay’s upcoming EP NAKED is a five-track release delving into the everyday experiences of a 21 year old, detailing relationships and life as a young musician. Continuing the songwriter’s love of 80’s soaked music, NAKED cleverly blends the best of era with modern flares. Shay expresses, “I love authentic 80s synth and drum sounds, but I also love modern pop vocal lines and effects. And of course lots of guitars. I try to include a flavour of each of those things in my music. It was very important to me that all of the songs had their own unique stamp and vibe but still all fitted and worked together under the same project”.

Leading single “Not The Girl” narrates the relatable situation of modern dating, but through a fun and lighthearted lens. “This song was written on reflection of a relationship, but more from a perception of understanding rather than a big ‘f*ck you”, shares the singer. However, years after finishing the song, Shay realised that the lyrics now took on a whole different meaning, depicting the feeling of sometimes not feeling good enough and frustrations towards working relationships. Sonically “Not The Girl” features upbeat buoyant melodies, effortless vocals and vivid storytelling lyrics.

“Owe It To You” shows a more heartfelt side of Shay’s songwriting, emitting a raw and truly personal essence. Thematically the single is about being in a relationship and struggling to resist temptation. Title track “Naked” shares the topic with “Owe It To You”, illustrating the breakdown in a relationship, knowing you have interest elsewhere but struggling to let go for the fear of being alone. The single sees Shay’s first time including brass instruments in her music, bringing the song to life through a vibrant saxophone solo.

Shay sold out two headline shows in 2019, with her music continuing to pique the interest of notable publications such as Billboard, Clash and The Line of Best Fit. To date she has collectively amassed hundreds of thousands of streams, with her single ‘Yesterday’ being placed in Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in nine countries. Natalie Shay is a force to be reckoned with and we can’t wait to see what 2020 has in store.

https://www.facebook.com/NatalieShayMusic/

https://twitter.com/natalieshay_?lang=en

http://www.natalieshay.co.uk

April 20, 2020 0 comments

Music News

Florian Picasso and GRX release long awaited collaboration ‘Restart Your Heart’

by the partae April 18, 2020

written by the partae

With Martin Garrix premiering the track during his set on the Ultra Miami MainStage last year, it became one of the most highly anticipated tracks of both artists, with music lovers from all over the world waiting for its official release date. Now, a year after its premiere, Florian Picasso and GRX’s collaboration ‘Restart Your Heart’ is finally available on all digital streaming platforms.

The pumping track which combines both artists’ signature production values has been a staple in Garrix’s sets throughout the year. No strangers to collaborating together, Garrix and Picasso have already mixed their sounds on the successful ‘Make Up Your Mind’, which was released during Amsterdam Dance Event in 2016 as part of Garrix’s ‘Seven’ EP.

The release is accompanied by an official music video which will be available at 5pm CET.

April 18, 2020 0 comments

Music News

Kaskade Surprises Fans with New Release of “I Have Dreams” with Blue Noir ft. Tishmal

by the partae April 18, 2020

written by the partae

Download / Stream

Hot on the heels of his “Redux 004” EP, Kaskade is back with “I Have Dreams,” another brand new track to carry fans through these difficult times. He teamed up with Australian newcomers Blue Noir and NYC-based Tishmal for the emotive and groovy song, which was originally intended to be part of Kaskade‘s upcoming studio album. However, he recognized the healing power of music and connection that the dance community needs now more than ever and wanted to give his fans something to smile about. “I Have Dreams” delivers distorted melodies and ethereal vocals that have become a key part of Kaskade‘s sound, which build into deep, reverberating basslines perfect for after-hours vibes. Kaskade elaborates on his decision to release the the track earlier than planned below:

“The song ‘I Have Dreams’ was initially meant to be saved for a later studio album, but as this stay at home/quarantine moment is unfolding, I’ve just seen one consistent thing: music is a true healer. Everyone enjoys the distraction and the connection. It just dawned on me that I have one way to maybe help some of my audience smile and keep going, even if it’s only for the next 3 minutes. They have supported me with almost evangelical loyalty through the years, the least I can do is start just releasing as much music as possible right now so we can stay connected in that way.” – Kaskade

As a household name in electronic music for nearly two decades, Kaskade needs no introduction. His list of achievements is a mile long: 11 studio albums, 7 GRAMMY nominations, the first solo electronic dance artist to sell out both Navy Pier in Chicago and the Staples Center in Los Angeles, the first DJ to ever secure a Las Vegas residency, and the first electronic artist to headline Coachella. Less tangible but even more important has been his influence on dance music tastes and culture for generations of listeners. Often Kaskade is one of the artists who introduced now-veteran listeners to the genre, and such fans are usually fans for life. In 2019, he worked with multi-award winner Meghan Trainor on “With You” and Gorgon City on “Go Slow,” among solo releases, such as “My Light,” “Come On,” and official remixes for the likes of Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, and Gwen Stefani earlier. Kaskade continues what has become a nostalgic tradition for many dance music veterans and a cherished experience for new listeners. Stay tuned for more news from Kaskade in 2020.

More info on Kaskade / Arkade:

April 18, 2020 0 comments

Music News

A IS FOR ARROWS OFFERS CHARMING NEW TRACK ‘GO SLOW’

by the partae April 18, 2020

written by the partae

Photo credit: Maria Jose Govea/@Supermaniak

“Toronto duo A Is for Arrows’ song “Go Slow” is an effervescent, self-assured expression of cool confidence going into a new romance, highlighting independence and individuality through the band’s buoyant, fresh tones” – Atwood Magazine

April 7, 2020 (Toronto, ON) – Showcasing the dichotomy of confidence and vulnerability, sparks fly in electro-pop act A is for Arrows’ latest offering “Go Slow”, available for streaming today. The delightfully dreamy track explores the delicate evolution of a brand new love; valiantly showing your truest self to another, while simultaneously letting go of your inhibitions to leap into the throes of passion.

“I like to think that on a very rare occasion, I can be the confident person that I envision in my head,” notes lead singer Alessia Balasbas. “Go Slow is that song for me. It’s the mirror image of the scared and insecure human looking back, it’s the self-assured, self- aware and fearless version of self. The one that doesn’t take no for an answer, the girl that will go up to anyone in anyplace and have a conversation. Not because they aren’t afraid, but because they stare their fears in the face and go right through. This song is meant to inspire and empower, I think of it as my own personal female anthem.” On a personal note of inspiration, she adds, “Meeting someone you’re meant to be with is exciting and scary at the same time. I had to jump. I had to throw caution to the wind and dive in head first. In my case, it worked out and I’m so happy I took that chance on this person.”

The track follows their debut release “Without You” and more recently “Roses“, a delicate love song showcasing elegant vocals and crystalline beats which immediately draw in listeners.

The Toronto duo couldn’t be more different from each other, but their bond over music led to the creation of their upcoming debut EP, a highly personal, vulnerable, and self-deprecating collection of songs with a get-back-up resilience, produced by Joel Stouffer (bülow, Dragonette, Ria Mae). Singer Alessia Balasbas and guitarist Eric Robbs, both multi-instrumentalists, met in 2009 and have proven that you don’t have to like the same food, movies, wardrobe or have similar personalities to work successfully together, music was always the common ground. Their early collaborations began with original pop-rock songs, but organically evolved further into the pop direction, experimenting with beats and soft synths to create the electro-pop sound that has been carving out A Is for Arrow’s place in this industry.

For more information, please visit www.aisforarrows.com.

SOCIALS:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

STREAM:

Spotify | Apple Music

April 18, 2020 0 comments

PRAISE FOR COTILLON "The L.A. singer/songwriter synthesizes rock history into something new and compelling." – Spin "Cotillon makes intricate, textured rock music that will sweep you up, entagle you in its grip, and lay you gently back down again." – NYLON "One of the things I really like about Jordan is that he is caught in this interstice between high-culture & low-culture; between the cleaner aspects of life and the grittier." – Shane Butler of Quilt via Consequence of Sound Cotillon, a.k.a. NY-via-LA singer, songwriter and musician Jordan Corso, today reveals new single ‘Cruiser’, taken from forthcoming album 'Memories (Of A Seaside Vertical City)'. Listen to 'Memories (Of A Seaside Vertical City)' now on Spotify and Apple Music. Corso began writing songs that would ultimately become ‘Cruiser’ in mid-2018 after packing up life in NYC to take up an A&R job working between China and Japan. Abroad, he found himself coasting (or, as he describes it, “cruising”) through the laughable stress and every day unknowns of culture shock. He spent most of his nights holed up recording demos, tackling the constant “how did I get here?” moments, from days filled with laughter, liquor-fuelled adventure and longing. The demos and ideas Corso gathered abroad were returned home and filtered through the mind of Los Angeles-based producer, Bret Leinen. Brian Lee Hughes unapologetically handed the keys of his Silver Lake home (as long as Corso agreed to look after his famous art collection), and they locked themselves inside for two weeks to finish 'Cruiser'. New single ‘Memories (Of A Seaside Vertical City)’ was written when Corso was staying in the central district of Hong Kong on the 51st floor of a tower. “The city is extremely vertical, unlike any landscape I have ever experienced.” Corso says. “I'm not used to being that high up in the air and it just makes you see the world differently. I have a fear of heights and just laying down to sleep at night was extremely uncomfortable. I was always dizzy in the apartment. It felt like I was in a spaceship looking down at the world... I could see people walking down different desire lines, fantasising about where they may end up. I was also reading a book about a young man who lets go of his first love. This song just kind of came together as a product of these thoughts and feelings... vertigo... fictional loss.” While Cotillon's first two albums amplified Corso’s gift for direct lyrical expression and melody amidst grit and distortion, ‘Cruiser’, produced by Bret Lienen, moves further into the dream-pop realm, at times recalling soft-voiced indie-pop acts like Hovvdy and (Sandy) Alex G. 2017's 'The Afternoons', released on Burger Records and Dinosaur City Records, was embraced by early lovers of Cotillon's debut LP and new fans alike, receiving tremendous support from outlets including Pitchfork, Stereogum, Consequence of Sound, The Fader, Dork and Nylon. Cotillon went on tour with highly acclaimed acts including The Chills, Hinds and Lee Ranaldo across the USA, Europe and Asia. 2020's ‘Cruiser’ is available to pre-order now on Anniversary and Dinosaur City Records. Out May 14, it is Cotillon’s third album overall, and their second for Dinosaur City Records. Pre-order 'Cruiser' here. Cotillon 'Cruiser' Out May 14 1. AFK (Introduction) 2. Orbit 3. Archer 4. Memories (of a seaside vertical city) 5. Purple Summer 99 6. Cruiser 7. Last Train Home (Harajuku) 8. Knife / Throat 9. Lily Adler 10. Pocari Threat "[Cotillon's] music mixes DIY glam with shoegaze and the melancholy indie rock of Girls and other familiars ." – KEXP "Considered, heartfelt and beautifully intentioned." – DORK "Poetically, he’s an elegant fighter for his own subset of like-minded people. Melodically, he’s an expert at exploring the interesting wrinkles on the edges of previous masterpieces." – Brian Lee Hughes via Issue Mag Keep up to date with Cotillon

Music News

COTILLON ANNOUNCES THIRD RECORD ‘CRUISER’; REVEALS NEW TRACK ‘MEMORIES (OF A SEASIDE VERTICAL CITY)

by the partae April 18, 2020

written by the partae

PRAISE FOR COTILLON

“The L.A. singer/songwriter synthesizes rock history into something new and compelling.” – Spin

“Cotillon makes intricate, textured rock music that will sweep you up, entagle you in its grip, and lay you gently back down again.” – NYLON

“One of the things I really like about Jordan is that he is caught in this interstice between high-culture & low-culture; between the cleaner aspects of life and the grittier.” – Shane Butler of Quilt via Consequence of Sound

Cotillon, a.k.a. NY-via-LA singer, songwriter and musician Jordan Corso, today reveals new single ‘Cruiser’, taken from forthcoming album ‘Memories (Of A Seaside Vertical City)’.

Listen to ‘Memories (Of A Seaside Vertical City)’ now on Spotify and Apple Music.

Corso began writing songs that would ultimately become ‘Cruiser’ in mid-2018 after packing up life in NYC to take up an A&R job working between China and Japan. Abroad, he found himself coasting (or, as he describes it, “cruising”) through the laughable stress and every day unknowns of culture shock. He spent most of his nights holed up recording demos, tackling the constant “how did I get here?” moments, from days filled with laughter, liquor-fuelled adventure and longing.

The demos and ideas Corso gathered abroad were returned home and filtered through the mind of Los Angeles-based producer, Bret Leinen. Brian Lee Hughes unapologetically handed the keys of his Silver Lake home (as long as Corso agreed to look after his famous art collection), and they locked themselves inside for two weeks to finish ‘Cruiser’.

New single ‘Memories (Of A Seaside Vertical City)’ was written when Corso was staying in the central district of Hong Kong on the 51st floor of a tower.

“The city is extremely vertical, unlike any landscape I have ever experienced.” Corso says. “I’m not used to being that high up in the air and it just makes you see the world differently. I have a fear of heights and just laying down to sleep at night was extremely uncomfortable. I was always dizzy in the apartment. It felt like I was in a spaceship looking down at the world… I could see people walking down different desire lines, fantasising about where they may end up. I was also reading a book about a young man who lets go of his first love. This song just kind of came together as a product of these thoughts and feelings… vertigo… fictional loss.”

While Cotillon’s first two albums amplified Corso’s gift for direct lyrical expression and melody amidst grit and distortion, ‘Cruiser’, produced by Bret Lienen, moves further into the dream-pop realm, at times recalling soft-voiced indie-pop acts like Hovvdy and (Sandy) Alex G.

2017’s ‘The Afternoons‘, released on Burger Records and Dinosaur City Records, was embraced by early lovers of Cotillon’s debut LP and new fans alike, receiving tremendous support from outlets including Pitchfork, Stereogum, Consequence of Sound, The Fader, Dork and Nylon. Cotillon went on tour with highly acclaimed acts including The Chills, Hinds and Lee Ranaldo across the USA, Europe and Asia.

2020’s ‘Cruiser’ is available to pre-order now on Anniversary and Dinosaur City Records. Out May 14, it is Cotillon’s third album overall, and their second for Dinosaur City Records. Pre-order ‘Cruiser’ here.

Cotillon ‘Cruiser’
Out May 141. AFK (Introduction)
2. Orbit
3. Archer
4. Memories (of a seaside vertical city)
5. Purple Summer 99
6. Cruiser
7. Last Train Home (Harajuku)
8. Knife / Throat
9. Lily Adler
10. Pocari Threat

“[Cotillon’s] music mixes DIY glam with shoegaze and the melancholy indie rock of Girls and other familiars .” – KEXP

“Considered, heartfelt and beautifully intentioned.” – DORK

“Poetically, he’s an elegant fighter for his own subset of like-minded people. Melodically, he’s an expert at exploring the interesting wrinkles on the edges of previous masterpieces.” – Brian Lee Hughes via Issue Mag

Keep up to date with Cotillon

April 18, 2020 0 comments

How did you first start playing music? I remember it like yesterday, we were sitting at 'the duca' (one of our fav spots to skateboard) in St.Catharines ON...we picked a name, and THEN we all picked which instruments we wanted to learn hahaha. Couple months later, after learning power chords and punk beats, we had a show at The Hideaway. I puked before and after and im pretty sure we got boo'd. I think we were like 17 How did the Joshua Wood Orchestra form? I was recommended to go see Felix Fung by a couple of friends of mine; R.d Cane and Bruce Wilson. I wanted to make a record and i knew it was a diff path for me so i was looking for the right people and place for it to happen. After we started talking it became pretty clear id be tracking there. The magic 8ball on the table said "it is decidedly so" and so we booked it and Felix provided the players. What influenced the sound and songwriting for your recent single 'Bad Way'? I wanted to make something that felt good to listen to while at the same time touching on the bad place i was in. I wanted people to dance and forget for a moment and holy hell i needed that too. The thing is my previous acoustic songs flow in a similar vein but the music is more of a 'sit back n smoke a cigarette after sex n maybe cry a little' kinda music. Apposed to this new path im on being more of a 'smoke a cigarette during sex in the middle of the dance floor' kinda music. But simply put, it was the band behind me that really crafted the sound. How did you go about writing Bad Way? This one came running into my arms like a sad child. I was going through a tough breakup and learning to cope with a new reality while really learning how to love myself for the first time and be open about my weaknesses. Where and when did you record and who with? Little Red Sounds Studio with Felix Fung, Max Sample, Kyle Schick, Jaydon Bunney, and Blake Greer sometime in August 2019. Suite Sound Labs did the Mastering. What programs/instruments did you use? Pretty normal stuff like drums, bass, electric guitars, grand piano, djembe, harmonium, triangle, guiro. Please tell us about the making of your EP: Once the team was formed, we all met up at Little Red Sound Studio and just took it song for song by walking in blind. Bad Way was the first song we tracked and it really set the tone for the whole album. We'd sit in a room and id play the song through on acoustic, and like dough the band would knead it til it was ready. When that moment of 'this is it!' came, wed get behind our instruments and hit record til we were happy. Took us the weekend of all night recording to get the 5 songs live off the floor. Slept on the studio couch each night and probably stunk like shit but man i loved every moment of it. It was a really beautiful time for me and a whole new way of chasing a song. What did you find most challenging and rewarding throughout the process? Trying not to smoke too much and making it through without losing my voice even though i def did smoke too much hahaha.. Nahhh, Id say giving my songs over to others to help mould. So damn rewarding. What motivates you? Id say love, heartbreak and all those beautiful madnesses of the mind. What is your impression of the current state of music in BC? A lot of fuckya. A bit of fuckno. What do you have planned for 2020? This album getting out is a big part of it. Next single drops early May with a music video and then the rest of the album. After that I was hoping to get on the road with it but we'll see how the Covid19 situation pans out. At this point Im just super happy to be able to get it out there right now and have people get to hear some new music during this time. Who are you listening to at the moment? In my truck its usually Bacil Kill (an indonesian hip hop group) or this John Prine cd i got orrrr maybe some Rancid or Sound Garden. At home ive really been into The Tesky Brothers and Monophonics. But then ill get these really odd moments where i just listen to The Killing Moon by Echo and The Bunnymen on repeat all night. What do you like to do away from music? I dig photography, scribbling in notebooks, building houses and things, good conversations and driving around in my truck forgetting where im going. How are you holding up during the Covid-19 crisis? It's strange and a bit surreal but im grateful to be where i am during this. Hardest part id say is being so far away from my family and not having an option to fly home if they needed me there. Favourite food and place to hangout (when out of quarantine)? Fav food? Holy moly..Umm all things between bread and all things under cheese. Fav place to hang? The Heatley, Lana Lous and this cute and weathered little breakfast joint in China Town I forget the name of.

Music Interviews Music News

Joshua Wood Interview

by the partae April 17, 2020

written by the partae

How did you first start playing music?

I remember it like yesterday, we were sitting at ‘the duca’ (one of our fav spots to skateboard) in St.Catharines ON…we picked a name, and THEN we all picked which instruments we wanted to learn hahaha. Couple months later, after learning power chords and punk beats, we had a show at The Hideaway. I puked before and after and im pretty sure we got boo’d. I think we were like 17

How did the Joshua Wood Orchestra form?

I was recommended to go see Felix Fung by a couple of friends of mine; R.d Cane and Bruce Wilson. I wanted to make a record and i knew it was a diff path for me so i was looking for the right people and place for it to happen. After we started talking it became pretty clear id be tracking there. The magic 8ball on the table said “it is decidedly so” and so we booked it and Felix provided the players.

What influenced the sound and songwriting for your recent single ‘Bad Way’?

I wanted to make something that felt good to listen to while at the same time touching on the bad place i was in. I wanted people to dance and forget for a moment and holy hell i needed that too. The thing is my previous acoustic songs flow in a similar vein but the music is more of a ‘sit back n smoke a cigarette after sex n maybe cry a little’ kinda music. Apposed to this new path im on being more of a ‘smoke a cigarette during sex in the middle of the dance floor’ kinda music. But simply put, it was the band behind me that really crafted the sound.

How did you go about writing Bad Way?

This one came running into my arms like a sad child. I was going through a tough breakup and learning to cope with a new reality while really learning how to love myself for the first time and be open about my weaknesses.

Where and when did you record and who with?

Little Red Sounds Studio with Felix Fung, Max Sample, Kyle Schick, Jaydon Bunney, and Blake Greer sometime in August 2019. Suite Sound Labs did the Mastering.

What programs/instruments did you use?

Pretty normal stuff like drums, bass, electric guitars, grand piano, djembe, harmonium, triangle, guiro.

Please tell us about the making of your EP:

Once the team was formed, we all met up at Little Red Sound Studio and just took it song for song by walking in blind. Bad Way was the first song we tracked and it really set the tone for the whole album. We’d sit in a room and id play the song through on acoustic, and like dough the band would knead it til it was ready. When that moment of ‘this is it!’ came, wed get behind our instruments and hit record til we were happy. Took us the weekend of all night recording to get the 5 songs live off the floor. Slept on the studio couch each night and probably stunk like shit but man i loved every moment of it. It was a really beautiful time for me and a whole new way of chasing a song.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding throughout the process?

Trying not to smoke too much and making it through without losing my voice even though i def did smoke too much hahaha.. Nahhh, Id say giving my songs over to others to help mould. So damn rewarding.

What motivates you?

Id say love, heartbreak and all those beautiful madnesses of the mind.

What is your impression of the current state of music in BC?

A lot of fuckya. A bit of fuckno.

What do you have planned for 2020?

This album getting out is a big part of it. Next single drops early May with a music video and then the rest of the album. After that I was hoping to get on the road with it but we’ll see how the Covid19 situation pans out. At this point Im just super happy to be able to get it out there right now and have people get to hear some new music during this time.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

In my truck its usually Bacil Kill (an indonesian hip hop group) or this John Prine cd i got orrrr maybe some Rancid or Sound Garden. At home ive really been into The Tesky Brothers and Monophonics. But then ill get these really odd moments where i just listen to The Killing Moon by Echo and The Bunnymen on repeat all night.

What do you like to do away from music?

I dig photography, scribbling in notebooks, building houses and things, good conversations and driving around in my truck forgetting where im going.

How are you holding up during the Covid-19 crisis?

It’s strange and a bit surreal but im grateful to be where i am during this. Hardest part id say is being so far away from my family and not having an option to fly home if they needed me there.

Favourite food and place to hangout (when out of quarantine)?

Fav food? Holy moly..Umm all things between bread and all things under cheese.

Fav place to hang? The Heatley, Lana Lous and this cute and weathered little breakfast joint in China Town I forget the name of.

https://www.facebook.com/joshuapaulwoodmusic/

April 17, 2020 0 comments

Festival News Music News

THE JENSENS take over UP IN THE AIRLOCK’s ‘Quarantine Sessions’ tonight

by the partae April 17, 2020

written by the partae

Brisbane indie legends The Jensens take over Up In The Airlock’s ‘The Quarantine Sessons’ tonight with the first half of their session premiering on YouTube at 7.30pm. The opportunity to donate to the band and crew is available via the

Up In The Airlock is a new initiative from Ian Haug (Powderfinger, the church) Airlock Studios and Method To My Madness (MTMM) to showcase great Australian acts in a format that captures the intimacy, personality and technicalities often missed at a live show. Originally planned for later in the year, the project was brought forward in light of the devastating effect COVID-19 has had on the Australian music community and also acts as a fundraiser for the artists and crew with proceeds collected via the Up In the Airlock website. The first episode of the series, launched last week, showcased ELKO FIELDS, another local favourite.

Speaking about The Jensens session, Ian said: “this week we’ve got a special one for everyone to see. [The Jensens were] our ‘guinea pigs’ for the pilot project. They came in, played like demons and blew our minds.” The band played a long set so the team are planning to release it in two parts with the second installment coming next week. The Jensens said it was a huge privilege to be the first band to record a live set for Up In The Airlock. “Airlock (Studios) is easily one of our favourite studios in Brisbane: from the scenic drive up there, to the treasure chest of vintage gear and the elegant recording rooms, you get the sense you’re in a space that’s world-class.”

Up In The Airlock takes a page from the books of other successful live sessions such as NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts & Live on KEXP and features the premium production value that the recording studio is known for. In terms of personnel, aside from Ian Haug serving as the host, a world-class team of Australian music professionals are behind the series: it’s produced and directed by Natalie Sim and Alex Flamsteed (METHOD TO MY MADNESS ENTERTAINMENT), recorded & mixed by Steve Kempich (AIRLOCK STUDIOS) with artwork by Brayden Doig (ODDBALL DESIGN) and promo by GYROstream.

Don’t miss the exciting next episode of this great new series supporting Australian music. Subscribe to the Up In The Airlock YouTube channel and sign up to the mailing list on the official website.

CONNECT ONLINE WITH UP IN THE AIRLOCK

April 17, 2020 0 comments

Produced between his Malmö and Berlin studios with music spanning from 2014 to present day, the Swedish tastemaker presents a fine selection of cuts for his debut album which represents a personal account of his journey as an artist. PATHFINDER LP Vinyl Release: 1st May 2020 Digital Release: Mid-June 2020 3 x 12” Vinyl // Digital // Streaming VINYL PRE ORDER LINK HERE After six years in the making between Malmö and Berlin, Per Hammar will release his first studio album on his Dirty Hands imprint this May. Spanning 12 tracks, for release on digital, triple vinyl and streaming, the album is designed for the dance floor and represents the evolution of one of Sweden’s finest artists from his musical beginnings in 2004 to the current day. Per Hammar has been associated with labels such as Infuse, Constant Sound, Malin Génie Music and Berg Audio to name a few. Always inspired by music where melody is the focus, Per Hammar notes his subconscious as being an inspiration for his productions. Over the last 15 years, his material has featured influences from dub to video game scores, and trance to happy hardcore, but it's been dub that's held centre focus on his own Dirty Hands productions, and he frequently utilises gear that’s been around for years in the dub scene. For the Pathfinder LP, Per Hammar regularly uses a Eurorack Modular system, and the Roland Space Echo. He also enjoys collecting old, weird and forgotten gear, such as soviet drum machines to which he uses on a selection of the tracks, as well as using tape and field recorders to capture an ample selection of everyday sounds. As a bonus, Per Hammar will also create a 60 minute special continuous mix of the LP available to stream. The mix will feature all the tracks with some special edits and versions of the tracks, which will be available on Spotify and Soundcloud, to offer a live mix perspective to the album. --- On the album Per Hammar explains: ‘Dirty Hands means quite a lot to me as it stands for something that I built myself as a step towards independence and it gives me exactly what an independent label should give, the power of making things happen and not dealing with others on how things should be presented. Since the label launch in 2014, it has also reflected my own confused musical personality pretty well. One day I’m into this, another day I’m into that, so with Dirty Hands I feel that it’s OK to be like that. So releasing the album somewhere else was never in consideration and it’s taken on many shapes since I started to work with it, that’s also why it took so long to get it out. Listening through you will notice it takes you from dub to trance to minimal and all that’s in between. The album shows the journey from the very start of my production career, 15 years ago, until the present time. Navigating and finding the path on this crooked road. Daniel Christensen, the designer behind this triple vinyl, also translated it into the artwork of the release. There is a path, but there will be obstacles on it that you have to deal with.’ - Per Hammar SOCIAL LINKS Dirty Hands FB: https://www.facebook.com/dirtyhandsrec/ Per Hammar FB: https://www.facebook.com/perhammarofficial/ Per Hammar SC: https://soundcloud.com/per-hammar Per Hammar IG: https://www.instagram.com/perhammar2000/

Music News

PER HAMMAR ANNOUNCES HIS FIRST STUDIO ALBUM – PATHFINDER LP

by the partae April 17, 2020

written by the partae

Produced between his Malmö and Berlin studios with music spanning from 2014 to present day, the Swedish tastemaker presents a fine selection of cuts for his debut album which represents a personal account of his journey as an artist.

PATHFINDER LP
Vinyl Release: 1st May 2020
Digital Release: Mid-June 2020
3 x 12” Vinyl // Digital // Streaming
VINYL PRE ORDER LINK HERE

After six years in the making between Malmö and Berlin, Per Hammar will release his first studio album on his Dirty Hands imprint this May. Spanning 12 tracks, for release on digital, triple vinyl and streaming, the album is designed for the dance floor and represents the evolution of one of Sweden’s finest artists from his musical beginnings in 2004 to the current day.

Per Hammar has been associated with labels such as Infuse, Constant Sound, Malin Génie Music and Berg Audio to name a few. Always inspired by music where melody is the focus, Per Hammar notes his subconscious as being an inspiration for his productions. Over the last 15 years, his material has featured influences from dub to video game scores, and trance to happy hardcore, but it’s been dub that’s held centre focus on his own Dirty Hands productions, and he frequently utilises gear that’s been around for years in the dub scene.

For the Pathfinder LP, Per Hammar regularly uses a Eurorack Modular system, and the Roland Space Echo. He also enjoys collecting old, weird and forgotten gear, such as soviet drum machines to which he uses on a selection of the tracks, as well as using tape and field recorders to capture an ample selection of everyday sounds.

As a bonus, Per Hammar will also create a 60 minute special continuous mix of the LP available to stream. The mix will feature all the tracks with some special edits and versions of the tracks, which will be available on Spotify and Soundcloud, to offer a live mix perspective to the album.
—

On the album Per Hammar explains:

‘Dirty Hands means quite a lot to me as it stands for something that I built myself as a step towards independence and it gives me exactly what an independent label should give, the power of making things happen and not dealing with others on how things should be presented.
Since the label launch in 2014, it has also reflected my own confused musical personality pretty well. One day I’m into this, another day I’m into that, so with Dirty Hands I feel that it’s OK to be like that. So releasing the album somewhere else was never in consideration and it’s taken on many shapes since I started to work with it, that’s also why it took so long to get it out. Listening through you will notice it takes you from dub to trance to minimal and all that’s in between.
The album shows the journey from the very start of my production career, 15 years ago, until the present time. Navigating and finding the path on this crooked road. Daniel Christensen, the designer behind this triple vinyl, also translated it into the artwork of the release. There is a path, but there will be obstacles on it that you have to deal with.’ – Per Hammar

SOCIAL LINKS
Dirty Hands FB: https://www.facebook.com/dirtyhandsrec/
Per Hammar FB: https://www.facebook.com/perhammarofficial/
Per Hammar SC: https://soundcloud.com/per-hammar
Per Hammar IG: https://www.instagram.com/perhammar2000/

April 17, 2020 0 comments

Festival News Music News

GROOVE CRUISE REVEALS 3 DAY VIRTUAL SAIL AWAYS BENEFITTING THE WHET FOUNDATION COVID-19 RELIEF FUND. FEATURING ARTISTS ROGER SANCHEZ, GENE FARRIS, QRION, COCODRILLS, OFFAIAH, FATUM, AND MANY MORE

by the partae April 17, 2020

written by the partae

Miami, FL (April 13, 2020) – Whet Travel, the leader in independent music cruise experiences, has officially announced their Groove Cruise Virtual Sail Aways live stream charity event this upcoming weekend April 17-19, 2020. This 3 day, artist filled, tech-fueled event will be to 100% benefit the Whet Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund. “This pandemic has certainly hit home for me and the #GCFAM community.” Says Jason Beukema founder and creator of Whet Travel, Groove Cruise, and Whet Foundation. “We’ve heard stories of hardship from people coming down with serious complications from the virus, a doctor in San Diego in ICU for the past 2 weeks, parents who have been lost, nurses still working and risking their lives every day without proper protective gear and obviously many jobs lost. We must do something to help. And this grass roots effort will provide some relief for those sorely in need right now. I urge anyone experiencing a hardship to apply for a grant from the Relief Fund and we will do everything we can to help.”

The Whet Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund will ease the financial burden of artists experiencing hardships, “Captains” who have sailed with Whet Travel, health workers keeping us safe, former employees, contractors, and partner companies that have laid off employees, and that of our extended friends and family. The COVID-19 Relief Fund provides tax-free funds for any number of hardships; including unanticipated healthcare costs, rent or mortgage payments, utility expenses, food, medicine, and other necessities. Anyone experiencing hardships during this pandemic are able to apply for the grant program application directly on the Groove Cruise website.

Beginning on Friday of this week, the Groove Cruise Virtual Sail Aways live stream event will feature 20+ artists coming from the electronic music industry in order to raise money for the Whet Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund. Major talent such as Roger Sanchez, Gene Farris, Qrion, Cocodrills, Offaiah, Fatum, and more will be virtually performing, many of whom have all played overseas on previous Groove Cruise events. Alongside an array of electronic music, the show will also feature both hip hop and disco parties. This online event will even include three costume themes, Tiger King, MASKquerade, and House Music Apocalypse, for viewers to dress up at home and share amongst each other on Whet Travel’s interactive Zoom chat room.

Features of the Whet Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund Groove Cruise Virtual Sail Aways Benefit weekend include:

WHO: Anyone experiencing hardship can apply for a Grant. Artists are current, past, and future Groove Cruise Family coming together to support a transparent and legit cause with 100% of every dollar donated going to support those affected.
WHAT: The Whet Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund Groove Cruise Virtual Sail Aways live stream charity event will feature artists from all over the world, performing from locations such as London, Miami, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and more; plus live visuals will be added to simulate a real in-person show. The Whet Foundation is a 501c3 that was started 8 years ago and all donations are tax deductible.
WHERE: The Groove Cruise Twitch will be the main hub and where donations will be collected. It will also go live on Groove Cruise Facebook, Youtube, Zoom and Instagram pages, and we will also go live on artist, media and partner pages to generate more exposure and donations.
WHEN: April 17-19 for approximately 7 hours per day.
WHY: What’s important during this time is supporting people who need help and keeping the positive vibes high to get through this together.
HOW: Our tech team has been online streaming collectively for over 20 years and will be having all streams from artist homes going into their mega-center in Florida with added live visuals and then out to the world across all Groove Cruise, artist and media channels.

Another hugely integral piece to this event, is the interactive Zoom platform available to viewers. Up to 500 #GCFAM are able to video chat, dance, and watch the Groove Cruise Virtual Sail Aways together in their costumes on the platform. This feature is special because it gives viewers a truly human connection and interaction alongside the show. The Zoom screen window will be featured during the livestream so everyone watching will be able to see the charity celebration.

For the latest Whet Foundation COVID-19 Relief Fund updates, sign up on the Groove Cruise website, and follow the event on Twitch, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

About the Whet Foundation

The Whet Foundation is a Florida based 501c3 organization that offers grass roots disaster relief for those experiencing hardships and creates exciting experiences for underprivileged children in South Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico. Through our Community Captains and Destination Donation programs, we strive to excite the lives of those less fortunate in a fun and engaging way while positively affecting an entire generation.

About Whet Travel

For the past 17 years, Whet Travel has curated and produced more half- and full-ship music cruises than any other independent company. Partnering with some of the cruise industry’s most recognized and trusted brands, the revolutionary company has executed more than 50 wildly successful events including Groove Cruise, Motorboat, Zen Cruise, Salsa Cruise, and Groove Island, among others. Innovators since their launch in 2004, Whet Travel was named Inc. Magazine’s No. 4 fastest-growing travel company in the country, has won the prestigious “Charter Partner of the Year” award from Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines, and has been featured in USA Today, Billboard, Forbes, and more.

April 17, 2020 0 comments

Music News

DMA’S Share New Single ‘The Glow’, The Title Track Off Their Forthcoming Third Studio Album – Out Friday 10 July

by the partae April 17, 2020

written by the partae

I OH YOU are thrilled to share ‘The Glow’, the intoxicating title track off DMA’S forthcoming third album, which will now be released on Friday 10 July.

Premiered overnight via triple j Drive, ‘The Glow’ has an anthemic feel with a signature distorted guitar riff and a Strokes-y beat, layered with vocalist Tommy O’Dell’s euphoric howl. The track was fine-tuned over the years, overseeing many personal and professional changes for the band. It’s for this reason Tommy says it’s one of his favourites off the record, “for me it’s a snapshot of where we were and where we’re at now”. This perhaps explains why it’s also the most upbeat track on the hugely anticipated album. While the intro has hints of the digital sequencers that are sprinkled through the album, ‘The Glow’ is a classic DMA’S belter and a nod to the guitar-driven warmth that defined the band’s early sound.

‘The Glow’ follows the beautifully dark and euphoric ‘Life Is A Game Of Changing’ and 2019’s lead single ‘Silver’, tracks that dawned a new era for DMA’S on a global scale. ‘Life Is A Game Of Changing’ scored ‘Record Of The Week’ on the UK’s Radio X and received an official remix by dance music royalty, Orbital, while the polished and lustrous ‘Silver’ (the band’s fastest streaming song to date, with over 8.5 million streams) peaked at #34 on Spotify UK’s Viral 50 Chart and saw love from BBC Radio 1. Locally, ‘Silver’ was the #1 most played track on triple j over the summer, coming in at #20 in the station’s Hottest 100 of 2019 (the band’s 6th consecutive year in the countdown) and received strong support across the Triple M and HIT networks.

These singles, combined with ‘The Glow’, mark a triumphant return for the band that is bigger, bolder and brighter than ever. Recorded and mixed by multiple Grammy Award winning producer Stuart Price (The Killers, New Order, Madonna), DMA’S third studio album THE GLOW is a contemporary pop record that embraces change and sees the band fulfil their world class potential with a collection of songs that are destined for arenas.

2020 was set to see DMA’S take their live show to new levels, with their largest UK tour to date scheduled to start next month, including a headline performance at the 8,000 capacity Castlefield Bowl as a part of Manchester’s Sounds of the City festival. Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, these performances have unfortunately had to be rescheduled, where possible, new dates are being worked on. The band are still performing at this year’s Splendour In The Grass which has been rescheduled for October.

Fans can pre-order THE GLOW now as a limited edition heavyweight tri colour vinyl, CD and Cassette, all formats available for delivery as part of exclusive merchandise bundles via; https://dmas.bandtshirts.com.au/. A limited edition heavyweight 180g vinyl in translucent green is also available for delivery from select independently owned record stores around the country.

‘The Glow’
DMA’S
Single out now through I OH YOU
Available to buy/stream hereTHE GLOW
DMA’S
Album out Friday 10 July
through I OH YOU
Available to pre-order here

THE GLOW tracklisting:
1. Never Before
2. The Glow
3. Silver
4. Life Is A Game Of Changing
5. Criminals
6. Strangers
7. Learning Alive
8. Hello Girlfriend
9. Appointment
10. Round & Around
11. Cobracaine

DMA’S

April 17, 2020 0 comments

Newer Posts

Older Posts

XG (JAPAN) ICONIC ARTIST GROUP RETURNS WITH 2026 WORLD TOUR: THE CORE

The Jungle Giants – Album Launch Parties

STEPHEN SANCHEZ: Brings The Lover Down Under Tour to Australia & NZ...

FUTURE ISLANDS Share ‘The Ink Well’ and ‘One Day’ New LP From...

BAAUER RETURNS WITH U, HIS FIRST ALBUM IN SIX YEARS, ON LUCKYME...

Interview: SF WRENS – “The Finish Line” and the Art of Being...

Interview: Makua Rothman – “I Just Wanna Live” From Big Waves to...

The Temper Trap announce highly anticipated Australian headline dates for September/October 2026

MEDIA PUZZLE UNVEIL NEW RACEHORSE: A SURREAL COMMENTARY ON MODERN EXISTENCE

SF WRENS DEBUT FRESH NEW SINGLE ‘THE FINISH LINE’

the partae

the partae

FRANK IERO AND THE FUTURE VIOLENTS RETURN WITH THEIR DREAM MUSIC VIDEO FOR ‘MEDICINE SQUARE GARDEN’ + NEW LIMITED EDITION ‘BARRIERS’ VINYL OUT NOW

The Rubens Release New Single ‘Heavy Weather’ + Announce Video Opportunity For Fans

THE RUBENS

CHELSEA WARNER ‘HOW COME YOU DON’T PICK UP YOUR PHONE’ DEBUT SINGLE OUT NOW

BAD COP / BAD COP TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, THE RIDE, ON FRIDAY JUNE 19TH ON FAT WRECK CHORDS

CHILLINIT DROPS DELUXE EDITION OF ‘THE OCTAGON’ WITH 4X NEW TRACKS, ALSO FINALLY AVAILABLE ON VINYL + ANNOUNCES RESCHEDULED AUS ALBUM TOUR

Debut EP from Natalie Shay Effervescent Multi Award-Winning Artist

Florian Picasso and GRX release long awaited collaboration ‘Restart Your Heart’

Kaskade Surprises Fans with New Release of “I Have Dreams” with Blue Noir ft. Tishmal

A IS FOR ARROWS OFFERS CHARMING NEW TRACK ‘GO SLOW’

“Toronto duo A Is for Arrows’ song “Go Slow” is an effervescent, self-assured expression of cool confidence going into a new romance, highlighting independence and individuality through the band’s buoyant, fresh tones” – Atwood Magazine

COTILLON ANNOUNCES THIRD RECORD ‘CRUISER’; REVEALS NEW TRACK ‘MEMORIES (OF A SEASIDE VERTICAL CITY)

Joshua Wood Interview

THE JENSENS take over UP IN THE AIRLOCK’s ‘Quarantine Sessions’ tonight

PER HAMMAR ANNOUNCES HIS FIRST STUDIO ALBUM – PATHFINDER LP

GROOVE CRUISE REVEALS 3 DAY VIRTUAL SAIL AWAYS BENEFITTING THE WHET FOUNDATION COVID-19 RELIEF FUND. FEATURING ARTISTS ROGER SANCHEZ, GENE FARRIS, QRION, COCODRILLS, OFFAIAH, FATUM, AND MANY MORE

DMA’S Share New Single ‘The Glow’, The Title Track Off Their Forthcoming Third Studio Album – Out Friday 10 July

DMA’S