Photography – Aiden Joseph

PHOTO CREDIT: CAIN COOPER

Primal, moody and inescapably moving, the powerful new single Who Gave You Permission? out today from Australian powerhouse Greg Gould is a potent blend of pop, soul and searing intimacy. With an accompanying music video slated to land next week, and also set to captivate crowds with his latest release live in action throughout 2024, including onstage at SYNTHONY, Australia’s biggest orchestrated dance party this June, Gould also vigorously tackles exceedingly difficult narrative terrain via Who Gave You Permission? with unwavering finesse and poise.

Opening with a melancholic piano line, Who Gave You Permission? swells alongside Gould’s cogent vocals, ultimately building into a formidable primal pop anthem. Equally gripping musically as it is lyrically, Who Gave You Permission? weaves nods to the likes of Benson Boone, Rag’n’Bone Man, Teddy Swims and Sam Smith while also profoundly detailing an exceedingly personal experience for Gould himself. “To be honest I’m only just starting to feel comfortable to talk about this,” shares Gould. “The first time I performed the song live I burst into tears. I have been a victim of sexual abuse on four separate occasions in all very different circumstances from when I was 10 years old, right up until I was 30. Each time left me feeling so violated, so powerless, paralysed. Nobody has the right to touch you without permission. No means no. It was a very emotional, heart wrenching and confronting experience to write this song to be honest as I’d pushed a lot of those feelings and experiences down and hadn’t dealt with them – it took a while for me to be ok to admit it. There is a stigma around sexual abuse in general, and I do think it can be really difficult for men who are the victim – whether it be at the hands of another man or a woman. In my case, it was both on separate occasions. I want other men to feel comfortable to talk about this and speak up too.”

Seeking to empower fellow survivors through Who Gave You Permission?, Gould co-wrote the compelling new single with Benedict, working alongside Gould to unpack his trauma and ultimately pen a connective and sonically robust ode to survival, along with production by Sydney duo Cressbrook, with live strings composed by Ryan Youens. With a striking music video set to accompany this deeply powerful song on April 20, filmed in Gould’s home state, the clip for Who Gave You Permission? flourishes with its sonic elegance alongside poignant visuals to further amplify the driving message at the track’s core. “The music video features a protagonist moving through an old house,” shares Gould.” As they enter each room, a different storyline unfolds, each scenario reveals as we move back and forth between the rooms. I wanted to highlight that sexual abuse can happen in many forms and in many ways…without over-dramatising or sensationalising it.”

A creative cauldron from way back, Greg Gould began singing the moment he could talk; a talent which ultimately followed him to securing the runner up slot at the grand finale of Australia’s Got Talent in 2013. Following his Australia’s Got Talent success, Gould has gone on to generate millions of streams as well as views of his award-winning videos, perform multiple sold out shows and festivals, tour the globe and ignite charts at home and abroad; and all while continuing to foster and grow an authentic connection with his fans through his heartfelt creations. From snagging the #1 spot on the iTunes Albums charts via his 2020 album 1998, through to collaborating with En Vogue’s Maxine Jones (“a real pinch me moment”, Gould shares), Gould’s proudest moment to date remains releasing his first-ever self-directed music video, a cover of En Vogue’s 1996 smash single Don’t Let Go (Love) with the song’s heart wrenching video having amassed an impressive 20 million+ views. Fast-forward to 2024, and Gould has embraced the mixture of excitement, anxiety, nerves and relief to unveil the vulnerable yet hopeful Who Gave You Permission?, with the latest track also offering a hint as to what’s to come from Gould’s debut album of original songs, Strings Attached, set for release July 12, including his duet with one of the Philippines’ most successful artists, Morissette called Love It All Out (co-written by Bachelor Girl’s Tania Doko) which recently hit over 1 million views on TikTok. Gould has also written and performed the main song for the credits of a new Australian feature film getting its theatrical release later this year, which is set to debut at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Set to perform Who Gave You Permission? at an array of events this April and June, fans can expect to hear Gould’s latest track live in action alongside many other original songs. As to what fans can expect in the not too distant future? “Whether the subject matter is darker or lighter, guests at my shows can expect big vocals, big moments and lot of fun,” Gould enthuses. “I love to perform and I’m excited for the next 12 months! I’ve got big plans and even bigger dreams. I am so proud that Who Gave You Permission? is out now and I’m moving forward both personally and professionally! I would love if even one survivor of abuse feels stronger as a result of hearing this song. I want people to know they are seen, they are heard and they are believed. We won’t be broken.”

Who Gave You Permission? is out now.

Strings Attached is out July 12.

Listen: WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION?

Stream: WHO GAVE YOU PERMISSION?

GREG GOULD – UPCOMING SHOWS

KEEP THE FAITH – GEORGE MICHAEL & WHITNEY HOUSTON
SAT 13 APR | LOEV, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from loevmoorabbin.com | All Eventbrite Outlets

GREEK LEGENDS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
SAT 20 APR | STATE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW | ALL AGES
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | All Ticketmaster Outlets

GREEK LEGENDS OF THE 20TH CENTURY
FRI 10 MAY | PALAIS THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC | ALL AGES
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | All Ticketmaster Outlets

KEEP THE FAITH – GEORGE MICHAEL & WHITNEY HOUSTON
SAT 18 MAY | ROYAL BRIGHTON YACHT CLUB, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from trybooking.com

SYNTHONY
FRI 7 & SAT 8 JUNE | CARRIAGEWORKS, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Tickets available from www.carriageworks.com.au

   LISTEN/PLAY

https://www.instagram.com/greggouldmusic/

Website | Tickets | Date: 3rd – 6th July

Alfa Romero, Baugruppe90, Cassian, Laidback Luke, HoneyLuv, Sama’ Adbulhadi and more have been revealed

The epic open-air and lakeside escape that is Heineken Balaton Sound is one of Europe’s most accessible and must visit festivals for lovers of world class electronic music. Today it reveals its final line up, so now playing on the gorgeous shores of Lake Balaton in Zamárdi, Hungary from 3 – 6 July 2024 will be Sama Adbulhadi, Laidback Luke, HoneyLuv, Henri Bergmann and Mau P on top of previous names like Adam Beyer, Amelie Lens, Stephan Bodzin (live), Reinier Zonneveld (live), Mathame, Marshmello, Paul Kalkbrenner, James Hype, FJAAK, Mind Against, Maceo Plex, Miss Monique and hard dance techno stars Sara Landry, Trym and 999999999 amongst many more.

4-Day Passes are available for the main festival for just €249 from https://balatonsound.com/tickets, and it all kicks off with a special Warm Up party on June 7th at Buda Bay in the nearby city of Budapest with US duo and organic deep house craftsmen Bedouin headlining.

Heineken Balaton Sound’s always unmissable boat parties are back once again in 2024 and offer the ultimate daytime fun on Lake Balaton with brands such as House Picnic on Thursday and Be Massive on Friday plus more to be announced. Each one invites you to dance to the freshest sounds while taking in the panoramic views, ice-cold drinks and endless beaming sunshine. Hosted daily from July 3rd – 5th but tickets are of course limited!

MOGA Caparica

May 29 – June 2, 2024

Costa da Caparica, Portugal

https://www.mogafestival.com/

FB / IG / TW: @mogafestival

An all new and elevated MOGA Caparica experience awaits on the beautiful coast of Portugal from May 29th to June 2nd, 2024 and now the second wave of names has been revealed as well as headliners for the OFF events.

Now playing are the likes of Acid Arab (DJ set), Adassiya (live), Agoria, Francis Mercier, Mâhoud (live), Lee Burridge, Romain FX (live), Rui Vargas, To Ricciardi, Zengxrl and many more. These latest names come on top of first wave names such as Acid Pauli, Dekmantel Soundsystem, Dixon, Jan Blomqvist (Live), Luca Saporito (Audiofly), Mr. ID, Pachanga Boys, Satori, Xinobi, Desiree and more and tickets are available now at mogafestival.com.

MOGA Caparica has made a huge impression in a short space of time. This year MOGA transitions from a series of beach parties to a full-fledged beach festival with a single expansive site and three stages but it remains a compact and boutique gathering for real music lovers inspired by Atlantic vibes and aimed at connecting people from all over the world.

In 2024, it offers another magical mix of artistic discovery, delicious food, local and international music talent, enriching activities for the soul and beach parties, boat parties. The latest names cover house, techno, melodic electronic music, funk, soul and plenty in between with a mix of live acts and DJ sets from legends, pioneers and new school talents.

There is also a superb OFF program across one boat, three beach venues, six parties, and countless hours of non-stop dancing. That OFF program can now be revealed and will take place across Lorosae, Azul Dr Bernard and Buya Beach in Costa da Caparica on the first two days of the festival.

The stunning beach bar Lorosae will be hosting a party on both Wednesday and Thursday. For this occasion the organisers partner up with Amor Records, a local record store and talent incubators. The event offers attendees an immersive experience in the electronic music Lisbon scene, showcasing local names. Later on the same days (29 and 30), the celebration carries on at Azul Dr. Bernard, just a few minutes away from the afternoon event. The setting will host electronic scene headliners along with their talented DJ friends. On Wednesday, MOGA gladly welcome Polocorp, and on Thursday, DJ Vibe, Portuguese talent known locally and globally, both spinning beats for a party lasting long into the night. MOGA will once again host its traditional boat cruise on the Tejo river, setting sail to the tunes of DJs from the Faina Music Portuguese label.

In addition to the live electronic music and parties, the festival also aims to pay homage to the land that welcomes us. The programme will be announced in the coming weeks but in previous editions, MOGA invited a local batucada, offered free yoga and surfing lessons, hosted discussions on music and technology, and organized exhibitions, all against the scenic backdrop of Caparica.

For more information and ticket sales, visit www.mogafestival.com 

OFF Details 

✷ WEDNESDAY 29th May ✷ 

 1PM – 9PM : Thiago Guiselini (Amor Records) takeover

@Lorosaesolnascente
FREE with RSVP

LINEUP : DIOGO BOTELHO, THIAGO GUISELINI, SOFIA KUSTER

 6PM – 2AM : Opening night Polocorp, Daniel Weil & Friends

@Azul.drbernard

 Free with RSVP

LINEUP : ARTEMISTIQUE – DANIEL WEIL – MIRO – POLOCORP

✷ THURSDAY 30th May ✷

 11AM – 9PM : DJ sets at Buya

 @Buyabeach
Free with RSVP

LINEUP: ADAM CHARAF – BERBERAN – EMANUEL SATIE – PENELOPE

 1PM – 9PM : Funkamente all afternoon Vinyl Set

 @Lorosaesolnascente

 Free with RSVP

LINEUP: FUNKAMENTE

 4PM – 9PM : Moga Cruise by Faina Music

Docas Lisboa

  Tickets Entrance + Open bar

LINEUP: ANDY BOOK – KLIN KLOP – WHITENOISE

 6PM – 2AM : DJ Vibe & Friends at Azul

@Azul.drbernard

 FREE with RSVP

LINEUP :  ANYA – DJ VIBE – DOLCE VITO – TIAGO

Full line up IN + OFF

ACID ARAB (dj set) – ACID PAULI – ADAM CHARAF – ADASSIYA (live) – AGORIA – ALEX WANN – ANALOG SOUL – ANDHIM – ANDY BOOK – ANTILOPE – ANYA – ARTEMISTIQUE – ATLASSI – BLACK POMADE – BERBERAN – CAMILO MIRANDA –  DAISY WEWEH – DANIEL WEIL – DEKMANTEL SOUNDYSTEM -DESIREE – DIOGO BOTELHO – DIXON – DJVIBE – DOLCE VITO – DYMOS & SHIZZO – EMANUEL SATIE – FRANCIS MERCIER – FUNKAMENTE – GIU NUNEZ – HEIDI LAWDEN – HELIO – JAN BLOMQVIST (live) – JEAN MAUJ – JEPE – JUST KELLY – KAWTAR SADIK (LIVE) – KLIN KLOP – KOKESHI – KOTOE – LEE BURRIDGE – LUCA SAPORITO (Audiofly) – M.DUSA – MADOTA – MÂHFOUD (LIVE) – MALAS – MALIKA – MANUEL COTTA – MELODY – MIGUEL DOMINGOS – MIRO – MR. ID – NEVERSEEN – PABELS – PACHANGA BOYS – PALMS TRAX – PASO DOBLE –  PENELOPE – POLOCORP – PORTABLE (LIVE) – RAFAEL DA CRUZ – RETRO CASSETTA – ROMAIN Fx (live) – RUI VARGAS – SAFAR – SASSY J – SATORI (LIVE) – SHADO – SHERI VARI – SHUGI – SOFIA KUSTER – TIAGO – TIAGO (PANDILLA LTD) – THIAGO GUISELINI – THE AVENER (dj set) – tINI – TO RICCIARDI – WHITENOISE – XINOBI -YEN SUNG –  ZENGXRL

Tickets for MOGA Festival Caparica 2024 are flying off the shelves: After parties tickets already sold out, 2nd release sold out, now on 3rd release.

Follow MOGA Festival Caparica @mogafestival for the latest updates and announcements.

Photography: Louie Mosscrop

Basilar Festival is back for its 3rd edition, from 5 to 8 September, at Barragem da Queimadela In Fafe, North of Portugal, with four days of electronic music, with the last one extended for 24 hours.

After a highly demanding 2nd edition that welcomed 70% of foreign audiences – from Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Oceania – Basilar presents itself with renewed energy and a bold programme of national and international artists from the techno scene.

Basilar is a single, intimate event with a meticulous curatorship, offering its audience a unique experience. The carefully chosen landscape and setting are essential for creating the idyllic atmosphere to which it refers.

Ben Klock, an inescapable figure on the world techno scene; DVS1, the American who will present an extended performance; Trolley Route, Oscar Mulero’s project that had a memorable performance at the last edition; or Scion Versions, the duo formed by Substance & Vainqueur who are umbilically linked to the dub techno of Basic Channel; are the featured artists who will be performing at Barragem da Queimadela in September.

These are joined by Japan’s Haruka, with his mental and hypnotic techno; the man at the helm of Token, KR!Z; the rebirth of the Deetron presents Soulmate project; and some of the names that were present at the second edition of Basilar and that help define the festival’s musical direction, such as Deniro, Fadi Mohem, Tasha and Stojche.

In live format, Basilar Festival will feature performances by the Italians Fireground; the Belgian and Fuse resident, Phara; and the Portuguese projects of A Thousand Details and Salbany.

They are also joined by Anika Kunst, an instigator of the Catalan scene; Afra, a Dutch vinyl enthusiast making her debut here; and Laia, a recent name to watch out for on the Spanish scene. The Italian Pareal will perform the opening live act.

The line-up also includes many local artists, starting with Vil and Temudo, co-founders of Hayes Collective; Backbone, co-founder of Vinculum; Terzi, co-founder of Extended Records, Francisca Urbano and festival mentors Montero and Tauer.

Tickets are now available and can be purchased here. The first phases of early-bird tickets sold out in less than 30 minutes and are now 106€ with access to all four days of the festival. At a later date, daily tickets will be released subject to the event’s limited capacity.

The festival will include a food court, camping and caravan parks, which can be booked in advance, as well as glamping options in partnership with Domo Camp. Alongside the music programme, there will be sound healing, yoga and meditation sessions.

Until September, the festival’s organisers will be holding a series of events in various parts of Europe, such as Skopje in Macedonia, Granada and Bilbao in Spain, and Porto and Lisbon in Portugal, to promote the festival’s 3rd edition.

Returning for another year of celebrating Australian talent who has gotten local (and in many cases, international) industry heads turning, Live Nation Australia are proud to announce their first installation of their successful ONES TO WATCH series for 2024 – set to go down on Gadigal land at Sydney’s OXFORD ART FACTORY this coming March.

For this Sydney event, ONES TO WATCH Backed By VODAFONE welcomes three wildly talented musicians to the fold: PHEBE STARR, ADRIAN DZVUKE and CHANEL LOREN.

Phebe Starr is an artist who has built a formidable reputation for herself with a strong Australian following, for being a beacon of light and fresh inspiration when it comes to interesting, engaging indie-pop music. Fleshing out a discography with music that represents Phebe’s natural songwriting talent, her sound evokes the same arresting quality like music artists such as Lykke Li and Zara Larsson have made famous.

From the West Coast, Adrian Dzvuke has been hailed as the “Afrobeat King of Australia” – big props, but justified. A true rising star in the scene, Dzvuke’s music has captured the attention of listeners around the country; pure musicality and songwriting meets a natural charisma, making Dzvuke one of Australia’s most exciting new names. Sharing the stage with the likes of Omah Lay, POND, Spacey Jane and more, as well as impressing at events including Splendour in the Grass and BIGSOUND, Dzvuke knows how to command an audience of any kind.

Sydney-based British-Caribbean R&B artist Chanel Loren represents the energy currently weaving its way through the contemporary R&B scene in Australia; energy based on a foundation of strength, unique storytelling and beautiful confidence. Having had a great rise of trajectory in recent years, Loren’s sound refuses to be pigeon-holed, instead desiring to follow unique soundscapes and textures. The vibes, akin to Jorja Smith and SZA, are impossible to ignore, as is Chanel Loren’s building body of work.

Hosting the evening will be the Gen Z voice of Australian music media, Tait McGregor. A multi-platform content creator, the presenter specializes in music, from TV, radio & podcasts, to sweaty mosh pits. Having written for the likes of MTV Australia, Tone Deaf & The AU Review, she has also worked in production for Netflix, STAN, VEVO & more.

The ONES TO WATCH Backed By VODAFONE series has made a solid impact within the Australian music community. Throughout 2023, the series provided industry and fans the exclusive opportunity to see some of the country’s best talent perform in intimate environments across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane, highlighting the talent of the current wave of Australian talent primed to make their impact in other markets.

“We’re thrilled to announce that Chanel Loren, Phebe Starr, and Adrian Dzvuke will be joining our upcoming Ones to Watch showcase in Sydney! We’ve been following these talented acts for some time now, so it’s fantastic to have them become part of the OTW platform”
Paul Lynch. Live Nation Australia

Since its establishment in North America, the ONES TO WATCH series has been able to support and promote artists such as Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo and Halsey early in their careers. So far in Australia, ONES TO WATCH has platformed artists including Blake Rose, Sophisticated Dingo, STUMPS, Forest Claudette, Teenage Joans, Carla Wehbe, ZPLUTO, WIIGZ, Hoodzy, East AV3, Colourblind and Saint Lane at events around the country.

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