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TINA ARENA’S SPECTACULAR ADELAIDE CABARET FESTIVAL KICKS OFF TONIGHT!

by the partae
written by the partae

Get ready to kick up your heels and warm up this winter with a sparkling program of the best and boldest  performers at the 22nd Adelaide Cabaret Festival, starting tonight at Adelaide Festival Centre.  

International star and Australian icon Tina Arena AM proudly presents her curated program with this year’s star studded line-up, featuring 377 artists and musicians across 97 performances over 12 decadent days and nights. 

The world’s largest cabaret festival features 14 world premieres and 15 Adelaide premieres by a large contingent  of Australian artists and performers from the USA, Germany, Rwanda, and New Zealand at Adelaide Festival  Centre and Her Majesty’s Theatre. 

Audiences will be delighted, entertained, and teased by alluring performances and sultry disco evenings – from  headline artist Marcia Hines singing gospel tunes to Australia’s queen of burlesque Imogen Kelly, cabaret  chanteuse and festival favourite Meow Meow, and bespoke French circus act Cirque Bon Bon.  

The hottest late-night club, The Pina Colada Room, will bring a touch of 70s disco to The Famous Spiegeltent – this year located on the new Festival Plaza and featuring DJs, off the cuff cabaret performances, and  appearances by Artistic Director and ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Tina Arena.  

In her debut as Artistic Director, Tina Arena is ready to start the festival fun and frivolity: 

“I am thrilled to be in Adelaide for this much-loved winter festival and can’t wait to see the fusion of stories,  song, dance, and all things theatrical come to life on stage. I hope this year’s program reconnects audiences and  artists in the most intimate and life-affirming way, offering some much-needed connection and joy.  

“I’ve always loved cabaret – long before my role as Sally Bowles, it’s a beautifully eclectic art form and escapism  of the most fabulous kind. This program brings together artists with diverse voices and cultures, representing the  best cabaret has to offer in Australia and abroad. From my own show and the personal stories of Songs My  Mother Taught Me to the decadence of The Piña Colada Room – leave your worries behind and let’s have some  fun!” 

Bringing her Italian heritage to the program, audiences will get a rare chance to connect with Tina Arena on a  personal level, as she headlines and hosts the world premiere show, Songs My Mother Taught Me. Featuring  Tina, and special guests Lior, The Voice 2022 finalist Thando, Jess Hitchcock, Wendy Matthews and Sophie Koh,  the show celebrates culture, legacy and love and is inspired by storytelling and family. Two shows only at Her  Majesty’s Theatre on June 24 and 25.  

Opening weekend highlights include:  

  • Cabaret favourite Reuben Kaye hosting this weekend’s The Pina Colada Room and brings his new show  Live & Intimate to The Banquet Room in the second weekend.  
  • South Australian cabaret favourites Amelia Ryan, Michaela Burger and Michael Griffiths celebrate the  golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, sexual revolution and the leaps and bounds of women’s liberation in Simply  Brill – The Women Who Defined Rock ‘n’ Roll. Limited tickets available. 
  • Audiences will travel back in time with vocal powerhouse Catherine Alcorn and Phil Scott in 30  Something, an immersive show set in Sydney’s Bohemia Kings Cross on New Year’s Eve 1939.
  • Swing band Davina & The Vagabonds in an Australian premiere where they draw from the past 100  years of American music, from Fats Domino to Aretha Franklin and Tom Waits in a show led with New  Orleans charm and Memphis soul in The Famous Spiegeltent this weekend.  
  • New Zealand company, A Slightly Isolated Dog bring Don Juan to the Space Theatre, bringing together  physical comedy and twisted pop songs in a hilarious and irreverent show directed by award-winning  Leo Gene Peters.  
  • In its cabaret debut, State Opera South Australia performs How To Kill Your Husband (and other handy  household hints) at Dunstan Playhouse. Based on Kathy Lette’s hit novel, this show guarantees a night  of high drama and cheeky intimacy.  
  • Cabaret Life Drawing – be guided through creating charcoal drawings of a live model while sipping  on a glass of wine and being entertained with live music in The Famous Spiegeltent.  

Headline shows proving popular:  

  • The Gospel According to Marcia sees the extraordinary Marcia Hines celebrate memories from her childhood in Boston and her early experiences with Gospel music in a one night only unmissable concert at Her Majesty’s Theatre on June 17. Accompanied by Adelaide’s own Charmaine Jones & The Gospo  Collective, audiences will rejoice with hit gospel songs including ‘Oh Happy Day’, ‘I Don’t Know How to  Love Him’, and ‘Lean On Me’. 
  • Comedian Paul McDermott presents his nightly show on the last two weekends of the festival with The  Funhouse – a dark carnival of minstrels and misfits, comedy and music and featuring Claire Hooper and  Dilruk Jayasinha plus an array of special guests each weekend.  
  • Comedian and performer Oliver Twist reflects on his time as a refugee from Rwanda, in a delicately told  and unforgettable one-person show, Jali, that proves exceptional storytelling and belly-aching laughter  are powerful antidotes to trauma – three shows from June 23-25 at Space Theatre. 
  • In his cabaret debut, multi-platinum Australian R&B artist Gary Pinto (member of former hit Australian  band CDB) will bring his soulful voice to Dunstan Playhouse in Sam Cooke: The Music. Celebrating the  legacy of “The Godfather of Soul” Sam Cooke, Gary will belt out classics including ‘A Change is Going to  Come’ and ‘You Send Me’ in an evening of storytelling and musical melodies to warm the soul.  

South Australian performers include:  

  • Kuko, Katie Aspel and Rob Edwards in a special Adelaide Premiere where First Nations regional  musicians and performers present a mix of blues, jazz soul and folk in a night of remarkable sound and  story telling in T.R.A.I.L on June 19.  
  • Victoria Falconer makes her festival debut in And Then You Go – The Vali Myers Project, harnessing the  flame haired-bohemian figure and visionary artist. The show is this year’s Frank Ford Commissioning  Award recipient – the award by Adelaide Cabaret Festival’s late founding father provides $20,000 a year  towards the creation of new works by South Australian artists.  
  • Musical Theatre fans will not be disappointed with Moments in the Woods – Songs & Stories of  Sondheim paying tribute to the genius and legacy of musical theatre’s most ground-breaking composer,  Stephen Sondheim, featuring Philip Quast, Geraldine Turner, Queenie van de Zandt, Josie Lane and  Adelaide’s own Mitchell Butel for one night only at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM: 

“South Australia’s favourite winter festival is back and looking better than ever with the new Festival Plaza open  and ready to welcome audiences to some new spaces and familiar ones at Adelaide Festival Centre. As a winter  festival, Adelaide Cabaret Festival is a seat at the fireside, warming our collective spirits and we know how  important that is for our community. 

“Tina Arena has brought her creativity, talent and arts expertise to this wonderful program, contributing to the  festival’s position as the country’s premier cabaret festival in Australia’s premier festival city. We look forward to  warmly welcoming audiences back.” 

Adelaide Cabaret Festival Executive Producer Alex Sinclair: “We can’t wait to see cabaret fans and new  audiences alike joining in the festivities of our favourite winter festival. Come share a dance under the mirror ball,  enjoy the sparkle, glamour and revel in the live and intimate performances that make Adelaide Cabaret Festival  the place to be this June.” 

Free events include the popular LGBTIQ+ Elders Dance Club by All The Queens Men, the fabulous afternoon tea  dance party for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse and intersex elders and all allies will be held at The  Famous Spiegeltent on Sunday, June 19.  

The inspiring Class of Cabaret program returns to shine a light on the cabaret stars of tomorrow, proudly  supported by Adelaide Festival Centre Foundation through the Nathaniel O’Brien Scholarship which allows one  student from regional South Australia to participate in the program. 

Festival favourite Trevor Jones – The Piano Man is back at the Festival Theatre foyer Quartet Bar nightly and the  Corryton Burge Bar and Cabaret Lounge return as the perfect places for patrons to settle into a quiet corner or  keep the party going between shows.  

Produced and presented by Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide Cabaret Festival has grown from modest  beginnings in 2001 to become Australia’s major winter festival and the largest cabaret festival in the world.  Previous Artistic Directors of the festival include Julia Holt, David Campbell, Kate Ceberano, Barry Humphries,  Eddie Perfect, Ali McGregor, Julia Zemiro and most recently, Alan Cumming.  

The festival has been a platform for shows and performers who have achieved critical acclaim and featured  world-renowned artists including Ms Lisa Fischer, Kristen Chenoweth, Idina Menzel, Dita Von Teese and Patti  Lupone to name a few.  

Adelaide Cabaret Festival 2022 opens on June 10 and runs until June 25. 

Tickets on sale March 25 from 11am at adelaidecabaretfestival.com.au 

Get Social: Facebook @adelaidecabaretfestival / Instagram @adelaidecabaret / Twitter @AdelaideCabaret  #AdCabFest 

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The Buckleys

by the partae
written by the partae

What’s been happening recently?

Molly: We recently released our new single ‘OOPS I Love You’ Which we are so incredibly excited about! We wrote and recorded the song in Nashville earlier this year, now we’re finally getting back out on the road, travelling, playing live shows and doing what we love to do… Playing some damn music!

Please tell us about your upcoming EP:

Molly: This EP is so special to us, it really represents where we are right now as a band. Our style, sound and overall vibe was captured perfectly and each song is so different which we love. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it and hopefully love it as much as we do!

How was your recent trip to Nashville?

Molly: Soooo good! Nashville is our musical home and sits so close to our hearts. Every time that plane touches down it’s the best feeling. We wrote our upcoming EP in Nashville earlier this year and collaborated with some of our favourite songwriters and musicians. It’s always so inspiring and we can’t wait to get back!

When and where are you playing next?
Lachlan: Our next show is up at the Sunshine Coast at an awesome venue called “nightquarter”, it’s on the 18th of June and anyone who reads this better be there !! More info on The Buckleys website.

Who are you listening to at the moment?
Lachlan: At the moment we have all been listening to a lot of “The Cardigans” and “Ray Charles” .

We love listening through albums and experiencing another artists creative journeys that they have passionately put together for others to appreciate.

What do you like to do away from music?
The only thing I really do away from music is surf, we’re lucky enough to live 20 minutes away from the coast where there has recently been great swell for a musician like me to ride.

What was it like working on a track with Camilla Fernandez?

Sarah: It is such an honour to have written ‘Down The Road’ with Camila and for The Buckleys to have collaborated on this track with her. I can honestly say it’s been one of the most incredible experiences, firstly to first discover more and learn about Mexico and to fall in love with it’s classic Mariachi music especially, in my preparation and research before writing with Camila! After writing the song, I was immediately so excited to visit Mexico, and am so incredibly happy and thankful that we did get to shoot the music video with her in Mexico City. It has opened up a whole new musical world to me and we look forward to discovering more and spending more time there.

How did Oops I Love You Come about?

Sarah: I actually started writing Oops accidentally with our youngest brother, Dylan (15yo) who plays drums. We were jamming, just for fun and I stumbled across this bass line. The ideas just grew from there and after playing around with the melodies and ideas, I bought it to Lachlan and Molly. We kept it in our back pocket and when we arrived in Nashville, we revisited it with our producer, Chad Carlson. We all really dug the direction and it was one the first songs we wrote from the upcoming EP.

Your latest single ‘Oops I Love You’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

Sarah: This song to me feels really fresh but also has a touch of nostalgia in it. There wasn’t any real intentional ‘influence’ or vibe we went for when we were writing or recording, however after listening to it now, I feel like there’s subliminal and subconscious influences in there from 80s! In the melodies, riffs and hooks you hear throughout it…. is that just me?! Haha. A bit of 90s pop I feel like has crept in there too… some people have said it gives them Sheryl Crow so hey, I’ll take that, as she’s an all time fav!

The Buckleys

www.thebuckleys.net

info@thebuckleys.net

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Video Premiere: Nighteye’s Drops New Video for Debut Single ‘Lowlight’

by the partae
written by the partae
Where are you currently based?
I’m based in Naarm/Melbourne.
How did you first start playing music?
I have always loved to sing and come from a musical family, so there was always music around as I was growing up. When I was in my first year of high school I took lessons in drums and guitar and started writing songs. I’ve been playing ever since.
What’s been happening recently?
I’ve been working on my debut album which will hopefully be done before the end of the year. In January I was able to play my first shows as Nighteyes which was exciting, and releasing Lowlight was definitely a highlight.
How did the circus element for your ‘Lowlight’ music video come about?
Lowlight features in the contemporary circus show ‘The Defiant’, produced by Highwire Entertainment, and I am also involved as the sole musician and music director. We performed in the Midsumma Festival in Melbourne back in January of this year and also at Adelaide Fringe in February/March, where we won the Best Circus Award. The circus performers in The Defiant are so talented, so I wanted to incorporate their incredible skills into the music video. The apocalyptic setting of the video captures some of the magic of the stage show and I’m so happy we managed to tie the projects together.
Who did you collaborate with during the creation of the Lowlight video?
My friend Paul Westbrook of Late Cut Media directed and edited the video. He is also a circus performer so he knows how to capture this unique style of performance really well. He had already shot some footage for The Defiant promotion videos, so we went back out to the original location and filmed me and my guitar.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding throughout the filming process?
One of the techniques we used for this video is slow motion, which meant I had to learn how to sing/mime the song at double speed so that was pretty interesting! It was hard not to laugh when I heard the song at that speed. We also ran into some very muddy conditions, so some of the shots are of me with my boots sinking into the mud. It was such a beautiful location in Port Gawler, SA, so I think that made up for the tricky parts. We were really lucky to get similar weather for both shoot days so that was great!
Lowlight is your debut release, please tell us about any upcoming releases:
I’m currently working on my debut album, which Lowlight will be a part of. In between playing for other artists and shows I’ll go into the studio and lay down what tracks I can. I’m very excited to share this music with the world as it’s been a long time coming. I’m hoping I will have the album finished and released before the end of the year.
What influenced the sound and songwriting for Lowlight?
I had a vision in my mind when I wrote this song of the particular kind of light the moon emits, how it doesn’t entirely illuminate the dark and makes scary shadows out of things that would be benign during the day. The lyrics in the verses weave fear and paranoia into what would typically be a peaceful moonlit night, exploring the state you can get into when you’re so anxious that even the trees seem menacing. My main influences for my sound are artists like Chelsea Wolfe, Fleetwood Mac, post-rock band Giants and Explosions in the Sky, electronic beats, and heavier acts such as Elder and Graveyard. I wanted an electronic aspect of the song with beats and synths, but my main love has always been heavy guitar so I knew that needed to feature as well. I really enjoy music that spans different genres so I wanted my own music to follow that path.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
Lowlight started as a tour project when I was performing with a different project, I had my laptop, guitar and a small interface to work with. Once I was back in Melbourne, my partner and producer Drew Handcock worked with me to finetune it, adding synths and finetuning the drum beats and guitars. Drew also played some live drums on the track and did the final mix. Casey Rice mastered the track as another project of mine, Honeybone, worked with her for our last album so I knew she would do a great job.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
The albums I have on repeat at the moment are Surrender by Rufus Du Sol, Apocryphon by The Sword, Chelsea Wolfe’s latest album Birth of Violence and Jon Hopkin’s new work ‘Music for Psychedelic Therapy’. My partner and producer Drew also has his own electronic project, Divine Wave, so there’s always new music coming from our home studio which I love to hear.
What do you like to do away from music?
To be honest, not a lot! I think if you ask any musician, we put in so much of our time and energy into music that other activities are a bit hard to fit in. I do like to do self-care activities like exercise and meditation however, and spend time with my partner, friends and my two dogs.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?

I’m hoping to get this album finished by the end of the year, it’s a labour of love and I’ve been sitting on this project for a while so I want to get it right. I’ve also got a bit of touring with other projects, so hopefully I can fit it all in. It’s amazing having live music back after covid, I really missed it!

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Snowfish

by the partae
written by the partae
Where are you currently based? 
Newcastle, Australia.
How did you first start playing music?
We all began playing instruments separately at a young age, as we got older we started jamming together just for fun. Eventually, this grew into a more serious passion and we officially launched Snowfish in 2019.
How did Snowfish form?
Sol and I (Jordan) had run through a revolving door of members that we had been trying to start something up with. Kalan was only 14 at the time but we could already recognise his talent. We decided it was time to bring him in, the rest is history.
Your new single ‘MAYBE’ is out now and is off your upcoming debut album ‘The Monster Upstairs’, what influenced the sound and songwriting for MAYBE?
Maybe is the token soft song on the album. It is placed in the middle of the tracklisting to give the listener a break from the dark and intense energy contained in some of the more energetic tracks on The Monster Upstairs. We took influence from artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Keane, and Radiohead, in particular their album OK Computer and especially the track ‘Let Down’.
How did you go about writing MAYBE?
The guitar line that opens the song actually continues throughout the entire track as a loop. We basically built the song from that one guitar line.
Where and when did you record/produce master and who did you work with?
We recorded the song in October 2021 with Jack Nigro at his studio in Coogee Beach, Sydney. The track was mastered by Darren Ziesing of Millenium Mastering.
What can we expect from your debut album?
Along with our 5 existing single, the album will feature 5 brand new tracks and an interlude. We all believe the new tracks are some of our finest work and can’t wait to share these with the world.
How is being an alt-rock band in Australia in 2022?
The Australian music industry typically favours surf and indie rock, we are fighting hard to bring some attention back to the beauty of the alternative genre.
What has been your journey so far?
Maybe is our fifth and final single from our debut album which will be out by the end of the year. In the time since we started we have performed over the east coast of Australia, sold out shows, received tens of thousands of streams, and played on commercial radio. We are excited for the next chapter of our journey.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
We plan to tour Australia on a national level in support of the release of our album.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
We are listening to Mitski, Mom Jeans., PUP, glass beach, Royal Blood, Harry Styles, Daniel Johns, and more.
What do you like to do away from music?
We enjoy getting out and mountain biking or playing tennis, as well as gaming. Our drummer Sol is actually working on creating his own video game.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
We love mexican food and hanging out at gigs.
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King Brown

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

We’re currently based in Perth, WA.

How did the band form?

The band started back in 2018 when Brendon and Shaun began jamming in Brendons spare room with one their good mates (Shaun originally on bass). Eventually Shaun brought his brother Ash down and we evolved from there, with a few extra additions (Ben & Jake) along
the way. 

What’s been happening recently?

We’ve just been writing and recording a bunch of new music and playing a few gigs in there (when we don’t have to pull out due to covid!) We’ve been a little quiet, but things are starting to heat up again!

How’s the local Perth music scene at the moment?

It’s really great, there’s so much good music coming out of Perth right now. Everyone gets around each other and I think it really pushes us all to keep getting better and better. 

Your latest single ‘My Love’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The sound has evolved over time to become what it is with this new single, there’s a lot of classic/blues rock that has heavily influenced these past few releases. Thematically ‘My love’ is a song about being completely lovesick towards someone. Feelings that are so intense that you’d do anything for them, but in the back of your mind being very insecure and jealous of anyone else because you’re afraid of losing them.

Where and when did you record/produce/master?

We recorded ‘My Love’ between Vision studios and Ben’s own Bumchic studio right at the end of 2021. It’s all recorded/produced/mixed by Ben and mastered by Simon Struthers at Forensic Audio. It really gives us a lot of freedom having access to our own studio and engineer and takes a bit of pressure off too. 

Your previous drummer is now the frontman, how and why did this come about?

Brendon was the lead singer and drummer ever since we started as King Brown, which is an extremely hard thing to do. Towards the end of 2021 the new dynamic came to fruition very naturally. It was a combination of things like us adding different elements to our songs in the recording process (Keys/Percussion) that we were not able to perform live, plus us feeling a little awkward on stage as the frontman is all the way at the back. We all felt like it was a great opportunity to mix things up and we’re super excited for it. 

How’s your live performance different due to the change?

It’s enhanced our live shows phenomenally, Brendon brings so much energy to the stage being out the front, we all feed off of it and it brings the whole band up a level performance wise. We’re able to have those new elements in our songs played live along with our amazingly talented new drummer Jake Coulter holding it down at the back. 

What are you most excited about for this new era for the band?

Getting more and more live shows under our belt and focusing on bringing the best live performance we can. It also allows us to experiment a lot more in the studio which we are very excited about!

Favourite thing about live shows?

Just being able to play our music to people is always a good time, and it’s even better when they’re all boogieing along having a good time! 

What’s next for King Brown, anything brewing?

We have a bunch of new music on the way this year, possibly leading to something bigger, but we’ll let you know all in due course! Haha 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Shaun – “I’ve had the new Old Mervs single on repeat ever since it came out”.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Clancy’s Freo is always an absolute belter of a time.

 

Official Website: bigcartel.kingbrown.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kingbrownwa

Twitter: @kingbrownband

Instagram: www.instagram.com/kingbrownwa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMCZ9L1VyKLihaQhba9QlQ

Triple J Unearthed: https://www.abc.net.au/triplejunearthed/artist/king-brown-0/

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Mathew V

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based? 

Home base is Vancouver, Canada. I’ve been travelling a lot more recently, but it’s always nice to come home to the 604.

How did you first start playing music? 

I was always singing around the house. At every family gathering, I would perform ‘Man I Feel Like A Woman’ by Shania Twain, and from there I caught the bug. I trained in opera and classical voice for 10 years after that.

What’s been happening recently? 

I recently put out my EP “The Outer Circle” which was just nominated for a JUNO award, which is very cool and a bucket list moment for sure.

Your new single ‘Sick’ will be out on the 27th of May, what influenced the sound  and songwriting? 

‘Sick’ is a bit of a follow up on ‘Give It All’ which is from my album ‘Two Faced.’ I worked on this song with the same production team and we had been trying to make another song for years, but we kept having to push back due to the pandemic. Finally we decided that there was no more waiting, and we made it work remotely.

What does ‘Sick’ mean to you? 

‘Sick’ is a playful spin on the phrase ‘you make me sick.’ It is very tongue in cheek and dances around the theme of someone giving you butterflies. The best kind of sick in my opinion.

How did you go about writing ‘Sick’? 

I was writing chorus ideas with my collaborator Josh Bogert who is a wonderful artist in his own regard. I knew that this idea would be perfect to take to the producers on this one.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

This was produced by my good friends Fly By Midnight who I am not only a fan of, but am so lucky enough to get to collaborate with. I knew after we made ‘Give It All’ that we needed to follow it up. I took the track to Kevin Peterson for Mastering who I  go to at any change I get. He’s the best.

How did you approach the recording process? 

We made a lot of the demo over Zoom as Fly By Midnight were in LA and Josh and myself were in Vancouver. We recorded all of the vocals here and sent  everything down to the guys in LA to take it across the finish line.

You’ve received your first JUNO Award nomination for Adult Contemporary  Album of The Year for your fantastic EP, The Outer Circle, how do you feel  about this? 

It is such a huge bucket list moment for me. I’m nominated with a bunch of artists whom I respect and hold in the highest regard. I’m taking in every moment.

Who are you listening to at the moment? 

I’ve been listening to a lot of Nick Wilson, Luca Fogale and Teddy Swims. I highly recommend you check them all out.

What do you like to do away from music? 

I love cooking and baking a nice meal. I love any activity that requires me to step away from my phone and put all of my focus into something with no distractions.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022? 

We have a lot coming up for 2022 and 2023. I’m working on an exciting new  project over the summer, and I’ll be playing the historic Massey Hall with Royal Wood this upcoming October.

Favourite food and place to hangout? 

Aroma Tea & Coffee in North Hollywood is both my favourite place for food and to  hangout. Wish I was there 24/7!

Website: www.mathewvmusic.com

Twitter: @MathewVMusic

Facebook: /mathewvmusic

Instagram: @mathewvmusic

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Nervous Light

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?  

Brisbane, Australia  

How did you first start playing music?  

Each of us are a bit different, but we’re all self taught and picked things up fairly young playing  and learning how to write in bands and high school and just kind of snowballed from there. Our  bassist Rich moved to vocals after years of playing and fronted a metalcore band called The  Name Of A Ghost and Antony and I (Jordan) played together in a pop punk band called Malibu  Stacy for a long time before this project started to come together in early 2020.  

What’s been happening recently for you guys?  

Aside from the single release, we’re finally getting to play regular shows after live music being  so stop start from the time we started the band. It took a year from when we released our first  single Haunt to being able to play live due to lockdowns, restrictions and everything else. We  

recently had the pleasure of opening for The Beautiful Monument and Belle Haven here in  Brisbane which was awesome.  

Your latest single ‘Coffee Stains and Picture Frames’ is out now, what or who influenced  the sound and songwriting?  

Rich had always wanted to write a song with a similar baseline to English Summer Rain by  Placebo, so we’d come to a writing session and he had the main riff and chorus chords as well  as the basic outline of the song with some cool space and dynamics ready to go. Between us  we came up with the lead guitars in the chorus and second verse which were very reminiscent  of Movements and their record No Good Left To Give, particularly the closing track and I think  my constant thrashing of that record at the time also inspired a lot of the flow and cadence of  the vocal melodies when we got to those after working together on the lyrics.  

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with /How did you  approach the recording process?  

We had spent a lot of time with our go to producer and collaborator Jake Randall (Joy In Motion/  Sol Audio) in 2020 and 2021 out of his home in Bulimba. We’d been working on the songs that  would become our EP Bury What’s Left Of My Heart In Your Backyard and had just never  stopped writing in between, so as those session went on it turned into us having 9 or 10 songs  going, this being one of them. Given how fun and easy it is to work with Jake and how he brings  out the best in us and has a great ear and mind for what we’re doing, we didn’t really have to  think twice on this one.  

Please tell us about any future music that’s in the works:  

We still have about 5 or 6 songs left over from those 2021 recording sessions which will see the  light of day in the near future. Because we had such a healthy backlog of song ideas that we  were excited about, we just recorded them and figured we would worry about a release strategy  later. Theres a few little bits and pieces left to do on those, but I would say a new EP won’t be  far away before we dive back into the myriad of demos we have new and old.   

Who are you listening to at the moment?  

Rich- the new Silverstein record, Can’t Swim, Otoboke Beaver and The Smiths  Antony- Casey, Nothing,nowhere and The Home Team  

Jordan- Counterparts, Mason Dane, Static Dress and 100 Gecs  

What do you like to do away from music?  

Rich is a new father to twin boys, Antony likes to hang out with his dog and suss new Coffee  spots and I can usually be found watching wrestling (AEW forever, WWE never)  

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?  

All systems go! Plenty of new music, shows and we’re hoping to be able to cross state boarders  and see some of our old friends and favorite food spots in Sydney and Melbourne before the  year is out.  

Favourite food and place to hangout?  

As a band that is two thirds Vegans, Netherworld here in Brisbane is the go to spot! Incredible  food for everybody’s lifestyle choices, great beers and sodas and everything from pinball and  gaming machines to board games. If anyone from Netherworld is reading, we’d love to play a  show. DMs are open. Oh, and also bring back the duck roll, thank you in advance.

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Kendra Gabrielle

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

I’m currently based in Milton, Ontario about 40mins outside of Toronto.

How did you first start playing music?

I started officially playing music at the age of 14, I started out with voice and then added in guitar and piano and finally ukulele. It’s been quite the journey learning all these instruments.

What’s been happening recently?

Honestly, recently it’s been an absolute whirlwind getting the single ready for release while completing a post-grad program. However, I’m so grateful for the response and love the single has received from all my listeners, it’s only been a couple of days since it’s been out so I cannot wait to see the new opportunities that will be coming my way.

Please tell us about your musical journey thus far:

Yes absolutely, so it started with me getting into an art high school for music where I specialized in voice, while I studied throughout those 4 years I decided music was something I wanted to pursue as a career so I applied to a couple of universities all over Ontario and ended up in the Bachelor of Music program specializing in classical voice at Carleton University. Throughout those years I got to be in choirs, guitar ensembles, songwriting ensembles and travel to China to perform, which was an incredible experience. In my last year, I decided to switch to the songwriter program to grow my writing skills. After graduating I released my debut single “Bad Boy” in the fall of 2020, and have been growing my audience all over ever since by playing local shows and posting covers on social media.

You have a new single on the way, please tell us what this track means to you:

Yes, this track is really special to me because of the messaging behind it. “Drunk On My Own” contrary to the title is a love song but to yourself. When we were writing the tune, I wanted the listener to take away a couple of things from the song:

  1. The only person you need the most love from is yourself. Once you’re drunk on your own love, you’re unstoppable.

  2. Value your female friendships especially when you’re in your 20s these are the years to collect all those wonderful memories to share in the future – and let’s be honest they’re gonna be the ones there wiping your tears when a boy breaks your heart.

What or who influenced the sound and songwriting?

For the sound, my producer and I have been creating a sound that compliments my voice and personality, taking direction from the country genre but putting our own spin on it and of course Taylor Swift. The songwriting influence was from women around us, in general, I tend to get inspired by real-life mostly.

How did you go about writing this single?

So the song was co-written by myself, Taylor Adams and Jessie Bower this was the first time we’d ever written together and we basically started talking about our early 20s and it is a time when you’re figuring out so many things, relationships, who you are as an adult, friendships literally everything under the sun and one thing that’s not talked about enough is just loving yourself. It’s always about “so when are you going to get married, find a partner etc”. So we wrote an empowering song that says you don’t need anyone, you’re allowed to be in love with yourself and that’s all that matters.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I recorded the instruments at Catherine North Studios in Hamilton Ontario, however, all the vocals were completed at my producer’s studio. We started the recording process beginning of fall in 2021 and have been working on it since then, I really enjoyed being part of every single step in the creation of the song, from the day the drums were recorded to hearing the final mastered copy. The song was produced by CMAOntario nominated producer Shawn Moore.

How did you approach the recording process?

We did everything step by step, so there was absolutely no rush in this process. But honestly, all I did was have fun with the band and with Shawn, cracking jokes and making some good music.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I am currently listening to a lot of Celine Dion and Carly Pearce but I’m always listening to Taylor.

What do you like to do away from music?

This totally depends on what mood I’m in, everyone knows music can evoke so many emotions. As an artist, I love to hear how others write their songs and the stories behind them.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?

There’s so much going on this year. This summer has a bunch of shows which I am so excited for, I’ll be back in the studio finishing up another single coming out later in the year and some other exciting stuff that everyone can find out on my socials as they’re being announced.

Favourite food and place to hang out?

I literally love anything that involves potatoes haha. I just love hanging out with my friends at my home or theirs.

https://www.instagram.com/kendragabriellemusic/

https://www.tiktok.com/@kendragabriellemusic

https://www.facebook.com/KendraGabrielleMusic/

https://www.youtube.com/kendragabriellemusic

https://kendragabrielle.com/

Song Link

https://ffm.to/drunkonmyown_

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Jared Gecko

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Sydney, Australia.

How did you first start playing music?

I’ve been writing songs since I was around 3 years old. There are photos of me performing with a playschool guitar on a wall at McDonalds. I had written a number of vocal lines over the top of the prerecorded progressions haha.

I didn’t start playing music properly until I was 13 though. I switched schools and the first friend I made played drums. He pushed me into playing guitar as well as singing and I just wanted to fit in so I guess I can thank him for that.

What’s the story/message behind Jared Gecko?

We’ve both been through a lot of shit in our lives, and both had to overcome a lot to be here, to be alive. We’ve worked on ourselves a lot since starting this project to overcome or at-least manage severe depression and life circumstances. I myself am diagnosed with Bipolar & Tim has his own set of demons he’s dealing with. So we gave the project a name that sounded like a person, someone that we could aspire to be, to not only help other people with what they are going through but be a support system for ourselves.

What’s been happening recently?

We’ve been in and out of the studio getting an EP together so that we can put together our live show ready to tour. Recording is only half of it and really the hardest part, although it’s somewhere we feel very at home. We can’t wait to start playing live where we can really be in our element. I think the soundscape of what we have been creating is something that’s really going to transfer well live, and add another dimension to the songs that can only be experienced at a show.

Your debut single ‘California’ is out now, what or who influenced the sound and songwriting? I think it really came from a place of frustration. I was writing with a lot of artists that week who weren’t really my cup of tea, shall we say, and it wasn’t satisfying me creatively. I had taken the previous night off to go see The Neighbourhood play at the Greek Theatre in LA so I was still mesmerized after that. Like that’s the space I really want to be in.

How did you go about writing California?

It wasn’t something I set out to do, neither was this project, it just kind of happened in a really unexpected natural way. It’s the fastest song I’ve ever written, I was laying back in a deck chair next to a pool trying to get 30 minutes chill time before the next session but I couldn’t stop humming the chorus melody, the lyrics followed quickly behind. I guess my head was just in the right place that day.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with? 

Pete Holz produced, mixed and mastered the track, with Tim working on some extra production that truly made it come to life. I had worked with Pete who has done everything from Gang Of Youths to Peking Duck on a few other projects and I felt like we communicated really well. He is potentially the only person who is be able to bring what was inside of my head to through the speakers.

How did you come to work with Pete Holz and what was this experience like? 

Honestly the hardest part of working with Pete on ‘California’ was deciding between dumplings or Sushi for lunch. Everything else was super easy and fast, which is usually a good sign that its well written and comes from a authentic place.

How did you approach the recording/production process?

Everything to me is about vocals. Always start with a really basic demo track that was based entirely around the vocal, then we record the finished vocals with harmonies. Once that’s locked in there is a lot more freedom to shape the music to the vibe you want it sonically to be rather than wasting time writing parts that might not go with the vocal.

What’s the difference between writing for other artists vs writing for this project?

It’s a lot more personal writing for your own project. When writing for other people you are trying to tell their story by drawing influence from your life and how you can relate, where as when writing for your own project you can be a lot more accurate on the real life experience. It’s a lot more personally therapeutic.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’m currently listening to a lot of Børns as well as Halsey’s first album, Badlands. I’m a huge fan of the darker side of pop, and I spend a lot of my day driving and I feel that it’s the perfect vibe in all this rain Sydney’s been experiencing. I also recently discovered local artist D’Arcy Spiller from Melbourne, really into what she’s doing right now.

What do you like to do away from music?

I don’t spend a lot of time away from music as my brain is always trying to write something new whether I want it to or not, but I’m super into sport and that’s what I watch when I’m trying to unwind. I’m a huge LA Kings (NHL) fan as well as the Parramatta Eels.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?

The main focus this year is to finish as many songs as possible, release a couple more and start rehearsing the live set as the plan for 2023 is to tour as much as possible.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Anything that I don’t have to cook haha but my go to is Japanese or Indian. Can’t go wrong with Ramen or Paneer Tika masala! I used to love going out partying, a little too much. Now I much prefer hanging out at someone’s house, or somewhere quieter. I hate not being able to hear the person I’m talking to. I like having genuine connections with the people I surround myself with. It’s been a big part of working on myself and having a more stable lifestyle.

PLAY/LISTEN

Instagram @jaredgecko
Twitter @jaredgecko
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ATLAS FRANKLIN ALEXANDER RELEASES SURREAL SHORT FILM ‘JAGUAR SERPENT’

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Newcastle.

What’s been happening recently?

Pretty much just been getting ready for the EP launch at The Oxford Art Factory June 9th, finishing up this short film ‘Jaguar Serpent’ and getting stuck into recording my second EP.

What or who influenced the concept for your recent short film ‘Jaguar Serpent’ ?

I really love Alejandro Jodorowsky ! He would have to be my favorite film maker. David Lynch is really groovy too. I just really like unique surreal films, they make my bloody day and are so refreshing to discover. Films like ‘The Holy Mountain’ and ‘El Topo’ are such a trip.

Why did you decide to create Jaguar Serpent?

I basically just really wanted to write and direct a short film to release instead of another music video single. Don’t get me wrong I love doing music videos, I just wanted to make a little unique short film so my pal Dave Fulham and myself created one.

How did you go about filming and editing?

100% DIY, youtube video tutorials mostly.

Who did you work with?

I worked with Dave Fulham to make Jaguar Serpent. Seeing as though this short was my first go at writing and directing it was really interesting because I had not much of an idea of what I was doing. Dave works in film and could help me along with the process but it happened really organically. Dave has a camera and we both have similar interests so we thought what the hell, let’s make something weird together. We shot the whole thing around my house in Newcastle one afternoon earlier this year.

Will you be creating more films in the future?

Yeah for sure, I love the idea of making more shorts. Music videos are great too but having dialogue and a story for the viewer to ride along with is terrific.

You’ll be launching your latest EP at the Oxford Art Factory on June 9th, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I like to draw inspiration from not just music, but also life in general. Traveling, relationships, bus drivers, your pets, baristas, homeless people on the street, psychedelic ceremonies, sobriety, drunken madness; anything and everything inspires me to write. Writing and recording music is almost like my form of therapy. The collection of songs I have written is like a terrarium of trinkets plucked from my brainz, one by one a narration of different events that have transpired and affected me in one way or another.

What can we expect from the June 9th show?

The Oxford Art Factory is always a bloody great time! Such a fantastic Sydney venue ! Our EP launch show June 9th is going to be nothing short of that. Pretty stoked to finally have some vinyl pressed for the show also ! Supported by two really awesome bands Miramar and Trip Fandino. Expect exceptional vibes and lovely people.

How did you go about writing the EP and the recording process?

Extremely DIY ! Everything is mostly done on my laptop. My debut EP ‘Enter Echo’ was recorded in many ways in many different locations; in the back of my car, on park benches, libraries, hotel rooms, ashrams, garages, friends lounge rooms smashing out vox takes, bus stops, monasteries, on trains, on planes. Anywhere and everywhere you can put a laptop down basically. Extremely DIY! I don’t really stick to any kind of writing process. It’s more like if something comes to me, I just write it down or record the bloody thing. I like to write and collaborate with friends on

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I do the majority of it myself but I do love writing and collaborating with friends. William J Coleman is a pal who I’ve collab’d heaps with! William and I co-wrote a track off my EP ‘Sonder’ and also a mate Thomas Rawl mixed Sonder and Valis. Collaborating with filmmakers for music videos is something I really love doing too, it always turns out so differently to what you’d expect initially.

Please tell us about your latest video single, how it came about, where did you film and who did you work with? 

The latest video single is called ‘Enter Echo’. It was shot over in Northern India with my friend and French Filmmaker Toa Doget. The video itself follows the journey of a man through the picturesque landscape, ingesting interdimensional hallucinogenic pills. It is a journey of self-discovery that leads the man to his own death that turns out to be quite transformative and he is reborn. The theme of the video is not too dissimilar to what the song ‘Enter Echo’ originally was written about. I wrote the song after a mind-altering experience on DMT, the theme of the song also has these underlying tones of self-discovery, death of the ego and a transitioning rebirth.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I listen to so many different genres and it’s always changing. Currently I can’t get enough of Ravi Shankar!

What do you like to do away from music?

I work as a disability support worker so that keeps me pretty busy away from making music.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?

More live shows ! Finishing up the rest of my second EP and organising a couple of music video singles to put out at the end of the year. Stay tuned – Can’t wait !

My Short film release – JAGUAR SERPENT – https://youtu.be/ixFOdUQflJM

My SPOTIFY link – https://spoti.fi/2VdvEeJ

My INSTAGRAM link – https://www.instagram.com/atlasfranklinalexander

My FACEBOOK link – https://www.facebook.com/atlasfranklinalexander

ENTER ECHO VIDEO SINGLE (released end of 2021) – https://youtu.be/X3NYEJd9sQc

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Alex Hosking

by the partae
written by the partae

We know you are from Adelaide but where in the world are you currently based?

I have been based in a suitcase for the past 6 years! But since the pandemic, i have applied for a visa in The UK and now my main two baes are Adelaide and London. But, I am always travelling.

What’s been happening on your recent trip to Australia?

Lots of music!! I am always in the studio working but this time as well i spent alot of time in Adelaide seeing family. It was the first time in a long time and it was just amazing to get to slow down and just see everyone again.

How did the success of Fake Friends with PS1 in the UK make you feel?

I have worked really hard for a long time, and i wrote Fake Friends a long time ago so for the song to finally get reconigsed and then released and be successful felt great. It was a real validation that I am doing a good job! Haha!

Your latest single ‘Need Your Love’ is out now, describe your sound

 I make piano house dance bangers! And i love it! That has been the consistency with my last 3 songs and i love making up beat music that people can dance too!

What’s the concept behind the song?

 I wrote Need Your Love at the start of 2020 it was my first zoom session and I had just recently been separated from my boyfriend who was in Americ and I wasnt sure when I was going to be able to see him again.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?

I started off by writing the record with Jonasu who was in Berlin and Yoshi Breen who was in Amsterdam. I recorded the vocals myself and then Joansu did the production. Then I recut the vocals with my friend Israel Amoy in Adelaide and sent them then to Majestic who then finished off the production and made it the tune it is today!

How did you approach the recording process?

It was a funny situation actually because we were all separated it wasnt like a normal session.

I recorded the vocals in my bedroom and that beginning it was all difficult because normally you would just change things on the spot, but we have time differences and geographical issues! So everything worked a little slower. Then when majestic got the track it was a little easier because we were both on the same time zone. So we were able to just go back and fourth on production ideas.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I listen to a lot of new music! I am loving the new Kendrick Lamar music. I recently was put on to Alexis Ffrench who is amazing the music he makes is my night time zen music. I just love Tove Lo, Mø, Raye, Becky Hill, Anne Marie, Fred Again, Jax Jones and so many other artists!

What do you like to do away from music?

Im a massive foodie! So i am always looking for new restaurants and hiking! When I am back home in Adelaide i do a morning hike every morning Monday through to Friday and i love it! Gotta get my steps in.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?  Will we see you back in Australia?

 1000% will be back in Australia! Hopefully doing some live performances!! And lots of new music coming this year!

Favourite food and place to hang out in London?

Dishoom is my go to place to take people who come to London! Its amazing and on the weekends if im not walking around one of the many parks you will find me in The Science Museum.

www.alexhosking.com

www.instagram.com/alexandrahosking

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Nicky Roland

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

I’m originally from London and currently based in Denver, Colorado.

How did you first start playing music?

Both my parents were heavily involved in the music scene, so it was something I was around, long before I was even born. That said, it wasn’t really until my teens that I really got interested in making music. I was a huge fan or Electro and early House and I’d jam on the decks, mixing and scratching, but not much more than that. One day a friend came over with a keyboard and four track recorder and I was hooked.

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve been experimenting with a bunch of different styles ranging from Classic House, to Electro, Techno and Ragga House. I love music from dozens of genres, so I tend to blend a lot of influences. I recently released a Latin House track (I Lose Myself) with DJ International on their Jackmaster 7 album.  This was a huge bucket list achievement for me. I’ve been a fan of the label since the mid 80s, and being on a compilation with the likes of Frankie Knuckles, Loleatta Holloway, Paris Brightledge, Chuck Roberts, K’Alexy Shelby and other Chicago legends was like a dream come true.

Your next single ‘Feel It’ will be out on the 17th of June, what or who influenced the sound and songwriting?

I’d been thinking of doing a Nu Disco track for a while and had been listening to Suki Soul (by far one of the most talented singers on the scene today) quite a lot. I also love the dreamy trippy sounds of Daft Punk and the vocals Benoit & Sergio used in $100 bill.  All of them greatly influenced the outcome of this track.

How did ‘Feel It’ come about?

As mentioned, I’d been thinking of doing a Nu Disco track, but I didn’t set out with this in mind as being the one. Funnily enough, I was working on a YouTube tute to show my workflow, but as I developed the drums, and layered on the baseline I realized that it was far too good to be used as a tute. More often that not the music guides me as to what it wants to be,  I’m just a bystander following it’s orders. That was definitely how it felt writing Feel It.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I recoded it solo a few months ago at my home studio. Technology has made it easy to produce quality productions without the overhead of a full blown recording studio.

Please tell us about your involvement with Satin Storm and Coalesce Sound and Vision in the early 90s:

In the early 90s I got signed and sat-on by a major label. It’s a dirty trick they use to keep artists from competing with their stable/releases, so I worked with Travis of Satin Storm on a number of white label Happy Hardcore and early Jungle/Drum and Bass, and U.K. Garage releases. Going uncredited allowed me to work around the restrictions of the publishing agreement I’d been duped into signing.

Right around that time I was running a record shop in Dalston (East London). One day I was playing some tunes I’d just fished out of the distributors truck when a car pulled up outside, the driver would down his window, then jumped out and came running into the shop. The driver in question was Julian from Coalesce, arguably the greatest techno DJ I’ve ever heard, seen or met. Anyhow, Julian and I found a deep connection through music and he invited me to check out the parties he was organizing with Nick and Maddie, the founders of Coalesce. For the next ten years I helped organize dozens and dozens of warehouse parties across London and the surrounding counties. Great times!

When and why did you get back into music?

A few years ago my dad was dying from pulmonary fibrosis and I desperately needed an outlet to keep my head above water. Music was the key and I sank my teeth back in and started dedicating all my spare time to it.

How did your signing to DJ International come about?

I’ve been friends with Rocky Jones (the founder of DJ International) for many years, and he is the only person in the music industry that I’d trust with my first born (if I had kids that is). The first new track I produced was a DnB track called One Step Closer. I sent it to Rocky to get his opinion and he loved it, and asked if I could to a House version. That was quite a head trip! Anyhow, that was the start of the One Step Closer EP and opened the door to all the other releases I’ve done with DJI over the last couple of years.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 and beyond?

In addition to lining up releases with DJI, I’m releasing Feel It and several other tunes under my own label Nicky Roland Music, and have tracks in the works ranging from Classic House to Synthwave and even an early 90s French hip-hop style track. The next DJI release I do will probably be the I Lose Myself remix, which fuses the original Latin Jazz grooves with a Reggaeton beat and vocals.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve been listening to a lot of tunes from classic Chicago artists like K’Alexi Shelby & Sinclair, my all time go-to’s Juan Atkins and Green Velvet, and amazing emerging artists like Suki Soul and my brother from another mother House of Seb.

What do you like to do away from music?

I work in tech and am involved in a couple of startups (ZeLoop and NewBin) trying to fix plastic recycling. It’s a huge issue for public health, the planet and wildlife. I also love to tinker with electronics and do fashion photography on the side.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

That’s a tough one. I love food. Cooking it and eating it. My favorites are without a doubt Indian and Sushi. There are some great places here in Denver, but my favorite has to be Kampai on Lincoln Blvd in LA. I could live in that place. For clubs, it has to be London or Chicago. The best party cities in the world – IMHO (bar perhaps Berlin and Amsterdam – it’s a close call).

Feel It: https://music.nickyroland.com/feel-it

My main smart link: https://linktr.ee/NickyRoland

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nickyroland

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nrolandmusic

IG: https://twitter.com/nrolandmusic

TikTok (new): https://www.tiktok.com/@nickyrolandmusic

Website: https://nickyroland.com/

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Slow Down Sonic

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Launceston, Tassie/Lutruwita

How did the band form?

Long time friends and former band mates Alex Wadley and Alex Britton put the band together via messaging possibly every drummer in Launceston and eventually finding Daimon Shelton. After the first practise it was pretty clear that the line up was going to work both on a personality and skill level.

What’s been happening recently?

Recovering from covid, changing nappies, puppy training, and gearing up for the release of searching!

Your debut single ‘Searching’ will be released on May 20, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

Definitely influenced by the new wave of Aussie rock i.e. Slowly Slowly, Violent Soho (to whom we attribute our name), and of course fellow Taswegians Luca Brasi! But mixed with early noughties emo punk sensibilities  like Thursday, Thrice, Taking Back Sunday which is where my passion for songwriting(Alex W) really spawned from.  ‘“Searching” is a song about finding purpose, amidst the daily grind of the working week and the insecurities that we face to make wholesale life changes.  All lyrical content is based on personal experiences from my life that probably most average people go through, and in that way hopefully it is relatable!

How did you go about writing Searching?

I’m an instruments first, lyrics second type of songwriter, however in this case I had the lyrics written and needed something to inspire the instrumental. That came from playing around with different tunings which some of the students that I teach at school actually showed me. The guitar is in Open E tuning and I basically wrote four songs straightaway in that tuning which formed the basis of our live set and upcoming EP! So I can attribute this song to my students, they know who they are!

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

We worked with up and coming local launceston producer and recording engineer Doug Briton at his home studio, and started that process in early 2021 so it has been a long, but rewarding process. We then used Grammy Award winning engingeer William Bowden form “King Willy Sound” to master our tracks. William is Launceston based and it is pretty exciting to work with someone of his calibre locally.

How did you approach the recording process?

Given that Doug has been a friend for a longtime this allowed us to basically use his studio as a drop-in centre, as working around life commitments means that it is sometimes difficult to dedicate a week or two to the whole recording process. We definitely wanted a polished sound that explodes from the speakers and we think that we were able to achieve that!

Please tell us about your upcoming 5 track EP:

Our full EP will be released late June, and we’ll release a second single before that possibly in the next few weeks. There are five tracks, all with a uniqueness that will hopefully sustain interest form start to finish, and all songs inspired by deeply personal experiences. There’s dark moments, lighter moments but most importantly the music itself is (hopefully) uplifting and anthemic which for me is what I look for in my music tastes.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Turnstile’s new album is outrageously good, most recently, however, Cosmic Psychos. Put on their “Blokes You Can Trust” documentary and you will not find an hour and half of content on youtube more engaging I promise!

What do you like to do away from music?

We’re all pretty diverse in what we do away from music, Britto our guitarist is pretty busy training his new puppy and co-owning/operating local restaurant Levee Food Co. Daim our drummer is a huge car man and also a brilliant photographer. I myself love nothing more to spend time with my wife and son and as a day job teaching music!

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?

Ep Launch in July, then as many gigs as we can fit in before the end of the year, then write another EP! We’re really hoping to play some shows on the mainland, so contact us if you need to fill a lineup!

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Sneaky walk along the Seaport (as long as the tide is in…#fixthemud) and a nice coffee and feed at Levee Food Co. 🙂

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Eliza & The Delusionals

by the partae
written by the partae

Congratulations on the release of this album – how does it feel for Now And Then to finally be out in the world?

Thank you! It’s crazy, it’s definitely a sense of relief (in a good way) because we’ve been working on it and holding onto it for so long. It feels weird talking about it because we weren’t able to for such a long time. I just hope that our fans can connect to the record in their own way and find their own moments and stories throughout it.

What do you think the album says about Eliza & The Delusionals as a band? What are you proudest of when it comes to Now And Then?

I think it’s definitely a more mature take on our sound. Creating it definitely felt like us taking the next step and forming a new era of the band. I think I feel proud of the fact that we were able to persevere through some of the most difficult times of our life throughout 2020-21 and still find the motivation and inspiration every day to get up out of bed and write songs. It really wasn’t an easy time for any of us, but it’s kind of like our trophy for making it out to the other side. I love this record, and I’m proud of us for being able to write an album that we feel is really honest and that we love so much.

You worked with a whole stack of legends on this album (Kon Kersting, Sarah Aarons and others): what did those experiences teach you about how you want to approach songwriting and making music, moving forward?

I think the writing sessions in particular definitely taught us to be more open minded when it comes to collaborating. We hadn’t really done any sort of co-writing before we did the sessions for ‘Now And Then’, so it was definitely a learning curve in some ways to be comfortable working with other people. The experiences were amazing though, and it’s brought us a new love for co-writing and collaborating with other artists! We’ve done 90% of our releases with Kon Kersting, so that part felt really comfortable and natural and it just felt right that he worked on the debut album with us!

Is there a track/s on the album that hold specific significance to you now, even after having sat with the music for as long as you have (why)?

For sure. I think as a songwriter it’s a good thing to sort of disconnect with your songs after a while, or maybe reconnect with them in a different way in the future. To me it’s a symbol of growth, and personally think it’s cool when bands change their sound and style as their careers move forward. In saying that, I’m still feeling really connected to most of the songs on the record because I feel like I haven’t had a chance to ‘over play them’ on tour yet haha. One in particular is ‘Save Me’, every time I listen to that song I feel so many things. I’m really proud of it.

You guys recently completed an East Coast tour – what was it like finally being back on stages?

It was honestly so good. I don’t think any of us realised how much we needed that back in our lives. It really felt like a piece of us was missing and we could finally feel whole again being on stage and seeing all of our fans there together enjoying our show. We always put everything we have into our live shows, and I don’t think we’ll ever take touring and shows for granted again. Life was too weird without it.

Do you feel like the way Eliza & The Delusionals approach performance now is different to how you did before the pandemic, having not been able to for so long? 

Yeah, I would say so for sure. I think because we really only got to do one or two full tours with Ruby in the band and with our five-piece on stage lineup before the pandemic hit (which feels weird to think about!), so we’ve had a lot of time to rehearse and think about how we want things to look, sound and feel when we’re on stage. I think now that we can actually bring it into reality, it’s really cool for us and definitely a different experience to what fans would have seen at a pre-Covid show.

You’re in the US now after a long period of stop starts (thanks, pandemic), is it kinda surreal to finally be back over in America?

Honestly yeah. I think it took us a bit to realise that we were actually overseas when we first landed in the USA. It kind of felt like a dream. We’ve been here for a few weeks now and starting to settle into the different time zone, and being back in LA is definitely reminding us of how many amazing memories we made and how happy we were back in 2020. It’s bittersweet really!

There’s a new stack of Australian tour dates coming up too! What are you looking forward to the most about coming back with a full album up your sleeve?

I think we’ve just been so excited to play the new songs live and show everyone shows that are a step up to what we’ve been doing. It’s going to be our biggest headline tour to date, so we’re already super pumped to get back on stage across Aus!

‘Now and Then’ is released Friday, May 20th
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Yoste

by the partae
written by the partae
Where are you currently based?
Brisbane, Australia. I’ve toured and written in many places, mostly in the US, but home’s home.
 
How did Yoste come to be?
I’d experimented with various bands and projects since high school, a fairly typical story. A new band or project every other month, with whacky names: “Fox Goes Hunting”, “Violet Snow” etc. Eventually I started producing music on my own more seriously, began to finally get a strong sense of what I wanted to make and be, and that was Yoste.
 
What’s been happening recently?
Music-wise everything’s mostly been focused on the EP release, though I’ve continued to work away on album songs and collaborations here and there.
 
Your EP ‘Never The Same’ will be out on the 20th of May, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Influences fluctuate based on the day and the week and what ‘comes across your desk’ when you’re making a thing, and can be hard to pin down, but there are a foundational few that stick out in my mind: the 1975’s early EPs prior to their self titled album, and George’s Brian eno-derived production, so I suppose that’s an inspiration from another inspiration. Modern American hip hop music for its simple vocal hooks. Bon Iver’s eclectic electronic production. 
 
What does this EP mean to you?
Beyond the perhaps expected answer that it’s a collection of personal songs much loved and laboured over, which is true, it’s just a relief to put it out. You can only hold onto a thing for so long. Releasing music is a form of letting go, as others are experiencing the songs for the first time, I’ll be moving on from them. I think that’s how it often is. It’s necessary. Once enough time has passed I’ll return to them fondly as I do now with my older music.
 
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
The only only other pair of hands on the record is my friend Konstantin Kersting. We spent some happy days in his studio refining some of the songs to how they are now. Some I produced entirely myself in my small studio (spare room). Mastering was done by John Greenham, of Billie Eilish (and much more) fame.
 
How did you approach the production process?
It’s usually a fairly consistent affair. I’ll start with fun, ambient sounds as a base layer. From there I’ll typically lay down guitar or piano chords, and then head where the song takes me. Lyrics and melodies come simultaneously once the structure and other production is almost complete.
 
‘Violet’ is the lead single off the EP, what does this track mean to you?
It’s been one of my favourites since its earliest version back in 2019. I took it on tour with me that year and opened my set with it each night across 30+ US cities. For whatever reasons it’s not made its way into the world, until now.
 
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Labrinth (been a fan since earthquake in 2012 haha), Mallrat, Ethan Gruska, Dora Jar.
 
What do you like to do away from music?
I always liked walking, but recently I find if I’m not striding around my neighbourhood or on a hike for at least an hour a day I feel off. I’ve tried meditating in place but it doesn’t seem to work for me nearly to the same extent as a long walk. It’s necessary for a clear mind and balanced emotions. 
 
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022?
Once the EP is out, including all the live sessions and other content around it, I suppose the logical step will be to throw myself into the album, my first. It’s been a long time coming and it feels like a huge endeavour, but I’ve already made a big start, so it doesn’t look as large as it might have once. Of course there’ll also be shows to think about, and getting back to the US.
 
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I’ve gone mad for English muffins recently, it’s strange, but that’s the truth haha. Although if I had to pick only one thing I’d go classic Uncle Toby’s rolled oats. I don’t really hang out, I hide out at home. Introverts unite. Man’s gotta have his castle.
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