I’ve recently just released my new single Wanted More, along with performing at The Vanguard for the single launch and sharing original released and unreleased music. I have also been recording, writing and producing some new music along with performing at multiple venues and events, including opening for QLD Pop Artist Erin Foster at Factory Theatre.
Music Interviews
Where are you currently based?
We’re based out of Brisbane.
How did you first start playing music?
Ian and I found each other on a musicians website in the classifieds section… they used to be a thing back in the day. We then reached out to other people we knew within our networks to find everyone else. We’ve had 2 new members since forming, but once we all had an obligatory day of hanging out and eating pizza (gotta honor those pop punk roots), that was it. I couldn’t think of a better bunch of guys to be squished next to for hours on end while touring in a disproportionately small car.
What’s been happening recently?
Our guitarist Rohan just had his first child, so he’s been learning how to nail Dad jokes and dodge wee in between shows. The rest of us have been doing a bunch of stuff behind the scenes preparing for this release. But now that’s out, it’s back to working on our live show… aka booking a practice room and talking shit for hours, oh yeah… and playing music.
Your album ‘Time To Breathe’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
This album is like a time capsule of the past few years. Each of us have really meaningful songs on there, or parts of songs that are real life. Whether that be heartbreak, falling in love… or looking at where you’ve come from or where you might be at – the release is influenced by our lives.
How did you go about writing the album?
We had taken a bit of a break prior to recording, so we had a fair few complete songs that we’d worked on during that time. We also had a lot of ‘songs in progress’ and random ideas that needed sorting. So we decided to book a writing/pre-production session over a few days with Troy Brady (ex Amity Affliction). He brought a new perspective to things and helped us narrow the list, focus on the good, bin the bad and finalise the outline of the album.
What does this album mean to you?
This album represents a turning point for the band. I feel like we’ve stepped out from the shadow of our youth, and embraced a deeper, more honest side of ourselves. This vulnerability has given us more depth – something we were lacking in before. I know for a lot of us it also represents a release to all of those feelings and situations. It feels good to finally have it out there.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
We recorded in Brisbane in early 2020 with Troy Brady as our engineer and producer. Beau McKee mastered the album.
How did you approach the recording process?
After our pre-production and writing session with Troy, we booked in with him to get to work. We’d already done a lot to refine the tracks, so we really just needed to figure out what our ‘new’ sound would be. It was important that we honored our pop-punk roots, while expanding and modernising our sound. We had a rough idea and a few loose references, but once Troy started recording he really helped bring the album to life.
Please tell us about your single ‘Give Me a Second’ how it came about and what the tracks mean to you?
As a band, our music has always been quite “positive”, with our lyrics usually looking at the bright side of every situation. For this track (and many off the album) we wanted to be more honest and transparent about those less desirable times. Times when you know you’ve fucked up, or feel hopeless and there’s nothing left to do but scream and beg for forgiveness. Nothing but time will help. For me, this song is an expression of that feeling of helplessness and sometimes you just need to sit with those emotions, put a soundtrack to your feelings, and let time do its thing.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
We have extremely varied tastes and right now it’s everything from pop powerhouses like Adele and Ed Sheeran through to Halsey, or BMTH, ADTR and MGK. I personally love me some pop punk/emo so lately I’ve been vibing with Super American. Also, loving the new music our old friends in Stand Atlantic have been releasing – ‘hair out’ is a freakin’ bop.
What do you like to do away from music?
I enjoy a cheeky beach trip with my girlfriend and our dogs – or anywhere out in nature. I also ride motorbikes and find that a lot of my creative thoughts come when I’m riding.
What’s planned for 2022?
We just released an album, so we’re going back to what we love most: live shows. We want to share our music with as many people we can this year, and nothing beats the energy from a bunch of like-minded people jamming out together. We’re also starting to bring together some ideas for new songs, so probably a bit of writing too.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Anywhere there’s seafood. I will eat the shit out of a moreton bay bug… oh, and Guzzies – classic.
Favourite place to hang out is at band practice. Couple of beers with some of your best mates talking shit and jamming… nothing better.
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What does it mean for you to have this collection of music out in the world after first introducing your sound across the first two EP projects and recent singles?
When I first started making songs for Soft Powder I kind of set myself a long term goal: to compose, produce, mix and release my own album. So honestly, I feel accomplished and kind of relieved. This album is the culmination of all of my influences and experiences, and I’m both excited and scared that it’s “out there” now. I’ve been sitting on some of these songs for a long time and now that I’ve got them off my chest I feel ready to write more music.
‘Somewhere Like Paradise’ – where did that name originate and what significance do you think it still holds with the album material today?
Over the last two years, the process of writing and recording the songs on the album became a means for me to escape from reality and find relief, and the creative process really helped me cope. The idea of escapism has always been a central theme in my songs because it’s something I’ve always relied on, and ‘Somewhere Like Paradise’ encapsulates this idea. The title track ‘Somewhere Like Paradise’ was actually one of the first songs I wrote for this album, and it set the tone for the rest of the record – it felt like the perfect name for the album as well. I think every song on the record has the same melancholic, escapist energy that ‘Somewhere Like Paradise’ evokes.
Is there any one particular track that sticks out as a current favourite (why?)
Hmm this is a really difficult question because it changes all the time. Each song is acutely personal and so they each resonate with me in different ways. However, the one song that I think represents the Soft Powder project the best is ‘Close Your Eyes’. I think it’s the dreamiest song I’ve written, and I like how it kind of has a meandering, hopeful energy, but it also feels somber and nostalgic.
What did you learn about the way you approach music, as a result of making this album?
The main thing I learnt about the way I approach music is that if an idea doesn’t immediately feel good to me, it goes in the bin, despite how good it might sound. This is probably an inefficient and impulsive way of writing music, but I have to be really invested in the idea or the song I’m writing, otherwise the song won’t go anywhere.
Do you think you would have done anything different in terms of the production or artistic process?
I would have used less reverb. I usually get carried away when I’m writing and recording music, so I should probably get someone else to produce my next record so that there is another set of ears on the project.
Have you thought about how the album is going to be realised live – that’s exciting!
I have given it a little bit of thought, but I still can’t decide if I want to play with a live band, or if I want to try and do everything myself, or if I want to exist solely online and not play shows. I once saw Molly Nilsson perform and she just sang her vocals live with a CD player playing her backing tracks and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I am conflicted and I need to think about this more! If/when I play shows, I want to incorporate more visual elements into the performance, as the album is as much a visual experience as it is a sonic one.
For people who might be coming to Soft Powder for the first time with tihs record – what do you hope people take away from it when it comes to learning about you?
Honestly, I don’t really want people to learn anything about me, but I’d really like people to experience the same relief and momentary escape from reality that I felt when I was writing the songs. I hope these songs are a source of comfort for listeners, and that the songs prompt their minds to wander.
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Where are you currently based?
I am an artist based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. I have been here for the last 13 years, and have loved developing as an artist here.
How did you first start playing music?
I first started playing music because my dad had an acoustic guitar in the house. I taught myself how to play using tabs from popular songs, and eventually started writing my own songs.
What’s been happening recently?
Recently I was awarded the SOCAN Foundation HER Award. It is an award given out to two female-identifying artists in all of Canada for their accomplishments within their careers. It was really cool and I was very honoured.
Your new single ‘Awakening’ will be released on April 1, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
“Awakening” is one of those songs that went through the most work to get to where it ended up. It started out as more of a downtempo afrobeat song, but definitely evolved into this anthem about standing in your light and owning your space.
How did you go about writing ‘Awakening’?
When I started writing “Awakening” I had the verses all flushed out already. It was more of a rap sing kind of feel, that I haven’t really explored before. And then when we finally figured out the feel of the song and the chorus, the lyrics and melody came and fit in there so well.
Where and when did you record/produce/master?
I started the song in my apartment in September 2021, but then went to Los Angeles in October to finish working on it with producer Matt Parad (Selah Sue, Will Joseph Cook). We did a bunch of songs together over a 2-week span, and then I had it mastered in Toronto, by Grammy-nominated João Carvalho.
How did you approach the recording process?
With this project I was very hands on. Everything started from an inspiration nugget that I started by myself, and usually ended up writing the first verse and chorus. And then once I was confident in that I would send it to my producer, and he would flush out the production, and give me a song structure to allow me to finish writing the lyrics. We definitely got the songs mostly done, before I went to LA to record lead vocals and finish production. I then recorded the backing vocals in my apartment when I got back home in November. The rest was such a blur but it was all mixed and mastered by mid-December.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
My usual go to’s are Nothing but Thieves or Sam Fender, but I have a Spotify playlist that I updated each month, with new discoveries and songs that I’m loving. At the top of that list currently are Young Franco feat Pell, Sycco, Royce Wood Junior and Wolf Alice to name a few.
What do you like to do away from music?
To be honest this is something that I am working on – actually having a life outside of music. However, I really enjoy watching movies, or being outside on my grandparent’s farm with their horses.
What’s planned for 2022?
2022 is going to be filled with tons of new music! I’m super excited to be able to kick off this new era of Nuela Charles songs that are the most reflective of who I am as a person and an artist.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Fave food would definitely be Mexican. And I really like hanging out at home – is that weird? If I’m not working – I like to chill because I know how it feels to be super busy and always on the go, and I’m definitely slowly heading into that season, so I’ll take couch nights while I can!
Website: http://www.
Twitter: @nuelacharles
Facebook: /nuelacharles
Instagram: @nuelacharles
What’s been happening recently?
My business hat is on at the moment, so I haven’t been as creative lately, unfortunately. I’ve mainly just been focusing on planning, promoting and performing. It is hard when you’re your own boss – time management and organisational skills are key!
Your latest single ‘In Ur Net’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
The sound of ‘In Ur Net’ is influenced by Reggaeton’s prominent influence in Pop at the moment. I wanted to hop on the trend, so I came into the studio with a playlist of references to help guide the musical production of this song.
How did you go about writing In Ur Net?
This song is about my manic passion for someone who treated me poorly. It’s a long story, but, basically, I became obsessed with this guy who had me locked in limbo: not really committing, but not really being uncommitted. This drove me insane, obsessing over every detail of his life, wondering why???
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
I recorded and produced this song with producer, Quinn, back in early 2021, at his studio in Alexandria, Sydney.
How did the concept for the music video come about?
I approached Desmond Hoo to direct my music video back in October 2021. I sent him the song, a Pinterest mood board, and a bunch of music video references for him to use as a jumping board and inspire a fresh concept. He came back with a beautifully simple vision, really delving into the sentiment behind my lyrics. Although we never actually see the opposite actor’s face in the whole music video, Des used carefully composed frames to create a very relatable storyline, where I am in a claustrophobic relationship, desperate to let go, but am unable to because I am caught in his net.
Where did you film and who did you work with?
I worked with a bunch of legends! And we shot in the Inner West of Sydney – particularly Sydney Park in St Peters, and the coolest arcade-themed bar in Newtown, 1989.
Please tell us about any new music that’s on the way:
There is an EP on the horizon… that is all I’ll say for now!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Rosalia’s latest album MOTOMAMI. It is on repeat!
What do you like to do away from music?
What does that mean?… Just joking… kinda…
What’s planned for 2022?
More releases and a regional tour!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Fave cuisine is Japanese, fave snack is a bowl of sweet potato fries, fave dessert is gelato, and fave place to hangout is wherever there are heaps of dogs and/or cocktails and/or live music!
TAYLOR B-W LIVE
Friday 8th April Cooper’s Hotel Newtown
Free Entry
PLAY/LISTEN
‘In Ur Net’ is out now.
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Where are you currently based?
Jaeden: Brisbane, but originally we’re all coastal kids from the Sunny Coast all the way down to Coffs Harbour!
How did you first start playing music?
Jaeden: I started guitar when I was 5. As a teenager I did open mics where I started singing… I got into programs such as T.D.P (Syd) and from those I started playing at conferences through the education department. Travelling up and down the East Coast for those really got me into the life of a professional musician, and it all sort of rolled on from there!
India: I was brought up with music constantly playing around the house and as a toddler my parents would set up pots and pans from the kitchen and create a makeshift drum kit for me with chopsticks as the drum sticks. Then over time I picked up my dad’s acoustic guitar, started lessons and then found a love of bass through playing my grandads old 70’s Fender Jazz and I was hooked!
Jono: I started playing piano when I was 8 and then eventually wanted to learn instruments like guitar and bass when I was a bit older. I only really started playing drums when I was 15.
How did Reckless Coast form?
Jaeden: I started the band when I came to Brisbane with a few mates who only stayed on for a bit… that’s when I met India and we really hit off, just with the same goals and inspirations…
India: I saw Jaeden made an ad looking for a bassist and drummer, the first time I saw it I didn’t respond and thought “if it’s meant to be, I’ll see it again.” A few days later he posted a different ad and I saw it again so responded. We had a jam session just guitar and bass and hit it off instantly.
Jaeden: Our drummer then left to pursue other avenues in Melbourne late 2020, and that’s when Jono jumped on board… I didn’t even know he was a drummer ahahaha, but we were good mates and jammed… turns out he’s a mad man on the skins and so here we are!
Jono: Bit of a long story on how we all became friends to be honest. I have known Jaeden for approx 3-4 years just because I used to do sound for the band for work before I joined. Both myself and Jaeden’s projects would end up on lineups together because of our similar styles. So we saw a lot of each other. Eventually we just caught up for a beer and he mentioned that Vann (the previous drummer) had moved and I was keen to play some drums again and here we are.
What’s been happening recently?
India: We’ve been in the studio with producer Cody McWaters (King Stingray, Selfish Sons, The Chats) recording new songs, getting ready for the tour and workshopping another batch of new tunes that I’m so excited to share in the near future!
Your latest single ‘Do You Want Me’ will be out on April 8, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Jaeden: I was working at a pub at the time, and was very much tired of the same ol nonsense. One shift in particular I was just over it… too much to do, not enough help, even less motivation and I remember thinking of how much I just wanted to do music rather than this job and the thoughts that went through my head during that shift pretty much wrote the song.
Sound wise, the riff came out with a pub rock vibe… which is funny considering the song’s inspiration. I wanted a tune with pumping, energetic ferocity, so the vocals are almost preaching in their delivery. So it didn’t feel like a re-hashed Oz Rock track though, I added a euphoric, almost relieving chorus (plus a few other elements).
What does this track mean to you?
Jaeden: Just a blatant question to life I guess hahaha. For me, it’s for anyone who feels like they’re getting nowhere and are at that point of questioning whether to keep going or what the hell are they doing it for… it’s a song for that moment haha
India: To me this song is special because it ties in our old school rock inspiration but with a modern edge. Lyrically, it makes you think about what you want but in a ‘zero f**ks given’ type of way!
Jono: To me it’s kind of a transition from the old school style of the band to the new stuff we have coming out.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
Jono: As India mentioned before, Cody McWaters recorded and mixed this track. Matthew Gray mastered the track.
How did you approach the recording process?
Jono: Before we hit the studio I threw some demos together and sent them to Cody and he made some notes and we did some pre-production to polish the track off. We tracked the drums at Jeff Lovejoys studio in Moorooka and recorded the rest at Hunting Ground Studios.
India: Our recording process runs so smoothly with Jono and Cody. We also don’t limit ourselves to making changes on the day of recording, giving us more creative freedom in the process.
Any tours coming up?
India: We have an east coast tour coming up, shows ranging from the Sunshine Coast down to Sydney and the Central Coast area, and on our way back north will play Gold Coast and a Brisbane show too!
What do you find most rewarding and challenging whilst being on the road?
Jaeden: The most rewarding thing is meeting people you would’ve never met if you just sat around in the same town… every tour I always get excited about who I might meet, or who I’m gonna see again.
India: I agree, the rewarding part is meeting new people and seeing them light up when you play. Challenging part is probably just the change in sleep schedule. But nothing too bad! I’m always grateful to just tour and take in the highs and the lows. It’s all part of the fun.
Jono: Yeah same. I love meeting new people. I haven’t been to the towns we are going to to play shows so I am excited.
What spots do you like playing and where do you want to play?
India: I loved playing NSW for the Curious Affection tour. They’re super chill but always ready to jam out to rockier music like ours. I would love to play the UK though, I’d happily tour there ASAP.
You’ve changed your band name, why the change?
Jaeden: After we released our last single “TALK” we realised we were a much more refined band. It was a new era for us and we wanted to let people know we were serious about it all… plus the old name Rude Rum didn’t portray us properly musically or as individuals.
We’re three coastal kids who love a good rock show so Reckless Coast was a perfect fit.
What are you looking forward to in this new era as a band?
India: I’m really looking forward to releasing more music that is currently being written and workshopped. As Jaeden said, we’re much more refined now. We know exactly what we like, what we want and we’re more than ready to do it!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Jaeden: I’ve been on a mad Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes binge haha hooked on the drive that band puts out… and I’ve also just got into Amyl and the Sniffers too! Just diggin their style of raw energy.
India: Recently I’ve been listening to a lot of Hot Milk, and for some reason a lot of early 2000’s rock, and nu-metal? Just revisiting the modern classics!
Jono: Sly Withers, Polaris, Ruby Fields. I also get around local bands like Verum, Ben Tenison, Annoying Neighbours, Patient Lounge, Brixton Alley and Space Flamingo.
What do you like to do away from music?
Jaeden: I love cooking, especially things from scratch like flatbreads, dumplings, burgers… I’m vegetarian too and I love figuring out creative ways to make alternate versions of things
India: If I’m not playing music I’m doing something creative, whether that’s designing gig posters for artists or promotional assets for other band’s releases. Brain constantly thinking of what I can do next!
Jono: I love basketball and Fishing. My career at the moment is entirely based around music which is awesome. But I try and do other things in my down time.
What’s planned for 2022?
Jaeden: more music, more shows, and just rad things in general… we want to do some extra content that’s a little off the track, but just to have something fun for the fans to engage with.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Jaeden: Currently… dumplings… gawd damn love those things
Recently found a rad secret bar called Cindy Chows which I believe was inspired by Shanghai speakeasy bars of the 1920’s… feels so exclusive.
India: My favourite food will always be anything Italian. I love Cindy Chows too! I much prefer the more hidden and low key hangouts than the hustle and bustle locations nowadays.
Jono: Been loving Italian at the moment as well. Also been loving sashimi for some reason,
In Thornbury in Naarm/Melbourne on Wurundjeri Country.
I was a bassist once upon a time, helping my friends’ music come to fruition. Eventually my friends’ projects had petered out into nonexistence, and with the live performance bug already well festering beneath my epidermis I had to come up with my own schtick.
The name Easy Browns comes from days when my friend James Campbell (who actually engineered the record) and I were playing duo shows out at the Mirboo North Brewery (free meal and unlimited beers, who wouldn’t!) and although incredibly basic, my songs were starting to come to fruition. We were smoking scoobs out the back of James’ mums house after a show and Liam (now our drummer) came up with the atrocity that was our earliest branding ‘Easy Browns Truckstop Chicken Jam Band’. Naturally when you start that low it can only be an upward trajectory from there.
Studying environments and society at RMIT, hauling ass to get this album out there, learning Japanese, running Critter Records and releasing friend’s music, doing live sound for a crust, and enjoying loving conversation with friends and family.
Catchy tunes and twists and turns.
A love for punk and rock and roll, the fire in our bellies, injustice, environmental breakdown.
Engineered out in a barn in Churchill in the Latrobe Valley on a tascam 4-track cassette machine, the rest was recorded at home and beyond.
Mixed with my friend Fabian Hunter, mastered by the master, Joe Carra at Crystal Mastering.
DIFFERENTLY. Last album we mostly did in the dead of winter in a warehouse-y space over two days of tracking. It was a stress nightmare and very challenging. We did this one over 5 days out in the country, it was very laid back, eating blackberries off the bush, playing every day, kicking the footy, you can hear it on the record.
We’ve been through a lot in the last couple of years, it feels like a good time. Although now that things are heating up and we’re copping some love, maybe it seems silly? Cognitive dissonance is present in my noggin. We’ll see how we go in the long run, but we’ll definitely resume operations if we get asked to play Meredith Music Fest HINT HINT.
Just to Beechworth on Yorta Yorta Country, some spots in Lutruwita/Tasmania (our favourite place to visit) and then returning home to Naarm/Melbourne for our last show at Northcote Social Club on Thursday 14th April. Funds and time have been a bit too tight to do the whole shebangabang all over the country.
WELL. Commercial Fluff represents toxic consumption habits that are degrading our ecosystems and producing immense amounts of waste. It also represents the state of commercial radio and the absolute garble they pervade the airwaves with (long live community radio!), the reduction of true art into ‘content’ for consumption and the fact that we’ve made an album full of rock/pop HITS haha.
Unbelievable Dust follows Commercial Fluff, Humans compromising the environments that life needs to survive, and degrading lands with pollution, overharvesting, abuse. Climate change is going to accentuate extreme weather patterns, increase soil erosion and proliferate desertification, which leads us unbelievable dust.
Pretty dark themes for such an upbeat album, but like many young people we’re terrified of what the future may hold, we’ve all gotta start talking about this! We can’t just sweep it under the rug, especially not Australia who definitely has so much potential for improvement.
Tight quarters, silly dancing, having yarns with friends and fans.
Lucas: Modest Automobile, because it’s got lots of quirky elements and cheeky witty lyrics. Also has a nice mid tempo drum and bass groove that keeps driving the song under the guitar changes to keep it bopping. Or golden Pegasus because it’s just catchy and really happy summer day vibe. Plus the “ah ah ah ah” part with the quacky double stop wah guitar just hits the spot.
Heaps of Stereolab, Yasmasuki Singers, Maximum RocknRoll radio station, and heaps of underground gems.
I’m learning Japanese atm, Shelby and I are going to go to Japan and visit Shelby’s brother who teaches over there and do some teaching ourselves (possibly). It’s been a while since we’ve been outside of the country, it would be nice to envelop ourselves in another culture and learn and share.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/
A few words with Loretta before they play Mini Vanfest this April
Where are you currently based?
We’re all based in Sydney at the moment – a bit spread out across the city.
What’s been happening recently?
After spending the last two years locked inside, gigs getting cancelled etc. we’ve finally just been able to play our first east-coast Australian tour. A lot of the last few months has been us preparing for that whilst working on new music in between. Everything is starting to feel real again and it’s amazing to actually see a physical representation of our growth over the last few years.
You’re playing Mini-Vanfest on April 9 in Forbes, NSW, what do you most enjoy about playing festivals?
We’ve actually never played a festival before, this will be our first and we’re so pumped. Having been festival attendees before, it’s really exciting to be on the other side of that.
What do you have in store for this show?
We’ve put a set together of a lot of our released material as well as some unreleased music and we are just going to make it as explosive as it can be.
Who are you looking forward to seeing play at Mini-Vanfest?
I think we’re all pretty keen to see Holy Holy but we’re gonna try catch the lot of it cause its just such a sick little lineup! Cloe Terare was one of our supports in the first leg of our east-coast tour so we’re heaps keen to see her again and on a much bigger stage!
Please tell us about any new music that you have on the way:
We’ve been building a catalogue of some really great material over the last few months. There’s a plan in stone and we’re working on something really special. Unfortunately we’re not allowed to say when but you’ll know when it’s all going down.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
It’s really all over the place, but at the moment id say as a collective, we’ve been really inspired by a band from the states called MUNA, they write great songs and the production is just next level.
What do you like to do away from music?
We’re all pretty different when it comes to things like that – Ellis loves to surf; Nico is a big fan of photography and videography; & Max kind of just lives and breathes in music whether it’s listening or playing.
What else do you have planned for 2022?
Obviously the music plans are moving ahead but it’s likely we’ll be doing another tour towards the middle/end of the year. Thats all we can really make public right now.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
El Camino in Manly has a deal on Wednesdays where you can buy 20 chicken wings for 20c each as long as you buy a drink. It’s kind of become a ritual that every now and then we will head out there and demolish as many wings as we can while we drown in frozen margaritas.
@lorettatheband @ellishallofficial @vanfestofficial
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Where are you currently based?
I’m currently based in Melbourne. All my recording, mixing and mastering is done in Melbourne as well!
How did you first start playing music?
I was enrolled in music lessons from a young age by my mum. I learnt piano in primary school, dabbled in some violin (which I was really bad at) and started some vocal lessons around age eleven. High-school was where I kind of realised my passion for music — I started doing live performance gigs through school, heaps of musical theatre too.
It just kinda went up from there I guess.
I kept reaching for bigger goals and eventually found myself in a recording studio in 2020, and I just fell in love with all that comes with being a recording artist. It’s such a different environment, and the skillset in comparison to live performance is mental — it’s a whole other world.
What’s been happening recently?
I’ve been working towards my EP really. Conceptualising lots of different aspects to go alongside the music. My favourite part of creating and being an artist is thinking of visuals, graphics —all of it. There’s something so fantastic about bringing music to life visually, especially when it’s your own story.
The tracks for the EP have been in the works since early 2021 and I’m so excited with the way it’s all shaping up. It’s truly just an audio representation of growth and experimentation. It means so much to me and I’m beyond excited for it to come out..
Your second single ‘get2going’ will be released on March 27, 2022, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I was really into dance and hyper-pop, like ‘PinkPantheress’ type vibe when I wrote it. I wanted something sexy, fast and catchy. It all really comes together when I’m in the studio with Ben—it just ties itself in a nice little bow. We just vibe, with loose intention and the end result is always exactly what I’d hoped for, I really don’t know how we do it to be honest. I knew I wanted the sound to be maximal, lots of layers, lots of stacks and heaps of little details that just bring the song together. I usually write a hook on its own or to a beat, then we just build from there.
How did you go about writing get2going?
I wrote the hook in my room kind of accidentally, just walking around my house humming this line about ‘waking up in heaven with u’, then without thinking too hard and it just slipped out and I was like oh.. that’s kinda cool
Then I just wrote a very loosely structured song in like 20 minutes to a plain Youtube beat. I didn’t really like writing with specific A,B structure or anything like that at the time, it definitely works, I just wasn’t digging it. I was more into — what am I trying to say, what’s my intention, and now let’s make it a song.
I made a little demo in my room and sent it to Ben Oldland, and then that’s it. We jumped in, refined it and now it’s here!
How would you describe the single?
I would describe it as a bratty, sexy little song. I don’t know where the attitude came from—I am definitely not that rowdy most of the time—but I think it really works.
I mean, what can I say? I like feeling sexy, I like doing things..
But one of the reasons I really love this single is because it was the first song I wrote and recorded that really felt like it was going in the direction I wanted artistically— I felt my previous single was a bit absent, like I wasn’t really myself. But that’s the best part about creating music I guess, each time you look back it’s exciting to see that kind of growth. And I love get2going, it just gives me a lot of confidence. I hope it can make other people feel the same, like being sexual isn’t shameful or dirty—it’s fun and flirty, it’s a part of living.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
I recorded this in 2021 with Ben Oldland—fantastic guy, and he produced it too. Got it mastered with Panorama Mixing & Mastering. I really love working with both of them, they understand the vision, and I’m never disappointed when I work with them.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
My friend recently showed me Teyana Taylor, and I’m absolutely loving them. ‘Issues/Hold On’ is definitely one of my favourite songs at the moment. But I really do love the classics, especially when I’m working. I love Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. God I love Billie Holiday.. But I’ll also forever love good funky music to put me in a good mood.. Tom Misch, Jacob Collier, all the goods!
What do you like to do away from music?
To be honest I’m never away! I’m on the bus listening to different albums to hear production styles, different vocals, different instrumentation, I really just can’t be away as weird as that is.
I do love the beach though. And eating out—that’s about it really.
What’s planned for 2022?
Finishing up the EP! Got some exciting details finalised the other day and it just fuels the fire you know? I love the whole process from writing the songs to every detail up until its out —and after!
But mainly, just the EP..
After it’s released I’ll start (hopefully) doing some live performances and getting into the swing of things, maybe a show here and there!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I’m just a brunch kind of person. So any good cafe that has excellent coffee, and a good like eggs benedict or brekkie burger and I’m set man. I’m good — that’s all I need.
I am a homebody though, and just super anxious in general so I really do love just sitting in a watching a movie or something with take away food. Give me dumplings delivered to my door with ‘Howls Moving Castle’ on the TV and you won’t hear from me, I’m good.
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Where are you currently based?
South Yarra, Melbourne.
How did you first start playing music?
Started playing keyboard when I was 6. I just wanted to be able to play Kiss From a Rose and the theme song to Titanic.
What’s been happening recently?
It’s been a pretty busy couple of months directing/ editing videos with my brother for all the singles from my album.
Your debut album ‘N2KY’ will be out on March 18, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
It’s heavily influenced by Scandinavian sounds and textures—cloud rap, synth pop, nu-wave—artists like Bladee, Lust for Youth, First Hate. Lots of ambient textures, sequencers, icy synths, auto-tuned vocals.. that kinda thing.
How did you go about writing the music?
I wrote most of the original ideas on a shitty Casio Keyboard and an acoustic guitar (for the first time ever). Later in the studio with Dean Tuza (producer) we started fleshing out the ideas with different synths and programming beats on the 808 or 909. I’ve been getting my producing chops up the last couple of years so my new demos sound less… shit.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
We did the whole album in Dean’s studio in South Yarra, Melbourne. South-side represent. The album was mixed in LA by my dear friend Stuart White (Beyoncé, Jay-Z) and mastered by John Davis at Metropolis.
How did you approach the recording process?
Because the songs for this album were so raw to begin with, Dean and I referenced a lot of artists that we love, and started working out how to dress these songs properly. Some songs completely transformed. We were very thorough.
What does this album mean to you?
I didn’t really know until I finished. N2KY stands for Nice 2 Know Ya. It’s basically an album about rejecting enmeshment and dependence on others. It’s a record about craving freedom, whatever that means.
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m very interested in mental health. I read a lot of books on that. Dependence on substances and the many different approaches to dealing with that interests me as well, having had my own struggles at times. I love boxing cos it keeps me fit and focused. Big Formula 1 fan too. I also play Fortnite every day, and I love being around my friends.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Bladee, Lust For Youth, First Hate, Iceage, Ecco2k, HTRK, Acopia.
What’s planned for 2022?
I’ve got a second album shaping up nicely, so hopefully I can get that finished!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
It’s definitely a Melbourne hot spot atm, but I can’t go past Hope St Radio. Wine is great, food is incredible, and it’s an environment that really promotes socialising—I love it, sue me.
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Hi There! I’m fine! Not an easy question, the good thing is music and culture, the bad is the ignorance, the hypocrisy and the lack of attention we have these days.
How was the pandemic for you and what affect did it have on your music taste and style?It has been two very hard years where there has been a real reset. Today is a new beginning
How do you evolved your own sound while staying true to your roots and own signature and not jumping on new hype bandwagons?
I think that roots are important, and that you cannot lie to the soul. It is important not to lie to oneself, and to externalize what we really are, we live in a world made only of appearance and fiction, with music you cannot lie.
Do you make music that suits certain labels or do you create first and worry about that later?
I like to create freely, and then look for the right label for that creation
What are some of the key bits of music making gear in your current set up?
In my home studio I can’t miss my mini moog and also my Maschine with which I enjoy creating new grooves every time
Where is your best environment as a dj? a small dark club or a huge outdoor festival stage? late at night for the weirdos or early so you can play slow and eclectic etc?
When I was a resident here at cocobreach I liked to play in the afternoon on the beach, and play to late at night. I was doing dj sets for 6 hours, but I also really like small night clubs! People attach to each other who transmit the vital energy thanks to a primordial thing, the dance.
How do you work, do you have an idea in your head you work towards or do you just experiment and jam and see what happens?
It depends, it can be one or the other, there are days where I start from scratch, days where I take samples and I start to work from that sample
Tell us about your gimme good love EP – what inspired or influenced it, where and when and who was it written for?
It’s a song dedicated to love, which I think is important in life. Nathalie perfectly understood the concept I was talking about and wrote some wonderful words.
Did you work with Nathalie remotely or in the studio? How did you meet?
Yes we work remotely, the Irish singer Rion S introduced us. He is an important friend for me!
What else have you got coming up/are you working on?
I’m preparing some nice things! Coming up is a collaboration with Mell Hell, an Australian DJ, which will be released soon, it will be a good record! This phase of recovery will also be a rebirth I hope!
Facebook: @mircobertidj
Where are you currently based?
I am in Pitt Meadows! It’s a little farming community about an hour outside Vancouver.
How did you first start playing music?
I grew up loving to sing and perform in church choirs or piano recitals. I remember auditioning for a kids TV show once when I was 14 and being like “yeah, this is great. I think I could be good at this.” I just started writing, singing and playing shows in high school for fun and never really stopped. You get better with time. New opportunities are always coming up. I love telling my stories and connecting with people on such a personal level.
What’s been happening recently?
Recently, it’s been pretty busy and pretty awesome. I just released my new single “Take Me Back” and then the music video to follow. The music video was probably my favourite thing that I have gotten to do to date. Such a great crew and they really helped bring my vision to life. It’s just such a fun and happy video and projects what I’m all about.
Your latest single ‘Take Me Back’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
It was when I was scrolling through Instagram one day and I was seeing all these posts captioned “Take Me Back.” The photo would be of them at the beach years back, or before they had kids or back when they were skinny (joke). That became the inspiration when writing the song.
How did this single come about?
I had played it lots at shows and online and it just became something that everyone would comment on as one of their favourite songs that I played. Since I loved it too it seemed obvious that I should record it and release it as the next single!
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
I went to Calgary to record this one with Spencer Cheyne and Justin Kudding. I remember my first night there I was settling into my hotel in the city and I felt so homesick. The next day I was scheduled to start recording. On my drive to the studio I thought my GPS was broken because it was taking me down all these deserted gravel roads. I usually just show up wherever the producer tells me to go so I didn’t actually know what OCL Studios was going to look like. It ended up being in the middle of farm land and it felt so much like home. The rest of the week was amazing and the producers really brought the song to life.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Right now…. I’m still listening to Evermore and Folklore by Taylor Swift!!! I know they’re technically kinda old, but these days I’m at home a lot more. It’s such a nice album to listen to while I bake in the kitchen or do other mundane tasks around the house.
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m usually down for just about anything. I love home reno projects, dinner with my husband, walks with the dogs, bingeing trashy TV with my best friend. Game nights are my favourite – tbh we played Settlers of Catan at my stagette (wild night).
What’s planned for 2022?
2022 is already flying by! My first EP is going to be released this spring which will be so cool to have a physical copy of something that I’ve created to share! I’ll also get to play a few shows around the nation and hopefully just have an all around rockin’ year!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I LOVE almost all food. Steak, fries, veggies & dip… But I think my favourite would have to be a McDonalds double cheeseburger with extra pickles or those crappy Little Debbie’s Swiss Rolls. I’m a big homebody so I love being at my house. I also love summers at the family farm playing with my dogs in the field.
Website: www.danielleryanmusic.com
Twitter: @daniellemusic_
Facebook: /DanielleRyanMusic
Instagram: @danielleryanmusic
Where are you currently based?
Sydney born and raised.
How did you first get into comedy?
It’s always been a private dream of mine, but having parents that are the children of immigrants isn’t exactly conducive to pursuing a career in the arts. But after crash landing in Insolvency (liquidations, bankruptcy) and working there for a few years, my soul began to erode and I ran out of excuses to not try the thing I always wanted to.
I was writing for a few years, and I hit up open mics for a while before hiring out a theatre and inviting all 400 of my cousins (it was mostly friends) to come see my first hour of stand-up (it was…not the best). After that, I completely quit my job and have been chasing this dragon ever since.
How did you keep busy during Covid?
I wrote my new show (come see it), I got very experimental with cooking, got obscenely drunk with my partner, watched all of Lost, and injured my back.
You’re Don’t Call Me A Wog!’ (An E̶t̶h̶n̶i̶c̶ Comedy Story) tour kicks off on Monday, March 14th at the Star Theatre Two at Star Theatres – Adelaide, from there you’re performing in Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, what influences your show and what can we expect?
For the last 30 years, there has been a sub-genre of comedy in this country called ‘Wog Comedy’, an offshoot of ethnic humour. Due to my Italian and Greek roots, and an occasional penchant for mentioning them in my material, I have been labelled as a ‘Wog Comic’ since I first got on stage.
Sometimes (like when I get invited to do shows to audiences of 800 plus as part of ‘wog tours’) I like this, while other times (like when I do shows in shisha bars to 30 Lebanese people and other comedians tell me I’ll crush because its ‘my demographic’ – our countries of origin aren’t even on the same continent) I don’t.
Strangely I’ve felt this way my whole life; sometimes I’ve embraced being the ‘Italian and Greek kid’ and other times it made me feel ashamed, and I think this is a general experience for all ‘ethnic Aussies’.
So this show is the story of my love/hate relationship with my cultural background, through life and then through comedy. It’s very self-deprecating and contains a lot of music, poems, lighting cues, AV slideshow, so it’ll be light and a lot of fun.
Who makes you laugh?
ScoMo. But if you’re talking about comedians, the obvious ones are obvious for a reason, Chapelle, Burr, Seinfeld. Gary Gulman is absolutely the hidden gem of American comedy; please check out ‘The Great Depresh’ on HBO (I think Binge and Foxtel).
And a little closer to home, Luke Heggie is the best in this country, he’ll be a household name in no time, and he makes me want to quit every time I see the guy get up.
How do you prepare for each show?
I try to get on stage as much as possible; minimum 3 times a week but preferably multiple times a night. Thankfully the Sydney Comedy Scene just keeps burgeoning so there are plenty of opportunities to perform.
To prepare for the hour shows (this is my 5th) I’ll generally recite the entire show, as loudly and animatedly as I would on stage, by myself in my apartment. My neighbours must think a stone-cold lunatic lives in 582. Especially if they can make out any of the material.
Best and worst thing about being a comedian?
It’s a cliché, but having no real boss, setting your own pace, and having a totally blank canvass with the only real remit of audience laughter (or at the very least, intrigue) is pretty great. Also, when you do well, it feels pretty good-inject that sweet, sweet validation right into my bloodstream.
Conversely, meeting people and them instantly firing off a “tell me a joke” (or something like your final question) is fairly annoying. I find if I drop the charisma dial socially, I get hit with “you’re really serious for a comedian” way too often for my liking.
Also, when you don’t do well on stage, its basically being told by a room full of strangers that they don’t approve of your personality.
What do you like to do away from comedy?
I’m a total soccer nerd, so I have a lot of needless 4am wake up calls. I have a couple of podcasts (one comedy based, one about soccer) which takes up way too much time for something I do for free.
What’s planned for 2022?
This tour, which ends in May. Then I’m really looking forward to turning over the material (I’ve started writing the next show already).
I have 7 out of a total of 10 weddings left to go to in 2022. Also I’m turning 30.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Unquestionably pizza. And I am very lactose intolerant, but love conquers all.
Home, with a hefty, 6 season, 12 episode a season each at 45 minutes run time, TV show to dive head first into. Or Comedy Clubs.
Why did the chicken cross the road?
To be basted and marinate in olive oil and garlic so me and my greasy cousins can feast on it as an appetiser.
ANTHONY LOCASCIO ‘DON’T CALL ME A WOG’! (AN ETHNIC COMEDY STORY)
TOUR DATES
TICKETS: ADELAIDE | MELBOURNE | PERTH | SYDNEY
Monday, March 14th – Star Theatre Two at Star Theatres – Adelaide
Tuesday, March 15th – Star Theatre Two at Star Theatres – Adelaide
Wednesday, March 16th – Star Theatre Two at Star Theatres – Adelaide
Thursday, March 17th – Star Theatre Two at Star Theatres – Adelaide
Friday, March 18th – Star Theatre Two at Star Theatres – Adelaide
Saturday, March 19th – Star Theatre Two at Star Theatres – Adelaide
Sunday, April 10th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Tuesday, April 12th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Wednesday, April 13th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Thursday, April 14th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Saturday, April 16th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Sunday, April 17th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Tuesday, April 19th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Wednesday, April 20th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Thursday, April 21st – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Sunday, April 24th – Club Voltaire – Melbourne
Friday, May 6th – Regal Theatre Chorus Room – Perth
Saturday, May 7th – Regal Theatre Chorus Room – Perth
Friday, May 13th – Factory Theatre Main Room – Sydney
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok
What is your name and role within In Eyes?
Hi! I’m Rosie and I am the vocalist and lyricist.
What’s the Gold Coast music scene like at the moment?
The Goldy has an incredibly vast and diverse music scene, with heaps of artists across all genres. Unfortunately, we’ve seen the closure of many venues over the past few years, and there aren’t a lot of opportunities for bands of our genre to get regular shows here because of it. I know our local government is trying to remedy this though, offering grants for local musicians, and doing their best to add live music to local festivals and events. I have hope for the future of local music here.
How did In Eyes form?
The band initially formed in 2014 when my previous band split. We went through a couple different members before landing on this current lineup in 2017. Dylan (guitars) has been in from the very start. We asked him to audition after seeing him play covers online and he nailed it. I met Kris (drums) at uni, and through studying music together we struck up a super strong friendship and working relationship. He was the piece we’d been missing for so many years. I’m so thankful to be a part of this lineup.
What’s been happening recently?
We’ve just released our latest single, so watching that expand and grow, and be received so positively, has been amazing. We’re also gearing up now to keep writing new music, and getting our live show nice and tight so we’re ready to gig again after so many cancellations last year.
Your latest single ‘Tripwire’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Songwriting wise, I was in a reflective period of my life when I was thinking about the long term effects of a first time heartbreak. I was inspired to tell the story of my own naivety in the face of a manipulative relationship from the perspective of today, 13 years in the future. Kris wrote the music for this single, and I remember hearing it for the first time and being so intrigued with the rhythmic elements of it. He’s really intelligent rhythmically and I was so excited to see how it would challenge me as a writer.
How did you go about writing Tripwire?
The Tripwire process started while Kris and I were in our final year of uni in 2019. We had a studio session booked and he played me the demo and I instantly fell in love with it. We booked a couple more sessions to work on it and perfect it. I took the first demo home and wrote to it, then in those later sessions we workshopped it, and showed it to friends for feedback. There was something special about it from the beginning, and it turned out better than I think any of us expected.
Where and when did you record/produce/master, and who with?
We recorded at Machine Lab Recording, with our good friend and frequent collaborator Jared Adlam, who also mixed the track. Kris and Jared co-produced the single, and we sent it off to be mastered by another friend of ours, Paul Blakey.
How did you approach the recording process?
The original plan was to drop Tripwire as our second single of 2020, but because of the pandemic, we were basically forced to halt our progress with recording and releasing. We spent a majority of 2020 working on our last single, The Dreamer, and only saw each other in person twice that whole year. Once that dropped, we decided it was time to book in, and start the process for Tripwire. The restrictions at this point had been lifted, but that also meant everyone else was looking to get into studios to record. We booked in for the earliest we could get in with Jared, which was July 2021 (about 5 months after initially reaching out). We recorded over 3 days, and worked on mixes, the artwork, music video, and everything else for the release as time went on. We did what we could under the ever changing restrictions and safety guidelines, and although it dropped a year after we initially wanted it to, the response has been insane, and we’re so happy with how everything came together.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve been discovering a few bands on TikTok actually – my favourite at the moment is The Home Team. I’ve had their album Slow Bloom on repeat for about a month. Really good stuff.
What do you like to do away from music?
Dungeons and Dragons! I’ve always been into fantasy games, books, and films, so when I discovered DnD a few years ago I was hooked. I started DMing (dungeon mastering; running the games) in 2018 for a few friends from uni, and haven’t stopped since. I think what I love so much about it is I’ve always been a writer and a storyteller, and DnD allows me to flex my creative muscles in a way that music doesn’t. It’s a way to explore parts of myself that I don’t always get to express in the real world. If you get the chance to play Dungeons and Dragons, do it. It can truly be life changing.
What’s planned for 2022?
Writing a lot, playing more shows, and releasing as much as we possibly can. An EP is on the cards, but we’ve gotta go with whatever the world throws at us, and make the most of it. We mainly just want to keep making music, playing live, and doing what we love.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
We’ve had a few phases within the In Eyes lifetime. We started at Nando’s, then segued into Guzman Y Gomez, but for now, it’s probably Pattysmith’s. There’s one near our practice space, and also near our studio, so it works out!
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/InEyesMusicGC