Music Interviews

Where are you currently based?

I’m currently based in Sydney, Australia.

How did you first start playing music?

I saw Frenzal Rhomb playing at the ARIA Awards on TV in 1999 and it changed my life. I wanted to be a musician so bad but didn’t really know how to do that. I then had some family friends in Newcastle start a local band and that inspired me to no end. I started a band pretty quickly after that with some friends from school. We eventually got instruments and learned to play, well after the fact of calling ourselves a band. We played all through high school at anywhere that would have us, scout halls, surf lifesaving clubs, town halls, youth centres.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

Yeah it’s been really strange, to say the least. I’m an early childhood teacher during the day, so I’ve been working as an essential service all throughout this whole time. It’s strange having that part of my life stay the same, when so much of the other aspects of my life have changed so dramatically. It’s been really hard for me to not go and see shows. I get a lot of fufillment out of the music community, and it’s been tough not seeing artists that I love do their thing.

Your single ‘Blood’ and debut album ‘Middle Everything’ are out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for the album?

I have a stack of different influences – from Bloc party to The National, from watching old professional wrestling matches to Beetlejuice, from Batman to Kurt Vonnegut. But more than anything, the sound was really influenced by having my live band present for the recording, and having it be produced by Jonno Tooke from Cry Club. I just feel so lucky that I get to work with artists I respect so greatly.

How did you go about writing the music?

I’d meditate and go for really long walks; where I would write down almost random thoughts that I had. I’d come home and spend the night working shopping these random thoughts in to songs on GarageBand on my phone. I then brought these ideas to the band and Jonno and they helped bring them to life.

Where and when did you record and who with?

I recorded in Sydney during April 2019. I was with Jonno (Cry Club), Emily Duncun (an amazing solo artist), Marcus Tamp (Amends, Burn In Hell and Vices) and Lauren Guerrera (Columbus).

How did you approach the recording process?

We all spent quite a long time workshopping and learning the songs before we got in, so the actual recording process was pretty straight forward.

What programs/instruments did you use?

It was a pretty straight ahead band format, with guitars, bass, drums and keys

How did Blood come about and what does this track mean to you?

Blood came about in the same way that most of the record came about, just through meditation and reflection. It’s about leaning right in to being frustrated, and finding resolution within that.

You’re playing Vanguard in Sydney on Nov 10, how do you prepare for live shows and what can we expect?

There’s going to be an intimate solo show first, with a few B sides and rarities, and a band show after, that really showcases the bigness of the record. To prepare I spend a lot of time practicing the songs, and getting the sequencing right for the set.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

The usual suspects: Phoebe Bridgers, Skepta, The National, Bloc Party, Action Bronson

What do you like to do away from music?

I really love watching really old Wrestling matches; there’s just so many memories and nostalgia attached to it for me.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

I’ve got the next album written, and I’m gonna spend the end of this year and beginning of next year putting it together.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I’m going to say Nachos, but there’s really too many faves to mention. I love hanging out with my girlfriend, Michelle – wherever we are is pretty ok.

https://www.facebook.com/jack.r.reillymusic

Where are you currently based?
I am currently based in Sydney, Australia.

How did you first start playing music?
Music has always been a big part of my life from playing the recorder in my childhood years and then moving on to playing clarinet, guitar and the drums. My upbringing with also living in remote places such as Arnhem Land and Papua New Guinea has definitely had a positive influence on me as a person and into my song writing.  

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
The year 2020 has been a year of growth and re-connection to my inner self. I have been going for walks in nature with my Staffy Flo, meditating and enjoying practising the Wim Hoff method. During COVID lockdown, I found myself picking up the guitar a lot more and revisiting my song writing. You could say that ‘Endure’ was born in a year of great worldly change.  

Your new single ‘Endure’ is out soon, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I am very excited to have released my new single ‘Endure’. My influence for this song comes from a belief that we are living in world increasingly challenged by lack of social connection and isolation from nature. Endure is about the endless importance of harmony with the natural world, and a gentle reminder of what has and always will be important. 

How did you go about writing Endure?
Firstly, by playing around with chords and sythn progressions in the studio and I then came up with the lyric ideas to lay over the top, and it all unfolded from there. Originally the instrumentation had a strong electronic influence, but I decided to strip it back quite a bit. Overall, I wanted to go for a simple vibe to drive a clear message – that was really what I was looking for in this song.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
All done in the home studio, with the help of my multi-talented muso husband. 

How did you approach the recording process and what did you most enjoy?
Just knocked back a few shots and off we went. Not really, it was all quite focused. Once I had a clear vision of what I wanted, it was just a matter of having several studio sessions to get it all down. I loved the process of laying down the vocals in my own personalised green coloured vocal booth with an ornamental frog light-catcher. Just bringing in the rainforest vibes!

What programs/instruments were used?

Logic, with programmed synths and drums. Plus added live guitars and bass.

How did the concept for the music video come about?

My vison for the Endure music clip was to simply be walking along a forest trail and absorbing the energy of nature. I wanted to show the beauty, nature and love. And yes, there is a tree hug in there! The video is a powerful reminder that the simple things in life have never been more important and reflects on lost memories and intimate connections. 

Where and when did you film and who did you work with?

It was filmed in the The Cumberland State Forest, which was perfect for the forest trail walk, and to our surprise also the ideal spot for the filming of the drone shots. The way I connected with the Videographer John Mamutil was via Instagram, which was amazing, as we found out later that we actually already knew each other outside of Instagram. To work together on the Endure clip was the perfect collaboration for both of us.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the music video?

I really enjoyed the editing side of things, and I loved the creative process of putting all of the footage together. To see the storyline come to life is very rewarding. But the challenging thing for me would be the grading part of it – though I got through it and am pretty happy with the whole outcome. 

Who are you listening to at the moment?  

So many different things – new and old. I made up my own Spotify playlist called ‘Random Friends and Finds’- which pretty much sums up who I love to listen to. 

What do you like to do away from music?

I love to Roller skate! That is my new thing to do either at the skate park or at the roller rink. I am a visual artist and have a fashion label called Luvlok too. I have shown my art in solo and group exhibitions in Sydney and the ACT, and my paintings were recently featured on the ABC TV series Black Comedy. My fashion label Luvlok, is very Artisan style having a focus on one-of-a-kind garments made with natural hand painted fabrics. I have been blessed to have had these featured in US fashion magazines, Elegant Magazine, SALYSE, and Prolific. 

Any gigs coming up?

Not at the moment, but in 2021 – I hope so…. readers – feel free to follow my Instagram account to keep yourself in the loop.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

It’s almost Christmas Partae peeps, so celebrating is on the cards. And for 2021 – Recover, continue writing and reconnect with family after this crazy year that we all have had. And I have a whole library of songs that are just bursting to be released into the world. So, keep tuned.

Favourite food and place to hang out?

Formaggi Ocello in Surry Hills, Sydney – that would be my fav. You really need to experience their ‘Cheese and Wine’ nights. In summer, my perfect hang would be somewhere with a pool, palm trees, and a cocktail bar…. either by the beach or nestled somewhere in the Aussie bushland.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mialovelock/

Spotify: https://bit.ly/MiaLovelock

What is your name and role within Big Orange?

Daniel. Songwriter

Where are you currently based?

Western suburbs of Perth

Congratulations on the new album, ‘An Ode To Odious’! How does the record sit with you guys as a band, now it’s finally out and released?  

Thank you. While others enjoy the album it’s good for us to be able to sort of forget about it and move onto something new. We went back to the studio the week it was released.

Would you say the approach to songwriting/arranging differed much during the creative process of this album? (If so, how?)

No, it’s the same process where I bring complete songs demoed to the band and we work out how to play them.

Beirut-born, Dubai-based Bachir Salloum is an artist turning heads right now with his blend of deep and progressive house music. We caught up with him around the release of his new EP on 3^rd Avenue ‘Head Above Water’…

Hey Bachir, thanks for talking with us! Where are you right this moment?

Hello guys, thank you for your interest in me, and for having me on your radar.

I am from Beirut but living in Dubai for the past 5 years.

You’ve loved music since you were young and got into the Beirut scene where you’re from, but what was it that brought your big break? 

Well, music was always a big part of my daily life, so I think every achievement in my musical career seems like one of many big breaks to me.

You’ve played alongside some amazing artists, what was the biggest pinch me moment for you? 

Can’t really decide which one was the best moment, all my shows are very special to me. But one that always stays in my memory was playing alongside Black Coffee in Dubai. I reached the venue early, it was only the two of us on the bill, the venue was completely empty, which is my favourite scenario because I like to fill up the dance floor and start ambient vibes. Also, on that specific night, one of my favourite producers and influencers was there to listen to me play, that person was Guy J. I don’t think I will ever forget that night.

You’ve just released ‘Head Above Water’ on 3rd Avenue. Congrats, it’s an awesome release! What was the inspiration behind these tracks? 

I wrote these tracks after ADE festival, it’s one of my favourite festivals, plus Amsterdam is a great city. The whole experience is an amazing inspiration, you listen to the best quality of music from great artists. 

Where did you write them? Which track is your favourite if you had to pick?!

I did these tracks at my home studio, it’s where I spend most of my time, creating and learning. In the music universe you learn something new every day. To be honest I really like all 3 tracks, the EP is versatile as it caters to  different audiences. But if I really had to pick one it would be the title track, “Head Above Water”.

How are you finding the current situation, as you’re based in Dubai, how is it there? 

Dubai is an amazing city, super-advanced and safe, I believe we all learned how to cope and adapt to the current situation, but I always say, amazing things are coming along for all of us.

Have you found that COVID has helped you get motivated and inspired in the studio, or has it been hard – I guess do you find the gigs inspiring when it comes to writing new music too, or have you been able to stay focused with all this time we’ve had to stay in? 

This pandemic was a big mental challenge for all of us, and like most people, I had my ups and downs, but I am also grateful that this pandemic has given me the opportunity to truly focus on creating music and improving my techniques to go deeper into music production. This has been the silver lining for me.

What’s next for you? 

I’ve got a track ‘Transverse Waves’ dropping on Hoomidas’ ‘Hoom Side of the Moon’ compilation on Dec 18th.  More releases are coming up which I am really excited to share with everyone.  And of course, hopefully 2021 will see us back playing and dancing.

Bachir Salloum’s ‘Head Above Water’ EP is out now on 3^rd Avenue, get it here: https://www.beatport.com/release/head-above-water/3176500. Look out for his release on Hoomidas, out Dec 18^th!

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Where are you currently based?

I am currently based in Brisbane, about 30 minutes north of the city.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

My Covid experience has been a bit rocky. I play gigs for a living, and have done so for the past 4 years, and I took a big hit during Covid. I also ended up being lost and unmotivated with nothing to do. But after a while, I picked myself back up and made the decision to figure out and reinvent myself. I also had loads of free time to work on new music.

But things are starting to pick back up. And for all the bad of Covid, it did have some positives in there.

How did you first start playing music?

When I was 5 my mom enrolled me to get piano lessons, which I continued till I was about 11. But when I was 16 is when I first picked up a guitar, and got serious with my music.

You’ve changed up your sound to more RnB pop style, why’d this come about?

During the lockdown I had endless amounts of time to listen to a wide range of genres and experiment. I was unclear about my direction with my music and so I tried heaps of sounds with my guitar and loops to arrive at my current R&B/ Pop-esque style. I also made changes to my look with the blonde hair.

Your new single ‘Crazy Crazy’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

“Crazy Crazy” came about during the lockdown period. When I write music, I usually lay down a beat and chord progression using my looping rig. The chorus was the first thing I wrote in that song. This was when I was experimenting with my new style. 

After getting the live version of the track complete, I headed over to the studio where myself and Josh Beattie added the crazy elements you hear in the song. For example, there is a percussion section in the song where Josh plays on two glasses using a fork and a spoon. After putting the studio version together I did a rewrite of some of the lyrics, which resulted in “Crazy Crazy” as you hear today.

How did you go about writing Crazy Crazy and what is the story behind the track?

The track was based on a past relationship. Where everything seemed great at one point, but this was just the honeymoon phase. You turn around a few days later and its over, just like that, with no warning whatsoever. Makes you wonder if the signs were always there.

Where and when did you record/produce/master?

“Crazy Crazy” was recorded with and produced by Josh Beattie at his studio in the Gold Coast, and afterwards was mastered by Paul Blakey.

How was your experience working with Josh Beattie the producer?

This is the 2nd track I have done with Josh Beattie, and we have always had a good chemistry in the studio. We seem to have the same wacky curiosity for trying different things and weird sounds which we never think would work, but almost always end up making the final cut of the track. 

Working with Josh is a blast because he is great at filling in the missing pieces, as well as encouraging artists and making them feel at ease. I know this for a fact because I recorded my first song with him and was very nervous heading in to record.

We recorded “Crazy Crazy” over 2 days, and this was the first track recorded in his new studio. Plus he also lets me sleep in the studio, so I don’t have to commute back and forth from Brisbane, which is a bonus. 

What’s the Brisbane live music scene like post Covid?

I think things are slowly starting to pick back up in Brisbane. The first few weeks back playing live gigs were a bit tricky, with the “no dancing” rule. I’d see people vibing, only to be approached by venue staff who inform them they need to be seated. 

However, things seem to be returning to a state of normalcy. I believe that there are still less live gigs going around, and still some limitations, but hopefully in the next few months we will be back to the usual.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Someone asked me recently who my favorite artist was and I said something along the lines of “I don’t think I have a favorite artist of all time, but if you asked me who my favorite modern artist is it would have to be Khalid”. He has a unique style, which is unmistakable. Some other artists I’m really vibing with right now are Childish Gambino, Bruno Mars and Daniel Caesar. 

What do you like to do away from music?

When I’m not working on music or related material, you can find me at the gym. I train in mixed martial arts (Kickboxing & Jiu Jitsu) which I personally believe improves my focus, discipline and drive in other aspects of my life.

I also love the occasional binge, with my most recent being “The Queens Gambit”

Any new music on the way?

I have another track set for release early next year, potentially in February/ March. Don’t want to give out too many hints just yet, but I thought I would start the new year by releasing something a bit laid back and chilled out. 

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

Well, I just had my sold out single launch show at the JunkBar, Brisbane. This show was set to be my final big event for this year. I will be releasing a couple of videos from my show, as well as a little animated video & lyric video over the coming weeks leading into January. 

Apart from that, I have a radio interview at Juice FM in the Gold Coast set for Friday the 11th.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Korean Fried Chicken is hands down my favorite thing to eat. 

The favorite place to hang is kinda a tricky one, theres a couple because I drive around a bit for gigs. But once in a while, my housemate and I (also a musician) would go to Shorncliffe pier and have a late night jam sesh at like 2 AM.

Where are you currently based?

I live in beautiful Langley, BC, Canada 🙂

How did you first start playing music?

My Dad was in a band when I was little. It was a Christian band and they used to play in church, so I would sit in the front row and with every song memorized, I would sing at the top of my lungs. I’m sure most people thought, “Can someone please shut this curly haired kid up?”

From there, I did piano lessons from ages 6 – 15, alto saxophone from grade 7 – grade 12 and was in every choir I would possibly have time for right into college. My Dad’s band came back together the year I came home from “Canadian Idol” and opened for me at my homecoming concert. Talk about full circle!

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

I think that like for everyone, I’ve had my ups and downs. So anytime I know I’m starting to hit the slide, I make sure to call someone, write something, organize something or make something. Anything to keep me going and feeling productive. It’s weird but it’s what we have right now.

Your new single ‘Too Strong’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

This song was kind of a fluke and started after a long studio day. Jeff Johnson – one of my co-writer/producers on the single – and I were just chatting about life, and we ended up recording some rough late night musical bits and pieces into our phones. In the morning, we laughed and listed to what we had…. but that’s when we went, “Hey… this is pretty rad, I think we have a chorus here!”

Then Mitch Merrett (the other co-writer/producer on the single) and Chad Kroeger (the other writer) heard it and said, “We are finishing this song right now!”

We had it written and roughly recorded in less than 24 hrs. 🙂

How did you go about co-writing Too Strong?

Everyone on this project really equally brought their craft to the table. These boys are so talented that I’m amazed to be sitting in the same room as them. We all spoke our own truths and wrote what came naturally to us. It’s a testament to why I love co-writing so much!

Please tell us about the story behind the single:

This song was intended to give a message of strength to not give up, because we are too strong to let this break us. It started out as a message to anyone going though a tough relationship – there are so many of us who have had these kinds of struggles in the past. The easiest thing is to just give up, it’s really hard to be strong and fight when there is no fight left. But we can – we absolutely can.

I feel like as this year kept going, the meaning took on a second meaning to me, as we deal with this world we need to remember that we are in this together and we are too strong to give up. We need to carry each other.

Where and when did you record/produce?

We wrote this song in mid Dec. 2019 at Chad Kroeger’s place and recorded it in his home studio. Then Jeff Johnson took the track home with him back to the Okanagan and sent it out to a few key players to add some bells and whistles on it (not literally but hey.. bells and whistles and cow bells are cool too!).

How did you approach the recording process?

We were all so excited about this song there was no time to think. I was literally recording it as we were writing it. It was so cool!!

What programs/instruments did you use?

Avid Pro Tools, Drums, Bass, Guitars, Fiddles, Mandolins, Acoustic Guitars, Shakers, Tambourines and Vocals…. Along with Nacho Chips & Salsa, Perogies, Wine, Whiskey and Tequila!

Award winning producers Jeff Johnson and Mitch Merrett co-produced the single, how did this come about and how was the experience?

This team is amazing!! They are so talented in their own way I feel lucky to have them.

What I love the most about having both of them on this project is that they are so different. They both bring such unique ideas and lend their crafts to the project with such passion.

I have been buddies with Mitch Merrett for about 15 years now and when it came time to start my last project, “Under The Covers in Muscle Shoals”, I approached him with only the idea of doing a live off the floor record. He then took that idea and ran with it way bigger than I could have imagined. This lead to recording with some of the original Swampers, and at the world famous Fame studios in Alabama. Mitch and Mike Pyle (Bobby Wills) co-produced that record for me.

Fast forward to a year from that release and I really wanted to get back into writing and recording my own material. The “Under the Covers” album was an 11 song covers record and it was time to get creative again. I was singing at a fundraiser that Chad Kroeger was also attending and after I was done he came up to me, took my phone put his number in it, and said, “We are gonna work together on something, call me.”

So… I did and after a couple of meetings, he picked up the phone, called Jeff (whom I was friends with in the industry for years but had never worked with yet) and said I think you guys should record together. Jeff and I chatted, and got excited about writing. We then called Mitch and planned a writing weekend away at my place in the Okanagan, and the rest is… history!

I look up to this team big time, they have taught me so much.

How does Too Strong relate to the current Covid pandemic?

I hope it gives people a message of strength, a message of unity. We are going through this wild world together, and eventually it’s going to feel different. So we can’t give up, we have to stay strong because we are “Too Strong” to give up.

Please tell us about your experience recording your last album at the legendary Fame Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama:

This was one of those “once in a lifetime” times for me. If I didn’t take this opportunity, I knew I would never have that chance again and I am so glad I did.

Mitch and I had talked about doing a live off the floor record when he called me and said “I think we need to go where this was done at its best.”

He made some calls, had me watch the amazing documentary “Muscle Shoals Live” and then called me and said, “Not only does Mike Pyle of Muscle Shoals want to work on it but he thinks he can round up some of the original Swampers to play on it.”

After watching the documentary and then hearing some of the recognizable names coming onto the project, I couldn’t believe it. We then decided to take this project one step farther and do an 11 song covers record with 10 of those recorded in Muscle Shoals, at Fame Studios and recorded with some of the same guys.

Let me tell you, standing in the exact same place, same isolation booth, as Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Bob Dylan stood (to name a few), singing their songs while looking out onto the floor at these master musicians – which included some of the original players who played on the exact same song from back in the ‘60s & ‘70s (Jimmy Johnson, Clayton Ivy, Bob Wray) – was the most surreal moment of my entire life. Bar none.

Then to top it all off, the founder and owner of Fame comes in and stands on the floor for 30 minutes before going into the control room. He then throws some cans on and starts to talk to me through my ears. I just about died.

“Ok Little Lady, let’s take it again from the top.”

He produced ‘Respect’ with Aretha, and he produced ‘Mustang Sally’. How in the world am I standing here right now? Rick Hall passed away a few months after that session, and Jimmy Johnson shortly after that. I don’t know how I was able to grab onto this once in a lifetime opportunity but I thank my lucky stars I did. RIP friends and thank you.

How did Canadian Idol help kick off your career and what did you learn from the experience?

Exposure is always what one strives for in this industry, especially as an indie artist. So to be on a show that was watched by 6.1 million people was pretty cool. I am so thankful for that opportunity. Once it was done and I kept going, radio and TV kept caring about what I was doing next. It helped so much and I will forever be grateful for that.

I definitely learned that no one is going to come running to you. You can’t come home from something like that and sit on the couch expecting to get the “big call.” It can happen yes, but most likely not and it’s all in what you do with it. I tried to remember that moving forward and that has been a great lesson to keep in the back of my head all the time. It’s always hard work, you can’t sit down, how bad do you want to make music. Then do it.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Jess Moskaluke’s new single “Mapdot” is so good. We release on the same day, always great to cheer a girlfriend on! I am also loving Brothers Osborne probably too much. My whole house has no choice but to hear them on repeat daily – haha.

What do you like to do away from music?

If I am not hanging out with my family or friends, you will probably find me in my kitchen making “Earthya”.

I started this little hobby company in April after the pandemic started. I was finding myself slowly sliding, watching all my shows cancel one by one, and thought, “No way Karen – create busy in a different way.”

So I took my little hobby that I had been doing for about a year prior, rebranded, renamed it and actually told people about it outside my family and close friends. So now I have over 100 products that I make from home. They are all 100% organic made with premium essential oils. Household and beauty products including lip balm, lip glosses, bar soap, surface cleaners, room sprays, etc.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

My plan for the rest of 2020 is to just stay in contact with people, talk about my new single, and my new video. I also want to interact with people and through that, I hope that my music helps in some way. I also need to de-clutter, so that’s a goal of mine, too. Out with the old, create new. Then come 2021, I am looking forward to releasing my next single. I CAN’T wait!! It’s unlike any release or write I have ever done and I can’t wait to hear what people think. I hope to put a much needed smile on some faces!!

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Oh man, well where food is concerned, I do love sushi but I don’t really “hang out” at sushi restaurants – haha.

But my favourite place to hang out is of course, the stage. I love the people and the energy that goes with performing and I look forward to the day when we can go back and do it again!

Facebook: @KarenLeeBatten   |   Instagram: @KarenLeeBatten | Twitter: @KarenLeeBatten

Where are you currently based?

Sydney

How did you first start playing music?

My earliest memory was listening to the Amy Winehouse album (Back To Black) at my grandparents house, they had a piano and I decided to learn how to play the song by ear. I have always loved music but that really was a definitive moment on why I wanted to start playing music.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been?

I just finished up on this year’s season of AMERICA’S GOT TALENT, and jumped straight into the studio. Covid has given me a lot of time to think and feel to write my music so it has been good in that aspect. I just released my debut ‘More Than I’

Your new single ‘More Than I’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

Writing “More Than I” I wanted the single to be Cinematic, Dark & Emotional. ‘THE HUNGER GAMES’ X ‘BILLIE EILISH’ X FLORENCE & THE MACHINE’

How did you go about writing More Than I?

I have had this song written for a few years now, it wasn’t until I got back from LA and had to quarantine that I spent time at the piano and put the music together for the song!

What does this single mean to you?

The song is very personal to me. I wrote it about a time in my life where I came out to the world as myself. There is this very silent moment between coming out and waiting for the other end to respond. For me this song is reflective of that moment and the build up to having the courage to be my truth.

Please tell us about any new music on the way and what we can expect:

The music that I’m recording and creating now are even more personal, they deep dive more into more obvious moments in my life, moments that I believe the audience will connect to a lot more. With ‘More Than I’ it was really the epic movie trailer music that just like a movie trailer gives you the sneak peak, in the most epic style, of what is yet to come in the all new music coming soon.

What was your experience like being involved in America’s Got Talent and The Voice, how do the two experiences compare?

Well look, I’m so grateful for both. The Voice was very difficult for me, I was learning and growing to be the person that I am in the two seasons of the voice that I was on. There were a lot of great moments and moments I wish I could re-do but in saying that I was able to experiment with my fashion, my voice and how I wanted to present myself.

AGT was a TV giant, but I was prepared, although I was still nervous, I was very confident in myself and my talent. I was not expecting to get 30 Million views on my audition in the first week. Like I said AGT was just GIANT haha!

What did you learn from the experience of being on both?

From the aspect of both shows, the biggest thing I learnt was that originality over predictability is key. Authenticity and truth is always the golden ticket and trusting in who you are and not doubting yourself is so important but listening and taking on critique is just as important!

What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the experience of being on both shows?

The hardest part really is that it is TV and everything is uncertain till the second you’re actually singing. Things change and being a performer who has always been a perfection, AGT and the voice have really pushed me to work fast, work smart, think creatively and always out of the box.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Billie Eillish always but right now, Catie Turner from American Idol. Genuinely obsessed.

What do you like to do away from music?

Fashion, I love to design and make. For me, the creative and the visual aesthetic is almost if not just as important as the music. I’m a very visual person and the outfit that I’m performing in can be the cherry that makes the performance. Just like a song written uses metaphors to tell the story I use my art to tell the story. I’m always working on something new.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

WRITING WRITING RELEASING!

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I love art galleries, I can walk around all day haha.

Sushi is always my go to meal, I had it three times yesterday.. it’s ridiculous haha.

SHELDON RILEY INSTAGRAM

https://www.facebook.com/thesheldonriley

Where are you currently based?

Montreal, Canada

How did you first start playing music?

My dad was a wedding DJ growing up so he taught me how to spin at a young age.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

Despite the lockdown and not being able to spin, the silver lining has been having a lot of studio time and new music.

Your new single ‘Control’ from your forthcoming album ‘Until We Dance’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The track was influenced by the nightclubs I miss playing in. I wanted to release a darker and moodier track, and JT Soul nailed the mysterious and alluring vibe with his lyrics. 

How did you go about writing Control?

I drove over to JT Soul’s studio for a writing session, and he essentially figured out the vocal melody right away. He then jumped in the recording booth, freestyled some flows and then came out and started putting words to it. I loved the ‘you lost all control’ part before the drop, so we worked around that after. 

I was looking for a vocalist for this track for over a year, so I was in awe at how efficiently he works. He kind of entered my world of dance and electronic for this collaboration and he smashed it. He’s super talented. 

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

This track actually took quite some time and effort. I started the initial idea and first sketch in my home studio. I then brought it over to my buddy Kevin Figs’ studio, where he laid down the guitars and the phat bass sound. After that I searched far and wide for a vocalist until I met JT Soul. We had a couple sessions and worked on the track in his studio. I then arranged the vocals and structure at home until it was finally ready to be mixed and mastered at the label studios. 

What programs/instruments did you use?

Kevin’s 1960’s limited edition Eric Clapton Fender Stratocaster for all the guitar layers. Trillian for the bass line. The drums were sampled and taken from my previous release ‘Never Be The Same’. And Refx’ nexus3 and Native Instruments’ Komplete package for the synthesizers. 

How did you approach the recording/production of Control?

When I sit down in studio, I always reflect on what worked on the dancefloor in my club gigs that week. I knew I wanted to have a sexy club track I could play in my sets, so I started from there. The mysterious pads and chords in the beginning came first. Then a nice, long build up before a climatic drop that hits you hard. 

Please tell us about what we can expect from your album, format, styles, sounds etc:

The album is fun, it’s feel-good and every track features an awesome vocalist from around the world. You’ll hear a lot of live instruments, performed by some super talented artists as well. You could call it dance or electronic or house… All I know is that I had a lot of fun making it and it’s meant to make you move. 

Which artists and records have influenced you most over the years?

Tiësto was my idol growing up. Seeing him sell out stadiums and arenas was the coolest thing. Then when I first got into house music over a decade ago, I was influenced by French producers like David Guetta, Bob Sinclair and Daft Punk, who are still more relevant than ever. Daft Punk’s ‘One More Time’ is my favorite song of all time. I loved the Dutch and Swedish DJs at the time as well. Seeing Erick Morillo in Mykonos changed my life in 2011. Then I got into deep house in 2012 and fell in love with Jamie Jones, Lee Foss, Hot Since 82 and at the same time, the Swedish House Mafia, Avicii and more. Then I was inspired by UK producers like Mark Knight, Calvin Harris, Gorgon City and more. Nowadays, I’d love to sign a record with Defected or Toolroom Records. 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

At the moment I’m listening to Ludo Lacoste, Tom&Collins, Wh0, John Summit, Black Coffee. 

What do you like to do away from music?

I love to travel, sail, eat, play soccer, snowboard, trade stocks, watch movies and hang out with family and friends.  

Any shows coming up?

I’ve got some virtual gigs lined up but live shows will have until summer 2021 here in Canada. 

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

Make more music. Prepare some tracks I could play out in summer 2021 and hopefully get to throw a little album release party. Fingers crossed. 

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I love Greek food obviously, but my absolute favorite food dish is tacos! I can eat tacos breakfast, lunch, dinner every single day no problem. As for my favorite place to hang out; I sometimes spin in bars and nightclubs 5 nights a week, so my favorite place to be is at home. Hanging out at my place and having tacos with my friends is my ideal off night. 

What is your name and role within Seabass?

My name is Annie, I sing, write all the songs and play guitar in SEABASS (as well as managed the band up until recently. We also have some answers peppered in from Ryan (guitar and makes all our records)

Where are you currently based?

Annie: We are TRAPPED in Adelaide. Nah, its pretty cool.

How did Seabass form?

Annie: myself, Kyrie and Flik were asked to play with Pussy Riot as their band in 2019… We thought after wed had a taste of the big stage together blasting through huge Ampeg bass rigs and Fender twins we better keep on going. Myself and Ryan had been playing together in another project so I brought us all together a few months after that! (Are Russian activist session musicians a thing? Apparently yes.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

Annie: We’ve been working pretty hard on the release of our single ‘Burn’ as well as getting all our ducks in a row for our launch of our debut EP.
Ryan: Yeah, COVID has been disappointing but it gave us time to make the EP.

Your new single ‘Burn’ from your forthcoming debut EP ‘Always Kidding’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for Burn and the EP?

Annie: Burn pretty much just spilled out one morning… I was pretty wired about the mismanagement of last year’s bushfire season as well and one of the most outrageous acts of murder of an indigenous Australian at the hands of police. I was furious and desperate and so from that the song came.

Ryan: Influence wise there’s some 90s rock in there.

What does Burn mean to you?

Annie: Burn is a call to arms, a plea to not become complacent or to turn away. Burn is me desperately asking if others can see what I’m seeing and needing to do something about it.

How did you go about writing the music for Burn and the EP?

Annie: I have been sitting incubating some of these songs for a few years, some are definitely more recent. I just needed to figure out what they would be used for and how we would use them. They all started as fairly low-key kind of country inspired folk tunes but now (thanks to Ryan, Kyrie and Flik) they’re face melting indie-rock bangers.

Where and when did you record and who with?

Annie: We recorded everything at Ryan’s home studio which he has been operating out of semi-professionally for a little while. Ryan is responsible for recording, mixing and production.

Ryan: Along with any production ideas the band had along the way.

What can we expect from Always Kidding EP?

Ryan: We tried to get as much of a picture of the band as we could in an EP format. Each of us has a fairly wide range of skills. Some tracks are concise rocky belters others do their own thing and play by their own rules. We tried to get as much of our usual set down as possible in EP format and polish it through some extra production. It’s a power packed morsel.

Annie: In all honesty we’ve accidentally recorded an almost album… It’s a long EP or a short album. Extended extended play.

What programs/instruments did you use?

Ryan: Annie drafts her ideas up on Logic Pro then I record and mix on Pro Tools. It’s a pretty sanded rock config with two guitars, bass, drums and a bunch of BVs behind Annie’s huge vocals.

How did you approach the recording/production/mastering process?

Annie: We tracked everything at Ryan’s studio. I was pretty depressed at the time so I mostly just tracked when I was asked to and the rest of the time I just played Civilisation V whilst spilling dip and crackers on Ryan’s bed.

Ryan: We tracked some things completely separately and some stuff we tracked together. Vocals were done separately. Backing vocals were a riot because the band would all take turns at their part while taking turns lying down (This is what happens when you’re mixing console is in your bedroom). Annie and I had a feedback session where we boarded up the door of the studio and cranked our amps and grabbed an entire take of obnoxious noise over the whole EP – then I grabbed parts that sounded cool and mixed them in.

Annie: For some reason now Ryan no longer lives with those people…

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Annie: Well… Obviously Phoebe Bridgers and Fiona Apple… Oh and WAP on repeat… Honestly, if I can have a day where I hear WAP five times in a row, that’s a good day.

Ryan: Phoebe Bridgers and The BeeGees.

What do you like to do away from music?

Annie: I like gardening… I dabble in PlayStation, I’ve been playing Red Dead Redemption 2 and I finished the remastered Tony Hawk as well a while back.

Ryan: Nintendo Switch – Zelda and Mario Party with my housemates.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

Annie: Crossing my fingers that we might be able to play a show in real life again soon and dropping the EP early next year.

Ryan: I’m going to finish putting together my new studio space and wait for the apocalypse to blow over.

When will the EP drop?

Annie: I think you’re like the second people we’ve told but February 17, 2021 and HOPEFULLY we get to have a launch show in Adelaide the week after that at Jive but stay tuned.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Annie: Oh man, theres this spicy nut mix thing at my supermarket that I think I’ve eaten like 20kg of over the past few months. Ummm vegan Magnums. I like hanging out at Ryans house.

Ryan: Party pies and my studio.

https://www.facebook.com/seabassbandau

What is your name and role within The Bonnie Doons?

Kane Kennedy. I produce the music and manage the band. Torian Brewer and I write and record the tracks.

Where are you currently based?

Based in Brisbane, Australia.

How did the Bonnie Doons form?

We officially formed the band in mid-2017. Benny Blacket (former lead singer) and I started the project. We met at college in 2014 and began jamming, writing the skeleton for our first song ‘Swing’ back in 2015 which features on our first EP. Torian was on guitar when the band first formed, Benny then moved down to Sydney and T-dawg stepped up on the mic.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been?

Recently we haven’t been doing any live things, just been focussing on promoting this EP and gearing up for some future shows.

Your sophomore EP ‘The Betweeners’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

This EP was heavily influenced by the 90’s. That was both Torian and I’s favourite era for entertainment as a whole and so I think naturally it came together in that style.

The EP speaks about making better decisions through talk of relationships mostly. A compilation of our own personal experiences was what influenced the songwriting.

How did the EP come about?

Well I mean we were always going to make more music; it came naturally. The musical approach was slightly different though, given we changed the vibe up for Torian’s vocals.

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

We recorded this through late 2019, all over the place really. I did the drums and rhythm guitars at Alchemix Studios in Brisbane, then did the lead guitars, bass, and vocals at home. We even used some takes from our demo sessions, out in a cabin in the woods style. It was a bit of a Frankenstein project. I produced it and sent it all over to Aria-Award winning Govinda Doyle (Angus and Julia Stone) for the mixing and mastering process.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of the EP?

Most challenging for me was the general learning curve of producing music, especially in a genre I’d never really done before. I’m no professional, it’s still early days. It was a fun challenge. The next chunk of music will be quite a different direction again. We’re just trying a few things out for now.

The most rewarding thing is when the people that you respect express to you how much they love it. And I mean, most friends are going to tell you they love it – whether they do or not. But we got some genuine responses, and it was delightful.

What programs/instruments did you use to record?

Half of it was recorded in Ableton and half was done in Pro Tools. Probably the two most common DAWs. Instruments; drums, guitars, bass, keyboard, triangle, rainstick, shakers.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

In the last week I’ve been listening to some early King’s of Leon, Che Burns’ new EP, Kurilpa Reach’s new EP and some Sublime.

What do you like to do away from music?

The normal things; friends and family, make food, glass of red, exercise, soccer. I recently have taken time away from my engineering job, following up a few personal, musical, and entrepreneurial pursuits. Hoping I can break free from the 9-5.

Any shows coming up?

Yeah we’ll be launching this EP in January 2021 – 16th of Jan at Solbar Sunshine Coast, and 23rd of Jan at The Zoo in Brisbane.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

Relax, jam, enjoy the shows we have coming. Then see what happens.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Torian started working at Mongrel Bar in Milton a couple months ago and it has become the new spot I think. It’s gotten me into Peruvian style food – the chef there is a serious pro (he owns the venue). It’s also a great location and atmosphere.

https://www.facebook.com/thebonniedoons