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PARKWAY DRIVE ANNOUNCE 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS I PREVAIL (USA) THE GHOST INSIDE (USA) + VOID OF VISION
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Interview: RinRin Unveils Her Raw Emotions, Exploring ‘Miss Miserable’ and Embracing the Unhinged in Music
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single, “Miss Miserable,” and what message you hope to convey through it?
I was inspired during a low time in my life. There were lots of thoughts in my head and I realized in that moment that ‘this would sound good as lyrics.’ There’s no outright message, it’s more of an expression of my feelings and for those who can relate to how I felt and what I went through, to ensure they don’t feel alone in their own feelings.
How does “Miss Miserable” fit into the larger narrative of your music journey and the evolution of your sound?
Miss Miserable is the last song I’ll be releasing before my upcoming EP which is a completely different sound to my early works and Miss Miserable. You could say it’s the closing chapter of that era. I want to make bolder creative choices in my future work, incorporating genres that wouldn’t appear in Miss Miserable and other works prior to that.
What were some of the challenges you faced while creating “Miss Miserable,” and how did you overcome them?
For Miss Miserable, it was more of a method of expression, an outlet for all my emotions so I felt like its production wa more therapeutic than challenging.
Could you elaborate on how your influences, such as BABYMETAL, Poppy, and Bring Me The Horizon, have shaped your approach to music, particularly in this latest release?
For me, the topics these artists sing about are my main takeaways from their creations. They sing about heavy topics and are very emotion-driven. For Miss Miserable in particular, I wouldn’t say they were my main influences but it’d be my guitarist since he was the one who wrote out the riffs and such, I wrote its lyrics and melodies.
You’ve described “Miss Miserable” as an ode to your younger self. How did you navigate the process of channeling personal experiences into your songwriting?
One of the things that helped me get into the mindset was reading the diaries of a younger me. It was like I was a penpal from the future, conversing with her as I wrote.
“Miss Miserable” marks the beginning of a new era for you. Can you share any insights into what listeners can expect from your upcoming music releases?
Expect the unhinged. I was more timid at the start, but now I’m holding back way less when it comes to my ideas and experimenting.
How do you balance the infectious energy and raw emotion present in “Miss Miserable” with your intricate guitar work and songwriting prowess?
I think teamwork made both aspects balanced. While my guitarist worked on the production of the instruments, I worked on the melodies and lyrics and the overall of its production to give the song its ‘RinRin’ vibe.
“Guns and Grenades” received critical acclaim and won several awards. How does the success of that single influence your approach to releasing new music, especially “Miss Miserable”?
For me, it made me want to change up what I make. I don’t want to always do the same thing. I love experimenting and exploring so whenever something’s successful, I try going a different direction.
Your music has garnered significant attention on streaming platforms and radio stations. How do you leverage these platforms to connect with your audience and promote your music effectively?
By getting assistance from our publicists and releasing songs as frequently as possible, creating more social media content as much as I can, taking advantage of the free marketing platforms available.
As you continue to tour and perform live, how do you adapt your music to engage different audiences, especially considering your diverse influences and sound?
Based on my experiences so far, I can see that my audience enjoys what I’m doing. If anything, the positive reception encouraged me to be unafraid to express myself through my music.
Can you share any memorable experiences or highlights from your recent Australian tour and performances with renowned rock and metal bands?
The highlight of my experience was hanging out with like-minded individuals. The bands I played with, Live Like Animals and Inferiority Complex, and I were a little awkward at first but we got along so well and even had a killer game of mini golf. It’s always great to make connections with people with the same passions I do because we go from strangers to good friends at the end of it all.
With representation in multiple regions, including Australia, New Zealand, China, and Japan, how do you navigate the challenges and opportunities of reaching audiences across different cultural landscapes?
Music is a universal language that can transcend a lot of things and reach people no matter where they are. There will always be fans of metal and rock around the world and I want to connect with them through my music despite the different cultural landscapes while respecting that culture’s customs.
ARC announces Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, Moodymann, Carl Craig, Sven Väth, FJAAK, Sara Landry + more for 2024 edition
ARC Music Festival Announces Lineup for 2024 Edition
Returning to Chicago’s Union Park This Labor Day Weekend
August 30 – September 1
Featuring Armand van Helden, Carl Cox B2B Green Velvet, Charlotte de Witte, Derrick Carter B2B Mark Farina, Detroit Love (Carl Craig B2B Moodymann), Disclosure, Dom Dolla, Gorgon City, Hiroko Yamamura B2B DJ Hyperactive, Honey Dijon, Idris Elba, Jayda G, Kaskade Redux, LP Giobbi, Purple Disco Machine, Reinier Zonnneveld Live, Sara Landry, Skepta, Sven Väth + More
Spanish Party Outfit Elrow Returns as Stage Host
Passes On
https://arcmusicfestival.com/
ARC Music Festival, Chicago’s flagship house and techno festival, has revealed the lineup for its 2024 edition taking place from August 30th to September 1st. Returning to the heart of the city at Union Park this Labor Day Weekend, ARC’s fourth iteration will be soundtracked by the world’s leading house and techno selectors in the historic birthplace of house music.
Since its inception, ARC has bridged a diverse range of global and local musical influences and audiences, entrenching itself as a cornerstone in the global festival circuit while shining a spotlight on the rich cultural heritage of Chicago. ARC’s fusion of cutting edge production, progressive lineup curation, and emphasis on educating the next generation of electronic music listeners on its origins has elevated its impact and appeal to an international scale.
Led by Auris Presents, Chicago’s premier producer of experiential festivals and events, ARC fans will also be treated to an expansive slate of intimate ARC After Dark afterparties late into the morning hours. After Dark programming will run five days from Thursday to Monday, showcasing a variety of uniquely curated parties featuring artist aliases, special b2bs, label takeovers, plus select acts outside of the festival lineup. The after party series spans over 13 venues, 30 parties, and 80 artists, and is exclusively available only to ARC festival pass holders.
A host of headlining acts lead ARC’s festival lineup including GRAMMY-nominated brotherly production duo Disclosure, dance music stalwarts Carl Cox B2B Green Velvet, a special house set from legendary grime pioneer Skepta, and Chicago-born globally renowned visionary Honey Dijon. Top tier acts continue to line the bill with Belgian techno powerhouse and KNTXT label head Charlotte de Witte, GRAMMY-nominee and in-demand hitmaker Dom Dolla, and German techno veteran Sven Väth.
In line with ARC’s forward-thinking approach to sonic curation, unique back to back sets and special collaborations elevate its lineup to new heights. This includes a back and forth of in-demand house acts Hot Since 82 B2B Chris Stussy and Sonny Fodera B2B Eats Everything, the high BPM sonics of DJ Heartstring B2B Partiboi69, and the collaborative GOLFOS project of Pawsa and Dennis Cruz. Additional highlights include UK powerhouse duo Ben Sterling B2B ROSSI., clubland favorites DJ Boring B2B Young Marco, and a meeting of new and old school with Dennis Ferrer B2B HoneyLuv.
Other back to back spectacles on the ARC lineup feature Detroit meets Chicago sets from the pioneering Detroit Love (Carl Craig B2B Moodymann) plus seasoned selectors DJ Holographic B2B Shaun J Wright, along with dual Chicago back to backs from house architects Derrick Carter B2B Mark Farina, Hiroko Yamamura B2B DJ Hyperactive, and Marshall Jefferson B2B Gene Farris.
ARC will showcase modern house luminaries including disco funk master Purple Disco Machine, chart-topping production duo Gorgon City, the melodically-tinged Kaskade Redux set, Bronx-born duo The Martinez Brothers, inimitable disco queen Jayda G, and piano-house icon LP Giobbi. The lineup will also feature Dutch duo ANOTR, innovative GRAMMY-winning artist Cassian, breakout star Mau P, Dirty Disco party head AZZECCA, and fan-favorite actor and selector Idris Elba.
ARC will continue to lean into its heavier techno curation led by the early 2000s influenced productions of German DJ Klangkuenstler, Filth On Acid heavy hitter Reinier Zonneveld Live, the high priestess of hard techno Sara Landry, German electronic duo FJAAK, French DJ and producer Nico Moreno, and versatile Ukrainian act Daria Kolosova. For more eclectic sonics, fans can look forward to Jazz-inspired Scottish musician Barry Can’t Swim, lo-fi house selector DJ Seinfeld, cross-genre producer Logic1000, fast rising UK bass and garage phenom Sammy Virji, and the melodic high bpm stylings of KETTAMA, X CLUB., and salute.
Global house and techno fans will be treated to an immersive journey at ARC, with curated production elements and art to guide them between each of its four distinct stage environments. ARC will return all four of its stages from 2023 including the industrial Grid stage, the interactive and psychedelic production of Spain’s celebrated elrow alongside its renowned performers, the deeper sonics of the Expansions stage, and the newest fan-favorite, Area 909 – an homage to house and techno’s foundation in a raw and energetic setting.
Passes go on sale at arcmusicfestival.com
ARC Music Festival 2024 Lineup
ANOTR
Armand van Helden
Avalon Emerson
AZZECCA
Barry Can’t Swim
Bastian Bux
Beltran B2B ChaseWest
Ben Sterling B2B ROSSI.
DJ Boring B2B Young Marco
Carl Cox B2B Green Velvet
Cassian
Charlotte de Witte
Daria Kolosova
Dennis Ferrer B2B HoneyLuv
Derrick Carter B2B Mark Farina
Detroit Love (Carl Craig B2B Moodymann)
Disclosure
Dom Dolla
Dunes Of Dawn
ELKKA
FJAAK
GOLFOS (Dennis Cruz B2B Pawsa)
Good Girls (DJ Lady D B2B Lori Branch B2B VITIGRRL)
Gorgon City
DJ Heartstring B2B Partiboi69
DJ Heather
Hiroko Yamamura B2B DJ Hyperactive
DJ Holographic B2B Shaun J. Wright
Honey Dijon
Hotpretty
Hot Since 82 B2B Chris Stussy
House In HD (Terry Hunter B2B Mike Dunn)
Idris Elba
Jayda G
J.Worra
K’Alexi
Kaskade Redux
KETTAMA
Klangkuenstler
Logic1000
LP Giobbi
Marshall Jefferson B2B Gene Farris
Mau P
Meduza
Monty Kiddo
Nico Moreno
Oppidan
Purple Disco Machine
Reinier Zonnneveld Live
Riordan
salute
Sammy Virji
Sara Landry
DJ Seinfeld
Skepta
Sonny Fodera B2B Eats Everything
Sven Väth
SYREETA
The Martinez Brothers
Tini Gessler
Très Mortimer
X CLUB.
HOSPITALITY IN THE WOODS WELCOMES DRUM & BASS’ FINEST FOR 2024 EDITION – Date: 17th August Location: Beckenham Place Park, London
Hospitality is a widely recognised and influential brand celebrated for its musical innovation and its reputation as a friendly, diverse and inclusive community. This is showcased at Hospitality In The Woods where the entire D&B family is reunited to create non-stop, sun-kissed musical memories. Not only does Hospitality bring together like-minded ravers, but also serves as a connecting hub for some of the biggest brands and labels within the scene. This year, Beckenham Place Park will once again be transformed into drum & bass paradise, with five bespoke stages hosted by Hospitality, Hospitality Friends & Family, Rampage, an insane link up by two of Bristol’s finest, RUN & Rumble In The Jungle, and a very special 20 Years of Shogun Audio celebration. You will be sure to hear everything from liquid to neurofunk, old school classics to new school flavours and everything in between.
The venue offers a fantastic escape with its picturesque green landscapes, a serene lake, a grand mansion, and ancient woodlands— easily accessible in London with various transportation options nearby. Not only is the venue incredible but the production across the site is second to none with each stage offering a unique immersive experience with world-class sound systems and show-stopping stage decor. Super tasty street food stalls will also be on site to fuel your raving, The Hospital Shop will be set up for you to purchase your finest raving garms, plus there will be chill-out areas available in case you need to catch your breath.
David Guetta and MORTEN Return with New 2-Track “Future Rave” Release “The Future Is Now / The Truth” and Announce “Future Rave”-themed Hï Ibiza 2024 Residency
Title: The Future Is Now + The Truth
Label: Spinnin’ Records/Future Rave
David Guetta and MORTEN are back and stronger than ever with two blazing hot new records together – “The Future Is Now” and “The Truth,” which serve as stunning examples of their “Future Rave” sound movement. Coined for their fresh combination of high-energy and underground sounds, Guetta and MORTEN‘s “Future Rave” explorations have experienced an impressive output of festival hits that resonate with both veteran and new ravers alike. The duo dives into the melodic side of the genre with “The Future Is Now,” which fuses punchy chords with arpeggiated drops and a driving techno beat with ominous spoken-word vocals that lend the track its basement-club appeal. The second track “The Truth” clearly defines the guys’ mission to mesmerize today’s dance crowds, blending sturdy bass chords with heavy techno beats, spacious sound effects and a hypnotizing, vocally driven breakdown. Guetta and MORTEN are more than ready to hit the ground running in 2024 with their already signature sound, as they have also just announced their epic “Future Rave” residency at the world’s iconic Hï Ibiza super-nightclub, where they’ll be taking fans down the rabbit hole all season long. Keep an eye out for official residency dates, guest artists, and more new music coming from the “Future Rave” founders very soon.
David Guetta
DJ. Producer. Artist. David Guetta is a musical trailblazer and an international icon. With 2 x Grammy awards, 11 x Grammy nominations, 7 x UK number 1 singles, over 40 billion global streams, and 50 million records sold worldwide, and is currently the 4th most streamed artist on Spotify with over 75 million monthly global followers. Guetta has most recently achieved the “Producer of the Year” award by the BRITs in recognition of his production successes. The French producer mastermind has collaborated with some of the world’s biggest stars, including SIA, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Black Eyed Peas, Shakira, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi, J Balvin, Becky Hill, Raye. Such work has resulted in numerous hit singles, such as “When Love Takes Over,” “Sexy Bitch,” “Memories,” “Where Them Girls At,” “Without You,” “I Gotta Feeling,” and “Titanium” which has over 1 billion streams. Guetta has stormed into 2023 with his new dance smash – “Baby Don’t Hurt Me,” with the two pop megastars Anne-Marie and Coi Leray. It arrived as the highly anticipated follow-up to Spotify‘s global #1 and streaming monster – “I’m Good (Blue)” with Bebe Rexha. The track earned Guetta his eleventh Grammy nomination, receiving a nod for “Best Dance/Electronic Recording,” has garnered 1,8 billion global streams and simultaneously hit #1 at the US Top 40 & US Dance Radio charts. David Guetta demonstrates time and time again why he is the most cherished electronic artist of our generation.
MORTEN
MORTEN has kept his incredibly innovative and trademarked sound ringing through platforms across the globe. As the co-founder of “Future Rave” and following his immense hits over the last few years, MORTEN has created magical tracks in collaboration with David Guetta. The two close friends coined the “Future Rave” genre, releasing a 4-track collaborative EP, “New Rave,” and collaborations with Lanie Gardner, RAYE, and John Martin, to name a few. Their “Future Rave” sound has garnered more than 1B streams on all platforms. He has gathered an audience of over 3M monthly listeners on Spotify alone, releasing hit after hit, with the Guetta collab being in the top 5 of the most played records in the world by DJs for 7 weeks. With a fully packed tour that regularly sees him perform on the mainstages of EDC Las Vegas, UNTOLD, and Tomorrowland, MORTEN is the most touring artist of 2023, with over 200 shows across the world. His ability to transform his music between melodic, captivating vocals and his well-known, well-recognized snare and bass-heavy drops sets him apart from most artists. After influencing the entire industry with their sound, a hugely successful debut US tour selling out Exchange LA, Brooklyn Mirage, to name only a few venues, and a performance in front of thousands on EDC Las Vegas‘ mainstage, David Guetta and MORTEN brought “Future Rave” to Hï Ibiza every Friday for a groundbreaking 18-week residency for two consecutive summers. Creating an entirely new culture with this sound, residencies on the legendary island of Ibiza are the testimony of the change David Guetta and MORTEN have been bringing to the scene. MORTEN has also had fantastic success with his merchandise collection “BBA“, the most successful merchandise line in Denmark, which has sold out within hours after each collection has dropped. Not only did he release his long-awaited solo tracks “No Good,” “The Drill,” “Unforgettable,” and “Good God,” MORTEN continues to prove his artistry spans even further by having his own resident radio show “Future Friday” with Tomorrowland‘s One World Radio. The Danish artist has graced the stages of some of the most prolific festivals in the US, including performances at Ultra Music Festival, Sunset Music Festival, Something Wicked, and Life in Color Miami, to name a few. He continues to dominate the international music scene, performing at stables such as XS and Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas and playing mainstage at Ultra in Miami and Tomorrowland. Also, on stage, MORTEN teams up with David Guetta at shows such as Creamfields and on Guetta‘s European arena tour, performing in front of 20000 ecstatic fans each night.
Hayden James and Anabel Englund Team Up For Meaningful Melodic House Single “Different Worlds”
Title: Different Worlds
Label: Ultra Records/Sony Music
Multi-platinum Aussie producer Hayden James and California-based artist Anabel Englund join forces for their new record “Different Worlds,” a dynamic house gem that combines James‘s signature dance-pop style with Englund‘s smoldering vocals. Featuring undulating organic basslines with breezy melodies that build into a series of euphonious drops, the track also packs an emotive punch with its ‘who am I without you?‘ riff. Hayden and Anabel are both gearing up for a massive 2024, with both set to release more music very soon and her gearing up for her new interesting projects, so “Different Worlds” serves as a perfect prologue to what’s coming. With festival season almost upon us and some epic performances scheduled for both of these talented artists, Hayden James and Anabel Englund‘s hot new track will be coming to a dance floor near you and radio airwaves soon!
“My latest track, ‘Different Worlds‘ with Anabel Englund, feels like ‘Foolproof‘ and ‘We Could Be Love‘ had a baby. We wrote it last year and had no real plan to release it. I ended up playing it on NYE at a festival, and it kinda went nuts. I sent the crowd’s reaction to Anabel, and here we are.” – Hayden James
“‘Different Worlds‘ is about a change of heart towards the future you thought was always certain. It’s a gentle way of moving forward and acknowledging differences.” – Anabel Englund
Hayden James
Award-winning music producer Hayden James emerged as a quintessential sound of the summer with the release of “Something About You” in December 2014, igniting the dance music scene and earning Gold Certification in his homeland of Australia. Since then, his electronic-pop creations have captivated a global audience, amassing over half a billion streams. October 2017 saw the platinum success of “Numb,” featuring GRAACE, while 2018 solidified his breakout status with hits like “Better Together” with Running Touch and “Just Friends” with Boy Matthews, paving the way for his eagerly anticipated debut album “Between Us” in June 2019. This debut showcased a blend of vibrant dance floor anthems and introspective melodies, featuring collaborations with artists like NAATIONS and Panama. Simultaneously, Hayden unveiled a dynamic new live show at Splendour in the Grass, sparking a world tour and earning him an ARIA Nomination for Best Male Artist. Amidst a flurry of releases in 2021, including the infectious “Foolproof” with Gorgon City and Nat Dun, Hayden James dropped his sophomore album “Lifted” in April 2022. This opus boasted an array of collaborations with talents such as SIDEPIECE, Jem Cooke, Cassian, and Elderbrook, coinciding with his electrifying debut performance at Coachella Music Festival. Embarking on his most extensive North American and Australian tour to date, Hayden James continues to elevate his status as a visionary in the realm of electronic music.
Anabel Englund
Electric songstress Anabel Englund is stepping out on a wave all of her own. Forever bolstered by the infectious Hot Natured tune- “Reverse Skydiving,” and her many collaborations with the likes of Benny Benassi, Marc Kinchen, and Oliver Heldens. Englund‘s sultry voice has been heard from her hometown in Southern California to shores around the world. It has been a record-breaking past two years for Anabel Englund as she became the first female to have 10 x #1s on US Dance Radio Charts in a three-year span. She’s also the first female to have won iHeartRadio‘s Dance Artist of the Year in 2023 and nominated once more in 2024. Staying true to the same energy that galvanized audiences while performing with Hot Natured, Anabel seeks to share her personal connection with music, creative writing, and people much more prominently in her solo works. When speaking about her hopes for her performances, Englund says, “I love being able to channel into an entity that doesn’t really exist when I’m off stage. Something takes over me, moves, and sings through me. It’s an incredible experience.” Anabel is working on her next EP project that is due to release in 2024.
Interview: Navigating the Cosmic Giggle, Stefan West on Music, Self-Help, and Finding Acceptance
“Slow Down World” explores the theme of when self-help goes too far. Can you share more about the inspiration behind this concept and how it influenced the songwriting process?
This latest single Slow Down World is really just me feeling like I am trying every self help trick in the book and getting nowhere, you know everyone has the magic “Cure” and everyone seems to know whats best for everyone else, I got to this point where I just felt like everything was so dramatic and I would try absolutely everything and that seemed ridiculous to me. All I really wanted was everything to slow down a little, and the truth I know now is for me to find a little more acceptance of who I was at that point. I love this song because this subject seems so serious and everyone takes their own “healing” so seriously, but the truth is, life supposed to be both, it should be serious, but it should be light and fun and funny too, we will be ok. Always. And I think it was could maybe have a little of that cosmic giggle in the challenge, maybe we could find that acceptance and understand regardless of all the things we could be doing, we’re trying our best and thats plenty.
Your upcoming album, ‘Cambridge,’ is described as a transformative journey. How does ‘Slow Down World’ fit into the overarching narrative of the album, and what can listeners expect from this third release?
I honestly think its just another side to me that I haven’t had a chance to show until now, and I think the album is really just me baring as much of myself as I can, and telling as much truth as I possibly can. This song is just another step in that direction giving whoever would like to listen a glimpse into my world
Could you delve into the significance of the title ‘Cambridge’ for your album? Does it hold personal meaning or reflect a particular theme or place in your journey?
Yes! So the home studio where 85% of this album was written, was on the corner of Orrong Road and Cambridge Street in Caulfield north. I parked on Cambridge and entered our house from Cambridge, It was a street sign I saw every single day through this writing process. It felt funny because I also love the UK ever since I lived there 10 years ago, Ive always wanted to go back. I remember the first time I walked through Cambridge and I felt like it was this beautiful wonderland I never wanted to leave.
‘Slow Down World’ features collaborations with various musicians, including Aaron Schembri and your own father. How did these collaborations enhance the storytelling and musicality of the song?
The song would not be the song it is without schembri or my dad on it. The work schembri put into all of these songs is what has made the album what it is. I am forever grateful to have been able to collaborate with one of my best friends on this the way we have. Funnily enough my girlfriend at the time didn’t like this song until schembri played on it, and then she was like “oh I actually really like this one now” hahahaha. He brought to the table something that I couldn’t, the beauty of collaboration. And to have my dad on these songs is still something I cant believe we’ve been able to do together, it still blows my mind to just be able to say we have put music out together.
Mental health and resilience are central themes in your music. How do you balance conveying personal struggles authentically while also creating a relatable and uplifting experience for listeners?
This is a really good question! I think im always searching for the light, at one point I wanted to call the album sunflower, because the only thing I know to be true about myself in a dark situation is even if its pitch black, I will still try and find that little glimmer of a spark. And I think that comes across in the songs, the truth is, sometimes something challenging happens, and it might be a year or two or ten before you see the light that it created and sometimes something challenging happens and you can see the light immediately, so a song about challenge without a resolution is just as truthful and just as important. generally speaking, the light lives within my songs because that is more often than not my truth. However there is one song on the album without a resolution, and that was my truth for a very long time, I have found the light now, but like I said, sometimes it takes a really long time.
The songwriting process for ‘Slow Down World’ involved a realization of personal hardships. How do you navigate turning your challenges into poignant lyrics and melodies that resonate with others?
I created a new world for the song in my mind, this world has a certain colour to it, a certain brightness and a theme of animation of my choosing, then I allow the lyrics and the melodies to influence that world and something that was first a little challenging to see slowly begins to write its self from the feedback of both of those things interacting with one another ( the lyric and melody/the new world) sometimes I am scared to sing the words, I have been writing a new song recently and it was about a situation I was going through with someone who is newly close to me, I normally wouldn’t share the art until its done but I did in this instance because it felt truthful to, I was fucking shakingggggg hahaha, it was the first time Ive been that nervous in a long time, I am including that story in this answer because im still learning how to navigate turning my experiences, thoughts and emotions into songs that I am brave enough to sing, I think that will probably always be the case.
Your music blends indie, pop, punk, and folk rock elements. How do these diverse influences contribute to shaping your unique sound, particularly in ‘Slow Down World’?
For me this one started as a pop punk number, in the way I was playing the down stroke palm muted guitar parts and then opening up in the choruses, it really started to change when schembri brought that album jazz rhythm to the table and we added the horns and harmonies in.
As an advocate for mental health awareness and addiction recovery, how do you hope your music, particularly ‘Slow Down World,’ will impact listeners who may be facing similar struggles?
I hope it can offer a little humour and a new perspective, the funny part is how far we will go to feel better, it does feel comical, I have tried and continue to practise everything in the book, I still meditate daily, I practise / teach yoga, I take ice baths, I sauna, I gym like I do all these things, but if I dont im ok, and im learning to accept myself as I am, and I love who that guy is, I hope it can help listeners see that we are all in the same boat, its a fucking weird time to be alive, its better than ever and everyone seems sicker and sadder than ever. Can we laugh at our own predicament just a little and see how ridiculous it truly is? Can we find a little more compassion and slow our own world down by blocking out the noise? I think we can do it.
Could you share a bit about the role of music in your own journey of recovery and self-discovery, especially in the context of creating ‘Slow Down World’ and the ‘Cambridge’ album?
Reflecting on the writing of this album, I was more afraid than ever to write and record the songs on this album at the time that I did. I think that process was incredibly empowering and incredibly healing for me, especially with the collaboration with my dad and with Schembri, art heals if you’re brave enough to let it, there was a long time there when I wasn’t, and I am damn grateful that I built myself up to be able to.
‘Slow Down World’ promises listeners a sensory-stimulating adventure through indie rock, punk rock, and folk. How do you approach crafting a musical experience that engages the senses and evokes emotions?
Honestly, I just trying and write lyrics that I really like, that challenge myself and are the truth of that situation, and then I collaborate with amazing musicians that do the exact same thing in their own way, we work on the songs and find a spot where it makes me want to smile uncontrollably, that seems to be where the sweet spot is.
The production process for ‘Slow Down World’ involved working with Chris Gatz and Joe Carra. How did their contributions help shape the final rendition of the song and align with your artistic vision?
Chris Gatz is a goddamn legend is every single way, the work he has done on these songs is next to none, his input and techniques throughout the recording constantly blew my mind and his mixing ability did exactly the same. Then Joe came along and added this shine and glimmer to everything, we called it the sparkle hahaha. The songs simply wouldn’t be what they are without these men.
Looking ahead, what do you envision as the next chapter in your musical journey after the release of ‘Slow Down World’ and the ‘Cambridge’ album?
Well, im currently gearing up to release a bunch of singles in the second half of the year before the full album drops, so its really just narrowing in on my business processes and trying to streamline that a little better. I am also currently writing the next album so im so excited for that road to continue. Along with that I am gigging a huge amount so just learning how to sing and play better and to allow those skills to meet the writing and recording process, there is so much to look forward to. I cant wait!
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Basilar Festival – September 5th to 8th – Barragem da Queimadela – Fafe – Portugal
Basilar Festival is back for its 3rd edition, from 5 to 8 September, at Barragem da Queimadela In Fafe, North of Portugal, with four days of electronic music, with the last one extended for 24 hours.
After a highly demanding 2nd edition that welcomed 70% of foreign audiences – from Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Oceania – Basilar presents itself with renewed energy and a bold programme of national and international artists from the techno scene.
Basilar is a single, intimate event with a meticulous curatorship, offering its audience a unique experience. The carefully chosen landscape and setting are essential for creating the idyllic atmosphere to which it refers.
Ben Klock, an inescapable figure on the world techno scene; DVS1, the American who will present an extended performance; Trolley Route, Oscar Mulero’s project that had a memorable performance at the last edition; or Scion Versions, the duo formed by Substance & Vainqueur who are umbilically linked to the dub techno of Basic Channel; are the featured artists who will be performing at Barragem da Queimadela in September.
These are joined by Japan’s Haruka, with his mental and hypnotic techno; the man at the helm of Token, KR!Z; the rebirth of the Deetron presents Soulmate project; and some of the names that were present at the second edition of Basilar and that help define the festival’s musical direction, such as Deniro, Fadi Mohem, Tasha and Stojche.
In live format, Basilar Festival will feature performances by the Italians Fireground; the Belgian and Fuse resident, Phara; and the Portuguese projects of A Thousand Details and Salbany.
They are also joined by Anika Kunst, an instigator of the Catalan scene; Afra, a Dutch vinyl enthusiast making her debut here; and Laia, a recent name to watch out for on the Spanish scene. The Italian Pareal will perform the opening live act.
The line-up also includes many local artists, starting with Vil and Temudo, co-founders of Hayes Collective; Backbone, co-founder of Vinculum; Terzi, co-founder of Extended Records, Francisca Urbano and festival mentors Montero and Tauer.
Tickets are now available and can be purchased here. The first phases of early-bird tickets sold out in less than 30 minutes and are now 106€ with access to all four days of the festival. At a later date, daily tickets will be released subject to the event’s limited capacity.
The festival will include a food court, camping and caravan parks, which can be booked in advance, as well as glamping options in partnership with Domo Camp. Alongside the music programme, there will be sound healing, yoga and meditation sessions.
Until September, the festival’s organisers will be holding a series of events in various parts of Europe, such as Skopje in Macedonia, Granada and Bilbao in Spain, and Porto and Lisbon in Portugal, to promote the festival’s 3rd edition.
Interview: Navigating the Storm, An Insight into Bad Weather’s Musical Journey and Creative Evolution
What inspired the creation of your latest single, “The Man Or The Boy”?
Lyrically was written at a time I was feeling stagnant in my life. I found myself questioning whether or not I’d become the person I thought I’d be. It felt like I was quite trapped within my own thoughts and felt compelled to write about it. Musically we just wanted it to feel quite anthemic. Something you could listen to and shout out the lyrics.
Can you elaborate on the thematic elements of mental health and self-reflection present in your music, particularly in this new release?
As a person I’ve always found it quite hard to be vulnerable and open up to people. I think a lot of artists are like that. They speak through their music rather than directly to people. I feel like I’m always learning more about myself, my shortcomings, my strengths as life goes on and through that process it’s natural for me to want to write about it. I always treat my creative process as a diary entry.
How did the collaboration with Michael Bono influence the production and overall sound of “The Man Or The Boy”?
We’ve known Michael for a long time now, and every time we work with him it feels so easy. It’s essentially just a group of mates getting in the studio together, trying to make the best thing we possibly can. Usually the way we work is by bringing in a finished demo of the track. Michael’s ability and professionalism to take our music to the ‘next level’ whether it’s through added production, writing or the final mix is awesome to witness and gives us so much energy.
Could you walk us through the songwriting process for this track, especially in terms of overcoming creative blocks?
I had brought in most of the song as you hear it now to our home studio. Jono and I both felt like it was a special song and we decided to try and finalise it in one sitting. We were actually stuck on the chorus for quite sometime and I’d been struggling to finish lyrics for that part of the song. We ended up setting up a microphone and I started scatting melodies and words into the microphone. After about half an hour we had pieced together the lyrics for the chorus. That idea of riffing and scatting into a mic is something we always end up doing. It means you’re totally in the moment and through that we always end up finding a bunch of cool sounds and words that come out subconsciously.
What do you hope listeners take away from “The Man Or The Boy” in terms of its message or emotional impact?
That no matter how low you feel like you are, there’s always a tomorrow and a better day. We live in a time where people put so much pressure on themselves to be ‘totally put together’ or have it all worked out. The main message for me is just to be kind to yourself, trust your process and be unequivocally yourself.
How has your sound evolved since your debut single “Teenagers In Love,” and what aspects of your musical identity remain constant?
I think we feel like we’re starting to find our own sound now. We’re getting a lot better at writing and production and it’s starting to feel more consistent. We feel a lot more confident in our creative process and have learnt a lot since that first single. I think something that’s remained the same for us and will continue to do so is our honesty. We’re both big believers in having total artistic freedom to do whatever feels right to us. If a song we’ve written doesn’t make us feel something then we just move on.
What challenges did you face in recording and producing this single, and how did you overcome them?
Honestly, apart from finding lyrics for the chorus there really was no major challenges for us. I really believe that you can’t force a song. If it’s not coming naturally straight away then we tend to move on and turn our attention to something else. The only other small challenge we had was getting vocal takes right. I really wanted to make sure I was conveying the emotion and sentiment of the song through my vocal delivery.
Can you discuss the significance of the chorus and bridge in “The Man Or The Boy,” particularly in relation to the song’s overall narrative?
I think the chorus and bridge kind of sum up the whole idea of the song. ‘Pulled apart from the inside out’ refers to the inner conflicts and monologues you go through when dealing with hardships. Again, we really wanted the chorus to feel like a big release of energy and emotion. The lyric in the bridge ‘my ears are ringing, never been good at forgiving myself’ is one of my favourite lines in the song.
How do you approach translating the raw emotion of your songwriting into a live performance, and what can audiences expect from your live shows?
I think just being totally in the moment. If you believe in your songs and what you’re singing that emotion will come out naturally on a stage. We really just try to have fun when we play live. We want to make shows an ‘experience’ for people. Somewhere they can come to escape, dance or just feel apart of what we’re doing.
In what ways do you feel your experiences supporting other artists and touring have influenced your growth as musicians?
It’s always awesome seeing other artist live and watching what they’ve adopted as songwriters and live performers. Collaborating or even just sharing ideas so important to us, especially with other musicians. Seeing musicians do what they love and conveying their passion and artistry on a stage always makes us feel inspired.
What role do you see your music playing in the current indie music scene, and how do you aim to carve out your own niche within it?
I think we’re just trying to be our own favourite band. We don’t shy away from labelling ourselves as pop artists. We tend to like walking the line of ‘pop’ sensibilities paired with left field production and lyrics. I do feel at times Australia doesn’t take pop music seriously. There seems to be an a-typical Aussie indie band ‘sound’ at the moment which we’ve never felt like we aligned with. I’d like to think we’re offering something different for people.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of Bad Weather, both creatively and in terms of reaching new audiences?
Right now we want to be putting out as much music as we possibly can. We’ve never felt more inspired and driven as we do now. I want to create a world of our own music that people can dive into anytime they want and get lost within it. We’d love to tour more as well. Now that so much is done online, I think people forget how important and fulfilling shows are.
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Don Diablo and Major Lazer Join Forces For Surprising Collaboration – “Jiggy Woogie,” Featuring Baby Lawd. Out Now on HEXAGON
Title: Jiggy Woogie
Label: HEXAGON
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In an electrifying collaboration that bridges continents and genres, the globally acclaimed Don Diablo and the iconic Major Lazer release their latest track, “Jiggy Woogie,” out now on Don Diablo‘s label HEXAGON. This groundbreaking single also features the legendary vocals of Jamaican sensation Baby Lawd, whose original version of the track took TikTok by storm, even capturing the attention of superstar Jennifer Lopez, who showcased her dance moves to the viral hit. “Jiggy Woogie” was premiered to an enthusiastic crowd last month in February at the prestigious Untold Festival in Dubai, marking a historic moment as Don Diablo and Major Lazer shared the stage to debut the track. The performance was not only a testament to the artists’ incredible synergy but also a preview of the worldwide impact this release is poised to make. The release of “Jiggy Woogie” is a celebration of global musical fusion, showcasing the unique talents of Don Diablo, Major Lazer, and Baby Lawd. Fans around the world can look forward to experiencing this vibrant track, which promises to be a staple on dance floors and airwaves alike.
“We are thrilled to bring ‘Jiggy Woogie‘ to our fans across the globe,” said Don Diablo. “Working with Major Lazer has been high on my wishlist for a few years now, and this track represents more than just music; it’s a cultural moment, bringing together artists from different backgrounds to create something truly special.” – Don Diablo
“We had a blast working with the legend Don Diablo and Baby Lawd on this one. ‘Jiggy Woogie‘ embodies the spirit of collaboration and the joy of music, and we can’t wait for everyone to hear it.” – Major Lazer
Don Diablo
Currently voted the world’s #13 DJ on the prestigious DJ MAG Top 100, the sought-after producer has collaborated with and remixed a wide range of artists, including Dua Lipa, Justin Bieber, Gucci Mane, Ed Sheeran, Mark Ronson, Travis Barker, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Madonna, Ty Dolla $ign, The Chainsmokers, Coldplay and many more. Ever the perfectionist, the last couple of years has seen Don prepare his third studio album FORΞVΞR, released in September 2021. Taking on many forms since its inception, the album has been a labour of love for the perfectionistic Dutchman, marking his ever-evolving sound and ability to approach new genres with familiarity. A consummate presenter, Don has hosted his hugely popular Hexagon radio show for over eight years and is currently broadcast in over 68 countries to millions of listeners. Launched in 2015, his HEXAGON record label has given him the perfect platform to champion new talent. Year after year, the label remains one of the most influential imprints in the electronic music sphere.
Major Lazer
Major Lazer, the brainchild of Diplo, Walshy Fire, and Ape Drums, has been equally influential, merging dancehall with electronic beats into massive global chart hits such as “Lean On” with DJ Snake and MØ and “Cold Water” with Justin Bieber. Other recent collaborations include Beyonce, SIA, Jung Kook, and J Balvin, amongst others. Their ability to blend various musical styles has garnered them a massive following and critical acclaim across the globe. This desire to free oneself from codes to break down barriers is at the heart of “Music is the Weapon.” Released in October 2020 this LP is carried by a list of prestigious names, with universes that could not be more varied. Among them: reggaeton superstar J. Balvin, American rap queen Nicki Minaj, in addition to French Montana, Skip Marley, Khalid, Mr Eazi, Nucleya, Paloma Mami, Anitta, and Shenseea, the new star of Jamaican dancehall and many more.
Baby Lawd
Baby Lawd, though newer to the international music scene, has quickly made a name for himself with his captivating voice and infectious rhythms. The original “Jiggy Woogie” track became a sensation on TikTok, leading to widespread acclaim and anticipation for this collaboration.
RinRin shares an ode to her younger self with new single “Miss Miserable”
Perth-based alternative metal rising star RinRin shares new single Miss Miserable as an ode to her younger self.
An entrance into a new era, Miss Miserable is a pop-punk belter about looking back on a younger self and reflecting on the lows and moving forward. Experiencing a myriad of turmoil in her youth, Miss Miserable is dedicated to little RinRin and seeks to lend comfort to the inner child that navigated a time of deep despair and made it out the other side.
Taking cues from luminaires BABYMETAL, Poppy and Bring Me The Horizon, RinRin has created her own brand of pop-punk and metal that expounds infectious energy. Miss Miserable is another step in a unique direction for RinRin and paves the way towards a larger release later down the line.
With a fierce passion and dedication to mastering her craft, RinRin has soared to great heights off the back of her intricate guitar work and impressive songwriting abilities. RinRin’s 2022 single Guns and Grenades won the 2023 Western Australian Music (WAM) award for Best Heavy/Metal Song of the Year and was runner-up for the Best Song of the Year WAM award. RinRin’s catalogue has been embraced by streaming giants Spotify, Apple Music and Deezer and her singles have seen play on Australian radio stations triple j, triple j Unearthed, Double J and FBi to name a few.
Represented by Destroy All Lines for Australia and New Zealand and Triumph Music for China and Japan, RinRin burst into the new year with an Australian tour visiting Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney before headlining shows in Bunbury and Margaret River in her hometown of Perth. In recent times she has performed with heavyweight rock and metal favourites The Plot In You (US), Erra (US), Caskets (UK), Windwaker, RedHook, alt. and showcased at BIGSOUND in 2022.
With an undeniable sense of direction, RinRin is ready to play her powerful brand of pop punk wherever it will take her.
Miss Miserable is available and streaming everywhere now.
For more information, visit www.rinrin.com.au
New Album There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive Out Digitally April 5 via Hopeless Records
Physical Copies Available May 10th
Esteemed punk act Bayside have unveiled their latest single “Miracle,” a powerful anthem that sets the stage for their forthcoming album, There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive, out digitally on April 5 via Hopeless Records. Fans can stream the new track here: http://ffm.to/baysidemiracle.
Pre-save / pre-order There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive, out digitally on April 5th and physically on May 10th, here: ffm.to/baysidealive.
For the past 22 years, Queens-based Bayside has represented a lifestyle, a counterculture, and a deeply held conviction, diverse in thought and background but united by a shared desire for authentic expression. At their core, Bayside is a band that has constantly proved that music is not about gimmicks and ephemeral trends, but a timeless reflection of our lives and our times. It is through this timelessness and consistency that they continue to cultivate a cult-following that lives and breathes everything the band creates.
Bayside has always focused on creating songs that are relevant to people who want substance, rather than being relegated to one genre. And while many bands would coast on their past success, Bayside rejects the premise and proves time and again that the best is yet to come.
In 2022, Bayside released The Red EP, marking their first new music since 2019’s Interrobang‽. The EP’s three songs saw the band refining their unique brand of punk rock even further, with powerful, hard-hitting melodies. With 2023’s The Blue EP, Bayside further honed their sound, blending heavier influences with the band’s melodic punk roots.
There Are Worse Things Than Being Alive sees the band continuing to develop their sound. Stream “The Devils” now, here, and stay tuned for more new music coming soon.
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Photo Credit: Drew Kendell
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From out of the West Coast comes another hit of engaging and entertaining indie music, courtesy of the striking BAD WEATHER. Having established a reputation for themselves in recent years as songwriters unafraid to delve into the raw and heartfelt end of the creative spectrum, Callum Robertson and Jono Dimascio have returned for a brand new year brandishing one of their strongest releases yet in new single, ‘THE MAN OR THE BOY’.
Following on from single release ‘Lilac’ at the end of 2023, ‘The Man Or The Boy’ is a fitting moment of evolution and elevation for Bad Weather; continuing to fuse moments of sonic nostalgia and yearning, with fresh observations on how we navigate low points of our lives and ultimately, how we can emerge from the darkness into the light.
As Robertson describes, ‘The Man Or The Boy’ came together during a particularly low point in his life, when his mental health was not as strong as it could have been. As with Bad Weather’s previous offerings, the inner self and mental health are themes the songwriters are unafraid to explore. As such, their music is relatable and accessible to the listener.
“When I wrote this song my mental health was pretty low. I felt like I was in a rut and found myself continuously questioning whether the decisions I’d made in my life up until that point were right and if I had become the person I’d hoped I would be. I think that’s a really easy mental cycle to fall into, especially as you grow older.” CALLUM ROBERTSON, BAD WEATHER
‘The Man Or The Boy’ was recorded between Bad Weather’s own home studio and the studio of multi-platinum producer and engineer Michael Bono (MJB Sounds) in Perth. Working with someone like Michael was a fruitful experience for Bad Weather, being able to connect with not just another keen musical ear and frequent collaborator, but an accomplished talent who counts internationally renowned artists such as Avril Lavigne and Blink 182 as collaborators.
“I brought it into our home studio one day and it was pretty much there but we were struggling to finish the chorus. We ended up setting up a microphone and I started scatting words and melodies and within half an hour the chorus and bridge were done. It was a really special moment for the both of us. It felt really important and we knew that it was the perfect first single for 2024.”
CALLUM ROBERTSON, BAD WEATHER
Since their debut in 2020 with the single ‘Teenagers In Love’, Bad Weather have been hitting all the right notes with tastemakers around Australia, including Music Feeds, Pilerats, Backseat Mafia; as well as earning reviews via Triple J Unearthed and consistent support via community radio stations, all hungry for their great grasp on melody, emotive songwriting and arrangement.
Continuing to develop as live performers too, Bad Weather have cut their teeth on stages throughout WA supporting the likes of Tia Gostelow, STUMPS, End Of Fashion, Cry Club and Death By Denim; as well as joining The Faim on their national tour in 2022.
To celebrate the launch of ‘The Man Or The Boy’, Bad Weather will be performing at the Vinyl Cafe in Leederville on release day, February 23.
BAD WEATHER ‘THE MAN OR THE BOY’ LAUNCH
Friday 23 February Vinyl Cafe Leederville Tickets
Supported by Jade Rich
PRAISE
“Bad Weather’s sound just never gets old! I love the comforting nature of this new upload, I already know that it’s a song that I will keep coming back to in years to come <3”
TRIPLE J UNEARTHED, ANIKA LUNA
“‘Flowers In Your Room’ combines an indelible anthemic thunder with a yearning melancholia: the perfect ingredients for a perfect pop song. Coupled with an oceanic wave of guitars and an insistent rhythm section, Bad Weather have cast a golden ray of sunshine through the dark clouds.”
BACKSEAT MAFIA
“It’s the perfect blend of pop and rock, and we just don’t hear enough of that these days.”
SOUNDS OF OZ
“Effortlessly weaves together threads of synth-pop, indie-rock and punk sensibilities, creating a nostalgia-fuelled collection of songs. Drawing comparison to early The 1975 and Wheatus, the band presents love, heartbreak and themes of mental health. Introspective and personal lyricism is brought to life by Robertson’s strong vocal performance, simmering above glistening synth-work, driving percussion and ear-worm guitar melodies.”
MILKY MILKY MILKY
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There are two things you can count on: Kevin Keller albums always tell a story, and a new Kevin Keller album will always sound different from his previous one. As the New York-based composer’s recorded career nears a full three decades (his debut The Mask of Memory appeared in 1994), Evensong takes him into territory that is simultaneously new and ancient. It’s his first album to be based on vocal music, with half of those melodies being penned by Hildegard of Bingen in the 12th century. Four of the eight tracks use her plainchant melodies, including her Latin texts, and when combined with Keller’s production, the resulting sound is timeless.
Conceptually, Keller takes the Early Christian idea of canonical hours (divisions of the day being marked by music) and interprets it as a microcosm of life and its procession from beginning to end—and beyond. The procession also takes us through the church modes, the scales (based on those of the ancient Greeks) used before major and minor took over in the Baroque period: Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, Locrian, Ionian, Dorian, and returning to Phrygian. Each track has a distinct character based on the varying order of half and whole steps in its chosen mode, with “Evensong 5” being the most intense.
We are taken on a journey, starting with conception and birth, moving to the playful innocence of early childhood, followed by growing up, then the uncertainty of adulthood, the confusion and struggle of making one’s way in the world, the peace that (with luck) comes in maturity, the transition of death, and the mystery of what comes after. At every step of the way, Keller combines classical textures (strings, organ, piano) and modern timbres and rhythms in evocative fashion, often crowned by the beauty of the four female voices in unison. The profound sense of contemplation that has marked Keller’s most deeply felt work is once again present, guiding us gently along the journey to its otherworldly finale, with a plainchant melody written by Keller in homage to Hildegard’s style.
For more information about Evensong, please visit www.kevinkeller.com