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“like the love child of The Ramones and Supergrass.” – Arun Kendall, Backseat Mafia
Melbourne raconteurs The Grogans return in all their laconic glory on their all out audio visual psych trip ‘Inside My Mind’. Filling the big shoes of the trio’s recent success with their 7’’ double A-side singles ‘Just A Kid’ and ‘Be Your Man’—collectively added to Spotify’s New Music Friday AU & NZ, Fresh Finds AU & NZ and Local Noise playlists—‘Inside My Mind’ continues The Grogans’ prolifically inventive and pigeonhole-defying style in a bluesy psych trip of epic proportions. To celebrate the release, Quin, Gus and Jordy, are thrilled to be heading on their biggest tour to date, heading to Tasmania, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington.
‘Inside My Mind’ navigates perceived misconceptions and irrational thoughts in a woozy fuzz fest of swampy blues and surf psych. The song’s lucrative reverberations and hazy delay are exemplified by the Jackson Hayat directed clip with glistening colourful visuals by Nathaniel Stewart in a fever dream feast for the senses.
“Inside my mind is a track that has been around for years. I believe it was written sometime between 2016/2017. This song is based on that anxious feeling you might get from making up irrational things in your head but understanding they are just fake perceptions you’ve created. The whole song (lyrically and sonically) is a different feel for this album following the last two singles, but our albums tend to normally dip into a few different genres, reflecting the three of our different influences.” – The Grogans
Having just completed a massive sold out Australian tour with Hockey Dad, as well as performing at Sailor Jerry’s Road to Rolling Stone concert alongside Eliza & The Delusionals and The Terrys, The Grogans are in fine form and raring to go for their biggest tour to date kicking off this June across three months at major cities across Australia and New Zealand. Do not miss your chance to catch this rising chameleon act as they perform songs from their expansive surf, punk, blues and reggae catalog this winter.
‘Inside My Mind’ Australian Tour Dates
Saturday 2 July
U18 Matinee Show
The Corner Hotel, Richmond VIC
Doors 1pm
Supports: Bones & Jones + Polly & the Pockets
Saturday 2 July
18+ Evening Show
The Corner Hotel, Richmond VIC
Doors 8.30pm
Support: Bones & Jones
Friday 8 July
Perth Single Launch
The Aardvark, Perth WA
Doors: 9pm
Supports: King Blue, Siobhan Cotchin
Saturday 9 July
Adelaide Single Launch
Jive Bar, Adelaide SA
Doors: 8:30pm
Supports: Poll Toy, The Effends
Friday 15 July
Brisbane Single Launch
The Zoo, Brisbane QLD
Doors: 7:30pm
Supports: Bones & Jones + TBA
Saturday 16 July
Byron Bay Single Launch
The Northern, Byron Bay NSW
Doors: 7pm
Supports: Wet Season + TBC
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Follow Kaurna Cronin Spotify | Apple Music | Facebook | Insta: @kaurnacronin | Youtube |
Where are you currently based?
Perth, WA.
How did Late 90s form?
Elliot (drums) and twin brothers Zaac and Brody (lead guitar and bass) have been in bands together since primary school and added Steve (vocals, rhythm guitar) to form LATE 90s in 2020.
What’s been happening recently?
Heaps of time in the studio lately as well as playing shows with the incredibly talent rich W.A music scene.
Your latest single ‘Die To Heal’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Die to heal was heavily influenced by Silverchair’s Neon Ballroom.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
We recorded at Hopping Mouse Studios with our producer Matthew Templeman and Simon Struthers mastered the track.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Idle Eyes, Turnstile, Basement, Satin Cali.
What do you like to do away from music?
Surf, Footy and Basketball.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
More music, More shows.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Indian Ocean Hotel and El Grotto in Scarborough.
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed | Website
Where are you currently based?
I’m currently in Thirroul, a small sea-side town in New South Wales.
How did you first start playing music?
In year 9 I bought a blue acoustic guitar off Ebay, and a guy across the road taught me all of Blink 182s back-catalog and the rest is history…
What’s been happening recently?
I just put out my first single Cost Of Love, the first music I’ve put out in three years and I’ve also been studying my Masters in Music Therapy which has been pretty fun, interesting and wild.
Your new EP ‘Lost Dog’ will be released on October 7, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I’m very excited, it’s been a long time coming. I think it definitely feels a lot meatier and grittier than my previous work. I listened to a lot of atmospheric German club stuff whilst making it and also some strong 80s bangers like Tears For Fears.
How did you go about writing the EP?
I wrote a lot of the EP with my pals Dave and Lucy at their apartment in Clovelly and I was lucky enough to collaborate with so many great people I’ve always wanted to work with including Andy Bull, Geoff Swan, Japanese Wallpaper…
Where and when did you record and who did you work with?
We did a lot of the recording in Dave’s apartment but also kinda all over the shop. We did some drum tracking at Dorny Mayes studio, some stuff at Golden Retriever and I did a couple of vocal takes in my own bedroom. We also had additional production by Tony Buchen and Gab Strum (Japanese Wallpaper) and had Geoff Swan in the UK onboard (who is my dream mixer- think Charli XCX, Haim).
Your latest single ‘Cost Of Love’ is out now, how did this track come about?
COL was kind of formed off the back of a relationship that soured… We both started to lose ourselves so the question of “how much hard work should a relationship be?” kind of came to the service and that messaging is the crux of the song.
How does it feel to release new music after 3 years?
It feels pretty darn scary and pretty darn exciting. It feels good to create something so wholeheartedly. We’ve done the whole thing independently too which I’m incredibly proud of.
You’re going on tour in August, what can we expect?
It’s a whole new band, all gals, all queer. It’s going to rule.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Maggie Rogers new record, Patsy Cline, Frank Sinatra and Angel Olsen’s Big Time.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
Writing another record, hopefully a visit to UK/Europe and more touring…
Favourite food and place to hangout?
At the moment, I love Cafe Paci. Such good pasta – oof! And I quite like just hanging out at Sandon Point dog beach or Camperdown oval. So beaut, so many doggos!
Title: CONTROVERSIA by Alok vol. 006
Label: CONTROVERSIA
Brazilian maestro Alok just dropped the 6th installment of his “CONTROVERSIA by Alok” compilation, which showcases the forward-thinking sound that the label represents right now. This time the album features 13 tracks, 8 of which are exclusive, never-released productions, coming from international talents, such as CONTROVERSIA‘s very own Bhaskar, ÜHÜ together with startups like Capsm – a talented visually impaired artist, Nyella – who is the first female producer to have a solo single on the the label, and rising Ukrainian artist Scott Rill. The sonic journey spans a myriad of genres, from the deep progressive opener “I Feel U” to emotive and ethereal like in Tineway & Ytan‘s “Telling” and Modica‘s eastern organic influenced “Don’t Stop.” What has to be also mentioned, CONTROVERSIA has just surpassed 1B Spotify streams on their catalog, achieving another milestone.
“The arrival of the 6th edition of the compilation and following the recognition that previous installments have received is a huge joy to me. The concept continues to meet our main objective, which is to maximize the reach and recognition of the Brazilian electronic music scene here in Brazil as well as abroad, giving space to a vast number of artists to create and present their music to wider audiences. With a lot of effort, today, Controversia‘s releases are being presented weekly to millions of listeners around the world through the Controversia Radio Show, which was also recently featured as a label showcase on Tomorrowland’s OneWorld Radio. I had a great time plowing through the tons of demo submissions to pick the tracks and artists I currently like the most, so I hope you’ll enjoy the selection, which includes 8 exclusive productions you can hear only on the compilation.” – Alok
With a strong resume full of remixes and collaborations with artists such as The Rolling Stones to Zara Larsson, from Jason Derulo to Tove Lo, and more, Brazilian Alok has gained an immense international following and is currently having his global breakout moment. He already has the second-largest Instagram following of any electronic artist globally (over 27M), and his 20M devoted monthly listeners on Spotify have made him the most listened to Brazilian artist in the world. In 2021, he was named the 4th Best DJ in the world, according to the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJ Poll. In 2019, Alok was nominated for the International Dance Music Awards for his hit remix of the Meduza single “Piece of Your Heart,” and he also worked with global pop sensation Dua Lipa for the official remix of her hit single “Physical.” Recently he also collaborated with Grammy-award pop sensation John Legend on “In My Mind” and with renegade vocalist John Martin on “Wherever You Go” and lended his talents to remix Ed Sheeran‘s “Shivers.” The sky is the limit for the Brazilian superstar.
Alok‘s forthcoming dates:
Jun 24 – Maceió, AL, Brazil ??
Jun 25 – Caruaru, PE, Brazil ??
Jun 25 – Campina Grande, PB, Brazil ??
Jun 30 – Zamárdi, Hungary – Balaton Sound ??
Jul 04 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Jul 08 – Neustadt-Glewe, Germany – Airbeat One Festival ??
Jul 09 – Figueira da Foz, Portugal – RFM SOMNII 2022 ??
Jul 10 – Novi Sad, Serbia – Exit Festival ??
Jul 11 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Jul 13 – Florida, FL, USA – Private Event ??
Jul 14 – Miami, FL, USA – LIV ??
Jul 16 – Boom, Belgium – Tomorrowland ??
Jul 18 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Jul 22 – Mykonos, Greece – Cavo ??
Jul 23 – Kołobrzeg, Poland – Sunrise Festival ??
Jul 24 – Ibiza, Spain – Ushuaïa ??
Jul 25 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Jul 28 – Sardegna, Italy – Private Event ??
Jul 30 – St Tropez, France – Private Event ??
Aug 01 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Aug 04 – Mykonos, Greece – Cavo ??
Aug 06 – Romania – Untold Festival ??
Aug 08 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Aug 09 – Panarea, Italy – Raya Summer Fest ??
Aug 11 – Abu Dhabi – Private Event ??
Aug 13 – Seoul, South Korea – E-Prix 2022 ??
Aug 15 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Aug 18 – Monte Carlo, Monaco – Private Event ??
Aug 25 – Navegantes – SC, Brazil ??
Aug 26 – Barretos, SP, Brazil ??
Aug 27 – Divinópolis, MG, Brazil ??
Aug 28 – Vitória da Conquista, BA, Brazil ??
Aug 30 – Uberlândia, MG, Brazil ??
Sep 03 – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Rock in Rio ??
Sep 05 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
Sep 09 – Casablanca, Morocco – Private Event ??
Sep 10 – Itu, SP, Brazil ??
Sep 10 – Araçatuba – SP, Brazil ??
Sep 12 – Ibiza, Spain – Hï Ibiza ??
The Los Angeles-based Canadian singer-songwriter Christena Ri
Her first widespread release,‘The First Time’ EP,came out on Boomsmack Records in the Fall of 2020.The trio of songs, created with collaborator, co-writer and producer Lin Gardiner, saw Christena dip her toe into the world of dance and EDM, resulting in a blend of styles that work beautifully with her voice;a set of tracks to make you both reflect on the human condition and make you move at the same time. A feature on Julia Sound’s debut album, for the song ‘Myself Like This’ followed in 2021, accompaniedby a powerful and brave lyric video. Christena next teamed up with LA’s Moonhead Industries to create a spectacular video for ‘The First Time’.Christena is now back with a new release, a gorgeous RnB pop ballad, ‘Without You’. The song, produced by Lin Gardiner and written with Gardiner and Eric Zayne brings the sound of Christena’s powerful soul and delicate falsetto.
Port Stanley’s Lucy grew up with music in her life from the very beginning, and performing has always been in her blood. Writing songs is a form of therapy for her and letting the world hear it feels like closing the chapter that inspired it. She believes music is the universal language and feels so blessed to provide a space for others to connect emotionally through her songs and storytelling.
“I wanted Upperhand to feel moody and a bit sinister. I wanted the sounds to reflect an exaggerated version of my experience,” says Morgan. “As if something evil is lurking in the shadows. Because being in an emotionally abusive relationship is like walking on eggshells everyday, constantly waiting to slip up somehow. And each time you inevitably do, you get a little bit smaller while the other person only seems to get bigger. Until it feels like you are no longer in control of your own mind.”
https://www.instagram.com/lucymorgan.music/
“We can only expect his debut album Grand Mote will showcase the stunning scope of his storytelling songwriting when it drops later this year” TROUBLE JUICE
“Christopherson has created a truly beautiful slice of Australian indie goodness“ LUCAS PACKETT – PBS FM
Kieran Christopherson releases new LP Grand Mote, gears up for release show One Night Only at Brunswick Ballroom.
Kieran Christopherson’s new LP Grand Mote will be released worldwide on Friday June 24th, 2022. The record was co-produced with Melbourne engineer and producer Guy Faletolu at the artist’s home in Central Victoria and Sunset Pig Studios in Collingwood.
Kieran Christopherson spent much of the last decade as a founding member and core performer of Melbourne band Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird. Grand Mote is the next iteration of Christopherson’s solo work, which began almost 15 years ago and saw him play with a range of beloved Australian acts including Matt Corby, Tim Rogers, Pete Murray and The Beautiful Girls.
Grand Mote combines influences from Australiana and folk rock with cutting synths and shoegaze guitars, and explores imminent fatherhood, reconciling your past, and leaving everything behind to live in the country. The record was produced during 2020 – 2021 and features performances from Matthew Hayes, Peter Corrigan, Nicholas Reid of Kitsch Kitchen, and Lachlan Rose of Cousin Tony’s Brand new Firebird. Grand Mote demonstrates Christopherson’s knack for story and self-critique, swirling amongst the unique guitar-driven sound developed during his time with ‘Cousin Tony’.
Two singles have been released from the record, ‘China’ and ‘Get That Money’, which have received radio play in Melbourne and Sydney. Sneak peeks into the full track list of Grand Mote have been made available through an accompanying podcast titled Grand Mote Radio, which quickly picked up sponsorship from Australian headphone company Nura Sound. The launch event for the record, GRAND MOTE: One Night Only will see a swag of friends and collaborators performing at the Brunswick Ballroom on July 21st, with Christopherson debuting the album live in full through a unique solo performance.
“Grand Mote is primarily about creating something out of nothing. But it also represents the harsh truth that a life is only really important to the person living it. What we experience moment to moment may be critical to us, but at the end of the day it’s one reality playing out in something far more complex.”
This record has been a life changing experience. I produced most of it alone at home in the Macedon Ranges, and used it as a chance to make sense of the last 10 years of my life while preparing to become a father. My friends and collaborators helped turn it into something far grander than I ever thought it would be.”
Grand Mote is out on Friday June 24th on all streaming and digital platforms.
Stream the record
Buy tickets to ONE NIGHT ONLY
Photo: Mike Dann
Fresh off the back of releasing cathartic single ‘Disarray’ in February, West Australian four-piece Late 90s return with more confidence than ever fueling their new release, ‘Die To Heal’.
Pouring emotion and a myriad influences into their new work, the latest from Late 90s is a surefire way to the hearts of any alt-rock, indie grunge music fan. Driven by the charged up, almost yearning vocals of Stephen Loreck, and bolstered by the strength of the band’s core dynamic of Loreck, Zaac Morgan, Brody Morgan and Elliot Lee, ‘Die To Heal’ is another stellar offering from the young group taking strong strides forward in 2022.
‘Die To Heal’ was recorded at Hopping Mouse Studios, with the band working with Matthew Templeman (Birds of Tokyo, Sly Withers) on production and Simon Struthers (Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, Karnivool) on final mastering out of Forensic Audio Mastering. The collaboration between band, producer and engineer has proven a successful one, carrying over from the ‘Disarray’ sessions earlier in the year.
The song is about how acknowledgement and acceptance of your troubles is a part of the healing process: “You gotta feel to heal”. It is easy to ignore problems in your life, however if you don’t acknowledge them, you may never move on or feel as you did before. Sometimes it’s only when you’re watching someone else go through tough times that you can realise this, and it’s painful to watch your friends go down a bad path “you’re so stuck in this left lane, my heart is starting to ache”.
Stephen Loreck, LATE 90s
“With ‘Die To Heal’, we wanted to build a lot of tension throughout the intro and first verse and hit hard with the chorus as a satisfying resolution to that tension, continuing in the heavier direction of our last single ‘Disarray’.”
Elliot Lee, LATE 90s
Late 90s have been consistently growing their presence out of the West Coast in 2022, cementing their place as one of the leading fresh voices in WA music currently gigging. With stellar performances at the likes of Sidefest alongside Sly Withers, Ruby Fields, Beddy Rays and Teenage Joans, and support dates for artists including Gyroscope, South Summit and Old Mervs pushing them further onto more radars, Late 90s are anticipating more attention levelled their way as the year rolls out.
With the release of ‘Die To Heal’ arriving at the midway point of the year, Late 90s are celebrating their new music with an unmissable launch date at Scarborough’s Indian Ocean Hotel in June.
PRAISE FOR LATE 90s
“I can see you guys really building with some pretty core punk elements, sounding great”
Declan Byrne, triple j
“Cranked up and muddier than some of the other grunge revivalists going around atm.”
Dave Ruby Howe, triple j
“Digging into a tapestry of influences spread throughout alt-rock, grunge, punk and indie to create energetic work of their own, often intertwined with intimate lyrics that dissect their ever-changing world. Keep a watchful eye on LATE 90s as they reach new heights in the year to come.
Pilerats
“Their new single, ‘Friends’, serves to highlight their punchy choruses, big chords and unique vocal delivery.”
Toasty Tunes
Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed | Website
Where are you currently based?
Dre and I are both based in Melbourne Aust. We live 5 mins down the road from each other on the north side.
How did Floozy form?
We did a song writing session together for a European producer and had heaps of fun together. We were both complaining about being stuck writing sad music and wanted a change so we started getting together with the goal of making fun, light music.
What’s been happening recently?
Just releasing music and trying to shoot, direct and edit our own music videos. We are doing a marketing course online too to help with our releases. Dre and I are also preparing for some zoom sessions as we will be living in separate stated for the winter. Looking forward to seeing what that brings to our process.
Your latest single ‘Craving’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
We tried to listen to what the production was making us feel and started fleshing out the story. There was something distinctly cheeky and flirty in the way the bass moved with the beats but also something mysterious in the pulse of the pads and textures. Almost like a question being asked.
This really guided the theme of the song: Everyone’s had the experience of being out somewhere and locking eyes with someone magnetic and mysterious, only to have them disappear into the crowd like smoke; Someone who everyone knows of, but no one really knows. Who are they? Where do they go? Who are they with? Did they notice me in the same way?
How did Craving come about?
In coming together as a duo, we always said we’d go for fun and spritzy. This doesn’t always happen in the writing process but Craving definitely landed true. The track started with a sunny arvo studio session together, where Dre brought in this sick beat and bassline to work off. We started bouncing around the studio having a laugh and Leigh almost instantly started singing the chorus hook.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
Recorded in Fitzroy North with Xavier Dunn, mixed by George Nicholas and mastered by George Georgiadis.
How did the concept for the music video come about?
The music video was an absolute dream. Late last year, we were driving down St Georges Rd in Fitzroy North and saw this vision of a person gliding down the concrete sidewalk, dancing in their rollerskates. We were so taken by them, that we stopped the car and hailed Dylan down in the middle of the street. We both knew when we saw them, enigmatic in their signature blue get-up, catching the eyes of every stranger in sight, that they were ‘Craving’ incarnate. Dylan was thrilled at our ideas and shortly after exchanging contacts, we were texting excitedly about the shoot.
This is the first shoot that we’ve filmed, directed and edited alone. We both have strong creative vision, so the process was strangely easy. We kept looking at each other and saying “surely something’s gonna go wrong any second”. We used Andréa’s DSLR camera with some serious rented lenses, and used Leigh’s Skateboard for all the motion shots with the skates. We even snuck off for a cocktail at the Everleigh to break up the shoot.
Dylan was an absolute pleasure to film; so smooth and magnetic in their glowing skates. They were so naturally enthralling that we ended up with a mountain of amazing, usable footage to choose from. A good problem to have, but it meant we had to be very cut-throat during the editing process. To make sure that most of the incredible daytime shots didn’t go to waste, we ended up deciding to repurpose it into a separate lyric video.
Where and when did you film and who with?
We shot, directed and edited it ourselves.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Dijon, Dominic Fike, Tom Misch .
What do you like to do away from music?
Leigh surfs, reads lots of books and studies Spanish. Dre teaches yoga and looks after her giant rabbit.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
We’re gonna continue rolling out our music and filming music videos. We have a lot of material we made through covid and can’t wait to get it out and seeing what sticks.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Japanese, Monties Bar Fitzroy North, Black Cat in Fitzroy .
Photo by Juana Martignone
After impressing on arrival with their track ‘Sand Dunes’, Melbourne’s Floozy returns with another shimmering delight, with new track ‘Craving’.
The single is seductive as it is easily danceable, highlighting the strong writing and artistic partnership between musicians Leigh Dallimore and Andréa Hajenian. Where ‘Sand Dunes’ introduced the pair as a group with intrigue and much potential to get stuck into, ‘Craving’ gives music fans further insight into who Floozy is – their core musical identity out on full display.
Fun, confident and beautifully expressive.
“Have you got a love you’re craving?”
It’s a simple question that threads its way through the song, and one that hangs in the air as Hajenian and Dallimore’s vocals weave together with ease. On ‘Craving’, Floozy worked with Xavier Dunn (Charlie Collins, Jack River) on co-production, recording out of their Fitzroy North studio. In terms of sound and creative direction, Floozy knew exactly what they were going for.
“In coming together as a duo, we always said we’d go for fun and spritzy. This doesn’t always happen in the writing process, but ‘Craving’ definitely landed true. The track started with a sunny arvo studio session together, where Dre brought in this sick beat and bassline to work off. We started bouncing around the studio having a laugh and Leigh almost instantly started singing the chorus hook.
We tried to listen to what the production was making us feel and started fleshing out the story. There was something distinctly cheeky and flirty in the way the bass moved with the beats but also something mysterious in the pulse of the pads and textures. Almost like a question being asked.
This really guided the theme of the song: Everyone’s had the experience of being out somewhere and locking eyes with someone magnetic and mysterious, only to have them disappear into the crowd like smoke; Someone who everyone knows of, but no one really knows. Who are they? Where do they go? Who are they with? Did they notice me in the same way?”
LEIGH & ANDREA, FLOOZY
And with the release of ‘Craving’, Floozy have also unveiled the song’s music video, a collaboration with the rollerskating performer Dylan Blue that really brought the energy of the track to life. Directed by Floozy themselves, the group took to the streets of Fitzroy North, Brunswick and Carlton, capturing Dylan as a rather ethereal creature maneuvering the nightscapes of Melbourne’s inner north.
“The music video was an absolute dream. Late last year, we were driving down St Georges Rd in Fitzroy North and saw this vision of a person gliding down the concrete sidewalk, dancing in their rollerskates. We were so taken by them, that we stopped the car and hailed Dylan down in the middle of the street. We both knew when we saw them, enigmatic in their signature blue get-up, catching the eyes of every stranger in sight, that they were ‘Craving’ incarnate. Dylan was thrilled at our ideas and shortly after exchanging contacts, we were texting excitedly about the shoot.
While writing we really tried to embody the scenes we had imagined: indistinct voices echoing down neon lit city streets; Smokey bars and clubs filled with colourful creatures of the night. Taking notes of all the textures, sounds, and emotions present.”
LEIGH AND ANDREA, FLOOZY
PRAISE FOR FLOOZY
“They’ve got a strong sound to match some good style. Floozy’s a name worth remembering”
Triple J Unearthed, Dave Ruby Howe (‘Sand Dunes’, 2021)
“You’ve done such a stellar job of bottling up the feeling of an idyllic, carefree afternoon into a song. It’s intoxicating!”
Triple J Unearthed, Abby Butler (‘Sand Dunes’, 2021)
“3 minutes and 20 seconds of Sun-soaked Nostalgia. Big fan of this one.”
Triple J Unearthed, Jerry Ijale Agbinya (‘Sand Dunes’, 2021)
“Sand Dunes is driven by lofty production, dreamy vocals wrapped in a clever pop arrangement, reflecting the duo’s clear songwriting ability and charm.”
The Music
‘Craving’ is released Thursday, 2nd June.
Photo by Lukas Popp
A gentle beat, a psychedelically blazing organ, subdued guitar arpeggios, to which an echoing female voice whispers. The first sounds of “Beach Baby, Baby”, the new EP by Nick & June, cause several associative bells to ring at once: Dream Pop! LoFi! Sixties! And those who have known the duo from Nuremberg for a while may be momentarily puzzled: Where’s the indie-folk? Well, after a creative break (and more than two pandemic years) it’s okay to start a new chapter, right?
With the first single ‘Anything But Time’, Nick & June float in a glittering fog of trilling synthesizers, gentle beat and drum pulses and vibrating organ sounds. Embedded in dark reverb guitars, the bitter-sweet paired voices of Suzie-Lou Kraft and Nick Wolf lead the way through euphorically orchestrated restraint and meditative ramifications of thought. Where parallels were once drawn to artists like Bon Iver, Damien Rice, and Angus & Julia Stone, now also Beach House, Mazzy Star, and Lana Del Rey, peer through the reverb-veil.
“The song was written really fast, very stream-of-consciousness, really really fast. It’s a brief song, with simple sounds, in fact just an old Casio keyboard and a drum machine, with lots of ideas in it. We don’t do too much talking about the lyrics so people can interpret them in their own way. Besides, sometimes even we don’t know one hundred percent what they mean.“ NICK & JUNE
The band shot the accompanying video in an old hotel in Berlin, a late 19th-century tenement house that was once home to silent movie star Asta Nielsen.
“We have watched many classics of film history and all time favorites in Pandemic – maybe that’s why the overall concept of the EP has a cinematic touch. With these impressions absorbed, we quickly had a firm idea of what the video should look like. The Hotel Funk in Berlin, as an already stunning location, was adapted even more to our wishes by Lillie Ceben, who was responsible for the set design, and Jeanette Friedrich then captured them and shortened them to two minutes thirty – which was really hard with such beautiful material. I believe that with Maja Bons as the actress, we have found the one person who can make this video fun from head to toe.“ NICK AND JUNE
Change is a constant in Nick & June’s career. What began in 2011 as Nick Wolf’s solo project, evolved into a variable work of art and indie project during recent years. While both the first EP and full-length debut “Flavor & Sin” (2013) were still deeply rooted in acoustic singer-songwriterism, Nick & June pushed the doors wide open with their concept-release ”My November My” (2017): It was still folk(pop), but more cinematic and layered, with choirs, brass and no inhibitions about freestyling at times – and with singles like “Home Is Where the Heart Hurts, Pt. 1” and “London City, Boy, It’s Killing Me” that morphed into minor indie hits: over 10 million streams, air time on the radio, prime-time TV and even the big screen, in the acclaimed coming-of-age film “About a Girl.”
PRAISE FOR NICK & JUNE
“Delicate, dreamy, poetic…”
OK! Magazine
“The parallels range from Conor Oberst to The National to Azure Ray…simply beautiful.”
Waste of Mind
“The almost perfect mix of pop, indie, melancholy, excitement, high altitude and a deep fall…this filigree work of art just makes you happy.”
Alternativemusik
‘Anything But Time’ is out now!
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