Music News

Photographer: Bee Elton

‘Real Hard Week’ is the final single to be lifted from Dominic Breen’s eagerly anticipated upcoming debut album ‘Blue Volume’. Clever, relatable metaphors and gorgeous vocal melodies sit atop rich, meticulously layered guitars and a driving beat. The song is somehow both uplifting and melancholic.

Produced by Tim Fitz (Middle Kids) and mastered by Matthew Neighbour (Matt Corby, The Avalanches), ‘Real Hard Week’ once again showcases Breen’s heartfelt songwriting and extraordinary talent as he performs every instrument on the track.

“Real Hard Week” was the first song we recorded for Blue Volume. I wanted it to be epic, like the pivotal song in a musical, like a Sondheim classic or something. I initially thought it would be a duet and I was using the word ‘Disney’ in the studio to convey what I was trying to say, like, ‘let’s make it more Disney’. But then I realised that the sentiments were truly one-way sentiments, and that in this case, the conclusion at the end of the song could only be my own.” Dominic Breen

With his distinctive yearning voice, gift for observation and lyrical honesty, his singles have continued to turn heads this year. ‘James St Tonight’ picked up 4.5 stars from triple j’s Richard Kingsmill and Declan Byrne, as well as Double J rotation, while ‘Under Your Sorrow’ was added straight to several tastemaker Spotify playlists, 2SER and FBi. 

Breen has spent the past couple of years building up to his first full collection of music – the remarkable debut album Blue Volume. Breen’s label Double Drummer on ‘Blue Volume’ record;
“Dom is special – truly special,” says Double Drummer’s Edward Prescott. “In terms of evoking a sense of time and place, he’s one of the most gifted singer/songwriters I’ve ever met. This album is one of my favourite things the label has released. It’s amazing, really amazing.”

PRAISE FOR DOMINIC BREEN

“[James Street Tonight] Had this one well and truly planted in the head ever since first playing it. Tim Fitz’s production and pedal steel adds a great flavour. Dominic‘s dozy Dylanesque delivery has such a classic feel about it too. Add a dose of longing on top of those melodies and you’ve cooked up one great song” 
Triple J, Richard Kingsmill 

“Dominic always has such a way with words, space and emotion. He’s got stories to tell and you believe every single word.”
Triple J, Declan Byrne

“Equally likely to appeal to fans of Julia Jacklin, DMA’s and Middle Kids as it is to fans of the Go-
Betweens, The Triffids or Roy Orbison.”
Around the Sound

“What a gorgeous lilt, and then you bring in the slide guitar. A dream”.
Double J, Zan Rowe

“I hereby propose a change of wording to a certain slogan. Let’s make it “Is Dom. Is Good.”’. 
Triple J Unearthed Dave Ruby Howe

“His is a name that has become synonymous with forward-thinking musicianship on the Australian scene.”
Tone Deaf, Tyler Jenke

“A true artist and songwriter. Every Dom Breen song has its own unique spirit.”
Tim Fitz, Middle Kids

Single: Real Hard Week is out now via Double Drummer.
Album: Blue Volume is out via Double Drummer on Friday, October 1
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed

Today, Victoria, BC based actor and singer-songwriter Ajay Friese, released the music video for his compelling new single “Your Eyes”. The track features Ajays unfailingly honest vocal delivery and hooks aplenty in a song about self-empowerment and loving yourself even during your hardest times.

Filmed at Catalogue Studios in Victoria, BC, and directed by Nikolas Facey and Zayden Phan, the “Your Eyes” music video is a candid behind the scenes look into the recording process of the song including producer-artist discussions and a multi-screen climax.

“Growing up aspiring to record and release music, I was always intrigued when artists included in-studio footage in their music videos. Seeing artists on the mic made the music feel so much more real and honest, and fuelled my dream of doing that myself one day. I hope that I can create that same inspiration for others with the “Your Eyes” video. And whether you’re a musician or not, I am hoping this video will allow you to experience the song in a way you might not otherwise,” said Friese.

Seattle-born, Ajay Friese is no stranger to being in the spotlight, as he is best known for his acting career, holding recurring roles in five Netflix Original Series, and making his debut in film as a lead in the critically acclaimed Riot Girls(2019) from the executive producer of Insidious. Some of Ajay’s Netflix roles include playing “Vijay Dhar” as a series regular in all 3 seasons of Lost in Space, playing “Eddie” in five episodes in season 4 of Riverdale, and playing the prince of Wendimoor, Farson Dengdamor in 5 episodes in Season 2 of Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency.

Whether it’s acting, songwriting, competitive dance, or simply indulging his curiosity in a myriad of other ways, Ajay is determined to apply what he learns along the way to every creative task he takes on. That approach is abundantly clear on all three of his recent singles, “Jasper”, “Higher Stakes”, and “Your Eyes” Ajay’s music is a seamless blend of pop, alt. folk, and rock which will be evident in this single and his upcoming EP that will be released later this year.

Has Garnered Over Half A Million Career Streams To Date

Built For Digital Generations In A Shifting Music Industry, Player Plus Builds On Player Series Legacy With
Both Performance Upgrades and Bold New Finishes

‘The Player Plus Fender Stratocaster arrived fully setup and ready to rip in a convenient padded Fender gig bag. The classic two point tremolo as always is an amazing companion coupled with perfect intonation.  The noiseless pickups are super responsive, giving the player the famous Fender Strat tones and twang that one only dreams about. This guitar is a real all rounder and will cater towards many different styles and genres.  The maple fret board is super smooth and the locking tuners help keep the strings in tune for longer.  Overall this is one hell of a guitar for beginners to pro’s, all that experience the pleasure of this Strat will be left feeling very satisfied.’ – The Partae

HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (September 14, 2021) — Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today announced the launch of the all-new Player Plus Series. As a new generation of guitar players continues to emerge, Player Plus puts the power of guitar squarely in their hands with new versions of Fender’s most iconic models. Combining precise playability with unbridled style, these seven guitars and basses are engineered to remove any obstacle to effortless playing and are finished in vibrant, head-turning colors. Player Plus is an extension of the Player Series, which was the most widely-adopted Fender guitar series in 2020 and has sold over 400k units since its 2018 debut. Millions of new players began their learning journey during the pandemic, and for many, the Player Series provided a seamless entry into the Fender brand.

As digital platforms like TikTok have opened up new pathways for artists to find worldwide audiences, Fender has designed Player Plus for the generation leading the charge: both online and as live music begins to roar back after its hiatus. The launch of Player Plus will also serve as the debut of Fender’s very own TikTok, @fender. Fender’s presence on the app will include exclusive content, product demos and educational content, tailor-made for both passionate musicians and aspiring artists. To highlight Player Plus on TikTok, Fender has teamed up with guitarists currently pushing the boundaries of genre and creativity in terms of what and how they are creating music. They include Blu DeTiger, Hannah Dasher, Gabriel Garzón-Montano, The Destroy Boys and the Nova Twins.

The launch of the Player Series in 2018 helped spark a movement in the guitar industry, one where Fender has committed to showcasing the youthful, creative and evolving universe of guitar and bass. This movement has been accelerated over the past twelve months with even more new players entering the world of guitar than ever before. This new generation of players have more diverse opinions, styles, tastes and perspectives than any cohort of guitarists before them. The launch of Player Plus is Fender’s continued opportunity to unite this new generation of guitar players with a campaign that bridges creation, energy and style with expression, connection and collaboration. With the new Player Plus Series, Fender aims to highlight the diverse perspectives behind the creativity and self-expression that will shape the style, culture and music of the future.

“Artists will always be at the heart of what drives us to create and innovate,” said Evan Jones, Fender CMO. “For us, this means listening closely to their needs, studying the evolving music landscape and delivering tools that will help them move and inspire fans. Inspired by the continued emergence of new artists who are taking guitar into new spaces and putting their own stamp on musical traditions of the past, the Player Plus series is built for artists who want to transmit a bold aesthetic and are unapologetic in their approach to their craft. Our hope is that working artists & emerging players will be attracted to the undeniable style, feel, energy and of course Fender tone that has and will continue to inspire generations of creators.”

The future of music has inherently adapted due to the rise of social media platforms like TikTok, which amasses over 100M monthly active users, many of them musicians. As a result, Fender is launching its own TikTok this month to inspire not only guitarists but also other content creators on the platform. Additionally, the new lineup of models will be featured in Fender’s new content series, Sessions Plus. Building on the fan-favorite Fender Sessions, Sessions Plus profiles the artists at the forefront of a boundary-pushing musical subculture and the Player Plus guitar or bass they use to bring their passions to life. The series highlights how digital platforms have created new genres and made old ones more dynamic: from Blu DeTiger taking bass playing to center stage, to Destroy Boys’ new twist on time-honored punk genres.

All Player Plus models are designed with features and hardware that are approachable yet empowering to the seasoned player. The necks for the series feature 12”-radius fingerboards, with rolled edges perfect for intense playing while maintaining comfort. The New Noiseless pickups used throughout Player Plus models deliver classic Fender tones with modern clarity: delivering highs that can cut through the mix without distracting hum. These electronics are controlled with advanced switching capabilities to give players easy access to a wide variety of tonal options, while locking tuners provide professional-grade stability and make string changes easy. These features differentiate Player Plus guitars and basses from traditional or vintage-style instruments, but maintain their ability to seamlessly blend
and mesh with every conceivable use occasion, genre or creative situation.

“We designed the Player Plus series to match the unique characteristics of today’s players and creators,” said Justin Norvell, EVP Fender Products. “When we first launched the Player Series in 2018, we set a new standard for what an entry-point Fender could be. Now, the Player Plus series offers a next-level playing experience to help a new generation share their passion and distinct perspective. The newly-voiced Noiseless pickups and rolled edges of the neck deliver the power and precision modern artists demand. With the Electric new gradient burst finishes, we’ve delivered a visually-striking line of performance instruments that exemplify Fender’s ethos: honoring our past while looking to the future.” Player Plus guitars and basses come in a range of finishes that nod to Fender’s history and culture. These include Belair Blue, Silver Smoke, Tequila Sunrise, Aged Olympic Pearl, Aged Candy Apple Red, Cosmic Jade and Opal Spark. Several of these finishes are a modern take on the gradient finishes seen on ‘80s-era, high-performance Fender® models and differentiate Player Plus from any other series in the company’s portfolio. The Player Plus series of electric guitars and basses feature seven new models available at local dealers and on Fender.com. Models include:

● Player Plus Stratocaster® guitar ($999.99 USD, £939.00 GBP, €1,049.00 EUR, $1,999.00 AUD,
¥137,500 JPY)
● Player Plus Stratocaster® HSS guitar ($1,029.99 USD, £979.00 GBP, €1,099.00 EUR, $2,049.00
AUD, ¥140,800 JPY)
● Player Plus Telecaster® guitar ($999.99 USD, £939.00 GBP, €1,049.00 EUR, $1,999.00 AUD,
¥137,500 JPY)
● Player Plus Nashville Telecaster® guitar ($1,029.99 USD, £979.00 GBP, €1,099.00 EUR, $2,049.00
AUD, ¥140,800 JPY)
● Player Plus Active Precision Bass® guitar ($1,049.99 USD, £1,069.00 GBP, €1,199.00 EUR,
$2,099.00 AUD, ¥148,500 JPY)
● Player Plus Active Jazz Bass® guitar ($1,099.99 USD, £1,069.00 GBP, €1,199.00 EUR, $2,199.00
AUD, ¥159,500 JPY)
● Player Plus Active Jazz Bass® V guitar ($1,149.99 USD, £1,159.00 GBP, €1,299.00 EUR, $2,299.00
AUD, ¥165,000 JPY)

ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionised music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel® and Bigsby® follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new eco-system of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey.
This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro audio gear and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrates 75 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.

WOLFY & ROSIE TUCKER
RELEASE
SUCKER SUPREME TO STUDY AND RELAX TO

ROSIE TUCKER’S SUCKER SUPREME OUT NOW

Earlier this year, Rosie Tucker (they/them) released their third studio album Sucker Supreme, produced by Wolfy (he/him), which FLOOD called “a capsule of self-exploration and detailed, diaristic revelation.”

Now Wolfy and Rosie Tucker share sucker supreme to study and relax to, a chill lofi reimagining of Sucker Supreme. The album takes inspiration from Youtuber Lofi Girl’s lofi hip-hop radio which features beats to relax and study to. Despite starting as a rock album, it’s an authentic lofi hip-hop experience and provides the perfect vibe to help you chill, study, or fall asleep.

“Wolfy had recently covered an entire One Direction album in the lofi beats style, so it made sense for him to do ‘Sucker Supreme’, given that he produced it,” notes Rosie Tucker. “I think we were both a little obsessed with the chill lofi stuff throughout quarantine. Most music is distracting, even good music, and it can be hard to go about your day and listen to music at the same time. Lofi is blessedly ignorable, soothing, mint chocolate ice cream for the pandemic-addled mind”

“Making music is only worthwhile if it’s fun and nothing is more fun than taking it upon myself to cover entire albums in ridiculous genres,” adds Wolfy. “During quarantine, I was looking for any way to lower my blood pressure so it was a constant stream of bossa nova and chill lofi in my house.”

sucker supreme to study and relax to track listing Barbara Ann (chill) (feat. Rosie Tucker) Habanero (chill) Different Animals (chill) Trim (chill) For Sale: Ford Pinto (chill) Ambrosia (chill) Arrow (chill) Creature of Slime (chill) Brand New Beast (chill) Airport (chill) Dog (chill) Clinic Poem (chill) Peach Pit (chill)