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Kamasi Washington
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y-o-u-n-g.com
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Looking ahead to the release of his long awaited debut album Planet Oasis in April, producer and sonic curator extraordinaire Just A Gent gives fans another taste of the bigger picture in new single ‘Who Would Have Thought’.
A collaboration with West Coast hip hop firebrand Arno Faraji, the newest release from Just A Gent highlights both his love for finding new inspiration and sounds, and also his pure knack for bringing unique voices together into the mix with his own honed style. The execution of it all = effortlessly engaging for maximum entertainment.
Recorded by Just A Gent in Mindaribba on Wonnarua Country (Maitland, NSW), he reunited with Faraji after having first worked with him on the latter’s track ‘Bass Jumpin’. Working remotely with one another, ‘Who Would Have Thought’ was born and as Just A Gent says, Faraji’s added talents as a producer elevated the final product.
“‘Who Would Have Thought’ is a tune to listen to while you reflect back and appreciate everything you have done and all the hard work you put it to get to this point in your journey. We wanted to give you that nostalgic feel and take you to another world.
I made the beat earlier this year and having worked with Arno in the past on his tune ‘Bass Jumpin’ I instantly imagined him on this one, so I flicked it over to him and thankfully he loved it. A week later he flicked back a demo and after a call or two and some back and forths we had it. Arno is a kickass producer himself so he was able to record his takes at home and I just mixed them to taste.”
JUST A GENT
“I wrote the lyrics to this track a little while ago, as I was leaving a state of physical and mental exhaustion, trying to find ways to motivate myself and charge up. It was one of those times when the pursuit was also the reward and that was enough to inspire a lot outta me. “Who would’ve thought I’d make it this far” is like a mantra to inspire that long game hustle but also help you reflect on how far you came & keep going. If this track can work in a way that can inspire a thirst for more in anybody I’m happy!”
ARNO FARAJI
2021 was a busy year for Just A Gent, releasing a string of successful releases throughout the year including ‘Aliens’, ‘Island Fever’ and ‘Swallowed Up’ – all three dictating the journey the producer was charting for himself as he worked his way towards Planet Oasis.
The album, due out April 1st, will mark a touchstone moment for Just A Gent, whose career to date has seen him become an in-demand name on club and festival circuits, buoyed on by multiple EP collections that have shown his natural talent.
PLAY/LISTEN
PRAISE FOR JUST A GENT
“Buying a one way ticket to whatever tropical location Just A Gent is going to. Such a slick, spacey groove.”
Triple J Unearthed, Dave Ruby Howe (‘Island Fever’, 2021)
“Magic! Swept up in it all.”
Triple J, Claire Mooney (‘Swallowed Up’, 2021)
“Just A Gent has an uncanny ability to blend hypnotic future bass and booming trap under a melodic umbrella.”
EDM.com
“…the artist has found a unique styling that only he can purvey.”
Dancing Astronaut
‘Who Would Have Thought’ is out now.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
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“Legacy on the whole seeks to trigger change in the here and now. “Aussie Aussie”, the album’s catchiest song, is a sardonic yet no-less-harrowing broadside against police brutality. “- Rolling Stone “But there’s a satirical edge to ‘Aussie Aussie’ that gives it a different flavour to a straight-up protest anthem. It’s tongue-in-cheek, managing to poke fun at what is a sacred cow to some parts of Australia’s cultural identity while simultaneously slaughtering it.” – triple j |
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Today Birdz releases the official video for his single ‘Aussie, Aussie‘, directed by award-winning Melbourne-based director, Lilah Benetti and produced by top filmmaker Tig Terera and cinematographer Jesse Lane. Lifted from his acclaimed second LP LEGACY, ‘Aussie, Aussie’ is in true Birdz style, unapologetic in its themes and a wider motif of the album, reading like an open letter to his son. The prominent rapper and proud Butchulla man, says of the song, “Aussie Aussie” is a song about the harsh realities we endure as Blakfullas and challenges the idea of “Aussie” nationalism – a concept that is dependent on the erasure of Blak voices. Blak deaths in custody, police brutality, forced child removal, these are realities that a majority of Australians are either still unaware of or remain wilfully ignorant towards. Governments and police attempt to silence us on a daily basis, denying the truth about what’s been happening since 1788. That’s why I write songs like “Aussie Aussie” – it’s giving voice to the unheard and a space for our truth to live unapologetically. I hope it can also provide a starting point for those wanting to learn more about what’s really going on in this country. “ The official video was shot on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Country and Dja Dja Wurrung Country, with the vision for the clip led purely by the music. The visual narrative follows a non-linear journey; we see layered representations of strength, community and carefree Blak joy while the ‘backseat’ perspective makes us feel like an onlooker as we move through the changing landscapes that follow a metaphorical ‘day in the life’ flow. Director Lilah Benetti explains further, “The audience is made aware of their own presence through Birdz close up performance. It’s delivered straight to the camera, directly to us, which is an important part of the overall communication of the concept. It is a really intimate and authentic performance and I think it really captures Birdz calm, charisma and attitude.” |
Birdz will embark on his national headline tour, beginning in Sydney on April 1, then Brisbane on April 2 and Adelaide on April 8, before making an appearance at Shepparton’s Land of Plenty Festival on April 9 then bringing his string of shows to a close at hometown Melbourne on April 22. Presented by triple j, Birdz’s national tour will be a celebration of his unique brand of honest, powerful hip-hop, showcasing music from LEGACY as well as favourites his fans know and love. Special guests will include Narli, The Ancient Bloods, Marlon x Rulla and Jay Gabriel.
Raised in Katherine, Northern Territory and now based in Naarm / Melbourne, Birdz took to crafting his career-shaping second record alongside the production hand of longtime collaborator and friend, trials, plus hand-selected some of Australia’s best-loved artists to feature including Fred Leone, Ngaiire, Thom Crawford and Missy Higgins. On release, the album was chosen as feature album on triple j and Radio Adelaide.
As one of Bad Apples Music’s most established signees, in 2021, Birdz appeared on ABC’s The Set with Missy Higgins, featured on triple j and ABC iview’s RAP IT UP documentary series and is the face of a nationwide ‘Strong Mob’ health campaign.
His 2017 debut album Train Of Thought was received with widespread acclaim. The album won the Australian Independent Record Label Associations’ title of Best Independent Hip Hop Album, was shortlisted for the Australian Music Prize, nominated for Music Victoria’s Best Hip Hop Album and was simultaneously loved by community radio.
BIRDZ 2022 AUS TOUR DATES
Presented by triple j
Friday, 1 April – The Lansdowne, Sydney NSW support Narli [TIX HERE]
Saturday, 2 April – The Brightside, Brisbane QLD support: The Ancient Bloods [TIX HERE]
Friday, 8 April – The Lab, Adelaide SA support: Marlon x Rulla [TIX HERE]
Saturday, 9 April – Land Of Plenty Festival, Shepparton VIC [TIX HERE]
Friday, 22 April – The Gaso, Melbourne VIC Jay Gabriel [TIX HERE]
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TRACKLIST
Free Samples (feat. Cheflee)
One Way
Survivor’s Guilt (feat. G Herbo)
An Interlude Called Circus (feat. Eryn Allen Kane)
Fearmonger (feat. Daoud)
Come My Way (feat. Krayzie Bone)
Still (feat. 6LACK & Smino)
Simpler Time (feat. Mereba)
Soldier (feat. Pivot Gang)
If I Had a Dollar (feat. Benjamin Earl Turner)
Stop That
Make Believe (feat. Fousheé)
2012 (feat. Day Wave)
Few Good Things (feat. Black Thought & Eryn Allen Kane)
Stay connected with Saba:
Website | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Soundcloud
SIGN UP HERE: https://plln.io/solardo-dubrovnik-2022-jukebox-pr
After two years of unforgettable sell out shows in Dubrovnik, mighty Manchester duo Solardo aim for a hat trick in 2022. In conjunction with Pollen Presents, Solardo announce their largest festival to date from September 23-27th: The pair curate their biggest ever line up with international tastemakers, showcasing some of the world’s top house and techno talent, a testament to the Manchester duo’s musical depth. The first wave of names include Marco Carola, FJAAK, Nicole Moudaber, Mall Grab, Maya Jane Coles, Vintage Culture, Nic Fanciulli, Lee Foss and many more. After multiple sell out shows at WHP, Circus Liverpool & London, Higher is now set to grow into a multi venue event across this historic city. Accommodation and ticket packages start at just £529, with party passes for what is one of Europe’s leading house and techno weekenders starting at only £249.
Dubrovnik is famous for its vibrancy, with enchanting views sweeping over the terracotta rooftops, distinctive cobbled Old Town streets, numerous plazas and museums that detail the rich tapestry of Croatia’s past. Many may also recognise the city from hit series and films like Game Of Thrones and Star Wars.. It is a truly unique backdrop for a series of world class house and techno parties and this now globally renowned weekender takes place across its most essential sites, from an ancient fortress to a panoramic terrace high above the city and overlooking the piercing blue Adriatic Sea.
Each location has its own charm and character and will be brought to life with world class sound and production. You can expect plenty of stunning views over the walled city and glistening sea, with breathtaking sunsets and sunrises every day as you enjoy beachside takeovers, pool and fortress parties and terrace sessions like no other.
House and techno duo Solardo lead the charge and since being crowned DJ Mag’s Best Breakthrough Act of 2016 and Best Duo of 2017 have never looked back. They have released on the likes of Elrow, Toolroom Records and Green Velvet’s Relief Records, have topped the Beatport charts and run their own vital Sola label. Now they bring their excellent curatorial skills to another mouthwatering Higher event.
They will be joined by a who’s who of house and techno talent from across the board, including Music On‘s Marco Carola, Berlin outfit FJAAK, Moodlabel head Nicole Moudaber, party starter Mall Grab, the always cultured Maya Jane Coles and global star Vintage Culture, as well as plenty more from wAFF, Lee Foss, Mason Maynard, Andrea Oliva, Ben Hemsley, Eli Brown, Shermanology, Nic Fanciulli and plenty more.
Away from the music there is a rich array of culture to explore around the city, whether you meander on foot through the lime-paved streets, travel via cable car up to the fortress or simply lay back on the beach and soak up the good vibes. For those wanting an even more unique experience, add ons include VIP upgrades and sea-faring boat parties.
There is wide variety of accommodation options for Higher, including the elegant suites, luxury spa and spectacular views of Valamar Lacroma, the beautiful Valamar Argosy Hotel with its fine restaurant, terrace, wellness zone and infinity pool, the exquisite 5* Valamar Collection Dubrovnik just a few minutes from the Old Town and Tirena Sunny Hotel, a quiet haven close to the historic centre of Dubrovnik.
Solardo Presents Higher Dubrovnik is a high class musical getaway in a beautiful location with some of the underground’s most vital DJ talent.
PHASE ONE LINEUP
Andrea Oliva
Ben Hemsley
Chelina Manuhutu
Cici
Elli Acula
Eli Brown
FJAAK
Joshua James
Kettama
Late Replies
Lee Foss
Libero
Mall Grab
Marco Carola
Mason Maynard
Maya Jane Coles
Nic Fanciulli
Nicole Moudaber
Shermanology
Solardo
SOSA
Steel City Dance Discs
Tini Gessler
Vintage Culture
wAFF
ABOUT POLLEN
Pollen has all the best travel and destination experiences in one place with two special offerings: Pollen Presents and Pollen+. Pollen Presents works with artists like J Balvin, Justin Bieber, The Streets, Jamie Jones, Patrick Topping, Drumcode and many more to create experiences you can’t find anywhere else. These multi-day experiences combine live entertainment, parties, and relaxation in the world’s most exciting destinations. Pollen+ always gets you more at music festivals and events. Pollen+ partners with the biggest promoter brands and music festivals, including We Are FSTVL, Printworks, Boardmasters, C3, Electric Zoo, Live Nation and more. You can discover and book these experiences exclusively on pollen.co.
Spring Loaded has well and truly declared a triumphant return to live music, with the iconic Aussie festival set to storm Hastings Foreshore Reserve on the Mornington Peninsula next Saturday February 12, and there are tickets still available. The colossal lineup is dripping in 90s Aussie alt rock nostalgia and boasts a haul of the decade’s most celebrated acts.
Sharing the event program today, gates will open at 12.30pm and Screamfeeder will kick things off at 1.45pm, before The Fauves jump on at 2.30pm, Custard at 3.15pm, Killing Heidi at 4pm, Frenzal Rhomb at 5pm, Regurgitator at 6pm, You Am I at 7.15pm and Grinspoon at 8.45pm to headline the ultimate day of Aussie rock.
The man who engineered this ripper opportunity for us all to relive our youth and celebrate the return of live music, Empire’s Marc Christowski is thrilled to be getting another Spring Loaded event away, saying, “We are beyond excited to finally be able to stage Spring Loaded on the Mornington Peninsula, it’s going to be a massive explosion of rock after two years of uncertainty. We can’t wait to party like it’s 1996 and bring you the bands you love from the 90s!”
“We only managed two Spring Loaded events last year before everything went crazy,” explains Grinspoon frontman Phil Jamieson. “Both gigs were quite emotional because it had been so long since anyone had seen anyone, especially in the backstage area. Not just artists and band members, but crew and people we love, so it was a massive reunion backstage. Seeing grey hairs and beards, it’s a long way from Homebake ’98, but the music hasn’t changed. What was really special about those gigs was the support and comraderie between all the groups and then to see a crowd that was excited to be there as well.”
Pumped to hit the Spring Loaded stage at Hastings Foreshore Reserve, Jamieson says,“I can’t actually believe it’s real. You Am I, Regurgitator, the best of the best – Frenzal, Killing Heidi, Custard,The Fauves, Screamfeeder… so you know, there’s nothing really bad about it, it’s hard to hate, and then you get me doing silly dancing and clapping, what could possibly go wrong?! Hope to see you all there, this is a good news story about how there’s actually a festival going ahead!”
Covering all bases, the festival will be bustling with craft beer and an enviable collection of the locale’s cherry-picked food trucks. Spring Loaded is a fully licensed 18+ event, strictly no BYO alcohol. It is an outdoor event and will go ahead rain, hail or shine. No tables, tents, sun shelters or umbrellas are permitted, punters are urged to bring ponchos/raincoats and gumboots if rain is forecast. Picnic rugs and low camp chairs are permitted, as well as snack food in small cooler bags, sealed bottles of water, and there will be water refill stations. And with onsite parking available at the point of entry, there’s no excuse not to come and enjoy a rocking day out on the glorious Mornington Peninsula!
The Spring Loaded festival will be held with a commitment to a COVID Safe environment. Festival organisers will work closely with and comply with all requirements of the public health authorities in respect of this show.
There are tickets still available from Ticketek and Oztix.
SPRING LOADED | SAT 12 FEB | HASTINGS FORESHORE RESERVE, MORNINGTON PENINSULA | VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
ABOUT TEG LIVE
TEG Live is a dynamic and diverse promoter of live content operating in many genres, including music, sport, family entertainment, esports and exhibitions. TEG Live connects millions of fans every year with unique live experiences and adds value to events with hospitality, partnership and sponsorship services.
ABOUT EMPIRE
Empire Touring is a widely respected entertainment, promotions, marketing and events company. We have been producing live entertainment across Australia since 1982 and will continue to do so because WE LOVE ROCK ’N ROLL.
The main event will see Close Counters take the stage on Sunday 13 Feb. Please get in touch if you might be interested to attend.
White Claw is Australia’s number one hard seltzer and has put on a series of epic sessions at the best coastal venues over summer in collaboration with some of the best homegrown acts.
White Claw® presents White Claw Weekend: a series of epic White Claw sunset seltzer sessions x DJ sets across Australia this summer. Partnering with some of summer’s favourite sounds like: Bag Raiders, Mickey Kojak, Alicy Ivy & Chase Zera, White Claw® is taking over your local coastal venues for ultimate fun and refreshment as the sun goes down. So gather your mates, join us and cheers to a summer of freedom that tastes and sounds as good as it feels! #LetsWhiteClaw
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Courtney Barnett
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
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Favourite food and place to hang out?
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THE LINDA LINDAS
ANNOUNCE
THEIR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM
GROWING UP
OUT APRIL 8 ON EPITAPH
SHARE TITLE TRACK “GROWING UP”
WATCH | LISTEN
VIDEO DIRECTED BY HUMBERTO LEON
READ THE EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW VIA ROLLING STONE
FEATURED ON NEW MUSIC DAILY ON APPLE MUSIC 1
Los Angeles-based, all-female punk band The Linda Lindas have announced their forthcoming album Growing Up. The highly anticipated release is due out digitally on April 8 and on physical formats June 3 via Epitaph Records.
Today, the band shares the title track “Growing Up,” written by vocalist/guitarist Lucia. Alongside the track, they release the music video directed by Humberto Leon, co-founder of fashion brand Opening Ceremony and owner of Los Angeles restaurant CHIFA. The video, completely shot on iPhone 13 Pro Max, features custom clothing from Rodarte & Batsheva, and eyewear from Warby Parker.
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “GROWING UP” NOW
Humberto Leon on directing “Growing Up”:
“Directing my first video for The Linda Lindas was a dream come true because I love the message and voice the girls have, and I am a true fan. I was really inspired by the girl’s love of cats and wanted to take that to the next level and so the video is a conversation about turning points in their lives all being viewed through the gaze of their cats. It creates a narrative of whether the cats want to trade places with the girls or vice-a-versa.This video was extra special because I worked with the girls on designing the outfits with Batsheva, styling the looks with Rodarte and Warby Parker. The entire video was a collaboration between me and the girls. By shooting the video on iPhone 13 Pro Max, it created an intimacy with the video that felt like we were listening in on a day in the life of The Linda Lindas.”
On Wednesday night in the U.S, The Linda Linda’s will perform on The Late Show With James Corden. To celebrate the album announcement and release of their video for “Growing Up,” The Linda Lindas will also host a live streaming mini-concert from Leon’s CHIFA restaurant in east LA on February 4th. Fans can tune in at 1PM AEDT via Warby Parker’s Instagram to catch the show. The Linda Lindas will perform songs from their new album as well as previous releases. Tune in here. The band can also be seen discussing their new single and video with Zane Lowe for New Music Daily on Apple Music 1, now streaming.
TUNE IN HERE ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 AT 1:00PM AEDT
The Linda Lindas first played together as members of a pickup new wave cover band of kids assembled by Kristin Kontrol (Dum Dum Girls) for Girlschool LA in 2018 and then formed their own garage punk group soon after. Sisters Mila de la Garza (drummer, now 11) and Lucia de la Garza (guitar, 14), cousin Eloise Wong (bass, 13), and family friend Bela Salazar (guitar, 17) developed their chops as regulars at all-ages matinees in Chinatown, where they played with original L.A. punks like The Dils, Phranc, and Alley Cats; went on to open for riot grrrl legends Bikini Kill and architect Alice Bag as well as DIY heavyweights Best Coast and Bleached; and were eventually featured in Amy Poehler’s movie Moxie.
The Linda Lindas went on to self-release a four-song EP, make their own videos and grow a following beyond Los Angeles. But they never expected or could have even dreamed that their performance of “Racist, Sexist Boy” for the Los Angeles Public Library in May 2021 would put them smack in the middle of the cultural zeitgeist. “It can be comforting, in times like these, to be slapped cold by undeniable truth. And so it is with The Linda Lindas a band made up of four Asian and Latina teens and tweens [who] have generated a significant wave of attention in the three years since the band was founded,” said the New York Times. “And this new song, which Eloise said was inspired by a real-life experience, is a needs-no-explanation distillation of righteous anger. It’s severely relatable.”
A month later, The Linda Lindas got to work on their first full-length LP. Having written a mountain of new material individually while sheltering in place and attending class virtually, the band was more than ready to enter the studio where Carlos de la Garza oversaw recording and production. The Grammy-winning producer’s work includes Paramore, Bad Religion, Best Coast, and Bleached.
A product of generations of underground music in L.A. and beyond, The Linda Lindas’ debut channels classic punk, post punk, power pop, new wave, and other surprises into timelessly catchy and cool songs sung by all four members—each with her own style and energy. With an ever-maturing writing prowess and expanded life-experience The Linda Lindas are Growing Up.
The Linda Lindas are Eloise (vocals, bass), Mila (vocals, drums), Bela (vocals, guitar), and Lucia (vocals, guitar).
Pre-order Growing Up HERE
Watch the video for Growing Up below.
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Crashing through with another addictive, thrilling release to tease the divinely warped and curious sonic mind of songwriter Jack McEwan, Perth’s Psychedelic Porn Crumpets present new single
‘Bubblegum Infinity’.
Taken from their forthcoming new album (their fifth), Night Gnomes, the single is both a fitting example of what to expect from the broader album as it is a timely reminder of the ease of which Psychedelic Porn Crumpets can weave many distinctive creative sounds in making something definitively their own.
Just as we saw with the band’s 2021 single ‘Lava Lamp Pisco’, ‘Bubblegum Infinity’ comes layered with rich guitars and a decidedly more rock feel. However, ‘Bubblegum Infinity’ stands apart with its careening melodies and hypnotic vocals; almost as if King Gizzard & The Lizard met up with Thee Oh Sees and roped in DMA’S for a session. You’d think the fusion of these vibes wouldn’t necessarily work – Psychedelic Porn Crumpets prove that it can.
“Our cute little playful member of the Night Gnomes club. I think there’s mixed opinions of this song in the group but I’m sticking by it. I like its pop sensibility and melancholy notions. It’s cheerful and good natured, it’s not trying to be something profound, more a statement of life at this time and by calling it ‘Bubblegum Infinity’, we’re showcasing that lighthearted vulnerability. So go easy on us, metal fans.
A lot of the album is about trying to work out what the F#@! is going on, in general life and obviously the period of time we’ve all found ourselves dormant in for the past two years. I started reading a few quotes from philosophers because, hey! They might know what’s going on, but mostly it was a bunch of cleverly worded gibberish that was drenched in self turmoil that thankfully, serendipitously, unbeknownst to me was the thing I found comfort in. That nobody has a clue what life is and we’re all winging it as we go! Cheers, William of Ockham.”
JACK McEWAN, PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
Particularly, when we put their new single in amongst the broader tapestry of Night Gnomes, ‘Bubblegum Infinity’ represents the balance between the previous eras of Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and their vision for what’s coming next.
“The process for this album was a continuation from Shyga! I stepped up a few recording techniques and tried to hone in on the production side of things a little more, gave my mental train a fresh lick of paint and tried to make the album step up in quality from the previous four releases while still holding onto that ‘crumpet’ approach to songwriting.
In my mind it feels like a summary of everything we’ve previously released, a nice package for new fans to enjoy but also a nod to the ‘High Visceral’ days for the older fans.”
JACK McEWAN, PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
Following the Psychedelic Porn Crumpets tradition of matching chaotic visuals to their musical counterparts, the band linked up with filmographer Tay Kaka for a fun day out to bring ‘Bubblegum Infinity’ to life.
“The video was created by our good friend Tay Kaka, the idea is exactly as it looks really, having fun at a pop-up theme park. We strapped some go-pros to our noggins and acted like jovial children for the day, which was lucky we didn’t need much practice. One day we’ll be adults but for now we’re scraping the barrel for any glimmers of wondrous adventure we can find.”
JACK McEWAN, PSYCHEDELIC PORN CRUMPETS
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Where are you currently based?
I’m currently based in Naarm (Melbourne).
How did you first start playing music?
I learnt the piano when I was really young and picked up the guitar in my teens after watching videos of Led Zeppelin. I also vividly remember my Dad playing Elvis and Roy Orbison covers with his friend; I was always surrounded by music growing up.
What’s been happening recently?
Aside from releasing new music for the first time in over two years, I’ve been celebrating the Lunar New Year with friends and family which has been nice! I’ve also been working on more new music so I think I’ll release it soon.
Your latest single ‘Running Through The Dark’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
The song encapsulates the chaotic mood I was in at the time. I had a lot on my mind and I was quite stressed, a lot of which I had internalised. It was at the start of the pandemic when we were in lockdown, and I wanted to write a song which felt like I was escaping the thoughts in my head. As we were stuck at home all the time, I wanted the song to have a “tunnel vision” feeling, and I wanted to feel like I was running through the streets at night. The sound of the song is influenced by abrasive guitar solos of the 80s, like the spacey, “chorusey” sounding ones that Metallica, Van Halen, and The Cure were creating. The sound of the song is also influenced by the repetitive drum machine beats you hear in Kraftwerk songs, and the manic, neon-lit atmosphere in Wong Kar-wai movies.
How did you go about writing Running Through The Dark?
Running Through The Dark was actually written unintentionally. During lockdown, I was bored and decided to do a Vapour Trail (by RIDE) cover, so I was playing around with some synth sounds and drum machine beats. I got sidetracked after finding some sounds I liked and I ended up going with it and writing Running Through The Dark. The Vapour Trail cover never happened.
Please tell us about the recording/production process:
After experimenting with the synth and drum machine sounds, I recorded them onto my computer and created some loops. I would then play the loops repeatedly whilst playing around with my guitar to find something that worked. I would do this with each instrument, layering each one until the loops started to feel cohesive and take the form of a song. I would then bounce some of the audio track loops out to my phone, which I would then play through my mic’d up guitar amplifier. This process makes the audio tracks sound more “present” and “real”. My friend taught me that trick! I then mixed the song myself and sent it off to Will Yip for mastering.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
My two most recently played artists on Spotify are Mazzy Star and Turnstile (their new record is so good).
What do you like to do away from music?
I like to think a lot, and I also like to watch films.
What do you have planned for 2022?
Although it’s difficult making plans at the moment, I want to release more music and hopefully play some shows. I’m also playing live guitar in my friends’ band so that should be fun as well. I also want to collaborate with some friends, something I haven’t really done in years.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Hmmm my favourite food is probably roti canai. I used to eat it with my parents whenever I went to Malaysia to visit my grandparents. It’s hard to find an authentic roti canai in Melbourne, so my favourite place to hangout would be wherever I can find some.
Running Through The Dark is out now.
Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed