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1. Chismiten
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
Where are you currently based?
Currently calling North Vancouver, Canada home.
What’s been happening recently?
This summer, I released my second single to the country music world called Floatin’! Co-written and produced by Mitch Merrett. In the spring, I released another tune called “Over A Drink”, so it’s been a fun year releasing this music after touring and playing shows for the past few years.
How did you first start playing music?
My entire life has been on a stage. I went to a fine arts school, did musical theatre, played piano, and was a dancer for fourteen years. When I was around the age of 13, i naturally started writing songs and playing them for my friends and family. I got to perform a song I had written at a Christmas recital in the 8th grade. From there, I was addicted to singing live music. 10 years later, I’m able to do country music as a career!
Your new single ‘Floatin’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I’ve always had this idea of wanting to write a song about floatin’ down a river. I feel like there were so many summer country songs, but nothing strictly about one of the best things to do on the hot river days, Getting your favorite people, some inflatable tubes, and a couple of drinks and river float!
Mitch Merrett, co-writer, and producer of the song liked the idea and we rolled with it. We wanted to capture a swampy country style. Inspired by the grit southern rockers The Cadillac Three and taking similar inspiration from Little Big Town’s smooth sound as well.
Please tell us about your experience with working with Mitch Merrett (who co-wrote and produced the new single).
Mitch is someone who I’ve been connected with and friends with in the music industry for a few years now. In 2020, we started working together on a few different projects. His experience in the industry really brought this song alive and I learned so much throughout the process.
Where and when did you record and produce it?
Back in February, we wrote the song. Then started the recording process in May! Pretty quick!
How did you approach the recording process?
When writing the song, we had a drum loop that I was writing to. In the writing session, he laid a simple draft guitar and I sang a rough vocal to that. We bounced around with the pitch and speed of the song for a little bit. Also spent some time exploring different ways we could add colour to the song! From there, he got the skeleton of the song done, and I came in for a day of vocals, sent it off to the rest of the guys, and here it is!
You’ve released two singles this year – “Over A Drink” and “Floatin’”. How has this experience been?
Really exciting! It’s been a long time in the music industry of playing shows, writing songs, and recording what I’ve been a part of. It’s simply just wonderful that I can finally share the music that I’ve got for people to listen to!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Olivia O’Brien and of course, the new Olivia Rodrigo album.
What do you like to do away from music?
I love cooking and baking. Hosting special dinners like Christmas or Thanksgiving brings me so much joy! Also, living in BC, we have such a beautiful backyard. So I love being able to do lots of hiking and camping. Really any time spent outdoors, and by the water makes me very happy.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021?
Currently recording a special song baby of mine. It’s a bluesy ballad, which is a very different approach then the other singles that I’ve put out this year. I’m really excited to share this softer, more vulnerable side.
Favourite food and place to hang out?
Mexican food! Love me some fresh pico on anything. Always in the mood to have tacos in my life. – Favourite place to hangout, depends on the day. Either a dingy dive bar or by the river!
Facebook: @NicoleSumerlyn
Twitter: @NicoleSumerlyn
Instagram: @NicoleSumerlyn
YouTube: smarturl.it/NicoleSumerlynYT
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.
Where are you currently based?
I’m currently based in St Kilda in Melbourne.
I first started playing music with my father when I was really young, like three years old. He had me in the studio at six, singing on his albums.
Recently I have been working on finishing a bigger body of work. I have released a lot of singles and now I’m really trying to work on a cohesive flow of new music to release into the new year. Well in lockdown I’ve also been teaching myself how to DJ which is been quite exciting to learn a new way to perform.
I wanted to write a song that allowed people to feel free. I tried to envision myself playing to people and what I want to say to them and what music I don’t want to give them to allow them to let go and feel free. I tried to create music that allows people to take on their own perception of the words, so that they can relate to it too. With this song I kept the lyrics quite minimal as I wanted to create a song I can play live but also in my house DJ sets.
I wrote equal people pretty much on the spot in the studio. I came back and forth a lot with the structure and feature singers. Yet the original track was quite simple to write and really came together quickly.
I recorded this song with Jack Arentz aka Haxx. We have been working together for a long time I actually did my very first single with him. We have a great connection in the studio and I really feel like he understands where I want to go within the dance music scene.
I approached the recording process how I normally would and this was before Covid. Which was just to jump in the studio and busted out in a few days. But then we went into lockdown so Jack and I had to work out of his home studio to finish it. Yet I still feel the song was better after time, so I’m glad we waited.
Yes I’ve just been working on few new things I’m really hoping to have start coming out in summer.
Away from music I love to ride my bike and lately I’ve gotten back into painting which is been quite therapeutic in
At the moment I’ve been listening to a lot of Cinematic Orchestra, Alfa Mist and H.E.R. Because I’m so used to having to learn new music all the time in my downtime I listen to quite a lot of instrumental stuff.
For the rest of this year I plan to just keep trying to get as much as I can out there while also trying to make my art relatable in these new times of the music industry.
I know it’s going to sound ridiculous to say but my favourite food is definitely broccoli. I used to hate it as a child and I think that’s why maybe I like it now as I never used to eat it when I was young.And my favourite place to hang out is probably anywhere by the ocean.
Has Garnered Over Half A Million Career Streams To Date
Toronto, ON – Toronto-based pop artist Dani Doucette is set to release her debut EP Run With Me on October 15 via MDC Music and all streaming platforms. The EP was produced by Milano (Tory Lanez, IconaPop), Jack Emblem (Johnny Orlando, Daniel Caesar), Thomas McKay (Michaela May, Brooke Palsson), Anthony Wright (John Legend, Eva Avila), Daniel Santos, Andre Doucette, and Dani. The 6-track EP is a collection of songs that reflect the way the mind wanders, in a sonic tribute to thinking out loud and finding your way through the fog. It’s about being transparent, being willing to show the world your journey.
“The songs on this EP have real autobiographical tones and a lot of vulnerable thoughts. It’s self-therapizing. I’ve got my whole heart on my sleeve, and it’s ready to bleed. There are parts of me never-before-seen, and then lyrics written tearfully, yet somehow in an expression of the purest joy. There are diary entries and fictional stories attached to notes to add that extra dramatic effect. I finally feel like I am catching up to myself and understanding myself. These songs have brought me here,” said Dani.
The EP includes the focus track, “Run With Me,” an anthem to anyone that desires the freedom of leaving everything behind, and to take chances, take that leap, and move forward.
Each song on the album is inspired by Dani’s real and vulnerable thoughts including “Post It,” about realizing how easy it is to fall into the trap of fake love. Dani wrote this piece in a moment of inner reflection as she scrolled social media and saw what was being praised and trending.
“Makin’ Moves,” is a seductive song about woman empowerment and sexuality, and “100%” is a track about honouring the love of Dani’s life. Said Dani about “100%”, “I’ve found a love I never imagined. I never thought it could possibly exist. I wanted to honor him with this song, to tell him how his unflinching belief in me and love gave me inner peace and the courage to do the things I was scared to do alone.”
Taking influences from her musical family, Dani fell in love with music as a child and started singing and songwriting at the young age of six. Before shifting to focus mainly on her music, Dani had an illustrious career in modelling. She worked with prominent brands and walked the world’s longest runway for the Kols Foundation as a celebrity participant, raising over $2,500 in donations. Dani also donated the income from two songs to raise funds for World Elephant Day.
In 2020, Dani signed with MDC Music and began to make a name for herself in the Toronto music scene by performing at various drive-in concerts, live-streamed performances, and a host of digital/live hybrid showcases during the pandemic. Dani has also found a strong digital fanbase in the ultra-popular virtual-world gaming platform, called Avakin. She later released the singles “On My Mind,” and “Selfish”, and in 2021 released “Craved”, “Dead in The Water” and was a featured artist and co-writer on the Soundhaven song “Sugar Free”.
Dani has finally found a way of catching up to herself and Run With Me invites listeners to catch up too.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Dani will be kicking things off at the North Bay ‘We Are Pride’ Concert on September 18th, following Bif Naked, and headliner and Canadian singer-songwriter icon, Serena Ryder. The evening will be hosted by northern Ontario comedian, Alice Rose. More information can be found here.
While Dani Doucette begins pouring her powerhouse and melodic vocals over the tune, she offers immense servings of lust and desire through her passionate delivery and sultry lyricism. -Buzz Music
If you are indeed searching for an artist that exerts their expertise through their soul making you feel the music, not just hear it, Dani Doucette is where you need to be. -Apex Coture Magazine
Her songs present strong autobiographical and rebellious qualities with authentic lyricism and danceable electronic music. -Canadian Beats
Run With Me Track Listing:
1. Puzzled
2. Call It
3. Run With Me
4. Post It
5. Makin’ Moves
6. 100%
https://www.danidoucettemusic.com
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
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● 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.
We all grew up playing music together in various bands throughout our school years.Nathan: I feel like music was always a core interest for our friend group in high school.
After school, I went and lived in Manchester, UK for several years.
During this time I messed around for a while writing some ambient home recordings, but never really took it that seriously.Phillip: In the time after high school, several of us mucked about jamming and the occasional gig but nothing really stuck.
Nathan came back from the UK and I showed him some of the material I’d been writing, and to my surprise, he was really into it.
He was really keen to help me start getting the material recorded.Nathan: Yeah, I feel like Phil had lots of cool material I wanted to play around with, and I had the experience (albeit primitive at the time) to track and do basic mixes.
Everything kind of snowballed from there.
We picked up a good bit of momentum in the middle of 2021. The album was coming along nicely, and we were picking up shows at sick venues around Melbourne.
The fruits of our labor after playing together for so long were starting to finally pay off, as we were beginning to create a live sound and energy that was exciting to us.
Obviously COVID through a huge spanner into that, and we’ve been unable to perform or record, which has been a rather large kick in the nuts.
But as of late I’ve been huddled up in a dark room writing material for the next album.
The song is about a toxic previous relationship of Phils.
(looks at Phil) – you were always in bloody quarrel weren’t ya?
… Phil initially wrote the chorus and I finished the song off by writing about their relationship from my point of view.
The whole album has pretty much been recorded at Nathan’s house (Thank you modern technology and a sincere apology to all of his neighbors).It’s been a learning process for us but we’ve had amazing help from those around us. Our great friend Ollie Coupe Sando was there from the beginning, helping us mold the song into the best version possible.Our mixer John “Hooves” Clayton and masterer Jack the Bear (both legends in their field) also somehow managed to turn the muddled mess we gave them into one sexy banger, which we are eternally grateful for.
We initially tried a live recording, but it just ended up sounding shit and wasn’t what we were after. We found it very difficult to control guitar tones – so we scrapped it.
Now we’ve learned to get the drum track Schmick in a studio and then record everything individually. We do pretty much 100% of all other recordings in either Phils or my bedroom… athangyou 😉 .
One particular instance definitely springs to mind. It was a dive bar in the city, which I won’t name.The whole place just gave out the weirdest vibes, everybody was just strange and smelled awful. It was like that scene in the movie “Deliverance”, where Burt Reynolds stumbles into the massive inbred community.The band that organised the event must have gotten wise to the setting because they didn’t even show up. No word or warning, nothing.The owner was blind drunk the entire evening, slamming down lemon lime and bitters with vodka chasers. At one point, she storms the stage mid-set, rips the microphone out of Nathan’s hands and screams “WHICH ONE OF YOU FUCKERS STOLE MY COASTER?? THE ONE THAT SAYS BOSS ON IT?? NO ONE IS LEAVING THIS FUCKING PLACE UNTIL I FIND MY COASTER”
Then proceeds to throw the mic down and stumble off stage.
We later found her backstage, punching the wall and still screaming about her coaster. Lady had some demons alright, but it turned out to be one of the most fun gigs we ever played. There were like four people in the whole room, so we just got blind and took the absolute piss out of it.
I’m also glad we got out of there alive.
We like to get everything wired up, set up right, then just kick it and have a cupla bevs with everyone before the show. Best way to loosen up ya know?
As far as new music, Still Woozy’s latest album has been a shining light throughout the last few months of shit.
In my spare time, I try to hang out as much as possible with my partner and my mates.
We’re constantly planning dinners, weekend trips away, camping… all the good shit.I’m not much of a material man, but I will admit I do have a bit of a fascination with motorbikes and cars. Soz for the generic bloke answer.
Our third single “Saffron” is also just about ready, so we’re keen to release that in the next few months.
Then the full EP by the end of the year.
I love a good Ruby Murray or Japanese.
Tapas is up there for me too but there’s not many Spanish options around me.
Park hangouts for me are my favorite at the moment (literally all we’re allowed to do anyways).
Take a big Bluetooth speaker and an esky down with a few bevs (shhh).
Our close friend Madi also brings an absolute beast of a platter.
Get a little tipsy and end up throwing a frisbee around for a few hours. Top Banana.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Triple J Unearthed Link: https://www.triplejunearthed.
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Following years of anticipation built off of her prolific past of collaborations with the likes of SOPHIE, Flume, Vince Staples, A$AP Rocky, and more, Wrestling finally arrived as KUČKA’s debut solo LP in April 2021 via Soothsayer/LuckyMe. Self-written, produced and recorded, Wrestling fused together R&B, jazz, new age, and electronic influences to construct deeply autobiographical stories on growth, love, and journeying, the result of a trying but fruitful transitional period in the producer-songwriter’s personal life.
Spanning love, conflict, sexuality, and maturity, Wrestling presented an honest depiction of KUČKA’s lived experiences wrapped in a self-assured musical perspective that treads the line between synthetic Hi-Fi and organic DIY, garnering comparisons to fellow electronic-pop visionaries Caroline Polachek, The Knife, Björk and more. Praised as “unlike anything else coming out of Australia right now” (Red Bull Music), Wrestling won ravenous praise from across the industry, including Rolling Stone, SPIN, NME Magazine, The Guardian, Exclaim, Bandcamp, FBi Radio (Album of the Week) and more.
‘Down By The Water‘ is out now, buy/stream it here.
Stay connected with KUČKA:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | Bandcamp
What is your name and role within Black Pontiac?
My name’s Matty Mclaren and I’m the lead vocalist for Vancouver Black Pontiac.
Where are you currently based?
Currently I’m riding out the 2nd year of our ‘two week’ pandemic lockdown from Vancouver, Canada.
How did Black Pontiac form?
The band formed after myself and Mac Riddell (who plays guitar like no other) started hanging out and writing songs together. Eventually we added Mac’s brother Sam into the equation on drums, and after a revolving door of bassists we found our guy in Avery John Shoesmith. The name comes from the old Pontiac Sunfire that Mac used to drive. We used to hop in the back of that tiny thing and just mob out all over the city.
What’s been happening recently?
We’ve been putting the last finishing touches on our debut album “From Bad to Worse (and Back Again)” that we’re hoping to put out later this year or early 2022!
Your new single ‘Island Honey’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
I think the pop elements and storytelling nature of the song definitely came from the band Peach Pit. Neil Smith (the lead singer) has a way of crafting incredibly vivid stories that elicit this tender, bittersweet emotion from the little moments in life we often take for granted. He went to my high school and was a big reason I wanted to be in a band in the first place.
How did you go about writing “Island Honey”?
Like most of our best songs, it typically starts with Mac and I getting together and hanging out. He pulled out this chord progression he’d been playing around with. It wasn’t actually meant to be on the album but we ended up finishing it during pre production and figured we might as well.
Where and when did you record/produce/master and with who?
We recorded the song a few months ago with our boy Matt Dipomponio out of Echoplant Studios in Port Coquitlam, BC. He’s been a de facto 5th member through the process of engineering, producing, and mixing our entire record. The album is currently being mastered by Brock Mcfarlane of CPS Mastering.
How did you approach the recording process?
We came to Matt with the idea, and he told us we should finish it. Once we had decided we were including the song on the track list, we tracked all the drums at once. We then switched between bass, guitar, some synths specifically for Island Honey, and eventually vocals. It really depended on how we were feeling when we went into the studio in the morning. The process was super laid back and we had a lot of fun doing it.
What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the recording process?
We went into this process with the intention of getting weird with it; essentially throwing ideas at the wall and seeing what stuck. While it was incredibly rewarding being able let our creativity shine through in the studio and trying every dumb idea we had, I’ll admit it could also be a hinderance when we needed to finish something or make a decision on how a certain part was supposed to go.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I know Mac and Sam have been really into Frank Zappa for a while. Avery’s still bumping Meatloaf in his Honda Civic and recently I’ve been into this LA band called Momma – they put out an album last year called “Two of Us” that combines soft bedroom pop vocals with a 90s alt rock that I think is sick.
What do you like to do away from music?
Lately I’ve been reading a lot of poetry. I recently finished a book called Black Abacus by a Canadian-Nigerian poet named Ian Ketteku. He bends the English language to his will in a way I’ve never seen or felt before, covering topics like race, time, love, religion, and identity through an often painfully candid lens. It’s given me a fresh perspective on music, creatively speaking.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021 going into 2022?
The album drop (it’s gonna be wild), more outdoor shows, more songwriting, and hopefully a tour somewhere down the line.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Lucy’s Eastside Diner on Main Street in Vancouver! That place has seen me at my best and absolute worst.
Twitter: @BlackPontiac_
Facebook: /BlackPontiacMusic
Instagram: @blackpontiacmusic
TikTok: @blackpontiacmusic
Website: https://www.blackpontiac.com
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.”
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Where are you currently based?
Currently based in Wollongong. I moved down here a year ago from Sydney.
How did you first start playing music?
My mum had me on the piano as a young child which was a little on the enforced side. I eventually picked up the guitar and started writing songs in my early teens as a bit of a coping mechanism.
What’s been happening recently?
I’ve completed the studio recordings for an upcoming EP of which the two singles I’ve released this year, including ‘Travel Companion’, will feature on. I’m aiming to bring that out sometime later this year.
Aside from that, I’ve invested a bit of time and money in my own home recording studio set up. I’d like to hone in on those skills a little more for future work and recordings.
You’re described as a folk music artist, is this accurate? Why or why not?
My roots are in folk/singer songwriter, however I enjoy the ebb and flow. I very much enjoy having the freedom to move around in genre and style. The sound is very dependent on the dynamic, whether I play solo, with my band or a percussionist or a violinist which is usually determined by the venue or availability of the musicians I like to play with. When I play with my drummer and bassist for example, the sound is much rockier/groovier.
I like to describe myself as Alt Folk for that purpose.
Your new single ‘Travel Companion’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?How did you go about writing ‘Travel Companion’?
I was at a stage in my songwriting where I was writing for the band. I wanted to strip it back down to a singer songwriter level again and the song itself was influenced by that reason. I don’t usually write with an idea or theme in mind, I generally have the vocal accompaniment roughly arranged and then spend a couple of hours singing lyrical nonsenses until an idea has brewed. I had recently been on a solo road trip and I guess that experience combined with the ones preceding cut the mustard for the topic!
I took the song into the recording studio!
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who with?
I recorded the song with producer Guy Fenech at Rolodex sound which at the time was in Leichhardt, Sydney. The track was mixed by Nick Franklin, also working out of Rolodex Sound.
How did you approach the recording process?
I had a demo track of ‘Travel Companion’ from a previous recording attempt. Guy and I collaborated on our ideas and a lot of the music, aside from the main vocal and acoustic guitar, was created in the studio. Ella Carstein played the violin and Guy himself played a little percussion.
What inspired the music video?
Maisie Cohen directed, filmed and edited the video. It was her idea to take the video out onto the road to capture the wonderful rural architecture of the iconic colonial buildings as well as capturing the arid landscapes of outback NSW, which aids in portraying the notion of isolation associated with the song and travelling on the road in Australia in general.
The music is a waltz once the violin part kicks in, so it was important to me that we captured a little bit of dancing!
Where did you film and who did you work with to create the music video?
The video was filmed in various locations in NSW. We travelled from Wollongong to Mungo National Park, stopping at various towns and locations along the way. The road trip was undertaken in a week with the help of videographer Drew Norley and friend Ariki Hita. Collectively we all contributed our ideas for the video.
We also filmed part of the video at ‘The Servo’ in Port Kembla where we recruited dancer Kiera McGillion as well as my younger sister and her partner. My 4 year old niece also features in the video.
What did you enjoy the most about creating the video?
The road trip was so much fun! I was very impressed and humbled by our ability to maintain the balance of professional and personal relationships with each other.
Please tell us a little about where you live and do your surroundings influence your music?
I live in a lovely little suburb in Wollongong, sandwiched between the escarpment and the beach and I absolutely love it. I’m finding it more challenging to write at the moment because I’m feeling happy and healthy as a result of being here in combination with personal life matters though, so creatively it might not be a good thing! It’s the sad songs that sell right?
What do you like to do away from music?
I must get out into the bush for walks and plant ID regularly. I’m learning how to surf and to speak Serbian and German. I’m also studying environmental and plant related things stuff with TAFE/uni.
This is majority covid era compensation though – once the pubs and live music venues reopen, I’ll be at the bar having a sing, dance and a healthy yarn!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Big Thief released some new music. I’m a huge fan.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2021 going into 2022?
I’m taking it easy for the remainder of the year. I’m going to continue as is and re-evaluate when time becomes a little less uncertain.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Sweet potato fries and donuts are the best. I don’t mind where I hang out, it’s the company that makes it special.
PRAISE FOR RITA B
“An acoustic track that will appeal to listeners of Stella Donnelly and Julia Jacklin, ‘Travel Companion’ offers touching lyrics that paint a fragile picture of escapism, isolation, and loneliness.”
Scenestr
Travel Companion “…the video may be a pretty literal interpretation of the track and its thematic elements”
The Music
“At first, I thought the folk band was there to soften the Stella Donnelly-like frankness of Rita B’s badass lyrics but now I realise they are as much the bark as they are the bite. Killer!”
Nkechi Anele, former Roots ‘n All presenter, Triple j
“relatable, funny and just downright entertaining”
Divide and Conquer
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