Music News

Since 2017, Lanstan has cemented himself as one of the crucial voices in Australian hip hop, offering introspective songwriting from the perspective of a young man striving for success. Today he releases his sophomore EP Vision.

One of Lanstan’s main goals is to help elevate the hip-hop scene on the Northern beaches and connect with the youth.  It’s a mission that was forged on his acclaimed releases ‘Dream State’ (produced by Kuren) and ‘Go To  Sleep’ on his debut EP ‘Dreams’.

As shown by his 2019 singles ‘Blueprint’ and ‘Trophy’, Lanstan wrote the songs on the new EP with the intention of being able to perform them with maximum energy.

As Lanstan further explains, “Vision is me sharing my goals and ambitions as well as my fears and insecurities. It’s my most direct and vulnerable explanation of my Vision as an artist. I wanted every song to strike a different tone but all surround the same theme. It’s very important to me that by the end of the project, you know me better as an artist. Whether I’m singing, rapping or shouting, there’s something for every fan of hip-hop music on there.”

The Vision EP was crafted in collaboration with Max Muller (Muller Made), Tom Garnett, Joseph Colmenero, Ollie Roland,  Steven Petridis (Espa) and recording engineer Daniel Natoli.

“This EP has been a long time in the making and has been some of the best times of my life (even with the pandemic situation). With the help of an amazing team around me I have smashed some of my biggest goals in music and continued in an upward trajectory. Reuniting with Miles for this project was a very special moment too. Although we have been making music together non-stop for years, we have been focussing on releasing our solo music and backlogging our content together. 

A lot of our followers have been begging us to drop some music together and I’m honoured that we got to do that on my project. I made sure to spare absolutely no expense on this project and spent months fixing up tiny details in the mixes as well as meticulously planning the tone I wanted to strike for the project. This EP is very special to me and I hope it will find a place in the history of Australian hip-hop music.”
Lanstan

‘Trophy’ carefully builds momentum, with its nuanced hip hop production supported by a delicate flute and lilting guitars.”

NME Australia

“Though each of his tracks differ in their vibe, the undeniable raw talent, power, and rapid-fire lyricism that Lanstan possesses is on full display at every turn.” 

Tone Deaf

“Hailing from Sydney’s Northern Beaches, 21 year old Lanstan is one of Australian hip-hop’s brightest up and comers.”

Good Call Live

“The melodies in this are hard to deny, it feels bold without being too egotistical…”

Triple J, Declan Byrne (‘Blueprint’, 2020)

“Lanstan has continued to build his brand and loyal following through conceptually immersive projects.”

Black of Hearts

EP: ‘Vision’ is released Friday February 19th 2021

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The Music Victoria Board announced today that Simone Schinkel has been appointed as the organisation’s next CEO.
A professional arts leader, Simone brings with her a celebrated reputation for strategic sector development, and a commitment to equity and justice.
Simone comes to Music Victoria from Theatre Network Australia where, as General Manager, she drove the sectors’ COVID 19 response which centred on fundraising efforts and providing essential cash grants to those most impacted. One of her lasting legacies will be the formation of a national alliance of arts industry councils to provide a national advocacy platform. She holds a Master of Arts and Cultural Management, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in technical production, is an alumni of the Australia Council’s Emerging Leaders Development Program and Co-convenor of the Arts Industry Council of Victoria.
An unabashed music lover and supporter, Simone has been moved to tears by Kutcha Edwards singing an alternative national anthem, tried her hand at 6 different musical instruments, volunteered at community radio (4ZZZ), and even admits to dancing unashamedly to the Teeny Tiny Stevies.

Simone said – When I got this gig, I celebrated by grabbing a drink at the Lomond Hotel and checking in on their live music situation. I can’t wait to be more than just a punter. I’m looking forward to building on the impressive work of Paddy and Dale, and to driving the lasting change that is needed to see Victorian music flourish again.
Sally Howland – Chair, Music Victoria said – In Simone we have found the person to lead our organisation and sector through its next critical stage. COVID 19 has decimated our industry and Simone is absolutely the right person to drive our sector back to growth. Her astute thinking and  demonstrated abilities at capacity building gives the Music Victoria Board every confidence that she will be an ardent advocate on behalf of our membership, our stakeholders and our wider music community. We’re thrilled to have her at the helm.
Simone will begin with Music Victoria on International Women’s Day – 8^th March 2020.
The Board extends its deepest gratitude to Dale Packard for his exemplary role in steering the organisation in recent months. Dale will assume his position as General Manager from March 8^th.

Music Victoria is an independent, not-for-profit organisation and the state peak body for contemporary music. We represent musicians, venues, music businesses and professionals, and music lovers across the contemporary Victorian music community. Music Victoria provides advocacy on behalf of the music sector, actively supports the development of the Victorian music community, and celebrates and promotes Victorian music.

Sydney-based artist services agency Good Intent have just announced new management signings Saint Lane, Close Counters and FANGZ, as well as internal promotions within their PR and Label Services divisions.

“We’re ecstatic to reveal the new additions to our family in Lane, Close Counters and FANGZ,” says newly appointed Artist & PR Services Manager, Nick Moran. “The team and myself have been friends and worked with all three artists in various capacities over some time now, so to be able to represent their careers as managers is an absolute honour!” he continues.

Bursting onto the scene in mid-2019, Gold Coast-based New Zealand born artist Saint Lane quickly garnered praise from triple j, The Needle Drop, NME, Spotify, Apple Music, The Guardian, GQ, Billboard and Beats 1 with Briggs. In the live arena Saint Lane has traversed the country supporting the likes of Lime Cordiale, JID, Earl Sweatshirt, Dune Rats, Baker Boy and Bootleg Rascal.

“I’m super excited to work with Rob and all the legends at Good Intent,” says Lane. “I’ve been searching far and wide for someone as crazy and ambitious as me and I think Mr. Worldwide Bobby Dazzler is the man for the job. This is like when South Sydney signed Latrell” he added.

Melbourne duo Close Counters’ signature soundscape at the crossroads of house neo-soul, hip-hop and disco have earned them nods from tastemakers XLR8R, Indie Shuffle, NME, BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 6, Gilles Peterson and triple j. The pair have already ticked off Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, Meredith Music Festival, Strawberry Fields and remixed the likes of Bag Raiders, 30/70 and most recently Young Franco and Denzel Curry’s hit ‘Fallin’ Apart’.

In 2021 the pair have sold out all three of their Melbourne Music Week events at Colour Club without announcing the shows to their fanbase and last week played a to a full house at Sidney Myer Music Bowl with The Murlocs.

“Having worked with Rick since our Meredith Festival slot while he was at UNDR Ctrl a little over a year ago, we’re keen to continue the relationship and be joining the Good Intent family at such an exciting time for the crew as we roll into a big 2021 with a heap of new music!” says Close Counters. “Rick was a much-needed companion to help us navigate the process of writing and releasing music over the course of the lockdowns that occurred in 2020.”

Also joining them are one of Sydney’s most exciting new punk bands, FANGZ. The group have toured the country selling out headline shows and shared stages with Gyroscope, Cancer Bats and Comeback Kid. They’ve also received praise via triple j, Spotify, Apple Music, Pilerats, Blunt Magazine, Wall of Sound, Hysteria Magazine, Music Feeds and The Music. Their new single ‘Self Medicate’ is due for release on February 26.

“We’re absolutely stoked we finally have somebody to do all of our work for us,” says FANGZ. “It’s also pretty rad to be surrounded by other artists and creatives we like that have the same ‘get stuff done’ attitude” they added.

In line with the artist signing announcements, the agency is excited to reveal that two team members will step up into division management roles. Long serving Publicist Nick Moran has been promoted to Artist & PR Services Manager, while Rick Bridgman (ex. Chugg Music, UNDR Ctrl) is set to undertake the new role of Artist & Label Services Manager.

“Our PR division has long been a staple since our inception,” says Bridgman. “Now with the addition of third-party playlist pitching, tastemaker DJ servicing and digital marketing, we can offer artists and labels a one-stop point for all their promo needs” he continues.

The three new signees will join current management clients Bootleg Rascal and Down For Tomorrow. Current and previous PR and Label Services clients include the likes of BMG, Sony, Universal, Handsome Tours, Astral People, Chugg Music, American Hi-Fi (USA), Bas (USA), Freddie Gibbs (USA), Bag Raiders, Gyroscope, Harts, Citizen Kay, RedHook and SCABZ.

Good Intent first launched in late-2018 and offers a range of services across artist management, PR, radio plugging, club promotions, playlist pitching, digital marketing, worldwide blogs and label services.

The agency also recently launched Good Loco – a photography and videography suite and space for hire located in Marrickville, Sydney.

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SECOND IDOL

UNVEIL EVOCATIVE DEBUT SINGLE ‘WHITE NOISE’

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“Charged bursts of captivating alt-rock-meets-punk-pop that sits in-line with long-time influences from Sonic Youth and Savages.”
Pilerats (AUS)

Sydney-based alternative-rock trio Second Idol have just revealed their fervent debut single ‘White Noise’ – mixed and mastered by Nick Franklin (Peking Duk, Polish Club, Clews).

Opening with menacing guitars and steadfast drums, ‘White Noise’ immediately envelops the listener in a hypnotic trance as lead singer Kate Olivia’s snarling vocals exude effortless presence. The tracks lyrical themes hammer home its commanding subject matter, as its forthright choruses propel the track towards its rewarding finale.

Kate talks about the meaning behind ‘White Noise’:

“’White Noise’ is a contemplation of body politics, women’s bodies and misogyny. It emerged out of my observations of comments often made by cis men on social media regarding the policing of women and gender non-conforming bodies. The lyrics are written in a way that I’m having a conversation with someone in a bar, and I’m calling them out on their misinformed views and telling them that ‘we need to take this conversation outside’, then they just get sledgehammered with a barrage of guitars.”

Second Idol consists of Kate Olivia, Theia Joyeaux and Maxine Gillon, who take inspiration from alternative-rock luminaires Savages, Placebo and Sonic Youth. To coincide with the release, the band will launch ‘White Noise’ at Frankies Pizza on February 27, with a further performance at Mardi Gras for Queer As Fvck in early March.

Outside of the band, the trio are proud members of Sydney’s LGBTQIA community and work with organisations such as Queer As Fvck, as well as queer and mental health charity Baylin’s Gift, located in lead singer Kate Olivia’s hometown of Kempsey on the Mid North Coast of NSW. “I’ve experienced prejudice and negativity in relation to my gender, sexuality and cultural background, so I’m reflexively a supporter of minority groups and the pursuit of equality” Kate adds.

In the coming weeks, Second Idol will reveal an accompanying music video for ‘White Noise’.

‘White Noise’ is available worldwide now

SECOND IDOL
WHITE NOISE LAUNCH SHOWS

FRI 27 FEB | FRANKIES PIZZA, SYDNEY NSW
SAT 6 MAR | QUEER AS FVCK MARDI GRAS, SYDNEY NSW

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lovedavid, e4444e and Skip Willcox, three of Newcastle’s most bold and experimental artists, present Invisible Stone, a one-of-a-kind production that will take place at the iconic Civic Theatre on Thursday the 18th of February as part of the City of Newcastle’s New Annual festival. Tickets available here.

Combining art, sound and dance to create a fully immersive experience, Invisible Stone guides the audience on an ethereal journey through the unknown. A true collaborative effort, lovedavid (creative director), e4444e (sound design) and Skip Willcox (choreography) blend sonic compositions with distinct visual environments to explore the interplay between the cosmic and the mundane; a shiver with no chill; a lump in the throat; a premonition. lovedavid, e4444e and Skip Willcox pose the question of what is beyond and within us, as the intertwining of these unique artists’ respective disciplines unfold onstage.

Invisible Stone was inspired by Ryōan-ji, a Japanese Zen temple garden featuring distinctive rock formations. The garden is said to be “an abstract composition of ‘natural’ objects in space, a composition whose function is to incite meditation.” lovedavid explores this concept to investigate emotions, feelings and connections, challenging the audience to question what exists in our lives that we can’t see. What doesn’t exist that we can see? “It’s freeing when you think about it but challenging to grasp – it can send you the other way,” lovedavid says. Through this absorbing examination, a loose narrative unfolds between the seen and unseen, constantly checking in on one another.