Music News

Nicky Night Time and Ali Love have collaborated for a hypnotising new single ‘Ubiquity feat. Breakbot’. Filled with classic disco flair, funk riffs, and infectious vocals the track instantly encapsulates a dreamy dance-floor moment. 

With each artist living in a different country, ‘Ubiquity’ has already made its way around the globe, Ali Love explains how the track came together, “‘Ubiquity’ started its life in Australia with Nicky Night Time as a drum and guitar track. Then made its way to London where I added electric bass and vocals very early in the morning. I recall there were about 8 Japanese girls in my flat for some reason, so you could say that really added to the song’s vibe. You can feel there’s a party happening. The tune then travelled to LA where, by chance, Nicky drafted in Breakbot, who wrote the amazing string and horn parts, and sent the song into the stratosphere. The stars have aligned and the vibe is ubiquitous.” Nicky Night Timeadds “It was a love project really and I think we felt it was a cool thing just to put out into the world between the 3 of us amigos.”

Widely respected Australian producer Nicky Night Time first arrived on the scene during the height of the electro-pop wave, touring alongside the likes of Phoenix, Daft Punk, Bloc Party and more. Traversing between various genres, Nicky Night Time has added his touch to Elderbrook’s ‘Capricorn’ and ‘Numb’, as well as working with the likes of Nick Littlemore (PNAU), Touch Sensitive, Cut Snake and more!  Recently spending time touring and producing alongside Nat Dunn for their project – NAATIONS. Together the duo featured and co-wrote ‘Nowhere To Go’ with Hayden James as well as ‘Real Life’ with Duke Dumont and Gorgon City which has amassed over 65 million streams! 

UK singer, songwriter Ali Love first broke out with his synth-pop album ‘Love Harder’, showcasing Ali Love’s powerful and tasteful vocals. His versatile voice has scored him countless collaborations, appearing on record’s with Camelphat, The Chemical Brothers, Roisin Murphy, Justice, and Lee Foss! Finishing off ‘Ubiquity’ is French touch favourite, Breakbot,  signed to the much-loved electronic label, Ed Banger Records, is recognised for smash hit record ‘Baby I’m Yours’, scoring a mammoth 208 million streams. Since then, the producer has remixed tracks for the likes of Lizzo, and Parcels. 

‘Ubiquity’ is out now via Sweat It Out and Music To Dance To.

For more info on Nicky Night Time, visit: 

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | TWITTER

For more info on Ali Love, visit: 

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD

For more info on Breakbot, visit: 

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | TWITTER

I OH YOU are fired up to present DZ Deathrays second single ‘All or Nothing’ lifted from their fifth studio album Positive Rising: Part 2 (out Fri 9 July 2021), the highly anticipated follow up from 2019’s Positive Rising: Part 1.

Premiering yesterday on triple J’s Drive, ‘All or Nothing’ is a testament to the objects that serve as reminders of home when the band are far from it.

“It’s reminiscent of touring life and the idea that something like a guitar can bring so much joy and adventure to our lives,” Parsons explains.

One of the hardest songs on the record to finish, Parsons rewrote the music over and over in different keys “to try see where it would go”. After six attempts it wound up right where it started: as a rollicking, garage epic that shifts key from verse to chorus. In other words: a classic DZ Deathrays song. “It’s the flip-side to some of the other tracks that look out into the world: this one looks into our little world.” 

Guitar hero ‘All or Nothing’ follows the anthemic sonic pep talk ‘Fired Up’ which was eaten up by fans and critics alike, seeing adds to international rock playlists on Spotify and Apple Music, hitting the 9th most played song on triple j just last week and receiving coverage from Rolling Stone AU, NME AU and Blunt Mag. Recently dropping the heartfelt acoustic version of the track while in iso, DZ take a step back from their punchy beats and melting riffs to substitute with a mix of soothing guitar plus cello, completely transforming the high energy tune into a romantic ballad. DZ sent listeners into a frenzy when teaming up with one of their favorite bands, WAAX,  to deliver two absolutely belting covers – DZ reworking ‘FU’ and WAAX bringing their signature style to a rendition of ‘Fired Up’. Both bands molding the others’ song into passionate, head banging goodness that demands to be listened at full volume. In celebration of their forthcoming album Positive Rising: Part 2, DZ have collaborated with the legends at Built To Spill to launch ‘DZ Deathrays Positive Sparkling Cremant’ – party fizz for one of Australia’s most high energy bands. The special release Pet Nat is made up of certified organic chenin blanc from Margaret River, WA. Positive Sparkling Cremant is finished like traditional sparkling wine, making it the ultimate thirst crusher yet still ultra-crisp and clean. Fans can order this limited-edition Pet Nat bundled with a digital pre-order of Positive Rising: Part 2 via Built To Spill while stocks last! With a moodier tone than its predecessor, Positive Rising: Part 2 draws the outline of an apocalyptic scene, one that sees the band – Shane Parsons, Simon Ridley and Lachlan Ewbank – stepping outside of themselves, seeking out new perspectives and surveying the world from above. From up there, they don’t always like what they see, but Positive Rising: Part 2 offers a somewhat-hopeful ending to the sprawling rock saga. ‘All Or Nothing’ is coated in classic DZ Deathrays punk attitude, demanding attention to what they do best; slashing guitars and heavy riffs. The sonic mastermind gives a peak into the little world of DZ Deathrays and what Positive Rising: Part 2 has in store for fans.

‘All or Nothing’ DZ DeathraysSingle out now through I OH YOU Available to buy/stream here

Positive Rising: Part 2 DZ Deathrays Album out Friday 9 July 2021 through I OH YOU Available to pre-order herePositive Rising: Part 2 tracklisting: 1. Skeleton Key 2. Fear The Anchor (feat. Ecca Vandal) 3. All Or Nothing 4. Kerosene 5. Fired Up 6. Riff City 7. Make Yourself Mad 8. Golden Retriever 9. Swept Up 10. Run The Red 11. Positive Rising

DZ DEATHRAYS

January 20, 2021 0 comments

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Melbourne’s Mia Wray is coming at 2021 head on via her new single ‘Never Gonna Be The Same’, a no-holds-barred ode to empowerment. Having made a serious impression with her debut single ‘Work For Me’, which had the likes of triple j, NME and Rolling Stone singing her praises, ‘Never Gonna Be The Same’, with its undeniably powerful vocals, cathartic arrangement and a hook that will have you singing at the top of your lungs, sees Mia Wray continue to carve her space as a star on the rise.

‘Never Gonna Be The Same’ is a commanding anthem that sees Mia continue to lean into her own power; a reminder to ‘back yourself’ brought to life through her signature, powerhouse vocals and an explosive chorus. “I found myself in situations both personally and professionally where I wasn’t being valued or heard and something finally just snapped inside me. I realised I could take control of my own narrative and by trusting my gut and understanding my worth…I unlocked the thing that I always knew was in me and I’ve finally found where I’m meant to be.” – Mia Wray Along with the news of the new single, Ivy League Records is excited to announce Mia Wray will be joining the Australian label’s stellar roster of artists; The Rubens, The Teskey Brothers, Hatchie, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Shannen James, A. Swayze & the Ghosts, Bakers Eddy and more. “Mia is an incredible artist who has developed so much over recent years.  She has one of the most powerful and interesting voices I’ve heard. When she recently sang acapella on ABC TV’s The Sound I honestly got shivers.  Mia Wray is on her way!”  – Michael Gudinski “We are so excited to welcome Mia to the Ivy League Family. Mia’s talent as a songwriter, player and vocalist are undeniable and we cannot wait to share what we’ve been working on with the world. We know big things are ahead for Mia.”  – A&R Director, Marihuzka Cornelius Alongside discovering Mia Wray, 2020 saw Ivy League land 3 x ARIA top 10 albums for The Teskey Brothers (#1, Live At The Forum), Rolling Blackouts C.F. (#4, Sideways To New Italy) and Josh Teskey & Ash Grunwald (#8, Push The Blues Away), as well as The Rubens’ hit single ‘Live In Life’ reaching #4 on ARIA’s Top Ten Australian Singles of 2020. Having seemingly come from nowhere, Mia burst onto the local music scene with one of the most exciting single debuts of 2020 with ‘Work For Me’, which was added straight to full triple j rotation, over 10 Spotify editorial playlists (including #4 on New Music Friday and the cover of Women of AU & NZ), Apple Music support including a spin and plug by Elton John on his Beats 1 radio show, an acappella performance of Work For Me on ABC’s The Sound (as well as performances on 2 x tributes), over 16,000 Shazams and champions across the likes of NME, Rolling Stone AU, Pilerats, ProjectU & more.

Reactions to ‘Work For Me: “gives me a chill up the spine…very special stuff” – Richard Kingsmill, triple j “This is a titan of a track. Powerhouse aura from Mia Wray with that standout vocal performance before the tracks bursts with life” 4.5 stars – Dave Ruby Howe, triple j Unearthed “…it’s ‘Work for Me’, a defiant anthem aimed toward anyone who’s ever been made to feel less than worthy, that has truly put Wray on the map” – Rolling Stone “‘Work For Me’ is a single that immediately floors you from the get-go” – Pilerats

‘Never Gonna Be The Same’ Mia Wray Single out now through Ivy League Records Available to buy/stream here

MIA WRAY

January 20, 2021 0 comments

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Scott Darlow presents his single ‘Forgotten Australia’, a reminder for Australians to embrace their togetherness and come together to celebrate the things that make our country and its people special.

Scott has today also released the video for ‘Forgotten Australia’, where he is joined by an all-star cast to reflect on their connection to Australia and share stories of what Australia means to them. The video features the likes of John Butler, Kasey Chambers, Robert DiPierdomenico, Anthony Koutafidies, Myf Warhurst, Shelly Ware, Otis Carey, and Kyle Chalmers.

‘Forgotten Australia’ is available digitally and on limited edition 7” vinyl. The 7” also features his 2020 single ‘You Can’t See Black In The Dark (feat. Ian Kenny)’, and is available to purchase here. Scott Darlow explains the meaning behind ‘Forgotten Australia’: “In my opinion a combination of technology, fear, globalisation and poor messaging from sections of the media have led to a rise in nationalism, less tolerance and less empathy on both sides of the political fence. In some ways, it feels like we’ve never been more divided. We need to embrace each other with a little bit more forgiveness, love, understanding, tolerance and empathy. It’s my hope that this song will remind listeners everywhere that we’re all Australians, one mob, living together on sacred ground.” A mainstay of Australia’s Indigenous music industry, Scott Darlow is a versatile singer-songwriter, guitarist and didgeridoo player who has sold more than 50,000 albums worldwide. With his singles ‘You Can’t See Black In The Dark’ and ‘Bind The Hands Of Time’, Scott’s music has become a regular feature on the Triple M playlist. Outside of music, Darlow is a passionate First Nations activist and World Vision spokesperson, regularly speaking in hundreds of schools and corporate settings about his indigenous culture, Australian history, racial tolerance, harmony and important social matters.

‘Forgotten Australia’ Scott DarlowSingle out now through Reclusive RecordsAvailable to buy/stream here

SCOTT DARLOW

January 19, 2021 0 comments

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Live music lovers can rejoice today as postponed heavy music event Thrashville releases full line-up for its rescheduled date of February 13^th 2021.

Held at Dashville at Lower Belford, the one-day camping event features an array of local and regional bands ranging in styles from punk rock to death metal, alongside skateboarding displays and live graff art.

Thrashville is a rare opportunity regardless of COVID and Dashville is proud to be able to deliver such an event in an outdoor COVID Safe environment.

Thrashville’s full 2021 program:

Astrodeath // Basil’s Kite // Battlesnake // Boudicca // C.O.F.F.I.N  Chop // Dark Order // HOON // No Quarter // PurEnvY // Ragdoll  Scabz // Whatever // Zombonimo

Since the festivals debut in January 2017, the grass roots one day camping event, has proven to be a key event in the ‘heavy’ music calendar, being sorely missed in 2019 and 2020 due to drought, bush fires and COVID respectfully.

Event organiser Dashville has persevered in a very tricky environment to produce a quality experience for their much loved, but under serviced, metal, punk and rock fans with Thrashville being one of the only ‘slightly heavier’ outdoor festivals still in existence.

Organisers concede it has been very challenging planning in such uncertain times. However, through the success of other COVID safe events held at the pristine rural site, alongside the importance of Thrashville to its community, it wasn’t hard to find the encouragement to persevere, curating a quality experience, albeit slightly smaller than usual and delivered at the final hour, due to working within a changing COVID safe environment.

Despite a reduced capacity and a designated seating area, organisers are confident the heavy music community will come out to support the artists and enjoy the event responsibly.

‘We’re all in this together, Dashville has been hosting events since August last year and it’s amazing how people are willing to work within the boundaries and adapt in order to get along and enjoy themselves.’ Says organiser Matt Johnston

Thrashville is rated MA15+, it is a fully licensed one day event with onsite camping. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

For further event information and ticketing please head to www.dashville.com.au/thrashville

‘Brothers, Sisters…’

DJ International is the iconic record label steeped in authenticity and dance music history. It was the label that introduced the world to Chicago House, birthing it and nurturing it in its infancy, releasing the first ever House Music long player in 1986 ‘The House Sound Of Chicago’. It is a label with an outstanding discography populated by the now legendary artists of the time, untouchable DJs like Frankie Knuckles, Fingers Inc (Larry Heard & Robert Owens), Ron Hardy, Steve ‘Silk” Hurley, Farley ‘Jackmaster’ Funk, Joe Smooth, Darryl Pandy and Marshall Jefferson.

It now relaunches and returns in 2021 acquired and under exclusive license to Last Man Music, still with its original and inimitable founder at its helm Rocky Jones and the very same forward looking House music ideology, focusing on new artists as well as reintroducing the ultimate classics of the past, beginning 2021 with Anthony Thomas ’Promised Land’.

Arguably up there as one of the greatest House records ever made ‘Promised Land’ came in at the very start of the House music movement. Originally released in 1987 by the original producer Joe Smooth and created in the spiritual home of all House Music, Chicago. Later the track crossed over international borders becoming an iconic moment globally going on to represent the essence of Ibiza’s Balearic beat. Anthony Thomas, who is the original vocalist, has now re-recorded the track, updating it but keeping the original feel, reinforcing his unifying and soulful lyrics. It was the power of these lyrics that made this a massive underground dancefloor hit with the ecstasy generation of the late 80’s and early 90’s worldwide.

For DJ International as a label it didn’t stop there; the imprint was responsible for introducing the world to Farley Jackmaster Funk with his unforgettable release ‘Love Can’t Turn Around’ (1986) as well as other genre defining moments including Marshall Jefferson’s ‘Move Your Body’ and Steve Silk Hurley’s ‘Jack Your Body’. The latter riding a bassline from First Choice’s disco classic ‘Let No Man Put Asunder‘ earning a surprise 1987 UK No.1.
In August 2020, DJ International tested the waters for a formal return and debuted a posthumous Frankie Knuckles track ‘Carefree (I Am A Star)’ as the first release from the forthcoming Jackmaster 7 album, a follow-up to six Jackmaster albums the label put out between 1987 and 1991.

With one eye on its past heritage and iconic status and a long-term view to bring us new fresh and original House music acts of tomorrow, we are sure that DJ International will once again take its place alongside the other great labels of contemporary House Music culture.

Anthony Thomas ‘Promised Land’ is out now on DJ International

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