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What is your name and role within the Hot Donnas?
Jacob – Frontman syndrome
George – Animal/drummer
Gene – Unemployed/bass player
Mitchel – Lead Guitar
Where are you currently based?
Out of the Dirty D (Dunedin NZ).
How did you first start playing music?
We all picked up an instrument at an early age. Primary school years spent taking lessons and gradually improving, developing a deep passion for music in our own ways. George and Mitchell played together in high school and Jake was also in a band. Hot Donnas seemed like such a natural fit for four dudes who needed a more social way to keep the practice up.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
We’ve all been pretty lucky being based in New Zealand during covid. Though there was a pretty big stoppage in the music/gig scene here we’ve been out of lockdown for a while now and been able to pick up the odd gig here and there. Stoked as to be able to release a long awaited EP about a week ago that we’re all really happy with! Keen as to rip into some summer gigs over the next couple of months and get loud on stage.
Your new EP ‘The Adventures of E-WAN’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
This EP was a long time coming. We are always writing songs and have always got something that we’ve jammed sitting in the wings just waiting to be finished off. “Adventures of E-WAN” was a collection of the best songs we had written over the course of 2019, inspired by our continued progression into a more Rock’n’Roll sound and determination to make sure we got the overall sound right. Over the past few years our sound has changed a lot and it has been a massive learning experience for us to redefine it in the studio. Drawing influences from punk and metal, while also still trying to maintain melody and keep our tunes approachable for all humans, we did a lot of listening back to our old stuff and basically tried to fill all the gaps that we thought were made evident through our previous releases.
How did you go about writing The Adventures of E-WAN?
We’d had these songs locked in the chamber for well over a year before the release. George and Jacob lived in a flat together in 2019 and were able set up a spacious jamming area for us to practice, and after the release of our second album ‘Dirty Paradise’ we were all very keen to take our time and really knuckle down some solid tracks over the course of that year. We were jamming 3-4 times a week at peak and playing gigs every other week on top of that, which allowed us to develop our sound nicely.
Where and when did you record/produce?
We recorded the EP down at Radio One Studios in the University Campus just down the road with sound engineer Steven Marr – really stoked to be able to work with such a talented guy! This was around August/November of last year. Once we got the tracks laid down we took the stems to our mate Dan Harris who then mixed em up. This process all took roughly 3/4 months.
How’s the reaction from fans been so far?
We’ve had a pretty good reception so far! Along with the EP we were lucky enough to make up a couple of music videos which people have seemed to enjoy. Had some sick as write ups from some Aus and New Zealand horns which compare us to the sounds of Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age – how good is that one!
You toured Australia once before, how was the tour and what were are your thoughts on playing the Aussie shows?
Our Australian tour was a lot of fun and definitely something we want to do again real soon. We learned a lot while we were over the ditch and grew a lot as a band also. We love how hard the Australian crowds mosh and get into the music, makes playing live a lot of fun. Can’t wait to get back over the ditch.
What did you most enjoy about being in Australia?
Easily our best memories were with The Darrans, who we met and toured with while in the country in 2019. We learnt a lot from that trip, and made some of the best memories. Having some top tier blokes like that dumped into our laps like that was the best luck we could have asked for, because having some locals on the ground who have been around the place once or twice before really helped our confidence and ability to soldier through to the end.
Do you have plans to head back to Australia any time soon?
It’s all covid dependent really. We would have been super keen to head back over this year but that all turned to custard. As soon as the opportunity arises and it’s all safe and sound we’ll most definitely be taking it!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Loads of hip hop, like NAS, Big L, Mobb Deep and revisiting Kendrick for the 1000th time…
Parkway Drive, Meshuggah, Gallows, Pearl Jam etc.
What do you like to do away from music?
We enjoy playing and watching sport. A couple of us play basketball and follow the NBA. Most of us follow Rugby union as well, like all good New Zealanders do. Jake likes trying to skateboard but he sucks.. Only one way to get better though. We also watch a bit of t.v as well.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
We have a gig on crate day (If you don’t know what crate day is then definitely google it) and we are also lucky enough to play at Rhythm & Vines Festival in Gisborne. Next year we are gonna pull our fingers out and start gigging and practicing like there’s no tomorrow. We wanna release another album and play as many shows as possible, hopefully jump the ditch if Covid allows us.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
We eat a lot of rice balls, they’re nutritious and cost effective. There’s a shop in Dunedin called Cafe Tokyo that make the best rice balls, perfect ratio of rice and chicken. Nachos are also a favourite in the Hot Donnas camp. It’s the only meal George knows how to cook so hes perfected the recipe.
Official Website: www.juicyhotdonnas.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Juicyhotdonnas/
Twitter: N/A
Instagram: @juicyhotdonnas – https://www.instagram.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
Building a successful music career in Australia can be difficult, even more so in Western Sydney – but artist SHYJANA, has been defying all odds – and not even her house burning down will stop her from getting to the top.
For many, going through an ordeal like witnessing your house and all your possessions burning to ashes would mean giving up on your dreams, but not for this Western Sydney girl.
Titled ‘TOP SPOT” SHYJANA’s newest track is raw, with lyrics traversing the Western Sydney artists battles, perseverance, and her hunger to succeed.
“I want TOP SPOT to inspire everyone. You can do whatever you put your mind too.” – SHYJANA
SHYJANA’s vocals flow between rapid fragments and calming slices that when placed together give the song an addicting quality.
Releasing through boutique label VENTURE ARTISTS, the song has a perfect place in anyone’s playlist – from an upbeat party environment, to laying in your room, basking in the light of the fleeting sunset. ‘TOP SPOT’ is a surprise hit.
“I’m super excited for people to hear what I have been working on, the music I’m about to release is a side to me people have never seen before, I can’t wait for everyone to hear it” – SHYJANA
https://www.instagram.com/shyjanamusic/
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https://www.youtube.com/c/ShyjanaMusic/featured
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Following on from their debut release for 2020 in ‘Do Your Worst’, Melbourne’s HARVES serves up their second offering for the year in their new single, ‘The River’.
A song that continues to explore a rich balance of production and keys beneath crisp vocals, ‘The River’ charms with its use of space and brooding delivery. Written and recorded between band members Samuel K Sproull and Matthew Wright’s respective homes during Victoria’s lockdown, ‘The River’ uses the feeling of isolation and yearning to form the essence of their latest track.
‘The River’ has been born directly out of the experience the duo have been going through – along with the rest of Victoria – under tight COVID-19 restrictions that have limited interactions and connections with anybody and (mostly) everybody. As the song continues, the vocals ponder what is coming on the other side, chasing an answer to a problem that seems, at present, unsolvable.
“It’s a bit of a metaphor about being creatures of habit, good and bad. About not making changes even though you know what you need to do and hoping that one day the answer will present itself. In our case specifically, I guess that answer was to start releasing some songs and let that dictate change.” Harves
Built on a strong rhythm and groove, ‘The River’ builds around Wright’s vocals, ebbing and flowing as the intensity of the track swirls. “All my friends are caught in the glitter, while my heart is lost in the river…” he laments, leaning heavy into this feeling of restlessness and detachment.
The single shares some threads with ‘Do Your Worst’, released earlier this year; both songs built on meticulously formed beds of instrumentation. Both building on a love for ambient and experimental sounds, ‘The River’ is Harves moving into a new space, further introducing themselves to listeners with this new single.
“After realising we were gonna be stuck inside for a while, we committed ourselves to using the time to sort out a workflow that meant we could finish a bunch of new material that was hovering about. It’s been nice to develop some focus around these songs and get them finished instead of constantly throwing paint at the canvas.” Harves
Both Sproull and Wright have been collaborating for quite a while now, with the Harves project existing in some different unofficial guises between the two musicians until ‘Do Your Worst’ was picked up for placement in the 2020 romantic drama, After We Collided.
From there, Harves have been working on the finishing touches of more new material to come in 2021, ‘The River’ being the latest piece of the puzzle.
‘The River’ is out now!
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Intro Video:https://youtu.be/GsLVkqJNcrU
Link to the album? https://fanlink.to/
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Josha Daniel
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Having already laid strong foundations throughout 2020 with the release of ‘My People’ and ‘Over & Over’, Adelaide musician MANE now celebrates the release of her brand new EP, Coping Mechanisms.
A record written to heal, grow and ultimately start anew with, the EP is more than a new chapter for MANE. It is a reflective collection of music that shows her ability to become inspired and creative again after navigating some heavy times outside of music. As such, Coping Mechanisms is just that; an exploration of how to come out the other side with the potential to be stronger than before.
“Coping Mechanisms follows the journey of trying times, mental health and the moments of strength in between. It’s a reminder to myself and to anyone else going through something difficult that we all have the strength in us to overcome hard times and welcome personal growth. I’ve always inherently felt things very deeply and fortunately for the better part of the last 10 years I’ve been able to have an outlet for that in my music – hence the EP title ‘Coping Mechanisms’. I’m so proud of this body of work and I can only hope that it can resonate and help those travelling through a similar chapter of their life” MANE
The six track record shines in texture and sonic twists and turns. Her latest single ‘Over & Over’ is a moment of strength; the builds and MANE’s vocals building akin to London Grammar. Then you have songs like ‘Start Again’ and ‘Fucking Around’, each examples of the EP’s richness and depth in sound.
A through-line of the new MANE EP is centred on growing stronger and bettering oneself. As MANE explains of her collaboration with Joel Quartermain, ‘Hold’, she knows herself much better now and treats her capabilities with renewed confidence. “I’ve come to know what I am and am not capable of when I’ve stretched myself thin and despite not wanting to take a break, I’m aware of when it’s in my best interest. I think it’s important to understand that opportunities and people may not hang around for you in those moments, but accepting that and knowing it was the best decision for YOU at the time.” MANE
PRAISE FOR MANE
“Look back in MANE’s entire catalogue and find a bad song, I dare ya! This is another lush one that still packs an emphatic and resolute punch.”
Triple J, Declan Byrne
“An instantly memorable pop track from MANE. There’s darkness here but it feels so light.”
Triple J Unearthed, Dave Ruby Howe
“Earlier this year, MANE shared ‘My People’, which indicated something of a change for the acclaimed artist. This week has seen the release of ‘Over & Over’, continuing this new chapter of her career, and serving as one of her greatest tracks to date.”
Tone Deaf
TOUR DATES
Friday 11th December Jive Adelaide
w/ ARIES & My Cherie
Tickets Here
Coping Mechanisms is released Friday, November 13th.
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
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Comprised of Liam Haygarth, Nathan Mortimer, Harry Todd and Jordan Cardy (aka RAT BOY), Essex newcomers LOWLIFE have released their debut single “Wasteland.”
“Wasteland” represents the culmination of their extensive influences and DIY ethos. It’s an explosive blend of larger-than-life pop hooks, West Coast hip-hop, booming dub and Middle-Eastern flavoured melodies. Lyrically, it’s a post-apocalyptic road trip that simmers with charismatic rhymes and punky disillusionment.
The project commenced at the height of the first wave of lockdown, with the four members collaborating via Zoom. Since reuniting in person, they’ve spent the majority of their time writing and recording together. LOWLIFE wrote, produced and mixed “Wasteland” entirely independently, operating out of a dilapidated studio lock-up on a farm in Essex, England.
That self-determined DIY spirit informs all aspects of their creative process. They pool their skills to make the most of their scant resources, filming music videos, designing artwork and producing merch on a limited budget without compromising on the quality of their output. They’re now undeniably ready to deliver a new wave of unique music.
Melbourne, Australia – Victoria’s leading youth music organisation The Push is proud to announce the first intake of their brand-new Electronic Music Accelerator program in partnership with Ableton—the world-leading brand of electronic music making software and hardware—and Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation.
The Electronic Music Accelerator seeks to develop and support Australia’s next generation of electronic music makers, producers and aspiring artists who identify as female or gender-non-conforming. Operating out of The Push’s new home in Collingwood Yards, this free program is open to young Victorians aged 16-20 years old, who are interested in kick-starting a career in the contemporary music industry.
Applications are open now until 12pm Monday 14 December. For more information and how to apply, visit: thepush.com.au.
Over eight weekly sessions, program participants will have the opportunity to develop their skills in the field of electronic music production, grow their professional capacity, build relationships and master a variety of techniques using Ableton.
The workshops will be facilitated by Beatrice Lewis (Haiku Hands, Kardajala Kirridarra) who brings a wealth of knowledge and first-hand industry experience to the program, to serve as both teacher and mentor.
The Push Electronic Music Accelerator is supported by Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation and Ableton.
ABOUT THE PUSH
The Push is Australia’s leading youth music organisation. At the forefront of emerging trends, delivers a range of programs that are responsive to Australia’s future music industry leaders, artists and audiences. For over three decades, our organisation has engaged more than 700,000 young people. Our program alumni include Courtney Barnett, Alex Lahey, Alice Ivy and Angie McMahon — who have each progressed onto successful, global careers. For more information, visit: thepush.com.au.
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With lockdown restrictions finally lifting throughout Melbourne, music fans can look forward to events (slowly) making their way back to normal. And with it, the return of live music! To celebrate and continue the wave of good energies in Victoria, KINGSWOOD have announced their first shows in eight months; with the band making their return to Melbourne’s Corner Hotel.
These upcoming shows hold special significance for the band, as they will be the first music shows hosted by the iconic Melbourne venue post-lockdown, while also being a fitting return for the band, who coincidentally played their and the venue’s last show pre-pandemic at The Corner as part of their Juveniles album tour in March.
As of this point in 2020, KINGSWOOD have delivered two stunning records in Juveniles and Reveries, albums that stand strong on their own as well as presenting themselves as two unique sides of the same coin. The band have also announced A Kingswood Christmas to be released Friday 27th of November with all profits going to Beyond Blue. With the ability to return to live performance now, the band will be able to introduce audiences to the music in an intimate show format that not only will bring the fans closer to the group as musicians, but will do it in a safe way.
The November shows will roll out in a COVID-safe format, with The Corner’s band room transforming into unique cabaret mode, bringing their capacity down to a maximum of 50 and ensuring all attendees can enjoy the music in a safe environment.
KINGSWOOD LIVE AT THE CORNER HOTEL
Friday 27 November – Sunday 29 November
Early Show (7pm) and Late Show (9.30pm)
GA tickets: $45 Inc BF
Entry & Signed Limited Edition Reveries LP: $85 +BF inc postage
*NB shows will proceed pending restrictions, rescheduled dates will be announced if require
27 November 2020
7.00pm:Tickets
9.30pm:Tickets
28 November 2020
7.00pm:Tickets
9.30pm: Tickets
29 November 2020
7.00pm: Tickets
9.30pm: Tickets
‘Reveries’ is out now!
‘A Kingswood Christmas‘ is out Friday November 27th
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Returning with another strong release for 2020, Wellington-based rock act Voodoo Bloo presents the chaotic new single, ‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’.
Cut from his forthcoming debut album JACOBUS, ‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’ continues to explore some frenetic punk rock territory, as listeners get the opportunity to get further acquainted with one of New Zealand’s urgent young voices.
‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’ exists as one of the oldest recordings that is featured on the Jacobus album, and one that still holds great weight and significance for Voodoo Bloo. As the Jacobus album is an intensely personal one, the music the listener hears on it each has a specific collection of memories attached.
For ‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’, we hear a frenzied and angry narrator unleashing on records. As Voodoo Bloo describes of his music, the artform is a powerful tool and the way it is channeled on this project amps it up to 11.
“This is actually the oldest song on the album, but still very much felt like a story I wanted to tell. This track is about those egomaniacs who you can see are struggling on the inside, but push their emotions away for the chance of popularity and climbing the social ranks.” Voodoo Bloo
Recording the single at PlasticGroove Studios in NZ, Voodoo Bloo and talented videographer Alex Hargreaves decided to bring ‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’ out to life with visuals filmed in Auckland. A strenuous shoot and process to put together, Voodoo Bloo employed the talents of some special friends and guests to bring the energy of ‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’ to the visuals with precision.
“I’ve never been so exhausted, excited and sweaty in my life. All the crew really put themselves through the shit to bring this thing to fruition. We had 10 hours to get all the shots we needed and I honestly still felt like I was in the back of a moving truck for hours after we finished, but it’s an experience I will never ever forget.” Voodoo Bloo
Musically, Voodoo Bloo’s work takes in inspiration from across a wide range of sounds; from more indie stylings like Neutral Milk Hotel and Car Seat Headrest, to the harder sounds of System Of A Down and Marilyn Manson, the foundation of sounds Jacobus has been built upon is a strong one.
PRAISE FOR VOODOO BLOO
“If you’ve got an appetite for alt-rock done right, then your new favourite band might just be Wellington’s exceptional outfit, Voodoo Bloo.”
Tone Deaf
“Driven by growling guitars and vocals to match, the new single from Wellington based artist Voodoo Bloo proves a hectic introduction to this young talent.”
AMNplify
VOODOO BLOO LIVE SHOWS
Saturday 28 November MEOW Wellington
Supported by Curlys Jewels, Miss June
‘Ha Ha Ok Ok’ is released Friday, November 20th.
Jacobus is released Friday, December 4th.
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NEW LIVE ALBUM AND CONCERT FILM ‘LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO ’16’ OUT NOW! |
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~ NEW SINGLE ‘INTRASPORT’ OUT NOW! |
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