Music News

Download / Stream

Following Nicky Romero‘s debut on Universal Music with “Nights With You,” the dance music mogul has released additional versions of the milestone single – his own festival mix as well as a special remix by UK producer Harrison. The alternative interpretations explore Nicky‘s famous progressive house sound and Harrison’s deep and cinematic style. The festival mix incorporates an energetic, bouncy bassline that begs to be played at the mainstage, evoking fond memories of live events for every dance music fan. In Harrison‘s rendition, deep undulating sounds add an element of darkness to “Nights With You,” while dreamy instrumentals give it an emotive feel. Nicky Romero and Universal Music come together again to enhance and increase reach on Nicky Romero‘s sound around the globe.

After taking the world by storm with early hits such as ‘Legacy‘ (with Krewella) and #1 single ‘I Could Be The One‘ (with Avicii), Nicky Romero quickly proved that his talent is ever-evolving and here to stay. After launching his Protocol Recordings imprint in 2012, the renowned performer, producer, and label head continued his personal successes with a string of high-profile releases, ranging from collaborations with David Guetta, Mike Williams & Amba Shepherd, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, W&W, DallasK & XYLØ, Timmy Trumpet and Steve Aoki & Kiiara to remixes for the likes of Kygo, Rita Ora, Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Jess Glynne and more. While showcasing his label’s roster via his weekly Protocol Radio show, Nicky Romero continues to innovate and evolve during these unprecedented times in the music industry. He recently debuted his ultra-modern “Another World” live stream concept this summer and now has proved again his ability to turn into gold everything he touches.

UK talent Harrison had his breakthrough in 2013 when he worked with David Guetta and Glowinthedark on “Ain’t a Party” single and has been going full speed ahead ever since. His dynamic style has earned him support from the biggest names in dance music, such as Martin Garrix, Steve Aoki, and Avicii. With over 2M monthly streams on Spotify alone, Harrison is ready to join the ranks of electronic music’s finest. Keep an eye out for more new music from both Nicky Romero and Harrison.

Canadian duo 401 WST throws it back to the ’80s with the epic debut of their 3-track “Our House” EP, composed of recently released “Do The Damn Thang” and 2 brand new songs that fuse hip-hop sounds and house music. The DJ/producer partners create a seamless fusion of genres on “Real Quick” and its accompanying music video; classic hip-hop rhythms are complemented by a deep rolling bassline and kickdrums to add an electronic flair. “Alive” follows suit of “Do The Damn Thang” and is perhaps the more house-influenced of the two new tracks, melding a tech-house bassline and deeply reverberating synths with hedonistic lyrics about partying and hitting the dance floor – a novel concept in the global pandemic. The “Our House” EP evokes memories of Chicago in the ’80s when hip-hop and house were at their heyday in the underground. As Black musicians, the duo places very high importance on taking it back to the essence of where house music began and paying homage to the originators of it all. 401 WST‘s sound is raw and unfiltered, providing a breath of fresh air in the age of autotune, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with next.

International DJ 4Korners and emerging producer Ashton Adams come together to form 401 WST, which is named after the highway that connects their Canadian hometowns of Toronto and Cambridge. Prior to the project, 4Korners experienced global success and has performed at the Cannes Film Festival, London Fashion Week, Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi, and the Olympic Games, among others. He has also been awarded the prestigious titles of Canadian DJ Of The Year and an NBA Championship as Official DJ of the Toronto Raptors. Ashton Adams‘ production versatility stems from his exposure to a wide variety of genres. From the classic hip hop sound of 50 Cent and Lil Wayne, all the way to heavy metal bands such as August Burns Red and Under Oath. As 401 WST, the two artists have set out to create music that focuses less on commercialization and more on the old school values of bringing people together and having a good time. With such a unique sound and feel-good approach, “Our House” is the beginning of an exciting journey for 401 WST.

DUE OUT DECEMBER 4 VIA BIG NOISE

Punk-rock icons Goldfinger have announced their highly anticipated album Never Look Back will be released December 4, 2020 via Big Noise. This release marks the official return of original guitarist Charlie Paulson to the band, joining John Feldmann, Mike Herrera, Philip Sneed and Nick Gross.

It can be pre-ordered/pre-saved at http://ffm.to/gfneverlookback.

Fans got an early taste of this forthcoming album with last month’s release of “Wallflower”, which can be streamed today here: https://ffm.to/gfwallflower.

“’Wallflower’ was the last song I wrote for our upcoming album,” Feldmann shared in an exclusive interview with Alternative Press. “It’s coming out later this year on my own label (Big Noise) and that just is a very full circle moment that I am so proud of.”

Goldfinger formed in 1994 and has since been regarded as a contributor to the revitalization of ska music’s popularity in the mid-1990s before leading the charge on the 2000’s pop-punk movement. Outside of their music, Goldfinger has always been active and outspoken about a variety of political and social issues, especially animal rights.

Fans can stay tuned to Goldfinger’s socials for more information very soon.

World’s most immersive festival – EPIZODE has just launched a record label EPIZODE RECORDS. The imprint will be releasing music on both digital and vinyl formats, featuring emerging artists from around the world. EPIZODE RECORDS will correspond with the festival’s eclectic concept that brings a wide range of electronic music genres, from groovy techno and micro house to atmospheric and experimental sound. The first release is planned for early 2021 with three more releases and collaborations to follow in the same year. All releases will be featuring the sound that matches four Epizode stages: Main Stage, Frisbee, Eggs, and Shell.

EPIZODE RECORDS now invites all artists to send their demos to the email: demo@epizode.asia.

“We started Epizode festival with a vision to unite people from around the world through quality music. Now, five years later, we’re happy that our initial idea got materialized as a label as well. We’re proud to present our brand new platform which will be showcasing various talents and bringing the special sound and vibe Epizode is well known for. We’re looking forward to listening to all your demos and to feature the best ones”, said Epizode team.

EPIZODE5 will be held on Vietnam’s blissful Phu Quoc island, from December 29th 2021 to January 9th 2022. The 11-day cutting-edge festival will be featuring electronic music legends such as RICARDO VILLALOBOS, JAMIE JONES, LOCO DICE, DEBORAH DE LUCA, DUBFIRE, [A:RPIA:R], APOLLONIA, NASTIA, SONJA MOONEAR and MR.C, to name a few. They will be playing alongside the greatest Europe and Asia’s talents including FIDELES, VLADA, MICKEY ZHANG, LOUISE CHEN, OUISSAM, ROUSTAM, SUNJU HARGUN and YAYA. All these artists will bring their grooves to Epizode’s iconic beach dotted by mind-blowing stages and art installations, for an unforgettable NYE extravaganza. Additionally, Epizode’s 24hr program will present exciting wellness experiences and plethora of day activities, all wrapped into colorful sunsets and tropical landscapes.

In a short span of four years, EPIZODE has made an impressive mark internationally by pushing the Asia-Pacific music scene forward. With the vision to unite people from around the globe, the festival has become a top destination to ring in the New Year, gathering music enthusiasts, art lovers, experiential seekers and music industry professionals together. Sunset Sanato beach in Phú Quốc offers an immersive festival experience, surrounded by lush jungles, heavenly food, and awesome people.

More information on the following links.

Epizode Website (www.epizode.asia)

Epizode Facebook (@epizode.official)

Epizode Facebook (@epizode.festival)

Epizode Instagram (@epizode_official)

Epizode Instagram (@epizode.festival)

The team at Thick as Thieves is synonymous with dance music events in Melbourne. Still, over the past decade, they added another page to their portfolio: organising charity drives for The Fred Hollows Foundation. Despite their efforts raising over $800,000 for the foundation, their current Quick As Thieves campaign might be their most ambitious drive to date. On Saturday, 5 December, a team of 140 music industry creatives will run a half or full marathon (42,2 km) spanning the coastal loop. (Six of those contestants will complete an ultra-marathon which is 63,3 km). Not only has everyone involved pledged to fundraise $1000, but for many, it will be their first time competing in an endurance race.

Since 2015, we’ve had a small team doing an annual charity drive by entering various fitness events like Coastrek,’ explains Mike Toner, the Thick as Thieves Director. ‘We’ve probably run, cycled and swam over 1,500km so far – all in the name of charity.’ This year, when Toner cast the net to assemble a team, he was blown away by the interest. One hundred and forty willing participants came forward, eager to take on the challenge of fundraise $1k each by completing a half or full marathon. ‘It was an incredible response, and a lot of the interest came from the music industry sector’. Marathon fit DJs? Prepare yourself for early morning DJs training for a marathon instead of leaving Revolver. ‘Ha, all the team members are very excited. We started a wholesome WhatsApp group where everyone is highly supportive of each other’s efforts.’  

The interest has indeed come from very surprising quarters. Included in this year’s race is Benson, Melbourne’s festival conquering and the self-confessed bad boy who ‘your parents love to hate’, global club chart-topping producer Torren Foot, and Thick as Thieves family members Jacob Malmo and Mike Callander. Information about the campaign even reached Sydney, bolstering local creatives to join the cause. This lead to many early morning runs amongst industry insiders Ming Gan, Scott Robertson, Paul Stix, Graham Cordery and Ben Ashton.

However, due to COVID uncertainty, the Sydney chapter completed their marathon on 22 September. ‘None of us had ever done a full marathon before,’ recalls Fuzzy Director Ming Gan.‘ When we first started training for this, I had rarely run more than 5km in the past, so the aim for me was a half marathon.’ In the end, the whole team’s determination paid off, with Cordery finishing a half marathon and the rest a full marathon. And for their efforts, they raised $15,000 for the Fred Hollows Foundation.

However, as Mike explains, the charity drive’s most famous supporter hails from Frankston. ‘I started jogging with a good friend Chris Coe who happens to be a studio engineer working with Carl Cox. When he told Carl about the project, the legend was immediately interested in helping out. So we asked Carl if he would be up for delivering the prizes on the day which he agreed to.’ Further fundraising motivation comes in the form of technology brand Pioneer. The DJ industry global leader will award the biggest fundraiser with a brand new V10 mixer valued at $6,000.

Current estimates have this year’s event set to raise over $250,000 of which 100% of proceeds will go to the Fred Hollows Foundation. Aside from raising money for such a great cause, Mike notes that a by-product of past runs has been the significant benefits to mental health and physical well being for participants. ‘Especially during COVID, this run has given many participants something to focus on.’

  www.thickasthieves.com.au/

Lastlings today reveal their lush twelve track debut album First Contact (out now via Liberation Records). With anticipation heightening from one single to the next over the past year, siblings Josh and Amy Dowdle have finally revealed the LP in its entirety. First Contact explores the senses and emotions that arise when encountering experiences for the first time.

Coinciding with the release of the album, the duo also unveil the epic live performance film for their latest single ‘Out Of Touch’. Shot on location at a series of stunning landscapes throughout South Australia and Queensland, and working alongside Sydney-based director and creative Dylan Duclos, the video sees Josh and Amy exploring an otherworldly realm.

A first brush with love, an introduction to the darkness of disappointment, one’s inaugural feeling of hope amidst a world devoid of meaning – these are the experiential lenses through which First Contact is best heard and felt. It is this sense of narrative immersion that stands at the center of the project, always connecting back to life’s milestones from one’s first breath to last. “First Contact is all the moments we experience for the first time, how special they are and how important they are in shaping us as people. It is about those beautiful moments when we feel love for the first time, a child taking its first steps or travelling to a new destination. It’s also about the sombre moments in our life where we have lost something or someone for the first time and how we grow and change from these. We hope that this album sparks all the beautiful and important memories, feelings and emotions that you felt when you experienced something for the first time.” – Lastlings on the meaning behind First Contact The album opens with the love-swept vocals of ‘Deja Vu’, cascading into ‘Take My Hand’ which presents a chase scene energy as fit for dancefloors as it is for science fiction’s past. ‘Out of Touch’ showcases the organic production that primes the album for mainstages worldwide, with delicate guitar licks proclaiming the duo’s destiny for live-electronic stardom. ‘False Reactions’, with its building melodic potency, ushers the listener through the precipice of the album where the intricacies of ‘Last Breath’ and ‘No Time’ demonstrate just why this band has truly arrived. It is at the record’s finale that its meaning truly takes form, with ‘I’ve Got You’ offering a timely look into the artists’ urgency to check in on those they love.Partially written at a remote snow-capped house in tranquil Aomori, a small fishing village on the northern side of Japan and their grandparents’ hometown, Lastlings weave elements of Japanese landscapes and cultural touch points throughout First Contact. The album also has clear recalls to their cinematic, science fiction muses: Blade Runner, Akira, Ghost in the Shell and Studio Ghibli films. Lastlings’ deep sense of artistry and determination have set them apart across today’s musical landscape. Championed by Grammy-nominated trio RÜFÜS DU SOL, Lastlings has been warmly welcomed to the band’s own label, Rose Avenue Records. Since then, they’ve worked with producers like SG Lewis, remixed by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and toured with industry giants like Two Door Cinema Club, Bob Moses, and Glass Animals. Together with their three piece live setup featuring Josh on keys and guitar, a live drummer, and Amy on vocals, they have played career-defining sold-out shows alongside RÜFÜS DU SOL at Colorado’s Red Rocks, Los Angeles State Historic Park and many other renowned venues. Their latest single ‘Out Of Touch’ can currently be heard on the airwaves of triple j or found across a myriad of Apple Music and Spotify playlists globally. It is with an inquisitive and open mind that listeners can find meaning at every turn as they experience Lastlings’ ever growing universe through the emotive soundscapes of First Contact.

LASTLINGS – FIRST CONTACT ALBUM LAUNCH SHOWS Saturday 21 November | The Triffid, Brisbane (early show) |  SOLD OUT Saturday 21 November | The Triffid, Brisbane (late show) | SOLD OUT Friday 4 December | Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (early show) | SOLD OUT Friday 4 December | Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (late show) | SOLD OUT Saturday 5 December | Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (early show) | SOLD OUT Saturday 5 December | Miami Marketta, Gold Coast (late show) | SOLD OUT

First Contact Lastlings Album out now through Liberation Records Available to buy/stream hereFirst Contact tracklisting:  1. Deja Vu 2. Take My Hand 3. Out Of Touch 4. False Reactions 5. 9400 6. Last Breath 7. No Time 8. Visions 9. AI 10. Held Under 11. First Light 12. I’ve Got You

November 20, 2020 0 comments

0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail

Photo credit: Jos Eastwood