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Where are you currently based?
We are currently based in North London.
How did Théa Marie form?
I began my music carrier as a singer songwriter simply called ‘Théa’. As I started studying in the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London, I realised I needed a band to portray my songs exactly how I wanted. One thing lead to the next, my flatmate Julianna became my drummer and our friend Peter became my guitarist. They both add a ‘rock style’ to my soul/jazzy compositions, which I absolutely love. Two years later, we created Théa Marie – a soul rock trio from London.
Your band members are based around the world, how does Théa Marie operate as a band?
Yes, Julianna is Franco English, Peter is American and I am Franco American! It’s crazy to think we all just randomly met in our uni in London. We are very good at getting the job done and concentrating on our music. We operate very well together because we are first of all friends and have the same work ethic.
For rehearsals, I will bring a new song, sing and play it on the guitar and we’ll all just jam on it and feed off of different ideas.
You released an album a few months ago, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Some songs on the album were written about five years ago, while others were written two years ago. They all express the emotions I used to have like homesickness, loneliness, falling in love for the first time… This is why the album is called ’THEN’ – emotions of the past. The songwriting was influenced by folk artists like James Vincent McMorrow and soul artists like Amy Winehouse.
How did you go about writing the music?
I find a progression of chords first, then melodies and lastly lyrics. Usually, my best melodies and lyrics will be written late at night. For some reason, the emotions that I’ve felt throughout the day become more intense in the evening… I don’t know why. In a way it’s great because it means I have more inspiration for my writing.
How did you approach the recording process?
So we recorded the album in two different sessions: one in December of 2018 and one in April of 2019 – we took our time. I kept all the stems of the album for a long time because I wanted the perfect person to mix the tracks – someone who understood the atmosphere I was going for. Luckily, I spent the London lockdown with my flatmates and Jimmy, a brilliant sound engineer and producer. He was nice enough to mix the whole album within 2 weeks – amazing! He now has his own mixing/mastering/production studio called Vakant Studios, you should check him out!
Where did you record?
We recorded in the recording studio of my university.
Please tell us about your latest collaboration:
I wrote ‘Settle Down, Love’ with The Dunwells, two brothers from Leeds. We met in 2018 during one of my school’s events and have kept in touch since. During our songwriting session, I was very anxious by my life. I was explaining to them that I wished I could calm my mind and tell it that everything will be okay. That’s how the idea of ‘Settle Down, Love’ started. We personified my anxious mind and built a conversation with it trying to settle it down.
As soon as we finished writing the song, we knew we had to release it. We knew that so many people would connect with it.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I am still listening to James Vincent McMorrow, I love all of his albums. I recently discovered Lucy McWilliams – her sound is so groovy, chill and elegant.
What do you like to do away from music?
I love finding new places to hang out at. When I’m free, I love walking around London and finding cute places I can come back to later.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
We’re preparing a new set up for our live sets: I play bass instead of guitar, and Julianna and Peter do backing vocals while they play their instruments. It’s fun to change it up and it adds more spice to our authenticity and style of music.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Théa: Favorite food is the Bufala pizza from the Salusbury Food Store in Queens Park. Favorite place is at the top of Alexandra Park on a clear day.
Julianna: Favourite food is the veggie breakfast at La Diva Kilburn and favourite place to hang out is on Primrose Hill on a warm evening.
Peter: Favourite food is a vegetable red curry from Spicy Basil – Kilburn’s hidden culinary gem, and favourite place to hang out is Hampstead Heath on a sunny day.
Where are you currently based?
At the moment I’m based out of Delta, BC, Canada.
How did you first start playing music?
I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. My first memory is at about three years old just belting Christmas carols at the top of my lungs. As I got a bit older I’d listen to albums front to back and would try to mimic the singers exactly – learning every word and inflection. I used to be shy when it came to singing in front of an audience, but close friends continued to push me to give it a go for so many years. After a few years playing open mics in university, I started to want to take things more seriously. That brings us to about five years ago now when I started teaching myself to play guitar so I could write my own songs and accompany myself. It’s a never-ending journey of discovery and learning!
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
Covid has presented challenges for me like it has everyone, but when it started to impact things back in March I decided to take advantage of the time off to further commit myself to music and creativity. I already had these recordings in the bag (for the upcoming EP, ‘Some Thoughts I’ve Had’), but really wanted music videos for them. So I picked up my iPhone, did a bunch of research on filmmaking and video editing, and the rest is history. I’ve got three of four videos done so far and can’t wait to share them with the world!
How has your sound changed since your first release in 2016?
Oh man. Drastically. My first album is country/rock/folk, and this one is jazz/soul/R&B. Couldn’t be more different!
What inspired these changes in your sound?
Part of it comes from my knowledge on guitar. I’ve still got a long way to go to get my chops up to snuff, but at this point I can play a bit more than some basic C, G, and D chords. I also find that I’m heavily influenced by my surroundings and life experiences at the time. In one particular rough patch of my life a couple years back, I was churning out alt, grunge-style songs (that have yet to make it out into the world). Last year, I moved into a community house with some unreal musicians and artists who sent me deeper down the jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel rabbit hole, and I’m still exploring those sounds and riding that wave. There is a LOT to explore within those genres! And these recordings reflect a lot of those influences.
Please tell us what inspired your song ‘Love is’ and how you went about writing it:
I had a recording session booked with the musicians you hear on the album. Leading up to that session, I had a number of newer songs I’d written that I really liked. Three of them felt like this cohesive unit, but the rest almost felt like they could be the start of a completely different album. So the week before the session, I started writing furiously to come up with something that felt like the final piece of the puzzle.
At the time I was in a relationship that I felt wasn’t right for me, but I didn’t want to admit it. ‘Love Is’ became a reverie of a love I hoped to find in the future, while reminiscing on some beautiful and challenging moments from loves past.
Where and when did you record and who with?
I was living in Victoria, BC, and booked a gig opening for Zach Kleisinger – an amazing singer-songwriter from Vancouver. I loved his set, and I remember thinking his backing band was incredible. Turns out, we all hit it off after the show and I made my way to Vancouver a few weeks later to record with Zach’s backing band. Harry Tudor played drums, Colin Weeks was on bass and backup vocals, and Yitzy Holton-Hinshaw played lead guitar and keys and was our sound engineer and producer. We recorded everything live-off-the-floor in a small bedroom in Yitzy’s home (otherwise known as Flavour Studios). In three days we figured out the arrangements, barely slept, and laughed a lot. It was hands down the most fun recording experience I’ve had to date.
What programs/instruments did you use to record?
Production was minimal on this record as I wanted everything to feel raw and to capture the emotion of the songs. I sang and played rhythm guitar, Yitzy sat in on lead guitar and keys, Colin slayed the bass and Harry nailed the drums.
How did you approach the recording process?
In the past, I’ve been guilty of perfectionism and paralysis by analysis. With these songs, I felt like we all had such great chemistry as a band and things seemed to flow effortlessly. We decided not to use a click track which helped to throw perfectionism out the window right off the bat. Truth be told, I actually love hearing a flaw here and there in a recording – it feels emotional and human and it’s fascinating. So instead of overanalyzing and second-guessing things, I decided to go with the flow and it honestly came together fairly quickly. That’s not to say that we didn’t work hard – I’m pretty sure I was delusional by the end of the third recording day. But I wanted to trust my gut on these. Playing the songs felt right and I liked what I was hearing, so I wanted to keep things fun and lighthearted without bringing any stress into it.
You’ll be releasing a music video for ‘Love Is’ on November 23, how did the video concept come about?
I just wanted something super positive, uplifting, and wholesome for this video. At this time especially, I felt like I needed to make something that could bring a bit of joy to people’s lives. So I decided I wanted some footage in the style of a home video to showcase different types of love – young parents with their babies, a senior couple, newlyweds, and a man with his dogs. Because of Covid I was limited to the number of people I could collaborate with, but at the same time – I’d moved in with my folks in my hometown when the pandemic hit. So the cool thing about this video, for me, is that everyone that appears in it is either a family member or a close childhood friend who I may have lost contact with at one time or another. It felt very personal and close to my heart.
Where did you film? And how was the experience?
All of the footage was shot at parks, or in people’s backyards in the Vancouver area. And filming was an absolute blast! It was great to reconnect with old friends, and to include my friends and family in a part of my musical world.
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m an avid runner and cyclist, but I also love hiking, longboarding, camping, and basically anything outdoorsy. Since the pandemic hit I’ve taken up mountain biking which is scary and fun. I dabble in some acting and love to draw, and am pretty much always on the hunt for the next creative project.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Eloise! She’s been my soundtrack for 2019 and 2020. Also Ella Fitzgerald, Blossom Dearie, Samm Henshaw, Ruston Kelly, Yebba, H.E.R., Chris Stapleton, James Taylor . . . I could go on.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
I’ll be releasing three more songs to complete the full ‘Some Thoughts I’ve Had’ EP, and the music videos that I made in isolation. I also wrote a super upbeat pop song with my friend/fellow musician Alexander Ferguson in recent months. It’s totally different from anything I’ve ever done, and we’ll be releasing that a few months into 2021, too!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Pasta. Every day all day. Every different type. I could literally eat pasta for the rest of my life. Favourite place to hang out? If we’re talking restaurants and we’re on the subject of food then I’m gonna go with Tapa Bar in Victoria, BC. The bacon wrapped almond stuffed dates are a killer and their sangria is perfection.
Melbourne punk-rock band, Picket Palace, are back with their tongue-in-cheek single, ‘All About The Money’ via Daily Nightly Records.
‘All About The Money’ plays with the idea of the band becoming soulless, corporate sell-outs after being criticised online for the mainstream media attention they received when their tribute to Essendon footy player ‘Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’ went viral.
“I reckon it’s fucking funny as that people were calling us “sell outs” on social media…like, dude I’d love to sell out, rent’s fucked where I live, I’ll write you whatever song you want for a new oven,” jokes frontman Seamus.
“We thought it was hilarious to imagine a version of ourselves who had been so excited about getting our stupid faces on the stupid telly that we would suddenly throw away all our integrity and sell off our creative freedom to become celebrities and make ridiculous demands about jetskis. That was what made us laugh the most when we were throwing ideas around, the idea of a band who are desperate to sell out but no one’s buying,” explains Jack from the group.
All jokes aside, the band also makes a poignant statement that only the privileged can pursue a career in the arts, because “the poor can’t afford to work for free.”
“The disdain our government shows for art and artists is disgracefully narrowminded, and the impact on our friends in the industry is only getting worse in the COVID era, so it’s important that we get to put this track out there as a ‘fuck you’ to the people who decided the Arts ministry mattered so little that it should be consumed by the department of fucking transport,” Jack continues.
‘All About The Money’ is a welcome return for Picket Palace and a thematic piece of dolewave that will leave you smiling & questioning the entertainment industry all at once.
The track follows on from Picket Palace’s triple j supported single ‘No Fun Intended’, continuing to forge a signature sound for the band outside of the virality they received for their half a million times viewed video for ‘Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti’ and the aptly titled follow up, ‘The Footy Record’.
Notable performances include a slot on the main stage of the sold out Beyond The Valley festival over new years, alongside a sold out headline show at Northcote Social Club. Their live show is an exuberant, exhilarating trip that is somehow both ferociously energetic and sincerely heartwarming — an adorable riot.
With an energy like no other, the band continues their assent into national consciousness as leaders of the new school.
BIO
Birthed and nurtured in a sweaty loft apartment above a picket fence workshop in Brunswick, Picket Palace crank out razor-sharp punk belters and anxious, rambling reflections with an enthusiasm that is innocent, unpretentious and completely infectious. Urgent, punchy rhythms underpin distinctive, angular guitar lines and lyrics so honest and guileless that you’ll feel like the band have set your own half drunken conversations to music.
Taking their name from the sharehouse apartment that brought the band together, Picket Palace consists of lead vocalist Seamus O’Connell, his brother Jack on guitar and vocals, Jack’s housemates Gus George on guitar and Julian Angelatos on drums, and their next-door neighbour Daniel Heeps on Bass.
PRAISE FOR PICKET PALACE:
“it’s a great brand of scraggly, raucous pub rock that would even get the seniors drinking tooheys old off their stool for a little mosh” – Declan Byrne, triple j
“laugh-and-cry-at-the-same-
“every song is charming, genuine and covered in an endearing sense of irresponsibility – making Picket Palace the kind of band you’d love to see rip up a stage on a Friday night then eavesdrop on afterwards in the beer garden.” – Trouble Juice
“Picket Palace is a breath of fresh air” – Keep Walking Music
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY | YOUTUBE | TWITTER
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The band has also confirmed a run of rescheduled support dates in 2021, travelling around the UK and Europe with Blossoms and are proud to be invited guests on Paul Weller’s rearranged tour.
Earlier this year, The Lathums announced their plans to cut just one, 7” copy of their cover of Northern Soul classic, The Snake. With no digital release or radio airplay planned, just one, winning ticket holder in an online raffle to support fan-led fund for the survival of Wigan Athletic will ever own the recording. To date, the fundraising effort has secured almost £4000.
The Lathums’ story began just two years ago with the band making swift graduation from Greater Manchester pubs to festival stages including Kendal Calling and Neighbourhood Weekender. The breathless pace at which their popularity has escalated is now being captured in upbeat recording sessions for their debut album at Parr Street Studios, Liverpool with producers, James Skelly and Chris Taylor.
For future release news and updates about sought-after tickets for The Lathums’ live shows, connect with the band online at:
https://twitter.com/TheLathums
https://www.facebook.com/
https://www.instagram.com/
All Images: Sam Crowston
Are you still based in Canberra?
Born and bred! Besides a brief stint living in London town back in 2006 (some cracking parties back then).
Canberra is not a particularly big place, how’s the underground scene there?
Canberra has always had a thriving, close knit underground scene since way before I was old enough to go out partying.
Unfortunately, I have personally witnessed the demise of nearly every single last left night club and festival venue in the city over the years due to a rapid rise in rental costs, liquor licencing costs and residential properties spreading too close to the last pockets of music venue hope – which of course comes with sound complaints. To top that off a global pandemic hit and we are left with just two last venues in the city that regularly offer electronic music. It’s a real shame to think that when I started Djing there were countless pumping nightclubs and late-night venues in Canberra and now we are left with nearly none at all.
The positive side to this is that the ‘underground’ scene is building up and forming together stronger than ever with new ideas for the future.
What’s it like trying to make a name for yourself in a place like that with deep house and breaks?
I started Djing and dabbling in music production in way back in 2002 when I was still in high school.
I have been fortunate enough to have held residencies, helped promote parties and have awesome friends who ran some of the best parties this town has ever had and still do.
The scene was quite strong in Canberra in the early to late 2000’s, so I had many great festivals and late night venues to play at! The scene here has always been very open minded to different forms of electronica, so I find the vibe here less biased towards one genre to the other here than some other AUS cities tbh.
How did you first start playing music and how did you evolve into electronic music?
The first music I ever loved was The Prodigy’s ‘Music For the Jilted Generation’ when I was literally in primary school! I got into Gatecrasher style trance in my first year of high school. So I have basically had a love in electronic music since I knew about music.
I started making tunes with Fruityloops v1 and have stuck to it till this day.
There are a lot of breaks in your portfolio, where did they come from?
It is an interesting story.
I moved on from my passion of Trance music on to Progressive House and Techno in the early 2000’s. Then in early high school years I actually randomly won a crate of vinyl full of the entire Finger Lickin’ Records discography via a competition on the ‘In The Mix’ website. I didn’t even know I was in a competition! But I just got home from school one afternoon and there I was with all of the best Breakbeat the world had to offer at the time. This basically got me into Breaks and then as I was already into Progressive, it merged to become my real love of ‘Progressive Breaks’. I always wonder if I would have DJ’d and Produced so much Breaks if I never won that random crate?
Which artists have been your biggest influences?
In reality, there are way too many to name through many genres, though I have to mention the big guns like: The Prodigy, The Chemical Brothers, Aphex Twin, John Digweed, Sasha, Nick Warren, Andy Page, Hybrid, Phil K, Hernan Cattaneo, Underworld. The list goes on but they have to be some major inspirers.
What’s been happening recently?
Due to the pandemic, no DJ gigs besides the odd livestream and recordings on Mixcloud and select radio shows. Though lots of music production has been happening which is a plus.
Oh and I got engaged! (Congratulations! – Anthony.)
Any upcoming releases we should keep an eye out for?
I have an EP coming out on ‘Late Night Music’ in November with two new originals ‘Distant Source’ and ‘Fargone’ with some fantastic remixes from Jamie Stevens, B-Tham, Kazuki and Tidy. I have had some great feedback on these tracks so far! It’s a fun EP as every track in the package is quite different so it makes for an exciting release.
Do you prefer to DJ or play live?
Djng is always fun and less stressful, but live shows which are much more rewarding.
I aim to do much more live stuff after the pandemic.
I also do a side project live show with Tidy under our name ‘Stact’ which has been the best fun I have ever had performing live. Its more of an experimental breaks/drum and bass/ idm project that we do completely live and improved on the spot with pallets of sounds, synths, vinyl and drum samples we have made. Basically, a live jam that never sounds the same twice. https://soundcloud.com/stact
What are your top 3 plug-ins to use in the studio, and why?
They change over time but at the moment I’m loving Gulfoss.
It is a live eq that balances out the sounds on the fly as they play. It’s really smart AI in a simple interface. It does wonders to the mix.
Native Instruments Guitar Rig has always been something I use on all sorts of sounds to re shape and texture. I use it in a much more subtle way than its designed for, but it really works for me.
I’m also loving Pigments by Arturia at the moment also, it’s a really full textured synth. The Arturia range is amazing.
Where can we hear you DJ? Do you have any future ambitions for your music?
The last gig I was billed for was to warm up for Booka Shade in back March but that got cancelled due to the pandemic, so at the moment you can only hear me on various livestreams and radio shows that I will always announce on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/fourthstate
The future is shrouded in mystery at the moment.
Is there anywhere you’d really love to play, or any labels you’d love to release on?
I’d love to play at Rainbow Serpent festival for sure! And my main goal is to support John Digweed one day and especially feature on his Transitions radio show.
Getting a release on Johns label Bedrock would be paramount.
What do you like to do away from music?
I love to get away from the electro-concrete jungle and head into real nature. camping, the beach, bushwalks etc.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’m always finding new tunes and shazaming ones I love in mixcloud and soundcloud sets of artists that I keep adding and following on those platforms. And I’ve been listening to John Digweeds Transitions radio show religiously every week for years and years now.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
Write more tunes, try and play at a real gig and get to the beach as often as I can.
www.soundcloud.com/fourthstate
Interviewer: Anthony Huttley
Title: Am I The Only One
Label: CYB3RPVNK
For his newest crossover single, R3HAB teams up with European pop sensations – Norwegian Astrid S and British HRVY, on “Am I The Only One.” It’s a modern dance-pop smash, delivering organic melodies and a groovy breakdown complemented by emotive vocal performances by Astrid S and HRVY, which gives a unique guy-and-girl perspective on a relationship. The lyrical side of “Am I The Only One” will hit home for anyone who has ever experienced a prospective relationship fall apart from a lack of vulnerability. The new release is a continuation of R3HAB‘s robust activity on the release market this year, in the form of recent official remixes for the likes of Shaggy, LAY, Wafia, Jason Derulo, Steve Aoki, as well as singles, such as “Family Values” with Nina Nesbitt, “love u again” with Olivia Holt, “Bésame (I Need You)” with TINI and Reik, to name a few. It sees the electronic music heavyweight drawing inspirations from many music genres with his usual finesse, implementing a tried and tested formula, as this is not the first time R3HAB joins forces with Astrid S and HRVY.
“Astrid S and I have wanted to release a track together since I remixed her “Favorite Part Of Me” single back in 2019. “Am I The Only One” is that song, and we’re both happy that HRVY was also excited to jump in. HRVY and I also worked together this year on “Be Okay,” released on my label CYB3RPVNK. Both artists are the future of pop music, and I always love to work with talented people like that.” – R3HAB
“I’m so happy to be a part of this song with R3HAB and HRVY! I hope people will like it as much as I do!” – Astrid S
“Working with R3HAB on “Be Okay” earlier this year was a great experience, so jumping on a song with both, R3HAB again and Astrid S, is something that gets me super excited for “Am I The Only One” to come out” – HRVY
Dutch/Moroccan DJ and producer Fadi El Ghoul, better known as R3HAB, has been trailblazing his way through dance music for the better part of the last decade. From his breakthrough hit remix of Afrojack, Pitbull and Ne-Yo‘s “Give Me Everything” to his dance anthems, such as “All Around The World (La La La)” and “Lullaby,” which have collectively amassed over 600M streams, to his collaborations with the likes of ZAYN, Andy Grammer, Sofia Carson, Timmy Trumpet and more, R3HAB has proven to be one of the most talented and forward-thinking artists in the game. He partnered with Spotify and GATTÜSO to create the first-ever official “mint” single release. In 2016 he founded his label CYB3RPVNK, which passed one billion streams on its catalog within the first two years since the inception. R3HAB himself continues to evolve and diversify his sound by working with a variety of artists around the globe, experimenting with everything from hip-hop to pop through his collaborations. With his combination of innate artistry and innovative attitude, R3HAB is only beginning his journey. Keep an eye out for what’s up to next!
Title: Wandering EP
Label: Ultra Records
MYRNE at last debuts his full length “Wandering” EP, which includes four new tracks, as well as his previously released singles “Forbidden Lovers,” “Sleeping On My Own Again,” and “Splinter.” The EP showcases the depth of MYRNE‘s sonic maturity and follows an organic and deeply emotive flow, which was inspired by his own experience wandering and traveling without a purpose. The EP‘s opening “Superstructure” is a dreamy, breezy listen that establishes the thoughtful and natural flow of MYRNE‘s consciousness. The next new track, “False Memory,” is a wistful instrumental journey that carries nostalgia for times and loves gone by. MYRNE rounds things out with two vocal songs: the romantic ballad “Loving You is Scary” with Cody Lovaas, followed by a powerful closure with the ethereal and groovy “Creature Comforts,” featuring Vania. MYRNE masterfully carries the listener through a spectrum of soundscapes and emotions in “Wandering,” making it the perfect listen for your own introspective journey.
“A collection of songs that I wrote while in a period of self-discovery and aimless wandering. Nature and day-to-day existence definitely inspired this record, and it feels very liberating writing music spontaneously without conscious planning. It was a little odd sitting down to write without a goal in mind, but once I overcame that barrier, the process was extremely fun and relaxing.” – MYRNE in his own words about the release.
Singapore-based MYRNE first made his appearance on the scene with his 2015 debut EP “Softsins” on behemoth label Mad Decent, inaugurating himself as the first Asian artist on the label. His indie-electronic style comes from his training as a classical musician and his own isolation in his home country; MYRNE‘s style is both sophisticated and easy to listen to, incorporating elements from multiple genres. In 2017, he released the seminal electronic-indie LP “B4NGER PROJECT” with longtime collaborator Gentle Bones on Universal Music, followed by co-production work on RL Grime‘s “I Wanna Know” in 2018. After establishing himself as a talented force through these three projects, MYRNE has earned an impressive roster of live performances on his resume, including Ultra Music Festival and Tomorrowland, to name a few. He has also played to thousands in his home circuit in Southeast Asia, China, and the United States, such as Hard Summer, My Life Everyday, and more. Keep an eye out for more music from MYRNE coming very soon!
Saige keeps getting better in ‘Mama’
Making waves with her debut releases, Saige is ready to step into the spotlight. The Irish artist introduced her unique brand of alt-pop earlier this year and has seen national airplay, additions to leading Spotify playlists, and major online praise in the likes of Notion Magazine. Saige describes her sound as baroque-pop, a style that blends the alt-pop she loved as a teen with her musical inspirations today such as Lykke Li and The XX.
Black Sands drops halloween treat
Known for his genre-blending sound, Black Sands returns with his new darker halloween inspired single ‘Fearless’. With powerful, distorted vocals, echoey soundscapes and reverberating beats, the anthemic track creates a sense of light and shade both in its expressive lyricism and melodies. Black Sands seamlessly blends elements of Rock, R&B and Electro-Pop, all concocted to produce a flurry of magnetic energy. The spine tingling track takes many dynamic twists and turns, constructing a sound that can be defined as Nine Inch Nails meets Imagine Dragons. Its soul baring lyrics and emphatic instrumentals dramatically build to create a scintillating sonic explosion.
Punt Guns drop mind-blowing self titled album
Punt Guns’ debut album is a collection of anthem-like, electronic rock and pop power tracks, with cutting edge instrumental intervals and commanding vocals that make a striking statement. The eight track compilation is carefully mastered and constructs a fusion of dynamite sounds, with a take on warped reality and intensified feeling. Their magnetic energy never ceases, and their apocalyptic, sci-fi vision is brought to life through their musical storytelling. Building their unique brand over the past 2 years, the release of their album is a curation of innovative sounds, built to create an experience like no other for their growing base of disciples.
Benedict drops Scratch Massive Remixes
Australian alt-pop prodigy Benedict is set to release remixes of her well-acclaimed July single ‘Warzone’. The release includes two Scratch Massive remixes, all of which further fuel the electric essence of the original track. Featuring pounding beats, pulsating melodies and Benedict’s haunting, breathy falsetto, each of these remixes channel nostalgic 80s dance-pop. They explode into an electronic kaleidoscope of sound, whilst maintaining a smooth and digestible feeling. Benedict’s lyrics allude to troubled human relationships, showcasing her sanguine ability to create original and upbeat pop tracks with emotive and authentic storytelling.
Condescending releases big hitter ‘Kansas, the Band’
Condescending is set to drop his first release of the year, a mesmerising dual track project. It features a song who’s namesake is its creator, filled with resonating guitar patterns and haunting vocals. The focus track is ‘Kansas, the Band’, offering viscid strumming and breathy crooning, portraying a heavy sense of melancholy. The experimental melodies and eerie digital sounds on both tracks give this release a textured, atmospheric feeling without being overstated.
Random Weekend drop ‘Fire By The Lakehouse’
A fusion of contradicting yet complimentary sounds, ‘Fire by the Lakehouse’ is a production powerhouse formulation by Random Weekend. Harbouring ethereal synth, pounding beats and topped with a mixture of Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L and Pook Hustle’s distinct rap bars, the four tracks ebb and flow with energy, incorporating a plethora of alternative, intoxicating sounds that take a fresh spin on trap. Random Weekend’s genre-blending, vivid vision is projected through their exclusive sound, and their playful, adventurous nature makes for something surely unheard.
Richard releases new single ‘Steady’
Bursting back on the scene with a fiery, magnetic blend of rap and urban pop, Richard’s new single ‘Steady’ is a whirlwind of atmospheric soundscapes. Underpinned with electro-style instrumentals, the explosive track ebbs and flows, with its climactic melodies creating an intense and sonic experience. Richard’s powerful and soul coated vocals take centre stage, as his introspective lyrics reflect on poignant topics throughout. Richard’s style has been well honed and artistically molded to perfection, with his memorable brand setting him firmly apart.
Naama Guggenheim goes long with ‘Shot In The Air’
‘Shot In The Air’ is a warm composition of soft R&B and soulful whispers, kindling a masterpiece that brims with the perfect mellifluous ambience. Laced with a jazzy undertone, the track’s dreamy melodies are enveloped with Naama’s delicate vocals, with her magical croon expressing the honesty of her lyrics in a beautifully eloquent manner. Unafraid to open up, Naama’s artistry glows with rawness and vulnerability, courageously revealing the inner truths of the heart, and building a profound connection with her listeners.
Peter Dallas drops the perfect dance record
‘Your Lover’, taken from Peter Dallas’ upcoming EP ‘The ballads of Peter Dallas’, bursts with an amalgamation of electro and synth sounds, topped with entrancing whispering vocals. The single’s echoey tone is remarkably distinctive, with its atmospheric soundscapes being sonically vivid. Formulating a sound that is hauntingly intriguing, Peter Dallas’ slick talents shine through the track’s epic flourish of vibrant and eclectic sounds.
Johnnie Darko is the UKs best kept secret
Johnnie Darko showcases his adventurous and bold talent through each of his 9 distinctive tracks, collectively ‘The Dark Night Album’. Making his mark on the UK rap, underground music scene, his style and brand is compellingly playful and slick, with every track bringing a fresh edge to his skillfully crafted compilation. Johnnie’s dynamic rap flow, striking beats and honest, relatable lyrics, forms a flood of energy, with his artistry being particularly unique.
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Today, Sydney rapper Kwame releases his new EP “Please, Get Home Safe.” – a journey of self-discovery, acceptance and catharsis. The EP follows the young artist, from once starry-eyed, to now venturing out into the uncertain world facing trials and tribulations in the hope that true self-identity can be recognised.
In celebration of releasing what is his third project, Kwame has been performing live shows at the Lansdowne Hotel in Sydney. Tonight’s two sets, supported by Phil Fresh, will be the final shows of the short run.
“Please, Get Home Safe.” EP title takes inspiration from a saying often used by parents to their children when leaving home “Be careful, stay safe and let me know when you’re home”
It was through this saying that Kwame gained the inspiration to speak on how he himself as an Artist can often see the world intimidating when wanting to break away from the unwritten social norms of acceptable behaviour as well as how Artists ‘should’ create.
Through this carefully written and produced project, Kwame begins his journey of self-discovery on the first half of the project. The first track being ‘Nobody’, an artistic number planting Kwame’s stance as a force to be reckoned with bringing all that he had feared to the centre of the attention with E^ST’’s angelic touch declaring that in fact all our big dreams make all our fears smaller.
The sample driven ‘Stop Knockin’ @ My Door!’ a constant shield steering clear of all the naysayers & negativity one can feel preceded by the fierce collaboration between Kwame & Arno Faraji on ‘Ain’t So’ demanding the respect and credit that they are ever so due of.
Kwame then swerved into the face of external forces that shook his core existence. Debilitating and at times oppressive, we are met with the song ‘Tommy’s In Trouble’ (featuring CLYPSO & Phil Fresh) in which he confronts adversity.
Kwame acknowledges his deep vulnerability as a human being through which is discovered in the song ‘Glory’. Kwame touches on the losses and downfalls he faced promoting growth within his mind which had made him more mature not only as a person, but also as an artist. Seeking to bring peaceful and positive energy to not only his own life, but to others around him.
The finale in ‘We Can Be’ highlights the confidence in overcoming adversity. Kwame has now returned home safely, and acknowledges pivotal moments faced along the way. His experiences have made him more mature and he is now certain of his purpose, his calling.
Kwame acknowledges self-identity is a journey that carries beyond deeper into a philosophical context both past present and future. He now stands in front of his audience with confidence, maturity and positive energy in the hope that he can provide a voice to others through this multi-dimensional, lateral art piece. Whilst he understands his purpose, he recognises the best years are yet to come – ‘we’ can be anything. You can be anything.
Since releasing his debut single, ‘I Get It’ in 2016, the 22-year-old Ghanaian-Australian producer, writer, rapper and engineer has gone on to amass over 19 million times globally.
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“One of the leaders of the New School” – Zane Lowe – Beats 1 “there is no one doing it like Kwame right now” – Purple Sneakers “Tommy’s In Trouble is a rap extravaganza” – Sniffers |
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‘PLEASE, GET HOME SAFE’ EP IS OUT NOW via DEF JAM ANZ FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD |
Where are you currently based?
Hello! I’m in Melbourne, I’ve lived here for 7 years and am originally from the Northern Rivers of NSW.
How did you first get into music?
I first got into music pretty young. An early memory was going with mum to choir when I was 5. I still recall most of the songs, some were African, in different languages and were really rhythmic. It was pretty magical to hear all the different melodies and rhythms of the voices coming together as one.
What influenced the sound and songwriting for your new single ‘Sweet Mellow D’?
With this song, I’m not exactly sure as it was pretty intuitive. I resonate with alternative folk artists like the storytelling of Adrienne Lenker and Angel Olsen, the abstract and quirky characteristics of Aldous Harding, the melody and lyrical style of Hand Habits, the finger picking of Jose Gonzalez, and endless inspiration from local queens Maple Glider, Nai Palm, Angie McMahon and Harmony Byrne.
When and where did you record it?
I recorded SMD in June during Lockdown, with legend friend Nick Herrera in his studio known as The Grove, in Coburg.
How do you usually go about writing music?
There’s no rules and honestly my ‘process’ is pretty random. I usually pop my phone on record, and then forget about it and just go stream of consciousness for ages. Then I listen back and deconstruct little gems that I can collage together and workshop. The improvising helps me say what I actually feel.
What instruments do you use?
I play guitar and I’m hoping to get a piano soon, which has been on the dream list for a while. I play my lovely old nylon, which I picked up second hand in Tasmania, or I play my ‘85 Japanese Strat which I found in a flea market, that was a good day!
I’m left handed and originally learned left, but 4 years ago started playing right handed. Not only can I now jam at parties, but also all the chord shapes I play are upside down and I like the different fingerpicking patterns, and new chord shapes I find. All the songs on my record are written this way.
How do you approach recording/production?
I first found freedom in demo’s. I see them as a carefree and messy thang where there is no room for perfectionism, which can hinder me. As I don’t have a laptop at the moment (sad story) I keep things simple with an ipad and Garage band. It is the perfect way to get a vibing demo as a reference for proper studio time. I quite like the inbuilt mic, and I feel rebellious by not having a monster set up.
Then in the studio is where the music is expanded upon and that is so satisfying. Nick really dug the lo-fi sound of the iPad demo’s and it ended up becoming a stylistic feature in the music – hi-fi lo-fi if you know what I mean.
Please tell us about your new video, how was it filmed and where?
The video was a rapid fire creation, that timed itself well with the lockdowns. I teamed up with my friend Joli.vision, and we managed to get it filmed the day before stage 4 came in. He suggested the time-lapse idea with ‘masking’ elements, I don’t have much language or experience in video, so Joli is the man behind all the tech.
The vision was to set up my lounge room pretty much exactly how it exists in my room somewhere in coastal nature. We found an incredible spot looking over the water to the mountains of Wilsons Prom in the background, which is a prehistoric nature reserve to the south east of Melbourne.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Today I was listening to Godtet from Sydney, and their live performance at the Opera House. I found Duval Timothy whose mostly instrumental sample-based piano music had me in the feels. Also Maple Gliders debut track ‘As Tradition’ has had many plays this week.
What do you like to do away from music?
I make stained glass earrings and during Covid I started Studying Glass and glazing which is cool. I build stuff from wood, I work as a carpenter’s labourer and want to upskill so I can build a shack in the bush one day. I take my dog on adventures and I’m getting into spearfishing after Covid. I’ve been reading a fair bit- I’m super interested in how trauma affects the body, and also the ability for the brain to unlearn and relearn. Also learning about this country in terms of colonisation, the untold history, current issues and my place in it all.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Most common shnack at the moment is A1 Lebanese Bakery for the stretched zaatar –
Favorite spot is Eddie Gardens beers in the sun, or Warrandyte River for summer swimming.
What’s next for you that you’re really excited about?
In terms of music, I have this unreleased album that I’m so excited to share. It’s quite a thing of beauty and experimentation, so I’m looking forward to setting it free. I hope to tour to the UK/Europe but that’s all pretty unknown at the moment, so patience is key.
I’m really excited to go free diving and GTF out of the city.
