Ben Harper has shared a new video in which he performs his new solo album Winter Is For Lovers (ANTI- Records) in full, from front to back. The mesmerising performance, featuring just Ben and his Monteleone lap steel guitar, was filmed at The Folk Music Center, the famous music shop that his grandparents opened in the late 1950s in Claremont, CA. The Folk Music Center is central to the story of this album, which is out now and has been met with raves.
Winter Is For Lovers (ANTI- Records) is in many ways a culmination of Ben’s entire musical life. The intimate and ambitious solo recording is his first-ever entirely instrumental project, 15 original compositions that seamlessly flow together, imagined as a symphony for guitar.
Ben Harper Cover Feature Story In Rhythms Magazine
Ben Harper Rolling Stone Australia Feature
Ben Harper Sydney Morning Herald Feature
“Virtuosic, heartfelt and quietly but compellingly brilliant” – Uncut Magazine 8 out of 10 stars
“Winter Is For Lovers may be the perfect album for our time” – Folk Alley
“A lovely, sweet, immaculately recorded and performed set perfect for Sunday morning coffee” – American Songwriter
“The melodies are memorable, the flavours warm. It’s calming and rich and rather beautiful” – Financial Times UK
The music heard on Winter Is For Lovers is deeply ingrained in Harper’s DNA and leads directly back to aforementioned Folk Music Center. The shop and community centre has hosted music legends of all stripes, many of which Ben met while working there. Some of the album’s many musical inspirations were visitors, including John Fahey, the godfather of the American Primitive movement, slide guitar master Taj Mahal, who Ben would later study with, plus the likes of Leonard Cohen, Jackson Browne, Doc Watson.
Winter Is For Lovers also swirls with the music Ben heard growing up, listening to the blues, Hawaiian and classical guitar masters in his mother’s record collection. He gravitated early on to the distinct wail of the slide guitar, learning finger picking from Taj Mahal and later studying with Chris Darrow of Nitty Gritty Dirt Band – a lap steel virtuoso who had a major influence on Harper’s lifelong embrace of the instrument.
The first pressing of a 2,000-piece limited edition vinyl of Winter Is For Lovers sold out in just 24 hours, but fans can order both digital and additional physical versions of Winter Is For Lovers here.
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Melbourne’s SoundMerch today proudly announces a partnership with The Australian Music Prize (The AMP) in 2020, stepping up as the naming rights sponsor. The partnership guarantees a cash prize of $20,000 for the winner.
Australia’s most prestigious music award announced its return in 2020 for its 16th prize, last month. With COVID-19 putting many people and businesses under immense financial pressure, The AMP, whose primary source of income had been sponsorship, announced a unique opportunity to purchase t-shirts with 70% of all profit from sales going directly to the artists through prize money and marketing of the albums.
Since then, SoundMerch has generously stepped up to give back to the Australian music industry by sponsoring the prize. With COVID-19 putting a pause in live music and the tour merch that comes with that, bands have been pushing their online music merch more than ever as one of their main sources of income. This saw online merch and vinyl sales triple for Australia’s SoundMerch who has been printing and producing merch for over 10 years.
“We’ve had a great year and would like to give something back to Australian artists given most of them haven’t had a great year. Doing this through The AMP also helps promote a healthy music scene which in turn helps SoundMerch” said Tim Everist, CEO of SoundMerch.
Emerging in 2005, the Australian Music Prize has provided a mouthpiece for the best albums in Australian contemporary music, judged by esteemed peers within the Australian music industry that focuses on creative merit over mainstream popularity. A sister prize to the UK’s coveted Mercury Prize, the Australian Music Prize is Australia’s most sought-after achievement within the music community, honouring the album as an art form.
With over 50 Australian albums nominated – so far – the 16th AMP will announce its final list of 2020 Nominated Albums in December. In 2019, this list was 107 albums long out of 440 eligible albums with numbers looking similar this year. As per previous prizes, the Shortlist will be announced in early-Feb 2021 and then a select panel of the judges will meet in March to decide on and announce, a winner.
“It’s admirable of Tim to stand up to declare he’s making money from Aussie music and therefore he wants to give back and support the artists, I urge artists to work with companies like this. SoundMerch’s support means we can guarantee a cash prize of $20,000 and if our t-shirt sales continue, we may even be able to offer more funds for those artists making great albums” said Scott B. Murphy, the founder and prize director of The AMP.
Support Aussie Made Music
70% of profits will go directly to artists by way of prize money and marketing of their albums.
Pre-order it HERE.
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KINGSWOOD are rounding off what has been a massive year of music for the band with their take on some Christmas classics in forthcoming album – A Kingswood Christmas.
Engaging a long lasting love for pioneering voices such as Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald and Nat King Cole, the album is Kingswood’s tribute to the music that has soundtracked many a classic festive season.
The idea of creating a Christmas album is one that Kingswood have been ruminating on for some time. With a year as unpredictable as 2020 finally coming to an end though, it feels like the perfect time for Kingswood to release a record that is both fun, warming and hopeful.
12 Christmas favourites are brought to life on A Kingswood Christmas, including some inspired takes on ‘O Holy Night’, ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’ and ‘Silent Night’, with both Alex Laska and Fergus Linacre trading lead vocal duties throughout, beautifully complementing one another.
“With a deep love of the many and varied Jazz-eras and the show-tune stylings of big bands that shaped American and furthermore, western global musical trends for some decades, our fascinations with the classic inspired interpretations on Christmas standards have long been celebrated throughout the years of Kingswood.” KINGSWOOD
The band recorded A Kingswood Christmas out of Melbourne’s Newmarket Studios with Guus Hoevenaars, along with added instrumentation from some talented musicians including Irena Laska (Flute), Richard Butler (Tenor Saxophone), Steve Hornby (Double Bass) Jack Davies (Double Bass). Following on from the band’s previously released 2020 material on the Reveries and Juveniles records, the team behind A Kingswood Christmas have engineered this album into a final product that fits in alongside perfectly.
The band’s already proven versatility as musicians lends itself brilliantly to a Christmas album such as this, bringing together rich vocals and instrumentation in a way that provokes some great nostalgia while also demonstrating the band’s talent in a fresh way.
Profits from the sales of A Kingswood Christmas will be donated to Beyond Blue, an effort that holds special significance for the band. Realising that they have the opportunity to help others less fortunate, particularly as we head into the Christmas season, Kingswood have paired up with Beyond Blue to raise funds for their Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.
“Mental health is an issue that we have always been passionate about, and we have had the honour to work with many great organisations throughout our career. Many Australians are approaching an unprecedented period of difficulty, with the ongoing hardships the pandemic has caused, running into Christmas. The experts at Beyond Blue recognise that sometimes holidays can also bring stress, anxiety and depression, particularly among those dealing with loneliness, relationship difficulties or financial worries. Beyond Blue provides vital support for all Australians and together, we want to remind everyone that if you’re in strife and you need support for your mental health, reach out and ask.” KINGSWOOD
- White Christmas
- It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!
- O Holy Night
- Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
- The Christmas Song
- Winter Wonderland
- Sleigh Ride
- I’ll Be Home For Christmas
- Mistletoe and Holly
- Silent Night
- Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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On debut singles ‘Picking Flowers‘ and ‘My Way Out‘, Daine emerged as an artist that wears her emotions on her sleeve as visibly as her influences. Each track is like an entry in her own modern diary, chronicling the life of an artist in a disillusioned generation navigating life in an unforgiving world. Open that diary, and watch Daine subvert expectations even further in the future.
‘Ascension / Angel Numbers‘ by daine is out now, buy/stream it here.
Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | Tiktok | Soundcloud
Today, much-loved Melbourne duo Slum Sociable reveal their latest single ‘You’re In My Head feat. KYE.’ The vibrant summer groove marks the duo’s first collaboration on a track.
Since Slum Sociable’s first release in 2015, they have continually proven to be a quintessential pairing. With a notable catalogue of Ed Quinn’s smooth, trip-hop influenced production existing in perfect synchronisation with Miller Upchurch’s enchanting vocals, it’s no question why Slum Sociable’s work firmly stands on its own feet. The duo have effortlessly forged their own creative identity with no remixes and collaborations – until now.
‘You’re In my Head’ sees Slum Sociable sharing their world with KYE, whose soaring vocals take a firm hold of the song’s propulsive rhythms. The earworm bass-line is matched by Miller and KYE’s harmonious energy and the grandiose, festival-ready production courtesy of Ed Quinn and Xavier Dunn.
– Ed Quinn
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Premiered via Triple R, ‘Ghost of Love’ is Andy Golledge’s most rock leaning track to date, one that represents the raw, unmatchable energy of his infamous live show. Featuring his signature mix of duelling acoustic and electric guitars and an anthemic chorus that will melt your heart, ‘Ghost of Love’ showcases both his Tom Petty-esque ability to transcend genre and his instinctive storytelling ability.
I guess it’s an anthem of sorts for people who are running from themselves. When you’re building walls and reasons to keep yourself at bay, giving into the fear and doing ‘sweet F-A’.”
– Andy Golledge
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Hey Joe, welcome to the Partae! You’ve got a pretty epic 7 track EP ‘Texture’s dropping imminently – it might be your first EP, but you’ve been turning heads for a while, we particularly loved your track Crystal Clear. Why did you decide to release a 7 track EP?
Hey! Yeah this EP has been a long time coming – but I can’t wait to get it out there for everyone to listen to. There were a few reasons behind the longer track-listing. A big factor was that, as you stated, this is my first EP and I wanted this body of work to have some sustenance and structure to it. Rather than a collection of random songs, I wanted all the songs to weave together and feel like every song plays a significant part in the EP’s journey.
You were in bands before you started producing electronic music, right? What made you make the switch?
Yep, that’s right! The change from band to producer happened pretty smoothly to be fair. I had been learning to produce for a few months (just making random ideas with no real direction), then our band split up – which I was gutted about. However, I felt like I had to embrace the change of lifestyle and shortly after, I started to find my feet in production and the rest is history!
What bands or artists did you listen to when you were growing up? Have they had an influence on your production style?
Growing up there were so many different styles of music being played in my house. I’ve always loved class Motown and Disco tracks, which I feel like are the ‘club’ tracks of the 70’s and 80’s. I think the thing I try to take from those genres is the heartfelt harmony and melodies in Motown, mixed with the dancefloor based disco grooves. My style is obviously very different to them on paper; however I definitely feel those two genres in particular helped shape my music taste and later on, my decisions when writing and creating music.
It’s a scary time for the UK live music and events scene. Can you tell us about one or two key events you went to when you were younger that have helped shape who you are/the career path you’ve taken?
I remember the first year I went to Reading Festival I was so amazed by the spectacle of the whole place. How big the stages were, how you could see so many different acts you could see across the weekend. It’s a bit cliché, but I remember watching bands up on the main stage and thinking ‘that is the coolest thing ever – I want to do that!’ So ever since then I’ve always had the ambition to perform at one of the bigger festivals, hopefully one day!
‘Textures’ is a really varied release, with a mix of dance, vocal hooks, more crossover… is this how you naturally produce, a bit of a mixture rather than focusing on one specific sound?
Yeah that’s definitely how I produce. I have tried to limit myself to working within a specific style before, however I found that it just hinders my creativity. I think that ‘Textures’ lays a good foundation as to what I have to offer as a producer right now.
What’s next for Joe Turner?
I will be spending the winter months writing a load of new music, maybe a few livestreams thrown in there too. Despite being in lockdown at the moment, I aim to be as creative as possible. You have to accept some days you won’t come up with anything, however it’s all about managing your expectations, and writing as many good tunes as you can!
Joe Turner ‘Textures’ EP is Out Now on LG105, get it here: https://joeturner.lnk.
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Midnight Oil urged us to ‘Change The Date’. Missy Higgins took over an empty Melbourne CBD. Archie Roach showcased his love. Last week’s episode of The Sound – featuring a special NAIDOC Week celebration – was a stunner:
‘The high point was the final performance – a tribute to the great Warumpi Band’s ‘My Island Home’. Christine Anu, who made the song a chart hit with her cover back in 1995, was joined by Ngaiire, Electric Fields’ Zaachariaha Fielding, and Emma Donovan from their respective homes for a gorgeous rendition’ – Junkee
Prepare yourselves: we’re back for more! Tune in Sunday 15 November at 6pm on ABC and iview to catch:
- With their third album We Will Always Love You due 11 December, The Avalanches recruited Texan soul singer extraordinaire Leon Bridges for their latest single, ‘Interstellar Love’. Filmed live at Melbourne’s Planetarium, with Bridges captured at Niles City Sound studio in Fort Worth, Texas, don’t miss The Avalanches on The Sound this Sunday!
- Nominated for five ARIAs in 2020 off the back of THE GLOW – Album of the Year, Best Rock Album, Best Independent Release, Best Group and Best Live Act – is Sydney trio DMA’S, who perform their now classic ‘Silver’ for The Sound at Carriageworks
- 25-year-old Gamilaraay woman, musician, and creator Thelma Plum smashed expectations 18 months ago when she dropped her acclaimed debut album, Better In Blak. Filmed in the kuril dhugan room at The State Library of Queensland, she performs her latest single, ‘Homecoming Queen’
- It’s been a meteoric 12 months for LA-residing Aussie Sam Fischer, who’s scored over 1 million sales and 250 million+ streams to date. We filmed Sam at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel, performing his hit single ‘This City’. Be sure to listen to his new EP Homework
- Middle Kids have released their first new music in over 18 months – watch them perform ‘R U 4 Me?’ in a special set filmed at the 1950’s iconic Rose Seidler House in Sydney. The new single was produced by Lars Stalfors (St Vincent, Cold War Kids)
- Sydney art-pop rising star Odette just announced her forthcoming second album, Herald, due out 5 February. Recorded with producer Damian Taylor (Björk, Arcade Fire, The Killers), it’ll include her captivating new single, ‘Dwell’
- Spotify’s Australian RADAR artist for 2020 and with over 5 million streams to date plus spins on BBC 1 is the refreshingly honest merci, mercy, who performs her single ‘Tequila & Lemonade’. Grab her debut EP, no thank you, no thanks, out now
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“‘Dopamine’ is a playful and multi-layered debut for TRYHARD as it showcases a lot of different sides of his artistry in a punchy 3 and a half minute dose. With two more singles scheduled for 2020, get ready to get to know who he is even more intimately.”
– Thomas Bleach
“With a club-ready, heartbeat pulse and the nostalgic yearning of John Hughes films, Melbourne bedroom-pop producer James Comito’s debut single under the moniker TRYHARD – ‘Dopamine’ is a rush of pure ecstasy.”
– Opinion Police
“A bubbly burst of deceptively effervescent pop in the vein of Charli XCX or The 1975”
-Music Feeds
TRYHARD is the moniker of bedroom-pop artist and producer James Comito from Melbourne, Australia. A fresh new face with an unparalleled sense of ambition and a belief that pop shouldn’t be a dirty word, TRYHARD is characterised by earworm hooks, huge synths and lyrical authenticity.
James started writing songs at the tender age of eleven, knowing full well that his dream was to fill the same arenas as his diverse range of influences from Mayday Parade to The 1975, to Charli XCX.
James combined his natural talent as a topliner and instrumentalist to writing sessions with a variety of other artists, garnering early interest from labels. However, writing songs for others began to feel suffocating; James’ distinctive honesty in songwriting meant that he needed a project that felt truly his own.
Thus, TRYHARD was born.
TRYHARD has now emerged in 2020 as a fully realised pop act, after years of work behind the scenes, writing for and collaborating with fellow up-and-comers Chris Watts, Sam Bluer, Muki, Oh Boy, and more. Excitingly, his upcoming releases are the result of an exclusive collaboration with Ben Field, who has previously worked with festival favourite Mallrat and has over 30 million streams to his name.
‘Matches’ is the second of three singles, all of which speak to a youthfulness and freedom that the 22-year-old is able to embody so authentically.
A new generational voice, with the talent and work ethic to back it up, TRYHARD has arrived…
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Leif Vollebekk
website | facebook | twitter | instagram
secretcityrecords.com
