SOSURE MUSIC
RIOLEVAL – ‘THE BEGINNING’ EP
RELEASE DATE: 11TH DECEMBER
From residencies in Cambridge (UK) to Perth (Australia), DJ and producer Rioleval has been delicately honing his skills in a club setting for many years. Learning his craft and detailing the nuances whilst educating himself on how to control a crowd, across a multitude of genres and styles. Armed with that knowledge, he now takes his first steps into music production. Fusing together a range of influences from funk, soul and jazz with a classic house sensibility, he proudly presents his aptly named debut EP, ‘The Beginning’ which is available now through SoSure Music.
Over a number of years, Cambridge based Rioleval has worked his way through the underground electronic DJ scene; touting a diverse style that encompasses a wide range of genres and influences. From Disco edits and Deep House, through Garage and Minimal Edge to Liquid Funk & Hip-Hop, his sets are packed with electronic surprises with reference to the old and new. This unique and varied style has taken him across the world playing festivals such as Meadows In The Mountains (Bulgaria), the now defunct Secret Garden Party (UK), We Out Here Festival (UK) as well as promoting a series of parties in Perth (Australia)
Initially inspired by the 90’s club scene, Rioleval naturally explored the evolution and history of dance music, with the classic house sound clearly represented on his debut production for SoSure Music. Since those early days, Rioleval has been able to immerse himself in the growing genres and scenes that have since developed, taking influence and inspiration from a wide range of artists and musicians.
Influences and experiences are often what shapes an artist’s output and Rioleval is no different, ‘The Beginning’ as an EP is a product of his time spent spinning in the booths of clubs across the world and his melting pot of diverse musical influences. ‘Concept Phunk’ and title track ‘The Beginning’ are both steeped in influences but keep a key focus on the dancefloor; two great records packed with funk and soul elements, woven together around driving house basslines.
Rioleval’s ‘The Beginning’ EP Is Available Now via SoSure Music.
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Where are you currently based?
Toronto, Canada!
How did you first start playing music?
My dad put me on my first musical instrument, the Mellotron when I was 3 years old. He could tell I had a love for music and insisted that they invest in getting me my first instrument and piano lessons. I’m not sure what my life would have been like if my parents decided on a different path. Being Canadian who also has a love for hockey, I might have been thrown into hockey and would be toothless today LOL.
What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?
It’s been tough. A number of my close colleagues in the dance community have passed away and my mother has been battling pancreatic cancer while in isolation. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel though, and I’m hoping to come out on the other side. Doing my weekly mixshow “Rise To The Rhythm” definitely lifts me up and helps me get through this difficult time.
Please tell us about your latest release:
‘Break The Silence’ featuring FORD is an electro house track mixed with hard-style, which showcases the devastation that COVID has created during lockdown. Mental health issues have increased substantially. People are out of work with nothing to do. I wanted to show people that they are not alone, and that I’ve had my moments in the dark as well.
You’ve recently launched SO FIERCE Music, how did the idea for the label come about?
I decided I wanted to create a platform for LGBTQ+ singers and drag artists who have been marginalized in mainstream music, and I wanted to offer them a way to create and grow during this Covid time. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for a while, but it’s finally come to a reality.
What is the concept for the label?
We are a different type of label that actually helps promote the artist’s releases. The goal is to help artists step forward and release new content regularly while generating income to make a living in the music industry. Most artists aim extremely high without thinking of the steps in between. We are thinking about those steps.
How do you decide which artists to work with?
I analyze an artist’s daily regiment, intelligence, skill, and ability to create a following. This is a lot of hard work, and I reward artists who are willing to go the extra mile to reach their dreams.
Please tell us about the merch side of things:
Merch is an excellent revenue stream for an artist, and we create designs for artists on our label. The goal is to use music to promote the merch and bring fans to our platform. From there, we will be introducing new ways for artists to interact with fans. New developments are coming in early 2021.
So far what have you found most challenging and rewarding with starting and running SO FIERCE Music?
It is rewarding to see how many artists feel marginalized in today’s world. Even in North America, major and most indie labels do very little to help an artist further their career. They are only concerned about the immediate gratification of the single that is being released, and then they move on to the next one. We take a different approach. We are investing in an artist’s future, with So Fierce, and with themselves.
What areas do you focus on with each artist? ie recording, producing, marketing etc:
We are always happy to accept demos from artists who have completed masters, but we love to get involved in the production of a hit single as well. We provide full production and songwriting, including mixing and mastering, followed by distribution, publicity, radio and DJ promo, as well as influencer marketing of the single through our in-house partners.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Kylie Minogue’s new album is mint! I’m also listening to all things house and nu-disco. I feel there’s an energy shift, with the election in the US, and with new vaccines on the horizon. 2021 is hopeful and full of positivity, and that’s for music, that’s all I want to hear right now!
What do you like to do away from music?
I’m a huge hockey fan, so I am looking forward to the start of the next NHL season. I work out regularly. Other than that, music defines me.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?
I’m spending the next 4 weeks working on new projects with artists signed to So Fierce, a few new remixes including a Kylie remix, and some new original material of my own.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
New York Pizza. Does Ray’s Pizza in New York deliver to Toronto? Haha.
Favourite place to hang out is my studio. I’m in there all day all night, with my puppy Jack McFarland who lies at my feet while I make music!
‘Monday Morning’, the 2nd single off upcoming 4th LP “Breakdown” from Toronto based rock n roll band Mad Ones, is a feel good song about feeling good… and other life altering events. Hear the band push and pull over the universally joyous I-IV-V chord progression and hail, hail rock n roll!
https://www.facebook.com/MadOnesBand/
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Hardware Group and Stable Music present: Piknic Électronik! They are proud to announce the first round of dates and artist program for their seventh season in Melbourne, Australia. This upcoming summer, Piknic Électronik will host multiple events at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, as part of the ‘Live at the Bowl’ Summer series. Events will Start: Sunday 10th January, 2021 and will run through until the close of the season in early April 2021.
The lineup for Season 7 includes the Piknic debut of long-time wish-list Artist: Late Nite Tuff Guy who will be headlining the opening part of the season on Sunday 10th January. Co-headlining will be Melbourne favourite queen of the dancefloor, Sunshine, making her first Piknic return since the unforgettable Season 5 party with Session Victim.
Following this up will be the return of the regularly Sold-Out Carl & Eric’s Mobile Disco X Piknic Électronik collaboration: Sunday 24th January.
Carl Cox & Eric Powell bring their unique Disco themed party to the bowl again and based on the previous events, Tickets for this show won’t last long!
With more dates being announced in the new year, you can expect some big surprises. Stay tuned!!
Show 1: Late Nite Tuff Guy, Sunshine – Sunday 10th January – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
Show 2: Carl & Eric’s Mobile Disco – Sunday 24th January – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne
Tickets to the first 2 dates of the Piknic Électronik Melbourne Season go on sale:
Wednesday 16th December at 12pm AEDT
Tickets via Ticketek.com.au. Starting from $40+BF.
About Piknic Électronik:
Hardware Presents and Stable Music, team up to present the local edition of Piknic Électronik to an ever-growing Melbourne fan base, within the grounds of the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl. A quintessential Melbourne music location, which is easily accessible by public transportation, a short distance from the CBD and surrounded by greenery with ample space for ALL to enjoy a great Summer’s day.
Born in Montreal, Canada, over 17 years ago, the very unique concept of Piknic Électronik has travelled the world. Now a major cultural and festive summer event in Montreal, Piknic Électronik has had successful editions in Barcelona, Lisbon, Melbourne, Santiago, Austin and Dubai. Its innovative and popular formula has evolved into a friendly international expansion that has made the event and its name, a source of local pride in each city where it has set its roots and grown.
Piknic Électronik is a fun filled day party, where everyone can experience the best in electronic music in an open-air park environment, featuring delicious local food offerings and its renowned welcoming atmosphere… happening every Sunday for three months! A vision that Melbournians have wholeheartedly embraced over the past few seasons.
About Hardware Group:
Hardware, has been synonymous with the electronic music scene in Australia for over 30 years. An innovative force when the company was established by Richie McNeill in 1990. The company’s ethos is simple; deliver memorable music events and tours for people who love dance music. Hardware launched several new events in Australia that focus on delivering artists from a number of genres to music enthusiasts across the country including: Festival X, Tell No Tales, Babylon Festival, PURE and of course Piknic Électronik. Events with musical and creative passion.
Artist Press Kits & Event Artwork: Late Nite Tuff Guy & Sunshine and Carl & Eric’s Mobile Disco – CLICK HERE!!
For more info, go to:
Website: piknicelectronik.com.au
Facebook: Piknic Électronik Melbourne
Instagram: PIKNICMEL
We want to keep things moving in the pandemic affected music scene and it’s a celebration of the two cities common culture and links and the mayors are involved.The idea is to put a series of gigs on and employ local promoters, musicians and crews with the eventual aim of building up to create a cultural space in a disused cinema in the centre of Liverpool and abandoned old theatre in Manchester for rehearsal and cultural activities…
JOHN ROBB
Journalist : musician : TV and radio presenter : author : DJ : mentor : spoken word
John Robb Youtube channel
Facebook : John Robb
twitter : johnrobb77
instagram : johnrobb77
Louder Than War: music culture site
the membranes : acclaimed post punk band
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Last week, merci, mercy also unveiled a remix of ‘Fall Apart’ from US DJ/ producer MELVV. The remix offers a bouyant, colourful take on the original and is accompanied by a quirky visualiser that sees our favourite animated merci, mercy bobbing around in space.
“It’s really cool to see how MELVV perceived the song! When I wrote it, I was trying to justify to myself why I wasn’t allowing myself to fall in love and find someone special. It’s a simple thing of not feeling worthy enough to ever be loved by someone. This song made me feel a lot better about the whole silly situation. And now you can see me being silly floating around in my room in space.”
This recent remix follows one last month from local artist Basenji for ‘Tequila & Lemonade’ and another earlier in the year from imagiro for ‘Fucked Myself Up’. The remixes will all be brought together on a remix EP dropping in the New Year, along with additional mixes for the remainder of the EP tracks.
Following the launch of the merci, mercy world within Splash, merci, mercy will enjoy a brief break in Sydney over Christmas with her family, before heading to South Australia to kick off 2021 with a performance at Summer Sounds Festival on January 3.
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Less Than Jake Release New Album ‘Silver Linings’ Out Now. Watch The New Video For ‘Keep On Chasing’
LESS THAN JAKE
RELEASE NEW ALBUM, SILVER LININGS
OUT NOW VIA PURE NOISE RECORDS
WATCH THE NEW VIDEO FOR KEEP ON CHASING
Nearly 30 years into an already impressive career – which includes 8 studio albums, tours with Descendents, blink-182, Bon Jovi, Linkin Park, Snoop Dogg, Bad Religion, and more, and over 365 shows on the Vans Warped Tour – Less Than Jake has never been a band to rest on its laurels.
They are thrilled to share their 9th studio album, Silver Linings, out now via Pure Noise Records.
“We are beyond thrilled to release the new video for our single ‘Keep On Chasing,’” shares saxophonist JR Wasilewski. “The video is basically a dream come true for us. Seeing ourselves IN a video game is certainly something we’d never have envisioned possible. But hey, 2020 has its “Silver Linings”, I suppose!”
He continues: “To say that the release of ‘Silver Linings’ is a just culmination of almost two years of work would be an understatement. It’s the continuation of an almost 30 year saga. We are so proud of these songs and we hope our fans love it as much as we do. If there can be any Silver Linings to 2020, we hope our new album is one for you!”
About Less Than Jake:
The story of ska-rockin’ maestros Less Than Jake isn’t told in their sizable discography. It can’t be calculated by the amount of road miles they’ve logged. (But if we’re forced to calculate, we think they might be a block or two short of the Van Allen belts.) Nah! Less Than Jake’s cumulative worth is all about what they bring to your party. From sweaty club shows to uproarious festival dates to opening up for America’s most beloved rock acts, these five lifers’ deeds are best measured in the smiles they’ve slapped on the faces of true believers and new listeners, alike.
Silver Linings is the name of the new Less Than Jake album, their first full-length for the Pure Noise label and the follow-up to 2013’s See The Light. It also doubles as a bunch of sonic diary pages and a mission statement that cements their conviction after two decades in this rock ‘n’ roll circus. Indeed, LTJ—frontman/guitarist Chris DeMakes, bassist/vocalist Roger Lima, trombonist Buddy Schaub, saxophonist Peter “JR” Wasilewski, and new drummer Matt Yonker—have escaped most (but not all) forms of ennui, depression and violence against screen-based objects to create an endorsement of humanity.
Silver Linings also does a good amount of myth-exploding in its pursuit of joy. The songwriting core of DeMakes, Lima and Wasilewski wrote all the lyrics. New drummer Matt Yonker, whose former positions included LTJ tour manager and hammering along with such punk outfits as the Teen Idols and the Queers, helps bring a new sense of urgency. And that album title? Yeah, that was decided upon long before bands began to offer face masks in their online merch stores. Pro tip: Dial back your preconceived notions. The only things the Jakes have to prove are to themselves. Their laurels aren’t so comfortable that they’d willingly choose to be painted into a retro- colored corner.
While Silver Linings doesn’t skimp on the joy, fun or grooves, careful listeners will sense a bit more reality seeping into LTJ’s escapism. The calisthenic bounce of “Lie To Me” is slightly undercut by Lima’s tales of how “the flames we hold the closest burn the worse.” On the urgent track “The Test,” DeMakes dares to seek some self-examination through someone else’s prism. “Dear Me” might be the first rock song that doesn’t couch its disdain for technology with poetic metaphors. That track addresses the loss of friends via distance and tragedy. The word “love” also appears in the album’s lyrics at three junctures. That detail should not be lost on anyone.
What else do you need to know about Less Than Jake in 2020? The band would tell you quite unpretentiously that they are here to bring a good time. Of course, LTJ would’ve said the exact same thing back in ’97, 2006, 2011 or 2018 when the Warped Tour’s punk ‘n’ roll roadshow was coming to an end. What makes things different now? Why, nothing less than a divided nation and a dangerous pandemic. Consider Less Than Jake the first responders when your psyche doesn’t think it wants to continue. Because we do need all the joy and levity a seasoned ska-punk band can dish out. The reality that LTJ are also feeling reminds us that some kind of triumph is within our reach.
In 2020, there’s no “scene,” merely good times and worse ones. For Less Than Jake to call their new album anything else but Silver Linings? Well, that would be fronting.
Bristols Superlove have today released a standalone, raucous track ‘NOT ME! NOT YOU!’. The track, which follows their recently released brand new self-titled EP also comes in support of Rude Records 20th Anniversary.
“This single represents a pure burst of energy that we wanted to release having been sat around for most of the year”, says singer Jacob. “It’s a song about people not having a clue what’s going on in the world. It’s a step away from our last few singles from our recent EP & it just felt right to throw it out into the world and watch the reaction seeing as though we can’t go and play some live shows off the back of the EP’s release. We recorded it in the first week of the UK’s 2nd lockdown and it’s been the quickest turnaround for a release yet, we are so excited of the prospect of hopefully playing it live one day to a proper rowdy room.”
Stream the EP now HERE
“Prepare to be blown away.” – Rock Sound (UK)
The new EP followed on from their previous material which has garnered over 400,000 streams to date & found them fans within the alt rock scene after sharing stages with Roam, Dream State, Stand Atlantic & Vukovi.
SUPERLOVE are:
Jacob Rice – lead vocals and bass
Jon Worgan – guitar and vocals
Alex Matthews– drums
‘NOT ME! NOT YOU!’ is available worldwide now through Rude Records
FOLLOW SUPERLOVE
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PRAISE FOR ‘THIN SKIN’
“’Thin Skin’ possesses the optimistic hopes and joys of the 60s and 70s. Sunflower bring a dreamy, summer energy that contagiously puts a smile on your face and gives me shivers simultaneously.” – 4.5/5 stars
– Nkechi Anele – triple j (AUS)
“A song that moulds together swaying guitar melodies with rather quite enchanting vocals, deep with this emotional brightness that captures the group’s drive to share these meaningful bursts of indie-pop.”
– Pilerats (AUS)
Added to Apple Music playlist Mellow Days
Following on from the release of their critically praised single ‘Thin Skin’, Brisbane-based indie-pop group Sunflower have just returned with the tranquil accompanying video clip – directed by co-vocalist Lawson Doyle and filmed and edited by Aidan McCowan.
Shot across various iconic Brisbane locations including Fortitude Valley and Victoria Bridge, the clip sees co-vocalist Kahlia Ferguson journeying from busking on the streets of Brisbane to vast lush landscapes. The story follows Kahlia at one of her lowest points, before finding her sense of empowerment, seeing a visible shift in her body language from start to finish.
Kahlia describes the inspiration behind the clip:
“Filming the music video for ‘Thin Skin’ was a liberating experience for me. It’s such a deeply honest song, and I wanted the visuals to reflect that. My side-hustle at the moment is playing acoustic cover songs at venues, and it can completely drain me of inspiration and creativity at times. No matter how much you give yourself to the performance, there are always backs to you and people talk loudly and the manager asking you to turn the volume down. It gets me down when I let it. The whole scenario of the ‘Thin Skin’ music video is based around that experience. The character I play begins solemn and lost and finishes very free and empowered. I like the thought that I’m heading in the same direction. With as much love as we have for Brisbane, this feeling of ‘small town mentality’ was a massive inspiration behind the songwriting.”
To coincide with the release, the band will play at the Mountain Goat Valley Crawl and The Brightside, Brisbane, Stay Gold and Wrangler Studios, Melbourne and Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney in 2021. This continues on from recent performances at Yonder Festival in Imbil, Valley Fiesta, Brisbane and a sold-out headlining show at Black Bear Lodge.
Since release, the track has seen support from Apple Music, triple j, triple j Unearthed, Pilerats, The AU Review and a slew of Australian community radio stations. Previous singles ‘Better Days’ and ‘Get Yourself Together’ also received support from blogs Atwood Magazine (USA), The Music, Beat Magazine, and TV outlets MTV and ABC’s Rage.
‘Thin Skin’ is available worldwide now
UPCOMING 2021 LIVE SHOWS
SAT 6 FEB | MOUNTAIN GOAT VALLEY CRAWL, BRISBANE QLD
FRI 16 APR | STAY GOLD, MELBOURNE VIC
SAT 17 APR | WRANGLER STUDIOS, MELBOURNE VIC
FRI 23 APR | OXFORD ARTS GALLERY, SYDNEY NSW
SAT 24 APR | THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE QLD
FOLLOW SUNFLOWER
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
Hailing from Western Sydney, Australia, Makalita is a female R&B Singer/Songwriter of Tongan heritage. Makalita is a self-taught independent artist who has been refining her skills over the years and has equipped herself with a diverse skill set. At just 21 years of age, Makalita brings a mature yet young, fresh, and unique sound back into the music industry, which audiences have been searching for. With her Debut Single ‘Do This’ Makalita looks to make her first release in January 2021.
‘Do This’ is a smooth but confrontational upbeat track with somber lyrics, which captures the whole essence of Makalita’s message. Makalita’s greatest inspiration derives from growing up listening to Old School 90’s R&B, to artists such as Queen Naija, Summer Walker and Jhene Aiko. This has inspired Makalita to bring back that Old School vibe with a unique twist of new age ‘R&B-Trap Soul’ that is missing, and audiences are longing for in the music industry today.
‘Do This’ arrives alongside an iconic music video directed by Kreezy Visions and produced by Sueno Productions who has previously worked with Hooligan Hefs, Youngn Lipz, Will Singe and many more.
The video further showcases a vulnerable young woman deceived by someone who she thought was her partner, but in fact, he was married with a child.
This release aims to bring awareness to the toxicity in relationships, both emotionally and mentally.
It happens, it’s real and for this generation someone needs to start the conversation, so I will,” Makalita says.
Makalita will be performing at a Culture Shock event run by Jayslays on January 30th 2021 at Bodega Studios, Annandale.
Follow Makalita:
