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Music News

THE JENSENS ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO ‘PAPER WALLS’ OUT OCTOBER 6 + QLD TOUR NOV – DEC + NEW ALBUM ‘HAMMER AND BLUSH’ OUT MAY 21

by the partae
written by the partae

Brisbane indie pop rock outfit The Jensens are charged up and today dropped their brand new single Paper Walls, a fiery track about pulling yourself up out of a self-doubt spiral.  Paper Walls is accompanied by a colourful, wild video clip, created in collaboration with visual artist Unclechronicbone.  The single precedes The Jensens’ highly anticipated new album Hammer and Blush, scheduled for release on May 21, 2021.  Set to launch Paper Walls in style with a short run of COVID-safe shows in Queensland, the band will kick off at Solbar on November 6, moving through Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on December 4 and finishing up with the official single launch at Black Bear Lodge on December 11.

Paper Walls is an explosion of energy, hooking the listener in from the opening synth line to the final descent of the bass.  Evocative of The Strokes, Bloc Party and even Tame Impala, Paper Walls is a certified dancefloor-filler – it’s impossible not to picture dancing to this track in a crowded, sweaty pub.  Playful toy piano punctuates the steady, thumping beat, while Joe White’s vocals tear through amongst the poppy chaos.  Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Joe says, “Paper walls are resolutions without any weight – like sand castle promises to yourself, washed away by the weekend.  Unending internal conversations about doing more, being more, and seeing more, when you realise you’ve once again chosen bad habits over hard work.  And who could blame you?  But there’s still a desire for self improvement that doesn’t go away, so you turn your back on your former self, again and again.  It’s not about being hard on yourself, it’s about having faith in a vision of a better version of you.” 

The video for Paper Walls is a colourful, almost psychedelic romp through the life of the band; lofi and irresistible, the clip is cleverly shot in split screen, each side its own dose of frivolity showcasing The Jensens’ wholesome friendship and sense of fun.  Filmed, edited and directed by James Hornsby, the clip feels like reaching the other side of a depressive episode – where everything feels colourful and fascinating again.

Paper Walls has been released ahead of The Jensens upcoming album Hammer and Blush, a stunning collection of brilliant, eclectic music from one of Australia’s most underrated bands.  From the electronic dance vibes of album opener Unobtainium, to the soft groove of ZIBA, to the dreamy, graceful closer The Elegant Ones, this collection of songs is highly curated, deeply considered, and truly brilliant to behold.  Reflecting on the process of making the album, Joe explains, “I feel like we’ve covered a lot of bases on this album, both sonically and thematically.  It’s taken the least time from song inception to completion too, which doesn’t mean we haven’t laboured over every track, but there’s a certain element of spontaneity.  We always set out to do our best and cover new ground and I think we can truly say we’ve done that with Hammer and Blush.  It’s equal parts fear of and optimism for the future, regret and pride for the past and an observation of what is.”

The Jensens are no strangers to the stage, having supported the likes of Last Dinosaurs, The Vaccines, Kingswood, Bleeding Knees Club and more, and played at iconic festivals Splendour In The Grass, Grampians Music Festival and more.  Fans should get in quick to snap up tickets to these extremely exclusive shows as The Jensens live experience is not to be missed.

Paper Walls is available now.
Hammer and Blush is set for release May 21, 2021.

The Jensens is Bodi Lowrie – Spaceship, Joe White – Vocals/Guitar, Jordan Aston – Bass, Phillip Fabros – Drums & Nathan Kendall – Vocals/Guitar. https://www.thejensensband.com

Stream: PAPER WALLS
View: PAPER WALLS
Smart link: PAPER WALLS

 

Hammer and Blush
OFFICIAL TRACKLIST
1. Unobtanium
2. River of Gold
3. Bert & Ernie
4. Ziba
5. Paper Walls
6. Disappear From The World Forever
7. Breaking Up Is Hard To Do (But I’ll Do It With You)
8. The Elegant Ones
9. Internally, Eternally
10. Deus
11. Automatic
12. Mobile Radio
13. One Good Picture Of The Sun
14. Truth Hurts Most
15. Data Miracle

THE JENSENS PAPER WALLS TOUR
FRI 6 NOV | SOLBAR | SUNSHINE COAST, QLD
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au 

FRI 4 DEC | MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE, BURLEIGH HEADS, QLD
Tickets available from www.mosdesertclubhouse.com

FRI 11 DEC | OFFICIAL SINGLE LAUNCH – BLACK BEAR LODGE, BRISBANE, QLD
Tickets available from www.eventbrite.com.au

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WESTERMAN RELEASES 'CHOUPANA' A COLLECTION OF EARLY SKETCHES FROM HIS DEBUT ALBUM YOUR HERO IS NOT DEAD
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WESTERMAN RELEASES ‘CHOUPANA’ A COLLECTION OF EARLY SKETCHES FROM HIS DEBUT ALBUM YOUR HERO IS NOT DEAD

by the partae
written by the partae
Photo credit: Bex Day

PRAISE FOR YOUR HERO IS NOT DEAD

“The British songwriter’s excellent debut mines the gentle and detailed sounds of soft rock’s past, while his lucid yet uncomplicated lyrics interrogate the uncertainty of the present”
Pitchfork (8/10)

“Softly powerful alt-pop that feels like a warm hug”
The Guardian Guide

“One of the year’s most beautiful albums”
Dazed

Today, Westerman releases Choupana, a collection of early sketches from his debut album Your Hero Is Not Dead. Listen HERE.

Choupana includes the early workings of a song that was not included on the final album, ‘Above Average‘, and initial versions of some of the standout tracks from the project that released earlier this year via Play It Again Sam – ‘Blue Comanche‘, ‘The Line‘ and ‘Think I’ll Stay‘. The release coincides with Bandcamp‘s no fee day and you can purchase it on limited edition cassette via Bandcamp here.

Westerman shares about Choupana, “Here is a selection of sketches which formed the start of the record. We spent an amount of time sculpting the music in Your Hero Is Not Dead. It’s a time intensive process of aiming for the unobtainable. Most of the time, we ended up with trying to get back to the essence of what was captured when the threads were still in the process of forming. The real vitality of the music. It’s a journey where you can only hope to end up back at the start but having learnt things and changed along the way by which point – the start appears very different – whether you like it or not. These sketches were made in Autumn; of two years ago. The cyclical nature of it all seems about right to me. There is a song in here which was not put on the record. VERY HAPPY to share these in their human fallibility and imperfection at a time when a bracing acknowledgement of said nature is much needed and often lacking from certain individuals and dogmatic clusters thereof. Thanks and love to all. W.”

Recorded alongside his close friend and producer Nathan Jenkins (A.K.A. Bullion) at first in Southern Portugal before finishing the process in London, Your Hero Is Not Dead is an album about empathy and compassion, struggle and release, and all the ways we contradict and battle within ourselves. It’s a graceful and self-reflective debut that continues the artist’s journey from pop maverick to one of the most vital British voices.

Listen to Choupana above and find further details on his debut album Your Hero Is Not Dead below, including tracklisting and cover art by renowned New York via Portugal Graphic Designer Bráulio Amado below as well as on his website westerman.world.

Choupana by Westerman is out now.

WESTERMAN
Your Hero Is Not Dead
Buy/stream it here. 


Cover art by Bráulio Amado

TRACKLIST
Drawbridge
The Line
Big Nothing Glow
Waiting On Design
Think I’ll Stay
Dream Appropriate
Easy Money
Blue Commanche
Confirmation
Paper Dogs
Float Over
Your Hero Is Not Dead

Stay connected with Westerman:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
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Melbourne-based Pop/Soul/RnB artist Via is just starting to make her mark on the Melbourne music scene. Her musical roots lie in heartbreakingly beautiful ballads. Since then however, after releasing her debut single "Breathe Again (ft Hui)" in 2018, her music started to delve into a world of RnB/Neo-Soul, in combination with those ballads undertones. This unique blend of genres has created a feel that is refreshingly different, yet beautifully familiar. As they say, she "wears her heart on her sleeve", Via's music tells stories of her most intimate and fragile moments. 'Need from you' explores the inner monologue of someone who realizes that the relationship they are in will never fulfil them the way they want it to. A song that will make your heart ache, Via's songwriting strength is one that allows her listeners to deeply relate to her emotive and touching style.  This acoustic soul track will be sure to have you "in your feels" and hitting the replay button. "Need from you" will be available on all streaming platforms on the 16th of October. This hot new track is not one to miss.
Music News

Via announces new single ‘Need From You’

by the partae
written by the partae

Melbourne-based Pop/Soul/RnB artist Via is just starting to make her mark on the Melbourne music scene. Her musical roots lie in heartbreakingly beautiful ballads. Since then however, after releasing her debut single “Breathe Again (ft Hui)” in 2018, her music started to delve into a world of RnB/Neo-Soul, in combination with those ballads undertones. This unique blend of genres has created a feel that is refreshingly different, yet beautifully familiar. As they say, she “wears her heart on her sleeve”, Via‘s music tells stories of her most intimate and fragile moments.

‘Need from you’ explores the inner monologue of someone who realizes that the relationship they are in will never fulfil them the way they want it to. A song that will make your heart ache, Via‘s songwriting strength is one that allows her listeners to deeply relate to her emotive and touching style.  This acoustic soul track will be sure to have you “in your feels” and hitting the replay button.

‘Need from you’ will be available on all streaming platforms on the 16th of October. This hot new track is not one to miss.

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TOUCHÉ AMORÉ
Music News

TOUCHÉ AMORÉ SHARES ‘REMINDERS’

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written by the partae

Los Angeles post hardcore band Touché Amoré share their new song and video for “Reminders” off their forthcoming Ross Robinson (Slipknot, Korn, At the Drive-In) produced album, Lament due out this Friday, October 9.

The track was born out of the overwhelming anxiety that came from the controversial end result of Trump’s impeachment trial. The verses scream of political distress while the chorus is a peak at vocalist Jeremy Bolm’s attempt to calm himself down. “I think when we are all panicking, we need to have those reminders that there’s love out there for us whether we believe it or not and that’s all that we can really trust to save us,” explains Bolm.

The video poses the question “What serves as a reminder for love in your life?” and not only features Touché Amoré but Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World, Andy Hull of Manchester Orchestra, Jacob Bannon of Converge, Frank Iero, Anthony Green, Skrillex, and many more with their super cute pets. “The music video for ‘Reminders’ conceptually was driven by bringing some joy to everyone’s timelines,” says Bolm. “If we can provide even just three minutes of joy to someone right now that’s enough for us, and who doesn’t love seeing awesome people and their pets? Putting this video together was such a pleasure because it involved talking to friends we love and getting wholesome footage in return. The people involved include artists we admire and contributors to the album. We hope you love it as much as we do.”

CHECK OUT THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR “REMINDERS”

In celebration of the release of Lament this week, the band has announced a livestream performance taking place October 13 at 12pm AEDT via Twitch. In addition to the live performance, the event will feature a Q&A with the band, and a DJ set from Jeremy Bolm.

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HELLO FOREVER Debut album Whatever It Is + Bonus Tracks out now!
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HELLO FOREVER Debut album Whatever It Is + Bonus Tracks out now!

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written by the partae
Praise for Hello Forever

“Reminiscent of Polyphonic Spree or The Hidden Cameras, those harmonies soar close to the Beach Boys while maintaining a heavenly, psychedelic edge.” – CLASH

“Sonically rich, electric and organic” – The Most Radicalist

“Packed to the rafters with joyous melodies, introspective lyrics, and sun-drenched psychedelic hues.” – Wonderland

“Deliciously disorientating” – Uncut

Californian group Hello Forever release their debut album Whatever It Is, with two new tracks ‘Everything Is So Hard’ & ‘I’m Feeling It‘ – available now on vinyl & CD via Rough Trade Records & Remote Control Records.

Based in Topanga, California, on a piece of land once used by a free-love nudist commune, the art-pop collective Hello Forever are led by the eccentric, magnetic figure of Samuel Joseph. They live together, in this pastoral setting high above the Pacific Ocean – not far from where Neil Young recorded After the Gold Rush or Captain Beefheart laid down the tracks for Trout Mask Replica, the group forever expanding and contracting, with members coming and going as they please. However, the group adheres to a stringent five day a week rehearsal schedule, they fuse elements of the 60s West Coast sound with a DIY approach to music and creativity which has spawned their remarkable debut album, the aptly titled Whatever It Is. Joseph and company have created a contemporary throwback to a vibrant era with a set of songs that establish the collective’s exquisite harmonies and colourful instrumentation.

Hello Forever’s music is inextricable with the lifestyle and spiritual goals of its participants, a revolving membership that also includes, at various times, collaborators drummer/co-founder Andy Jimenez, Molly Pease, Jaron Crespi, Joey Briggs, Anand Darsie and Lina Kay. Walk into their communal compound and one of the first things one sees is a copy of the late Baba Ram Dass’ counter-culture classic, Be Here Now, perhaps the best description of the collective’s philosophy of life, creativity, art and music.

Listen / Download / Buy Whatever It Is: https://helloforever.ffm.to/whatever
Hello Forever – ‘I’m Feeling It’ (Official Live Video)

Hello Forever – Whatever It Is + Bonus Tracks out now via Rough Trade / Remote Control Records

Hello Forever
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Music News

JUSTIN STEWART COTTA FINDS HOPE IN HOPELESSNESS WITH ‘LOVE YOURSELF’

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“Justin Stewart Cotta is an emotional tour de force, vocals landing between the prose of Bono and the power and presence of Tool”  – Metal Edge Magazine

Justin Stewart Cotta is the classic poet-warrior. Vulnerability and strength co-exist in equal doses, and you can feel it in his music. His last song “Longing Is Not Love” showcased Justin’s colourful vocals, jangly guitar lines and expansive singalong melodies in a full band affair. Out on the 2nd of October, new single “Love Yourself” shows fans an alternate stripped back, powerfully emotive side of the artist that delves into finding hope in hopelessness.

“For so many of us there has always been a pandemic… depression and anxiety. It has taken some of my closest friends. I have found myself on the edge more than once. I’m just very fortunate to have had a guitar and a melody to talk me down. In a time of isolation and despair, this particular tune became a close friend. I reckon the greatest gift you can offer someone is to give them some hope when they are experiencing utter hopelessness. Through experience and recovery I found that if you nurture that little flicker of love inside you, then you are going to be more able to pass it on to someone who really needs it” – Justin Stewart Cotta

A singer songwriter, pianist and guitarist, he was a founding member of Memento (Columbia/EMI Publishing) and was the Guitarist & keyboardist for VAST (Elektra). Justin has toured Europe & the U.S. with Queens Of The Stone Age, Marilyn Manson and Ozzy Osbourne among many others.

“There was nowhere to hide in the recording and production of ‘Love Yourself’.  It’s a relatively dry vocal, and a single take on the guitar. In an era of auto-tune, programming, catchy two-bar loops and synthetics, I wanted to strive for an absolute analogue experience. Not at all from a place of snobbery, but rather to serve a sense of loneliness and warmth within the song. It’s one of the very few times I can honestly say the production and mix are pretty much identical to the song that was originally stuck inside my head” – Justin Stewart Cotta

https://www.facebook.com/justinstewartcottamusic/

 

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OVERMONO Release 'Everything U Need' + Announce Everything U Need EP
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OVERMONO Release ‘Everything U Need’ + Announce Everything U Need EP

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Overmono were on a roll before lockdown. As the top YouTube comment for their Joy Orbison collaboration track ‘Bromley’ put it, “so this is the track that was on every 5 minutes at Warehouse Project.” That track and the duo’s own ‘Le Tigre’ were played out constantly by the likes of Four Tet and Ben UFO, the former also hiring the duo to remix his track ‘Teenage Birdsong’.

Then there are their edits. Thom Yorke was so impressed by the duo’s versions of ‘Not The News’ that he let them release the tracks on their own Polykicks label. Add to that their cheeky version of Rosalia – ‘A Palé’, which caught the ear and the eye of the respected flamenco artist, as well as being a highlight of their live performances pre-lockdown.

Then the world abruptly stopped, all their forthcoming gigs were cancelled and suddenly Overmono were able to fully commit their energy to their legendary Bromley studio. It’s was during this time that the duo feel they’ve been able to realise exactly what Overmono’s music should be. “Our work together had so far been about exploring and defining what Overmono is… and we feel like we’ve got this now”.

‘Everything U Need’ is the first track to be released since this realisation and is taken from the forthcoming EP of the same name. Somewhat serendipitously, an early version of the track was the last thing the duo were able to perform live, at London’s Printworks in March. The subsequent video sent the Identification of Music Group on Facebook into a frenzy and has been in demand since. The final finished version along with the other tracks on the EP represent a marriage of everything Overmono have done previously, and it showcases their ability to make music that is as enjoyable on headphones as it is in the club. Topped off with incredible artwork from the acclaimed artist Rollo Jackson, Overmono are clearly stepping into a new era of their artistry. In their own words, “It’s our most complete record to date”.

Joy Orbison premiered ‘Everything U Need’ last night on his BBC Radio 1 show, stating “I’m biased… but I’m a huge, huge Overmono fan.. I don’t think there are many electronic outfits out there doing what they’re doing”, and also hinted towards more music from their collaborative Joy Overmono project in the future.
Overmono – ‘Everything U Need’
Buy / Stream: https://overmono.ffm.to/everythinguneed

Overmono – Everything U Need is out Friday 6 November via XL Recordings / Remote Control.
 
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KIDSNEXTDOOR SIGN WITH EPITAPH RECORDS SHARE NEW TRACK “MEGAN”
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KIDSNEXTDOOR SIGN WITH EPITAPH RECORDS SHARE NEW TRACK ‘MEGAN’

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Epitaph Records is thrilled to welcome innovative punk/hip-hop collective KidsNextDoor. The cutting-edge 4-piece from Charlotte, NC break down genre barriers and exude a punk ethos with their DIY aesthetic similar to artists like Brockhampton & Odd Future.

The band release their new single “Megan.” Inspired by early 2000s rap and R&B, like Ludacris and Missy Elliott, “Megan” fuses elements of hip-hop, trap, and punk and will transport the listener to the club’s dance floor.

LISTEN TO “MEGAN” NOW

KidsNextDoor is Apolloislame, Dirty Butt, Maziwithapushstart, and SupremeKaka

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EX-OLYMPIAN Shares new single 'Netherworld Boogie' Debut album Afterlife out October 16
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EX-OLYMPIAN Shares new single ‘Netherworld Boogie’ Debut album Afterlife out October 16

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Melbourne’s Ex-Olympian has released a new single ‘Netherworld Boogie’ from his debut album Afterlife out Friday 16th October via Dot Dash Recordings / Remote Control Records.

Liam McGorry says of the track “I’ve found that purchasing new musical equipment really makes you creative (maybe largely because you’ve just spent a whole lot of money you shouldn’t have and you need to justify it)?. Sometimes making music is like banging your head against a brick wall, and sometimes it’s slightly easier, if you’ve just purchased a brand new Behringer RD8 808.

Netherworld Boogie was one of the first songs I made with it. One of my favourite things about making this record has been the opportunity it’s given me to reconnect and create with friends, particularly with my good friend Will Morrissey. His mystic flute is the highlight of this song to me, and there is truly nothing like making music with great friends. A magical feeling.”

Ex-Olympian is the new musical vessel for Liam McGorry – songwriter & musician for bands such as Saskwatch and Dorsal Fins. Named after the neon sign that adorns ‘Borsari’s Corner’ in Melbourne’s Lygon St, Ex-Olympian reflects the times we all need to shift things forward into a new phase.

Afterlife is a record about growing, moving on and learning from your mistakes… finding yourself again, making the road by walking. Written and recorded over a three year period in a series of phases; spurred on by wanting to be more directly involved in the playing and creation side of music, after working in larger ensembles for a long time. Chipping away on songs in his own studio space, inviting friends to play on different songs, and then tied together with friend and producer John Castle. What started as a quest to do more on ones own, became the realisation that music is truly a series of collaborations to be enjoyed together.

Ex-Olympian is McGorry’s return to making soul music. While it has always been there as an influence, it hasn’t been so overt since the early days of Saskwatch. Dream Funk is the official term, channelling heroes Renee Geyer, Arthur Verocai, Badbadnotgood and The Avalanches… combined with McGorry’s own songwriting sound.

In divisive times, what would you take with you into the Afterlife? Ex-Olympian says “connection“.

Pre-order Afterlife via https://exolympian.lnk.to/afterlife

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LESS THAN JAKE ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, SILVER LININGS OUT DECEMBER 11
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LESS THAN JAKE ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM, SILVER LININGS OUT DECEMBER 11 WATCH THE NEW MUSIC VIDEO, LIE TO ME

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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. Today the ska punk veterans have shown the best is yet to come with the release of their first new song in 3 years, Lie To Me, and announcement of their new album Silver Linings, out December 11.
PRE- ORDER SILVER LININGS HERE

“We made a new record! Our first full length with our new drummer, Matt Yonker, and it sounds amazing,” shares vocalist/guitarist Chris Demakes. “More vocal hooks than a tackle box, horns galore and that bombastic and upbeat energy that we’re known for. We didn’t try to reinvent the wheel with this one, it’s still undeniably Less Than Jake. Just a bit punchier and in your face. We can’t wait for our fans to hear it!”On how it feels to still be writing music together after so many years, vocalist/bassist Roger Lima shares: “It’s still so freaking exciting!! After decades of working on songs together, we still love it, and with our new drummer Matt Yonker, we feel reignited and refueled. Personally, I feel that this is the first step of a new era for the band. While the music feels undeniably Less Than Jake,  the flow of the tracks and the attitude of the horns and lyrics have a freshness to them and I look forward to sharing these songs with our amazing fans.”

Less Than Jake has no plans of slowing down any time soon as they prepare for the release of their 9th studio album, Silver Linings, out December 11.

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 callisthenic 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.
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Keary
Music InterviewsMusic News

Keary

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written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Hamilton, South Lanarkshire.

What’s been happening recently and how has your Covid experience been so far?

Been keeping fairly quiet and just working on music if I’m honest. This whole experience has taught me a lot about myself and the world around me. Ultimately it has taught me not to take the small blessings in life for granted and to be grateful for what you have.

How did you first start playing music?

I was introduced to DJ decks at the age of 13 at a local ice rink (where they had a DJ booth) and after making a few song requests the DJ took me under his wing and showed me the ropes. I instantly got hooked as I was already a music enthusiast but this was a proper way to express my musical taste. I downloaded PCDJ software from age 13 then upgraded to a CDJ set up when I was 16 and the rest is history!

Your new EP ‘Be Free’ will be out on October 16 2020, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The main message behind this release comes from the name of the lead track “Be Free” and its pretty self explanatory. I feel like we all go through life searching for opportunities to set ourselves free, and I always get this feeling with music. So I just hope that when people listen they can take themselves to a happy place and have a wee two step while they are at it.

How did you go about writing the music?

I typically just get an idea in my head and need to load up Ableton as quickly as possible. I take a lot of inspiration from other music that resonates with me and try factor that same feel into my own music. Funny story with the lead track, the vocals is actually me and my mate Olly. I had made the beat and knew it needed some sort of vocal, and that was the first phrase that came to me. So I set up the microphone and we just hit record.

Where and when did you record/produce?

I started most of the tracks in my bedroom studio, but I finished the tracks & also mixed them down at Pirate Studios in Glasgow. Shout out to Pirate as their facilities are fantastic for young musicians and they are always brilliant to deal with. I love being at those studios I always feel at home with all the other music being played throughout the studio.

What programs/instruments did you use?

Ableton is the DAW I use for production and I have a whole host of VSTs that I use, I don’t stick to the same VST or preset I typically change it up on every record. I also use Native Instruments Maschine a lot for drums.

How did you approach the record and production process?

Once I had 3 solid ideas down that I knew would be right for an EP I just dropped every other project and gave them 3 records my full attention. Forced myself not to open up any other project or get side tracked and just spent anytime in the studio getting these 3 tracks totally finished. This can be challenging as it’s very easy to get bored of listening to your own record after 100 or so plays haha.

What did you find most challenging/rewarding through the creative process?

As stated it can be challenging only focusing on one thing, when you’ve got a creative brain it typically runs away from you on to the next idea. Either I start a project and am so focused I finish it there and then or I take it to a certain point and then leave it and revisit it with a fresh pair of ears at a later stage. But the rewarding part of keeping my attention on this EP was getting to sit back and hit play on the final results. I typically premier my records to my mates first and watch for their reactions, that’s always rewarding.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’m actually listening to a lot more hip hop at the moment. Mostly 2pac. Most people may perceive me as just a dance music head, which really is not the case. I love dance music and always will however I am a music lover first. I have such an open mind when it comes to music and I just like what touches my soul. So of late I have really been enjoying some 2pac, I feel that I can really understand the emotion he is conveying through the music and his lyrics. I go through stages where I only listen to dance music but I typically have little breaks from that and check out other music! A few honourable mentions from my Spotify most played are; Juan Atkins – Track Ten, Yeah But No – Run Run Run (Adam Port Remix), and Scuba – Never Forget.

What do you like to do away from music?

I mean I’m pretty much a music geek 24/7 but when I’m not working on or listening to music I really enjoy getting out into nature or researching stuff that I’m big into like cosmology. Also I listen to a lot of podcasts, watch a lot of documentaries and now make a lot of time for meditation.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2020 going into 2021?

So the plan is really to keep working on more and more music! Also I constantly dig for music and am always on the hunt for more. I guess keeping a constant flow of inspiration is really important for me. I have a lot of faith for the world in 2021 and am praying for the clubbing industry to make a big return. It would be awesome to hear one of my tracks on a dance floor.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I love Asian food, when I was younger I was extremely fussy with food and as I’ve got older my pallet has managed to catch up a bit, I like spice but it also needs to be bursting with flavour. Favourite place to hangout… I mean before all of this madness started I would be out all the time. I love Glasgow city centre always so colourful and vibrant and always a laugh to be had. Favourite place to hang is probably the Hillhead book club, it’s just nice vibes in there. You could go on a busy night or a quiet night and still have a class time, it’s also a spread out space so plenty room for people to get comfy and relax. They do a good strawberry mojito as well by the way!

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Introducing Wedance (위댄스) with anthemic pop feel-gooder ‘Ironism’ lifted from their 2020 LP Dance Pop + upcoming ‘Danceparty at Your Fingertips’ digital Australian tour
Festival NewsMusic News

Introducing Wedance (위댄스) with anthemic pop feel-gooder ‘Ironism’ lifted from their 2020 LP Dance Pop + upcoming ‘Danceparty at Your Fingertips’ digital Australian tour

by the partae
written by the partae

In the age of the anthropocene, where humankind reigns but humanity is scarce – an electro power pop duo from Korea seek to dismantle the self-serving psyche and conjure a joyous community of impenetrable, universal togetherness in its wake. Introducing Wedance (위댄스): a band, a statement, a warning. After releasing a treasure trove of glorious a-tonal, spasmodic pop bliss by way of 16 EPs and three full length albums since 2011, the beloved happiness conjurers are back with their latest LP Dance Pop featuring the certified banger, ‘Ironism’ (아이러니즘). To celebrate the release, Wedance are thrilled to announce that they will be heading to Australian palms, fingertips and screens of all sizes this October and November, in the country’s first ever national digital tour by a Korean artist.

Released in July 2020, Dance Pop is the outfit’s debut material to be available both physically and digitally, having previously offered all releases exclusively via small run CD pressings with mere handfuls only ever available to purchase at live shows. Thus, trying to collect the plethora of Wedance recordings is a feat in itself. This idea of a musical scavenger hunt, trying to piece together the entirety of an artist’s body of work in the age of digital and easily transmittable everything, greatly appeals to their fans. Now for the first time, Australian ears and audiences are finally able to delve into the wonderful world of Wedance, starting with the pied piper anthem of indie strangeness, ‘Ironism’.

“A poet of our time walks down the road. Even though the poet tries to walk with a clear mind, it doesn’t work. The ironies that are to be seen everywhere constantly irritate and simmer away until they eventually burst out in fury. Finally, the poet opens a notebook and writes down a new word “Ironism.” The ironic landscapes of the city, which used to confuse us became more vivid and clearer when we decided the name of the song would be ‘Ironism’” – Wedance (위댄스)

Dancing their way to Australian devices this spring, Wedance will bring their unprecedented energy, charisma and penchant for all things fashion to our virtual shores for four special performances across the country. Having previously performed in Australia at the 2016 Aus Asia Festival and the 2018 Bigsound Festival, as well as multiple Festival appearances throughout Asia and the world including Fuji Rock, Primavera Sound, Nuits Sonores, Bug Sounds, Baybeats and more, their upcoming virtual tour is not one to miss. This October, join Wedance for a run of online dance parties to end all dance parties as they take on Bigsound, Isol-Aid and The Tivoli, beckoning all to join in on the alt-bacchanal. Be sure to pack your dance shoes!

Wedance ‘Danceparty at Your Fingertips’ Digital Tour Dates
Bigsound
Dancing On The Farm Showcase & Q&A
Wednesday 21 / Thursday 22 October
Showcase time: TBA
Details: https://www.bigsound.org.au/events/wedance-dancing-on-the-farm

Isol-Aid Festival
Saturday 31 October
Performance time: TBA
https://www.isolaidfestival.com/

Open Session Program at The Tivoli – Supporting Jaguar Jonze
Friday 20 November
Doors 7.00pm
Starts 8.00pm
Tickets $35 for cabaret style show via https://thetivoli.com.au/events/wedance

Wedance Facebook Wedance Facebook
Wedance Instagram Wedance Instagram
Wedance Website Wedance Website
Wedance Spotify Wedance Spotify

 

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ADRIANNE LENKER Shares new single 'dragon eyes' New albums songs and instrumentals out 23 October
Music News

ADRIANNE LENKER Shares new single ‘dragon eyes’ New albums songs and instrumentals out 23 October

by the partae
written by the partae

Praise for ‘anything’

“Her melodies are so gorgeous, her voice so small and unassuming, it can be jarring to peer through the galaxy-like sweep of her fingerpicking and discover a glint of menace in her half-obscured lyrics.” – Pitchfork, Best New Track

“Tucked away in the Berkshires, Adrianne Lenker spent the summer writing and recording two whole records. As the light at the end of the tunnel drifts further and further away, ‘anything’ stays locked on the idea of true connection.” – The FADER

“lovely and delicate” – Uproxx

“Lenker’s lyrics lay out sketches of dog attacks and ER trips… ‘Anything’ is the kind of love song that makes room for ridiculous complications like those. It’s the real kind.” – Stereogum

Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker will release two new albums, songs and instrumentals, on Friday 23 October. Today, she shares a new single, ‘dragon eyes’, which follows lead single ‘anything’.

Throughout ‘dragon eyes’, Lenker’s sweet voice moves over guitar like wind rustling through autumn leaves. Her lyrics refer to tangible feelings – hot sand, cold air, and cool hands – and more mystical images – a “dragon with silent eyes.” Each stanza ends with a differing refrain that’s as pleading as Lenker’s vocal inflections: “I just want a place with you // I just want a place.”

songs and instrumentals are two distinct collections, both written and recorded in April after Big Thief’s March tour was abruptly cut short due to coronavirus. After returning to the US from Europe, Lenker decamped to a one room cabin in the mountains of western Massachusetts. “I grew really connected to the space itself,” says Lenker. “The one room cabin felt like the inside of an acoustic guitar — it was such a joy to hear the notes reverberate in the space.” With a hankering to capture the feel of the space, Lenker enlisted the help of engineer Philip Weinrobe, gathering a mass of tape machines, a binaural head, and a pile of XLR cables. While songs represents more lyrical and traditional songwriting, instrumentals sees Lenker stretching out and exploring the space in two longer instrumental pieces.

The vinyl recording is 100% analog-analog-analog (AAA). No digital process was used in the production of this sound recording. Weinrobe describes the process in more detail: “Not only does this process allow for a very specific type of sonic experience to come alive, but the process also dictates how we work. The fine-toothed editing and micro adjustments that every modern record relies on are not available. The computer screen is not glowing while the music is being recorded. The entire workflow becomes a part of the music in a way that is simply not possible when working in digital audio. AAA is a very labour and resource intensive process and it has a wide array of limitations compared to digital record making, but there is no other way we could have achieved both the capture and delivery of this music without it.”

The albums’ stunning covers are watercolour paintings by Adrianne’s grandmother, Diane Lee. songs and instrumentals will be packaged together on double LP, CD and cassette.

Pre-order songs and instrumentals: https://adriannelenker.ffm.to/songsandinstrumentals

Adrianne Lenker – songs and instrumentals are out Friday 23 October via 4AD / Remote Control Records. 
Adrianne Lenker
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SUPPORT FOR ‘GUESS WHO?’ “Chaotic, cheeky and a bit too real. More gold from SCABZ!” - 4.5/5 stars - Declan Byrne – triple j (AUS) “In news that will come as a shock to absolutely no one, SCABZ have my whole heart. The out-of-nowhere sax solo is the cherry on top of this completely chaotic anthem.” - 4.5/5 stars - Abby Butler – triple j Unearthed (AUS) "Clocking in at just under two minutes in length, it’s a short, sharp burst of punk that fights back at the insecurities of the authorities." - Deafen County (AUS) Premiered on triple j's Home & Hosed Added to Spotify playlist 'Local Noise' Based on Dharawal and Gadigal country, punk raconteurs SCABZ have just revealed their riotous new single ‘Guess Who?’ and announced their debut record 'Pressure' – due Friday, November 30. Opening with fierce guitars, frenetic drums and the sharp political commentary of lead singer Siobhan Poynton, ‘Guess Who?’ is the latest satire-drenched exemplar from the self-proclaimed ‘Newtown’s shittest band’. Unpredicted saxophone provided by True Vibenation’s Vuli and rousing group vocals brings the track to a wholly satisfying end. Siobhan talks about the meaning behind ‘Guess Who?’: “I was walking down King Street one day and just so happened to end up behind a pack of coppers doing the rounds of an early afternoon, going into every pub, checking in on ‘safety’ and hassling people at the train station. They all seemed to get along so well and enjoy each other’s company, even though everyone else wanted them to piss off. And I remember thinking it must be a real particular kind of person from a young age who wants to be a cop, and that would make a funny song. So, I popped into the pub Loz works at, and we started writing the lyrics.” In the live arena, SCABZ has shared stages with the likes of Skegss, Ruby Fields and Bugs, as well as performances at Yours & Owls Festival, Festival of the Sun, BIGSOUND and Bad Friday. The band also equalled a record for performing the most amount of sets at the King Street Crawl last year, playing an impressive five shows back-to-back. Previous releases have been widely embraced by Australian radio stations triple j, triple j Unearthed, FBi, 3RRR, 4ZZZ, RTR FM, Edge Radio, SYN FM, PBS FM, 2XX, 2SER and Radio Adelaide. They’ve also seen support from online blogs The Line of Best Fit (UK), Pilerats, Life Without Andy, Savage Thrills, Music Feeds, Little Indie Blogs (UK) and Podcart (UK), as well as their video clips being added to rotation on the ABC’s Rage. In the coming weeks, SCABZ will reveal an accompanying music video for ‘Guess Who?’. ‘Guess Who?’ is available worldwide now FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
Music News

SCABZ RETURN WITH BLISTERING NEW SINGLE ‘GUESS WHO?’ AND ANNOUNCE DEBUT ALBUM

by the partae
written by the partae

SUPPORT FOR ‘GUESS WHO?’

“Chaotic, cheeky and a bit too real. More gold from SCABZ!” – 4.5/5 stars
– Declan Byrne – triple j (AUS)

“In news that will come as a shock to absolutely no one, SCABZ have my whole heart. The out-of-nowhere sax solo is the cherry on top of this completely chaotic anthem.” – 4.5/5 stars
– Abby Butler – triple j Unearthed (AUS)

“Clocking in at just under two minutes in length, it’s a short, sharp burst of punk that fights back at the insecurities of the authorities.”
– Deafen County (AUS)

Premiered on triple j’s Home & Hosed

Added to Spotify playlist ‘Local Noise’

Based on Dharawal and Gadigal country, punk raconteurs SCABZ have just revealed their riotous new single ‘Guess Who?’ and announced their debut record ‘Pressure‘ – due Friday, November 30.

Opening with fierce guitars, frenetic drums and the sharp political commentary of lead singer Siobhan Poynton, ‘Guess Who?’ is the latest satire-drenched exemplar from the self-proclaimed ‘Newtown’s shittest band’. Unpredicted saxophone provided by True Vibenation’s Vuli and rousing group vocals brings the track to a wholly satisfying end.

Siobhan talks about the meaning behind ‘Guess Who?’:

“I was walking down King Street one day and just so happened to end up behind a pack of coppers doing the rounds of an early afternoon, going into every pub, checking in on ‘safety’ and hassling people at the train station. They all seemed to get along so well and enjoy each other’s company, even though everyone else wanted them to piss off. And I remember thinking it must be a real particular kind of person from a young age who wants to be a cop, and that would make a funny song. So, I popped into the pub Loz works at, and we started writing the lyrics.”

In the live arena, SCABZ has shared stages with the likes of Skegss, Ruby Fields and Bugs, as well as performances at Yours & Owls Festival, Festival of the Sun, BIGSOUND and Bad Friday. The band also equalled a record for performing the most amount of sets at the King Street Crawl last year, playing an impressive five shows back-to-back.

Previous releases have been widely embraced by Australian radio stations triple j, triple j Unearthed, FBi, 3RRR, 4ZZZ, RTR FM, Edge Radio, SYN FM, PBS FM, 2XX, 2SER and Radio Adelaide. They’ve also seen support from online blogs The Line of Best Fit (UK), Pilerats, Life Without Andy, Savage Thrills, Music Feeds, Little Indie Blogs (UK) and Podcart (UK), as well as their video clips being added to rotation on the ABC’s Rage.

In the coming weeks, SCABZ will reveal an accompanying music video for ‘Guess Who?’.

‘Guess Who?’ is available worldwide now

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC

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Rebecca Lappa 'Lady Godiva' Premiere
Music News

Rebecca Lappa ‘Lady Godiva’ Premiere

by the partae
written by the partae

Rebecca Lappa’s fearless fusion of folk, rock and pop has her cresting the wave of Canada’s best contemporary singer-songwriters and creating a buzz with three 2019 Edmonton Music Award nominations and one win. Her compositions crackle with passion, beautiful melodies and clever lyrics sung in an edgy vocal style all her own. Lappa has toured Canada entrancing audiences at Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Calgary Folkfest, Canmore Folkfest,  and Ottawa Blues Festival. She’s opened for Crash Test Dummies, Jenn Grant, Digging Roots, Reignwolf, Basia Bulat, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Mike Plume and Leeroy Stagger.

A Canadian Folk Music Awards and multiple Edmonton Music Awards winner, Lappa was a top 5 regional finalist in CBC Searchlight 2018 and charted nationally on campus radio. Using an Edmonton Arts Council grant, she’s recording new music in 2019/20 with Producer Louise Burns of 604 Records. With her powerful vocals and honest stories, Lappa is an emerging Canadian talent who is clearly “one to watch”.

https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaLappaMusic

https://www.instagram.com/rebeccalappamusic

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