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The first single previewed off the group’s forthcoming third studio record, due for release in 2021, ‘Broken System’ is a searing anthem that takes aim at those who are unwilling to acknowledge their own complicity or work to dismantle systems and legacies of white supremacy, colonialism, capitalism, environmental degradation and more that have led the world to where it is now. Over a driving bass line, blistering guitars and vocals that oscillate from smearing and indignant to cavernous and portentous, ‘Broken System’ is a sub-three minute distillation of These New South Whales’ career to date, marrying the uncompromising punk ethics of their earliest material with the infectious accessibility of their recent output.
‘Broken System’ is the group’s first piece of new material since the release of their second LP, 2019’s I Just Do What God Tells Me To Do, which won the Sydney punks international praise from theneedledrop, triple j, The Line of Best Fit, Kerrang!, Mojo Magazine and more, while also showcasing the band’s rapidly maturing songwriting and a more sunnied, poppier exterior to their punk hearts.
Launching alongside the release of ‘Broken System’ is news of their upcoming comedy series which will broadcast live to air on YouTube. Following the cult success of their Comedy Central mockumentary, These New South Whales are back with an entirely new comedy series – TNSW Tonight! Think Eric Andre meets Tim Heidecker’s On Cinema. Playing parodied versions of themselves, the band members somehow land their own talk show, complete with house band (These New South Whales) and frontman Jamie Timony as host. Channeling their years of showbiz experience and industry acumen, the band will attempt to chew the fat and match their minds with some of our time’s most influential celebrities and rockstars, but in true TNSW fashion, are likely to completely blow it.
Of their latest series, Timony shares: “We can’t wait to thrust ourselves into this iconic television format. I’ve always admired Rove McManus and now I get to be him. I hope your wig has a chin strap, because your haircut’s coming off!” TNSW Tonight! will air live to Youtube weekly on Tuesdays at 9pm, the first episode debuts on October 27.
Following two full-length studio albums, two seasons of their mockumentary series and the success of their hilarious but earnest, fly-on-the-wall interview podcast What A Great Punk, TNSW Tonight! will add yet another branch to the multidisciplinary These New South Whales creative universe, the likes of which Australian music has never seen before.
TNSW Tonight!
Weekly on Tuesdays from Oct 27
9pm live to YouTube
Watch + subscribe for updates here.
Stay connected with These New South Whales:
Official Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
SUPPORT FOR ‘DON’T BLINK’
“With pummeling guitar, formidable bars and a hard hitting, swaggering bass, ‘Don’t Blink’ is a total heater.”
– Purple Sneakers (AUS)
Following on from his critically praised single ‘Funny Business’, Canberra-based hip hop artist Citizen Kay has returned with his up front new single ‘Don’t Blink’ – produced by the artist himself.
Opening with irresistible bass riffs and ominous police sirens, ‘Don’t Blink’ quickly drops into Kay’s distinctive delivery showcasing his deft dynamic range. As Kay’s performance crescendo’s the track builds in intensity accentuating the lyrical message of a powerful example of exquisite hip-hop.
Citizen Kay talks about the motivation behind ‘Don’t Blink’:
“It’s basically about complacency. There can be a very fine line between being understanding or patient and being complacent. There’s a time for silence and observation and a time for action and blunt conversation. Both are necessary. This is me exploring my potential complacency and questioning my next moves, questioning my motives and questioning my actions.”
Citizen Kay’s albums ‘Demokracy’ and ‘With The People’ were both nominated for an ARIA award in the ‘Best Urban Album’ category; the former was also nominated for an AIR award for ‘Best Independent Hip-Hop Album Release’. A performance soon followed on triple j’s esteemed ‘Like A Version’ segment and was met with praise by fans and critics alike.
Previous releases have also been strongly supported by Spotify, Apple Music, Complex, Pilerats, Purple Sneakers, Cool Accidents, AUD’$, Acid Stag and NME, with video clips added to rotation on ABC’s Rage. He’s also had multiple tracks added to rotation on triple j and extensive play across community radio.
His three albums, including his last ‘Belly Of The Beast‘, received top 10 placings on the US College Hip Hop charts and the single ‘Ego’ broke into the top 20 of the US NACC Singles chart. In the UK, the single picked up regional and community radio plays.
Citizen Kay has toured the country extensively, supporting hip hop luminaries Public Enemy, Run The Jewels, Ice Cube, Danny Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Earl Sweatshirt and Australian crowd favourites ILLY, Tkay Maizda and Seth Sentry. He’s also made appearances at Australian mainstay events Falls Festival and Groovin’ The Moo.
In the coming weeks, Citizen Kay will reveal an accompanying music video for ‘Don’t Blink’ directed by long-time collaborator Nic Vevers.
‘Don’t Blink’ is available worldwide now through Asphalt Records/MGM
FOLLOW CITIZEN KAY
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
Releasing some of their most personal material yet, Perth’s Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks release their new EP, Songs For A Long Walk.
A collection of moving and authentic indie-folk music, Songs For A Long Walk shines a light on the group’s defined musical identity, led by songwriter Jack Davies’ unwavering strength as a vocalist and songwriter.
Six tracks recorded at the beginning of 2020, Songs For A Long Walk were created before the world was plunged into a prolonged stage of limbo, yet when listening to the songs now in the midst of it, the comfort and warmth they exude are second to none.
From it listeners have already heard ‘Loving You’s Like A Mouldy Cup of Tea’ and ‘Half Frozen Beer’, both strong compositions on their own, yet Songs For A Long Walk shines across the other four tracks too. Evoking the likes of Jacob Diamond, Courtney Barnett and Tom Odell in songwriting and nuanced delivery, the Songs For A Long Walk EP is inviting and intimate in the soundscapes it creates.
This is a record that shows Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks at their best, and for newcomers to the group, Songs For A Long Walk is the perfect wait to become acquainted with them.
Recorded at RADA Studios in Perth, the band were able to properly immerse themselves in the old warehouse set up, with the addition of some beautiful upright pianos that helped form the final sound of the EP. For Jack, the experience has inspired him for future recordings.
“We were able to just have fun with all these incredible instruments and microphones and record whatever we liked. Dan Carroll, who engineered and mixed the EP, has such a huge insight into recording and music in general. Working together changed my perspective on a lot of things in the recording world, I’m grateful for that. The whole process has given me so much inspiration to dig right into the next record and explore all these new ideas fully.” Jack Davies
The closeness of the band and their natural ability as players together shines throughout the EP, as it does on single ‘Half Frozen Beer’. Sharing the music video for this song, Jack Davies worked alongside photographer and videographer Annie Harvey in bringing this one to life.
Filmed in Perth during WA’s late stages of lockdown, the ‘Half Frozen Beer’ music video features Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks, albeit in a different format to normal.
“It was a rather lonely time, so I just mulled around my house recording bits ‘n bobs. We couldn’t be in groups, so we couldn’t film with my bandmates directly. Instead, I went and stood out the front of their houses and jammed along with them by their windows, kind of a play on the song and the idea of being together. It was really down to the magic of Annie Harvey’s video work that brought it together; I’m stunned by how beautiful the colours and composition of the shots came out, the band just danced around!” Jack Davies
Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks have been garnering acclaim for their music around the country, while also attracting industry praise too, having a WAM and SOTY award to their name, as well as a National Live Music Award for WA’s Best Live Act. Their brand of indie-folk music has drawn over 1.5 million streams on Spotify alone; while also emerging as a formidable touring force, with audiences around the country embracing them as headliners and supporting the likes of Tash Sultana, Weyes Blood and San Cisco.
Off the back of their debut EP Cleaning The Dishes in 2019, Jack Davies and The Bush Chooks became a dynamic force in the WA scene, significant examples of their presence being in their ability to draw almost 500 to the modest Clancy’s Fish Pub in Fremantle and an unprecedented crowd of over 2,000 to the Fremantle Arts Centre their ‘Sunday Music Sessions’ show.
The past couple of months have seen the band return to performing to sold out crowds across the state, as restrictions continue to ease in Western Australia.
PRAISE FOR JACK DAVIES AND THE BUSH CHOOKS
“Every so often a voice captures a moment in time. Slow, melodic and deliberate songwriting that evokes quintessential West Australian imagery, Jack Davies is the voice of a new generation of Perth storytellers.”
RTRFM 92.1
“The west is having a real moment right now and Jack Davies is right there at the tip of the community’s songwriting wellspring.”
Triple J Unearthed, Dave Ruby Howe
“I was thinking to myself today, wondering who of the modern Australian songwriters writing gentle, folk inspired songs have what it takes to be remembered in the long term, and I reckon Jack might be one of them. His songs cut straight to the core and put you in a time and place you didn’t know you were missing.”
Triple J Unearthed, Tommy Faith
“This has my vote as a replacement for the national anthem. Quick witted and clever prose with that lingering banjo and harmonica, Jack is a next gen bush balladeer and I’m in awe.”
ABC Country Music Programmer/Producer, Kath Devaney
JACK DAVIES AND THE BUSH CHOOKS EP LAUNCH SHOW
Friday, October 23 Freo Social Fremantle
EP Launch Show
with New Nausea, Nika Mo, Clove
Songs For A Long Walk is released Friday, October 23rd.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Triple J Unearthed
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TRACKLIST
1. hope she loves me back
2. hey girl
3. leave me alone!
4. honey
5. rest up
6. te vas // don’t go
7. aleluya
8. come home
9. mustache
10. vamos a la playa
11. wachito rico
12. nowadays
13. i <3 u
Stay connected with Boy Pablo:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Youtube | Soundcloud
Recorded at Skull Creek studios with defining instrumental and backup vocal accompaniment by artists such as Leot Hanson and Greig Beveridge, as well as produced by Aspen Beveridge. At first listen, Comin for you cracks any misconceptions on solo artist debuts. It touches notes and tones that are familiar to listeners and creates a sound that has multi generational appeal.
LISTEN: https://open.spotify.com/album/5ApPSbMeGvHtIkSGzkcY55
In April of this year, Yaeji released a stunning mixtape called WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던, which was noted by Time Magazine, Stereogum, Billboard, Gorilla vs Bear, New Yorker, Pitchfork and more as one of the best albums of 2020. Today Yaeji will officially release an exclusive bonus track, ‘When In Summer, I Forget About The Winter,’ originally featured on CD formats of WHAT WE DREW exclusively in Korea and Japan. Written and produced by Yaeji, the track is a lo-fi diary entry, a meditation on the changing of seasons and the ups and downs of life and love.
At the onset of WHAT WE DREW, Yaeji introduced a cast of animated companions (all illustrated by herself) including Woofa, who starred alongside Yaeji in the ‘WAKING UP DOWN’ music video. Today Yaeji will launch an interactive web-based game titled Woofa Joofa Juice Club on Yaeji.com/juiceclub. Players can choose between four playable characters, hang out at Joofa’s juice shop and order from a dozen flavours, then hit Club Yae and dance to tunes from WHAT WE DREW.
Since the release of WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던, Yaeji has continued to find meaningful ways to support her community. In August she debuted Yaeji In Place, a live DJ set and fundraiser with Boiler Room. Yaeji announced she will donate all profits of her yellow WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던 vinyl sales, purchased on Yaeji Mart and Bandcamp, to two organizations, Black Trans Femmes in the Arts (BTFA) and Black Art Futures Fund (BAFF), and with her NTS radio residency Kraeji w/Yaeji is sharing tracks that are available for purchase on BandCamp, including a Buy Music Club link alongside every episode here.
Earlier this month Yaeji graced the cover of Mix Mag’s latest issue, speaking candidly to writer Michelle Kim about her debut mixtape and more, read the entire story and listen to the mix HERE.
Purchase / Stream WHAT WE DREW 우리가 그려왔던 via https://yaeji.ffm.to/
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A huge week of announcements for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard! Two new albums, a single, and an ‘edit as you wish’ freebie for the fans.. Not even a global pandemic can stand in the way of this ever evolving group. |
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Their first studio work since 2019’s ‘Infest The Rats’ Nest’, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard are back with ‘K.G.’ – their sixteenth album, and first to be composed and recorded across their homes in Melbourne. A return to microtonal territory, this 10 track opus sees the band paint from a palette that extends far beyond the musical colours of western rock. An album best described as a pure distillation of the King Gizzard sound, one that cherry picks the best aspects of previous albums and contorts them into new shapes, via defiantly non-Western rock scales. |
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The fourth single from the album ‘Automation’ is out now, a visceral hit of psych rock that explodes with frenzied groove. In true King Gizz style, the audio and video files have been made free for public use. With fans encouraged to edit these to make their own versions of the song and clip. |
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If that ain’t enough for ya, Gizz have also blessed us a new live double LP – ‘Live In San Francisco ’16 – that will be released on the same day. Just under a month after delivering their award-winning 2016 album Nonagon Infinity, King Gizzard took the stage at San Francisco’s The Independent for a set both wildly frenetic and meticulously executed. In one of their final club gigs before bursting onto the international scene—soon selling out amphitheaters and headlining festivals—the Melbourne septet laid down a breakneck performance that, in the words of SF Weekly, “made every organ ache just right.” ‘Live in San Francisco ’16’ captures an extraordinary moment in the band’s increasingly storied history, a 13-song spectacular likely to leave every listener awestruck and adrenalised. With an embossed glow in the dark cover, it’s sure to be a must have in every Gizz heads collection. |
With less than two weeks to go until the 2020 South Australian Music (SAM) Awards, organisers have unveiled the talented performers and host for this year’s event.
Held for the first time in a specially constructed outdoor format, the 2020 SAM Awards continue to be a highlight of the South Australian music industry calendar, celebrating the best in local music now and looking ahead to the New Year.
Helming proceedings at the SAM Awards this year will be Three D Radio’s Isaac Selby, bringing that local music expertise and knowledge to the role; guiding everyone through the ceremony, which will see the best of South Australian music celebrated across 29 Industry Voted and People’s Choice award categories.
“I can’t wait to help celebrate the achievements of our fantastic local scene while hosting the SA Music Awards! The talented humans in our music community and close proximity to my house have made it one of my favourite in the world.” Isaac Selby
The SAM Awards this year will see dynamic and genre-diverse performances from four of the city’s best acts. Emerging hip-hop and R&B artist J-Milla will perform alongside indie rock group SEABASS, experimental producer and songwriter Lonelyspeck, as well as breakthrough pop-punk trio Chelsea Manor. All up for awards themselves in November, ticket holders will be able to get a reminder as to why these artists are garnering attention around the country, and stand out as strong names to watch in 2021.
“Being in a band from Regional SA, we don’t often get opportunities like this to showcase our music, so it’s a real honour for us to be in invited to perform in front our family, friends and peers at the SA Music Awards.” Chelsea Manor
The SOLD OUT 2020 SAM Awards take place this year at the University of Adelaide’s Cloisters and Unibar Lawns, shifting from its traditional seated dinner gala format, to an outdoors event fit for the summer. Proceeding in accordance with the current COVID-19 safe protocols, the SAM Awards are on track to deliver their most memorable year yet; an excellent way to send off what’s been a year on pause for the entire live music community.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said South Australia was in the fortunate position to be able to celebrate its brightest stars in this format. “The music industry has suffered more than most this year, and I’m very pleased we’ll be able to get together safely to acknowledge South Australia’s incredibly talented musicians,” Minister Pisoni said.
Nominees for the SAM Awards this year features some incredible names pushing South Australian music forward including EAST AV3, Naomi Keyte, Motez, TOWNS and DyspOra; while the efforts of those engineers, producers, venues, events, visual artists, managers and videographers are also set to be recognised across a series of lucrative award categories.
2020 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MUSIC AWARDS
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020
UniBar Adelaide, Cloisters and Lawns
Kaurna Land
Entrance from Victoria Drive
The SAM Awards is looking ahead to the future in continuing their commitment to celebrating the thriving community of musicians that really make SA Great.
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“Oh my, my… I’ve fallen in love with this band. Dance Pop is one of the best albums of 2020!” – Scenestr
“Ironism is a song that encapsulates the album at its best, descending into the madness of Wedance as they merge together distorted electric guitar with foundations that move between pop, indie and electronica; the song very much being a stand-out from the record’s more slick, electronic focus with its roughness and energy, largely brought by that emphasised rock grit.” – Hayden Davies, Pilerats
Earlier this year, Korea’s masters of moving and shaking, Wedance (위댄스) shared their latest LP Dance Pop with the world. Unlike any other releases of theirs, however, the album marked a momentous occasion in the band’s history as their first ever material to be available digitally. The prolific duo have always prided themselves on maintaining this idea of a musical scavenger hunt, only ever offering their music on limited edition runs of CDs handed out at their live shows. This transformation to the digital realm sparked an exciting new way of connecting with fans both at home and throughout the world, and would eventually catalyse the band’s imminent ‘Danceparty at Your Fingertips’ digital Australian tour. In celebration of their upcoming trip to our virtual shores this month, Wedance are thrilled to reveal a new video for their beloved Dance Pop single ‘Ironism’.
Bringing together a group of friends, misfits and oddballs, the video is a perfect encapsulation of a Wedance live show, complete with dancing, bouncing, flouncing and laughing. Though uncharacteristically devoid of any colour, the black and white video is as joyous as it is totally bizarre and proves why the dynamic duo are making waves with their infectious positivity and entirely unique style.
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 a run of 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 month, join Wedance for a stint 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 October
Showcase time: 7PM AEST
Details: Bigsound Website
Isol-Aid Festival
Saturday 31 October
3:40-4:00PM AEDT
Details: Isol-Aid Website
Open Session Program at The Tivoli – Supporting Jaguar Jonze
Friday 20 November
Doors 7.00pm AEST
Starts 8.00pm AEST
Tickets $35 for cabaret style show via The Tivoli Website
Video Credits
Directed by David Cardonal
Performance by
전수현 / 김찬우 / 재아 / 상미 / 효정 / 구름 / 연두 / 성림 / 은준 / 숲이아 / 파람 / 은미 / 알록 / 조영국 / 임도연 / 위보 / 위기
Written, Composed, Arranged and Performed by Wedance (Wevo & Wegui)
Produced by Wedance (Wevo & Wegui) & BA Wheeler
Recorded at Union Studio (by BA Wheeler) & Shelter (by Wegui and Wevo), Seoul
Mixed and Mastered by BA Wheeler at Union Studio, Seoul
Published By MO records
Released through Beeline Records
https://www.facebook.com/bandwedance/
Get your tickets on-sale now
The Bluesfest 2021 Fourth Artist Announcement adds an eclectic, diverse list of names to what is already a legendary line up of Australian artists confirmed to perform next Easter on April 1st – 5th at the beautiful green Byron Events Farm located in Tyagarah 10 minutes north of Byron Bay.
The line-up is programmed with the intention to appeal to a broad audience featuring artists across all genres for all members of the family to enjoy. With the light at the end of the tunnel in sight, Bluesfest is confidently positioned to be one of the first major festivals back on the circuit for the many music loving patrons aching to come out and soak in some highly anticipated festive vibes.
Back in April this year, many called Bluesfest’s intention to proceed with an event in 2021 as a “brave and bold move”. Proceed it did nonetheless and fortunately the festival is well-poised for a successful event with tickets currently hitting the 60% mark of sell-out in sales, with the bigger nights [Fri-Sat-Sun] selling consistently and rising.
Commenting on the announcement Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM says “Time will tell, but It is being said that the 2021 Bluesfest line up is the greatest assembly of Australian artists to ever perform at one event. Ticket sales are showing that the Australian public is ready to celebrate safely and we are on target for a sell-out at our expected capacity. My focus right now is on bringing this festival home in 2021.“
Leading the already diverse announcement is Northern Beaches of Sydney natives and ARIA award winners Ocean Alley. Their platinum-selling single ‘Confidence’ won the #1` spot on triple j’s Hottest 100 in 2018 and since that time the band have gone on with sell-out shows right across Australia winning hearts along the way.
Considering Australian music icon John Williamson will celebrate his 51st anniversary in 2021 you can bet this show will be one for the history books. John’s “The Winding Back” tour will celebrate his 51 years in the entertainment industry and foresee closing the book on his regular touring. The last time John performed at Bluesfest in 2014, so captivated was the crowd that you could hear a pin drop. This great man’s storytelling talents through song and banter is outstanding. He has sold over five million albums and is regarded in the Top Five best-selling Australian artists joining Slim Dusty who sits at No. 1. Considering this is one of the last chances to catch John Williamson live this show should be marked up as “do not miss” in any festival planner.
When Tex Perkins struts up on stage to embody the role of “The Man In Black” for a special Bluesfest only performance you just know you are in for one hell of a good time. Imbued with the best of Johnny Cash hits, Tex Perkins’ reverence for Cash’s career is evident in the way he approaches every song and it is little wonder why “The Man In Black” has been lauded by critics and fans alike, and won Tex and his crew a Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Australian Concert.
Get ready for an assault of the senses with the Jon Stevens | The Noiseworks & INXS Collection show. The former lead singer of Noiseworks and INXS stacks this show with nothing but relentless hits. Jon’s visceral charge of emotion is guaranteed to transport you back in time including the INXS songs that were such a huge part of the soundtrack of our lives.
This has got to be the coolest collaboration announced this year; Josh Teskey and Ash Grunwald will take to the stage together and perform songs from a forthcoming album titled “Push The Blues Away”. The album released on 13th November is born out of a mutual love for the Blues and a genuine appreciation for each other’s talents.
An Australian lineup of this size would not be complete without Vika & Linda. They are Australia’s most revered singing sisters, known for their rich vocal harmonies and stylistic breadth. These ARIA chart toppers bring an added touch of class to the program.
Originally from Canada, Byron Bay local singer-songwriter Garrett Kato went from busking and living out of a backpack to tallying over 45 million worldwide streams and performing sold-out shows alongside Damien Rice and Ziggy Alberts. Immensely talented this young and rapidly rising star will be a musical gem for many to discover at Bluesfest.
Mia Dyson is always welcomed to Bluesfest by her many fans. A Blues pocket-rocket of a performer Mia has won multiple ARIA & APRA awards, toured with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak, Stevie Nicks and Eric Clapton. Now based in LA, this little lady is one big Blues star and is always welcomed back onto the bill. This will be Mia’s 6th time at Bluesfest.
SNAPSHOT ARTIST BIOGRAPHIES
OCEAN ALLEY
Northern Beaches of Sydney natives Ocean Alley released their critically acclaimed third LP ‘Lonely Diamond’ in June, debuting at #3 on the ARIA Album Chart and garnering four-star reviews from NME and Rolling Stone Australia who praised “a rich, expansive universe brimming with a kind of electricity that’ll make for huge on-stage moments” and “they’ve managed to set a new standard for what their music can be” respectively. It follows the success of their second full-length ‘Chiaroscuro’ in 2018 which propelled the band into national prominence and saw them sell 25,000 tickets over 15 sold out shows that year in Australia along – culminating with their ARIA nominated, double platinum-selling single ‘Confidence’ taking out #1 in triple j’s Hottest 100 of 2018. Their breakthrough year was backed-up with 30 sold out shows around the world in 2019, plus major festival appearances at ‘Reading & Leeds Festival’[UK], ‘Splendour in the Grass’, ‘Sziget’ [HU], ‘BottleRock’ [US] and more, with the band amassing more than 315 million cumulative streams to date.
JOHN WILLIAMSON
In 2021 Australian music icon John Williamson will celebrate his 51st anniversary in the entertainment industry and embark on “The Winding Back” tour which will foresee him closing the book on his regular touring. When John Williamson wandered into Richmond’s GTV9 studios in 1970 with a guitar under his arm, little did the Mallee farmer realise he’d make a 50+-year career out of singing and performing. His performance of ‘Old Man Emu’, the first song John had ever written, on Channel Nine’s popular New Faces program resulted in a number one single and a record deal. It also marked the appearance of a striking new talent: an unofficial custodian of Australian stories. Half a century on, John Williamson has made an art of expertly capturing Australia in song. Painting lyrical pictures of our unique fauna and flora, landscapes and people, John has encapsulated the beauty, wonder and, sometimes, heartbreak of life Down Under. From boabs to billabongs and snowy mountains to sandy beaches, the Mallee-born songwriter’s 52 albums–including 20 original studio albums–have traversed Australia like a dust-covered road train, deftly moving between larrikin humour and touching pathos and have placed him in the Top Five best-selling Australian artists joining Slim Dusty who sits at No. 1. ’The Winding Back’ tour takes in more than 40 dates across Australia through to the end of 2021. With his honours including the ARIA Hall of Fame, an Order of Australia, 28 Golden Guitar Awards, Australian Roll of Renown induction, not to mention over 5 million albums sold and thousands of shows performed, it’s hard to begrudge the 75-year-old a less hectic schedule. First though, there’s a 51sth anniversary to celebrate and what better place than Bluesfest to experience it with Mr True Blue himself.
TEX PERKINS – THE MAN IN BLACK
There are few artists within Australia who can translate the work of ‘The Man in Black’ and bring it to modern day like Tex Perkins. His reverence for Johnny Cash’s career is evident in the way he approaches every song. Johnny Cash made an indelible impact on the international music scene. He passed away in 2003 but is still considered one of the most influential musicians of all time, as his sales of over 50 million records will attest. Tex Perkins needs no introduction to Australian audiences; he is a legend within the Aussie music industry and is revered as one of the country’s rock n’ roll outlaws. It is said his affinity with Johnny Cash started in his earliest band and is an enthusiasm he hasn’t relinquished. After fronting The Cruel Sea, Beasts of Bourbon and touring with Tex, Don and Charlie and The Dark Horses, Tex Perkins has had an incredible and varied music career. Now Perkins returns to his love of singing the songs of Johnny Cash with a special Bluesfest-only
performance. Tex Perkins – The Man In Black at Bluesfest will be more intensely music driven, less talking and more of the music of Johnny Cash. ‘The Man In Black’ has been lauded by critics and fans alike and won Tex and his crew a Helpmann Award for Best Contemporary Australian Concert.
JON STEVENS
In 2018 a co-founding member of INXS, Andrew Farriss, surprised Jon Stevens by entering the band room after not seeing each other in 15 years to tell Jon he should add more INXS songs to the set list. Jon was on The Best of Jon Stevens Tour reflecting on his 40-year career, performing songs from Noiseworks, Jesus Christ Superstar, The Dead Daisies and his solo collection with just a couple of INXS classics. This reunion with his old friend with whom he’d shared the stage with around the world fronting INXS from 2000-2005 formed the idea for his new tour – ‘Jon Stevens | The Noiseworks and INXS Collection’ Tour. After a sell-out tour in 2019 the former lead singer of Noiseworks and INXS is back tributing the legendary bands that catapulted him into Aussie Rock Royalty! Jon Stevens l The Noiseworks & INXS Collection Tour brings hits “Take Me Back”, “New Sensation”, “Don’t Change”, “Hot Chilli Woman”, “Never Tear Us Apart, “No Lies” and more. This show is an assault of the senses, with nothing but relentless hits. Miss it and you’re MAD!
JOSH TESKEY & ASH GRUNWALD
Two local powerhouses Josh Teskey [lead singer The Teskey Bros] and Ash Grunwald have teamed up for ‘Push The Blues Away’ (out Friday 13 November) – an album born out of a mutual love for the blues and a genuine appreciation for each other’s talents. This special show will no doubt bring the best out of both artists and is a definite for the “My Planner” section of your Bluesfest App. On ‘Push The Blues Away’, Josh and Ash cast off the weight of expectation and revel in music’s most simple pleasures. Recorded entirely live and straight to tape, with their only percussion consisting of gospel-inspired hand claps and stomps, the pair laid down seven original tunes, some penned by Josh, some by Ash, along with two classic Blues covers, Son House’s ‘Preachin’ Blues’ and the song that kickstarted the whole project, ‘The Sky Is Crying.’ To help them achieve this vision, they enlisted the help of Josh’s brother, Teskey Brothers’ guitarist, vocalist and Grammy-nominated engineer, Sam Teskey on production duty. Both artists have had an extremely busy 12 months; renowned as one of Australia’s finest live performers, Ash Grunwald released his critically acclaimed new album ‘MOJO’ along with his first book, “Surf By Day, Jam By Night” whilst The Teskey Brothers followed up their ARIA Award-winning and Grammy-nominated second album ‘Run Home Slow’ with the 2020 release of ‘Live At Forum’, earning them their first ARIA chart #1.
VIKA & LINDA
They’re Australia’s most revered singing sisters, known for their rich vocal harmonies and stylistic breadth. After three classic albums with The Black Sorrows, Vika & Linda have released six studio albums, two live albums and a chart-topping anthology. They have also sung on number one albums by Paul Kelly, Kasey Chambers and John Farnham, done gigs for the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela and the King of Tonga, and been nominated for four ARIA Awards. Recently, whilst still celebrating the recent release of their first ever best-of collection (and first ARIA #1) ‘Akilotoa (Anthology 1996-2004)’, Vika & Linda have wasted no time in following up with an inspired album of gospel songs titled ‘Sunday’(The Gospel According To Iso),’ out now (ARIA #2). The album was borne out of their Sunday Sing Song livestreams on social media during lockdown, and pays tribute to gospel pioneers including Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Mahalia Jackson. These are songs about survival, compassion and redemption.
GARRETT KATO
Originally from Canada, Byron Bay local singer-songwriter & producer Garrett Kato went from busking and living out of a backpack to tallying over 45 million worldwide streams and performing sold-out shows alongside Damien Rice and Ziggy Alberts. He landed a sync in Hollywood blockbuster ‘Bad Moms’ and his single ‘Take It Slowly’ has surpassed 13 million Spotify streams. His 2019 EP, ‘Distant Land’, earned the endorsement of triple j and Beatroute Magazine as the title track eclipsed 2.7 million Spotify streams. At the same time, he cemented himself as an in-demand, platinum-award winning producer. He worked with Ziggy Alberts on his 2016 EP ‘Four Feet in the Forest’ (certified Platinum) and his 2018 album ‘Laps Around the Sun’ (certified Platinum) and has also worked with Pete Murray, Kyle Lionheart, Riley Pearce, Pierce Brothers, Jack Botts and more.
MIA DYSON
Mia Dyson is an award-winning guitarist and singer/songwriter who has toured the country with the likes of Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Chris Isaak and many more. A multiple ARIA & APRA award-winning artist, Dyson has been named one of Australia’s top 25 guitarists of all time. Growing up in the Australian bush and in the sleepy beach town of Torquay, Mia Dyson was raised listening to American music as her dad was a big Blues fan and her mother a big Bob Dylan fan. It was at an early age Mia became fascinated by the mythology of American rock & roll. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2010, Dyson’s triumphs have included opening for Stevie Nicks at the Santa Barbara Bowl, in addition to self-releasing ‘Idyllwild’, ‘The Moment’ and ‘If I Only Said So Far I Take It Back’ to critical acclaim.
All ticket types and Add-Ons are on-sale now.
For further information on the line-up or artists please see here.
Bluesfest 2021 is being held from 1 – 5 April 2021. Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix.
Having been out-of-print for a couple of decades, the Cosmic Psychos have dug up some old masters, given them a spit and polish, and are ready to release TWO absolute classics on coloured vinyl this November.
If you’re up for a smack of nostalgia this Christmas, it might be a mighty fine time to requaint yourself with some of the ‘Psychos’ finest work to date. Featuring the original line-up of Ross Knight, Robbie Watts and Bill Walsh, ‘Blokes You Can Trust’ and ‘Self Totalled’ lay the foundations for many of today’s young pub rock upstarts, and even the grunge scene, globally.
Butch Vig (producer of Nirvana’s Nevermind) agrees, “I think the Cosmic Psychos were a band that was highly influential on the Seattle so called grunge scene. I know that Kurt and Nirvana were fans, they played shows with Pearl Jam. Even though the Cosmic Psychos never had the commercial impact or success that those bands had, they were still a major influence on them, and I think a lot of it had to do with the spirit and the sound of their music.
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SELF TOTALLED (1995)
Yellow and Red Vinyl options.
Pre-order now
Where are you currently based and what’s the music scene like there?
I’m currently based in Osaka, Japan.
There are a lot of bands playing — rock, punk, heavy metal, noise, hip hop.
There are a few clubs — drum n bass, techno, house, bass music.
There are some spaces for more experimental music, ambient, IDM, modular.
So there is a good music scene, but it’s all quite hidden and underground.
Only certain people go to these kind of places which is a shame.
You recently spent a prolonged period in London, what took you there?
I actually came back to Osaka in 2012.
The love of music took me there.
I found myself getting into music from the UK when I was in Japan, and I was curious to experience the music scene and culture for myself.
I wasn’t really into electronic music until I experienced it in London. I had some many memorable nights there.
How is it being back in Japan? Did you experience any reverse culture shock?
When I came back to Japan, I stopped making music for a while and worked full time as an English teacher.
Having a routine and not having to think too much was quite nice, after my more free-like lifestyle in London.
The first year was fine, but during the second year, I started to feel like I was starting to miss something.
I missed something so much, I can’t explain what that something was, but I knew I wanted to create music again.
How has it been getting back into the music scene there?
It has been really great. I saw Andy Stott, Mala and DBridge amongst others, and I have played in various venues around Osaka, such as Circus Club supporting Machinedrum.
How did you first start playing music and how did you evolve into electronic music?
I first got into music writing songs with my acoustic guitar, and being in a band.
I still love bands. I got into electronic music after I experienced some amazing nights at clubs in London.
I also became a member of Nedry (electronic band).
How would you describe your sound/the music that you play?
My music, especially, the latest album sayonara dance is like you are under the water.
Swimming slowly, trying to get to the other side.
Last year you released a new album ‘Sayonara Dance’. Can you tell us a bit about it?
I did everything except mastering, so it was a challenge and it took me 4 years to make this album.
I wanted to paint feelings with the sound. I was interested in the feelings in between.
Between the light and the darkness. I was very inspired by Four Quartets by T.S.Eliot
The track in the middle of the album “The lights are extinguished “ has the lines from East Coaker by T.S. Eliot.
——So the darkness shall be the light, and the stillness the dancing————
Then at the end of last year, dBridge made a remix of this song, and I was blown away by it.
The titled song sayonara dance is saying sayonara to your love by dancing together for the last time.
Was there anything in particular that influenced the sound behind it?
Not really, nothing in particular.
Can you tell us a bit about the process?
I first bought a new computer, a good audio interface(RME) and monitors
Then after that it was pretty much, trying, failing, trying , failing until I was happy with it.
Did you record the parts yourself?
Yes, I did everything in my bedroom.
What programs/instruments do you use?
Ableton Live mostly, I used to use pro-tools but I got Ableton Live and taught myself to use that.
I also used KORG MS200, and Gibson acoustic guitar
Tell us about your live set up, what do you use?
A:I use Ableton push, a guitar with various effect pedals, vocal with voice live, a RME interface, and MacBook
Where can we see you perform?
At music venues in Osaka such as Socore Factory, environment 0g
Follow me on instagram @ayu_okakita
What do you like to do away from music?
I love swimming and going to sentos (Japanese public bath)
Being in a sauna after a cold bath feels so good, and after that I love taking a walk with a drink.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of UK Grime because of my boyfriend, he has introduced me to some other music too.
My favorite songs of the month are Patience by RHYE and Dismantle by Andy Stott.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
I’m working on my next album!!
And I’m planning to organise a music event with Jack, called 深音(shinon), a night that focuses on deep sounds.
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I love going to standing bars, one of my favorites is Ushitora in Minami.
Base Island Kitchen serves great vegan food. And for a late night Bar Muffin is a fun intimate bar with an amazing sound system.