Hip-hop powerhouse Bliss n Eso blaze their much-awaited return with the electrifying new track ‘Lighthouse (feat. Jake Isaac)’. ‘Lighthouse’ is the first new music from Bliss n Eso since 2017’s critically-acclaimed ARIA #1 album Off The Grid, featuring their triple-platinum smash hit single ‘Moments (feat. Gavin James)’ which has amassed 60+ million streams across platforms and received the ARIA Award for Best Music Video.
‘Lighthouse’ transcends the metaphorical with a raw and personal narrative. A journey of self-awareness through the dark times, Bliss n Eso search for the light to guide us home, only to realise it’s the strength from within that burns brightest. ‘Ain’t nobody gonna save me but me’.
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Mo’Ju (formerly known as Mojo Juju) today returns with her new solo single ‘Put It On Hold’, out now via Wilder Records. Listen HERE.
‘Put It On Hold’ is produced by Clams Casino (A$AP Rocky, FKA twigs, Vince Staples), whom Mo’Ju first met after being invited to attend the coveted APRA Songhubs writing sessions in Brooklyn, New York. Released through Wilder Records, the new singles label from Future Classic (the label behind spotting such talent as Flume, G Flip, SOPHIE among others) and Tom Windish, ‘Put It On Hold’ marks Mo’Ju’s most mainstream outing to date, marrying a shuffling electronic beat with funk-inflected guitars, bass and dripping synths, exploding in a chorus which is at once tinged with hurt but resilient in its cathartic buoyancy.
Of the track, Mo’Ju shares that: “At the time that I wrote ‘Put It On Hold’ I was going through some heavy mental health stuff, which I guess was part cause and part symptom of some complicated relationship breakdowns. I know it probably sounds like a real throwaway line – “Put it on hold, put it on ice till it gets cold” – but I genuinely felt that. I just wanted everything to stop for a minute so I could catch my breath.”
This is Mo’Ju’s first solo single since the release of her 2018 record Native Tongue, one of the most poignant and critically acclaimed Australian albums of the year, earning her ARIA nominations for Best Breakthrough Artist and Best Urban Release as well as wins for Song and Album of the Year at the National Indigenous Music Awards. A statement record of the highest order, Native Tongue proved a creative and commercial breakthrough for the formerly underground artist with Mo’Ju’s thunderous voice demanding its proper recognition and its raw and honest lyricism detailing her experiences of racism while exploring her mixed Indigenous and Filipino heritage.
The first taste of her latest creative cycle, ‘Put It On Hold’ continues the rapturous momentum built off Native Tongue and consolidates Mo’Ju’s essential hold over the industry.
‘Put It On Hold’ by Mo’Ju is out now via Wilder Records, buy/stream it here.
Stay connected with Mo’Ju:
Facebook | Twitter | YouTube | Website
Rising from the Texas underground scene, Narrow Head have quickly amassed a devoted following for their standout live performances and open-hearted, emotionally naked songwriting. The band recently announced their signing to Run For Cover Records for their sophomore effort – 12th House Rock, to be released August 28. Their latest entry is the distillation of the greatest moments in 90’s alternative and hard rock with a fresh set of ears, thirteen tracks of Narrow Head ’s signature brand of bludgeoning lullabies bursting at the seams with creative ideas, new directions and massive, monolithic riffs.
Using distorted guitars as their primary vehicle, Narrow Head ’s wall of riffs add stark contrast to their best quality– deceptively sweet pop melodies — showcased loud and clear in lead single “ Night Tryst ”.
Of the track, vocalist / guitarist Jacob Duarte explains, “I wanted to create a fairly dark world with my words. Kind of like the reality William Burroughs creates in Naked Lunch : a grimy world of drunks and druggies filled with endless nights of unknown substances, pleasures, and regrets. I put my life and experiences into that world and those are the words that came out.”
Delving into deep-seated themes of self loathing, desolation, self-medication, the loss of loved ones and hopeful redemption, 12th House Rock is, as the title suggests, a rock-focused LP themed on transition– exploring the vast abyss of darkness just before the sun cracks upon the horizon. “A lot of the record was made in the late hours and early morning,” recalls Duarte . ”Those quiet moments alone when utter silence and my self-medication made it impossible to escape from my own thoughts. It was also from a specific time when I didn’t take care of myself and made bad decisions in all aspects of my life. These songs were a way out, temporarily anyway.”
Narrow Head formed in 2013 but became fully realised as a band in Houston with the release of their 2016 debut LP Satisfaction and the lineup of Duarte , guitarist William Menjivar and drummer Carson Wilcox . Playing in the Texas scene instilled a can-do attitude, an ability to explore several different ideas along with a strong set of DIY ethics, qualities that still form the basis of the band to this day. “Book your own shows, book your own tours,” details Duarte about the foundation of his musical viewpoint. ”I think that having other musical projects provided a scene for us to play too. Nobody else was looking at us, so we had to make our own scene.”
12th House Rock was self-produced and born of close to a hundred takes with no click track, vocal correction, drum samples or quantising, resulting in thirteen testaments to pulverising pop, clocking in just above 50 minutes. Initially only Duarte, Menjivar and Wilcox in 2018, the trio of old friends entered the studio with a batch of songs intending to write bass parts on the fly. “I’ve known Jacob and Carson since childhood and they are the most talented musicians– total prodigies,” states Menjivar. The three looked to build an LP that reflected current tastes as well as “music [they] looked up to as kids,” according to Menjivar, adding their own twist on the entirety of it.
Though the primary trio was present throughout the entire cycle, fate intervened on bass as the undeniable chemistry between the band and then strictly producer Ryan Chavez led to his inclusion in Narrow Head . The newly minted four piece would handle the bulk of the remainder of the LP, bringing in Erica Miller (Big Bite, Casual Hex) , vocalist/lyricist on “Delano Door,” and mastering guru Sarah Register (Big Thief, U.S. Girls, Protomartyr) to put the final touches on the record. Guitarist Kora Puckett (Bugg, ex-Sheer Mag) , who previously logged hours as a live member in the tours preceding the LP, would join Narrow Head as a full-fledged member following the album’s completion.
Despite whatever comparisons that can be made to guitar tone, mood, songwriting, timbre or virtually anything else, Narrow Head are quick to credit their native Houston, TX as the primary source for it all. “Houston is the greatest city on earth,” says Duarte emphatically. “People who know, know. In Houston, you have to give people a reason to pay attention to you.” With 12th House Rock , not only will Narrow Head have Houston’s attention, but the entire rock world as well, giving us one of 2020’s most impressive releases.
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Cut Copy‘s sixth album, Freeze, Melt – Pre-save/pre-order here.
Cut Copy‘s sixth album, Freeze, Melt – Pre-save/pre-order here.
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Photo Credit: Matt Johnson Surprising listeners on triple j breakfast this morning, Matt Corby drops another new track, ‘Vitamin’, less than a week after releasing ‘If I Never Say A Word’. The songs are released today digitally as a Double A-Side with a limited edition 7” vinyl of the 2 tracks available to pre-order here. ‘Vitamin’ reflects on the value of knowing what’s important and, over an infectiously stuttering soul groove, hints that the disruption of the past few months may have provided an opportunity to re-evaluate much about our lives. With two new songs, ‘If I Never Say A Word’, which was instantly added to triple j and new track ‘Vitamin’, the ARIA-award winning singer-songwriter delivers us some soulful tonic as a timely reminder of the value in finding the sun behind the clouds. “‘’Vitamin’ is all about the things that stop you from seeing the big picture, what’s truly important and the people around you that make life great. That’s what we mean by vitamins. Where are your vitamins coming from? Most people operate in this quick fix, day by day kind of scrambling, and it’s really hard to stop and find all the value in your existence and really come up with cool ideas to make it better. For me, it’s something to strive for.” In keeping with that perspective and spirit, while 2020 remains as uncertain for Corby as it does for everyone else, he’s focusing on the positives, embracing time in the studio and producing tracks for THE RIOT, Budjerah as well as co-producing Great Gable’s debut album Tracing Faces. “I’ll continue working on writing and recording new music, producing for other artists and hopefully we’ll get to tour when the time is right again in the future.” Matt co-wrote and co-produced ‘Vitamin’ with Matthew Neighbour (Avalanches, Missy Higgins) and Alex Henriksson. |
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Alex Hosking, hails from Adelaide, South Australia, and has been a force to be reckoned with for the past two years. Travelling the globe, leaving a trail of songs and releases behind her, Alex wanders between electronic, indie, urban and pop and canvasses her life experiences with wit, charm and humour in her lyrics. Collaborating on many worldwide projects with the likes of Stmpd Rcrds the Dutch electronic label owned by Martin Garrix, Dim Mak, Spinnin’ Records and more, Alex Hosking is nothing short of unstoppable.
‘Fake Friends’ is her latest collaboration with internationally recognised DJ, PS1. A rousing piano house banger with an addictive vocal hook by the rising star. Kicking off with a euphoric piano melody, Alex begins her commentary on fake friends before the track erupts with a blazing bassline and infectious chorus…“Maybe we can feel like the others… they know how to have fun”.
PS1 has enjoyed residencies at leading nightclubs Tao, Marquee and Lavo in NYC, as well as a residency at Hakkasan in Las Vegas, he has shared the stage with the likes of Tiesto and David Guetta and travelled the world playing shows for the past 15 years.
PS1’s hard work ethic has no sign of abating and has allowed him to become one of the most in-demand DJs in the United States. In addition, he continues to produce a solid portfolio of tracks with his signature sound.
Fake Friends has been getting a great reaction in my sets and Alex’s performance and writing on the song is amazing. She is a truly incredible artist” Says, PS1.
Globally Fake Friends has spent a staggering 21 weeks building in the UK chart and currently sits at #22, the single has garnered over 17M worldwide streams and was recently added to UK powerhouse radio stations Radio 1 and Capital FM whilst securing the coveted Most Played Record on KISS FM. Airplay in the United States includes KIIS FM in Los Angeles.
The official and lyric music video has been viewed by 2.2M viewers on YouTube and the track continues to build momentum across major playlists including a #1 spot on the Summer Hits UK chart, #8 on UK Shazam and #11 on Massive Dance Hits in Australia.
Locally, Fake Friends has been released by Neon Records and is making significant waves in the dance community with numerous chart positions achieved across Apple Music Playlists including; Friday Feeling #7, DanceXL #6, Pop Deluxe #14, Dance for Days #12 and Uplifting Workout #5.
Fake Friends is out now!
Follow Alex Hosking: Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
The accomplishments and emergence of wonderful South Australian music over the last 12 months is set to be celebrated this year, with the South Australian Music (SAM) Awards powering ahead for 2020.
The 2020 SAM Award winners will be announced on Tuesday November 3rd 2020. A ceremony will be conducted in line with current COVID-19 safety restrictions, the format of the celebrations will be announced at a later date.
The SAM Awards remain a standout calendar moment for the South Australian music industry, as well as becoming a key date for national industry players too to keep an eye on what’s happening in SA and discover just why it has been named a UNESCO City of Music.
In 2019, the SAM Awards hit a record of voting numbers in the lead up to the gala ceremony at Adelaide University’s prestigious Bonython Hall, which saw artists including Horror My Friend, Adrian Eagle and Electric Fields come away with awards. This year’s SAM Awards looks to amplify the voices of the SA music community once more and put the spotlight on a creative community turning heads Australia wide.
Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni said: “The South Australian Music Awards will once again recognise, promote and celebrate excellence in our local music industry. The Marshall Liberal Government is proud to be a major partner of Music SA and the SAM Awards. We value our state’s music sector which, not only contributes enormously to the cultural fabric of our community, but also supports hundreds of local jobs.”
Newly appointed General Manager at Music SA, Kim Roberts says “In what’s been a very difficult year for our industry, I’m really looking forward to celebrating all of the excellent music and fantastic achievements that have emerged out of SA in the last year. It’s such a great opportunity to acknowledge the creativity and innovation that makes our community so exciting.”
As always, the SAM’s Industry and Major awards will be decided by a panel of 15 national and local judges who represent and work across various facets of the industry and are valued members of the overarching Australian music community. We are delighted to announce an exceptionally strong panel this year.
Alex Karatassa (5/4 Entertainment)
Beck Pearce (Office of Adelaide UNESCO City of Music)
Declan Byrne (Triple J)
Ed Noble (Sunny Side Uploads)
Emily York (Penny Drop)
Grant Gillies (Gaga Music)
Grayson Rotumah (Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music)
Hannah Fairlamb (Girls Rock! Adelaide)
James Alberts (Jimblah)
Kate Bailey (ABC Adelaide)
Lewis Wundenberg (Wundenberg’s Recording and Rehearsal Studios)
Maggie Collins (Morning Belle)
Tam Boakes (Jive)
Tyler Jenke (Rolling Stone)
Zane Dean (Fresh 927)
The People’s Choice Awards will be voted by members of the public, with voting opening on Monday September 7th via TheMusic.com.au
Submissions open 9.00am Thursday 20th August for the 2020 SAM Awards here, closing September 3rd, for the below categories. 2020 sees some new award categories including Best Innovation, an award focused on championing new media and ideas around the music landscape, Best Music Educator and splitting the Festival / Event category.
INDUSTRY VOTED AWARDS
BEST STUDIO (Presented by Adelaide Music Collective)
BEST STUDIO ENGINEER (Presented by SAE Institute Adelaide)
BEST LIVE TECHNICIAN (Presented by Novatech)
BEST MAJOR FESTIVAL/EVENT
BEST SMALL FESTIVAL/EVENT
BEST VENUE (Presented by AHA – SA Branch)
BEST COVER ART (Presented by Version Design)
BEST MANAGER (Presented by Association of Artist Managers)
BEST MUSIC VIDEO
BEST SONG (Presented by APRA AMCOS)
BEST NEW ARTIST (Presented by WOMADelaide)
BEST GROUP (Presented by Derringers Music)
BEST ABORIGINAL/TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER ARTIST
(Presented by Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music – CASM)
BEST SOLO ARTIST (Presented by Adelaide Festival Centre)
BEST RELEASE (Presented by themusic.com.au)
BEST MUSIC EDUCATOR
BEST INNOVATION (Presented by CityMag)
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS
BLUES & ROOTS (Presented by Radio Adelaide)
COUNTRY (Presented by Grace Emily Hotel)
ELECTRONIC
EXPERIMENTAL (Presented by Ancient World)
FOLK (Presented by The Wheatsheaf Hotel)
HEAVY (Presented by Enigma)
HIP HOP (Presented by The Gov)
JAZZ (Presented by Elder Conservatorium)
POP (Presented by Jive)
PUNK (Presented by Three D Radio)
ROCK (Presented by Crown and Anchor)
SOUL/FUNK/R&B (Presented by Woodville Town Hall)
2020 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN MUSIC AWARDS
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020
Further details to come
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.
Submissions open 9.00am Thursday 20th August
Soothsayer are thrilled to share ‘Statue Garden’, the final cut to be shared from Sydney producer Dro Carey’s debut album Nothing Is A Solo Project, ahead of its release on Friday 18 September. Leading into the release, Dro Carey has also launched his ‘Captured Sounds’ initiative – an experiment in creative collaboration.
Premiered on FBi Mornings, ‘Statue Garden’ sits in striking contrast to Dro’s recent sun-soaked singles, presenting a heavier composition that entices you to the dark corners of life, manipulating tension and texture to create a compelling house tune.
– Dro Carey
To engage with his fans in the leadup to the release of Nothing Is A Solo Project, this week Dro launched his ‘Captured Sounds’ initiative which has been covered by NME AU. For the next 2 weeks, Dro is calling for fans to submit field recordings of unusual sounds they encounter in their day-to-day life for him to manipulate into samples and transform into an entirely new track. Submissions close Tuesday 1st September, submit your recordings via dropbox.com.
‘Statue Garden’ joins recently released singles from Dro’s highly anticipated debut LP Nothing Is A Solo Project: Dancehall-inspired ‘Hold A Vibe’ which came with the captivating music video premiered on Purple Sneakers last week, ‘Another Knot / Predictions’, which premiered on triple j last month, March’s ‘Clear To You (feat. Francesca Gonzales)’ / ‘Healer’ which premiered on Dummy Mag before being added to rotation at Double J and FBI radio and 2019’s ‘Act Like You’re Home / Hemisphere’ which premiered on CLASH and saw streaming support from Spotify (including claiming the coveted cover of Top Shelf Electronic), Apple Music, Soundcloud and a glowing online review from Resident Advisor.
‘Statue Garden’ is the final taste of Nothing Is A Solo Project before it drops on Friday 18 September.
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Kicking off with the 8 track VA001 [Quantum Entanglement] in September, each VA will feature an international cast of groundbreaking artists with a shared passion for electronic music production.
Handing over full creative control to their artists, Unconfined are setting out on an exploration of infinite sonic possibilities across the electronic spectrum. Born in Glasgow, but spreading its roots across the globe – from Turin to Taiwan – the label strays fearlessly from the mainstream.
Founder and label head, Charl Fouche, believes the label’s criteria enables them to release a diverse selection of tracks: “There are so many varieties of techno. At the end of the day it is noises being morphed to sound a certain way. It all comes down to the individual listener and what sounds their ears choose to hear”.
A collaborative effort, Various Artists 001 [Quantum Entanglement] takes a global standpoint, staking out a sound that draws on as many genres as it does international influences. Fresh and eclectic with a complete disregard for the conventional, Unconfined have successfully assembled an impressive horde of unreleased weapons from a who’s who of the hottest names in the scene, before enlisting the talents of internationally revered DJ and producer JoeFarr to master them – and this is just the beginning.