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Your new favorite sad boy electro artist Lakelend releases a one take stripped back version of his debut single ‘Fall Down’. On the reimagining of the track Lakelend’s had this to say.
“The song is one that sits really close to home for me, about heartbreak and hanging up the gloves on first love. I really wanted to express that raw sincerity and journey, which I think is perfectly captured in the stripped version” Lakelend explains.
For those new to the Lakelend fan club ‘Fall Down’ was the debut single for the Melbourne artist. Formerly a member of Rock / heavy band Storm The Sky, his new project sees him flex his production and songwriting chops while still toeing the line of his emo roots.
ICYMI you can listen to the original below. He’s got plenty more songs in the works so keep him at the top of your ‘ones to watch’ lists.
https://gyro.lnk.to/LakelendFallDown
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/
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Twitter: https://twitter.com/lakelend
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/
Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-
Triple J Unearthed: https://www.triplejunearthed.
Official Website: https://www.lakelend.com.au
NOFX / FRANK TURNER
SPLIT COVERS ALBUM
‘WEST COAST VS. WESSEX’
OUT JULY 31, 2020
Today Frank Turner releases a new version of NOFX’s ‘Falling In Love’, the latest single to emerge from forthcoming split covers album ‘West Coast Vs. Wessex’. Due for release via Fat Mike’s own Fat Wreck Chords label on July 31, 2020, the project brings together for the first time ever the long-running Los Angeles punks and the London-based singer and ex-Million Dead frontman, for many years now both friends and fans of each other’s music.
Turner’s new interpretation of ‘Falling In Love’ takes the album closer from NOFX’s 1997 album So Long And Thanks For All The Shoes into stark, affecting territory with a near unrecognisable vocal. Speaking about the approach behind his version of the track, Turner notes; “When Mike asked me to do a covers split with NOFX, I was blown away, and immediately knew that one of the songs I’d do would be ‘Falling In Love’. I’ve long thought it was one of his best compositions, it’s a beautiful lyric and melody, and I wanted to come at the song in a way that would lay that bare and highlight the beauty of the writing. I think it came out pretty good.”
It’s not often the leader of one of your favourite bands ask you to do a split album, one where his band covers the songs you’ve written. It’s the enviable situation Frank found himself in last year, when Fat Mike approached him to propose just that. The fruits of this project, ‘West Coast Vs. Wessex’, captures NOFX filtering five songs from Turner’s sizeable solo back catalogue through their singular sensibility, with Turner reciprocating to record five of his personal favourites from NOFX’s 37-years-and-counting career. But these aren’t simply double-time versions of Turner’s folk-punk tunes or acoustic re-workings of NOFX’s iconic SoCal punk anthems – both took time to play with the possibilities each other’s music presented.
“I listened to all his records, and I picked the ones that I thought I could make more interesting,” notes Fat Mike. “What I did is change a lot of chords. Frank, he beats me in the singing department. So I can’t sing better than he can, but I can maybe throw in a melody here or there or chord that he hadn’t thought of.” Turner took a similar approach. “I didn’t want to just do straight covers of anything. I wanted to try and pick songs where I felt like me and my band could bring something different to the table,” he says. “But it did strike me that it would be cool to demonstrate to the casual NOFX fan, who doesn’t know who I am, that I am actually a fan. I didn’t just go to Spotify and pick the five most-listened-to songs.” For the record, only one of his choices appears on Spotify’s top five for NOFX: ‘Bob’, which Turner here transforms into a wistful country song.
“Everything he picked was from the ’90s, so I took that as it’s okay to mostly do his early stuff too,” says Fat Mike, who channeled ‘90s NOFX for their interpretations, transforming ‘Thatcher F*cked The Kids’ into a jaunty companion to ‘Philthy Phil Philanthropist’. Turner and his band, The Sleeping Souls, recorded their songs between their rehearsal space and during tour commitments, whilst NOFX recorded at Fat Mike’s Six Floggs studio, with production by the D-Composers (Fat Mike, Johnny Carey, BAZ Bastien, Yotam Ben Horin).
In ‘West Coast Vs. Wessex’, the Frank Turner-Fat Mike Mutual Admiration Society has produced 10 hooky re-imaginings of each others’ music – the novelty may pique listeners’ curiosity, but it’s the songs that will keep them coming back.
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“songs meant to buoy and reassure” — American Songwriter
“Johnson has the uncanny ability to take hyper-specific life experiences and transform them into universally relatable songs rife with lessons learned and stories told.” — Atwood Magazine
Josiah Johnson – a former and founding member of the Billboard chart-topping band The Head and the Heart – is announcing his debut solo album today, titled Every Feeling On A Loop. It will be released via ANTI- Records on September 4.
On lead single “Nobody Knows” Johnson sings for people to have courage in sharing and receiving the truths of their hearts. The messages, like the man himself, are a welcome breath of air.
Directed by Hannah Welever, watch the song’s new music video HERE.
“A lot of the growth documented on this album is about taking responsibility for how I’m showing up in the world, and that song was about taking responsibility for how I care for myself,” Johnson says. “Part of my experience with addiction was that I was having a hard time, but I wasn’t raising my hand to get the help I needed.”
Like many musicians before him, Johnson turned to drugs to cope with the burnout and anxiety that came with his early years in The Head and the Heart. Too many long nights and too few emotional tools – twin flames that burned at both ends. And Johnson collapsed into ash. In the midst of writing The Head and the Heart’s third album, Signs of Light, Johnson checked into a rehab facility. When he checked out, though, his work hadn’t properly been completed. He tried to get back into the studio with the band, but eventually was told, “We love you but we can’t have you here right now.”
With time, though, came clarity. Although the music came regularly, Johnson still allowed himself to fantasise about a life never returning to professional music. He still contemplates earning a degree in social work. Yet, the songs kept bubbling up. On Every Feeling on a Loop, lush musical arrangements and harmonies support Johnson’s baritone crooning. At times, the songs sound like prayers. At others, his exuberance feels like the euphoria he’d always sought, this time hard-earned and wiser. He says he feels like a new person making it, charting his journey out of the dark into the wide awake of the morning, using the magic that was his all along.
Growing up curious and bright in an insular, conservative community, Johnson says he learned early on to discern which parts of himself were welcome and which were not. Though he felt love in that community, it was a smaller love than what he needed. Now, though, after years of self-study and self-healing, bolstered both by music and the love from friends and family, Johnson is ready to pen the next chapter of his life.
“I’ve learned to love my process,” Johnson says. “I’ve learned to love when I’ve taken the long way and where I get to admit mistakes. Humility and uncertainty are welcome. Being seen for who I am and where I’m at is my priority. And I am exactly where I am supposed to be. The result of that new courage bears out in how I’m able to be a better friend to the people I love. That’s the gift.”
TRACKLIST:
1. False Alarms
2. Woman In A Man’s Life
3. Nobody Knows
4. I Wish I Had
5. Rise Up
6. I Had A Choice
7. Waiting On You
8. Hey Kid
9. Same Old Brick
10. Grandma
11. World’s Not Gonna End
12. Solve Problems
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Groundbreaking EPIZODE festival is set for an epic comeback to Vietnam’s blissful Phú Quốc island for its fifth edition, from December 29th 2020 to January 10th 2021. This carefully curated 12-day experience entitled EPIZODE5: EPILOGUE will, once again, bring non-stop programe of premier electronic music, magical sunsets and various daytime activities in awe-inspiring artistic settings. The first wave of lineup introduces global heavyweights including RICARDO VILLALOBOS, BINH, DEBORAH DE LUCA, DUBFIRE, GOLDIE, GUTI, HECTOR, LOCO DICE and WAFF. They will be accompanied by some of the most exciting international and regional acts, such as ABELLE, CHKLTE, DAVID GTRONIC, E/TAPE, JAVIER CARBALLO, LOUISE CHEN, MAHONY, OUISSAM, ROUSTAM, SUNJU HARGUN and YAYA. These incredible artists will be performing at mind-blowing stages placed among the art installations on the beach while bringing the most electric vibes that EPIZODE is well known for.
First up is legendary RICARDO VILLALOBOS who will be making his return to Epizode, followed by Perlon powerhouse BINH. Italian techno lady DEBORAH DE LUCA will make her long awaited Epizode debut, while the SCI+TEC label boss DUBFIRE will drive us through his signature shades of techno. Dnb legend GOLDIE will be dropping his superb broken beats, followed by the sexy vibes of the Argentinian star GUTI. Vatos Locos head honcho HECTOR will be throwing some contagious sound, Desolat owner LOCO DICE will be in charge of his high-octane sound that always burns the beach down while the Circoloco resident wAFF will be bringing his funky grooves.
Leader of the iconic Russian art collective Arma 17, ABELLE, will bring her acid-laced house. DAVID GTRONIC will bring his emotional rhythms and signature percussive sound, accompanied by the grooves of JAVIER CARBALLO and CHKLTE’s vibrant musical blooms. Half Taiwanese-half French rising star LOUISE CHEN will be performing at Epizode for the first time, along with the Berlin based ambient artist E/TAPE. Next up are the infamous Sunwaves festival resident MAHONY, Miami based yet internationally praised All Inn’s artist ROUSTAM and Tamango records’ label boss YAYA. Owner of the iconic Hanoi’s club Savage, OUISSAM and Thailand born, yet internationally acclaimed SUNJU HARGUN, will be making their returns as well.
While helping the Asian music scene drive forward, EPIZODE has, in only four years, made an impressive mark internationally. With the vision to unite people from around the globe, the festival became an unmissable NYE getaway for music and art lovers, global adventurers and professionals from the music industry. Located in Vietnam’s blissful Phú Quốc island, Epizode is a truly memorable place to be. From white beaches, lush emerald jungles to hypnotizing sunsets and boutique accommodation, the natural beauty of this tropical hideaway is matched only by the magical musical spirit that’s helped create such an immersive festival experience.
The 12 day Early Bird Multi-Passes are available at €158. Tickets can be purchased online via Epizode website: www.epizode.asia
More information on the following links.
Please note, these URLs are new so please, use the ones below when tagging Epizode.
Epizode Website (www.epizode.asia)
Epizode Facebook (@epizode.festival)
Epizode Instagram (@epizode.festival)
Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
Im currently living in Coffs Harbour due to Covid 19 and honestly Im not too sure what the scene is like here I have not had much time to go suss it out, but I hear good things about it so hopefully once restrictions have eased I can get amongst it !
In my bedroom free styling to youtube beats is how I started off which has slowly progressed into me making music full time.
A big influence from this track was actually the producer Jaguar Kevins, he makes a genre of beats called boom trap its so dope that when I heard this beat I finished writing within an hour. As far as the songwriting process went I didn’t really have a specific idea in mind I just wrote bars that were on my mind recently.
What do you like to do away from music?
Ive been working a lot recently which is good because it means I have more money to reinvest into my music but other than that I love the beach, I love staying active and fit and I do not mind a couple of drinks or 20.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
I just wanna keep growing as an artist and a person while dropping good music that helps people!
100% Greek street in Labrador on the Gold Coast, they have the best pita club sand-which I have ever had. My favourite place to hangout though would have to be Justin Lane.
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Image: Wyatt Clough
After the release of their ninth studio album A Beautiful Place To Drown in March, hardcore legends Silverstein are back with an alternate version of album track ‘Where Are You‘, recorded during the sessions of the record.
The original track exemplifies the album’s expert blend of aggression and modern production flourishes, while this new take strips back the distortion to emphasise the melodies at the core of Silverstein’s songwriting.
It comes alongside the announce of a special livestream event on July 19 (6am AEST Monday July 20) captured through professional video and audio. Tickets and more details available here.
2020 finds the five-piece celebrating their 20th anniversary as a band and while worldwide tour plans have been postponed, the band have been staying busy and recently shared their Quaranstein video. Featuring performances of five classic songs from across their catalog along with guest appearances and more, the performances are now available as a digital EP with all proceeds going to the NAACP and Black Legal Action Centre.
Arguably one of the most consistently active, influential, and crowd-pleasing bands in their arena, Silverstein break out into daring new territory on their latest record A Beautiful Place To Drown. Their boundary pushing spirit is on full display on the album’s multiple high-profile collabs – ranging from Princess Nokia and Underoath’s Aaron Gillespie, Beartooth’s Caleb Shomo, Simple Plan’s Pierre Bouvier, and more – indicative of the band’s wide-reaching impact and their ability to reach listeners in all worlds of music.
Lyrically, the album explores the mental duress that seems to be inextricable from the personal and societal challenges of modern life, often focusing on external perspectives and even political elements without losing the band’s trademark intimacy. Overall A Beautiful Place To Drown is built to please old fans and new ones alike, and proves exactly why Silverstein remain a vital and powerful voice in alternative music and beyond.
PRAISE FOR ‘A BEAUTIFUL PLACE TO DROWN’
“…even so many years on, Silverstein still sounds the best they ever have…” NYLON
“[Silverstein] have risen from their underground roots to the top of the emo and post-hardcore genre…” Billboard
“Silverstein effortlessly create a blended sound while staying true to their roots…” Alternative Press
SUPPORT FOR ‘JUNGLE TRAIN’
“‘It’s beautifully shot, and the contrast between the two lifestyles is stark and effective. The flute samples in ‘Jungle Train’ and the vocals of Little Green are a dreamy combination.”
– The AU Review (AUS)
“The kind of collab that just really fits together so nicely. Lamalo are in their element when they’re giving us fluid house grooves and with Little Green, they’ve only topped things up with her hypnotic, jazzy vibes.” – 4/5 stars
– Dave Ruby Howe – triple j (AUS)
“Lamalo infuse this brooding electronic sound with mannerisms intertwined from disco, funk, jazz and beyond; each sound they approach seemingly being a new direction that takes them somewhere unexplored and yet despite that, they manage to knock it out of the park every single time without fault.”
– Pilerats (AUS)
Following on from the release of their critically praised single ‘Jungle Train’ featuring Little Green, Sydney-based producer duo Lamalo have returned with the accompanying video clip – shot and directed by Milan Nikolich.
Shot across Revesby Station and a farm in Sydney’s North West, the clip features a narrative of a woman who is shackled by her mundane reality and 9-5 job. Filmed with a camera used on the set of Mad Max: Fury Road, the video flows effortlessly from sterile metropolitan spaces, to lush natural surroundings, highlighting the main characters’ desire for escape and freedom.
Lamalo talks about the inspiration behind the clip:
“The video explores liberation from an uninspiring work life. The clip follows a woman (played by Amy) as she travels to work in the early hours of the morning dreaming about a utopian existence, becoming one with nature and with music. Amy was planning to be barefoot in the farm section of the shoot, however the area was crawling with bull ants. We had to scour the ground, prepare the leaves that she was going to dance on and then shoot really quickly to minimise the risk.”
Since release, the track has been widely embraced by triple j Unearthed, Pilerats, Acid Stag, Surviving the Golden Age (USA) and The Soundcheck. Previous singles have been strongly supported by Spotify, including an entry in the Spotify AU Viral Chart, with their single ‘Outside’ amassing nearly two million streams. They’ve also been featured on triple j, FBi Radio, Purple Sneakers, Discobelle (SWE), Project U and The Music.
In the live arena the duo has supported contemporaries The Kite String Tangle, Midnight Pool Party and Dekleyn, as well as playing boutique festivals Rabbits Eat Lettuce, Red Deer Arts and Music Festival and The Grass is Greener.
Lamalo is made up of classically trained, multi-instrumentalists Michiya Nagai and Yossi Cascun. Since their inception in 2016, the duo has been blending energetic electronica, sophisticated textures and groovy polyrhythms, across a discography that spans two EP’s and five singles.
‘Jungle Train’ feat. Little Green is available worldwide now
FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
TICKTES: https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/hockey-dad-alive-at-the-drive-in-album-release-2nd-show/120998
One Month to go until Hockey Dad Alive At The Drive-In comes to Bulli Showgrounds! Join HD & The Pinheads on August 1 after their first night SOLD OUT!
Where are you currently based?
Australia, Melbourne
How did you first start playing music?
Mum said I would not shut up singing around the house.
Your new EP Normality will be released in September, what has influenced the sound and songwriting?
Busking on the streets. I didn’t want to take all my gear out, so I just decided to use my voice for everything instead, this project was created in Bourke St, Melbourne. I wanted to share the message that voices are powerful when they come together. And in these difficult times, I feel that our collective voices will be what sees us through. I named the EP Normality because it’s everything opposite to normal and I was also questioning my life a lot at the time such as:
What is a normal life?
Why are certain things normalised and other things aren’t?
What’s the normal way of going through depression or how do I act normal, what does that look like to society?
How did you go about writing the music?
I wrote this EP in 3 days using just my voice. This process was based on trust. Trust in myself to express whatever needed to come out through my voice. The songs are exactly how I first wrote them, I never changed anything. By producing an EP created only by vocals, I wanted to challenge the pre-conceived notion of what makes ‘normal’ music. I tried to make my voice do all the parts instruments would.
Where and when did you record?
I recorded this EP with Jimmy Alexander (Death Youth Records, Awaken I am) in his Gisborne studio. He is honestly the greatest human I have ever met. I’ve never felt so comfortable with someone in a studio before. He knew what my voice was capable of, so he would always push me to get the best takes. So young but one of the kindest, talented professionals I have ever worked with. I can’t thank him enough for everything he did for me and understanding my weird ideas for this EP.
I actually wrote this back in January 2018 but I didn’t have the confidence or funds to complete/ release it. I was also in fear, I thought it would be too weird and different but that was the whole point of the EP; what is normal? I was in a bit of fear and I was having the worst year I’ve ever had with my mental health, so I waited. Then all the film clip ideas came to me and the City of Melbourne COVID 19 Grant got me over the line and gave me the encouragement I needed to finish, release and believe that my concept was good.
How did you approach the recording process?
Ha! Jimmy was a legend and a great listener. It’s pretty weird for someone to walk into a session and go, “okay so here’s the bass, I’m gonna sing it.” We broke down all the sections and started one bit at a time. Usually it was me beatboxing drums first and singing bass sounds, then I’d start layering the harmonies which would make up the chords like a guitar or piano followed by extra parts, lead vocals and harmonies. The hardest song was My Hymn; it’s got a triplet feel so the melody’s rhythm isn’t so easy to sing over it.
What programs did you use to record/produce?
We swapped programmes; bit of logic, bit of pro tools, bit of reaper. I use a Roland RC 505, Voice Live 3 and a SE electronics mic when I’m live but we used a whole bunch of other instruments in the studio.
What do you have planned for the Normality EP?
4 film clips supported by the City of Melbourne COVID 19 Arts Grant, Behind the Scenes and a live Isolation gig online July 25th, maybe some mini 20 ppl gigs depending on Covid.
June 29th Vocal introduction + film clip
July 14th My Hymn single + film clip
Interlude
August 5th Normality single + film clip
Full EP will be available online with a bonus track in September.
‘Normality’ is the lead single coming out in August along with a film clip, how did the concept for that video happen?
I put a post out to my followers on Instagram and said, “Hey if you want to be in a film clip, rock up at this cafe called Onyx at this time in the most unusual outfit you can but still be yourself!” I was so anxious no one was going to come. I left it up to the universe. All my friends slowly kept bailing, so I literally had no idea who was coming. Then BAM all these amazing people who have been following my music arrived to hang out and be part of an amazing night. I was so grateful I just wanted to include everyone as an open invite, make it community based. We had kids, adults, teenagers and even twins from all walks of life come. Basically, the music video starts with me bored in a normal cafe job and then I jump over the counter into the ideal world which is much more fun, much different and what we considered normal. I can’t wait for this one to come out!
What was the most challenging part?
I wanted to pour milk all over myself because one of my lyrics is “Off milk you drunk it twice”, that was my first idea, a dream became a reality that day! We only had one chance to get it right, so I didn’t have room for error and the milk was HEAVY to hold!
Your new music video ‘Writing Machine’ is out now, how did the concept for the video come about?
I wanted the clip to emulate how humanity is becoming so addicted to technology. It is so hard to get someone’s attention in real life and it is crazy how much we judge someone we don’t know or believe whatever’s written on a screen. We forget there is a living human being with feelings and a beating heart on the other side of what we are looking at.
Where did you film and who with?
I worked with Good Gravy Media (Dylan and Liam) for all the Normality EP film clips, locations included in Coburg, Brunswick, Melbourne and Cheltenham.
I had Tim Knowles, Ellen Burbidge, Yash Fernando, Tayla Muir and Zandria play the characters in Writing Machine. They all come from an acting or singing background and they absolutely smashed it. Let’s not forget Clarissa Williams (Clarissa Williams Make Up) who did my make up for all clips, plus she was beautifully pregnant on set. Then Dimitri Cherkassski and Tara also jumped on board to help! They were the BEST crew and I was so honoured that they even wanted to work with me! Couldn’t have done it without them, I was very lucky!
What did you find most challenging and rewarding throughout the process?
The funniest part of filming Writing Machine was taking their technology away, I directed; “I want you to remember that feeling you get when you think you’ve either lost your phone or someone stole it and that manic chaos or anxiety that takes over.” They were SO good, I had to refrain myself from laughing because it was so real. Tay and Alex were attacking each other, Tim ripped the couch apart, Yash was tearing off his jacket and Ellen was throwing items around until they eventually had permission to turn on me! It was bloody amazing, if you ask me. I still start laugh thinking about it!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to everything. Erykah Badu, one of my favs. Drake, Beyonce, Ariana Grande (love). From our Melbourne scene I love Mojo Juju (Mo’Ju), P Unique who are legend humans too, my girl Sully just bought out some music and G Flip, she and I played in a band together for years in high school. I am proud of her.
What do you like to do away from music?
A lot of music away from music haha like busking and studio time. I love 20 minute runs, exercise! I make my own clothes from recycled materials which you see me wearing at festivals and photoshoots. I love Op-shops. I am also a teacher, a food lover and I hang a lot with my 83 year old best friend who is my Grandmother.
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
Normality for the rest of the year and I’ve written AN ALBUM for my band! I’m recording it with my best friend in the entire world Michael Cooper so I’ve already started planning that. It will be ready in 2021 and I’ve never been so excited. Brace yourself for it people!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I go to Onyx Cafe on Reserve Rd, Cheltenham A LOT to eat which is actually where the Normality film clip was filmed! Best food and service! But, Japanese cuisine is my favourite food with a glass of Pinot Noir! You will also find me at Shujinku eating Ramen in the city!
Danny Serrano runs his own recording studio and label, Serrano’s Kitchen, and has worked for big labels such as Desolat, Truesoul, Circus Recordings, Saved Records and more over many years.
The new album finds him broadening his musical horizons across a wide variety of house and tech styles, and the new single is a fantastic taster.
‘Craft’ talks about the daily life of any person in this crazy world, trying to change something in his boring life. It is a track with a catchy vocal and deep melodies where the theme plays with the voice and the melody supports a killer groove dedicated to the dance floor.
The second single The Future and third single Bimba follow soon after and show off more melodic and progressive styles, proving Serrano is always maturing as an artist.
“If you support any of these on an upcoming stream please do let us know so we can highlight on socials of the label and artist”
01. Danny Serrano – Intro
02. Danny Serrano Feat.Lu – Bimba
03. Danny Serrano – Behind
10. Danny Serrano – Take Over
Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?
I am based in a tiny apartment in Brunswick in Melbourne at the moment. The music scene is usually very lively, Sydney Road is the main hub for music in Brunswick which is very close to where I live. There are heaps of bars that are very supportive of local bands and artists and they are always looking for people to play. No matter if you’re a solo artist or in a full swing band- there will be a venue accommodating and an audience ready!!
How did you first start playing music?
I started when I was quite young, like 5 or 6, as my Dad bought me a guitar and took me to lessons and made me learn Bob Dylan songs! I always had a guitar around and would play covers to friends and write my own songs. It wasn’t until a couple of years ago where I actually performed in public on a stage though. I did my first open mic in 2018 in New York and I just kept on performing since then.
What’s been happening recently?
I have recently released my second single this month so that’s been exciting. Aside from that, I have just been using this down time to keep writing and to fill up a book of songs I am really proud of- as I plan to record a second EP soon. I have also been rehearsing with my band so that when life goes back to normal, we are stage ready!
Your new single ‘Walk My Way’ received instant Triple J airplay and was added to Unearthed playlists in the the first week of release, Kingsmill even giving you a rare five-star review – how have things been for you since?
I have been really humbled by the response to be honest. I guess when you’ve been sitting on a song for a while you forget how good it felt when you first wrote it. I wrote it in Feb or March last year. I do remember when I first wrote the chorus, I had butterflies in my stomach – so that must be your body saying ooo this is exciting haha.
Things have been really exciting since its release and the support from Triple J. I have had a lot of lovely people messaging me and emailing me saying they’ve heard the song on triple J and that they really like it which is awesome. It seems to make people feel happy and care free so I am glad it has that effect on people.
What influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?
To be honest, I am not entirely sure what influenced the sound. I just started playing this chord progression and then fiddling around with the fingerstyle pattern and it just sounded fun and upbeat. Then I started strumming and the chorus just came out of my mouth fully formed. At the time, I was reading a bit of poetry about social class in 1950s America and I think that influenced the storyline of the verses. I liked the idea of chasing someone that you feel is superior to you or unattainable, whether that be due to wealth, looks or gender. You feel like they don’t see you, but really they have felt just as strongly about you the whole time. I think it’s a nice idea!!
Where and when did you record?
I recorded the single with Benjamin McCarthy in his Carlton home studio. We recorded it in June/July last year. So, I had it tucked away for almost a year before it was eventually released!
You have a forthcoming EP on the way ‘Faith, Sex and Skin’ what can we expect?
Yes, it is coming out next month which is really exciting! The majority of the EP is quite uplifting and upbeat, there is one slower song which is quite stripped back. It has some really nice strings in it to accompany the guitar. All the other songs are built up with percussion and subtle synth around a raw acoustic sound. Each song has its own story and message in it.
What is the predominant theme of the EP?
I would say the EP is all about self-acceptance and kindness. It’s also about acknowledging we are not perfect but there are little acts of selflessness that we can do each day to live happier and healthier lives as a whole human race. I also think all the songs touch on the beauty of being vulnerable and that taking risks holds many rewards.
What influenced the EP?
My own life experiences have definitely influenced the songs on the EP. I also think my writing has been influenced by travelling and watching different cultures and the way that different people interact. Also, my writing has been influenced by books and movies that have resonated with me, such as The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind and Jack Kerouac novels. My sound has been influenced by contemporary artists such as Thelma Plum, Gordi and Vance Joy as well as iconic artists such as Bob Dylan and The Beatles and Neil Diamond.
What equipment did you use to record?
I used my old Ibanez guitar for all the recordings. It’s a bit beaten and worn but it still has a nice earthy tone.
What do you have planned for this EP?
I would love to do a little launch tour around Victoria and New South Wales, but we are just going to have to wait and see what the restrictions allow. There will at least be a launch show at The Old Bar with my full band after the release, but I will have to keep my fingers crossed that it will be sooner rather than later!
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Oooo there so many great tracks coming out at the moment. I have been listening too Spacey Jane – they just put out a debut album which is really upbeat and fun. I have also been enjoying Ball Park Music – Day and Age and Noah Dillon – Mathew McConaughey. Lots of great new Aussie music!
What do you like to do away from music?
I use to be a very beachy person and spent most of my time surfing or ocean swimming. However, since moving to Melbourne, I have become a bit more of an indoor person – really enjoying just sitting at the library and reading or finding quirky little cafes and bars with my partner. Maybe I have just become lazier haha!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
I am just going to be rehearsing a lot with my band to get our live show as tight as possible. I will be performing as much as I possibly can in this current climate! I will also be recording a few acoustic sessions with the Shoelace Creative team which I will post up on YouTube and socials. Then I will be recording my second EP in August and begin planning its release. So, I should be keeping quite busy!
Favourite food and place to hangout?
Great question! I really love Black Cat on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy. It’s a really nice bar with a relaxing vibe and comfy couches. Favourite food, I’d have to go for Kway Teow from Asian Kitchen Guy on Sydney Road- very yummmm and very cheap.
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“this one’s built for blasting with the windows down” BROOKLYN VEGAN
“they’re ready to start wooing new fans over the radio…Ode to Joy 2 almost sounds like an Arctic Monkeys ballad” CONSEQUENCE OF SOUND
“Star Worship continues on the indie-rock trend, a track that sounds more like Modest Mouse than Modern Baseball” UPROXX
“the soundtrack to donate our eardrums to for the rest of this bizarre year” AUPIUM
“more theatrical, Erik Paulson’s symphonic vocals soar over his brother Stephen’s funky bass line” FLOOD
“a strong vocal performance and energetic guitars” RIFF MAGAZINE
“Remo Drive are back and louder than ever” NEW NOISE MAGAZINE
Remo Drive sound larger than ever on their highly anticipated new album, A Portrait of an Ugly Man, out now on Epitaph Records. With its acrobatic guitar work, deeply self-referential lyrics and off-the-walls energy, the album calls back to the dextrous, eccentric sound that helped the band – brothers Erik (vocals, guitar) and Stephen (bass) Paulson – explode into the underground with their 2017 debut. Self-produced and mixed, A Portrait of an Ugly Man feels all at once familiar and fresh. Taking shape in their parent’s basement in Minnesota, the space breathed a looseness into the songs, while the freedom of the sessions left the band able to explore the next evolution of their sound.
A Portrait of an Ugly Man finds Remo Drive truly in their element – both physically and sonically. Whereas the Paulsons filtered their buoyant songwriting through the concise lens of storytellers like Bruce Springsteen and The Killers on their predecessor Natural, Everyday Degradation, A Portrait of an Ugly Man is more spontaneous, bolstered by the same charm and levity that made their debut, Greatest Hits, such an underground favourite.
The loathsomeness Paulson explores on the album certainly reflect less glamorous aspects of both his psyche and that of others, but when they’re cut with his quick wit and self-deprecation, they seem less like an actual indictment and more of an embrace of all of life’s imperfection and absurdity. In turning the mirror back at themselves in this way, Remo Drive have learned a lot about who they really are: A Portrait of an Ugly Man is an album that doesn’t seek to minimise important subjects like mental health or self-worth, but rather welcome them in and accept them as part of what it means to be human.
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