Lastlings – Australian-Japanese siblings Amy and Josh Dowdle – unveil their ethereal new single ‘No Time’, the follow up to their previous offering, the much-loved ‘Take My Hand’.
Premiered on triple j’s Good Nights earlier this week and added to the station this morning, ‘No Time’ shines a light Lastlings’ signature, emotive lyricism and intricate, transportive pop soundscapes. The song arrives complete with an anime-style music video, inspired by the duo’s Japanese heritage and one of their favourite dystopian science fiction novels ‘Never Let Me Go’.
“‘No Time’ was inspired by Kazuo Ishiguro’s dystopian science fiction novel Never Let Me Go. As humans we know and understand that our life spans are limited, but of course it’s something that we push to the back of our minds. When we’re faced with this kind of knowledge, what do we do when we realise that we don’t have much longer? What are the things that quickly become matters of importance and what are the things we look back on that are really worthwhile?
“‘No Time’ is about releasing yourself from negative thoughts and growing from our disappointments and failures. It is also about living life to its fullest potential because as cliche as it may be, life really is short and everything happens for a reason.”
Director Joël Durand reveals that the idea behind ‘No Time’ is a chase between darkness and light. It’s a piece about fraternity, where a brother and sister together face their fear of passing time. The character designs refer to ‘Perfect Blue’ by Satoshi Kon; realistic animations and drawings used to deal with a mature subject. Durand also referenced an old comic book style, similar to Moebius’ work, for the animations. This cultural mix of Japanese and occidental styles can be seen as a reflection of Lastlings’ own heritage.
Upon signing to Liberation Records (ANZ) and Astralwerks (ROW) earlier this year, Lastlings revealed the dark electronic jam, ‘Take My Hand.’ Added to triple j rotation in Australia and popping up on a wave of Apple Music and Spotify playlists globally, the track also caught the attention of tastemaker acts Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs and Torren Foot, who worked the original over into three fittingly eclectic remixes. Last month, Lastlings also kicked off RÜFÜS DU SOL’s debut Rose Ave Radio show on SiriusXM. Listen to Episode 1, here.
Self-taught musically, Josh and Amy have devoted the better part of five years to their craft, fine tuning their songwriting and production from their home in the hinterlands of Southern Queensland. Releasing two EPs to early acclaim, the duo found themselves having to make a choice between full-time music and allowing Amy, then sixteen, to focus on finishing high school. They resisted the pull of the industry until Amy finished school and are now working toward the release of their debut album.
The pair’s hypnotic live show has already seen them tour Australia and North America with RÜFÜS DU SOL, which included shows at Colorado’s Red Rocks and LA State Historic Park, as well as play major global festivals Coachella and Splendour in the Grass.
Stay tuned for more Lastlings updates very soon.
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Where are you currently based?
I have been living in Montreal for the past 8 years.
How did you first start playing music?
Basically, I was the singer in a band with some friends. I decided to start writing music to sing over and eventually I stopped singing and focused on producing.
Your new single ‘Never Really Get There’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
There were no preconceived ideas, we just improvised in the studio one summer afternoon. We first started with the chords and then Jesse wrote some lyrics to it. There’s something both melancholic and festive in this song, we just captured that moment.
How did you go about writing Never Really Get There?
You’d have to ask Jesse, I had nothing to do with the lyrics. On the other hand, I can say that for me “Never Really Get There” represents a feeling of inability to listen to oneself, sometimes life diverts us from our essence.
The single Features Jesse Mac Cormack, how and why did Jesse come to be involved?
Jesse is a long time friend and collaborator. We like to make music together so it was natural for us to do this song together, nothing was planned. We’ve been collaborating for 4 years already on several different projects.
How was it working with Jesse?
It’s very intuitive and natural when we work together; we don’t really need to talk to each other, the music speaks for itself. I think our sensibilities complement each other very well, we have a lot of fun doing that.
The music video is directed by your sister Alex-Jeanna Dube, how was this experience?
It was the first time I collaborated with my sister on such an artistic project. It was really cool and easy. We’re only a year and a half apart in age, we’re like twins. We understand each other easily.
How did the concept for the music video come about?
For a long time, I had this idea of filming people through their windows dancing in their intimacy, in their world. I called my sister and she liked it right away, and she was able to tell a story using this concept.
Where and when did you film and what did you find most rewarding and challenging during the creation of the video?
The music video was shot entirely in Montreal and in confinement. Everything was filmed in just under a week in April. This video is a tour de force, to have managed to shoot it while everything was playing against us due to the lockdown is the greatest achievement for me. I also think that the casting is very much in the image of our city, I like its diversity. The most difficult thing was to respect the health regulations during the filming.
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I listen to a lot of Caribou, Amtrac and Khruangbin.
What do you like to do away from music?
I love to garden and take care of my dogs. But what I like most of all is playing hockey!
What’s planned for the remainder of 2020?
Lots of new music 😉
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I really like any kind of food, I really like food hahah. I love spending time at Jarry Park, I think it’s the most beautiful park in Montreal!
Date: 9th – 12th July
Location: Island of Pag, Croatia
Despite the current state of the world, a small brand with a strong local following decided to do what everyone else was afraid of doing, and that was to keep the good times rolling in a world filled with as many uncertainties as ever. So, coming out of lockdown, BSH Events had one goal, and one goal only, and that was to never stop dancing despite the music industry taking a massive hit, as most festivals around the world have been postponed until 2021.
The same island whose clubs on Zrce Beach have raised generations of ravers and party enthusiasts ever since the opening of Kalypso in 1987. The same club that will be hosting the official BSH Island Afterparties, along with the festival’s main venue Noa Beach Club, a club that literally stands on water, and features a newly built and already sold-out Noa Glamping Resort, whose luxurious villas with swimming pools and a breath-taking view of the Adriatic, will be accommodating the festival attendees. Throughout its younger history, the club has hosted reputable festivals such as Sonus and Hideout and had some of the world’s most famous artists perform there.
The artists ready to rock the house this summer’s BSH Island festival at Noa Beach Club are nothing short of spectacular, to say the least… The festival’s main headliners are international superstars, the likes of ARTBAT, Paco Osuna, Richy Ahmed, and Honey Dijon.
In addition to that, the festival’s opening will be headlined by Manchester-based brand, Kaluki, whose performances are in demand from Ibiza to Miami. On top of bringing us one of the headliners in Richy Ahmed, they are bringing along Pirate Copy, Joey Daniel, Ki Creighton, and BSH Events’ own, Pablo Panda. Kaluki are frequent guests at some of the most popular festivals such as Parklife in England, the BPM Festival held this year in Costa Rica, and many others. Their debut in Croatia could potentially mean more Ibiza based brands coming to Croatia.
ARTBAT
A Ukrainian DJ duo that has an admirable rise to fame in recent years. Its members, Artur & Batish are currently among the most successful DJs and enjoy global recognition. The key to their success lies in their unique production, which is highlighted by massive sounds and dark undertones. Their songs bring powerful energy to any venue, no matter a stadium or an underground garage. In addition to dominating many dance charts, their music is widely appreciated around the world, as they are frequent guests at many festivals in places such as Brazil, Germany, Ibiza, and the US.
PACO OSUNA
A Spanish DJ and producer of techno music. Since 1999, he has been a resident DJ at the famous Amnesia club in Ibiza. He was one of the first techno DJs to play in Ibiza and is considered to be a legend in the industry. He often performs in many German cities such as Berlin and Frankfurt, which hold some of his favorite venues to which he is always happy to return.
RICHY AHMED
A British DJ and producer, with a deep underlying passion for music and people, who understands the fundamentals of what makes a dance floor tick. A veteran of many summers spent in Ibiza and an original resident of Paradise at DC10, Richy has toured the world playing some of the finest clubs and festivals around, from Panorama Bar to Space Miami and Glastonbury to Tomorrowlands, Richy is no stranger to applying his infectious ability to get people dancing.
HONEY DIJON
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Reece Lemonius – Something I Can Feel (Video)
The dark and compelling single ‘Something I Can Feel’, taken from Reece Lemonius’s ‘Midnight’ EP, is now accompanied by an equally captivating music video. Shot in a flickering red haze, the visuals are suggestive of the need to feel something, even if it hurts. The video complements the vulnerable lyrics of the sombre yet polished R&B track.
MYRY – Stuck In A Loop (Molly Mouse and Jett Polo Remix)
Producers Molly Mouse and Jett Polo have created a remix of MYRY’s soft pop offering ‘Stuck In A Loop’, capturing the ethereal nature of her breathy vocals in the original track and elevating it into a summer anthem through buoyant beats and tropical house elements. We hope to hear more of the synergy between this sibling duo on future collabs.
LAGIOIA – Lord
Swiss R&B prodigy LAGIOIA released the enchanting acoustic ballad ‘Lord’ earlier this month. Cast over delicate guitar melodies, her soulful vocals effortlessly glide between honeyed falsetto and emotive belts as she sings candidly about struggles with self-love. Inspired by Erykah Badu and Alicia Keys, LAGIOIA possesses boundless potential.
Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L – Neon Blue (Video)
The video for Breon S.Y.N.D.E.L’s 2019 release ‘Neon Blue’ is out now, shot in an iridescent haze of purple lights and smoke plumes. The visuals are centered around Breon alone in a small bedroom, conjuring a sense of reflection that supplements the moody percussion, pensive lyrics and dark hip-hop flow of this interlude.
Dylan Joshua – hologramº EP
Canadian hip-hop artist Dylan Joshua transports listeners into the future with the release of his conceptual EP ‘hologramº’. Exploring the topics of mental health and digitalisation, Joshua raps candid lyrics mellifluously, flowing over dark chill-hop beats and atmospheric elements. This transcendent record uncovers more of its complexities with each play.
Anna Aarons – Since You Went Away
Specialising in soulful indie-pop, singer-songwriter Anna Aarons has released her second single of the year, both championing female empowerment and family. ‘Since You Went Away’ is an homage to Anna’s late grandmother; the lyrics portray grief and absence, yet the song is uplifting through its upbeat rhythms and elated melodies.
Holly Abraham – Love Will Come (EP)
Holly’s husky vocals are accompanied by softly strummed guitar and sweeping strings on the title track and EP opener ‘Love Will Come.’ This is the debut project from Bristol-based indie folk pop artist Holly Abraham, who specialises in expressing vulnerable emotions through her lyrics, paired with productions that feel both delicate and grand simultaneously.
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Experimental boundary pusher Tanya George announces the launch date of her highly anticipated second EP Normality on 15 September 2020.
The first single off the independent EP, Writing Machine, charted at Number 1 on Triple J Unearthed followed by a sell out launch at Horse Bazaar in October 2019.
Written and created using her unique vocal looping techniques, the EP has been engineered by Jimmy Alexander (Awaken I Am). Normality offers fans a new sound that Tanya found busking on the streets of Melbourne. The City of Melbourne have backed the project, through their Covid-19 Arts Grant initiative to produce a collection of film clips set for release from June 29 to August 5.
“In 2020 we haven’t been living our normal lives so I wanted to challenge the preconceived notion of what makes ‘normal’ music. I did this by producing songs made only from my vocals so I could also 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.” – Tanya George Credit: Good Gravy Media
“You’re like Japanese House but more funky.” – Pip Rasmussen (TV presenter ABC ME, music and radio)`
“The soulful pop blend just runs rings around you.” – Declan Byrne (Home & Hosed Host, Triple J Unearthed)
“Tanya takes vocal looping to a completely new level.” – Roland
15 September 2020: Normality EP full release. Available to stream or purchase digitally.
29 June: Intro video release | 14 July: My Hymn video release 28 July: Interlude video release | 5 August: Normality video release. Available on YouTube
FOLLOW TANYA GEORGE FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION
www.facebook.com/tanyageorgemusic
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One of Australia’s most loved singer songwriters, Pete Murray has today shared his driving new single Found My Place, a commanding song about offering wisdom to your kids. The contemplative track is accompanied by a video shot in isolation in Pete’s hometown of Byron Bay that fittingly features his wife and daughter, a gallant move for the habitually guarded artist.
“Know who you are, just know who you are, trust that your compass won’t lead you astray. Just know that home is your heart and your heart’s where I’ve found my place,” Pete croons in that smooth, soulful and familiar voice.
Found My Place was co-written with Gavin Slate in Nashville and recorded with Canadian-born Byron local, Garrett Kato in Byron Bay. Taking sonic inspiration from artists such as JJ Cale and Frank Ocean, the introspective track exudes a warmth and charm that is buoyed by its strong and important message.
Pete explains, “Found my place is about passing on the wisdom of life to someone you love. If you trust your own instinct and stay true to yourself, then life will be fine. It was actually inspired by my own journey in life that I’m passing on to my kids now.”
Filmed and edited by fellow Byron locals, Mos & Co, the video features Pete and his young family on a local beach as the sun sets, perfectly complementing the heartfelt song with the typically private artist offering fans a glimpse into his private life. Pete explains, “This was a last minute decision to get my wife Mira and daughter Saachi in for the shoot. I’m very protective of my family and keep my family life very private. We thought of just using Mira and Saachi as background silhouette shots, but when we we filmed on the day Saachi came in to shot out of nowhere and did this cute little dance. Once we saw this we knew it had to be in the final edit. The song is about giving wisdom to your kids, so this was perfect in the end.”
The quiet achiever of Australian music is committed to constantly growing and evolving as an artist and gets a thrill from offering fans new and exciting material with each release. One of few artists with over one million album sales under his belt, Pete isn’t showing any signs of slowing down. With an impressive haul of robust singles and two EP’s set for release over the next 12 months, this is an artist who is in it for his fans and the music and not necessarily the accolades, jesting, “I hold the record at the ARIA’s for the most nominations never to win. 17 nominations with 0 wins. This effectively makes me the biggest loser in the history of the ARIA’s! Funnily enough it’s actually something I’m really proud.”
Found My Place is released today via Sony Music Entertainment Australia.
For more information, head to www.petemurray.com
STREAM / BUY: FOUND MY PLACE
VIEW: FOUND MY PLACE
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Known for his heart-wrenching lyrics and unapologetic candour, Melbourne-based singer songwriter Benjamin Trillado combines the story-telling elements of folk with the gritty angst of indie-rock. Following the release of his successful debut single ‘Glue’ and 2019 follow-up ‘First Kiss’, Benjamin is back with yet another melodic stunner on his new track ‘Worth’.
Released today, ‘Worth’ sees Benjamin teaming up with acclaimed producer Jono Steer (Angie McMahon) and Grammy-nominated mastering engineer Joe Carra, for his most honest track yet. An empowering search for self-love and acceptance as a queer person, the track’s restrained production allows space for Benjamin’s ethereal voice to weave through delicate guitar work and tug directly at the heartstrings.
“This song is about understanding your own self-value and accepting that you deserve a place in this world. As a queer person, I grew up struggling to come to terms with my sexuality and often resented myself for it. ‘Worth’ shares the struggles I faced in accepting myself and the empowerment that lies in embracing one’s identity. This song is a love letter to the LGBTQIA+ community and goes out to anyone who needs a reminder to love and accept themselves for who they truly are.” – Benjamin Trillado
Raised in a Filipino household where karaoke was family religion, Benjamin was constantly surrounded by music. At the age of 12, he wiped off the dust from his father’s guitar and spent the majority of his childhood writing songs in his bedroom. He continued to study music into his tertiary years and was mentored by singer/songwriter Ainslie Wills and Killing Heidi’s Jesse Hooper.
With an extensive vocal range that can seamlessly shift between a powerful call to arms or a comforting whisper, Benjamin Trillado has left rooms full of rowdy punters speechless with his effortless delivery and humble stage presence. He has spent the past year playing countless shows in Melbourne and Sydney plus a festival appearance at Newport Folk Festival, garnering a dedicated fan base in tow. So, pour yourself a cuppa, sit back and soak in the ethereal wonder of Benjamin Trillado’s latest single ‘Worth’ and be sure to stay tuned for more to come from this artist on the rise.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCES
Thursday 16 July – The Isolation Sessions
Stream via Facebook / Youtube
‘WORTH’ VIRTUAL HOME TOUR DATES
Performances live on Benjamin’s Instagram: @benjamintrillado
Special guests (TBA)
Friday 17 July – Benjamin’s Bedroom – 8pm AEST
Friday 24 July – Benjamin’s Bathroom – 8pm AEST
Friday 31 July – Benjamin’s Kitchen – 8pm AEST
Saturday 30 July – Real Songwriters Of Melbourne Live
Instagram: @rsomelbourne
‘Worth’ is out now via Ditto
Spotify / iTunes / Apple Music / Bandcamp
‘Worth’ Credits
Composed & Performed by Benjamin Trillado
Engineered, Produced & Mixed by Jono Steer
(At The Perch Recording Studio, Castlemaine)
Mastered by Joe Carra (Crystal Mastering)
“Alone. Together. provides a bit of a different spin on all the isolation-born records we’ve heard so far in the past few months. Instead of dwindling on the negatives, it instead almost-romanticises it in a way, pairing some incredibly sweet vocals with a gentle collection of rhythms and harmonies” – PILERATS
“Golding encouraging you to loosen the shackles for a night with this very slinky good time.” – Dave Ruby Howe (triple j)
Australian Indie-Electronic duo, Golding, have released their sophomore single ‘Alone.Together.’ – a paradoxical isolation anthem highlighting the blissful side of being locked down with loved ones.
The track came together serendipitously when vocalist Jay Bainbridge was singing off the cuff to his wife during a boozy night in lock down. “It was in a moment with my wife, we were just having fun and enjoying each other in a really normal and natural way. It was weird though because whilst I was fully in the moment with her, I was also able to be outside the moment and realise how relatable and real this same situation must be for so many other people.”
Instantly recognising the track’s potential, Jay rushed to his phone to record the hook. Golding’s other half, Matt Bartlem (previously produced for the likes of Matt Corby, Boo Seeka & Jarryd James), brought the vision to life with his signature production.
With a meticulosity composed sound that draws inspiration from artists such as Alt-J & Phoenix, the duo specialise in dreamy indie-dance that pays homage to the old-school with a subtle nod to a new era.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY
SUPPORT FOR ‘NERVOUS BREAKDOWN’
“It’s timely and brilliant, and with plenty more on the way, we can’t help but feel this is going to be another decade lush with the charm and excitement of one of Australia’s best bands, ten years after their journey all started.”
– Pilerats (AUS)
“A colourful animated clip which captures the song’s energy in adorable fashion.”
– Cool Accidents (AUS)
“Can you be surfing on a party wave whilst also having a nervous breakdown? sure sounds like it on this new Philly Jays one.” – 4/5 stars
– Declan Byrne – triple j (AUS)
“Philly Jays back and bouncing around the eardrums with this anxious surf pop song.” – 4/5 stars
– Dave Ruby Howe – triple j (AUS)
Following on from the release of their critically praised single ‘Nervous Breakdown’, Aussie indie legends Philadelphia Grand Jury have revealed the accompanying video clip – directed by Erin McBean.
Using the illustrations of Luke Arnold, the artist behind the track’s single artwork, the clip is an amalgamation of his pieces, animated by Erin McBean. Remarkably, Erin only learned animation during the current COVID lockdown period, showcasing a charming collection of visuals that complement the song perfectly.
Front man Simon Berckelman talks about the process behind the clip:
“Erin taught herself to animate during COVID. Her background is film production, in particular documentaries, so it was a pretty wild ride watching it come together. She’s a real badass boss woman. After working with Luke on the art for last year’s single “$10k”, once we finished ‘Nervous Breakdown’ we were desperately hoping he would say yes to working with us again. His art basically says everything we think, but before we think it and in a much better way.”
The trio’s releases have been widely embraced by Apple Music, NME (UK), Clash (UK), Sydney Morning Herald, The Daily Telegraph, The Age, Pilerats, Channel V, Cool Accidents, Music Feeds, The Music and a host of others. They’ve also seen extensive support from Australian radio stations triple j, Double J, triple j Unearthed, FBi Radio and community radio.
The band’s debut album ‘Hope Is For Hopers’ reached No. 34 on the ARIA Album Charts and was nominated for a J Award. Single ‘Going to the Casino’ won an AIR award for ‘Best Independent Single or EP’, with triple j Unearthed awarding them a slot in 2009’s Big Day Out. This support continued with single ‘The Good News’ also coming in at No. 57 in the that year’s triple j’s Hottest 100, and a performance on the station’s iconic segment Like a Version.
In the live arena the trio have sold out multiple national headline tours and performed with contemporaries Franz Ferdinand, Manchester Orchestra, Megan Washington and Art vs Science, as well as playing world renowned festivals The Great Escape (UK), Live At Leeds (UK), Splendour in the Grass, Laneway Festival, Big Day Out and Fall Festival.
‘Nervous Breakdown’ is available worldwide now through Normal People Making Hits
FOLLOW PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY