Brisbane-grown and Berlin-based artist Emerson Snowe earlier this month shared his latest single 'You're My Boy, Baby!", which follows in the footsteps of 'Frankenstein' back in February. Both tracks will be making an appearance on forthcoming EP Emerson Snowe's Splatterpunk, due to be unveiled on June 23rd.
The track dates back to 2018 after he and his ex-partner parted ways. Despite the pain that arises when a relationship comes to an end, 'You're My Boy, Baby!' sees him wish his ex-partner well. He said on the touching number, "My ex-partner wanted to break it off, and I accepted it. I figured if that’s what they wanted, then there was no use in trying to change someone’s frame of mind when that has already made its way into it. Maybe that wasn’t the best way to go about it from my side, but mentally at that time I was already so exhausted because of other issues in my life. So the song is pretty literal, probably the most literal story there is from me at this point. The lyrics read like a private text message. Its about wanting the best for a partner, even though it didn’t work out with them, there is no doubt how significant they were in my life."
The release of the single has also been accompanied by self-directed visuals, featuring footage from a past trip to Japan back in 2019.
Check out 'You're My Boy, Baby!' by Emerson Snowe below.
Earlier this month, duo XVOTO shared a preview of their forthcoming and much-awaited debut EP with their latest single ‘Friends’. The self-titled EP is set to be released next month on June 4th via One Two Many.
Jazz Alonso said ‘Friends’ is based on “the people who have irreversibly changed you and then having to pretend you’re unphased by them when you’re in the same room," as Alonso puts it. "Meanwhile you’re trying to work out what your new boundaries are: can you talk about the past? Can you cry together? Can you show how much pain you’re in around them? “If you fish me, I’ll play dead” means: if you make a move, I’ll pretend I’m dead inside and don’t want you back.”
Also adding on the accompanying video, "For this video I always imagined an aquarium because of the fish lyrics and because I think looking at fish in a tank is a really nice symbol of looking back at a relationship: you’ll always have your take on it and feel you have control over that narrative cause it’s a memory, but the reality is that truth is fluid and moves. You’re not looking at an image, you’re looking at something that’s alive. Then the scenes of us getting tattooed on our backs are symbols for something beautiful that scars you - you might move on from something but it’ll still inform the way you move forward. In the video there’s some cheating, some reminiscing, some beauty and some pain."
Alfie Templeman continues to show the world why he's one of the most exciting artists on the rise, this time coming through with his brilliant mini-album Forever Isn’t Long Enough (via Chess Club Records). He can do it all — he's a multi-instrumentist, producer, songwriter and overall, an extremely talented human. You can't tie Templeman down to one single genre and it's one of the many reasons why his music is so special. He recently took some time to take us through the ingredients behind Forever Isn’t Long Enough for us below.
London:
I grew up in Bedfordshire and normally tend to sing about my experiences there like school and nights out with friends but with this album, I sing a lot about leaving education and diving headfirst into the world of being a full-time singer. After I left school I spent a lot more time in London and it made me realise many things about my life up until now and what I wanted to do in the future. I recorded/finished bits of the album in London. The opening track ‘Shady’ was recorded with Tom McFarland from Jungle over at Universal Studios, which was so much fun for me going into a proper studio as I’m used to doing stuff in my bedroom.
Todd Rundgren:
Todd has always really inspired me. I’m really into his production and the way he crafts his songs. He is a true individualist and I really admire that. When I put together this record I was listening to Todd non-stop. The way every single song on each of his records was so different to the last really helped me get a sense of direction for my new album.
Dusk:
During lockdown, my mind couldn’t focus near as much as it usually could in the day. It just felt way too real, yet I couldn’t get out the house and do the things I wanted to do, so it felt like torture to me. But when it came to the evening, my mind was able to settle down and focus a little more. Although it took me a lot more time to work on music, the dark nights really inspired the feel of this record. To me, the whole album sounds like a late night with my lamp next to me, at my little desk recording synth lines or bass parts.
School:
By the time I started making this album, I’d just dropped out of school. Leaving at 16 was a pretty crazy decision but I knew deep down it was the right move as a music career was the big dream for me. Once I left school I realised how much I took friendship and socialising for granted, especially once I went into lockdown. A lot of the record is my way of dealing with growing up and accepting that as you get older you’re probably going to have less and less mates, but you grow stronger and stronger with the ones you do have.
Love:
Truth is, I can write more openly about love now I know how it feels to truly be in love with someone. A lot of my songs nowadays are for my girlfriend Ra, because during the last few years of my life, she’s kept me going. There’s not too much I’ve taken inspiration from recently, but she’s helped me stop myself from burning out.
Melbourne-based Witching Hour (the project of Claire Quartz) recently unveiled her spellbinding new single ‘Hell Hath No Fury Like’. The compelling number sees the up-and-comer reflect on her own experience of being in a toxic relationship. The single has also been accompanied by stunning visuals (directed by Mickey Mason) shot at Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens. Witching Hour takes us through ‘Hell Hath No Fury Like’ below.
I wrote 'Hell Hath No Fury Like'... in my first ever session with my producers, and now live bandmates, Zeke and Michael. It was the first day we'd ever met! It was in February of last year, a couple weeks before Covid ramped up, and it was such a fun and dynamic session — we had immediate creative chemistry.
A lot of the track was laid down in that first session but the rest of the creative process was a little more erratic because of lockdown. There was lots of back and forth — me doing vocal takes at home and sending through new ideas, the guys sending back new mixes and new versions, and then at the end of the year we finally came back together in real life and tied the whole thing together. It was so difficult to touch music during the second half of last year, so knowing this track was waiting in the wings was such a good motivator to keep me holding on while I felt so disconnected from it all during lockdown. The song was then mastered by my dad Patrick Cummings, who I produced, mixed, and mastered my first two singles with. It's a bit cute!
The story behind 'Hell Hath No Fury Like'... is one of shitty relationships and glorious self-reclamation. The song sees me firing back at an ex of mine who stirred up trouble in my life when I re-partnered. He sulked and seethed at my liberated choices, yet never had the courage to express his feelings directly to me. He chose instead to create tensions and issues within our shared social groups, so there are lots of themes in the song about silence and quiet, simmering rage. The relationship was quite toxic, and in HHNFL I embody this feeling of empowered ferocity I had where I thought, 'well now I'm free from you, and after putting up with what I put up with in our relationship, there's no way in hell you get to control what I do or who I date now'.
My fave lyric is... "Made of love, but I draw blood". I feel like that's my whole vibe really, sweet and wholesome yet fiery and dangerous. It also reflects the feeling I had towards my ex of 'well you think you know me, and I preach all this love and positivity, but don't cross me, don't try to control me, I'm three-dimensional and I'm powerful'.
My main inspiration... is a combination of the following themes: empowerment, self-love, reclamation, witchcraft, the occult, rebuilding after bad relationships, Hayley Williams always, and anything pink and spooky.
It sounds best... in a bad bitch outfit on a full moon.
Check out 'Hell Hath No Fury Like' by Witching Hour below:
South Korean artist BIBI has released her much-anticipated mini-album Life is a Bi.... The experimental offering sees BIBI explore an array of genres, including R&B and alt-pop, resulting in five intriguing tracks.
According to South Korean publication OSEN, she played a major role in many aspects behind the release — including the composition of music, production, lyric-writing, as well as the development of creative concepts.
Appearing on the mini-album is the lead single, ‘BAD SAD AND MAD’. The track's mix of R&B-influenced beats and her hushed yet smooth vocals is both hypnotic and addictive. The release has also been accompanied by captivating and sensual visuals that build on the evocative nature of BIBI’s words — which includes lyrics such as “Black my bone and / Purple my eyes / You red my mind / Yeah, you red my mind," she sings.
Check out the music video for BIBI’s lead single ‘BAD SAD AND MAD’ below.
London-based and Hong Kong-born artist bb sway has returned with a new single, this week unleashing her dreamy track ‘Baby Wants Out of The City’. Her new track is the first to be released via her brand new label home 7476.
The enchanting and whimsical ‘Baby Wants Out of The City’ sees bb sway reflect on her desire to escape the noise of the city and swap her surroundings for a place that's much more inspiring — particularly finding herself drawn to the beaches surrounding Hong Kong.
She said on the track, “This song was particularly inspired by Hong Kong, where high-rise buildings are surrounded by big mountains covered with luscious tropical vegetation, and gnarly roots seep into every concrete crack in the city. Having grown up on an island, I was also always surrounded by the sea, and it wasn’t until after I moved away that I realised how closely I felt connected to it.”
Step inside a daydream with bb sway and her magical new single ‘Baby Wants Out of The City’ below.
London-based artist Mysie continues her run of dazzling and magical new music, this time sharing her latest song 'In My Mind'. The track will be making an appearance on her forthcoming EP Undertones, which will be released on May 21st via Fraser T Smith's label 70Hz.
The intimate single is about the "prospect of lust", particularly reflecting on the strong desire to be with someone that you shouldn't be with. 'In My Mind' features an enticing blend of Mysie's tender vocals mixed with luring yet subtle production. Her words are just as hypnotic, with the song featuring lyrics such as, "Every night and day you’ll be my fantasy / One more scene to play / A vision in my mind / It feels like all the time."
Be sure to check out Mysie's brand new EP Undertones next month — until then, you can check out a preview of what's to come with 'In My Mind' below.
UK band FEET have returned with a brand new single, which follows their impressive debut album What's Inside Is More Than Just Ham back in 2019. Along with sharing the single and signing with Nice Swan Records recently, they're also getting ready to release an EP later in the year.
'Peace & Quiet' is a riveting track that sees the band make a few cheeky jabs at cringy music industry stereotypes, particularly those within their local surrounds of London. FEET said, "It’s about demanding more from the current music scene. 2021 is the year for new and exciting groups supported by a rejuvenated industry. Now's the time to start small, grass root scenes and DIY shows at your local village halls. What comes after this Peace and Quiet? That's what excites me the most."
The EP, Walking Machine, will be out in the world on August 6th via Nice Swan Records. Until then, be sure to check out what FEET serve up with 'Peace & Quiet' below.
With the release of their much-anticipated debut EP coming very soon, East London-based trio deep tan has shared a final preview of what’s to come with their brand new single ‘hollow scene’. The EP, creeping speedwells, is due for release on June 4th via Practise Music.
According to the trio, ‘hollow scene’ draws upon ideas around the philosophic perspective of absurdism. “Absurdism... focuses on the tension between a meaningless universe and our constant striving to find meaning. This tension is what gives rise to the Absurd.”
Also saying on ‘hollow scene’, “'hollow scene' is about the feeling of having to move through life with a certain level of detachment in order to function. Gatekeeping empathy for the sake of an easy life, if you will. It’s a pretty draining business, though, and can make any real search for meaning feel futile. Meursault was wrong and he was right. Robert Smith, however, is always right.”
Check out deep tan’s impressive new single ‘hollow scene’ below.
Melbourne's Maple Glider (the project of Tori Zietsch) has this week unveiled further news about her much-anticipated debut album, titled To Enjoy is the Only Thing, which will be released on June 25th. She’s also shared a beautiful new single to coincide with the exciting news.
’Swimming’ is a touching song that reflects on the end of a relationship. She said on the track that ’Swimming’ was originally intended to be a love song when she began working on it, but by the time she had completed the song, it “premeditated a break-up.”
She said, “I’d been experiencing some of the most beautiful places I’d ever been in, and falling out of love was very confusing. I was trying to force myself to be happy and in love, but I was far from home, and really lonely. It made sense to record the song after the break-up. I kind of felt like I was able to handle the sincerity of it then.”
The track is home to tender and poignant words such as “You pressed your hands against the darkest spaces of my skin / Tell me my body has been so beautifully lived in / I almost fell apart when you looked straight at my hеart / And said baby, swim.”
You can watch the Bridgette Winten-directed video for 'Swimming' below.
UK artist Oscar Lang continues his string of impressive releases, this time coming through with his full-throttle new single ’Stuck’. The release of the single coincides with major news about his long-awaited debut album, which has been slated for release on July 16th.
Over the past few years, Oscar Lang has been fearless in his experimental approach with mixing up his sound. Pure ferocity from start to finish, ’Stuck’ is perfect to blast loud and on repeat — it’s chaotic in the best way possible.
According to Lang, the tracks frantic nature reflects the state of boredom and loop of overthinking that he found himself in, “‘Stuck’ is about the feeling of replaying embarrassing situations in your mind to the point where you feel overwhelmed with all the voices in your head.”
Also adding, “I spend a lot of the time re-hashing old experiences and often it means I’m a bit spaced out and can’t pay attention to things because I’m so distracted by my own thoughts. I wanted to express that chaos of all those voices running through my head down into a song.”
Until it’s time to enjoy his album Chew The Scenery in its entirety soon, check out ’Stuck’ below.
With his debut album Myrtle Soup set to be revealed in the coming months, John Myrtle has shared a preview of what's to come with his most recent single ‘How Can You Tell If You Love Her?’. The album will be released via Sad Club Records on June 18th.
Filled to the brim with charm, it's easy to fall in love with ‘How Can You Tell If You Love Her?'. Home to sun-filled melodies, Myrtle sings about the complicated feelings involved with infatuation and dating.
The song came to him when he started seeing someone new after his relationship with his long term girlfriend ended — his new partner said that she only wanted to see each other casually.
"I remember feeling like everyone I had known always seemed to doubt love in some way, and I wrote the lyrics to this song with that in mind. I was unsure of what the future held for me, and I felt like singing this song was quite cathartic, at least it screamed out that I wanted certainty in my life and answers," he said.
Check out ‘How Can You Tell If You Love Her?’ by John Myrtle below.
UK artist Master Peace late last week unveiled his brand new single ‘PDA’, which is set to appear on his forthcoming EP Public Display of Affection, due for release on May 28th via EMI.
On the buoyant and bright ‘PDA’, Master Peace talks about not wanting any PDA, but he might just give in, “She's gonna be a problem tonight, I might let her cop a feel / Maybe I'm just way too polite, I'm just tryna keep it real,” he says.
According to Master Peace, ‘PDA’ is for the fans who have been supporting him, especially since the track has been a regular fixture in his live shows. “It’s the one for the real Master Peace fans. Those of you who came to a show of mine will understand the length of time this song has been circulating for. This is to say thank you for supporting me along my journey. If you’re discovering me from this song…? welcome to the Master Peace show!”
Gold Coast-based trio Greatest Hits have today unleashed their sunshine-filled new single ‘Palm Springs', which was shared alongside visuals directed by Benjamin Robinson. The three-piece are set to take their new single on the road during their upcoming East Coast dates.
The 70s-inspired track is about how people can be charmed by the illusion that life is supposed to be easy. Lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Ryan Cooper said, "'Palm Springs' is about the illusion that everything works out “supposedly” easily for some people, without them having to try — just relax by the pool with a glass of wine, and success will find you!”
Cooper also added, “On a deeper level, it is my realisation that everyone is figuring out their own struggles, and that most good things just require hard work.”
Get aquatinted with Greatest Hits and their new single ‘Palm Springs’ below.
As we near closer to the release of CHAI’s much-anticipated new album WINK on May 21st, the Japanese four-piece has unleashed another exciting preview of what’s to come with their vibrant new track ‘Nobody Knows We Are Fun’.
The lyrics for ‘Nobody Knows We Are Fun’ came to CHAI's YUUKI after watching Booksmart, particularly inspired by the movie’s protagonists deciding to attend a party before high school graduation after coming to the realisation “Nobody knows we’re fun!”. YUUKI said, “I thought, ‘We, CHAI, can really relate to that scene.”
According to the quartet, ’Nobody Knows We Are Fun’ is “a mix of screaming our annoyances—why don’t you guys notice us!—while trying to be cute and sexy.”
Groove with CHAI and their addictive new single ‘Nobody Knows We Are Fun’ below.
UK artist Mysie continues to make her mark, this time with her stunning new single ‘Keep Up With Your Heart’. The track is the first to be released after signing to Fraser T Smith’s label 70Hz. She’s also set to reveal a brand new EP, Undertones, on May 21st.
‘Keep Up With Your Heart’ is about moving on and letting go of a relationship that's gone cold due to cheating. In her lyrics, Mysie talks about wanting to move forward. She sings stirring lyrics such as “walk away so I can breathe,” and “I can’t give you what you want / so give me what I need to move on.” The track’s delicate guitar licks and drums weave in beautifully with Mysie’s exquisite and soothing vocals.
Once again, Mysie has delivered yet another impressive track and we look forward to hearing what she has planned for Undertones in the coming months.
Indonesian up-and-comers Tripov have this month shared their first-ever single, releasing their debut track ‘All Day All Night’. The charming single is an exciting preview of what you can expect from the trio.
‘All Day All Night’ is an addictive slice indie-pop that will instantly make you feel good from the very moment that you hit the play button. Home to smooth vocals and equally as dreamy production, there’s a lot to love about ‘All Day All Night’. The song is also endlessly catchy and you’ll be singing along with it even after one listen. If this is their first single, we can’t wait to hear what they’ve got planned next.
According to their Spotify profile, they've said that they're on a mission to create tunes for your at-home "shower concert" and we can't think of anything more fitting than blasting ‘All Day All Night’ in the morning when getting ready.
Step inside Tripov’s enchanting world with their first single ’All Day All Night’ below.
Philadelphia band Mannequin Pussy have announced that they’re set to release an EP in the coming months. Perfect, out on May 21st via Epitaph, is set to feature the band’s newly released single ‘Control’, which was revealed this week.
‘Control’ opens with tender vocals and light guitar strumming before kicking into high gear approximately one minute in. Missy’s vocal delivery features words such as “I've come undone I sliced that I would rather feel the end / Separated / Thanks for watching me pleading out and over all your sheets / For cleaning me / And what I want I need / Is just one real bitch to set me free.”
Mannequin Pussy's new music comes after the band spent much of 2020 apart due to the pandemic. They made the decision to work in person again and book in some studio time. Missy said, “We just figured if we forced ourselves into this situation where someone could hit 'record,' something might come out. We'd never written that way before.”
Whenever Eliza Shaddad shares something new, you know it’s going to be something special, and she’s done it again with her mesmerising new single ‘Blossom’. Shaddad, who has Sudanese and Scottish roots, is a multi-linguist with a philosophy degree along with being an exceptional songwriter.
Released this week via Rosemundy Records/Wow and Flutter, ‘Blossom’ is a heartfelt song about renewal and hope. Her evocative words describe the beauty of spring and the changes that happen. As you listen to her soft and tender vocals, you can't help but picture every word that you hear.
The track opens with touching lyrics such as “Blossom grows on the trees where you last lay here / Constant grey giving way to the blue / And I’m going round, all day digging up the soil / Turning over leaves and searching for renewal."
Check out Eliza Shaddad’s beautiful new offering ‘Blossom’ below.
Mega-producer Baauer has linked up with Omega Sapien of up-and-coming Korean collective Balming Tiger for their brand new single ‘DDOKBOKKI’, which came about after the two connected via DMs.
It's been a busy year so far for Omega Sapien, with him coming through with new music via Balming Tiger over the past few months, including tracks such as 'JUST FUN!' and 'LOOP?'. It's also been an impressive start to the year for Baauer, who kicked off 2021 with a Grammy nomination for his 2020 album Planet’s Mad.
‘DDOKBOKKI’ might be approximately two and a half minutes long but it’s action-packed from start to finish. As soon as you press play, you’re greeted by Omega Sapien’s powerful and robust vocal delivery. Partner his dynamic rapping-style with Baauer’s stellar and dynamic production and you’ve got an addictive and spicy track that you will blast on repeat for hours on end.
Check out Baauer and Omega Sapien’s action-packed collaboration below.
Rising star Hannah Jadagu is set to release her forthcoming debut five-track EP What Is Going On? next month — until it's time to enjoy the release in full, she’s shared a preview of what’s to come with the EP’s enchanting title track.
The music video, directed by Cameron Livesey, shows a contrasting view of ‘What Is Going On?’, which is about processing the world around you and handling societal pressure.
Hannah said on the video, “When thinking of ideas for the ‘What Is Going On?’ video, I was certain that I wanted to take a different approach. Originally, I just had a loose vision of a rooftop band scene and worked hard to make that happen. However, during the editing process, Cameron and I felt we were missing something. That something was a storyline. So, I decided to bring in actors Sarah Tie and Joseph McCain. Through their work, we were able to really bring the lyrics to life.”
If you love ‘What Is Going On?’ as much as we do, stay tuned for the rest of her debut EP on April 23rd via Sub Pop.
Toronto’s PACKS (led by Madeline Link) have this month shared their brand new single ‘Silvertongue’. The new track is the second to be unveiled from their forthcoming debut offering Take the Cake, out on May 14th via Fire Talk and Royal Mountain.
Initially Link's solo project, PACKS become a quartet after Shane Hooper (drums), Noah O’Neil (bass), and Dexter Nash (lead guitar) joined.
‘Silvertongue’ transports you back to the 90s through the addition of lo-fi guitars, true slacker-rock energy and Link’s grungy vocals.
Link’s direct and reflective lyrics address past relationships and how it’s easy to be caught in an endless loop of breaking up and getting back together. She said, “It’s easy to be lured into the comforts of past relationships. What’s harder is dealing with years of exhaustion, mistrust, and always hoping. Ditch the whiplash of manipulation and decide what YOU want out of love!”
Ci Majr has come through with another soaring single, this time with the ever-so-catchy ‘Guillotine’. The new single follows in the footsteps of ‘Summer Drug’, with both tracks set to appear on forthcoming debut EP Side Effects, which is due for release on April 16th. The new single was produced by UK-based Féz and is accompanied by vibrant visuals directed by Danie Harris.
‘Guillotine’ came to Ci Majr when political tensions were high in the US last year. Along with drawing influence from the conversations around that moment, Ci was also inspired by a romantic relationship where communication was lacking. Ci said, “Within the romantic context, this is something that I definitely have had to learn in recent years in my current relationship. You can so easily get caught up in the same arguments over and over only to realize that maybe you were wrong all along and it was your ego that was preventing you from coming to some sort of agreement that can appease both parties.”
Also adding, “The relationship that I’m in right now has taught me so much about this, so I guess within the romantic context this song was somewhat written to my past self. Past Ci would have been a lot better off if they would have just realized that when you’re in a relationship it’s a lot less about being right all of the time, it’s about not being afraid to be vulnerable.”
Brisbane-based artist RINSE (the project of Joe Agius) has today shared his much-anticipated debut EP Wherever I Am. The mesmerising EP is infused with elements of post-punk, shoegaze, dream-pop, new wave, as well as Agius' own distinct flair. The release is home to a poignant and moving collection of tracks that will find a special place in your heart from the very moment that you press play. To celebrate the release of his debut EP, Agius took some time out to take us through the influences behind Wherever I am below.
Brisbane
I grew up in a small coastal town in northern NSW and basically didn’t see a live band besides the groups that my friends and I formed in school or Rogue Traders with my family until I was around 18. My first show, when I turned 18, were Brisbane and Sydney bands Yves Klein Blue, Cloud Control & Last Dinosaurs in Coolangatta and it just changed everything for me. I suddenly knew I wanted to not only be able to go see bands every night of the week but also start my own and be a part of a community that was more like I was and I knew that meant moving somewhere else.
I started visiting Brisbane most weekends from then on, driving myself up to gigs and events like BIGSOUND and just sleeping in my car until I was finally able to move up. I saw so many shows, made so many friends and soaked so much up over the past years and have a lot to thank to Brisbane for the musician and person I am now. Having visited every other capital city in Australia more times than I can count, I can honestly say there is something really special about it here that just makes you want to create.
Shoegaze
Beginning to make music as a teenager really clicked for me after discovering and getting into bands like Slowdive, MBV, Pale Saints & Chapterhouse. I enjoyed watching and listening to a lot of music that bands around me were making, but I knew I didn’t necessarily want to do the same thing and couldn’t explain what I was wanting to create in my head. I knew I had a decent sense of melody but very limited skills in performing and recording, so I would just cover everything in effects and reverb and thought it was awesome, even though you couldn’t hear anything particularly well at all. It wasn’t great in any way or like my favourite bands at all, but it allowed my confidence and creativity to grow for a long time until I was able to slowly step out from behind that reverb wall.
Joy Division
I came across the film Control when I was around 16 not knowing a single thing about Joy Division. I never had money to buy CDs or an older sibling’s music collection to discover bands through, so gaining access to the internet around this age was quite life-altering for me. Joy Division & the film Control were two of the biggest discoveries and obsessions for me around then. So much so that my mum became extremely concerned with how often I was watching and listening to anything Joy Division. It probably didn’t help that I secretly used the food money she gave me to survive on for a month when she went away one time on an Unknown Pleasures tattoo on my arm.
As someone with bipolar and depression, I found a lot of comfort in Ian’s lyrics and story, and sonically it made me feel things I’d never felt listening to music before. I didn’t know a single other person who listened to them and they felt like my little secret for a long time, while unknowingly to me outside of my little town and brain, they were one of the biggest and influential cult bands in the world.
I find the music sometimes hard to listen to now because it reminds me of some very tough times, but I’ll always be very thankful for the musical journey they led me on, and still take a lot of inspiration from them.
Touring
Before being in a band I’d never travelled much at all besides camping up and down the coast and an odd trip to Fiji with the family, so the idea of being able to play shows for new people every night and see parts of the world I’ve never seen before playing in Hatchie has been a real dream come true. I think this past year has especially made me reflect on how lucky we’ve had it. We don’t usually get more than a few hours in each city we visit around shows but we try to soak up as much as we can. The boring parts of touring also do provide a lot of time to think about music, listen to demos and work on lyrics. I mapped out most of what I wanted to do in RINSE over the years staring out a window on tour.
Long Drives
Besides some awful bus lines there wasn’t too much in the way of public transport growing up on the coast, so having a license and car (or a friend with one) was a necessity as a teenager. I, unfortunately, was “the friend” so I spent a lot of time (and money on petrol) behind the wheel driving my mates around. Driving to and from Brisbane for hours especially gave me a lot of time to listen to records properly and as loud as I could. I began to really focus on what sounds and instruments things were rather than just enjoying the music on the surface level for the first time, and it basically became a time of study for me. I still really love taking long drives for the same reasons, especially now that I’m usually glued to my phone or laptop while listening to anything.
Tyne-James Organ is back with another catchy track, today sharing his brand new single ’Sunday Suit’. The release of ‘Sunday Suit’ has been joined by further news of his much-anticipated debut album Necessary Evil, which you can expect to hear in full on May 21st (via Dew Process).
The magnificent ’Sunday Suit’ is home to an undeniable sea of grooves and Organ’s vibrant yet ever-so-smooth vocal melodies — the combination is magical. He said on the song, “‘Sunday Suit’ is all about dancing away your troubles. This is one of my favourites on the record and I’m very excited to play it live!”
His forthcoming album Necessary Evil was created last year alongside longtime creative partner Chris Collins at his NSW Hinterland studio, Stokers Siding. While working on the project, he made a conscious decision to turn off the outside world (including other music) and focus on his own music and rural surroundings.
He said, “I feel in this day and age we are influenced consciously and subconsciously by anything and everything we listen to. So, throughout the album process I only listened to my demos, which meant the only influence which would come into play was myself. I’m so glad I did that.”
Get a sneak preview of what Tyne-James Organ has in store for his album with ‘Sunday Suit’ below.
Following in the footsteps of her impressive collab with legendary label Speedy Wunderground, Polish superstar Brodka is back with another huge track, this time coming through with ‘Game Change’.
‘Game Change’ was inspired by the effect gender roles have had on society, which is something that’s especially a problem in her home of Poland.
Brodka said, “While making the video for Game Change, I was inspired by the story of the Albanian Sworn Virgins. Women who, by taking a vow of chastity, take on a male role in society while gaining all the privileges associated with being a man. They are treated as men but can keep their feminine names.”
“In the Brutalist city of "Brut" lives a woman who, after the death of her husband, takes over his role. The only attribute left of her femininity is a corset. As she goes about her mundane business, she encounters other male-impersonators trying to find themselves in a clearly defined, systemic male/female reality. They communicate through dance and strange tics, creating a unique gang. Together they watch a film about a hyper-feminized super-woman. Do we really need a dress and all that packaging to be feminine in people's eyes?”
Brodka is also prepping for the release of her album BRUT, which will be announced soon. Until then, check out ‘Game Change’ below.
Wolverhampton artist Cariss Auburn late last month unleashed her lush disco-pop gem ‘Daydream’ (via Modern Sky). The dazzling track is a preview of her forthcoming EP Refraction, which is due for release next month.
The cathartic number was written by Cariss as way of processing the way she was feeling. She said on 'Daydream', “Living in such a connected world I feel that we absorb so much trauma and pain daily — especially as a black woman. It’s hard to take a break from that pain without feeling this immense guilt. But we deserve that break!”
She also adds, “it’s no fix-all but I wanted to invite everyone into my personal escapist world — 80s music and reminiscing over my holiday to Japan.”
The accompanying music clip features Cariss backed by footage from her previous trip to Japan while rocking fab outfits by emerging designers such as Natsuki Hanyu, Alice Hampton and Anastasia Bull.
Step inside Cariss Auburn's world with her dreamy new single below.
Japanese four-piece CHAI has this week returned with another preview of their upcoming new album, this time linking up with Chicago’s Ric Wilson for ‘Maybe Chocolate Chips’.
The album, WINK, is due for release in the coming months and is set to feature previous tracks such as ‘ACTION’ and ’Donuts Mind If I Do’.
'Maybe Chocolate Chips’ shows a more chill and lush side of the band that we haven’t seen from the tracks they’ve shared from WINK thus far. According to bassist/vocalist YUUKI, the single is about self-love.
She said, “Things that we want to hold on to, things that we wished went away. A lot of things happen as we age and with that for me, is new moles! But I love them! My moles are like the chocolate chips on a cookie, the more you have, the happier you become! and before you know it, you’re an original ♡.”
Check out ‘Maybe Chocolate Chips’ (Feat. Ric Wilson) by CHAI below
Scottish-Chinese alt-pop up-and-comer LVRA (pronounced loo-rah) makes her mark with her mesmerising new single ‘Dead’. The track follows in the footsteps of her debut EP LVCID, released last year.
LVRA’s evocative lyrics, smooth vocals and experimental production is a deadly combination in the best way possible. She says on the track, “There’s a unique power you gain when you stop caring about what people think of you.”
Also adding, “It’s an ongoing battle, though, and ‘DEAD’ is about the conflict between the fantasy of not caring and how you feel in reality. The video captures that, with a version of myself who has her shit together and another that is fighting to survive.The use of red represents fear in the human condition, but in Chinese culture it also symbolises happiness. One rarely comes without the other.”
East London-based post-punk three-piece deep tan never fails to deliver and they’ve come through with yet another incredible track, this time with their brand new song ‘camelot’. The release of the single comes alongside news that they’re set to reveal their debut EP creeping speedwells on June 4th via Practise Music.
‘camelot’ might be short in duration, but it makes a big impact in under two minutes. The sharp and angular number is an ode to chaotic ragers.
They said on the track, “‘camelot’ is an unashamed tribute to ‘the sesh’. a group of people have just been evicted with only 48hrs notice, leading them to have one last rager in order to forget about the stress of not finding a new home with such short notice. coming in at less than two minutes, the frenetic energy of the track sets the scene for total obliteration”
Dive into the world of deep tan with ‘camelot’ below.
