GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 29 NOV 2019

Good Friday: The feature series that shines a light on our favourite new releases from around Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Make sure you check out all the artists that featured this week up the top of our weekly playlist, which also includes some other jams we've been getting down to during the week.

1.     ‘Rules on Envy’ – Ride for Rain

Sydney’s Ride for Rain have revealed their new light-hearted tune, ‘Rules On Envy’.

As part of their upcoming EP Never Magenta set to release in 2020, the tune does an excellent job in revealing the tone of future releases.

Sounds of early 2000’s rock can be heard within the song, particularly through the application of playful lyricism, boppy guitars, and consistent percussion.

The band effortlessly sway between hooky, melodic pop and a nostalgic sense of punk rock. It’s evident every member shares the same strong passion for music.

Ride for Rain unleashed their first (considerably explicit) full-length record Life's A Beach in 2017 and haven’t looked back, touring the east coast numerous times.

Excitingly, the lads have recently supported icons Strung Out and The Flatliners and toured their first international shows in Japan. The band say the single will be paired with a music video in the coming weeks.

2.     ‘Moving Slowly’ - Maz Green

One of Melbourne’s top vintage-pop artists has released a stunning new sophomore single, ‘Moving Slowly’.

Maz Green’s sweet-sounding vocals cover a crucial topic: climate change.

Thanks to an overseas trip earlier in the year, the musician’s values were completely shifted.

"I used to care more about getting a good cup of coffee than caring for how much landfill I’ve contributed to over the years. Climate change, racism, sexism and equality are just some problems that I wanted to highlight as they are so real,” she explains.

Though, she doesn’t want the topic to dominate her music.

“I’m not saying the world is f****d and we’re all doomed for eternity, I just wanted to shine a light on some issues that we need to give a shit about."

In light of controversial 2019 events, the track’s accompanying video includes footage from Sydney's climate change and Caulfield Cup protest.

“It was incredible to meet so many inspiring and passionate people at the different rallies and protests," Green says.

The fresh musical offering produced by Jon Reichardt and mixed by Chris Collins will delight Lily Allen fans. Best of all, this is only just the beginning for the promising artist.

3.     Better View – Hunter Hero

Introducing Hunter Hero, the new heavy band set to rock your world.

The four like-minded mates create music to help navigate life and they hope in turn, it does the same for listeners.

Their debut track ‘Better View’ can only be described as three minutes of ripping riffs intertwined with soaring hooky vocals.
The song was created by Zane Rosanoski and Pete Williamson of the band Mammal, Rob Farnham of the band Rival Fire, and Darryl 'Daz’ Coppins. The band are all about positive energy, hoping the new track lifts people up even when things seem like they are at their darkest place.

The group brings refreshing riffs and melodies to the forefront of their sound, with an eye firmly on what the future holds.

Hunter Hero are here to stay… give them a stream today.

4.     ‘Half Alive’ - Lupa J

Lupa J AKA Imogen Jones has given us a delicious platter of pop and dance on ‘Half Alive’.

The wonderful combination of entrancing vocals and electronic synths do an exceptional job in tying the song together.

The popular artist says she wrote the song during a period where a relationship was deteriorating, hoping to avoid dealing with the unhealthy dynamic.
"We were spending less and less time together sober… it’s as dark as the title sounds," she says.

Lupa J has transformed into one of Australia's most unique left-field pop voices in 2019, selling out her album launch show at Sydney's Oxford Art Factory and touring alongside Grimes, Alice Glass, Banoffee, Sarah Blasko, Tegan and Sara. She’ll be performing at Gaytimes Festival in February.

5.     ‘Cut’ - Meres

Indie-rock queen Mary Shannon AKA Meres is back with an unadulterated brand of glittering, fuzzed out punk.

The likable musician known for her impressive style of “sludge rock” features her signature bold, crunchy guitar riffs and punch-pop melodies in the new single ‘Cut’.

In a lyrical sense, ‘Cut’ tackles feeling helpless, particularly when it comes to fractured friendships.

“I wrote this song around the time a friend's father passed away. It was written from a strange place of guilt, grown from the expanding distance between us - I wasn't sure how to be their friend like I used to be, almost like I didn’t know them at all anymore.”

“It’s about wanting to feel that intense connection with someone again, trying to fight for it, but not knowing where to start,” explains Meres.

The self-proclaimed “giant weirdo from Tassie that loves making music” plans to release her debut EP in 2020, and we could not be more psyched.

PREMIERE: Mijo Biscan lets loose on ‘We’ve Got The Numbers’

Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Mijo Biscan has been a busy man throughout 2019. Touring with the likes of Goyte, Missy Higgins, Clare Bowditch and Tommy Emmanuel, Mijo dropped the critically acclaimed track ‘You’ve Got Your Life’ earlier this year, with audiences from triple j unearthed, Amplify and Culture Eater praising his approach to surf/indie rock sonics.

Now, with the year almost at its end, Mijo is finishing on a high with this massive new release, ‘We’ve Got The Numbers’, a track that is one of Mijo’s most animalistic performances, both musically and lyrically.

Launching into pumping riffs and background noise, the listener is then hit with a wall of rollicking jungle drums, walls of guitars and bass filling out the soundscape. Mijo busts in on this, singing about being surrounded by other slaves, and how when we indeed have the numbers, or you are in a majority that is inspired to make change, you are capable of achieving anything.

The strong anti-authoritarian themes permeate throughout the track, exploring notions of freedom, as it delivers an empowering message that we are more powerful than we think.

The addition of background singers, vocal snippets and violins in the instrumental are a gorgeous touch, fleshing out the track with a feeling of grandiosity. Fittingly, Mijo lets the drums lead the song out as it reaches a glorious, crescendoing climax.

There is a sense of urgency captured within ‘We’ve Got The Numbers’ which above all else, feels like a plea for sanity as the world gets more and more out of control. It’s a track that shows Mijo Biscan’s talent for songwriting, but more notably, really shows how ambitious he is when it comes to his music. We can’t wait to see what’s next for the artist!

PREMIERE: GÜS RADIATES SMOOTH SERENITY ON ‘DO YOU FEEL ME’

And now for one of the most prolific upcoming names in the indie-electronic scene… Güs.

The beachy musician also known as Angus Hayes has written a new track ‘Do You Feel Me’, which can only be described as strikingly beautiful.

An ambiently peaceful soundscape is fulfilled as the song describes finding intimacy on a night out.

“It’s set in a bar and is about all the joy, pain and fallout that can come with [a night out].

“I was channelling Chet faker [Nick Murphy] for this one and as such I think it’s a pretty groovy, sexy song,” Güs explains.

The artist recently played his first ever solo gig at Brisbane’s The Triffid and while it was completely nerve-racking, he says it was super cool.

“I’m looking forward to gigging much more next year now that I have a solid audience base,” he adds.

Güs’ motivation to write the new tune formed during success of his previous release, ‘Way You Make Me Feel (Feat. Silier)’. The third single blew up instantly, receiving adds to Spotify’s New Music Fridays AU & NZ and Just Chill playlists. The track now has more than 120,000 Spotify streams. So, it’s no surprise Silier was invited to write the bassline and percussion for ‘Do You Feel Me’.

After working with Carmouflage Rose and producer James Angus, Güs will be jetting off to Norway in the next couple of weeks to work on his next EP, The Oslo Sessions.

Above all, Hayes hopes the fresh tune gets some bodies shaking. The track officially releases tomorrow, so be the first to listen to ‘Do You Feel Me’ right here!

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 22 NOV 2019

Good Friday: The feature series that shines a light on our favourite new releases from around Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Make sure you check out all the artists that featured this week up the top of our weekly playlist, which also includes some other jams we've been getting down to during the week.

1.     ‘Want Me’ - r.em.edy

Melbourne’s 20-year-old Singer/Songwriter/Rapper and Producer r.em.edy has filled her new music with emotional flare.

Of her five track EP, ‘Want Me’ portrays the artist’s unspoken authenticity, rawness and honesty the most. Through applying pulsing synths, angelic vocals, and relatable lyrics, the track accurately represents what it means to be young and in love.

r.em.edy’s musical direction is heavily influenced by J.Cole, Amy Winehouse, Doja Cat and Banks. While her sound is mainly hip-hop and R&B, touches of jazz, soul and alternative pop are present.

Most tracks in the new EP stem from passive aggression, realisation, playfulness, to frustration and weakness. The artist has created a refined collection of songs, despite the obstacles along the way.

“I kind of just locked myself in my room every day, with my sh**ty laptop, a mic, no tutorials, and a lot of coffee. It gives you a taste of my mind these past couple years, the highs the lows and all the in-betweens. I just hope the people that need to hear these songs hear them,” r.em.edy concludes.

2.     ‘Headache’ – Okay Dane

Credit: Bubble Productions

Having spent the majority of 2019 honing their craft and consistently elevating their stage presence, Okay Dane are back with a new single, ‘Headache’.

The expertly crafted tune is taken from their forthcoming debut EP Alienation, set to release November 29. ‘Headache’s chorus builds in a way that feels simultaneously fresh and reminiscent of your favourite rock acts.

Okay Dane say the single is the most pissed off and frenetic they’ve ever been on a recording.

“It felt really good to record and is always a blast to play live. Lyrically it’s the most to the point and juvenile we’ve been too, which was heaps of fun. At its heart it’s about lashing out and being frustrated with someone who can’t be reasoned with,” they explain.

The fast-paced, energetic example of rock is a great indicator of what is still to come from Okay Dane. The trio has embraced a new chaotic brand of crunching alt-rock, and we cannot wait to hear more.

3.     ‘If It’s About Love’ – Nick Pes 

Sydney based musician Nick Pes exhibits a new, infectious style of indie electronica on ‘If It’s About Love’.

After the huge success of his 2013 debut ‘I Remember’ and singles to follow, Nick has undoubtedly poured his heart and soul into the new track.

Nick told AAA Backstage ‘If It’s About Love’ is very special because he felt like he was able to break through some emotional barriers when he made it.

“I remember that I wrote it so quickly and when I played back the demo for the first time I burst into tears. When I first sang the words to the chorus, I remember thinking “where did that come from?” – somehow writing this song unlocked a part of me that I had buried really deep.

“It’s about heartbreak, but a long slow heartbreak, to the point where you’ve become exhausted with the idea of love,” Nick adds.

The artist has been spending most of 2019 composing new music, playing shows around his hometown and inspiring a dedicated fan base.

The earnest, hook-filled chorus of ‘If It’s About Love’ is bound to get stuck in your head before you know it. Listen now!

4.     ‘Olympia’ - Howlite

Howlite lift us up with the lush, atmospheric sounds of their new single ‘Olympia’.

The elemental dreamscape of ‘Olympia’ teases their forthcoming EP Not Here and builds on the ethereal, indie foundations of previous release ‘Reducer’.

‘Olympia’ evocatively describes the male gaze, and how one can subvert it. Moreover, the lyrical prowess set against a backdrop of dark pop instrumentation demonstrates the newfound confidence of the band.

“We now have a strong sense of confidence and focus with the release of 'Olympia', which offers an even bigger slice of where our sound is heading,” says vocalist Alison Thom.

The blend of soaring vocals and electronic undertones captivate in the same vein as London Grammar, Agnes Obel and The XX.

Howlite will be playing a handful of shows across the southern region of the country over the next few months, see them when you can!

5.     ‘Yellow, Blue & Grey’ - Fan Girl

After a relatively quiet 2018 following the tragic passing of band member and best friend Jack Wood, Melbourne’s rock outfit Fan Girl have made a stellar return with ‘Yellow, Blue & Grey’.

As the second release of 2019, the single centres around being left behind in life, both physically and in time. It includes a balance of angelic, ethereal backing vocals, and demonic, gritty guitars.

Frontman Noah Harris explains: “It sits in a weird place between wistfulness and nostalgia. A lot of the imagery, as well as the narrative, runs parallel with the friendship between, and story of, Vincent Van Gogh and Paul Gaugin.”

Fan Girl are known for their electric, urgent live presence, particularly after supporting the likes of Catfish & The Bottlemen, Birds Of Tokyo and The Vines.

As the band begin to release an exhilarating new style of music, it seems clear they also have a newfound appreciation for each other.

“After Jack’s passing, we put everything on hold, but ‘Yellow, Blue & Grey’ was the first thing we eventually started chipping away at. It just felt right,” says guitarist Vincent McIntyre.

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 15 NOV 2019

Good Friday: The feature series that shines a light on our favourite new releases from around Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Make sure you check out all the artists that featured this week up the top of our weekly playlist, which also includes some other jams we've been getting down to during the week.

1. ‘Mexico’ - The Sea Gypsies [words by Charlie Dally-Watkins]

The Sea Gypsies bring a hypnotic wash of verby guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and laid-back vibes on their new single ‘Mexico’.

The song about a wild trip to Mexico which left frontman Luke Martin with Dengue Fever is perfect for the incoming Australian summer.

“Some people say that a holiday changes an individual. After experiencing Mexico, Luke would agree,” say The Sea Gypsies.

Through the combination of reggae, indie-rock, and humour, ‘Mexico’ is a track that will be stuck in your head before you know it.

Following on from their debut album Movements, the five-piece are known for their electric live presence and charmingly emotive songwriting.

The impressive new funk-laden groove is joined with summer tour dates for 2020. So, make sure you check out the spellbinding gypsies of the sea.

2. ‘Something Simple’ - Kitten Heel [words by Charlie Dally-Watkins]

The new synth, guitar-heavy music from Kitten Heel is equal parts floor-filler and heartbreaker.

‘Something Simple’ explores a hypnotic focus point within a long-term relationship. The song finds itself adamant of the wonderful simplicity that bypasses the difficulties of long relationships.

The five-piece explain: “Keeping relationships beautiful and consistent is challenging and at those torturous depths, when affection starts to wander, so too does the curious eye. Being committed to your partner is challenging, there’s no ifs or buts about it.”

Kitten Heel members are quite simply driven by a motivation to make the best music they possibly can. As big indie-dance fans themselves, they are able to use that authentic spirit during the production process of their music.

“We feel that’s part of why it’s come together so well, because we had one mission – to make music that returned the emotions we had in way we haven’t heard them,” say Kitten Heel.

Listen to the purveyors of swagger and masters of synth today.

3. ‘Chika’ – Intriguant [words by Max Melit]

Ever-evolving Singapore-based producer/DJ Intriguant has released a texture-rich single, ‘Chika’.

The man behind it all, Louis Quek, has injected the song full of complex beats and satisfyingly well-produced loops.

He explains: “I wanted to go back to where I started. The underground club scene has always been family to me. I grew up from there and expanded into other areas.”

The track shows off a very layered, almost industrial rhythm, with haunting pads and soothing synths filling out the background.

‘Chika’ is an unquestionably powerful song. The focus on club beats keeps it moving, but Intriguant’s seasoned hand in blending atmospheric and tactile sounds never makes the listening experience linear. You can hear the influence of artists like Yosi Horikawa, Long Arm, and Nujabes in this ability to blend rhythm with atmosphere, and melody with complex layering.

Keep a close eye on the dates of one of Singapore’s best underground acts, as Australian gigs aren’t out of the question. Listen to Intriguant’s ‘Chika’ now.

4. ‘Entangled’ – JPL ft. Alexa Harley [words by Nick Wasiliev]

JPL is back with ‘Entangled’, bringing his electronic and indie-pop rots back for the masses!

Having first turned heads in 2018 with his hit ‘Speak Up’, this new tune might be his most subtle and nuanced yet. Bringing on the talented Alexa Harley to duet with him, JPL delivers a low-key smooth track about love and its complications.

Opening with reverbing, colourful glockenspiel, a smooth electronic kick drum introduces itself on the chorus, with a subtle bass filling up the soundscape to compliment the crackling production. JPL and Harley duet beautifully here about being entangled, delivering mesmerising harmonies. 

Harley then takes over for the verses, singing about wanting to run away from negative feelings and hide, just to keep this happy, blissful, loving vibe going. She calls out to her significant other to help her escape, though the hollow production implies this might not be a healthy choice to run from these problems. 

JPL has given the track enough lyrical bite and nuance to make the listener to want to come back for a deeper understanding. ‘Entangled’ is a compelling meditation on love, and one has us excited for the forthcoming EP.

5. ‘Catch Your Breath’ – Vlossom [words by Charlie Dally-Watkins]

Vlossom, the newly birthed collaboration between Australian musicians Nick Littlemore and Alister Wright, have released an absolute banger in ‘Catch Your Breath’.

The track is almost multi-sensory… possessed of its own distinct texture, temperature, colour, and perfume. By unfolding in hypnotic rhythms and ethereal vocal work, the song speaks to a metaphorical loss of composure. This also creates a wondrous soundscape both beautifully futuristic and profoundly elemental

Littlemore clarifies: “It’s that feeling of seeing a thing of absolute beauty, whether it’s a girl or guy or plant or animal, and being brought into a heightened reality.

“For the most part our everyday lives are fairly menial, so those moments when we do lose our breath are really something to dwell on.”

In each new piece that Vlossom create, the energy manifests as a benevolent effervescence, one that ultimately leaves the listener with a renewed sense of wonder.

“If we can impart anything to people, I hope it’s that feeling of losing yourself in a moment, stepping outside of yourself in the best imaginable way,” says Littlemore.

We can’t wait to hear what they have in store for their debut EP, set to release in 2020.

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 8 NOV 2019

Good Friday: The feature series that shines a light on our favourite new releases from around Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Make sure you check out all the artists that featured this week up the top of our weekly playlist, which also includes some other jams we've been getting down to during the week.

1.     ‘Kill Me With Your Love’ - Jaguar Jonze

Jaguar Jonze AKA Deena Lynch laments the downsides to love in her new track, ‘Kill Me With Your Love’.

The multi-talented Brisbane creative applies rock sensibilities with soaring vocals and dance rhythms to the song, but there lies a deeper meaning.
Deena says ‘Kill Me With Your Love’ is about a toxic relationship addiction, particularly the way we sometimes tell ourselves that a relationship will be perfect and everything we’ve ever dreamed of.

“It’s the process of trying to find a fix to the addiction but continuing to stay around for the emotional payoffs… You balance your odds and make bets you can’t afford to lose, but consistently lose anyway as the relationship continues to fall deeper into toxicity.

“For a long time, toxic love was where I felt most safe, because it was all I ever knew,” she adds.

But wait… there’s more! Jaguar Jonze has announced she’ll be supporting The Vanns, Ali Barter and Lime Cordiale before the close of 2019. Get amongst it!

2.     ‘Sunny Day’ – Homestate

Pop-punk five-piece Homestate are back with another catchy banger, ‘Sunny Day’.

The band aim to give listeners a voice where they feel they might not have one. 

The punk vibes heard within the single have been pulled straight from the early 2000’s and are inspired by long nights spent awake overthinking your every move.

Specifically, it’s about taking time to be the right person for the sake of someone else.

Lead singer Chad Fraser explains: "After a bad run of relationships, coming into something that’s finally good for you can be hard to adjust to.

“Life is hard, love is even harder, but without both, nothing would be worthwhile".

Since forming in 2017, the Perth group have drawn influence from the likes of The Wonder Years, State Champs and The Story So Far 

While their 2018 album A World of Second Chances demonstrated the aspects of a quality punk band, ‘Sunny Day’ will take their status even further.

3.     ‘Bruises’ – Split Feed

Punk rock quartet Split Feed urge listeners to deflect negativity in their new EP Second Skin.

In particular, ‘Bruises’ has a focus on being strong in times of weakness.

Frontman Joe Willis says their new music addresses overcoming hardships and building resilience to set your best foot forward.
“I’ve always seen myself as quite a weak person, and I’ve always found it difficult to speak my mind in times where I have needed to…it’s something I’ve been trying to get together for a long time,” he says.

Influences like PUP, The Story So Far and Tiny Moving Parts come through in Split Feed’s sound, particularly in their energetic live performances.

Split Feed have an ability to combine hard-hitting, infectious melodies with poignant lyricism, which is indisputably used in the new EP.

After selling out every show of their headline single tour in 2018, Split Feed have spent the majority of 2019 writing and releasing new music.

4.     Villain’ – Bad Pony

Sydney’s Bad Pony are back, louder than ever.

Their new single ‘Villain’ is strong, vibrant, and the perfect way for the band to jump back into the live scene.

The fresh tuna is a snapshot of Bad Pony’s undeniable passion on stage, featuring punchy guitars and strong melodies. It was inspired by the struggles and darkness in Melbourne observed by songwriter Jarred Young.

Young says: “‘Villain’ is an existentialist walk down Grey St. in St.Kilda. It’s a street renowned for night walkers, homelessness and drugs. I used to go through there at 5:30am in the morning every day to get to work and encountered people with some pretty serious drug and mental health problems. The song is about those people who are too often wrongly villainised.”

Bad Pony’s adrenaline-fuelled, chaotic style of music has won fans over across the nation and they’re showing no signs of slowing down as we head into 2020. They’ve also announced new tour dates for January and February, and we could not be keener.

5.     ‘Under My Skin’ – Liv Li

After spending some time in East Timor with Forces Entertainment performing for troops, Canberra’s Liv Li has returned with a new single, ‘Under My Skin’.

Liv Li has released a few solo tracks over the course of her career, but this dreamy pop gem exploring the emotions that shadow the breakdown of a relationship is one to remember.
The seasoned musician explains: "Under my Skin is a reminder of the fragility and excitement of a new relationship and how intoxicating it can be."

‘Under My Skin’ includes solitary piano melodies, powerful percussion, and a devastating vocal that will stop you in your tracks.

Liv Li’s debut EP Oh My Lullaby was met with extreme positivity, landing herself as a finalist in both the Australian Music OZ Independent Awards and a winner Best EP for the world wide independent music awards.

If you need uplifting, this is the song for you. If you don’t need uplifting, this is still the song for you. Listen now.

PREMIERE: Kavi delivers ode to broken promises on ‘That’s a Lie!’

2019 has been a huge year for Kavi, the young musician from Melbourne.

Turning heads with his collaborations with Louskylar’s single ‘Stop, Go’, and Drest’s ‘Still a Kid’ mixtape, Kavi has utilised these experiences to not only build up a growing legion of fans, but also to find his own identity as an artist. 

His new single produced by Balaram finds a musician that delivers a level of maturity well beyond his years, serving as a dense, brooding ode to broken promises and lies. If this is a clear taste of the forthcoming EP, Kavi has hit the jackpot. 

Starting up with warm guitars, a subtle kick-drum introduces itself with Kavi’s lyrics in ‘That’s A Lie!’, as he begins to admit that over a long period of time, he’s been steadily losing his mind.

When the chorus hits, a wall of distorted synths and bass plunge you into a warped, intoxicated soundscape, as the lyrics turn into a yearning for connection. The production really is front-and-centre, with breathy chords hanging in the background adding a real feeling of anxiety to the proceedings.

The wall of synths subdues momentarily in the instrumental, but the lyrics almost reflect the sickly sweet nature of the instrumentation, calling out more lies and questions.

What’s great here to see is the clear progression Kavi has made from his days collaborating to stand on his own two feet. This is an artist that is growing, maturing, and delivering music that keeps getting better and better, and the best thing is, he’s only just beginning. This is a track you don’t want to miss!

PREMIERE: Fragile Animals unveil texturally rich song, ‘Waiting’

In the new track, the Queensland trio carefully blend a tapestry of distortion with hard-hitting drums and dream-like vocals, nodding to a shoegaze influence. The interesting flavour is supported by a wonderfully sincere guitar riff and vocal melody.

There’s a wonderful balance between atmospheric and catchy sounds throughout the hook-filled song. The drums are crunchy, bass punchy, and lead guitar cutting. However, there’s still a distinct sombreness to the track, and you never lose sight of Victoria Jenkins’ voice. 

The influence of bands like Slowdive and Ride can be heard and appreciated in this pull towards the shoegaze melancholy.

Jenkins explains: “It just felt so messed up. How have we created a society where so many of us are legitimately not coping? For me, this song lyrically carries the weight of all of that, but was also me looking in the mirror genuinely wondering if I was okay."

Expect more touring from the Fragile Animals. They have one eye on Australia and the other on the rest of the world. Have the first listen to ‘Waiting’ here before it’s officially released tomorrow!

GOOD FRIDAY - SPICIEST NEW TUNAS OF 1 NOV 2019

Good Friday: The feature series that shines a light on our favourite new releases from around Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Make sure you check out all the artists that featured this week up the top of our weekly playlist, which also includes some other jams we've been getting down to during the week.

1.     ‘OMG’ - Phoebe Sinclair [words by Charlie Dally-Watkins]

Phoebe Sinclair infuses soulful vocals, intoxicating beats and scintillating lyricism into her new track, ‘OMG’.

The self-confessed emotional wreck oozes with power and confidence, and has an undeniably infectious energy.

The electro-pop banger is about taking ownership of your mistakes, but not letting them define you.

Sinclair says she wrote the song in her driveway and had the idea to use a one-note melody for the phrase “oh my god” surrounded with lyrics realising the mistakes she’d been making.

“It was great having a chance to revisit the lyrics with the benefit of hindsight; being able to take ownership of what I’d done without having it define me like it might’ve while it was so fresh," she says.

Backed by a 4-piece all girl ensemble, the artist’s music bites with a deep-rooted understanding of herself, what she stands for, and how her experiences can connect to listeners.

Phoebe Sinclair has an addictively captivating quality to her sound and knows exactly how to put on a show which leaves hearts in throats and melodies in minds. Listen to her new single ‘OMG’ now.

2.     ‘Be Cool’ - Kult Kyss [words by Charlie Dally-Watkins]

Melbourne’s Kult Kyss have unveiled a new hypnotic single, ‘Be Cool’

The duo explore the spaces that form between people in love, and the desire to reconnect, repair and rectify things with one another. It describes the need to be close with someone to feel comfort, freedom and relief.

‘Be Cool’ features the pair’s signature sound as soaring vocals and blended with sparkling production and driving beats.

"We wanted to strike a sonic balance between the modern and retrospective sounds of UK house music, drawing influences from artists like Jamie XX and Bicep, with throwbacks to the synthesised trance throbs of the ‘90s," Kult Kyss explain.

As their second release of the year, the musicians continue to push boundaries in future pop by drawing listeners into their dynamic sonic realm.

The release has further cemented Kult Kyss’ distinctive sound in the world of electronic pop, and proved they’re not messing around. Listen now.

3.     ‘Impulse’ - Reilly Stapleton [words by Charlie Dally-Watkins]

Reilly Stapleton has released her intriguingly dark new track, ‘Impulse’

The unsettling, eclectic rock ballad illustrates the fine line between our morals and devilish impulses. The artist leaves no stone unturned as she explores the darker side of the human psyche.

Stapleton’s deepest, darkest thoughts are expressed in the perfect fusion of lyricism, vocal delivery and instrumental arrangement. The powerful vocals, screaming guitars and swirling synths are applied perfectly.

The humble musician says ‘Impulse’ is reflective of the constant battle between our negative impulsions and our inner consciousness that provides you with a positive moral compass.

“The song uses violence, anger and control in order to convey this unavoidable conflict… When somebody has a short tolerance of anger they can withstand, it is generally our consciousness that holds us back from lashing out,” she says. 

Make sure you hear the vocal prowess of Reilly Stapleton live before the end of 2019, it’s an experience to behold.

4.     ‘Can’t Stop Me’ - Traces [words by Charlie Dally-Watkins]

Self-made trio Traces have unleashed their new powerful single ‘Can’t Stop Me’.

The track has a focus on mental illness, describing the fight against oneself and overcoming self doubt.

Traces want to celebrate the positives, saying someone out there is going through hell right now and seeing proof that it isn't forever might save their life.

"We all have an idea of who we want to be, an ideal image of ourselves that we all strive for. Often pressure from outer influences like friends, family and society can make it hard to be who we want, but ultimately the biggest thing stopping us from realising our dreams, goals and aspirations is ourselves, our own self doubt and the negative side of who we are that we all pretend doesn’t exist," they say.
An emphasis has been put on individual creativity to maintain deep rock sounds, catchy choruses and spicy guitars.
Ever since their humble beginnings, the band have ensured every sight and sound is an authentic representation of their creative vision. They’ve played alongside bands like Dream on Dreamer, Attila (US), In Hearts Wake, Hellions, Polaris and Ocean Grove.

A debut album is expected in 2020, so watch this space.

5.     ‘December Song’ - Stevie jean [words by Max Melit]

As the opening track of Stevie Jean’s new EP ‘Blame Game’, ‘December Song’ shows the Northern-Territory singer-songwriter as both a burgeoning indie force and maturing musician. The song puts Stevie’s voice front and centre in the mix surrounded by minimal, but interesting instrumentation.

The sparse nature of the verses is contrasted by a vocally complex and layered chorus with interesting production. Fascinatingly dissonant guitar chords serve to define Stevie from the rest of the indie pack, hinting at a songwriting complexity.

Stevie’s voice weaves in and out, layered and panned in an impressive way. Combined with a frantic and fast snare drum underneath, the song is both dense and satisfying.

The lyrics hint at a ‘you want me now I’m not there’ dynamic with a once close friend. Stevie sings in a verse, “I bet your head is high on the recliner of life/He’s out with the boys again, you say. I love you honey, look away from his eyes.” 

Stevie has managed to serve up a rich opener to a strong EP with ‘December Song’. On top of her recent successful collaboration with Sydney rapper Tasman Keith on the LP Evenings, she is looking to finish the year on a high note and an artist to be reckoned with heading into 2020.