Salibu Macey encourage listeners to embrace good times in new single, 'Dog Days'

Adelaide-based three-piece indie-rock band Salibu Macey have brought the heat in their booty-shaking new single ‘Dog Days’.

After grabbing the attention of the nation in March with 'Bonnie', Salibu Macey want nothing but positive vibes on 'Dog Days', inviting the listener to embrace the good times when the going gets tough.

Vocalist James Catford said:
“Dog Days' is written about a time in my life where it didn't matter what happened externally or internally, I was content and at peace… however, I knew that wouldn't last forever and would find myself in darker moments again.
The theme of the song is to embrace the good moments in life… know that in dark times to persevere because those moments of light are just around the corner."

The inspiring tune ‘Dog Days’ is out now on all major streaming services. Have a listen below.

Cult Shotta compliments Golden Vessel's signature style in new lo-fi pop track, ‘TONIGHT’

Producer Golden Vessel (aka Maxwell Byrne) has just released his debut LP SLOWSHINE which has been awaited with extreme frothage, including lo-fi pop track ‘TONIGHT’.

The tune, which features Sydney rap duo Cult Shotta, was the last song written for the album and is based around the feeling of being introverted, but still making an effort to get out and see people.

Cult Shotta's idiosyncratic flow seamlessly compliments the Brisbane-orientated musician’s signature production style of textured, intelligent beat-making on the song, as together they explore themes of friendship and relationships.  

“I’d spend most days trying to piece together different synths and vocals until it worked,” Golden Vessel explains. 

“I really loved the idea of having multiple voices inputting their own experiences and stories into a broader song topic.”

‘TONIGHT (feat. Cult Shotta)’, which features on Golden Vessel’s new album SLOWSHINE, is out now.

Fluir encourages listeners to break away from dull daily routines in new single 'Higher Ground'

Empowering Sydney-based songwriter and producer Fluir has released her stellar new single ‘Higher Ground’, encouraging listeners to break away from the dull routines that can take over our lives. 

The hook-laden track combines dance, electronic and pop genres in a sophisticated, naturally catchy way. Fluir’s gentle vocals compliment the propelling percussion and intricate production, paying tribute to the central influences RÜFÜS DU SOL, Kilter and Alice Ivy. Fluir explains:

“In the past I've spent unnecessary energy worrying about what to say and how to say it lyrically.  For this song, I wanted to be free from that and allow the music to be at the forefront.” 

She continues: 

“I'm constantly inspired by fellow DIY musicians and artists. Being a self-managed independent artist, being able to connect and collaborate with like-minded creatives always inspires me.”

Fluir has well and truly hit her stride after relocating to Sydney to pursue music as a full-time career; selling out shows, receiving radio attention, and making festival appearances. If the response to her track ‘Higher Ground’ is any indication, 2019 is going to be an exceptional year for the musician. Have a listen below.

Good Friday - Hottest New Releases #1

Good Friday: the feature series that shines a light on the hottest new releases from around Australia. Keep reading to see who made the cut for our first edition!

1. ROSE GOLDD FT. LIL SPACELY - ‘MY WAVE’

After an extremely positive response to her last three releases, Rose Goldd has killed it with yet another gorgeous track, ‘My Wave (feat. Lil Spacely)’. 

The Brisbane-based hip-hop artist has been making waves all over the country, gaining numerous brand endorsements, collaborations with the likes of Vic August, blog attention, and streaming placements.

The tune, well beyond its years, features one of the hottest Australian rappers in the game right now Lil Spacely, and includes the perfect mixture of sweet, infectious lyrics, with energizing flow and finesse.

The artist has shown she’s not here to play games and is shaping up to be one to watch in the uprising of Australian Hip Hop, specifically after releasing ‘My Wave (feat. Lil Spacely)’. Watch this space.

2. THE SUNDAY ESTATE – ‘WE WERE KIDS’

New Sydney-based band The Sunday Estate have launched their nostalgic second single ‘We Were Kids’.

The tune provides a deeper edge to the band’s repertoire, exploring subject matter relevant for many listeners.

They explain:

“[The] lyrics [are] inspired by the struggles that are synonymous with navigating your 20’s particularly in dealing with fading or souring friendships, finding the balance between priorities such as new careers and studies whilst of attempting to maintain and hold onto the relationships that keep us grounded and solid.”
Although a slight shift from their debut single, ‘We Were Kids’ still proudly conforms to The Sunday Estate’s classic ‘Nostalgia Pop’ sound.
“It’s a little bit slower and focuses on soaring synths, punchy and gated drums, and sparkly guitars.”
After already receiving a lot of praise for their music, 2019 is looking to be the year for the five-piece band.

3. OBVIOUS CREATURE - ‘PERFECT’

Obvious Creature, the solo project of producer Pete Sanderson, has returned with the track ‘Perfect’.

The Central Coast-orientated artist announces the tune ahead of his third LP ‘Next Year Might Be Different’ set to release May 31, representing a culmination of sound and artistic direction.

“The album is a bleak commentary on cruel optimism and human desire to always be something more,” he says.

The new direction for the producer explores rich textures of organic instruments combined with effected samples and layered vocals.

The alternative, hypnotising sounds of ‘Perfect’ will transport you to your happy place. It’s worth the listen.

4. GRAACE – ‘HAVE FUN AT YOUR PARTY’

GRAACE, the sad girl we’ve all been waiting for, has blessed our ears with her first release of 2019 ‘Have Fun At Your Party’. 

The empowering yet lonely vibes make for a relatable track, heightened by her fearless vocals and unabashed storytelling.

Lyrics such as “Go have fun at your party, I'll be sitting here sipping on thoughts of your body" depict the reflectively honest testament to the push and pull of a turbulent relationship. 

Amassing over 15 million streams on Spotify, GRAACE takes your traditional party pop song structure and twists it into the ultimate sad girl anthem

We've certainly fallen for GRAACE's vulnerable and danceable ‘Have Fun At Your Party’.

 5. MIDNIGHT POOL PARTY – ‘SLIDE’

Midnight Pool Party demonstrate their mature, polished sound in their new track ‘Slide’. 

Released on May 7 with their EP ‘Motions’, the duo takes us on a sonic voyage by packing ‘Slide’ with an explosion of vibrant and lively sensations. The track opens with the simplistic sound of a wurli and vocals before it immerses the listener in a complex melody.

The disco/funk style of music was inspired by many opposing eras, specifically by the work of Chic, Dafter, Touch Sensitive and Cosmos Midnight. However, the pair say you can hear some elements of rock and hip hop in their music due to the eclectic musical tastes they both have. 

Midnight Pool Party say they wanted to create an immersive experience for the listener which is why they experimented with different sounds within ‘Slide’.

WILSN's effortlessly powerful sound ignites strength and courage in new track 'Fight Like a Girl'

A few years on from her debut EP ‘Don’t Give Up’, Melbourne musician WILSN has returned with the empowering female anthem ‘Fight Like A Girl’.  

A force to be reckoned with, WILSN captivates listeners with her vocal prowess in the commanding and sincere new single. Her soul-influenced pop comes to life through her dominant vocal range accompanied by upbeat percussion and consistent piano melodies.

Evidently, the uplifting tune focuses on the significance of a woman’s inner strength and self-love. WILSN wrote the song after a spate of male-led songwriting sessions where she felt her opinions and talents weren't respected.

“It was like I was just the extra person in the room who wasn't worth listening to… I needed to work twice as hard to prove myself and I was put in the ‘too shy’ and ‘untalented’ box before I even had a chance to open my mouth and sing”.

Whilst spending time in Nashville to focus on songwriting, the new lifestyle enabled her to sow the seeds of her next EP through working with established writers such as Grammy-winner Matthew Odmark (Jars of Clay) and the Grammy-nominated Ben Abraham (Kesha, Demi Lovato, Sara Bareilles).

WILSN has been deemed “the female equivalent of Leon Bridges” by Hilly Dilly, which is noticeable when you hear that effortlessly powerful, soulful sound. Embracing her old soul unapologetically, the artist adds a modern flare to the sounds of Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Alicia Keys, and Lauryn Hill. 

Despite living very different lives in Melbourne and Nashvillie, WILSN has remained true to her own self and distinctive style.  

“I wanted to write a song that myself and women around the world could use as a sort of fight song to ignite strength, courage and support when it’s needed or when we’re struggling to stand up for ourselves.”

Although no solo tour dates are announced just yet, you can catch her performing backing vocals for the similarly powerful voice of Meg Mac on her Australian tour. ‘Fight Like a Girl’ is out now on all major streaming services, give it a listen below.

Evangeline enchants listeners in new Single 'The Strangest Thing'

After Australian songstress Evangeline’s recent success featuring on Donatachi’s new single ‘Do What I Want’, the artist has finally released her new track ‘The Strangest Thing’.

Opening with ambient synth noises, her first release of the year lushly explores exotic electro-pop sounds while enchanting listeners with her effortless vocal ability.

Each layer of the song feels genuine, from the upliftingly warm beat, to the sombre lyrical choices. Evangeline’s raspy vocals explain a personal tale of loss with a special someone, revealing the emotional foundation. 

“I wrote [The] Strangest Thing towards the end of a break up,” Evangeline explains. “I was at the time touring and in the UK where I met Knightstarr… it’s a song about loving someone and feeling them fall out of love with you.” 

She says it’s about being left with the ghost of that person and coming to the realisation that they are not who they used to be; particularly exemplified in the chorus which focuses on closure.   

“It’s the strangest thing when you’re the stranger I used to know.”

Drawing influence from Lorde and Billie Eilish, the artist features a brooding soundscape from the outset courtesy of the restrained nature. However, through the utilisation of crisp percussion and alluring pads that balance the utterly captivating vocal prowess, a shift in intensity occurs.

Evangeline has put all of us at Good Intent in a trance with ‘The Strangest Thing’s magical vocals and charming beat. Make sure you stay tuned… she’s releasing a B-side version in the coming weeks featuring guest vocals of Sydney artist, LOVER. The track is available everywhere now!

La Felix – Drops Smooth Disco-Infused Jam ‘Real Thing’ ft. Becca Krueger

Fresh off the release of ‘Drama’ (featuring KOLE), Melbourne-based New Zealand born producer La Felix has just unveiled new single ‘Real Thing’ featuring New York-based singer/songwriter Becca Krueger.

‘Real Thing’ opens with a sprinkle of meticulously composed synths and the mesmerising vocals of Krueger, which float elegantly above. An infectious funk-laden bass line weaves its way into the mix and acts as the backbone carrying the song from start-to-finish.   

Recalling the vibe of Chromeo and Cosmos Midnight, the track glides along effortlessly and never overcompensates; each layer feels well thought out and placed.

“Recently, I’ve really been vibing to the minimalistic approach to songs,” says La Felix. “Instead of layering elements I tried to keep it simple but interesting at the same time. Also, this allowed some space for the vocalist to do the heavy lifting which Becca did perfectly.” 

Through utilisation of charismatic guitars, upbeat percussion, and swagger in the bass, the artist creates the perfect foundation for Krueger’s voice that shines a light on the start of a relationship.

Krueger said she fell in love with the positive energy encapsulated in the track from the first moment she heard it, inspiring her to describe the magic of falling in love.

“The lyrics came from a warm and happy place and the song always takes me back to those feelings. I hope it can inspire a little love in listeners!” explains Krueger. 

The love-based tune includes some contemplative yet harmonious moments, the most prominent being around the 20-second mark where the song clicks into gear with its groove-infused bass tune and subtle yet apt vocal.

The impressively rhythmic, chilled style of La Felix is one we can’t wait to see more of in 2019. ‘Real Thing’ is out now on all major streaming services, give it a listen now!

Midnight Pool Party create the perfect silky-smooth late-night groove on ‘With You’

Midnight Pool Party’s eclectic blend of harmonising percussion, alluring pads and swooning guitars create the perfect silky-smooth late-night groove in their new single ‘With You’.

The Sydney duo tease us with another glimpse of their forthcoming EP they are writing, producing, and mixing themselves, with an exciting mixture of funk and dance.

The commanding vocals of Morilla give a voice to that feeling of sorrow where you’re going through trials and tribulations with the person you know you should be with.

The vocalist draws influence from Drake, Pharrell Williams and Anderson .Paak, and executes a natural, stripped back vibe in the track. 

Midnight Pool Party create the ultimate podium full of colour that showcases the maturity and growth of the boys over the years.

They created the demo back in 2014, but it didn’t have a title or lyrics; just a chord progression and general structure with a rough melody. Every now and then they would revisit the track, knowing it would be something for the future. Eventually, everything just started falling in place when they were writing songs for the EP.  

The producers have been in the music game for quite some time now, and you can tell ‘With You’ is a real labour of love by the way Oliver and Morilla persisted with it, until it reached its final form. 

It’s awesome to see these lads experiment a bit by utilising more playful sounds and exploring alternative genres. Make sure you check out Midnight Pool Party’s new single ‘With You’ now!

Erik Sing’s new single is insanely soothing and will catch you by surprise

The inspiring electro-pop release ‘Bittersweet Boy’ by Victorian-based artist Erik Sing, is heightened by the commanding vocals of Ecuadorian/American singer-songwriter Maria Elena Little.

“I’m always looking for something that stands out. When I found Maria, I remember being immediately caught by her voice and her writing,” Sing said.

The pair worked together on ideas and tweaked until the final track, but after such a long process it was worth it. Little had never worked with artists in the electronic world of music before, but she originally thought the instrumental part of the song sounded like a combo of happiness with a hint of pain, as if it was bittersweet. 

‘Bittersweet Boy’ purposefully taps into a fairly relatable topic to reach more people, illustrating the torment of loss and heartbreak. The vocalist had just left a long-distance boyfriend of two years when writing the lyrics which is what led to the emotional subject matter.  

“While the lyrics hint at a long-distance couple, it is about accepting all of the sides of a situation or relationship, even if it is difficult,” Little said.

Sing takes you on an intensified journey full of power and emotion in the gorgeous composition that is ‘Bittersweet Boy’. 

You can literally hear how much detail the artist has infused in the track from the first few seconds, and it only intensifies from there. The song steadily sets the scene, then, out of nowhere, an awesome build-up pops up to take the listener on a completely new path.

We can’t wait to see what else the producer has planned for the rest of the year, so make sure you have a listen to Erik Sing’s soulful banger now!

Melbourne's Price Park Delivers Heartfelt Electro-Pop Ear Candy On Jade Alice Collab, ’Someone Else’

Price Park creates an electrifyingly smooth and personal vibe in his new single ‘Someone Else’.

Joining forces with the gorgeous vocal sounds of singer/songwriter Jade Alice, the ARIA-nominated Melbourne producer says the track never really made sense until Alice graced it with her vocals.

A self-confessed “sucker for an electro-pop banger”, Alice reckons she connected with the song immediately because of the level of emotional honesty in the lyrics.

“Tom and I had never been in the same room before… but as soon as I read his lyrics and heard the song, it felt like I knew him.”

‘Someone Else’ has a very moving feel to it that we can undoubtedly all relate to on some level.

 Price Park AKA Tom Armstrong says the song is about grief, growth and change and in it, the producer illustrates an emotional snapshot of heartache, followed by a positive surge of inner strength.

The captivating ear-candy single includes an intricately-layered build, which is followed by an expertly assembled instrumental section combining electronic, dance, and modern pop flavours.

And we’re bound to hear more of Price Park’s brand of sweet melodies and lush instrumentation on his upcoming debut EP, due out later this year.

But for now, take his new tune ‘Someone Else’ for a spin right now.

Benji Lewis Asks 'Is It Love?' In His Haunting New Electro-Pop Ballad & Yes It Is

Benji Lewis reaches a whole new level of emotional depth with his first single of the year, ‘Is It Love’.

Lewis actually wrote the song in early 2018 and thought it was “all ready to go”... until he ended up in a session at the Lakehouse Studios in LA with Norwegian producer, Magnus Skylstad.

Skylstad’s input really allowed the romantic electro-pop sound to flourish by developing the song’s sensitive side.  

Central themes of letting go, moving on, and trying to recover from heartbreak are brought to the fore in Lewis’s unashamedly vulnerable lyrics.

Like most people, the artist went through heaps of emotions after letting go of someone he didn’t want to. Understandably, this left him with a lot of questions, the main one being -- as the track title suggests -- “is it love?”.

The musician opens with a few notes from the piano, followed by his stripped-back vocals.

“When we had finished recording the song, I was totally exhausted, but it felt so good having expressed everything. I left feeling a little lighter and clearer on what I want and need when it comes to love and life in general,” Lewis reflects.

After cultivating an impressively dreamy, chilled style, we are super excited to see what comes from the Melbournite in 2019.

Give Benji Lewis some love by streaming his new song ‘Is It Love’ now!

Sweater Curse's New EP 'See You' Is A Gobsmackingly Diverse & Emotionally Rich Debut

After a massive few months, Brisbane indie rockers Sweater Curse are continuing to smash it with their melodically grungy debut EP, See You.

The trio have been around for a few years now and have put out some solid singles, but if this debut EP is any indication, they’re on track to blow up in 2019.

Beginning with the boppy tune ‘Can’t See You Anymore’, the disc has some awesome lyrical moments that teleport the listener along an emotional arc, charting the rise and fall of a deteriorating relationship and the pain that comes with the experience. This standout tune pairs chaotic vocals with steady, punk-leaning guitar riffs.

The second track, ‘Take Some Time’, introduces a male vocalist, a fresh component to the sound. Here, there is an attempt to save the failing relationship, as bassist and lead singer Monica Sottile begs; “please just try for the sake of it, try not to lie, I’m so tired and I don’t have the strength to try.”

‘Z9’, one of my favourite tracks, with the last third taking a more chilled approach until it builds back up to a gutsy, grungy finish.

Sweater Curse employ swirling pedal effects and jagged electric guitars with ‘Mon’s Song’ to create a much more loose and serious piece of music. The lyrics of ‘Mon’s Song’ are another knockout set, exploring the significance of self-reliance and open-mindedness; “When I speak my mind, I’m not afraid, I’ve been wrong before, but I need more,” Sottile imparts.

The fifth and final track on the EP ‘(Hear You)’ was released as a single back in February to give us a taster of what was ahead, and it did not disappoint. The unique, head-banging rock sounds mixed in with powerful vocals contrast this song from other indie rock fair. But the best thing about ‘(Hear You)’ is that you can listen to it at literally any time, whether it’s while you’re getting psyched up for a big night out, or recovering the next morning, the mixture of intense and mellow moods within the song make it that versatile.

The psychedelic-flavoured EP finishes with a spread-out kicker ‘Ponyo’ to leave the listener feeling gobsmacked by its remarkable range.

The Brisbane group have already left an impressive mark on the Aussie rock scene, and I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for us. Make sure you check out Sweater Curse’s new EP ‘See You’ on all streaming services now!

Layer Cake Use Sweetness & Extra Tang In Their Boppy New Single, ‘Empty Promises’.

Brisbane-based band Layer Cake, likened to The Strokes, Vampire Weekend, and The Kooks, have been met with an overwhelmingly positive response since the release of their explosive debut, ‘Keep Me Awake’, and new bop ‘Empty Promises’ will undoubtedly keep the hype train rolling. 

The song gives a completely new spin on the word ‘catchy’, maintaining an upbeat, rhythmic vibe throughout with electric guitar bringing the authentic rock feels.   

Like that dollop of tomato sauce in Paul Kelly’s gravy recipe, no one saw this saucy band coming.  

Their debut self-titled EP was produced, engineered and recorded by Matt Redlich, at Head Gap Studios and The Aviary in Melbourne, and is set to be released soon.  

Packing Lefty's Old Time Music Hall (250 capacity Brisbane venue) like a can of sardines for their very first show, the group has already been compared to many world class bands. 

“You can compare us to whoever you like, as long as they are incredibly more successful than us and we can live vicariously through an over fluffed complimentary comparison,” is what they have to say.  

Be sure to give Layer Cake’s new tune ‘Empty Promises’ a listen now on all music streaming services! 

Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird's Fresh Piece Of Indie-Pop Will Make You Feel The Up & Down Effects Of Love

Melbourne musical shapeshifters Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird create an ambitious and kaleidoscopic piece of indie-pop in their new single ‘Love is Heartbreak’, foreshadowing their forthcoming record’s thematic journey from heartbreak to recovery.

As the first track from their imminently dropping sophomore LP New Romancer, ‘Love is Heartbreak’ sets the scene with sombre lyrics that strike you down, as groovy instrumental sections pick you back up, much like the effects of love tbh.

The steady rhythm of ‘Love is Heartbreak’ has an instant calming effect, reinforced by deep vocals that soothe the listener. The critical combination of electronic sounds and orchestral instruments draw us into a romance-like trance. Ending the tune smoothly, a simple piano melody is heard along with the ambient noise of birds chirping.

2019 is looking to be the year of the Firebird after amassing millions of streams, 4-5 star Unearthed reviews from 11 of the folks at Triple J as well as the praises of Matt Corby, Montaigne and Gang of Youths’ Dave Le’aupepe.

After boasting a string of sold out shows in their last tour, the band are hitting the road again during March and April in support of 'Love is Heartbreak'. Cousin Tony will be taking on bigger venues, more dates, and more locations, with the Australian journey to be followed by their first UK and Ireland tour in May, coinciding with the album’s release.

Love Is Heartbreak tour dates:

MARCH 22 | Rocket Bar | Adelaide 
 
MARCH 27 | Republic Bar | Hobart
 
MARCH 28 | Saint John | Launceston
 
MARCH 30 | The Hills Are Alive | Gippsland
 
APRIL 5 | Woolly Mammoth | Brisbane
 
APRIL 12 | 48 Watt St | Newcastle 
 
APRIL 13 | Oxford Art Factory | Sydney
 
APRIL 14 | The Basement | Canberra
 
APRIL 20 | Lucy's Love Shack | Perth
 
APRIL 21 | Sonar | Fremantle

APRIL 27 | Corner Hotel | Melbourne 

Sydney's Masked Wolf Stands Out From The Hip-Hop Pack On New Single, 'Vibin'

After his last-minute debut in 2018 with ‘Speed Racer’, trap-tinged Masked Wolf is straight out of the gates in 2019 with his strongest release yet, ‘Vibin’.

Harry Michael, aka Masked Wolf, shows his dedication to the hustle and being true to yourself in ‘Vibin’, asserting the ethos “I do me, you do you”.

Teaming up with internationally acclaimed producer Tyron Hapi, the fresh track is complete with huge drops, booming bass and eccentric synths to complement his intense verses. Masked Wolf exhibits a refreshingly unique style and sound in the song, with the trademark finesse heard in his other music.  

In today’s rap game there are so many different sounds which often makes it difficult for new artists to be heard. However, Masked Wolf has separated himself from the pack in ‘Vibin’ by focussing on unleashing his ambition and drive.

“I want to tell my own stories in a way that remains true to who I am,” he says.

If his other upcoming tunes are as spicy as ‘Vibin’, 2019 is set to be one hell of a year for the fresh-faced Sydney producer.

Low Key Crush - Sing about unreciprocated love in their new track ‘Swimming Laps’

Melbourne indie-pop band Low Key Crush sing about unreciprocated love in their new, softly percussed and harmony-rich track, ‘Swimming Laps’.

The light tune expresses the desire for love that doesn’t exist or has not yet taken off. It serves as a reminder to the listener that - even though one may want to experience requited love - it’s important to appreciate the unrequited kind too.

Low Key Crush utilise consistent acoustic melodies and chilled lyrical references to create the perfect mixture of sincerity and reclusive acceptance in the song.

‘Swimming Laps’ was initially written by singer/guitarist Tim Haines, and was brought to life with the help of his close musical pal, bassist and vocalist Ella Francis of Mac’s Peake, and his new friend, drummer Taycian Lord.

Together, their shared love of guitar-based pop music has grown into a completely unique sound. Their influences include 90’s idols The Cranberries, Lemon Heads and Max Martin, with nods to modern torchbearers Soccer Mommy, Snail Mail and Hatchie.

Live Review - Laneway Festival, Brisbane - 2019

This year’s St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival marked the 12th year of the event in sunny Brisbane and with its outstanding rep I had high expectations for my first Laneway experience. As the day began and I tried to get by bearings, stumbling across the Print Fest (Comic, Zines and Print store) and Jet Black Cat (Vinyl store), instantly making the occasion dissimilar to most, if not all concerts usually held at the Brisbane Showgrounds.

The girl power was strong right from the start, with killer performances from dinosaur-loving Ruby Fields and multi-talented G Flip. The musicians pumped the crowd up by inviting them to sing and dance along to their tunes.

While the hot, sticky temperature peaked in the arvo sun, Triple J Unearthed winner KIAN burst onto stage looking far too cool for the weather. The young star had an instant effect on the crowd by sending the girls into a frenzy with his charismatic blend of charm and lovability. After he performed some of his moving new songs (yet to be released), recently dubbed Young Australian of the Year Baker Boy joined him to sing their track ‘Cloud 9’. To no surprise, KIAN finished his set with his breakout single ‘Waiting’, proving the future of Aussie music scene is in safe hands.

I was in desperate need of a feed and a beer after the first half of the festival and the short break gave me a chance to observe one of the other most entertaining things about festivals – the fashion. Most guys went straight to striped button-up shirts with chino shorts and Vans, unless of course they wore something completely and utterly random. The ladies on the other hand wore almost anything imaginable, with an odd trend of train conductor hats.  

Methyl Ethyl were next up and having never seen them live, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The band’s alternative look and sound had everyone vibing hard, especially when they gave a wholesome recital of their 2018 hit ‘Scream Whole’.

As the searing sun sunk into the surrounding buildings, Skegss lit up the ‘Good, Better, Best Stage’. The fun-loving trio knew exactly how to energise the rowdy Brisbane crowd, banging out ‘L.S.D’. Whether you were a fan of the band’s Australian rock tone or not, the Skegss audience shifted the intensity into fifth gear when bass guitarist Toby Cregan began crowd surfing as he belted out ‘New York California’.

Cosmos Midnight were next on the ‘Never Let it Rest Stage’, forcing me to make the trek across the showgrounds yet again. After having a seemingly slow start to their set, the twins took the show to a completely new level with the addition of a guest vocalist.

I was unsure what to do/who to see next as I was already exhausted from all the walking, but Wil Wagner of The Smith Street Band drew me towards the ‘Dr. Martens Stage’ with his strong Aussie accent and wholesome guitar riffs. The Melbourne band brought an unexpected sense of vitality to a somewhat drained crowd, including myself.

After listening to a few homegrown Aussie rock songs from Courtney Barnett I decided to get ready for my most anticipated set of the day – What So Not. The DJ instantaneously lit up the stage and blew every other act out of the water. The electronic timelessness of What So Not made the show completely different to anything else, even security nodded their head along to a few songs. In particular, ‘Jaguar’ was one to remember, as every crowd member sang along to the buildup of the bass-heavy track. The DJ demonstrated to any aspiring producers in the audience how to execute an exceptional electronic set.

Gang of Youths closed out the festival, and I was sceptical about whether they could top What So Not’s blinder. It didn’t seem possible, but the energy shot up yet again for the last act. Lead singer Dave Le'aupepe’s mention of life lessons throughout the performance brought the audience closer both physically and spiritually, while making me realise the significance of transcendent connections at any music gig. The group put on an exquisite show, which was infused with tender masculinity and sex appeal. In a massive explosion of confetti, Gang of Youths closed the day with the legendary guitar riff from ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’.

St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2019 was without a doubt one of the most impressive displays of Australian and international music talent I’ve witnessed at a local event, and I cannot wait to see how they build on it for next year.   

All photos by Charlie Dally-Watkins.